Moving Picture World (Aug 1917)

August 18, 1917 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD 1103 and wiU dispense with an orchestra for pictures. Concord, N. C. — Mr. W. E. Stewart, owner of the Pastime theater, has closed the deal whereby he becomes proprietor also of the Strand theater. J. W. McCall, of Union, S. C, will manage the house. Gastonia, N. C. — J. White Ware, resident of this city, and owner of two theaters in Athens, Ga., last week purchased from Mr. J. E. Simpson the Ideal theater here. Wilmington, N. C. — Otto Haas, of Charlotte, owner of the Ottoway and Princess theaters, is spending the week at Wrightsville Beach. A. B. Cheatham, of the Charlotte Universal exchange, was here this week, and reports record breaking bookings on "The Grey Ghost" serial. NOTES FROM LYNCHBURG, VA. By Julian T. Baber. Lynchburg, Va. — Elsie Ferguson, Artcraft's new screen star, was in Lynchburg recently on her way to Natural Bridge, Va., to take several scenes in her initial picture, "Barbary Sheep." Mils Ferguson was accompanied by Director Tourneur and a large force of his technical staff and supporting cast. J. Bryan Craver, manager of the Broadway theater, was a delegate from Virginia to the national convention in Chicago recently. He will spend several days in Charlotte, N. C, with his brother, R. D. Craver, a well-known film man, before returning to Lynchburg. The Trenton theater, which present both pictures and vaudeville, has closed down for the summer season. MORE BUFFALO NOTES. Manager Sitterly's New Headquarters. Buffalo, N. Y. — The new headquarters of the Popular Cinema, Inc., will have all the other equipments of an up-to-date exchange. The place was formerly occupied by the Pathe. John M. Sitterly is the manager. Miss L. M. Miney and Leo. Hager, representing the Unicorn, and H. E. Hughes are at the same address. Mr. Hughes is western New York representative of the Super Film Attractions Co., of Syracuse. If Harry Dixon Goes They'll Get a Good One. Buffalo, N. Y. — Harry Dixon, manager of the Sun moving picture theater, Buffalo, has been drafted. If Mr. Dixon goes to the front he will prove a boon companion to his comrades in the trenches during a lull in the fighting. For some time he appeared in vaudeville as a "bird imitator." Upholding the American Eagle therefore ought to come natural to him. He will also be able to contribute some peppery stuff to the trench magazines, because the Sun Theater Weekly, which he issued for some time, was replete with humor. This paper was fully described in these columns. If he is taken a prisoner his talent ought to ensure his good treatment. Bison City Film Jottings. Buffalo, N. Y. — Harry Marsey, general manager, has closed the Family theater. Buffalo. The house will be redecorated throughout, and will re-open at the end of the month under the name of the Rialto. This moving picture theater is centrally located on Lafayette Square. Features will be the policy as heretofore. The prices will be ten and twenty cents. Heny Carr, manager of Shea's theater. Buffalo, recently had a detachment of the Third Artillery at his house. The boys stimulated recruiting and appeared in a sketch, "The Call to Arms." "Birth" was recently presented at the Glen theater, Williamsville. Film Affairs Last Week in Pittsburgh F. C. Burhaus Made Local Fox Manager— T. W. Chatbum Heads Vitagraph Exchange— Victoria Theater to Open in September — Other Notes. From Pittsburgh News Service, 6104 Jenkins Arcade, Pittsburgh, Pa F. C. Burhans Heads Pittsburgh Fox Office. PITTSBURGH, PA.— The local moving picture trade receives with much approval the announcement that F. C. Burhans, formerly head of the Pittsburgh Vitagraph exchange, has become manager of the local Fox office. He succeeds G. R. Ainsworth, resigned. While a young man in years, Mr. Burhans is a veteran in point of experience in the film business, both as an exhibitor and an exchange man. At one time he was manager of the chain of theaters controlled by George Balsdore in New York, and from that field entered the film game. When Mr. Balsdore opened the Vitagraph office in Pittsburgh some years ago, Mr. Burhans was appointed to a minor position. Later he became traveling representative out of this office, and then assistant to Manager Childs. A year ago he was placed in charge of the Vitagraph exchange. Mr. Burhans is president of the F. I. L. M. Club, having been a promoter of the organization and a leader in its affairs since its formation. His wide circle of friends and associates here wish Mr. Burhans continued success in his new connection. T. W. Chatburn Now Heads Pittsburgh Vitagraph. Pittsburgh, Pa. — T. W. Chatburn, formerly of the Chicago office of the Vitagraph, has been transfered to this city as manager of the Pittsburgh Vitagraph