Variety (March 1921)

■ Friday, March 11, 1921 PICTURES as PROTEST AGAINST PICTURE LIBERTIES Film Producers Present Un- faithful Representation. Wilmington, Del. March 2. fld«ipr Variety: ^ ., It teems that just aa the saloon - ceeper was largely responsible for bringing about prohibition, the powers that be behind the screen are contributing to the passage of "blue laws" restricting the theatre. Statistics are available to show the enormous number of people who see and digest the pictures and art influenced by them in their views of life and. people, yet the producers of : 'ctures continue to misrepresent the people of the stage in every possible way. Why Is it that there are films pre- sented daily that misrepresent and libel the performer, especial'y the women of the theatre as drinkers, cigarette fiends and generally per- sons of lax morals? A recent ar- ticle in Variety set forth govern- ment figures to show that of all the people convicted of crime in New York state for a' year, only one was a legitimate performer. Yet every screen "actress* is shown as a wanton creature, a wine bibber and a destroyer of homes. We never see an actress as a home lov- ing woman of domestic tendencies, or properly and happily married. The people of the stage know well enough the attitude of the layman toward the artist. Nevertheless the screen seemc to do everything It can to aggravate a condition al- ready bad enough? What the pub- lic doesn't know about show folk they think they know from the screen. That's bad enough, but in addition the long-haired reformers absorb these vicious views as well and make them worse for their own purposes. If the* film makers flooded the country with pictures misrepresent- ing any other honorable profession in the same way what a storm Would be raised. In the keen competition between "screen" and legitimate stage per- haps there is some subtlety of rea- son. Do they figure that propa- ganda against the stage of spoken entertainment will work to the profit of the screen? A. L. Gup. NEW YORK GOVERNOR BACKS DRASTIC PICTURE CENSORSHIP Will Make Revised Clayton Bill a Party Issue—To Ban Objectionable Advertising Just as if It Were Incorporated in Screen Presentation—Law May Operate by Next August. PHILA SHOWMEN WAR ON NEW TAX MEASURES HITCH IN A. P. DEAL Litchman May Succeed Warren, Providing— Albany, N. Y., March t. Governor Nathan L. Miller this week came out unequivocally in favor of State censorship of pic- tures. The Governor told Variety's correspondent that he is convinced that many pictures now being ex- hibited in this State are objection- able and should be prohibited. The Governor held conferences with Edmund Machold, speaker of the Assembly, and Senator Clayton R. Lusk, majority leader in the up- per House, on the censorship ques- tion this week. The chief executive also conferred with Assemblyman Walter F. Clayton, Republican, of Kingston, introducer of the "movie" bill now in the Ways and Means Committee of the Assembly, after which the legislator from Ulster County presented a substitute cen- sorship bill. According to the gossip in the legislative halls in the Capitol, the Republicans are planning to make the fight for regulation* of the films a party issue now that Governor Miller has come out strongly for censorship of pictures. Senator Lusk, Republican leader in the Senate, is expected to sponsor the legislation for the G. O. P. in the upper House. The substitute bill presented in the Assembly by Mr. Clayton conforms to all the sugges- tions made by the Governor at this week's conferences with the Repub- lican leaders, it is understood. Revenue Possibilities. While the Governor and the Re- publican leaders are said to be con- cerned chiefly with the moral side of the question and the alleged need for a change In policy, their second consideration is the revenue-pro- ducing angle of the Clayton meas- ure. Republican chieftains esti- mate that the State's revenue would be increased by more than (500,000 under the proposed legislation. * The New York State Conference of Mayors, representing. fifty-nine cities in the Empire State, will stand on its opposition to censorship of the films taken at the 1920 ses- sion in this city. A special com- mittee appointed to study the pro- posed censorship scheme found State regulation "in any form undesir- able." The committee, whose report was supported by the conference at large, found the National Board of Review "the only promising method of regulating the production and