Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

June 1, 1918 MOTOGRAPHY 1041 Paralta Chiefs "Step on the Gas ARRANGE FOR MUCH GREATER FUTURE * » FOLLOWING the announcement that the entire holdings of Carl Anderson, Nat I. Brown and Robert T. Kane in Paralta Plays, Inc., had been purchased by the financial interests whom Herman Katz and John De Wolf represent, a statement has been received from Los Angeles in which Mr. Katz reveals news of even greater importance. Robert Brunton, chief executive at the Hollywood studios since the inception of the corporation, and Jesse Durham Hampton, the Katz statement says, have purchased the new Paralta studios and will turn out the Paralta plays. The pictures will remain the property of the corporation. Los Angeles will be headquarters, New York serving principally as a distribution point. The interrupted schedule will be resumed and production increased by the engagement of new stars. All Issues Adjusted Mr. Katz's statement follows: "Following numerous conferences, the issues existing between the Paralta interests have been satisfactorily adjusted and our full program of production will be immediately resumed. During the period of this adjustment, however, curtailment of the Paralta program has been necessary. "In consequence of such a state of uncertainty which often attends the settlement of corporation disagreements various wild rumors regarding our organization were circulated. Inasmuch as such reports had no foundation, I know that the public will be interested in an authentic statement of the facts. Organization Is Recalled "Paralta Plays, Inc., and Paralta Studios, Inc., were organized about a year ago by Robert T. Kane and Nat I. Brown, both of whom had had experience with motion picture organizations. Associated with them was Carl Anderson. The financial backing of the organization was represented by John E. DeWolf and myself. Robert Brunton, recognized as a highly competent executive in motion picture productions, was also a partner and officer, being our director of productions. "Owing to disagreement over matters of policy and internal details of management, the stockholders divided into two factions. On one side was the financial element represented by Mr. DeWolf and myself, and on the other side stood Mr. Kane, Mr. Brown and Mr. Anderson, identified with the inception and promotion of the companies. Backing Always Sound "It was during the settlement of the various issues that our production program w-as curtailed. Throughout all of Rhea Mitchell in "Honor's Cross," a Selexart picture being distributed through Goldwyn. this time, however, the financial backing of the Paralta companies was perfectly sound, but until our interests, which had invested more than $1,000,000 in Paralta, could be assured what element was to control, operations under normal and satisfactory conditions were out of the question. Further uncertainty is now happily at an end. "The adjustment of all differences has been effected by our purchase of the interests of Mr. Kane, Mr. Brown and Mr. Anderson in the Paralta companies and these gentlemen are no longer associated with us or Paralta. Brunton Retains Holdings "Mr. Brunton retains his financial holdings and is now in complete charge of the production of Paralta pictures. A further agreement has been effected in the detail and manner of production. The Katz and DeWolf element will limit their activities to financing, owning and distributing pictures under the title of 'Paralta Plays, Inc.,' while Mr. Brunton and Jesse Durham Hampton, prominently identified with the moving picture profession, have arranged the purchase of the new and extensive Paralta studios on Melrose avenue, Hollywood. "There they will make pictures for Paralta Plays, beginning May 9. The name of this plant will be changed to the 'Brunton Studios.' An abundance of new capital to carry out our reorganization plans is in hand, so the resumption of the full Paralta program is now assured without further delay. Will Keep Star Policy "We will maintain the policy of stars, each with their own producing company. Enrolled under the Paralta banner now are Bessie Barriscale, Louise Glaum and J. Warren Kerrigan. "While our present program calls for the production of thirty pictures a year, negotiations are under way with several other well known screen artists to join the ranks of Paralta stars. Their acquisition will materially increase our annual production of screen features. "Another important part of the Paralta policy will be the reorganization of the Los Angeles and New York offices. Our efforts are to be concentrated in Los Angeles, while New York is to serve chiefly as a distributing cente'r. The latter detail of the Paralta program is being most ably handled by the W. W. Hodkinson Corporation, which has already broken all records by booking more than $1,500,000 in contracts for Paralta pictures now in hand."