The Moving picture world (February 1920-March 1920)

2154 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD March 27, 1920 Alice Lake Just Returning from "Shore Acres." Young Metro star flanked by Antonio Moreno, serial star, and S. V. Jacobs. Los Angeles representative of the Northclifte publications. Optimism, Not Pessimism, Should Rule in Discussions of Foreign Conditions ARTHUR ZIEHM Manager of Gofdivyn's Foreign Department IT appears to me that recently there has been a tendency to paint the foreign market, as it concerns American producers, in unnecessarily dark colors. A number of film men, whose word carries weight in the trade, have subscribed to views that are likely to have a depressing effect on our producers and exporters, whereas a careful consideration of the situation should lead to more optimistic conclusions. Take the matter of unstable foreign exchange, as it is one of the causes most frequently advanced for the fear of a long period of difficult financial relations with European countries. Granting that foreign exchange has been and still is in a chaotic state, there is no reason to suppose that the condition will be a factor for any considerable period. Are American Producers Timid? As near as I can figure, well informed business men in other lines quite as dependent upon European trade as the motion picture producers and distributors, believe that there is nothing at all extraordinary about the money markets of the European countries in the first stages of recovery from the demoralizing effects of a devastating war. Even at the present time the exchange in all foreign countries is showing unmistakable signs of improvement, and it can be only a question of time before it returns to a healthy state. Why magnify a temporary situation into a permanent menace ? Then there is the question of .\merican pictures competing with those of European make in their home territory. Well, what of it? Have .American producers suddenly become so timid that they fear competition instead of welcoming it as a spur to renewed effort ? Competition Steadily Increases. Of course there will be competition. Italy and Germany even now are making highclass films, and as the industries regain their balance we may look for more and better pictures than ever came from the European studios, even in their palmiest days before the war. Most assuredly, however, this does not mean that there will be no room for fiJms of American make, providing they are good. It does mean, though, that our producers will be obliged to abandon their dream of continuing what has come close to a monopoly of the foreign market. Rather too frequently for the good of the trade, foreign buyers, forced to purchase .American products, were treated with a "take it or leave it" attitude, and if they arc a trifle resentful it is not surprising. Need Very High-Class Salesman. The customary way to meet competition, and the way characteristic of .Ainerican industry, is to beat the other fellow at his own game. Instead of counting upon our goods to sell themselves because there are no others to buy, we will be obliged to send high-class salesmen into the field, men who are really familiar with the countries they are covering. They must speak the language and know the customs, tastes and business methods of the people with whom they are dealing. Salesmen of this stamp will overcome whatever prejudices have arisen against American producers. Then, of course, the quality of American films must be maintained at a high level and permitted to grow with the times. Instead of merely watching each other, the men who set the standards in film production will have to recognize that they are in competition with the guiding geniuses of the great European studios, who will not be content with merely following our lead in devising artistic improvements. But, after all, is not a situation such as this entirely healthy and inspiring, rather than a cause for gloom? Speaking as a representative of the Goldwyn corporation, I may say that our own relations with foreign countries are on a basis of friendly understanding that causes no fears for the future. Any company that cannot face competition is not likely to live long under any circumstances. Mooney Plans European Trip; to Investigate Conditions PAUL C. MOONEY, general sales manager of the Anita Stewart, Mildred Harris Chaplin and Louis B. Mayer Productions, will start for Europe shortly in the interest of these companies and others who have not been divulged. He plans on remaining abroad for at least three months, during which time he will visit England, France, Italy, the Central Powers and the Scandinavian countries. The primary object of Mr. Mooney is to open foreign markets for the Anita Stewart productions, Mildred Harris Chaplin productions and other productions he is to handle. He will also pave the way for the big exploitation campaign which has been planned in connection with "In Old Kentucky" in England and on the Continent. "The unsettled condition of the foreign market at the present time makes it almost imperative to secure first-hand information regarding conditions as they really are over there," said Mr. Mooney. "Every one returning from abroad brings a different story of these conditions, but all seem to agree that American producers must act promptly and energetically if these conditions are to be changed materially for the better." New York to See "Virgin of Stamboal." The new Universal-Jewel production, "The Virgin of Stamboul," starring Priscilla Dean, will have its initial public showing at the B. S. Moss Broadway Theatre, New York City, Sunday night, March 21. The picture is booked in that theatre for an indefinite run. Advance exploitation stunts of unusual magnitude and success already have made the picture known to metropolitan film fans. The presentation of the picture will be accompanied by an elaborate stage and musical setting, as well as by additional schemes by which the interior of the theatre will acquire an Oriental atmosphere. Florence E. Turner in Radin Pictures. Florence E. Turner, popularly referred to as "The Vitagraph Girl," will be seen in a one-reel comedy entitled "Stenographers First," to be sold to state right buyers by Radin Pictures. Miss Turner, in point of service, is one of the oldest favorites in pictures today. Simple Souls