Variety (April 1920)

m MOVING PICTURES ■■«3.-?; HW MAYFLOWERS iTHROUGH FIRST NAT! Firm Definitely Leaves Reajart and F. P.-L llayflower closed a deal Saturday whereby all of the productions of tbat company, excepting those now under contract for release through the Realart, are to be mariccted through the First National Ex- changes. The contract was with the Asso- ciated First National Exhibitors' Circuit with Harry Schwalbe acting for them. Benjamin F. Prager, the newly ielected president of the Mayflower, who succeeded Isaac Wolper, and Jack McKay represented the May- flower at the signing of the cod- tracts. Under the terms of the contract. Associated First National will have the distribution of the Allan Dwan feature, all future. R. A. Walsh productions, and a picture now being completed In Lo» Angeles by Sidney A. Franklin. Of the Dwan sferies the first, "A Splendid Hazard," by Harold McGrath, has been completed and Is now ready for release; v others are "In the Heart of- a Fool," based on William Allen White's book of tlie same name, and "The Scoffer," from a magazine story by Val Cleveland. Both of these are made and are now being cut. Dwan is scheduled to start shooting on another fea- ture early next week, . With the exception of "The.Deep Purple," which Is being handled by Realart, and is booked for the Capitol next week, all of the Walsh productions will go through First National. It was the Walsh pro- ductions on which the deal was really swung. The early reports on "The Deep Purple" indicate that it la an unusual picture, and the First National officials were anxious to secure the balance of his produc- tions for their program. It Is expected that Franklin will shortly be finished on his produc- tion of "Athalle" and adaptation of the Robert W. .Chambers story. This will be the second Mayflcnvor production to be reeled by First National. They have already hnd two Franklin productions, he hav- ing directed Mar/ Picktord in "The Hoodlum" and "The Heart of the Hills."' For a considerable time the Indus- try has been very much agog over the future of Mayflower. Some sort of an announcement regarding a new releasing affiliation for the company has been expected for more than a month, and VAUIBTy announced that First National would be the company to market the output. Of late there have been rumors to the effect that.a new ar- rangement had been effected with Realart, but these are now shot to pieces. Realart, howevcri will, in addition to "The Deep Purple," also distribute the Charles. Miller production, "The Law of the Yukon," a Robert W. Service poem adapted to the screen, in which Ed- ward Earle is playing the lead. The deal whereby Mayflower will tnake its future releases via the First National carries with it the financing of its productions'. The R. A. Walsh and Qeorge Loane Tucker pictures permit the expenditure oi; sums up to 1200,000 for each fea- ture, while those of directors Miller and Franklin allow an Investment of 1100,000 apiece. SIX DECIDE TO HAVE OWN DISTRIBUTING ORGANIZATION ITH OSCAR PRICE AS i/y; '% Funds to Be Advanced Individual Directors by Guaranty Trust Co., It Is Un^ derstood—Directors Admit Liability to Damages for Withdrawal—^Mc- Adoo in on Deal, It Is Said—H iram Abranis' Proposition Passed . Up by Ince, Sennett, Tucker, Neilan, Dwan jandToumeur. The Associated Producers, Inc. ("Big. Six"), have officially an- nounced the formation of their own distributing company, with Oscar A. Price as president and,F. B. War- ren as general manager, and that they will deaN with exhibitors di- rect instead of through a middle- man or sales organization owned by others. Contracts were signed oh the coast last week by Thomas H. Ince, Mack Sennett, Marshall Xellan, Al- lan Dwan, George Loane Tucker and Maurice Tourneur. These di- rectors will complete their existing contracts with other organizations, and it is claimed that at* leant two more directors wilfbe added to tbtf list. None of the details of the nnano- ing of the entertirisc were given out, but it is genenilly undorstuud that arrangements have been com- pleted for the making of the pic- tures by the respective directors on