exchange, succeeding F. C. Burhans. Mr. Chatburn is a film man of broad experience, and is well-known throughout the trade from his long affiliation with the Mutual as special representative in the middle and western states. Edward Auger, eastern district manager of the Vitagraph, accompanied Mr. Chatburn and remained here several days. James B. Clark Gets Signal Honor. Pittsburgh, Pa. — A signal honor has been conferred upon James B. Clark, head of the Rowland & Clark theaters of this city, with his appointment as representative from the State of Pennsylvania on the National Committee on Public Information. This organization was formed recently at the request of President Wilson, and is expected to prove efficacious in disseminating information during the war through the co-operation of exhibitors and the film trade in general. Mr. Clark's broad experience and recognized ability in the field of publicity fit him exceptionally well to represent the moving picture industry in its work bearing upon the war situation in this country. Samuel Gould to Make Theater Bigger. Pittsburgh, Pa. — The attractive Gould theater, East Ohio street, Northside, Pittsburgh, is to be considerably enlarged this autum, according to an announcement made by Samuel Gould, owner and manager of the house. Mr. Gould states that business is showing a decided improvement over this season a year ago, and is confident that a large theater is needed and will meet with much favor in his locality. The adjoining building owned by Mr. Gould, is to be combined with the present theater structure, about doubling the seating capacity. Victoria Theater May Be Ready in Month. Pittsburgh, Pa. — Work is going forward rapidly on the new Victoria theater being erected by Mark Browarsky in Center avenue, Pittsburgh, and present indications are that the house will be ready for opening about September 15. The Victoria will be a handsome addition to the picture houses of this state, as it embodies the latest ideas in theater construction, and will have a seating capacity of 1,200. Mr. Browarsky, the owner, operates the Rex Amusement Company's chain of theaters in this city, the Rex, Rialto and Orpheum, and is a well-known exhibitor. R. J. Riley has resigned from the local staff of the Mutual exchange, and has accepted the position of booker for the Mark Browarsky chain of theaters. Expect New Clearfield House by Xmas. Clearfield, Pa. — Excavation has been started for a large new theater at Clearfield, Pa., and it is hoped to have the house completed by Christmas. The builder is Stoddard L. Driggs, owner of the Globe theater, and a prominent exhibitor of Clearfield. The policy of the new theater will be big feature attractions and roa* shows. Its seating capacity will be 1,100. Mr. Driggs will continue the Globe as an exclusive picture theater. Majestic Opens to Good Business. Punxsutawney, Pa. — The handsome Majestic theater, Punxsutawney, has been re-opened in an auspicious manner by the owner, William P. McCartney. The house, which has been closed for remodeling during the past three months, Is now one of the finest and most complete in its locality. New seats have been installed and the interior beautifully redecorated. High-class feature pictures are being continued. "Her Condoned Sin" at the Liberty. Pittsburgh, Pa. — The Liberty theater. East End, Pittsburgh, the largest and finest of the Rowland & Clark chain, ran the National Film Booking Company's subject, "Her Condoned Sin," August 2, 3 and 4. This feature is being shown by the leading houses throughout this section with much success. New Castle Man Buys Youngstown Theater. Youngstown, O. — The Orpheum theater, Youngstown, O., has been purchased by Wallace Draggett, a well-known exhibitor of New Castle, Pa., from P. G. Atsalas, who has conducted the house for the past seve» years. Mr. Atsalas announces that he plans to remain in the moving picture business, and will probably build or take over another theater in Youngstown. At present Mr. Atsalas is visiting in Chicago and New York City. Paul D. Irwin to Represent Leader Film. Altoona, Pa. — Paul D. Irwin, an experienced film man, has been appointed representative of the Leader Film Service, Pittsburgh, at Altoona, Pa. Mr. Irwin covered the Altoona territory for a number of years for the local Pathe office. New Brushton Theater Nearly Ready. Brushton, Pa. — The new Brushton theater, being erected at Brushton, a suburb of Pittsburgh, by the Horner Amusement Company, is now well under way and the owners expect to have it ready for opening about the middle of September. The house will be up-to-date in every particular and will have a seating capacity of 1,000. S. Z. Williams, formerly of the Milwaukee office of Pathe. has been appointed cashier at the local Pathe exchange, succeeding Mr. Burns.