ex- hibition of motion pictures." Mrs. Clarence Waterman of Brooklyn, representing the Better Motion Picture Alliance, was one of the callers on Governor Miller this week. Mrs. Waterman sought the co-operation of the Governor In the enactment of the censorship law. "Mrs. Waterman showed me a picture in an advertisement used to exploit a motion picture that made me think that I must have been liv- ing in the woods," the Governor de- clared'. Shocked by Lewd "Ad." "It was a surprise to me that any newspaper or other publication would publish such a pictur in connection with such an advertise- ment, or that any institution would seek to make money out of such an appeal to the passions. "I am In favor of anything that would stop that sort of thing, and you cannot quote me too strongly on that." The picture to which Governor Miller referred was part of an ad- vertisement of a screen play and is understood to have shown a nude woman. The name of the film in which the picture was used could not be learned. • On several occasions since com- ing to Albany Jan. 1 the Governor .has .accompanied Ms daughters to motion picture theatres, ima, it'is said that some of the pictures ex- hibited did not meet with the ap- proval of the State's chief execu- tive, hence his advocation of the censorship plan. One of the main changes in the substitute bill introduced by Assem- blyman Clayton is the Increase In the salaries of the three commis- sioners who would serve if the measure is enacted into law from $5,000 to. $7,500 a year each. Under the terms of the bill the commis- sioners are to serve for five years, except the first three, whose terms will expire reaj>«riirveiy in 1922, 1924 and 1925. License After Aug* 1* Aug. 1 is set as the date for func- tioning of the State Censorship Commission, according to the pro- visions of the measure, and any film cannot be shown after that date which has not been licensed by the commission. Each film is to be taxed l $3 a reel and news and scientific pictures are exempt from inspection and from the tax. All applicants will -be given the right of review for rejected films, but any exhibitor who attempts to show a picture after it has -been rejected will lose his license. The legislation gives the commis- sion the authority to prohibit the presentation of films that are "ob- scene, indecent, immoral, inhuman or sacrillgious," and prohibits the exhibition of pictures of "actual bull fights and prize fights," or films of "such a character as to corrupt the morals or incite to crime." Owing to representations made to the Governor that often the adver- tisements of films are merely for the purpose of arousing the cupidity of exhibitors, it is provided In the bill that no advertising matter can be issued In connection with a film which would be unlawful if con- tained in the picture itself. Although the commission will have the authority to enforce its regulations, It does not preclude lo- cal officials from detecting and prosecuting violations of the law, as well as enforcing the censorship act. MAINE PROPOSES CENSOR. It is now generally reported the Associated Producers ("Big Six") contemplate replacing F. B. Warren and installing Al Lichtman as man- ager of distribution. There is one hitch to a consum- mation—the matter of financing the enterprise. Litchman has wired New York to endeavor to make suit- able banking connections. It is un- derstood the present financial in- terests have the option of calling their loans in the event of any change in management. One bank on the coast has invested some $800,000 in the venture, it is said, and the Central Trust Co. of Chi- cago is also reported Interested. Senate Bill Calls for $25,000 Appro prtation for Board. Los Angeles, March 9. It Is conceded here that the deal for Al Lichtman to take over the distribution end of the Associated Producers is definitely off, and that Lichtman will leave for New York this week. This statement comes from one of the producers who was in active negotiation with Licht- man. Augusta, Me., March 9. Senator Frank G. Farrington is sponsor for a bill just introduced in the'state legislature providing for a board of picture censors. The pro- posed law calls for an appropria- tion of $25,000 to cover preliminary cost of starting the institution. A fee of $1 a reel of less than 1,000 and $2 a reel of more than 1,000 Is provided for. No picture may be exhibited in the state without pass- ing the censor, but elaborate provi- sion Is made for appeal from the rulings by