the basis of fund.s advanced by tti« Guaranty Trust Co.. through the medium of William G. AlcAdoo, at the rate of $125,000 per picture. The agreement binding the six directors togetiier la patterned after the one under which the United Artists ("Big Four") are now op- erating, that is, each Individual di- rector binding himself under a con- tract whereby he admits that his withdrawal would work a direct hardship and financial loss to the others and .admits his-liability for such damage. While the basis of $125,000 per picture Is considered small for spe- cials these days, the directors feel tthat they can turn out their best work at approximately that price, especially as they are agreed that the paying' of fancy prioes for the rights to pla^s or novels Is wrong and that a considerably lesser amount for original scenarios, to- gether with the starring of their own names, will prove equally po- tent as box office attractions. Considerable surjirise was mani- fest in certain film circles when the offleial statement wjis given out as to the personnel of Ihe di.siributors for the "Big Six," tliough in other ((uarters it was known for at^eral days past. The friends of, Hiram Abrams were the surprised ones, confldentlji bi-lleving- he would be selected to hamlle the directors' output In conjnnctiou wllb-lliose of the "Big Four." . Abrams was asked to cume to the coast to negotiate, but de<'lined to go until assured that the directors >v€re not dealing wllii jiiiyipiiV vise., He went, remained iliere a fort- night. KUppiit'd thorn with micli data as he could give, gave them tlu' benefit of fiis advU-e, uiid returned to' New York this week conttdenl a deal would be closed with him. At the officea of the United Art- ists an effort -wab made by Vabiktt to obtain an expression of opinion from Hiram Abrams con- cerning the new combination. A girl clerk- catne to the outer office and said, "We have nothing to say to Variett." * Asked how thej could have noth- ing to say to a question that had not yet been asked, she reiterated, "W'e have nothing to say to Variety." . Finally she was persuaded to re- turn and put the question. "Does Mr. Abrams wish to say anything about the combination between Oscar Price and the Big Six?" A few moments later she came back with "We have nuthhig to say to \'AKIKTr." The United Artists' Corp. held a meeting of its directors Tuesday, when liie resignation of Oscar A. Price was nctcd upon, but no suc- cessor can be appointed until the regular meeting, to be held at Wil- ^nlngton. Dennis F. O'Brien, at- torney (or Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pici<ford, was elected vice- president and temporary president and was also elected general cotin- sel to replace Wfn. G. RIcAdoo. A. H. T. Banzhar, attorney for D. W. GriltUli, was- elected temporary treasurer,. • BESSIE LOVE BACK IN L. A. I Los Angeles, April 28. Bessie Love and the cast of her first Andrew J. Callaghan produc- tion have returned to their studio this week after a long period de- voted to exterior shooting In the Rio Vista country. "The Midlanders," which the star'is adapting from the Charles Tenney Jackson novel, calls for considerable location work. Directors Ida May Park and Joseph de Grasse claims to have an un- usual set of colorful exterior scenes. HIGH EXCHAN(X FOR INFERIOR PRODUCT French View of American Im- ports into France. Paris, April 28. It Is anticipated the high rate of the dollar will have detrimental effects on imports of American films for the French mtirket. The value of the dollar is round about 17 frs. at I present, and as American, films are paid in dollars the renters have difficulty in fixing their price In fraiTcs to meet the competition of Italian .ilms, and even British. On the other hand it is realized there is only the United States that can produce with advantage at pres- ent, though the quality of the work is declared by local critics' to be Inferior to what It was in the past. There is a possibility of old films being dug out and put on. the market as big features.' In the meanwliite the renters are dis- cussing tite advisability of institut- ing the percentage bookings sys- tem, which