Moving Picture News (Jan-Dec 1911)

to THE MOVING PICTURE NEWS In Melies "Only a Sister" one point strikes me, if the bo}' had a banking account then the five hundred dollar check, whatever his standing, was simply overdrawing. He must have had one or his sister could not have paid the $500 in a rush. What's the point of the story? In Pathe's "An Imitator of Blondin" a man hears of a prize to be given in Montreal for a feat performed on Niagara Falls. Please get out your geographies ! In Pathe's "Heart, Hunger and Happiness," how about the men's and women's dresses at the party? A little incongruous. No sout pas? CHARLES O. BAUMANN— 'MAN OF THE HOUR." An enigmatical proposition for strangers ; a cool, calculating, hard-headed business man ; a loyal friend and a foe worthy of any steel — such a man is Charles O. Baumann, who by his shrewdness and indomitable energy has won the acknowledged leadership of the Independent moving picture forces of America. The biography of most prominent men in the industry is rather stereotyped, reciting that "he was an early pioneer," etc., etc. Such is not the case with Mr. Baumann, for he has only been identified with motography a few years, entering this branch of amusement at a time when the Independent outlook was gloomy indeed, and it was mostly through his efforts that the dark clouds were rolled back, permitting the sun of success to cast its brilliant rays upon the Independent camp. That he was recognized as a dangerous factor by the enemies of Independence was amply demonstrated when they trained their heaviest batteries upon him and his interests, but he held the fort under conditions that would have caused a less stout heart to quail. He not only found it possible to overcome all opposition, but assisted his fellow manufacturers, financially and otherwise. Less than two years ago the New York Motion Picture Co. released its first reel. To-day there are two reels per week issued, and the number of prints sold is enormous. In addition to this, Mr. Baumann is the guiding spirit of the Carlton Motion Picture Laboratories, jjroducing Reliance films, the popularity of which is the talk of the country. The New York Motion Picture Co. is also sole agent in the United States for the famous Ambrosio and Itala films, and altogether Mr. Baumann and his associates control seven reels per week. Mr. Baumann was mainly responsible for the Motion Picture Distributing & Sales Co., providing a community of interests which has placed the Independent cause upon a solid foundation. A singular fact is the origin of this combination. I\Ir. Baumann was sitting at his desk in deep thought, and was twirling a silver dollar. The inscription, ''E pluribus unum" caught his eye, and like a flash the inspiration came. "LTnited we stand" was the key of the Sales Co., and is its motto. I\Ir. Baumann's various official connections bear heavily upon his time. One of his characteristics in taking care of people who call upon him — of whom there are many — is to listen carefully to the proposition advanced. By that time his mind is fully made up, and "yes" or "no" is final. SCKXP: i-R()M "Ills CREAT DUTY GREAT NORTHERN RELEASE His Great Duty A special film of great beauty is to be released by this company on Saturday, February 25th. The above cut represents one scene taken from the story ; in our opinion the whole production, acted by the actors of the Royal Theater, at Copenhagen, is a magnificent production. The photography is beautiful, and the effects are such we think every patron of cinematography ought to see. We have almost used up our vocabulary of words in praising the Great Northern productions, but in stereoscopic efifects in the interiors this film is unique, the story is finely told and the results all that is to be desired. W e commend it to our readers. A TRIBUTE TO THE NEWS. February 8, 191 1. Friend Saunders : — Have been busy lately literally night and day, and only had a chance this morningfin the cars) to go over the current number of "The Moving Picture News." Really you are turning out a trade paper worth while, and any one of several articles I have read would justify any issue. I do hope you will be supported as you ought to be by subscribers, advertisers and contributors. You are furnishing pure gold to the cause of right and justice, and