Universal Weekly (1922)

as Universal Weekly December 30, 1922 Philadelphia Society People Acclaim "The Kentucky Derby » THE Philadelphia Riders and Drivers Association, one of the leading and most exclusive horse lovers' associations in the country, and the membership of which includes such national figures as President Harding, General Pershing, Herbert Hoover and E. T. Stotesbury, selected "The Kentucky Derby," Universal's Jewel production of the famous Charles T. Dazey melodrama, "The Suburban" as the feature of the association's annual meeting, held last week in the ballroom of the BellevueStratford Hotel, Philadelphia. The picture went over in the gilded ballroom, filled with society leaders and bluebloods of the Quaker City, just as big as it had gone over in the Broadway Theatre, New York, or the Randolph, Chicago, where it had its premiere showings a short time before. The society horse lovers applauded the stirring race scenes and the exciting finish of the Derby with the same abandon many of them had shown last summer at Churchill Downs, when /scenes for the picture were made at the actual race won by Morvich. A few weeks before the Bellevue-Stratford showing, "The Kentucky Derby" was shown privately at the yearly party held at his home, Glen Riddle, Pa., by Samuel H. Riddle, owner of "Man of War" and the new whirlwind mare "Oceanic." The Glen Riddle showing was attended by the Governor of Pennsylvania and other notables. Riddle and his guests were enthusiastic over the film, the veteran horse owner reported. Judge J. Willis Martin, of the Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia, who is president of the Philadelphia Riders and Drivers Association, wrote to E. J. Epstein of the Philadelphia Universal Exchange, who arranged the showing, thanking the film company in glowing terms. His letter is as follows: "On behalf of the more than seven hundred members of the Philadelphia Riders and Drivers Association of which President Harding, General Pershing, Secretary Hoover and Mr. E. T. Stotesbury are honorary members, permit me to convey to you the Reginald Denny Permits His Daughter to Make-Him-Up for His Role in "The. Abysmal Brute" by Jack London Epstein, who also arranged Riddle, on behalf of Jules Levy, thanks of the Association and to express my personal appreciation of your generous loan of "The Kentucky Derby" film which was displayed at the annual meeting held in the ballroom of the Bellevue on the evening of December 12th. "This is a magnificent picture showing the most famous Race Meeting in America with a wealth of detail, and the races as actually run. The incidents connected with the play are woven into a fascinating romance. "I can assure you that the exhibition of this splendid film was thoroughly appreciated and afforded the greatest pleasure to the audience who attended." the showing at Glen Universal district man ager, also received the following letter from S. H. Riddle: "I believe it is within my jurisdiction to express myself regarding the wonderful treatment afforded me by your Mr. Epstein, who so diligently did everything he possibly could in the selection of a cinema drama for our party at Glen Riddle, the occasion of which was on Saturday, October 21st, and I must say that the drama so presented, "The Kentucky Derby," was a classic. "Our guests, who included the Governor of Pennsylvania, the leaders of society, the most prominent bankers and business men of the city of Philadelphia, have pronounced theii expressions as to the excellence of the drama called 'The Kentucky Derby.' I can say for myself, who have been going to races for a great many years and am owner of a great many race horses, among which is the mighty "Man-o'-War," that this picture brought back to me the reminiscences of the happy days I have spent with my horses. It gives me great pleasure to congratulate you on this production, and wishing you all kinds of good success." OPERA HOUSE, Curwensville, Pa. Oct. 9, 1922. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: With great pleasure I recommend to the public "Foolish Wives" as being the most superb and grandest picture I have shown in my theatre during my experience as an exhibitor, covering a period of nine years, and I have used all the big ones including "Wav Down East," "The Three Musketeers," "Little Lord Fauntleroy," "Affaire of Anatole," 'The Sheik," "Queen of Sheba" and others equally as large. Yours very truly, JOHN W. NORRIS, Manager.