aass_±r ; . '3 Book 1- CDEnQG»r DEPOSIT. Scanned from the collections of The Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation www.loc.gov/avconservation Motion Picture and Television Reading Room www.loc.gov/rr/mopic Recorded Sound Reference Center www.loc.gov/rr/record I I MOTION PICTUR HERALD A CONSOLIDATION OF EXHIBITORS HERALD-WORLD AND MOTION PICTURE NEWS NATION'S TEACHERS URGED TO USE HERALD'S SCHOOL & SCREEN" H W"*. OP Carl E. Milliken addresses National Education Association Convention on cooperation with the motion picture Two Sections Section One IH/I Xr*» 1 Entered ai second-class matter^ Jannarv 12, 1931, nt tke Post Office at New York. iV. V.. under X.\J% SyO. L Weekly by Quigiey Publishing Co., Inc., at 1790 Broadway « — Vork. . ;/ SPIRIT OF PERSHINC CHATEAU THIERRY! BELIEAU WOODi ST. MIHIEL!... Fighting Spirit Won for Persiiing Just OS Fighting Spirit Will Win for Modern industry. RKO-Rodio Wishes to Thank the Hundreds of Showmen Who Hove Commended its Efforts in Behalf of Prosperity... And to Call Again Upon Each and Every One To Work With Unflagging Energy and Enthusiasm ...With Eyes Ever on the Box-office! DEPHiSSION IS OVER! PROSPiSliTY IS AROUND THE CORNER! RKO- RADIO OFFERS THE MOST PRAColCAL SHOW iUT THE mW SEASON ■ '^fel^-^" . . . 36 GRAND ATTRACTIONS BOOK imm All NOW! TUNE IN! "RKO THEATRE OF THE AIR'' N.B.C. Coast to Coast Network EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT, 10:30 P.M. NEW YORK TIME ''There'll be a short wait of 2 hours for all seats to see SIX m New Yorkers are saying they have waited FIVE YEARS for a hit like this! PLAY IT DAY AND DATE with BROADWAY ROBINSON as a gambler who knows too much about cards and too little about blondes Screen story and dialogue by Kubec Glasmon, John Bright, Lucien Hubbard, Joseph Jackson EDW. G. ROBINSON and JAMES CAGNEY A WARNER BROS: HIT! JUL -6 193! ©CIB 119998 MOTION PICTURE HERALD Vol. 104, No. I Picking on Hollywood THE valued and able New York Times appears to be increasingly afflicted with a bias against the motion picture. In these columns there was recent attention to the in- sertion by The Times of the word "film" to quote a Two Gun Crowley letter in such a manner as to credit his murderous impulses to screen inspirations. Again in last week's mishap involving the shooting of a small boy by a playmate in Montclair, New Jersey, the Times, along with other publications, developed the news story around expressions which laid the blame on gangster pictures, ignoring quite the fact that the parents and the police alike had permitted the boy to retain possession and play with a mail order pistol, and the fact that after all the killing was done with a pistol and not a reel of film. Now one may observe that in the Times of June 24 there appeared a special cable from London, quoting Lord Irwin, former Viceroy of India, as saying that the prestige of the white man in India had gone forever, and adding, "The former Viceroy attributed this to three things: first, the defeat of the Russians by the Japanese; secondly, the employment of Indian troops in the world war against white men, and thirdly, the influence of motion pictures on the Indian mind." Next we discover in The Times of June 25 an editorial entitled "White Men in Asia," which includes this: "The deplorable effect upon Asiatic sentiment of the works of Hollywood has been of more recent concern. You see the Viceroy spoke of motion pictures, while The Times can think only of the works of Hollywood. It is obvious enough to this industry that India sees all of the British cinema product and in all probability more European made film than ever reaches America. It may be brought to the attention of The Times, and the rest of the daily press of America, that there is avail- able an official Indian-British judgment in the matter in the report of the Indian Cinematograph Commission ap- pointed by the government to examine into the very questions involved. This commission reported, after a two year study, that: "We are without exception satis- fied that the overwhelming majority of films certified for public exhibition in no way bring western civilization into contempt." The Commission also took cognizance of the fact that the entire agitation about film influences on the natives had arisen because of trade jealousies in Wardour street, saying: "We do not suggest that trade propaganda is illegitimate in itself, but obviously a man with wares to sell is not likely to lose any opportunity of criticizing the wares of his rival. The British film industry very naturally wishes to recover the position which it held in the film world prior to the war, but when it attempts to show that the films produced in America are in one way or another inferior or harmful, the cautious man will bethink him of the adage that all is fair in love and war." July 4. 1931 Standing for Dirt MR. WALTER WINCHELL in his "On Broadway" in the New York Daily Mirror of Monday last sets down: "Tallulah Bankhead says she made Gary Cooper, but he says no, the cad." If such published expression concerning two prominent performers of the screen can pass unresented by Paramount and by the industry a strangely supine state has been reached. Without discussion of the taste or merits of such an item if it concerned mere individuals of no publicity mo- ment, it is all too obvious that it becomes something to- notice solely because it involves the names of motion pic- ture personages. Its publication is therefore a motion pic- ture affair, and one can not fancy any set of conditions which would warrant it. As long as the motion picture institution, in its strange timidity and frail tremblings at suggestion of controversy, stands for dirt it will get plenty of it. AAA Keeping Sound in Tune N\nETTER THEATRES" this week presents some important suggestions on the maintenance of sound picture projection equipment and the very necessary careful constant attention to the quality of sound rendi- tion in the theatre. The series of articles on the subject of "What the Manager Should Know About Sound," is an important contribution to the working technology of the business. They come from the pen of one of the most able sound engineers. After many years of experience with silent equipment the problems of the booth were relatively few and simple. Today they are many and complex and the failure of a tiny part or a single adjustment of the complex sound mechanism can stop the show. And when the show stops there is nothing going on but the overhead. AAA Remembering Deadeye Dick IN view of the prevailing habit of the daily press to pick on the pictures as an editorial pastime, and MOTION Picture Herald's continuous diligence in pointing out that habit, it becomes also an obligation to present intelligent words from The Daily News of New York, which, anent the Montclair excitement, says: As we've remarked before, it isn't the talkies that make the public interest in gang pictures. It's the public's breathless interest in prohibition's gangster crop which forces the production of gang talkies. Forty years or so ago, all the kids except the sissies were smuggling dime novels into their hideaways or school desks. Parents were much alarmed. They foresaw their children grow- ing up to become Deadeye Dicks and Calamity Janes. But those children, fully 99.8 per cent of them, grew up to become excellent citizens, good husbands, good mothers and all the rest of it. Some of them even grew up_to become crusaders against gangster talkies. The Daily News has consistently maintained a friendly sympathy with this aspect of the production problems of the motion picture industry and its censorship issues. MOTION PICTURE HERALD MARTIN QUIGLEY, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher Incorcoratinp Exhibitor's Herald, founded 1915; Motion Picture News, founded 1913; Moving Picture World, founded 1907; Motography, founded 1909; The Film Index founded 1906 Published every Friday by Quigley Publishing Company, 1790 Broadway, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Martin Quiglty. Editor-in-Chief and Publisher- Colvin W. Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Terry Ramsaye, Editor; Chicago office, 407 South Dearborn street. Edwin S. Clifford manager- Hollywood office, Pacific States Life Building. William A. Johnston, manager; London office, Faraday House, 8-10 Charing Cross Road, London, W.C.2, W H Mooring representative. Member Audit Bureau of Circulations. All contents copyrighted 1931 by Quigley Publishing Company. All editorial and business correspondence sliould be addressed to the New York office. Better Theatres (with which The Showman is incorporated), devoted to the construction, equipment and operation of theatres is published every fourth week as section 2 of Motion Picture Herald. Other Quigley Publications; Motion Picture Daily, The Hollywood Herald The Motion Picture Almanac, published annually, and The Chicagoan. 8 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 4 , 19 3 1 RETURN OF NONTHEATRICAL SALES TO PRE-SOUND PRESTIGE SEEN NEAR Intelligently Organized Effort Declared Chief Factor — Makers Of Equipment Awake to Possibilities — Field Found Lucrative Exploitation subjects in the nontheatri restoration of the nontheatrical phase of it will be as important as in pre-sound da next three months. Success or failure of the development, chief, rests in an intelligently organized e This organization of nontheatricals, con- tends Mr. Bunn, should not only control the interference of nontheatrical showings with C. W. Bunn Joe Brandt regular theatre playdates, but should so sol- idify that phase of the industry as to make its returns unusually attractive to distribu- tors. "There never has been a really organized effort of the industry to deal with nonthe- atricals," said Mr. Bunn, "particularly inso- far as satisfying the needs of that field. It offers, and always has offered, unusual op- portunities, and if a clearing house repre- senting the industry had control over inter- ference with regular theatre accounts, there appears no reason why the field could not be developed to an important place in the industry without invading the theatrical field. Most certainly an organized picture supply is needed." Stuart W. Webb, executive vice-president of Pathe Exchange, Inc., which in silent days occupied an important spot in non- theatricals, says that one handicap in the development is the inability of projection manufacturers to make available sound-on- film portable 16 milimeter devices. "There have been no successful machines of the 16 mm. portable type to date," stated Webb, "except those which use only sound-on- disc." In currently surveying the nontheatrical field, most distributors declined to discuss their policies and plans for the new develop- ment. With but few exceptions, including Columbia and Fox, major distributing com- panies refused to talk, apparently deciding against taking a chance of antagonizing the- atre owners, who since the industry's early days have harbored bitter feeling toward nontheatricals and to the departments of film companies which encourage the use of regular theatrical attractions to nontheatri- cal accounts. Before soutid, important exhibitor inter- cal field, and complete rehabilitation and motion picture selling to a point where ys, appears a probable development of the in the opinion of C. W. Bunn, Erpi's sales fifort to deal with nontheatrical accounts. ests were almost continuously at logger- heads with distributors over nontheatrical showings, and although distributors definite- ly have decided to re-enter the field, it is believed that they will more carefully scru- tinize nontheatrical accounts before book- ing theatrical product, in order to eliminate a recurrence of the misunderstanding with .exhibitors. "Fox has never lost interest in the non- theatrical business," according to Glendon Allvine, home office publicity and advertis- (Continued on page 28) This IVeek Return of non-theatrical sales to pre- sound prestige seen near Page % Church Council, following year's investiga- tion, vindicates industry Page 9 Balaban & Katz fights summer competition with institutional advertising Page JO Milliken urges United States teachers to use Herald's "School and Screen" Page / 1 States unite in support of Hoover visual education tests Page J 2 British exhibitors protest movement for single feature program as damaging to interests of English-made productions Page J 3 Industry's leaders see benefits to motion picture business as well as to industry at large if Hoover moratorium plan becomes eflfective Page 74 Catholics in Canada create new body to sponsor better films Page 2 5 FEATURES Editorial Asides and Interludes The Camera Reports DEPARTMENTS Productions in Work Box Office Receipts Managers Round Table Complete Release Chart J. C. Jenkins — His Colyum Classified Advertising Passing in Review Music and Talent Sound Reproduction Chicago Film Row Your Public Page 7 Page J 5 Page 19 Page 30 Vage 42 Page 5 5 Page 67 Page 49 Page 74 Page 31 Page 50 Page 39 Page 4S Page 3S AUied's Advice on the Buying Situation A publicity release from the office of Abram F. Myers, president of Allied States Association of Motion Picture Exhibitors, in Washington, D. C, under date of June 30, says: "BUY NOW— AND GO BROKE" The foregoing slogan is respectfully suggested to publications and organiza- tions friendly to independent theatre owners as a substitute for the one cur- rently used by publications and associa- tions seeking to commit the exhibitors to binding obligations in this, the most uncertain and dangerous period in the history of the industry. FEEL YOUR WAY UNTIL YOU SEE THE LIGHT Any theatre owner who can tell now what he can afford for pictures six months from now either has a great situation or the gift of prophecy. The wise thing to do is to proceed cautious- ly, buying only when necessary. Re- member that the bankers in control of the large companies, knowing nothing of showmanship, are enforcing rigid economy and any product you buy will be "cheap product." Motion Picture Herald, editorially, and in certain display advertisements to the trade, in a series now appearing, has taken a position arguing that no progress can come of a state of inaction and stagnation. It is the Herald's opinion that the best interests of all elements of the business can only be served by doing business. "Watch- ful waiting" as a policy has few victories to its credit in any activity or enterprise which requires daily performance and con- tinuous turnover. It is also the declared and delivered policy of Motion Picture Herald to keep its cokimns open to the expression of any and every honestly held and expressed opinion from persons of responsibility in the motion picture industry. Therefore, it is with cheer, if not agreement, that this page pre- sents the Allied States bulletin. THE EDITOR. July 4. 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 9 CHURCH COUNCIL, AFTER A YEAR'S CHECKUP, VINDICATES INDUSTRY Pornographic Stilk Flaunt Industry's Advertising Code Spokesmen for the industry pernnit their indignation to rise to excessive heights when outside criticism is registered relative to a lack of decent moral standards in motion picture production. The effort of the industry generally to maintain a reasonably whole- some character in its entertainment and advertising has been a strong and determined one, yet in various instances there is to be found evidence which makes much of the outside criticism heard appear to be altogether in- sufficient to fit the case. One of the most destructive conditions affecting the good repute of the industry is the practice which has been carried on in varying degrees in con- nection with the making of pornographic stills which are supplied to various foreign countries where there is a demand for such and also to certain American publications which have a bent for the risque. A current case of considerable gravity is a group of publicity stills made by the RKO Pathe studio and distributed by the RKO Pathe publicity de- partment in New York. The stills in question were photographed by William E. Thomas and presumably refer to a sequence which is to be included in the forthcoming production of "The Common Law." These photographs in the main feature the practically nude form of an obscure performer who is identified on the photographs as Dolores Muray. These photographs are disturbing evidence that certain sections of the industry are continuing to go along merrily thumbing their noses at both the Production Code and the Advertising Code. Report Contrasts Those Of Crafts and Chase Clarke Re-elected President of Fox MPTO Condemns Substitutions L. Clarke, Winfield vice-presi- Harley L. Clarke was re-elected presi- dent of Fox Film Corporation at the meet- ing Wednesday of the new board of direc- tors. The entire ex- ecutive personnel as voted by the board follows : Harley president ; Sheehan, dent-general manager ; W. C. Michel, vice- president and treas- urer; S. R. Burns, vice-president and sec- retary ; James R. Grainger, vice-presi- dent in charge of sales ; Glenn Gris- wold, vice-president ; Sydney Towell, comptroller ; W. S. Bell, assistant treasurer ; Felix A. Jenkins, assist- ant secretary ; J. J. Kitson, assistant secre- tary; F. R. Stoeckel, assistant secretary. Winfield Sheehan made a hurried trip from Hollywood to attend the meeting. The MPTO of Maryland, at a meeting on June 25 adopted a resolution declaring the practice of certain distributors in offering contracts with a clause permitting them to change story, star, cast or director a coercive practice. The resolution bases the action on the declaration of the- Federal Trade Commis- sion calling that an unfair practice, and recognizing the right of the exhibitor to cancel the proved substitution. The meet- ing also declared that owners signing such contracts are doing so under protest. Harley L. Clarke Hays Declares Gang Films Are Right of Free Screen Will H. Hays, in a letter to Mayor Charles H. Martens, of East Orange, N. J., declared, "I have no excuse for a film glorifying a gangster." , "The proper treatment of crime as a so- cial fact or dramatic motive," the letter continued, "is the inalienable right of a free press or an unshackled stage or screen. Success of self-regulation is shown on many screens in the words, 'Crime does not pay'." Federal Body Finds the Motion Picture "Avowedly Attempting To Put House in Order" The art and industry of the motion pic- ture, after a year of intensive investigation by the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America, have received a pleasant vindication in a report made public this week. The report, which issued from the New York offices of the council, is, in view of the utterances official and unofficial of former years, an even tempered, measured and considerate document. To one familiar with the expressions from the earlier back- ground of the organization when the late Reverend Wilbur Fisk Crafts and Canon William Sheafe Chase were its spokesman, this week's report becomes almost sensa- tional by its quiet contrast. It may be taken to denote clearly that the motion picture's last decade of labors of adjustment to various organized groups expressive of large blocks of public and religious opinion have achieved vast results. In sum it may be said that this report denotes that the Protestant bloc, as repre- sented by the Council, finds the motion picture : . . .avowedly attempting to put its house in order. . ...the Hays organisation has enter- tained some laudable purposes, has set up some constructive procedures and has definite accomplishments to its credit. . The record of the industry in settling disputes by arbitration is impressive. . . those who complain that the critics - of the industry often overlook its better products in making their appraisal, and that they tend to put forward more rigid standards than the public can be induced to support undoubtedly have ground for their contention. . . . — it must be patent that voluntary cooperative efforts toward social better- ment, wisely conceived and well di- rected, are capable of accomplishing something which the imposition of force can never accomplish. A flat declaration against censorship is made in these words : "The religious and social agencies are themselves at fault in becoming much too preoccupied with 'cuts' and 'eliminations.' The motion pictures can not be made good by the use of scissors." The report takes some exception to some aspects of the activities of the Motion Pic- ture Producers & Distributors of America, Inc., chiefly in connection with the payment of honoraria for addresses or other services (.Continued on page 24) 10 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 4, 19 3 1 B & K FIGHTS SUMMER COMPETITION WITH INSTITUTIONAL ADVERTISING Weekend Business Boost Is Big Objective Child Appeal Copy Used With Film Censored for "Adults Only" — Then Circuit Defies Board Combating summer competition and ex- treme heat with institutional advertising copy is being given a tryout in Chicago by Publix-Balaban & Katz. A box, two inches deep across five col- umns, is being used by the circuit to top the advertising for its five Loop theatres. The standard advertising presentation of Balaban & Katz theatres groups the cir- cuit's Loop houses in a single compact lay- out. A similar group arrangement is used by the circuit for the advertising for its outlying theatres. The copy used three days this week in the two-inch, five-column box above the Loop theatre advertising read, "Come where it's refreshingly cool — where joy reigns supreme! More than 100,000 men, women and children found refuge from the city's sweltering heat in Publix-Balaban & Katz theatres. Neither the lake, parks nor boule- vards afford the refreshing comfort, the pure, fresh air — the exhilaration found in these theatres." Similar copy is to be used for weekend advertising throughout the summer, appear- ing with the launching of new programs, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The idea also is being carried into the neighborhood theatre advertising of the cir- cuit, with the summer vacation period af- fording copy for the first three-column top box in connection with the Publix-B & K "A" pre-release houses. The first copy used was : "School's Out ! Bring or send your children to Publix-Balaban & Katz theatres. They'll enjoy the delightful shows, the cool, refreshing surroundings, and breathe pure, fresh air 1" The only hitch in the "child appeal" copy on its initial tryout was that the picture playing the circuit's three leading outlying houses — Uptown, Paradise and Tivoli — was "Laughing Sinners" (M-G-M), which hap- pened to have been released on an "adults only" permit by the Chicago censor board. Balaban & Katz, however, acting on the ad- vice of their attorney, Leo Spitz, opened the picture to general audiences. The move pre- cipitated a storm of protest from agencies critical of the industry and placed Henry Sonnenschein, secretary to the mayor, in an embarrassing situation. It was Sonnen- schein, according to Spitz, who authorized him to advise B & K to ignore the censor's ruling. An incidental phase of the circuit's sum- mer advertising plan is that midweek ad- vertising space is curtailed, thus permitting without an increased average expenditure the additional space used for the institution- al copy over the weekends. Business Builders Major circuits are insisting tiiat nnanagers once again include, and lay heavy stress on, kiddies' admis- sion prices in all "paper and adver- tising." During the dearth of child patron- age, which now is being alleviated, a tendency developed in circuit oper- ation to ignore special reduced prices for youngsters. Copyright Bu reau In National Move To End Bicycling The Copyright Protection Bureau plans to send representatives to all exchange cen- ters in an effort to reduce bicycling violators, holdovers and fraudulent returns on percent- age engagements, in a "campaign of edu- cation." At present the movement will be concen- trated in the Southeast and Southwest, with anticipation of a national campaign as soon as the bureau's financial status permits. D. C. Liebler, H. Groves and Joseph Stern are three representatives now in the field. The thought behind the move is the reduc- tion of exchange losses estimated to run into millions annually. Fox West Coast Rules Out Drives Because "drives" arc "old-fashioned, nerve-wracking, spirit-breaking," Fox West Coast executives have intimated through the Western edition of The Last Word that this type of selling pictures to the public will no longer be used by that organization. "If pressure is not put upon you by your executives," the statement says, "it doesn't mean that you don't have to get up steam on your own account. "The responsibility and authority which are being passed on to you carry with them the supposition that you have sufficient steam to drive yourself. "The wise manager doesn't want to be told how and when to start his own spurts. He doesn't wait for a certain week or month to be designated as a period of extra effort." 30 Story Building for NBC The National Broadcasting Company plans a 30-story building in San Francisco as western headquarters and to house the first television sending unit on the Pacific Coast. Johnson Resigns Paramount Post; May Live Abroad Julian Johnson, for ten years with Para- mount as an editor and supervisor of pic- ture production, has resigned effective July 1. Mr. Johnson says that he will take a long vacation before making a new alignment with the industry. It is probable that hav- ing prospered long in the art of the motion picture, he will now indulge in a long held desire to take to the leisure of country life in France and write certain books on which he has been accumulating data for years. It was through the printed word and his rise in newspaper work beginning on the Los Angeles Times that Mr. Johnson came to the motion picture industry. He came to New York as a music critic and became en- gaged in amusement enterprises. At this juncture James R. Quirk took over the ad- ministration of the then obscure Photoplay Magazine published in Chicago and made Mr. Johnson its editor, through its early years of upbuilding. From Photoplay he went into scenario and title work with vari- ous concerns and was for a time associated with Ray Long at Cosmopolitan Magazine, going thence to Hearst picture enterprises and thence to Paramount. Mr. Johnson's recent work has been largely with such productions as "Rango" and "Tabu." He achieved marked success with "The Patriot" and in his work on "Beau Geste," and many earlier pictures of the silent era. Public Hearings For Applicants The radio commission will in the future hold public hearings on all applications for television broadcasting wave length assign- ments. Approximately 20 television stations are now in operation, with permission hav- ing been sought for six more. As a conse- quence of the numerous applications, it was decided that applicants must show they had something beneficial to offer. One engineer said: "The art is not yet to the point where it is successful commer- cially. The applicants are being required to show they are willing to contribute money and talent to experiments with the art." Fox May Close Seattle House After Dismissing Musicians Differences between Fox West Coast and the Musicians' Union may cause the closing of the Fox Paramount in Seattle and the cancellation of the city as a stand fc^r Fan- chon and Marco units. July 4, 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 11 MILLIKEN URGES U. S. TEACHERS TO USE HERALD "SCHOOL AND SCREEN Ulllllllltllllll OFFICERS CE PRESIOEWrS: S. E. PIRTLE. JERSEYVILLE, ILL. I- W- ROOGERS. CAIRO. ILL. JOHN F. REES. WELLSVILLE. MO. J. C. HEWITT. ROBINSON, ILL. Motion prturp QUiratre ©uiitfra of S>t. EoHta, laatprn MiBaoari mh giDirtljrrn SUitiotH AFFILIATED WITH THE MOTION PICTURE THEATRE OWNERS OF AMERICA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2735 CHEROKEE STREET G. M. LUTTRELL. . LACLEOE 2846 ST. LOUIS. MO. iiiiiiiniliiiiiiii June 10, 1931. luOtion Picture Producers & Distribut.ors of America, Ir.c. Mr- Carl E. fJilliken, 28 V/est 44th St. I'.evi York City, N. Y. ii;; dear lA 42 24 20^ 40!/^ Sales (in 100s) High Thurs. Low Close Amer. Seating Cons. Film Cons. Film pf. (2). Gen. Thea. Eq Loew's, Irtc. (3b) . . Loew's pf. (6.50).. M-G-M pf. (1.89). Para.-Pub. (2.50).. Pathe A. Univ. Pic. 1st pfX (8)... Warner Bros Warner Bros. pf. (3.85).. 24 8 7 754 3 . 14>/2 WA 1454 203 15614 145'X 15054 664 22Vs. 19^ 2054 167 SVs 4"/5 444 492 48-4 4454 4654 1 87^ 875/^ &V/2 1 2454 241^ 2VA 637 2554 26% 34 lYz VA 47A 5 741 17H WA 1554 130 3554 30 33 529 m m 7% 5 20 18^. 1954 X — 10 share lots, a — Incliidine extras, b — Plus extras. Curb Exchange Columbia Pic. (.75) 22 954 Columbia Pic. vtc (.75) 19 65^ 2!^ Fox Theatres A 36 3154 55^ Gen. Thea. Eq. cv pf (3).. 21 Nat. Screen Serv. (2) 354 1 Sentry Safe Con 3 15'4 3% Technicolor 12 1354 554 Trans-Lux DPS 13 A— Plus 5% in stock. 13V% 12 1254 3Vs 35^ 10 934 "m 8 654 754 6'A 6 6 Net Change + 2¥>. + 154 - '/« - 54 - 54 - Vt + 3 - V2 + 134 Bonds on Stock Exchange Bond & Maturity 1931 Range High Low 74 25 Gen. Thea. Eq. Cv. 6's.. 9934 94 Loew's 6s '41 105 100 Para.-F. L. 6s '47 97 74 Para.-Bwy. 5545 '51 8934 - 67 Para.-Pub. 554s '50 91 51 Pathe 7s '37 ww 7454 25 Warner Bros, cv 6s '39.... 166 Sales Wed. Net n$lMOs) High Low Close Change 47 40^ 37 39 - 154 24 98 97 97 — 1 15 102 10054 102 + 1 13 91 8814, 8854 — 4 98 8254 8054 81 + 54 34 90 8854 881^ - 134 166 43 3954 4054 — 2 Bonds on Curb Exchange Amer. Seat 6s '36.... 5 5934 5954 5954 Produce Exchange Stocks Color Pic . . Photocolor 11 .20 .20 Roxy . . . . . . Over the Counter Stocks Bid Asked Roxy 74 134 Roxy A (3.50) i: 14 Roxy units 1254 WA -.05 MARKET SLOWS UP FOLLOWING RALLY Look to Final Quarters for Sizable Pickup in Picture Revenues and Enhanced Values By THE ANALYST After an extension of last week's rally, pic- ture stocks slowed up with the rest of the mar- ket. Gains made by leaders were either re- duced or canceled, but in view of rather wide recessions in some leading industrials, rails and utilities, the setbacks in film shares were neg- ligible. Appearances indicated that the change in speculative attitude toward picture stocks, which placed the issues among the leaders in last week's market upturn, was not temporary and there was a growing disposition to look to the final quarters for a sizeable pickup in picture revenues and consequent enhancement in value of industry's stocks. This was reflected in an absence of selling pressure against film stocks in reactionary ses- sions and the increasingly favorable comment on long-term outlook for the shares. Some of the leaders were subject to quiet accumulation in recent sessions. The market was dominated by the war debt situation and the Franco-.\merican deadlock on the (picstion unsettled the market in Mon- flay and Tuesday sessions. I.ocw's was an outstanding feature during the week, maintaining a large part of its Sat- urday runup. The stock was bought as a re- sult of current earnings estimates that placed per share earnings for the fiscal year ended August 31 between |6.S0 and $7 a share. This com|iares with $9.65 a share earned in the precefling fiscal year, considered gocxl in view of the general situation. The slock was citccl in many quarters as an attractive speculation. ICastman Kodak, after running up sharply near the end of last week, was subject to con- siflcrablc realizing and sold off to around 1-l.S after liaving touched a high of 156j^. Warners was fairly sl<'ady in a narrow range. K'l ports were current that the company in the III- ir future would segregate its radio .ind nm- tion picture activities and form a new holding corporation to take over certain assets of Brunswick-Balke-Collender, its subsidiary, in which, according to report, Warners would retain a controlling stock interest. It will be remembered that it was the radio division that put the company in the "red" in the last fiscal year's operations. Fox Theatres A was in some supply on the curb as a result of the earnings report for the fiscal year ended October 26, 1930, showing a net loss of $2,484,824, compared with net in- come of $2,748,006 in the preceding year. Loew's Net for 40 Weeks Equal to $575 Per Shore A net profit equal to approximately $5.75 a share will be reported by Loew's, Inc., after subsidiary preferred dividends, on 1,- 413,574 common shares for the 40 weeks ended about June 6, and probably will show close to $7 a share for the fiscal year end- ing August 31, 1931, says the Wall Street Journal. These figures will compare with a net profit of $11,781,924 or approximately $7.64 a share on 1.413,351 shares in the first 40 weeks of 1930 and $14,600,332 or $9.90 a share for the 1930 fiscal vear. For the 28 weeks ended March 'l3, 1931. corresponding roughly to the first half of the fiscal year, Loew's reported a net of $6,879,960 'or approximately $4.50 a share on common after subsidiary preferred divi- dends, against $8,243,584 or $5.46 a share '111 ihe present amount of stock a year a,go. it is expected that the company will de- clare the usual $1 extra dividend on the cnnunon in Ihe f.-ill Fox Theatres Net Loss of $2,484,824 Recorded for 1930 Fox Theatres Corporation with its af- filiates and subsidiaries showed a net loss of $2,484,824 for the year ended Oct. 26, 1930, after interest, depreciation, amortiza- tion, write-offs and minority interests. Consolidated income account : Receipts from admissions, rents and result of operations of jointly operated projects $33,717,078; other in- come $430,781; total income $34,147,859; oper- ating expenses $31,349,641 ; operating profit $2,798,218; guarantee receivable, in bonds from owner of former theatre circuit $739,241 ; total $3,537,459; interest $3,353,658; depreciation $1,- 295,079; amortization $1,280,636; loss on sale of investments and property written off $25,- 555; loss $2,417,469; proportion of profit of controlled and affiliated companies applicable to outside interests $67,355 ; net loss $2,484,824. Independents Plan Closing Four Days Plans for closing the neighborhood and subin-han motion picture theatres of St. Louis and St. Louis County four nights a week as a means of reducing expenses were considered at a meeting of St. Louis mo- lion picture theatre owners this week. Fifty independent theatres are considering the proposal that they close their doors on Mon- iLiys, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thurs- >lays until next fall. First-run hotises would not be affected. I July 4 , 1931 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 19 THE CAMERA CEPCCTS ii'iiiiiiiniiiiiiiMiiiiiD (Below) UP-TO-DATE. The correct attire for this zveek displayed with good old American independence by Polly Wa- ters, First National starlet. CAPTURED. It was Carole Lom- bard, his leading woman, zvho turned the tables on William Powell, screen detective. Here they are, following their wedding the other day in Bev- erly Hills. {Acme photo.) OPPOSITE. That is, thy are, in the new V. & D. production of the stage success, "Honeymoon Lane." He, Ed- die Doivling; she, June Collyer. The picture is schedided to come to the screen on Jidy 25. ROYAL FAMILY. Including the quite new Princess Do- lores Ethel, still quite utmware of her inheritance from the stage's Drews and Barrymores, and the screen's Costellos, merely happy with Daddy John Barrymore and Mother Do- lores Costello on the Warner lot, where both stars are now at work on nezv productions. A COOL BUT COLORFUL JOB. For Aviator Charles Rocheville {left) zuill pilot Cameraman Glenn R. Kershner over the Arctic regions while the latter shoots the MacMillan expedition in midticolor. A. A. McDonald, president of Mul- ticolor, is shozvn bidding them farezvcll just prior to the take-off to meet the MacMillan party. 20 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 4 , 19 3 1 OKAY? We never did learn zvhat Cliff Edwards thought about 'em, but this was his men- tal attitude when Hedda Hopper wore 'em in to lunch at the M-G-M studio commissary. WESTBOUND. {Lejt) Rich- ard Barthelmess, W arner-First National star, entraining with his wife and his daughter, Mary Hay Barthelmess, at Grand Cen- tral in New York, bound for Hollywood and more pictures. HONOR GUEST. William Saal, former Publix division e.vecutive and nezvly ap- pointed general manager of Tiffany, who will be given a testimonial dinner in New York July 8, by leaders of the industry. LIGHTS ! QUIET ! CAMERA ! No rehearsal, this, but at last the actual shooting of the scene so melicidously prepared for. Now the strained intensity of the real thing, as director, assistants, technician, script girl watch Sylvia Sidney perform- ing in a closeup at Paramount. The production involved was "The Confessions of a Co-Ed," one of^ the company's current pictures. MOTHER'S DAUGHTER. The "Danc- ing Daughter" and "Modern Daughter" of those fetching M-G-M pictures, is shown with her mother — as just Joan Crazvford — Mrs. Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. July 4, 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 21 IMPOSSIBLE. The photogra- pher told us: "Here is one of Lita Chevret, the Radio featured player, painting a portrait of Lita Chevret with Lita Chevret posing for her!" We still think he's wrong. But it's a nice pic- ture, nevertheless — all three of 'em. WHO'LL GET ITl At right is the Quigley Publications trophy zvhich will he azuarded the team zvinning the pennant in the cur- rent baseball competition of the Motion Picture Athletic Asso- ciation, in New York. RECALLl^D. Sessue Hayakawa, star of more than ten years ago, as he is today, upon assuming an important role in "Daughter of the Dragon," for which Paramount recalled him to the screen. COUPLA PHARMACISTS. Our old impostors, Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey, imposturing for a scene in their Radio picture, "Full of Notions" — and, of course, they are! SUBSTANTIAL TRIBUTE. Feminine members of the Milwaukee office of Fox Midwesco dining in honor of tzvo sister-emdployes. Miss Martha Rohr and Miss Viola Bink, upon the occasion of their rather simultaneous weddings, which made Miss Roher, Mrs. L. A. Wegner; Miss Bink, Mrs. H. Breitvuish. {Kuhli photo.) The dinner took place at the North Hills Country Club, Milwaukee. 22 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 4, 19 3 1 TEXT OF FEDERAL COUNCIL'S FINDINGS Following is the full fext of the con- clusions of the Department of Research and Education of the Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America: "In drawing conclusions . . . the reader should bear in mind the limitations of the study. . . . We are not attempting to answer the question, which is very properly absorbing the attention of many of our constituents, to what extent motion pictures violate the stand- ards of decency and propriety for which the churches stand. We have not attempted to study the great mass of films that the industry is releasing to the public week by week. Nor are we venturing to pass judgment on the various proposals for public regulation of the motion picture industry. Rather, we are pre- senting relevant facts relating to the existing policies and procedures by which the industry is avowedly attempting to put its house in order and the methods it is using. To this end we have directed our attention briefly to the ac- tivities of the Hays organization as represent- ing the industry as a whole. No attempt has been made to evaluate the policies of individual companies. "The report undertakes, first, to present a general picture of the industry and an analysis of trade practices, and secondly, to discuss in particular the ethical questions that are giving concern to patrons of the industry and to the general public. In these conclusions we shall consider chiefly the major ethical questions. We wish to make clear also that in the judg- ments here set down we are not calling in ques- tion the motives of any individual or group. Rather, we are trying to evaluate policies and practices from the point of view of the public welfare. We regard the present inquiry as a case study in corporate ethics. Cites Laudable Purposes "That the Hays organization has entertained some laudable purposes, has set up some con- structive procedures and has definite accom- plishments to its credit, we think is clear. The record shows that the studio relations depart- ment has done some constructive work in ham- mering out standards and securing recognition of them. The development of an extensive pro- gram of cooperation with women's groups in the use of preview lists and in the arrange- ment of special programs is no small accom- plishment. "The record of the industry in settling dis- putes by arbitration is impressive. It appears also to have accomplished something notewor- thy in the matter of employment conditions, through the operation of the Central Casting Corporation in Hollywood. In such undertak- ings there is much of social value to conserve. "But the development of a public spirited policy within the industry is a slow process .and fraught with difficulties of which the or- ganization has not informed the public. To win acceptance for social standards and ethical trade practices by the producers and to keep refrac- tory members from 'running out' on the organ- ization has taxed the resources of its officers, who have nevertheless sought to conceal their liousehold problems and to put up a bold front to the public. A franker acknowledgement of e JeoU S.PP"" »' „ Ue made v*" tnawna best that can be . o necessary ^«,«WV1S of ««>'■«>" """" . ™ M^eadership • • • a Responsibility The motion picture industry has always looked to United Artists for leadership and inspiration • It is a ri^jiiponsibility . . . but a responsibility that we are proud to hold. Leader ship, first of all, means taking the Initiative ... this United Artists has always done, to the credit of motion picture advancement, Artistically and Commercially! Foremost among production leaders stands the name of samijel goldwyb^, whose genius has been a torch lighting the way of the industry almost since its inception. A Producer of profitable pictures, he has inspired others to make better pictures, substantially laying the foundation of the industry's stability. Mr. Goldwyn is the producing general of United Artists Pictures for 1931-1932. His showmanship genius will be a vital part for every production. Each picture produced and released by united artists will be AxX individual ATTRACTION, CUSTOM RUILT TO MEET THE IfiS 1-1932 MARKET. Only stories, books, plays of definite value have been selected. Only star directors, drawn from the entire field, will be assigned to the production of these plays . . . directors chosen for their particular ability to present a certain kind of story. Stars will be cast in roles they should portray, and supporting casts selected as individuals, not as mere names on a payroll. Only cTiEATivE RiiAiN POWER cau couccive great pictures. . . . Only careful, TiitELEss, INSPIRED siiowMANSRip cau make them great attractions. We 0Mre in ShoE^y Business just the same as YOU! miTED ARTISTS COKPORATION July 4 , 1931 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 27 PATRIOTIC WEEK LAUNCHED BY RKO WITH COAST TO COAST SUPPORT mo'/ . 120% 110% 106%. . 90%. 60/i 10% 60% 50% 4o% .11 1U kACTIOM ESSSSSCOMEPY JMEUJDRAKW SEX ttf^^H^i UNPEBWORU) The West likes its action pictures, just as does the Middlewest, as shown in six Western cities in an analysis of Motion Picture Herald's survey of grosses and audience reaction. One hundred per cent In the chart represents the average gross for all kinds of productions. Melos in Demand Instead of Gangs The decrease in tiie number of gangster pictures is seen by independents who pro- duce films of the Western and melodramatic action type, as lending fresh impetus to the demand for the type of picture they offer to exhibitors, in the opinion of an executive of Big 4 Film Corporation. The point was made that patrons are still most drawn by pictures depicting fast action, and gangster films being no longer in de- mand, it is the melodrama which offers the most action to the patron, according to this executive. Tiffany Has Two in Work, Five Others in Preparation The Tiffany studio on the Coast has "Morals for Women," with Bessie Love and Conway Tearle, and "The Monster Kills," starring Alice White, with Frank Strayer directing the mystery thriller, in production at the moment. Adaptations are being prepared on "Left- over Ladies" by Robert Presnell, from the original by Ursula Parrott. Robert Lee is doing "Man of the Night" and others. Ken Maynard is starting on "Range Law," and the Tiffany Chimps are set for work on "Snippy." Warner Boosts Fischer Warner has placed Frank W. Fischer in charge of the circuit's Wisconsin theatres. Satz Starts Production Ludwig Satz, Jewish comedian, has be- gun work on a series of Yiddish talking pictures for Film Exhibits' Corporation, under the direction of Sidney M. Goldin. Productio-n will be at the R-L-A Studios, New York. 47 Stations Broadcasting Opening Message Vice President Curtis Points Out Timeliness of Appeal to Confidence of Citizens Hiram S. Brown Patriotic Week is being celebrated July 3 to 10 inclusive throughout the entire RKO circuit in America, following reply by President Hiram S. Brown to a letter from Vice-president Curtis at Washing- ton, expressing the wish that theatres, through screen, stage and radio, again be mobilized this year for extension of the observance of Inde- pendence Day into a full week of patriotic expression. Organizations, na- tional, state and city officials, merchants and citizens, are being asked to join the movement. Vice-president Curtis, in his letter writ- ten from Topeka, Kan., said : "The wholehearted acceptance of this suggestion and cooperation in the movement last year resulted in a tremendous demon- stration throughout the nation. . . . The movement had a very salutary effect in widening and increasing public interest in this, the greatest of our national holidays and in stimulating patriotism. "It occurs to me that a repetition would be most helpful. This is the time for an appeal to the patriotism and confidence of our citizens ; it is a year when cheerfulness, loyalty and confidence in our great nation and its resources should be fostered and the youth of the land given every encouragement in loyalty and good citizenship. I should like to see flags flying all over the nation during the second 'Patriotic Week'." In his reply of assurance to Vice-presi- dent Curtis that Radio-Keith-Orpheum would give Patriotic Week its fullest co- operation, Brown said : "May I also add that we deeply appre- ciate the compliment to the theatre and its patrons in your suggestion that this cam- paign of loyalty, confidence and cheerful- ness be given impetus through the medium of stage and screen." Launching the movement is a broadcast over 47 stations Friday, July 3, from Maine to California over the NBC network, at 10:30 p.m.. New York time. This special Patriotic Program will be sent from the SS. Leviathan, flagship of the United States Lines, with the RKO-lians added to 115 musicians under the leadership of Milton Schwarzwald. Curtis' suggestion will thus be announced to all parts of the United .States. 28 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 4. 19 3 1 See Early Return Of Non-Theatrical Sales to Prestige (Continued fram paye 8) ing director. "This company was a pioneer in organizing a separate department to look after that business, reaHzing that it is a field by itself, demanding specific knowledge of requirements peculiar to the field and quite distinct from the theatrical business. "The advent of sound did make great changes in the nontheatrical market, and materially reduced the number of available accounts. Equipment has been too expen- sive for the great majority of nontheatrical users. In spite of this handicap it has been apparent to us from the beginning that such a situation was only temporary, that condi- tions would adjust themselves, and the time would come when reasonably priced sound equipment, designed for and adapted to the needs of nontheatrical users, would be avail- able. New Columbia Department "Recent developments among manufac- turers of equipment show that they are awake to the potentialities of this market, and are now ready to cater to it," Mr. All- vine remarked. Because of the great increase in the num- ber of wired nontheatrical organizations and the rapidity with which other institu- tions are installing sound, Joe Brandt has inaugurated a department at Columbia to take care of the demands of this field. S. S. Liggett heads the new unit, with head- quarters at the home office, distributing through company exchanges. Due, principally, to a concentration of interest in stabilizing sound in the theatri- cal field, both picture companies and the makers of sound equipment have paid little or no attention in the past three years to the nontheatrical, but now that sound manu- facturers have about reached the saturation point in wiring of theatres and distributors once again are working with sound on a normal basis, considerable attention is be- ing given to the development of the non- theatrical market. See Lucrative Returns The nontheatrical field is recognized by the sound equipment concerns as ofliering unusually lucrative returns, and some au- thorities say that the possibilities for instal- lations even far exceed those in the picture business. Estimates of possible nontheatrical sound users run as high as 100,000. This figure, of course, embraces practically every worthwhile educational institution in the land, and includes orphanages, asylums, medical centers, community houses, hotels, clubs and various other organization types. RCA and Western Electric are now en- gaged in a race to market nontheatrical ap- paratus, which are of the regular small the- atrical type, with terms nearly identical with those offered exhibitors. There are avail- able, however, several models in regular 35 mm. portable type. When sound finally came to dominance, practically all larger concerns discontinued nontheatrical units. Few, if any nontheatri- cal accounts were wired, leaving that branch of business in a temporarily dormant state. William A. Johnston Says! William A. Johnston, editor, writ- ing editorially in "The Hollywood Herald," on the Los Angeles "Times" articles by Thomas G. Patten and Edwin Schallert, criticizing the indus- try, declared, in part, "As to how correct the criticism is and how prac- tical the cure proposed there is open question but there can be no division of opinion over the seriousness of an open break between the Los Angeles Times' and Los Angeles' leading in- dustry. . . . We are wondering how the dailies of other large cities will regard this peculiar situation. It should make all the enemies of the industry pretty happy." It has remained so until recently when the electrics, recognizing that their future rest- ed in that field, ordered a diversion of sales effort to nontheatricals. It has been apparent to some large dis- tributing companies, however, that this phase of the business approached an awaken- ing and so a few, including Fox, RKO- Pathe and Universal, have continued to serve nontheatricals on a limited scale. The field is divided into four general classes : the use of industrial short subjects in the scheme of general business ; theatri- cal films used by nontheatrical accounts (many thousands of which are listed on books of distributors), the home field, which is almost divorced from general nontheatri- cals ; and the use of films in school, scientific and visual educational work. E. R. Enlow, prominent educator and au- thority on school films, has completed a survey which shows that the cost to the city government for visual education should average 60 cents a pupil each year, with the range running from 30 cents *"0 90 cents a pupil for one year. In an attempt to pry open the nontheatri- cal market, Erpi launched a vigorous sales campaign for hotel installation, which im- mediately, and only recently, was followed by a bid for the educational branch, in con- iiection with which it was forced to produce its own subjects. "A Day's Program of Educational Talk- ing Pictures" is offered by Electrical Re- search as an enticement to schools and educational institutions to install sound. Twelve leading educators appear in the group, which was produced by Erpi and is said to have an appeal to classes in mathe- matics, music, physics, physical education, vocational guidance and elementarv science. Twenty-three subjects are available. Through another service, Erpi will rent to a school or other educational institution, a complete program, loaning portable equip- ment and trained operators. Open Patent Pool May End Suit Against RCA Tlie Department of Justice has announced that the Government's suit against Radio Corporation of America and nine allied corporations, alleging monopoly through an exclusive patent pool, may be terminated as a result of the entering of a consent decree under which an "open patent pool" availa- ble to the "public generally" would be cre- ated. Canada Catholics Create New Body For Better Films (Continued from page 25) year by the American producers, came in for considerable commendation and the dele- gates were urged to support pictures made under its provisions and to stay away from those which violated, in story and treatment, the provisions of this document. Offensive advertising, in poster and newspaper form, was condemned and the delegates agreed to urge their constituents to shun all thea- tres displaying this kind of advertising matter. Senator Belcourt, who presided at the afternoon session on Monday, compared the cinema to "an incomparable psychological force." According to this distinguished Canadian statesman, "the cinema in our day is prac- tically monopolized by a nation foreign to us, with notions and principles frequently opposed to those of the Catholic population of Canada. It is inspired with a patriotism which is not ours and which, at times, is opposed to ours. Too often the producers of films reproduced in Canada endeavor to coin money by promoting love for the Star Spangled Banner, to the more or less detri- ment of the Union Jack or the Tricolor." The senator suggested a federal board of censors for American films at the border, in addition to the censorship by the various provincial boards. A resolution was adopted, however, in fa- vor of federal "intervention for the preven- tion of the admission of foreign films likely to give offense to moral, or Christian senti- ments, provided such action did not inter- fere with the present work of the provincial censors." At the conclusion of the conference it was agreed that the Federation would en- deavor to set up a working organization to function along the lines of the I. F. C. A. of the United States, as outlined in the paper of Mrs. McGoldrick. Rejected Films Increase Major J. C. Boylen, Censor Board chair- man of the Province of Ontario, in talking to the delegates to the convention of the Canadian Catholic Alumnae Association, in Ottawa, stated that, whereas in 1930 his board had rejected 65 American films in toto, so far this year the board had rejected 63 of the same national origin. The increase in rejections is believed to be due to the in- creased production of gangster films and to the continued practice of resorting to sexy themes via the "eternal triangle." Ask Ban on Divorce Films The Association of Canadian Catholic Alumnae, meeting in Ottawa, passed a reso- lution calling upon the Provincial Censor Boards of Canada to "ban divorce pictures where divorce is shown as a desirable in- stitution, an acceptable institution, or as a matter of course." Major Boylen, Ontario censor chairman, promised to "look into the question" of the advisability of barring all such films — and the conferees were happy again. July 4, 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 29 EDUCATORS' PREVIEWS PROPOSED (Continued from page 11) the theme of "How Motion Pictures Can Enrich Life," traced education through the elementary and industrial phases, leading up to what he calls the "cultural" era whose chief purpose is to teach people how to util- ize leisure. Highlights of the address were : "No matter what anyone may think of any particular picture, or of any particular type of picture, the enveloping fact remains the same — the people have selected the motion pictures for their chief leisure-time activity, and you can do nothing to alter that fact even if you wished to do so. "There are two general ways in which you, as teachers, can utilize motion pictures. The first is by making the screen a tool of educa- tion— that is by using pedagogic pictures de- signed especially for classroom use. The sec- ond, and more immediately practical way is by directing school attendance to entertainment films showing in your local theatres which in themselves contain subject matter of educa- tional interest. "In this regard, two paths are open to yoit. First, you can get reports on pic- tures throuc/h the establishment of a pre- viewing committee of the National Educa- tion Association. Second, you can make use of lists sent out by other preiiewing groups, or of the service in Motion Pic- ture Herald, under the title of 'The School and the Screen.' "As to the former, I suggest that while you are in Los Angeles you familiarize yourself thoroughly with the previewing arrangements which have been entered into by a half-dozen national organizations." Milliken proposed that the National Educa- tion Association might set up a previewing com- mittee, similar to those of the American Library Association, the General Federation of Women's Clubs, the International Federation of Catholic Alumnae, and other groups. "The industry will be glad to have you join in this enterprise and will make available to you the same facilities now enjoyed by other groups," he said. "That is, we will provide the projection room, show you the pictures, and let you decide for yourself which pictures fit normally into your programs. "To aid further in relating the current picture to the classroom. Motion Picture Herald has established 'The School and the Screen.' Through this department it hopes to bring to the attention of teachers each week current motion pictures ivhich have educational significance. The thought is to utilise the entertainment screen as an outside aid to pupils in their classroom work. "This zvork has been particularly valu- able in v-iezv of the number of recent pic- tures which have lent themselves to the service — pictures like 'Byrd at the South Pole,' 'Abraham Lincoln.' 'Skippy.' 'Cim- arron.' 'Connecticut Yankee! 'Trader Horn,' 'Seas Beneath,' 'Dirigible,' 'Great Meadoiv,' 'Rango,' and 'Painted De.^ert.' "Besides being a saga of courage and ad- venture, for instance, the Bvrd nicture of the South Pole expedition had scientific, geographic, and natural history value. A picture like 'Abra- ham Lincoln' serves to focus attention on one of the greatest characters in American history, and to inspire in students a desire to know more about the man, as well as about the other characters that appear in the picture — Lee, Jackson, Sheridan, Grant and others. "Already a few teachers have brought these pictures to their classroom for discussion but there has been no general organized movement by the schools to make use of this material which must fit into the educational plan. You may wish to inform yourselves more thorough- ly of the opportunity thus offered, with a view to taking adventage of it. "With the coming of 'Cimarron,' which is the story of the rise of Oklahoma from the historic days of the land grants to the present period, more definite steps were taken under the influence of 'The School and the Screen' to bring the classroom into association with the picture. "A questionnaire regarding the film and its historical significance was prepared for use by the teachers and in a number of communities actual theatre parties were planned and carried The individual who lives to be 71 years old has 25 years of free time and the people have chosen the seeing of motion pictures for their chief activ- ity in leisure-time, Carl E. Milliken, secretary of the MPPDA, told the National Edtication Association con- vention in Los Angeles. Milliken quoted Dr. John H. Finley, saying: "Dr. John H. Finley, an editor of the New York Times, not long ago estimated that the man who reached 71 years of age sleeps 21 solid years, spends 18 years doing his job, 3 years eating, 1 Vz years in sickness, and 2 Vi years in bathing, shaving and dressing, leaving him 2 5 solid years of free time in which to make the most of Jjim- self." through with children from history rooms at- tending in bodies. "Purposes of the School and Screen depart- ment, as set forth by Mrs. Thomas A. McGold- rick who conducts it, are : "(1) To encourage children to see the best things of the screen, thereby leaving them less time and less money for the poorer things. "(2) To have the entertainment screen con- tribute directly and constructively to their education. "(3) To encourage producers to make more high type pictures by winning support for those already released. "Increasing interest is being shown by teach- ers, Parent-Teachers' Association groups, as well as by producers and theatre managers. Amotion Picture Herald has offered to send reprints of the service periodically to those persons who wish to make definite contacts between the school and the theatre. "The second way by which schools may util- ize the screen is by wider use of pedagogic pictures, made especially for the classroom un- der the supervision of teachers. The reason for pedagogic films is evident. Such pictures, plan- ned and produced scientifically, psychologically, and pedagogically sound, can do much to illus- trate and definitize the oral instruction of the teacher and to dramatize the printed words of the text books. "There are many problems yet to be solved, however, before the pedagogic film comes into its fullest usefulness, and there is no point in blinking at these problems. In the first place, few schools at the present time are properly equipped for pedagogic films. Progress is be- ing made, however, and it is interesting to observe that, beginning this fall, there will be available sound reproduction equipment for 16 millimeter film for classroom use, a fact which should incline many schools not already equip- ped with screen and projectors to give serious thought to installation of equipment. 'Tn the second place, there is the problem of finding out exactly what teachers want in the way of pedagogic films. This is a problem which you alone can solve. While the making of films for the classroom requires a special technique, the industry is keenly interested in helping to bring together the necessary peda- gogic knowledge with the technical skill that is requisite. Until the present time it has been difficult for the producer of entertainment films to meet the requirements of the educational field. This is partly due to the fact that the practical demand for such films has been small while the cost of production is large. "If some measure or standard of require- ments is forthcoming, the application of equip- ment within financial bounds will follow. "The motion picture industry is interested in children, of course, for it is interested in the character of the audiences it will command to- morrow. Better audiences mean better pictures. "Yon must realise that however earnest the producers of motion pictures may be in their efforts to raise, continuously, the so- cial and moral standards of motion pic- ture entertainment, the most they can do is to set the minimum level of good taste. Above that it is the community itself which sets the fashion. Leadership, therefore, is the important element, and that leadership is now facing a test. "While you are here I invite you to give careful study to the processes at work in the industry itself looking to higher and higher standards. You will find in the work that Mr. Hays is doing the outstanding sociological ex- periment of our times. "During the last nine years we have been moving steadily forward towards a completely workable method of self-control in production. The latest and most effective effort in this direction is the Production Code, adopted last year. It voices the following general principles : "(1) No picture shall be produced which will lower the moral standards of those who see it; (2) Correct standards of life shall be presented on the screen, subject only to neces- sary dramatic contrasts; (3) Law, natural or human, should not be ridiculed, nor shall sym- pathy be created for its violation. "That there may be no doubt about a uni- form interpretation of the Code by the various producers, machinery has been set up that makes available to every producer the knowledge and experience of the entire industry aided by the cooperation available from socially-minded groups and public leaders in the selection of the material for screen use and in the treatment of such material. "It is to be expected that mistakes will occur in interpreting the Code, but the movement is in the proper direction and the achievements in self-regulation are already sufficient to justify the belief that ultimate success is possible. "In carrying out its responsibilities, the in- dustry must continue to look to socially-minded groups such as the National Education Associa- tion, for advice and suggestions. We desire to be called to account when honest differences of opinion arise and to be constantly informed of the likes and dislikes of the thoughtful persons in every community. "There is no greater responsibility or op- portunity for this educational association than to work constructively to make motion pictures the great influence that they may be. The in- dustry has an open mind and solicits your help, not only in its self-regulation but in seeing to it that patrons of pictures derive from the screen the greatest amount of education and culture that is possible." 30 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 4 , 19 3 1 H PCCDUCTI€N$ IN >V€Cr TITLE COLUMBIA ■'Hell Broke Loose" WRITERS AND DIRECTOfRS Norman E. Springer. Director: George Seitz. CAST Richard Cromwell, Sally Blane, Noah Beery. STAGE OF PRODUCTION Starting FOX "Bad Girl" From the play by Vina Delraar and Brian Mar- lowe, based on Vina Delmar's novel. Director: Frank Borzage. Sally Filers, James Dunn. Shooting "The Brat" Play by Maude Fulton. Director: John Ford. Sally O'Neil, Allan Dinehart, Frank Albertson. Shooting "The Midnight Cruise" Fulton Oursler and Lowell Bretano. Director. Kenneth MacKenna and William C. Menzies. Edmund Lowe, Lois Moran. Shooting "Skyline" Felix Rosenberg. Director: Sam Taylor. Thomas Meighan, Hardie Albright, Maureen O'Sullivan. Starting "The Plutocrat" From Arthur Goodrich's play, based on Booth Tarkington's novel. Director: David Butler. Will Rogers, Jetta Gaudal. Shooting "Wicked" Story by Gordon Rigby. Director: Allan Dwan. Victor McLaglen, Elissa Landi. Shooting METRO-GOLJ>WYN-MAYER "Lullaby" Edward Knoblock play. Director: B^gar Selwyn. Helen Hayes, Lewis Stone, Qiff Edwards, Marie Pre- vost. Shooting "Susan Lenox, Her Fall and Rise" Story by David Graham Phillips. Director: Rob- ert Z. Leonard. Greta Garbo, Clarke Gable, Jean Hersholt, John Miljan. Shooting ''Horseflesh'* Story by Fred Hazlett Brennan. Director: Chas. Brabin. Ernest Torrence, Clark Gable, Madge Evans, Lew Cody. Shooting "Guilty Hands" Story by Bayard Veiller. Director: W. S. Van Dyke. Lionel Barrymore, Kay Francis, Madge Evans, Billy Bakewell. Shooting "The Guardsman" Franz Molnar. Director: Sidney Franklin. Alfred Lunt, Lynn Fontanne. Starting "Hell Divers" Frank Wead. Director: Geo. Hill. Wallace Beery, Marjorie Rambeau, Clark Gable. Starting MONOGRAM PICTURES ''Partners of the Trail Will Beale. Directed by Wally Fox. Tom Taylor, Betty Mack. Shooting PARAMOUNT "Huckleberry Finn" Mark Twain, William Slavens McNutt. Direc- tor: Norman Taurog. Jackie Coogan, Mitzi Green, Jackie Searl, Junior Dur- kin. Shooting "Daughter of the Dragon" Sax Rohmer, Lloyd Corrigan, Sidney Buchman, Jane Storm. Director: Lloyd Corrigan. Anna May Wong, Warner Oland, Sessue Hayakawa. Shooting "The Road to Reno" RKO-PATHE Virginia Kellogg, original. Director: Richard Wallace. Charles Rogers, Carman Barnes, Lilyan Tashman. Shooting "Eddie Cuts In" George K. Turner. Director: A! Rogell. Eddie Quillan, Robert Armstrong, Ginger Rogers. Shooting "Devotion" Pamela Wynne, novel. Director: Robert Milton. Ann Harding, Leslie Howard, O. P. Heggie. Shooting RICO-RADIO Strange ^Voiiicn Ivan Lebedeff Benn ^V, Levy. I^rector: Rich- ard Boleslarvsky. Ivan LebedefT Genevieve Tobin, Betty Compson. Completed "The Sphinx Has Spoken" Maurice de Kobra, Jane Murfin, Wallace Smith. Director: Victor Schertzinger. Adolphe Menjou, Lily Damita, Eric von Stroheim. Completed "Consolation Marriage" Original by William Cunningham. Director: Paul Sloane Pat O'Brien Irene Dunne Shooting TEC-ART Cli£is. Hutchinson "Fighting Back" Jack Natteford. Director: Chas. Hutchinson. Marian Ni.xon, Lloyd Hughes. Completed Chesterfield Prod. "Lady from Nowhere" Adrian Johnson, Barney Gerrard. Director: Richard Thorpe. Alice Day, John Holland. Completed UNITED ARTISTS "Palmy Days" Eddie Cantor, David Freedman, Morrie Rys kind. Director: Edw. A. Sutherland. Eddie Cantor, Charlotte Greenwood, Barbara Weeks. Shooting "Age For Love" Ernest Pascal. Director: Frank Lloyd. Billy Dove, Charles Starrett, Lois Wilson. Starting UNIVERSAL "Heaven on E^rth" Ben Lucien Berman, Ray Doyle. Director, Rus- sell Mack. Lew Ayres. Shooting "Waterloo Bridge ' Robert E. Sherwood, Benn AA^. Levy, Tom Reed. Director: James Whale. Mae Clarke, Kent Douglass, Dons Lloyd. Finishing "Homicide Squad" Harry La Cossitt, Charles Log^ue, John Thomas Neville. Director: George Melford. Leo Carillo, Mary Brian, Noah Beery, Russell Gleason. Shooting "Battling With Buffalo Bill" Henry MacRae. Director: Rex Taylor. John Mack Brown, John Wayne, Jim Thorpe. Shooting "Strictly Dishonorable" Preston Sturges, Gladys Lehman. Director, John M. Stahl. John Boles, Sidney Fox, Lewis E. Stone. Shooting "Graft" Preston Sturges. Director: Christy Cabanne. Regis Toomey, Dorothy Revier, Richard Tucker. Shooting WARNER BROS. "Larceny Lane" FIRST NATIONAL "Ix>cal Boy Makes Good" Kubec Glasmon, John Bright. Director: Roy Del Ruth. Walter DeLeon. Director: Mervyn LeRoy. James Cagney, Joan Blondell, Louis Cathom, Edward Nugent, Noel Francis. Joe E. Brown, Dorothy Lee. Shooting Shooting July 4 , 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 31 PASSING IN REVIEW 1 This department does not attempt to predict the public's reactions to pictures. It does, instead, present detailed and accurate information on product, together with the frank and honest opinion of the reporter. Murder by the Clock (Paramount) Drama Although the acknowledged extraordinary work of Lilyan Tashman drew rounds of ap- plause during the preview of this film at the Santa Monica Criterion, the picture itself was received with laughter during some of its al- leged serious and thrilling moments and was sent upon its way with hardly a ripple from the audience. "Murder By the Clock" is a story of a cruel and avaricious woman who entices her husband to kill his aged aunt for her money. She then, by subtle suggestion, induces her sculptor lover to murder her husband. Only hubby is brought back to life with a heart injection and so the lover attempts to stab him as he is about to come out of the coma. A timely policeman prevents this with a shot through the lover's hand but a fog horn the aunt had concealed in the family tomb begins blowing just then and so frightens the husband that he dies of his own accord. During all this Irving Pichel, as a convinc- ing half-wit son of the aunt, is lurking here and there, attempting to strangle various char- acters and taking the blame for the old wo- man's death by strangulation. Of course, there's a secret door, a subterranean passage way and candle light. William (stage) Boyd as the detective, Les- ter Vail as the lover, Walter McGrail as the husband, Regis Toomey and Sally O'Neil as the comedy relief and Blanche Friderici as the wealthy old aunt were accorded whispered praise by the audience which seemed to take the psuedo mystery rather off-handedly. Director Edward Sloman obviously followed the stage play religiously in reproducing it on the screen. Produced and distributed by Paramount. From the story by Rufus King and the play by Charles Bea- han. Adaptation by Henry Myers. Directed by Ed- ward Sloman. Photographed by Karl Struss. Release date, August 8, 1931. THE CAST Lieutenant Valcour William Boyd' Phillip Endicott Irving Pichel Jane Sally O'Neil Herbert Endicott Walter McGrail Miss Roberts Martha Mattox Medical Examiner Frederick Sullivan O'Brien Charles D. Brown Nurse Lenita Lane Laura Endicott Lilyan Tashman Officer Cassidy Regis Toomey Mrs. Julia Endicott Blanche Friderici Thomas Hollander Lester Vail Caught (Paramount) Drama When "Caught" was seen recently at a the- atre in Santa Monica, on the Coast, the audi- ence reaction in general, was not highly favor- able. Failing to a certain extent, to hold the audi- ence interest throughout, the film story, com- nient indicated, was too old-fashioned. Richard Arlen, Louise Dresser and Frances Dee have the featured roles, and their work was on the whole, well received, though some com- ment was to the effect that they would probably have given performances more on a par with their usual standard if they had had more ac- ceptable material to work with. The theme of the story centered about events in the life of Calamity Jane, a role taken by Louise Dresser, as the woman of the old West who, as leader of an outlaw band, had terror- ized the territory for some time. Complications and action develop with the attempts of Richard Arlen, as a young soldier, to gather sufficient evidence to prove conclu- sively the sponsorship of Calamity Jane in the various deeds of outlawry, when he is sent to ferret out the people responsible for the ban- dits' widespread activities. Produced and distributed by Paramount. Story^ by Agnes Brand Leahy and Keen Thompson. Addition- al dialogue by Sam and Bella Spewack. Directed by Edward Sloman. Photographed by Charles Lang. Release date, August 8, 1931. THE CAST Lieutenant Tom Colton Richard Arlen Kate Winslow Frances Dee Curly Braydon Martin Burton Sergeant Weems Syd Saylor Haverstraw E. J. LeSaint Calamity Jane Louise Dresser Jard Harmon Tom Kennedy Goldie Marcia Manners McNeill Guy Oliver Bradford : Chas. E. French The Lawless Woman ( Chesterfield) Drama The New York audience which saw "The Lawless Woman," Chesterfield release, seemed fairly well pleased with a story plentifully sup- plied with action sequences, dealing with the murder of a gangster leader, and the efforts, and romantic entanglements of the young re- porter to uncover the "inside" story of the murder and its surrounding circumstances, for his paper. Carroll Nye plays the "cub" reporter, who attempts to get Vera Reynolds, as the girl in the case, to talk, the murder having taken place in the apartment. They meet Poker Wilson, played by Wheeler Oakman, who is knocked down by Nye when he insults the girl. She, fearing for his life, rushes Nye to her apartment, after a successful effort to elude Wilson and his men. The gang leader forces his way into the apartment and forces Nye to accompany him. The girl slips a revolver in his pocket as he is led away, but Nye discovers the gun is empty after he makes his escape from the car in which he is held and attempts to return the fire of pursuing gangsters. Believing the girl has played a double game with him, he plans with a detective to clear up the situation. In the meantime, Wilson had gone to June's apartment to force her admis- sion that she had helped Nye to escape. The detective arrives at the right moment, and a concluding sequence brings out the truth of the murder, the round-up of the gang, and the sat- isfactory conclusion of the romance which had developed between Nye and Vera Reynolds. Produced and' distributed by Chesterfield. Present- ed by George R. Batcheller. Directed by Richard Thorpe. Supervised by Barney Gerard. Photograph- ed by M. 3. Anderson. Release date, June 15, 1931. Running time, 63 minutes. THE CAST Paddy Reard'on Thomas Jackson Bill James Burtis June Page Vera Reynolds Allan Perry Carroll Nye Kitty Adams Gwen Lee Dan Taylor Phillips Smalley Poker Wilson Wheeler Oakman Side Show (Warners) Comedy "Side Show," Warner Bros.' latest vehicle for Winnie Lightner, drew an approving, if nOt a rousing, reception at its preview showing at a Coast theatre, last vveek. It seemed obvious to the audience, and they accepted it with good- natured complacency, that the circus back- ground was the important thing, the love angle being merely incidental to establish a reason for the story having been written at all. The vehicle, according to general comment, obviously was created for Winnie Lightner, to show her ability as a mimic and impersonator. She was given ample opportunity by being al- lowed to substitute for the various freaks in the side show of Colonel Gowdy's Big City Shows. Convenient disposals of the hula-hula dancer, the crooning cannibal and the high diver permit Miss Lightner to do her stuff, and the audience unmistakably approved. Two songs, with Lightnerian gestures and facial contor- tions, drew long rounds of applause. The dramatic situation moves smoothly and hinders in no way the real action of the pic- ture. The triangle involves Miss Lightner, Eva- lyn Knapp as her sister, and Donald Cook. When Evalyn enters into the circus life against the wishes of her older sister, she falls in love with Cook, already claimed by Winnie. The troublesome situation adjusts itself when ro- mantic glamours vanish and real love finds its own way. Charles Butterworth is the mouthpiece for the comic wisecracks and gags, and clicked heavily, judging from the reaction of the the- atre patrons. The character portrayal of Guy Kibbe, as the owner of the show was typically of the circus. Produced and cTistributed by Warner Bros. Story by William K. Wells. Screen play by Arthur Caesar and Raymond Enright. Directed by Roy Del Ruth. Photographed by IDev Jennings. Film editor, Jim Gibbons. THE CAST Pat Winnie Lightner Irene Evalyn Knapp Santini Luis Alberni Sidney Charles Butterworth Joe Donald Cook Sheriff Hornsby Fred Kalsey Glamour (British International) Drama Reviewed in London by Herald Representative If Seymour Hicks, very fine British stage actor, had taken the story of "David Garrick," advertised the fact and selected a good director in whose hands to place himself with the rest of his cast, "Glamour" might have been a Brit- ish film with a real message for the motion picture industry throughout the world. Instead Seymour Hicks, equally fine British actor, wrote, according to the synopsis, an original story called "Glamour," at the head of the cast of which, in big capitals, he put the name of SEYMOUR HICKS. He selected as "technical director" one Harry Hughes, British film director of long experience and some mod- erate attainment. The finished picture suggests clearly that Harry Hughes was such a good HIT AFTER HIT FROM DEPENDABL ^CLE WOMAN OF THE SCREEN A BOX-OFFICE NATURAL.' JTANWYCK^ Miiacle Wmnan DIRECTED BY THE MIRACLE DIRECTOR OF THE SCREEN -FRANK CAPRA From the play by John Meehan and Robert Riskin. With DAVID MANNERS, SAM HARDY, BERYL MERCER, AND AN ALL STAR CAST. A FRANK CAPRA PRODUCTION AR\ ' IN A QREAT PICTURE! 