Variety (April 1910)

16 VARIETY IMPROPER FILMS BRING ARRESTS. Boston, April 20. Five arrests on charges of having in possession for the purpose of exhibition and selling improper films for moving pic- ture displays were made April 16 by the police on complaint of the Watch and Ward Society. The men arrested were Le Mert Annis, ■uperintendent, A. Thompson & Co.; Frank McKay of the Howard Moving Pic- ture Company; Frank Mead, salesman for Hub Song Slide Co.; Myer Goodman and James Morgan. The two latter were charged with procuring improper pictures for the purposes of exhibition and selling. Mead and McKay pleaded guilty in court and were fined $100. The other three were continued. r STBIWER JOINS INDEPENDENTS. Announcement was made a few days ago that William A- Steiner, vice-presi- dent of the Film Service Association, had resigned from the Patents Co. list of ex- changes and had turned his five exchanges and manufacturing plant over to the uses of the Independent Alliance. Such was the statement made by William H. Swan- son, who has been mysteriously busy in New York for some time past. The Patents Co. people, however, declare that Steiner's resignation was received after his license to handle "association" films had been cancelled. The effect is the same in either case, for it adds materially to the strength of the independent movement. The Steiner shift places five equipped exchanges in the anti-association ranks as well as a manu- facturing plant capable, it is claimed, of turning out two reels of film a week. Ac- cording to an unofficial count this gives the independents a total resource of about 16 reels weekly. The official announcement of these developments makes it appear that Swanson (Secretary of the National In- dependent Moving Picture Alliance) was instrumental in bringing- Steiner over, and further hints that the secretary'? prolonged stay in New York will bear more fruit within a short time. Quite aaide from the announcement there is a well defined impression among film rent- ers, both "trust" and "anti," that there is something coming off shortly in con- nection with the independent movement. The secret is well guarded and its details are completely hidden. In- quiry among the vaudeville managers and picture exhibitors in New York fails to disclose any revolutionary movement in contemplation. The whole trade is waiting upon some action by the Patents Co. and its General Film Co., the corpora- tion which is designed to take over the rental branch of the business. In this connection something was ex- pected this week. The licensed manufac- turers - of the east and west hav^ been in New York for ten days and have attended a series of con- ferences in the Patents Co. offices. All of them disclaim definite knowledge of the General Film Co. project. "Variety has stated the answer to the puzzle," said one manufacturer. 'T don't know my- self what the answer is, but you have made every possible guess and so by the process of elimination, one must be cor- rect." THE ROOSEVELT PICTURE. The big thing of the Motion Patents Co. list "The Roosevelt Picture" was re- leased last Monday all over the country. The general release brought great dissatis- faction among "Trust" exhibitors, ac- cording to reports, the Patents Co. spread- ing the reel everywhere and to everyone at the exorbitant price asked. It is also claimed that the price varied, some exhibitors paying as high as $400 for the week, while others secured the same two reels at $250. Near New York, the exhibitors in Yonkers, including the two theatres there, received the worst blow. A small town at best, the two vaudeville houses and a picture show each had the "Roosevelt" for exhibition on Monday. The Warbur- ton Theatre advertised the film as its headliner for the program, but had to withdraw the film after Monday, owing to the competition at lower prices. The Warburton management returned the reels, securing a rebate. In New York City William J. Gane of the Manhattan Theatre had all the cream of the free advertising. The Manhattan had the pictures well advertised, and se- cured a great deal of free publicity, until the professional as well as the general public believed that only the Gane houses (Manhattan and Circle) had the picture on exhibition the first day. In fact by many along Broadway it was referred to as "Gane's picture." Monday at eleven in the Manhattan a private press showing was held, with the local press present by invitation. All the dailies gave the picture a review, mentioning the Manhattan only. The Times gave a column to the subject. The Keith-Proctor New York Theatres, or three of them, had the release but no one knew it. The Palace, Reading, Pa. (Vaudeville & Moving Picture Co. of America) beat its opposition to the Roosevelt pictures by a day. The Sunday papers carried a feature advertisement by the Orpheum (Wilmer & Vincent), announcing the reels for Tuesday. On another page, in smaller space, the Palace promised the film Mon- day. The Palace operates under a lower scale of prices than the Orpheum, and was for a while under the "30-day" rule of the Patents Co. This rule, however, is declared to be off as regards "special release," especially when these releasss are rented at a high premium'. KLJINE'S "EDUCATIONAL" GUIDE. The new catalog of educational sub- jects, compiled and published by George Kleine, of Chicago, was received by pic- ture managers and exchange men this week. It is an imposing volume of 350 pages, expensively bound in leather. Mr. Kleine has written an introduction for the book which is dedicated to Thomas A. Edison. Upwards of 1,500 subjects, each described in detail, are listed, together with indexes as to sub- ject matter and title. The work fills an important place in the trade, and should become a standard reference. NEW