Moving Picture Age (Jan-Dec 1922)

May, 1922 MOVING PICTURE AGE 17 million five hundred thousand women of our organization. This is not a question to be decided solely from the standpoint of the producers, who naturally wish to realizes return on an investment already made, nor that of one in their employ to whom they wish to show fair consideration. This is a matter which vitally affects the life of the nation, and, as such, calls for the conscientious consideration of all true-hearted citizens. It is impossible to dissociate Roscoe Arbuckle in the public mind from the revolting scenes of licentious conduct which have been so sensationally described in the newspapers. The fact of his acquittal of the most serious charges made against him in connection with Miss Rappe's death does not change the fact that the life he was leading was of such a character as to lay him open to such an stisck It may be true that he is no worse than hundreds of other men whose lives have not been disclosed to the public gaze, but the fact remains that his name is inevitably associated with nauseating details of immorality. To throw his picture upon the screen would be to bring back to the minds of all observers the whole degrading story and would lead to endless repetitions of the case in all its varied aspects, thus keeping continually prominent mental pictures of immoral acts which must inevitably, through the power of suggestion, prove to be conducive to moral laxity and therefore detrimental to the public welfare. For the sake of the integrity of the nation's moral fibre, we of the General Federation of Women's Clubs urge that your influence be exerted to ban forever Arbuckle films. We shall await with eagerness the reply which will give us the assurance that the desired decision has been reached. Very truly yours, (signed) Woodallkn Chapman, Chairman of Motion Pictures. The producers may feel inclined to ask why they should be compelled to allow those outside their industry to suggest to them what products they shall be permitted to market. They may claim' that the manufacturer of shoes is not obliged to submit to the interference of outsiders in the conduct of his business, and that the drygoods merchant is not prohibited from selling a certain style of garment. We would call the producer's attention, however, to the fact that through the government the people do make known their requirements with no uncertain voice. No longer is a manufacturer allowed to pass off shoddy material upon the unsuspecting public, or to sell adulterated goods at his own pleasure. The public is protected by law from such procedure, and this law regulates all industries. Before modern methods of city sanitation had been developed, the individual householder disposed of his refuse in whatever manner suited his personal judgment. When the investigations of science, however, made known the fact that disease germs were there propagated and disseminated, such individual freedom was curtailed and all citizens were compelled to dispose of filth in accordance with the sanitary regulations of the city government. Today we know that mental filth is as deadly as physical refuse. We have a right, therefore, to demand that the public shall be protected from any unnecessary stirring of these cesspools of thought that may spread contamination throughout our various communities. What we, as a people, need at this time is to forget this tragic, sordid affair, and others like it, and turn the eyes of the mind to dwell upon mental pictures of God's outdoors, where the pure breezes blow and the light of heaven fills the soul with longing for better things. To our motion-picture producers we say, "Present to us the pictures that not only bring laughter to the lips, bin also refreshment to the soul." WORTHWHILE THEATRICAL FILMS Cardigan. Kendall Production, distributed by American Releasing Company. The battle of Lexington, Paul Revere's ride, and other well-known Revolutionary events are shown free from anachronisms and in an inspiring manner that stirs the patriotism of the audience. One or two scenes of young women fighting to defend themselves might well be shortened, as well as the massacre of the Indian children. Come On Over. A Rupert Hughes story ; producer, Goldwyn. From its opening views of the glorious mountains and lakes of Ireland to its closing scenes of the Irish jig in which young and old, rich and poor join, this story is one to delight the heart and leave a smile on the lips. The golden thread of neighborly kindness running through the picture awakens a corresponding love for human kind in the heart of the beholder. Our Mutual Friend. Distributed by Wid Gunning, Inc. A faithful rendering of the well-known novel by Dickens, produced with remarkably accurate atmosphere. Every effort has been made to keep the gruesome elements of the story in the background, and the final impression left with the audience is that of the great value of true love and abiding faith. "The Veriscope" The only really high-grade, low-priced professional projector in the world. Not a toy or an experiment, but has been in constant service for ten years in various theatres, churches and schools. Height, 6 feet— Net Weight, 193 pounds. Quantity production now permits us to name a price of $297.50 for this modern motor-driven projector fully equipped with either our improved Mazda outfit as above illustrated or with a very large lamp house and arc lamp, including projection and stereopticon lenses, reels, rewinder and all appurtenances complete and ready for operation. Built and guaranteed by C. R. BAIRD COMPANY 243-245-247 East 151st Street NEW YORK Please say, "As advertised in MOVING PICTURE AGE," when you write to advertisers.