34 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 4, 19 3 1 director that he submitted to the direction of Seymour Hicks. It is a thousand pities that a dcHghtful 'stage actor such as Seymour Hicks should invite comparisons in the way he has. The plot of "Glamour" shrieks "David Garrick" all through. It is a somewhat silly story of a middle-aged actor who has succeeded in fascinating a bright young maiden. She is already betrothed in her parents' eyes to a young fellow known as the Hon. Richard Wells. This youngster, however, seems hardly entitled to his Hon., for he is the outcome of an affair which the same middle- aged actor had with a society woman years past. The girl's father insists that to disillu- sion the bride-to-be, this middle-aged actor must turn up at a dinner party and behave in a most disgraceful manner. He does, and the trick works, leaving the girl, one imagines, free to marry the illegitimate Honorable. This picture has been compared by Hicks with a previous British film of his called "The Love Habit," which, however, was Directed (capital D for emphasis) by Harry Lachman, American director. Hicks thinks "Glamour" by far the better ; the public evidently does not, because the pic- ture has had a struggle to last through the week on West End pre-release. It has just one thing to sell it : Seymour Hicks' acting. When Hicks is prepared to admit that all his vast experience of stage-craft goes into the melting pot again before he starts to learn about motion pictures, and when British Inter- national recovers from its habit of being en- tirely too modest to tell important people where they are making important mistakes, we shall doubtless get from Elstree some really fine British pictures in which Seymour Hicks, the actor, is starred under effective directors. Produced by British International. Distributed by Wardour Films and B. I. P. Export, Ltd. Directed by Harry Hughes. Running time, 73 minutes. CAST Henry Gawthorne Seymour Hicks Lord Belton Bromley Davenport Lady Betty Enfield (the girl) Margot Grahame Lady Belton Ellaline Terriss The Hon. Richard Wells Beverley Nichols Lady Evelyn Armadale Betty Hicks W. H. Mooring Three from Filling Station (Die Drei von der Tankstel (Ufa) Comedy (in German) Called the comedy hit of 1930 in Germany, this picture, seen at the Cosmopolitan theatre in New York, drew the comment that it was rather bizarre than attractive. The sound at times was not understandable, and comment was made that the dialogue in some places was trivial and unconvincing. The music had two catchy themes, one of which would be recognized when heard with- out words as "Moonlight on the Colorado." A tricky love story with a happy ending provided the background. Olga Tschechowa drew applause for her act- ing, though the role was not large. The photography in general won favorable comment, a few scenes lacking depth and reality in the opinion of members of the audi- ence. Running time, 75 minutes. Produced by Eric Pommer (UFA). Directed by Wilhelm Thiele. Authors: Franz Shultz and Paul Frank. Music by Werner R. Heyman. Sound engi- neer, Herman Fritsching. Cameraman, Franz Planer. CAST Willy Willy Fritsch Kurt" Oskar Karlweis Hans llcinz Ruhmann Konsul Cossmann Fritz Kampers I^ilian Cossman Lilian Harvey Edith von Turoff Olga T.schechowa Dr. Kalnius Kurt Gerron Seine SeltretHrin Gertrud WoUe Ein Gerichtsvollzicher Felix Bressert Women Love Once (Paramount) Drama This picture, despite a commendable stage- show supplementing the bill, failed to arouse any special enthusiasm among the Broadway Paramount patrons, who by no means filled the auditorium of the house. Comment was that there was lacking in the direction by Edward Goodman the spontaneity required for high- caliber entertainment. The acting was considered only passable, even though the cast contains several well known names, among them Paul Lukas, Eleanor Boardman and Geoffrey Kerr. Little Marilyn Knowlden drew well with the exception that the dialogue written for her was adjudged too mature. "Women Love Once" concerns an artist, his wife and child ; a patroness of the arts ; deni- zens of the Latin quarter in Paris, and a male friend of the wife. When the artist goes to Paris at the behest of the patroness, who finances his trip, the wife forms a close friendship with Allen Greenough, although remaining loyal to her husband. In the meanwhile, the patroness, Hester Dahlgren, follows the artist to Paris. On his return home, the artist, who has acquired the easy-going habits of the Latin quarter, refuses to work and lives on the small income his wife makes as a dressmaker. Because of his continued attentions to Hes- ter and to denizens of the Latin quarter, whom he has brought home with him, the wife con- tinues her friendship with Allen, and as a result the breach between them grows wider. It is only the fatal injury to their daughter that finally brings the two together again. Produced and distributed by Paramount Publi-x. Story by Zoe Akins. Adaptation by Zee Akins. Di- rected by Edv/ard Goodman. Cameraman, Karl Struss. Release, July 4. Running time, 73 minutes. CAST Julien Fields Paul Lukas Helen Fields Eleanor Boardman Hester Dahlgren Juliette Compton Allen Greenough Geoffrey Kerr Olga Judith Wood Janet Fields Marilyn Knowlden Theodore Stewart Claude King Oscar Mischa Auer Hell Below Zero (Talking Picture Epics) Travel A title obviously built for the marquee adorns a picture which the audience at the Cameo Theatre in New York found a quite harmless but interesting description of equatorial Africa. The closest application of the purgotorial epi- thet was unvoiced, but perhaps felt in the case of the giraffe pestered by birds swarming like flies about him and upon him. But Hell hath no terrors in this picture, particularly whenever the jungle of Uganda is described as a "public park," though abounding in wild game. Gentle satirization of lion hunting was the introduction which met particular favor with the audience. "A pastime for Boy Scouts," was the comment of Carveth Wells, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the Amer- ican Geographical Society, who told in syn- chronization the story of the picture and of the expedition which he conducted for the Mil- waukee Public Museum and the Geographic Society of Chicago. Lions retreating before the explorers — retreating to the next shady spot where they could sleep undisturbed; and embarrassedly the King of Wild Beasts lazily trying to save last night's kill from the vul- tures. The audience took to these scenes as among the best of the production, and with chuckles. To attempt even to mention the many sub- jects covered in the picture would require pages, as the camera touches a constantly changing scene. The contrasts drew the great- est- audience reaction, contrasts which the speaker summed up, in a meteorological sense, when he said that the natives on the Mountain of the Moon were "sunstruck at one end and frostbidden at the other." Striking shots in- cluded those of flamingoes with their heads scraping back and forth over the muddy river shallows in search of food, like "Hoover vacuum cleaners," as Carveth put it. There was the army of locusts, referred to as "baby Austins" in another allusion that was or was not an advertising interpolation. Running time, 42 minutes. Release date, June 26, 1931. Politics (M-G-M) Comedy The new Marie Dressier-Polly Moran com- edy drama, "Politics," received a vigorous wel- come at its preview showing in Long Beach, California, last week, with the general com- ment of the audience being that it is one of the best performances of this pair, to date. The great popularity of both Miss Dressier and Miss Moran was evident in the tremen- dous applause of the audience at the first glimpse of them on the screen, and, from first to last, their characteristic comedy was greeted by a riot of laughter. The story is built about the uprising of the women voters in a city ruled by a group of politicians and racketeers. Miss Dressier, in- nocent of political aspirations, unwittingly be- comes the champion of the women's cause. With home-bred sagacity and a will of her own. Miss Dressier succeeds in putting the men voters as well as the politicians in their places. This is partly brought about by her order of a general strike of all women from domestic and wifely duties. The result of such an order creates a comedy situation highly appredated by the audience. The supporting cast, which includes Roscoe Ates, William Bakewell, Joan Marsh and Karen Morley, drew a good share of the liber- al praise. The romantic interest supplied by Miss Morley and Bakewell, was adjudged de- cidedly clever. Produced and distributed by M-G-M. Story by Robert E. Hopkins. Continuity by Wells Root. Dialogue by Zelda Sears and' Malcolm Stuart Boylan. Directed by Charles F. Riesner. Photographed by Claude DteVinna. Recording by Douglas Shearer. Art Director, Cedric Gibbons. Film editor, William S. Gray. Release date, August 1, 1931. THE CAST Hattie Marie Dressier Ivy Polly Moran Peter Roscoe Ates Myrtle Karen Morley Benny William Bakewell Curango John Miljan Daisy Joan Marsh Mayor Tom McGuire Nifty Kane Richmond Mi-s. Evans Mary Alden Smoky Bob Perry The Road to Hell (Public Welfare Films) "For Men Only" Advertised and ballyhooed at the Central, on Broadway, as a showing "for men only," the film "Road to Hell," is accompanied by a lec- ture on sex hygiene, with the use of stereop- ticon slides and models on the stage, in the usual manner of such exhibitions. Booklets, purporting to be of value, are oft'ered for sale in conjunction with the lecture. The film resolves itself into a silent, pro- duced by Orplid Films, German producer, which has for theme, the white slave traffic to Rio de Janeiro, and the complication by which, through a revenge motive, the daughter of the leader of the traffic, is shipped to the Southern port, not knowing for what purpose she is being trans- ported, but believing herself a member of a theatrical troupe. Incidental music is run in, and here and there, an interjected synchronized voice, which takes the form of a warning to parents against permitting their daughters to set themselves July 4 , 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 35 open to any similar danger, based on cruelty at home which forces the girl away at the first opportunity. The film, its music, the voice and acting of the cast in general, was described by members of the audience to be one of the worst exam- ples of motion picture producing and reproduc- ing they had ever seen. They termed it propa- ganda, and several present, voiced their disap- pointment at having gone into the theatre. Die Foerster-ChristI (The Forester's Daughter) (Trans-Ocean Film) Operetta Meyer-Foerster's operetta is revived in the production, "Die Foerster-ChristI," directed by Friedrich Zelnick and distributed by Capital Film Exchange. The forester's daughter, Christl, meets Jo- seph, the Emperor of Austria, while she is pinchhitting for her father, doing his daily in- spection trips into the Vienna woods. She does not know who the strange huntsman is and he keeps his identity a secret. Immediate love is the result of this meeting. Domestic affairs compel Christl later on to journey to Vienna, where she meets the stranger again and now realizes it is the emperor himself. Love again blossoms, but comes abruptly to an end as the emperor hears about the whispering campaign led by his tongue-wagging court ser- vants regarding his love affair with a com- moner. The emperor voids the death sentence, im- .,1,'sed upon a corporal because with his fists he defended Christl's honor, impaired by a "talk- ing" lieutenant. Later on, H. M. promotes him. None greater than W. A. Mozart receives the command to compose the organ prelude for Christl's wedding with her childhood sweet- heart, the pardoned corporal. The photography was enjoyed, though there was comment of too much soft focus experi- mentation (the wood scenes, for instance), in trying to create artistic oil painting impres- sions. There was a marked reaction of the public against the jazz tempo. Having forgotten what a good waltz or what Mozart music sounds like, the public is ready to acclaim whatever there is as a reminder of the old days. Running time, 94 minutes. Seen at 8th Street Playhouse, New York. CAST Christl Lange Irene Eisinger Emperor Joseph Paul Richter W. A. Mozart Oskar Karlweiss Foldessy Andre Pilot Walperl T. V. Halmay Chief-Forester Lange Fritz Daghofer Ever], Mozart's sweetheart Jelly Staffel The old Baron Paul Horbiger Lady in waiting Adele S'androck 1st Adjutant to the Emperor Ostermann 2nd Adjutant to the Emperor H. Waschadko Miss von Foldessy Gretl Berndt Austrian Officer L. Altschul Chef de cuisine of the imp. court Wurmser Two laborers Frank & Oesterreicher Peasant woman Silvia Torff An Attorney Heinz Gotho The Great Lover (M-GM) Drama With Adolphe Menjou fitting the title role as a 1931 model bathing suit fits a flapper, M-G-M presents the screen version of Leo Dietrichstein's famous stage success, "The Great Lover." A splendid supporting cast in- cludes Irene Dunne of "Cimarron" fame, Ernest Torrence, Olga Baclanova, Neil Hamilton, Ros- coe Ates, Clifif Edwards, Hale Hamilton and Lillian Bond. In spite of this blue book of screen names, Menjou takes the show with superb and deli- cately balanced performance of the great opera singer. Much interesting backstage life of grand opera is shown and the introduction of pleasing musical numbers is logical. The adaptation and dialogue are skillfully handled by Gene Markey, Edgar Allan Woolf and John Meehan. Harry Beaumont handled the production without ever allowing the interest to lag. Produced by Cohan and Harris. Distributed by MGM. Based on play, "The Great Lover" by Leo Dietrichstein. Adaptation and dialogue by Gene Markey, Edgar Allan Woolf, John Meehan. Directed by Harry Beaumont. Release date, July 18, 1931. CAST Adolphe Menjou Roscoe Ates Irene Dunne Cliff Edwards Ernest Torrence Hale Hamilton Olga Baclanova Lillian Bond Neil Hamilton Leo Meehan Today — And Yesterday (Talking Picture Epics) A News History A disaster to the sound equipment, which necessitated several minutes of silent running of shots in "Today — And Yesterday," Talking Picture Epics' news melange, seen at the Cameo Theatre, New York, lent natural back- ground to the showing of the three-reel pro- duction. But while the enforced period of silence during the showing of a number of oldtime events at Washington was appropri- ate, the old-time music presented while the sound equipment was functioning also pro- duced the proper atmosphere. Political changes at Washington in the suc- cession of presidents played a large part in the production — or the assembled reels — and there were three of them. Then, too, there was much of King Edward, King George and the Prince of Wales. Likewise the World War was touched upon with several generally familiar scenes of the fighting on land and sea, includ- ing the spectacular sinking of ships by the German raider, the Moewe. Running time, 30 minutes. Blue Grass Kings (RKO Pathe) Sportlight A Grantland Rice Sportlight number which deals with race horses all the wav through. Featured is a trip, through the C. V. Whitney farm at Lexington, Ky., and the Whitney sta- bles at Belmont, N. Y. Numerous important figures among the country's racers are shown. As a concluding sequence, the national classic, the derby at Churchill Downs, Louisville, Ky., is pictured. Strange As It Seems — No. 9 (Universal) Novelty Again a series of oddities, filmed in Multi- color, in this Universal group. Featured are a woman and daughter with 12 feet of hair be- tween them ; an attorney who swears he will not clip his beard until Prohibition is repealed ; the cobra plant which eats vermin and mice ; an East Indian who is buried for three hours and two women who operate a telephone company in Washington. — Running time, 10 minutes. Monkey Business in Africa (Educational) Comedy Here is a Mack Sennett job, in the form of a burlesque on African adventure films. Prin- cipal amusement purveyors are Andy Clyde, Marjorie Beebe, Frank Eastman, Luis Alberni, George Gray. Clyde is chief of a motion pic- ture company which enters the jungle for local color, and gets into some tight and amusing situations with lions, alligators and so forth. — Running time, 22 minutes. June First (RKO Pathe) Comedy June MacCloy plays the lead in this comedy number which describes the adventures of three girls who decide the best way to gather money and the luxurious trip to Europe they want, is to garner what presents they can from various men, pawn them, and so have the wherewithal!. June makes it a practice to acquire engagement rings, setting all the dates, each time, at June , first. Speeding to the boat, they are arrested and driven to the church by the officer where they are greeted by a dozen men, each waiting for his bride. They sta^e a getaway with the officers, and date them for the next day before |hey are finished. Don Gallaher directed. — Run- ning time, 20 minutes. Fisherman's Luck (RKO Pathe) Cartoon An Aesop Fable number which pictures the little animated fisherman indulging in the an- cient pastime. Most unusual are the scenes un- der water when the fisherman meets the "one and only" in the form of a fish. Synchronized music acconipanies the short. — Running time, 10 minutes. The Albany Branch (Educational) Comedy A Mack Sennett comedy number, in which five different writers are credited with the story. The audience did not take any too kindly to the more or less old lines which were spotted through the number. Among the players were Perl Kelton, Tom Dugan, Frank Eastman, Alice Mosher. Direction was the work of Mack Sennett. — Running time, 16 minutes. Blues ( Educational ) Cartoon A Terry-Toon number with a setting in the South. Human and animal characters indulge in song at every possible moment, which is quite frequently. — Running time, 6 minutes. Younger Years (RKO Pathe) Novelty This number of the Grandtland Rice Sport- light series is a pictorial record of youngsters engaged in what every man will never forget. The boys are caught by the microphone and camera, obviously not acting, while having the time of their young lives playing baseball, foot- ball, swimming in the creek, playing marbles, and those other things which make being a small boy worth while. — Running time, 10 min- utes. By the Sea ( Educational ) Cartoon This is a Terry-Toon animated cartoon short, which was generally rated by the audi- ence, to judge from reaction, as a presentable and satisfactory number. — Running time, 5 minutes. Pale Face Pup (RKO Pathe) Cartoon An Aesop Fable animated cartoon comedy number, with the pup on his elongated horse, making eyes at an Indian girl, trying to pass as an Indian and doing away, one by one, with his pursuers when he and the girl are chased by the Indian chief. On a par with the usual run of these in amusement value, was the com- ment.— Running time, 9 'minutes. the Mone^ here they are* WITH A WINNER I "Slim" SUMMERVILLE TWO-REEL COMEDY STARS In Christy Walsh's "ALL AMERICA SPORT REEL'' 2 Reel Comedies supervised by Eddie Kaufman and Sam Friedman OSWALD famous Lucky cartoon Rabbit 38 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 4, 19 3 1 YOUR PUBLIC It looks as if, at last, the short features are proper recognition on the program and reg several weeks the New York Times has carr Series with a listing of the theatres in the c be seen. On the heels of this significant step is now sending out on regular schedule a m each of its shorts is playing currently in the theatres of New York, Brooklyn and sur- rounding territory. This is intelligent show- manship, for there is no longer any doubt about the increasing number of people who, glancing over a page of motion picture ads, will make their decision for the theatre announcing a short subject in which they are specially in- terested. There is a very sound reason behind this changing attitude toward the shorts. One has only to glance over the preview reports of the reviewing groups in any one week to realize how much cleverness, consideration and genius is finding its way into the making of one and two reel pictures, and how distinctly the qual- ity of these has improved. Within the past two weeks one national organization noted for its carefulness in the rating of pictures reviewed and reported in writing 62 short features, with the astonishing result of 59 endorsed pictures and only three discarded ones. Of the three, two were marked "Fair," and only one "Poor." In all of the sixty-two pictures there was not a single instance of vulgarity, suggestiveness, profanity, or disrespect for moral or civil law! This is the very best single proof that we have had in a year of the increasing average of de- cent pictures. AAA Cleveland Makes Suggestion The Cleveland Public Library has been an outstanding pioneer in building up intelligent audience appreciation for the better pictures shown in that city, by linking up the picture with a helpful library reference printed on an attractive cardboard bookmark. The theatre- men cooperating with the library share the ex- pense of the printing. The Library distributes the cards, and features in its reading rooms an exhibit of posters, books and other material to draw attention to the particular motion pic- ture. Now, more than 25 of the big public libraries in other states have taken up the idea and are engaged in preparing bibliography and listed references on endorsed pictures. A letter this morning from the Cleveland public library addressed to this department, on the subject of short features, is therefore of particular interest. The librarian writes : "We were especially interested in the Motion Pic- ture Herald release of May 28th, in which you talked of short subjects. For years we have tried to establish cooperation with our man- agers on the one and two-reel pictures, since these often tie up more directly with books than do the exploited features. The drawbacks, have been : the usual lack of stills, which we need for our library purposes : and the fact that short subjects are not advertised. The stills are particularly important to us for they serve to separate the books and jackets in an ex- hibit from the mass of books that line our walls. The advertising of short subjects is necessary because without it there is little use in our posting our exhibits : our patrons, and the children would not know where to find the picture in question. We feel that a right handling of this situation would easily result in filling the theatres during the supper hours, By RITA C. McGOLDRICK to come into their own, and by that we mean ular space in the advertising. For the past led Vitaphone's ad of the Bobby Jones Golf ity where these popular short features might forward the Vitaphone publicity department imeographed press sheet which tells where for instance, for there are now so many people who prefer such subjects and would go at spe- cial times to see them." Letter after letter addressed to this depart- ment by clubs and organized film groups all over the country are making the same appeal. Theatremen are responsible for the answer to this growing demand, by selecting high grade shorts and by advertising them! AAA July's Holidays July is the patriotic month of the year. With Independence Day in the first week, it also boasts in its litany the anniversaries of the Battles of Bull Run, Gettysburg, and Chateau Thierry. While its famous birthdays include those of John Paul Jones and the Polar Ex- plorer, Roald Amundsen. A number of effective activities may be or- ganized to make your theatre a dignified com- munity center on July Fourth, some of which might be worked out in cooperation with local groups of Colonial Dames, Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of American Colonists, Daughters of 1812, American Legion, Boy and Girl Scouts, or any school or club group. This day offers excellent opportunity for clever lobby display with war relics, flags, pic- tures, letters, colonial stamps or old costumes exhibited in the foyer. A prize might be of- fered for the best exhibit loaned for the oc- casion ; and another, to the school children, for the best essay on "Looking back to 76." All performances should begin and end with stir- ring military music, and the flag should be displayed in a standard on the stage, as well as in a prominent position in front of the theatre. A" formal Salute to the Flag, the singing of the Star Spangled Banner and tableaux of episodes in J.776 would all be appropriate ad- ditions to an attractive program. The following pictures are suitable for the occasion, and available : This Department Offers You A list of the month's Best Pictures. . . . A Herald Service. Reprint of Weekly Radio Broad- cast on News and Notes of the Studios, and Reviezvs of Week's Pictures. Helpful Literature for those mak- ing public addresses. . . . Information on Censorship in Your State. . . . A Motion Picture Stn-dy Program. SCHOOL AND SCREEN a monthly service for schools and theatremen. A postal card will bring you any one, or all of these pamphlets. FEATURES : "America," United Artists, 11 reels, silent. "Abraham Lincoln," United Artists, 8,280 feet, talking. "Comrades," Cooperative, 6 reels, silent. "Only the Brave, ' Paramount, 6,347 feet, talking. "His First Command," Pathe, 5,965 feet, talking. SHORTS: "A Frontier Romance," M-G-M, 2 reels. "Story of the Star Spangled Banner," Pathe, 1 reel. "Two Americans," Paramount, 2 reels. "A Yankee Doodle Boy," Paramount, 1 reel. "Marching On," Fox, 3 reels. "Trumpeter" (views on battlefield) Pathe, 1 reel. "Independence Day," All Star, 1 reel. AAA Checking Children — and Umbrellas Here is a story to make you smile — and then, to pause over. And in story book fashion it should begin "Once upon a time . . ." Well, once upon a time a clubwoman in Maryland whose official title is Chairman of Film Information, Montgomery County, Mary- land, sat next to a little family in her local motion picture house, fhe father and mother were enjoying the needed relaxation of their motion picture entertainment. The three small children apparently loved part of the program — the newsreels, the cartoon and the comedy, but became increasingly restless and bored as the feature unwound its serious and complicated way. They fidgeted and fussed. The mother was embarrassed. It became necessary for her finally to take the children out. The thoughtful chairman observed, "It took the firm hand of my husband to keep me in my seat. I longed to take those blessed chil- dren out into the lobby, away from their tired mother, and play with them! When I told that story to the women in a neighborhood club, a mother immediately responded, 'I have often done that very thing ; only sometimes my chil- dren cried and actually disturbed the audience. But mothers have to have some escape from the daily routine, if they are to go on with their mother's job'." Out of this, a clubwoman dreamed a dream — fantastic, perhaps, but possible. Why should not the motion picture theatre in her commun- ity or yours, have a room set aside for the very small persons ; for children too small to care for the longer programs ; children with tired mothers entitled to their hours of illusion and freedom? This room of her -lotting would have kiddie cars, an informal "shute the shutes," a merry-go-round, simple games, construction building blocks, indestructible books, ball games which all children love ; a sand table — in fact, a Children's Room. There would be in attend- ance a "mother" for the day, a volunteer who would love and understand the children, and she would be assisted by a paid attendant who must have the gift of telling stories and playing games ! It sounds amusing, but strangely enough, it isn't. Out of the gossamer fabric of the day dream a most constructive reality has been born. The dream has come true in a number of theatres. A real father who knew something of psy- chology as well as of the science of childhood applied his ideas to the needs of other families. He is a father-manager, Mr. Hardie Meakin, and his theatre is the RKO of Keith's in Wash- ington, D. C. Not only has he provided for the needs of the little persons who are brought to his theatre by furnishing a children's room, but he has also made provision for the middle sized children by reserving special seats under competent chaperonage. This is the story of a theatre manager who is determined that his theatre shall not be an ordinary showplace, but a conuimnity center definitely concerned with the best interests of the patrons whom he respects and whose inter- est he hopes to retain. It is not hard to believe that he will! July 4, 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 39 The BLUEBOOK School Answer to Question No. 84 By F. H. RICHARDSON BLUEBOOK SCHOOL QUESTION NO. 89— If the exhibitor asked your advice in the selection of a screen, sound of course, tell us just what points you would give consideration. Watch your step here or you won't find your name annong the successful ones. (B) Tell us just what is meant by "Absorption of light," "Actinic ray," "Angle of incidence," "Angle of reflection" and "Projection angle." (C) Tell us just what chromatic aberration is and describe its effects. The question was: {A) What must be understood before the action of the disc records pickup system can itself be compre- hended? (B) Describe the fundamental law upon which the disc record pickup system is based. (C) In just what manner is or may mngnetism be altered in its action? {D) Tell us just in what way sound waves are recorded in disc record grooves. (E) IV hat two things make the Western Electric disc record pickup possible? The ones who were able to answer these five queries correctly were relatively few. With the comment that the first seven named gave answers indicating unmistaka- bly that they understand the subject very well, here are the names : Lester Borst, S. Evans and C. Rau, Her- man Billings, our old friend Joseph E. Bliven, Bill Doe, James McGuire, Tom Turk, S. Kay, Richard Singleton, D. T. Wyley, Wm., Bogart, T. Van Vaulkenburg, N. D. Garling, George Thompson, John D. Day, John Williams, A. R. Peterson, "Chi- cago," Paul Banning, Robert L. Hines, Le- roy Bates, Philip Singer, T. T. Tittling, Seymour Carrol, L. R. Sanders, H. D. Cole, George G. Miner, P. T. Roeld, Tom R. Evans, J. T. Steele and Howard Smith. A small list, but the total number an- swering was large. Some fell down on one thing, some on another. None failed en- tirely. On the whole, I believe the answer of James McGuire fits publication needs best. He says : "(A) The principles of magnetic induc- tion must be understood. "(B) The law of magnetic induction or action is based upon the fact that if an alternating current be passed through a coil of wire wrapped around a core of iron, the said core will be magnetized, and thus a magnetic field will be set up in and around the core. Now, if a second coil, in the form of a closed circuit, be placed in proper po- sition in that magnetic field, an electromo- tive force will be generated therein, which same will change in strength as and when- ever the density of the magnetic field is altered, and the change will be in precise proportion to the rate or amount of change in the magnetic field. The said alteration will take place only while the density of the magnetic field is changing." Note. With the permission of Brother McGuire I believe I will substitute the reply of Evans and Rau to it an (C), as it is very excellent, indeed. "(C) One way in which the action of magnetism may be altered, as in the disc record pickup, is as follows : The pickup or electro-magnetic reproducer consists of a permanent magnet, a soft iron armature, and a small coil of fine wire. The soft iron core, which carries the needle, is pivoted in rub- ber, and its upper end is held in place by a small damping block, made of rubber. The needle and armature assembly can move slightly about the armature pivot, and with sufficient ease to prevent undue wear on the record. The armature swings back and forth as the needle follows the groove of the record, and the magnetic lines of force which pass through the armature change both in number and direction. Since a coil is wound around the armature an alternat- ing voltage will be generated in it. Thus the magnetic pickup is a small A. C. gener- ator. The voltage generated alternates in exact correspondence with the sound track on the record." Please understand, McGuire's answer was correct, but that of Evans and Rau was in somewhat better form. Follows again Mc- Guire's answer: "(D) Sound waves are recorded in the side of the disc grooves. They are in the form of slight undulations in the groove set up by the swaying of the recording needle caused by magnetic action. I have been reading "Why We Behave Like Human Beings" by George A. Dorsey, Ph.D., LL.D., formerly associate professor of anthropology, University of Chicago, and curator of anthropology. Field Museum of Natural History. One finds oneself just plain obliged to give credence to men of Professor Dorsey's standing, else I would find myself unable to believe some of the things he sets forth. For example, you and I think we have at least a wee bit of elec- trical knowledge. Listen to what the Pro- fessor says, page 84 of the book named : "(E) The two things which make W. E. pickup possible are really only one thing, and that is the action upon the magnetic field in the pickup apparatus set up by the swaying of the needle as it passes through the disc grooves. Answered as asked, how- ever, the two things are the swaying of the needle and the action induced in the magnetic field and the closed circuit coil lo- cated therein by such swaying." Gentlemen, certainly one cannot possibly study such answers, particularly in con- junction with study of the Bluebook, with- out having a better understanding of things, no matter how well informed one may be. I know that on many occasions I have my self been given a new and better viewpoint by reading the various answers to ques- tions. Also in reading some of the answers which are wrong, or at least incorrect, I have been led to an understanding of how easy it is for men to receive a wrong im- pression, or receive erroneous understand- ing. I have often been impressed by errors of understanding undoubtedly set up by the reading of books written in too technical language. In many cases I have written cor- respondents, asking from what book they got the impression leading to their error, only frequently to find it was a technical work which, while perfectly correct in its statements, still those statements were by no means clear to the nontechnical reader. On the whole, I can assure you that while this "School" imposes a heavy burden of work, it nevertheless is both interesting and helpful to your friend editor. "The unit or smallest quantity of an ele- ment which takes part in a chemical reac- tion is an atom (uncutable). Recently the atom has been 'cut.' It consists of unit charges of positive and negative electricity called electrons. * * * An atom, then, says Millikan, consists of a heavy core or nucleus of free positive electrons about which are grouped enough negative electrons to render the whole atom stable or neutral. * * * The atomic number of hydrogen is 1. Its nucleus carries one electron of positive charge ; out- side that nucleus is one electron of negative ASTOUNDING MEASUREMENTS 40- MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 4 , 19 3 1 charge. The two electrons thus neutralize each other ; the result is a system, an atom of hydrogen. The heaviest known element is uranium ; its atomic weight is 238. Its nucleus must therefore contain 238 positive electrons. But as its atomic number is 92, its nucleus must carry, in addition, 146 negative electrons in order to neutralize the 146 positive electrons over and above the 92 positive electrons free to neutralize the 92 negative electrons outside the nucleus. "The result is a system, an atom of uran- ium. Remove one free positive electron from the nucleus of that atom ; it is no long- er an atom of uranium. Remove 10 free positive electrons ; it is an atom of lead. Remove 13 ; it is an atom of gold. Remove 91 ; it is an atom of hydrogen gas. * * * Magnify the nucleus of an atom one billion times ; it is still too small to be seen in a microscope. Multiply that nucleus ten bil- lion times : the outer electrons are now three feet from the nucleus, but the nucleus is not yet as big as a pin point. * * * When matter in the form of an electron moves, there is an electric current. Which means, says Milliken, that electricity and matter look like different aspects of one and the same thing. There is proof that electricity is material ; there is evidence, but not yet proof, that all matter is electrical." Which last conclusion would mean that in the last analysis you and I, friend reader, are both really one form of electricity. But on that point we will not debate — yet. My reason for setting this before you is to point to the incredible lengths to which friend scientist is going. He gravely tells us exactly what a point which is smaller than a pin point after it is magnified ten billions of times, is composed of. He as- sumes to actually count the number of things — invisible things still, mark you well, were they large enough to be seen — contained in that understandably small thing. He pro- ceeds exactly. He don't tell us there are "about 140." He says there are 146, which really seems utterly beyond human com- prehension. Incidentally I might say that the book named is intensely interesting. In another place, page 93, it tells us : "The smallest known molecule — hydrogen — weighs a three million-million-million-millionth of a gram. It travels one mile a second. An electron is smaller and travels faster !" Which I think you will agree is getting right down to brass tacks in weighing things ! Virginia Censor Cuts Three Of 46 Pictures in Two Weeks The Virginia censor board bulletin re- ports fewer films being received for exam- ination, with the coming of summer. Of 46 films, comprising 165 reels, examined in two weeks, eliminations were ordered in three films. Fewer cuts than in previous months are recorded. The pictures which came under the cen- sorial knife were "Gold Dust Gertie," War- ner ; "The Good, Bad Girl," Columbia and "The Maltese Falcon," First National. Recent Charters Filed Charters recently filed in the State House, Dover, Del., included the Arc Products Cor- poration to operate talking pictures ; Royal Television of America, Inc., dealing in tele- vision devices and M. H. S. Productions, Inc., Ltd., to deal in motion pictures of all kinds. RCA Issues List Of Tube Patents In Adjudication Radio Corporation of America has pre- pared for its licensees a list of radio tube patents which are in process of adjudication at present, and a supplemental list of addi- tional tube patents included in its licenses, following numerous inquiries concerning the patent situation. Tube patents now in process of adjudica- tion are those involved in patent infringe- ment suits brought by RCA against Gold Seal Electrical Company, Inc., filed Septem- ber 10, 1928; the Dale Company (Arcturus distributor), filed May 28, 1930; Majestic Distributors, Inc., filed September 5, 1930 ; Duovac Radio Tube Corporation, filed Octo- ber 17, 1930. RCA has recently added to its rights in the radio tube field by the acquisition of a group of circuit and tube patents and appli- cations formerly held by the Radio Frequen" cy Laboratories, Inc. Rights under these patents and applications are automatically extended to RCA's licensees by terms of their present licenses, including the right to use inventions newly developed or acquired by RCA. Pulverman Buys Safety Projector Plant at Duluth Acquisition of Safety Projector Com- pany's plant at Duluth, Minn., including the entire business, is announced by Pulverman Corporation, manufacturers of Royal Ampli- tone sound equipment, coincidentally with the statement that Pulverman's new "5S" model sound-on-film equipment for 500-seat houses will be covered by a guarantee of a refund of the exhibitor's money within 10 days if he is not entirely satisfied with per- formance of the apparatus. The announce- ments were made by J. V. Cremonim, vice- president in charge of sales. Pulverman Corporation already has in- creased the output of the Duluth factory of the acquired Safety Projector Company, which has been making the Zenith portable and professional projectors for sixteen years. The silent projector recently was converted into a complete sound-on-film ap- paratus with the sound-on-film mechanism an integral part of the projector itself. The Zenith projector in the future will be known as the "Royal Z," and Joe Granz will con- tinue in charge of production as well as engineer of the Duluth plant. The Royal "5S" is offered to exhibitors for two Simplex projectors at a price of $1250 complete, including latest type Racon exponential master horn and unit. For Powers and DC equipment, it is stated, there is a slight additional cost. Publix-Wilby Raises Stock Recent announcements from Dover, Del., indicate Publix-Wilby Theatres, Inc., New York, has increased its stock from 1,000 to 2,000 shares, no par value. Electrical In- dustries Corporation has changed its name to Radio Television Industries Corporation of Boston. Road Show Talking Pictures For Indoor and Outdoor Showings For on« night stands — clubs — churches. Get a circuit *ne night a week tewns er tie up with merchants In small towns for one night a week shows. Show the merchants how to bring people to their town where na shows now operate. Complete sound fMm talking equipment, no records — no batteries — all AC operated. Sound taken from the edge of the film. Comes complete with projection machines. For use with 35 mm film. Carried in a pleasure car; set up in 15 minutes time. Built for years of service. Reproduction ef the very best. Suitable for audiences of 2,000. FURTHER PARTICULARS UPON REQUEST The Phototone Equipment Corporation OF AIHERICA 309 N. Illinois Street Incfianapolis, Ind. WANTED SALESMEN DISTRIBUTORS who appreciate exchisive territory and state rights on a quality product. TRUE TA L K I E TONE A new COMlPLETE Sound-On-Film Unit incorporatins; every modem improvement. TRUE REPRODUCTION, CLEAR TONE FOOL-PROOF, SMOOTH RUNNING, QUIET Carefully built of best materials for continuous uninterrupted service and complete satisfaction. For use with Powers, Simplex, Motiograph DeLuxe Projectors. Everything included. Nothing else to purchase. New improved sound heads with annular ball bearing construction, large balance fly wheels, latest type improved lenses, photo cells, exciter tubes, motor belts, main amplifier, head amplifiers, fader, two heavy Hi-Quality speakers with exciters, tubes, etc. Triple inspected ready for quick, easy installation. COMPLETE with iron-clad, rr- • i ¥ ii • money back guarantee. F rcc Trial Installation Offer Now And at a New Low Price. TRUE TALKIE TONE CO. FOSTORIA, OHIO Tlic jBf stars . . Tlic iVcir Stars • rike AojT Office Stars • 3 PARAMOUNT 42 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 4, 19 3 1 THEATRE RECEIPTS New high box office grosses do not seem to be the order of the day in the picture business. None regis- tered for the current week, a condition which prevailed last week. Nineteen theatres again reported new low grosses for the current week, as against 20 for previous week. Executives feel, however, that should President Hoover's debt moratorium plan be successful it will react in better business generally. (Cotyritht, 1931: ReproducHaa ol ma f rial Worn this d*»artm*mt wHthout credit to Motiom Pictnrt Herald expressly forbidden) Theatres Albany Harm-Bleecker.. 2,300 Leiand 1,350 Proctor's RKO.. 1,500 Current Week 35c-50c 2Sc-35c 25c-60c Ritz 1.146 25c-3Sc Strand 1,900 35c-50c Picture Crou "A Free Soul" (MGM) 11.650 (5 days) "Always Goodbye" (Fox) 4,100 (6 days) "The Good Bad Girl" (Col.) 2,600 (20c-60c— 3 days) "The Lawyer's Secret" (Para.).... 2,800 (20c-60c— 3 days) "A Soldier's Plaything" (W. B.).. 2,150 (3 days) "The Single Sin" (Tiff.) and 2,C00 "Captain Thunder" (W. B.) (3 days) "Smart Money" (W. B.) 7,100 (6 days) Previous Week Picture Gr«M 'Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 11,120 (6 days) 'Men Call It Love" (MGM) 5,300 (4 days) 'Dude Ranch" (Para.) 2,650 (3 days) 'White Shoulders" (Radio) 2,500 (3 days) "Never the Twain Shall Meet"... 3,900 (MGM) (6 days) 'Big Business Girl" (F. N.). (6 days) 6,100 High and Low Gross (Tabulation covers period from March, 1930, to June. 1931) High 1-24-30 "Reducing:" $ 18.500 Low 4-4-31 "Passion Flower" 6,100 High 5-2-31 "Strangers May Kiss" 8.100 Low 6-27-31 "Alwaysi Goodbye" 4,100 High 3-14-31 "MiUie" 8.600 Low 6-13-31 "The W Plan" and "Donovan's Kid" 4,650 High 12-13-30 "The C:at Creeps" 4.750 Low 6-6-31 "Party Husbands"'^ 3,190 High 4-25-31 "The Fingrer Points" 9,300 Low 4-4-31 "My Past" 5,850 Baltimore Keith's 2.500 25c-50c Little 267 3Sc-50c Loew's Ontury. 3,076 25c-60c Loew's Parkway 987 15c-35c Loew Stanley.... 3,522 25c-60c Loew's Valencia. 1,487 25c-35c New 1.600 25c-50c W. B. Metropol. 1.300 ISc-SOc Boston Keith's 2,800 30c-65c Keith-Boston ... 2,500 25c-60c Loew's Orpheum 3,100 2Sc-50c Loew's State 3,700 25c-50c Metropolitan 4,350 25c-60c Olympia 2,500 2Sc-50c Scollay Square.. 1,800 25c-50c Uptown 2,000 25c-60c "Transgression" (Radio) 5,920 (6 days and Sun. midnite show) "The \V Plan" (Radio) 900 (6 days) "Just A Gigolo" (MGM) 24000, (6 days) "Laughing Sinners" (MGM) 3,800 (6 days) "I Take This Woman" (Para.) 15,500 (6 days) "Laughing Sinners" (MGM) 2.80O (6 days) "Annaballe's Affairs" (Fox) 8,000 (6 days) "Seed" (U.) 4,800 (6 days) "Transgression" (Radio) 21,000 "Lover Come Back" (Col.) 20,500 "Laughing Sinners" (MGM) 22,000 "Indiscreet" (U. A.) 24,000 "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 35,000 "Chances" (F. N.) 16,500 "The Vice Squad" (Para.) 17,000 "Chances" (F. N.) 13,000' "Gun Smoke" (Para.) 5,920 (6 davs and Sun. midnite show) "Young Woodley" (Elstree) 600 (5 days) "The Vice Squad" (Para.) 20,000 (6 days) "Never the Twain Shall Meet" 4,000 (MGM) (6 days) "Five and Ten" (MGM) 18,500 (6 days) "Party Husband" (F. N.) 2,700 (6 days) "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 10,000 (6 days — 2nd week) "Public Enemy" (W. B.) 3,900 (6 days — 2nd week) "White Shoulders" (Radio) 17,500 "Everything's Rosie" (Radio) 17,000 "It's a Wise Child" (MGM) 20.000 "Just a Gigolo" (MGM) 20,500 "The Vice Squad" (Para.) 31,000 "The Maltese Falcon" (W. B.).... 14,000 "Women of All Nations" (Fox),... 14,000 "The Maltese Falcon" (W. B.).... 11,500 High 5-9-31 "Bachelor Apartment" 16,080 Low 5-17-30 "King of Jazz" 3,060 High S-3-30 "Hallelujah" 1.900 Low 1-10-31 "Waterloo" 400 High 4-11-31 "A Tailor Made Man"... 30.000 Low 11-1-30 "Her Wedding Night".... 14.000 High 1-3-31 "Follow the Leader" S.500 Low 8-9-30 "Love Among the Million- aires" 2.900 High 4-11-31 "Strangers May Kiss" 33.500 Low 5-3-30 "Honey" 12.500 High 7-26-30 "Sins of the (Children" .... 7.300 Low 11-29-30 "Only Saps Work" 1.800 High 8-30-30 "Common Clay" 18.500 Low 12-27-30 "Princess and Plumber".. 2.800 High 3-16-30 "Green Goddess" 9,000 Low 7-26-30 "Sweet Kitty Bellairs" .... 2.100 High 10-11-30 "Half Shot at Sunrise"... 34,500 Low 12-6-30 "Sin Takes a Holiday".... 16.500 High 1-10-31 "Danger Lights" 22.000 Low 6-20-31 "Everything's Rosie" 17,000 High 1-17-31 "Hell's Angels" 31.S00 Low 6-28-30 "Lady of Scandal" 17.500 High 10-18-30 "Three French Girls" 30.000 Low 6-28-30 "Bad One" 18.000 High 10-11-30 "Sea God" 49,000 Low 6-7-30 "True to the Navy" 26.000 High 7-5-30 "With Byrd at South Pole" 28.000 Low 2-21-31 "Sit Tight" 12,000 High 10-11-30 "Numbered Men" 20,000 Low 7-5-30 "Shadows of the Law" 11,000 Buffalo Buffalo 3,500 Century 3,000 Great Lakes .... 3,000 Hippodrome 2,100 Lafayette 3,300 Charlotte Broadway 1.167 CaroKna 1.441 30c-65c "Seed" (U.) 23,500 25c-35c "Gold Dust Gertie" (W. B.) 3,100 (4 days) "Bachelor Apartment" (Radio) 2,800 (3 days) 25c-60c "Annabelle's Affairs" (Fox) 18,000 25c-50c "The Maltese Falcon" (W. B.).... 15,500 25c-35c "Everything's Rosie" (Radio) 8,900 25c-50c "Big Business Girl" (F. N.) 3,000 (3 days) ".Smart Money" (F. N.) 4,000 (3 days) 40c-50c "A Free Soul" (MGM) 4,500 (3 days) "Just A Gigolo" (MGM) 6,500 (3 days) "Bom to Love" (Pathe) 22,000 "Vice Squad" (Para.) 8,800 "Just a Gigoto" (MGM) 17,400 "Up Pops the Devil" (Para.) 15,100 "The Good Bad Girl" (Col.) 9,000 "Old English" (W. B.) 3,500 (3 days) "Gold Dust Gertie" (W. B.) 3,000 (3 days) "Vice Squad" (Para.) 5,000 (3 days) "Born to Love" (Pathe) 6,000 (3 days) High 3-28-31 "My Past" 39.500 Lew 4-4-31 "Man of the World" 20.000 High 2-14-31 "Cimmaron" 25,600 Low 4-4-31 "Mother's Cry" 5.900 High 4-18-31 "Strangers May Kiss".... 30.000 Low 12-27-30 "Remote Control" 13,400 High 2-14-31 "Free Love" 26.300 Low 6-20-31 "Up Pops the Devil" 15,100 High 4-11-31 "Ten Cents a Dance" 24.100 Ixiw 6-27-3r"Everything's Rosie" 8,900 July 4, 19 3 1 Theatres MOTION PICTURE HERALD ITHEATCE CCCEIPTS — CCNT'D I 43 Current Week Previous Week Chicago Castle 299 Chicapo 4,000 McVickers 2.284 Oriental 3.940 Orpheum 665 Palace 2,509 Roosevelt 1,591 State Lake 2,776 United Artists.. 1.700 Cincinnati Erlanffer 1,600 30c-50c Keith's 1,600 30c-50c RKO Albee 3,300 35c-7Sc RKO Capitol .... 2,000 30c- 50o RKO Family.... 1.140 20c-35c RKO Lyric 1,400 30c -50c RKO Palace .... 2,700 30c -50c RKO Strand .... 1,350 25c -40c Cleveland Alhambra 1,400 25c-50c Allen 3.300 30c-60c Cameo 1,200 2Sc-S0c RKO Hippodrome 4,500 25c-75c RKO Palace .... 3,100 25c-7Sc State 3,400 30c-60c Warner's Lake.. 800 40c-60c Denver Denver 2,300 25c-65c Huff'n's Aladdin 1.500 35c-75c Huffman's Tabor 1.900 25c-50c Paramount 2.000 25c-50c Rialto 1.040 25c- 50c Des Moifies Des Moines 1,600 25c-60c Paramount 1,700 25c-60c Strand 1,100 20c-30c Hollywood Chinese 2,030 25c-75c Egyptian 1,800 10c-65c Pan. Hollywood. 3.000 35c-65c W. B. Hollywood 3,000 3Sc-50c Picture Gross Picture 40c-60c "Trader Horn" (MGM) 3,247 (2nd week) 35c-85c "Just A Gigolo" (MGM) 33,250 35c-85c "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 11,400 (5 days — 3rd week) "A Free Soul" (MGM) 12,750 (3 days) 35c-85c "Party Husband" (F. N.) 19,450 35c-75c "Monsters of the Deep" (States... 4,110 Rights) and "Subway Express" (Col.) (9 days) 35c-85c "Lover Come Back" (Col.) 20,650 35c-8Sc "Five and Ten" (MGM) 12,500 35c-85c "Transgression" (Radio) 13,200 35c-85c "The Night Angel" (Para.) 21,650 "Student Days" (German) 2,950 "The Good Bad Girl" (Col.) 4,655 "Daybreak" (MGM) 26,902 "Gold Dust Gertie" (W. B.) 9,279 ■ My Past" (W. B.) 2,332 (4 davs) "Women Of All Nations" (Fox)... 1,255 (3 days) "The Public Enemy" (W. B.) 9,575 (7days and Sat. midnite show) "The Lawyer's Secret" (Para.).... 12,104 (7 days and Sat. midnite show) "Hell Bound" (Tiff.) 4,246 "Girl From the Reeperbahn" 6,000 (German) (2nd week) "A Free Soul" (MGM) 19,000 "Stepping Out" (MGM) 40,00 "Transgression" (Radio) 12,000 "Quick Millions" (Fox) 18,000 "Five and Ten" (MGM)..... 17,000 "Men of the Sky" (F. N.) 3,500 "A Free Soul" (MGM) 16,000 "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 6,000 (2nd week) "Six Cylinder Love" (Fox) 9,000 "Just A Gigolo" (MGM) 7,500 "Never the Twain Shall Meet".... 2,500 (MGM) "A Free Soul" (MGM) 9,000 "Misbehaving Ladies" (F. N.) 5,000 (3 days) "I Take This Woman" (Para.).... 6,000 (4 days) "Drums of Jeopardy" (Tiff.) 2,200 (4 days) "Good Bad Girl" (C:ol.) 700 (3 days) "Trader Horn" (MGM) 6,000 (2nd week) "Up Pops the Devil" (Para.) 3,600 "The Secret Six" (MGM) 13,500 "Smart Money" (W. B.) 12,000 High and Low Gross Groes (Tabulation covers period from Meirch, 1930, to June, 1931) "Trader Horn" (MGM) 4,200 (1st week) "Five and Ten" (MGM) 45,100 "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 17,400 (2nd week) "The Vice Squad" (Para.) 22,750 "City Lights" (U. A.) 4,035 (25c-75c— 2nd week) "Up For Murder" (U.) 20,850 "Annabelle's Affairs" (Fox) 10,600 "White Shoulders" (Radio) 16,250 "Women of All Nations" (Fox) 8,600 (5 days— 3rd week) "Night Angel" (Para.) 9,200 (3 days) "The Private Secretary" 4,750 (German) "Six Cylinder Love" (Fox) 5,000 "Stepping Out" (MGM) 24,260 "Vice Squad" (Para.) 12,433 "Too Young To Marry" (F. N.).. 2,288 (4 days) "The Two-Gun Man" (Tiff.) 1,232 (3 days) "Young Sinners" (Fox) 11,870 (7 days and Sat. midnite show) "Women of All Nations" (Fox).... 13,718 (7 days and Sat. midnite show) "Other men's Wives" (W. B.).... 4,064 "Girl From the Reeperbahn" 10,500 (German) (1st week) "Just a Gigolo" (MGM) 13,000 "Gold Dust Gertie" (W. B.) 12,000 "Up For Murder" (U.) 22,000 "The Vice Squad" (Para.) 14,000 "Maltese Falcon" (W. B.) 5,000 "Donovan's Kid" (Radio) 14,500 "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 10,000 (1st week) "Young Sinners" (Fox) 9,500 "Party Husband" (F. N.) 9,500 (8 days) "Stepping Out" (MGM) 4,250 "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 12,000 "Vice Squad" (Para.) 7,000 (3 days) "Lawyer's Secret" (Para.) 5,500 (4 days) "Annabelle's Affairs" (Fox) 2,300 (4 days) "Up For Murder" (U.) 700 (3 days) "Trader Horn" (MGM) 4,900 (1st week) 'Born to Love" (Pathe) 3,400 •Shipmates" (MGM) 17,500 'Gold Dust Gertie" (W. B.) 11,500 High 4-27-30 "White Cargo" 10,600 Low 4-13-30 "High Treason" 2,650 High 9-6-30 "Anybody's Woman" 64,800 Low 6-27-31 "Just A Gigalo" 33,250 High 7-12-30 "Big House" 50,800 Low 4-13-30 "Son of the Gods" 17.500 High 7-19-30 "Our Blushing Brides".... 60.600 Low 6-27-31 "Party Husband" 19,450 High 4-18-31 "Little Caesar" 8.790 Low 4-11-31 "Hot Heiress" 2.090 High 6-7-30 "On the Level" 31.200 Low 7-19-30 "Shooting Straight" 16.200 High 7-5-30 "With Byrd at South Pole" 32.800 Low 6-6-31 "Tabu" 10,100 High 10-18-30 "Half Shot at Sunrise".. 45.300 Low 6-27-31 "Transgression" 13,200 High 3-21-31 "City Lights" 46.563 Low 9-6-30 "Eyes of the World" 13.200 High 11-20-30 "Africa Speaks" 13.000 Low 3-7-31 "Numbered Men" 4.000 High 1-3-31 "Remote Control" 33.321 Low 12-20-30 "Silver Horde" 20.150 High 9-20-30 "Common Clay" 22.000 Low 3-14-31 "Fighting Caravans" 9.200 High 11-1-30 "Men Without Law" and "Undertow" 5.600 Low 3-7-31 "Captain Applejack" and "The Lion and the Lamb" 2.500 High 10-25-30 "The Biff House" 23.900 Low 2-7-31 "Little Caesar" 8.655 High 11-1-30 "Check and Double Check" 28.100 Low 6-27-31 "The Lawyer's Secret".... 12,104 High 10-11-30 "Common Clay" 6.940 Low 2-21-31 "A Lady's Morals" 3.001 High 19-30 "Let Us Be Gay" 31.000 Low 5-9-31 "Ladies Man" 12.000 High 4-27-30 "High Society Blues" 46.000 Low 4-25-31 "Cracked Nuts" 10,000 High 3-23-30 "Harmony at Home" 47.000 Low 6-27-31 "Quick Millions" 18,0(X) High 1-3-31 "Princess and the Plumber" 25.000 Low 6-20-3 "The Vice Squad" 14,000 High 3-7-31 "The Easiest Way" 20.000 Low 6-6-31 "Laughing Sinners" 13,000 High 4-11-31 "Onnecticut Yankee" ... 12.000 Low 5-9-31 "God's Gift To Women" ... 4.500 High 3-21-31 "City Lights" 14,000 Low 12-27-30 "Sinners Holiday" 8.000 Pligh 1-10-31 "Hell's Angels" 22.000 Low 6-27-31 "Just a Gigolo" 7,500 High 3-28-31 "Trader Horn" 8.000 Low 6-27-31 Never the Twain Shall Meet" 2,500 High 2-14-31 "Cimarron" 18.000 Low 4-27-30 "Rogue Song" 5.000 High 6-14-30 "Lady of Scandal" and.... 22,000 "Safety in Numbers" Low 12-6-30 "Three French Girls" and.. 8,000 "Derelict" High 3-23-30 "Evidence" and 9,007 "Roadhouse Nights" Low 3-28;31 "Gentleman's Fate" and... 1,540 "Boudoir Diplomat" High 6-7-30 "Hell's Angels" 40,500 Low 6-20-31 "Trader Horn" 4,900 'ligh 3-23-30 "The Love Parade" 15.600 Low 3-21-31 "Stolen Heaven" 3,200 High 6-14-30 "The Floradora Girl" .... 30.000 Low 7-19-30 "True to the Navy" 8,800 High 2-7-31 "Little Caesar" 30.000 Low 6-20-31 "Gold Dust Gertie" 11,.500 44 Theatres Houston Kirby 1.6S4 Sc-50c Loew's State 2,700 25c-50c Metropolitan .... 2.512 2Sc-60c RKO Majestic... 2,250 25c-50c Indianapolis Apollo 1.100 25c-S0c Circle 2,600 25c-50c Indisina 3.300 25c-65c Lyric 2.000 25c-50c Palace 2,800 25c-50c Kansas City Loew Midland.... 4,000 25c-S0c Mainstreet 3,067 35c-60c Newman 2.000 2Sc-60c Royal 900 2Sc-60c Uptown 2,200 2Sc-S0c Los Angeles Carthay Circle... 1,650 75c-$l-50 Fox Criterion . . 1,652 35c-65c International 2.000 25c-50c Loew's State 2.418 3Sc-65c Los Angeles 2.100 25c-65c Orpheum 2,750 35c-65c Paramount 3.596 35c-6Sc RKO 2,700 35c-6Sc United Artists... 2,100 35c-65c W. B. Downtown 3,400 35c-50c Milwaukee Garden 1.150 25c-60c Palace 2.587 25c-60c Riverside 2,180 25c-60c Strand 1,406 25c-60c Warner 2,500 25c-60c Wisconsin 3.275 2Sc-6Sc Minneapolis Aster 812 20c-35c Lyric 1,238 20c-40c Minnesota 4,000 30c-7Sc RKO Orpheum... 2,900 25c-50c State 2,300 25c-50c Montreal Capitol 2.670 25c-60c His Majesty's.... 1,700 50c- $1,50 Imperial 1,914 15c-40c l^w's 2,9«2 2Sc-75c Palace 2,(J0O 25c-99c MOTION PICTURE HERALD ITHEATCE CECEIPTS — CONT^C 1 July 4 , 1931 Current Week Previous Week Picture Grows Picture "Public Enemy" (W. B.) 5,000 "Five and Ten" (MGM) 5,CO0 "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 10,000 (25c-50c) "Seed" (U,) 8,000 "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 5,100 (3rd week) "The Lady Who Dared" (F. N,).. 7,500 "The Vice Squad" (Para,) 18,500 "The Black Camel" (Fox) 10,500 "Just A Gigalo" (MGM) 9,600 "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 21,750 "Transgression" (Radio) 17,(XX) "Lawyer's Secret" (Para,) 10,000 "Gold Dust Gertie" (W. B,) 3,500 "Daybreak" (MGM) , 7.000 "Rebound" (Pathe" 14,500 ($5,00 premiere) "Trader Horn" (MGM) 6,500 (2nd week) "La Fiesta Del Diablo" (U.) 4,100 "Never the Twain Shall Meet",... 26,000 (MGM) "The Command Performance",,,. 10,100 (Tiff,) "Seed" (U,) 10,000 (2nd week) "I Take This Woman" (Para,),.., 14,500 "Everything's Rosie" (Radio) 14,000 "Indiscreet" (U. A.) 10,300 (2nd week) "Smart Money" (W. B,) 12,000 "Jazz Cinderalla" (Chesterfield),,, 2,800 (4 days) "Three Who Loved" (Radio) 9,000 "Lover Come Back" (Col.)) 14,500 "Women C>f All Nations" (Fox).. 8,000 "Smart Money" (W, B,) 12,000 "Always Goodbye" (Fox) 12,500 "Dude Ranch" (Para.) 1,600 "Kick In" (Para,) 2,500 "D'addy Long Legs" (Fox) 32,000 "Hell Bound" (Tiff,) 15,000 "Women Of All Nations" (Fox).. 8,200 "Up Pops The Devil" (Para.) 10,500 and "Skippy" (Para,) "Le Million" (French) 9,000 "Dangerous Hours" (Para,) 4,200 and "Air Police" (Sono-Art) "Tlie Lightning Flyer" (Col.) 11,000 (l,5c-75c) 'Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 12,500 High and Low Gross Gross (Tabulation covers period from March, 1936. to June, 1931) "Always Goodbye" (Fox) 700 (3 days) "Blue Angel" (Para.) 2,800 (4 days) "Young Sinners" (Fox) 8,500 "Lawyer's Secret" (Para,) 10,000 "Donovan's Kid" (Radio) 7,000 "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 5,000 (2nd week) "Up Pops the Devil" (Para,) 6,500 "Virtuous Husband" (U,) 20,000 "Stepping Out" (MGM) 8,000 "Never the Twain Shall Meet" 9,000 (MGM) "Women of All Nations" (Fox),,,, 16,000 "Bad Sister" (U,) 17,000 "Vice Squad" (Para,) 13,750 "Up Pops the D«vil" (Para,) 4,500 "Going Wild" (W, B,) 6.600 "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 7,000 (3rd week) "Trader Horn" (MGM) 13,000 (1st week) "Came De Cabaret" (U.) 4,100 "Laughing Sinners" (MGM) 27,000 "Three Girls Lost" (Fox)....'..... 10,400 "Seed" (U,) 15,000 (1st week) "Forbidden Adventure" (Para,),. 11,000 "Up For Murder" (U.) 15,000 "Indiscreet" (U. A.) 15,000 (1st week) "Gold Dust Gertie" (W. B.) 11,400 (6 days) "My Past" (W. B.) 9,000 "Transgression" (Radio) 8,000 "The (3ood Bad Girl" (Col.) 13,500 "Trader Horn" (MGM) 6,000 (2nd week) "Big Business Girl" (F. N,) 12,500 "Five and Ten" (MGM) 14,500 "Party Husband" (F, N,) 1,400 "Tarnished Lady" (Para,) 2,000 "Front Page" (U, A.) 25,000 "Everything's Rosie" (Radio) 16,000 "Public Enemy" (W. B.) 10,000 "Young Sinners" (Fox) and 10,000 "Six Cylinder Love" (Fox) "Single Sin" (Tiff.) and 3,00C "Dawn Trail" (Col.) "Kick In" (Para.) 10,500 "Daybreak" (MGM) 11,000 High 11-29-30 "Hell's Angels" 16.000 Low 6-20-31 "Always Goodbye" and.. 3,500 "Blue Angel" High 5-2-31 "Trader Horn" 19,800 Low 6-27-31 "Five and Ten" 5,000 High 1-24-30 "Love Parade" 18.000 Low 3-11-30 "Gentlemen of the Press".. 7.000 High 10-24-30 "Check and Double Check" 20,000 Low 6-20-31 "Donovan's Kid" 7,000 High 6-13-31 "Daddy Long Legs" 10,000 Low 5-23-31 "Svengali" 3.500 High 11-1-30 "C:heck and Double Check" 22.000 Low 5-23-31 "Reno" 2.500 High 6-6-31 "Kick In" 21.000 Low 2-14-31 "Gang Buster" 16,500 High 5-2-31 "Quick Millions" 11,000 Low 12-6-30 "The Dancers" 7.500 High 5-2-31 "Trader Horn" 22.000 Low 2-14-31 "Passion Flower" 8,000 High 11-29-30 "Hrfl's Angels" S.OOO Low 5-9-31 "Quick Millions" 7,50D High 2-14-31 "Cimmaron" 24.750 Low 4-13-30 "Framed" 11.008 High 9-13-30 "Animal Crackers" 23,500 Low 4-13-30 "Light of Western Stars". 7.000 High 5-9-31 "Gun Smoke" 6.705 Low 4-27-30 "Clancy in Wall Street"... 1.350 High 9-27-30 "King of Jazz" 10,20D Low 11-1-30 "Last of Lone Wolf" 4.000 High 3-21-31 "Strangers May Kiss".... 28,00© Low 6-6-31 "Daddy Long Legs" ($5 Premier) 10.006 High 5-24-30 "The Divorcee" 29.700 Low 1-31-31 "Royal Family of B'way" 7,000 High 5-10-30 "Caught Short" 48.000 Low 10-18-30 "Three French Girts".. 15.00« High 2-14-31 "Cimarron" (5 days) 32.000 Low 12-27-30 "Ex- Flame" 6.00D High 9-6-30 "Animal Crackers" 40.000 Low 6-20-31 "Forbidden Adventure".... 11,000 High 8-16-30 "Hell's Island" 17,500 Low 9-27-30 "For the Love of Lil".... 10.500 High 9-30-30 "What a Widow" 30.000 I^w 6-13-31 "Tarnished Lady" 6,500 High 9-27-30 "Office WKe" 30.000 Low 3-14-31 "Captain Applejack" 8,000 High 3-30-30 "The Aviator" 8J00 Ivow 4-18-31 "Men Call It Love" 900 High 3-23-.TO "They Learned About 5,000 Women" Low 1-24-31 "Men On Call" 1406 High 7-5-30 "So This Is London".... 45,009 Low 2-28-31 "Dance, Fools. Dance" 18.0(W High 2-14-31 "Cimarron" 30.000 Low 5-2-31 "Bachelor Apartment" 12,000 High 4-20-30 "Benson Murder Case".... 26.600 Low 12-20-30 "River's End" 5.000 High 5-2-31 "A Connecticut Yankee".,, 15,750 and "Don't Bet On Women" Low 5-9-31 "Man of the World" and.... 9,000 "June Moon" High 1-17-31 "The Office Wife" and.... 7,000 "Oh, Sailor, Behave" Low 6-20-31 "Single Sin" and 3,000 "Dawn Trail" High 1-31-31 "Derelict" 16.080 Low 6-20-31 "Kick In" 10,500 High 2-21-31 "Man Who Came Back".. 19.000 Low 6-20-31 "Daybreak" U,000 K E LP Y O U Y E S ON T I F F A NY It's easy to sit back and let sum- mer walk away with part of last winter's hard earned profits. But it's just as easy to swat that summer slump with better pro- grams. Book these specially selected productions by Tiffany — available NOW and just the kind of fine entertainment people want— and "Keep Your Eyes On Tiffany" for a big 1931-1932 announcement. ''DRUMS OF JEOPARDS with JUNE COLLYER WARNER OLAND and LLOYD HUGHES // 'THE COMMAND PERFORMANCE^' A JAMES CRUZE production with NEIL HAMILTON and UNA MERKEL Produced by SAMUEL ZIERLER "THE SINGLE SIN" with BERT LYTELL and KAY JOHNSON CAUGHT CHEATING^ with CHARLES MURRAY and GEORGE SIDNEY "ALOHA" with BEN LYON and RAQUEL TORRES BiTiminvisi PRODUCTIONS INC. FOR THE 1931-32 PROGRAM KEEP YOUR EYE OPEN 46 Theatres MOTION PICTURE HERALD I THEATRE CECEIPTS—CONT'DI July 4 , 19 3 1 Current Week Picture Gross Previous Week Picture High and Low Gross Grosa (Tabulation covers period from March, 1936, to June, 1931) Montreal (Cont'd) Princess 2,272 25c-65c Strand 750 15c-50c New York Astor 1,120 50c-$2.0O Capitol 4,700 35c-$1.50 Central 910 S0c-$1.50 Criterion 850 S0c-$2.00 Embassy 598 2Sc Hollywood 1,549 65c-85c Mayfair 2,300 40c-$1.00 Paramount 3,700 40c-$1.00 Rialto 1,904 40c-$1.00 Rivoli 2,103 40c-$1.00 Roxy 6,200 50c-$1.50 Strand 3,000 35c-$1.00 Warners 1,490 35c-7Sc Winter Garden.. 1,493- '35c-$l.O0 Oklahoma City Capitol 1,200 10c-50c Criterion 1,800 10c-50c Liberty 1,500 10c-35c Mid-West 1.500 10c-50c Warner 1,700 10c -50c Omaha Orpheum 3,000 25c-60c Paramount 2,900 25c-60c State 1,200 25c World 2,500 25c-40c Ottawa Avalon 990 lSc-35c B. F. Keith's... 2,592 10c-60c Centre 1.200 15c-60c Imperial 1.200 10c-50c Regent 1.225 15c-75c Philadelphia Arcadia 600 50c Earle 2,000 25c-65c Fox 3,000 35c-75c Karlton 1.000 40c-50c Keith's 1,800 35c-75c "Tell England" (British). .... 8,500 "East Lynne" (Fox) and 3,000 and "Can Love Decide"? "A Free Soul" (MGM).. (4th week) "Trader Horn" (MGM). "Five Year Plan" (Amkino).. (4th week) "Smiling Lieutenant" (Para.). (5th week) All Newsreel "Chances" (F. N.) (2nd week') "Transgression" (Radio) (2nd week) "Confessions Of A Co-Ed" (Para.) "Dracula" (U.) and "Hell's Angels" (U. A.) "Night Angel" (Para.). (2nd week) Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) (3rd week) "Men Call It Love" (MGM).. "Meet The Sister" (German). "Smart Money" (W. B.) 17,400 58,125 9,800 11,000 7,516 12,521 11,000 50,600 4,500 16,900 64,000 12,662 1,971 46,551 "A Free Soul" (MGM).... "Beyond Victory" (Pathe). (3 days) (3 days) •Chances" (F. N.). 'Lover Come Back" 'The Lawyer's Secret" (Para.) "Tailor Made Man" (MGM).... (4 days) "The Tarnished Lady" (Para.). (3 days) 600 800 'Five and Ten" (MGM) 6,500 "My Past" (W. B.) (3 days) "Fifty Million Frenchmen" (W. B.) (3 days) "Forbidden Adventure" (Para.) (3_ days) "Never the "Twain Shall Meet" (MGM) (3 days) 'Ex-Flame" ( (6 days) "Easy Money" 9,000 "Dirigible" (Col.) and 3,600 "Misbehaving Ladies" (F. N.) ''A Free Soul" (MGM).. (3rd week) "Just A Gigolo" (MGM). "Five Year Plan" (Amkino)... (3rd week) "Smiling Lieutenant" (Para.). (4th week) All Newsreel "Chances" (F. N.) (1st week) "Transgression" (Radio) (1st week) "I Take This Woman" (Para.) "Animal Crackers" (Para.) and "All Quiet On the Western Front" (U.) "Night Angel" (Para.) (1st week) 18,410 60,360 10,200 13,400 7,559 16,454 14,750 57,800 4,500 23,400 "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 77,500 (2nd week) "Big Business Girl" (F. N.) 11,838 "Three Loves" (German) 3,594 (3rd week) "The Maltese Falcon" (W. B.).. 24,000 (3rd week) 4,000 "Donovan's Kid" (Radio) 5,400 10,000 "The Lawyer's Secret" (Para.) 6,.500 600 "Big Fight" (TifT.) 50O 400 7,200 1,000 4,000 (3 days) "Drums of Jeopardy" (Tiff.) (4 days) "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 6,000 "Always Goodbye" (Fox) 6,600 12,000 "White Shoulders" (Radio) 11,500 6,750 12,000 'Not Exactly Gentlemen" (Fox). (3 days) •The Millionaire" (W. B.) (4 days) "My Past" (W. B.). (4 days) 'Daybreak" (MGM) (3 days) 1,200 1,000 3,200 3,000 1,000 "The Devil to Pay" (U. A.) 1,400 (3 days) 900 1,100 (3 days) 2,900 3,100 (3 days) 2,700 3,200 (3 days) 3,800 4,500 (6 days) 2,409 "Mr. Lemon of Orange" (Fox) 2,900 (6 days) 4,500 "Daybreak" (MGM) 4.800 (6 days) (6 days) 'The Lawyer's Secret" (Para.). (6 days) Ladies Man" (Para.) 3,300 ,,^"The Conguering Horde" (Para.). 