Movie Age (1927)

PAGE 8 MOVIE AGE R. R. Biechele Explains His Wire to Hays President of Kansas-Missouri Organization Makes No Apology; Pledge of Support On Legislative Matters. In response to a scathing attack by a radical writer, who became “riled up” because R. R. Biechele, president of the M. P. T. 0. of Kansas-Missouri, sent a telegram to Will Hays pledging the co¬ operation of his organization with the Hays organization. Mr. Biechele made the following statement to a represen¬ tative of this publication: “I have no apology to make for the wire I sent to Mr. Hays. The fact that I am chairman of the contract com¬ mittee, appointed at the recent Trade Practice c.onference, had no connection with my action. The wire was sent by me as president of the exhibitors asso¬ ciation of Kansas and Missouri under the instructions of the board of directors of this organization. “I don’t deny the fact that we have co-operated with the Hays organization on legislative matters affecting the in¬ dustry as a whole and hope that we will always enjoy the full co-operation of the Hays organization on all matters that concern both the distributing and ex¬ hibiting branches of the industry. Without this unified effort good results could not be obtained. “And, as to my position on matters within the industry which concern the exhibitor, I stand on my record as an in¬ dependent and unaffiliated theatre owner and president for a fourth term of the M. P. T. 0. of Kansas-Missouri and as an active and charter member of this organization for nine years.” The telegram in question was: “The directors of the Motion Pic¬ ture Theatre Owners of Kansas and Western Missouri in session here to¬ day have asked me to wire you that after considering several communi¬ cations addressed to us recommend¬ ing our affiliation with some new or¬ ganizations and movements, we have decided instead to ride along with you and your organization believing as we do in your sincerity and ability to guard our best interest. We will stand squarely with you in all your efforts in our behalf and in behalf of the entire industry. We are satis¬ fied with the results of the late Fed¬ eral Trade hearing. We have also recommended to our convention to be held December 12 that we affiliate with the M. P. T. O. A.”’ The reason that Mr. Biechele was as¬ sailed and his resignation from the con¬ tract committee asked by the radical writer is undoubtedly because he hap¬ pened to be chairman of that committee. Other state exhibitor bodies sent simi¬ lar telegrams to Will Hays, among them being Nebraska, Western Iowa, Okla¬ homa and Arkansas. “Be Yourself’ Title of Next Denny Picture Reginald Denny’s forthcoming ve¬ hicle, “Be Yourself,” will go into pro¬ duction immediately, under the direction of William A. Seiter. Mary Nolan, who scored in “The For¬ eign Legion” and who is now complet¬ ing a featured part in “Thoroughbreds,” will play the leading feminine role. Others in the cast so far are William Davidson and William H. Tooker. “Be Yourself,” an original screen story by Harry O. Hoyt, who also made the screen adaptation, marks the return of the Denny-Seiter combination. Den¬ ny’s last two Jewel productions, “That’s My Daddy,” and “On Your Toes,” are scheduled for early release. Adopted Aliens Theme of “His Country” Film “His Country,” with Rudolph Schildkraut in the title role, has started actual filming, according to announcement from the DeMille studio. Louise Dresser portrays the feminine lead, while Milton Holmes has been as¬ signed the juvenile lead, and Fritz Feld essays the part of a Russian terrorist. This is a picturization of America’s vast horde of adopted sons and daughters. Short subjects A Department in This Trade Paper Acquainting You With the Little Features That Are an Important Part of Your Every Program Capitol Doing Well Business in general last week was bet¬ ter than usual for pre-holiday week. At the Capitol Theatre in Des Moines Harry Watts, the manager for the A. H. Blank-Publix interests, is giving a spe¬ cial morning showing of “Robinson Crusoe” in colors. The children are ad¬ mitted for ten cents to this 11:30 show. They are invited to stay through for the » stage show which follows. Paul Spor, who is the new stage band manager and personality man for the Publix Shows at the Capitol, has been well received by audiences here though very little expression has been made verbally. Real Circus Background for Astor-Hughes Picture Mary Astor and Lloyd Hughes, co¬ featured in First National’s circus pro¬ duction, “Do It Again,” are having their first taste of circus life, in the tanbark atmosphere or its celluloid representa¬ tive. Marshall Neilan, director of “Do It Again,” is now filming interior scenes of the picture at the studio, in circus cars borrowed for the purpose. Inas¬ much as the A1 G. Barnes aggregation has finished its season on the road, its performers, animals and other equip¬ ment became real movie actors for the production. Many of the circus performers and freaks are proving good actors, and sev¬ eral of them have important parts. Among the most prominent roles played by regular circus performer are those taken by a giant, a fat lady, two clowns and two midgets. Equipment and SUPPLIES This Section of This Trade Paper Throws the Spotlight on New Developments and Interesting Information Con¬ cerning Old Ones That Have Been Overlooked. Read This Department!