The Moving picture world (January 1920-February 1920)

878 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD February 7, 1920 'Americanization" Program Calls to Patriotic Picture Showmen THE first definite instructions to motion picture exhibitors concerning the industry's campaign on Americanization have been issued by Harry M. Crandall, chairman of the exhibitors division of the general committee. The committee, which was selected by Hon. Franklin K. Lane, Secretary of the Interior, is composed of Lewis J. Selznick, representing the distributors; Adolph Zukor, representmg the producers; Harry M. Crandall, repsenting the exhibitors, and Major Raymond Pullman, the municipalities. Secretary Lane is chairman of the committee. Mr. Crandall's statement is as follows : "After working night and day for the past five weeks the committee has finally come to a definite understanding regarding the distribution of these films. "I had hoped to have been in a position to give out some information two weeks ago, but, unfortunately, our plans were not all completed at that time. In all my dealings with the committee I want to emphasize the fact that I am, first, 100 per cent, for my country, and, second, 100 per cent, for the exhibitors. The Call of Patriotic Duty. "According to our plans, there are to be fifty-two pictures issued, one for each week in the year, beginning with Lincoln's Birthday. With the exception of fifteen, which will be two-reelers, these will be single-reel features and will be made by the best brains and include the best known stars in the industry. "I understand that a number of companies will probably produce longer patriotic pictures, but these will be sold wholly on their merits and are outside the jurisdiction of the committee. I want the exhibitors to realize that these pictures are not being shown for profit. "No manufacturer or distributor is to profit on these pictures and our whole aim is for circulation. We want them to be shown in 100 per cent, of the motion picture theatres of this country. Not a Matter of Profit. "Under the present arrangement, 50 per cent, of the gross will go toward the cost of the picture, 35 per cent, for distribution, and the remaining 15 per cent, will go toward meeting the expenses of the committee. I have been selected treasurer of the committee and will have access to all of the figures pertaining to the cost and distribution of the picture. "If we find that this proportion is not fair we will change it. If any profit is made from a picture it will go into the general fund of the committee. "It has been agreed that all scenarios are to be first approved by Secretary Lane. No picture is to be shown until it has been approved by him. Pictures of the Very Best. "This will insure us getting only the best stories and the highest class of pictures. It will also be a gurantee to the exhibitor that he will receive only new and up-to-date pictures. It ^yill also insure a good box-office proposition to the exhibitor. Screen Vital to Government. "The committee has decided to have the film distributed through each manufacturer's own distributing agency at a nominal charge. We have tried to make this fee as low as possible. "I cannot impress how necessary it is for every single exhibitor to take an interest in this work and to do his share. It will be your duty to see that every single picture is shown in your theatre. The fact that your competitor may show a picture a day or sooner should have no effect upon you. "This is not a question of competition but wholly one of duty to your Gvernment. During the war the mo Washington, D. C, January 28. The bill adding lewd and lascivious motion picture films to the list of articles which are prohibited from moving in interstate commerce either through the mails or by freight or express, introduced in Congress by Representative Joseph Walsh of Massachusetts, was passed by the House of Representatives without debate. Five Years or $5,000. The law provides the following penalties : "Whoever shall knowingly take or cause to be taken from such express company or other common carrier any matter or thing the depositing of which for carriage is herein made undawful, shall be fined not more than $5,000, or iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiittiiiiirilliiiiiiiiitiiiiiiniiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiliiliiliMtiiiMrriiriiiinriiiiiiiiinliiilllHIiilia A. George Smith Appointed Goldwyn's general representative for Europe. tion picture exhibitors responded nobly. 'Vice-President Marshall, in a speech to our committee in Washington, declared that in his opinion no single industry did as much toward bringing the war to a successful conclusion as did the motion picture industry and the exhibitors of the country. "Another great crisis now faces our Government. We are again called upon to loan our screens to the aid of our country. As an exhibitor 1 want to impress upon you the absolute necessity of doing this work. I have given much thought and care to this question. I want to hear from the exhibitors of the country. "In conclusion, I trust that every exhibitor will carry out Secretary Lane's suggestion for special programs on Lincoln's Birthday and on other holidays." imprisoned not more than five years, or both." This is the measure recommended by the industry at the Rochester convention in August. Its adoptions was urged before the House Judiciary Committee recently by Jack S. Connell on behalf of the industry and was promptly agreed to. The indorsement given it by the committee made possible its passage by the House today. It now goes to the Senate and Mr. Conolly already has assurance of its early consideration and probable prompt passage. CLARENCE L. LINZ. Films to Aid in Fighting Flu. The aid of the film and screen has been enlisted in the fight against influenza. President William A. Brady, of the National Association of the Motion Picture Industry, on January 24 redesignated the same committee that had charge of the work in the epidemic of 1918: Chairman John C. FHnn, of Famous Players-Lasky Corporation; John M. Quinn, of Vitagraph, Inc., and Frederick H. Elliott, Executive Secretary of the National Association. This committee will arrange for a program of co-operation with the health authorities. The following news weeklies were represented at the meeting at the offices of the National Association: Fox News Weekly by Pell Mitchell; Kinograms by Terry Ramsey; International by E. B. Hatrick ; Gaumont by A. C. Duff. Telegrams were sent to officers of local F. I. L. M. clubs and exchange managers' associations. Cain Engaged for Heavy Role. Robert Cain has been engaged for the heavy role of Brigade Surgeon Fielding in "Held by the Enemy," another special which Donald Crisp is to direct for Famous Players-Lasky. This play is by William Gillette and the scenario is by Beulah Marie Dtx. House Passes Bill Prohibiting Transportation of Immoral Films