The Moving picture world (January 1922)

January 14, 1922 MOVING PICTURE WORLD 167 Silver Service Is Given J, P. Bickell on Fifth Anniversary of Regal Films ONE of the most outstanding func- tions in the whole history of the picture business in Canada took place on Thursday, December 29, when a complimentary banquet was tendered J. P. Bickell at the King Edward Hotel, Toronto, Ontario, the occasion being the jifth anniversary of the establishment of Regal Films, Ltd., one of the greatest film exchanges in the Dominion, and of the Regent Theatre Company, Toronto. Mr. Bickell is the vice-president of the Famous Players' Canadian Corporation and of the Eastern Theatres, Ltd., as well as being identified in an official capacity with associated enterprises, in- cluding Regal Films, Ltd., Famous- Lasky Film Service, Ltd., Hamilton The- atres, Ltd., Regent Theatre Company of Toronto and other organizations. Em- ployes of the associated companies from coast to coast assembled to the number of 300. A unique feature of the occasion was the presentation to Mr. Bickell of a magnificent service of solid silver, com- prising 225 pieces, in an English walnut cabinet, and of a morocco-bound album containing views of the forty-two the- atres in Canada controlled by the Bickell interests, the honors being performed by N. L. Nathanson, managing director of the affiliated companies. The name and inscription plate on the album is of pure gold from the Mclntyre Mine in North- ern Ontario, in the development of which Mr. Bickell has been closely identified. To remind the guest of honor of the originating point in his success in busi- ness, one corner of the banquet hall had been transformed into an ingeniously lighted grotto, which was a replica of the shaft head of the Mclntyre Mine. A sextette of lovely women was raised in turn by an elevating contrivance from the depth of this shaft, and each young woman bore a tray of the silverware. After each tray had been placed in the immense cabinet, the actual presentation took place. J. L. Day Says American Pictures Have and Will Hold First Place in Brazil JOHN L. DAY, South American rep- resentative of the Famous Players- Lasky Corporation, returned to New York on December 23, from a stay of several months in Brazil and Argentina in the interests of the foreign depart- ment, under the direction of E. E. Shauer. Considerable time was devoted to the Paramount offices in Rio de Jan- eiro, Peliculas D'Luxo Da America Do Sul, where extensive arrangements were made for increased distribution facilities during the coming year. "Despite the low position of Brazilian exchange, the motion picture industry has enjoyed good business during the last few months," said Mr. Day. Among the most popular pictures, he said, have been "Male and Female," "Midsummer Madness" and "The Furnace." "The outlook for 1922 business is FOX productions will be distributed throughout the entire Orient, with the exception of Japan, by the Mid- dle East Films, Ltd. Negotiations with the Oriental distributing agency were consummated through Joseph Fisher, an official of the concern. Distribution of films in the Orient has been greatly lim- - ited, due to many conflicting forces. By this agreement hundreds of theatres in China, the Malay Peninsula, Manchuria and other countries, will be in a position to contract for Fox productions. According to Fisher, William Farnum much more cheerful," Mr. Day stated. "There is a firm belief that Brazil's ex- change position will be considerably im- proved during the coming months, and this will have a most beneficial effect upon the motion picture industry. The world exposition to be held in Rio de Janeiro next September should draw many people to Brazil and will no doubt bring much new business for the motion picture theatres. "Despite the efforts of foreign pro- ducers to gain a strong foothold in Bra- zil, the highest grade American pictures continue to hold first place and cannot be displaced in the estimation of the critical public. During 1922, as in the past, Brazil should continue to be one of the greatest of all markets for American pictures anywhere in the Southern hemis- phere." and Tom Mix, the Fox stars, are the most popular screen artists with the in- habitants of those remote parts of the world. Picture patrons there are espe- cially fond of speedy action. Fisher tells many interesting facts about the screen and its followers in the Orient. Many theatres in Java, Straits, Settlement and China have a transparent screen with the auditorium divided into two parts. On one side sit the elite, while on the other side the coolies and poorer class enjoy the ifilms. Apparently it makes little difference to those "on the other side" that the titles are shown upside down. They follow the story closely and applaud and laugh at the right time. In the past, film has been handled so carelessly in the Orient that its life has been short. This is in great part due to native operators, who are not skilled in their work. The men who are now working for the good of the business in the Orient are taking steps to rectify this, to school operators and have films handled with care. Bronx Elects Wittman for Tenth Consecutive Time At a largely attended meeting of the Bronx Motion Picture Theatre Owners' Association, on December 22, John J. Wittman was elected to serve a tenth consecutive term as president. John C. Bolte was made vice-president for the third consecutive time, and Henry Cole went in as executive secretary for the ninth time. Henry Suchman got a second term as treasurer. Others elected were: Trustees, Edward Falter, Morris Suss- man and Isadore Rothman; sergeant-at- arms, William Wilson. The tenth annual installation of officers will be staged at a banquet on January 25. The organiza- tion has a 100 per cent, membership. Arliss Appears at the Aldine Mr. and Mrs. George Arliss appeared in person on the stage in the new Al- dine Theatre, Philadelphia, shortly be- fore I A. M., January 2, in connection with the first local showing of the screen version of "Disraeli." Mr. Arliss set a new high mark in the matter of "personal appearances," and in a brief and humorous address further endeared himself to the more than 2,000 persons crowded into the edifice, while hundreds in nearby streets echoed the applause while braving the high wind and excessive cold, waiting to enter the the- atre. Near-zero weather prevailed. Mr. Arliss has been prevented, hereto- fore, from making any personal appear- ance. His stage play, "The Green God- dess," at the Booth Theatre, in New York, occupies too much of his time. C. DeMille and P. Iribe Introduced to the Pope According to a letter received by Mrs. Cecil B. DeMille at Hollywood during the holiday season, Mr. DeMille and his art director, Paul Iribe, who are enjoy- ing a vacation trip abroad, were recently presented to His Holiness Pope Benedict XV., during a brief visit to Rome. Later in their tour, Mr. Iribe has arranged for Mr. DeMille to meet the President of France and other notables of the re- public. On his return to Hollywood, Mr. De Mille plans to produce Alice Duer Mil- ler's story, "Manslaughter," with Lea- trice Joy in the principal feminine role. New Distribution Plan for Fox Film in Orient; To Erect Better Theatres