Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

1156 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. XIX, No. 25 "What The Picture Did For Me" VERDICTS ON FILMS IN LANGUAGE OF EXHIBITOR Copyright 1918 by E. R. Mock. The criticisms contained in this department of Motography are truthful statements relative to the actual box office value of the pictures. If the picture you wish to know about is not included, write Motography and the information will be sent you promptly. If you need the information quickly, telegraph us. This department is open to all. Using the blank form below, write us your experience with the pictures you are showing. Address Motography, Department D, Monadnock Building, Chicago, III. Artcraft C ELFISH YATES, with W. S. Hart (Artcraft) •"^ ■ — Personally I thought this a good picture, but my patrons want more action in a Hart play. Business fair. — M. J. Weil, Castle Theatre, Chicago.— Downtown house. Three reels. A laugh from start to finish. — ■ Charles H. Ryan, Garfield Theatre, 2844 Madison street, Chicago. — Middle class neighborhood. The Man from Painted Post, with Douglas Fairbanks (Artcraft) — Fairbanks is a favorite and always brings good business. This is a good picture. — C. D. Thompson, Star Theatre, Veblen, S. D. My Four Years in Germany (First National) — Went over big. A great picture and everyone liked it. — A. J. Kaufman, Michigan Theatre, Chicago.— High class neighborhood. Down to Earth, with Douglas Fairbanks (Artcraft)— Not as good as some of the other Fairbanks plays, but Doug always pleases. — C. D. Thompson, Star Theatre, Veblen, S. D. Wolves of the Rail, with W. S. Hart (Artcraft) ■ — This is a splendid picture and went over big. Hart is always a favorite here. — R. S. Tucker, Orpheum Theatre, Moscow, Idaho. M'liss, with Mary Pickford (Artcraft) — Pretty fair picture. Drew fair business. The star is not as popular as she was. — A. J. Kaufman, Michigan Theatre, Chicago. — High-class neighborhood. First National Exhibitors' Circuit _ A Dog's Life, with Charlie Chaplin (First National)— Great. Drew well. Plenty of new stuff. My Four Years in Germany (First National) — This played for three days to capacity. It is the greatest pictorial expression upon the present crisis. The contrasts shown between a monarchy and a republic, autocracy and democracy, authoritarianism and liberty, are sure to appeal to any audience in this country. I introduced the picture simply, showing slides of a few former presidents, Washington, Lincoln, Grant, Roosevelt and Wilson. Brought the audience to their feet when the American flag was thrown on the screen. Sang the national anthem. Instructed my organist to furnish no music when the German characters were being shown. Received the Madman of Potsdam in absolute silence, but the moment Ambassador Gerard appeared the organist played "America" and the effect upon the audience^ was wonderful. I have never seen such enthusiasm. No exhibitor can make a mistake with this picture. It will make more money, with less expense in advertising, than any so-called war picture because it is based upon facts and the titles show the page in Gerard's book from which the inci dents have been filmed. This makes the audience feel its reality. — Sam Atkinson, Hoyburn Theatre, Evanston, 111. — High class clientele. rox Treasure Island, with the Fox kiddies (Fox) — This is a children's picture. Older people pass it up. It is not worth the price charged and I lost money on it. — R. S. Tucker, Orpheum Theatre, Moscow, Ida. The Honor System, with Milton Sills (Fox) — I think this is the best Fox play yet. Capacity business. — John B. Ashton, Columbia Theatre, Provo, Utah. — High class patronage. The Soul of Buddha, with Theda Bara (Fox) — Good, but entirely too strong. Business good. — John B. Ashton, Columbia Theatre, Provo, Utah. — High class patronage. Goldwyn The Face in the Dark, with Mae Marsh (Goldwyn)— The star is not liked. A very weak story. Poor business. — Ludy Bostem, A Muse U Theatre, Muscatine, Iowa. The Spreading Dawn, with Jane Cowl (Goldwyn)— No drawing power. Film in poor condition. Audience disappointed. — Whitman & Graffort, Princess Theatre, Buchanan, Mich. What Is the Picture's Box Office Value? IS THE film you are running in your theatre today a money maker? Pass the word on! Does the picture draw the crowds? Tell the exhibitors in the other states. They want to book the same pictures. Tell them in Motography's "What the Picture Did for Me" Department. Your box office is the test of popularity. Fill in the blank NOW. Title Star Producer. Weather How Advertised Competition Admission Prices Remarks Title Star Producer. Weather ,. . . . How Advertised Competition Admission Prices Remarks Name of Theatre City and State. Transient or Neighborhood Patronage Sent in by You may send me blanks for "What the Picture Did for Me," and Motography for one year at a special introductory price of $1.00, billing me for same and I will remit.