The Billboard 1908-02-15: Vol 20 Iss 7 (1908-02-15)

FEBRUARY 15, 1908. The Billboara FILM RENTERS Gather at Buffalo ‘*To Protect Best Interests of Moving Picture Industry.’’ “Better Films’’ Basis for New Rates and Protective Licenses. Five Thousand Dollars Membership Fees. HB third meeting of the United Film Renters’ [Protective Association § con vened at Buffalo, N. Y., February 8, 9 and 10. The Executive Committee held a brief meeting on the morning of Saturday, February 8. At 3 P. M., President Jas B. Clark, of the Pittsburg Calcium Light and Film Company, called the afternoon meeting to order, the delay being occasioned by the late arrival of the New York delegation, owing to a snow etorm. D. Macdonald, secretary of the Executive Committee, officiated as secretary. The following members of the Renters’ Protective Association were present in person: Boston—Howard Moving Picture Co., F. J. Howard 564 Washington street; Miles Bros., Herbert L. Miles, 250-261 Sixth avenue, New York. Birmingham—The Batley Service, C. F. Bailey, 116 2ist street; Seathern Film Exchange, Abernethy, No. 108 20th street; Theatre Film Supply Co., A. R. Boone, 2007 Second avenue. Buffalo—Powers Machine & Film Co... J. A. Schuchart, 13 Genesee street. Chicago—Amertcan Film Service, Van Runkle, American Trust Bldg.; Chicago Film Exchange, Max Lewis, © E. Randolph street; Pugene Cline, Eugene E. Cline, 50 Dearborn street; Globe Film Service Co., J. Schuchart, 79 Dearborn etreet; Inter Ocean Exchange, Eugene E. Cline, 50 Dearborn street; Kleine Optical Co., Geo. Kleine, 52 State street; Laemmle Film Service, Carl Laemmle, 196 Lake street; National Film Rental ©o., Geo. § Service, Robert Miller, 253 Geo. K. Spoor ©o., Geo. K. atreet; W. H. Swanson Oo., W. H. Swansen, 79 Sonrh Clark street; Temple Film Exchange, Bugene E. Cine, Masonic Temple; Theatre Film Co, F. C. Atken, 85 Dearborn street; 20th Century Optiscope, R. G. Bachman, State and Lake streets; U. S. Film Exchange, Eugene DB. Cline, 59 Dearborn street; Union Motion Picture Service ©o., Selig, S38 Peck Court. Cincinnati—Southern Film Exchange, Thos A. Reilly, 148 W. Ste street. Cleveland-—Cleveland Film Renting Exchange, Cc. H. Peckham, Citizens’ Bank Bidg.; gene Qliine, Bugene E. Ciine; Lake Shore Film and Supply Co.. E. Mandlebaum, Superior Bldg. Columbos—Ohio Film Exchange. J. W. Melchoir, 16 E. Broad street. Dallas—Southern Talking Machine Oo., C. B. Harris; J. D. Wheelan, J. D. Wheelan. Denver— Kleine Optical ©o., Geo. Kleine; Littl & Pratt, Pratt, Charles Bidg.: Chicago Film Exchange, Max Lewis. Des Moines—Kleine Optical Co., Geo. Kleine; Sn ga Caictum Light & Film Co., Jas. B. Clark. Detroit—Detroit Film Exchange, W. H. Goodfellow, Newbe National Film Co., Phil Gleichman, street. El Paso—O. T. Crawford Film Exchange Co., oo. T. Crawford. Evaneville—Laemmle Film Service, Carl Laemmle. Grand Rapids—A, J. Gillingham, A. J. Gilltngham. Harrisburg—Keystone Film & Supply Co., P. Magan, Spooner Bldg. Indianapolis—Indlanapolis Calcium Light & Film a Co., W. M. Swain, 114 So. Cap{tol avenue; Kleine Optical Co., George Kleine; H. Lieber Co., Robert Lieber, 24 W. Washington street; Luther Day Service Co., Luther Day, 18 Ohio street. Kansas City—Bugene Cline, Eugene E. Cline: Yale Film Renting Co., A. D. Flinton, 1116 Main street; 20th Century Optiscope Co., R. G. Bachman, State and Lake streets, Chicago. Memphis—American Film Service, Van Runtle; Chicago Film Exchange, Carl Laemmle. Milwankee—Western Film Exchange, Aitken, Mathews Bldg. Minneapolis—Twin City Calcium & Stereopticon Co., C. E. Van Duzee, 720 Hennepin avenue; Eugene Cline, Engene E. Cline. Montreal—Ouimetoscope Film Exchange, L. E. Oulmet, 624 St. Catharine street EB. New Orleans—W. H. Swanson & Co., W. H. Swanson. _New