Motion Picture News (Jan - Mar 1914)

THE MOTION PICTURE NEWS 17 Plans for Big Ohio Convention THE Ohio state convention of the Motion Picture Exhibitors League, which will be held in Cincinnati from Jan. 27 to Jan. 29, inclusive, will be one of the most important held in the history of that organization. Many questions of vital importance both to the exhibitors of that state and to those of every other section of the country are scheduled for a full and free discussion and the action which will be taken by the members of the League will have an importance which outranks that of most similar gatherings. The headquarters of the members will be the Sinton Hotel, where the convention will be held. Among the very important questions to be discussed will be that of censorship, a subject of vital interest to many exhibitors at this time and which steadily becomes a theme for the careful consideration of an increasing number of others. Another question which will come up for discussion will be the number of reels which should constitute a program, and a definite ruling by the members of the League, officially deciding this point, which is of such paramount importance to many, is anticipated. Other matters pertaining to the progress and advantage of the League will also be brought up in the order of their importance, and action taken upon them. A strong effort is being made to secure the attendance of every member of the League in the state of Ohio. George H. Westley, special organizer of the national body, is now in that state, acting under the direction of President Neff. According to the campaign outlined it is planned to reach every exhibitor in the state who is not a member, before the big convention meets. All those who have not yet become affiliated with the organization will be shown the numerous benefits to be derived through membership in the League and a determined effort will be made to enroll them as members in time to insure their presence in Cincinnati on Jan. 27. Exhibitors who are already members are being urged by mail to make arrangement's, which will make their attendance at the gathering certain, in order that the list of absentees will be reduced to a minimum, when questions of such weight are to come up for discussion and decision. As a consequence of this well organized and thorough campaign it is anticipated that not less than one thousand members will answer to their names when the roll of the convention is called. Many letters are being received from exhibitors in other states, promising attendance and these visitors are expected to augment the numbers of the Ohio contingent to a considerable extent. Communications are arriving daily from the various companies, enclosing photographs of the head of the concern and its leading players and it is expected that long before the convention meets the League officials will have in their possession photographs of the principal figures in every concern in the United States engaged in the manufacturing end of the motion picture business as well as those of their most popular players. Already pictures have been received of President Frank L. Dyer, of the General Film Company, President Carl Laemmle, of the Universal Film Company, President C. J. Hite, of the Thanhouser Company, who is also vice-president of the Mutual Film Supply Company, President W. T. Rock, of the Vitagraph Company, Albert E. Smith, treasurer of the Vitagraph Company. J. Stuart Blackton, vice-president of the Vitagraph Company, and a full set of pictures of the Vitagraph players. A full set of pictures for the art studio at the convention has also been received of the Pathe players, the Eclair stock company, the Ben Bolt company and the Itala company. The exposition of arts at the convention is expected to be a revelation to the visitors. An experienced decorator has been engaged and every effort is being made to make this feature one that all who see it will. long remember. All who desire space should communicate immediately with the officials in charge and secure their reservations as otherwise they may be disappointed, the available space being somewhat limited. There will be a daily program printed, but it will contain no paid advertisements. Kentucky State Branch. No. 7, of the Motion Picture Exhibitors' League, which meets in Covington on Jan. 27, plans to adjourn after attending to the routine business of the local organization, in order to attend the big convention in Cincinnati. Delegations of exhibitors from many other nearby states are also expected, while representatives from nearly every state in the union have written to League officials and expressed their intention to be present. A complimentary ticket will be* reserved for every visiting exhibitor, manufacturer, film exchange man and all who are interested in the motion picture for the big banquet on the night of Jan. 28 and the grand ball on Jan. 29. Both the banquet and the ball, as well as all the other entertainments planned by the Ohio branch of the League, will be free for the visitors. Ohio members are using every effort to bring about harmony and goodfellowship among exhibitors everywhere, as well as within the confines of their own state and they will leave no stone unturned, which will make for the comfort or enjoyment of their guests. In consequence, the coming gathering gives promise of being one of the most successful as well as the most important held in the history of the motion picture. The National Executive Board will meet on Jan. 26 and all grievances or suggestions should be presented to this body in writing before the date when they meet. A full set of state officers for Ohio will be elected at the convention and a new treasurer will be chosen to succeed Mr. Rieder, who has resigned. The slogan of the convention is "On to Cincinnati and Get Together," and it promises to be a rallying cry, which will bring big results. SCENE FROM "A WAIF OF THE PLAINS" Warner Features — 3 Reels.