The Moving picture world (January 1922)

292 MOVING PICTURE WORLD January 21. 1922 In the Independent^Field Federal Trade Commission Will Investigate Activity of ''Flyers'' The Federal Tradt Commission will co-operate with tiie Inde- pendent Producers' and Distributors' Association in ridding the independent field of the so-called "fly-b\-nights" and crooked operatives. This information was disclosed at a meeting of the I. D. P. A. held Saturday night, January 7, in New York City. Virtually all the representative distributors and producers in New York were in attendance and voted to spare no effort to eliminate and prosecute these operatives. The question of "shoe-string" ex- members. Either live up to your changes whose illegitimate dealings with exhibitors have brought forth many complaints from exhibitors was gone into thoroughly by the association and it was decided to take immediate action against their dishonest practice. Many com- plaints have come to the attention of the association and these have been carefully considered. The situation insofar as the "fly-by-nights" is con- cerned is considerably better than it was a year ago. but the associa- tion has gone on record as determ- ined to continue the fight unti "they all have been thrown out.' The association, too, will work closer co-operation with the ex hibitors in an effort to locate "shoe string" exchanges. It is understood that a representative of the official will shortly make a tour of the country for the purpose of getting first-hand information concerning conditions. Fighting "Pirates^' However, the most encouraging piece of information demonstrative of the progress of the I.D.P.A. war against dishonest operatives was that concerning the co-operation that the Federal Trade Commission is giving. It is understood, too, that that Commission already has started a nation-wide investigation of the situation and that prosecutions will follow any discovery of illegitimate transaction. However, not all of the time con- sumed by the meeting was taken up with consideration of the "fly-by- night" question, for the problem of "piracy" also was taken up and dis- cussed from every angle. Following a lengthy discussion a system was adopted whereby the film labora- tories will co-operate with distribu- tors in tracing every print leaving their plants. The contract problem, too, came up and it was decided, finally, that the members of the association shall act collectively with exchanges who fail to live up to the contractual obligations. An official of the asso- ciation said: "This contract viola- tion business must stop and we are determined to put an end to the practice of certain individuals who make contracts without any inten- tion whatsoever of living up to them. The only way to check this evil is through united action and that is what we intend doing. Any exchange that fails to live up to its contract with any member of this association can not expect to acquire any more product from the other contracts or get out of business. Van Pelt will continue handling the publicity of the firm, however. The promotion of Mr. Van Pelt does not come as a surprise to his many friends, who have watched his work. He is well known both in trade circles and the legitimate show business. He has publicized many big legitimate and screen attractions and has been associated with Pro- ducers' Security Corporation for several years. E. 0. Van Pelt Is Promoted E. O. Van Pelt, the enterprising exploitation and publicity director for Producers' Security Coroora- tion, was this week promoted to the position of manager of the foreign department of that concern. Mr. Arrow Comedies Arrow Film Corporation an- nounced the following addition to its comedy release: "Rented Troubles," a Broadway comedy; "Put on the Brakes," a Cruelywed; "Just a Minute," Eddie Lyons; "Keep Moving" and "Are Husbands Happy?" and "Papa's Night Out," Speed. GLADYS VALERIE Who has played leading roles in Paramount, now appearing in All- Star Trovers Vale Productions In. Burr Closes Big Production Deal; Wesley Barry Signed by Warners Official confirmation of exclusive reports published in this department concerning the invasion of the State rights field by notable screen stars was made this week. C. C. Burr, producer of "Burn 'Em Up, Barnes," starring Johnny Hines, and the "Torchy Comedies," starring the same comedian, officially announced this week the consummation of a deal with Edwin Carewe whereby llie latter will produce two north- western feature productions with an option for more. Mr. Burr is asso- ciated in this enterprise with Bernie Fineman and Bennie Zeidman. Warner Brothers also closed this week an important production deal whereby they obtain the services of Wesley Barry, star of "School Days," which that enterprising firm is now distributing, for two features to be made in ten weeks. This en- gagement was made possible through Exclusive News of Trade National to Handle Ray Two-Reelers National Exchanges have acquired the distribution rights to the Charles Ray two-reelers, which were taken over some time ago by Joe Brand and Bert Adler under the firm name of Art Brandt Pictures Corporation. The series includes 15 productions. Federated to Meet in February An important meeting of the Federated Film Exchanges of America has been called for early in February. The meeting will be held either in New York or Chicago. A number of changes in the personnel of the exchanges is expected to be effected as the result of deliberations sched- uled for this meeting. Lon Chaney Is Reported Signed Lon Chaney, the character lead, who has starred in many "crook" pic- tures, is reliably reported as having signed a contract to produce several features in which he is starred, for National Exchanges, Inc. Mr. Chaney was in New York last week, but left after closing the National deal, according to the report, for the Coast. Arthur G. Whyte with Keith Arthur G. Whyte, formerly New York manager of the Paramount Exchan/e and interested in State rights exchange in Buffalo, this week signed a contract with John A. Murdock, general manager of the B. F. Keith Enterprises, whereby he will be virtually in charge of the bookings of pictures for the entire Keith circuit. an arrangement with Marshall Nei- lan. May Isl is the date set when Barry will officially start under the Warner banner. Wesley Barry's first Warner pro- duction under the new arrangement will be entitled "From Rags to Riches," the famous Joe Santley melodrama which A. H. Woods pro- duced years ago. The other will be "Little Heroes of the Street," also a famous melodrama, written by Lem Parker. Both these pro- ductions are particularly adapted to the unusual ability of the young star. Harry Rapf will produce both pictures, which William Nigh will direct. They also produced "Why Girls Leave Home" and "School Days" for the Warners. Creates a Star The C. C. Burr announcement also will create a stir among State right- ers and exhibitors in general for his first independent production, "Bum 'Em Up, Barnes," is cleaning up throughout the country. It is one of the biggest money-makers of the current season and exchanges and exhibitors who made use of it have besieged Mr. Burr with requests for other similar box office attractions. Mr. Burr also has in prospect an- other Johnny Hines feature on which work will begin within a few weeks. The title of the first production will be "Hell's Highway," a dra- matic offering dealing with a strug- gle between two brothers. Produc- tion on this picture will start im- mediately upon the arrival on the Coast of Mr. Carewe who left New York for Los Angeles on Thurs- day of this week. The production will be ready for State rights dis- tribution probably by March 1.