York—Actograph Co., N. H. Mosher, 50 Union Square; Consolidated Film Co., of New York, bk. W. Ulman, 148 B. 23rd street; The Electrograph Moving Picture Mach. & Film Ex., Mr. Gunby, 199 3rd avenue; Greater N. Y. Film Rental Co., Fox, 24 union Square; Hartsn & Co. A. L. Hartsn, 138 E. 14th street; ImProved Film Supply Co., J. Weinberg, 148 Delancy street; Kinet a Co., Perey Waters, 41 EB. 2st street; Kleine Optical Co., George Kleine, 650 Sixth avenue: Miles Brothers, Her bert L. Miles, 250 Sixth avenue: Vitagraph Co., Wm. T. Rock, 116 Nassan street: Alfred Weiss Film Exchange, Alfred Weiss, 6th avenue and Mth street, Norfolk—Virginia Film Exchange, Warner L. French, Monticelle Arcade Bldg., (Branch—Warcer—Pittsburg). Omaha—Laemmle Film Service, Carl mie: Chicago Film Exchange, Max Lewis. Philadelphia—C. A. Calenbuff, Chas. A. Caleobuff, 4th and Green streets; Electric Theatre Supply Co. Henry Schwable: Chas. W. Koh! Film Rental Co., Chas. W. Kohl, 913 Market Street; 8. Lubin, F. W. Singhi, 21 8. Sth street; Miles Brothers, Herbert L. Miles, 259 Sixth svenne, N. Y¥. City; Louis M, Swabb, Louls M. Laem Swabb, 338 Spruce street. ao ttsburg American Film Exchange, J. b. gully, Wabash Bldg.: Duquesne Amusement poly Co. H. M. Warner, Bakewell Big. ; rt Pitt Film Supply Co., Dave Margoff; Penn ‘Yenle Film Co., Paul Qualtrough, 408 Lewis j/k: Pittsburg Calcium Light & Film Co.. a 2 Clark, 121 Fourth avenue; Wonder —— Exchange, H. A. Lande, 410 Market tree ,/ortland—Milee Brothers, Herbert L. “© Sixth avenue, N.Y. Cit Ss 7. ott Lake City—Bugene Cline, Eugene E. Miles, San Francisco—Miles Brothers, Herbert L. Miles, 250 Sixth avenue, N. Y. City. Seattle—Chicago Film Exchange, Max Lewis; Edixon Display Co., F. Lincoln, 67 So. Clark atreet, Chicago, Ill.; Kleine Optical Co., George Kleine. St. Lonis—Engene Cline, Eugene E. Cline; 0. T. Crawford Film Exchange Co., 0. T. Crawford, Gayety Theatre Blidg.; Miles Brothers, Herbert L. Miles, 259 Sixth avenue N. Y. City; W. H. Swanson, St. L. Film Co., W. H. Swanson, Toledo—Kent Film Service, L. M. Salsgiver, 218 Nichols Bldg.; Toledo Film Exchange, H. E. Smith, Spitzer Arcade; Toledo Film Supply Co., Richard. Troy—Imperial Moving Picture Co., Wm. 8S. Steiner, 44 West 28th street, N. Y. City. Watertown, N. Y.—Maullin Film Service, J. M. Mullin, Solar Bldg. The following were represented by proxy: Standard Film Exchange, Chicago; Mich'!gan Film Supply Co.. Detroit; Chas. M. Stebbins, Kansas City; Cline Film Exchange, Los Angeles; Talley Film Exchange. Los Angeles; Northwestern Film Exchange, Minneapolix; Em pire Film Co., New York; People’s Film Exchange, New York; Columbia Film Exchange, Pittsburg; Novelty Moving Picture Co., San Francisco. The sessions were execut! -Mmembers and press representatives being denied admission. It was authoritatively learned, however, that the membership list was closed—one bundred and twenty-five being the present number. The membership fee was advanced to five thousand dollars. Several firms an¢ individuals present for the purpose of joining the association were denied admission. The manufacturers, affiliated with the Renters’ Association held frequent conferences, and an agreement was reached after several meetings. Eight manufacturers are in cluded, viz. : Edison Manufacturing Co.. New York and Orange, N. J. Pathe Cinematoegraph Co.. New York and Chicago. American Vitagraph Co.. New York Kelem ©o., New York. SelH¢e Polyscope Co., Chicago. S. Larbin, Philadelphia. Melies Co., New York and Parts. Exssenay Company. The theory, it appears, is that to perpetuate this popular amusement, new and good films only must be used. This will be accomplished by a system of licenses from the owners of the patents to the manufacturers, from