1,300 (5 days) 'Everything's Rosie" (Radio) 18,000 (6 days) "Daddy Ixjng Legs" (Fox) 35,000 (6 days — 2nd week) "Men of the Sky" (5 days) "The Vice Squad" (6 days) (F. N.) 3,700 (Para.) 14,000 (3 days) "Tarnished Lady" (Para.) 2,200 (5 days) "Up For Murder" (U.) 18,500 (6 days) "Dude Ranch" (Para.) 11,000 (3 days) "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 17,500 (3 days) "Laughing Sinners" (MGM) 6,000 (6 days) "Up Pops the Devil" (Para.) 14,500 (6 days) High 4-11-31 "City Lights" 22,500 Low 6-27-31 "Tell England 8,500 High 1-31-31 "Captain Thunder" 5.300 Low 6-27-31 "East Lynne" and 3.000 "Can Love Decide"? High 7-5-30 "Big House" 24,860 Low 6-13-31 "Free Soul" 20,181 High 8-30-30 "Romance" 98.322 Low 3-21-31 "Great Meadow" 49.789 High 1-3-31 "Reaching for the Moon".. 22,675 Low 5-24-30 "Silent Enemy" 10.800 High 11-29-30 Newsreels 939S Low 8-16-30 Newsreels 6,625 High 11-8-30 "Check and Double Check" 51.000 Low 6-20-31 "Transgression" 14,750 High 8-23-30 "Anybody's Woman" 91,30C Low 5-30-31 "Kick In" 46.200 High 9-6-30 "Animal Crackers" 62.500 Low 6 27-31 "Hell's Angels" and 4,500 "Dracula" High 12-27-30 "Royal Family" 57.000 Low 3-14-31 "River's End" 9,519 High 1-10-31 "Man Who Came Back" 130.430 Low 2-14-31 "Girls Demand Excitement" 57,315 High 11-8-30 "Doorway to Hell" 46,445 Low 6-6-31 "(Jold Dust Gertie" 11,348 High 8-30-30 "Old English" 22,203 Low 6-27-31 "Meet The Sister" 1,971 High 7-19-30 "Dawn Patrol" 51,128 Low 11-8-30 "Life of the Party" 10,750 High 11-8-30 "Check and Double Check" 17,000 Low 4-6-30 "Party Girl" 3.800 High 2-21-31 "Cimarron" 15,500 Low 4-6-30 "Locked Door" 4.400 High 11-29-30 "Truth About Youth"... 8,500 Low 6-20-31 "Big Fight" and Drums of 900 Jeopardy" High 8-9-30 "Dawn Patrol" .? 15.000 Low 11-8-30 "Last of the Duanes" 3.800 High 11-1-30 "Check and Double Check" 26,400 Low 6-20-31 "White Shoulders" 11.500 High 12-13-30 "Hell's Angels" 12,750 Low 9-27-30 "Song of My Heart".... 5,959 High 3-14-31 "Trader Horn" (at 50c-$1.50) 10.000 Low 6-20-31 "Big Fight" and 900 "Drums of Jeopardy" High 4-11-31 "Men Call It Love" 16.000 Low 5-30-31 "The Public Enemy" 5,250 High 3-23-30 "Disraeli" and "Cockeyed 3,555 World" Low 5-3-30 "Oh Yeah" and "Navy 1,810 Blues" High 3-30-30 "Sacred Flame" and "Love 9,900 Comes Along" Low 4-11-30 "Don't Bet On Women" 4,900 and 'Man to Man" High 1-24-31 "Madam Satan" and "DuBarry, Woman of Passion" 8,800 Low 12-13-30 "Remote Control" 2.400 High 5-9-31 "Trader Horn" 7.000 Low 12-20-30 "East Is West" 2,050 High 5-24-30 "High Society Blues" 6.600 Low I2-20-.30 "Scotland Yard" 3.290 High 11-22-30 "Anybody's Woman" 5 500 Low 6-6-31 "The Front Page" and Doc- tors' Wives" 2.800 High 9-6-30 "Sap from Syracuse" 25,000 Low 2-14-31 "Ex-Flame" 15,500 High 2-7-31 "Man Who Came Back".. 40.000 Low 5-30-31 "Young Sinners" 20.000 High 10-25-30 "Whoopee" 10,000 Low 3-21-31 "Resurrection" 3.000 High 1-3-31 "Tom Sawyer" 24.000 Low 3-7-31 "It Pays to Advertise" and "Stolen Heaven" 8,000 July 4, 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 47 ITHEATCE RECEIPTS — CONT'D I Theatres Current Week Previous Week High and Low Gross Picture Gros* iPhiladelphia (Cont'd) 4.800 35c-75c Stanley 3.700 35c-75c 1,700 25c-65c Portland Ore Fox Broadway.. 1.912 25c -50c Fox Paramount. 3,068 25c-60c Fox Rialto , 1,498 25c-35c Hamrick's Music 1,800 25c RKO Orpheum.. 1,700 2Sc-50c Providence Loew's State . . . 3.800 10c -50c 2.400 10c -50c 2.300 10c-50c RKO Albee .... 2,300 10c-50c RKO Victory 1,600 lUC- JWC Paul 2,300 25c-50c 1,600 25c-50c RKO Ornfipiim 2 600 1,000 15c-25c San Francisco El Capitan 3,100 25c-60c 4,600 50c-$1.00 Golden Gate . . . 2,800 35c -65c 3,000 25c- 50c 2.740 35c-90c United Artists.. 1,200 25c-60c Warfield 2,700 25c-50c 1.385 35c-50c Seattle Fifth Avenue .. 2,750 25c-75c Fox Coliseum... 2.000 2Sc-50c 2,000 lSc-30c Music Box 950 25c-75c Paramount 3,150 25c-75c RKO Orpheum.. 2.650 25c-75c Toronto Imperial 3,444 15c-75c Loew's 2,200 25c- 75c Shea's 2,600 30c-75c Tivoli 1,600 15c-7Sc Uptown 3,000 15c-60c "Just A Gigolo" (MGM) 35.000 (6 days) "Smart Money" (W. B.) 14,000 (6 days — 2nd week) "Good Bad Girl" (Col.) 9,000 (35c-75c — 6 days) "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 6,400 (2nd week) "Always Goodbye" (Fox) 14.800 "Dude Ranch" (Para.) 1,500 (3 days) "Six Cylinder Love" (Fox) 1,900 (4 days) "Svengah" (W. B.) 4,500 (2nd week) "Beyond Victory" (Pa the) 15,600 "Five and Ten" (MGM) 9,500 (20c-75c) "Women Of All Nations" (Fox).. 10.500 and "The Black Camel" (Fox) "I Take This Woman" (Para.).... 6.000 "Good Bad Girl" (Col.) 4.500 "Up For Murder" (U.) 3.000 "The Front Page" (U. A.) 9,200 "Women Of All Nations" (Fox).. 7,000 "Hell Bound" (Tiff.) 12,500 "The Tarnished Lady" (Para.).... 2.800 "The Secret Six" (MGM) 14,750 "Always Goodbye" (Fox) 34,000 "Up For Murder" (U.) 16,500 "White Shoulders" (Radio) 8,500 "The Vice Squad" (Para.) 19,000 "City Lights" (U. A.) 10,500 (4th week) "The Black Camel" (Fox) 22.000 "Gold Dust Gertie" (W. B.) 8.500 "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 11.000 (2nd week) "Kick In" (Para.) 3.000 (4 davs) "Seas Beneath" (Fox) 2,000 (3 days) "Rough Waters" (W. B.) 6.000 "Svengali" (W. B.) 7,500 "Laughing Sinners" (MGM) 14.500 "WTiite Shoulders" (Radio) 13.000 "The Black Camel" (Fox) 14,500 (6 days) "Daybreak" (MGM) 12,500 (6 days) "The Painted Desert" 10,000 (6 days) "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 8,000 (6 days — 2nd week) "Up Pops The Devil" (Para.).... 10.500 (6 days) Picture 'Young Donovan's Kid" (6 days) Gross (Radio) . . 38,000 "Smart Money" (W. B.) 19,000 (6 days — 1st week) "The Secret Six" (MGM) 7,500 (6 days — 2nd week) "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 8,200 (1st week) "Laughing Sinners" (MGM) 15,800 "Kismet" (F. N.) 2,500 (3 days) "Dude Ranch" (Para.) 2,100 (4 days) "Svengah" (W. B.) 4,600 (35c — 1st week) "Everything's Rosie" (Radio) 14,800 "Just a Gigolo" (MGM) "Public Enemy" (W. B.) and.. "Gold Dust Gertie" (W. B.) "Vice Squad" (Para.) ., 'Transgression" (Radio) "The Viking" (J. D. Williams). 'Laughing Sinners" (MGM) Ladies Man" (Para.) 'Everything's Rosie" (Radio) . . "Gold Dust Gertie" (W. B.) "Mr. Lemon of Orange" (Fox). "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) "Everything's Rosie" (Radio). "Seed" (U.) (2nd week) "Lawyer's Secret" (Para.). "City Lights" (U. A.)... (3rd week) "Five and Ten" (MGM). "The Maltese Falcon" (W. B.). "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) (1st week) "Don't Bet On Women" (Fox). (4 days) "Finn and Hattie" (Para.) (3 days) "The Love Trader" (Tiff.) 'Indiscreet" (U. A.) (2nd week) "The Lawyer's Secret" (Para.). 'Donovan's Kid" (Radio) "Always Goodbye" (Fox) (6 days) "Shipmates" (MGM) (6 days) "The Perfect Alibi" (Radio).. (6 days) 'Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) .. (6 days — 1st week) "Men Call It Love" (MGM). (6 days) 12,000 14,000 9,500 8,000 4,500 7,500 5,200 15,000 4,000 13,500 50,000 14,000 15,000 17,000 13,500 24,000 8,500 15,000 3,000 2,000 6,000 6,000 13,500 14,000 13,000 13,000 10.500 12,500 ll.OCO (Tabulation covers period from March, 193ti to May, 1931) High 1-3-31 "Going Wild" 58,000 Low 6-27-31 "Just A Gigolo" 35,000 High 2-14-31 "Cimarron" 26,000 Low 6-6-31 "The She Wolf" 9,000 High 3-21-31 "The Last Parade" 16,500 Low 6-6-31 "Bachelor Apartment" 7,500 High 1-10-31 "Min and Bill" 21.000 Low 4-4-31 "The Prodigal" 3,000 High 1-3-31 "Paid" 26,000 Low 4-20-30 "Ladies Love Brutes" 9,456 High 10-18-30 "Road to Paradise" 12,800 Low 4-18-31 "Right of Way" 3.000 High 2-14-31 "Cimarron" 20.000 Low 5-23-31 "Iron Man" 8.500 High 12-13-30 "Hell's Angels" 28,000 Low 6-27-31 "Five and Ten" 9,500 High 3-7-1 "Little Caesar" 18,000 Low 4-4-31 "Love of Aloha" and "Cos- tello Case" 8,000 High 7-19-30 "Son of the Gods" 18.000 Low 6-27-31 "I Take This Woman".... 6,000 High 8-2-30 "All Quiet on Western Front" 20.000 Low 6-27-31 "Good Bad Girl" , : 4,500 High 4-6-30 "Golden Calf" 13.500 Low 6-6-31 "Donovan's Kid" 2,800 High 12-6-30 "Up the River" 17,000 Low 3-14-31 "Part Time Wife" 12.000 High 1-3-31 "Lightnin' " 70.000 Low 5-3-30 "(Children of Pleasure" 18.000 High 5-30-31 "Subway Express" 19.000 Low 9-20-30 "The Storm" 9,800 High 2-14-31 "Cimarron" 30.000 Low 9-6-30 "Outside the Law" 7,000 High 2-7-31 "Morocco" 35.000 High S-24-30 "All Quiet on Western Front" 41.000 Low 4-5-30 "Bishop Murder Case" 9,500 High 1-21-31 "niicit" 14,500 High 4-18-31 "Trader Horn" 17.000 Low 3-14-31 "Inspiration" (10 days)... 10,000 High 1-10-31 "The Lash" ll.SOO Low 6-13-31 "Sweet Kitty Bellairs" and 5,500 "Oklahoma Cylcone" High 2-28-31 "City Lights" 14,000 Low 4-4-31 "Drums of jeopardy" 5,500 High 9-13-30 "Animal Crackers" 21.900 Low 10-11-30 "The Bad Man" 10,000 High 9-27-30 "The Spoilers" 22,009 Low 6-20-31 "Always Goodbye" 13,000 High 4-18-31 "City Lights" 22,000 Low 10-4-30 "Love in the Rough" 10,500 High 3-7-31 "Those Three French Girls" 16.500 Low 6-27-31 "The Painted Desert" 16,500 High 2-28-31 "Cimarron" 19,500 Low 12-20-30 "Alf's Button" 9,000 High 8-16-30 "For the Defense" 17.500 Low 1-31-31 "Young Woodley" 9.500; 48 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 4, 19 3 1 ALONG WABASH AVE. Phillips Lord (Seth Parker of radio note) gets together with Charles Rosenzweig (left), vice-president in charge of distribution for Radio Pictures, on the pro- duction which Lord is to make for Radio. SHORT FEATURE Vitaphone Is Searching for Penrod and Sam for Shorts Warner executives at the Brooklyn Vita- phone studio are still searching for the two juvenile characters who will portray the Penrod and Sam of the Booth Tarkington series of 13 shorts on the 1931-32 schedule. One has already been selected, after 300 had been examined. Another 150 aspirants for the roles will be examined this week. Paramount to Do 12 Shorts Based on "Movie Memories" Paramount will release during the 1931- 32 season a series of 12 one-reel "Screen Souvenirs," based on the "Movie Memories" FOX MOVIETONE NEWS— No. 80— Round-the- world fliers hop ocean— War debt holiday to boost trade, says Babson— Statue of Victor Emmanuel m Rome is cleaned— Australians like boat races — Ger- mans recall naval battle. HEARST METROTONE NEWS— No. 277— "Mate" is winner of American derby— King's army bands pipe the march— Ruth Nichols hops on ocean flight— Boy rescues man from drowning — Paul Doumer now French president — New Jersey beer barons take a loss— MacDonald says England won't go to war again. HEARST METROTONE NEWS— No. 278— U. S. airmen hop Atlantic— Zulu dancers hold a get- together in South Africa — Canadian harbor laid waste by fire — Mexican cops in drill — Pennsylvania man shows how to walk on the water — Owen Young backs Hoover on debts — Songbird steals Daniel's stuff — U. S. Border cruards operate by radio. HEARST METROTONE NEWS— No. 279— Turf classic opens Paris "Grand Week" — Globe flier's wife sure he'll win — Queen of Holland visits French fair —Anti-aircraft guns get a workout — Italian street paved with flowers — Grateful mothers hail Mrs. Hearst — Bucking bronchos run wild — Wind- mill plane in daring flight over Niagara. PARAMOUNT SOUND NEWS— No. 94— Italy cele- brates "constitution day" — International beauties in Galveston contest — Hoover sees G.A.R. — Harvard holds annual confetti battle — Ruth Nichols on ocean flight — Young golfer, four years old, shows his skill. idea, which featured the Paramount spon- sored reel series, recently declared off the schedule. The reels will be issued once a month, and will embody a slightly new departure from their predecessor, "Movie Memories." Hu- morous dialogue will accompany the films. Tax Judgment on Spoor George K. Spoor in Chicago has been named in a county court tax judgment for $165,683.49, with reference to an apartment building of which Spoor is principal owner. Name Newsreel Assistant Allyn Butterfield has been appointed edi- torial assistant to Sam B. Jacobson, editor of Universal Newsreel. PARAMOUNT SOUND NEWS— No. 95— New French president inaugurated — Army dooms cavalry — Holly- wood dogs dress for the occasion — Suspend war debts, proposes United States — Ruth Nichols in- jured as ocean plane crashes — Elite fee English Ascot derby. PARAMOUNT SOUND NEWS— No. 96— Soldiers of the Irish Free State march in parade — Ralph Greenleaf, billiard artist, makes the ivories do stunts — 503 perish when French excursion boat sinks — Los Angeles folks eat in the swimming pool — United States golfers win in Ryder Cup matches — English airmen do stunts. UNIVERSAL NEWSPAPER NEWSREEX^No. 51— Ruth Nichols off on Atlantic flight — Historic rites mark English military review — LTS.S. Illinois crew wins in New York lifeboat classic — News paragraphs — Weird graveyard sculpture honors departed kinfolk — 50, 000 see Mate win American derbv. UNIVERSAL NEWSPAPER NEWSREEL— No. 52— Trans-ocean fliers achieve new goals — New traffic artery opened in New York — News paragraphs- Nation acclaims inauguration of new president — Erect tent city to care for Reno divorce seekers- Fire sweeps Canadian harbor. UNIVERSAL NEWSPAPER NEWSREEL— No. 53— German gold here to repay loan by Federal Re- serve— Soviet builds new city near Arctic for Mon- gol nomads — Daredevil driver sets new mark for outboard marathon— News paragraphs— 10,000 New York cops in annual test for promotion— Babies' milk fund gains by society's billion dollar fair. Chicago Clyde Eckhardt presided at a meeting of Fox Chicago Theatres' stockholders, July 1. ▲ ▲ A Henri Ellman reports that the Allied Inde- pendent Theatre Owners buying circuit now has enrolled 65 theatres. AAA Tague Brothers have taken over the Temple. AAA The Palace will fight for summer business with more film names for its stage. Blanche Szveet, this week; Harry Langdon, the llth; fifi D'Orsay, the l^th; Nick Lucas, the 25th, and Bessie LovCj August 1. A return engage- ment for Lupe Velez is also being sought. Litpe is credited with a gross second only to that established by Olsen & Johnson, Chicago favorites, on her first appearance at the Palace. AAA B. & K. will also offer a few film names during the torrid weeks. Lita Grey Chaplin will open at the Paradise, according to present plans. AAA At the first sign of heat, John Joseph hung out his invitation on the State-Lake's marquee, reading : "It's Cool Inside." Across the street. Bill Pine came down a moment later with his sign for the Chicago. It read: "It's Cooler In- side." Now Al Blasko is considering threaten^ ing them with chillblains at the Castle. AAA Joe Vergesslich, Warner-FN manager, is now a full-fledged Chicagoan. He made his final trip back to New York recently, watched the kids graduate from school ; then packed up the home furnishings and brought the fam- ily to Chi with him. AAA What big-shot district theatre executive hates to fnake an important move without first con- sulting imth his brother, who manages a small, neighborhood theatre? AAA Jack Miller is convalescing from Springfield legislative battles by tramping fairways on lo- cal links. AAA United Artists' gentry can fry eggs on the floor of the exchange any day the tlvermometer reads plus 85. Irving Mack boasts the coolest office — below street level. AAA Hazel Chernyck Brown, the well known or- ganist's former wife, has left Filmack for her Denver home, and thence to Europe later in the summer. AAA A flock of additional theatres closed during the past week, bringing the total for the city well over 100. Aaron Saperstein's Lexington is dark, and several of the Bland Brothers' em- poriums have the shutters down. Reopenings of most of them are scheduled for around La- bor Day. AAA That Sonnenschein-Spitz-Metro fiasco over the pink permits for "Laughing Sinners" and "Never the Twain Shall Meet" was embarrass- ing all around. AAA What circuit theatre executive here wants to give out a "hot" story on "What's Wrong with Loop Theatre Business," but is afraid be- cause of producer-distributor connections? AAA Warners are asking an attorney about that permit for "Public Enemy," refused by the censors. KANE NEWS PICTURES July 4. 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 49 J. C Jenkins— His Colyum Detroit Lakes, Minn. DEAR HERALD: If business gets any tougher up here in Minnesota than it is right now they will have to write home to their wife's folks for money, and what's worrying them is to know how their wife's folks are fixed. It's plenty tough, Abner, it's plenty tough, and it seems to be getting tougher all the while, and they say North Dakota is worse yet. Oh me, oh my. Where's that "pros- perity" the producers have been promising? If they cut film service 50 per cent it won't save some of 'em if these conditions con- tinue. The big houses are losing money faster than the little ones, and the Lord knows that's going plenty fast enough. AAA A Slight Error We called up Crockett Brown at Nash- wauk the other day and told him we wanted to come up there and buy one of his buU- foundland pups, and he replied, "I'm sorry, mister, but he haint that kind of a dog, he haint got no pups," and then he continued, "Say, you old moss-backed pelican, what are you doing up in this country? Now you come on up here and we'll run that old ce- ment mixer of yours in the barn and I'll take my limousine and drive you up in the Ver- milion lake country and down the north shore of Lake Superior where you can meet some exhibitors you have neglected every time you have been up here, and they are getting pretty sore about it." We replied, "Crockett, that's the most sensible proposition we have ever heard you make, and we will forgive you for not hav- ing any pups and for calling us an old moss- back pelican, so you can look for us next Monday." So now, folks, maybe the next time we will have a jungle story for you, for we are going right into the jungles of northeast Minnesota and possibly part of Canada, and what we mean is "jungles" with cou- gars and polar bears 'n' everything. AAA "NEVER THE TWAIN SHALL MEET." If there was a good reason for making this one neither the billing nor the picture disclosed it. AAA Fugitive from Justice When we called on H. E. Simon of the State theatre at Walker he said to us, "Say, do you know that the state game depart- ment is looking for you?" and we replied, "How come?" and he said, "Well, you re- member when you were here two years ago you told about running over a polar bear and killing him out here on the highway?" and we said, "Yes, we remember telling about it but what business has a bear block- ing traffic, let 'era keep their durn bear off the highway, have you any more bear around here?" And he replied, "No, you killed the last one we had, but we have something else that will interest you." We said, "What's that?" And he replied, "It's an educated muskie. We've got a muskie down here in Leach lake by the park that is six feet and three inches long and weighs seventy-eight pounds and nine ounces." "How do you know he does," we inquired. And he said, "be- cause he carries the scales on his back all the time. (This is an old one but the boys are still using it) and, you can believe it or not, but he is educated and dearly loves music." And we replied, "Thanks for giv- ing us the option, but go ahead with your story." "Yes, sir, we call him old Mose, and our orchestra goes down to the lake three or four evenings every week and serenades old Mose and he will come up to the shore and seems to enjoy the music as long as they play overtures, but the minute they start playing jazz he gets furious and churns the water into foam and splashes water all over the boys with his tail, it makes him so mad, and another strange thing about old Mose is that he dearly loves hoarhound candy and huckleberry pies. The kids go down and feed him hoarhound candy and I feed him pies three or four times a week." "Say, Simon," we said, "let's get a couple of pies and go down and feed Mose, we want to get a look at him." And Simon said, "Let's see, what day of the week is this?". And we said it was Tuesday, and he said, "Well, it's no use to go down today because Mose has had a habit for years of going away Tuesday mornings and he doesn't come back until late Wednesday night." "Where does he go?" we asked. "Well," he said, "Nobody seems to know, but we presume he has a family somewhere he goes to call on and possibly two or three lady friends on the side, but if you will come back here Thursday." "Say, wait a minute, we can't come back Thursday," we said, "but we've got a couple of fellows down in Nebraska we'd like to match you against. One is Elmer Gaily of the Gav theatre at Wayne, and the other is Sherm Fitch, branch manager for RKO at Omaha, but we want to warn you that they are both professionals." Then as he poured some more ginger ale in our glass he said, "Well, all professionals look like amateurs to me." Gosh, but that Leach lake country is SOME country. "THE RIGHT OF WAY," with Conrad Nagle and some other folks. Another case of using up seven reels of film that they didn't know what else to do with. AAA On Drawing Flies Some exhibitor out in Long Beach, Cal., has just mailed us a copy of a Long Beach paper with admission prices of the various theatres marked, and we note that several of them are running double programs for ten and fifteen cents and one vaudeville house is running two features and eight acts of vaudeville for fifteen and thirty-five cents. This doesn't indicate that business is very rosy in old Cal. It all comes back to the same old proposition, if you give the public what they want they will go back and see it, but you can't draw flies with asafoetida. If producers would stop trying to corral the market and would produce FEWER and BETTER pictures this business would right itself. Wherever we go exhibitors tell us that they can do business if they have a good picture but they starve to death with the poor ones, and just so long as they continue to flood the market with wishy-washy, just a picture, stuff, thus busi- ness will continue to wear patches on the seat of its pants. AAA We have just wired Crockett Brown that we'd be there Sunday night and for him to get himself in shape for that lake Superior trip, and for him to kiss the girls goodby for both of us. We are a little sore at those girls anyhow, and that ought to settle 'em. AAA A Pretty Cartoon We saw a pretty good cartoon in the Minneapolis paper. Uncle Sam had Al Capone by the collar, and Chicago's chief of police, district attorney and judge, were up in a tree and they yelled to Uncle Sam "Arrest that man for murder." As a travesty on justice, Aly's case takes the whole bakery, and if we ever go down to Chicago and kill fifteen or twenty people we are going to plead guilty to running a red signal and take our medicine. And now there is more trouble brewing for Chicago. Johnnie Torrio and Jack Guzik are both contenders for Al's throne as king of gangland while Al is away on vacation for a few months. The Chicago police force ought to take this matter up and determine who is entitled to the throne, and if they can't agree, they should call in Mussolini. We MUST protect our "citi- zens" rights, for where would we be if we didn't have a king. AAA We went out last evening and played in a foursome at the Country Club golf course and Andy Anderson pitted us against a kid 14 years old and the kid beat us two strokes. That's the way with that doggoned Andy. He knew we wouldn't try to beat a kid, and he knew it wouldn't do us any s'ood if we did, and we know it now, too. All right George, cut us off if you want to and see if we care. J. C. JENKINS. The HERALD man. 50 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 4, 193 1 HIJSIC AND TALENT MUSIC ACTIVITIES BEING REVIVED Predict More Competitive Field Shortly JULIA DAWN Forecast Is Based on Reported Disposal of Three Concerns By Warner Brothers By ED DAWSON Music men, in the unconfirmed reports relative to Warner Brothers unloading a number of their publishing companies, see a renewal of better times in the busi- ness, better, they believe, than at any time since 1928 or 29. The Warner subsidiaries which, it is reported, will go on their own are Rem- ick's, DeSylva, Brown & Henderson, and Harms. M. Witmark & Sons, it is said, will re- main under the Warner banner. One positive result of such a change in lineup would be, according to music men, the return of a more competitive field which, they contend, is vitally im- portant. ■Milsic men are now viewing the situa- tion more optimistically than they have in some time because of these reports, and because of the statement of the Am- erican Federation of Musicians that em- ployment among their members has in- creased 50 per cent. . , It appears also that fewer theatres will adopt a straight sound picture policy, as many did last summer. This means addi- tional employment and the more wide- spread use of music. Returns to Vaudeville Al and Loie, vaudeville pair, have been booked for the ace spot on the Oklahoma City Warner bill. Al has been making Tif- fany shorts and Loie has been on the Kansas City stage. Oscar Straus on Air Oscar Straus, noted composer, directed a large symphony orchestra over an NBC- WEAF network on June 28, the program bringing together several artists formerly with the Roxy Theatre broadcasts. Broadcast Dannrosch Concert Walter Damroscli directed members of the San Francisco symphony orchestra in the second of a series of concerts, broad- cast over an NBC-WJZ network June 28, from the Woodland theatre, Hillsborough, Cal. After having been featured organist in many of Paramount-Publix's deluxe houses, the adventuresome spirit of Julia Dawn was awakened by her assignment to the Paramount Prince Edward theatre, in Sydney, Australia. She was stationed there for over a year and during that time she added to her accomplishments, that of being a huntress. She is not only a good organist but also a great sportswoman. Deep sea fishing and hunting big game are her hob- bies and she has many trophies to show for her skill. Julia is back in America now, and is making her home in the film capital, Hollywood, until she receives a reassign- ment. Meanwhile it is rumored that Julia has had offers to go into pictures. She should do very well, with her looks and ability. Flies to Broadcast Ken Murray, vaudeville player featured on RKO 't heatre of the Air program June 28, flew from St. Louis to New York to keep the engagement. Orchestra in RKO Broadcast An orchestra of 115 pieces will be heard rendering patriotic music over an NBC- WEAF network during the RKO Theatre of the Air program Friday, July 3, from New York. Installing Orchestra Fred Schmitt, Denver orchestra director, is installing a 14-picce orclicstra in the Newman, Kansas Cit}-. STAGE SliCWS Brooklyn Paramount Week ending July 2 Individually produced stage-shows for this house are now in the vogue here. Harry Gour- fain is producing and doing a good job of it. Currently, "Ridin' the Waves" is playing here, with Charlie Davis and Gang, and Chilton and Thomas headlining. Gourfain filled the show with entertainment value and entertaining tal- ent, placing it in a class far superior to any that have played here in a long while. Open- ing effectively with a film of battleships rid- ing the waves, which smoothly fades out to that of a battleship facing the audience, on the deck of which Davis, as captain, his band as sailors and the Bobby Sanford Sailorettes stand at attention. After a bit of laugh-getting gags, Cecelia Blair offers some original and ex- tremely difficult acrobatic dancing which fea- tures progressive splits and a jumping split for the finish. She surely earned the good re- ception accorded her. Fred Sanborn, "nut" zylophonist, did well with his routine of clown- ing and good playing, the audience getting con- siderable entertainment from his laughable an- tics. Gertrude Niesen, a comely miss, is clev- erly brought on for her singing of "Love for Sale," by an M. P., who brings her to the attention of Capt. Davis, with the remark that she's "just a dame." Miss Niesen has a pleasing voice and plenty showmanship and she would, if billed here with Davis' gang for a run, un- doubtedly earn a great popularity. Chilton and Thomas, late of Al Jolson's "Wonder Bar" musical, present a round of good tap routines and also their own elaboration of the Charles- ton, stopping the show with it and earning their encore. Charlie Davis brings the boys downstage for their specialty, this week's being that of their own conception of a small-time circus, offering them the opportunity of showing their indi- vidual comedy and musical abilities. This first bit is straight hokum, but this audience loved it and applauded for more, until Davis told them that Frankie Parrish would sing, as a special request, "In Your Arms." He did, and to hearty applause. Phil (Tubby) Davis, "Dizzy" Wiliford and Carl Vandiwalle follow by singing "A Crazy Song," the remainder of the band coming in on the chorus. This was very well done. This is a great gang and Brooklyn audiences love them. The answer to their success here is that they are showmen, good musicians and have a leader that is full of personality. For the finale, the Sanford sailorettes, carrying sparklers, climb about deck and form effective poses. Riibinoff this week leads his fine orchestra in an overture of "French Echoes," entering to good applause and finishing with a tremendous hand. Head Roxy Orchestra Maurice Baron and Mischa Violin have taken over direction of the New York Roxy orchestra. Max Fleischmann has been named assistant conductor. UNIFORMS ^A^r COSTUMES ?g?siVTTT,o«s BROOKS Tv-s-^ July 4 , 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 51 SLICES cr MELLIN By BOBBY MELLIN Herr Louie, the Weazel, and the rest of the little German band are back on station WGN, broadcasting every night in the week except Thursday. Ted Pearson, youthful production manager of the Chicago NBC studios, has some very definite views on art. One of his strongest obsessions is that there should be more landscape and still life painters and fewer portrayals of the human form. But there is a very good reason for all this. For three years, while Pearson was attending school at Min- neapolis and in Chicago, he modeled at the Art Institute of the two cities. Ted has not for- gotten the cramped, aching muscles from hours spent on the modelling stand. * * * Lee Sims' recent gift to his beautiful and talented wife, Illomay Bailey, the lyric con- tralto, who sings to the popular pianist's un- usual arrangements over KYW, is a pent- house apartment on the roof of a 16-story building on the near north side. Sims gave his wife the new home because many NBC and KYW programs will prevent their taking a vacation before fall. * * * Clyde McCoy's orchestra, which built a tre- mendous following through its rendition of the "Sugar Blues," have returned to the Terrace Gardens. McCoy's orchestra is an organiza- tion of youngsters, all less than 30 years of age, the majority under 24, and many in their teens. Practically every member of the popular band was recruited by McCoy from musically in- clined high school friends in Ashland, Ky. The orchestra is not only famous for its rendi- tion of "hot" numbers, but has an even greater reputation for its syncopated arrangements of classics and old favorite ballads. Not all Kentucky colonels wear white goatees and sip mint juleps. Jack Brooks and Don Ross, the new harmony team heard from the Chicago studios of the Columbia network thrice weekly, have received their colonel's commis- sions from Gov. Flem D. Sampson of the Blue Grass state, and they don't even say "you all." Brooks and Ross received the honor on a re- cent southern trip, as a tribute to their enter- taining efforts. Not so many years ago Brooks and Ross started blending harmony in the campus entertainment at the University of Ohio, where they were both studying law. Their success was so great they were per- suaded to abandon Blackstone and try their luck on the stage. Both boys are Kentuckians, Brooks coming from Georgetown and Ross from Covington. * * * Abe Lyman and his orchestra will be heard each night over WBBM. * * * Internationalism in music holds a greater meaning for Josef Koestner, director of the Armour Hour orchestra from the Chicago NBC studios, than it does to many musicians. Koestner was born in Bavaria, studied French, German, Spanish, Russian and Italian com- posers under French and German instructors, and has members of 13 different nationalities and races in his orchestra. STAGE SUCWS Downey at Paramounf Morton Downey will appear for one v^^eek, beginning- July 3, at the New York Para- mount, heading the stage revue, "Rio Rosa." New York Paramount Week ending July 2 Even though this is Rudy Vallee's farewell week and he is billed all over this house, it apparently meant nothing unusual to the box- office. The house, of course, was full, but not unusually so. The Frank Cambria-Publix pro- duction, "Little Revue," is the unit show here this week and it opens to a well-routined song and dance by the mixed line of Merriel Ab- bott girls and boys. The four Mullen Sisters prove entertaining with their cycle of songs, sung harmoniously, and their instrumental play- ing, both, earning them a good reception at the show caught. The three Rio Brothers offer a good act of comedy and dancing, though most of it is from other well known acts. The boys have added a third member to their team since they last played here, and his work is good. It seems a shame that boys with ability, such as these have, should find it necessary to take most of their act from the work of others. The audience did not know this, of course, and gave them good applause. Abbott dancers on next for an exceptional routine of adagio danc- ing, which they performed in pairs, earning them a bigger hand than is usual for line dancers. Vallee came on next and, after an appealing speech, went into the singing of a medley of songs he had introduced from the stages of this and the Brooklyn Paramount, and closed with the singing of "Toodle Oo, So-long, Good-bye." This is one of his own songs. Nan Halperin, in one, offers for the first time to picture-house audiences her own conception of a sophisticated child telling all about herself in story and song. Miss Halperin makes two quick changes after doing the child bit; first she changes to grown-up attire and sings a number, and then for closing changes to a bridal gown, and her final song blends into the finale in which the entire company perform. A good show and enjoyed by the audience. First "Our Gang" on Stage Three members of the original Hal Roach "Our Gang" group are appearing in person at the New Plaza, Milford. Del., on July 3 and 4, in a playlet. Wisconsin Milwaukee Week ending July I A operatic selection by Leo Rossi, tenor, accompanied by the Wisconsin theatre orches- tra under the direction of Don Wilkins, pre- cedes Fanchon & Marco's "Carnival" Idea. The Idea opens with the Carla Torney girls attired in varicolored pantaloons doing their stuff before a carnival background. Their number includes a make-believe merry-go- round. Raynor Lehr acts as chief ballyhooer in connection with the Idea. Cropley & Violet stage an excellent lariat act. The young woman member of the duo is very apt at keeping the lariat twirling in a host of various positions. A medley of popular selections is offered by the band, including "Mine, All Mine," "Smile, Darn Ya, Smile," and "Two Hearts in Waltz Time." The Carney Torney girls in black costumes stage a tap toe dance which goes over big. They give way to Raynor Lehr, who has liv- ened up the Idea between episodes with wise- cracks and whip snapping. He now engages in a number of fast stepping dances called for by persons in the audience. Billed as Strange Man, a young colored lad, sings "Singing in the Rain," and then pro- ceeds to dust the boards with some hot step- ping. Goody, Oro and Smith, with "Teddy" the bear, stage an interesting wrestling act with plenty of comedy thrown in for good measure. The bear is a real one and behaves in an en- gaging manner. The Torney girls' next number carries with it a military atmosphere and the girls sport batons which they twirl in an official manner. The Andresens wind up the Idea with some fast twirling and balancing acts. The feminine member of the duo performs atop a pole held on the shoulders of her partner. In the finale he twists this pole at a furious rate with the young woman taking the corners at a fast clip. San Francisco Fox Week ending June 24 This week's stage act at the Fox is prefaced by an unusually effective concert by Walt Roes- ner and the Fox Concert Orchestra made up of Russian composers' selections in which the Vol- ga Boatman" and "Dance of the Flowers" fig- ure prominently. Joaquin Guaray, tenor of the organization, offers "Ho Hum," and, as an en- core, "When Yuba Plays the Rumba on the Tuba." The stage act is Fanchon and Marco's "Three Big Figures," originally staged at Grauman's Chinese theatre as a prologue for "Dirigible." It is an act sharply divided into three parts, each made distinctive with a drop curtain on which enormous figures appear. Haline Frances, comedienne, acts as mistress of ceremonies and turns out a splendid per- formance. She first tells how the song, "The Peanut Vendor," originated and the curtain goes up on an enormous figure of a peanut vendor and his roaster. Harold Stanton, tenor, in costume, sings the air and the Sunkist Beau- ties, garbed to represent peanuts, come out of the roaster and dance. Haldine next makes her appearance in the dress of an old-fashioned lady and is joined by Harold Stanton in attire of the same period. They sing "The Same as We Used to Do," and the Sunkist Beauties do an old-fashioned dance, with Muriel Gardner offering a lively toe and acrobatic dance. The mistress of ceremonies presents her in- ebriate number, which has been seen before but which is about as inoffensive as a number of this kind can be, and the act goes into "The Orchid Lady" number. The backdrop represents a modern miss, smoking her cigaret, with a great bouquet of orchids nestled on her shoul- der. The orchids come to life and troop down to the stage and put on a highly colorful flower dance, assisted by Muriel Gardner. The real punch in the show comes with the presentation of the Five Jansleys, who are ris- ley experts of the first water. They put on a whirlwind perforrnance after the order of that usually expected only of Japanese, and win round after round of applause. Breaks With Publix Castro Carazo, former musical conductor at the New Orleans Saenger, will not handle the special presentations to be featured at the house. Terms could not be satisfactorily reached with Publix. Warner Drops Vaudeville The Warner in Oklahoma City has dis- continued RKO vaudeville for the summer. The stage presentations will be resumed in the fall. Four^th Fox House Closed The Fox Senator, Vallejo, Gal., closed for the summer on June 13, to be re-opened after acoustic and sound readjustments are made. This is the fourth Fox closing in the region in the past few weeks. 52 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 4 , 19 3 1 €CGAN $€L€$ LP AND DOVN THE ALLty FRANKLIN BENTEL (Beaver Falls, Pa., Rialto) offered for his weefs organ solo a cleverly presented novelty for which a novel background was set. The organ- logue has turned pianologue for this week. Using the piano on stage back of the sound screen, Bentel presented the idea of radio broadcasting through the "mike." Entitling this entertaining presentation "Singing Ju- bilee," the novelty opened with a special lyric chorus to the tune "Sweet Jennie Lee," inviting the audience to sing. Cleverly worded gags and introductions were "broad- cast" by Bentel before each song was played and sung. The program this week included "Springtime in the Rockies," "My Ideal," "Whistling in the Dark'' (one chorus of the last named number was sung by the audi- ence, the second chorus, the organist whis- tled), and closing with "Please Don't Talk About Me." A white spot thrown on pianist back of screen during the singing of last song, revealed the secret of the broadcast- ing from a studio. The novelty received favorable comment and good applause. KEN WRIGHT (Green Bay, "Wis., Or- pheum) recently used a community singing novelty entitled "Number, Please,'' which had aU of the audience singing. The solo was presented in comedy form and was a takeofif on delinquent telephone operators and service. Comedy gags fitted to "Blue Again," "When Your Hair Has Turned to Silver," "My Love for You" and "Cheerful Little Earful." The organist this week in- troduced but one new number, "Two Little Blue Little Eyes," and two requests, "Every- thing Nice Belongs to You" and "If I Could be with You." Two cleverly worded boy-and- girl repartee choruses to "Something to Re- member You By," "Betty Co-ed" and also a parody to "Shade of the Old Apple Tree" came in for their full share of singing. Even when the organ was back in the pit they wouldn't stop applauding. Hence, there was nothing to do but take another ride to the top and let them sing "Walking Baby Back Home." EGON DOUGHERTY (Astoria, L. I. Triboro) presented a community songfest of "Broadway Melodies" this week which had all of the audience singing from the first note to the last. This solo consisted of straight singing of popular numbers, with a few gags interspersed between songs, but the main thing is that this audience has been taught to sing, and not just listen to a hard worked over solo. This, consequently, has made it an easy task for Dougherty to sup- ply their wants. Songs this week consisted of: "I Wanna Sing About You," "Clown- ing," "Blue Just Thinking of You," "Love Is Like That," "Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams" and a final chorus of "Roll On, Mississippi." "MAC" BRIDWELL (San Antonio RKO- Majestic) recently offered a singing-bee "idea" entitled "A Singing Party," and made a big hit with the following late song slides : "For You" ; a special oddity on "Ro-Ro-Rolling Along"; "Smiles"; and another snappy version to the tune of the above and closed with a parody on a smile song. Bridwell is well-liked here and his popularity is growing. As an added attraction, Manager Raymond B. Willie presented his singing usher, Joe Bell, who was accompanied by "Mac" Bridwell at the console, and the youngster did real well with "By My Side," displaying his skill on a guitar. The singing usher is on the program for two weeks, according to the house man- agement. BERNIE COWHAM (Flushing, L. I., RKO), for his midweek program presented his original and very popular "Illiterate Di- gest." The audiences here have learned to look forward to Cowham's weekly efforts to give them something novel and enter- taining. For the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday program, Cowham goes to the trou- ble of clipping out of the newspapers any- thing timely and interesting, and making parodies to the tune of some popular song that fits the clippings. Often the newspapers are so full of news that it is necessary for him to make an entirely new set of slides from one show to the next. This week Ber- nie opens with an oral explanation about each of the newspaper clippings as they are flashed on the screen, his smart chatter lead- ing the audience to the singing of "Smile. Darn Ya, Smile," "Heart of My Heart," "Just a Blue-Eyed Blonde," "Take a Walk,'" "Do.wn by the Winegar Woiks," and "Betty Co-ed." Bernie wrote special lyrics to the baseball scores and played them to the tune of "Down by the Winegar Woiks." As his closing number, Bernie wrote special lyrics to "Betty Co-ed" and dedicated them to the graduates of the local schools. To keep right up to the minute on current topics, many of the special lyrics are written be- tween shows and the audience gets the latest news, in the Cowham manner, which is dis- tinctly entertaining. REX KOURY (Troy, N. Y., Proctor's 4th Street). Troy's "Titan of Melody" of- fered for his presentation this week "A Bat- tle Royal," which is a community singfest between the boys and girls, and consisted of four amusing parody choruses written to popular tunes. The girls sang the red lines, and the boys, the white. By "mike" Koury stirred his audience to battle — and battle they did. The final set-to was in the singing of "Whistling in the Dark." This presentation, though not original in idea, proved the popularity of the free-for- all when it is presented in a showmanly manner. On several performances, this 19- year-old favorite was forced to encore with a short "potpouri" of popular hits. ADA RIVES (New Orleans Loew's State) has a rolicking solo for the current week entitled "Happy Home" and built about the marriage theme with songs and gags. The opening number is "Whistlin' in the Dark," followed by some appropriate re- marks, "We Can Live on Love," which tickled the audience, "The Little Things in Life," followed by some cheerful comments on the matrimonial estate and a closing "At Last I'm Happy." C Sharpe-Minor, Trader (TRADING ORGAN ENTERTAINMENT FOR REAL DOUGH.) No Depression at Warner's Beacon, Thank You HELLO EVERYBODY The weekly statistical report from the Roxy theatre concerns the inter-theatre ro- mances of that huge organization. ... A survey of the romances which have blos- somed and culminated within the ranks of the performers and the employees reveals that the unit which is the most acquisitive in the matter of obtaining helpmates is the Roxyettes. Within the past, six of them have acquired husbands from the projection, engineering and house staffs, respectively. . . . The wedding bells, which have been chiming intermittently ever since the Roxy was opened, were first used to celebrate the union of Josef Stopak, concertmaster of the Roxy Symphony Orchestra and Celia Branz, contralto of the Roxy "Gang." . . . T T T Nat. Feist, manager of the special service department of Leo Feist, Inc., says these songs are the "Real McCoy," and from the way bands, organists and others are playing them, they sure are. . . . "As long as You're There" is another "Blue Heaven," it sounds great. . . . "I'm Gettin' Superstitious About Delicious You" — that "delicious" describes it perfectly. . . . DeSylva, Brown and Hender- son, Inc., Warner music uiiit, announces through its president, Bobby Crawford, pub- lication of a new song by Little Jack Little, radio star. ... It is entitled "Let Me Hum a Hymn to Her Tonight" and already is becoming rambunctious enough to give "Nevertheless" and "Smile, Darn Ya, Smile," present DeSylva catalogue leaders, a tough battle for top honors. "Hum a Hymn" is an unusual ballad, exhibiting Little Jack Little's melodic versatility. . . . T T ▼ Charlie Davis, master of ceremonies at the Brooklyn Paramount, is plenty happy these "hot" days. . . . The heat doesn't bother hirn; he's too busy giving audiences good shows, and, another thing, he's so darned proud of the new addition to the Davis household, a great big baby girl, the third one. . . . Baby and Mrs. Davis are doing fine, and because they are out in Indianapolis, Charlie is going around singing "In My In- diana Home." . . . Oh, yes, and he and his gang have just successfully completed the filming of their first Paramount Short, which is entitled "The Jazz Reporter." It carries a rhythmic theme and the boys play but one number, "Deluxe," one of their own conceptions. . . . Johnny Perkins, that jovial and rotund comedian and m. c. at Warners' Stanley, Jersey City, has the distinction of playing to capacity audiences for the past 15 weeks and still doing it . . . but Johnny needs a rest, so he and Mrs. Perkins, known inti- mately to her friends as "Mac," intend to vacation in Europe until the fall, when Johnny is slated to return to the Stanley. . . . Ted Mack, that personable young chap, who had the hearts of the flappers fluttering when he m. c.ed at the N. Y. Paramount last year, is back there again after "winter- ing" at the Palace, Dallas, Texas. ED DAWSON Uni+s for Southern House The Saenger, New Orleans, has opened the first of its locally produced stage units, a kiddie revue produced by Helen Strakova, and follows former Chicago booked units. Orqanlst Replaces Orchestra The Fox Fifth Avenue in Seattle has re- placed Owen Sweeten and his orchestra with an organist, effecting an estimated saving of $1,000 weekly. July 4, 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 53 -r- .11^ Ul MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE CLUB Cha.b.les E. "Chick!' Lewis IVlOTION PICTURE HERALJ) {p&ti^ QVeek-^fot.C>v(utua/ i^ene^it and J^^^fte0> Conducted By An Exhibitor For Exhibitor? in .. .r» Lend Me Your Ears! SOME division managers in their anxiety to show the home office that they are economiz- ing have gone to such extremes that the houses under their supervision are becoming more like funeral parlors than theatres. One "smart" d.m. ordered all flashers discontinued during the summer months. There's hot efficiency for you! One of the bits of life which the public has always associated with the theatre is stopped because of someone's damnfoolishness. Other orders include turning the front lights on at a later hour and off a little earlier, than usual. Then they accomplish far-reaching cuts in the overhead by salary-slashing the ushers and clean- ers. We could honestly mention some districts and divisions where the most sensible cut in the over- head would be the elimination of the d.m's. All those saying "Amen" will please keep a straight face. * * * * Analyzing what overhead cuts have accomplish- ed for some theatres would reveal the following: A theatre front "dead" in appearance and uninvit- ing; a doorman who can't force a smile to his face when he realizes that his slim pay envelope is now thinner; ushers who don't care a darn for their jobs because their meager salary has been cut; poor projection because the operators are afraid they will lose their jobs if they don't cut down on car- bon consumption; etc., etc. Supposing we all stop this ridiculous slashing, not of overhead, but of commonsense theatre opera- tion and get back to earth? For an industry that has suffered less from the so-called depression (ac- cording to those who are supposed to know), we, in the theatre business, appear to be acting worse than those who were sunk deep in the red. How in hell are we going to sell the public en- tertainment if we and our employees are going to walk around the town with long faces. And you'll never be able to wipe that woeful look off your face until there is some good reason for it. That reason can only be "back to theatre operation" and for- get the silly economies, most of thern brain-chil- dren of a few incapable executives who are making the industry the laughing stock of the country. * * * * It is certainly gratifying to note the fine reac- tion to the advertising series which started in last week's issue. Despite the fact that the Herald has has hardly had time to reach thousands of exhibi- tors west of the Mississippi, those who have read the opening articles are loud in their praises. Don't miss the batch in this week's issue. They are just as important and contain many more in- teresting slants on this old, old problem. * * * * As a word of advice to those fortunate boys who will get vacations with pay this summer, may we suggest that you put your house in order before you start out. Don't leave too many things un- done or any angles requiring your decision un- decided. Whoever must look after the theatre in your absence should not be burdened with details. And then again, you will enjoy enough peace of mind to make your vacation really worth while if you know that everything is O. K. back at your amusement factory. * * * * While it may be true that there is little or nothing new under the sun as applied to exploita- tion gags, enough variety should be injected into what you are doing to make your theatre's activi- ties interesting and not monotonous. Old or new, there are plenty of different angles to show selling to make each one stand out from the other without repetition over a period of ten or twelve weeks or possibly longer. Dress some of the older ideas in modern clothes or add a new slant all the time. ''Chick" 54 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 4 , 1931 W LOBBY LAFFS" By Dick Kirschbaum soda fountains ; theatre ushers wore Chaplin aprons, and so did waitresses in many restaurants. In fact, even the cows were giving Chaplin milk and the hens laying Chaplin eggs — so says Jake. We would also like to call attention to the Iowa's front in a photo on this page. That it's attractive we're sure you'll all agree. Good art work is one of his pet hobbies — so much so that lowans are getting a kick from looking at both outside and inside of the house. Note the attractive marquee lettering and cut-outs at en- trance. The Club thanks both of you fellows for sending this along, and is sure that with such a display of enterprise you'll soon find a chance to contribute further accounts of Waterloo show selling. Tying up with a prominent clothier who had never before shared his windows for any ad- vertising purpose outside of his own wares, was the highlight of a campaign put over on "Reach- ing for the Moon" by F. La Bar, manager of the Publix- many customers and 'Quick, Watson— The Needle!' Local Orchestra Proves Good Draw For Monty MacLevy A local interest stunt that boosted receipts 100 per cent over normal Friday business was recently engineered by Monty MacLevy at the Fox- Hempstead Theatre, just prior =^!^^=^=^^^^=^^^^^=^^^= to this manager's transfer to the Fox Theatre in Lynbrook, L. I. At no cost to the house, it was arranged to present on the stage a local nine piece orchestra, general favorites in the locality by reason of a regular broadcast over a nearby radio station. All Monty did to repay the orchestra for its services was to make an announcement on the screen, program and a lobby ad. They were more than satisfied with the publicity received. The local paper gave the house a fine break when they published a large photo of the orchestra, mentioning the theatre in the story. That's getting away with an added attraction that meant some- thing, Monty. Now that you've left the Hempstead and gone to Lynbrook the Club would like to know what you're doing to sell shows to your latest group of Islanders. Imperial Theatre, Asheville, N. C. The clothier sent out a letter prospective customers telling about the picture, playing up the modern-dress angle, the giving away of a $50 suit — and also en- closed a single ticket with each letter. The ticket was a regular theatre admission ticket which the store purchased from the theatre at the regular price. Four hundred and fifty-two tickets were used in this manner. On Sunday before picture's Monday opening, a two column i2-inch ad appeared on Fairbanks, the picture, name of theatre and copy relative to the suit to be given away. This ad also played up Fairbanks in modern dress. And on day after picture had con- cluded its run a 24-inch ad appeared on the suit which was to be given away. This was done purposely with the idea of getting in a few extra sheckels on the next picture ; the suit being given away from the stage on this night. Both of these ads were paid for by the clothier. Both ads called attention to the fact that the suit was on display in the theatre lobby and asked that persons go there to see it. Rosenthal's Heavy Campaign On 'City Lights* A Knockout An account of how Jake Rosenthal, enterprising manager of the Iowa Theatre, Waterloo, Iowa, put over a rousing cam- paign which sent "City Lights" 'way over the top, is sent to us ===^^^^^^^^^^=^^^=^^^= by Virgil L. Lewis, also of the Iowa. Echoes of the strenuous work are still resounding in and around the house, says Virgil, to the extent that Jake has promised to play a return engagement of the Chaplin film. From what we glean in the letter Jake exploited everything from waitresses to flivvers, using 200 tire covers with Chaplin signs; 500 Chaplin buttons; 500 Chaplin hats; generous advertising in local papers, with systematic distribution of ads in leading com- munity papers ; Chaplin chops in meat stores ; Chaplin sundaes at The reproduced photos with this contribution from Manager La Bar show the striking and well arranged clothiers' windows. Note the generous space alloted to exploitation of the film. Also the attractive lobby display frame displaying the suit of clothes. Win- ning over a store in this manner is no easy task. La Bar, and we congratulate you. We are sure that it will not be so hard the next time. Since you are an active member of the Club we know that you will continue to pass along the highlights of your campaigns. July 4 , 1931 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 55 If Picture's Big, Play It In A Big Way, Says C as sin When he plays a BIG picture he tells his public so in a BIG way, says F. J. Cassin, manager of the Grand Theatre, Lancas- ter, Pa., and if you think he's spoofing his brother Club mem- - bers take a look at the reproduc- tion of his broadside on "Trader Horn" which appears on this page. It measures about 16 inches by 16 inches when open and, naturally, half that size when folded. The copy on front when folded reads : "The Most Important An- nouncement in Lancaster Theatrical History." On the back: "Su- preme Achievement of 1931." You can read for yourselves the message that greets the holder's eyes when the broadside is opened. Yes, Cas- sin, that's telling 'em about it, alright. And why not, we ask you ? When you have the goods, sell them ! Right, boys ? Another gag, a character analysis card, he tells us was the means of arousing interest when he played Ann Harding in "East Lynne." On the card, which measures about 4 X 9, is a photo of Ann Hard- ing with her char- acter analysis noted below. The copy at top reads : "Your Face and What It Reveals." The copy at bottom requests reader to compare facial points with those of the star's. The the- atre ad and playdates appear on the reverse side. The Club appreciates the fact that you are keeping it in mind, Cassin, and here's luck to you with that new promotion from the Rialto, in York, to your present post. We will expect to hear further in reference to activities on the new job. Cline Gives A New Twist To Co-op Ad; A Local Resident Gag A new twist is given the well known co-operative ad page, judging from a glance at sam- ples sent the Club by Burr W. Cline, manager of the Metropol- itan Theatre, Mitchell, S. D. ■ Instead of blanks for guessing merchants' names or trade- marks or identification of screen stars clipped off portraits, he is inserting the names of residents in his city and surrounding territory. The gag is to find your name and receive a compliment- ary ticket. His city, he says, is not an ideal one for the promo- tion of co-op pages, both merchants and editors being exceptionally hard-boiled when it comes to tying up with a theatre. But, Cline tells us, he finally put three of them across to very good results at small cost. Cline is making quite a program drive throughout his territory, having a 3,000 mailing list on a monthly as- sortment of attractions as a plug for the rural districts and a semi-monthly program which is passed out at the theatre. From the photo on this page, note the attractive front he recently constructed for "Dracula." Next time we hear from you, Burr, we hope that you will have been able to tame those editors. Editors won't bite, although they make a noise like it sometimes. Keep right after them and we'll venture to say they'll turn out to be your best friends in the long run. Likewise the merchants. The Club appreciates your contribu- tions and wants to hear from you regularly. "The Showman's Calendar ii 11 Y JUL T 10th Wyoming admitted to Union (1890) 11th John Quincy Adam's Birthday (1767) 12th Orangeman's Day 15th St. Swithin's Day 17th Sherman's March to Sea (1864) 18th America's successful attack on Chateau Thierry (1918) 21st Battle of Bull Run (1861) 24th Pioneer Day — Utah 25th Occupation Day (Porto Rico) 27th Wireless between Japan and U. S. (1915) 31st Lafayette Arrives from France (1777) AUGUST 1st Beginning of World War (1914) Colorado Day 2nd Pres. Harding's Death (1923) Alexander Graham Bell died — (1922) 3rd Germany Declared War on France— (1914) 9th Robert Fulton's Clermont given first test— (1807) 10th Missouri Admitted to Union — (1821) Herbert Hoover's Birthday — (1874) McNeill Informs Club He's Plugging Away In Smith Falls A short account of how he exploited "Check and Double Check" is contained in a recent letter from "Stan" McNeill, manager of the Capitol Theatre, Smith Falls, Ontario, Canada. I McNeill not only hooked up with all the drug stores for a tooth-paste plug but covered his entire territory with a truck car- rying two fellows made up in blackface. He also used banners on transfer trucks and, of course, had a Fresh Air Taxi parade the streets. It got the people talking, writes Mack, and business was excellent considering local business conditions and the inclement weather. Keep plugging away Mack, as you acknowledge you're doing, and keep the Club posted from time to time on your work. We note that you are using a mailing list on coming attractions instead of a regular program and are glad that this scheme is working out so nicely. Our regards to Regional Chairman Jack Allen when you see him. 56 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 4 , 19 3 1 DO OTHERS FOLLOW ROUND TABLE TIPS? Here's the Answer: "Since the Anniversary Issue, in which the Armi+age Get-Acquain+ed Month Campaign was printed, I have had so many requests for sample copies of the plugger that my supply is completely exhausted." Hugh S. Borland, Manager, Armitage Theatre, Chicago, III. Murphy's Throwaway Is Effective Ballyhoo For Circus Picture The old S.R.O. sign was taken down and dusted off as a consequence of wide distribution of a throwaway announcing the opening of the serial "Spell of the Circus," Walt Murphy, man- ^^■^^^■^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ager of the Roky Theatre, Perth Amboy, N. J., informs us. Murphy's throwaway was regulation old-time circus size and the copy was written in the familiar circus ballyhoo style with no mercy on adjectives. Both sides announced the fact that everything spec- tacular and sensational could be seen in the picture. One side was printed in blue and white and the other in red and white. The name and ad of the theatre was imprinted in black. 3,000 of these were distributed on opening date to both adults and kiddies. Two boys were also dressed as clowns and passed them out. Believe it or not, Walt tells us that the local police had to be called out to keep the crowd in order and if a throwaway will do this we certainly recommend this member's method. Keep up the good work, Murph, and continue to let the Club know what's new. Banniza Using A Variety Of Show Stunts Down South North Alabama is again on the Club map on receipt of a spirited letter from G. P. Ban- niza, manager of the Princess Theatre, Decatur, Ala., who as- sures us that while he's recently been laying down on the job of making regular contributions to this department, it will not happen again. Banniza encloses what he terms a "little bit of everything that has been going on around the Princess Theatre for the past few months." After a glance over the contents of his envelope we must conclude that he has been trying a variety of gags — teaser ads, doorknob hangers, dodgers and a different kind of newspaper ad- vertising— different in that it gets away from the stereotyped form so long in vogue with most managers. The ads we refer to are the kind consistently plugged on these pages for some time — that of obtaining endorsements from prom- inent citizens of your town ; also, the personal endorsement of the theatre manager. In another ad Banniza does not deal directly with current attractions but tells his public that the Princess has played three of four pictures which earned the annual award of merit from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He further quotes a Hollywood dispatch concerning the awards. That Banniza is doing some fine work with cutouts will be noted by the photo on this page. Take a look at the size of the one on the sidewalk in front of the theatre ; also, the airplane idea in con- nection with Barthelmess in "Dawn Patrol." Striking effect, say we ! Alright, Banniza, the Club knows that it can depend on you and friend Oscar, of Athens, to keep your brother showmen in- formed on what's doing in North Alabama. But how about the rest of you managers down that way? Are you going to let these two shoulder all the load ? How about it, boys ? Sherred Ties With Veterans For Week Of Brisk Business Splendid response aiienaea a tie-up recently made by Carl B. Sherred, manager of the Mish- ler Theatre, Altoona, Pa., in connection with Veterans of Foreign Wars Week in his town. The picture selected was Jack Oakie in "June Moon" and the stunt proved a big draw for the house during the entire run. Sherred arranged with a local newspaper for the publishing of an eight-page tab size insert to be distributed in the daily issue. This insert contained only news calculated to interest the Veterans and to stimulate attendance at the benefit performances. The ad- vertising secured by the paper through the tie-up more than covered printing costs. A corking good stunt, Sherred, and we'd like to be able to pass along more details to your brother members as to just what per- centage all concerned gained at the close of the week. But you neglected to inform the Club just how you worked this out so we'll have to ask members to drop you a line for further information in case they wish to try a similar gag. Righto? And let the Club know what else you are doing down in Altoona. Allen Gardner Busy With Three Houses; Fine Gag on ''Skippy" A collection of live-wire stunts is sent the Club by Allen E. "Gardner, owner manager of the Granada Theatre, Stuart. Neb, who, although a recent member of this organiza- ' tion, has contributed indirectly through division managers for the past three years. He now has three houses of his own and admits that keeping busy is the one thing he does these days — but not too busy to let his brother showmen know what's going on. How Gardner obtained a general pulpit endorsement on "Skippy" is interestingly told in his letter. For five days prior to playing this picture it steadily rained, his front was ruined, other advertis- ing was out of the question, so he took the bull by the horns and called on every preacher in town with an invitation to attend a special showing. School professors were included as guests and every invitation was accepted. The ministers were so impressed with the picture that all of them made mention of it in the Sunday sermon and as a result Gardner had people at the show who had never before entered the theatre. As evidence he encloses a Mother's Day bulletin issued by one of the churches, and as it was written by a preacher we are quoting it: SKIPPY We desire to have every parent in this community see this picture. It is the cleanest and most instructive of any we have seen in years. The crying need in America, too, is the need of parents to know their children. No matter how hard boiled you may be or think you are, you'll feel a pull at your heart strings. Truly a picture of the average family life. A man wakes to the fact that he has been t6o busy to know his own son. Until he lost him . . . Almost. Boys, there's some catch lines in the above that would do credit to a p. a. and we believe you'll all agree that an endorsement of this kind, along with other mention made, went a long way toward helping Gardner over the top. And all because of a five-day rain. . . . Al also stresses the magic connected with a cigarette gag he used when playing "Dishonored." On the Sunday prior to the showing he had a good-looking, well-built girl dressed in evening costume, with black mask stand in the lobby and pass out a cigarette-attached card to adults at the end of each show. The copy was built around : "What secret does the daring woman spy, X-27, find concealed in a cigarette. Learn the answer in ." Copy at bottom of card credited a tobacco manufacturer with whom the tie-up was made at no cost to the theatre, except printing. Gardner tells the Club that out his way heralds appear to have reached a stage of uselessness, that Rotos are oke, but that a novel assortment of throw-aways have proved the best sellinsr pov/er he's used in a long time. He blames chain store wide distribution of heralds as the means of lessening public interest in this form of advertising. All of which is very interesting to us, Al, and to your brother showmen. Notice to Members PLEASE be sure to notify the Chairman of any change of address. —THANK YOU July 4 , 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 57 BEST FORMS OF THEATRE ADVERTISING! Bunny Bryan Care- fully Analyzes His Views on the Subject! Chick requests an article on "What You Con- sider the Most Valuable Form of Theatre Ad- vertising and Why" and I suppose I could say in so many words "Newspaper advertising and publicity because this medium reaches the same constant readers day after day, constantly ham- mering home the message PLUS the many new readers the live or even average coverage news- paper must have to maintain its general adver- tising pull" but trailers and fronts and lobbies play such an important part in actual ticket selling, we trust you'll pardon our elaborating and qualifying our statements. Successful Seat Selling I believe most seasoned showmen agree that newspaper advertising and publicity is the very backbone of successful seat selling. That de- pends, of course, upon the territory, the news- paper or newspapers available, the type house or show being sold, the advisability and neces- sity of mass or class appeal and a dozen more facts that must be analyzed before the cam- paign or campaigns are definitely decided upon and set. You may be operating in a resort section, where the year 'round residents are great news- paper readers in the off-season, but find very little time to either read newspapers or patron- ize your theatre in the season because they must "make hay while the sun shines" and work long hours, leaving them very little time for thorough newspaper reading or theatre-going. A quick analysis of a resort section would lead one to believe that newspaper advertising and publicity were the backbone of all theatre ad- vertising in the off-season, but worth consider- ably less during the season. That's where Mr. Quick Analyzer would be slightly in error. Suppose, for example, you were managing the Long Branch, N. J., Paramount, Long Branch, N. J. Long Branch is a popular sum- mer resort with a year 'round population of 22,000. Sea Bright, Rumson and other nearby resorts and year 'round communities increase this population to approximately 35,000 (ofif- season). During the summer, the population of this territory increases to approximately 200,- 000. The local daily newspaper has, we'll say, a 10,000 circulation. On the premise that many of this paper's readers are seasonably occupied and so neither newspaper readers nor potential theatre-goers, we will for the summer cut this 10,000 circula- tion in half, because of these lost readers BUT what about that 165,000 increase in population? Let's be conservative, suppose we say that only twenty-five per cent of this population in- crease are potential theatre patrons. How are we going to reach them. Many of them will continue to read their hometown dailies, others will refrain from reading any newspapers while vacationing, but there must be at least twenty per cent or 33,000 vacationists interested enough in the national and local doings to purchase or pick up and read the Long Branch Daily Record, and if the theatre advertisements and publicity have sufficient appeal, the Paramount manager will not feel the Daily Record's loss of circulation but will, instead, benefit by the natural increase in circulation and reader in- terest resulting from this seasonal increase in population. Now you're, in all probability, saying, but how does this manager reach the non-news- paper readers? By a campaign, that must be supplementary to his newspaper efforts. There are a thousand and one ways of getting your message across to the newcomers, practically After last week's start, we follow this dis- cussion right up with two more able show- men viewpoints. Jeff Lazarus, publicity director for the new Hughes-Franklin Cir- cuit on the west coast and formerly af- filiated with Frank Whitbeck at Fox W-C. Then we also give the floor to Bunny Bryan, publicity director for the Jersey-Publix theatres. Jeff surprised us by coming back with one of those "short and snappy" articles, while Bryan went to the trouble of setting forth certain examples of what he wanted to get across. Both of these slants are valuable and should make important contributions to the series as a whole. Next week we v/iil continue with several more views on the subject. all of them are tried and proven and known to all seasoned managers and publicity men. I have deliberately selected a resort town condition to make my point because of the ap- parent weakness of newspaper effort in resorts at first glance. If newspaper advertising and publicity is the most valuable in resort towns with their constantly shifting population and changing newspaper pull, it certainly must be far in the lead in industrial, farming or year 'round communities. Here's why, and this is all based upon the average newspaper premise, the newspaper with the average make-up and reader interest and the average circulation, for after all, there are many exceptions to any rule, and we must discuss anything on the basis of the average. The newspaper goes into the hands of its readers with a maximum amount of reader in- terest. It is news of the happenings, the com- ings and goings, the possibilities, the realities of life in that community and a hundred more, for the A P service encircles the globe. The on-the-job theatre manager can, with the proper co-operation on the part of the newspaper, make his advertisements and his publiicty so interesting that it will sell more newspapers and so sell more seats. The morning newspaper is read by the man and woman, boy and girl when they are going to work. That theatre ad or publicity can be made to start its pull right then. Mr. A can be sold strongly enough to invite Miss B to attend the theatre that night with him. Miss B can become so interested in, we'll say Mau- rice Chevalier in "The Smiling Lieutenant" coming to the Staten Island Paramount she will suggest a show to her boy friend. Mrs. C, sitting at home, will hurry through her household duties in order to be able to see "The Perils of Pauline" at the Mayfair. The afternoon newspaper starts its pull with the first edition and continues on through until the last extra. It goes into the home and into the hands of many readers when they are still endeavoring to formulate their plans for the evenings. It can have a definite, right now pull. Teaser Campaigns So much for the right now pull of theatre advertising and publicity in newspapers. I've said nothing about the advance interest pos- sible to arouse by clever teaser campaigns or publicity breaks planted far enough in advance to arouse interest and create desire. The Am- erican public was hungry for Marlene Dietrich in her first American made picture, mainly be- cause of the reams and reams of newspaper publicity they had read about her. She was sold before "Morocco" was released. No maximum box-office Dull can be obtained by the average show in the average town with- Jqff Lazarus Is Another To Place Faith in Newspapers! I have a request from you asking that I put on paper what I think is the best form of the- atre advertising, and why. This is not so easy to answer as might appear. A theatre can advertise in newspapers, over the radio, via billboards, on its screen and on its "front." All of these have their particular purpose and unquestioned circulations. Each one requires its own treatment, and in turn, entails a different cost. I'he resulting variant of price per prospect makes the value question difficult, both to distinguish and determine . . . Personally, I would try to use them all in any operation I might have. If, however, by some freak of circumstance, I was forced to select one of them and at the same time sacrifice all others, I believe I would pick newspapers. Newspapers have a maximum circulation at a minimum price ; they have the weight of accepted authority behind them ; they get into the homes ; they await the reader's leisure, unlike the radio which one must catch at its convenience, or not at all; they are the accepted source of information in the sense that the average person, desirous of learning what picture is where, will peruse the drama page of his daily newspaper ; and by grouping the general information about all the shows in a given town on that drama page, in the company of interesting copy, photographs and feature columns, they have the acknoweldged Forum on the subject of what's going on in the amusement world. In the advertising budget of almost all ad- vertisers in this country, newspapers come first. Radio is pressing them hard in some instances and we have all of us occasionally done things on our screens or in show windows of co-oper- ating merchants, with ballyhoos, or elsewhere, which created temporary sensations ; but the one best day-in-and-day-out opportunity to send a changing and current message to a cross-section of your public, with a fair ex- pectation of having it seen by a maximum num- ber of people, remains the columns of local newspapers. There are some newspapers so badly edited, or so poorly circulated that they do not de- serve to be included in the above category. Fortunately they are so far in the minority that, in this analysis, we can ignore them. out a good newspaper campaign, in the writer's belief. Did I hear someone say "Suppose you have no newspaper available, what then?" Very few towns are so small as to be with- out, at least a weekly newspaper, and, by the way, don't ever discount the value of a good weekly, as they are read from cover to cover. However, should you have no newspapers, then, you must, of necessity, rely upon your screen, your front and exploitation suitable to your community. Aside, from the newspaper, the writer would be rather inclined to give the screen preferance over all other media. You are selling to an amusement conscious type when you sell prop- erly from the screen. You are not, however, reaching out and creating new theatre-goers, as you can do with newspapers and good fronts. Having glanced over this "Additional Epistle to Those Anxious to Sell More Tickets" the writer wonders if he will not be accused of press agenting newspapers. Maybe so, but, at any rate, you've got an elaborated opinion based upon actual experience. 