The Moving picture world (May 1922)

244 MOVING PICTURE WORLD May 20, 1922 It had been expected and rumored that the New York delegation held "an ace in the hole" for the Tuesday session, but this did not materialize. Considerable commotion resulted after Cohen had replied to Walker's charges, the New York delegation succeeding in getting certain amendments through, but it was evident after these amendments were adopted that Cohen would be re-elected in spite of the opposition of delegates from his own state. William Brandt of New York was the most active Walker worker. Charles L. O'Reilly fought determinedly, but Sam Berman had nothing to say. That Willard Patterson had allied himself with the New York delegation was apparent as a consequence of deliberations during the Wednesday session. With Julian Brylawski of Washington in the chair during the elections, Patterson demanded the right to explain a situation that had developed among the Georgia delegates, but the chairman refused to recognize him, saying that "we are finished with the State of Georgia." "Yes, you are right, Mr. Chairman, you are finished with the State of Georgia," replied the Atlantan. But Georgia was not the only state that split as a result of the New York fight, for disagreements also arose among the Missouri and Western Pennsylvania delegations, although the latter voted unanimously for Cohen. Chairman Brylawski was attacked by both factions. Even the most loyal supporters of the organization charged that the "steamroller tactics" were the most disgraceful ever witnessed. The executive committee also was charged with breaking facts and acting unconstitutionally, but to these charges the chairman, under prompting of Parliamentarian Clarence Cannon, of the House of Representatives, and M. J. O'Toole, of Scranton, Pa., ruled that the proceedings were legal and in compliance with the rules previously drawn up by the rules committee and adopted by the convention. As to the constitutionality of the proceedings, Mr. Brylawski ruled that inasmuch as a constitution had been adopted by the executive committee on Sunday, May 7, the proceedings were proper and consistent with provisions contained in that document. But the point was made that the delegates had not been given the opportunity to discuss the merits of the constitution. The chairman replied that the executive committee had passed on the instrument and that "was sufficient." A demonstration of riot-size proportions broke loose, but it was even for the reason that the opposition lost out and the elections resulted. Among the other important issues that came up for discussion during the convention were the following: The elimination of non-theatrical competition. The elimination of the road-showing of pictures which was characterized as "unfair competition that is driving the ex hibitor against the wall and making it impossible for him to properly cater to his public." The establishment of service stations in each exchange center throughout the country, with a special representative in charge under the supervision of the national headquarters. The elimination of deposits on pictures. The inauguration of a nation-wide campaign against legitimate stock sellers and the affiliation with other organizations in putting an end to this practice. A special department with local representatives will be established for this purpose. Fight against "trustification." Investigation into the cost of accessories and a demand for a big decrease in their prices. This investigation will be conducted by a special committee and it is intended to effect some sort of arrangement with producers whereby the accessories will be given at virtually cost price. Protest against the exhibition of any picture or pictures showing Peggy Joyce, the ex-chorus girl, one of whose admirers recently committed suicide in Paris. It was stated that a persistent rumor was afloat that she was shortly to be starred in pictures. The exhibitors passed a resolution condemning the making of any such pictures and pledged their influence in bringing about the defeat of any such intention of any producer by closing their houses against the exhibition of such films. Further use for the screens of the country by civic organizations for the advancement of civic life. Co-operation with Women's Clubs of America and joining with them in movements purposed to better conditions in this country. Nation-wide fight against censorship with every eflfort concentrated on its repeal in states where it is in force. This work will be in charge of a special committee. While much bitter feeling did exist among certain delegates, they did not permit these diflferences to interfere with their duties as American citizens and they not only oflFered the government use of the screens for whatever purpose required to promote the general welfare of the nation, but also remembered the brave lads who crossed the seas in the World War. The soldiers were paid a splendid tribute in more ways than one. But the most significant and impressive of all was the placing of a wreath on the grave of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery in Arlington, Va., on Friday morning by delegates and their ladies, led by Mrs. A. R. Pramer, head of the ladies' committee. Another memorable feature was the meeting of the President and Mrs. Harding at the White House by the delegates. It had been intended that the President would address the delegates, but previous engagements prevented him from doing so. Will Hays, president of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors Association, officially addressed the M. P. T. O. A. at the banquet held in the Salon Des Nations, Washington Hotel, on Wednesday night. Mr. Hays made a splendid impression and there was little doubt among the exhibitors but that he was the right man in the right place and it was decided that his and the exhibitor organization co-operate on matnewly-elected president was completely Hays paid a fine tribute to the national exhibitors' organization. The keynote of his address was "confidence and cooperation." Other distinguished speakers at the banquet were M. J. O'Toole, who acted as toastmaster and chairman of the M. P. T. O. A. Public Service Department ; Judge Murphy, counsel of the Michigan M. P. T. O. ; Assistant Secretary of Labor Henning, Dr. Francis Holley of Washington and an active worker of the M. P. T. O. A. Public Service Department; Secretary of the Navy Denby, Governor J. O. Prenus of Minnesota, Adolph Zukor of New York, President Cohen of New York, W. W. Hodkinson of New York, and Marcus Loew of New York. Following Cohen's spirited address, Morris Needles of New York presented the president with a gold watch. The newly-elected president was completely surprised and the presentation furnished a dramatic climax to a most trying day in which Cohen had been made a target of verbal attack by some of the New York delegates. However, he was given an ovation and responded eloquently. Important among the many interesting statements made at the banquet, which is reported elsewhere in this section, was that of Mr. Zukor in which he expressed the hope that the next convention would be one not only "of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners, but also a convention of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners together with the whole motion picture industry." Because of the Walker controversy time was wasted. The controversy held the attention of the delegates for two full days. On the third day the elections were held, but because of the banquet in the evening it was necessary to adjourn early. On Thursday the first real business of the convention was transacted, but again an early adjournment was necessary and indications at midnight on Thursday were that the convention would not adjourn until late Friday night. Many of the delegates began leaving Washington on Wednesday night and quite a few left Thursday. However, the convention was the largest attended and historically the most important ever held since the inception of the organization. Chicago was selected as the next convention city. San Francisco, too, sought the convention of 1923, but withdrew its application when it was evident that the \Vindy City was the inevitable selection.