The Moving picture world (April 1920-May 1920)

432 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD April 17, 1920 Washington Whispers Storty Goes to Strand. FRANK J. STORTY. who for the past ten years has been identified with the film business In Washington, has been appointed maangrer of Moore's Strand Theatre. Mr. Storty moves to the Strand from the Garden, where he is succeeded by Louis Stolberg, who has been connected with one of the local exchanges. Crandall Rctnrns. Harry M. Crandall, owner of the Crandall Theatres in Washington, returned last week from a month's trip, during the course of which he visted Los .\ngeles, San Francisco, San Diego, the Grand Canyon, Chicago, New Orleans, Atlanta, Tijuana, Mexico and some few dozen other interesting points in widely divergent sections of the country. Mr. Crandall was accompanied by Mrs. Crandall and his daughters, Mildred, Olga and Dorothy. Crandall OTerhaalln^. Taking a hint from the week or so of very warm weather, which prevailed in Washington during the latter part of March, Harry M. Crandall has a number of men overhuling the Typhoon fans and cooling systems in the various houses comprising his Washington string. The Crandall Theatres are noted for their comfortable temperatures during the summer months, and the big fans and ventilators will be put in commission as soon as the thermometers in the different houses climb over the comfort mark. Hoosier Happenings Wins Sunday Opening Fig^lit. ANOTHER Hoosier exhibitor has just emerged victoriously in a Sunday opening fight. He is Frank Walters, proprietor of the Orpheum Theatre at Hartford City, Ind. A jury in the Blackford County Circuit Court found Mr. Walters not guilty of a charge of Sabbath desecration, which was filed against him several months ago because he operated his theatre on Sunday. Only five ballots were taken by the jurors. Walters was convicted on the charge at the first term of court and then was granted a new trial. Motion picture theatres have been operating on Sundays in Hartford City for more than a year and in view of the recent decision of the jury probably will continue to operate without further interference. Indianapolis Theatres Crowded. That the motion picture exhibitors of Indianapolis have no complaints to make regarding attendance at their respective theatres Is indicted by an order, which was issued this week by the board of public safety to the police department and the director of the fire prevention division of the fire department. The order calls attention to the crowded condition of the downtown theatres and instructs the two departments to see to it that the theatre owners comply with the law in keeping the aisles and exits open at all times. notion Picture Indoraers Meet. The sixth annual convention of the Indiana Board of Indorsers of Photoplays will be held at the Claypool Hotel. Indianapolis, April 6 and 7. Mrs. Grant C. Markle, of Winchester, Ind., president of the organization, will preside. The program will Include addresses by exhibitors, talks on community pictures, reports of state officers, general business, election of state and local officers and several round table discussions centering on censorship, etc. The Rev. Clay Trusty, an Indianapolis minister, will speak on "Community Centers In the City," and Mrs. Fred Lucas, 'of Greencastle, will speak on "Pictures in Small Towns," on the first day's program. The oflficers of the board in addition to Mrs. Markle are Mrs. David Ross, Indianapolis, first vice-president; Mrs. Theodore Wagner, Indianapolis, recond vice-president; Mrs. E. M. Robbins, Indianapolis, third vicepresident; Mrs. Fred i'tllz, Indianapolis, fourth vice-president; Mrs. GranvU Renard, Union City, recording secretary; Mrs. H. O. Phillips, Indianapolis, corresponding secretary, and Mrs. E. J. Hecker, Indianapolis, treasurer. Shelbyvllle Shoivnuin Very III. William C. Meloy, owner of the Strand Theatre, Shelbyvllle, Ind., has been confined to his home for the last few days as a result of an acute attack of heart and stomch trouble. He was stricken In the office of a physician, where he had gone to receive treatment for one of his ears. Fire Damages Theatre Front. The front of the Baby Grand Theatre, Elwood, Ind.. was damaged to the extent of several hundred dollars last Saturday night as a result of a fire which started In the operating booth. Two films and two projection machines were destroyed. The operator, Dewey Lee, leaped from a window of the operating room and escaped uninjured. The theatre was crowded at the time the fire broke out, but the patrons filed out in an orderly manner and no one was hurt. The Baby Grand was erected last September after the original Grand Theatre, which was under the same management, was destroyed by flre. The loss resulting from the recent fire was not estimated, but is said to be fully covered by insurance. Fort Wayne Temple Leased. The Temple Theatre, Fort Wayne, Ind., which was opened three months ago by Oscar Wobrock after having been thoroughly remodeled and redecorated, has been leased to Harold P. Beck and Emraett F. Sorg. Both the new proprietors are Fort Wayne men and have had wide experience In the theatrical and motion picture business, having operated theatres In Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati and other cities during the last eleven years. The Temple has been devoted to photoplays and occasional stage productions and will be continued on that basis. It Is understood. New Bonse In Noblesville. The American Theatre Is the name of an attractive new motion picture theatre which was opened at Noblesville, Ind., recently. Capacity