58 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 4 , 19 3 1 THANK ORLOVE FOR THIS ONE! You can work out all the queer twists in the world to get the kids into your theatre, but when it comes to start- ing the kids, and the whole darn town, too, gabbing about YOUR theatres, then you can strut around with your chest stuck out a mile and crow as lone and as loud as you wish. It will be coming to you, and how. Louis Orlove, energetic manager of the Uptown The- atre in Milwaukee, Wis., pulled one of the real nifties of the year by erecting a shower alongside of his theatre so the kids can come 'round in their bathing suits and cool off. His theatre could never afford to spend the money for paid advertising that they secured through free publicity by reason of this timely and showmanlike stunt. And the way the whole community has been talking ever since he started the kids' free shower is again worth the weight of a couple a dozen of those youngsters in gold. We'll tell you more about this latest Orlove idea in the next issue, providing it arrives in time. But take our word for it, it's a corker. Splendid Work Done By Harry Gammett Boosts His Receipts The splendid campaigns, one on "Front Page" and one on "Indiscreet," were recently made by Harry Gammett, manager of the Globe Theatre, Bethlehem, Pa., which went a long way ;==^=^^=^^^;;^^= toward making the box office of this house hum with activity. Harry does not claim any originality for any of the stunts he employed but we believe the angles by which they were handled prove very interesting to all Club members. With "Front Page" Gammett made a successful tie-up with his local newspaper and a number of merchants, getting a full co-op page gratis to the theatre. Each merchant gave a limit- ed number of passes to the first purchasers of "Front Page" bargains. In addition, he had the front page of one issue, imprinted in red with "Don't Miss Front Page at the Globe . . ." delivered in all surrounding towns ; also, copies of a regular evening edition with the same imprint, were delivered house to house and store to store in the city. Three sandwich men were also sent out, each with one word of the title on the front of sign and catchlines, date of show and name of theatre on rear of board. Advertising was also arranged for tire covers on taxis and private cars. The newspaper generously co-operated with readers and a cut show- ing how front of New York Rivoli appeared when the picture played that house. A novelty ad, in the form of a sensational front page make-up, was also run in advance of the showing. On "Indiscreet" Harry secured a window in a leading department store at one of the principal intersections in the city, this store having never sub- scribed but once before to this type of exploitation. It was a tie-up with photos of gowns worn by Miss Swan- son and the paper gave Gammett a fine break by reproducing a photo of the window, together with a story which brought out the fact that the star was making a screen appearance at the Globe. The cut and story ran three columns by 6 inches. Readers will note the attractiveness of the dis- play by the accompanying photo. The photos used in the window were color- ed ones obtained from the New York United Artists office and he had them mounted in the frames. We are also reproducing on this page a photo of a stunt which Gammett tells us attracted plenty of attention when he played "Dracula." The figure you see in the photo appeared on Bethlehem streets with green grease paint on his face and green powder over same. His lips were painted red to carry out the vampire theme. From time to time he would spread the wings of the cape and display the lettering. It made them talk, says Harry, and as a result "Dracula" had a very successful opening. Three days preceding the opening of this picture one of the loud-speaker cal- liopes was employed for another street ballyhoo. Good work, Harry, and it is the Club's sincere wish that the Summer be as productive of good business for you as has this Spring. Continue to keep us informed about show-selling down your way and give the Club's regards to Frank Mickley when you see him. We know that you are both busy managers but we're going to count on support from you both for future contributions to these columns. Return Of "Name" Attractions Seen; Some Publicity Tips The build-up of an orchestra leader and orchestra when bill- ed at the World Theatre, Oma- ha, Neb., and the attendant sell- out of the attraction, is inter- esting in view of the fact that ~ there appears to be a return of the "name" movement on at this time. In this instance, credit is bestowed upon Manager William Miskell and District Advertising Manager Irving Waterstreet. It is a splendid example of what advertising and publicity will ac- complish in the way of putting over a comparatively unknown personality. Outside of a few night-owls who sat up late enough to hear Duke Ellington broadcast from the Cotton Club in New York City, practically no one in Omaha ever heard of him. For the first move a publicity tie-up was made with a leading newspaper to sponsor the orchestra's appearance at a Milk and Ice Fund benefit. This netted a total of 1,610 lines and eight-column heads in preferred positions. Other stunts included the analyzation of Ellington's handwriting; the placing of a bet that Ellington would make so much money he couldn't carry it off the stage (the gag being that he was paid with a sack full of pennies) and as a forfeit he played a piano on a flat truck at a busy street intersection; 9 music store tie-ups and a 72 x 33 foot banner, and the advance showing of a talking short made by Ellington. The above is just a tip-off of what can be done to build up an unknown name and it is the Club's belief that if this return-of-the- name-movement gathers sufficient headway a few of these gags may become useful to its members. For this reason it is set forth at this particular time. The Club would like to hear of more experi- ences along this line, so shoot in your ideas, boys. ED. J. CANGLEY Says: "Have been a member of your 'ROUND TABLE CLUB' practically since its inception, am a constant reader of other managers' ideas, and have derived much pleasure and many workable ideas from same." Manager, Tioga Theatre, Oswego, N. Y. July 4 , 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 59 Kerasotes Stages Chaplin Ballyhoo That Made Record Go To Church This Morning THIS IS EASTER »4ilNC0lilSi ' THE PANIC TODAY 'Lights' Nicks Chi Record CHICAGO IS NOT THE ONLY CITY THAT KNOWS A GOOD PICTURE WHEN IT SEES ONE SPRINGFIELD GIVES CHAPLIN HIS GREATEST WELCOME Yesterday crowds Jamni«d Monro* Street— they camo from everywhere— it was ■* 11 all Springfield hid declared ■ holiday and rushed to see this oew laugh rioll At a total cost of but twenty- five dollars Gus Kerasotes, man- ager of the Senate Theatre, Springfield, 111, staged a Chap- lin ballyhoo on "City Lights" that helped this house hang up an attendance record for the week's run. And while the Club is on this particular subject it wants to mention that credit is also due Dave Jones, the above-named manager's able assistant. With a local newspaper sponsoring the event Kerasotes put on a Chaplin make-up contest that had the entire downtown section of the city laughing their heads off. On Saturday, at noon time, the kiddie contest- ants gathered at the news- paper office just before the opening of the theatre. They were then formed for a single file parade and preceded by motorcycle police escort marched through the business district during lunch hour, just when everyone was quit- ting work for the day. A ballyhoo car was placed be- tween the marchers and the police escort and Gus states the sidewalks were lined with circus day crowds. The par- ade then marched to the the- atre where they were lined up on the stage for judging the best make-up. The prizes were turned over to the news- paper and each day during the week the paper carried generous readers to build up interest in the coming event. In addition to the prizes, all boys who marched received a free ticket to the show. The accompanying photos will give you an idea of the large number of contestants and how the winners looked on the stage. We also want to call attention to the type of newspaper adver- tising being turned out by Springfield theatres. Note the copy a1 top of one ad reading "Go to Church This Morning — and Take Your Entire Family. This Is Easter." And in another : "Chi- cago Is Not the Only City that Knows a Good Picture When It Sees One." The record Chi- cago gross on "City Lights" is boxed in the upper left of the ad. This is corking copy in both of these ads and the Club takes pleasure in presenting it to its members. Ballyhooing, according to many uninformed experts, is a dead issue in show-business, yet if those experts were to go through the experience of run- ning a theatre in an average small town or city, they would be surprised to~learn how much strength is placed in these novel interest-attracting gags when they are pulled at intervals. It is the constant plugging of time-worn gags that takes the kick out of them. CHARLIE CHAPLIN SENATE NasLa Higk Sckooi CIo89 of 1931 MICKEY'S GRADUATION CARD! Ernest L. Hickey, manager of the Mort Shea houses m Nashua, N. H., never yet let an opportunity slip by to capital- ize on a timely situation, and this graduation stunt is typical of his usual activities. Every member of the graduation class at high school received one of these neat invitations and congratulation cards. The general layout, as well as the text, were all befitting of the oc- casion. Ernest cer- tainly knows how to surround his ideas in the proper dress. The reason we make men- tion of this is because so many other man- agers have used ideas along these lines, but, unfortunately, the in- vitation card was poorly laid out or printed and therefore detracted from the success of the stunt. We have published many forms of cards for graduation pur- poses and this one should be "clocked" in your ticker file for future reference. Those who make it a point to keep records of this odd slant on showmanship always know where to find an idea when they are in need of one. ay we (nice lliis opportunity cere con^ratalatlona for your oooon.pl mcnt of your HigL Scliool career snJ tviali jou continneJ your future cnj. x. Trcmont Tkcotre No.l,„«. N. H. Tl,;, „ill »J„,i, Lcrcr .„J on.. ou ^ucHls, Juring tlio weclc of June 15. Lahy Used Crying Towels For Patrons To Plug 'East Lynne' A couple of weeks ago your chairman wrote a letter of thanks to G. Laby, Washington S^. Olympia Theatre, Boston, Mass., acknowledging a new members drive he recently made =^^^^^=^^^^=^=^=^ which netted the Club about twenty new names. But while we were writing him we couldn't very well tell his fellow members that he very effectively used a neat little red-bordered "crying towel" when he played "East Lynne." The towel was enclosed in a transparent paper envelope and the latter carried the message : "Weep With Ann Harding In the Screen's Supreme Success" — with theatre ad at bottom. The Club can put you in touch with the source of this kind of material if you care to know, or drop a line to Laby and he'll tell you. Pay Day Letter Gag Proves a Good Trade Boost For Alexander Pay day in department stores and among the several shoe fac- tories in his community was used to good advantage in exploiting "Honor Among Lovers" by L. Alexander, man- =====^== ager of the Rivoli Theatre, Rox- , bury, Mass. On the pay day before the play date arrangements were made to hand each employees an envelope containing a copy of the letter we are reproducing. The envelope was addressed in large type "GIRLS," and in smaller italics, "Suppose Your Boss Dictated This Letter to You." Heading the letter is: "And If Your Boss Were Young, Wealthy, and Handsome . . . Would You Believe There's Honor Among Lovers ?" The letter went on to state that the writer was not the marrying kind and that his code was to be true as long as love lasts. It ended with a refusal to marry the girl but intimated willingness to con- tinue the affair even after the girl was married to another. Alexander also had a cut-out made in the shape of a bottle with a still of Charles Ruggles, calling attention that Charles Ruggles was not interested in Lovers, but in something else. Both went over big, he tells us, and helped put the house over the week he played this picture. Good work, Alex, and the Club hopes that you will continue to let it know all you are doing in the way of boosting receipts at the Rivoli. 60 MOTION PICTURE HERALD- July 4, 19 3 1 DON'T DELAY TOO LONG! "In time of peace, prepare for war" someone once chirped, so we'll chirp along and suggest that in slow, summer days, prepare for the busy fall and winter season. Wouldn't it be a good idea to look the house over during July with a view of possibly improving its appearance when your new season gets under way? Planning on changes for the front, the marquee, the lighting, the lobby frames, and so on right through from front to back. Why let it go until late August when you may be rushed on preparations for opening the greater movie season through extensive publicity and advertising campaigns. Your janitorial crew can be used to good advantage during the warm weeks to come while the furnace and boilers are off their shoulders. They could be spending some time on cleaning old bulbs, redipping, painting and touching up display frames, etc. Or a complete relamping of those hard-to-reach coves. Lower the hanging fixtures. Waterproofing the marquee roofs, going through the hangirg ceiling for a complete clean-up. The coal storage bins must be put in shape to receive the winter's supply of fuel. Boilers should be cleaned out and conditioned for service before cool weather arrives. The alert manager NEVER leaves these things go until the last moment, that's why he's alert. Any manager who neglects his house or waits emergencies to prove how fast he can attend to them will never make a district or division managership. To be one of the latter you must be an executive, and executives know how to plan their work in advance and to anticipate trouble before it gets them into a jam. Taxi Banner Plays Important Part In Caldwell Campaign We don't know how many taxi-cabs are in his city, but it is a fact that 100 of them re- cently assisted Wally Caldwell, manager of the Valentine Thea- tre, in a part of his exploitation ^==^=-^^^^=^==^^^= campaign on "Front Page." Wally made arrangements with one of the big fleet owners to carry a streamer, such as you will see in the accompany photo, on the rear window of each cab. The sign announced to all Toledo that the picture was playing at the Valentine NOW. The strips remained on the cabs during the entire week's engage- ment of the picture. Taxis do circulate, Wally, and cir- culation of your message was what you wanted, wasn't it? Glad to hear that the gag helped swell attendance at your house. Taxi tie-ups, like most everything else, cannot be used too often. You know you would soon tire of ham and eggs if you had it fed to you every other day. The same applies to exploitation and tie-ups. Taxis used for this sort of co-operative advertising should not be utilized for any one theatre more than about once in a month. Then it can be emphasized. Elving Gains New Patrons Through Use Of Novel Gag During Anniversary Week the stunt which proved most productive in the way of city- wide publicity for J. C. Ewing, manager of the Colonial, Water- town, S. D., was a story in the "i ■ . paper calling attention to the fact that any citizen who had never seen a talking picture would be admitted that week free of charge. This also applied to the Lyric in Watertown, managed by Percy Long. Both houses entertained over a hundred potential new patrons during the week. Ewing also used a co-op truck on "It Pays to Advertise" to ex- cellent returns. Copy tie-in was the filling in of slogans used by the merchants whose ads appeared in the truck. Ewing is also using a "railroad" herald for mailing outside the city which is going over well. It is in the form of a railroad ticket and is given circulation within a radius of 35 miles. Courtesy of a free "excur- sion" ticket is extended through a written notice on back of the herald. Percy Long is responsible for the copy on herald calling- attention to "points of interest." The Club is glad to hear that the above worked out so nicely for you and Long, J. C, and thank you for passing them along. Let us hear from you again in the near future. Bill Brown Makes Successful Tie - Up With Local Scouts In conjunction with Boys' Week, William Brown, man- ager of the Fox-Marboro The- atre, Brooklyn, N. Y., arranged with a local troop of Boy Scouts for the loan of a complete set of Scout artcraft for a foyer display when he played "Leaders In the Making," a picture of Scout life at camp. Two Boy Scouts were detailed to act as guards and stood on each side of the dis- play during both matinees and evenings. Boys' Week ran from April 2Sth to May 2nd and we think that this one will serve to file away for future use inasmuch as Brown tells us the display was used the entire week and attracted considerable attention. We are reproducing a photo of the art- craft collection so that you may see how it was arranged. Thanks, Bill, for your contribution. /. /. Dempsey's Dog Contest Good Stunt On ''Devil To Pay" Much interest was taken in a recent newspaper contest ar- ranged by J. J. Dempsey, man- ager of the Strand Theatre, Lowell, Mass., which turned out to be a real trade puller for this house. Ronald Colman in "Devil to Pay" was booked for the Strand and Dempsey seized upon the idea of giving away a brother of the wire haired fox terrier owned by the star. Any boy or girl under 16 years of age could compete for the dog by writing a letter to the theatre on "Why I Would Like to Own a Dog," the animal to be awarded to the writer of the best letter. To the writers of the next twenty best letters the Strand stated that it would award two guest tickets good for the following week. The Club has Dempsey's newspaper clippings at hand and be- lieve us when we tell you that the papers splendidly co-operated in the matter of publicity for the stunt. There are several two-column stories, photos of Colman and his dog and as a wind-up, it published the story and photo of the winner and his dog. The wire hair fox is a popular pet these days and a stunt of this kind is bound to get public interest. And what youngster isn't interested in owning a good dog? Thanks, J. J., for remembering the Club. AN ATTRACTIVE FRONT ON "RANGO"! One of the last of many successful campaigns put over by Ed C. Schmadeka before he left his post as manager of the Liberty The- atre, Lewiston, Idaho, was in connection with the showing of "Rango." Note the effective marquee sign and attractive lobby displays. July 4. 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 61 Oliver Arranges Atmospheric Set On 'Doorway To HelV ^^f- °i *e Gem Theatre Pres- His conception of what "The Doorway to Hell" looked like aroused a lot of public interest when Charles J. Oliver, man- cott, Ark., played the picture . bearing the foregoing title. You will note by the accompanying photo that a stone work-effect set was built on top of the marquee, with doors at both sides. The doorways were covered with red crepe paper and for night display a red light was placed at the back of each entrance. We don't know whether the photo is clear enough for you to see the devils, but there's one at each door, painted red and made from compo-board. The banner-cloth sign reads : "Lew Ayres, Star of 'All Quiet' in the Greatest Fight Against Crime, the 'Doorway to Hell'." Oliver tells the Club the above worked for him so he's passing it along with a hope that some other member will want to use the gag. Did you, or did you not send in that membership application, Charles? We cannot seem to locate same in our files. Next time you write, will you let us know? And thanks for the above contribution. Louis Stein Sends A Dandy Stimulant For Summer Season Promotion of a club whereby members become entitled to free lessons in dancing or musical instruction is proving a corking means of sustaining attendance through the summer months for =^^=^===== Lou Stein, manager of the Ritz Theatre, Newark, N. J. He has made a tie-up with a local school of recognized import- ance in the teaching of dancing and music, whereby the kiddies who attend Saturday afternoon performances are entitled to take a free lesson. They are given a card, which bears numbers from 1 to 12. These are punched each time a theatre admission is purchased. Every punch permits the holder to receive a free lesson. The school pays the entire cost of the stunt, including printing cost of cards and leaflets. Incidentally, a statement on the card reads to the ef- fect that members must attend ten out of the twelve Saturday matinees in order to participate in a free matinee. It also states that it is not necessary to own an instrument at time of entry and calls attention to choice of lessons. The school accepts the tie-up chiefly because it keeps the ball rolling through the dull season, gives it publicity and a future op- portunity to obtain permanent paying pupils at the start of the September season. This looks like a corker, Lou, and we are cheer- fully passing it along for the benefit of your brother Round Tablers. As you state, the kid actually gets a dollar lesson in lieu of a kiddie admission, and that ought to prove interesting to the musically in- clined. And what youngster isn't interested in some kind of musical instrument, or dancing? Don't stop with this one, Lou, but shoot some more along as soon as you can get to it. A MIDNIGHT PREMIERE IN CLEVELAND COUNTRY CLUB TIE-UPS! Although every other source has been contacted and re-contacted time and again, the golf and country clubs have been a little out- side the usual line of theatre exploitation. Now along comes the golf shorts which opens up this angle to theatre, and as to be expected, they are taking full advantage of the situation. Here it is but a short time since these golf sub- jects were released and we are swamped with country club-golf tournament tie-ups of all sorts. And the best part of it all, is the fact that they work out well for everyone concerned. Charlie Carroll's tournament for the Stanley Theatre in Jersey City has gone over with a bang. We told you about the event prior to the actual tournament some time ago. Now we hear from Ralph Cokian, youthful, but dynamic advertising director for the Fourth Avenue Amusement Co. of Indiana, who, with the aid of tear sheets and clippings, proves how effective a similar tournament was for their Indiana Theatre in Marion. He worked his tournament campaign in conjunction with the Junior Association of Commerce, a live-wire body of business men, and between them they work up sufficient interest to bring every golfer (and near golfer) out on the course for the qualifying round. After turning in their score cards they were made up into foursomes as equally matched as their qualifying round indicated. This stunt had the entire county talking and proved an excep- tionally fine plug for the Bobbie Jones series. As for the free publicity secured through the local papers, a rough estimate from the clipping sent us shows about 1700 lines of reader items per- taining to the tournament. Now "ain't that sumpin'?" Other theatres showing, or expecting to show, the Jones or other golf series should give this slant plenty of serious thought. It certainly opens up a new avenue of exploitation to the live- wire manager who wants to capitalize on a short subject well worth the effort. More information and details about this form of tie-up will be made available from week to week as we recount the activities of those showmen who are putting them over successfully. Don't pass up this angle. Thanks a lot Cokain for passing along the clippings, etc., on your great tournament. If any of the members write direct for further dope, please oblige by helping them out. Kelly Ballyhoo On ''Charley's Aunt" A Great Help, He says M. A. Malaney, of the Loew-Cleveland forces, engineered the Mid- night Premiere of "City Lights" at the Loew-Stillman Theatre. It was attended by an elaborate campaign which included many novel stunts such as the impersonator shown in the above photo. The man dressed up in wo- man's clothes gag was an excel- lent helpmate for S. R. O. busi- ness on "Charley's Aunt," writes Tames A. Kelly, manager of the Smoot Theatre, Parkersburg, = W. Va. Kelly tells us that he worked this ballyhoo on the Saturday before playing the picture, especial attention being given to all five and ten-cent stores and other busy merchandising cen- ters. It proved a hilarious laugh-getter and James uses the personal pronoun when he says : "I clowned it quite extensively." Now we ask you, Kelly, is the accompanying photo one of yourself? If so, tip off your brother members so they'll know what a good make-up artist you may be when they see another photo which you have in mind to send the Club for its files. Just as we said a few pages back in the Kerasotes story, this kind of theatre ballyhooing is going strong for many a theatre and will continue to do so as long as the showmen keep on originating new and novel ideas to keep up the patrons' interests in what is going on theatrically in the town. Small town and city situations can- not be compared to big city conditions. The larger city grows blase, it is true, and street ballyhoos are not taken any too seriously or otherwise. But in the smaller communities, there are few things in the course of a day to attract any too much at- tention, that is one of the reasons why these laugh-provokers click most of the time and really attract business to the box office. We should hate to see the day when theatre exploitation ends up in lobby displays and programs. It would be like taking the life-blood from the institution of entertainment to deprive it of the many odd twists which come through exploitation and ballyhooing and we feel sure that certain publics would miss the stunts to the same degree that the loss v/ould be felt by the theatre. 62 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 4, 193 1 AND NOW IT IS — COWS!!! We've all heard about popularity contests, kiddie contests, dancing contests, singing contests and other varieties of con- tests, but it remained for Manager L'Esperance of the Fox California Theatre in San Diego, Cal, to put over a cow- milking contest. Yep ! Them's what we said. A cow-milking contest. And with real honest-to-goodness cows, too. Then to make it still more entertaining and novel, L'Esperance restricted the con- testants to women only. A tie-up with a local dairy farm turned the trick and be- sides the dairy outfit ballyhooed the town and suburbs with a fleet of their trucks led by a big van containing several live cows. Also, a peach of a lobby display in which they faithfully promised "real, live cows" for the contest. Need we add that they received some great publicity breaks, plus a packed house? You figure it out for yourself. Archibald Plugged Produce Dealers On "Lemon Of Orange" In order to build up addi- tional interest in his attraction, "Mr. Lemon of Orange," R. E. Archibald, manager of the Fox Orpheum Theatre in Pocatello, Idaho, made an arrangement =;^=^=;^== through the local produce deal- ers for an orange-lemon week in which all of the grocers were given a discount on such produce providing they featured this particular week in connection with the showing of the picture at the theatre. He cemented the tie-up so strongly that it was the topic of con- versation throughout the town for not only the run of the picture, but for several weeks after, which constitutes mighty good plugging for any house. As far as the theatre end was concerned, we show you here the photograph of how he dressed up the front which is quite limited in space and must therefore be arranged to fit the small confines of his entrance. In addition a most attractive display on the inside of the lobby consisting of neatly arranged crepe paper banners, tin- sel, the word "Sunkist" on the oranges and a display of the fruit itself. We get quite a kick out of broadcasting Mr. Archibald's activi- ties because they carry such a decidedly novel slant and this one is no exception. It might also be well to keep in mind that these produce dealers are just as anxious for a tie-up as the drug store on the corner or the ice cream parlor up the street, but if you pass them by, you are passing by a great bet and you ought to dope out some ways and means of getting them interested in the theatre's activities. In fact, any plans which direct attention to the theatre and its attractions is good merchandising in any man's town. We'll be telling you more about R. E. Archibald in early issues of the Club pages and we feel certain that he will continue to keep us posted on his fine show-selling. Foster Remembers Mother's Day And B. 0. Reaps Reward Just to let the Club know that he's taking advantage of every opportunity which presents it- self to promote good will and publicity for his house G. H. Foster, manager of the Kenton ==^^=^== Theatre, Kenton, Ohio, sends along a clipping from his local newspaper giving an account of a Mothers' Day observance. The account goes on to state that twenty-two mothers, 70 years and over, were guests of Warner Bros. Kenton at the Second Annual Mothers' Day observance. Names of those who attended the show- ing were published. Good work, G. H., and we note that the paper nicely played up your work on the above. Just another example of free space plus good will, boys, so go to it ! Get yours. Hobby Puts Over A Tough One And Wins Out at B. 0. Booked during Holy Week and offering but little in the way of exploitation values, "The W Plan" was put over the top in corking style by Jack L. Hobby, manager of the RKO Victory ==^=^;=;^^^=^^^-= Theatre, Providence, R. I., after thoroughly dissecting same for possible angles to sell to his community. The sum total of his efforts will be seen in his statement that despite the off-week, busi- ness developed to an extent that was gratifying to all concerned. The campaign consisted of the following items : 200 one-sheets (illustrated) sniped in prominent windows throughout the city; 10,000 exchange heralds, given careful dis- tribution house-to-house; two large 10 x 20 feet banners, hung from the upright sign in front of the theatre; one 24-sheet head over entrance of theatre at sidewalk; five American Legion Bugle and Drum Corps, appearing and performing on theatre stage (two of them composed entirely of women) ; newspaper publicity in connection with the appearance of drum corps, and the running of a novelty ad, giving a personal endorsement to the picture. Otherwise, says Hobby, very little was done ; but, from what we learn, plenty to bring a very satisfactory return irom this foreign- made picture and this Club member is to be commended for put- ting it over. Incidentally, Jack, accept the Club congratulations for winning that $50 check and trip to Boston on the "Dirigible" con- test, and be sure to keep us posted as to what you are doing over in Providence. Schlatten's Finger Print Club Boosts Trade For A Serial The kiddies literally swamp- ed the lobby to join a "Finger Print Club" which was used to boost business for the serial "Finger Prints," writes M. Schlatten, manager of the Ma- ' jestic Theatre, New York City. And believe it or not, he states, after this manager thought up the idea he saw the same plan out- lined in a press book. At any rate, the idea behind the Club is to promote kiddie at- tendance on Saturday morning matinees throughout the ten episodes of the picture. A card is issued to each kid and bears a print of the fingers as a supposed means of identification. Schlatten also ran a trailer in connection with the Club idea which stated that all children attending the first nine episodes would be admitted free of charge to the tenth. Alright, Schlatten, we'll let you and the press book wrestle for honors on this one and will pass the idea along for some other member to use. Press book or otherwise, as long as it got the busi- ness it rates space in these columns. Let the Club know what else is doing on show-selling up your way. COVERED WAGONS IN ALABAMA When Earle Oscar played the "Big Trail" at the Ritz Theatre, Athens, Ala., a street ballyhoo consisting of a covered wagon, five riders dressed in regulation Western style and a lone dog proved an effective means of arousing public interest. July 4, 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 63 Hilly er's Campaign Builds Up Theatre Held In Disrepute Downs Theatre Building up patronage of a theatre held in disrepute is a subject which has come in for considerable discussion ^on these pages, but as it is one which will continue to arise just as long as a situation pro- duces the combination of an incapable manager plus the booking of inferior entertainment, the Club will continue to consider a condition of this sort vital to brother members — for who knows just when the word will come: "You are to be transferred to such and such a house. It's run down and we want you to build it up." The case we have in mind at this writing is related to the Club by M. N. HiUyer, manager of the Downs The- atre, Downs, Kan., who, see- ing the house for the first time took over the entire re- sponsibility of film buying, booking, advertising, exploita- tion and house management — all in a single day. It did not take HiUyer long to discover that business was terrible. The house had been brutally run down and towns- people nursed a long-standing a'ttitude that good entertain- ment simply couldn't be pre- sented in the local theatre. Concrete roads, autos, and better shows were luring them to other theatres as far as twenty miles away. And these houses had superior sound equipment and circuit connec- tions. Moreover, HiUyer found that among his handicaps there existed among a certain element in the community an almost unbelievable attitude of opposition to all motion pictures, a feeUng of such force that it presented a real problem. It was a situation which demanded diversified treatment of exploitation ideas in a limited field. As a part of a campaign to break down opposition to the notion that "no pictures were worth seeing," HiUyer presented "Outward Bound," a picture which members will recall as having a distinct appeal to a critical element. In a generous three-column ad he signed a personal endorsement of the film, outlined the plot and also featured excerpts from reviews of well known first-night critics. Prior to the ad a series of teasers were spotted a week in advance on every page of the local paper. A herald was also treated in the general mood of the campaign. Especial attention was given to personal messages directed toward the so-called "reform" element. Some of the above may sound trite to some seasoned show- men in the big cities, but the point we stress here is that Downs is a small community — less than 2,000 population — and Hill- yer's methods plus the generous space used in newspaper ad- vertising in a community of this size, appear worthy of com- ment. We are reproducing some of the ads which accom- panied his letter. Thanks, M. N., for sending this in. We are sure that the enterprise you are displaying will put you over the top. And let's hear from you some more. Material continues to reach Club headquarters without proper identi- fication, especially photos and newspaper tear sheets. PLEASE make it a point to write your name and theatre address on such material so as to help us keep it from being lost. Photos to be returned, must be marked accordingly. They will be mailed back as soon as cuts have been made and the story pre- pared for publication. Your co-operation on these matters will be appreciated. WEATHER NOTE When the thermom hit 93 on Saturday an enterprising movie house owner on 8th Avenue had a signmaker rush over a sign reading: "It is 40 degrees cooler in here!" The sign enticed Lou Holtz, v/ho ankled into the theatre only to be struck in the face by a rush of hot wind. On his way out he saw a prostrate man on the floor. "Who's that guy?" asked Holtzie. "That," was the reply devastating, "is the theatre owner !" — Winchell, N. Y. Mirror. Yearning For Radio Set Brings 20,000 Ballots To Yurman A tie-up with a neighborhood home furnishing store, with a modern radio set as the stake, netted an excellent return at the B. O. for Jules Yurman, man- ager of the Manhattan Theatre, New York City. The stunt was put under way four weeks prior to making the award and at the time it closed Yurman tells the Club there were 20,000 participants, or, at least, that many ballots to testify to local inter- est in the possession of the radio. But one condition was imposed — that of attending the theatre on the night award was made. The store donated the set. Well, Jules, that's a lot of votes, say we. It almost makes us want to get in the radio business. The Club is glad to know that this gag went over so nicely and thanks for passing it along to your as- sociates. It's a hard proposition to put over ex- ploitation in a city like New York, as any local showman can tell you. That is why we grasp every possible opportunity of passing along the activities of these city managers. Let's hope we get lots more, not only from Yurman, but others as well. MONDAY and TUESDAY, March 16-17. "Together Forever!— Tonight at Midnight." WA5NER BROS. Present tlie Strangest Story Ever Told — DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS, Jr. — HELEN GHANDLEE..— LESLIE HOWARD — BERYL MERCES — ALEC B. FRANCIS mUlIIDHI Heavenly Picture of a Heavenly Hell TO OUR PATRONS.-r- Last iall> I saw "Outward Bound"-at the ■fratTO'«r Theatre in ^New York City. I left the per- formance conscious of haying: witnessed the most moving and powerfully significant thing the present generation has bi^ought forth. It stands as a triumph of screen drama. . sincerely and sensitively produced a film play above criticism or reproach'. It represents a challenge to people of all classes and creeds, for tolerance, sympathy and nnderstanding. We present "Outward Bound" in Downs in' a spirit of keeping faith, and urge every man and woman who believes, or doesn't believe, that the motion picture can achieve true- greatness to see this masterful drama. Its sbeer simplicity of. production, characterizaltion and story is beyond description.— something to remember for weeks. .M. N. HiUyer, Mgr. Mo'rdaunt Hall, famous critics of the New York Times:— ('When the picture came to an end, there was a genuine outburst of applause .it was a memorable 'evening, a picture that sends one away deeply moved — — One felt that the men and women present were more kindly on leaving the theatre than wheii they entered." 64 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 4, 19 3 1 So Hey And Hart Turn Out A Novel Front On "Trader" It's so easy for the average big theatre to turn out some- thing unusual in an atmospheric front that it is almost monoto- nous to talk about it any longer — even though vi^e are still anxious to encourage such ac- tivity, BUT, when a small the- atre can do a job like the one pictured vi^ith this story then it IS time to stand up and shout about it. This "Trader Horn" front was built entirely "home-made" by none other than the theatre's projectionist and manager; unaided or assisted by outside help. Now, ain't that sumpin' ? We'll say it is, and then some. The operator. Bill Hart, under the supervision and assistance of Mr. C. M. Solley, the manager, worked in the spare time between and after regular shows to turn out this fine piece of work and they certainly are to be congratulated on the results. The Rose Theatre is located in Bastrop, La., and is typical of the average run of theatres in that section with the added edge that they are go-getters in exploitation and other activities. There seems to be little or no reason for their patrons to go elsewhere out of town for their entertainment with live-wire methods keeping them — and gladly — right in town to patronize their own theatre. We are grateful for this opportunity of showing what these boys are doing and hope it sets an example for other showmen in small towns to get out of the rut of "just a picture show" and inject some real showmanship into their methods and theatres. ROUND TABLE CLUB EMBLEM PIN ! ! ! Use This Blank: Managers' Round Table Club MOTION PICTURE HERALD 1790 Broadway, New York Kindly send me, postpaid, Chib pins, for which I enclose payment at $1.00 per pin. "Name of Member. Theatre Address City State. Midnight Preview Revived In Elyria By Tommy Wear, Jr. Inauguration ot special Mid- night Preview showings on Sat- urday nights is apparently prov- ing a popular innovation at the Capitol Theatre, Elyria, Ohio, a house managed by Tommy Wear, Jr. Tommy bought generous space in the local daily to tell Elyrians all about the new schedule and issued a two-color herald on the occasion of the first performance, "Svengali." As a further booster for the midnight show he has adopted a policy of allotting a section of seats for local organiza- tions or any special delegation that happens to be visiting his town during the week-end. According to Club observations. Midnight shows have been up and down as far as popularity is concerned for several years. At one time they were all the rage, particularly in the smaller cities where there appears to be a certain set who get a great kick out of making plans to stay up for a late show. There have also been cases where they have been tried for a while, then abandoned, only to be revived as a welcome change of amusement diet. As far as pursuing a policy of this kind is concerned, it is obviously a matter which local conditions must decide. We are glad to hear that the revival of the idea is working out nicely for Tommy Wear and hope to hear more of his activities out in Elyria. Popham Cashes In On House Robbery With Cracked Safe A robbery which occurred at his theatre and apprehension of the thieves furnished a corking publicity gag on "Paid" when this picture was played by W. A. Popham, manager of the Starland Theatre, Winnipeg, Man., Canada. Popham took the cracked safe, which bore mute evidence of burglar's handicraft, and placed it well in front of the ticket booth for a lobby flash on the above named picture. Three of the burglars were caught and for catchlines he used : "They PAID with 5 Years of Their Lives for Breaking this Safe. You Will Be Paid With Two Hours of First Class Entertain- ment When You See Joan Crawford in 'Paid'." Three sandwich men and the un- employed gag were also used for the above picture, the copy reading, "I Am Being 'PAID' by the Starland Theatre to Help the Unemployed. You Will Be 'PAID' With Two Hours of First Class Entertainment, etc." Popham sent along evidence of the cracked safe and we are publishing a photo on this page to back him up. Now don't some of you fellows ar- range to have your safe cracked just because this manager got a break this way because Popham is not recom- mending this as a general procedure; and, neither are we. But the two events dovetailed nicely and Pop- ham did cash in on something which can be termed "just one of those things." We are also in receipt of photos which show that a very attractive general front was used but the photography is so faint that it cannot be accurately reproduced. In the meantime, watch your safe, W. A., and don't let burglars steal any of that material you've stored away to send the Club. Vest Pocket Size Programs Popular In Wellsville, N. Y. A vest pocket size booklet containing a list of attractions for the month has proved a means of keeping his patrons informed on shows, writes Or- estis Macris, assistant manager ' of the Temple Theatre, Wells- ville, N. Y. The booklet meas- ures about 2x4 inches and bears the name of the house on the cover. There is enough advertising distributed through its leaves and on back cover to fully cover the cost of printing. " Macris tells the Club that they arc being carried around and that there is much less 'phoning in to find out what's playing and when. Give the Club's regards to our old friend, Tom Roberts, Mack, when you see him and continue to keep us posted on Wellsville show business. July 4, 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 65 CHAIN THEATRE ADS SOME KEY CITIES./ 66 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 4, 19 3 1 Seeking Advancement On The Right Track! AL STODDARD is the manager of the Rex Theatre in the city of Madison- ville, Texas, and his appHcation justifies a statement that this Club is extending greetings to new members from the Southwest every few days. Let us know how show business is going along down your way, Stoddard, and why not send along a photo of yourself so we can show other members a sample of your looks? Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! BURT COUGHLAN is in charge of the Peoples Theatre, Maynard, Mass., and upon receipt of his application it is the Club's hope that it will be able to count on hearing all about what this new mem- ber is doing to boost business for his house. What was that last good stunt you put over, Coughlan? Let's know next time you write. Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! P. A. BOONE is the manager of the Grand and Broadway Theatres, Mount Airy, N. C, and while he admits that he hasn't been in show business many months it is our opinion that he already knows his way around. He states in his letter that he hopes to find time to get photos of lobby displays, tie-ups, etc., being used with different campaigns in order to pass them on to his fellow mem- bers. While on the subject of photos, why not also send one of yourself, Boone, so we can properly introduce you? Wear Your Club Pin! ! !■ OLLIE MENKE is the manager of the Cinderella Theatre, St. Louis, Mo., and is recommended to Club membership by Fred Wehrenberg, well known Round Table Booster in his section of the coun- try. We shall look forward to hearing from this new member on what he's doing to sell shows at his theatre. FRED NAIFY is in charge of the Senator Theatre, Chico, Calif., and he is another West Coast manager to join the ranks of this Club. As first evidence that this new member is on the job he sends along a two-column head and story de- scribing a theatre-wedding tie-up he re- cently made in cooperation with his local newspaper. Well, you're in the Army now, Fred, so let some more samples of your work follow right along. Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! WALLACE NORDBY is the manager of the Ritz and Indiana Theatres, Indi- ana, Pa., and his name is now listed along with the large number of Club members in his State. ' Even with two theatres to look after this new member has signified his intention to let his brother members in on some of the stunts he's using to put shows over the top in his town so we will look forward to receiving his first contribution. Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! ARTHUR C. STOCK is the manager of the JMew Royal Theatre, North Bay, Ontario, Canada, and the Club herewith extends a welcome to this new member from the Dominion. Right off the reel we can see that he's a live-wire show- man, according to a couple of press notices he encloses with his application. Stock recently rushed out to get a close- up shot of a local fire and almost lost his camera in the blaze. We'd like to hear more from this Round Tabler. And why not send along a photo next time you write? Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! J. WARREN SEVER is in charge of the Hamptonian Theatre, New Hamp- ton, N. H., and with the receipt of his application the Round Table ranks are again boosted in the New England States, your way, Warren, and you'll have to step along some to keep up the pace they've set in the way of making contributions to these pages. So let's hear what you are doing in the way of showmanship over in your town. Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! T. H. WHITTEMORE manages the State Theatre, Auburn, Calif., and is right now elected a member of this Club, with the understanding that he will take it upon himself to keep his brother members in- formed on all constructive show stunts he puts over to boost business at his house. And how about a photo, Whitt, next time you write headquarters? Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! FELIX MAYER is in charge of the Fox Supreme Theatre, Brooklyn, N. Y., and we are glad to welcome this new member from the big borough across the river. Keep up the standard many of your brother members have set, Felix, and let us hear from you regularly on what's doing around Livonia Avenue. Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! HARRY W. PAUGH is in charge of the Fox Strand and the Fox Webster Theatres in Ottawa, Kansas, and was recently transferred to this city from the Fox Theatre at Baxter Springs. Wel- come to the Club, Paugh, and we know that as soon as you get both feet on the i^round in your new surroundings you'll find time to give an account of yourself. KERMIT H. BALLARD manages the Rialto Theatre in the city of Arkansas Pass, and is another new Club member from the Southwest, now that we have his application at hand. How about a photo next time you write, Ballard, and also an account of what you are doing to sell shows down in your section of this coun- try? Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! HARRY NAT WITT is the manager of the American Theatre, East Ninety- second street section of Brooklyn, N. Y., and from all indications the Brooklyn membership is not only running neck and neck with New York but shows definite signs of getting out in front. Keep up the good work done in the past by mem- bers in your city, Harry, and let us hear from you regularly. And how about a photo of yourself? Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! BLLIOT-r FOREMAN is a member of the publicity department of Loew's, Inc., 1540 Broadway, New York City, and is proposed for Club membership by Wally Allen, well known Round Tabler whose contributions have often appeared on these pages. With Allen sponsoring you, Foreman, we believe that we can look forward to receiving some interesting contributions on your show activities. ■ Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! ARTHUR K. DAME is the assistant manager of the Palace Theatre, Penacook, New Hampshire, a house where Manager Irwin holds the helm. Dame states he is new to the show business, having been in it for only six months. It has, however, captured his undivided attention and with Irwin's able instruction he will undoubt- edly soon be in charge of a house of his own. We note that he already has an as- signment of getting out the weekly heralds, a sample of which he encloses, and we would like to hear more about what's doing at the Palace. Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! JAKE ROSENTHAL is the owner and manager of the Iowa Theatre, a 1,100 seater in the city of Waterloo, Iowa. Jake forwards his application for mem- bership in the Club, declaring that he stands ready to swap show-selling ideas with his fellow Round Tablers. So let's go, old timer, and we'll be looking for a letter in the near future. Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! GEORGE HOSTLER is the assistant manager of the Warner Theatre, Altoona, Penna., and his membership in the Club is sponsored by his manager, Alvin Hostler, whose name many members will recognize. George has been with this house for one and one-half years, starting in the service department, and cer- tainly won't be long before he will be managing a house of his own. Keep the Club posted, G. H., as to what you are doing to help put shows over in your theatre. Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! THOMAS CLEARY is the manager of the Princess Theatre, Montreal, Can- ada, a house belonging to the Consoli- dated Theatres, Ltd., circuit. Tom, we are happv to add your name to this list of new members and here's hoping that you will prove as steadj- a contributor as many brotlier showman up in your city. Here's the Blank Application For Membership In "MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE CLUB'' Hey, "Chick": Please enroll me in the Club and send me my framed certificate. Name Position Theatre Address City State (Mail to Managers' Round Table Club, 1790 Broadway, New York) July 4, 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 67 THE RELEASE CHART Productions are listed according to the names of distributors in order that the exhibitor nnay have a short-cut toward such informa- tion as he may need, as well as information on pictures that are coming. Features which are finished or are in work, but to which release dates have not been assigned, are listed in "Coming Attractions." Running times are those supplied by the distrib- utors. Where they vary, the change is probably due to local censorship deletions. Dates are 1930, unless otherwise specified. Running Time Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Party Husband Dorothy Mackaill June 6, '31 66. .. .Apr. 18, '31 Recltless Hour Dorotliy Macl(aill-Conrad Nagel Hug. 15. '31 May 2, '31 Riglit of Way, Tlie Nagel-Young Feb. 7, '31 68 Sunny Marilyn Miller Nov. 23 81 Oct. II Too Young to Marry Young- Withers May 8. '31 Truth About Youth Voung-Tearle Nov. 30 69 Nov 29 Widow From Chicago Neil Hamilton Nov. 9 65 Oct. 25 Women Hungry Lee-Kohler-Blackmar Apr. 4, '31 68. ..Mar. 28,'3I BIG 4 FILM CORPORATION Features Title Star Breed of the West Wally Wales Rel. Date . Nov. 12 Hell's Valley Wally Wales Mar. I8,'3I. Red Fork Range Wally Wales Jan. Riders of the Cactus Wally Wales July Sheer Luck Ralston-Stuart Feb. So This Is Arizona Wally Wales Apr. Trapped Stuart-Quartaro-Dean-Santschi Apr. Running Time Minutes Reviewed ,.60 ..60 ..60 Mar. 7,'3I . 60 7, '31 60 Mar. 9, '31 24,'3I 60 14. '31..... 62 I2,'3I.. 7,'3I . Coming Feature Attractions Big City Shadows 6 reels. Devils' Decoy 6 reels. Diamond Mystery 6 reels. Masters of Steel 6 reels. Midnight Prowlers 6 reels. Railroad Mail Limited 6 reels. COLUMBIA (Available sound-on-film and sound-on-disc) Features Star Title Atlantic Avenger, The Buck Jones Brothers Lytell-Sebasfian Charley's Aunt Ruggles-Collyer Criminal Code, The Holmes-Huston-Doran Dawn Trail, The Buck Jones-Miriam Seegar.. Desert Vengeance Buck Jones-Barbara Bedford. Dirigible Holt-Graves- Wray Fighting Sheriff, The Buck Jones- Loretta Sayers For the Love o' Lil Mulhall-Starr-Nugent Good Bad Girl, The Mae Clark-James Hall Last Parade, The Holt-Moore-Cummings Lightning Flyer, The James Hall-D. Sebastian Lion and the Lamb, The Byron-Myers-Hatton-Love .. Lover Come Back Jack Mulhall-C. Cummlngs- B. Bronson Madonna of the Streets Brent- Ames Man from Chicago Men Without Law Buck Jones Meet the Wife Lew Cody &. Laura La Plante Middle Watch, The Murder Subway Express Holt- Kelsey-Pringle Sweethearts on Parade White-Hughes Ten Cents a Dance Barbara-Stanwyck-Cortez .... Texas Ranger, The Buck Jones Tol'able David Cromwell-Beery-Peers Young Woodley Carroll-Lawton Rel. Date Jan. I7,'3I. Running Time Mar. Oct. Dec. Jan. Nov. Jan. Apr. May Oct. May Feb. Mar. Jan. 6,'3I., 25.... 28 I5,'3I. 28 25.'3I. 4.'3I. I5,'3I. 5 20,'3I . 28, '31 . 20,'3I. I,'3I. Minutes Reviewed ...63 Oct. II .,.65... Mar. 28,'3I ...76 Nov. I .,.88 Dec, 6 ...88 Dec. 13 ...66 Dec. 27 ...65... Feb. 28,'3I Mar. I4,'3I ...72 Oct. 4 ...73... May 23,'3I ...80... Feb. I4,'3I ...64... Apr. II,'3I ...80... Feb. I4.'3I .June 5,'3I. Dec. I .63. ,.70. .June 20,'3I . . . Dae. 6 Oct. 15 70 Nov. 29 Apr. 17, '31 73... Apr. 4,'SI Mar. 3,'3I Oct. 24 91 Nov. I May l,'3l 68. ..May 9,'SI Aug. 16 67 8o»t 8 Mar. 6,'3I 79... Mar. I4.'3I Apr. I0,'3I Apr. 25,'3I Nov. 15 70 Nov. 15 Sept. 26 73 Oet. 4 Coming Feature Attractions Arizona John Wayne-L. La Plante. . .June 27, '31. Blonde Baby Jean Harlow Branded Buck Jones June Ex- Ranger Buck Jones Fifty Fathoms Deep Richard Cromwell - Jack Holt- Loretta Sayers Flood, The Boardman-Blue For the Defense Evelyn Brent In the Secret Service Jack Holt Miracle Woman, The Barbara Stanwyck Pagan Lady Evelyn Brcnt-C. Bickford- C. Nagel Shopworn Barbara Stanwyck Sky Raiders, The Lloyd Hughes-Marceline Day Virtue's Bed CONTINENTAL PICTURES CORP. Features Running Time Minutes Reviewed Title Star Rel. Date Defenders of the Law Catherine Dale Owen-Holland- Gleckler May I, '31 6 reels,May 23,'3l Fourth Alarm, The Nick Stuart-Ann Christy Oct, 25 •! Oct. 18 Mystery Train. The N. Stuart-M. Day-H. Hopper. Aug. I, '31 .. .6 reels Sea Devils Molly O'Day-Edmund Burns. Jan, 15, '31 tS Coming Feature Attractions Air Eagles 6 reels Hellion's Last Cruise, The 6 reels Rose of Chinatown 6 reels Streets of Shadows 6 reels Title Beggars Opera, The. Big Business Girl.. Broadminded Chances College Lovers Father's Son Finger Points, The.. Going Wild Gorilla, The Hot Heiress. The... Kismet Kiss Me Again Lady Who Dared Lash, The Little Caesar Misbehaving Ladies . Men of the Sky Mothers Cry Naughty Flirt One Night at Susie's. FIRST NATIONAL Features star Rel. Date Rudolph Forster June '31 Loretta Young- Ricardo Cortez. July 4, '31. Joe E. Brown Aug. I, '31. Douglas Fairbanks, Jr July 18, '31. Whiting-Nixon Oct. 5 Janney-Stone-Rich Mar. 7, '31. Barthelmess-Wray Apr. 1 1, '3 1. Joe E. Brown Dec. 21 Joe Frisco Nov. 2 Lyon-Munson Mar. 28. '31. Otis Skinner Jan. 18, '31. Clare-Pidgeon Feb. 23,'3I. Billy Dove Richard ''arthelmcss Dec. 28.... (Reviewed under title "Adios." Issue of Oct. 4) Edw. G. Robinson Jan. 25. '31. Lee-Lyon Apr. 18. '31. Irene Delroy-Jack Whiting .. June 20. '31. Peterson- Manners Jan. 4, '31. Alice White Jan. II. '31 . Dove-Fairbanks, Jr Oct. 19 ing Time inutes Reviewed . 80. . . . Mar.l4.'3l .72 Apr. II, '31 .May 9, '31 .63.. Sept. 6 .77 Oct. 4 .88. ..Mar. 21, '31 .72 Aug. 23 .63 Oct. 4 .78. ..Jan. 24, '31 .92 Nov. 8 .75. ..Jan. I0,'3I .80 81. ..Jan. 17. '3! 72. ..Mar. 14, '31 86 75 Dec. 13 76 .64 Nov. I Coming Feature Attractions Running Time Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed As Good As New All Star Bargain, The Lewis Stone-Doris Kenyoil Apr. i8,'3l (Reviewed under title "You and i") Blue Moon Murder Huston-Young Children of Dreams Margaret Shilling Five Star Final Edward G. Robinson June 27,'3I Honor of the Family Bebe Daniels I Like Your Nerve D. Fairbanks, Jr.-L. Young . ' Last Flight Richard Barthelmess ]" Local Boy Makes Good Joe E. Brown Merry Wives of Reno Chas.: Butterworth-L. Young ]'.'.'. Our Social Whirl Marilyn Miller '] Penrod and Sam Leon Janney '.] \\ Ruling Voice, The Huston-Young-Kenyon We Three Ben Lyon- Rose Hobart World Changes, The Edw. G. Robinson FITZPATRICK PICTURES, INC. Features Title Lady of the Lake. Star . Percy Marmont-Benita Hume. FOX FILMS Rel. Date Nov. I . Running Time Minutes Reviewed 45 Oct, 25 Features „ Running Time «. .... , "^to Minutes Reviewed Always Goodbye Landi-Stone May 24, '31 Apr 25 '31 Annabelle's Affairs McLaglen-MacDonald June 14, '31. 75 May 30 '31 Are You There? Lillie-Garrick May 3, '31 60 " Nov '29 Big Trail, The Wayne-Churchill-Marshall Nov. 2 Standard 123. .'.'.'.'.Oct.' II „. , „ . . Grandeur 158. ... Black Camel Warner Oland-Eilers June 21, '31... 71.. MaylS'Si Body and Soul Farrell-Landi Feb. 22, ""' . •> • ■ Charlie Chan Carries On Oland-Churchill Apr, (2 Connecticut Yankee, A Will Rogers Apr. 5, Daddy Long Legs Gaynor-Baxter June Dancers, The Moran-Holmes-Byron Nov. Doctors' Wives Baxter- Bennett Mar, Don't Bet on Women McDonald-Lowe-Merkel Feb. East Lynne Harding-Brook-Nagel Mar. Fair Warning O'Brien Feb. Girls Demand Excitement Wayne-Chcrill Feb. Holy Terror, A George O'Brien July 9. 15, 15, I, I, '31 82 Mar. 7, '3j '31 69 Mar.28,'3l '31 96 Mar.2l,'3l '31 May 23/31 .83 Oct. 4 .82.... Apr. 4, '31 . June 28, Goldle Harlow-S. Tracy-W. Hymcr Hush Money J. Bennett-J. Kirkwood Hardie Allbright July Just Imagine Brendel-Sullivan Nov Lightnin' Will Rogers- Dresser Dec. Liliom Farell-Taylor Oct Man Who Came Back Gaynor-Farrell Jan. Men on Call Edmund Lowe-Clarke Jan Mr. Lemon of Orange Prendel-Dorsay Mar Not Exactly Gentlemen McLaglen- Wray-Cody- Gribbon Mar. Oh, For A Man! MacDonald-Denny-White Dec. Once A Sinner Dorothy Mackaill-JocI McCrea Jan. Part Time Wife Lowe-Hyams Dec. Princess and the Plumber, The. . Farrell-O'Sullivan Dec Quick Millions Tracy-Churchill-Eilers May Renegades Baxter-Beery-Loy Oct Scotland Yard Lowe- Bennett Oct Seas Beneath O'Brien-LessingrMaris Mar. 6 Cylinder Love Spencer Tracey-Merkel May (Reviewed under title "The Minute Man") Hamilton-Johnson Apr. 26 '31... '31... '31... '31... .70. 104. .62.. ..68.. .Feb. 2 1, '3 1 .Feb. 28,'3I .Feb. I4,'3I 8, '31. ...61. 14 86. 69 June I3,'3I III Oct, 18 .94 Oct. 25 94 Sept. 13 .81 Jan. 3. "31 ,70 Mar. 7, '31 67.... Mar. 7, '31 Apr. 1 1, '3 1 Nov. 6 Spy. The Their Mad Moment Baxter-Mackaill-Pitts July 3 Girls Lost Wayne- Young Apr Under Suspicion Murray-Moran Jan Up the River Luce-Bogart-Tracy Oct. Women of All Nations McLaslen-Lowe-Nissen May Young As You Feel Will Rogers-Dorsay Aug. Young Sinners Melghan-Jordan-Kirkwood . . . May '31... 70.. .72... .72.. .70.. .93. .. .75... .91... .58. .Jan. 24, '31 Dec. 6 ...Oct. 18 Apr. 4, '31 Oct. 4 Oct. 4 Feb. 7, '31 .Apr. 18, '31 ..71.... Apr. I8.'3I .64. ..92.. ..72.. .Nov. 22 Oct. 11 .May 30,'3I .Apr. 18, '3 1 Coming Feature Attractions „. Running Time Corf r-M o^J^"",-.. , Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Bad Girl Sally Eilers-James Dunn Aug. 23,'3I .. Brat, The Sally 0' Neil- F. Albertson Merely Mary Ann Gaynor-Farrell Midnight Cruise, The Edmund-Lowe-Lois Moran. . . Over the Hill Lane-Dillaway-Marsh.KIrk- wood Plutocrat, The Will Rogers-Jetta Goulal ] ■" Riders of the Purple Sage G. O'Brien-M. Churchill ,. She Wanted a Millionaire J.Bennett-S.Tracy Skyline T. Meighan - H. Albright - '. '. ' 1 '. '. '. _ . Maureen O'Sullivan Sob Sister Sally Eilers-James Dunn Transatlantic Edmund Lowe- Lois Moran Aug 16 '31 Wicked V. McLaglcn-Elissa Land! Yellow Ticket, The Elissi Landi-L. Barrymore '. '.'..'.'.'...'.'.'.'....'.". METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER Features Title star Rel. Date Bachelor Father, The Davies- Forbes .... Jan 10 ' Billy the Kid John Mack Brown .' Oct." is!.. ''.heri-Bibi John Gilbert-Leila Hyams. . . Aug. 15, ' Complete Surrender Joan Crawford May 9 ' Dance, Fools, Dance Joan Crawford Feb. 2l! ' Daybreak Ramon Novarro May 2, ' Easiest Way, The Bennett-Menjou-Montgomery . Feb. 7, ' unning Ti M inutes ....91... ....82... 74 . . . ....81... 81 . . . ....76... .,..73... me Reviewed ...Dec. 13 ...Sept. 13 .Jan. 3,'3I .Apr.I8,'3l 68 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 4 , 19 3 1 27. 29. 17. Title Star Rel. Date Five and Ten IHarion Davies June 13, Free Soul, A Norma Sliearer-Leslie hloward June 20. Gentleman's Fate Gilbert-Wolheim Mar. 7, Great Meadow, Tiie Brown-Boardman Jan. 24, Inspiration Greta Garbo Jan. 31, It's a Wise Child Marion Davies Mar. 21, Just a Gigolo William Haines June 6. Lady's Morals, A Grace Moore Nov. 8. Reviewed under title "The Soul Kiss") Laughing Sinners J. Crawford- N. Hamilton May 30, Man in Possession, The Robert Montgomery July 4. Men Call It Love Hyams-Menjou-Duncan-Foster Mar. 14, Men of the Nortll Leonard- Roland Sept, Min and Bill Dressier- Beery Nov. New Moon Tllibett- Moore Jan. Never the Twain Shall Meet Montenegro-Smith-Howard ... May Outsider, The Harold Huth Paid Crawford- Armstrong ....Dec. 20. (Reviewed under title "Within the Law" Parlor, Bedroom and Bath Keaton-Eilers-Denny Feb. 28, Passion Flower Francis- Johnson-Bickford Dec. 6. Prodigal, The Lawrence Tibbett Feb. 21. (Reviewed under title "The Southerner") Reducing Dressier- Moran Jan. 3. Remote Control Haines-Doran Nov. 15. Secret Six, The Becry-Harlow Apr. 18, Shipmates Montgomery-Jordan-Torrence. Apr. 25. Sidewalks of New York Buster Keaton Aug. 8, Stepping Out Denny- Greenwood- Hyams ....Apr. II, Strangers May Kiss Norma Shearer Apr. 4, Tailor Made Man, A William Haines Mar. 28, Their First Mistake Laurel and Hardy (Reviewed under title ''The Rap") This Modern Age Joan Crawford Aug. 22, Those Three French Girls Reginald Denny Oct. II. Trader Horn Harry Carey- Renaldo- Booth War Nurse Walker-Page-Montgomery Nov. 22. Way for a Sailor John Gilbert Nov. I. Running Time Minutes Reviewed ... 89 June I3,'3I Apr. 25, '31 ...93.. ..Jan. 31, '31 ...80 Nov. 29 ...76 Dec. 27 ...75...Feb.28, '31 ...67... Apr. 25,'3I ...88 Oct. .4 .72... June 6. '31 .84. . .June 13, '31 .71... Feb. 28, '31 .60 Oct. 25 .67 Oct. 18 .78 Oct. 25 .80... May 30, '31 .May 2, '31 Nov. IS .90.. .87.. '31... 72... Jan. 31, '31 BO Oct 25 . B3...Jan. 17, '31 .77.. . 66.. . 83. . , 72. . Dee. 13 Oct. II .Apr. 25. '31 .Mar. 28. '31 June I3.'3I .73... Mar. 21, '31 . 77... Feb. 28, '31 .80... Mar. 7, '31 Sept. 27 Coming Feature Attractions Rel. Date Title Star Boarding School ..Madge Evans-Jordan-Page. Candlelight John Gilbert Emma Marie Dressier Flying High Get Rich Quick Wallingford Wm. Haines Great Lover, The A. Menjou July 18, Guardsman, The Lunt-Fontanne-Z. Pitts Guilty Hands L. Barrymore-M. Evans Horseflesh July II, (Reviewed under title "Dancing Partner") Lullaby Aug. 8, Mirage Joan Crawford Pigboats Wm. Haines Politics Dressler-Moran Aug. I, Sea Eagles Beery- Rambeau Squaw Man. The Roland Young-Vaiez-Baxter Son of India Ramon Novarro July 25, Susan Lenox. Her Fall and Rise. Greta Garbo Aug. 29, West of Broadway John Gilbert-El Brendel Juno I3,'3I .76 Oct 18 120. . .Jan. 24, 'SI .82 Sept 20 .89 Sept 20 Running Time Minutes Reviewed MONOGRAM PICTURES CORPORATION Features Running Time Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Dugan of the Badlands Bill Cody June 27, '31. .6 reels Partners of the Trail Tom Tyler July II, '31. .6 reels Ships of Hate L.Hughes-D.Sebastian June 20, '31. .7 reels Coming Features Running Time Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Tom Tyler 6 reels Title Vanishing PARAMOUNT PUBLIX Features Rel. . Dee. Title Star Along Came Youth Charles Rogers , An American Tragedy Phillip Holmes-Slyvia Sidney- Frances Dee Aug. Blue Angel, The Emil Jannings-Marlene Dietrich .Jan. City Streets Slyvia Sidney-Gary Cooper. .. Apr. Confessions of a Co-Ed Phil Holmes-Sylvia Sidney ... July Conquering Horde, The Arlen-Wray Mar. Derelict Bancroft- Francis Nov. Dishonored Marlene Oietrich-McLaglen .. Apr. Dude Ranch, The Jack Oakie May Fast and Loose Hopkins-Starrett-Lombard- Morgan Nov. Feet First Harold Lloyd Nov. Fighting Caravans Cooper-Damita Feb. Finn and Hattie Errol-Green Feb. Follow the Leader Ed Wynn Dec. Gang Buster, The Oakie-Arthur Jan. Gun Smoke Arlen-Brian Apr. Heads Up Rogers-Kane Oct. Her Wedding Night Clara Bow Oct. Honor Among Lovers Colbert-March-Ruggles Mar. I Take This Woman Gary Cooper-Carole Lombard. . June It Pays to Advertise Foster-Gallaaher-Lombard . . . Feb. June Moon Jack Oakie- Francis Dee Mar. Kick In Clara Bow May Ladies' Man Wm. Powell- Kay Francis ....May Laughter Nancy Carroll Oct. Lawyers. Secret, The Clive Brook June L'Enimatique Mr. Parkes.., A. Menjou-C. Colbert (Slightly Scarlet) Man of the World Wm. Powell- Lombard Mar. Monte Carlo Buchanan-MacDonald Oct. Morocco Cooper-Dietrich Dec. Newly Rich Mitzr Green-Jackie Searl June Night Angel ....Nancy Carroll-Fred. March... July No Limit Clara Bow Jan. Only Saps Work Errol-Arlen-Brian Dec. Playboy of Paris Maurice Chevalier Oct. Range Mar Right to Love. The Ruth Chatterton Dec. Royal Family of Broadway Ina Claire-Fredric March Jan. Scandal Sheet, The Bancroft- Brook-Francis Feb. Sea Legs Jack Oakie Nov. Skippy Mit2i Green-Jackie Searl- Jaokie Cooper Apr. Smiling Lieutenant, The M. Chevalicr-C. Colbert Aug. Stolen Heaven Nancy Carroll-Phillip Holpies Feb. Tabu South Sea Island natives and Chinese half castes Aug. Tarnished Lady C. Brook-Tallulah Bankhead. . May Tom Sawyer Jackie Coogan Nov. Unfaithful Chatterton-Lukas Mar. Up Pops the Devil N. Foster-Carole Lombard May Virtuous Sin, Tho H ustofl- Francis Nov. Vice Squad Lukas- Francis June Women Love Once Lucas-Boardman-Tashman July Date 20. Running Time Minutes Reviewed 73 Oct 18 29, '31 95... June 6, '31 09 Nov. 22 80... Apr. II, '31 75 72... Feb. 21, '31 75 Oct 18 Mar. 7, '3! .67... Apr. 18, '31 .71 Nov. 29 .93... Jan. 17, '31 .91... Feb. 7. '31 .76 Oct II .65 Dec. 13 .68 Dec. 13 . 