The Circus (United Artists) (1928)

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Over the upper front of your house, covering as much of the wall as possible, hang a big tapis bearing the words, "CHARLIE CHAPLIN in 'The Circtis.’ ” These letters should be of a color con¬ trasting with the background of the tapis, and sewn on. This makes a big flash. Ar¬ range for it well in advance. Preludes A dazzling stage presentation can be given with a small tent show introducing animal acts, acrobats and ballets. Proclaim a Circus Noises Contest during the run. Offer prizes for whistling, bird calling, monkey chatter, trumpeting, etc., or any kind of animal noises. Also peanut, pop¬ corn, and candy calls, and side show barker ■ lingo. A prelude duet may show Charlie and the girl at the little camp fire, with pantomime -^d sentimental songs. A legerdemain act provides a good intro¬ duction to the photoplay. So does a slack wire act. Impersonator Rig up a cage with an impersonator of Chaplin and a man in lion costume inside the bars. Have them do attention-attracting bits of business. (Note —Beware of alleged ”doubles” for the comedian or so-called film ’'rivals.” A number of these have been enjoined from using a costume or names similar to Chap¬ lin's. ) Get hold of a calliope and use it as a ballyhoo during the run of Charlie Chap¬ lin in "The Circus.” A calliope is highly appropriate. Dress it with cut outs from the posters, or with people impersonating characters from the photoplay. Keep the calliope in traffic, except when sending it on special neighborhood tours. The Lobby Have a rousing circus atmosphere in the lobby, with a ringmaster-barker and various characters ranged about. Use bunting, a sawdust floor, trapeze, and colored paper hoops. Outside use kerosene flares. Make up the ticket window as the back of a ticket wagon. Have a cage of live monkeys. Put up a sign: See what these monkeys do to CHARLIE CHAPLIN when he walks the tightrope in “The Circus” Drape one side of the lobby with canvas. Put two stuffed figures of little boys in the act of crawling under the canvas. Have a dummy of a big roustabout about to come down on them with a barrel stave. Use a sign: They'd crawl a mile to see CHARLIE CHAPLIN in “The Circus” Make a peep show containing illuminated photos from "The Circus.” Label it: “Have a free preview of Charlie Chaplin in 'The Circus.’ ” Set up hot dog, popcorn and red lemonade concessions. Bill "The Circus” consistently like a circus. Obtain a liberal supply of the United Artists great showman’s paper, and rent or snipe display space to the limit of available locations. Go after "daubs’* with all the zeal of a seasoned circus bill¬ poster. Get some of the veterans of the advertising car to help you. Page Three-