Variety (November 1922)

Friday, November 10, 1922 .y^~ PICTURES yfiw^i^:"^ 45 f^ l'"i DETROIT EXHIBITORS ANGERED AT SALE OF FILM TO MASONS WT AT VAUDEVILLE IN FILM HOUSES f Showmen Say "Robin Hood" Was Rented to Frater- nal Order and They Never Had a Chance to Bid —Reprisals Threatened Kansas City Pop Managers Book Strong Shows Against Newman SAYS IT'S SOLVENT lnd«p«ndent Supply Shows A«t«tt in Excess of Osbtc LI Detroit, Nov. 8. Detroit exhibitors are up in arms ; against whoever is responsible for % having sold the flrat-run on 'Robin Hood" to the Shadukiam Grotto, a '^ Masonic order, who have leased the '^ Orpheum theatre. They have paid $30,000 for the first run and expect *. to play it for five weeks. They opened Nov, 6. At a meeting of exhibitors this week a resolution was adopted condemning the action of Fairbank's managers, not so much because of this one picture, but be- cause of the precedent that is being i set in letting fraternal organizations I. become competitors to the regular [;. picture houses. ' [' In the instance of "Robin Hood" !**none of the other first-run houses < were asked to bid on the pitcure ^ nor were they given consideration, despite the fact that United Artists .', has always had a first-run on their ' big specials from the picture houses. i "If United Artists and other pro- 4 ducers are going to sell the Masons I their pictures first run without even ' considering the regular picture . bouses, what is g(Ting to prevent ^ other fraternal organizations going into the picture houses and bidding ^1 for pictures," said Phil^Gleichman r. of the Broadway-Strand, who has ;. just played three United Artists pic- ' tures and who has booked "Tess of the Storm Country." '-; c; "The Masons do not intend to run - the Orpheum during the summer. They simply have leased It for the best months of the year. Next sum- mer, when producers want runs on their pictures, they will not have the Masons bidding on pictures, but will then come to.- the regular picture houses. The policy of the Fairbanks i^ management is absolutely all wrong, p^ and the time is here when theatres ''.; who buy pictures the year round ^ must take some definite stand on ;> this sort of thing." » 'KNIGHTHOOD'S' $11,000 FffiST BOSTON WEEK RIM INTERESTS mi HOUSES IN WICHITA One Picture Place Turnied Into Stock—No Vaude- ville "Nice People" Goes Into Or- pheum on Heels of Mollis ,. Engagement v Boston, Nov. 8. "When Knighthood Was in Flower" at the Park did a^whale of a business the fir.st week in here. It is reported the picture did close to $11,000 for the first week, with plenty of strength noticeable at the opening of the second week. Everything is being done to crash this picture over and it is being given plenty of ad- vertising and publicity. The Hearst papers are goin^ strong for it and it is a good bet that it will do big busi- ness during the stay here. Business in the film houses all over town was very good during the past week. The weather was about right for the picture houses*and things ran about normal down through the list. It begins to look as though the finish was near for Griftith's "One Exciting Night" at the Tremoni Temple. The film is being advertised as on the end of the local en'gage- ment, although no definite date has been set for its departure. This de- pends more or less on the business that is done, but it is not believed there is enough punch to the Griflflth^ picture^to offset Jhe advertising and plugging that are being given the Cosmopolitan picture at the F^rk. On the heels of the departure of "Nice People" from the Hollis the film was booked into the Orpheum for the week. This picture was re- leased at the State just before the legitimate attraction hit the town, but was pulled when injunction pro- ceedings were started. There was an agreoment that the picture should not be shown in any city where the play was to appear, or advertised for appearance, until after the show had had its run. Loew's State (Capacity, 4,000. Scale, 25t30).— Using "The Man Who Saw Tomorrow," with Thomas Meighan, for the topllner, with "Pink Gods" as the underline. Did good business last week with *'To Have and to Hold." Chicago, Nov. 8. ,' A corporation known ?is the Con- f; ROlidatcd Amusements Cq/npany has j been organized at Wichita, Kan., to operate the Wichita, Palace, Miller and Princess theatres in that city. The incorporators of the new f company are: L. M. Miller M. D. Shanberg, H. M. Wolf, Stanley M. Chambers, Howard V. Whie^Ier and W. E. Brown, an attorney. The Princess theatre becomes a jT stock house under the new arrange- ment and the Consolidated Ami'be- ments Company will put North ^ Brothers there starting Novem- " ber 20. The Miller interests In Wichita z have been afllliatcd with Mr. Shan- berg of the Midland Theatie Co. of ' Hutchinson and Sallna for some time and recently Mr. Shanberg be- came interested in the Wichita the- atre, which led to the formation of the new concern. In connection with the formation • of the new company .several rumors were set to rest. It was denied that vaudeville is planned for the Pal- ace, which has a sti?:e. and that ■ the Wichita would close toinporaiily for remodeling. It is ex]»liiined that '- some employes at the Wichita had been given a two-week va»ation no- tice, which save rise to the rumor. The new deal means that three houses will play picture.