64. . .Mar. 14, '31 .76 Sept 27 .75 Sept 27 .75... Mar. 7, '31 .74 .64... Feb. 14, '31 .70. ..Feb. 28, '31 .74. . .Apr. 25. '31 .75... Apr. 4, '31 .99 Nov. I .63... May 23. '31 .71 Sept. 6 .70... Mar. 7, '31 .85 Aug. 8 .92 Oct. 11 .77. ..June 6, '31 .72 .74 Nov. 29 .73 Sept 13 .64... Jan. 24. '31 .79 Dec. 6 81. ..Jan. 3, '31 .73 Dec. 20 .63 Nov. 15 . .88. . . Mar. 21, '31 21, '31.. . 76... Feb. 21. '31 ...81. ..Mar. 21, '31 ...80... May 9, '31 ...88 Oct 18 ...85... Feb. 28, '31 . . . 75 . . . 81 Oct. 4 . . . 70. . . May 9. '31 .. 73 Title Caught . Coming Features Star . Richard Arlen-L. Dresser .. Running Time Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed .Aug, 8. '31 Daughter of the Dragon Warner Gland-Anna May Wong Sept Girl Habit, The Charles Ruggles June Honeymoon Lane Eddie Cowling July Huckleberry Finn J. Coogan- Mitzi Green Aug. Magnificent Lie Ruth Chatterton July Marines Have Landed (Tent) . . . . Wm. Boyd-C. Rogers Oct. Monkey Business (Tent) Four Marx Bros Sept. Murder by the Clock Wm. Boyd-L. Tashman Aug. My Sin Tallulah Bankhead-March . . . . Sept. No One Man P. Holmes-C. Lombard Oct. Personal Maid Nancy Carroll Sept. Rich Man's Folly G. Bancroft-Kay Francis Aug. Road to Reno Charles Rogers Sept. Secret Call. The Peggy Shannon- Richard Arlen. July Secrets of a Secretary C. Colbert Sept. Silence Clive Brook-Mary Brian Sept. Stepdaughters of War Ruth Chatterton Oct. Twenty-Four Hours C. Brook-Kay Francis Oct. 5, '31. 27, '31. 25. '31. 15. '31. 25, '31.. 24, '3I.. I9,'3I., 8.'3I., 26, '3I.. I0.'3I.. 12, '31.. 22,'3I . I9,'3I.. 25. '31., 5,'3I.. I2,'3I . , 31. '31 . , I7.'3I., RADIO PICTURES Features R Title Star Rel. Date Bachelor Apartment Lowell Sherman-Irene Dunn. Apr. 15, '31.. Beau Ideal Vail-Forbes-Stengel-Rich- Young Jan. 25.'3I.. Behind Office Doors Astor-Ames-Cortez Mar. 15, '31.. Check and Double Check Amos 'n' Andy-Carol-Rich. .. Oct. 25 Cimarron Richard Dix-lrene Dunn Feb. 9,'3I.. Cracked Nuts Wheeler-Woolsey Apr. I9,'3I.. Donovan's Kid R. Oix-Shilling-Sheridan- Jackie Cooper June 6.'3I.. Everything's Rosie Robert Woolsey-Anita Louise. June 13, '31.. Half Shot at Sunrise Wheeler-Woolsey Oct. 4 High Stakes Lowell Sherman-Mae Murray. Sept. I9,'3I.. Hook, Line and Sinker Wheeler-Woolsey Dec. 27 Kept Husbands Dorothy Mackaill-J. McCrea. Feb. 22.'3I.. Lady Refuses. The Betty Compson-John Darrow. Mar. 8, '31.. Laugh and Get Ricli Edna May Oliver- Dorothy Lee Apr. 20,'3I.. Pay Off. The Lowell Sherman Oct. 15 Millie Helen Twelvetrees Feb. 8, '31.. Perfect Alibi All Star Apr. I, '31.. Royal Bed, The Shert^ian-Astor Jan. I5.'3I.. Runaround, The Kerr. Prevost, Brian. Hines.July 25. '31. (Reviewed under the title Silver Horde t rent- Wolheim Sin Ship, The Wolheim - Mary Aster - Ian Keith Apr. Three Who Loved B. Compson - R. Ames - 0. Nagel July Transgression Kay Franc is- Ricardo Cortez. June Traveling Husbands Evelyn Brent Aug. White Shoulders Astor-Cortez-Holt June W. Plan. The All Star Mar. Woman Between. The Lily Damita-Lester Vail Aug. 'Waiting at the Church") Oct 25 I8,'31.. 3. '31.. 27.'3I . . I5,'3I.. 6.'3I.. I5.'3I . , l,'3l.. unning Time Minutes Reviewed 77... Feb. 28,'31 .79 Dec. 13 . . 82 . . 75 Oct. 24 .124... Jan. 3,'3I ..64... Feb. I4,'3I ..77... May 9,'3I ..76... May 9, '31 ..79 Sept 27 May 9,'3I ..75 Dec. 8 .76.., Jan. 24,'3I ..72 .72... Mar. 7,'31 .70 Sept 13 .85... Jan. I7,'3I .76 .76 Dec. 13 May 9,'3I .75 Sept 27 .65 78. . .June 13, '31 69 May 2,'3I .81... May 30, '31 .98... Apr. 4,'3I Apr. 25. '31 Coming Features Are These Our Children? All Star Consolidation Marriage Irene Dunn-Pat O'Brien Fanny Foley Herself Edna May Oliver Marchita Dix-Dunne Nancy's Private Affairs Mary Aster - Robt. Ames Aug. 8,'3I. Public Defender. The Richard Dix July I8,'3I. Should Wives Work Mary Astor-Rob't Ames Sodapopers B. Wheeler- R. Woolsey- D. Lee Sept 5,'3I. (Reviewed under title "Full of Notions") Sphinx Has Spoken, The Lily Damita • Adolph Men- jou - Eric Von Stroheim Strange Women G. Tobin-B. Compson Too Many Cooks Bert Wheeler- Dorothy Lee... July 1 1, '31. RKO PATHE Features (Available sound-on-film and sound-on-disc) Running Time Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed I2.'3I 73... Apr. I8,'3I .82. Title Star Beyond Victory Boyd Apr. Big Money Quillaiv-Armstrong-Gleason . . Oct. Born to Love Constance Bennett Apr. Common Law Constance Bennett luly Lonely Wives Horton- Ralston-LaPlante Miller Feb. Painted Desert Boyd-Twelvetrees Jan. Rebound Ina Claire Sept. Sin Takes a Holiday Constance Bennett Nov. Sweepstakes Eddie Quillan-Marion Nixon. July 10, '31 June 13, '31 Woman of Experience Helen Twelvetrees Aug. 7,'3I Apr. 25, '31 Coming Features Big Gamble, The Bill Boyd Aug. 21, '31 Devotion Ann Harding Eddie Cuts In Eddie Quillan Mad Marriage, The Helen Twelvetrees Suicide Fleet The Bill Boyd 26. 17, '3I. 4,'3I 22.'3I Jan. 24,'3I 18. '3I 85... Jan. I7.'3I 18, '31 23 81 Nov. 29 SONO ART-WORLD WIDE Features Running Time Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Air Police Kenneth Harlan-J. Dunn Apr. I, '31 60. ..Mar. 21, '31 Costello Case Tom Moore-Lola Lane Oct. 15 78 Oct. 18 Damaged Love Collyer Dec. 15 Jan. 24,'3I First Aid Gr. Withers-Marjorie Beebe. . July 25,'3I Hell Bent for 'Frisco Delaney- Reynolds In Old Cheyenne Rex Lease-Dorothy Gulliver. . May 25,'31 62. . .Juno 20, '31 Jaws of Hell McLaglen-Hume Dec. 30 I 00... Jan. I0.'3I Just for a Song Davis-Carpenter Dec. Reno Roland-Thomson-Love Oct. Rogue of the Rio Grande Hatton-Loy Bohr Oct. Symphony in Two Flats Novello-Logan Apr. Swanee River Withers-Todd Mar. 20. 1 80 Oct II 15 70 Dec. 6 I5,'3I I5,'3I 58. ..Jan. 3I,*3I STATE RIGHTS Features Title Running Time Star Dist'r Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Alibi Austin Trover Gaumont-W & F 74... May 30,'3I Alma do Gauche Special Cast Edw. L. Klein Sept 6 Bali J. C. Jackson. .. Nov. 15. ..7 reels By Rocket to the Moon Ufa Feb. 6, '31 .97. .. Feb. I4,'3I Cain and Artem Emil Gall Sovkino Chance of a Night Time Ralph Lynn Gaumont-W & F Chess Player, The Johanne-Blanchard .. Unusual Pict Clearing the Range H. Gibson-S. Filers. M. H. Hoffman, Jr Apr. 25.'3f Comrades of 1918 Forenflim Feb. 28.'3I Der Grosse Tenor Emil Jannings Ufa Film June 6,'3I Docks of Hamburg Jugo-Fritsch Ufa Film .. Ex-Flame Liberty Prod. 72 Nov. 29 Pigaro Franco- American. .Dec. Heart's Melody Fritisch-Parlo Ufa Film Immortal Vagabond Hald-Froelich Ufa Film , . Jade Casket. The French Cast Cosmos Oct. 31 64 Lawless Woman Vera Reynolds Chesterfield Let's Love and Laugh Gene Gerrard Wardour Films 84 May 30,'3I Lotus Lady Audible 68 Nov. 15 July 4, 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 69 Running Time Titia Star Dist'r. Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Lost Patrol Pro Patria 57 Dec. 21 Love Waltz. The Willy Fritsch Ufa Film May 15, '31 Mad Parade. The M.Day-L. Fazenda. . Liberty Prod. May 2.'3I Manxman. The Carl Briason Ufa Dec. 21 76 Dec. 14 Midnight Special, Tha Chesterfield Doc. 15 60 Dec. 6 Mysteries of Nature Ufa 71 No Lady Lupino Lane Gaumont-Brltlsh 72. ..May 30, '3! Pagliacci , Italian Opera Audio Cinema Mar. 7, '31 Passion Song, The Olmstead-N. Beery .Excellent 56 Peacock Fan, The Dorothy Dwan Chesterfield 60 Pori Special Cast Ufa Films Primrose Path, The Foster-Darrow Hollywood Films 94... Jan. 24,'3I Pueblo Terror Buffalo BUI Jr West Coast Studios Apr. 15, '31 .60. . .Apr. 1I,'3I Queen of Sparta, Tha Italaflim 9 reels Queen's Necldace Protex 9 reels Rosenmmontag Mathias WIeman, Lien Dyers UFA 8 reels Saddle King, The Cliff Tex Lyon Anchor Oct. 12 Sea Fury Mildred Harris Tom White 58 Dec. 7 Slums of Tofcio Japanese Cast Moviegraphs Smoke Bellew Conway Tearle First Division 73 South of Panama Carmelita Geraghty. . Chesterfield 70 student Days Anita Dorris-Fred Louis Lerch Heinz Paul ....Apr. 27, '31 Ten Nights in a Barroom Goetz 8 reels Thunder God Cornelius Keefe ....Crescent 66 Tilly of Bloomsbury Sydney Howard Sterling May I6,'3I Today Nagel-Owen Majestic Nov. I 74 Oct. 25 Trails of the Golden West Cosmos Exchange. Feb. 5, '31 .55. . .Jan. 31, '31 Tre«sure, The Film Arts Guild Nov. 30 Two Hearts in Waltz Time. . Janssen-Thelmer Asso. C. of A.. .Oct. 10 98 Oct. 25 Two "Vorlds Nora Baring-John E. A. Dupont. . Nov. 21 82 Nov. 29 Longdon Viking, The C. Starrett J. D. Williams 72. . .June 20, '31 White Devil Mosjukin-Degover ..UFA Films Wien du Stadt Der Lieder. . Max Hansen Protex 8 reels Wild West Whoopee Jack Perrin Allied Feb. 28,'3I Women Men Marry Harlan-Blaine Headline Pie 69... Mar. 7,'3I Yankee Don Richard Talmadge. .. Richard Talmadga Prod Yiddish Mama. The - Mae Simon Judea Films 45 SERIALS NAT LEVINE Running Time Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Eagle's Shadow, The 12 episodes Galloping Ghost, The Harold Red Grange Sept. I, '31 .. 12 episodes Lightning Warrior, The Rin Tin Tin 12 episodes Phantom of the West Tyler-Gulliver Nov. '30, . 10 episodes Vanishing Legion, The Harry Garey-Edwina Booth ... Junel0,'3l .. 12 episodes SYNDICATE PICTURES CORPORATION Running Time Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed . Apr l,'3l . , 10 ep isodes Title Mystery Trooper, Star . Roht. Frazer-B. Mehaffy . UNIVERSAL Running Time Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Danger Island Ken. Harlan-Lucille Brown 10 episodes Fingerprints Kenneth Harlan Mar23. '31 .. 10 ep isodes Dec. 20 Heroes of the Flames Tim McCoy June 2,'3I .. 12 ep isodes Spell of the Circus F. Bushman, Jr.-A. Vaughn. .. Jan. I2,'3I .. 10 ap isodes SYNDICATE PICTURES CORPORATION Features Title Star Beyond the Law Robert Frazer . . Code of Honor Mahlen Hamilton Code of the West Bob Custer Convict's Code, The Cullen Landis Running Time Re!. Date Minutes Reviewed .Oct. I 50 Nov. 8 .Oct. I 60 Nov. 15 57 .56 Oct. 4 God's Country and the Man Tom Tyler May I, '31. .6 reels Phantom of the Desert Jack Perrin Nov. 1 6 'reels. . Feb.l4,'3l Riders of the North Bob Custer Mar. I. '31 67 Apr.ll,'3l Rider of the Plains, A Tom Tyler Apr. I, '31.. 6 reels. . May 9, '31 Son of the Plains. A Bob Custer May 15, '31.. 6 reels Under Texas Skies Bob Custer Nov. 15 Jan. I7,'3I West of Cheyenne Tom Tyler Jan. 15, '31.. 6 reels. . Mar. 7, '31 Westward Bound Buddy Roosevelt 6 reels. .Jan. 24, '31 Coming Feature Attractions Title Sta Frontier Days Honor of the Texas Ranger, The Last of the Pawnees Aug. Law of the Rio Grande Red Coats of Canada Running Time Minutes Reviewed l,'3l TALKING PICTURE EPICS Features Running Time Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed "Across the World with Mr. and IVlrs. Martin Johnson Feb. I, '30 93 Bottom of the World, The. . , . . . Robt. Cushman Murphy Aug. 1 45 Break Up, The Capt. Jack Robertson Aug. I 60 Girl from the Reeperbahn German Import Mar 6, '31 94 Feb. I4,'3I Hell Below Zero June 26,'3I 42 •Hunting Tigers in India Comm. G. M. Dyott Nov. 15, '29 82 Lost Gods Byron De Provok July I 55 Monsters of the Deep Capt. Jack Austin July 4, '31 59 May23,'3l •To the South Seas Mr. & Mrs. Gifford Pinchot .. Sept. 15 60 Wild Man of Kalihari Dr. C. Ernest Cadle Jan. I. '31 50 [NOTE — Features marked with asterisks are also released as serials. Exhibitors have the choice of booking either the feature versions or as serials.] TIFFANY Features (Available sound-on-film and sound Title Star Aloha Torres- Lyon Caught Cheating Murray-Sidney Command Performance, The Hamilton-Merkel Drum^ of Jeopardy Roland Collyer-Hughes Fighting Thru Maynard-Loff Headin' North Bob Steele Hell Bound Carrillo-Lane-Hughes Just Like Heaven Louise-Newell Land of Missing Men Bob Steele Love Trader Leatrice Joy Ridin' Fool Bob Steele Salvation Nell Graves-Chandler She Got What She Wanted Glass-Compson Single Sin, The Johnson- Lytell Sunrise Trail, The Bob Steele Third Alarm, The Hall-Louise Two Gun Man, The Ken Maynard Under Montana Skies Kenneth Harlan Utah Kid Rex Lease-Dorothy Sebastian. -on-disc) Running Time Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Feb. 16, '31 87 Jan. 21, '31 63 Mar. 7,'3I Jan. 16, 31 79. Mar. 2, '31... .63. Dec. 25 61. Nov. Mar. Oct. Oct. Oct. I . 7, '31 22 13.... . Feb. 2I,'3I . . . Dec. 20 . . Nov. 8 .70. ...Feb. 7, '31 .65. ..Oct. IJ .58 Oct, . 64 Oct May 25, '31.... 64. . .June 20, '31 Dec. " i 8 ! 88. '. '. '. '. Oct! "is Feb. 23, '31 73 Feb. 2I,'3I Feb. 7. '31 67 Nov. 17 64 Nov. 8 May 15, '31 63. ..June 13, '31 Sept. in 57 Nov. 15 Oct. 27 49 Nov. 22 Title Alone at Last Alias the Bad Man i\en maynard Arizonian, The Ken Maynard Barbarian, The Branded Men Fighting Mad Gangster Girl Hijack Hotel Continental Husband Hunters Leftover Ladies Luxury Girl, The Men of the Night Monster Kills, The Morals for Women Moran of the Lady Letty Near the Trail's End Bob Steele Price, Ihe Range Law Ken Maynard South of Santa Fe Bob Steele Sunset Trail Bob Steele Thrill Girl Unpardonable Sin, The Wild Youth Women Go On Forever Clara Kimball Young X Marks the Spot Yellow Sheet Coming Feature Attractions Running Time Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed UNITED ARTISTS Features Title Star Rel. Date Bat Whispers, The Chester Morris Nov. 29.... City Lights Charlie Chaplin Mar. 7,'3I. Devil to Pay Ronald Colman Jan. 31, '31 Du Barry, Woman of Passion. ... Norma Talmadge Oct. II.... Front Page Adolghc Menjou Apr. 4. '31 Hell's Angels Lyon-Hall- Harlow Nov. 15.... Indiscreet Gloria Swanson Apr. 25, '31 Kiki Mary Pickfcrd Mar. 14, '31 89 Feb. 21, '31 Lottery Bride, The MacDonald-Garrick Oct. 25 83 Nov. 22 One Heavenly Night Evelyn Laye-John Boles Jan. 10, '31 82 Oct. 2S (Reviewed under title "Queen of Scandal") Reaching for the Moon D. Fairbanks-Bebe Daniels. .. Feb. 21, '31 91 Dec. zu ^HUing Time Minutes Reviewed 87 Nov. 15 88 Feb. I4,'3I 74 Dec. 6 ...90 Nov. I . .. 90 Mar.28,'3l ...116 Juna 7 Mar.l4,'3l Coming Feature Attractions Title Star I Age for Love, The Billie Dove Arrowsmith Ronald Colman Corsair Chester Morris Greeks Had a Word for It Ina Claire Palmy Days Eddie Cantor Scarface Paul Muni Sky Devils All Star Street Scene Sylvia Sidney-W. Collier, Jr. Tonight or Never Gloria Swanson Unholy Garden, The Ronald Colman Running i ime Minutes Kevieweu UNIVERSAL Features Title Star Rel. Date Bad Sister Nagel-Fox-Davis Mar. 23, Boudoir Diplomat Compson- Keith-Duncan-Loff . . Dec. 25. Cohens and Kellys in Africa Sidney- Murray Jan. 19, Ex-Bad Boy R. Armstrong-Jean Arthur. ... Tilly 15. Dracula Lugosi-Manners-Chandler Feb. 14, Free Love Nagel-Tobin Jan. 5, The Iron Man Lew Ayres Apr. 30, Many a Slip Ayres-Bennett Mother's Millions May Robson Feb. 2, Resurrection Boles-Velez Mar. 2, See America Thirst Lanaden-Love-Summerville. . . Nov. 24., Seed John Boles-Genevieve Tobin .. May II, Up for Murder Ayres-Tobin June 15, ' Virtuous Husband Compson-Elliot Nugent Apr. 12, unning iime Minutes Reviewea 67 Mar.l4,'3l ....67 80 Nov. 8 . . 75 . . . ...72... .. 77. . 84. . Jan. 3,'3I . . Dec. S Mar.28.'3l Feb. 28,'31 Feb. 28,'3I Jan. I0,'3I ..Oct IS .97.... Apr. 25.'3I '. 76.'.'.'.Mar.2l",'3i Coming Feature Attractions Title Star Battling with Buffalo Bill John Mack Brown East of Borneo Rose Hobart- Charles Bickford Fate Running Time M inutes Reviewed Graft Regis Toomcy Heaven on Earth Lew Ayres-Anita Louise Homocide Squad L. Carrilo-M. Brian-N. Beery Lasca of the Rio Grande Leo Carillo-J. M. Brown Mystery of Life Clarence Darrow Strictly Dishonorable .....John Boles-Sidney Fox Waterloo Bridge Mae Clarke Running Time Minutes Reviewed , 67.. . 66. - 74. . 75. . 68. . 81 . . 79. ..May I6,'3I .... Oct. 4 . .Jan. 3, '31 . .Mar.l4,'3l ..May 9,'3I Oct. 25 ....Oct, 25 . .Apr.l8,'3l .73 Oct. 25 .69 Oct. 4 . Mar.l4,'3l ...Dec. 20 . 81 . . 74. WARNER BROTHERS Features (Available sound-on-film and sound-on-disc) Title Star Rel. Date Bought! Constance Bennett-Ben Lyon. . Aug 22, '31. Captain Thunder F. Wray-V. Varconl.... Apr. 26, '31. Divorce Among Friends ....All Star ....Dec. 27 Fifty Million Frenchmen W. Gaxton-H.-Broderick Feb. 14, '31. God's Gift to Women Fay-LaPlante Apr. 25, '31. Gold Dust Gertie Winnie Lightner June 27, '31. Illicit Stanwyck- Rennio Feb. 14. '31, Life of the Party Winnie Lightner Oct. 25 Maltese Falcon, The Bebe Daniels- R. Cortez June 13, '31. Masiste in Hell ..Bartolomeo Pagano .: Maybe It's Love Brown-Bennett ..Oct. 4 Man to Man Holmes-Mitchell Dec. 8 (Reviewed under title "Barber John's Boy") Millionaire, The George Arliss May I, '31. My Past Daniels-Lyon Mar. 14, '31. (Reviewed under title "Ex- Mistress") Night Nurse Barbara Stanwyck „...Aug. 8, '31. Office Wife Mackaill-Stone Aug. 23 Other Men's Women Astor- Withers Jan. 17, '31. (Reviewed under title ''Steel Highway") Public Enemy, The Harlow-Cagney May 15, '31. River's End Bickford- Knapp Nov. 8 Royal Box (German) Moiss-Horn Sit Tight Lightner-Brown Feb. 28. '31. Sinners Holday Withers- Knapp Oct. II Smart Money Edw. G. Robinson July II, '31. Soldier's Plaything, A Loder-Langdon- Lyon Nov. I Svengali John Barrymore . M. Marsh.. May 22, '31. Three Loves Marlene Dietrich May 26, '31. Coming Feature Attractions Running Time Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Alexander Hamilton George Arliss 71 .. .June 13, '31 Expensive Women Dolores Costello Larceny Lane James Cagney-J. Blondoll Mad Genius, The John Barrymore Mouthpiece, The All Star Other Man, The Wm. Powell Safe in Hell All Star Side Show Lightner. Butterworth Star Witness, The All Star ., 59. ..71. .Oct. .Oct. ..96 ..74 Oct. 4 ..89 Dec. 28 .. 79 Oct. 4 ..62 Oct. 4 ..81 May I6,'3I ..57 .. 83 May 9,'3I 70 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 4, 193 1 THE SUCCT PICTLCE BIG 4 FILM CORPORATION Runing Time Title Star Rel. Date IVIinutes Reviewed Radio Razzberry, A Jamison-Murdocll Feb. 7, '31. .2 reels Wages of Gin, The Jamison- Murdock Apr. 28, '31. -2 reels COLUMBIA Title Star Rel. Apache Kid, The Krazy Kat Kartoon Oct. Bandmaster, The Krazy Kat Kartoon Sept. Birthday Party IVlickey Mouse Jan. Busy Beavers, The Silly Symphony Came the Pawn Eddie Buzzell Oct. The Castaways Mickey Mouse Apr. Cat's Silly Symphony Check and Rubber Check Specialties (Eddie Buzzell) .. Mar. China Plate Silly Symphony May Cinderella Krazy Kat Kartoon Aug. Crystal Gazer Specialties (Eddie Buzzell) .. Nov. Curiosities No. C 212 Aug. Curiosities No. C2I4 Oct. Curiosities No. C 215 Nov. Curoisities No. C 216 Novelty by Walter Futter. . . Jan. Curiosities No. C2I7 Jan. Curiosities No. C 218 Feb. Curiosities No. C 219 Feb. Curiosities No. C 220 Mar. Curiosities No. C 221 May Delivery Boy Mickey Mouse June Disarmament Conference Krazy Kat Apr. Dutchman's Paradise Rambling Reporter Nov. Egyptian Melodies Silly Symphonies Expressman, The Mickey Mouse Father Nile Rambling Reporter May For Christopher's Sake Specialties (Eddie Buzzell) Gorilla Mystery Mickey Mouse Oct. Hard Boiled Yeggs Specialties (Eddie Buzzell) .. Oct. Home of the Sheikh Rambling Reporter Jan. Hot and Bothered Specialties (Eddie Buzzell) .. Sept. I Can't Find a Name for It Specialties (Eddie Buzzell) Jerusalem, City of Peace Rambling Reporter May 'ewel of Asia Rambling Reporter Sept. Kings or Better (Specialties) Eddie Buzzell May Lambs Will Gamble Krazy Kat Kartoon Nov. Land Nobody Knows Rambling Reporter June Last of Moe Higgins Eddie Buzzell Laughing with Medbury in Africa Let's Talk Turkey Rambling Reporter Nov. Little Trail. The Krazy Kat Kartoon Dec. Lone Star Stranger Specialties (Eddie Buzzell) .. Dec. Midnight in a Toy Shop Silly Symphony July Monkey Melodies Silly Symphony Aug. Moose Hunt, The Mickey Mouse May Mother Goose Melodies Silly Symphony Apr. Natives Along the Nile Rambling Reporter Picnic, The Mickey Mouse Oct. Pioneer Days Mickey Mouse Dec. Playful Pan Silly Symphony Dec. Rodeo Dough Krazy Kat Kartoon Feb. Soda Poppa Krazy Kat Kartoon May Stork Market Krazy Kat Kartoon Streets of Cairo Rambling Reporter Apr. Subway Jam Krazy Kat Kartoon Svengarlic Krazy Kat Swiss Movements Krazy Kat Kartoon Vagabond Salesman, The Specialties (Eddie Buzzell) When Mickey Steps Out Mickey Mouse Wild Man's Land Rambling Reporter Nov. Wine, Women — But No Song. ... Specialties (Eddie Buzzell) .. Feb. Running Time Date Minutes Reviewed 9 I reel 8 1 reel Nov. 8 6,'3I...I reel. .Feb. 7,'3I I reel Nov. 29 ,'31... I reel I3,'3I...I reel 25, '31 . . .8 min 14 1 reel Nov. 15 18 I reel Nov. 8 29 I reel 2 I reel 10 I reel 8,'3I...I reel.. Feb. 21, '31 I reel I reel I reel I reel 1 reel 24, '3I 9,'3I. . 29,'3I.. 26, '3I.. 25, '3I . . 15, '31 27, '3I...I reel. 18 I reel. II, '31. 10.... 10.... 29.'3I. 26.... . i reel Dec. 6 . I reel Nov. 15 . I reel . I reel Nov, 8 ll,'3l. 23 I, '31. I 27,'3I . . I reel Nov. 8 .8 min. . May. 30,'3I . I reel Nov. 29 II 3.... 27 3.... I0,'3I. 8,'3I. I7,'3I. 10.... 28 I3,'3I. 29,'3I. .9 min.. Apr. 25, '31 . I reel Nov. 29 . I reel.. Feb. 7,'3I . I reel. . Feb. 7,'3I .1 reel.. May 2,'3I .1 reel Oct. 18 May 30,'3I . 1 reel.. May 9,'3I 29 . I reel Nov. .1 reel . I reel .1 reel.. Mar. 7,'3 .7 min 14,'3I...7 min. .May 30,'3I 19... 14,'3I . I reel. . I reel. Title An Anonymous Letter. EDUCATIONAL (Available sound-on-film and sound-on-di Rel. Asbury Park Murder Mystery, The Back Page, The Bank Swindle, A.. Black Widow, The. Blues Bride and Gloomy Bride's Mistake, The... By the Sea Clowning Club Sandwich College Cuties College Racket, A College Vamp, The Come to Papa Cow Catcher's Daughter. Crashing Hollywood .... Cross Roads Dance Hall Marge Day to Live, A Death House. The Divorced Sweethearts .... Dog Doctor, The Don't Bite Your Dentist. Don't Give Uo Don't Leave Home Don't Divorce Him Dream World Dutch Treat Expensive Kisses Explorer, The Ex. Plumber Ex-Sweeties Fireman's Bride, The Flying Trip, A Foolish Forties Fowl Affair, A Framed French Fried Ghost Parade Girls Will Be Boys Golf Nuts Go West Big Boy Grandma's Girl Happy Little Honeymoon, A. Her First Egg Hold 'er Sheriff Hollywood Theme Song Honeymoon Land In Conference Irish Stew Jumping Beans Jungle Giants lust a Bear Lovo a la Mode Love Bargain. The Lure of Hollywood Marriage Rows Star Wm. J. Burns Detective Mysteries Jan. Wm. J. Burns Detective Mysteries Dec. Geo. Chandler, Virginia Brooks May Wm. J. Burns Detective Mysteries Jan. Wm. J. Burns Detective Mysteries Feb. Terry-Toon June Bert Roach-Eleanor Hunt... Mar. Beebe- Dent-Thomson Mar. Terry-Toon ....July Terry-Toon Apr. Terry-Toon Jan. Tamblyn-Rondell Dec. Glenn Tryon June Clyde-D'Avril Feb. Ford Sterling Feb. Clyde-Gribbon-iBeebe May Rita Flynn-Phyllis Crane. ... Apr. Romantic Journeys May Gribbon-Beebe Jan. Terry-Toon May Wm. J. Burns Detective Mysteries Apr. Christy- Irwin- Pol lard- Beebe. . Oct. Clyde-O'Leary-Farley Mar. c;iyde-Pollard Nov. Buster and John West Oct. Johnny Hines Dec. Clyde Cook May Romantic Journey July Terry-Toon Sept. Bert Roach Dec. Terry-Toon Mar. Lloyd Hamilton Mar. Gribbon-Beebe Apr. Terry-Toon May Hodge-Podge Sept. Ford Sterling-June McCloy..June Gayoty Comedy Apr. Wm. J. Burns Detective Mysteries May Terry-Toon Sept. Clyde-Gribbon-Beebe May Charlotte Greenwood Jan. Terry-Toon Dec. Terry-Toon Feb. Clyde-Stuart- Kane Oct. Glenn Tryon Feb. Terry Toon July Beebe-Murray June Grihbon-O'Leary-D'Avril ...Dec. Romantic Journeys Feb. Clyde-Gribbon- Wilson Apr. Terry-Toon Oct. Terry-Toon Nov. Hodge Podge June Clyde-Gribbon-O'Leary Mar. Granville-Drew Nov. Alberta Vaughn-B. Agnow. . . Jan. Brooks-Chandler July Lloyd Hamilton Jan. sc) Running Time Date Minutes Reviewed 4, '3I lO'/s.Feb. 7,'3I 21 10'/2.Jan. 24,'31 24, '31 20... Apr. 1 1, '31 I8,'3I II I5,'31 1 1... Mar. 14,'3I 28,'31 .6 22,'31 20 I. '31 13. . .Jan. 17, '31 I2,'31 6 5, '31 6... Mar. 28,'3I 25, '31 51/2. Jan. 24,'3I 28 19 Dec. 7 14, '31 20... June 6, '31 15, '31 22... Feb. 7,'3I 22, '31 20... Feb. 21, '31 I0,'31 22... Apr. 4,'3I 5, '31 20. ..Mar. 21, '31 3,'31 1 1... Apr. II, '31 I8,'31 19... Jan, 3,'3I 31. '31 6 I2,'31 10 26 21... Jan. I7.'3I I5,'31 22 Nov. I 9 18. . .Jan. I7,'31 26 22 Sept. 27 28 19 Oct. M 31, '31 18. ..May 2,'3I 5, '31 21 B 7 18 Dec. 6 22, '31 6... Feb. 28,'3I 8,'3I 21... Feb. 24,'3I I2,'31 19... Mar. 7.'3I 3,'31 5 7 10 28. '31 21... Juno 6. '31 26, '31 6. ..Mar. 21, '31 10, '3I 7 6 Oct. 18 24, '31 22... May 2,'31 25, '31 21... Jan. 24, '31 14 6 Nov. 22 22,'31 6. ..Feb. 2I,'3I 12 21 Oct. 25 I5.'31 21... Feb. 7,'3I 26, '3I 7. '31 21 7 20 Nov. I I. '31 10. ..Mar. 28, '31 26, '31 21... Apr. 1 1, '31 5 6 Oct. II 2 6 Oct. 25 21, '31 II 29, '31 20... Feb. 21, '31 2 19 11, '31 21. ..Jan. 17. '31 5, '31 20... June 27,'3I I8,'31 20 Title Star Re Meade Trial, The Wm. J. Burns Detective Mysteries June Medley of Rivers, A Hodge-Podge Nov. Money Makers of Manhattan Hodge-Podge July Monkey Business in Africa Clyde-Eeebe June Movie Town Sennette-Beebe July My Harem Moran- Bradbury Nov. No, No Lady Clyde-Christy Jan. One Yard to Go Eeebe- Eastman Feb. Our Nagging Wives Ford Sterling Nov. Pete and Repeat Harrison-Elms Mar. Philadelphia Lancaster Counter-Wm. J. Burns Detective feiters. The Mysteries Feb, Pigskin Capers Terry-Toon Dec. Popcorn Terry-Toon Jan. Poor Fish. A Beebe-Stewart-Stone Jan. Quack. Quack Terry-Toon Mar, Racket Cheers Clyde- Irwin-PoJIard Nov. Razzberries Terry-Toon Feb. Ringleader, The Wm. J. Burns Detective Mysteries Mar. Rough Idea of Love Eeebe- Eastman Dec. Salt Water Taffy Terry-Toon Nov. Scotch Highballs Terry-Toon Nov. Shotgun Wedding, A ffuster & John West Apr. Shooting of Dan the Duck, The.Cook-McPhail Feb. Sing Sing Song Terry-Toon Apr. Slide, Speedy, Slide Daphne Pollard-Tom Dugan .. July Speed A. Clyde- M. Beebe May Speed Up Hodge-Podge Dec. Starbrite Diamond, The Wm. J, Burns Detective Mystery May Strange Bird Beebe- Eastman- AlbernI Nov. Strangler, The Wm. J. Burns Detective Mysteries Mar. Sultan's Cat. The Terry-Toon May Suppressed Crime, The Wm. J. Burns Detective Mysteries Nov, Thayer Trial Wm. J. Burns Detective Oct. Mystery Apr. Their Wives' Vacation Kelton-Murray Dec. Three Hollywood Girls L. Lane-R. Flynn-P. Crane. . Jan. Tidbits Hodge-Podge May Triangle Murder, The Wm. J. Burns Detective Mysteries Mar, 2000 B.C Terry-Toon June Up a Tree Lloyd Hamilton Nov, What a Head Duffy- Rondell July Windy Riley Goes Hollywood Jack Shutta-Louise Brooks.,, May Won by a Neck Lloyd Hamilton Oct. Running Time Date Minutes Reviewed 7, '31 10 9 21... Jan. 24.'31 19,'31 10 21. '31 22 5,'31 17 16 19 4,'31 20 Dec. 6 I, '31 21. ..Jan. 31, '31 9 19 Oct 25 I. '31 20. ..Feb. 2I,'3I l.'3l 9... Feb. 21, '31 28 6 1 1, '31 6... Jan. 17,'31 4,'31 12 8, '31 6. ..Feb. 21, '31 23 22 Nov. 8 8,'31 6... Feb. 7,'3I 15, '31 II... Apr. II,'3I 21 21. ..Jan. 3,'3I 30 6 1 9,''3 1'. '.'.'.'.20.'.'. Mar,' ' I4,'3i 22, '31 20. ..Feb. 21, '31 I9,'31 8... Mar. 28.'3I I9,'31 18 I0,'31 22... Apr. 1 1, '31 21 8 24,'3I 23 10... Feb. 7,'3I 29,'3I. 12... June 6,'31 17,'31 6... May 2,'3I 23 II... Jan. 3,'3I 26 10 Oct. 25 26,'3I II 14 21 4,'31 21... Jan, 3,'31 24,'31 9 I, '31 1 1... Apr. II, '31 I4.'31 6... June 6.'3I 3D 19 26,'31 20 3,'31 21... Apr. 1I,'3I 5 21 Oct, II FITZPATRICK PICTURES. INC. Traveltalk Series No. 1 — From Barcelona to Valencia Sept. II No. 2 — From Valencia to Granada Oct. No. 3 — From Granada to Toledo Nov No. 4 — In Old Madrid Dec No. 5 — Egypt — The Land of the Pyramids May No. 6 — Gateway to India, The June No. 7 — Temple of Love, The July No. 8 — Imperial City, The Aug. No. 9 — Picturesque Hong Kong Sept. No. 10 — The Island Empire Oct. No. II — Japan in Cherry Blossom Time Oct. No. 12 — Java — The Fragrant Isle Nov. No. 13 — Charming Ceylon Nov. No. 14 — Honolulu to Havana Dec. No. 15 — Siam to Korea Jan. American Holiday Series Abraham Lincoln 3. Armistice Day 3. Christopher Columbus 3. George Washington 3. Independence Day 3. Labor Day 3. Memorial Day 3. Mother's Day 3. Origin of Christmas 3. Thangsgiving 3. I... Oct. I2,'3I .11... Nov. I6,'3I ,10 Feb. 8 .11 June 21 ..9'/2 .101/2.... Sept. . .9 Aug. 0 .Sept. 6 .Nov. 22 23 8.. 9 9 9 10 '31 10. ..Jan Title People People People People People People People People People People People People Born in Born in Born ire Born in Born in Born< in Born in Born in Born in Born in Born in Born in Movie Horoscope Series One Release for Each Month of the Year Running Time Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed August 9 September. II October lO'/z November 8 Nov. 9 December 8 January 10 February 10 March 10 April 8 May 81/2 June IO'/2 July 9 Aug. 2 Music Master Series Running Time Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed George Bizet Sept II Johannes Brahms II Franz Liszt II George Frederick Handel Oct 11 Frederick Chopin Oct 101/2 Ludwig Von Beethoven 7'/2 Guiseppe Verdi Nov 91/2 Nov. 29 Felix Mendelssohn Dec 9 Johann Strauss Nov 6 Dec. 13 FOX FILMS Title Running Time Magic Carpet Series Rel. Date Minutes R Down to Damascus Near East 8... May Giants of the Jungle Elephants 8. ..May Happy Days in the Tyrol Bavarian Alps 8... May King's Armada, The Great Britain's Fleet 9. ..May Pageant of Siam, The Bangkok and the Siamese 9. ..May Wild Life on the Veldt Govt, of South Africa 8. ..May Wild West of Today Wyoming Mountains 8. ..May World at Prayer Miracle at Lourdes 8. ..May METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER eviewed 9,'3I 9,'3I 9,'3I 9, '31 9,'3I 9,'3I 9,'3I 9,'31 Air Tight Boy Friends May 9,'31 17. ..May 2,'31 Ambitious People Colortone Revue Mar. 21, '31 Baby Talk oy Friends Jan. 17, '31 '. , . .^- Bargain Day Our Gang May 2,'31 19 Bark Brothers, The Dogville Be Big Laurel-Hardy Feb. 7,'31 24. ..Mar. 28, '31 Big Dog House. The Dogville Mar. I4,'31 16 Bigger and Better Boy Friends Oct. 25 19 Blood and Thunder Boy Friends Jan. 17, '31 20 Busy Barcelona Holmes Apr. II, '31 Mar. I4,'31 Chickens Come Home Laurel-Hardy Feb. 21, '31 30. ..Mar. 14,'3I China's Ole Man River Holmes Oct. 4 9 Dec. 13 Copy Novelty Oct. II 20 Dec. 13 July 4, 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 71 Title Sta, Rel. Crazy House Dane-Muran Nov. Cuckoo Murder Case. The Flip the Frog Series Oct. Devil's Cabaret Revue Dec. Dublin and Nearby Holmes Dec. Fly My Kite Gems of M-G-M Novelty Jan. Geography Lesson Colortone Revue Mar. Helping Grandma Our Gang Jan. High C's Charley Chase Dec. High Gear Boy Friends Feb. Hoosegow Laurel -Hardy Laughing Gas Flip the Frog Series Mar. Laughing Gravy Laurel-Hardy Apr. Let's Do Things Little Daddy Our Gang Mar. Love Business ..Our Gang Feb. Love Fever Boy Friends Apr. Love Tales of Morocco Old Man Trouble Davidson-Nichols One of the Smiths Charley Chase Our Wife Laurel -Hardy Peeps at Peking Holmes Jan. Pip from Pittsburgh, The Charley Chase Mar. Ragtime Flip the Frog Series Rough Seas Charley Chase Apr. Rounder, The Novelty Nov. Roy Evans Roy Evans School's Out Our Gang Nov. So Quiet on the Canine Front Dogville Jan. Soup Song, The Flip the Frog Series Jan. Spain's Maddest Fiesta Holmes Sept. Splash Novelty Sultan's Camp of Victory Holmes Feb. Tale of the Alhambra. A Holmes Feb. That Little Bit of Heaven Holmes Mar. Through the Yangtze Gorges Holmes Oct. Thundering Tenors Charley Chase Feb. Village Barber, The Flip the Frog Series Sept. Village Smithie, The Flip the Frog Series Jan. What a Man Charley Chase Feb. Who Killed Rover? Dogville Nov. Running Time Date M inutes Reviewed 1 16... Mar. 14/31 18 8 Nov. I 13 Mar. I4,'3I 27 9... Apr. 4,'3I 21 3,'31 21 28, '3 1 3, '3I Nov. I 27 29 28, '31 25 Oct. 25 14, '31 Mar. I4,'3I 4, '31 21 27 28,'31 21. ..Mar. I4,'3I 14,'31 20 Dec. 13 ll,'3l 17,'3I.. 21.'3I.. 22... Apr. .8... May 21... Mar. .9. ..May 25,'31 20... June 22 20 9. . .Apr. 22... 31, '31 31, '31 13... .21. II. .Aug. 9 0 Nov. 9... June 20, 28, '31 7.'31 21. '31 25 9 7, '31 21.. 27 9.. 31. '31 9 7.'3I 8 16 Dec. ...Oct. PARAMOUNT-PUBLIX star Rel. Date 17, 4, 18, Runni M •31.. 1 1 '31... '31. .1 '31.. I '31. .1 '31.. •31.. '31. .1 '31. .1 '31... •31. .2 '31. .2 •31.. I .1 Title Ace of Spades, The Talkartoon Jan Accordion Joe Talkartoon Dec. African Dodge. The Tom Howard May A Hunting We Did Go Bruce Novelty May Alexander's Rag Time Band Screen Song May All for the Band Eddie Younger Apr. And the Green Grass Grew All Around Screen Song May, '31 I Antique Shop, The burns and Allen Mar. Any Little Girl That's a Nice Little Girl Screen Song Apr. Around the Samovar A Columbia Broadcasting Feature Feb. 28, Anything But Ham Smith and Dale Jan. 24, Betty Co-Ed Rudy Vallee Aug. I, Big Splash, The Weismuller-Kruger Jan. 17, Broadway Romeo, A Jack Benny Mar. 28, Bum Bandit, The Talkartoon Apr. 4. By Appointment •...Craig-Bond Nov. 1 By the Beautiful Sea Screen Song Jan. 24, '31.. I Cab Waiting Jack Benny June 20. '31... Camera Trails Bruce Scenic Oct. II I Climate Chasers Bruce Novelty July II, '31... Clinching a Sale Harry Richman Apr. 18, '31.. 1 Confounded Interest Raymond-Caverly Oct. 11 1 Cow's Husband, The Talkartoon Mar. 14, '31... Crazy Compositions Fuzzy Knight Apr. It, '31.. 1 Devil Sea Ethel Merman & Leslie Stowe. Feb. 28, '31.. 1 Discovered Solly Ward Jan. 17. '31. .1 Drifting Along Robert Bruce Scenic Sept. 6 1 Elmer Takes the Air Stubby Kruger-Assan- Jordanoff July Excuses Bruce Novelty Nov. Fair and Square Ways Eddie Miller May Fatal Card, The W. & E. Howard Nov. French Line, The Gina Male Jan. Gents of Leisure Chester Conklln May Go Ahead and Eat Tom Howard Jan. Go Ahead and Sing Tom Howard Oct. Grand Uproar Talkartoon Oct. Great Pants Mystery Smith & Dale Feb. Happiness Remedy Ted Lewis Feb. Headache, The Billy House Mar. He Was Her Man Gilda Gray Apr. 25. '31. .2 Helping Hand, The Solly Ward June 27, '31.. I Herring Murder Case, The Talkartoon Oct. 4 His Price Johnny Burke Dec. 13 1 His Wife's Birthday Solly Ward Oct. 26 2 Hudson and Its Moods Leslie Stowe & Speed Young .. Apr. 11, '31.. I Hurry. Doctor I'd Climb the Highest Mountain .. Screen Song Mar. 7, '31.. I I'm Telling You Willie & Eugene Howard. .. Mar. 7. '31. .1 In Again Out Again Cook-Bond Dec. 20 1 In My Merry Oldsmobile Screen Song It Might Be Worse Georgie Jessel Jan. 3, '31.. 2 It's All Over Marion Harris Dec. 20 1 I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now. Screen Song Feb. 14, •SL.l Just a Pal Minor Watson Nov. 15 I Knock, Knock, Knock (Tent) Talkartoon July 25, '31.. 1 La Schnapps, inc Smith &. Dale Nov. 8 2 Laugh It Oft June MacCloy Feb. 14. '31.. I Let's Stay Single Frances Williams Mar. 14, •31.. I Love in the Suburbs Victor Moore Jan. 31, '31. .2 Make Up Your Mind Alice Boulden Jan. ID, '31.. I Male Man, The Talkartoon Apr. 25, '31 Mariutch Screen Song Nov. 15 I Marry or Else Arthur & Morton Havell Oct. 25 2 Melodies Smith Bros., Singing 1 Miscast Jas. Kelso-Dolores-DeMonde. . Mar. 21, '31. .1 Model Women All Star Dec. 6 1 My Gal Sal Screen Song Oct. 18 My Wife's Gone to the Country. . Screen Song May, '31 Moonlight and Romance Moreno- Martini Feb. 21, , M'Lady Irene Bordoni Mar. 28, Movie Memories No. 4 — Sponsored by Chesterflield Cigarettes No. 5 — Sponsored by Chesterliield Cigarettes My West Bruce Novelty Mar. 7, '31.. I Mysterious Mose Talkartoon Dec, My Wife's Gone to the Country. . Screen Song June New Rhythm Azplazer &, Band Oct. Noah's Lark Talkartoon Oct. Office Blues Ginger Rogers Nov. Oh Teddy Billy House Dec. or King Cotton George Dewey Washington. .. Dec. On a Sunday Afternoon Screen Song Nov, ng Time inutes Reviewed reel reel Dec. 13 10 Mar.l4,'3l reel reel reel . . Mar.l4,'31 reel . reel reel reel . . Feb. 28,'3I reel . .Jan. 3,'31 . 7.... May IB,'3I reels reels reel reel reel 17 May 16,'3I reel Dec. 13 . .9 reel reel , 8. . reel , reel reel reel .Mar.28,'3l .Jan. I7,'3I Dec. 20 18, '31.. 2 29 1 2, '31.. 1 8 1 24. '31.. I 9. '31.. 2 3, •31..1 25, '31.. 1 4 1 14, '31.. 2 14, ^31.. I 14. •SI. .2 . . Dec. . . Dec. ,'31 1 I '31. .1 •31.. I reels reel . reel , reel . reel . reels reel . reel . reel . reels reel reels.. June IS/Sj reels reel .7 reel . . Mar.2l, reels reel . . May 2,^3 i 8 Mar.l4,'3l reel. . .Junel3,^31 reel reel Nov. 22 6 Mar.21,'3l reels reel \\ reel reel reel reels reel ..May 9,'3I reel reels reel 6 May23,'31 reel Nov. 8 reels reel reel reel reel reel reel reel 27 13. '31... 18 1 26 1 22 I 20 2 27 1 29 1 , 10 May 16.'31 10 May 16, '31 reel ..Mar.l4,'3l reel Dec. 13 Once Over, Light Burns and Allen May 23, '31.. 1 ~ - -. y_ 27. One Big Night Ben Blue Paramount Pictorial: No. 1 — Clara Bow Sept. No. 2 — Fish Faces; Munich Mannikins; Walrus Hunting in Siberia; Stars of To-morrow Oct. No. 3 — In the Gloaming — Lowell Thomas-Jesse Crawford. . Nov. No. 4 — Whaling in North Atlantic — Lowell Thomas-Leslie Thrasher Dec. No. 5 — Up the River in Mexico — Lowell Thomas-John Phillip Sousa Jan. 31, '31. No. 6 — The Trout Harvest — The Children's Hour — Lowell Thomas Feb. 28, '31. No. 7— Rudy Vallee— Lowell Thomas Marionette Show Mar. 28, '31. reel reel reel reels reel reel reel ..May 18,'31 reel reel 25. 29. 27. reel reel reel reel reel reel Title Star Rel. No. 8 — Jesse Crawford-Ruth St. Dennis-Lowell Thomas No. 9 — Harmonies of the Harp; Facts and Fancies in Sports — Lowell Thomas May No. 10 — Journeys to Far Places — Lowell Thomas Paramount Sound News (Two Editions Weekly) Patient. The The Three Swifts Nov. Pent House Blues Muriel D'Or - Cy Kahn Feb. Pest. The Tom Howard Mar. Plastered Willie, West & McGInty Nov. Please Go 'Way and Let Me Sleep. Screen Song Jan. Pulling a Bone Burns & Allen Jan. Pusher in the Face Putting Party, The Juliet Dec. Radio Salutes Real Estators. The Smith & Dale May Red, Green & Yellow Lulu McConnell Oct. Row, Row. Row Screen Song Dec. Runaway Boys Bruce Novelty Jan. Sailor's Luck, A George Beatty Sept. Seeing Helen Home Helen Lynd Dec. Seven in One Juliet May Silly Scandals Talkartoon May Simply Killing Willie & Eugene Howard Jan. Sky Scraping Talkartoon Nov. Somebody Stole My Gal Screen Song Mar. Song Service Lee Morse & Co Oct. S. S. Malaria Smith & Dale Juno Stateroom 19 Clute - La Mar Jan. Stolen Joels All Star Studio Sap Chester Conklin Feb. Swing, You Sinner Talkartoon Sept. Taxi Chester Conklin Apr. Teacher's Pest Talkartoon Feb. Tex in 1999 Texaco Company 13th Alarm. The Chester Conklin July That Old Gang of Mine Screen Song July Thou Shalt Not Billy House May Tongue Tied Lulu McConnell Dec. Tons of Trouble Rudy Muller and Rosie Jan. Top Notes Willy Robyn Mar. Tree Saps Talkartoon Feb. Tune Detective, The Dr. Sigmund Spaeth Apr. Twenty Legs Under the Sea Talkartoon Juno Two's Company Marion Harris Feb. Tune Detective, The Dr. Sigmund Spaeth Feb. Two A.M Tom Howard May Up to Mars Talkartoon Nov. Via Express Tom Howard July Why Continue the Struggle Casey-McHugh Nov. You're in the Army Now Johnny Burke Oct. Running Time Date Minutes Reviewed Apr. 25 2, '31 reel I 29 1 21. '31.. I 14. '31.. 1 22 1 10. '31.. I 10, '31. .1 27. 2, '31.... 18 1 20 1 31, '31..., 13 1 6 1 21, '31. .1 23, '31.. 1 31. '31.. I I I 21. '31.. I 25 1 6, '31. .2 17, '31.. I 2 28, '31.. 2 20 I II. '31. .2 7, '31.. 1 7 4, '31. .2 II. '31. .1 23. '31. .2 13 1 3, '31.. I 21, 'SI,.! 21. '31. .1 25, '31.. I 6, '31.. I 7, '31.. I 14, '31.. I 2. '31.. I 22 I 4, '31.. 1 15 1 II 2 . . . Nov. 8 . Mar.28,'3l . Mar.28,'3l .May 23,'31 ..Nov. 15 reel reel reel reel reel reel reel 28. . reel 10.. 10. . reel reel .9.. reel reel reel reel. .May 9, '31 reel reel reel.. May 2 ,'31 reel reels reel reels reels reel Oct. 11 reels min. . . May 2, '31 reels ••eel reels. . May 2, '31 reel reel reel... Mar 14,'3i reel reel. . .Junel3.'31 reel. .Jan. 3. '31 reel Nov. 22 reel reel Nov. 22 reel reel reels RADIO PICTURES Title Star Rel. Aunts in the Pants W. Catlett Nov. Blondes Prefer Bonds Louise Fazenda Clean-Up on the Curb, A Roscoe Ates County Seat, The Charles "Chic" Sale Cowslips Charles "Chic" Sale Dizzy Dates Dane-Arthur Dec. Dumbels in Derbies Geo. K. Arttiur-Karl Dane ... Feb. Fall to Arms, A Louise Fazenda Oct. False Roomers Clark and McCullough Oct. House Dick, The Jimmy Savo Humanette Humanette Humanette Humanette No. Humanette No. Humanette Humanette Humanette Humanette Humanette He Loved Her 1 itching Hour. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. 2 Hutch inson-Lorch Sept. 3 Clyde-Rubin Oct. 4 B. T. Murray Nov. 5 All Star Dec. 6 Benny Rubin Jan. 7 Nat Carr Feb. 8 All Star Mar. 9 Apr. 11 Eddie Lambert lune 12 "On the Spot".. Not Nick & Tony Jan. The Louise Fazenda Feb. Knights Before Xmas Dane- Arthur Nov. Lime Juice Knights Dane-Arthur Mar. Lone Starved Ranger, The Rosco Ates Mickey's Bargain Mickey Yule Dec. Mickey's Crusaders Mickey Yule *pr. Mickey's Dilpocamy Mickey McGuire Mickey's Rebellion Mickey McGuire Mickey's Stampede Mickey Yule Feb. Moonlight & Monkey Business. .. Nick & Tony Nov. Razored in Old Kentucky Nick & Tony Oct. Second Hand Kisses Louise Fazenda Mar. She Went for a Tramp Hugh Herbert - Rosco Ates.. Mar. Strife of the Party, The Ned Sparks Talking Turkey Benny Rubin Jan. Toby Hollowe'en Toby, the Pup May Toby in the Bughouse Toby, the Pup Dec. Toby in Circus Times Toby, the Pup Jan. Toby in the Brown Derby Tobyj the Pup Mar. Toby Down South Toby, the Pup Apr. Toby the Bull Thrower Toby, the Pup June Toby the Fiddler Toby, the Pup Sept. Toby the Miner Toby, the Pup Oct. Toby the Milkman Toby, the Pup Feb. Toby the Showman Toby, the Pup Nov. Too Hot to Handle Louise Fazenda Nov. Trader Ginsburg Nat Carr Dec. Trouble from A Broad Ford Sterling - Lucien Little- field Way of All Fish Ned Sparks Wife O'Reilly Nick & Tony Feb. Runni Date M 22 2 2 2 2 2 7 2 7, '31... 26 17, '31.... 2 I I 1 1 20 1 27 I 25, '31.. 1 25. '31... 22, '31... 15, '31.. I 13, '31... ng Time inutes Reviewed reels .20. Dec. 13 reels reel. . .Junel3,'31 reels reels reels .19 19.... Mar. 1,'31 20 reels reel . reel . reel . . reel . reel ..Jan. 3,'3I .Mar.l4,'3l .Mar. 7,'3I 10 .8 .9. Nov. 8 25, '31.... 1. '31.... 15 22. '31.... 2 27 12, 31.. 2 .June 20. '31 0. 9. . reel 10.. 10. . 20.. 22 18 21. ...Mar. 7.'3I reels 19 Dec. 13 reels 18 7. '31 19 15....'.!!! 21 Nov." is 20 18 Nov. 8 29. '31 May 2,'31 15, '31.. Mar. 7,'3I 2 reels 25, '31 l'. '3l!!.! 6.!..!. Dec. 13 7 6 25. '31.... 7.... Mar. 7,'3I 22. '31.... 7 15, '31.... 7 7. '31 7 May23,'3l I 6 Nov. 15 1 7 25, '31.... 7 Nov. 8 22 21 Dec. 13 15 18 Dec. 13 27 7 May23,'31 10. . .June 20, '31 18.... June 13,^31 25, '31.... 20.... Mar. 7.'3i RKO PATHE NOTE — RKO Pathe does not list running time on Shorts. reels in the important series, however, follow: 2 reel comedies 22 min. Pathe News 10 " Pathe Review 11 " Aesop's Fables 8 " Grantland Rice Sportlights 10 " Runni Title Star Rel. Date M Against the Rules Rainbow Comedy May 31, '31... All Gummed Up Whoopee Comedy May 23, '31.. 2 Angles on Angling Sportlight Dec. 28 1 Animal Fair, The Aesop Fable Feb. 1, '31.. I Backfield Aces Rockne Football Oct. 15 1 Bare Knees Pollard Mar. 8, '31.. 2 Big Cheese, The Fable Oct. 26 1 Blue Grass Kings Sportlight June 15, '31. .1 Breakfast In Bed Pollard-Pangborn Nov. 16 2 Call of Mohammed Vagabond Adventure Apr. 7, '31.. I Campus Champs Nat Carr Feb. 1, '31.. 2 Chasing Trouble Checker Comedy Apr. 26, '31. .2 Cinderella Blues Aesop Fable Apr. 12, '31... Cobb Goes Fishing Sportlight Oct. S 1 College Capers Fable Mar. 15, '31.. I Cowboy Blues Fable Feb. 15. '31.. 1 Dance With Me Wanzer-Palmer Nov. 23 2 Dangerous Youth Pollard Sept. 14 2 Diamond Experts Sportlight May 17, '31. Disappearing Enemies Dot Farley - Rex Bell Mar. 1, '3I..2 Dixie Chase. The Sportlight Nov. 30 1 Days of Solitude Vagabond Adventure Feb. 6. '31.. I The approximate running time of Duffer Swings Farrell Golf Series Feb. 22,'3I...I ing Time inutes Reviewed 19 May 23.'31 reels.. May 16,'3I reel. . .Jan. 3, '31 reel. . .Jan.BI.'ai reel reels.. Mar. 7,'31 reel Nov. 8 reel reels reel.. Apr. 4.'3I reels. . Feb.l4.'31 reels. . May 9,'31 . 8 Apr.ll,'3l reel Oct. 4 reel.. Mar. 2I,'3I reel. . Feb. 7, '31 reels reels Nov. 29 .10 May 23,'3I reels. .Apr. 4,'31 reel Dec. 13 reel.. Feb. I4.'3I reel.. Mar. 7.31 72 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 4, 193 1 Title Star Rel. Eve's Fall All Star Dec. Fisherman's Luck Aesop Fable June Fly Guy, The Aesop Fable May Flying Feet Knute Rockne Football Oct. Fore! Farrell Golf Feb. Frozen Face Manhattan Comedy Apr. Sem of Agra Vagabond Adventure Oct. Getting on the Green Farrell Golf Mar. Glory of Spain Vagabond Adventure Nov. Gossipy Plumber, The Folly Comedy May Gypped in Egypt Fable Nov. Half Pint Polly Capital Comedy May Help Wanted — Female Pollard Jan. lidden Goal, The Rockne Football Oct. rtigh Steppers Sportlight Nov. Hold the Baby Agnew-Crane-McPhall Nov. Hunting Thrills Sportlight Apr. Hurricane Island Vagabond Adventure Apr. In the Rough Farrell Golf Mar. I'll Take That One All Star Oct. /ungle Terror Vagabond Adventure Oct. Kid the Kidder Owsley-Marsh Dec. King of Bugs Fable Dec. Last Yard. The Rockne Football Oct. Lemon Meringue Edgar Kennedy Aug. Midnight Fable Oct. Mad Melody Fable Apr. Monarchs of the Field Sportlight Dec. Mystic Isles Vagabond Adventure Nov. Neat and Tidy All Star Nov. Next Door Neighbors Housman-Deering Jan. Night Class Campus Comedy June Not So Loud Melody Comedy May Office Boy, The Fable Nov. One Nutty Night Wills-Carney Nov. Open House Nick Stuart Mar. Old Hokum Bucket, The Aesop Fable Mar. Olympic Talent Sportlight June Outboard Stunting Sportlight Series May Over the Radio Pangborn Dec. Pale Face Pup Aesop Fable June Parading Pajamas Johnny Arthur Dec. Par and Double Par Sportlight Nov. Pathe News Released Twice Weekly Parents Wanted Folly Comedy Mar. Play Ball Aesop Fable May Racqueteers Sportlight Oct. Radio Racket Fable Mar. Red Riding Hood Fable Jan. Rough and Tumble Sportlight Jan. Rough House Rhythm Ed Kennedy Apr. Royal Flush, The All Star Dec. Sands of Egypt Vagabond Adventure Nov. Seein' Injuns Pollard Feb. Self Defense Sportlight Sept. Shadow of the Dragon Vagabond Adventure Mar. She Snoops to Conquer Daphne Pollard June Sink or Swim Sportlight Mar. Ski Pilot Sportlight Feb. Speed Limit Sportlight Mar. Spirit of Sho-Gun Vagabond Adventure Dec. Stage Struck Walter Catlett Jan. Stone Age Stunts Fable Dec. Stout Hearts and Willing Hands. Frank Fay June Tale of Tutulla Vagabond Adventure Jan. Tennis Tep-Notchers Tilden- Wills Apr. That's My Line Louis John Bartels July That's News to Me Frank McHugh July Them the Unknown Vagabond Adventure Mar. Three Wise Clucks Glenn Tryon Apr. Touchdown Rockne Football Nov. Toytown Tale Fable Jan. Traffic Tangle Carr- Farley Nov. Twisted Tales Arthur Housman-Marlon Douglas Mar. Two Minutes to Go Rockne Football Oct. Under Cover Sportlight Jan. Under Par Farrell Golf Mar. Under the Cock-Eyed Moon Carney-Wills Oct. Water Bugs Johnny Welsmuller May Well of Fortaleza, The Vagabond Adventure Feb. Winning Putts Farrell Golf Mar. Wizard Land Vagabond Adventure Dec. Younger Years Sportlight 5 7 21... 12... 3,'JI.... 12 1 26,'3I...I 14 1 30 I 28 2 28,'31.. .2 Running Time Date Minutes Reviewed 28 2 reels 8, '31 9 10, '3I 7... June 6,'3I 26 I reel Sept. 13 15, '31... I reel.. Feb. I4,'31 19,'3I...2 reels. Apr. I8,'3I 19 1 reel Sept. 27 22,'31...l reel. .Apr. II, '31 18 I reel Nov. 8 I7,'31...2 reels. May 2,'31 9 1 reel Nov. 15 3, '31. . .2 reels 1 1, '31. . .2 reels. Jan. I0,'3I 15 I reel Aug. 30 16 1 reel Dec. 13 9 2 reels 21,'3I,..I reel. .Apr. M,'3I 21, '3I...I reel. .Mar. 28,'3I 8.'31...l reel.. Feb. 28,'31 5 2 reels 1 reel Sept, 20 2 reels Sept. 20 I reel. .Jan. 3, '31 I reel Aug. 30 ..20. ..June 6.'31 I reel Oct. 25 I reel.. May 2,'3I I reel Dec. 20 reel Nov. 22 reels reels. Jan. 3, '31 7, '3I.. .2 reels. May 16,'31 3,'31...2 reels. May 2,'31 23 1 reel Nov. 29 30 2 reels Nov. 22 22, '31 20... Apr. II,'3I 29,'31 7... Apr. 4,'31 29,'3I...I reel 3, '3I...I reel . May 31, '31 14 2 reels. Feb. 7,'3I 22,'3I...I reel 21 2 reels. Jan. 24,'31 2 1 reel Nov. 22 I reel I5,'3I...2 reels. Apr. 4,'3I 24, '31 10... May 30,'31 19 1 reel Oct. II l.'3l...l reel.. Feb. 28.'31 I8.'3I...I reel.. Jan. 3I,'3I I8,'3I...I reel.. Feb. 7. '31 5, '3I...2 reels. Mar. I4,'3I 19 2 reels Aug, 30 2 I reel I5.'3I...2 reels. Jan. 3,'3I 7 1 reel Sept. 13 8. '3I...I reel. .Mar. 14,'3I 22,'31 20. ..June 20. '31 22,'3l...l reel. 9. Mar. 28,'31 8 I reel.. Feb. I4,'31 8,'31...l reel. .Mar. 14,'3I 28 I reel.. Jan. 3,'3I 18 1 reel.. Feb. 28,'3I 7 1 reel Dec. 13 I5,'31 20... May 30,'3I 25, '3I...I reel.. Feb. 7,'3I 4, '31...1 reel. 11. Apr. 4, '31 13, '31 20. ..June 6.'31 6, '31 20... May 30,'3I 22,'31...l reel. .Apr. 4,'31 12, '31...2 reels. Apr. I8,'3I 2 1 reel 4,'31...l reel. .Jan. 3, '31 2 2 reels Nov. 8 29.'31 22... Apr. 4, '3 1 15 1 reel II, '31... I reel. .Jan. 24,'31 I5.'3I...I reel.O.Mar. 28. '31 26 2 reels Nov. 15 3I,'31 10... May 23,'3I 28,'31...l reel. .Feb. 21. '31 l.'31...l reel. .Apr. 4, '3' 14 1 reel Dec. 13 I reel SYNDICATE PICTURES CORPORATION STATE RIGHTS Title Star Distributor Running Time Minutes Reviewed At the Photographers Harry Delf Elbee 2 reels Beauty Secrets from Holly- wood— No. 1 (technicolor) Welshay Mar. I4,'31 Besides the Western Sea Castle Film I reel Birds of a Feather Ideal 8... Apr. 4,'31 Blind Youth Lou Tellegen Capital 2 reels Bosom Friendship Novelty UFA 10 Bring on the Bride Elbee 2 reels. ... Nov. 9 Broken Doll, The Sadie Banks Judea Films reel Coast to Coast Talker visugraphic 2 reels Aug. 30 Down Hawaii Way Color Novelty Castle I reel Electric Ship Educational General Electric 9 Nov. 8 Eli-Eli Cantor Waldman ,.. Judea Film 10 Evening in Jewish Camp Eval Miller Judea Film 12 — Felix Fernandino Imperial 9 Nov. 22 Friend Husband Burr 2 reels In the Good Old Summer Time Ideal 8... Apr. 4,'3I Jewish Gypsy Hymie Jacobson Judea Films 21 Jewish Melody Cantor Waldman ludea Films, Inc I reel Kids and Pets Color Novelty Castle I reel Knights in Khaki Falcon Prod 22. ..May 23,'3I Kol Nidre No. I Cantor Schmlllkel ..ludea Films .10 Kol Nidre No. 2 Cantor Waldman ...ludea Films II Land of Freedom Seymour Reltztelt ..ludea Films. Inc 2 reels Legend of the Skies Ideal 6. ..Mar. 14,'3I Mal-Ko Mashma-Lou Harry Fold Judea Films Meet the Family Harry Delf Elbee 2 reels Monkey Business 8... Apr. 4,'31 Monkey Squawks Burr Natascha PInchus Lavenda Judea Films. Inc 2 reels Niagara Falls Essanay Dec. 20 Oh Doctor Special Cast Judea Films 20 One Day Visugraphic Dec. 6 Peas and Qucs Pro Patria Dec. 6 Peculiar Pets Ideal .8... Apr. 4,'31 Poem in Stone, A Ideal 7. ..Mar. I4,'3I Polo Visugraphic 10 Nov. 29 Sacred Elephants of India Ideal .8. ..Mar. 21, '31 Sailors' Sweetheart HymIe Jacobson ludea Films, Inc 2 reels Shoemaker's Romance Judea Films 21 Signed, Scaled & Delivered . Special Cast Burr Sixty Minutes from Broad- , ., .. „ .. . , Kay Color Novelty Castle I reel Some Wild Appetites Ideal 8... Mar 21, '31 Spanish Rhythm Orch Imperial 9. .....Nov. 29 Soring Is Here Ideal 9. ..Mar. 21. '31 Style and Class Marty Barratz ludea Films 23 Summer Harmonies Song Cartoon Biophone I reel Oct. 5 Talk-o-Graphs Norman Brokenshlre. Henry Sonenshine 9 Nov. 29 Tee Time Felix the Cat Copley Films I reel Apr. 5 Trouble from Abroad Brock-Radio Mar. I4,'3I Una-Sana-Takof Canto Waldman ludea Films II Wings of Tomorrow VIsuographic 10. ..May 2,'3I World Unseen, A Sclentlfle UFA 12 Alice Chops the Sucy Feb. Alice Gets Stage Struck Jan. Alice Gets Stung Oct. Alice Loses Out Mar. Alice on the Farm Oct. Alice Picks the Champ Mar. Alice Plays Cupid Apr. Alice Rattled by Rats May Alice Solves the Puzzle Apr. Alice the Jailbird Nov. Alice Wins the Derby Nov. Alice in the Jungle Jan. Alice's Balloon Race Dec. Alice's Egg Plant Dec. Alice's Mysterious Mystery May Alice's Orphan Feb. Broken Spur, The Jack Cyclone Bliss Jack Desert Bridgegroom Jack Desert's Crucible Jack Dead or Alive Jack Double 0, The Jack Rider from Nowhere Jack Romantic Sheriff Jack Sparks of Flint Jack Hoxie Feb. Western Romance Jack Hoxie Dec. Hoxie Feb. Hoxie Oct. Hoxie Jan. Hoxie Oct. Hoxie Nov. Hoxie Dec. Hoxie Nov. Hoxie Jan. 1,'3I I5,'31 15 i.'3l 1 15, '31 I, '31. 1,'31 I5,'3I I 15 I,'3I 15 I I5,'3I IS,'3I 1,'3I...2 reels. 15 2 reels. 15, '31. . .2 reels. 1 2 reels. I,'3I. !5,'3I. 15 reels. . reels. . reels. . reels, . reels. , reels.. TALKING PICTURE EPICS Running Time Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Ditmars. .. Apr., '31 10... May 2,'3I " - |2,>3| 10 Nov. 8 '31 10... May 30,'3I I4,'31 9 25, '31 9 31, '31 10. Title Star Animal World of Make Believe.. Dr. Raymond L. Bird Islands of Peru Dr. Robt. Cushman Murphy. Feb. Fight to Live Dr. Raymond L, Ditmars. .. Apr., Freaks of Nature Dr. Raymond L. Ditmari. . . June Heart of the Nation Washington May In the Realm of Goblins Or. Raymond L. Ditmars. .. Aug. Killing the Killer Dr. Raymond L. Ditmars. .. June 9. Land of Evangeline (No. 2) Wanderlust Jan. 30,'31 10. ..Feb. I4,'3I Land That Time Forgot Let's Sing Howard Wade Kinsey Bent. 1 10 Like a Beaver Dr. Raymond L, Ditmars. . .Feb. 12,'3I.. . . . 10. . . Feb. Monkey Whoopee Dr. Raymond L. Ditmars. . .Dec. 25 9. Naked Man vs. Beast Martin Johnson Oct. 15 10. Pompeii Seeing Bermuda on a Bicycle... Minutes I4,'3I .May 30,'3I Seeing Bermuda on a Bicycle. .. (No. I) Wanderlust Oct. Sunny Sweden Natives .,,.June This Is Australia Natives June Today and Yesterday Hearst News Nov. Top of the Old World Norwegian June Up and Down New York (Empire State BIdg.) May World of Make Believe 15 10 Dec. 13 15.'31 9 I5.'31 15 I5,'29 30 I5,'31 9 25,'31 9 TIFFANY Running Time Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Color Symphonies Series B in Technicolor I reel Chinese Flower Beat July 5 Dancing Bear June 10 Parisian Nights June 25 Kentucky Jubilee Singers Series of 6 Old Black Joe May I 2 reels Pickin' Cotton I reel Dec. 13 Read Home, The 2 reels Slave Days I reel Dec. 6 Welcome Home Deo. 12 1 reel Nov, 29 Musical Fantasies .Series of 6 I reel Fire Worshippers Aug. 10 Sept. 27 Memories Apr. 23 William Tell Aug. 1 Way Down South Dec. 8 Paul Hurst Comedies Series of 6 De Woild's Champion Dec. 6 One Punch O'Toole Mar. 23 18. ..Mar. 28,'3I Tale of a Flea, The Missing Link, The ' Rolling Stone Series Series of 6 In the Mountains Sept. 25 I reel Sept. 6 The Desert Dec. 18 Tiffany Chimp Series 6 Monkey Comedies 2 reels 1. Blimp Mystery, The Sept. 27 2. Little Covered Wagon, The Sept. 5 Aug. 30 3. Little Big House, The Oct. 15 Oct. 4 4. Little Divorcee, The Dec. 6 5. Nine Nights In a Bar Room Jan. 26,'31 Jan. 3,'3I 6. Chasing Around Mar. 23,'31 16. ..Mar. 28,'3I 7. Africa Squawks 8. Apeing Hollywood 9. Cinnamon Voice of Hollywood Series Station S-T-A-R Jan. 26 1 reel each No. 16 Nell Hamilton Aug. 10 No. 17 Laura La Plante Aug. 20 No. IB Gleasen & Armstrong Sept. II No. 19 Johnny Hines No. 20 James Hall Oct. II No. 21 Conklin &. Christy No. 22 Ian Keith No. 23 Sammy Cohen-Tiffany Talking Chimps Dec. 6 No. 24 Leon E. Janney Dec. 21 No. 25 Seben 'n' Leben Jan. 20. '31 No. 26 Kenneth Harlan Mar. 2, '31 10. ..Mar. 28,'3I No, 27 John Wayne - Our Gang I reel , UNIVERSAL Title Star Rel. Date Arabian Knights Slim Summerville Apr. 8, All Excited Sidney-Murray Mar, 25, Africa Oswald Cartoon Dec, I. Alaska Oswald Cartoon Dec. 15. All for a Lady Leather Pusher Series No. 6. Dec. 31. Band Master, The Oswald Cartoon May 18, Butter in Yeggman, The Sidney-Murray May 6, Champion, The Leather Pushers Feb. 25, Cat's Paw, The Red Star Comedy July 8, Champ, The Oswald Cartoon July 27, China Oswald Cartoon Jan. 12, College Oswald Cartoon Jan. 26. Comeback, The Leather Pusher Series No. 4. Dec. 3. Country School, The Oswald Cartoon May 5, Dangerous Daze Red Star Comedy Mar. II, Detective, The Oswald Cartoon Sept, 22. Discontented Cowboys Sidney-Murray Nov. 12. Divorce A La Carte Sidney-Murray Apr. 15. Farmer, The Oswald Cartoon Mar. 23, Fireman, The Oswald Cartoon Apr. 6, Fowl Ball, The Oswald Cartoon Oct. 13. Framed Leather Pusher Series No. 7. Jan. 14, Go to Blazes ...^ Sidney-Murray Oct. 15. Hammer & Tongs Leather Pusher Series No. 20ct. 8. Hello. Russia Slim Summerville Jan. 17, Hello, Napoleon Red Star Comedy June 3, Here's Luck Slim Summerville May 20, Heroes of the Flames Tim McCoy June 2, Hot and Bothered Sidney- Murray Mar. 4, Hot Feet Oswald Cartoon Aug, 24, Howdy Mate Red Star Comedy July 22, In Old Mazuma Sidney Murray Jan. 21, Kane Meets Abel Leather Pushers Feb. II, Runni M •31. .2 '31. .2 ng Time inutes Reviewed reels. . Mar.28,'3l reels. . Feb.28,'31 Nov. 29 Dec. 20 reels Nov. 29 .6. . .June 20, '31 reels. .Apr. 1 1, '31 reels reels. .Apr. 4,'3I reel 2 '31.... '31. .2 •31. .2 '31. .2 '31... •31.. I •31... 2 •31.. I '31.. 2 2 '31. .2 '31. .1 •31.. I •31.. 2 2 2 •31. .2 •31. .2 •31. .2 •31... •31.. 2 '31... •31. .2 •31. .2 •31. .2 reels reel. . May 16, •3! reels. . Mar.14,^31 reel Oct. II reels Oct. II reels. . Mar.l4,'3l reel . . . Mar.l4/3I reel reel reels. ... Dee. 13 reels. ... Nov. 8 reels reels reels reels . . . Dee. 20 May 2,^3I 17.... Apr. 4, ^31 reels reels reels. .Jan. reels 3,'3I July 4, 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 73 Title Star Rel Kentucky Belle Oswald Cartoon Aug. Knockout, The Leather Pusher Series No. 3 .. Nov. Lady Killer, A Leather Pusher Series No. 8 ..Jan. Laughback, The Red Star Comedy Dec. Let's Play Slim Summerville Apr. Love Punch. The Sidney-Murray Dec. Mardi Gras Leather Pusher Series No. 5 .. Dec. IMars Oswald Cartoon Dec. ■Mexico Oswald Cartoon Nov. Navy, The Oswald Cartoon Nov. No Privacy Red Star Comedy Apr. North Woods Oswald Cartoon June One Day to Live Red Star Comedy Apr. Parisian Gaieties Slim Summerville June Ou La La Slim Summerville Nov. Radio Rhythm Oswald Cartoon July Rolling Along Sidney-Murray Oct. Royal Bluff Slim Summerville j...Feb. Sargie's Playmates Slim Summerville Mar. Scared Stiff Red Star Comedy May Stay Out, The Sidney-Murray May Shipwreck Oswald Cartoon Feb. Stay Out, The Sidney-Murray May Stone Age, The Oswald Cartoon July Strange as It Seems No. I. Strange as It Seems No. 2. Strange as It Seems No. 3. Strange as It Seems No. 4. Strange as It Seems No. 5. Strange as It Seems No. 6. Strange as it Seems No. 7. Strange as It Seems No. 8. Strange as It Seems No. 9. Strange as It Seems No. 10. Strange as It Seems No. II. Strange as It Seems No. 12. Strange as It Seems No. 13. Sunny South Oswald Cartoon We We Marie Slim Summervi . Novelty Sept. . Novelty Sept. .Novelty Nov. . Novelty Dec. . Novelty Jan. . Novelty Feb. . Novelty Mar, . Novelty Apr. . Novelty May . Novelty June . Novelty July . Novelty Aug. Novelty. Aug. Apr. Oct. You Said It, Sailor Red Star Comedy Nov. Running Time Date Minutes Reviewed 10. '31 5 2 reels.... Oct. II 28, '31.. 2 reels 24 2 reels.. Jan. 3,'3I 29, '31.. 2 reels to 2 reels Nov. 22 17 2 reels Nov. 22 29 1 reel 17 1 reel Nov. 29 3 1 reel Nov. 15 22, '3 1.. 2 reels 29, '31..! reel I, '31. .2 reels. .Apr. 1 1, '3 1 17, '31. .2 reel. ..May I6,'3I 26 2 reels.... Nov. 15 27, '31.. I reel 1 2 reels 15, '31.. 2 reels. .Feb.(28,'3l. 8. '31.. 2 reels.. Feb.2l, '31 13, '31.. 2 reels.. May 2, '31 24, '31.. 2 reels.. May I6,'3I 9, '31.. I reel...Feb.2l,'3l 27, '31..! reel 13, '31.. I reel I I reel Sept. 20 29 1 reel Oct. II 3 1 reel Nov. 22 22 1 reel Dee. 13 19, '31.. I reel. ..Jan. 3,'3I 18, '31.. I reel. ..Feb. 7,'3I 16, '31.. I reel. . . Mar.l4,'3l 13, '31.. I reel... Apr. 1 1, '3 1 11, '31.. I reel... May IB.'SI 8, '31.. I reel 6. '31.. I reel 3, '31.. I reel 31, 'SI..! reel 20, '31.. I reel... May 2,'3I 29 2 reels Oct. II 19 2 reels Nov. 15 VITAPHONE SHORTS Title Running Time Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Adventures in Africa No. I. Into the Unknown 2 reels.. June 6,'3I Adventures in Africa No. 2. An African Boma 2 reels Adventures in Africa No. 3. The Lion Hunt 2 reels Adventures in Africa No. 4. Spears of Death 2 reels Adventures in Africa No. 5. Trails of the Hunted 2 reels Adventures in Africa No. 6. The Buffalo Stampede 2 reels Adventures in Africa No. 7. The Witch Doctor's Magic 2 reels Adventures in Africa No. 8. Flaming Jungles 2 reels Adventures in Africa No. 9. Dangerous Trails 2 reels Adventures in Africa No. 10. Maneaters 2 reels Adventures in Africa No. II. Beasts of the Wilderness 2 reels Africa Shrieks Hugh Cameron I reel Ain't Nature Grand Looney Tunes No. 7 Jan. 24,'3I Alaska — Laff Tour Eddie Lambert I reel Algiers Novelty Scenic I reel Alpine Echoes Douglas Stanbury I reel Dee. 13 Angel Cake A. Rasch Girls - C. Landry J. Ray Foursome 2 reels. . Feb. 21, '31 Animals of the Amazon E. M. Newman Travel Talk 10. June 6, '31 At the Round Table Hellinger-Hopper-Runyon- Corbett I reel Oct. 4 Babykins Pee Wee Singer and Bill Halligan I reel Baby Bandit. The Bobby Watson- Ann Cornwall I reel Bard ef Broadway, The Walter Wincheli 2 reels Oct. 4 Barefoot Days Cast of Children I reel Believe It or Not, Believe It or Not, Believe It or Not, Believe It or Not, Believe It or Not, Believe It or Not, It or Not, Believe Believe It or Net, Believe It or Not, No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. . Dec. .Dee. 13 2 Robert L. Ripley I reel . 3 Robert L. Ripley I reel 4 Robert L. Ripley I reel Nov. 1 6 Robert L. Ripley I reel. .7.Mr.28.'3l 7 Robert L. Ripley I reel. . Feb. 2I,'3I 8 Robert L. Ripley I reel 9 Robert L. Ripley I reel.. 9. My 23,'3I 10 Robert L. Ripley I reel 11 Robert L. Ripley I reel Big Deal, The Harry Holman I reel Bigger They Are Prime Carnero-Little Billy 2 reels Big Man From the North Looney Tunes No. 6 I reel. . .Jan. I0,'3I Bitter Half, The Frank Orth-Ann Codee I reel Border Patrol, The Frisco- Knopp-Graham 2 reels. .Jan. 24, '31 Booze Hangs High, The Looney Tunes No. 4 1 reel. .6. .Oct. 4 Bosko's Holiday Looney Tunes No. II I reel ... May 9, '31 Box Car Blues Looney Tunes No. 5 1 reel Cave Club. The Leach-Merman-Pieriot 9 Cold Turkey H. Broderick - L.Crawford I reel College Capers I reel Nov. 8 Compliments of the Season Dressier-Lane-O'Brien 2 reels Court Plastered Helen Broderick I reel . . .Jan.24, '31 Crime Square Pat O'Brien-Mary-Duncan I reel Cry Baby Vernon-Treen I reel Curses Moore-Clement-Blackwood 2 reels. . Feb.2l,'3l Dandy and the Belle, The Frank McGlynn. Jr. • Mary Murray I reel . .9 Dining Out Kent-Lake I reel Donkey Business Edgar Bergen - C. Graver I reel Down the Blue Danube E. M. Newman Travel Talk I reel. . .A|ir.25,'3l Dumb Luck Frank Orth-Ann Codie I reel Dumb Patrol Looney Tunes No. 9 I reel . .7. Mr.28,'3l Duel The Fields-Teasdale 1 reel Envy' Dressler-Brent-Evans I reel Everything Happens to Me Carson-Hoyt I reel Excuse the Pardon Morgan- Alexander I reel. Fast and Pleasant Billy Wayne-Thelma White I reel Find the Woman Hugh O'Connell Five Minutes from the station. . Overman-Churchill-Sidney 2 reels For Two Cents "e Wolf Hopper lO.June 6,'3I Forj Ford-Lane I reel Fowl fr'iaiigie • v v. . j ji V / • • ' Frame The .. . Boyd-Middleton I reel Freshman Love Ruth Etting-Jeanie Lang- Don Tompkins . . . I reel .20. Ap I8,'3I Gangway J"", Penner 2 reels Gigalo Racket, The Helen Morgan 2 ree s ......... . Girls We Remember ' ir' ' ' V; ' ' ' V ' "wh-Vl" , Good Mourning ^^!^,'^J,^^-°'-?i^\Z'^JSi^'„ Good Pie Forever Billy Wayne-Thelma White reel............ Good Times Madge Evans 1 reel . . Mar.l4,'3l Grand Dames,' ' The ' i i ! ^ i ! i .. .PatfV K^''^ 1 r'"!- • • S.'SI Hangover, The Nee y Edwards - B. Granville 1 reel . .. ... Handy Guy, The Earl Sande l5.My23,'3l Happy Hottentots, The Joe Frisco I reel. .. . .Oct. 25 Headache Man, The Cleraents-Cavanaugh I reel... Jan. I7,'3I Heart Breaker, The Eddie Foy, Jr I reel. 15... Oct. 4 Hello, Sucker Hugh O'Connell I reel Hocus Pocus Edgar Bergen-C. Graver..... Hitting the High C's Frank & Milt Britton& Band. ............ I reel. . .Apr. 4,'3I (Reviewed under title "On the High C's") Home Maid Hackett-Hall-Burley I reel Honeymoon Trail. The ' reel .7.Apr.4,'31 Hot Sands Billy Wayne-Thelma White 1 reel How I Play Golf Bobby Jones No. I— The Putter 2 reels. .Apr.25, '31 No. 2— Chip Shots I reel .. .Apr.25, '31 No. 3— The Niblick I reel. . .Apr.25,'3l No. 4— The Mashie Niblick I ree No. 5 — The Medium Irons ...1 reel No. 6— The Big Irons I reel No. 7— The Spoen I reel No. 8— The Brassie I reel No. 9.— The Driver I reel I'll Fix It Kent-Lake 1 reel. 9.Mr 28,'3I Running Time Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Inventor, The Billy Wayne-Thelma White I reel. lO.My I6,'3I Jay Walker, The Chester Gluts I reel . 10. .Sept. 13 Jessel. George, and The Russians Art Choir i reel.. Feb. 21, '31 Junior Neely Edwards-J. McCallion I reel Just a Gigolo Cameron-Crosbie-Austin J. Young I reel .7. Junel3,'3l Knocking 'Em Cold Andrew Tombes I reel Last But Not Leased Billy Wayne-.Thelma White I reel. . Mar. 21, '31 Lady Killer, The Eric Dressier I reel Lady Play Your Mandolin Song Cartoon I reel Last Straw, The Romney Brent I reel.. 8. My 2,'3I Let's Merge Doree Leslie I reel Lodge Night Phillips-Cox I reel . .7. My I6,'3I Lonely Gigolo Lotti Loder 9... Oct. 25 Looney Tunes No. 1— Sinkin' In the Bathtub I reel No. 4 — Booze Hangs High, The I reel Oct. 4 No. 5 — Box Car Blues I reel No. 6 — Big Man From the North I reel .. .Jan. I0,'3I No. 7— Ain't Nature Grand I reel. . .Jan. 24, '31 No. 8— Ups 'n' Downs ' reel. ..Apr. 4,'3I No. 9— Dumb Patrol ' reel.. Mar. 28,'3I No.lO— Yodeling Yokels ' reel No.l 1— Bosko's Holiday [ reel No.12 — Trees' Knees ' reel Lost and Found Demarest-Bond I reel Love Nest, The Billy Wayne-Thelma White I reel.. Mar. 2I,'3I Lucky Break Fox 21... Oct. 25 Madame of the Jury Judith Anderson I reel Maid to Order Eleanor Shalor - Bob Lynn I reel. ..May 2, '31 Making Good Joe Penner I reel. . .Apr. 4, 31 Married Flint-Ridges-Foran I reel Masquerade V. Osborn-R. D'Arcy-W.Lytell 2 reels Martinelli Aria from "Aida" ' reel Gypsy Caravan j reel Pagliacci j reel Prison Scene from "Faust" [ reel Sept. 27 Temple Scene from «'Aida" j reel The Ship's Consort ' reel Troubadour. The ' reel.. 7. My 9,'3I Two Popular Italian Songs ' reel. . .Apr.l8,'3l (Reviewed under the title — "Nina") Meal Ticket. The Jack Pearl 2 reels. .Junel3,'3l Military Post. The Roberto Guzman I reel Milky Way, The Neely Edwards-Muriel Abbott I reel Dancers Modern Fairy Tales I reel Merry Melodies 7 min..Apr. 25, '31 No. 1 — Lady Play Your Mandolin Modern Business I reel Money, Money, Money Mason-Keeler Moving in Joe Penner 2 reels Mr. Intruder Otto Kruger I reel My Mistake Donald Brian-Pat O'Brien I reel Naggers' Day of Rest, The Mr. & Mrs. Jack Norworth | reel. ..Jan. I7,'3I Naggers Go Rooting, The Mr. & Mrs. Jack Norworth I reel... Jan. I0,'3I Naggers Go South, The Mr. &. Mrs. Jack Norworth I reel Naggers Go Camping, The Mr. &. Mrs. Jack Norworth I reel..8.Mr28,'3l Naggers Go Shopping, The Mr. & Mrs. Jack Norworth i reel Naggers in the Subway, The Mr. & Mrs. Jack Norworth I reel. 10 Naggers at the Dentist's, The. .. Mr. & Mrs. Jack Norworth I reel. ..May 2,'3I Naggers at the Ringside Mr. & Mrs. Jack Norworth 10 min.. .May I6,'3I Nightingale, The Osborne-Talbot-O'Brien 2 reels. .Jan. 31, "31 Nine o'clock Folks Whitey &. Ford I reel No-Account, The Hardie-Hutchison 9 Ni Privacy Lloyd Hamilton 20 min. ..May 2,'3I No Questions Asked Little Billy-Jed Prouty I reel Number, Please Sheila Barrett-L. Barrie I reel. 10. Mr 31, '31 Office Scandal, The Bergen-Graber I reel .. .Jan. 3I,'3I Old Flame. The Audray Dale- John Marsdon I reel One Good Turn Ruth Etting-Jay Velle 2 reels One Way Out Chas. Lawrence-Theima White. 1 reel ... Feb. 21, '31 Only the Girl Wattles-Marsh 6 On the Job Frank Orth-Ann Codes I reel Pa Gets a Vacation — Potter Series. Littlefield- Ward 14 Painter, The : Frank Orth Partners Wm. Gaxton-Geo. Haggerty 2 reels 21 .Ap. 4,'3| Paulo, Paquita & Chiquita 9 Peace and Quiet Billy Wayne-Barbara Leonard I reel Perfect Understanding, A May-Oaks 6 Pest of Honor, The Short-Fielding-Hail I reel Play Boy, The Fox-Curtis 2 reels Playing With Fire Jack Hazzard I reel Politics George Jessel 2 reels Dec. 18 Purely an Accident Brown- Kearns-Otto 1 reel . 10. My I6,'3I Putting It On Jarvis-Bond I reel Reno or Bust Panghorn-Hager I reel Aug. 23 Riding Master, The Poodles Hanaford 9 reels Nov. 8 Romeo and Juliet Chas. Hackett-Rosa Low I reel Recruits, The The Three Sailors-Clements.. I reel. .Feb. 2I,'3I Revenge Is Sweet L. Adams- Weeks-Allworth 2 reels.9. Mr 28,'3I Roseland Ruth Etting 2 reels. 14 Rural Hospitality Roger Irahof 1 reel Salesman. The Orth Vernon 1 reel Santry, Henry, & Orchestra I reel.. Feb. 28. '31 Sax Appeal Joe Penner I reel Scotch Love Blore-Swinburn-Collins I reel.. Second Childhood Mayall-Mackin I reel i Seeing Off Service Penncr-Busley-McNaughton 2 reels Nov. I Seeing Sarah Off Sylvia Clark I reel Seeing Things Demarest-Auer-Fielding I reel. .9. . .Oct. 18 Service Stripes Penner- Waddell 1 reel... Jan. I0.'3I Servant Problem, The Murray-Oakland-Stauber I reel Showin' Off Vitaphone Kiddies 1 reel Silent Partner, The Billy Gaxton 2 reels Sitting Pretty Joe Phillips- Ruth Donnelly I reel . . . . May 9,'3i Sky High Janet Reade-Durdey Clements I reel . 10. Mr 28, '31 Sleepy Head Frank Orth-Ann Codee 1 reel.. Feb 21, '31 South Sea Pearl Gaston Glass 2 reels May 10 Spirits of 76th Street Helen Broderick I reel. l7.May 2,'3I Sportslants No. 1 — Ted Husing I reel Squaring the Triangle Donald Brian-Mayo Melliot Stars of Yesterday Old Film Stars I reel. .Feb. 28,'3I Stepping Out Penner-Phillips-Donnelly 1 reel Oct. 25 Strange Case, The Charles Halton I reel . .8. My I6,'3I Strong Arm, The Harrington-O'Neil I reel Stuttering Romance, A Joe Penner- Dorothea Chard I reel Surprise Dugan-Leonard 12 Suspicion Lyons- Earle- Morns I reel Syncopated Sermon, A Hall-Johnson Choir Willard Robinson 1 reel Nov. 15 System Clements- Knapp I reel Taking Chances Billy Wayne-Thelma White I reel... May 9, 31 Talking It Over Jack Osterman 8 Thirteenth Prisoner, The Willie Howard-Lee Kohlmar Nov. 15 Tintypes Yorke & King 1 reel Oct. If Tom Thumbs Down Jarvis McNaughton I reel Trip to Paris, A Jarvis-Taylor I reel Trees Knees Looney Tuney No. 12 1 reel Trip to Tibet, A Scenic I reel May2,'3l 23 Skiddoo Lew Fields I 4. . . 10. May 2,'3I Twixt Love and Duty Howard-Graham-Percival 10 May 2,'3i Two Rounds of Love Rennie-Dixon I reel Unfair Sex, The Healy-Gilbert I reel Ups 'n' Downs Looney Tunes No. 8 1 reel... Apr. 4,'31 Varsity Vamp Mike Ames 2 reels Victim, The Orth-Howard 1 reel Wanderer. The Douglas Stanbury I reel. .9. .Sept. 18 Watch Dog, The Jack Hazzard I reel Where Men Are Men Joe Penner 2 reels Where There's a Will George Hassell 2 reels With Pleasure Dolly Gilbert-Billy Wane I reel. .8. Mr I4,'3I Ye Old Time News Reel I reel. ..May 2,'3I Yodeling Yokels Looney Tunes No. 10 1 reel 74 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 4 . 19 3 1 ^ CLASSIFIED i Advertising ^ Ten cents per word, payable in advance. Minimum charge, ^ $1.00. Copy and checks should be addressed Classified Ad Dept., Motion Picture Herald, 1790 Broadway, New York, N. Y. The Recognized National Clas sified Advertising Medium Mail Order Bargains YOUR DOLLAR NEVER HAD GREATER PUR- CHASING POWER— LOOK AT THESE VALUES— EVERYTHING BRAND NEW. Sound Absorbent Theatre Carpet, 6914^ per yd.; Acoustical Felt, 27%^ sq. yd.; 16" Oscillating'. Three Speed Fans, Duralumin Noiseless Blades, $25.95; Da-Tone Sound Screens, 39^ sq. ft.; Silver Sound Screens, 54(J sq. ft.; Beaded Sound Screens, 59# sq. ft.; 2000 ft. Wire Reels, $1.89; Samson Pam 19 Araphfiers, 25 cycle, $49.50; 60 cycle, $61.50; G. E. Exciter Lamps, 98(i Microphone with Transformer, Stand, Springs and Cable, $19.11; Genu- ine Racon Horns complete with Unit, Transformer and Exciter, .$98.75; Synchronous Turntables; $49.50; Photocells, $12.95; Wright-DeCoster Horns, $17.64; Jensen Tube Type Speakers, $21.25; Powers Aperture Masks, $1.90; Simplex Aperture Masks, 98tf; Forest 20 ampere Rectifiers, $89.75. Many other bargains in new equipment. S.O.S. Corp., Dept. E-H, 1600 Broad- way, New York City. Cable Address, "SOSOUND" New York. GENUINE Racon Horns, complete with Unit, Transformer, and Exciter, $107.00; Rectifiers for Sound-On-Film — eliminates storage batteries — com- plete, $45.00; sound-on-film optical systems, $15.00; Silver-Marshall No. 692 Amplifiers, $S«.0O; Samson No. 19 Amplifiers, $64.00; Da-Tone Sbund Screens, 39c square foot; photocells, $12.95; G.E. Exciter Lamps, 98c. Everything brand new. Address THEATRE SOUND SERVICE, 130 Clinton Avenue South, Rochester, New York. Projector Repairing BEST SHOP for repairing projection machines. Prompt service, reasonable prices. Address Movie Supply Co., 844 Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. SKILLED MECHANICS, specialized tools, and a shop_ equipped for but one purpose can ofifer you nothing but the best in repair work. That is what I have, and I can offer you the best in the overhauling of your motion picture machinery equipment. One of the oldest repair men in the territory, and serving some of the largest houses. Relief equipment fur- nished free. For results bring your work to Joseph Spratler, 12-14 E. Ninth Street, Chicago, Illinois. Equipment Wanted HIGHEST PRICES paid for Simplex Projectors or Mechanisms only. Address Box No. 24, Motion Pic- ture Herald, 1790 Broadway, New York City. WANTED — Peerless or Simplex projectors, also SJtrong reflector arc lamps. State price, condition and number of machines. Will pay cash, or one- third down and balance C.O.D. Address Box No. 2, Motion Picture Herald, 1790 Broadway, New York. HIGHEST PRICES paid for used opera chairs, projection machines, etc. Address Movie Supply Co., 844 Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Theatre for Sale THEATRE FOR SALE in good dairy section north- ern Minnesota. THE town within circle of 80 miles. 