Moving Picture World (Oct-Nov 1919)

416 THE MOVING PICTURE WO RLE November 22, 1919 NEVA GERBER IN HALLMARK 1 S "THE TRAIL OF THE OCTOPUS" PMh<? Forms Associated Exhibitors; ShowngenfoProfif by fhg N<?w P1SJ\ T|HE ASSOCIATED EXHIBITORS, . INC. , .haB been incorporated under the laws of the state of New York. The corporation was formed by the law firm of O'Brien, Malevinsky & Driscoll, on behalf of a number of motion picture exhibitors located at different centres in the United States; __ The plan of the Associated' Exhibitors contemplates the creation of thirty-two regional districts for motion picture exploitation. A franchise will be granted to a pivotal city in each regional district. The holder of this regional franchise will become interested in the profits growing out of the distribution of any picture exploited or distributed through the Associated Exhibitors, Inc., in the particular district covered by the franchise holder. Bathe I/ill Distribute Paths Exchange, Inc., will be the distributing organization, and Charles Pathe and several of his associates will underwrite the activities of Associated Exhibitors, Inc., The plan involves every phase of motion picture activity. It is the purpose of those interested in the combination not only to produce pictures through different unit organizations, but to purchase pictures in ‘the open market, to exploit and distribute the pictures, to put under contract stars, directors, authors and others interested in the motion picture industry. The regional franchise holders will not only share in the profits of the particular regional district but in addition, by holding the franchise, will secure the product of the associated company. Nothing but high class special features will be marketed. Paul Brunet Hakes Statement Paul Brunet, vice-president and general manager of Pathe Exchange, has issued this statement: "Among the projects engaging the attention of Charles Pathe on his second visit to America during 1919, the Associated Exhibitors, Inc., is one which' has been embodied In the general plan, growth and expansion of Pathe Exchange, Inc. "It is an efficient plan of production and exhibit tion perfectly formed, and all of the units thus far in it are strongly established. The plan has been carefully worked out and has received the advice, direction and support of men experienced in the motion picture industry. "It starts upon a solid foundation backed by abundant capital and based upon sound business principles. It is a large proposition handled in a large way, facts that will be further substantiated' when the list of franchise holders is announced. Involves all Phases of Pictures "The plan involves every phase of the motion picture industry, and, in the production and acquiring of pictures, it is the purpose of Pathe as the dis= tributing organization to secure the best productions. The Pathe releases for the last year will give some idea of the high mark at which we have been aiming, but the formation of the Associated Exhibitors, Inc.,, is the culmination of all this planning and striving for perfection." The Associated Exhibitors will be managed by a Board of directors representing the regional franchise holders, who in connection with Pathe willpasB upon all questions arising from the production, pnrchase or sale of pictures. A meeting of the franchise holders will be held at New York at an early date. UNIVERSAL HAS MANY PRODUCTIONS READY In keeping with the announcement made last week that Universal now has a group of productions ready for exhibitors to view, the officials of that company wish to call attention to the November releases which were among the list announced. November will be a unique month in motion picture history in that it is the month selected to release the Von Stroheim production, "Blind Husbands." Carl Laemmle, Universal's president, made a statement this week to the effect that this production is the most masterly subject ever filmed at Universal City. Besides, this heralded Universal-Jewel production, three of the bestSpecial Attraction productions are scheduled for release. They are "The Ride’r ,of the Law," featuring Harry Carey; "The Trembling Hour," a clever melodramatic production with the two stars, Kenneth Harlan and Helen J. Eddy, in the ’leading role3, and "His Divorced Wife," in which MonroeSalisbury is featured. NEW BESSIE LOVE PICTURE READY FOR EARLY RELEASE "Pegeen," Bessie -Love's final picture under the Vitagraph banner, will be released before the ohristmas holidays. Not only is "Pegeen" the last picture made by Miss Love under her vitagraph banner, but it is considered by many as quite the best she has made at the Hollywood studio. Miss. Love again portrays a very young girl, but the character is out of the ordinary. It is a more or less pathetic role in which Miss Love has little or no opportunity to display the comedy which nas helped to make her famous, but it is full of sympathy and will gain the actress many new friends. HALLMARK SECURES MARIE SHOTWELL Marie Shotwell, whose long experience on both stage and screen has won her popularity, has been engaged by Leon Britton, productions manager for Hallmark Pictures Corporation, to play one of the leading roles in one of their productions on which work has been commenced. under the direction of Dallas M. Fitzgerald at the Fifty-fourth street studio, New York. The title has not been chosen. It is a screen version of an original story by Leon Britton. Miss Shotwell' s last appearance on the screen was in "The Thirteenth Chair." In the Hallmark production in which Anna Lehr has the starring role, she will play opposite Edmund Breese. CECESSC SEITS PULLS A FED' wIRES IN "BOUND AND GAGGETV'