crowds attended the opening. The theatre was accepted on behalf of the city in an address by C. B. Jenkins, who paid a high tribute to Messrs. CuUen and Wise, the proprietors, for the public spirit manifested in supplying a much needed theatre. The program also included several vocal solos and music by a special prchestra. The theatre will be opened every night In the week and will present a dally change. Hardn-are Company Exhibiting^. The Dally Hardware Company, of Montgomery, Ind., is erecting a new motion picture theatre there and expects to complete It In six weeks If the weather remains favorable. The building and its equipment will be up-to-date In every respect. The show win be managed by George Dally, one of the proprietors of the hardware firm. Montpeiier's New Theatre. According to reports received In Indianapolis recently a new theatre Is being erected at Montpelier, Ind., and will be under the management of Charles M. Spray, formerly of Frankfort. The theatre is rapIdly nearing completion and will be ready Like Rajah's Jewel Box. Mr. Smith's Theatre In Indianapolis was a transformed sight to its many patrons this week. The entire little theatre has been redecorated Into what Mr. Smith has labeled "The Rajah's Jewel Box." Beautiful transparent oriental scenes line the walls, little balconies for the musicians have been constructed on each side of the screen and numerous other Improvements made. The entire theatre conveys to the patrons the Idea that they themselves are sitting amid a transplanted oriental garden with rich color effects on all sides. The credit for the decorative work goes to S. Barret McCormick, manager of the Circle Theatre, and his art director, Frank Zlmmerer. With the new decorations, Mr. Smith has announced that In the future the entertainment Is going to be the same from the time the doors open at 10 o'clock In the morning until they close at 11 o'clock at night. Two orchestras will furnish muslo continually and will be supplemented by highclass entertainments, which will bo changed from time to time. Baltimore Breezes Attractions April 4-10. Strand — "Erstwhile Susan." New Pickwick — "His House in Order." New Wizard — "On with the Dance." Garden — "Women Men ForgeL" Victoria — "Eve in Exile," first half; "Jinx," last half. New Theatre — "The River's End." Parkway — "On with the Dance." Blue Mouse — "The Forbidden Woman." Hippodrome — "Blind Husbands." Picture Garden — "The Sporting Duchess." Aurora — "Eyes of Touth," first half; "When the Clouds Roll By," last half. Depkin Take* New Ofllees. BERNARD DEPKIN, JR., general supervisor of the New Wizard, Strand and PImlIco, and Nixon's Pickwick, Victoria and McHenry theatres in Baltimore, has taken a suite of offices on the fourth floor of the Castelberg Building, Lexington street and Park avenue. Elizabeth Schwab, Mr. Depkin's efficient secretary, has one of the two offices occupied by Mr. Depkin. Both offices are furnished beautifully with mahogany furniture. There are heavy green rugs on the floor and the woodwork Is done in mahogany color and has the half timber effect. There is also a very comfortable brown cloth upholstered sofa in Mr. Depkin's private office. Out-of-Tom» Notes. A moving picture and vaudeville theatre with a seating capacity of 1,000 is being built at Denton, Md., by O'Brien, which Is to cost $35,000 which will be two stories. It will be in operation In about two months according to the estimates. The Globe Theatre, Berlin, Md., which has been closed for five weeks, due to the Influenza, has been reopened to the public again. Going: Back to the Farm. The Opera House, Crisfield, Md., which has been operated by M. H. Douglas, has been sold by him to Ward and Sterling. This playhouse has a seating capacity of 600 and will be repainted and given a general overhauling. Mr. Douglas, who Is 60 years old, has also sold his soda water fountain and clothing store and will retire from business and is going back to his farm. "Square Deal" Saunderson Sells Oat. J. Saunderson, known to the trade as "Square Deal Saunderson," has sold his Interests In the Palace Theatre of Hagerstown, Md., to J. H. Boyer. Mr. Boyer will take possession of the Palace, May 1. but Mr. Saunderson will act as manager. Increaslngr Theatre Capacity. Plans are now under way by Evans Brothers, who operate the San Toy Theatre and Opera House in Lonaconing, Md., to make extensive improvements on the Opera House, to cost about $14,000, in order to increase the seating capacity of the theatre from 400 to 800. The work will probably be completed by fall. Clarksbars Theatre Change. The Palace and Odeon Theatres, of Clarksburg, W. Va., which have been owned and operated by George Murry for the past four years, have been purchased by him by the Fuel City Amusement Company, of which W. D. Williamson is the general manager. The Odeon, which has been undergoing alterations, has been opened to the public again with tabloids and pictures. Mr. Murry will retire from business for the present and may take a trip to Canada. To Europe for Plesnre. Isaac Peters, manager and owner of the Princess Theatre in Shinnston, W. Va., Is going to make a six months' trip to Europe this summer and during his absence, his business activities will be taken care of by his partner, Mr. Simon. Theatre Changes. Oscar Hansen, lessee and part owner of the Jefferson Theatre, Goshen, Is going to remove the gallery from the theatre and enlarge the balcony. Work on the Improvements will be started soon. The Pastime Theatre, Garrett, Ind., has been sold by A. C. Wldmer to Otto Helnzerllng, of that place. Mr. Wldmer has not announced his plans for the future.