Universal Weekly (1922)

Vol. 15, No. 20 Universal Weekly 23 our Corners of the U. S. A. Journal to Qive Another Matinee; Crusoe Film Hit THIS COUPON AND FIVE CENTS will admit any child of 12 years or under to the Special CAPITAL JOURNAL MATINEE Showing Harry Myers in his greatest production 'THE ADVENTURES OF ROBINSON CRUSOE" THE BLIGH THEATRE Saturday, May 20, 10 a. m. Another Capital-Journal kids' matinee, the first of a series of 18 which will show in its entirety "The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe," held to be the greatest serial ever produced, will be on to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock at the Bligh Theatre. To see the first installment, which is one of the most interesting of the 18, each child must present the coupon, published on this page, with five cents, at the box office of the Bligh. The matinee, which is one of a number conducted by the Capital-Journal, is given for children not more than 12 years of age. Star Is Well Known To mention the name of Harry Myers, star of "The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe," is to recall some of the biggest of screen successes. He was featured in "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court," "Nobody's Fool," "The March Hare," "R. S. V. P.," "Turn to the Right," "Kisses," "Boy Crazy," and "Handle With Care." The picture, which required many months to complete, was filmed on the northwest coast of South America just off the mouth of the Orinoco river; in Algiers, Morocco; and in the Madagascar and Cannibal Islands. In the picture Robinson crusoe sets forth upon a voyage in search of adventure, leaving behind him his promised bride. Months later Crusoe, who has been taken captive by the Moors, is thought dead by those at home. Escaping, he returns to find Marion Lane, his betrothed, marrying Richard Lane, his friend. Unobserved, Crusoe sets sail for unknown lands again. He is cast on a desert island and after months of solitary living discovers a wonderful friend in Friday. Most of the action, with which the picture is filled, takes place on the island. Be Early Is Advice All of The Capital-Journal matinees thus far given have found the theatre packed with youngsters and Frank Bligh, manager of the Bligh Theatre, suggested this afternoon that all children be at the box office several minutes prior to the opening of the doors. He also suggested that all children, who expect to follow the serial through, make an effort to see the first installment. Critics have held "The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe" to be one of the biggest features ever filmed, and it is expected to play to big houses during the 18 weeks. This Is the Coupon and Story The Journal Ran on Page 1 LJ. MURDOCK'S recipe for success is to give a free matinee * on the frrst episode. That's what he did, and that's what he recommends to anyone else who is putting over "Robinson Crusoe" or any other serial. In addition to this matinee, it was very well advertised throughout the city of Indianapolis;. Murdock used eight one-sheet cutouts, four three-sheet cutouts, and three six-sheet cutouts; also a mounted sixsheet, a huge banner and a double set of photographs placed where they would do the most good. He put out one thousand heralds and fifteen hundred bills advertising the bicycle which he is giving to the boy or the girl receiving the most votes. He also used the Universal puzzles, which he found in the exploitation book, and adequate newspaper advertising. In the afternoon he showed at his opening matinee only the first episode of the serial. And that night he showed both the first and the second episodes, and a Universal feature, Gladys Walton in "The Rowdy," at ten and twenty cents. Seven hundred at the opening show, fourteen hundred at night, is pretty good for a small house like the Savoy. Mr. Murdock says that he has more than sixteen hundred boys and girls who have entered the ticket selling contest for the bicycle. THE Greenwood Theatre, of Greenwood, Miss., is one of the Saenger Amusement Company's chain of theatres, but G. G. McCormick has managed the house for the last three years and decided to hop right onto this contest when he saw the story printed about it in the Motion Picture News of April 15th. In his letter he states as follows: Greenwood, Mis., May 23, 1922. "To the Contest Manager, "Serial Department, "Universal Film Mfg. Co., "1600 Broadway, "New York, N. Y. "Dear Sir: Having seen your offer in Motion Picture News of April 15th offering prizes for the best exploitation of your serial, 'The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe,' I am going to outline to you as near as possible the way I am putting over this serial. I have been an exhibitor for fourteen years, having run all of your serials from 'The Tray of Hearts,' 'Black Box,' etc. on down to the pi-esent one, and, of course, have used many different lobby displays, street stunts, etc., but knowing the possibilities of this serial, I have tied it up in the following manner: "The Daily Commonwealth, the only daily paper (Continued on Page 29)