^ and one stock under one company manage- ment. "The Consolidated is not con- nected in any way with the Cr:i\v ford interests in Wichita," it was explained. • Kansas City, Nov. 8. The policy of occasionally offering feature pictures at slightly advanced [Prices over the house scale (35-50) at the Royal has not proven a finan- cial success. Lack of business may be attrib- uted to the strong opposition put up by the pop vaude houses. The Main.strcet featured "Prisoner of Zenda" and put out a lot of extra advertising, while the Pantages of- fered the George Arliss film, "The Man Who Played God." at the top of its bill. Both of these houses are boosting their pictures strong, and it is hinted that this action is in resentment of the Newman plan of using special vaudeville and concert acts at the Newman, Another angle which is cited as having its effect on the big down- town houses is that several of the leading resklential theatres are get- ting the same pictures a few weeks after thQ first runs and showing them at greatly reduced prices. As an illustration, the Isis last week had "The Masqueraders" and "Or- phans of the Storm" at family prices, and the Center was showing "The Four Horsemen" for 10-25. As a result the fans are saving their money and waiting for the neighbor- hood showing. Along the same line is the fact that many of the weekly releases are shown in Kansas City, Kan., day and date with the Missouri side showing. As the two cities are really just one big town, it hurts the business on this side of the line. The Newmans have a 30-day pro- tection on all their pictures, but it does not apply to the Kansas side, and houses there take advantage of the Missouri managers' heavy billing and keep their patrons at home. The Newman is continuipg Its policy of eight entertainment events with the picture. Last week it was "Burning Sands,'* which failed to create any unusual interest, but the bill was a strong one and business picked up a little after Tuesday. In contrast to the ordinary open- ings of the Newman and Royal, with heavily advertised bills, their third string house, the Twelth Street, had capacity business Sunday with "Flesh and Blood," and the fans played it steadily through the week. The week's estimates: Newman.—"Burning Sands" (Par- amount) (seats 1,980; scale, mats.. 35; nights, 50-76). Milton Sills and Wanda Hawley featured in this "desert thriller." billed as "A man's fighting answer to the 'Sheik.'" From Its reception interest in Sheik productions is rapidly declining. The Independent Movie Supply Co., Inc.. has filed its schedules in accordance with court requests as a result of involuntary bankruptcy proceedings brought against it in the Federal District Court, specif- ically denying it is insolvent. The assets are estimated as exceeding the liabilities. William H. Hubell, president of the company, alleges the corporation ha.s $87,610.65 in assets and owos $51,330.20. Of the assets C40,C53 26 consists of . optii accounts due. Stock on hand is val- ued at $34,816.45. The Independent company, 729 Seventh avenue. New York, caters to many larse picture circuits. The creditors include the Nicholas Power Co. and the General Electric Co., the largest claimants. John J. Townsend, the referee, is calling a meeting of creditors to consider a proposed offer of com- position to pay 10 per cent, cash and 90 per cent. In notes, redeem- able monthly. Wilson Lee Cannon, the receiver, meantime is continuing ^the business. ONE PHILiL FLOP, BUT MANY STRONG SPOTS '^Silver Wings" Dies—"Under Two Flags" and "Old Home- . stead" Big RUSH OF DUPUCATE FILMS CROPPING UP Two "Flying Dutchmen"— Two "Omars" and Couplet of Dickens' Stories Tremont Temple (Capacity, 2,000., Other events-were Eileen Von Blene SHAW DIVORCE liOS An/?elcs. Nov R. S. BrJnsley Shaw, motion picture director, is being sued for divorce by Hazel Shaw, at Raleigh, N. C. Marie Aro.squinl, a film actress, was «ame«l by the wife as the cores- pondent. Miss MosquinI, who is here, denies all the allegations. Scale, 50-$1.50).—Griffith's film "One Exciting Night" showing signs of weakness and will probably wind up here very soon. Park (Capacity. 2,400. Scale, 60- $1.60).—Ran about $2,000 a day with the Marlon Davies picture "When Knighthood Was in Flower" for the first full week, with good business at the start of this week. Modern (Capacity, 800. Scale, 28- 40).—Big business looked for this week with John Barrymore in "Sherlock Holmes" as the feature. Did about $5,000 last week with "Slim Shoulders" and "The Country Flapper." Beacon (Capacity, scale, attraction and business same as Modern). BUFFALO BUL FILM? ON Denver, Nov. 8. The suit in the Denver District Court against the Colonial Amuse- ment Co. and the Univer.sal Film Exchange, Inc., by the W. F. Cody ("Buffalo Bill") Historical Pictures Co., to restrain the former from re- leasing and exhibiting Buffalo Bill pictures, or from showing pictures or likenes.