The Moving picture world (February 1920-March 1920)

March 27, 1920 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD 2091 MOVING PICTURE WORLD For a National Convention ONE of the more important steps taken by the Utica convention of the New York State exhibitors was that sanctioning the calling of a national convention. If the motion picture showmen of the Empire State finally decide to carry out the terms of the resolution they will have behind them the prestige of the impressive gathering at Utica. Numbers at any convention means authority. If there is any doubt as to the representative character of the attendance at the Utica sessions a perusal of the names of the exhibitors and exchangemen present will resolve it. The Moving Picture World was the only trade journal that seriously made any attempt to collate the names of the men in attendance. Also it was the only motion picture paper to tell the story of the banquet, by every one conceded to be the outstanding factor of the occasion. It is said that in case a convention is to be called there is a good chance it will be held in Cleveland. Perhaps one of the reasons why the Utica sessions were so largely attended was because of the city's central location in the state. Nationally Cleveland comes within the same category. We are speaking now of the film center, or the geographic film center. If we are to have a national gathering let it be called for that point most accessible to the largest number of exhibitors — providing always hotel and other necessary accommodations are equal. O Sympathy for Mr. Earl SYMPATHY from the entire industry will go out to Edward Earl, president of the Nicholas Power Company, in the tragic death of Kenneth Earl, his only son, in an aeroplane accident. To those who personally had met this splendid young man the realization of the loss sustained by Mr. Earl will be all the keener. O A Little Business Romance IN the smoking compartment of a car on a train bound for Utica several exhibitors were discussing motion picture men and motion picture things as only exhibitors are apt to discuss them. The conversation turned on the name of one man known to all in the party. The question was asked if the person mentioned had not encountered difficulties three years ago, financial difficulties and domestic difficulties in the way of illness. "I'll say so," said one of the exhibitors, a man known from coast to coast. "Three years ago he was 'broke,' and worse than that he was facing accumulating doctor's bills. He wanted me to sell him my theatre. When I inquired what he was going to buy it with he said he would pawn some jewelry his wife had. and pay me v$2,000 down and $300 a month in installments. The price was $10,000. "He had the house paid for in less than a year. He later sold a half interest in it for $17,500, then bought it back for $20,000 and resold it for $30,000. In the three years since he made the first deal he has bought into other houses. Today he cm close out for better than $100,000 cash. He is now, as he always was, an Al showman. He has nerve, and he knows he has ability. I'll hand it to him. He has succeeded and deserved to succeed. In telling this I am saying nothing that win hurt his feelings, either. Secretly, he's rather proud of the wav he came back." There was a reminiscent twinkle in the eye of one of the veteran exhibitors. "Speakmg of nerve," said he, "I'll tell you an incident of the old days. We expended $16,500 in building a theatre on a plot of ground leased for eighteen months — that was the longest lease we could geX. In live months we had our money back. Ajid some of the boys thmk they are moving fast in these later times." O The Exchangeman s Page HAVE you noted the quick growth of the Exchangeman's Page— or rather pages— in the Moving Pic_ ture World? The new department started off quietly and minus any blare of horns, but it "caught on" nevertheless. It has not quite hit its stride, but you do not have to take our word for it that it is "going strong." Keep your eye on this department. O Powers Retires from Universal THE retirement of P. A. Powers from the Universal Film Manufacturing Company marks the ending of a business association which has covered the era of the motion picture's larger expansion. The announcement came on March 17, the fifth anniversary of the dinner given by Mr. Powers to Mr. Laemmle at the Hotel Alexandria in Los Angeles. This function, which was a part of the celebration of the formal opening of Universal City, signified to the trade at large that the difYerences which for a long time had existed between the Laemmle and the Powers interests in the organization had been composed and that in the future harmony would prevail between the two men, each of whom had been an active force in the development of the_ motion picture as a popular amusement. During his connection with the Universal Mr. Powers has given of his time and means for the furtherance of the interests of the whole industry, nowhere more effectively than as a director of the National Association. That the severance of the business relations between Messrs. Laemmle and Cochrane on the one hand and Mr. Powers on the other, relations that at times have been as entertaining as they have been exciting, should be in amity and cordiality is a matter for congratulation on the part of all friends of the trio. Here's to 'em ! O Kansas Organization Strong REPORTS from Kansas indicate that the members of the Kansas Exhibitors Association have had a most prosperous year. Matching that in importance and as a "consummation devoutly to be wished" it is announced that "they have come nearer sticking together than ever before." Usually the more prosperous the exhibitors the less ostensible reason has there been for their sticking together. A healthy index as to the situation in the Sunflower State is that at the Wichita convention it is expected there will be a lively contest for the honor of serving their fellows in executive positions. The Kansans have adopted the Cleveland-Pittsburgh slide nlan of dues paying and it has worked out successfully. The initial sum was $52 a year. Now it is hinted the price for the coming year may show an advance on this amount.