Moving Picture News (Jul-Dec 1912)

24 THE MOVING PICTURE NEWS MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITORS OF NEW YORK SECOND ANNUAL BALL One of the Greatest Successes in the Moving Picture Industry Ever Known BY THE EDITOR "Everybody, who was anybody," in the motion picture industry in New York City, alUed with the art, directly or indirectly, was present at the monster ball given by the Exhibitors' League of New York City at Palm Garden, Thursday, Nov. 14th. It is impossible at this short time to enumerate all who were present, but special mention must be made of Chief Justices Russell and Duell representing the bench. The City authorities were represented by Corporation Counsel Chief Wallace, of the Board of Water, Gas and Electricity ; the aldermen by Alderman Folk. The manufacturers were represented by actors and actresses galore, and special mention must be made of the Vitagraph Studios, who furnished matter for the vaudeville sketches, finishing up with the inimitable Bunny, the star comedian of the industry. We noticed among the manufacturers Carl Laemmle, president of the Universal ; Pat Powers, vice-president, and his henchman, Tom Evans. The Film Supply was represented by President Aitken, Harry Raver and Joe Miles, Herbert and Madame Blache. The Feature Film Companies by H. A. Spanuth, A. J. Danziger, Herbert Miles and. of course, Mrs. Miles, and Attorney Kepler. Among the machine people we noticed Eric Morrison, of the Standard; Mr. Clark, of the Motiograph ; Mr. Coles, of Powers^ and Frank Cannoch, of the Simplex. Special mention must be made of the presence of the president of the National League, M. A. Nef¥, who made quite an interesting address, which was preceded by the presentation of a loving cup to Sam Trigger, the indefatigable president of the New York Exhibitors' Association. Newspaper men were there galore. The World was represented by Joseph Hoft' and H. Von Harleman ; the Clipper by Arthur Ray; the Morning Telegraph by Johnstone and Farnam, and the Moving Picture News by all of its staff._ To all whom we talked the verdict was success and full enjoyment. Fuller report will appear in our next issue. AS OUR "ROVING COMMISSIONER" SAW IT It was indeed a gala event. We doubt if ever before Palm Garden, which has long done service to New York's festivities, has groaned beneath such a weight of gaiety. A delightful burden of lovehness it was that ran rampant over three floors — bright eyes, shimmering gowns, gleaming white shirt fronts and jewels galore. A happy throng withal, in spite of the pushing and jostling, the trampling on toes, etc. No one was ill-humored, and the roughest handling in a crowd so tightly packed together was taken by one and all with a laugh of good humor. There must have been at the very least two thousand couples present on that night of November 14th, at this splendid af?air, given by the Motion Picture Exhibitors' Association of New York City. The principal decorations were in gold and white. The boxes in the gallery above the main ballroom, which were occupied principally by manufacturer-; and the press, were taxed to their limit with their rightful occupants and visitors. At eight o'clock the entertainment of moving pictures, musi,and vaudeville commenced, in which participated many of thi' moving picture favorites, who were hailed with storms ol applause. Miss Flora Finch and Miss Florence Turner were the only ones of the female representation of the picture players who ventured forth with the exception of the "Thaiihouser Kid," Miss Marie Thanhouser. John Bunny, IMauricc Costello, King Baggot and a number of other popular picture actors spoke a word to the audience, and in almost every instance "spoke their piece." The General Film Publicity and Sales Company exhibited some splendid Japanese films, including the funeral of the Mikado. One reel of "The Miracle," from the New York Film Company, was shown, and for lack of time the remainder of this wonderful photo play was omitted, much to the dissatisfaction of the audience. The Arrow Film Company exhibited a good comedy entitled "His Wedding Day." Imp showed up most favorably with "Officer 174," and from Thanhouser "The Truant's Doom," with the "Thanhouser Kid" starring, elicited roars of laughter that must have been a satisfaction to the clever little girl who witnessed it sitting in the box beside Miss Flo Labadie. One of the pleasant things of the evening was the address of M. A. Neff, president of the National Exhibitors' League. It was a pleasure indeed to see this honored member present on this auspicious occasion. The president of the local branch, Samuel Trigger, was presented by his appreciative fellow-workers with a beautiful silver loving cup. Mr. Trigger was actually almost taken off his feet by this unexpected token of appreciation and respect, and no one could have been more surprised than was he at the honor thrust upon him. The entertainment committee and officers of the Association looked well to the entertainment of their guests. Mr. Sydney Ascher, secretary, was here, there, and everywhere as were also Mr. Rosenthal, Mr. Samuels and other prominent members of the Association. KEYSTONE FILM CO. The Keystone Film Company, in keeping with its wellknown policy of being ever ready to help the exhibitor and boost his business, has gone them all one better this time. They have prepared photographs of the four leading players in the Keystone Comedy Company, Miss Mabel Normand, Mr. Mack Sennett, Mr. Fred Mace and Mr. Ford Sterling, and will distribute a set of these lobby beautifiers and publicity aids free to every exhibitor receiving his film service from exchanges handling the Keystone output. The photographs are 11 x 14 inches in size, beautifully finished, and are suitable for framing. This offer is unprecedented in the trade, and will do much to increase the feeling of enthusiasm and confidence which exhibitors have in Keystone products and methods. SYDNEY ASCHER DISPOSES OF THEATRE INTERESTS TEMPORARILY It is reported that Sydney Ascher, the well-known motion picture exhibitor, secretary of the local branch of New York Motion Picture League, and also vice-president of the National League, has disposed of his interests in the Nicoland on Third avenue, and also Saratoga Park, Brooklyn. Mr. Ascher is also contemplating an extended trip to Bermuda. SCENE FROM "THE IIUKRUK OF SIN" (ITALA)