The Moving picture world (January 1926-February 1926)

Cihe Theatre oP To-Day SdLUd bij CoLbij cJfarriman The Note Book RECENTLY I attended the opening of "The Love City," a drama in three acts featuring Sessue Hayakawa, the well known Japanese actor of the silver sheet. It was a source of gratification, in spite of the drab performance, to note the type of setting or scenic treatment given the play, which was along the lines of the new art as advanced and produced by the best motion picture theatres. The first act was a fabric set, the walls, ceiling, backings all of fabrics of metalline material hung in heavy folds forming the outlines of the room. There was an opening up right leading out onto a balcony which overlooked the sea. There was a curtained alcove at extreme left in which a "joss" was placed, and the lighting was very colorful, particularly arranged to highlight the folds and emphasize the fabrics. The second act was introduced with a series of printed scrims, one a Chinese street, another a London scene, and when the second act was disclosed after the scrims; had been taken away, large panelled interior of painted flats and draped columns were introduced. The lighting was particularly indicative of the motion picture houses, and the producers are to be congratulated for sponsoring this type of scene and treatment. A "scenic overture'' or atmospheric curtain preceded each act. This was a painted sea with a moon done in Chinese style on a metalline surface, with a black grand drapery and tormentors bearing a Chinese dragon design in gold. These were flooded first a green and a blue, then a red, then back to green prior to the rise of the curtain. The News Qalley The Mail Bag LAST week we ran a little box announcement in which we emphasized that this department was a service bureau. It has always been that since its inception but there are a lot of folks who haven't realized it. We have systematized our information on materials, etc., in a manner to render the maximum of service to our readers, and we have concrete evidence that we have been able to save much by showing our readers the short cuts, giving them information they could depend upon, and helping them to eliminate the non-servicable merchants. Why experiment? We can help you greatly. Tell us your troubles if you have any. Let us assist you in solving your problems and we can assure you that we will give out honest attention to your needs regardless as to how large or small they may be. I suggest that you address your inquiries to me direct. 03EPH PLUNKETT, managing director and impressario of the New York Mark Strand, is so encouraged over the favorable reception and receipts of his "Frolics" that he has decided to make them a regular feature of ,his programs "everything new — every week." PUBLIC BOOKING OFFICE WE are in receipt of a communication announcing the inauguration of a general booking office for attractions which will play the F. P. and B. & K. under the Publix banner. It is expected that the office will be in full swing within a couple of weeks with Herschel Stuart as supervising head. Earle Saunders has been engaged to assume charge of the booking activities at least on a temporary basis until the organization has been perfected. The office, according to present plans, will have a Times Square address. NOVELTY STAGE, CHICAGO HOUSE AVERY adequate stage is being designed for the new Oriental Theatre, a B. & K. house, Chicago. The stage which will approximately cost within six figures, will be one of three of its kind in existence. The stage will be capable of rising about ten feet from the normal level and may be lowered to the basement. It will consist of four sections and will be constructed to permit its moving about in any way that the producer desires. This arrangement will make it possible for four stage settings to be made at the same time. BAER FORMING MIAMI ORCHESTRA EMANUEL BAER, formerly director at the Rivoli and Rialto Theatres, New York City, has been engaged by the management of the Olympia Theatre, Miami, to supervise the organization and to conduct the orchestra for the new theatre which is to be opened within a few weeks. The organization will comprise about thirty musicians, most of whom will be selected from the Miami local. MILWAUKEE MAYOR IN PRESENTATION AN innovation was wrought in the production of the Old Family Album, a clever presentation at the Wisconsin Theatre, Milwaukee, when the Mayor of the city, the Hon. Daniel W. Hohn, appeared as a character in the presentation at all performances. The presentation itself which recalled many of the old features of the city was given an added impetus by the appearance of the Mayor who used this as a means to promote his program for the observation of the Eightieth Anniversary of the city. ASH HITS 1,000 PAUL ASH, who has demonstrated what a symphonic jazz orchestra can do provided it has a conductor with brains, showmanship and personality, has just celebrated his 1,000th show at McVicker's Theatre. Ash is not only the hit of Chicago, but his style is the talk of the show business. THE CAPITOL THEATRE. New York City, which has been adhering to a strict presentation policy in spite of the influx of jazzical revues, submits three comments relative to its policy, which we are glad to publish : VARIETY SAYS: "There has been nothing hectic about a Capitol show for some time. That is to say, the performances here have been conspicuous through the absence of jazz music, Charleston or acrobatic dancing. The result is a restful performance. And that this theatre is drawing and pleasing under such a campaign is undoubted. It's simply a matter of being entertained minus the 'hey, hcys,' and 'hot music' " O. O. McINTYRE (Celebrated Columnist) Says: "I believe the Capitol Theatre, the largest movie house in the world, offers more amusement than any institution in New York. . . It also stages ballets and surprisingly good vocal numbers. The attendants are courteous and the whole atmosphere is one of refinement." FILM BULLETIN SAYS: "The Capitol is well known all over the country for the high type of musical entertainment it offers each week, and with the spirit of jazz invading the sacred precincts of Carnegie Hall, Major Edward Bowes is being congratulated by prominent musicians and music lovers for continuing to present the music of great composers in the motion picture theatre." WHAT IS THE SURE-FIRE TYPE OF PRESENTATION FOR YOUR HOUSE? DO YOU FAVOR REVUES OR ARTISTIC FEATURES? ARE STANDARD VAUDEVILLE ACTS BETTER IN A SPECIAL PRODUCTION THAN A PRESENTATION FEATURE DEVISED LOCALLY? EVERY MANAGER WANTS TO KNOW THE LUCKGOOD OR BAD— OF HIS BROTHER MANAGERS. USE THIS COLUMN FOR YOUR COMMUNICATIONS.