Moving Picture World (Aug 1917)

August 18, 1917 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD 1063 L^ajsja^JSJSISJ^MaMSM^MM^MSJSMEMSMMMSJSMSiMaSMSJSMf7^ Indian Notes nM&M^MSEM&I^MSM^M^M&M&M^MEESM^EM&MSM^Mm By S. B. Banerjea. THE Royal Opera House of Bombay has just screened that particularly fine play, "In the Heart of New York." The insight which it gives of the American apache affords much food for thought. * * * The Empire theater, of Bombay, is presenting the "Who's Guilty?" serial. It will be shown in Calcutta later on. * * * The authorities of the Bombay New Alexandria cinema have begun exhibiting "Liberty." It is attracting large houses. At the evening show one war loan lottery ticket is being given away. * * * The Pathe super-serial, "The Shielding Shadow," will be shown at the Imperial cinema shortly. It is bound to prove a success, considering the fact that every episode contains a thrill of an unusual kind. I trust Mr. Madan will exhibit it at his Picture Palace, Calcutta, and I dare say he will have no cause to regret the exhibition. * * * The Picture Palace has just concluded showing "The Red Circle." Whenever I went I found crowded houses, and the playgoers enthusiastic. Mr. Madan's next serial will be "Peg o' the Ring." It will be shown at his New Cornwallis very shortly. Mr. Incasse, of the Bijou, does not go in for serials. He specializes in British films, but cannot do without those of American manufacture. He knows the secret of attracting large houses, hence the instantaneous success of the Bijou. He opens his second theater with "The Lost Chord" shortly. * ♦ 4 In the issue of April 21 I referred at length to the case instituted .by Mr. Cochrane, of the Universal Film Manufacturing Co., against the Neikban Cinema Syndicate, of Rangoon. The counsel for the plaintiffs explained to the court certain difficulties which had arisen owing to the non-arrival of the affidavit of documents, which his clients had been ordered to file. It was presumed that they had been lost at sea in transit from America, and his instructions were to allow the case to be dismissed. The court has accordingly dismissed the suit with costs. For the first time in the history of the Indian film world, a big film fire has to be recorded. It occurred in Calcutta, the victim being M. L. Sen, proprietor of the Royal Bioscope Co., who lost about 200,000 feet of film, due to careless handling of a gas generator. * * * In view of the paper shortage, the question of posters has cropped up. In India attractive posters are absolutely necessary. Hundreds of illiterate people patronize the bioscopes. They are attracted by posters alone. Why not have posters in Indian vernaculars? For Bengal, Bengali and Hindi posters are required; for Bombay the posters should be in Malnatti and Guzrati, and so on. I trust film manufacturers who cater to Indian markets will consider my suggestion. I have said more than once that there is a big field in India for capitalists desirous of opening cinema shows. Nobody should think of starting a show unless he has at least $20,000 at his back. He must also possess a knack for business. It must not be thought that one has only to open a show, and the rupees will flow in. He must give his patrons their money's worth. Indian playgoers do not care whether a film has been manufactured by this renowned company or that. Serials always attract big audiences. Mr. J. F. Madan, of Calcutta, knows this fact, and hence his success. He specializes in serials; nobody else in Calcutta does so. I want to therefore advise parties who might feel inclined to open cinema shows in India to exhibit serials at frequent intervals. A very large number of serials have not yet been exhibited in India; for instance, the 50-part series, "The Girl from 'Frisco"; the 32-part serial, "J. Dale," etc. Open a show with such a serial; its instantaneous success is certain. The accompanying illustration is a view of The Picture House, one of the best motion picture houses in Calcutta, India. It is owned and managed by K. D. & Brothers of / The Picture House, Calcutta. Benares City, India. K. D. & Brothers are the sole agents in India, Burma and Ceylon for the Universal Film Manufacturing Company and the Nicholas Power Company. sjEIdMSH^ Australian Notes COMPLAINTS are still numerous among the film exchanges as to the unwarrantable holding up of films submitted to the Federal Censor Board for approval. All pictures, even of the topical and scenic variety, have to be submitted, and where a synopsis is deemed insufficient on which to base a judgment the films themselves must be sent to Melbourne. All this means expense: to the film importers, whose headquarters are in Sydney, and when the pictures are held for days, and, in some cases, weeks, awaiting a decision, the exchanges are obliged to suffer losing their dates in other States. * * * Backed by a big advertising campaign, the Friedman subject, "A Mormon Maid," is doing tremendous business in Sydney and Melbourne, and has broken all records in both cities. R. J. Dexter, publicity manager for Australasian Films, Ltd., has been very successful in working up public interest over the film, and the result has been long lines of people waiting outside the theaters for admission. The press publicity given to the cable from the Governor of Utah, asking the Censor Board to hold the picture, also helped much in this direction. * * * The Southern Cross Feature Film Company has been formed in Adelaide, South Australia, with the object of producing feature photoplays with well-known Australian stage players in the leading roles. The company has made arrangements with a leading producer here, and it is estimated that six or eight five-reelers can be made during the coming twelve months. W. T. Plank, an American who recently arrived in this country, is guiding the destinies of the new concern, and in addition will personally supervise each production. * * * Under the working title of "The Song That Reached My Heart," John F. Gavin is busy on a feature production with Vera Amee in the leading role. * * * Beaumont Smith has completed the second of his "Hayseed" series of comedies, which is entitled "The Hayseeds in Sydney." This will be released as soon as new supplies of unexposed raw film comes to hand. Fred McDonald, who is one of the most prominent Australian actors, is the leading player. * * * Reference has been made in previous letters to the possibility of there being six State Censorship Boards in addition to the Federal Board. A recent proposition, made seriously by the Local Government Association to the Minister for Local Government, would lead to the institution of about 300