the largo exhibitors seem tto abhor. All the snme^-thcre were only 4,260 metres of French fllms shown at the trade Khows for the week ended April 3, in comparison with 24,560 metres of foreign, being IT per cent, of home production. HUGH DIEBXiR S CAMPAIGN. Hugh E. DIerker of the Dlerker Photo Drama I'raductlon Co., of Los Angeles, - who arrived In New York a couple of weeks ago with his production staff, la busy on a spe- cial exploitation campaign for his seven-reel feature, "When Dawn Came," which Is shortly to be shown in New York with nn elaborate pro- log and music score. Until overything Is set, no an- nouncement .will be made as to the release date. The Plerker people have let It be understood though, they will start something in feature film circles. RAY HAS ENOUGH. Th« pubilcalton that Charles Pwiiy mu iB lb* market tor scenarios hat) ^ brought such a rc.ipoitse frum agciitH and writers that the star lias biaucd a request for a temponiry hi\U. flue to the fact that hia hnmedta'o reeds •re .nntlsfled. Kny's Initial ofterhig under the A. S.'Kiine iiusplccH Is "Fony-flve IftnuteK fr .jin t!:'''.:i<l\v.-iv * J.'.' , DELAYED MAIL. The congestion of films through parcel post shipment was emphas- ized In the New York office of the P. P.-L. exeh.inse when It wis made known that a certain film consigned to a theatre in Lakewood, N. J.-, fur use Thursday, leaving Tuesday, did not arrive until Friday. The same parcel leaving Lake- wood Saturday with an outlook for delivery Monday was still in trans- port. OIL STOCK FOR . PICTURE PEOPLE Michael Gore, Associate of Lesser, Is Promoter. Michael Gore, associate of Sol Lessor In the Southern California and Arizona franchise of the First National, and owner of the Kinema theatre, Los Angeles, is owner of an oil well near Caplstrano, Cal. He has pi'omoted a ^ock company and stock Is being sold exclusively 10 folks identlllcd' with the moving picture industry. Dedication csor- cises were hold recently, at which time Mildred Harris Chaplin did the christening, using a bcribboncd bottle of oil instead of the cus- tomary champagne. METROPOLITAN IN PHMY FOR FILMS **Big Four" Gets Lease—Open May 8. •' . Philadelphia. April M. . The "Big Four" have obtained a lease on Ih* Metropolitan opera house for sever&l weeks and will open the mammoth place May 8 with Mary I'ickford In "Pollyana." An orchestra of 40 will be strongly feat- ured. Two shows will be given In the evenings, with prices 23-50, and one in the afternoon at 25. With the announcement In the papers of the leasing of the "Met," scheduled for sale under the ham- mer today, there came the report of the breaking of relations between the "Big Four" and the Stanley Co*. of this city. The latter had announced the showing of the "Big Four" pictures, but there was a clash over the rental price, and the Plckford-Falrbanks- Chaplln-Griffiths combination an- tiounccd it would go It alone so far as this city was concerned. LESSER EXPLOITS "THAT SOMETHING" AFRICAN HUNT FOR GRIFFITH. The Lady Mackenzie African Hunt pictures have beon purchnKC-J by Albert Grey for the l>. W. Grif- fith Service. This is th<; first outr side film, not made oith«!r by Grif- fith or under his direct stiporvi.slon, which is to l)« relcttswl with a.Orif- nth name utlached. Thi: purciiase w.Ts mado to include a porconiHije iirrant'''fn''nt. *! Drama Play Dedicated to the Rotary Clubs. "That SomethinB." wrl'.tcn by W. W, Woodbridge and prodiK'td by Herman Film Corporation, is to be exploited by Sol Lesser. Tlie play is a drama, dedicated to. the notary clubs of the world, nud de- picts • the possibilities offered to •very man in America, Lesser has arranged to send out -20 road or- ganizations to cover the country.- ■i ■":■ 1 ■:' \ I •'■-■ i. uj.i ■ ,.■ : .i IN BUSINESS. Syracuse, April 28. Madge Evans, erstwhile film ac- tress and no., booster for a certain line of wearing apparel, held forth at Dey's. a local department store, last week. Miss Evans says this Is only a flying venture and that she's going back to the film's. scHiRSERfi mni ^ U^ HACDONAi NEW STANLEY IN PHILLY.