Reel Life (1916-1917)

Kcwia GOSSIF OF EXCHANGES AND EXHIBITOR'S EXPRESSIONS CHARLES CHARIPAR, manager of the Metropolitan Theatre, Detroit, Michigan, expresses his approval of Mutual pictures as follows : “Recently we had occasion to run ‘The Pearl of Paradise,’ starring Margarita Fischer, and wish to say that we consider this picture one of the most beautiful, artistic and pleasing productions shown in our theatre for some time. Our patrons were so well pleased with it that we were obliged to rebook same to run at a later date. The comments were not individual, but general, and I will not hesitate to state that it was one of the best pictures I have ever seen and wish to compliment Mutual on the production. I trust more of this class of picture will be produced.” * * * J. BUTLER, manager of the Ishpeming Theatre, Ishpeming, Michigan, * is an exhibitor and also a writer. He likes Mutual productions. He shows Mu¬ tual pictures in his theatre and writes about them for the papers. A recent issue of the Mining Journal, published at Marquette, contains an article written by Mr. Butler, extolling Mutual productions and the Mu¬ tual policy. * * * IN the program of the Orpheum Theatre, Utica, N. Y., for February 5. William P. Donlon, manager, is advertising two Mutual productions, Margarita Fischer in “Miss Jackie of the Navy” and Mary Miles Minter in “Faith.” Mr. Donlon has also booked all the Mu¬ tual pictures in which William Russell and Richard Bennett appear. In his “Film Chat,” Mr. Donlon gives the following criticism of “Faith”: “We were recently invited to a private showing of ‘Faith,’ featuring Mary Miles Minter. If there has ever been a photoplay produced with such a wonderful appeal to young and old of all classes, we haven’t seen it. We urge lovers of clean pictures to see this fascinating drama.” * * * THE following cry for help was sent to the Milwaukee Mutual Exchange from Charles Olson, manager of the Lyric Theatre, Gladstone, Michigan : “For the love of Mike, don’t ever let an episode of Helen Holmes in ‘A Lass of the Lumberlands’ slip up on me again. On Friday of last week I was to run the fourth chapter of that splendid serial, but owing to a delayed train the chapter was not de¬ livered to me in time for a showing. My house, with a seating capacity of 350, was packed to the doors. I had to announce that the train was late and that the fourth chapter of the Helen Holmes serial would not be shown. “Good night! I was called everything but an honest man. I was yelled at, scoffed at, reviled, abused, and two men dared me to come outside. I tried my best to explain how and why the chapter was not on hand —but. they wouldn’t accept anything but the picture. I nearly lost my house, after losing what little reputation I had, and would have done so had I not promised them I would get the fourth chapter next week. It’s the best thing in pictures, the This depicts Kenneth McLay, Mutual repair man, Milwaukee branch, stand¬ ing before a poster picture of Big Eric Campbell, Chaplin’s giant, warning him against the eating of yellow custard pie on March 17. This, we understand, is a whimsy of Mr. Alfred Tamer, as¬ sistant to Manager Gols of the Mil¬ waukee Mutual office. This same "Ken” McLay, be it known, has repaired most every projection machine from Supe¬ rior to Kenosha. best thing I ever had in my house, and best of all, it’s a money-getter. Hurry up, and get the next Helen Holmes serial so that I can have it as soon as ‘A Lass of the Lum¬ berlands’ is finished.” * * * J LOUIS ROME, manager of the Broadway Theatre, Baltimore, Mary• land, used a very clever advertising stunt to attract attention to the Mutual fea¬ ture, “The Pearl of Paradise.” Thousands of cards were distributed throughout the neighborhood bearing the inscription : SHE —is the only white girl within 1,000 miles. — does not understand why people wear clothes. . — discards her clothing and dives into the water. WHO IS SHE ? On the reverse side of the card was a picture of Margarita Fischer and the mes¬ sage. “See Margarita Fischer in ‘The Pearl of Paradise’ at the Broadway Theatre to¬ morrow.” Mr. Rome also devoted half a page in his “Bulletin,” which he issues each week, pointing out the interesting points of the picture and giving a brief synopsis of the story. The result was a record-breaking crowd the night “The Pearl of Paradise” was played. * * * JP. McGowan, director general of the Signal Film Corporation, has received • a letter from South America asking for permission to open exchanges covering Brazil, Argentine and Peru, to handle the Signal-Mutual films exclusively. The writer was very anxious to secure the rights to all the serials in which Helen Holmes has appeared, “The Girl and the Game,” “A Lass of the Lumberlands,” and the new serial, “The Railroad Raiders.” * * * LIPP & CROSS, managers of the Gar¬ den Theatre, Battle Creek, Michigan, say it was a friendly tip from the chief of police which started the showing of a regular weekly program for children in their house every Saturday. The police official chanced to be in their house on the evening thev were showing the Mutual production of “Faith,” star¬ ring Mary Miles Minter, and after the per¬ formance came to them and said he thought every mother and child in the city should see this picture. A number of parents who were in the audience also came to them and asked if “Faith” would not be shown again, as they would like to have their children see it. This comment set the managers to think¬ ing and they decided . to try out the chil¬ dren’s program idea with this feature. Consequently, they booked a return engage¬ ment and gave a free morning performance for the children of the city and their moth¬ ers. Before the p cture was thrown on the screen the singer gave the song, “Mother,” and all the children joined in the singing. The house was packed and everyone was delighted with the performance. There were so many requests for the continuation of these special performances for the little folks that the Garden The¬ atre has run them on Saturday morning ever since, charging the regular admission price. It goes without saying that all of Mutual’s releases featuring Mary Miles Minter are used in these performances. * * * FE. WOLCOTT, manager of the Ma¬ jestic Theatre, Racine, Wisconsin, * writes : “My 450-seat house accommodated 1,529 people Sunday, February 4th. “The attraction was ‘A Lass of the Lum¬ berlands,’ chapter five. “The weather was beyond description, a blizzard raged all day and some of my pa¬ trons who came via interurban could not reach this Sunday as all car traffic was in¬ terrupted. “Of course, I am glad, and think you will be. “Coming from an exhibitor who has the reputation of kicking too readily, this ad¬ mission of the drawing power of your se¬ rial ought to insure for me first call on the next one.” REEL LIFE— Page Nine