325 seats, Powers, Ultraphone-disc. $2,000 cash handles. Address Box No. 58, Motion Picture Herald, 1790 Broadway, New York. Managers' Schools LEARN Modern theatre management anrf theatre advertising. Through approved home-study methods, the Institute has successfully trained hundreds of theatrcmcn. Free particulars. Address Theatre Managers Institute, 325 Washington Street, Elmira, New York. Sound Equipment Bargains ALL AC OPERATED SOUND-ON-FILM $495.00 COMPLETE. STANDARD MAKES. No Batteries. No Generators. Your AC Line Does the Work. Otir combination Operadio Power Unit furnishes Photocell and Exciter Lamp voltages. Complete equipment iri- cludes 2 Sound-on- Film Heads with Photocells; Li- censed Optical Systems; Exciter Lamps; Lamphouse Brackets; Motor Brackets; All Drive Attachments; Combination Main Power Amplifier, Head Amplifier, A and B Battery Eliminators, Sound-on- Film Fader, all in one unit; D'ynamic Speaker and Monitor; all Wiring Instructions. Total Cost $495.00. Sound Heads only, $295.00 a pair. Address S.O.S. Corp., Dept. E-H. 1600 Broadway. New York City. Cable Address, "SOSOUND." New York. Chairs for Sale 1,250 HIGH GRADE SPRING CONSTRUCTED CHAIRS: Full upholstered backs, covered in green Velour; Spring Sweats covered in imitation Spanish leather. 600 Hey wood- Wakefield panel back chairs, spring seats newly upholstered and covere J in green imitation Spanish leather. Reasonable prices. Write to: ILLINOIS THEATRE EQUIPMENT COMPANY, 1150 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, Illinois 700 USED HARDWOOD PORTABLE CHAIRS in sections of two. 1,400 Upholstered Chairs, backs fully covered in red Velour; seats covered in imita- tion Spanish leather— $2.00 each. 700 Leather Up- holstered Chairs, heavy panel backs covered in red imitation leather — $2.25 each. Five-ply veneer chairs, 90c each, in any quantity. 400 Heywood- Wakefield upholstered panel back, squab seat covered in brown imitation leather — $2.25 each. ILLINOIS THEATRE EQUIPMENT COMPANY, 1150 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, Illinois OPERA CHAIRS, seats and backs for all makes, five-ply, at prices that save you money. Jobs in new and used chairs. Address Redington Company, Scranton, Penna. BIG BARGAIN in used Opera Chairs, 600 up- holstered, 800 veneer. Address Movie Supply Co., 844 Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Equipment for Sale BARGAINS in Blowers for Talkie Theatres, also Silent Belt Drives; lowest prices. Address SOUTH- ERN FAN COMPANY, P. O. Box No. 440, Atlanta, Georgia. THEATRE EQUIPMENT, new and used. Opera chairs, projectors, screens, generators, rectifiers, re- flecting arc lamps, etc. Write for bargain list and catalog. Address Movie Supply Co., 844 Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. FOR SALE — ATTENTION INDEPENDENT DEALERS: Simplex large and small magazine roll- ers, and Asbestos Heat Shields, made of the best grade heat resisting material. Write for prices. Ad- dress Joe Spratler, 12-14 East Ninth Street, Chicago, Illinois. BIG BARGAINS — Rebuilt Simplex Motor Driven Machines with type "S" Lamp Houses, with late type Flat Belt friction drive Speed Controls, $300.00 each. Rebuilt Powers 6B Motor I>riven Machine, $235.00 each. DeLuxe Motiograph Machine, $250.00 each. Big Stock of Exhaust and Oscillating Fans for DC and AC current. Generators, all makes, ticket selling machines, film containers, etc., all at bar- gain prices for immediate shipment. Write: ILLINOIS THEATRE EQUIPMENT COMPANY, 1150 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, Illinois Equipment for Sale OUR SCOUTS HAVE UNEARTHED MORE USED AND RECONDITIONED EQUIPMENT: — Samson Pam AmpHfiers including Models 5-9-16-17-18-lSl-$15.00 up; 8 volt 160 Ampere Hour Exide Batteries, $8.33; Weber Syncrodisk Turntables, $35.00 each; Double Turntable Non-Sync Outfits, $35.00; Macy or Racon Giant Exponential Horns with Unit, $59.50; Powers 6A Projectors, $50.00; Automatic Reflector Arcs, $69.75; Simplex Speed Controls, $4.75; G. E. Mazda Lamp- houses with regulators, $39.75; Powers Mechanisms, $10.00; Hall & Connolly Hy-Lo Arc Lamps,' $97.50; Synqroverter 25/25 Motor Generators with Panel, $125.00; Wnght-DeCoster Speakers, $22.50; Write for list. .S.O.S. Corp., Dept. U. 1600 Broadway, New York City. QUALITY EXCEL SERVICE EXCEL ELECTRIC APPLIANCE CO. 1553 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois, U. S. A. Telephone: Haymarket 8829 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS HIGH GRADE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES Fans, Motors and Generators Light and Power Wiring FOR SALE— 2 Late Model Peerless Reflector A^-c Lamps, like new, $130.00 each; 2 Simplex Projectors, perfect condition, $195.00 each; Hertner Generator, complete, $150.00. Address Box No. 485, Rochester, New York. FOR SALI^STANDARD CAMERA cheap. Write RUSSELL MANN, Abilene, Kansas. WILL SELL for balance due on mortgage, $462.50 cash, two guaranteed new Strong Junior Low Intensity Reflector Arc Lamps and two guaranteed New Garver 30 ampere rectifiers. Address STEBBINS THEATRE EQUIPMENT COMPANY, 1804 Wyandotte Street, Kansas City, Missouri. Equipment Repairing QUALITY EXCEL SERVICE EXCEL THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 1553 West Madison Street, Chicago, IlKnois, U. S. A. Telephone: Haymarket 8829 EVERYTHING FOR THE THEATRE Scientific Projecting Machine Repairing Write for Bargain Prices. Position Wanted TWO PROJECTIONISTS— All Sound Systems, also Manager. References. Address PROJECTIONIST, 4200 Westminister PI., St. Louis, Mo. PROJECTIONIST — EIGHT YEARS' EXPER- IENCE, Western Electfic. Will go anywhere at once, and stick to a good man. Twenty-five and married. Address LADSON E. MERRITT, 456 Gettys Street, Rock Hill, a C. MOTION PICTURE OPERATORS available; ex- perienced on Western Electric. Write ASSOCIATED\ PROJECTIONISTS, 103 North Rowan Avenue, \ Los Angeles, California. OPERATOR— ELECTRICIAN WANTS JOB. Ad- dress WALTER INGALLS, New Hampton, Iowa. PROJECTIONIST. ELECTRICIAN-^Long practical experience movietone and disc. Repairing. Anywhere. Address FRED WALKER, 4354 Elston Avenue, Chi- cago, Illinois. An IMPROVED METHOD OF BLOCKING OUT SPLICES IN SOUND FILM N OW the sound track need no longer be painted out at the joints to silence splice noise. The Eastman Sound Film Patch enables the laboratory worker to block out joints with greater ease, speed, and uniformity. The patch is made of light-weight, opaque film. For convenience in handling, it is provided with a quickly detachable finger tab. With the aid of this tab, a simple but accurate registration block, and cement, the patch is quickly applied to the film. Because of its design, the patch is practically inaudible in projection. At the same time it obscures a minimum of the sound record, and assures fast, accurate treatment of all splices. These factors make the patches and the block a valuable feature of Eastman Service. Eastman Sound Film Patches, per thousand $5.00 Eastman Sound Film Patcher (registration block) 4-25 EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY ROCHESTER, NEW YORK J. E. Brulatour, Inc., Distributors New York Chicago Hollywood BENNETT OWEN MOORE MYRNA LOY Directed by SIDNEY LANFIELD A man's past is his wife's. A woman's past is her own. This girl's rose up to smack her, but the smacker got smacked. Romantic drama with a lot of suspense, deftly done, beautifully acted. "Hush Money" is easy money — for you with HARDIE ALBRIGHT 3etter)hedtres WITH WHICH IS CO NED "THE SHOWMAN" paramount issue of the herald Advertising Forms close July 20. AX THE JULY 25TH ISSUE OF MOTION PICTURE HERALD WILL BE A SPECIAL NUMBER FEATURING DESCRIPTIVE AND ANALYTICAL MATERIAL ON THE PARA- MOUNT PUBLIX ORGANIZATION, ITS ACTIVITIES AND PROPERTIES. IN AR- TICLES AND PICTURES WILL BE TOLD THE STORY OF PARAMOUNT PUBLIX INCEP- TION AND GROWTH, ACTIVITIES AND METHODS, IN MOTION PICTURE PRO- DUCTION, DISTRIBUTION AND EXHIBI- TION. . . ONE LARGE SECTION WILL BE DEVOTED TO PUBLIX THEATRES, WITH ARTICLES ON THEIR ARCHITECTURE, THEIR EQUIPMENT AND THEIR OPERA- TION, BOTH AS INDIVIDUAL THEATRES AND AS A GREAT CIRCUIT. - - FOR THIS PARAMOUNT ISSUE OF THE HERALD AD- VERTISING FORMS WILL CLOSE JULY 20. Vol. 104, No. I In Two Sections — Section Two JULY 4. I93i When Warner Brothers install Mohawk carpets they are assured of the three factors which every motion-picture theatre must demand of its floor coverings: blending beauty, restful quiet and a construc- tion that will stand up under the daily scuff and grind of thousands of feet. ^ ^ ^ A WORD ABOUT MOHAWK SCOTIA CARPET Mohawk Scotia is a carpet specially designed and woven for theatre service. It is an excellent grade of Velvet which, as veteran carpet men well know, is a weave exceptionally strong and long-wearing. Soft and pleasing under foot, Scotia is offered in more than 20 figured patterns and in a wide range of plain tones. It lends itself ideally to special designing. For advice and assistance in all carpet matters, address — CONTRACT DEPARTMENT MOHAWK CARPET MILLS • 295 Fifth Avenue • New York Regional Sales Offices: Atlanta Denver Detroit San Francisco Boston Dallas Los Angeles Seattle Chicago Des Moines Philadelphia St. Louis MOHAWK RUOS & CARPETS July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald OU'RE MORE THAN PAYING for CORRECT ACOUSTICS WHY NOT HAVE IT? THOSE empty seats— in your theatre, are they caused by poor hearins conditions? Empty seats cost money and the money you are losing would soon pay for the best acoustical correc- tion. Treating your theatre with Insulite Acoustile is not expensive nor is it a difficult or complicated task. Costly remodeling and closing the house for an extended period are unnecessary, as the tile-like units of Acoustile are easily, quickly, and permanently ap- plied directly to the existing surface in new or old buildings. Insulite Acoustile is scientifi- cally designed to meet the re- quirements of theatre acoustical correction. Acoustile is a su- perior material for this purpose because it has a more uniform sound absorption efficiency throughout the entire frequency range than any other material. In the Acoustile treated theatre, the true tones of both voice and music carry to every part of the house without distortion — echoes, re- verberations, and dead spots are elimi- nated. If you have an acoustical problem in your theatre, let us send you a copy of our new booklet, "Facts You Should Know About Acoustics". The data contained in this bookletwill convince you that the use of Acoustile is the efficient and economical method of treating the theatre showing sound pictures. There is no charge for this bookletand you are under no obligation. USE THIS SERVICE If you have an acoustical prob- lem in your theatre, let the Insu- lite Engineering Department assist you. These experts on Acoustics will gladly analyze your trouble ivithout cost to you. You may be sure their recom- mendations will be the most practical and economical method oj securing the results you desire. Just Fill Out and Mail the Coupon THE INSULITE CO. 1200 Builders Exchanse, Dept. 50G Minneapolis, Minnesota OFFICES IN ALL PRINCIPAL CITIES Please tell me how I can take advantage of your free Acoustical Service to aid in correcting tfie acoustics in my theatre. Send me also, the name of the Approved Acoustile Contractor in this territory. Name Address City State . 4 INSULITE ACOUSTILE ( NOUSTRIES JUL -6 1931 BETTER THEATRES SECTION OF Motion Picture Herald Better Theatres Section, devoted to the design, construc- tion, equipment of theatres, appears every fourth issue Better Theatres Section Motion Picture Herald NEV/ YORK 1790 Broadway Telephone: Circle 7-3100 Cable Address: "Quigpubco" GEORGE SCHUTZ Editor CHARLES B. O'NEILL Advertising Manager CHICAGO 407 S. Dearborn St., Telephone: Harrison 0036 HOLLYV/OOD Pacific States Life Building LONDON The Bioscope, Faraday House, 8-10 Charing Cross Rd., W. C. 2 W. H. Mooring, Representative Quigley Publishing Company, 1790 Broadway, New York City. Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin W. Brown, Vice-Pres. and Gen. Manager; Terry Ranrtsaye, Editor; Chicago office, 407 South Dearborn street, Edwin S. Clifford, manager; Holly- wood office, Pacific States Life building, William A. Johnston, manager; London office, Faraday House, 8-10 Charing Cross Road, London, V/. C. 2, V/. H. Mooring representative. Member Audit Bureau of Circulations. All con- tents copyrighted 1931 by Quigley Publishing Company. All editorial and business correspondence should be addressed to the New York office. Better Theatres (with which The Showman is incor- porated), devoted to the con- struction, equipment and opera- tion of theatres is published every fourth week as section 2 of Motion Picture Herald. Other Quigley Publications: Motion Picture Daily, The Motion Picture Almanac, published annually, and The Chicagoan. IN THIS SECTION Vol. 104, No. 1 GENERAL FEATURES July 4, 1931 PAGE Reversing the Slope of the Main Floor: By George Schutz 12 The Warner in San Pedro 14 The Law of Contracts and Copyright: By Leo T. Parker 18 A Study in Adaptation: The Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara, Cal 19 Seating Patrons According to Sections: By J. E. Tougher 24 Two New British Theatres: By W. H. Mooring 26 The Majestic, Wellington, New Zealand 28 DEPARTMENTS Modern Projection (31) The Prevention of Interfering Noises: By P. T. Sheridan 31 What the Manager Should Know About Sound (III) : By A Theatre Sound Engineer 34 F. H. Richardson's Comment 51 Projection Mart: Equipment News and Comment 60 Planning the Theatre (64) New Theatre Projects (69) MISCELLANEOUS Notes on Writers and Subjects in This Issue 9 Editorial 11 Equipment Affairs: General Equipment News and Comment 62 Some Properties of Continuous Projectors 68 New Inventions 70 Index to Advertisers 71 Where to Buy It 72 July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald 5 It takes good Dimmer Plates to give the Stage Director the effects he wants says Harry Peters, famous for his stage lighting work at the Paramount, New York NOW that lights are being used throughout the performance in so many theaters, it takes good dimmer plates to stand up and give the stage director the effects he wants," says Mr. Harry Peters, Chief Electrician in charge of stage lighting at the Paramount Theater. "Unless you have exceptionally good dim- mer plates in the dimmerboard there is danger of spotty lighting, over-heating and burn-outs. "Because dimmer plates are so vital to the smooth operation of my lighting sys- tem I check up on the plates I install. Only the best plates can stand up under service and take an occasional overload and come up cool and smooth as velvet." These are the reasons why C-H "Sim- plicity" Dimmers have been preferred by showmen for 30 years! Cool operation — freedom from burn-outs! The heat ab- sorbing qualities of the resistance ma- terial in a C-H Dimmer keep it cool and long-lived. Double the usual number of contacts make your dimmerboard more compact, more easily adjusted to your changing requirements. Read the stage history of C-H Dimmer Plates in '■''Illumination Control jor the Modern Theater." Your copy of this book is free. CUTLER-HAMMER, Inc., Pio- neer Manufacturers of Electric Control Ap- paratus, 1 2 5 4 St. Paul Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. : - - . ' . i- ■ C-H **Simf>Iicify" T)lmmer Plates are supplied by lead' ing dimmerboard manufac' turers ^vith the board they install. Here is shotvn (I) the front of a typical dimmer' boards (2) the rear of the dimmerboard with the com' pactly mounted C-H Dim' mer Plate and (3) the com' plete C-H "Simplicity'* Dimmer Plate ^vith the direct rack and pinion drive ^vhich prevents play or "back-lash.** Insure velvet'Smooth lighting in your theater by specifying **C-H" Dimmers. CUTLERMAMMER Perfect Illumination Control for the Modern Theater A-3999 Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 These carpets wear . . . and wear . . . and wear . . . thafs why leading theatres choose BIGELOW-SANFORD Carpets are an important "part of the picture" in And that soft, luxurious feeling under-foot prom- decorating your theatre. Hundreds of theatre owners ises better acoustics too — for thick carpets naturally have found it pays to buy Bigelow-Sanfords because help to deaden echoes. their beauty lives as long as the fabric. Bigelow-Sanford style experts are always ready to ' Colors and shades of extraordinary brilliance create special patterns to meet your decorative and permanence are assured by the Bigelow- scheme. Vast mill resources insure prompt delivery. Sanford dyeing processes — the last word in the A wide range of fabrics enables you to get exactly dye-makers art. the right carpet at the price you want to pay. Bigelow-Sanford BIGEliOW-SANFORD CARPET CO. Inc. MiZZs at Thompsonville, Conn. • • Amsterdam. New York • ■ Clinton, Mass. Main Sales Office: 385 Madison Avenue, New York Sales Offices: Boston ■ ■ Philadelphia ■ • Pittsburgh • • Atlanta • • Dallas St. Louis • • Chicago • • Detroit ■ • Minneapolis • • Denver • • Los Angeles • • San Francisco ■ • Seattle July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald 7 Here's the torture chamber I This special Hexing machine was developed by DuPont Company and Heywood-Wakefield to test out the wearing qualities of the new fabrikoid used on H-W chairs. It creates a "bellows action" similar to that caused by patrons in sitting and arising from chairs. The seats tested were kept under a constant pressure of 200 lbs.! Crushed 1,000,000 Times ! The seat in the picture is upholstered in the new fabrikoid used on Heywood-Wakefield theatre chairs only. It was crushed, squashed, twisted, and distorted (as shown above) more than 1,000,000 times, yet it did not crack, chip, peel, or break. Seats upholstered In other materials of this type were unable to withstand one-sixth this amount of crushing! The New Exclusive Fabrikoid on H-W Theatre Chairs Ouiyvears All Others ! Note the terrific abuse handed out by the machine pictured above. It demonstrates how thoroughly every material which enters the making of hl-W chairs is tested. NOW — theatre men are offered a new upholstery material on hIeywood-Wakefield chairs. It is a new, high quality DuPont fabrikoid which will outwear all ordinary materials from 4 to 6 times. The new fabrikoid has a clean, dry-feeling, sanitary surface; it may be washed with soap and water,- and it has better acoustical properties than any other type. More than 1,000,000 Crushings — yet it will not crack or chip The special machine pictured above crushed and distorted seats in this new material more than a million times per test, yet it did not crack or chip. Ask your nearest Heywood-Wakefield Sales Office about the new, long-wearing fabrikoid. Remember — it is available this year on hIeywood-Wakefield theatre chairs ONLY. "r HEYWOOD-WAKEFIELD ~* Buffalo Pittsbursh Chicago Portland LosAngeic Theatre Seating Division sa„F,a„cisco New rork v Seattle • Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 IT MAY BE ONLY COINCIDENCE-buf many of f/ie counfry's mosf successful theatres use Alexander Smith Crestwood Carpet Before you carpet your theotte moke this test: Compare Alexander Smith Crestwood Carpet with any other carpet at anywhere near its price. Compare the wool from which it is made; the depth of pile, density of weave; richness of colorings; acoustical properties; and at- tractiveness of patterns. When you have made this comparison decide for yourself whether it is coincidence that so many of the coun- try's most successful theatres use Crestwood Carpet or whether it is, as we believe, because Crestwood offers you more for your money than any other carpet made. If there is not a dealer convenient, write us for color cards and quality samples. W. & J. Sloane, sole selling agents, 577 Fifth Avenue, New York. ALEXANDER SMITH CRESTWOOD CARPET THE LARGEST SELLING GRADE OF CARPET IN THE WORLD Perhaps the most widely discussed paper read before the 1931 Spring convention of the So- ciety of Motion Picture Engineers was that by Architect Ben Schlanger of New York on his proposal to reverse the incline of the or- chestra floor so that instead of walking down toward the stage, patrons would be walking up toward it. Rather a novel experience, after these many, many years of accepting the slope toward the stage as the established one. The paper was received with much acclaim and some dismay. The significant thing is that it was received at all, since the acutely interested attitude of the S. M. P. E. indicates that it is temperamentally equipped to sit in with the architect in at last getting at the motion pic- ture theatre, to find out how it can be divorced from its old-fashioned traditions and revalued anew in accordance with the newness and dis- tinction of the entertainment form to which it is devoted. As a matter of fact, the reversed slope is not without actual existence, its applica- tion in a Paris theatre, described in a recent issue of Better Theatres, having been one of the most interesting developments of the past six months in theatre architecture. However, the history of Mr. Schlanger's idea takes one back quite a long time prior to the Paris inno- vation, and so far as we know, Mr. Schlanger has contributed a truly original idea to archi- tectural form. It seems also that he has also gone more deeply than the other effort into the scientific readjustment of sight lines and seat installation. It is even beyond these considera- tions that the discussion of the Schlanger plan {Reversing the Slope of the Main Floor) en- deavors to take us, for upon examination, the proposal seems to have great potential effect on many phases of the theatre. The spring meeting of the S. M. P. E., was by the way, the first time an architect had been invited to read a paper before it upon some scientific de- velopment in theatre architecture, and follow- ing that meeting, the society formally arranged for a program of constructive cooperation with the American Institute of Architects, a definite sign that the motion picture theatre has just begun its most important period of development. |] Among the theatres described in this issue, two naturally join each other through their contrasts as much as through their likenesses. They are the Warner theatre in San Pedro, and the Arlington, a Fox house, in Santa Bar- bara— both Spanish, but oh, how differently! The one is as Spanish as the elements of mod- ern design could make it, the other as Spanish as Spain itself could make it. The one the result of straight adaptation that brings up the old ■'period question" again. The other the result of an attempt to assimilate the decorative values of period styles (so enthusiastically adopted by the theatre!) into the modern spirit. Two dis- tinctive methods, distinguishingly employed. 1[ The systematized manner of seating patrons evolved at the Fox Strand in Milwaukee, an- alyzed in Seating Patrons According to Sec- tions, has been in operation there for about three months, long enough to allow some ap- praisal of its value to other theatres. The ver- dict of the Strand management is that at least so far the system has realized its purpose, which is to eliminate confusion and interfer- ence, and also to get the most from available seats during peak attendance. J. E. Taugher, who discusses it, is himself an observer of theatrical affairs in Milwaukee, and a writer on them for the trade and other publications. While continuing the series. What the Man- ager Should Knoiv About Sound, this issue inaugurates another series of practical articles on sound (The Prevention of Interfering Noises). System and other noises have offered new problems to the sound engineer since the establishment in the studios of "silent record- ing," and the three articles are aimed at help- ing each theatre's projection staff and manager to help themselves in getting the most benefit from this advance in talking picture technique. The author, P. T. Sheridan, is equipment manager of Electrical Research Products (Western Electric). tf IV. H. Mooring (Tivo Netu British Theatres) is the editor of The Bioscope, leading British film trade journal, and also representative of the QuiGLEY PuLiCATiONs in England. . . . Leo T. Parker {The Lauu of Contracts and Copy- right) is a Cincinnati attorney who contributes regularly to Better Theatres on legal devel- opments of special interest to the motion picture theatre field. NOTES on WRITERS and SUBJECTS in this ISSUE [9] Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 IS YOUR SEAT UPHOLSTERY A "SOUND" INVESTMENT? Seating by American Seating Co. X HE sound pictures have practically eliminated all hard or smooth-surfaced upholstery materials from correct seat equipment . . . Acoustical engineers and other technical experts, by testing have found that a luxurious pile MOHAIR fabric — preferably Chase VELMO — is the positive solution to acoustic problems in theatres insofar as they are affected by upholstery. Not only do VELMO fabrics — in figured or plain effects — prove best for reducing reverberation, they constitute an indisputable unit in economical theatre construction because these Mohair fabrics are practically impervious to wear, renovate easily, and are extremely comfortable. Write for striking list of theatre owners who have solved the uphol- stery question with VELMO — the upholstery best suited to every theatre requirement. (?iAS.E UPHOLSTERY FABRICS An interesting booklet containing a Mass. Institute of Technology test of acoustical properties of several upholstery materials, gladly sent on request. Made by Sanford Mills: L. C. Chase & Co., Selling Agents • Boston • Nev/ York • Detroit ■ Son Francisco • Chicago ditorial O be noted to an increasing extent in theatre advertising is an absence of the old familiar superlatives. A fevv weeks ago one of the nnajor circuits adopted a style of news- paper advertising for an outstanding production that consisted predom- inantly in illustrative figures interpreting the theme and emotional quality of the picture, strikingly arranged around copy that was impressively restrained in both amount and tone. And a rival imitated it! The significant thing is that this attitude is growing. The promiscuous superlative is quite definitely coming under suspicion. Is it not true, that screamed over and over again, as it has been these many years, it is today so often mere noise? A new picture. But the same old shouting. This trend toward more originality and sincerity, and less noise, may be what the box office needs. \ [11] 12 Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 REVERSING THE SLOPE OF THE MAIN FLOOR an examination of the Schlanger plan By GEORGE SCHUTZ A CONTRIBUTION to mo- tion picture theatre design that is so basic as the "Schlanger plan" to make the main floor slope toward the rear of the auditorium, instead of toward the stage, requires the attitude of one sincerely in- terested in the improvement of theatres for motion picture exhibition and willing to give patient consideration to anything that is brought forward for the purpose. The idea was presented for the first time formally by Ben Schlanger, New York architect who conceived it, before the last convention of the Society of Motion Pic- ture Engineers, held in Los Angeles in May. It calls for a complete reversal of the slope of the main floor and an attendant revaluation of all sight lines, those of the balconv as well as of the orchestra level. (See diagram and explanation.) But al- though the plan itself is confined to this essential purpose, reflection upon its pos- sibilities lead one into many phases of the auditorium, both functional, aesthetic and fiscal. An interesting topic of discussion is al- ways "how to increase box office receipts." Of all the attempts that have been made to this end, one means that has not been exploited to the full extent of its possibili- ties is that of the comfort of the patron. The cathedral, palace and outdoor garden type of motion picture theatres has lost a great deal of its effect on the theatre go- ing public, and showmen speculate on what will be the next novelty that will encourage theatre attendance. But must it be mere novelty? The motion picture industry, like many other lines of endeavor, is destined to move ahead with a surer and more basic reason for each step that is taken. Comfort for the patron is a "box office attraction" that does not lose its effect, because it is not a novelty. It is an absolute necessity. Ordinarily, comfort of the patron is in- terpreted by most of us as a well uphol- stered seat, comfortable lounges and the like. Now we have an entirely new mean- ing to attach to a phrase so often used. This time it involves a science of making the patron extremely comfortable, not while resting in a lounge room for a few minutes, but for the duration of two hours, the time needed to view an entire screen performance. In addition to answering this consideration of comfort, the Schlanger plan makes it possible to reach any seat in an auditorium with a minimum of walk- ing and stair climbing. There is no doubt that these considerations just mentioned are not only directly beneficial to the patron, but that they are a distinct im- provement from the standpoint of simpler seating control achieved by using one ad- mission price throughout the entire theatre. One of the aims of this new type of motion picture theatre design is to do away with the idea that a certain group of seats in a theatre are better than the rest of the seats, thereby demanding higher admis- sion prices for one seat than for another. It calls for all seats to have practically the same accessibility and comfortable view of the screen. It would be a decided advan- tage to break down the idea of the balcony being less desirable than the main floor. IT IS hardly conceivable that theatres built for motion picture en- tertainment will continue to be built like our present" theatres. Originally they were never meant for screen performances, and as a result of using an old form that was really designed for the actual performer, the patron of the screen theatre has to sit with much bodily discomfort,- and in many cases, with a distorted view of the screen. The reversed orchestra floor type of theatre has been designed to correct these faults and to accommodate properly the en- larged screen. Although these faults are prominent in our present type of theatre using the small screen, the introduction of the enlarged screen would greatly amplify them. This really is the first attempt that has been made to consider seriously applied optical principles in theatre design, fitting the theatre around these principles instead of designing the theatre and inserting the optical factors afterwards. Recognizing the fact that the eye can comfortably see only within certain angles, both horizontally and vertically, it follows naturally that if the eye is not within comfortable range of that which it is viewing, an adjustment must take place. Instead of moving the eye itself, which would cause an unbearable strain, the spectator distorts a part or all of his entire body in order to see the entire screen. It is Schlanger's theory that this is caused by the improper location of seats and the lack of a method of tilting the backs of the seats, in accordance Avith the position of the seats in relation to the screen. In the present type of theatre, the spectator sitting in the orchestra has to raise his head up, causing a strain in the back of the neck, while if sitting in the balcony, it is necessary to pitch his body forward and look down. These uncom- fortable positions are more uncomfortable when he has sat through a two-hour per- formance. The reversed orchestra floor slope and the modified balcony pitch correct these faults by arranging the seats and adjusting their backs so that each seat is within com- fortable view of the screen, permitting com- fortable posture. It is possible to demonstrate the posi- tion of the body in the various parts of both the reversed floor and present type of theatre, and also how the applied prin- ciples of optics affect the design. A con- sideration worthy of special notice is the need of a balcony in the planning of a theatre to accomodate the enlarged screen. As the screen becomes larger, more space is needed between the screen and the firs' row of seats. Therefore the remaining space must be used to the greatest advan- tage possible. It becomes necessary to use a balcony for two reasons: First, because of the position it holds in the most desirable area of seating, as described in the accom- panying diagram, and secondly because of the economical utilization of space, which is most necessary because of the distance needed between the screen and the first roM' of seats. It is therefore inadvisable to use a one-floor, or stadium type of plan when a maximum screen size is desirable, because either would require too much ground area, and the seats in the rear of the auditorium would be out of range of co-ordination of vision and hearing. Although the problems of good acoustics in theatre design seem to be of utmost im- portance at the present time, they are no more important than establishing good vision lines. As a matter of fact it is pos- sible to correct an acoustical condition after a theatre is built, yet the disposition of the slope of the orchestra floor and the pitch of the balcony is practically unchangeable once the structure is completed. While a great many shapes of structures simple in form, and a variety of building materials for various wall treatments may be found acoustically suitable, there is a limit as to what forms must be resorted to in the seating arrangement to permit good vision and comfort. There is, of course, nothing to prevent shaping the side walls and ceil- ing, in connection with the reversed floor slope, so that the completed form is acous- tically good. Certainly the elimination of July 4, 1931 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 13 SCHEMATIC LONGITUDIMAL SECTION-- BENi SCHLAKJeE-P- ARCHITECT \i>(-0. The above diagram shoivs a screen 22 feet in height. The line A-A, luhirh is draivn at a level one half the height of the screen, indicates where the eye is chiefly focused. If that point on the screen is not ivithin the direct range of the eye of the spectator sitting in an absolutely natural position, an adjustment takes place in the posture of the spectator. In the present type of theatre note that the angle, luhich is 90°, is formed by the sight line to point A-A, so that the back of the spectator is adjusted to ease the eye strain, luhich in most cases causes the spectator to lean foriuard in the balcony, or to slump do'wn in his seat in the orchestra. Note that these 90° angles formed in the same manner on the reversed floor and nevu balcony pitch are so developed as to allow not only for constant support of the back of the spectator, but also eliminate the need of adjusting any part of the body to relieve eye strain. Area A is the most desirable area. Note that the reversed floor type of theatre causes more seats to come within that area and the next best areas. Note that the areas close to Line A-A and directly beneath it are more desirable because it is more natural to sit back and look up than it is to lean forward and look down. the excess height of the auditorium in the present type of theatre, caused by the steep pitch of the balcony and the projection room over it, is desirable. These high por- tions are of no real practical or aesthetic value and are usually the cause of all kinds of sound pockets. IT IS interesting to note how the Schlanger attack of the problems of vision and good posture effect other things. The angle of projection is much decreased, eliminating the problem of dis- tortion. This new type of design proves most economical to build because of the ability to keep the balcony low also and of a slight pitch, which in turn permits a lower projection room and thus requires a minimum of structure height and area. This means that there could be more de- sireable seats per cubic foot of building than is now possible. The reduction in height naturally means less side wall treatment for the interior finish effect. Some of the theatre architects are finally insisting on a simpler, less orna- mental theatre. Now, it would not be an easy matter to strip our present theatre of all of its ornamentation. It has a form that is too basically unstudied and awk- ward in appearance. All the modernistic ornament that can be created would not give a real change from what we have now. But a form that deals with the more physi- cal characteristics of an auditorium serves as an inspiration for a better interior form that in its shape and outline would be more pleasing. To consider this new type of theatre design a radical departure from that which is in use now is, I believe, not only to a certain extent incorrect, but is also some- what misleading. The main elements of the structure are retained unchanged in their appearance. They are modified as a refinement brought about by the recogni- tion of applied optical principles. The design upon careful study shows that the fixed proscenium arch common with the present type of theatre can be best eliminated by designing the entire in- terior to blend directly towards the screen. The enlarged screen affects the scale and interior treatment of the theatre. Where- as the small screen is practically lost and is a separated part of the theatre now, the large screen is an integral part that now determines the scale of the treatment. TWO LIKELY effects of any application of the Schlanger plan cannot be overlooked. One would be the restric- tion of the width of the auditorium close to the limitations of the angle of good vision, a natural restriction which, how- ever, has been extensively ignored in the interests of a maximum number of seats per area, so that in some theatres as high as 25% of the seats are undesirable as points from which to view the flat image of the screen. The other would be a sub- stantial reduction of the angle of projec- tion, which even at this late day in motion picture science is a great bugaboo and fre- quently a blight upon the performance. That the reversal of the main floor and the consequent changes in form generally proceeding from it, would have consider- able effect upon the decorative treatment, there seems no doubt. This would come not only from the complete reconsideration of the auditorium design that the plan urges, but also from the physical changes necessary themselves. The forward sec- tion of the auditorium would at once lose most of its value as a display space for gardens, turrets, balconies and what-have- you by way of decoration. There would also be less need for height, due to a low- ering of the balcony. The general result would be less space in which to spread out with grandiose wastefulness the exotic or- namentation which has come to make the theatre itself a competitor with the screen for attention. Although these physical fac- tors forcefully apply, nevertheless an im- portant revaluation of the aesthetic phases of design would quite probably be a result of the new attention to the function of the theatre, rather than its mere appearance. These, then, are some of the phases of theatre design that reversal of the slope of the main floor are likely to affect. Whether the changes that the plan in some ways would demand, and in others, strongly en- courage, are desirable, is a matter only im- aginative and technical deliberation can decide. The important thing is to deliber- ate strictly from the point of view that the motion picture itself is a radical departure from the world's previous art-forms, and that it is time we determined just to what extent it imposes its radical differences upon the theatre that it has not created but merely inherited. 14 Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 THE WARNER IN SAN PEDRO THE WARNER theatre in San Pedro, CaL, a city practically created out of Los Angeles' development of its own Pacific harbor, represents, besides a really pretentious addition to the expand- ing Warner Brothers circuit, another ex- pression of that new school of theatre architecture which, while still accepting the theatricalism of the period design, is attempting to reinterpret it in modern lines and materials. The Warner in San Pedro is Old Mediterranean in mood, but this spirit comes to life in metal and glass and modern building compositions wrought into a pat- tern that is interpretative of Italy's sunny gayety, rather than imitative of Italy's own architecture. As such, this Warner house is typical of the later work of its creator, B. Marcus Priteca, Los Angeles archi- tect. The exterior presents the only treat- ment that is at all directly representative of this Mediterranean influence, and of Another addition to the Warner Brothers circuit erect- ed at a cost of $500,000 in that chain's current construc- tion program, at San Pedro, Los Angeles' Harbor district course its squareness, its plain surfaces em- bellished but slightly with scrolls pressed into the stucco finish, its brightly striped awnings colorful against the whiteness of the structure, has an appropriateness in Southern California that is contemporary as well as historical. The vestibule is trimmed in silver and other metallic effects, while the entrance doors, of mahogany done in many panels, is decoratively treated with gold leaf. The ceiling is octagonally coffered and studded Avith myriad lights. The lobby is beamed, each beam carry- ing in relief a plastic decorative treatment of individual allegorical theme, the whole depicting the advance of theatre arts from the beginning to the present. A double grand staircase leads from the lobby to the mezzanine promenade and balcony and also to the main lounge. THE AUDITORIUM is dom- inated by an architectural colonnade repre- senting ancient stone. The material used is sound-absorbing. This colonnade or ar- cade almost encompasses this chamber of 2,000 seats located on two levels. Sur- mounting this is a cornice and ceiling of metallic surfaces in a pattern representing a great carpet. Besides lighting fixtures, this glittering expanse, glinting gold, silver and other metallic hues, is pointed with rich, reflective ornamental details, making a pattern geometric with straight line and angle, for the most part, but bright with color and reflected light. The vestibule, showing the octagonally coffered ceiling studded with lights. July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald 15 >^ WOT." View of the auditorium, looking toward the proscenium arch from the balcony. The ceiling treatment has a central fea- ture from which the rest emanates. From this is suspended an immense chandelier, and at symmetrical intervals, secondary fea- tures are similarly treated on a smaller scale. The metallic composition forming the decoration is highly reflective. The balcony of the War- ner in San Pedro follovi^s the modern tendency in being really a compromise between the old type of high, steep balcony and the latter day mezzanine level. It has a relatively small climb and is relatively low. Six hundred can be seated here. The proscenium arch mea- sures 50 feet wide and 30 feet high. The projection room is large and is equipped with four projectors, besides the usual complement of stereopticons and effect me- chines. The ventilation system provides for a complete change of air every 10 min- utes, assuring 35 cubic feet of air a minute to each person at capacity. The spray-wash system is used. The Warner in San Pedro has a policy of continuous performances on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 2 o'clock until 11, and week-day schedules calling for one matinee daily and two evening per- formances. Programs are changed twice weekly, Sunday and Wednesday. Top prices are 25c for week-day matinees, and 50c in the evening; 30c for Saturday mat- inees, and 50c for all other week-end or holiday performances. The theatre is under the house managership of Fred Crow. Detail of treatment beneath the balcony. CIRCUMSTANCES surrounding the creation of this theatre in a city which has sprung into being almost like the proverbial mush-; room, offer familiar yet un- usually illuminating instruc- tion in an extraordinary kind of showmanship. It springs, from what must be a nat- ural interest of the public in the theatre. It chooses to re- gard show business as glam- orous. The wise theatre oper- ator, erecting a new house, will take advantage of the 16 Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 attitude. The example that San Pedro aifords is evidenced in the following ac- count in that city's newspaper, the TSlews- Pilotj referring to the breaking of ground that began the project: "That was an historic day in San Pedro, as more than 500 citizens from all points in the harbor district gathered for the short and informal program. Speaking through a loudspeaker, executives of the company and many prominent San Pedrans gave glowing accounts of what the new theatre meant to this community. "With a huge steam shovel standing as a background with a packed circle of cit- izens watching. Jack Milton Warner, son of J. L. Warner, vice president in charge of production, turned the first shovel of dirt, officially marking commencement of construction activities. "A contagious spirit of enthusiasm ran through the crowd as Chamber of Com- merce officials, company leaders and the score of screen luminaries present turned a shovel of dirt 'for luck' while a Warner Brothers camera recorded the event on everlasting film. Below: The facade, finished in white stucco restrainedly em- bellished with cornice and plaque patterns pressed into the material. *^^1*S** mi ''■I *'ir « Upper view; Along the mez- zanine promenade, which serves as a lounge as well as means of access to the balcony level. Lower view; View through middle section of the auditorium to the rear, showing low position of the balcony and its gentle ascent. July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald 17 Above: Detail of decorative treatment at the proscenium and organ loft, done in metal-like surfaces finished in metal colors. "The enthusiasm noted that day indi- cated renewed faith in San Pedro, a faith that echoed in the number of short talks that were given. Councilman A. E. Hen- ning declared on that occasion that 'this major development in the harbor district is of great significance to San Pedro people, for no compan}^ nor man would invest $500,000 in any community unless its fu- ture was assured.' "President Leslie C. Mott and Secre- tary R. H. Beaton of the San Pedro Cham- ber, welcomed Warner Brothers to San Pedro, as did George C. Aitkenhead, H. L. Campbell, president of the San Pedro Realty Board, and Lieut. Col. Carr W. Waller." "During the past months," proudly re- flects the News-Pilot, "San Pedrans have seen the great reinforced concrete walls rise to an impressive height. Through rain and shine, the crew of 100 workmen kept to a rigid schedule in order to bring to San Pedro its greatest of showhouses as soon as possible." Showmanship, verily, begins with the turning of the first shovelful of dirt. 18 Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 THE LAW OF CONTRACTS AND COPYRIGHT analyzing late decisions of the higher courts By LEO T. PARKER THE COPYRIGHT laws pro- vide that any person who infringes a copy- righted musical composition shall be liable in damages to the copyright owner in an amount not to exceed $5,000, nor less than $250. In the case of a dramatic or drama- tico-musical or a choral or orchestral com- position, the penalty is $100 for the first and $50 for every subsequent infringing performance. In the case of other musical compositions $10 for every infringing per- formance. In the late case of Jewell-La Salle vs. Buck (51 S. Ct. 407), the Supreme Court of the United States rendered an important decision interpreting the copyright infringe- ment laws. In this case the owner of a copyright sued to recover damages for in- fringement of his copyright. During the trial it was shown that the person against whom suit was filed gave only one infring- ing performance. According to the above mentioned latter clause in the copyright law, the owner of the copyright should be permitted to collect $10, whereas the first mentioned clause states that in no case shall the amount of damages exceed $5,000, nor be less than $250. The question presented the court was whether or not the infringer was liable for $250 or merely $10. In holding the owner of the copyright entitled to recover $250, the Court said: "It is urged that under such interpreta- tion the suggested measure of $10 a per- formance would not be applicable unless more than twenty-five infringing per- formances were proved. This appears to be the meaning of the section, read as a whole, particularly since the amounts in the scheduled subdivisions appear to have been inserted merely as an aid to the court in awarding such damages as 'shall appear to be just.' . . . Unless the number of infringing performances of a copyrighted musical composition exceeds twenty-five, the minimum allowance of $250 must be made. Where more than twenty-five in- fringing performances are proved, and there is no showing as to actual loss, the court must allow the statutory minimum, and may, in its sound discretion, employ the scheduled $10 a performance as a basis for assessing additional damages." The Law of Infringement IT IS WELL established that a photoplay copyright is infringed only when an audience can perceive the similarity between the two plays. In other words, unless the public is deceived by the pictures, and led to believe that the films are a picturization of a copyrighted literary work, then no infringement can be said to exist. For illustration, in Barbadillo vs. Gold- wyn (42 F. [2d] 881), suit was filed by owners of the dramatic composition, "The Christ of the Alley," against Samuel Gold- wyn and others for infringement of copy- right. The story related to the love adven- tures and death of the King of Castile and included a miracle scene whereby the image of Christ attested to the innocence of char- acter in play. The scene was depicted as a bona fide miracle. Goldwyn and others associated with him had a photoplay en- titled "Night of Love" which also included a miracle scene in which the mantle of the Virgin Mary was used by one character who impersonated the Virgin Mary and pointed an accusing finger at another character. It was contended that this photoplay infringed "The Christ of the Alley" play because in the latter play Christ pointed his finger at one character in the scene. In holding no infringement exists, this court said : "Brushing aside the multiplicity of de- tail with which every dramatic episode must almost necessarily be laden, I find but one crucial alleged similarity between 'The Night of Love' and 'The Christ of the Alley.' In the former, the purported 'testi- mony' of the Blessed Virgin is in reality a sheer trick of legerdemain performed by Marie. The simple-hearted mob is de- ceived by the ruse, but the audience know it to be a piece of obvious jugglery and impersonation. On the other hand, in 'The Christ of the Alley,' the scene is that of a bona fide miracle probably believed in by the author and by the audience, as well as by the multitude. To say that a spurious miracle was suggested, in a way such as falls within the prohibition of the copy- right law, by a genuine one, is to argue that error is copied from truth, black from white, negation from affirmation, nadir from zenith. A spectator, seeing Marie's palpable sleight of hand in 'The Night of Love,' could not reasonably assert that the incident was suggested by the solemn and genuine miracle in 'The Christ of the Alley,' which, as in the Zorrilla episode, accurately reflects the profound religious feeling of the Spanish people." Fulfillment of Contract IN THE CASE, Metro- Goldwyn Pictures vs. Berger (174 N. E. 926), it was disclosed that the Metro- Goldwyn Pictures Corporation entered in- to a written contract with the owner of a moving picture theatre whereby the Metro Corporation sold to the theatre owner for exhibition purposes the right to use moving picture films and pictures at an agreed rental or service charge. This contract was fully performed by both parties up to Sep- tember 16th, when the theatre owner re- fused to accept any more films and pictures and wrote a letter to the Metro Corpora- tion to that ef¥ect and stated that he had quit the theatre business and had installed a bowling alley in the building formerly used as a theatre. Metro sued the theatre owner for dam- ages contending that the latter was re- quired to fulfill the terms of the contract notwithstanding the fact that he had dis- posed of his theatre. The lower court held the theatre owner liable. The latter ap- pealed to the higher court contending that the verdict rendered was not supported by the evidence. In other words, the theatre owner contended that the testimony pre- sented by Metro was not sufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he was liable on the contract. It is important to know that the higher court reversed the lower court's decision in view of a similar verdict decided many years ago in the lead- ing case of Blackstone Theatre Corpora- tion vs. Goldwyn Distributing Corpora- tion (146 N. E. 217). Breach Stops Suit IT IS WELL settled law that any firm of person who breaches a contract, or fails to fulfill its terms, is liable in damages. On the other hand, a person who first breaches a contract cannot later sue and recover damages from the other party. For instance, in Monagnas vs. Fox Film Corporation (46 F [2d] 877), it was dis- closed that the Fox Film Corporation con- ducted a beauty contest and advertised that the winner would be entitled to a free trip to New York, free hotel accom- modations while there, visits to moving picture studios and the right to take part in a moving picture to be exhibited in various parts of the world. {Continued on page 66) uh 4. 1931 Motion Picture Herald 19 General view of the front exterior, showing its Segovian tower surnnounted bya revolving sign. A STUDY IN ADAPTATION WHATEVER theoretical fault the critic may reasonably find with the Fox West Coast circuit's new Arlington theatre in Santa Barbara, Cal., it has the great merit of being a building authentic and beautiful. The critic observes that it is truly Spanish and he questions the pro- priety of this type of structure to the pur- poses of motion picture exhibition, par- ticularly in America. In the first place, the issue is never clean-cut when one argues the propriety of Spanish architecture, especially its New World outgrowth, in Southern California, the soil of which became as native to Span- ish culture as was that of Spain itself. And California has fostered, rather than discouraged, these early Spanish influences. It has, indeed, persisted in remaining, in terrain and climate, and also to an appre- ciable extent, in population, akin to the land that is more truly its mother country than any nation of the North. Whether the Arlington is to be adjudged beautiful Describing fhe Arlington, a new Fox theatre in Santa Barbara, Cal., that carries the Spanish villa architecture to an extreme as a motion picture theatre or not, it yet has been designed to take advantage of every charming characteristic of Old Span- ish structures, and beautiful almost all its beholders will surely call it. The very adaptation, then, of this archi- tectural style, so sincerely and authenti- cally, to the business of vending motion picture entertainment to a modern Amer- ican public, must be interesting to the showman as well as the architect. THE APPROACH is precisely that of those Spanish buildings — missions and villas- — that have been native to the extreme Southwest and Mexico for several centuries. They came originally from Spain. The Arlington likewise. Its tower has its prototype in those of the famous El Alcazar de Segovia. This, indeed, pre- sents the first study in adaptation. The pinnacle is a sign carrying the name of Fox, and it revolves ! The marquee is an adaptation of a Spanish canopy with a valance in metal running around the lower edge. It is painted to match the whiteness of the building. Metal too is used to embellish the building itself. The facade is sur- mounted by a Spanish cresting of wrought iron scroll work with a Avrought iron car- touche at the center. The box oflice is located at the front of the vestibule — an elaborate little "chapel" of faience tile and hand-wrought iron, the lower portion being in blue and gold tiles irregularly placed, while the canopy portion is of iron with bars opened into an old Sevillian pattern and extending to an iron frieze surmounted by a shield supporting figures executed in repouse iron. 20 Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 Upper left: In "El Club Chico," refreshmenf room having vision of the audi- torium, where parties may see the show in privacy. Upper right: In the Paseo, or lobby, an arcaded ap- proach to the theatre proper typical of the theatre's Spanish character. Lower view: Detail of the entrance and marquee. The latter is an adaptation of a Spanish canopy, edged with a metal valance. Souls have been shrived within lesser com- partments, even in Spain. Here something rather different by vv^ay of surcease may be purchased across a counter of brightly colored tile. This vestibule, extending into a lobby, is really something more than either. Called the Paseo, it extends along a goodly portion of the building, shielded from the outside by a series of massive Spanish arches. Mid- way within it is a shallow tiled fountain of the type found in the smaller villas. The Paseo leads to the entrance loggia. A gay colorful note, redolent of both Spain and the theatre, occurs at the en- trance loggia, across Avhich, above the arches, are murals of Spanish figures doing the dances popular in those distant days when Santa Barbara itself was Spanish. They are the work of Samuel Armstrong. The ceilings in the entrance loggia are constructed of reinforced concrete so cast as to represent rough beams and planking. The floor here resembles the tile paving used in Spanish courtyards. The main foyer is spacious and vaulted. From its ceiling hang three hand-wrought chandeliers, each over six feet in diameter. These fixtures are augmented by wall lan- terns, similarly of Spanish pattern. The floor is carpeted in powder blue, with a de- sign in antique gold based on the inter- locking D found in the decorations of the Davanzati palace in Florence. Floor borders and wainscoting are in colored tile. At both ends of the foyer are stair- cases leading to the upper levels of the July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald 21 1 theatre, with steps bordered by a tile strip and carpeted in antique gold. ENTERING, from this foyer, the auditorium, the patron beholds a de- tailed representation of an early Spanish village. The treatment is vigorously atmospheric, an exotic outdoor panorama with a vaulting, star-studded sky overhead. At the front of the auditorium, really the proscenium arch, is a bridge, through the span of which is a river narrowing into distant hills, painted upon the stage cur- tain, the work of John M. Gamble. Out- lined against the sky and mountains are groups of Spanish buildings. To speak of utilitarian matters for a moment, this bridge, or proscenium arch, has a "span" of 50 feet, and a rise of 30 feet, with ac- commodations for wide screen. A novel adaptation looking toward the possibility of striking stage presentations, is the pro- vision of steps from the stage to the top of the proscenium arch, across which a performer may pass high above the audience, from one side of the stage to the other. The walls of the auditorium, done en- tirely in relief, of course, are a repre- sentation of outer walls of Spanish build- ings, balconied and windowed above, arched below. They are patterned after structures in various parts of Spain, and also (it should be noted) after buildings in early Santa Barbara. Where grilles, weathervanes or other ironwork occur, all are handmade according to the period to which the building involved belongs. Illumi- Upper left: The loggia, leading into the theatre proper, striking a theatrical note with murals depicting various Spanish dances. Upper right: The fountain of the Paseo. The border is mosaic, the rim of red tiles in pattern on edge. The basin is also of tile. Lower view: Another ex- terior view, this one show- ing the substitution of typical Spanish doorsteps for unsightly fire escapes. 22 Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 Above: View of the auditorium along the left wall, looking toward the rear, representing the outer walls of dwellings and shop buildings in a Spanish village of varying architectural periods. Left: The main foyer. The chandeliers are of hand-wrought iron and measure over six feet in diameter. The carpet is of powder blue, the floor borders of tile, as is the wainscoting. nation is from lanterns along the walls and suspended from the ceilings of the "build- ings," have been made from measured drawings of 14th, 15th and 16th Century Catalonian street lamps. The ceiling sweeps in an elliptical vault over 100 feet in width, and 150 feet in length. Its construction is of light fabri- cated metal secured to steel trusses over 75 feet above the lowest point in the auditorium floor. Quake-proof methods were used in this -construction, with over 5,000 anchors. It is treated over its entire surface with acoustic plaster. Details of the general treatment offer further studies in adaptation. The design of the seat frames at the row ends follows that of benches used in about the I5th Centur}' in Segovia. There is a unique refreshment room — "El Club Chico" — high above the balcony floor, yet allowing with complete privacy a view through plate glass of the entire auditorium — this has been adapted from old Monterey architec- July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald ture, with overhanging balconies and a low sloping ceiling. Even the poster display panels are based on panel patterns culled from Ronda, Segovia, Toledo and Granada. And a most shrewd adaptation is that which permits the elimination of unsightly fire-escapes. On each side of the main portion of the structure, staircases lead out into two patios, which measure approx- imately 50x80 feet. Instead of the usual fire escapes, there are broad flights of steps leading to the exterior like those to be found in many an humbler dwelling in villages of Spain. The architects of the Arlington were Edwards & Plunkett of Santa Barbara, while the decorating was executed by the Robert E. Power Studios of Los Angeles. Walter Kofeldt has been appointed manag- ing director. The Arlington operates on a continuous policy at popular prices, with programs in- cluding both stage and screen performances. Right: One of the two staircases that are located at either end of the main foyer. The steps are carpeted in antique gold and bordered by tile strips. The railing is of wrought iron. Below: View of the auditorium as darkened at perfornnance time. The "bridge" forming the proscenium arch can actually be crossed, an arrangement in anticipation of novel stage acts. 24 Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 SEATING PATRONS ACCORDING TO SECTIONS a detailed analysis of a new plan By J. E. TAUGHER THE SEATING of patrons is a familiar problem to every experienced theatre manager. And few other phases of theatre operation are more important. The theatre cannot prosper without pleas- ing its patrons, obviously, and not only the picture, but where the patron sits to see it is a great factor in determining the extent to which he is pleased. Making the problem a particularly acute one, is the variation in the individual preferences of patrons as to where they sit. It is when the theatre is approaching capacity, of course, that the seating of patrons most taxes the resources of the theatre and its personnel in their purpose of satisfying customers. It has been to prepare for this situation before it actually arrives that the method of seating now being used at the Fox Strand in Milwaukee was devised. The system, developed, by Roger H. Dawson, manager of the Strand, and by his assistant, Frank Schreihart, is called by them so far successful, and it has had sev- eral months in which to be proved so. Dawson is aware, of course, that conditions peculiar to the Strand may have much to do with the success of the method. How- ever, these are not apparent enough, if in- deed they do exist, to offer any reason why the system, in its essentials, would not operate successfully in many another house of similar type and policy. The Strand has a seating capacity of 1,219. It has no balcony, only a small foyer, but a long lobby. The theatre itself measures 100x96 feet. The house is often called upon to handle a tremendous rush The charts on this and the opposite page show the order of seating, as indicated by numbered sections, part of which have been blacked-out to indicate location of patrons as auditorium fills. The left tier has 247 seats, the middle tiers 371 each, and the right tier 230. of business and accommodates as many as 1,300 people in an hour. Consequently it is for this type of pressure business that the plan has ben designed. For three weeks before the plan was inaugurated a survey was conducted by the theatre. People were allowed to enter the house and seat themselves wherever they wished. The ushers watched, and a chart was prepared showing the most de- sirable seats in order according to volun- tary selection. The first survey was made during the week of February 13, and the last the week of March 27. The plan was placed into effect April 3. It is interesting to know that a host of factors were taken into consideration in connection with these surveys. First, three different types of pictures were shown during this period. Accordingly, the reaction of these various types to seating preference were studied. Also included in the survey were weather July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald 25 conditions and types of advertising. The survey showed that by voluntary selection the seats in sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 (see chart), were filled first, while the others were filled in the order shown, and the seats farthest toward the front, or sections 29 and 30, were the last to be filled. In- cidentally, the distance from the seats to the screen is but approximately five feet. Patrons are escorted to those seats, which, according to the survey, have proved most desirable. As the patrons enter the theatre they are divided into five groups, group 1 going to aisle 2 ; group 2 to aisle 3 ; group 3 to aisle 4 ; group 4 to aisle 4, and then to aisle 5 ; and group 5, from aisle 2 and then to aisle 1. The rows are only filled-in half-way from each side, so that when one section is filled from one aisle, the patrons are di- rected to the other section to fill in from the other aisle. The effect of the plan is a wedge building to the front center aisles. The filling of the rows only half-way from each aisle results in the disturbing of a minimum number of people when new- comers take their seats. AFTER the best seats have been taken, the object of the theatre is to give the patron the best remaining seats. There is nothing compulsory about the system on the part of the patron, and the policy fo the theatre is that the patron is always right. A person coming into the the- atre may be directed to aisle 3, where he may be met by an usher who says politely, "Aisle 4, please," holding his arm across his chest in the direction of the next aisle. When the patron reaches aisle 4, he is greeted with the question, "How far down, please, I will see what I can find." And stating that he believes there is a seat nearer the center, the usher says, "Just a moment, please. I will see what I can find." And if there is a seat where this customer wants to sit, he is escorted to his selection. According to Mr. Dawson, however, one out of a hundred complain, and the major- ity of them are satisfied with where they are placed. Two ushers are stationed at each of the three main aisles, and one at each end aisle. In addition, the head usher super- vises back and forth, from one far aisle to the other. Electric buttons are located on aisles 2 and 4, and a rapid survey made by the usher down the aisles gives him the number of vacant seats, both doubles and singles. The wedge effect, with the seats filled at the rear of the theatre, shows the patron that the only available seats are located toward the front of the house. Standing is permitted in the lobby only when the least desirable seats are still vacant. Patrons are also permitted to stand in a line two deep, behind sections 16 and 15. If any vacancies occur in the right half of sections 21, 11, 8 or 15, they are escorted down aisle 1. If they occur in the left half of sections 29, 23, 19, 17, 9, 1, 3, or 13, they are escorted down aisle 4. In this connection the electric signals are brought into play to show the number of vacant seats. In some instances the entire 29 and 30 blocks have been filled up by notifying those in the lobby that there are still 35 or 40 minutes until the next show, but that far front seats are available. These sections are filled almost invariably in this manner without any objection from the patrons. When the crowd standing in the lobby begins to grow restive, Mr. Dawson makes it a policy to joke a bit and from time to time allow three or four to enter in order to stir up the crowd and make them think that they are nearing their destination. Through this system, three ushers have handled as many as 1,067 patrons in 30 minutes, or an average of 355 persons a minute. It is a rigid rule that an usher is not allowed to touch a patron's arm. Furthermore, he is not permitted to stand directly in front of a person, but always at an angle, looking the patron straight in the eyes. A school is conducted by the theatre for the training of its ushers, and politeness and diplomacy prevail at all times. WHEN A CROWD is waiting, Mr. Dawson personally patrols the exit side. Although he does not allow his ushers to do this, when he sees an aged man or woman waiting in the crowd, he will open the ropes and escort them per- sonally to some seat in the house. His policy is that the patron is right at all times. If there is a complaint (and there are some, although they have been held down to a minimum under this system), he will attempt to pacify them with a pass good at any time, even though they paid only matinee admission prices. If this fails, he will ask the patron if he or she has seen the Wisconsin theatre, which {Continued on page 65) 26 Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 Two New British Theatres The Forum and The Savoy in suburban London By W. H. MOORING Two views of the Forum, located in the Fulham district with a seat- ing capacity of 2,500. The archi- tectural treatment is along con- ventional lines, with a dash of the unusual based on a theme of local color, as expressed in the sea murals in the foyer, shown in the lower view. The auditorium motifs, shown in the upper pic- ture, consist mainly in a large dome and a Corinthian colon- nade. The general color scheme is of turquoise blue and gold. AN ADDITION to London's suburban theatres was achieved by H. Yapp, independent exhibitor, who already has the- atre interests in London and the provinces, in the opening of the Fulham Forum. Planned on conventional lines, it has a bold stone frontage a feature of which is the half-domed center. J. Stanley Beard, F.R.LB.A., planned the Forum, which seats 2,500 and has a lounge accommodation for a further 1,150. The main entrance is on the corner of two thoroughfares, and the main elevation has been carried out in glazed terra cotta, with pale blue facings. The rest of the frontage is in red Dorking brickwork. Blue and amber leaded lightings also re- lieve the frontage and give light to the lounge inside. There is a large circular entrance ves- tibule, with marbled walls and vellum- covered ceiling diffused with turquoise blue. Approaches from the vestibule to the audi- torium are richly carpeted, and lead by way of graceful stairways and promenades into the horseshoe-shaped auditorium. An 80-foot dome is fitted with a central lighting point in representation of the sun, which sheds soft amber light over the whole theatre. The general color scheme is in turquoise blue and gold, varied by the rich red-colored Corinthian pillars, which break up the plainness of the walls. In these pillars are deft little niches which conceal light units. The Forum undoubtedly improves upon many of .the best West End theatres, in size and in comfort. The Savoy is in one of the growing Lon- don suburban reaches, Acton, on the South West side of the Thames. Planned by George Coles, London cinema architect, the Savoy theatre is one of the most at- tractive places in the greater London area. Its capacity is not mammoth, judged on recent suburban tendencies — it seats around the thousand mark — but it has few rivals in comfort throughout the dormitories of London. Abe Goide, well-known independent cir- July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald 27 cuit owner, is the promoter, and he was lucky to secure a fine corner site adequate to allow a straight lay-out. Coles has planned the building along modern French lines of architecture and decoration, and surprising effects are achieved by sharp contrasts of curve and straight line. Exteriorly, this note is expressed in the severity of the roof line and the rising cor- ners, which are accentuated by a huge cen- tral window with rounded top. Skillful use is made of concealed floods, which serve to emphasize these outlines. Inside there are spacious waiting lounges, a large ballroom with ornamental orchestra gallery, a tea salon and retiring rooms. Decorations in each, are in close harmony with the scheme of browns and greens which predominate in the main auditorium. Touches of silver and gold in the wall treatment are repeated here and there in hangings, cords, and other soft furnishings. It is probably in the furnishing of this the- atre that the secret of the success of its appearance lies. The square proscenium arch for ex- ample, is almost entirely in silver, and touches of the same treatment are taken up in the ceiling. Across the width of the stage opening hangs a severely cut pelmet in vivid green velvet, the stage drapings being festooned in gold and silver and touched with decora- tions in rich green, red and blue satin. Drapings surrounding the "dummy" boxes which flank the stage opening are similar with additional curtains of silver silk alter- nated with panels of gauze chenilled with satin and finished with cords and tassels in gold and silver. All other windows and recesses are hung with silver silk, finished with pelmets of green. Carpeting through- out is in green and buff. The Savoy is probably the most electri- fied theatre in Greater London. 