FILM CORPORATION. The United Film Co. of America has been incorporated in New York with capi- tal of $600,000. Nothing is known of its purpose. The incorporators are W. I. Irwin, of Philadelphia; W. L. Flood and W. M. Pyle. of Wilmington. Del. "Boosevolt in Africa" (Patents Co.). TL» "Roosevelt picture" was released on lion- day by the Motion Flctures Patents Co. (Paths finishing the priuts), and shown at a private ex- hibition on the morning of that day by William J. Gane at the Manhattan, New York. The film, rut down from 3,000 to 2,000 feet, runs in two reels, the second half carrying the "animal" part, much the better of the two sections. In the early division, tho scenes are mostly of the native tribes of Africa. These alone would be Intensely Interesting to school children, snd this film, ss a whole, could be utilised for an edu- cational and Instructive subject by Itself, with- out the presence of Mr. Roosevelt. There is no debate as to "fake." The Motion Patents Go. release la on the level. The views were tsken by Cherry Kearton of London. They run in scenes, as described by a pamphlet, 87' in alL The pamphlet also states thst Col. Roosevelt co-operated with Mr. Kearton. The explanation was unnecessary. What Mr. Roosevelt thought of the scheme may easily be seen. Be never had his bsck to the camera once, and often walked right Into It, almost. A humorous por- tion of the views Is when the announcement is made that the colonel Is about to start upon the bunt. He does, according to the picture, all alone, seated upon a saddle horse, walking across a mea- dow with the picture machine working like mad. Never once during the exhibition did Col. Roose- velt smile, excepting when in profile and the camera was out of his mind. This bsppened while the ex-President's party were watching the Zulua. The opening scene is a monkey read- ing a newspaper announcement that America's great and former President was on his way to kill the denlsens of the forests. The idea of any man going hunting with a moving picture pho- tographer to take count of his operations Is funny enough to supply sll the comedy nec- essary. There Is nothing else in the pic- tures pertaining to fun. The photography Is very poor at times, snd in spots, as when sebras and other animals were galloping serosa the plains or "veldt,'' the picture ma- chine appeared to be at the very leaat a mile or more away frota the objects. In other scenes when llrards, wild cats, rhinoceros, crocodile and hippopotami were taken the camera was within striking dlstsnce. These letter pictures hold the interest strongly. Much more so is that a fact than the "flashlight" of a Hon, taken from a painting, or carved animal. This Is the only suspicious Incident In the entire film. Col. Roosevelt has not been caught In the act of shooting anything, wild or tamed. A rhinoc- eros Is shown dead on the ground, and the sheet claims the colonel killed It. The return from the forests afford some pretty scenes, as do the lairs of the animals. In all there may be a couple of hundred feet cf Roosevelt, but without blm the "Roosevelt picture" would still be greatly enjoyed by all unfamiliar with the country or people it brings forth. SIMB. "In Africa" (Imp.) "In Africa" was released on April 10 by the Laeinmle company ("Imp"). It Is and was ad- vert im-d as a "Koosevelt picture." After seeing it one can have little but contempt for a picture iranufacturer who Is a party to the wilful decep- tion of the public In an instance of this kind, and particularly where the only object seems to be to'"take the edge off" of a legitimate proposition, produced by the Motion Patents Co. at a considerable cost. (Laemmle thinks be Is "opposition" to tbe Patents Co.) The Patents Co. through Pathe Bros, released on Monday last, two days after tbe Laemmle "bunk," tbe only genuine "Roosevelt picture." Tbe presentation of tbe "Imp" farce ahead could not harm It, and It wlll^only tend to discredit "independent" films with exhibitors, while cresting s distrust In pat- rons of theatres whlcb advertise this "Imp" as a "Roosevelt." "In Africa" Is a series of scenes In Africa. The only time Colonel Roosevelt is seen is at the finish of It, when one may observe blm walking along a road for an Instant. Any photographer could have "caught" blm doing It. Before tbe finish pictures are shown of what may be a native party of camp bearers. These are not at all Interesting. For "padding" tbe entire bunch are shown fording a stream, one at a time. Another view is tbe "Chief" of the tribe starting a flint made blase. Had Laemmle "faked" a Roosevelt series It could not have been poorer than this one Is of tbe subject designedly Intended. SIMB. "The Kid" (Biograph). The Biograph Co. calls "The Kid" a farce comedy. Anyone who e%er produced a farce com- edy did so wl'h with the intention of bringing laughs. No one laughed during the display of "The Kid" on the sheet the day It was seen. So It can't be a "farce comedy," though It Isn't serious, and has a good Idea, very poorly worked out. A youngster playing at home with his toys Is togged out In true western style—sombrero, big gun and mustache. The mustache should have been funny, but It wasn't. The boy goes pros- pecting with his father, and they meet a girl, and the girl climbs up Into a tower, and the father climbs up after ber, and tbe boy takes the ladder away, and then they do something else, and then the father meets the girl again (up In the tower), and then the boy Joins their bands, and then probably they are married, and then the light goes out—thank goodness! SIME. love with a widow, anytblng but beautiful. Tbelr Jealousy reaches tbe lighting point, and they finally go Into training for a fistic combat. In the second round of tbelr fight (not a blow struck) a messenger boy who distinguishes