the manufacturer to the renter, ete. This plan—subject to only minor changes—contemplates the compulsory return for redemption of films after certain periods of use, made certain under penalty of revocation of lcense. It ts anticipated that old. inferior and damaged films will thus be avoided. and the moving picture business receive a stimulus that insures a tuation of this entertaining amusement ° The minimum rental schedule far film, price for service, contracts is as follows: anged : 1 reel, $16; 2, $32; 8, $48; 4, $64; 5, $80; 6, $06; 7, $112. When changed twice a week: 1 reel. $20 2 $40; 3, ; 4, $80; 5, $100; 6, $120; 7 140, When changed three times a week: 1 reel ae 2, $48; 3, $72; 4, $96; 5, $120; 6, $144; 7 168. When ch four times a week: 1 reel, a 2. $56; 3, $84; 4, $112; 5, $140; 6, $168; . $196. When changed five times a week: 1 reel, $32; 2. $64; 3, $96; 4, $128; 5, $100; 6, $192; 7, $24. When changed six times a week: 1 reel, $36; 2. $72; 3, $108; 4, $144; 5, $180; 6, $216; 7, $252. When changed every day: 1 reel, $40; 2, $80; 3, $120: 4, $160; 6, $200; 6, $240; 7, $280. In all contracts for less than seven days, the price is $6 per day per reel. Exhibitor to pay express charges both ways. Key to Schetule—Bvery Reel costs $2 per day: weekly prices based om six days per week. Fach Reel costs $12 per week. Every change costs $4 per change for each Reel changed. Example 1. One Reel changed two times a week: 1 Reel for week costs Ix$12 .......... $12.00 1 Reel costs $4 per change, 2x$4 ........ 8.00 Weekly Gate ..cccccccccccscccces $20.00 Example 2. Two Reels changed seven times a week: 2 Reels for one week costs 2v$I2 ...... $24.00 2 Reels coste $8 per change, 7x$8 ...... 56.00 Weekly charge ..... 2.55 6s ec ceecees 8.00 Example 3. Four Reels changed two times a week 4 Reels for one week costs 4x$12........ $48.00 4 Reels cost $16 per change, 2x$16 . 82.00 Weekly charte .........-56555 . $80.00 SUNDAY SESSION. The United Film Association name was changed to the Film Service Association at the meeting held Sunday afternoon. During the session the following new members were sccept ed Improved Film Company, New Orleans; Theatre Film & Supply Co.. Angusta, Ga.; The atre Film & Supply Co.. Charlotte, N. C.: Ok Iahoma Film Exchange, Oklahoma City: Mitchell Film Exchange, Littl Rock, Ark.: Globe Film Service Co., Denver: W. H. Swanson Film Serv ice, Kansas City, Mo., and the Schiller Film Exchange, Chicago. The future membership will be limited to one hundred. and the new schedule of rates are effective after March 1, for present customers, and on new contracts they go into effect immediately. The manufacturers are not permitted to supply films to any but members of the Film Service Association and members of the association are not permitted, under penalty of withdrawal of license and membership, to cut rates or offer inducements to sell to users, delinquent with other members. The Pathe aml Edison Companies control the situation, the former bandling the European films, exclusively, and the latter the Americuo films and apparatus and the Exachman Company, of Rocbester, In close alliance, makes the arrangement practically ironclad. Advance notices of new productions are to be with-held to avold overstocking of renters. Several lesser details were agreed upon. After enacting the above, the subject was adjourned to answer the call of the executive committee, consisting of F. J. Howard, C. H. Peckham, Jas. B. Clark, F. C. Aitken and P. L. Walters, their object being to gain the permission of the Gaumont French films, all others to be excluded. Enforcement throngh the courts of all the Efison patents, injunction suits, ete., against film renters and users not recognized by the Film —_— Association