The Moving picture world (November 1921)

December 3, 1921 MOVING PICTURE WORLD . 565 Chicago and the Middle West ^J^STOSf $9 PAUL C . HINT, Ray "Kicks" at Being Called a "Rube," But Has No Objection to "Bonehead" ANYONE who attended the luncheon to Charles Ray at the Blackstone in Chicago, November 18, will remember in particular a request which he made: "Hereafter in referring to Charles Ray of the screen, kindly choose your words and describe him as a bonehead, a dumb-bell, or a double dumb-bell, but never, under any circumstances, call him a rube." The modest impersonator of modest-hero roles made this important discrimination himself when someone at the table innocently questioned him about his preference for r— — (but we agreed never to mention the word in this conection again), for the type of story in which a country boy is featured. Mr. Ray was on his feet in a moment. Mr. Ray's remarks were an epilogue to a charming affair. The occasion was the star's first visit East in many years, and the first real holiday he has had during the last seven years. He was accompanied by Mrs. Ray, General Manager Richard Willis and Albert Kidder, all of whom were the guests of Balaban & Katz while in Chicago. Present also at the luncheon was Arthur S. Kane, who had arrived the day before and who accompanied the party on the journey from Chicago to New York. Three days of strenuous and interesting vacationing were arranged for the party which was met by a large crowd at the station and escorted to the Blackstone, where the luncheon soon followed. Mr. Ray will make several scenes of "Smudge," which he has been working on, when he arrives in New York, where he expects to remain for about two weeks. "Movie" Man Captures Bandit; Gets Publicity Bad luck often means good publicity as Dee Robinson, owner of a chain of picture theatres in Peoria, is remarking these days. Several months ago he received a mysterious order to place $2,000 in a can and throw it into an empty lot from his automobile or suffer the consequences — which promised to be serious. Instead of adhering to the letter of the order, Mr. Robinson deviated a little, and substituted for the requested cash, a note bearing a message in three words that he states, was quite to the point. Offering him close co-operation in this scheme was Ben H. Serkowich, publicity representative for his theatres, who followed the notable example of Charlie Chaplin in "Shoulder Arms" and camouflaged himself as a tree and took root in the fateful lot. When Matthias Hanna, the would-be extortionist, appeared to claim his reward, one of the "branches" sprang out and wielded a 45-caliber automatic pistol in so surprising a manner that Mr. Hanna was temporarily paralyzed and promptly arrested. In the trial which came off a few days ago, he was convicted of attempt to blackmail. Far more interesting, however, was the fact that Mr. Serkowich "made" the front page of the Chicago Tribune, November 17, with an account of the incident. Fight Films Doing Well Controversy over the right to show the Dempsey-Carpcntier fight pictures in Chicago, where they have had a flourishing week at Barbee's Theatre, continues between certain members of the City Council. The question as to whether the Censorship Commission appointed in 1918 is the real power in censorship matters or whether the recent intervention of Corporation Counsel Ettelson in obtaining a permit for the Rickard films did not mark him as the actual authority on exhibition of motion pictures in Chicago was argued exhaustively. The possibility that this controversy may lead to an abolishment of the Commission is arousing some discussion in the Chicago trade. Crowds Go to "Theodora" There has been considerable evidence that Goldwyn's "Theodora," which opened at the La Salle, November 11, is fast establishing itself in Chicago, as a great screen spectacle. Constantly increasing attendances and repeated mention in the press are the principal reasons for this statement which was made recently by Albert Strassman, business manager and publicity director, who came on from New York to popularize the Chicago run. The picture is presented twice a day with elaborate orchestral accompaniment, directed by Leon M. Polacheck, also of New York, with the same choral effect as the original presentation at the Astor. Beginning November 20, the scale of prices was changed to SO and 75 cents in the afternoon and $1.00 in the evening. To Appear in Person "Son of Wallingford," Manager W. C. Brimmer, of Vitagraph, announces, will have its first Chicago run in an outlying theatre. The first booking date is December 9, when it will be shown at the Crystal Theatre. Tom Gallery, who plays the title role, -and who is spending several weeks in Chicago at the home of his parents, will make personal appearances at this theatre during the run of the feature. Kinogram 's Speed Record Educational's Chicago Exchange reports an unusual record for speed in the making and delivering of the Kinogram reel depicting the funeral of the Unknown Soldier. This picture was taken in Washington, November 11, and on the following day, by 3 o'clock, it was on the screens of the Tivoli, Riviera, Chicago and Pastime Theatres. The delivery was made by airplane. Rumor Denied In correcting a recent rumor that St. Louis would handle territory in Southern Illinois for Educational, the Chicago office states this territory will continue to be handled as usual from this point. Rex Beach Film at Club The Chicago Athletic Club has paid Rex Beach and moving pictures in general, a special compliment in arranging for the first Chicago showing of "The Iron Trail," the first picture that has been used on any program of this organization in years. It will be shown Wednesday night, November 23, with music and additional entertainment features of an es pecially fine selection. In addition to members, a number of exhibitors have been invited to the showing which is, otherwise, exclusive. Charles Giegrich, personal representative of the author, and Whitman Bennett, business representative, arrived in Chicago a few days ahead of time to plan the club showing and also to complete arrangements for the first theatre exhibition. Magazine Practical Aid Ascher's Theatrical Magazine, edited and published by Roy Swan, is proving a substantial prop for business in the outlying theatres. With a circulation of 100,000, it is rapidly proving its popularity, and as copies are obtainable only in connection with paid admissions, the magazine is proving its practical value. As the Roosevelt Theatre is especially featured in each edition, the effect on Ascher business in the loop has also been improved. Publication which was temporarily suspended has now been resumed and an elaborate Christmas number is now in preparation. Neuhaefer on Trip L. P. Neuhaefer, general manager for Ascher Brothers, left Chicago November 17 for the East, on a trip concerning his general interests. On the return trip he will visit all the houses on the circuit. Film Opens at Randolph "Way Down East" had its first popular price showing in Chicago at the Randolph Theatre, where it opened Saturday, November 19. for an all-winter run. SAXON KLING Who played the lead in S. E. V. Taylor's feature, "Trail of Heart's Desire," and who is now on the stage with the new Belasco show