^^es of the famous fron- tiersman, was transferred to the Federal District Court for hearing. The transfer was authorized by Judge Julian H. Moore, of the Den- ver Di.strict Court, and the hearing will be before Federal District Judge J. Foster Symcs. Pending decision on the injunc- tion petition, no Buffalo Bill pic- tures will be shown in Denver, by agrerment. NO WORK, NO PAY I..ondoii. Nov. 8. Players here are much worried by a nrw plan which is being adopted by some lea<ling producing firms. This is to the effoct that artists on location will only be paid for the days on which they actually work, although the companies find liotel expenses. Thi«, of course, will only affect the smaller people, who can least afford it, the "stars" receiving weekly salaries or a lump sum for the production. and Melvin Stokes, presenting ex- cerpts from "Blossom Time"; the Coon-Sanders Novelty 0«'chestra, Emb.s and Alton, musicians; a Snub Pollard comedy, "The Old Sea Dog"; a news and novelty reel, and the Newman concert orchestra. No wondor the vaudeville houses are fighting. Business not up to normal, about $13,600. Royal.—"When Knighthood Was in Flower" (Paramount) (seats 890; scale. 50-75). Marion Davies starred. Picture elaborately pre- sented with special musical score by William Frederick and Victor Herbert by an orchestra -of twenty. First of the week business some- what off, but built toward the last, and picture held for the second week. Gross around $9,600. Liberty.— "Remembrance (seats 1,000; scale, 35-50). Claude Gilling- water is easily the star of the pic- ture, but shares honors with Patsy Ruth Miller, a new ingenue. Miss Miller Is a snappy little body who will be heard from. The picture Is long on the sentimental stuff, but lacks the appeal of the "Old Nps^," bv thf .same author. Business about $5..100. Twelfth St.—"Flesh and Blood" (seats 1.100; scale, 10-25). Lon Chanry, featured in the billing, Is a favorite here and capacity was thr rule Sunday, with business holding up fairly weJf during the week. Gross elose to $2,400. Opposition at the popular vaxideville housos: "Pris<inor of Zenda," Mainstreet; "The M.on Who Played God," Pan- tagf s"; -Wolf Law," Globe. VALENTINO OBLIGES Rodolph Valentino made a prr- sonal appearance at the Rivoli the- atre Sunday night on the o<'casion of the sliowing there of "The Young Rajah " It was an Impromptu af- fair, the star of the picture having come to the theatre to see him.self on tlie screen, the audience recog- nizing Inm, demanded his ai)pear- nnrr on the rtage through applause, and ht» complied: At the Famous Players this ex- pressitm of g'ood will on the part of the Ht.ir was taken to indicate that the differences between him and the company would be straightened out in the near future. There seems to be a rush to dupli- cate productions of feature pictures in the last few weeks, with the chances that there may be some lively battles staged in the near future. Three instances of dupli- cate productions have cropped up in the last week. The first was when word came from the coast that a production of Capt. Frederick Marrydt's "The Phantom Ship" has been completed and was on its way to New York. Chtster Beecroft, who represents the Nordisk Film Corp. In this country, came to the fore with a production of the picture that he has had in this country for a number of months which is based on the same story and which carries the same title; also a sub-title that it is "The Fly- ing Dutchman," of Wagner'^ opera- tic writings. The score of the /amous composer was used in con- Junction with the film abroad. Atop of this comes the informa- tion that, after more than a year, the two "Omar" productions are to find their way to the screen. The First National js to present the Richard Walton Tully production of "Omar the Tent Maker," with Guy Bate's Post. E. P. Earle's pro- duction of "Omar Khayyam" is also about to be released. Early this week it appeared as though the lat- ter would find its way to the the- atres via Hodkinson, but a last- minute hitch cropped up and the producers withdrew the production from that organization on Tuesday. It is possible that the existing dif- ferences may be patched up by the end of the week. In the event the picture is placed with another or- ganization, with which negotiations have been carried on, the produc- tlon will have a Broadway pre- release within the next four or five weeks. The third instance of duplication is not the stories filmed, but the fact they are both by the same author and both with a boy star. It is the case of Jackie Coo^an in "Oliver Twist," by Charles Dickens, and the production of Dickens' "Great Expectations," which was also made abroad by the Nordisk company and has the European Jackie Coogan in the principal role. This picture has been taken over by an American diHtriliuling