the board. Any producers or exhibitor may demand a hearing of appeal against a board ruling within 10 days. If the decision is still not satisfactory, he may carry an appeal to the Su- preme court sitting as a court of equity and this tribunal is piven power to reverse or affirm the rul- ing of the censors. COAST FILM NOTES By FRED SCHADER. Los Angeles, March 9. Tod Browning has started work on a Universal all-star production, "Fanny Ijerself," an Edna Ferber story. It is possible Rosabella Laemmle, daughter of the head of the U., may have one of the princi- pal roles. the period* of enforced idleness at the Keaton plant. Leonard Clapham, who has been featured by U. in a number of short reels, Is to be starred by them in the Peter B. Kyne story, "Renuncia- tion," directed by Jacques JacCard. The old melodramatic thriller, "Human Hearts," one of the favor- ites of the rep. companies in the smaller one nighters, Is to be filmed by Universal. RolHn Stur- geon is to direct the plcturlzation. which Is to have an all-star east, according to Charlie Hertzman. • • "ROSE MARY OF 'FRISCO." Feature Being Made at Belaeco . Studios—Gersor to Produce. *V°se Mary of 'Frisco," written by F. H. MacQuarrie, a story of an Italian girl who rises from San Francisco's Latin quarter to high society, is being filmed here by the Belasco studios. N. Anthony Baker is directing the production. Immediate production of a series of comedies and f>ur feature pic- tures by the Paul Gerson Pictures Corporation, a Sar. Francisco com- pany, will take place as the result °f negotiations completed late last Week. A nationally known director wi H be Imported to supervise the shooting of the scenes, all of Which *M be local. "Trouble Brewing" Is the title of ^he first comedy to be filmed. Gladys Walton has recovered from a severe cold and is again on the U. lot working In "The Man Tamer." FRANCES ELDRIDGE'S SUIT. Frances Eldridge, screen actress, and formerly in the legitimate, has instituted suit against the World Motion Picture Corp. in the Supreme Court, for breach of contract. According to her complaint, the company, after advertising and ex- ploiting her as a star and using her services In producing one picture, not only failed to pay her any salary, but did not offer to compensate her for the gowns she was compelled to purchase. BADGLEY DIRECTING. Frank C. Badgley, film actor, is going to forsake the screen for the directing end of pictures. He has accepted a position with the Cana- dian government to handle a pro- ducing unit which will make a num- ber of films of dramatic as well as semi-educational character. Badgley received his directorial schooling at the Griffith studios be- fore becoming an actor. , Anita Stewart stars this week on "The Price of Happipess," a Flor- enee Auer story» under direction of Edwin Care we. Jean Haves is at the- Lasky lot supplying the idea for the laugh- producing bits In the Roscoe Ar- buckle comedies. Havez will re- main there until "Buster" Keaton is ready to resume, being still under contract to the comedian. Exhibitors Say 1 p. c. Import Would Strangle Industry. Philadelphia manugers both of picture houses, variety and legit, have moved their bags to Harria- fTuig dfts wevk A)"iigiu (Urirmfriaar> ~ •*•■ added taxing of the theatrical peo- ple in bills now before the legisla- ture, as well as the Edmonds Day- light Saving bill also pending. John S. Evans, of this city, presi- dent of the Pennsylvania division of Motion Picture Theatre Owners, said, in commenting on the proposi- tion to tax theatre owners one per cent, of the gross receipts: "The Association will % flght It to the last ditch as we believe it would strangle the moving picture indus- try of the state." Philadelphia is particularly inter- ested In the Daylight Saving ques- tion and* is pretty thoroughly or- ganised to fight this bill. Representative Blumberg, of Philadelphia, has added another an* gle to the situation with a bill mak- ing it illegal to sell more tickets than there are seats In amusement places, violation being subject to fine and imprisonment. The measure to impose an addi- tional tax of one per cent, on gross earnings of picture houses waa in- troduced by Representative Brady, another Phlladelphlan. PHILLY'S FILMS. Good Business Reported in Down- town Houses. Philadelphia, March 9. The downtown picture houses re- port excellent business with no sigm of being injured by Lent. First National people point with particular pride to the record of "The Kid," which is playing in seven houses next week for six-day showings. STANLEY—"Polly with a Past.