28 Better Theatres Section July 4, 1981 The Majestic theatre in Wellington, New Zealand, is controlled by the Fuller-Hayward Theatre Corporation, Ltd., and it was erected at a cost of $1,500,000, including site and furnishings. The seating capacity is 2,1 19. It is one of the most pretentious motion picture theatres in Wellington, which is a city of 130,000, with 12 picture houses within its limits, six of which are first-run. There are also seven suburban theatres. The view on this page shows the auditorium looking toward the proscenium arch. The arch is 40 feet wide and is surmounted by a large decorative sun-burst executed In plaster board. The center piece is of smooth plaster and finished with gold leaf, concealing three strips of Indirect lighting in three THE MAJESTIC, WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald 29 colors, operated through the house dimmer system. The other reproduction shows the foyer of the Majestic. From here the patron has a view across the stalls to a passage on the other side of the theatre, a distance of 100 feet, and also up the stairs to glass doors which open into still another entrance, where there is another box office, a supplementary service installed principally for those patrons who come in motor cars and park their machines just below, where an attendant watches them, with the theatre management providing free car insurance for the duration of the performance. The Majestic was designed by W. J. Prouse. The theatre has a policy calling for both stage and screen performances. THE MAJESTIC, WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND 30 Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 no N T Short-Change Yourself! Get ALL the Light Your Money Can Purchase by Using a mm SUPER HIGH INTENSITY PROJECTION LAMP Consistently Delivers More Light at Lower Maintenance Cost IN USE FROM COAST TO COAST Manufactured by one of the oldest manufacturers in the industry — Distributed by Progressive Independent Supply Dealers Write for Literature CORRECT DESIGN — PRECISION CONSTRUCTION BRENKERT LIGHT PROJECTION CO. Engineers & Manufacturers ST. AUBIN AT EAST GRAND BLVD., DETROIT METPRO FOUR STYLES OPEN GLASS ENCLOSED BULB LIGHTED FULLY NEONIZED THE ORIGINAL LU-MI-NUS NON-SHADOW CAST ALUMINUM CHANGEABLE LETTER Theatre and Store CANOPIES The original Metpro Lu-mi-nus Non-Shadow Cast Aluminum letter. The only letter that lies directly and flat on glass, giving a sharp, dear and distinct letter day or night superior to any other interchangeable letter. This exclusive feature, fully protected by patents, assures visibility at a much greater distance. Letters are indestructible. Always specify Metpro Lu-mi-nus Cast Aluminum Letters. In two sizes: 9", I 11/2" over all; 12", I5I/2" and 17" over alL Competitors admit superiority of our letters wlien they state that for the «-| best effect, glass and letters should be placed as close together as possible. But remember, METPRO letters lie DIRECTLY and FLAT AGAINST GLASS and cast no shadows. All other letters that lie flat on glass and do not bear METPRO trade mark and patent No. 1,259.237 on back are infringements. USER and > maker are liable to prosecution. METAL PRODUCTS, Inc. 1434 NO. FOURTH STREET MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN Please send sample letter, lOc enclosed to cover postage. M Address (3, L-7, '30 Every Theatre Needs These as a part of its Equipment RICHARDSON'S MOTION PICTURE HANDBOOKS Vols. 1 and 2 ------- $ 6.20 Vol. 3 (on sound only) - - - - $ 5.10 Combination price (the 3 volumes) - $10.20 Building Theatre Patronage - - - $ 5.10 (By BARRY & SARGENT) We Are Handling Them for the Convenience of the Trade Motion Picture Herald Bookshop 1790 Broadway New York, N. Y. July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald 31 MODERN PROJECTION PROJECTION • SOtINO R E P II O II U € T I O N ACOUSTICS THE PREVENTION OF INTERFERING NOISES m » I— Noises Directly Transmitted Through the Air By P. T. SHERIDAN THE PRESENTATION of sound pictures can be successful only if they are realistically reproduced. The ac- tion presented with its accompanying sound must be realistic enough to make the audi- ence forget that they are looking at a pic- ture and imagine themselves really living through the scene with the actors. The theatre manager who is a good showman knows how easily this illusion is destroyed when something entirely foreign to the pic- ture occurs in the theatre and distracts the attention of the audience. This is espe- cially true since the introduction of noise- less recording, which causes such noises to stand out in contrast. The sound system equipment if not ■quietly operated will to some extent be responsible for the destruction of the very entertainment it creates. It is in the pre- vention of noises from these sources that the projectionist •can be of great assistance and as an aid, the most common noises and their contributing causes will be outlined and suggestions offered for their prevention. Before describing specific noises and causes, an analysis and classification of the vari- ous types of noises may be of assistance. Insofar as the projectionist is concerned, noise may be classified in two general groups : ( 1 ) That originating in the projection room or in the sound system, and (2) that which has its origin in 'Other sources such as ven- tilating systems, audience noise or street noise. The first of these groups, with which we are primarily con- cerned, may be further clas- This is the first of a series of three articles directed toward assisting the projectionist and sound engineer in eliminating interfering noises the ab- sence of which has become abso- lutely necessary to good sound with the introduction of noiseless record- ing. The second article will appear in the August 1st issue. sified under three general headings. The first comprises those noises which reach the audience by direct transmission through the air from the projection room itself. Such noises include the noise of rotating machin- ery, loud conversation, high monitor horn volume and other noises incidental to the [photo courtesy erpi] Checking up on system noise, W ashington theatre, Washington, D. C. operation of the projection equipment. The second group includes noises of an intermittent character that are introduced into the sound system electrically, such as might be caused by loose contacts, defective fuses or run-down batteries. The third group includes noises which also are introduced into the sound system electrically, but which are more or less steady, such as the "rush noise" from the photo-electric cell, hums from a.c. pickup, and noise resulting from the electrical transmission of mechanical vibrations. Although noises from any source will prove distracting to an audience, this is especially true of mysterious noises coming from directions other than the screen. Noises coming from the direction of the screen are generally not so objectionable, especially if they are of such a nature that they may be interpreted as originating in the action. ~ ~ ^[\\ discuss in this first article those noises reaching the audience through the air from the projection room, showing how they can be prevented, or at least reduced to the point where they are no longer objectionable. EXCEPT in an emergency, loud conver- sation between projectionists is quite unnecessary. If the projection room is not thoroughly soundproof, the projectionists' conversation, even if not abnormally loud, will be heard by those seated in the rear of the audience. Reasonable care on the part of the projectionists will pre- vent criticism on this point. 32 Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 Stage Lamps SPOTLIGHT No. 5N14 with Color Frame No. 22 EADQUARTERS fof Stage light- ing devices of every de- scription. Kliegl Bros, can furnish any form of stage lamp desired — standard designs or special units — spotlights for arc and incandescent lamps; sciop- ticons for scenic effects; open- box lights; bunch lights; strip lights; stereopticons ; and count- less other forms of stage lamps used in the theatre and upon the stage — also pin-plug con- nectors, plugging boxes, stage floor pockets, wall pockets, and electrical fittings of various kinds for theatrical purposes. Write for new Catalogue "A" showing the complete line. SCIOFTlCOiN No. 75 with a Scenic Effect Universal Electric Stage Lighting Co.,inc 32Lf West 50th Street NEW YORK,N.^ W. B. KING Theatrical Engineer Consultant Is your theatre in the red? We can furnish plans how to put it on the right side of the ledger. King Studios INC. Designers, Decorators and Furnishers of Theatres Complete 309 S. Harwood Dallas, Tex. South's Larcest Concern Specialixint in Ac»ut- Ileal Correction and Acoustical Mattrlalt YOU CAN DEPEND ON DA-LITE ADVICE Theatres of different sizes and shapes require differ- ent types of screens. No one screen will even ap- proximately suffice for all. We meet each requirement with a type of Da-Lite Screen especially engi- neered for that specific need. You, therefore, are assured that our recom- mendations are entirely in your interest. Your inquiry, and a state- ment of your screen prob- lem, are invited. THE DA-LITE SCREEN CO., Inc. 2723 N. Crawford Ave. Chicago Loud operation of the monitor horn is likewise very annoying to the audience. Although the projectionist of course needs sufficient monitor volume to assist in mak- ing a successful changeover, the volume should be reduced as soon as the change- over is completed. The monitor is not in- tended for use in judging quality or volume of the sound in the auditorium. This is a duty which can be performed satisfactorily only by observation in the auditorium. In the handling of film the careful pro- jectionist can do much to reduce the noise originating in the projection room. Al- [PHOTO COURTESY ERPi] Making noise tests at the New Broad- luay theatre in Charlotte, N. C. though enclosed motor-driven rewind ma- chines are not usually excessively noisy, the ordinary hand-operated machine can be, especially when operated at a high speed. If, however, it is operated slowly enough to permit careful inspection of the film for oil spots, worn sprocket holes and insecure patches there will be little possibility of objectionable noise. Reels which have been bent out of shape frequently strike against magazine walls, and their continued use should be avoided. The slamming of magazine and lamphouse doors and the occasional dropping of empty film cans are also sources of noise which are to be guarded against. Automatic changeover devices are sometimes noisy, as are also manual changeovers if carelessly operated. Another source of occasional dis- turbance is the striking of the arcs in prepa- ration for a changeover. However, the ex- perienced projectionist will have little dif- ficulty from this source. THE NOISES described thus far are practically all under the direct con- trol of the projectionist, who can prevent their occurrei.ce or minimize their extent by the exercise of reasonable care in the operation of his equipment. Due to the fact that they contain gears, drives and other rotating parts, projectors contribute their share in adding to the gen- eral noise originating in the booth. Assum- ing that the equipment is properly designed and manufactured, the reduction of noise from it becomes largely a question of care- ful maintenance. Proper lubrication is the July 4, 1931 first step in preventing wear and noise. Al- though the instructions issued by the man- ufacturer should carefully be followed in lubrication, it is in general true that the more frequent use of less oil is more effec- tive than its use in larger quantities at less frequent intervals would be, because of the reduction o fthe danger of seepage from parts on to the film due to an excess at any one time. Gears which show sign of excessive wear should be replaced, since in addition to causing noise, considerable vibration may be set up which may be picked up by the sound system as will be described in a later article of this series. Universal joints and flexible couplings should be frequently in- spected to insure that they are not binding and thus setting up increased vibration and therefore noise. Many of the larger theatres and theatre chains make it a practice to completely re- build projector heads at least once a year. This represents good insurance against breakdown and noisy operation. Careful glassing in of the booth port- holes and lookouts will go far in reducing the amount of noise which reaches the audi- ence directly from the booth. Vibratory noises originating in the booth and trans- mitted to the auditorium through its walls and floor may be especially difficult to over- come. However, a careful survey by a re- liable acoustic consulting service will usu- ally indicate what steps should be taken to reduce interfering noise in any cases of this kind. The next article will describe the causes and prevention of noises of an intermittent character. Motion Picture Herald 33 Archnuay leading to auditorium and mezzanine balcony in foyer, Warner theatre, Milivaukee. Rapp & Rapp, architects. BIG NEWSI SYNCROFILM NOW 100% A. C. MARVEL REPRODUCER COSTS YEAR OF TOIL; RESULTS INCOMPARABLE! THEATRE TESTS PROVE PEERLESS PERFORMANCE "B" SUPPLY NO "B" BATTERIES TO TEST OR REPLACE NO CONVERTERS "A" SUPPLY NO "A" BATTERIES NO MESS NO CHARGING NO ATTENTION HEAD AMPLIFIER No BUGS! No BEES! NO HORNETS! NO BLUEBOTTLES! ABSOLUTE AND PERFECT POWER SUPPLY FOR EXCITER LAMPS, HEAD AMPLIFIER FILAMENTS AND PLATES, ALSO PHOTO-ELECTRIC CELL SILENT— SIMPLE— SCIENTIFIC— SURE WROUGHT WITH WEBER'S WONTED "WATCH WORKS" WORTHINESS DON'T DELAY— DEMAND DETAILS WEBER MACHINE CORP. 59 RUTTER STREET ROCHESTER, N. Y. EXPORT DEPT., 15 LAIGHT STREET, NEW YORK CITY CABLE ADDRESS, ARLAB. NEW YORK 34 Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 WHAT THE MANAGER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SOUND REPLACEMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS By A THEATRE SOUND ENGINEER* A NUMBER of ncw deviccs have appeared on the sound equipment mar- ket in recent months, designed to improve reproduction from sound-on-film, or, in one w^ay or another, to reduce the cost of oper- ating and maintaining this portion of the equipment. Many, perhaps most theatres using sound-on-film, can profit by the in- troduction of one or more of these devices. Just which of the new contrivances may be of benefit in any particular case, and the extent of that benefit, will, of course, very largely depend upon the type of equipment already employed. The manager who knows what is in his own projection room will be the best judge of what improve- ments should be helpful or economical. Managers who do not now use sound- on-film, but who may be contemplating its installation at some future time, will also be interested in the newer devices for checking any apparatus that they may con- sider purchasing, to see if it includes some or all of these later improvements. Still other nventions for greater economy or better results may be expected to make their appearance, of course, as time goes •on. I Sound-On-Film Reproduction Mechanical Considerations THE PRIME mechanical requirement of a good film "drive" is that it shall move the film steadily past the "beam of the exciting lamp. The least un- steadiness in this motion creates the very serious condition known as "flutter." The seriousness of flutter lies principally in the fact that this trouble is insidious. It does not announce its presence. It mere- ly makes sound harsh and disagreeable to listen to. It is therefore a condition that may persist for weeks, or even months, stigmatizing the theatre as one in which sound is poor. The manager who is in that theatre constantly may not notice the very gradual increase in the unpleasantness of his sound. The projectionists likewise may fail to notice this, especially since they hear sound only through the interference of noisy machinery. Patrons may not notice the flutter for some time, until in the end patrons, manager and projectionists all come to realize suddenly that sound is bad. Means for detecting flutter before it be- * Because of certain professional affiliations of the writer, he prefers that his name be held jn confidence. This is the third of a series of articles prepared for the theatre manager, as well as, of course, his managerial and technical assistants, in order that those in charge of the theatre's actual operation may be better equipped to judge the quality of the sound, to judge the requirements of the projection department, and to judge the sound and projection equipment and supplies that they may be called upon to purchase. The fourth article will appear in the August 1st issue. comes serious, and for correcting the many causes of this condition, will be discussed at another time. But the one cause that seems to have given more trouble than any other, perhaps than all others combined, is the lower-magazine take-up, and the chain or belt that drives it. The take-up is a friction clutch and it can lose adjustment in many ways. The slightest loss of adjustment causes an un- steady pull upon the film. If that un- steadiness reaches far enough back, along the line of celluloid, to be perceptible at the "sound gate," flutter will result. Take- Up Sprockets It has been found very difficult in prac- tice to keep even the best of take-ups in such condition that they never cause flut- ter. For this reason, a second, or "hold- back sprocket," is often added below the regular sound sprocket in more modern types of equipment. "Hold-back sprocket attachments" are now made by a number of manufacturers for addition to earlier apparatus that did not embody this pre- caution. Such devices in no sense constitute a com- plete insurance against flutter. They offer no more than this: that when properly made they insure against the commonest and most troublesome cause of flutter. Many of the largest theatres have consid- ered that sufficient reason for installing them. They are not particularly expen- sive, but whether their expense is justified in any particular theatre is of course a question only the manager of that theatre can answer. Flutter can be caused by almost innum- erable defects in a sound-on-film drive, but in every case the defect manifests itself by causing an unsteady motion of the film. Sound Attachments The life of gears cannot well be pre- dicted by even the most conscientious man- ager or the most competent engineer, who may be contemplating the purchase of sound-on-film equipment. Such manufac- turers' guarantees as may seem indicated in any given case are perhaps the only con- sideration that can be given that important point. Steadiness of film motion, and the likelihood that this will not be upset by normal wear, is the point the writer would be inclined to give the most careful thought, if buying a sound-on-film attachment. The tension pad, which holds the film as it passes the exciting light, would per- haps rate second consideration. If this pad does not fit firmly, unsteady repro- duction will follow, regardless of the pull upon the film. The celluloid will shift back and forth through the point of focus. Good tension in the tension pad is as es- sential as any mechanical requirement. Another factor in the tension pad is of equal importance. Dirt on the sound track causes noisy sound, as everyone knows. Loose particles of dirt or grit, vibrating in the path of the exciting light, may do the same. The tension pad must be so con- structed that any loose dirt, no matter where else it may collect, does not linger in the path of the light. There must be nothing in or close to that path for dirt to cling to. If this requirement is not met, avoiding noisy sound becomes difficult — even almost impossible. The film guides, or idler rollers, require a word. When they lose adjustment, "motor-boating" appears in the sound, ow- ing to the effect of sprocket-holes or divid- ing lines passing through the beam of the exciting light. Some film reproducing equipment now in common use is provided with guides that slip their adjustment more or less frequently. It is an undesirable con- dition and one to be checked in consider- ing new equipment. "Shimming Attachment" There is one mechanical accessory which may be of interest here. Some earlier types of equipment were so designed that the projection head had to be carefully shimmed into place, in order for all the gears to mesh properly. Much equipment of this July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald 35 Midnight thli fellow Li 071 the job ! \ THE loyalty of a National Salesman to the interests of his customers is one of the remarkably fine features of National Service. The divisions of the 24-hour day place no limitations on his determination to get things done for his customers . . . day or night, he is always ready to go places and do things for the exhibitor who needs help in emergency or in the routine operation of his theatre. Incidents of this kind occur daily in every National Branch. A break-down during performance; a needed quick change of lenses; a suddenly discovered shortage of carbons; lamp trouble develops . . . when anything goes wrong, or something is needed, a call to your National Branch or to one of the night telephone numbers brings relief quickly. National men are on the job for you, not only to stamp out trouble when it strikes, but to help prevent its recurrence, by offering you equipment and supplies of known quality and dependability. Keep this in mind: If it's worth buying, you can always buy it better from your National Salesman. Read the following advertisements of manufac- turers who distribute their products through National Service. They offer you the dual security of Reliable Production and Efficient Distribution through 31 National Stores. NATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY BRANCHES IN ALL |(|®|) PRINCIPAL CITIES Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 il uilt to Co itk Modern Home mpete C^^ODAY an exhibitor's keenest competition is home entertainment and \^ home comfort. It can be effectively combatted by providing your pa- trons with as much personal comfort in your theatre as they provide for themselves at home. . . . Steel Furniture Company chairs are built to fill this vital theatre need. . . . The shape and angle of chair backs and seats are correctly designed for body ease and relaxation. Deep, spring-up- holstery approximates the yielding luxury of a fireside lounging chair. Steel Furniture upholstered chairs excel also in other standards of good theatre seating. They are sound absorbent. . . . Their ball and socket hinges are smooth working, noiseless and practically unbreakable. . . . Standard designs, up- holstering fabrics and colors offer ample variety to meet the individual requirement of anv theatre. Your nearest Branch of Na- tional Theatre Supply Com- pany will be glad at any time to give 3'ou an estimate for reseating with Steel Furniture Chairs. Ask them also or write us direct for your copy of the Steel Furniture Catalogue of theatre seating. STEEL FURNITURE COMPANY GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. DISTRIBUTED BY NATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY July 4,1931 Motion Picture Herald 37 AUTOMATIC HIGH INTENSITY Reflector Arc Lamps and LOW AMPERAGE Reflector Arc Lamps ECONOMY! THE cost of Peerless Projection is no more than you might mistakenly pay for much less in perform- ance. Delivering to the screen more light per ampere Peerless Reflector Arc Lamps offer exceptional Econ- omy possibilities. The unqualified supremacy . . . the enviable position of Peerless is proof of greater value . . . leadership to be held, must be earned. Don't make a Mista/ce/ J.E.McAULEY MANUFACTURING CO. 552-554 WEST ADAMS ST. :: :: CHICAGO, ILL., U. S. A. SERVICED FROM 31 NATIONAL BRANCH STORES 38 Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 Dingy Sign Letters Don't Help Business F&V LETTERS DO a good job of adverllsing for theatre owners because their message is highly readable at great distance and fronn all angles of vision, day or night. Economical too, because they're made of strong cast aluminum and don't break or bend out of shape. No glass to break — no frequent expensive replacements. F&V Cast Aluminum Sign Letters, nine or twelve inch, are sold and serviced by all National Theatre Supply Branches. Ask to see a sample. U. S. Patent No. 1778778 Canadian Patent No. 297617 ECONOMICAL NON-RUSTING LIGHT WEIGHT SELF-CLEANING NON-BREAKABLE EXTRAORDINARY VISIBILITY FRIEDLEY-VOSHARDT COMPANY 761-771 MATHER STREET, CHICAGO. ILL. WORTHY COMPANIONS WALKER SOUNDSCREEN THE ARISTOCRAT OF WHITE SCREENS METALLIC SURFACE SOUNDSCREEN FILM PROCESS For Film Exchanges and Theatres — Eliminates Wax- ing Process. For first run and used film — talking and silent. YANKEE LUBRIC CO. Incorporated 624 West Jefferson Street Louisville, Ky. B ESTEROPTICON A lot more effect for a lot less money. Best in name and best In performance. Complete with cord, switch, slide holder and lens. $26.00. Any focus lens from 12 to 24 inches furnished. 500-watt lamp, $3.00 extra. AT YOUR DEALER. BEST 200 FILM BLDG. DEVICES COMPANY CLEVELAND. OHIO SOLD THRU NATIONAL SERVICE kind is still in use — and giving excellent . service. But whenever a head is removed — or changed, for any reason — the shimming process must be repeated. This process has been known to take hours. It has some- times been done in a few minutes. The difference is largely due to luck, and the competence of the projection staff is no guarantee that they will not need half a night to shim up a head with this type of equipment. A device has recently appeared which makes shimming unnecessary. It in- volves an additional gear, and means for adjusting this to compensate for any posi- tion of the head. The overtime involved in changing heads, wherever shimming is required, is likely to be costly. If a new head must be installed rapidly at any cost, as when the old one has bound up and stopped a show, there is strong temptation to short- cut the shimming procedure by use of force, in spite of possible damage to, or even com- plete destruction of, the entire drive mech- anism. Depending on the condition of the projector heads in any given theatre, the likelihood of one of them breaking down, and the frequency with which they are changed for repair or other purposes, the non-shimming device may prove very valu- able— and a long-run economy of no mean proportions. Exciting Lamp System Exciting lamps are a replaceable item, and need special thought as such, since re- placeable items offer the chief opportunity for intelligent economy. Exciting lamps become useless in two ways. They may burn out, or the interior of the glass may blacken to such an extent that the light is materially diminished, and full volume cart no longer be obtained. Exciting lamps that will not blacken are in prospect for the immediate future. Their use will result in added savings, but will involve a new danger. The lamp that be- comes dark before it burns out will not stop a show. The other kind will. No matter how rapidly lamps can be changed in any particular installation, there will always be a brief break before even the most competent projectionist determines that the lamp, and not something else, is at fault. Many theatres will be willing to take the risk for the sake of the saving. Others may use the new lamp, but take care to discard it some little time before its allotted span of life. Lens Tubes The "lens tube" is the heart of the film reproducing system. It should give perfect focus, and maintain its adjustment despite the vibration to which it is subject. It should be hermetically sealed — to prevent oil seeping into it. Such oil will vaporize under the heat of the exciting lamp, result- ing in a )'ellowish light and gross loss of volume. Some lens tubes are so made as to be adjustable in the projection room. Others are not. The possibility of projection room adjustment is an obvious advantage from the point of view of economy, but from July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald 39 TEAMWORK Side Lights on the Trans Verter Eye glasses that insure perfect vision must be fitted individually. The "Silver Screen" tells its story well or poorly, according to your pro- jection "fit." The Transverter is espe- cially designed to FIT your needs by engineers who have STUDIED your needs. INSURES CROWDS To insure crov^ds at your Theatre, there must be "team v/ork" in your Projection Room. That's why the Transverter is so popular v/ith those who know projection needs. It always backs up the performance of its team mates . . . gives them uniform, constant voltage with which to work. . . . The Transverter produces steady, direct current through accurate voltage automati- cally maintained! That means smooth projection performance on the screen . . . which the public demands. Why not insure better performance in your Projec- tion Room, by investigating the merits of the Trans- verter, today. Manufactured Exclusively by THE HERTNER ELECTRIC COMPANY 12700 ELMWOOD AVENUE CLEVELAND, OHIO, U. S. A. SERVICED FROM 31 NATIONAL BRANCH STORES 40 Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 There is no substitute for GOOD SOUND Neither is there any excuse for crackly static and system noise largely caused by inferior photoelectric cells. Visitron Photo- electric Cells with higher sensitivity, repro- duce all the Sound exactly as it was re- corded. Long life; positive guarantee. No trouble. Get them from your National Branch. OTOELECTRK CELLi REG. TRADE MARK C-M LABORATORIES, INO, 1731 Belmont A venue ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTE CHICAGO DUOVAC DX-864 Now used as standard equip- ment by the leading motion picture theatre chains in place of the 239A. No change of circuit, no rewiring or batteries required. HYDRAULIC CONTROLLED VARIABLE SPEED DRIVE USED IN SOUND EQUIPPED THEATRES AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS. COOL AND QUIET AT ALL SPEEDS. POWER SAVING QUICKLY LIQUIDATES COST. HORTON MANUFACTURING CO. 3016 University Ave. S. E. Minneapolis, Minn. SILENCE See the new 242, 50-100/r Tungs- ten Filament Power Amplifier. Designed to replace the 211£. Ruggedly constructed for lone life. Especially low priced. DUOVAC RADIO TUBE CORP. BROOKLYN, N. Y. FOR ECONOMY AND PERMANENCY SPECIFY EXPANSION BOLTS FOR YOUR CHAIR INSTALLATIONS Chicago Expansion Bolt Co. (Not Inc.) 126 So. Clinton St. Chicago Bulletins on New Theatre Projects Supplementary to the department, Theatre Projects, a special service is conducted by Better Theatres consisting in the issuance at intervals bstween issues, of bulletins giving the latest information concerning theatre construction activities. These bulletins are mailed direct 'lo those interested upon application and approval. SOLD. THRU NATIONAL SERVICE the point of view of good sound, perfect adjustment should be possible in the pro- jection room. If it is not, the other kind is preferable, in spite of the additional cost. The Photoelectric Cell Four things are required of a good pho- toelectric cell. It must be non-microphonic. That is, it must be so rigidly built that its internal parts will not pick up the pro- jector vibration. If they do this, they will introduce projector noise into the sound. The cell should have "high gain." That is, other things being equal, the cell is best which produces the greatest volume, for its output will need correspondingly less amplification. There is distortion in any amplification, and the least amplification is always the best. But when amplification must take place on the projector mechan- ism itself, with the attendant possibility of picking up machine noise or stray ground currents, to have as little of it as possible is especially desirable. Greater out- put from the photocell very greatly reduces the chance of noisy sound. The cell should likewise have good over- all quality and long life. Some of the newer cells apparently have an eternal life. No one knows how long they will last, for the excellent reason that none has yet worn out. It would therefore seem excellent economy to discard older models that required frequent replacement in favor of these "eternal" cells, and more especially so since they have the additional advantage of higher gain. The Photocell Amplifier Most, although not all, systems use a photocell amplifier. This has its own re- quirements. It is commonly mounted on spring suspension, to minimize the possi- bility of picking up machine vibration, and very often a rubber pad is placed under it for the same purpose. Oil from the projector mechanism causes the rubber pad to swell. With some types of equipment, replacing these pads is a running expense that constantly recurs. Oil Shields "Oil shields" of several types are available, and in severe cases easily pay for themselves in the rubber replacements that they save. Whether or not justified as an economy, such shields are often justi- fied as a precaution. The swelling of the rubber pad defeats the purpose of the spring suspension, causing the amplifier to touch its cradle at some point, and thus introduc- ing noise into the sound. In extreme in- stances this swelling has been known to warp the amplifier casing to such an extent that factory repairs were required. Where this possibility exists, the economy of the oil shield is unquestioned. Such extreme conditions, however, are not common, and should not occur if care is taken. Microphonic Tubes Microphonic tubes are a serious menace in photocell amplifiers, and especially so with noiseless recording. More sturdily built tubes, less subject to vibration of their elements and consequent microphonic dis- July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald 41 turbances, are now available. Their use IS indicated wherever maximum freedom from noisy sound is an essential. Fre- quently tubes of the older type can be used in one of the s)'stem amplifiers, as well as in the photocell amplifier, and may be put aside for that purpose. Where this is done, no real loss is involved in installing the newer tubes without delay, while the pos- sibilities of noisy sound are reduced mate- rially. Resistors In many systems, resistors of the "grid leak" type are used as part of the coupling between the photocell and its amplifier. These resistors can be purchased in any radio store. A few years ago they were available at the "five-and-ten," and some can still be had for ten cents. There are theatres that still make the mistake of buying the ten-cent kind. These resistors are not good subjects for economy. They are too inexpensive and they occupy too vital a point in the system. Moreover, the better kinds seldom or never need replacing. The overtime that may be involved in looking for the cause of noisy sound created by one of poorer kinds can easily cost enough to keep any theatre supplied with the best quality of this item for as long as it remains standing. Accessibility The perfect machine may be one that never needs attention or repairing, but ac- cessibility for necessary repairs or atten- tion may be considered next to perfection. Because sound-on-film reproduction in- volves greater intricacy and more compli- cations than any other portion of the sound system, accessibility for periodic care and quick repairs in an emergency is more vital here than in any other part of the projec- tion room. II Sound-On-Disc Reproduction SOUND - ON - DISC requires primarily smooth motion of the record. Irregular motion here can produce flutter, exactly as in the case of sound-on-film. The difficulties here, however, are not so great, and the requirements less involved, than in the other system. Reproducer Arm The turntable must be perfectly level in all directions, or the needle will leave the groove. But the reproducer arm must also be level, if this trouble is to be avoided. The arm should, therefore, have a fiat top, across which a spirit level may be placed for check. If this is not provided, the arm should be so built as to permit of a coun- terbalance test for "drift." Resynchronizing Devices Re-synchronizing devices are available in several forms. They are particularly neces- sary for theatres which do not receive first- run pictures, and which therefore are more or less likely to find their film in mutilated condition. Since no portion of the record will be missing, some means must be pro- New' York City Broadway R«9i5tered Cable Address Jiitannen New York All Codes Used June 20, 1931 Gentlemen: '■"stalMtions IW^^r^^ years we h«v , ^^^^^^^^^^ ,1,: .'';.,""f™r.,.d ,„ V-ry Ir.l, „„„ • 'i- lannenbaum. Pres. WRIGHT-DE COSTER REPRODUCERS Write for complete information and address of nearest sales office. WRICHT-DE COSTER, Inc. 2225 UNIVERSITY AVENUE ST. PAUL. MINNESOTA Export Department: M. Simons & Son Co., 25 Warren Street, N. Y. C. Cable Address: Simontrice, New York of the Year MODEL No. 109 DISCRIMINATING EXHIBITORS Choose RAVEN %BQNE SCREEN Pat. U. S. and Canada When Picture Value Is The Governing Factor RAVEN SCREEN CORPORATION 147 EAST 24th STREET NEW YORK, N. Y. 42 Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 EVERY KNOWN IMPROVEMENT WILL BE FOUND IN ALL A. C. OPERATED SOUND ON FILM EQUIP- MENT SELLS TO YOU COMPLETE FOR ^6954££ NOTICE: On and after August 1st, there will be a substauitial increase in price on both complete Sound Film Equipment and Sound Heads Only. NOTHING ELSE TO PURCHASE — NO BATTERIES — NO GENERATOR- INSTALLED IN A DAY'S TIME CC»4PUETE WITH SOUND HEADS, MAIN POWER AMPLIFIER, SPEIAKERS FOR STAGE AND BOOTH, METERS, VOLUME CONTROL, TUBES AND ALL NECESSARY CONNECTIONS. A COMPLETE PERFECT MATCHED OUTFIT SUITABLE FOR THEATRES SEATING AS MANY AS 2000 PERSONS. IF WE CHARGED YOU $3000.00 WE COULD NOT SUPPLY YOU WITH A BETTER OUTFIT. FOR ATTACHMENT POWERS — SIMPLEX — KAPLAN PROJECTORS DO NOT CONFUSE OUR AMPLIFICATION WITH THE SMALL AMPLIFIER USING 245 TUBES. PHOTOTONE AMPLIFICATION CONSISTS OF 4 STAGE, USING 2-227 TUBES, 2-250 TUBES, 1-224 TUBE, 2-281 TUBES. PHOTOTONE SOUND FILM HEADS SOUND HEADS COMPLETE WITH DRIVES — PHOTO CELLS — OPTICAL SYSTEMS— EXCITER LAMPS AND ALL WORKING PARTS $295d£ PER PAIR PHOTOTONE EQUIPMENTS USE ONLY THE VERY BEST MATERIALS — G. M VISITRON PHOTO CELLS — G. E. EXCITER LAMPS — RADIOTRON OR CUNNINGHAM TUBES- PERFECT SLIT LENS SYSTEMS — LINK BELT SILENT DRIVES — SPECIAL CONSTRUCTED SPEAKERS AND AMPLIFICATION PERFECTLY MATCHED. FOR USE WITH 110-120 VOLT ALTERNATING CURRENT 50-60 CYCLES TERMS CASH— ORDERS FILLED IN THE ORDER RECEIVED PRICES INCLUDE CAREFUL PACKING F.O.B. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA WRITE— WIRE — PHONE THE PHOTOTONE EQUIPMENT CORPORATION OF AMERICA 309 N. ILLINOIS STREET TELEPHONE RILEY 4428 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA PERF^CnON RHEOSTATS Making claims is one thing — Standing baclj o5 them is another. Projectionists and theatre owners who have installed Perfection Rheostats know o'ur guar- antee means the best results — clearer pictures and longer life. And Union-made workmanship of highest skill — the only rheostats so made — is an added guarantee THE ONLY UNION MADE RHEOSTAT Now equipped with solderless, adlustable lugs to talte wire sizes from No. 4 to No. 4/0 witliout any addi- tional cost. ■Sold by all Branches of NATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY CO.. SAM KAPLAN. NEW YORK CON- TINENTAL THEATRE ACCESSORIES, and by your dealer. HOFFMANN-SOONS ELECTRICAL & ENGINEERING CORP. 387 First Avenue, New YorK Contracting Electrical Engineers Moving Picture Theatre Electrical Specialists The Perfect Screen Lens Adaptable to Any Projector The construction of this lens, deviates radically from all previous types here- tofore known and is guaranteed to in- crease the illumina- tion and greatly re- duce your electricity expense on projec- tion. The very long over-all length per- mits the rear lens to come as close as possible to the gate and therefore gather all the light rays. USED BY LEADING THEATRES EVERYWHERE Projection Optics Co.^ Inc. 330 Lyell Ave. ROCHESTER, N. Y., U. S. A. vided for keeping picture and sound in time. Theatres not subject to that trouble have less need of contrivances for recover- ing synchronization, but still may find them a valuable insurance. Needles Needles should be purchased only from manufacturers of unquestioned reputation, or from those who can show evidence that tests have been made proving their product capable of faithful reproduction of all fre- quencies. If any other brands are used, careful projection room check of the quality of their output is highly advisable. Ill Other Reproduchion Forms "Non-Sync" Reproduction MOTORS used for non-syn- chronous reproduction may or may not be equipped with speed controls, depending on their type. The speed of some motors can be so definitely insured that no speed con- trol is necessary. These motors are ideal for every purpose except one — they are difficult to use if the non-sync, is to be played in accompaniment to an orchestra, organ, or soloist. When this is done, with such motors, the artists must accommodate themselves to the pitch of the record. If motors involving a speed control are used, the pitch of record can be adjusted, through change of speed, to meet the convenience of the artists. Announcing Systems Microphones of all types and prices are available to the theatre manager. The ordinary carbon "double button" is satis- factory for most theatre purposes, but care is necessary in selecting a make capable of faithful reproduction. For reproduction of music, the "con- denser transmitter," recently made avail- able for theatre use, gives better quality than the carbon microphone, but the dif- ference can be over-emphasized. Where fine music of the finest quality is in ques- tion, the condenser transmitter, or similar high quality microphone, will be advanta- geous, but the less expensive carbon type will do very well for speech or for an ordinary jazz program not involving artists of extraordinary ability. Where several microphones are used, a "mixer" panel will be helpful in controll- ing the volume from each. New type heavy duty B-L Electric Company rectifier. resident. PISTMBUTORS OF THE ^O'^'-P'^^ULCO^^^''' &QUIPM&NT FOOD FOR THOUGHT THE ECONOMICAL DOLLAR OR THE ECONOMICAL DOLLAR vs. THE WASTEFUL DOLLAR The Dollar is the unit used to measure the value of what is received in exchange for that dollar. The Economical Dollar is the one given in exchange for product — of 100% dollar value. The Wasteful Dollar is the one given in exchange for product — of possibly 75% dollar value or even less. Seldom has one been more concerned or determined, than right now, that every dollar you part with shall prove to be an "Economical Dollar" instead of a "Wasteful Dollar." Mr. Theatre Owner or Manager: Let us illustrate what we mean by the term "The Economical Dollar." If you buy a piece of equipment, required to deliver a reliable, uninter- rupted service and you shortly find that it is unreliable in delivering the service you had a right to expect but required several additional dollars from time to time in upkeep and repairs, besides interrupted service, then it is a fact that every dollar originally invested in that equipment has proved to be a "Wasteful Dollar" to be measured by the number of dollars to keep it in service. In contrast with the above, suppose you could have bought equipment for the same service, and that service proves to be always reliable and uninterrupted, without requiring practically an additional dollar for upkeep or repairs, then every dollar Invested in that equipment Is proved to be "An Economical Dollar" and not a "Wasteful Dollar." The above applies to the Fulco Projector and we can prove It. Yours very truly, E. E. FULTON COMPANY PULTON COMPANY COAST TO COAST /fULTO^ DISTKIBUTOKS. COMPLETE- LINE OP THEATRE- EQUIPM&NT- BIVANCMES IN ALL KEY CITIE-S- INSTALLATION5 GUARANTE-E-D - $E-IWICE DAY AND NIGHT - EXPERT ENGINEERING- WORLDS BEST THEATRE EOU 1 PME NT AND NOW A FIVE YEAR GUARANTEE FOR FULCO PROJECTORS This has been made possible by an in- comparable Practically Expense-Free ^ ' Performance Record in many Theatres over a period of more than three years. t70 over your REPAIR BILLS and REPLACEMENT PARTS for the past FIVE YEARS and see if they don't total your ' ^ original cost of Projectors, you are now using in your theatre, '^^K^ i '^^^ many times in that same period were you forced «iL fo run on one Projector. The introduction of a Three (3) Projector installation, was * necessary to insure a continued performance. FULCO PROJECTOR But, — this was before the introduction of FULCO (Enu'iiiaini Design) PROJECTORS. Today the savings of the third projector installation and equipment necessary for same, amounts to On demonstration at all E. E. Fulton Com- pany branch offices located in the follow- SOme inVestment. ing cities: CHICAGO 1018 So. Wabash Ave. , ,-.,,r- r _ _ , NEW YORK 115 w. 45th St. Stop these LEAKS from your BOX OPFICt and turn it BOSTON 65 Broadway ' ' ^.TA?r^y"^^ >A^\lTr II- info PROFITS for your THEATRE. ATLANTA 146 Walton St. ' LOS ANGELES Film Exchange BIdg. ST. LOUIS 3232 Olive St. I -L I II IJ D • i J • . MILWAUKEE 645 N. Seventh St. Liberal allowance on your old rrojector and convenient INDIANAPOLIS 340 So. Illinois St. SAN FRANCISCO 255 Golden Gate Ave. terms on the balance. E. E. FULTON COMPANY C. H. FULTON A. G. JARMIN President Treasurer Executive Offices: 1018 So. Wabash Ave., Chicago Factory: 2001-2007 So. California Ave., Chicago fFULC^ E.E FULTON COMPANY. COASTfo COAST DISTRIBUTORS OP.LDS BEST THEATRE EOUIPMENT^Y Pictures At Their Best STEADY, uniform picture brilliance, so pleasing and satisfying to patrons of motion-piaure theatres, is assured when projector lamps are supplied with "juice" from G-E motor-generator sets. It will be worth your while to inspect closely a G-E motor-generator set on the job. And when you do, note its smooth, noise-free performance — so important in talkie installations — its ease of control, and its many other qualities that make it outstanding in dependability and efficiency. A i-hour-and-45-niinute screen journey in Fulton's Model DeLuxe Theatre affords you a highly informative inspection of factories, facilities, processes, featuring the manufacture of many of the products presented in this special Fulco advertising section. 150-17 GENERAL m ELECTRIC E.E FULTON COMPANY, COAST/oCOAST DISTRIBUTORS WORLDS BEST THEATRE EOU 1 PME NT Announcing Electrical Worm Drive Rigging doing away with Counterweight Equipment — Furnishings Displayed — Demon- strated in Fulton's DeLuxe Model Theatre. Systems made hy AMERICAN STAGE HARDWARE COMPANY together with, SOSMAN and LANDIS COMPANY Are Now Prepared to Offer You Complete Stage Scenery, Curtains and Drapes Counterweight Systems and Stage Hardware 416 S. KEDZIE AVE. CHICAGO, ILL. THE HULETT Reel End Alarm The most practical, simplest and most reasonably priced Reel End Alarm that can be procured. Anyone can install it, and, when once in- stalled, will last for years. It is absolutely positive, and can be ad- justed to ring at any point desired. Inexpensive; it saves its cost many times over daily by preventing "white screens" and miscued change- overs. Each projector should be equipped with reel-end alarms as a service to patrons who appreciate uninterrupted projection. Every pro- jectionist knows its value and will tell you that you cannot afford to be without it. Absolutely fool-proof — it always works with satisfac- tion. Ea E. W. HULETT MFG. CO. 1773 Wil.soii Ave. Chicago, III. $500 FLOOR COVERINGS A wide variety of designs to match the general scheme of every auditorium may be found in the complete line of new car- petings now being offered at new low prices. 1 If Your Show is a good one, don't keep it a secret ELECTRICAL SIGNS are noiseless but powerful announcers. They will broadcast your message to more people than you have any idea of. Our Lighting Engineers Will Show You how your theatre may be illumi- nated most effectively by the use of modern fixtures. Expert as- sistance in such matters means no outlay or obligation. 4fulcoI> E.E FULTON COMPANY, COASTfoCOAST DISTRIBUTORS Y/OfK LPS BEST THEATRE ECU I PME NT e inside our theatre will bring patrons from Now the spotlight is turned from the outside of the theatre to the inside. From the exterior that first attracts pa- trons to the interior that actually sells and keeps patrons sold. Owners and managers now focus attention on the seated audience . . . make the interior of their theatre so inviting that it brings patrons from without! In the competition for patron favor, seating . . . the chairs your audience sit in from 2 14 to 3 hours, can be made to contribute definitely to bigger volume. For comfortable chairs . . . seating that permits of healthful relaxation is al- ways appreciated by the theatre goer. Showmen find that extra comfort brings extra profits. So, American Seating Company undertook re- search. Posture specialists worked with engineers. Chairs were built to con- form with proved posture principles. From a maze of research findings, came without: comfort features that were quickly rec- ognized by the motion picture industry. Roomy, luxurious chairs . . . seating built to fit the body — to correctly support the spine ... to give the utmost in easy, natural comfort without slumping. Then followed acousti- cal research. It was found that seating had a direct bearing on the acoustics of the theatre . . . that prop- erly built seating had a sound absorption value that assisted in producing more perfect sound effects. Chairs were built that stopped excessive reverberation, echo and hollow sounds — that helped sound reproduction and eliminated rasping noises, jumbling of words. Your theatre — reseated with these com- fortable, acoustically correct American Seating Company chairs will prove to be a magnet of patron drawing power . . . an investment you must eventually make if you expect your daily receipts to show a steady, healthy increase. The facts are available. Just use the coupon. It brings you our interesting booklet, "Acoustics and its Relation to Seating" — and places our Reseating Engineering Service at your free disposal. Illustrating Theatre Chair No. 8136 with 843 Standard A comfortable chair of un- usually attractive design that is meeting with the enthusias- tic reception of theater own- ers and managers. Specially built for maximum sound absorption. Only one of the many American Seating Company types and styles of theatre seating. cAcousticsy ani its Relation toSeating AnucAM Smuno Quimnv (M. 7) AMERICAN SEATING CO., Grand Rapids, Mich. Please send me, without obligation, your Booklet, "Acoustics and its Relation to Seating" and the facts about your Reseating Engineering Service. Name. Address . Theatre . American Seating Company Makers of Fine Seating for Churches, Schools and Theatres Qeneral Offices: Grand Rapids, Michigan Branches in All Principal Cities 4fulcoI> E.E FULTON COMPANY, COAST^oCOAST DISTRIBUTORS pjL WORLDS BEST THEATRE EQUIPMENT AUTOMATIC CURTAIN CONTROL If Your Lobby Is Unattractive You Are Surely Losing Money Up-to-Date lobby frames compel attention and present photos and lithos to the best possible advantage. From a Dollar and Cents angle, they are worth while. is the most effective refinement you can add to your theatre, and by far less expensive than many others. The smooth working ele- ments of Vallen Equipment, the perfect syn- chronization it gives to your program, are features that do not escape the attention and approval of your patrons. Accept no substitute for Vallen perform- ance. Remember VALLEN DARES TO GUARANTEE! All Steel Safety Track Noiseless Curved Track Syncontrol : High Speed Control : Junior Control Flying Control : Auto- matic Screen Modifier. VALLEN ELECTRICAL CO, Inc. 1 1 AKRON, OHIO FULCO AUTOMATIC ENCLOSED REWIND Comprises a well designed cast aluminum frame into which are built all the accurately built elements that make this the easiest and quietest running rewind on the market. Complies with the strictest regulations. If you show talking pictures, you of course want your projection room free from noise making apparatus. THE FULCO IS A NOISELESS REWIND. E.E FULTON COMPANY, COAST^oCOAST DISTRIBUTORS WORLDS BEST THEATRE EOU I PME NT I THE MODEL THEATRE Serves as the Testing Laboratory for All Equipment Offered by Fulco Every item of equipment necessary to the operation and maintenance of a modern motion picture theatre is submitted to the test of practical operation in the, Fulton Model Theatre built and maintained at the headquarters of the E. E. Fulton Co. Here the theatrq owner, the architect and the technical man may observe demon- strations of equipment under actual operating conditions. Thus performance may be checked before final decision is made in the selection of needed apparatus or fur- nishings. PROJECTION ACCESSORIES The complete line of accessories now available for the well appointed pro- jection room numbers many improved devices designed specifically to facili- tate the work of the projectionist and contribute to finer results achieved in the presentation of talking pictures. A check-up on the present equipment and comparison with improved devices now available may reveal the causes responsible for shortcomings present in the projection at your theatre- flaws for which inadequate equipment and not the projectionist are to blame. HIGH INTENSITY AUTOMATIC REFLECTOR ARC LAMPS Buy only that equipment which incorporates all up-to-the- minute improvements. FOR SALE BY INDEPENDENT SUPPLY DEALERS Uhc Strong Electric Corporation 2501 LAGRANGE ST. TOLEDO, OHIO Export OMce: 44 Whitehall St., New York City, N. Y. ^-FULCOl> E.E FULTON COMPANY, COASTfoCOAST DISTRIBUTORS WORLDS BEST THEATRE EOUIPME NT Are You Willing to BE Shown? Fulton's One-Con- tract Plan Includes Invaluable Engineer- ing Service. PERHAPS it hasn't occurred to you, Mr. Theatre Man, that the subject of DECORATION is one that is worth giving, a little attention to at this time. YOU can readily perceive how good or poor programs may have up or down effects upon box office receipts, but don't forget to reckon with other factors which just as surely relate to success or failure. w case. E would like to show you, for instance, the importance and value of really good decorating as a factor in the AS Designers and Creators of Distinctive Interiors, with much background of experience, it is certain that we can offer you a patronage-pleasing decorative scheme of an in- expensive sort. Equipment — Fur- nishings Displayed — Demonstrated in Fulton's Deluxe Model Theatre. IT will cost you nothing to give us a chance to prove this to you. Fulton Company branches at Chicago, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, At- lanta, St. Louis, Indianapo- lis, Milwaukee, San Fran- cisco, and Los Angeles, will gladly give you com- plete information on the subject of Theatre Deco- ration. A I hour 45 min. screen journey in Fulton's Model Deluxe Theatre affords you a highly informative inspection of factories, facilities, processes, featuring the manufacture of many of the products presented in this special Fulco ad section. J. A TORSTENSON & CO. CHICAGO ILLINOIS ffl^^ r Z- E.E FULTON COMPANY, COAST^oCOAST DISTRIBUTORS ,JL July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald F. H. RICHARDSON'S COMMENT AND ANSWERS TO INQUIRIES A THEATRE THAT TWO BOYS BUILT IN YEARS PAST and gone I have looked at and examined many hundreds of theatres. I have visited and inspected theatres literally all over both the United States and Canada. But in all my travels I have never seen anything as im- pressively unique as the "Devi^ey Theatre" in Jersey City, built and owned by George and Morrow Applegate. George is but 18 years old, while Morrow is only 15. At this "theatre" they put on programs (usually for children but quite often for grown-ups, too) lacking in only one of the prime characteristics of the theatre — an ad- mission price. The "Dewey" is operated intermittently to entertain the boys and their friends. The young exhibitors invited me to visit their theatre, inquiring whether I would care to see merely one or two short sub- jects, or a full two-hour show. Curiosity brought about an acceptance of the invita- tion, and at eight o'clock in the evening. Friend Daughter and I rang the bell of the Applegate residence. We were ushered in by Mr. Morrow Applegate, Sr., father of the two boys, and having been greeted by their charming mother, were conducted down a flight of stairs and to the basement. The screen and forivard ivall. where we saw, beside a door, a handsome illuminated sign with the name of the theatre. Entering the "Dewey" through a cur- tained door cut in a 12-inch concrete wall The front ivall of the projection room in the Applegate boys' "theatre.' (the Dewey is thoroughly fire-proof), we stepped into the "auditorium," which is ap- proximately eight feet wide and 15 feet deep. The seating arrangement consists of four neatly painted, cushioned benches (everything we are talking about is home- made, the product of the brains and hands of these two boys, assisted possibly to some extent by their dad). Each bench comfort- ably seats four adults or probably six of the younger generation. The total seating capacity is therefore 16 grown-ups. On the right, however, is an aisle in which chairs can be placed, thus adding considerably to the seating capacity. Over the door is a tiny illuminated exit sign. The "proscenium" arch is approxi- mately X 6 feet. Just inside the arch is a red silk draw curtain operated (get this!) by a motor controlled from the pro- jection room. The sides of the stage are draped with blue silk, hung in graceful folds which display none of the usual "home-made" effects. Something like four feet in back of the red curtain is the screen, in front of which is another motor driven silk curtain, and between these two is a third one. All are well made and operate perfectly. The completeness of this little "theatre" is, everything considered, nothing less than astounding. The projection room is approximately eight feet wide and five feet from front to back, with a ceiling about six feet, four inches high. It is thoroughly ventilated by a very clever home-made arrangement which will either remove air or blow it in. It may also be made to blow air over a hot water heating coil located under the back seat of the auditorium. In the center of the auditorium ceiling there is an opening through which air may be drawn out. There is even a sprinkling system attached to the rear wall, all ready for business. Two Bell & Howell 16-mm. projectors are employed. These two projectors and the turntables alone represent an invest- ment of over $1,100, so you can see dad has been pretty generous with the boys. The turntables themselves are four in number, two being synchronous, and two 52 Better Theatres Section July 4, mi non-syncHronous. The synchronous tables rotate at 33 r.p.m. and use standard theatre-size discs. The other tables rotate at regular phonograph speed and are, of course, smaller in diameter, to accommodate regular phonograph records. There is a home-made dissolving stere- opticion equipped with a six-tint color wheel (which, incidentally, enables the boys to put over an effect which goes even some regular commercial theatres one better). The total supply of film on hand at the time of my visit was about 45 reels, many of which were stored in a neat home-made film cabinet. They are all of non-com- bustible film, of course. There is a spot lamp equipped with six-tint color wheel in the projection room, and in addition, two spot lamps located on the stage. The dissolver is operated by means of a dimmer rheostat located immediately be- neath the dissolver table. The rewinding table, about 18 inches long and 6 inches wide (16-mm. reels, remember) is attached to the rear wall of the projection room. Between its elements, attached to the table, is a complete film mending device, clamps and all. Truly, there seems to be nothing omitted in this theatre, for all practical purposes. On the right wall, beside the entrance door, is a switch controlling all the current used in the theatre, save and except one pilot light in the .projection room. Aside from the dimmer rheostat handling the dis- solver, there are five other dimmers for controlling the various auditorium and stage lights and the spot lamps. There is also a switchboard by means of which the various stage curtain motors are controlled. Out of all this two things stand out. First, all the equipment, except the pro- jectors, has been built either totally by the rooms and churches and for weddings, etc. The picture is, of course, small. It is 38 X 52 inches in size and is well projected. The light is sufficiently brilliant and is George Morrow, Jr. The "theatre" toiuard the rear. evenly distributed. The sound is very good. The column is made to fit the little auditorium perfectly, and the cone quality is excellent. The color effects pulled off by those kids in that little theatre were little short of amazing. There are three colors available on the stage, and 12 in the two-color wheels. The curtains are handled expertly. This whole thing started years ago, when George Applegate was six years old and Santa Claus made the mistake of leaving a magic lantern in his sock one Christmas. That started the youngster to give "shows" for the neighborhood kids. His keen inter- est soon caused his dad and mother to re- place the toy with a 500-watt stereopticon and some slides, whereupon George soon had the stereo yelling for mercy, so it was replaced by a hand-cranked projector and some short strips of film. And then finally came the great big day in a small boy's life. A Pathex motor driven projector ar- rived ! By this time the younger son's interest was just as keen as was that of his brother, so his dad found he just could not stop at the Pathex. The two Bell & Howell 16- mm. projectors were installed, and later on the boys added sound attachments. During all this time the little theatre was built up bit by bit, so that it might well be said these two boys have spent their lives erecting a theatre. My compliments to the Applegate boys and their parents. They have done a really wonderful thing. I rather expect them to enter the motion pic- ture industry, which can hardly fail to wel- come those who have made so remarkable a bid for its favor. ON SCHOOLS OF PROJECTION boys themselves, or so thoroughly rebuilt by them that it is practically their own prod- uct. This includes even the Todd ampli- fier. That is to say, it was originally a Todd, but now may fairly be called an Ap- plegate. Second, this little theatre is a one- man outfit. Either of the boys can, from the projection room itself, put on an entire show, handling all the equipment perfectly. In addition to all this, these two boys have built a portable sound outfit, with which they can and do give shows in lodge FROM TRENTON^ N. J., comes this letter : "For some time I have been thinking about joining a school of pro- jection and photography. Would like to have your opinion as to whether $250 for such a school is too much to invest in this type of training." I grow weary of answering this particu- lar question, but I suppose it must be done, since day by day young men get the idea that they want either to become motion picture projectionists or photographers. As to what value a course in a school of photography might have, I cannot say since I am not a photographer. As to pro- jection, I would consider the expenditure of such a sum to be largely in the nature of throwing it away. I have often said this and I say it again : First, the projection field is right now very much overcrowded, there being very many competent projectionists looking for jobs which are not to be had. Second, while a school course may provide a certain amount of knowledge, no school I have ever heard of provides sufficient training. The grad- uate student therefore is left, not in a half-baked, but in a one-fourth-baked con- dition, to enter into competition against the very many competent projectionists now out of work. What earthly chance would the graduate have? None. The way into the projection field is no longer an easy one. The only way prom- ising real success is to secure some sort of position in a theatre, preferably, of course, that of an apprentice to the projectionist. "JUST A MINUTE PLEASE" FROM A correspondent in Louisville, Ky., comes the following: "Two incidents in connection with the showing of 'Trader Horn' at one of the Louisville theatres carried one back to the dim distant days of the past, when delays were frequent and the 'Just a Minute Please' slide was kept polished up for frequent use. "At a very interesting point in the action of the final run of the evening, the screen went blank and remained that way for a period of minutes. Quickly some chap let out a piercing whistle, which was at once repeated by others. There were several good loud cat-calls, etc., all reminders of days now vanished. "In the old days, the 'Just a Minute Please' slide was quickly flashed on the screen. In this case it remained blank. Finally the picture returned and all was well. It developed that the trouble was due to the blowing of a tube." Accidents are of course not always avoid- able. However, I have been attending shows in New York City for a good many years and may with perfect honesty say that not once in the past 10 years have I ever seen a show stopped, nor can I remem- ber having more than once or twice heard of incidents where that sort of thing oc- curred in a Broadway theatre. I set this forth as evidence that where men are permitted and required to keep their equipment in perfect condition, and know very well that a stop in a show would mean all kinds of trouble for them, probably to the extent of discharge for every man implicated, stops seldom, if ever, occur. I can make no positive statement in this case, but would be willing to wager consid- erable money that if all the facts were known it would become evident that the stoppage in question was directly or in- directly due to some fault, either on the part of the theatre management or the pro- July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald 53 New Light Exceeds . . . Sun's Brilliancy M. .ODERN projection calls for a light source equaling and in some cases exceeding the brilliancy of the sun itself. Sound, color, and wide films, with long throws on porous screens now demanded by the modern theatre, have called for a most intense and active program of research and development to keep National Projector Carbons ahead of the requirements of modern projection. The concentration of large quantities of electrical energy in slender carbons, while keeping the light confined to a point source, represents a most remarkable advance in lighting practice. The results of this development program have been the production of National Projector Carbons of the highest quality with economies which make carbon costs extremely low in comparison with other important items needed for the successful operation of the theatre. NATIONAL PROJECTOR CARBONS National Carbon Company will gladly cooperate with the producer, exhibitor, machine manufacturer or projectionist on any problem involving light. . . . NATIONAL CARBON COMPANY, INC. Carbon Sales Division ' Cleveland, Ohio Unit of Union Carbrde 1 1 [ 1^ i| and Carbon Corporation Branch Sales Offices: New York Pittsburgh Chicago San Francisco 54 Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 jection staff. My own guess would be that either the management refused to supply spare tubes, or the tubes were not examined and tested often enough. A stop in a show nowadays is almost unthinkable. It is in the nature of a pro- jection monstrosity. It interrupts the enter- tainment of that particular audience. It destroys all the illusion. If the cause of this particular stoppage lies in the manager's office, then the man- ager should be thoroughly ashamed of it. If the fault is one due to any lapse on the part of the projection staff, then the man or men responsible should be made to understand that sort of thing will not be tolerated. AN INTERESTING CHANGEOVER DEVICE THE OTHER DAY I found a letter received from the Golden Gate theatre projectionists, written by W. G. Reinhardt of the San Francisco chapter of The American Projection Society, who says : "Dear Mr. Richardson : I hand you herewith a sketch of the sound changeover device we demonstrated to you at the Golden Gate theatre, a diagram of which you wished to publish. I think you will find the drawing sufficiently explanatory, but I will add a word or two concerning the adjustment of the signal. "After the signal is installed on the pro- jector mechanism, the best procedure is to thread the mechanism with film and then turn the adjustment screw until it barely makes contact with the guide roller. Then by backing off this same screw from one- half to three-quarters of a turn, the adjust- ment will be found to be about right. "As regards the cutting of the film, you will note the indentations, as shown in the sketch, are on the side opposite the sound track. These indentations may be cut to suit the projectionist's desire for a longer or shorter visual or audible signal-bell or light. "As you know, we are using an RCA installation with d.c. motors, which require about a seven-second pickup. We use two indentations, one for a motor start seven feet from the end of the reel, and another placed one foot from the end as a change- over cue." HOW TO MAKE A SOLENOID COIL IN A RECENT letter, Loyd Corwin, projectionist at the Pastime theatre in Logan, la., wants to know "how to make a solenoid coil to attach to a change- over dowser." He says, "I have a dowser as shown in the drawing {Fig. 1) and would like to cause it to be magnetically operated. I would like to make it so it will operate off a three-volt transformer, though can BILL- QfiOUNOEb TO mcHINB FffAME OR LOW YOLTAS-B Diagram by If. G. Rein- hardt of the Golden Gate theatre in San Francisco, shozving the changeover de-vice developed by him and placed in use at the Golden Gate. Comecrme- bar-woom Fig. 1. make other arrangements if necessary." Forget the three-volt stuff. Brother Cor- win. It can't be done! I was not mysell certain as to just how such a coil should be made, so took your letter down to the projection department of Loew's and fOOT roar su/iTcH Fig. 2. they very kindly prepared the necessary drawing and instructions. The equipment consists of two solenoid coils wound in reverse direction, each hav- ing a resistance of approximately 800 ohms. Use enameled wire, either No. 32 or 34, for the winding. Connect as shown. These coils wired to suitable foot switches, as per diagram (Fig. 2), will pull the dowser plunger in the direction of the switch you close. THE MEN WHO STRIVE ON UNSEEN I NOTE in the March issue of the American Cinematographer, the offi- cial paper of the American Society of Cine- matographers, under the heading, "What Hall Says," the following: "For the first time in many a moon the picture critics on daily papers took occasion, on the opening of 'East Lynne,' to give spe- cial mention to the men who photographed the picture. It was really gratifying to this writer, who has always fought to bring the cameramen into the limelight where they belong. Why isn't this done more fre- quently?" Hall says much more, and I sincerely wish that each man should have full credit, but I can tell Friend Hall just why critics don't pay much attention to the cameraman. It is exactly for the same reason that the projectionist gets little or no credit for his work. It is because, like the projectionist, he is not in what we call the limelight. He, the cameraman, is not within view of audiences. His work is accepted as a part and parcel of the whole, just the same as excellence of film development is, or as any one of many other necessary things are. It is a part of the cameraman's job to work unseen — and to put forth excellence in per- July 4, 1931 formance which is unheralded and unsung. For years I have seen the name of cameramen blazoned forth on the screen, but of them all I cannot name one. Audi- ences see the same names, but I will wager $10 to a Woolworth collar button that not one in a thousand theatre patrons could name a single cameraman, while not one in 25,000 could name two of them. And after all, what earthly good would it do the cameraman if they did? True, the cameraman is highly skilled, but he must be that to get a job and hold it, or even to get it at all. His skill brings financial reward, but never in this wide world will it bring much fame, save among producers and those with whom he works. It must also be remembered that the skill of many others is just exactly as important as that of the cameraman, because without it the work of the cameraman would vary from poor to punk, insofar as concerns the ultimate buyer, the theatre patrons. Let the development room fall down on its job and where, oh, where is the excellence of camera work going to land ? Let the pro- jectionist fall down on his job, and of what earthly good is excellence in camera work? And so on through many items. I wish we might all receive full credit for all we do. Without excellence in camera work nothing else could be good, but just the same, since camera work cannot possibly be worth while unless many other things also are good, it seems to follow that those others, the piojectionist, for example, should be just as much entitled to favorable comment by the critics as the work of the cameraman. I have never believed that the cluttering up of the theatre screen with the names of a lot of folks who do not appear thereon, with the single possible exception of the director, is of any real benefit to those persons, and certainly it is more or less of an annoyance to theatre patrons. I have, however, often thought, and do believe, that if the name of the projection- ist himself could appear on the screen it would be a very strong stimulant to ex- cellence in projection work. Certainly a man would not feel very much like permit- ting punk projection work to follow his own name. TO SETTLE AN ARGUMENT RECENTLY T h 0 m a s L. Grady of Red Wing, Minn., asked, "I had an argument with a visiting projectionist a few days ago. He claimed that Erpi had only about 100 service engineers. I believe they have many more than that. Who is correct?" You are right. While I do not know the exact number, Erpi has either a few under or over 450 service engineers in the field and a very fine body of men they are ! They are divided in something like 225 locations. They service more than 5,000 Western Electric installations. In New York City there are about 35 resident engineers, in Chicago about 25. Los Angeles has about 20, Philadelphia about 15, Boston the same, and Kansas City, 10. Motion Picture Herald 55 People Like Changing Lights- Changing Color- As Well As )bu Like Profits You may not hear the public de- mand for color, light and personali- ties but it is there just the same. People go to the theater to be amused and to a particular theater that entertains the most. To keep crowds coming requires variety — in- finite variety. The whole possibilities are within an ^) Major System of Lighting Con- trol. Easily, simply and with great flexibility it will provide for every lighting requirement. Send for the book "Control of Lighting in Theaters" and com- plete estimate for your house. Ask the ^ Man. ^ank i^dam ELECTRIC COMPANY ST. LOUIS Atlanta, Ga. L. A. Crow «4 Cone St.. N. W. Baltimore. Md, Wolfe-Mann Mfg. Co. Wli S. Hanover St. Boston, Mass, J. J. Cassiday, ii^il Congress St. Buffalo, N. Y. Ralph E. Jones, 137 Saranac Ave. Chioago, III, Major Equipment Co. , inc. 4603 Fullerton Ave. Cincinnati, Ohio E. F. Schurig. 