are contemplated immediatey NEVER TOUCHED THEM! Fire under them, fire over them, and fire around them, but not one cent’s worth of goods were damaged of the 20th Century Optiscupe Company's stock in the Wolf Building at 91 Deacborn street, Chicago, on Tuesday afternoon February 4. The fire started on the eighth floor of the bnilding and spread rapidly to the two lower floors before the fire department reached the building, and as the building is of old construction it was some ten minutes before they were able to play a stream of water on the blaze. The fire gained snch headway that all the employes of the 20th Century Company had to make their excape by the fire-escape in the front of the building. Mr. Robert G. Bachman, the president of the company got on the fireescape with hix wife, and at the risk of falling himself helped her to descend. Miss May MceInerney, Miss Bessie Moore, Axel Johnson and Henry Crowley the other employes of the company clambered down without assistance. This is the second fire that the 20th Century Company has had inside of two months, but they were Incky in this one, for they saved all their goods and were able to resume business the next day in their new headquarters at 59 Dearbern street. WILL MAKE MOVING PICTURES. Rochester, N. Y., is about to have a new enterprise, the studio and factory of the Paine Moving Picture Company. a corporation recently effected with a capital stock of $50,000. The models from which the pictures are taken will be set in the studio, which will be a miniature theatre, and the whole process by which the scene is photographed and eventually reaches the curtain of the vaudeville and moving picture theatres will be made there. The officers of the company are A. B. Paine, president; William B. McCallumvice-president; E. P. Crocker, secretary and treasurer; , Cochrane, manager. Mr. McCallum is resident manager of the Cook Opera House in Rochester, and has long been interested in the moving pietnre business. MOVING PICTURE SHOWS. A bill manifestly directed at the Nickelodeons and other theatres devoted to exhibitions of moving pictures has been introdnced in the Massachusetts Legislature. If it should become a law many of these cheaper resorts will be forced to close their doors. The bil! provides that every amusement resort where admission is charged must have a regular theatrical license and be subjected to the statutes regulating theatres. In other words, the managers of the smaller houses wonld be compelled to comply with the laws relating to exits and the other provisions for public safety. James T. Layman, manager of the Theatorium at Washington, Ind., is remodeling bis theatre, and when the work is completed, his house will be one of the hest equipped and prettiest theatres in Southern Indiana. Mr. Layman is said to have been the first manager to open a moving picture theatre in Sonthern Indiana, and his efforts in that direction met with the hearty approval of the appreciative public. Mr. Will Frund has sold his interest in the Electric Theatre at Vincennes, Ind., to Mr. Frank Fox, manager of the Big Four Oi! and Gas Company. The house is 10w controlled by Mr. Fox and Mr. A. D. Rodgers, Mr. Frund's former partner, who contemplates making many changes in the theatre. The new moving picture theatre at Du Quoin, Ill, under the management of W. R. Hayes and F. H. Long, was formally opened to the amusement pnblic on February 1, playing to capacity business. FOR SALE—Three of the greatest Trained Dogs in the business. Do thirty-six trivks; two years old. If you want good ones, be quick: my wife is dead, the reason of sale. OHN “THE” THOMAS, Goldville, 8. C. WANTED—Punch and Knee Figure Man, Rlacksmith, Elephant Trainer, Lady Acts, Rillposters. Tex