Paramount Pep (1923)

4 PARAMOUNT PEP “BUT ABOVE ALL THINGS, TRUTH BEARETH AWAY THE VICTORY” This came from one of New York’s real shoppers and bargain hunters: “No, I never go in such and such a store because their windows don’t tell me anything. Of course, once I ventured in and upon inquiring from the floorwalker for a certain department, was met with a matter of fact reply, in all, conveying the idea that the store was doing me a favor in admitting me within its high and mighty portals.” No, the lady doesn’t go in that store anymore. The store? Certainly the store is all right — it carries the best in its line — in fact, just as good as the city affords, but the one floorwalker left that impression in this lady’s mind, which she will never forget. The man? She doesn’t even know his name, nor does she care; it’s that terrible store that lingers in her memory and another good customer is gone. She talks, yes, indeed, and all of her friends, should they venture there, do so with a sort of chip on their shoulder. All on account of ONE individual who has not as yet awakened to the fact that courtesy wins friends socially and customers commercially. Think of the hundreds of people he answers during the day. Two big handicaps for this concern — poor windows and an impolite floor manager. When they do come in they are literally kicked out. So instead of one improvement needed there are two. But let us hope that TWO are made. If you lay stress on getting your clientele IN, lay a little more stress on KEEPING THEM IN. One cannot exist profitably without the other. Paramount affords the best Motion Picture merchandise for the picture shopper — you know that and so do we, but it’s up to you to sell Mr. Exhibitor the idea of dressing his “windows” and getting the right “floor managers.” Here’s Quick, Efficient Work Our advertising department has just turned out in record time a job of which the whole organization has a right to feel very proud. In eight days they have prepared, had printed, and delivered a 20page illustrated booklet on "The Covered Wagon,” which is being sold in all the theatres where this great picture is showing. The booklet is 9x12 inches in size, has three-color front and back covers, and is a de luxe piece of literature in every respect. To give an idea of the lightning speed with which the work was done, here is the schedule : On Thursday, April 12, John C. Flinn concluded arrangements for the distribution of the booklets in the theatres. There was then no sign of a booklet in sight. On April 13 material for the three-color front and back covers and nine pages of text matter were delivered to the printer. On April 14 nine specially prepared layouts of pictures, retouched and carefully captioned, went to the print shop. On April 16 the border for the text pages, drawn by one of the best artists in New York, was completed and put in the printer’s hand. On April 19 all plates were completed, the forms made ready, and the presses started to run. On April 20 sample copies were delivered. On April 21 5000 “Covered Wagon” booklets started by special messenger for the Chicago opening. On April 22 “Covered Wagon” booklets were selling like hot cakes at the Woods Theatre, Chicago, where the picture is now breaking records. A. M. Botsford, our Advertising Manager, supervised this big and very speedy job. Vincent Trotta, Art Manager, and his assistant, Saul Schiavone, prepared the art layouts, Russell Holman, of our Advertising Department, and Samuel D. Palmer, of the Publicity Department, were responsible for the reading matter. Fair Dealings From Grinnell Topics Believe in his promise until he breaks it, Believe him honest until he lies, Honor his name until he makes it A symbol for conduct which men despise. Believe him fair till he deals unfairly, He has a right till he proves untrue To be not as a man who will meet you squarely, He should be judged as he deals with you. Give him your faith until it is shaken, Trust him until he betrays your trust, Take his word as you’d have yours taken, Let your dealings with him be just. Give him credit for fair endeavor, Make him your friend till he proves untrue, He may be worthy your trust forever, Brand him not till he’s false to you. EDGAR A. GUEST. STEP ON IT FOR MAY This Publication is Distributed Only to Officials and Employees of the FAMOUS PLAYERS-LASKY CORPORATION Its Contents are Strictly Confidential PAUL L. MORGAN Editor Vol. 7 APRIL 25, 1923 No. 42 Shopping