The Moving picture world (November 1922-December 1922)

838 MOVING PICTURE WORLD December 30, 1922 Thomas Ince Predicts Big Boom for Picture Industry THOMAS H. INCE, whose latest feature, "The Hottentot," will be released by First National Christmas Day, believes that the picture industry is in for a boom that will last. In an editorial in the Ince publication, "The Silver Sheet," edited on the coast by Arthur MacLennan, Mr. Ince writes : "There have been booms in our industry, but just as the boom days of other industries have slumped into days of lessened popularity so have our periods of the unnatural growth fallen away — we had not built a firm foundation and our periods of hectic prosperity could not endure. ^ "But our day of enduring stabliziation is here. This season will see the screen permanently established! "I am not concerned with the pessimistic reports of 'picture-goers' indifference' — 'poor productions' — 'nothing new in pictures' — 'no new faces' — 'necessity for mixed programs,' or any one of the countless phrases that are being uttered by individuals who do not appreciate the strides we have made in a few years. "Such unintelligent mutterings are not consistent with the evidences to the contrary that are everywliere throughout the industry. "Would business men of proved judgment such as Balaban & Katz launch such a house as the magnificent 'Chicago' theatre in the face of a possible waning popularity? And what of Colonel Fred Levy's new house. 'The Kentucky,' at Lexington — the "Melba" in Dallas — John Kunsky's new Detroit Theatre — Sid Grauman's 'Hollywood' — Gene Roth's 'Granada' in San Francisco — the splendid 'Eastman' in Rochester? "And throughout America and the civilized world where American-produced pictures are being shown countless theatres have been launched during the past few months — all dedicated to the exhibition of motion pictures. "Out of the general chaos in the motion picture industry immediately following the war — with its under-production and later its over-production — came a steady growth for our Art-Industry toward a permanent foundation. And I firmly believe this enduring foundation is now established. "Never before have we had as many big splendid productions from American producers as are available in this season. Each producer seems determined to give the best that it is possible for his organization to achieve, whether it be spectacle, big drama, program picture or comedy. "There is no need today for any individual connected in any way with the motion picture industry to make apology for a lack ing booked this season, and there will be more next year. This situation, alone, is answer sufficient to any mutterings concerning the one medium of expression that today entertains and educates millions throughout the civilized world. "We will have pessimists within and without our industry — we may have censors or arbiters, for one kind or another, but the screen is established. "My faithful hope of twelve years ago is niy certain knowledge of today." Better and More Varied Films for Xmas Season By ELMER PEARSON General Manager Pathe Exchange, Inc. THE motion picture industry deserves a Christmas present this year, and there are many signs that Santa Claus hasn't overlooked that fact. The present is arriving on the installmant plan, in the shape of better quality and more varied production, with attendance stimulated accordingly. That the desired effect should follow so closely on the cause is sufficient warrant for our settled confidence in the future, and for a continuance of our efforts to supply the public with the most attractive examples of screen entertainment. In claiming its share of credit for bringing about these improved conditions, Pathe is only reflecting the spirit of testimonials received from both exhibitors and patrons throughout the length and breadth of the land. In the field of comedy alone our efforts have set several new standards of the highest exhibitor value both present and prospective. The new feature length comedies of Harold Lloyd are acknowledged to be at once the best and the most popular ever given to the picture-loving public. They establish Lloyd as the peer of the greatest living comedy genius, and in comedy creations which compare favorably in form and human quality with the best popular examples written for the stage. It has been noted that "Grandma's Boy" and "Dr. Jack" are doing more than any recent motion picture productions of any type to influence a better class and more general patronage of the screen. And Lloyd has only just begun this advanced stage of his extraordinary career. In the too long neglected field of two-reel comedies we have started a consistent line of development which has met with hearty public encouragement. This is especially true respecting the outtput of two producing units at the Hal Roach Studios. It is our purpose to continue the development of the comedy field. Exhibitors and the public are coming to recognize the short subject at its true worth. Along this line lies the biggest development of the motion picture industry. Whether it proceeds quickly or slowly depends largely upon the exhibitor. The moment he realizes the necessity of making a proper and substantial price distinction between good short subjects and mere fillers, attractive producer profits will result in tremendous improvement of product. Total 110 Days on Loew Circuit Prominent in the news of "Dr. Jack" bookings is Pathe's interesting statement of a happy program solution connected with showings of the Harold Lloyd comedy feature under contracts just made with the Loew Circuit. Loew, the statement says, booked Will Rogers in the three reel screen drama of humor and pathos, "Fruits of Faith," to play all over the circuit with "Dr. Jack." The Rogers picture is announced for the Rialto for the week of December 31. Following this engagement, the Loew theatres will play the Lloyd-Rogers program uninterruptedly for a total of 110 days. Fireless Film by 1925 If Bill Passes It's That or No Pictures Can Move It certainly will be tough for exhibitors in 1925 if a bill introduced in the House by Representative Sanders, of Indiana, gets through their guard and becomes law. They'll be prohibited from importing, mailing, shipping, sending, carrying and transportation of any film that is inflammable, likely to get hot and burst into a blaze, or, maybe, even get close enough to that state to sweat a little. The definition of what may be considered an inflammable film is drastic. The pictures running now won't get within fifty miles of a railway or post office if the bill passes. They couldn't even be carried around in bomb-proof containers ten miles underground. The bill provides as a penalty a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year. Newlan T. Miller, State Fire Marshall of Indiana, asked Mr. Sanders to introduce the bill — and there it is. Indiana legal talent has drawn up a brief showing that the bill would be constitutional if enacted into law. Inventors are said to be burning the midnight oil to perfect a transparent steel tape on which the photographed story can be etched or otherwise impressed in a manner fully meeting every exigency of the occasion; of course, nothing has been said in the bill as to whether the new restrictions will decrease film rentals or otherwise. Legislation to prohibit the interstate transportation of film that can burn, flare, flame or otherwise cause heat or illumination has also been asked of Congress by the executive council of the Fire Marshalls' Association of North America. A memorial embodying the resolution was introduced into Congress by Representative Fuller, of Illinois. Phil Masi Dies Phil Masi, who has assisted Robert Vignola, Maurice Tourneur, George Archainbaud and Edwin Carewe in some of their biggest screen plays, died December 10 after an illness of one week. During his career in pictures Masi was associated with such stars as Mary Pickford, Elsie Ferguson, Marion Davies. Clara Kimball Young and House Peters.