Clark, write. J. A. JONES, Box $11, Montgomery, Ala. WANTED Second-hand: Rox Rall Alleys. State price, size. ART PURCHASING CO., Elgin, Ill. AGENTS, BIG MONEY—Invisible Coat Protector; locks coat to any hook in restaurants, barbershops, ete., protecting from thieves. Sample 25 ets.. postpaid. GARDNER CO., Beekman Street, New York. FOR SALE—Almost new. 2 Polo Goal Cages, Arena netting. Polo Sticks, Shin Guards, ete., at half cost. PRINCESS RINK, Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, Ohio. WANTED, TO BUY—A good second-hand Mor ing Picture Machine; must be in good condl tien and a bargain: give full description, ete. ae J. AMBROSE, 193 31st St., Chicago. inois. Y BS GS. Cone Ovens, Rose eake Outfits, Tamale and Wiener Kettles, and other moneymaking specialties. Catalogues free. FOR SALE. Park privileges, io cluding all refresh ments, fine building SAYSO SA a and outfit, $2,500. $70.00 Cornpopper, $30.00. Two Kotton Kandy Machines, $25.00 each, both $45.00. Twin Auto matic Cone Oven, 10.00. Two Emery Tarbell Ovens, 7.00. One Crabb Doe-nut outfits, $15.00. Particulars free. A. T. DIETZ, 127 Michigan 8t., Toledo, Ohio. Mo ey Makers. The “Gypsy Queen" and * Magic Wand" Fortune Tellera (‘Not Slot Machines) cperated w th invisiblePapers made more money with less capital invested than most other devices at *ummer Resorts. etc. Almost nothing to carry. No stand uired. Send for circulars. etc. S. BOWER, Mfgr. S42 Knickerbocker Ave., BROOKLYN. N. Y. WANTED Vaudeville, Sensational Outdoor Attractions and Bands Stae lowest salary in first '«tter. Send Ph: tos an’ Lithos, also des.ription of all acts. Address Park Booking Circuit, Inc, 1402 Broadway, WN. Y. City. Henry Meyerhoff. Gen. Mgr. POST CARDS Boyertown Theatre Horror. Also Valentine, Washington Birthday, St. Pat rick and Easter Cards. Full set of 12 com plete, sent postpaid on receipt ef 25 cents. (Silver.) Address CARDELL, 135 E. 53rd St., Chicago, Il. Band Men Wanted. Those who can also play baseball preferred. First-class advance agent, canvasmen and drtvers wanted. Company travels by special river steamboat. H. E. STEINER, care Ohicage Show Print, 128 Fifth Ave., Chicago. SELL AT SIGHT. Roadmen, Advertising Firms and Agents, take Notice! We want agente and jobbers to represent us everywhere. You can make $25 a week easily. The sale for this clever advertising device will be enormous. Men traveling from town to town, write for particulars. NATIONAL SIGN CO,, 26 Glenn Bidg., Cincinnati, Ohio. FOR SALE ROMAN SPECTACLE FILM (from Wallace’s Ben Hur book), price $50.00; privilege of ex amination. Address A. 8. MILLER, Crawfordsville, Ind. : FOR — cae 80 foot solid oak Box Ball Alley. ositive good as new. $50 gets it. H. G. SPRAKER, Rich Hill, Mo. WANTED—SPEt IALTIES WOMAN DOING STRONG SINGLE. Girl Sing ers, Musicians, Dancers, Male Acts, Sketch and Sister Teams write. Want Lady Pianist. We pay all. Best Motels. Long season. Fairs, if desired. THE GIRL IN RED COMEDY CO., Pierce City, Mo. That Great Beok—Stock’. Budeet No. 1. (Just out.) $100 worth of vaudeville materia) for 25 cents. Contains 8 great parodies, mon ologues, sketches, recitations, jokes, etc., ete. WALTER STOCK CO., 419 Broadway, Camden, N. J. (Still writing stuff to order.) WANTED. A manager with small capital to put on the road company of four people that can deliver the goods in A-1 2%-hour entertainment. Sure winner. Address KRONZO, THR MAGICIAN, AND JAIL BREAKER, New Milford, Conn. WANTED Sept. 14-18, 1908. some good live ATTRAC TIONS for our FAIR. Must b« lass and sensational. Will be required to put up bend Give full particulars snd price in frst letter Address J. Q. DOUTHIT, Clarinda, lowa. Buy and Sell Rolier Skates MILLER RINK SUPPLYICO., Sandusky. : . ‘ . Ohio