him- self In seversl parts of the film arrives with a telegrsm notifying tbe two rivals that their be- loved Is being married around tbe corner. They rush together to the church, wbere they see the bride snd groom coming down tbe steps arm In arm. Later they are shown drowning their sor- rows with a couple of schooners. WYNN. "Dorothy and Scarecrow of Os" (Selig). This appear* to be a continuation of some pre- vious film, perhaps "The Wizard of Os." It ac- complishes the Sellg object, through proving of Interest or amusement to the very young. For the elders the terribly poor scenery and all "props" used In the unfolding of this "fairy tale" spoil It completely. The actors, plnylng animals and the other characters, do well enough. SIME. "The Merry Widow Takes Another" (ViUgTaph). This 1« n good comedy. One comedian in It will make anyone laugh, and his past efforts have done much to put the Vltagraph releases up sev- eral notches. Two stout men are desperately in "Mephisto at a Masquerade" (Oaumont). When a comedy film runs 600 feet with only one lsugh, it is generelly conceded a failure. It tells of a chap who being invited to a ball masquerades as Mephisto. On his wsy be Is mlstsken for "Old Nick" himself. A crowd gathers. He comes within sn ace of being nabbed several times, always disappearing at tbe opportune moment. The one and only laugh comes when he la being closely pressed by bis pursuers and leaps through an Iron railing. He finally arrives at his destination. Some very poor exteriors are shown. WYNN. "Touring the Canary Islands" (Oaumont). A picture that grows better ss the operator nears tbe end. Tbe first part is ratber Indistinct and uninteresting, but as the camera proceeds Into tbe villages. It shows seversl novel views. It certainly will not touch some of tbe scenic re- leases recently turned out. WYNN. "The Pillagers" (Pathe). A fairly good Idea Is butchered by the French manufacturers In this reel. A csmp of foreign- ers ell wesrlng those funny bsts and short trousers (leading one to believe them Arabs) Is attscked by bandits, who stesl a herd of asses, sll carrying bags of supplies or something more valuable. They also capture a young woman and her child as well as s young msn. An old gent is left behind tightly bound. His cries attract the attention of a few passing soldiers who re- lease the old fellow. A small dog Immediately gets busy and tracks down tbe thieves, arriving while they are In deep slumber. Tbe animal releases the womsn's bonds with his teeth and after she in turn releases ber companion, they steal out of the camp, taking along the herd of scses—and without awakening tbelr captors, who are sleeping a few Inches away. They very generously give tbe fugitives a long start, then wake up suddenly to And them gone. They go after them. Nearlng the camp the thieves sre surprised by the regiment of soldiers who cap- ture those who escape their bullets and after the lucky enmpers give thanks the film is over. Tbe picture Is colored and well taken except for tbe details. Who ever heard of men sleeping soundly while a herd of donkeys gallop away at full speed within a few inches of them? WYNN. "The Bully" (Pathe). The question Is whether Pathe can complete a picture devoid of suggestlveness that will appeal to a clean-minded audience and still be rated a* good. "The Bully" may be a futile experiment along these lines. The idea has been pictured St least three times before In different ways, but this latest attempt is altogether amateurish. The story Is of a child who goes down to the sea- shore to dig saud. A little boy and his sister are also there with a shovel and pall. The boy, a bully, shovels dirt In the little girl's face, eventually causing temporary blindness. Later the boy and his sister get too close to the water, and the tide carries them out. The victim's father gets busy with a boat and rescues the little pair from a watery grave. Everything Is forgiven and forgotten, and for a finish the lit- tle ones are shown playing with their dolls. Tbe tide doesn't appear, but Is left to tbe Imagina- tion. The kids do stand on the shore, however, and let the water come up to their shoe tops. Pathe might engage a good swimmer for the next attempt. If he can't find a young fellow who will risk the tide over there, he won't have to travel far to find one In this country. That would help some. WYNN. "Simone" (Pathe). Pathe turned out a "Simone" as a colored tllm. Besides that it signifies nothing. Pretty cos- tumes and equally pretty landscapes, also pre- tlly colored, constitute this "colored release" a* they do all others. A colored picture is a diver slon, and as such needs little else to recom- mend It. SIMK. "The Greenhorns" (Pathe). The comedy releases Monday Inst all had a fit. and fought against comedy. This one of Patlie's to All his quota of 1.000 feet for the day was no exception. After the reel had been run off. no one knew what it had been about, and no one laughed. SIMK. "Rival Cooks" (Selig). See "The f!reenhorus," reviewed this week. "Mr. A. Jonah" (8elig). See "Rival Cooks." reviewed this week. il» brackets It might b»» noted that since "Mr. A. Jonah" was tlie second picture to Sellg's full reel Monday. Mr. Sellg did a oqpjde of flops on that dny with comedy subjects for each turn-over.) SIMK. "Sam Langford and Jim Flynn Fight" (Great Western). This "fla-ht picture." shown for the first time in New York at Hammersteln'a Monday, whs very much of a disappointment. Closing the show, the tilm failed to hold the men In the house, a great number leaving Iwtwecn the fifth jind eighth round, when a "knockout" oc- curred. This was due either to extremely poor photography, n light film or a projecting ma chine. It has happened steadily that "light pic tures." pe-'haps from the angle taken, are