Moving Picture World (May 1919)

672; THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD May 3, 1919 LAEMMLE SEES A BRIGHT PATH AHEAD President of Big U. Finds Exhibitors Sorry Houses Are Not Bigger — Some Coming I'eatures RETURNING to New York after crossing the continent twice, conferring with exhibitors and exchangemen in several cities and studying conditions in various sections, Carl Laemmle, president of the Universal Film Company, is satisfied that 1919 will be a banner year for exhibitors and producers alike. Also Mr. Laemmle is convinced that 1919 will see even greater Universal success than 1918, which was acknowledged a banner year for the Big U. "Everywhere I went I found business booming," said Mr. Laemmle. "Exhibitors who told me last summer that if things did not improve rapidly they would have to go out of business, told me on my present trip that their only fear at present was that their theatres weren't large enough. "In Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle, Omaha, Salt Lake and other cities exhibitors are enjoying a record business," said Mr. Laemmle. Mr. Laemmle stated that no effort or expense is being spared to make every film coming from Universal City the best on the market. He also stated in announcing its recent sales and distribution policy. Universal made the exhibitors a promise that each Universal picture would be produced and exploited without limitations. He says Universal will make good. Some Coming Universal Plays. Allen Holubar is now producing another super-drama bearing the working title, "The Right to Happiness," which, being timely and cleverly constructed, Mr. Laemmle expects to become another "The Kaiser, the Beast of Berlin," and a worthy successor to "The Heart of Humanity." In this picture Dorothy Phillips will play a dual role. William Stowell, Robert C. Anderson, Stanhope Wheatcroft, Thurston Hall, Winter Hall, Margaret Mann and Maxine Elliott Hicks are among the principal players of the drama. Mr. Laemmle is loud in his praise of "Prairie Gold," Mary MacLaren's latest completed production, from Sinclair Lewis' story of the same title. Not only does the Universal executive believe that this is Miss MacLaren's best screen work, but also one of the best stories and one of tfie most cleverly directed film plays ever produced at Universal City. Monroe Salisbury's next Universal picture, "The Open Road," directed by Rupert Julian, has also been highly praised by Mr. Laemmle. The Universal executive states also that Eric von Stroheim's production, now being completed under the working title of "The Pinnacle," will prove a distinct surprise to exhibitors. with Mr. Kane's initials. The gift was presented by the incoming general manager, Sam E. Morris. Mr. Morris spoke of the very high regard and warm affection in which Mr. Kane is held by all members of the Select organization. Mr. Kane was much touched by this great evidence of the esteem in which he is held by his associates of the past two years. Mr. Selznick then made a few appropriate remarks. Select Officials Honor Arthur Kane. A pleasant intcrrui)tion to the routine of business occurred during the afternoon session of Select's conference of I)ranch managers at the Astor Hotel, April 23, when Arthur S. Kane was the recipient of a testimonial presented to him by members of the Select organization. It took shape in the form of an unusually handsome watch of platinum, incrusted with diamonds and inscribed Southeastern Exhibitors in Clash with Exchanges THE exchanges of Atlanta and exhibitors in that territory are in a clash over the matter of prepayment of rentals. The exchanges demand cash in advance without any exceptions and the showmen are in many instances objecting. Matters came to an issue Sunday, April 13, when W. C. Patterson, manager of the Criterion Theatre, Atlanta, called into session exhibitors for six states and organized the Southeastern Theatre Managers' Association, of which Mr. Patterson was made president. The exchange managers of Atlanta are all members of the Trade Board, with the exception of First National, United Pictures and Exhibitors Alutual. The demands of the Trade Board became effective March 31 and despite numerous conferences the exhibitors believed that the only means of combatting the distributing agencies was to form their own association. Showmen's Committee In New York. Last Monday, April 21, Mr. Patterson, George Warner, of Columbus, Ga. ; Percy Wells, of Wilmington, N. C, and E. A. Schiller, of Atlanta, came to New York as an executive committee, with power to act, the purpose of their trip being to arrange with the home offices of the various distributing concerns for a definite understanding and abrogation, if possible, of some objectionable rules of the Atlanta Trade Board. The outcome is undecided as we go to press, and, meanwhile, showmen served by Atlanta exchanges are in most cases abiding by the Trade Board's demands. It is asserted on behalf of all participants that there are two sides to a question that may now be definitely threshed out by the chief executives and the showmen's committee. Woody To Take Vacation. J. S. Woody, who has resigned as genera! sales manager for Select, will indulge in a much-needed vacation before announcing his future plans. WILL SHOW CHURCHES VALUE OF FILM Brady Choosing Picture Program for Methodist Convention To Be at Columbus June 20-July 13 I T is desired to demonstrate to church people everywhere the vast ethical and educational values of the motion pictures. The managers of the coming celebration of the founding of missionary work of the Methodist Episcopal Church to be held in Columbus, June 20 to July 13, have asked and have been promised the co-operation of producers. A screen program has been planned for the occasion. "The National Association of the Motion Picture Industry," said its president, William A. Brady, "has received an invitation through Dr. Christian F. Reisner, executive secretary of the Methodist Minute Alen, for a representation of the film industry at their mission's anniversary. The association has instructed me to accept the invitation and set about plans at once. "I understand from Dr. Reisner that 200,000 people are expected in Columbus, and over a million dollars will be spent in building a program and arranging a mission exhibition. Hundreds of natives are to lie brought from India, China and Japan and a pageant of 7,000 participants is in preparation. "They are to have a stereopticon throwing a picture 100 feet square, and seats for 75,000. It is in connection with this phase of the affair that our aid was asked. "Personally, I am more than glad of the chance to demonstrate what has long been apparent not only to the laity, l)ut to broad guage churchmen as well, namely, that in the screen lies a most potent agency for the furtherance of religious teachings. But there are many who cannot see this. By a curious prejudice against motion pictures in any form, clergymen have heretofore failed to avail themselves of one of the greatest educational forces of our time. There are an infinite number of subjects which lend themselves to treatment holding an essentially ethical significance. It is this point which I hope we may bring out beyond controversy at the Methodist convocation." The committee appointed by the National Association to map out a program is as follows : William A. Brady, ex officio; Ado.lph Zukor, P. A. Powers, Albert E. Smith, Richard Gradwell and Walter W. Irwin. "Movies in Home" Means New Theatre for Norwich MO\TES in the home" are coming in reality to Norwich, N. Y., but the transformation of the home into a motion picture theatre will, in this instance, cost $40,000. Dr. W. E. Hartigan's residence on East Main street is being razed, and it is understood that C. H. Latham will build a modern photoplay house on the site. Mr. Latham, on being questioned as to his plans, said he was not ready to give out any news, but that he would ma'c a public statement later. The rumor has been going for some time that there would be another moving picture theatre in Norwich. The new house will have conveniences for vaude ville.