The Moving picture world (April 1921)

April 2, 1921 MOVING PICTURE WORLD 479 Chicago and the Middle West By PAUL HINZ Hutchinson Tells Difference Between Re-Constructed Picture and Re-Issue SS. HUTCHINSON explained in a recent interview the difference between • a reconstructed film and a re-issue. As president of the American Film Company, which has been devoting much time and earnest effort lately to the making over of those pictures which have their first youth, and furthermore as first director, editor-in-chief and head surgeon m this special department, Mr. Hutchinson speaks not without authority. . "The difference is that between brainwork and hand-work," he said. "The reissue, although it often claims to be a very different version, is almost always nothing more nor less than a reprint with a new name. Our reconstructed film is really an adaptation in a form that has been changed and improved in the matter of countless details. Most important of all, it is retitled. Current colloquialisms are inserted to give a modern effect. Scenes are frequently cut out or switched, so that the original sequence of events is completely changed. ' The dramatic construction is perfected, as we give special effort to linking incidents closer together, so that the effect will be one of quicker action." And action is a word that gives the cue to Mr. Hutchinson's highest ideals in regard to the re-creating of these films. He insists that the title of a picture must suggest action, in order to be a success. An example of one of his improved titles is the reconstructed film, "Slim Bang Jim," which was formerly called "In Bad." The contrast in the drawing power between the old and the new is equally striking in the case of all of the pictures which have been overhauled. Stimulate Imagination "We want titles characteristic of drama, not novels," Mr. Hutchinson said. "No matter how successful the previous title may have been in the book world, when it is transferred to the screen, its drawing power will be limited unless it suggests a plot brewing. It must register immediately, so that the imagination of the most casual passerby will be quickened and he will get some conception of what happens in the picture. "Only the productions that proved successful when first made are being reconstructed. In the cases of those which have already been placed on the market, records show that they* have made more money for the exhibitor than in their first form. We are finding that in these days of conservatism, exhibitors are realizing an excellent buy in this made-over product, which aside from holding a reputation for being tried and successful, can be purchased at a price considerably lower than brand new pictures." La Salle Books Special Metro's "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" will have its first Chicago showing at the La Salle Theatre beginning Saturday, March 26, where it will run indefinitely. Ned Holmes, who is directing the Chicago run, was the gust of the Motion Pic ture Press Club at the regular meeting on March 18 at the Chicago Press Club, which will be the meeting place of the M. P. Club from now on. This organization is now amending its constitution and by-laws so as to conform to those of the A. M. P. A., with the intention of affiliating with this body as well as with the Los Angeles Press Club and the London Press Club. pecially for "The Small Town Idol," by C. Sharp Minor, organist at the New Mission Theatre in Los Angeles. Mr. Mulhauser's efforts to interest the editorial staff of the Tribune in giving space to this feature met with a degree of success way beyond his highest hopes. One of the editors came to see "The Small Town Idol," came again and then came once more. The printed result was an extravagant editorial in the issue of Tuesday, March 15. Kent Week Promises Big Kent Week, which begins March 27, promises to be a very successful stunt in Chicago, Joe Gilday, Paramount's district manager, reports. Already a larger list of theatres have booked this company's product than during Paramount Week, of last fall. New Michigan Circuit James Minler and A. M. Sleps;<i have become associated to operate a circuit of theatres in Michigan. Already they have to their credit the White Star, Free Poland and Holbrook theatres, Detroit, and the Bijou and American theatres, Port Huron. Others are to be added before the end of the current year. Mr. Minter is also president of the Minter-United Amusements, distributors of Pioneer and American Cinema pictures in Michigan. Tribune Editorial Makes "Small Town Idol" Popular Barbee's Loop Theatre closed the most successful week in its history on March 19 after a seven-day run of "The Small Town Idol." James Mulhauser, special representative for Mack Sennett, was largely responsible for putting it over, which he did by getting into the editorial columns of the big dailies and by staging a very effective prologue. This act was called "A Trip to StudioLand," and had in its cast one man and six girls — the camera director and six "stars." One by one, the girls,, who represented the largest cities of the country, appeared before the camera and were shot in short dance numbers. Special attention, of course, was drawn to the Chicago maid by a local joke. But the featured girl was the girl from the country town who was introduced by the song composed es Strand Opening Date W. S. Butteriieid announces March 31 as the opening date of his new Strand Theatre, Lansing, Mich. A large crowd of film and vaudeville men from all parts of the country will attend the opening. Buys New Auto Howard F. Brink, manager of the Buffalo Robertson-Cole office, is getting so much business these days and receiving so many bonuses that he has decided to buy a new automobile. Van Dyne Appointed George Hanny has appointed Bill Van Dyne manager of the Capitol Theatre in Buffalo's South Park section. Mr. Hanny is also breaking in his 14-year-old son as assistant manager. A GROUP OF THE ENTIRE PERSONNEL CONCERNED WITH THE PRODUCTION OF "THE AFFAIRS OF ANATOL," FOR PARAMOUNT Cecil B. DeMille, producer ; Jeanie Macplierson, scenarist, and the entire company, including players, consulting scenario turiters and production staff