The Moving picture world (November 1921)

1054 MOVING PICTURE WORLD December 31, 1921 ing. If a story can be told in two reels, and instead is lengthened into five reels, the entire industry suffers. Educational Pictures will continue its crusade to have pictures judged by their merits, and not by their length. Educational's entire strength and weight will back up the exhibitor in giving audiences real entertainment with diversified programs. Western Pictures Exploitation Company to Add Producing Units New Year to See Further Stabilization and Economy Forecast of 1922 I am not particularly desirous of being placed in the light of a prophet because so many things happen in this ever changing industry that what may seem possible today may seem impossible tomorrow. However, in a general way I feel certain that whatever does happen there is sure to be a closer approach to stabilization, a further elimination of waste and extravagance' and accordingly a healthier industry. The various elements that comprise this wonderful business have come to the realization that deflation is absolutely necessary if the industry is to survive, and with this remedy in progress there is no reason why the coming year should not be good. Walker Repeats Speech Addressing the semi-annual convention of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of Wisconsin at Milwaukee on December 19, Senator James J. Walker, the national counsel, again discussed the controversy of the national officials with Associated First National Pictures and in practically the same language he has used at other similar exhibitor meetings, he said that First National's policy of silence meant contempt or fear. President Sydney Cohen devoted some time to calling Hiram Abrams, president of the United Artists Corporation, a "parasite." He also urged uV use of the Urban Movie Chats by exhibitors. COINCIDENT with the return of Irving M. Lesser, general manager of Western Pictures Exploitation Company, to the home office in Los Angeles, announcement was made that several new units will be added to those now making independent productions for distribution by this firm. Mr. Lesser has just completed a transcontinental trade survey and selling campaign in behalf of independent producers operating in the Los Angeles film colony, and he has found that conditions justify an increase in production. Michael Rosenberg, treasurer of Western Pictures, and Mr. Lesser have been in conference since Mr. Lesser's return with a director of prominence and a feminine star who has played leading roles with practically all of the foremost male stars of the screen. There is a possibility, too, that the Irving Cummings Northwest Mounted Police stories, now being made in two-reel lengths, will be increased to five-reels. Existing contracts for the Maple Leaf Specials, as the Cummings pictures are known, must be carried out before the added footage can be put on. Mr. Lesser said that he was what might be termed "a conservative optimist," in that he always had to see definite evidence of prosperity before accepting reports of it. Middle West "Tight" "In the Middle West there appears to be a tightness of money, and in the New England states theatre owners are not doing the business they should," said he. "But in the eastern, central eastern, southern and western states all of our product is being contrated for and playing to good houses. "Since my return I have had an opportunity to talk with the independent producers working under our banner and I can safely predict that productions now in the making will pleasantly surprise state rights buyers everywhere. "Lester Cuneo is just completing 'Silver Spurs,' an unusual story of big drama and thrills. It was something of an experiment when Charles W. Mack, general manager of the Doubleday Productions, allowed the authors, Henry McCarty and Leo Meehan, to direct. Mr. Mack is enthusiastic over the picture. "Dick Hatton has finished his third Prairie Production, temporarily titled 'The Black Ranch,' but which is now called 'The Fightin' Fool.' His other two pictures, 'Fearless Dick' and 'The Hellhound of the West," were fast, but this is one of the swiftest westerns I have seen in a long time. "Louis Burston telephoned me today that he expects to make the last cut in David Butler's 'The Milky Way' in a day or so. He says he does not want me to see it until every title is in, and he declares that if I don't say it is a knockout then he is all wrong in his judgment of picture values, and he is an inveterate tan himself. 'The Milky Way' was written especially for Dave Butler by Lottie Horner and Clyde Westover. Mr. Westover is a successful novelist, having half a dozen popular novels on the market. "There is a distinct novelty in Irving Cummings' latest Maple Leaf Special, "Campbell of the Mounted.' It requires courage and imagination to get away from the commonplace, but Mr. Cummings has done it. It is a Northwest Mounted Police story two reels in length, with very fine atmosphere, unusual acting, swift-moving incident and a twist at the finish that will make audiences want to see more of the Cummings productions. "Two of the Cactus Features, two-reel westerns, have been completed. While I have not had an opportunity to see them, I hear they are far superior to any tworeelers of their kind on the market. Maryon Aye and 'Bob' Reeves are costarred in the Cactus Features. Albert Rogell is directing and Victor Hugo Halperin writing the stories for the RogellBrown Company, the producers." America Need Not Fear Foreign Competition AMERICA need not fear foreign competition in motion pictures, according to a comprehensive report just made by Secretary of Commerce Hoover in response to a Senate resolution asking the Secretary of Commerce to report the development of the industry in foreign countries and the extent of importation into the United States of films of foreign manufacture. Mr. Hover goes into the effect of the war upon the foreign production, declaring that the American producers have become so intrenched in their own country as to be well able to take care of their business. He points out that it is doubtful, for instance, if Italian imports will regain their pre-war importance. In the report it is pointed out that many of the films imported from Europe never go before the public, and doubt is expressed that any considerable percentage of films from either Germany or Italy will duplicate in popularity "Passion," "Deception," "Caligari," "The Golem" or "Theodora."