** Metro, with Inn Claire. Goldwyn's "Earthbound" carded for next week. STANTON — "Peaceful Valley." with Charles Ray. ARCADIA—"The Gilded Lily," Paramount, with Mae Murray sec- ond and last week. PALACE and VICTORIA—"The Kid," First National. Chaplin. REGENT—"The Education of Elizabeth," Paramount, Billle Burke. Special Productions Is going to make a series of all-star comedies in which Chester Conklin, Louise Fazenda, Charlottle Meriam and Neely Edwards are to appear. It was originally planned to have Ford | Sterling in the company also, but he refused. Sterling is under con- tract to the company at $800 a week and 10 per cent, of the profits for a series of comedies in which he was to be starred. When it was pro- posed he work in the "all-star" series, he walked out. The Educa- tional will release the all-star pic- tures on a percentage basis without an advance. The fast In the first Oliver Mo- rosed production. 'The Haif-Bieed," to be released by First National, will include Wheeler Oakman, Hugh Thompson, Joseph Dowling, Mary Anderson, Ann May, Sidney De Grey, Deeta De Graff, Herbert Prior, Lew Harvey, Stanton Hcek. Evelyn Selbie, Carl Stoekdale. George Kiowa, N. F. De Ruiz and Juanita Archer. The Sessue Hayakawa demurrer to the complaint of Aubrey Kennedy in his action for $260,000 damsges was sustained In the Federal court here. The court held that the com- plaint was entirely too indefinite and unoertaln, and did not state a cause for action. BLANEY LOSES TITLE SUIT. Fox Film Corp. has won out la the suit brought against it by Charles E. Blaney. Plaintiff applied for an injunction to restrain Fox from using the title "The Man Who Dared" in connection with a pic- ture, on the ground he owned a play of that name. Judge Hotchkiss denied the appli- cation and Blaney appealed to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, which affirmed the decision of Judge Hotchkiss that an injunc- tion be denied. the cast of which will be Doris May, Wallace Macdonald, Kathleen Kirk- ham, Hobart Bosworth and Charles Meredith. "The Four Horsemen" opens to- night at the. Mission theatre, extensive advertising campaign been in progress for a week for the picture. The Metro took the house last Wednesday and filled in the extra week with Ina Claire in "Polly with a Past." William Fox has secured time at the Philharmonic Auditorium fori 'nine weeks and will show his "Over the Hills" and "The Queen of Sheba."« Hal Mohr. chief cameraman for George H. Kern, who is making the "Fnfoldment," is now a daddy, an eight-pound son being born last week. John Crosetti has started an ac- j tion for $25,000 against the Fox Film j Corp. and Tom Mix, the Fox star. j The complaint alleges the company made arrangements with Crosetti, who lives in Gninth Park, to make scenes on his property. Crosetti says the members of the company entered the property without per- mission, and when he remonstrated with them the cowboys threw him on the ground and sat on him un- til they had completed their work. IT. C. Raymaker has started di- recting the first of the .series of Ilallroom Boys comedies, to be re- j leased on the Federated program under the new contraet which Harry Conn has closed" for the com- pany, I^x Neal, who has been au- thoring at the Buster Keaton lot. is taking charge of the scenario de- partment for the company during Mildred Harris will begin work on the Lasky lot on March 21 under the direction of Cecil De Mille. She will play one of the three principal roles In his next all-star feature. The next Maurice Tourneur fea- ture- will be h screen version of Don Byrne's 'Foolish Matrons." in Gore Brothers and Sol Lesser harri secured a site on Western Avenuaj between Third and Fourth street s* for the buikhng of u, *2JtyiOCf theatre* Joseph P. Curran has been named manager of the Sam Francisco branch of the Palmer Photoplay Corporation, which was opened last week. An Oakland branch has also been opened. Lucrecia Bonachea Valensuela, known to the screen and stace as I.uerecia Bonachea, has had her husband cited for contempt of court because 1 e has not fulfilled the court order to pay her $40 monthly ah> mony. The H. B. Warners have had an- other addition to the family. The latest arrival is a boy, who wae born at the Good Samaritan Hos- pital last week. As soon as Mrs. Warner has fully recovered the family w,ll start for New York, Mr. Warner*! contraet to make plotw here ha < ng expired. >**