Tumbleweeds (United Artists) (1925)

Mail Campaign and Teaser Copy with Tie-up Ideas Newspaper Tie-Ups If possible arouse a newspaper controversy in your city relative to the homesteading period in America. Which was the last to be taken up? “Tumble¬ weeds” deals with the last dash of the American homesteaders to locate on the Cherokee Strip in Oklahoma and Kansas when it was opened by the govern¬ ment. Some old timers like to write about these matters. The fact that any news about William S. Hart is really NEWS, makes it easy for you in many ways. The public loves him and the fact that he is now '^releasing through United Artists is an added advantage. Bill Hart is interested in all movements that benefit boys and your local Boy Scouts will be quick to aid. So get them interested and you ought to get a good story in the local papers about Bill Hart’s great friendship for the rising generation. Maybe the Scout Master knows Mr. Hart or at least knows what has done and is doing and will be glad to contribute a leading article along Wt lines suggested. Another of Mr. Hart’s traits is his love of animals. The humane society in your town will be happy to cooperate in any way and you may get a good story from them to tie up with Mr. Hart’s fondness for animals. Ministers, leading advocates of the humanities, should all take a keen in¬ terest in Mr. Hart’s picture—because he stands for all that is clean and fine and wholesome in photoplays. An article by the noted people of the town in this walk of life, on his work for boys, animals and in perpetuating the history of the West and the frontiers, would be good material. Two Letters for Mailing Dear Sir—It is hardly necessary to tell you that if you visit the. theatre this week (or whatever date) to witness William S. Hart in “Tumble¬ weeds,” a United Artists Corporation picture, you will be entertained royally, and at the same time be interested in the epic quality of the drama which deals with the settling of the Cherokeo Land Strip in ’89. There is plenty of wholesome comedy and Bill Hart is at his best in this new picture. The cast is an exception¬ ally fine one and the scenic qualities are admirable. Very truly yours, Dear Madam—We feel sure you will be interested in the fact that Hal G. Evarts’ story, “Tumbleweeds” which appeared in the Saturday Evening Post originally and since in book form, has been made into a picture with William S. Hart as star. He produced the picture for United Artists Corporation re¬ lease and it is one of the best he has ever done. There are many wonderful scenes and plenty of drama, a compelling love story and wholesome comedy. It is a picture for the whole family and one certain to entertain, and it will be at the.I-.theatre on. Very truly yours, How to Reach the Women To interest women in “Tumbleweeds,” work up interest with the Camp¬ fire Girls if there is one of their lodges in your locality. This brings the mothers, too. The same obtains with Boy Scouts. Have some pioneer woman of your town write an article for the papers of her own early experiences—maybe she knows about the Cherokee Strip— that was only settled in 1889—and can give the picture of an eye-witness in this article. She could also touch oii the life of women on the frontier—their hardships, bravery, and so on. The matter of interesting children in the picture is covered by the Boy Scouts and Girl’s Campfire stunts suggested. Other ideas will occur according to the geographical location of your theatre. Then, too, Bill Hart is the favorite of the younger generation. His name alone will bring the boys and girls to the theatre. An exhibitor who wished to spend a little money, where he has a week- stand of “Tumbleweeds” for example, could give little cowboy suits away to children at a prize matinee and advertise it in advance. This will bring ’em in. Teaser Copy Use of the word “Tumbleweeds” should have curiosity—exciting value, especially where this variety of weed is little known. Teaser cards, or strips, might first contain simply the word “Tumble¬ weeds.” Follow up with “Tumbleweeds” Coming. “Would you rather be a Tumbleweed or a Squash?” Finally See William S. Hart in “Tumbleweeds”—a William S. Hart Production, a United Artists Corporation release. Here are some other suggestions: “When did the last dash of American Homesteaders take place and where?” See William S. Hart in “Tumbleweeds” for the answer. Where was the Cherokee Strip located? See William S. Hart in “Tumbleweeds” and get the answer. Use of the verses in the book—a verse at a time—on a card or strip should excite interest and amusement. After the verse— “See William S. Hart in ‘Tumbleweeds,’ etc., at. theatre, next...” Postal Cards 41 Bill Hart will be at the .theatre on.and we know you don’t want to miss his picture, “Tumbleweeds.” It is the finest thing he has ever done and has plenty of love interest and clean comedy—a real Bill Hart drama of the west. Yours It is with pleasure that we announce William S. Hart in “Tumbleweeds” which will be at our theatre on. You cannot afford to miss it— it is Bill Hart at his very best. Bring the family—they’ll all enjoy this picture. Sincerely Contests Work up a contest between Boy Scouts or Campfire Girls on some western matter—such, as trailing, roping, or whatever may be possible. Souvenir photos of Mr. Hart could be given, with theatre tickets for prizes. x Attaches and Ushers Cowboy garb, the girl ushers, if used, in cowgirl dress, is appropriate. Aside from this there is little to suggest because otherwise the apparel of the eighties was not especially attractive or essentially different. “Tumbleweed” Song Verses of the old “Tumbleweed” song which may be employed in publicity or exploitation are as follows: “Oh, I’m a rollin’ rambler,” Said the tumbin’ Tumbleweed, “The prairies are my racetrack, The wild wind is my steed!” “I never cease my roamin,’ I’m always hard to catch— But the punkin stays forever In the same old garden patch.” “The punkin lays and waits To be turned into pies and tarts But the tumbleweed it jumps the fence And heads for other parts!” (Additional verses are to be found in “Tumbleweeds” by Evarts) Street Display Get a covered wagon with ox-team or mules and have a driver pilot it through the streets with a big sign painted on sides: “I’m on my way to locate seats for ‘Tumbleweeds,’ William S. Hart’s production for United Artists at the.theatre. or Bill Hart’s at the...theatre in “Tumbleweeds.” I'm on my way to see the show! or Last chance to locate a section at.theatre to see Bill Hart in “Tumbleweeds.” Get aboard!