Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

1040 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. XIX, No. 22 Scenes in the latest Henry Lehrman Sunshine comedy for Fox release, "Wild Women and Tame Lions.' Affiliated Increases Capitalization Raises Total From $100,000 to $250,000 So Co-operative Advantages Can Be Put Into Operation Quickly ALTHOUGH scarcely a month old, the Affiliated Distributors' Corporation last week increased its capitalization from $100,000 to $250,000. This addition to the original investment was deemed desirable according to Charles C. Pettijohn, general counsel, to take care of the big response with which the co-operative plan back of the Affiliated has been received by exhibitors. "We want to be in a position to meet every demand that will make for the furtherance of the 'direct from producer to exhibitor' plan," said Mr. Pettijohn. "While we thought our original capital was more than ample to take care of the development of this idea, three weeks of operation has shown us that this movement is going to grow much faster than our most sanguine expectations and that additional capital is desirable to take care of this rapid expansion. "The founders of the Affiliated are determined that the desire on the part of exhibitors in sections not yet organized into booking associations for participation in the benefits of this organization shall be instantly heeded. "It takes money to send organizers into these sections and get these local bodies under way and this added capital is to be devoted, in part, to seeing that such bodies are properly placed on their feet. Since the Affiliated is absolutely paying its own way, without calling on exhibitors for a penny for promotion expenses, this recent action of increasing the capitalization in so short a time shows how much confidence 'we have in the soundness of our plan. "Those responsible for the organiza tion have been so encouraged that they have expressed a willingness to put unlimited funds into the project, if necessary, to make its co-operative advantages operative immediately on a nation-wide scale." Meetings for the purpose of perfecting arrangements for the association of booking organizations with the Affiliated were held last week at Chicago and Indianapolis. The Chicago gathering, in Fraternity Hall, resulted in more than one-half the trust fund, necessary to complete such an affiliation, being paid in. Other territories well on their way toward the consummation of their trust funds are Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Philadelphia and New York. Meetings this week are scheduled for St. Louis, Kansas City and Cedar Rapids. Book Stores to Aid Picture In anticipation of the forthcoming production of "Missing," Commodore Blackton's new Paramount offering from the novel by Mrs. Humphrey Ward, New York book stores are well stocked with copies of the book and doubtless the same plan will be pursued by all live newsdealers throughout the country. The picture will enhance the sale of Mrs. Ward's book and the book will intensify the interest in the picture so that it will be a mutual advantage and exhibitors will probably find many opportunities of co-operating with the local book stores to this end. Sylvia Bremer plays the role of the heroine in the picture. Theatre Ordinance Overthrown The notorious picture show ordinance of North Little Rock, Ark., which requires that theatres may be conducted only in fireproof buildings, constructed according to specifications provided by the city, was held invalid the other day by Chancellor J. E. Martineau, who granted the injunction against the city sought by George B. and Marion Rose. Suit to enjoin enforcement of the measure was filed soon after its second passage in April, 1917, on the ground that it was unjust and arbitrary. An amendment to the complaint alleged that it was passed by the North Little Rock City Council to give the proprietor of the only picture show in the city a monopoly on the business. The complaint alleged that Mr. and Mrs. Rose owned a brick building at 221 Main street, formerly occupied by the Aptco theatre, which was suitable for a picture house and that the operation of the ordinance prevented their deriving revenue from the building. Chancellor Martineau ruled that the ordinance was "unreasonable and unjust." It is probable that the case will be tested in the Supreme Court. Ushers Avert Fire Panic A panic was averted by the prompt work of the employes of the Tudor Theatre, New Orleans, the other day, when a fire started in the projection booth. Smoke was detected by the audience. Ushers acted quickly, showing patrons out, and the building was soon emptied. Heat caused one of the automatic fire sprinkling plugs to blow out. Fixtures and chairs on the main floor were damaged by water to the extent of $300. The fire was extinguished by employes before the arrival of the fire department.