- Philadelphia, April 28. The laying cfHIie corner-stone of the New .Stanley will take place next Saturday afternoon, with an Interesting ceremony, including ad- dresses by the governor of Pennsyl- vania, mayor of PhiKidclphia and other U. S., State and city digni- taries. The Stanley presents pictures In conjunction with musk. $18 000 JEWELRY LOSS. Los Angeles, April 23. Mrs. Rirlo Williams reports the los.<i of *18,000 worth of jewels after a trip to Coronndo Beach. The po- lice suspected a society "Raffles." Adjacent cities have been requested to assist. Mrs. Williams Is unable to explain when the properly was stolen. Acquires Intefest in Companr^ Starring Beauty. B. P. Schulberc luui acqul.red 'n: intereat In and been elected pre«U; dent of the Attractions DlstributlM Corp., which releases the KatherW Ine MacDonald ptOductlona throuA the First National Exhibitora' Clr.l cult B. P. Flneman, who hoa b«ca I president of the concern since itf!' inception a year ago, becomes \'lce«^ president and will remain 'in IJoil Angeles to co-operate with Sani &=; Rork, president of the- KathetJa^ MacDonald Pictures Corp. .:'|^ Schulberg's headquarters will hi^:! in New To'rk. Under the new regini»v'; Attractions Distributing intends. jJjlI offer specialized representation 'to>, stars, directors and other factors Inl^ the bu&Ines.s, besides producing big'| specials from time to time. P.e,eard. | ing his new plans, Schulberg saldt.l "It is. our purpose to maintain | such a policy as will enable us tjK^y bring mcst readily and with tli(j./> least hindrance Jo the open mnrUft j all such pictures as mn.\ selected v to self or exploit, and t' bring tb < independent producers and distribTJ utors' all stars and directors wls^'-f wish to establish independent uniti tj of production." '■'„ BlTRTOlf KING, INDEPENDENT.1 Burton King ha.s retired frum the ' \)'isturia Film and wil| enter they field as an independent producer. ■.,;.] "The Common Sin," a newly wrlt«.'.!!i ten play by Willard Muck, which v. King purchase<l the film rights of lost we<?k from Mack, will be tilt..' initial production. . \-fi FARRAR TO MAKE TWO. Los Angeles, April 28. Geraldlne Kariar has signed l6 make two'pictures for the Ahso- ; cla^i'd Players. Isaac Wblper, former president of Mayflower, is connected with thtf Associated Players. '.' > . FIIHS COST MORE. . -.-'^ Paris, April 2t The manufacturers and renters tX^ a meeting of their syndicate last' week decreed an increase of 25 p«r cent, on all Invoices fronn beginning' of April and they decided to make no contract extending beyond Sep- tember 30 next. GET RAFTOF CROOK YARN8. ,' Henry M. Hobart, general man*,:^ ager of Cosmopolitan Productlons.|v has signed Jack Boyle to a long' term contract. Boyle is the author,' of a number of crook stories whicia - have appeared in HeaVst's Cosmo- politan. Good Housekeeping an^ Harper's Bazaar will have first call on these for picture purposes. . • The following stories wll be adapt- ed for the screen: "Problem 1«, Grand Ijirceny." "Answer in Grand Larceny," "Daughter of Mother Mc- Ginn."* "Alias Prince Charming;" "Black Dan Pays," "Boomeranf Bill," "The Face In the Fog," "Tli« Painted Child," "Granddad's Girl"' And "The Beauty Fountain." Lesser Signs Oakman. Sot Lesser announces that he has signed Wheeler Oakman to a long tsrm contract. Oakman Is now play- ing opposite Annette Kellerman in a Lesser production. Pending the ac- QUisition of suitable vehicles for Oakman he will be loaned out to two other producing companies. Next to London Garrlck. Before leaving for Englana a few days ago Captain Harry l.amliart announced that ho and his nssooiates have.purchased the old Garrlck Inn, long associated with Ihe Garrlck theatre, London, and they plan to erect a pictui'e theatre on the silej Montrose Quits Brunton. Los Angeles, April 28. Joseph Montrose has re-nigned from the Brunton studios to btconie general manager for the James Oli- ver Curwood, Company, which has arranged to release via the First National. "HOPE DIAMOND" SERIAL. LoB Angeles, April 2». George Klelne, pre.iident of Kos* mic Fiim.s, and L. C. Wheeler, treiis- urer, are making "The Hope l>!a- moiid." a serial, at Uuivors'al Cil^*- ■;.• ,( > I ; < ■ ■• i ■ : ••■.<■•.■■■