Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

766 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. XIX, No. 16. Seeks New Ideas fi Other M< >eeKs iNew laeas rrom wtner ivianagers Harold E. Edel of the Strand Theatre, New York, Addresses Letter to Theatre Men in All Parts of Country HAROLD E. EDEL, managing director of the Strand theatre, New York, has forwarded a communication to the .managing directors of prominent photoplay houses, urging a direct and thorough spirit of co-operation. "The Strand Theatre has always endeavored to be entirely original in the conduct of its house," he said, "and to employ every means and method, regardless of expense, to invest its performances with the most advanced ideas, but I do maintain that no individual possesses a monopoly of ability and that no man by himself is the last word in either managerial ability or judgment as to what is meritorious and how to make it better. "It is not alone possible, but probable that some man or men, far removed from the activities of New York, may possess an original idea which he is willing to share with his brother exhibitor. It is because I always welcome sugges tions that I conceived the idea of this co-operative movement. "This movement, I believe, should be extended to reviews of productions playing at our houses, how they were received by the audience, and any original ideas of presentation. This should extend to the entire program, including the picture and musical effects. "To some exhibitor far removed from New York, even a worth while single reel production which has not been called to the attention of the New York managers would prove to be of decided merit and information as to such release would certainly be welcomed by me. "I appreciate that perhaps because of our institution being in New York, the film mart of the United States, I will be in a better postion of affording greater co-operative service to exhibitors in other parts of the United States than those in other cities, but I would consider my endeavors well recompensed .-£T :M xuar. fedrdirdlic--^ unoerDo '»q "r m; £-A. One of ihe ®o$% 0f$mfe } $ bsorbini dnd willing stories ever*" ' .$• ' '!> jtald, in piakres^ ' s .*. flNP OTHER .SUBJECTS 11 VVALKER ^/W\TlS\0^r ^jmmmm^m^m Belgian* if I received but once out of the year information or advice which would be worth while taking advantage of. "I do not mean to form any organization. My whole idea is an open plan of unselfish co-operation among exhibitors." Dog and Cat in Comedy Teddy, the big Dane dog, and Pepper, the cat, both of whom have become internationally famous in Paramount-Mack Sennett comedies, play important parts in the next picture, "Friend Husband." The story has to do with an old uncle who was willing to give $10,000 to see a baby in the family of a nephew he had never met. When it was discovered that Uncle was about to arrive there was a wild scramble to produce the infant. Wayland Trask, the nephew, determines to dig up a baby if he has to kidnap it. Charles Murray, the bachelor neighbor, also decides to get an infant at all hazards, and Teddy, the dog, loyal to Wayland, his master, realizes that the case is desperate and goes in quest of one also. Unfortunately, Teddy did not discriminate in the kind of baby he kidnaped. The result was that too many babies appeared at a most embarrassing time. Teddy and Pepper, the cat, have a little argument in the flour bin, and both fur and flour fly. It is expected that this comedy will have a particularly strong appeal to women in view of the innocent character of the story, the "cute" actions of the babies and the remarkable sagacity displayed by the animals. Besides Trask and Murray, prominent parts are played by Mary Thurman, Gene Rogers. Harry Gribbon, Earl Kenton and Laura LaVarnie. American Film Employes to Army The American Film Company has contributed two more of its studio staff to the service of Uncle Sam in the persons of Sheridan Hall and Frederick Smith. Mr. Hall was recently made assistant to Director Edward Sloman, while Mr. Smith has been rapidly coming to the front as a juvenile heavy. Mr. Hall has been assigned to the Aviation Division at Kelly Field, San Antonio, Texas, while Mr. Smith joins the 309th Engineers at Camp Freemont, California. Advertisement of the Strand theatre of Syracuse, N. Y ., in the Syracuse Herald. Will Keep Operators on Job It is intimated that the Ontario government in Canada will shortly adopt a regulation which will require the equipment of all projection machines with trip mechanisms that will prevent operators from leaving the machines unattended.