Variety (May 1918)

MOVING PICTURES 47 REASONS FOR SUNDAY OPENINGS. Syracuse, N. Y., May 15. Placed on the grill before a session of the Methodist Preachers' Associa- tion here, Corporation Counsel Stewart F. Hancock told just why the city administration' has refused to close Sunday picture houses. "To be very frank with you," said Mr. Hancock, "we are acting under an opinion written by my predecessor, who held with the six judges of the Appellate Division that we can not close them. I am free to admit that that six other judges say we can. I want to add that in my opinion, it is just as well to look at things from the other fellow's viewpoint, once in a while. " And I believe that you men can do that without in the least bit lowering the ideal standards, for the upholding of which we look to you." Mr. Hancock's statement came at the close of an hour's red hot debate be- tween the corporation counsel and the Rev. Dr. W. W. McKee, a leading di- vine, who maintained that the church "had a right to demand a rigid and continuous enforcement of the whole law." The Rev. H. E. Hyde came to the defense of Mr. Hancock, saying: "I know just where Brother McKee can find the city he" wants. I have been urging my congregation to get ready to go there for the past 25 years. I don't think Brother McKee will find it this side of the New Jerusalem." ■V 1 PATHE BACK OF J. A. BERST? Rumor seems to be more insistent than ever that Pathe is back of J. A. Berst in the United Picture Theatres of America, Inc. It is understood the concern will shortly announce an important list of directors, which will include prominent persons heretofore unknown to the film industry, but connected in a large way with other big interests. CINCY'S NEW PICTURE HOUSE. Cincinnati, May 15. Plans have been drawn and a site chosen for a new picture theater which will be erected in 6th street, between Walnut and Main. The ground will cost $200,000. The promoters of the project arc Emmett S. Sorg, owner of the Fine Arts in Detroit and some New York picture men. The new house will have a seating capacity of 2,500. STOLL IN NEW FILM VENTURE. Late advices from London have Os- wold Stoll the prime factor in a new film venture. Heretofore his theatrical activities have been confined to other branches of the amusement industry. Stoll's offices in London will take up the renting of big films, with some prominent "specials" already listed for dates through that connection. Will- iam Vogcl is arranging with Stoll for the showing of the new Chaplin series abroad. MASTBAUM ESTATE. % Philadelphia, May 15. Personal property in the estate of Stanley V. Mastbaum, promoter of picture enterprises, has been appraised at $123,339.53. The bulk of the in- ventory consists of stock in various amusement enterprises. Mr. Mast- baum died on March 7 in this city. Re-itsuing Chaplin "Night-Out." Having played up the contract for the first Charlie Chaplin picture, the Keith and Proctor houses have ob- tained the General Film's re-issue of the Chaplin subject. "A Night Out,' which Chaplin made when working for Kssanav. This film also is contracted for exhibition through the Loew. Mo^ and Fox houses as well as the United's string. The re-issue is being rented at $25 a day. a difference from the $62 50 the theaters paid recently for the Chaplin "A Dog's Life." PUBLIC THE CENSOR. For the first time two Artcraft pic- tures will be released on the same date, May 20, "Old Wives for New" and "Selfish Yates." This is brought about through the postponement of the release of "Old Wives for New," announced for the Rivoli last week, but which will be shown there next week. It is claimed that "Old Wives for New" is the most brilliant accomplish- ment of Cecil B. DeMille. The story was adapted to the screen by Jeanie MacPherson from the book by David Graham Phillips, which was widely commented on because of its fidelity to life, its pitiless exposition of the frailties of mankind and the follies of modern society. The play is unique, in that it advocates divorce as the so- lution of irreparable marital difficul- ties. This was all very well and the di- rectors of Famous Players-Lasky per- sonally like it immensely, but they fear antagonism by local censors throughout the country owing to its frankness. At the last minute they decided to hold back its showing at the Rivoli for further consideration and have finally decided to present it at that house uncensored and uncut, after which adverse criticism will determine how much the feature will be trimmed and some of the scenes tempered. WORLD-PICTURES present SIR JOHNSTON FORBES-ROBERTSON in The Ideal Film Masks and Faces ftory by Cmablbt Rcaoc WITH THE HOST QEMAPKABtE CAST fVER AttEMDLED FOP STAGE OR SCREEN C/JJT INCLUDING george bernard shaw gerald du maur1er weedon grossmith irene vanbrugh henry b. irving sir john hare sir james barr1e dennis neilson terry gertrude elliott henry vibart donald calthrop j. fisher white mabel russell winifred emery sir arthur pinero mary brough gerald ames lottie venne nigel playfair lyall swete renee mayer lillah McCarthy dion boucicault sir george alexander ben webster lilian braithwaite stella campbell viola tree C. M. LOWNE HELEN HAYE NEW YORK TRIBUNE: "Never before has such an aggregation of notables been seen on the screen. We recom- mend it to every one.*' NEW YORK TIMES: "It has a quality and a char- acter that makes it highly inter- esting and entertaining. Acting is a rare delight" MOTION PICTURE NEWS: "World has a good bet in this all-star production. Will appeal to high-class audiences and it will prove a worthy entertain- ment." MOVING PICTURE WORLD: "Unusual attraction. Merits of screen version insure its suc- cess. Array of names is a remarkable one." NEW YORK REVIEW: "Most remarkable cast. Play is thoroughly interesting. You should like 'Masks and Faces'; it is decidedly a screen novelty. * »» DRAMATIC MIRROR: 'A super-excellent produc- •< »» tion. EXHIBITORS TRADE REVIEW "A mighty good attraction for all first -class theatres." .