The Moving picture world (September 1923-October 1923)

326 MOVING PICTURE WORLD September 22, 1923 isugmtmb Hutun w lis st re sc it ar £ ki tc st e: nr. Vl ai w 'C ar r By EPES WINTHROP SARGENT SIGMUND LUBIN, pioneer motion picture manufacturer, died at his home in Ventnor, Atlantic City, September 11, after an illness of almost a year. Born in Breslau, Silesia, Mr. Lubin came to this country to engage in the manufacturing optical business, starting in Baltimore, and he invented or perfected many of the machines used in grinding spectacle lenses, later removing to Philadelphia, where his optical shop in South Eighth street still is in operation. This interest in optics led to investigation of the crude devices for the production of motion pictures. He established a studio for the manufacture of the short length comedies and scenics current at that time, but his chief industry was the "reproduction" of famous prize fights. The day following any notable fistic encounter always found the roof of the building which housed his activities crowded with office boys and employees who bet fabulous sums in stage money while a couple of local fighters, carefully made up to represent the principals in the encounter of the night before repeated the fight from the telegraphed description by rounds. It was these fight pictures which really laid the foundation of his fortune. In 1899 he built the first moving picture theatre in Philadelphia, in connection with an exposition, and later he was one of the heaviest investors in motion picture theatres, building the Victoria and Palace, as well as opening scores of store shows. At one time he had numerous other cities, but about 1909 he sold out to the Felix Is man interests, the theatres later becoming part of the Mastbaum string. With the money thus acquired he built what was, at that time, the largest motion picture studio in the country, the third regular studio to be built, following the Vitagraph and Edison companies. This was located at Indiana Avenue and Twentieth Street. Later he purchased the magnificent estate at Betzwood, at Port Kennedy, Pa., and planned to build there an industrial village along the familiar German lines. The dream was never realized in full, though the Betzwood V r studios are still operated by various companies. About 1916 the competition of newer and more aggressive companies resulted in the dissolution of the Lubin company, and the familiar Liberty Bell trademark was no longer seen upon the screens. Two or three years ago he visited Los Angeles in the hope of finding backing for a new venture, but in this he was unsuccessful, and in 1919 he made a trip to Europe in the hope of picking up another Passion. Of late, failing health prevented any activities. Mr. Lubin was the first to take an interest in medical films in this country, was one of the first to develop trick photography and for years his version of the Passion Play rivaled the Pathe production in popularity. He was also the first to make a film version of Uncle Tom's Cabin, in which he personally played the part of Simon Legree. To his great relief the negative was destroyed in the explosion in the film vaults about 1917. It was characteristic of the man that his first question on being told of the disaster was an inquiry as to the fate of those in the vault before he asked about the film losses. "Pop" Lubin, as he was generally known, was one of the most picturesque personalities in the early days of the business he did so much to develop. Eccentric, yet shrewd and lovable, he will long be remembered by the old-timers. Goldwyn Title Dispute Litigation to Enjoin Goldwyn from Using Name on Own Films The Goldwyn Pictures Corporation commenced an action on September 7 in the United States District Court against Samuel Goldwyn, former president of the film corporation, to enjoin him from using the name "Goldwyn" in connection with the production and exhibition of screen productions which he is now making. The complaint filed by the corporation recites that since the Goldwyn Pictures Corporation was formed in 1916 it has expended approximately $20,000,000 in producing and ixploiting "Goldwyn" photoplays, an additional $2,400,000 in advertising and now has about $2,500,000 invested in fifteen pictures which have not yet been released for exhibition. The complaint charges that the defendant is using the phrase "Samuel Goldwyn Presents" in advertising the screen productions, "Potash and Perlmutter" and "The Eternal City," to the injury of the film company which claims the right to the exclusive use of the name "Goldwyn" as utilized by the corporation since its organization. — Harvey Succeeds Gallup As Head of Advertising Department of Hodkinson Corporation With the resignation of George B. Gallup as advertising and publicity manager of the W. W. Hodkinson Corporation, to go with Associated First National, announcement is made of a reorganization of the Hodkinson personnel in several branches. George B. Harvey has been appointed advertising manager. Jack Edwards, formerly in the exploitation and publicity department, is named director of national publicity, including Fan magazines. Ned Holmes has been specially engaged to supervise the exploitation and publicity for "Puritan Passions," the latest Film Guild release, starring Glenn Hunter, and Charles Giegerich is engaged in a similar capacity to handle the new Wally Van picture, "The Drivin' Fool," and other features. The Hodkinson management also announces the appointment of S. Nelson, manager of the Minneapolis branch, succeeding H. M. Smith, resigned. The Best and the Worst Critics Tell Will Hays Their Views on Features and Comedies Will H. Hays has issued a recapitulation of the second collection of opinions of authors and newspaper critics of motion pictures. In this group "Down to the Sea in Ships" and "Only 38" are tied for the honor of being considered the best feature. "Robin Hood" was the choice of six, "Penrod and Sam" of five, "Within the Law" of four, "Enemies of Women" of three and "Driven" of two. The worst feature produced a wide difference of opinion. Four named "The Rustle of Silk" and another four "Souls for Sale." Three voted for "The Village Blacksmith," and there were two votes cast for "Has the World Gone Mad," "The Shock," "Bella Donna" and "Adam's Rib." Regarding the best comedy Harold Lloyd tops all other comedians with nineteen votes out of the possible fifty-four. "Safety Last" got fifteen, "Grandma's Boy" three and "Dr. Jack" one. The "Our Gang" comedians scored four votes. Douglas MacLean won two votes for his "Bell-boy 13." . Criticism of comedies was caustic. "Mary of the Movies" was picked by four as the worst. "Sixty Cents an Hour" got three votes and "The Pilgrim'" two.