organiza- tion, which Intends battling the Coogan production. Philadelphia. Nov. 8. The complete flop of "Silver Wing.s" at tlu' Stanton wa.s tb«; nut- standing surprise feature in the film situation here last week. Touted to approach if not equal the long run or "Over the Hill" at the Fame house la.st fall, this Fox feature received much special exploitation and ad- vertising, but died. By Tuesday its failure was admit- ted by the Stanley Co. and its run clipped short to a single week, with "Old Homestead" booked in begin- ning Monday. This was the first flop of the Reason at the Stanton, i which held both "Monte Cristo" and "Manslaughter" for four weeks to flno buslnrss. "The Old Homestead" was started off with a bang with half page ad- vertisements In several of the dailies by the Parai.iount people. The pic- ture is figured to complete an en- ga^ement of four weeks before it plays any other downtown houses ' here. Aside from the flop of "Silver Wings" business was good in the bigger fiTnT houses here last week. "To Have and to Hold" held up splendidly at the Stanley. The Aldine had some off nights with "The Prisoner of Zenda." but business was so satisfactory that it has now been decided to keep this " feature in for four weeks, the best this house has done in the matter of runs since "Foolish Wivesi" The Karlton also did flne business, having "Under Two Flags" for the first of two weeks. The picture drew from other sources than the usual society and classy shopping clien- tele of this house. This Is the second Universal feature that has done well at the Karlton. the first being "The St«rm." This week's openings were "Clar- ence," which had the best Monday gross of any picture at the Stanley in two or three months, and "The Old Homestead." This Is the flrst time this fall that so small a number of big film openings has occurred in any one week. The Stanley company has definite- ly reverted to its last year's policy of featuring the added attractions. The critics have been asked If they would make mention of the musical and small film attractions and spe- cial advertising space is being given th*>m. J.*ast week was also an excellent one in the smaller downtown houses. The Palace had "On the High Seas." the Victoria Tom Mixln "For BitC Stakes" and the Arcadia "Love Is an Awful Thing." All three did much better than average business. "• Estinwttes of last week: Stanley (Capacity 4.000. Scale, mats, 36-50, nights 50-76).—"To Have and to Hold" (Paramount). This romance rather caught the popular fancy, won fine notices as a whole and rounded out a week to a grq^d of about $22,000. "Clarence" this week will probably pass that #ross, with "The Man Who Saw Tomorrow" and "The Eternal Flame" to follow In the order named. Stanton (Capacity 1,700. Scale, mats. 35*60, nights 60-76).—"Sliver Wings" (Fox), Failed from the start ^ and decision was made to withdraw it at the end of th« week by Tues- day. "The Old Homestead," booked *, in Monday, is expected to stay four weeks, with "Nero" as the probable successor. "Silver Wings" was less than $7,500. Karlton (Capacity 1.100. Scale. 60 straight). —"Under Two Flags" (Universal). Oulda romance did well at this house. Did about $7,000. Is remaining a second week. Aldine (Capaeity, 1,600. Scale. 60- 75).—"The Prisoner of Zenda" (Metro). Reeems to have put house on feet, though no stunning busi- ness was done after first few days. However, demand is so stea^ly and so promising that picture will stay f«»ur weoks In all, giving way on No- -. vember 20 to "Broadway Rose," an- other Metro. $10,600. 'KNIGHTHOOD" BIDS UP Competitive bidding for exhibition rights to "When Knighthood Was in Flower" is sending the price of that production skyrocketing. In Newark two exhibitor farijons are after the production and offering $9,000 for two weeks on the picture. The Paramount exchange for the territory is holding the price for -the two weeks to $16,000 for the first run in the Jersey town. The New York City biiMing is becoming equally active within the last few days without any dates positively sold following the run at the t^riterion. GEO. BACKER ESTATE Excluding a disputed $40,000 a1- hgfd debt, Cieorge Backer, builder of office structures, who built the Godfrey Building, 720 .Seventh ave- nue. New York, the first structure ever erected for the exclusive use of film concerns, and. who at various times was financially Interested in picture productions with George W. Ledcrer, Harry Rapf, Lewis J. Selz- nick and others, left a net estato of $494,321.07 when he died May H, 1921, a«r<irding to u transfer tax State appraisal of his property, fihd in the SurrogalcH* Court, NfW Yoi k. Mi-. Backer directed his net ••stat« to be divided as foMowv Sarah Backer, widow, of 801 Riversido Drive, all household furniture and r»«rsonal effects, valued at $4,4ai» . 6 0| ' ■■ absolutely, an<l a life interest in th«« r« mninder of his property, or $489,- 8bl.57 after which the principal is to bo divided equally between his children, the issue of any deceased one to lake parent's share.