105 E. Pearl St. Cleveland. Ohio Frank Reske. 1)84 The Arcade Dallas, Texas R. S. Wakefield, 1814 Allen Bldg. Detroit, Mich. H. H. Norton. 2663 Wabash Ave. Kansas City, Mo, Robert Baker, 19 E. 14th St. Los Angeles, Calif. E. Zinsmeyer 1127 S. Wall St. Memphis, Tenn. C. B. Rutledge W3 Monroe Ave. Minneapolis, Minn. Leo. H. Cooper, 422 Builders Ex. Bldg. New Orleans, La, W. J. Keller, 20:j Natchez Bldg. Magazine & Natchez Sts. New York Fred G. Kraut, 419 W. 54th St., New York City Omaha, Nebr, B. .1. Fleming, 213 S. 12th St. Orlando, Florida F. VV. Knoeppel, 705 Lake Adair Blvd. Philadelphia, Pa, W. A. MacAvoy, Jr. 244 North 10th St. Pittsburgh, Pa. W. A. MacAvoy, Jr.. Dist. Mgr. R. E. Thomas, Res. Mgr. P. O. Bos 1349 St. Louis, Mo. (). H. Rottman, :;t;,",i) Windsor IPlace San Francisco, Calif, Lee Van Atta, :Mii Fremont St. Seattle, Wash. R. E. Dryer, 91 Connecticut St. Tulsa, Okia, P. E. Ebersole, 214 S. Victor St. Toronto, Can. Amalgamated Elec. Co. . Ltd., Gen. Sales Office, 372 Pape Ave. Vancouver, Can, Amalgamated Elec. Co.. Ltd., Granville Island Winnipeg, Man., Can, Amalgamated Elec. Co. , Ltd, . 677 Notre Dame Ave Calgary, Alberta Amalgamated Elec. Corp. , 1301 nth Ave., East Hamilton, Ont. Amalgamated IDlec. Co., Ltd., 3 8 Mary St. Montreal, Can. Amalgamated Elec. Co.. Ltd.. 1006 Mountain St. Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 MELLAPHONE COMPLETE (lA. C, operated NO STORAGE BATTERIES Mellaphone equipment features all the latest engineering im- provements. It is sturdily con- structed, easily installed. Con- tinuous unerring performance. Mellaphone is giving a big measure of satisfaction from world wide installations. Write for full information. Exhibitors enthusiastically recommend MELLA- PHONE on its outstanding attainments. Sim- plicity, accuracy, and startling realistic repro- duction of tone. Results meet utmost expecta- tions. Priced within the reach of the smallest theatres. Write for Exhibitor' s Booklet of Testimonials, MELLAPHONE CORPORATION ROCHESTER, N. Y. AGAIN REPEATS IT'S SMART SHOWMANSHIP TO BE THRIFTY! Don't fail to see our weekly specials in the Classified Section of Motion Picture Herald. Now serving 5,000 Independent Theatres the world over. Why not you? SERVICE ON SOUND CORPORATION Dept. E-H. 1600 BROADWAY NEW YORK CITY Cable Address— SOSOUND, New York WRITTEN IN APPRECIATION I QUOTE a letter from W. G. Samhammer, secretary of a local that I shall not name: "It is now four months since I wrote you concerning the sound service here. I am really ashamed of myself. Will save you the trouble of looking up the letter by refreshing your memory as follows: "The trouble concerned a service engi- neer, who would have received every con- sideration if he had not talked too much. We made no complaint until he caused dis- satisfaction among our members. He did not seem to know that he might have been much better equipped with knowledge of his work. "About two weeks after I had written you, we heard from the company office. About one month later the man was re- placed by another, who is well up in his work and the most willing engineer it has ever been my pleasure to meet. Beside all that he is positively a marvel of good nature. How I do love to watch a man work who knows what he is doing — and never needs to be reminded that something is wrong! He always hears us the first time, and we get attention immediately. "Therefore, Brother Richardson, all of us thank you ! I heard your lecture last year and hope we may have that pleasure again some time in the future. Of course you are never long out of my thoughts, as I read the department (which I think de- serves more space) in Better Theatres every month, and every week in the weekly Herald. It is my opinion that the im- portance of projection deserves considerable more space than is alloted to you. Besides I like to read about it. Thank you again and best regards from us all." Letters of this character are not at all infrequent. They constitute the greatest pleasure and satisfaction incident to the work I am doing. Money is both import- ant and good. There could be more of it (business management please take note), but over and above actual living require- ments, there is something greater and bet- ter than money, and that is the satisfaction of knowing the work you are doing is helping others. In this particular insident I took the matter up with the head of the company in question, with whom a complaint con- cerning one of their men was not especially welcome. However, he took action and evidently the results are satisfactory. AS IT WAS NOT LONG AGO I WAS just looking over the first edition of the Projection depart- ment in February 19, 1910, issue of the Moving Picture World. I have said the department is 22 years old, but I find I was in error. It won't be until early next year. On the opposite page from the "Opera- tors Page," as the department was then called, appeared the following article, en- ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO F. H. RICHARDSON SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AS FOLLOWS: F. H. Richardson 43-28 Thirty-ninth Place Long Island City, N. Y. titled, "Picture Business in Canada," in which R. W. Hulbert, an exhibitor of Toronto, and before that of London, Eng- land, set forth his views. In this article occurs the following interesting description of that time: "In Canada the length of the program depends upon the price of admission. We show either two or three reels. We get so many people who want to see the show that there is a tendency to rush the show through too quickly, thus giving them too jerky a movement." Mr. Hulbert was then asked the ques- tion, "Do you go in for much music with the pictures?" "Oh, yes," he replied. "We have both piano and orchestra. On Saturday nights when there is a full orchestra we charge extra for admission. This is done more with a view to relieving congestion on Saturday nights. We show very little comics. Generally we have one reel of scenic and educational, one reel of dra- matic, and if there are three reels, one reel of comics to get a well balanced pro- gram." And there you have the show of 1910. I thought it would be amusing for the younger men to compare that program with today's program in the smallest theatres we have. If you will examine the various issues of the Moving Picture World Pro- jection Department, very soon after us starting in 1910, you will see where I then predicted the time would come when a motion picture show would last from two to two and one-half hours, with the ad- mission price well up to a dollar — for which wild statement several people wrote the Moving Picture W orld to the effect that man Richardson had surely gone just plain crazy. A REMINDER OF NICK POWER THE INTERNATIONAL Projector Corporation has moved its offices from the third floor of 90 Gold Street, to the fifth floor of 96 Gold Street. Being down there the other day. it struck my fancy to go up into the place where the old offices Avere for so many years. In a way it was a mental shock, for the old office of Edward Earl, late president of the Nicho- las Power Company, was filled up with drawing boards, and they were getting ready to put machines in the spot where Nicholas Power's desk once stood. And you know, after all, Nicholas Power was the first man who began to make improve- ments in the motion pictuie projection apparatus. When Thomas Edison got out a pro- jector, that settled it. Improvements were July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald 57 seldom thereafter made on that model. When Nicholas Power got out a model, the darned thing wasn't out a week before old "Nick," as his friends called him — at least behind his back — started making im- provements on it. THE STEPS IN DAILY PREPARATION THE FOLLOWING letter has come from George L. Mandanhall of Waycross, Ga. : "Recently I visited Jacksonville, Fla. While there I had an argument with a Jacksonville projectionist concerning the various duties the projectionist should per- form before starting the show each day. We could not agree, and I am now asking you, Mr. Richardson, to be kind enough to tell us just what the projectionist should do before he starts the show each day." First, the theatre management should require one hour of extra service in equip- ment inspection daily and should be very willing to pay for it. Second, if the management refuses to pay, then the real projectionist will donate the time rather than run the chance of ob- taining poor results in his work. Third, upon arrival the floor should be thoroughly cleaned, using a vacuum, if one is supplied, because dust and film don't fit well together. Fourth, test each individual horn, mak- ing sure each one is functioning as nearly as possible perfectly, and that the sound volume from each is equal. Fifth, take off any batteries which are on charge, being certain that this is done at least half an hour before use. Sixth, make certain that all batteries are in good condition and that they have water. Seventh, oil the projectors and start them running, with duplicate test film in, mak- ing certain that each gives equal volume at equal fader setting. Examine all meter readings and make certain they are as they should be. Stop projectors, remove film and clean projector mechanism, lamp and lamphouse interior thoroughly, making sure that all wires are okay and that all connections are tight. Clean condensers or reflectors and projection lens. Eighth, make sure that all tubes are right. Ninth, examine the exciting lamp, mak- ing certain its filament is perfectly straight and its globe perfectly clean, both inside and out. Examine exciting lamp optical system. Tenth, examine sound sprockets. Eleventh, if there be two shifts of pro- jectionists, make sure there is or is not any message left by the former shift, and that no change has been made in schedule. Twelfth, examine the film track from upper magazine to take-up, making sure there is no adhesion at any point which might scratch the film, that all sprockets and their idlers are in perfect condition and adjustment, examining intermittent sprocket teeth under a magnifying glass for undercut. Thirteenth, test all switches and fuses to see that contacts are tight. Benefit Performance — FOR YOU/ Dayton Safety Lad- ders are stars in each profit producing pro- gram. They enable one man to do the ladder-jobs it took two to do before — be- cause they don't need holding. Workers on Daytons work faster — minds on jobs, no fear of a fall. Materials kept right at hand on wide work- ing platform, protected by waist- high guard rail. Daytons can't slip, won't slide on any surface. Light, easy to carry, steel-braced. Sizes 3 to 16 feet. Moderately priced. Full Information from Dept. BT-7 THE DAYTON SAFETY LADDER CO. 121-123 West Third St. Cincinnati, Ohio BAYTON Safe^ Ladder (Patented) Slock carried on Pacific Coast by E. D, Bullard Co., Los Angeles and San Francisco, and by 160 other distributors from coast to coast. Made and distributed in Canada by Percy Hermant, Ltd., Toronto. PROJECTION LAMPS The accepted Standard in all parts of the World for the Best Screen Illumination. HALL & CONNOLLY, Inc. 24 Van Dam St., N. Y. C. QRS PHOTO ELECTRIC CELLS For use on all types of sound equipment — non- microphonic — longer life — not affected by heat — lowest cost — list price $15.00. Our illustrated descriptive folder gives full details. Write for it today, by filling in below information. Q R S-Neon, Inc. Succe'isors {^Established 1900) 4829 S. KEDZIE AVE., CHICAGO, ILLINOIS Q R S-NEON, INCORPORATED, 4829 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago, 111. Gentlemen — Please send me full information, descriptive circular, etc. Name Address City State No. of Machines Year Model Make 58 Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 PROVEN! There's nothing more convincing them the honest endorsement by hundreds of theatres using Universal in their daily performances. Licensed under DeForest Radio Co., and Jenkins Television Corp. Universal Sound System Inc. Manufacturers of Sound Devices 13th & Cherry Streets New Ycirk Office: PHILADELPHIA, PA. 1560 BROADWAY Universal — a National Coast to Coeist Organi- zation for Sales and Service. Fourteenth, examine the rewinder to make sure it is in perfect alignment, unless it be of the sort which is permanently anchored in such manner that the elements cannot get out of line. Fifteenth, examine the new show, if any, making report to manager of all mechani- cal defects found therein, and protest if such imperfections are found as will cause poor work or set up fire hazard. Sixteenth, make sure that all spare parts, such as exciting lamps, which mey be re- quired for quick use, are in their proper place and available for instant replace- ments. There, that is all that occurs to me at the moment. True, there are a few of these things which need not be done every day, but just the same it is a mighty good scheme to include them in the daily inspection, and they will only require a few moments. Once each week the room and all equip- ment should be given a very thorough cleaning, which should include sucking all dust off the walls and ceiling with a vacuum. Also, once each week all equip- ment should be given an extra-careful in- spection. Have a fixed day upon which to do this and consider it is an imperative duty which cannot be delayed. Otherwise the average man will feed himself most excellent excuses for putting it off until next day, and that soon leads to more or less complete neglect. THE PROJECTIONISTS' GROWING ABILITY WHEN SOUND was liter- ally dumped into the hands of projection- ists, the service engineer was just about as vitally necessary as the horns themselves. Projectionists were forced, almost without warning, to take full charge of complicated, delicate apparatus, which in order to per- form its duties acceptably, must function near-perfectly at all times. He, the pro- jectionist, was merely given a short, in- tensive course of instruction while the ap- paratus was being installed. He was told to "move this," "let that alone," and to do or don't do this, that or the other. Then a service engineer remained on the job a few days, and that was that. Few service engineers were available, and those few themselves had oodles of things to learn about theatre sound equipment. Verily, it was a tough game ! I hold it to be a very wonderful thing that projectionists Avere able to rise to the occasion and do what they did under such impossible conditions. Naturally under the situation above outlined, the service engi- neer and his knowledge was all that saved the day. Without him the projection stafif would have been just plain "sunk" as soon as the installation engineers departed. Sound would quickly thereafter have be- come a mere blare of noise, as unpleasant as it would have been unintelligible. However, thanks to the service engineers and other agencies, plus the scare of their lives when sound came, projectionists ad- vanced rapidly in knowledge. In fact, it may be truthfully said that projectionists, taking them as a whole, have acquired more technical knowledge since sound came than they did in all the quarter of a century that went before. They have, for the most part, become well posted on many of the finer points in motion picture projection and its equipment. Until sound arrived one never knew when he addressed a projectionist con- cerning technical matters pertaining to projection, whether he would meet with some degree of interest or with a more or less covert sneer. Today it is very dif?erent. Entering a projection room I almost invariably find technical discussion to be eagerly welcomed, also I find the men able to discuss both sound and projection intelligently, and often very ably, too, all of which leads up to the thought behind this article. In the beginning the service engineer was, as I have said, vitally necessary. His visits must be periodic and frequent, else disaster might step out of its niche, say hello and proceed to raise (deleted) with just about everything. This is no longer true, e.xcept in a very restricted sense. The average projectionist of today can, I believe, cope with almost any ordinary emergency. He can keep sound equipment in at least a very good state of repair, except that, of course, with the more complicated equipments it is still and probably always will be necessary that a service engineer visit the theatre at regular, gradually lengthening periods and test out certain portions of the equipment with suitable instruments, which latter could not be expected to form a part of the regular theatre equipment. I believe it is only fair and right, every- thing considered, that the modern pro- jectionist be obliged to undergo an ex- amination once each year, to the end that the exhibitor, the union and others in- terested know that he has not only kept up-to-date, but has advanced at least rea- sonably in the matter of knowledge. It seems entirely reasonable that the exhibitor is entitled to know just how capable the men in his projection room are and to form some intelligent opinion as to when they may be expected to handle the equipment with either a minimum of servicing by en- gineers, or without it at all, save possibly in rare emergencies. The servicing charge is a heavy one. Up to this time there seems to be no possibility of complaint with it, considering all the circumstances. However, it would seem the time now approaches when the pro- jectionist may reasonably have had ample opportunity for the acquisition of pretty accurate, complete knowledge of the equip- ment and its vagaries, and that servicing may, subject to reasonable limitations, be dispensed Avith rather soon. THAT LAST TELLING BLOW I WAS RAISED on a farm in Southern loAva, living there during the first 10 years of my life and ploAved many an acre of ground and cultivated hundreds of acres of corn. AfterAvard, doAvn in Linn County, Missouri, I farmed. STAGE EQUIPMENT ASBESTOS CURTAINS BELAYING PINS BLOCKS— RIGGING CHANDELIER WINCHES CLEATS— SCENERY COUNTERWEIGHT SYSTEMS CYCLORAMA FITTINGS DRAW CURTAIN TRACKS DRAW CURTAIN OPERATORS GRAND PIANO TRUCKS KEYSTONES AND CORNERS LOCKING RAILS PIN RAILS PIPE BATTENS RIGGING— ALL TYPES ROLLER CURTAINS ROPE AND CABLE STAGE BRACES STAGE SCREWS STEEL CURTAINS TRIM CHAINS WINCHES 223-233 West Erie Street CHICAGO July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald 59 There was timber on the Missouri farm, and many a sturdy oak tree from eight to 12 inches through, I actually felled with a single blow of the axe. That is neither a lie nor an example of romancing. It is perfectly true, but it so happens that the blow I have in mind was the last one de- livered. Up until that blow the tree stood. When it was delivered the tree toppled and fell. Why all that fantastic line of talk, you ask? Because the "last blow" very often spells success, or lack of it causes one to fail to attain to the pinnacle, in projection or any- thing else. This is true, gentlemen. If a man has mental power and courage and will keep the axe of endeavor swinging long enough and strong enough, the "last blow" point will finally be reached, though trees of knowledge and ability are often of big diameter and must have many "blows" be- fore they will finally topple. HOW HE STOPPED INTERFERENCE A LETTER from Jamcs Hudson Johnson, supervisor of projection for the Macris Operating Corporation, Wellsville, N. Y., says, "In the March 14th issue, I noticed a complaint from the Muse-U theatre, Tularosa, N. M. Their complaint was noise interference from their arc control. I think I can present the solu- tion to their trouble. "We had exactly the same thing occur with Motiograph arcs on Western Electric in one of our theatres. After spending quite a bit of time and money, we finally discovered that an interference filter and line noise reducer manufactured by the Les- lie Muter Company, Chicago, cleared up the trouble with an outlay of only $4.50 per projector." THE WILL TO DO RECENTLY I came across some verses which I believe should be laid before you. They are entitled "The Will To Do." The verses are short, so may I suggest that you read them carefully. I think there was never more truth set forth. It's not the shape of your head, you know, Nor the steely glint of your eye. It's not the make of the car you ovjn Nor the sparkler that livens your tie. It's not hoix> determined you think you'll be. Nor a body that's full of zest. It's the ivill to ivork and the will to do That ivill shoiv you up at your best. It's not your ancestral blood that counts Nor your family coat of arms. It's not the name of your church that helps, Nor a string of good-luck charms. It's not the savoir faire you affect. Nor the ultra style of your clothes. It's the ivill to ivork and the ivill to do From which your achievement groius. GENE BARTH. PREDDEY SOUND EQUIPMENT A complete Sound Head and Motor Drive in one Unit. No Troublesome belts. All gear and chain driven. Its silent smooth running features insure the best results from the new "Silent Recording." ALSO COMPLETE ALL A. C. EQUIPMENT NOT USING GENERATORS OR STORAGE BATTERIES. Write for Bulletin Provided with exceptional lenses, hold back sprocket, double flywheels, double exciter lamps. RUGGED, SIMPLE, DEPENDABLE. LOW IN PRICE. l«l lU 1^ III I I II I ^ DISTRIBUTORS WANTED 187 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco m WAXOLENE FILM PROCESS ENDS NOISE FROM OIL & DIRT ON SOUND TRACK The Voice of a Crease-Spot can ruin a show, a house reputation and a good proiectionist's best efforts. Avoid all these by demanding films treated by the WAXOLENE FILM PROCESS. Films free from oil, grit and finger prints are furnished by exchanges using the WAXO- LENE FILM PROCESS. Demand that your exchange does the same. Then even old films will give you clear sound and sharp pictures. The WAXOLENE FILM PROCESS is easy and inexpensive to use. The film is run through the special absorbent paper in the WAXOLENE FILM PROCESS MACHINE. It comes out fool-proof, stronger, longer-lived. It draws patronage. It increases profits. Persist — insist — demand that Y O U R ex- change use WAXOLENE FILM PROCESS. Call them up now. The Rex Film Renovator 73 E. NAGHTEN STREET Mfg. Co. COLUMBUS, OHIO Garver ^ KuRRENT Changer Tof Better jAlirror Arc Projection The logical DC producing unit for any low intensity lamp. Recommended by three leading lamp manu- facturers. It does the work, is economical in operation, and low in cost. Complete informa- tion, gladly. REPRESENTATIVES IN LARGE ciries S'l'aJf ay CARVER ELECTRIC CO. UNIOIM CIT V IMD. Cinema Talking Needles per- fected and different than any other needle on the market to- day. The needle that is approved by the Electric Researcii of the Western Electric Sound System. 4 different tones: Loud, Extra Loud, Medium and Lion Tone. The cost of 100 packages, 50 needles to the package, is $6.00. Samples upon request Wall-Kane Needle Co., Inc. .3922 14th Ave., Brooklyn, New York 60 Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 TRADE MARK PROTECT YOUR CASH RECEIPTS with these Latest Model 1931 GenereJ Register Salesmen AUTOMATIC GOLD SEAL REGISTERS SIMPLEX TICKET REGISTERS Speed — Accuracy — AND Efficiency IN DISPENSING TICKETS Liberal Allowance on Your Old Register LOS ANGELES OFFICE 420 So. San Pedro Street Our only Chicago Office is our affiliated Company, the Automatic Simplex Register Corporation 1018 So. Wabash Avenue Paramount Bldg., Times Sq. NEW YORK J. C. Enslen, Gen. Sales Mgr. "Service After Sales" NO MORE LOOSE CHAIRS! Firmastone fastens loose theatre chairs to concrete floors permanently. Simple to use. Chemical cement— Sets in ten minutes. For further infor- mation, write us. GENERAL SEATING COMPANY 2234-36 FuUerton Avenue Chicago, 111. WANTED MANAGERS — ASSISTANT MANAGERS To learn Modern Theatre Management and Tlieatre Advertising. Approved home-study methods. Write for free particulars. THEATRE MANAGERS INSTITUTE 325 Washington St. Elmira, New York PROJECTION MART Equipment News and Comment Conducted by G. J. Reid NEW SPLICING METHOD • Eastman is now marketing the method of treating the sound track at splices developed some time ago by its laboratories. The new patching system is designed to obviate the condition in which imperfect painting of the sound track at splices fre- quently caused noises as objectionable as The patch applied and the patch itself. the extraneous sounds made by the repro- ducing system when an untreated patch went through. Even in the laboratories, where less dis- satisfaction was felt with the old system than in the projection room, the new method has proved to allow greater speed and accuracy. The material finally adopted for the patch, after many substances were tried un- llozu the patch is applied. successfully, was a very thin clear film base coated with emulsion and exposed and de- veloped to produce opacity. The patches are five perforations long and are cut in a shape designed to cover the sound track completely for a distance equal to the width of a standard splice, but tapering away toward each extremity until the sound track is entirely exposed. When a properly mounted patch passes through the reproducer, the light reaching the photo- electric cell from the sound record is re- duced gradually to an insignificant intensity and so continues until the splice has passed, after which the light passing through the sound record gradually attains its normal intensity. The resulting diminution of sound lasts not long enough to be per- ceptible. Mounting of a patch, after completion of a splice, is very similar to the process of splicing. Four pins on the patcher fit the film perforations so closely that pressure clips for holding the film are unnecessary. Cement is rapidly applied with a camel's hair brush to the shiny side of the patch, which comes into contact with the shiny side of the film. Five seconds' pressure with the pressure plate of the patcher is sufficient to permit drying of the cement. THREE SCREEN TYPES • Additions to the screen line of the Beaded Screen Corporation of New York, now place on the market three mod- els of that company's sound screen. They are called "Vocalite," "Superlite" and "Chromolite," and are in addition to its regular list of screens. The company has also instituted a time payment plan for its new numbers. The company claims for "Vocalite," its featured product, the property of giving the optical impression of depth. This screen is surfaced with crystal pearl beads. A.C. POWER SUPPLY • The Weber Machine Corporation of Rochester, N. Y., is marketing a new a.c. sound equipment power supply of un- interrupted current to exciter lamps and the filaments of the head amplifier tubes, and a "B" unit for supplying current plate voltage to the head amplifier tubes and photoelectric cells. The "A" unit is equipped with two 6- ampere rectifier tubes, in connection with a brute filter system. An automatic relay is included in the circuit, functioning to maintain a constant output voltage by cut- ting an equalizing resistance when the fader is at zero position. The "B" unit is equipped with a multi- stage filter system, in connection with standard 280-type tube for rectification. NEW SAFETY DEVICE • The Film Fire Prevention Company, Inc., Philadelphia, has placed on the market a new fire prevention device for projectors. It has been approved, we are informed, by the National Board of Fire Underwriters and numerous fire marshals. July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald 61 The controls are an assembly of seven distinct parts. Parts one and two are an upper and lower fire throat, or valve, which automatically close if the film catches on fire, breaks or loses its tension. The fire throats are mechanically operated. Part three is the dowser head. Part four and five are the upper and lower loop switches. Part six is a centrifugal switch or gov- ernor, which operates when the speed of the projector drops too far below the re- quired rate. Operation causes dowser to drop and motor to stop. Part seven is a magnetic control switch, which carries power to the motor and switches and will break circuits upon faulty operation. The time required from the moment of faulty operation of the projector until the dowser drops and the motor circuit is broken, is one-sixteenth of a second. TUBE PRICES CUT • The Arcturus Radio Tube Company of Newark, N. J., has announced price reductions on the type 127, 551 variable- mu, and PZ Pentode tubes. According to C. E. Stahl, general manager of Arcturus, this reduction leaves the type 127 the only tube not conforming to universal lists, it being now available also at competitive prices. BATTERY TEST RESULTS • The National Better Business Bureau has issued as a circular letter, a reprint of finidngs of the Bureau of Standards of the U. S. Department of Commerce, rela- tive to various materials which are sup- posed to charge storage batteries, or ma- terially improve the performance of the batteries. Tests have been made on salts to be added to the battery electrolyte, the bureau concluding that these materials do not charge or improve batteries. It has been shown, according to the report, that bat- teries are not charged by changing the solu- tions, nor the charging time decreased. NEW PORTABLE APPARATUS • A new portable sound-on-film projector has been brought out by the Phototone Equipment Corporation of Indianapolis. Low intensity arc's for some models of this projector may be used in place of the Mazda 1,000-watt lamp which is ordin- arily used. The Phototone portable sound projector operates directly from 110-volts, 50 to 60 cycle, a.c. With the low intensity arc, a special rectifier is furnished. The amplifier supplies current for both the photocell and the exciter lamp. The projector uses straight feed to do away with any twist in the film. The magazines, fastened on the top and front of the projector case, are easily detachable for packing and carrying. The speaker case also contains the ampli- fier, rectifier and compartments for the film magazines. When packed for traveling, the outfit is in three pieces, the amplifier- speaker, the screen and the projector. The total weight is 195 pounds without the trunks. The trunks bring the weight up to 235 pounds. COMPLETE SOUND EQUIPMENT $685 LOWEST PRICE KNOWN On Complete, High Grade, Sound on Film Equipment Nothing Else to Buy Sound Heads, Optical Units, Photo Cells, Exciter Lamps, Preamplifiers, Power Ampli- fier, Tubes, Speakers for Stage and Booth, Everything High Grade. Complete A. C. Operated Available. Built by Experts With Years of Experience in Sound for Theatres. OHIO MUSIC COMPANY, LIMA, OHIO FIRE!!! REMEMBER— Anything you need and ought to have — you pay for — whether you buy it or not ! ! ! Why pay for "Chief" Safety Controls as a result of a Film Fire and not get the equipment? The chance of operating Motion Picture Projectors without this protection only lays the Exhibitor open to serious losses and can be eliminated by a small expenditure on a cash or terms basis. "Chief" Safety Controls will drop the Dowser, stop the Motor and positively keep Fire out of the Upper and Lower Film Magazines. SOLD OUTRIGHT "CHIEF" SAFETY CONTROL A Sure Fire Preventor For information communicate with Film Fire Prevention Company, Inc. nil COMMONWEALTH BLDG. PHILADELPHIA Theatre Equipment NEW AND USED Sound Kciuipment, Moving Picture Machines, Screens. Opera Chairs, Spotlights, Stereopticons, Generator. Sets, Keflecting Arc Lamps, Carbons, Tickets and Supplies. Projection Machines repaired and overhauled. Everything lor -the Theatre Write for Catalog "H" MOVIE SUPPLY CO. B44 So. Wabash Ave.. Chicago THE NEW TIFFIN CURTAIN CONTROL gfcenic^udios UFFIN.OHIO COMPLETE STAGE EQUIPMENT Watching the Trend of Today In this period of readjustment, the motion picture theatre is moulding its future. This is an inevitable phase of growth. Many have commented on a general tendency to resist any remoulding . . . then when resistance proves futile, the tendency to let the future shape itself. But the destiny of any human activity is largely in the hands of those whose Uves are linked with it. The theatre manager . . . the architect . . . the engineer who is not content merely to wait blindly for whatever happens, will watch now each day's trend and endeavor to appraise its meaning. . . . Better Theatres is dedicated not alone to the purpose of giving direct practicable service, but to ofifer guideposts to the future, by reflecting the trend of today in theatre creation and operation. 62 Better Theatres Section Up-to-the-Minute Lighting Increases Theatre Profits The best investment which any theatre can make today is in its hghting system. It makes no difference whether you are building a new theatre or remodeUng, now is the time to look to your lighting. This organization maintains a department to give con- structive advice and practical and economical ideas on the lighting of all kinds of theatres — large and small. These services are offered absolutely without charge. Have you seen our new Handbook on Theatre Light- ing? It is the most comprehensive and informative book of its kind ever published. A copy is yours for the asking. HubElectric03MV Sound Reproduction Equipment Stage Switchboards Footlights Borderlights Stage Pockets Emergency and Exit Lighting Units Complete Theatre Lighting Equipment Factory and General Offices 2219-2225 West Grand Avenue Chicago Telephone Seeley 6440-1-2-3 Branch Offices in New York Toledo, Milwaukee, Minneapolis Cove Lighting Exit Signs Spotlights Service Board& Panelboards Usher Signals Directional Signs Flood Lights Mobile Flood Light- ing Equipment MAIL YOUR TRIAL ORDER TODAY for Each on heavy poster paper in 5 or more attractive colors and artistically airbrushed any six* up to 36 in. z 10 /(. Write for prices on other sizes on paper-muslin and cards. Om Day Prices Do Nat Service Include Postage Get the Best Thsy Cest Less //, DRYFHOUT 736 SO.WABASH AVE . CHKAGO ILL CIRCUS H^RDLOi ORT^fP05T6Ri EXHIBITORS ; Printing Service 7H South Dearborn Street CHICAGO, ILL. July 4, 1931 EQUIPMENT AFFAIRS General Equipment News and Comment Conducted by G. J. Reid LIGHTING CONDUCTOR • An innovation, for New York theatres, at least, will mark the Hghting of the Earl Carroll theatre when it opens to the public in August. The house will have a "lighting director," who really is nothing more nor less than a glorified electrician. He will sit in a small rail-enclosed box beside the orchestra leader, and in full evening dress will handle deftly the vari- ous and numerous changes of lighting ef- fects necessary to any theatre of size which goes in for extensive stage presentations in a big way. There will be no electrician garbed in overalls, standing backstage at his large panel switchboard, throwing switches here and there to produce those effects which go far to making entertainment on the stage all that it might be. He will, instead, use the electron tube control of theatre lighting, especially designed for the new theatre by the General Electric Company, which put the entire affair at his finger tips and gives him an opportunity to see just what is happening in the theatre as a result of his electrical machinations. He is now a color conductor, or director of light. Furthermore, by means of the highly simplified new board, the turn of a small switch is all that is required to introduce an entirely new color scheme, or to "black out" the stage, house lights, or both. It is the intention of the operators of this latest legitimate house on Broadway to use plenty of light dramatically. There will be 50 incandescent lighting circuits in all, 34 on the stage and 16 in the house, in addition to a large number of arc light- ing circuits. Color master controls will be provided for both stage and house, in addi- tion to several different master controls and black-out controls, both for stage and house and for each separately. A total of 367,000 watts is the value of all the incandescent lights to be used. The new method of control on the board does not handle large amounts of power directly, but does so through the medium of the electron tubes and the reactor system. The lighting control console will resem- ble a desk with raised sides and back, be- ing approximately six feet long, five feet high and three feet deep. The operator will stand or sit at this console, viewing the stage over the top. While one scene or action is taking place, he will be ar- ranging the setup for the next scene, with July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald 63 FROM THE CHINA SEA^— 20-40 AMPERES 3 H.P. SIZE — IN — CENTRAL THEATRE, HONG KONG, CHINA ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ TO NEWARK BAY» 500-750 AMPERES 80 H.P. SIZE — IN — BRANFORD THEATRE, NEWARK, N. J. SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE IN MOTOR GENERATORS MEANS bTABILARC IN ANY LANGUAGE AUTOMATIC DEVICES COMPANY 739 HAMILTON STREET, ALLENTOWN, PA. Also Manufacturers of ALLENTOWN Automatic Curtain Control Equipment and SILENT-STEEL Curtain Tracks the new lighting scheme being introduced at the proper moment with the turn of a switch. SEAT COVERING TESTS © The Mohair Institute of Chicago, makers of upholsteries for theatre seats, has completed tests that determine the value of that material in reducing the danger of stained clothing due to perspira- tion. The tests were begun on the theory that the dye in some other types of theatre seat coverings are apt to run during warm weather. Mohair velvet, or velmo, is claimed to have fast dyes. But not only that, it is pointed out, the structure of the Angora goat hairs, of which it is made, is almost lever guilty of causing perspiration stains, the tests are reported to have shown. PRICES REDUCED • The National Theatre Supply Com- pany has announced substantial price reductions on numerous staple supply items, effective July 1. The drop is from 10% to 335^% to the consumer. The company points out that this reduc- vion is not temporary, but is a definite move for a downward revision in prices of theatre supplies. This is attributed to manufacturing and distributing economies which have been effected. New distribut- ing arrangements on several new lines of theatre equipment may result in further downward price revision as a consequence of increased sales volume. BY WAY OF NEWS • The New York offices of the Frank Adam Electric Company have been removed to 419 West 54th Street, with new telephone numbers listed as Columbus 5-6861 and Columbus 5-6862. The com- pany warehouse at the new address carries in stock the complete line of panel boards, cabinets, fan hangers, floor boxes and other items. Fred G. Kraut, manager of the Atlantic Coast territories, remains in charge. D. J. Quammen has been appointed manager of the Philadelphia district office of Cutler-Hammer, Inc., manufacturers of electric motor controls and allied apparatus, with headquarters in-Mil- waukee. Quammen succeeds F. J. Burd, v/ho becomes as- sistant manager of the Chicago office of Cutler -Hammer. Burd will be in charge of industrial sales in the Chicago D. J. Quammen district and of the company's new pa- per machine drive throughout the country. Quammen has been connected with the Philadelphia of- fice for the past five years as sales en- gineer. 4,820 YARDS OF CARPET • Four new Warner theatres, the War- ner in Cleveland, the Palace in Orange, N. J., the Maryland in Hagers- town, and the Earl in Washington, D. C, all equipped with Scotia Velvet carpet, made by the Mohawk Carpet Mills of New York, have a total yardage of these carpetings of 4,820. The Mohawk ax- minster was chosen for the redecoration of the Warner Riverside in Bristol, Pa., where 135 yards were required to complete the job. All these installations were handled through Continental Theatres Accessories, Inc., of New York. In the four years since March, 1927, when the rug in the huge rotunda of the New York Roxy theatre was put down, it is estimated some 25,000,000 people have trod up on it, which makes a total of 1,500,000,000 footsteps. The rug, a giant two-ton oval Mohawk chenille, measures 58 feet long and 41 feet wide. Larger rugs have been produced since, but at the time the Roxy rug was the largest in the world. Manager C. W. Griswold says after four years: "In spite of this record- breaking wear and constant cleanings, the rug still retains its beauty of color and design and its deep softness and resilience. It is still one of the showpieces of the theatre, despite the millions who have walked upon it." 64 Better Theatres Section PLANNING July 4, 1931 A SERVICE C©*^f»^«rTE» BY PETER M. HULSKEN, A. I. A. The Question: CAN A 600-seat moving picture house be built on a lot 37^/2x100 feet? If so, what would be the cost (approximately) of the equipment only, not the building? Would there be room for two stores? — H. R. C. The Answer: IN ANSWER to your in- quiry, if your lot is only 37 feet by 100 feet, I believe it would be entirely too small for a theatre of 600 seats and there would not be any room for stores unless they are rather small. If we take the frontage of the building, 37^ feet, we should need at least a 12 foot lobby. Taking that off with the thick- ness of the walls, it would leave us about a 1 1 foot width for each store. Say that we make the lobby 15 feet deep. That would give us a store of 11 feet by 15 feet deep, then it would leave us 85 feet for the the- atre proper. From this 85 feet we should take of¥ at least 8 feet for the foyer, 10 feet for an apron, and 12 feet for space between the apron the first row of seats, which would leave us a space of 65 feet for the seats. Taking the seats at 30 inches back to back, would leave us 26 rows, and as we will have 17 seats in a row, according to the width of the house, we would have NOTE: IN THIS department Better Theatres will be glad to ansyer questions pertaining to the preliminary consideration in- volved in the planning of a new the- ing one. Only requests for Ideas will atre or in the remodeling of an exist- be answered, since this department cannot assume the practical functions of an architect. All communications intended for this department should be addressed to "Better Theatres," 1790 Broadway, New York. They will be answered in this depart- ment. None will be answered by mail. Although only initials will be used in signing the questions pub- lished, it is a requirement that all letters bear the signature and address of their writers. The replies will be prepared personally by Mr. Hulsken, who is a practical architect and a member of the American Institute of Architects. a total capacity of 442 seats, and at this rating everything is as compact as it pos- sibly can be. The cost of your equipment with two modern projectors, a screen, seats, car- pets, electric lighting fixtures, decorating, Details of features at proscenium arch, Warner theatre, Beverly Hills, Cal. E. Marcus Priteca. architect. Interior decoration by Robert E. Power Studio. marquee, display frames, etc., would be around $10,000. A The Question: I AM thinking some day of building a motion picture house and would like your opinion on the following: I am going to build a cheap building, about 22x70 feet. How many will this seat? This dimension is the auditorium. About how much will the booth cost for two machines? Do you think the projector with 1,000 -watt bulb, "no transformer," would be all right? Does the sound-on-film at- tachment work satisfactory on a machine of this type? Is a muslin screen that I could make my- self all right in a small place like this ? Do you think it would be necessary to have the building treated for acoustics for fairly good sound? I have attended theatres with and without, and I fail to see any difference. Perhaps you will not want to bother answering these simple things, but I have not had any experience in a picture house but have had considerable with portable projection. — A. C. B. The Answer: IN ANSWER to your in- quiry, I understand that 22 feet by 70 feet is the size for the auditorium exclusive of foyer and lobby and stage or apron. This is a rather small-sized auditorium, as you could get only get about 216 seats, at most, in such a space. A two-machine booth made of concrete, if standing on the floor and not to be supported on columns and girders, could be built for around $500. I have had no experience with the pro- jector which you mentioned. I would ad- vise you to investigate some theatres in which this equipment is installed, then judge for yourself. I do not think that a muslin screen is very up-to-date. To obtain the best projec- tion you had better purchase a screen of standard make. I certainly would advise you to treat your building acoustically. You do not have to go to very great expense. You might use acoustic material in your plaster, which would cost you very little more than using ordinary plaster. You state that you failed to see any difference in theatres which were treated acoustically and those which were not. You must have inspected houses in which no acoustical requirements were necessary. They, however, are very scarce, as by taking an instrument test of sound it will certainly show which houses are best, those so treated or the ones not so treated. July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald 65 Seating Patrons According to Sections {Continued from page 25) is also operated by Fox and located in the same block. If they would like to see the picture at that house, an usher escorts them over to the theatre and sees that they are taken care of. When either of these methods fail, the patron's money is re- funded. It is not unusual for the staff to handle 1,491 patrons in this 1,219-seat house with- out a complaint. Recently, when a fire in an adjacent store building threatened a panic in the theatre, the ushers succeeded in emptying the house in less than two minutes without any disorder whatever. The efficient and military manner in which the patrons were handled at this time re- sulted in each of the ushers being awarded a medal by the Milwaukee fire chief. A survey conducted in other houses be- fore placing this plan into effect may show that the voluntary selection of seats differs. In Mr. Dawson's estimation there is no doubt of this fact. In a theatre featuring stage shows or vaudeville, the tendency will be to fill the front seats first. In another house having a balcony and doing a good kiddie and young people's business, the trend will perhaps be toward the first rows in the balcony. Consequently it is important that the survey be made in order to determine the voluntary selection of seats over a period of time, which includes various pictures, weather conditions, etc. Between features at the Strand the house lights are lit, and the audience is permitted to move about as it pleases. How- ever, during the showing of the picture, a patron is not permitted to change from one far section of the house to the other, under ordinary circumstances. Since the system has been in effect, the public has been educated to its operation, and for the most part has learned that it is fair and equitable and for its own benefit, and patrons therefore are willing to cooperate to the fullest extent. Not only the appearance and actions of the ushers, but their tone of voice has also been taken into consideration in con- nection with their training. Furthermore, in order to acquaint the public with the time of the next feature, a large clock is suspended in the lobby pointing to the time when the next feature starts. Everything in the theatre has been charted. Mr. Dawson has in his posses- sion two large charts which give the com- plete information concerning the operation of the house and the location of everything in the house. After an hour's delay, a man unfamiliar with the theatre would know where everything is and the persons desig- nated to take care of it. He would know how many bulbs there are in a certain iHrrEcnoK ||p-nill)N HOUt-UP$ !iSWELLAS llllllfiLMtS THE York Round Door Chest is not only thoroughly bur- glar proof. When desired, it may also be provided with an ingenious additional protection against the activities of bandits and hold-up men — the "Hold-up Partition". As a surplus of money is accumulated over the average amount for making change, it is slipped into the interior through the slot shown in the illustration. The operation of the inner door, however, is in the hands of an executive or trust- ed employe who collects the money at suitable intervals. The "Hold-up Partition" thus offers a disconcerting obstruction to bandits who attempt raids during business hours. The York Chest, when installed, is anchored in a solid concrete block, giving complete protection against fire. It cannot be removed from the building or attacked at any point except the heavy, thief- proof door. The saving in burglary insurance alone will pay for the York Chest in a reasonable length of time. Illustrated folder describing the York Round Door Chest in detail will be sent eladly on request. Write for it today. 'IJORK Safes YORK SAFE & LOCK CO York, Pennsylvania Motion Picture Patents My Specialty PATENTS William N. Moore Patent Attorney Loan and Trust Building Washington, D. C. The first important step is to learn whether you can obtain a patent. Please send sketch of your invention with $10, and I will examine the pertinent U. S. patents and inform you whether you are entitled to a patent, the cost and manner ot procedure. Personal attention. Established 35 years. Copyright your play $5.00 Trauie-Mark your goods or titles $30.00 MAKE CANOPIES BEAUTIFUL WITH Flower - Lites ■) The gleaming new decorative light In single or multi-color effects adds an Irre- sistiblD touch of color that draws attention to your theatre. Investigate This New Effect Ask for Bulletin 90 ELECTRIC COM PAN V 2651 W. Congress St. Chicago, 111. 66 Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 There Is No Substitute for GENUINE PYROLOID DRESSERWARE Exhibitors are repeating with our new Gold Decorated Quartz. "Every Pyroloid User Is a Booster" 2 COLORS— 'NILE AND CORAL 8 Deals. Prices conforming with admission charged. No Coti-pons — No Split Pieces. PYROLOID SALES CO., ATHOL, MASS. SPECIAL for JULY Complete Cooling and Air Conditioning System and COOLING and Ventilating System Get the facts NOW! COOL your theatre for bigger B.O. receipts and profits all summer. Write today. Kooler-Aire Engineering Corp. 2110 Kennedy Street, N. E. Minneapolis, Minn. GOOD VALUE AT ITS LOW PRICE Traveltrol successfully defeats all competition within its price range. It is a sturdily constructed Curtain Operator that gives dependable service. Particularly desirable where first cost is a determining factor. Write for information and prices. I TRADE MARK THE ECONOQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING COMPANY AKRON, OHIO Department Services F. H. Richardson With over 20 years of experience and the well- known Richardson brand of sincerity, this famed feature of Better Theatres includes a desire to aid projectionists in their daily pro- fessional problems. When puzzled about the way your equipment is acting, write Richardson. Peter M. Hulsken A practical architect, member of the A. I. A., he conducts Planning the Theatre as a direct service to those contemplating building a theatre or making changes in their present one. When puzzled about construction procedure, write Hulsken. section of the house, or any other infor- mation concerning the theatre. These charts are always available to the ushers who may desire to know more about the house. Because of this, the ushers feel that they are a part of the theatre and take a per- sonal interest in it. Recently there were certain sections of the house that needed renovating, and one morning when Mr. Dawson came down, the staff was on hand in their old clothes, busily engaged in the necessary work. It is because this type of spirit is present that the theatre is able to function as successfully as it does. The object of the seating plan as adopted by the house, is to satisfy every person in the best possible manner and at the same time to fill every available seat. To do this successfully, courtesy and diplo- macy is necessary, but the Strand has worked the system to a point where the refunds and complaining patrons are very few. This may be a happy local condition. But it also may be one that proper appli- cation might make possible quite generally. In fact, the Fox organization has endorsed the plan, and it has been placed in use in several other houses on the Fox Midwesco circuit, in a form to suit the individual re- quirements of each house. The Law of Contracts and Copyright (Continued from page 18) The winner of the beauty contest re- fused to go to New York and later sued the film company for damages, contending that the latter had failed to employ her in the production of a film "as one of the main astistic characters therein." However, since the winner had herself breached the contract by failure to go to New York, the higher court refused to hold the film company liable, and said : "As plaintiff (winner) refused to go to New York, or to do anything further under the contract, the court below or- dered a verdict for defendant (film com- pany). This ruling was right. The con- struction of this written contract was for the court . . . She herself repudiated the actual contract and thus relieved the defendant of all obligations thereunder." Recovery of Commissions VARIOUS STATES have en- acted laws which entitle employes to re- cover wages from employers before payment is made to common creditors. Therefore, it is important to know that the term "wages" not only includes salary but also commissions. So held the higher court in the late case of Nelkin vs. Carencon (153 Atl. 702.) The facts of this case are that a person named Sanders was engaged by a theatre July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald 67 company under a contract by the terms of which the former agreed to devote his entire time and efforts for one year, six days a week, eight hours a day, in the services of the theatre corporation as man- ager. He was to be remunerated at a stipulated rate or commission on all tickets sold. When the theatre corporation became insolvent, litigation developed over the question whether or not Sanders was en- titled to recover his commissions from the receiver of the insolvent firm before pay- ment was made to common creditors. In holding Sanders entitled to recover pay- ment, the court said : "The claimant's (Sanders') services were as essential to the business and his com- pensation was as truly wages as were the ticket seller's at the door of the theatre ... his compensation was fixed but uncer- tain . . . but the uncertainty of enjoy- ment does not distinguish the one from the other as wages. He may appropriately be likened to what in factories is called a pieceworker. He served the company and earned the commissions within the last two months of the company's existence, and his claim is clearly within the protec- tion of the Corporation Act." Repairing of Sidewalks GENERALLY SPEAKING, it is the legal duty of a municipal corpo- ration to keep its sidewalks in a reason- ably safe condition. If a defect has ex- isted in a sidewalk for such a length of time that by reasonable diligence in the performance of their duties the defect ought to have been discovered by the proper authorities, notice of such defect will be presumed, and proof of actual knowledge and failure to make repairs Avill not be necessary in order to render the munici- pality liable for injuries occasioned thereby. In other words, various courts have lipheld the conclusion of law that a mu- jiicipality is not liable in damages for inju- ries resulting from defective sidewalks, unless it is shown that the city officials had Tcnowledge of such defects and negligently failed to repair them, or unless the defects existed for such length of time that by the application of ordinary care the city officials should have discovered and re- paired the defects. The length of time such a defect must exist in order for a court to infer notice to the city officials is ordinarily a question for the jury. The latest higher court case involving this point of the law is City of Waycross vs. Howard (157 S. E. 247). The facts of this case are that a pedes- trian, in front of a theatre, was seriously injured w»hen she stumbled over a rod lying on the sidewalk. She sued the city to recover damages. During the trial evidence was introduced showing that this rod had remained on the sidewalk for approximately one week without having been removed by city employees. In view of this testimony the jury ren- dered a verdict in favor of the injured pedestrian, and the higher court upheld this verdict. 7^3 BETTER STAGE EQUIPMENT WITHOUT MAINTENANCE COST Consider any of the leading theatre chains, select three or four of their outstanding theatres and nine chances out of ten you will find that stage equipment has been manufactured and installed by Peter Clark, Inc. These companies are the leaders in their field, not because they use Peter Clark, Inc. equipment, but because they are consistently seeking after the latest and best methods and de- vices for improving efl&ciency, of which Peter Clark, Inc. equipment is an outstanding example. Whether you are interested in draperies, curtain tracks, curtain control, stage and orchestra lifts, automatic screen adjusters, or complete stage equipment, we will be glad to fur- nish you with information and help in designing equipment that will fill your theatre needs. "Sta^e Equipment with a Keputation" PETER CLARK, INC. Stage Equipment Specialists for Over 25 Years 544 West 30th St. New York City >'9 m CURTAIN CONTROL EQUIPMENT LEADS T HE leadership of Vallen equipment was earned through TRUE MERIT. First in design, finest in construction — re- liability is built into every piece of Vallen equipment. User confi- dence is the inevitable result, after over 15 years of giv- ing unequalled satisfac- tion. That's why VALLEN DARES TO GUAR- ANTEE. Theatre equipment dealers and scenic studios who want to render real ser- vice to their patrons are invited to join our dealer sales and service force. Write for proposition. VALLEN ELECTRICAL CO., INC., AKRON, O. AUTOMATIC SCREEN MODIFIER : : HIGH SPEED CURTAIN CONTROL : : JUNIOR CURTAIN CONTROL SYNCONTROL : : FLYING CURTAIN CONTROL NOISELESS ALL-STEEL SAFETY TRACK : : NOISELESS CURVED TRACK. 68 Better Theatres Section Paper: Society of Motion Picture Engineers July 4, 1931 SOME PROPERTIES OF CONTINUOUS PROJECTORS [The foUoiving is a paper reprinted from the JOURNAL of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers {June, 1931). It ivas prepared for the Society by William C. Plank.] IN THE ART of cinema- tography there is nothing more important than registration; and so, improvements in taking, printing or projecting the succes- sive film photographs with greater pre- cision will always be of interest to motion picture engineers. In this important mat- ter the continuous projector offers a val- uable contribution. To fully appreciate this fact a consider- ation of the essential features of a contin- uous projector will first be necessary. The prism projector, in which the compensat- ing elements are totally reflecting prisms having a rhomboidal cross-section, will be taken as an example. It is fairly represen- tative, as the identical mechanical features can be used in other continuous projectors. Furthermore, its definition and flatness of field will be found to meet the require- ments. With a properly corrected objective and a tandem condenser lens system, excellent definition may be obtained. The rhom- boidal prisms are (in their optical effect, at least) like two parallel plates of thick glass interposed between the film and the objective lens, and this relation does not vary in any position of the prisms. The axial ray is always maintained perpendicu- lar to the faces and is displaced, not de- flected, to counteract the motion of the film. This displacement, which occurs with every pair of prisms, is the optical inter- mittent movement and the counterpart of the mechanical intermittent movement in standard projectors. The primary require- ment, as with the Geneva movement, is that it be repeated with exactness. This brings us to an important advantage of the rhomboidal prisms: the distance between the parallel reflecting surfaces of these prisms determines the distance the axial ray is displaced or the amount of the opti- cal intermittent movement for a given number of prisms on a wheel. The displacement is entirely independent of the distance the prisms are situated from the axis of rotation, the objective lens, or the film so it cannot readily be affected in the mounting of the prisms. In fact, as long as the faces of the prisms are maintained perpendicular to the axis, it cannot be made to vary. When a set of prisms is, there- fore, made from a plate glass that has been ground and polished flat and parallel to within two wavelengths, the optical inter- mittent movement will be exceedingly uni- form in all the prisms, and will not vary because of wear, which is equally important. A great advantage in a reflecting system is that it is not difficult to match a plurality of plane reflectors so that the images re- flected by them will also match accurately in size and composition. But the rhomboi- dal prisms have the additional advantage of maintaining the image at exactly the same size and in the same vertical plane throughout their optically effective travel. This property is indispensable in obtaining definition and flatness of field. Tilting a prism backward or forward with respect to the axis while in the light beam, will move the projected image lat- erally on the screen. Rotating it from a radial position will move the image up or down. It will be seen that these two ad- justments suffice to make the prisms regis- ter when they are indexed. With the faces of the prisms always perpendicular to the axis, only one adjustment is necessary. The mechanism in its simplest form con- sists of but three moving parts: a sprocket shaft, which carries a ten-frame sprocket, and two parallel shafts situated above and at right angles to the sprocket shaft. These carry the wheels or disks upon which the compensating elements are mounted. Right- and left-hand spiral gears revolve the disks or prism-wheels in opposite directions when the sprocket shaft is turned. The sprocket shaft revolves at 96 rpm. and the two prism- wheels rotate at the unusually slow speed of 48 rpm. The mechanic will see at once that there arc no restrictions as to weight or size and that the three essential parts may be made unusually heavy and, therefore, very rigid and accurate. The three shafts, for in- stance, may be made up to two inches in diameter, and the bearings sufficiently long to last indefinitely. An advantage of im- portance in a slow-speed mechanism is that excessive oiling is avoided with its conse- quent ill effects on the sound track and picture surfaces. The spiral gears (which constitute the heart of the mechanism) may also be made unusually heav)' so as to assure long and accurate service. The wear on these gears depends largely on the pressure exerted by the teeth. The work involved is very light, since it is only necessary to turn over two freely revolving prism-wheels, which once set in motion, require but little effort to keep them revolving. The wear will then also be evenly distributed in both sets of gears, so they ma} be used until quite worn out \\ ithout loss of accuracy. The outstanding advantage of this con- struction is therefore seen to be its capacity for sustained accuracy. It is one thing to construct motion picture apparatus with a high order of precision, but quite a different problem to maintain this precision through continued use. The more frequent and fa- miliar experience is to have motion picture machines vary very noticeably in their per- formance from time to time because of dryness, stickiness, or grit, if not because of wear. But there is another and more important reason for the more uniform performance of the continuous projector. It is a funda- mental one and is based on the principle upon which its registration is based. A property that is peculiar to the continuous projector is that the precision of its regis- tration depends, upon uniform motions in the film and the revolving compensating elements. The law of inertia tends to provide this uniformity of motion despite certain im- perfections in the mechanical parts. The fly-wheel effect of the prism-wheels, for example, will tend to bridge over a missing tooth in the gears and the momentum ot the film will tend to carry onward a pair of worn or enlarged perforations so that they will not slip back to the sprocket teeth and affect the registration. This unusual feature overcomes many inaccuracies in the perforations and pro- vides for steadier projection. The momen- tum of the film also tends to carry it along a straight path and thus prevent certain lateral movements and vibrations that oc- cur with intermittent projection. The tech- nician will therefore see that it is an ad- vantage of major proportions to have a law of nature constantly operating to assure precision in the registration, instead of con- stantly operating to prevent it. To realize these advantages the compen- sating elements of the continuous projector must, of course, be properly indexed. This operation may be performed by any care- ful person with great accuracy. The im- portant thing is that when the compensat- ing elements are once indexed and fixed in place, they cannot vary or get out of ad- justment through wear. In the present device, each prism may be quickly adjusted while in the light beam, to make the image of cross-hairs that have been placed in the aperture register to fine pencil marks upon the screen to within about 0.01 inch. This precision may be further increased b\ using more refined means for adjusting the prisms and by in- creasing the distance to the screen. It is only limited by the accuracy of the divid- ing head used for indexing, and this may be easily tested by turning a prism-wheel that has been indexed, partly around on its shaft and checking up on it. In the present device, film shrinkage is taken care of by interposing a thin lens be- tween the film and the compensating ele- ments whenever an old film is projected. By adjusting this lens the film may be brought up to its proper size. It will also be seen that the same lens can be used for {Continued on page 74) July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald 69 NEW THEATRE PROJECTS FOLLOWING is a list of new projects in motion picture theatre construc- tion compiled from reports available on July 1. The list also includes projects for which contracts have been awarded. An asterisk before an item indicates that additional information has been received since a previous report. Theatres Planned California LOS ANGELES— Fox-West Coast Theatres, Inc., 1609 West Washington street, has plans by S. C. Lee, 2404 West Seventh street, for a reinforced concrete theatre to be located at Florence and Compton avenues, with seating capacity of 2000. Estimated cost, $250,000. LOS ANGELES— W. H. Leinert Company, 8107 Vermont avenue, has plans by Morgan, Walls & Clements, 1135 Van Nuys Boulevard, for a reinforced concrete and tile theatre and store building, to be located at Crenshaw Boulevard and Ver- non avenue, Leinert Park. Estimated cost, $150,000. STOCKTON— Bliss & Fairweather, Balboa Building, San Francisco, will soon award the contract for a Class A rein- forced concrete theatre to be located on Main street for the National Theatres Syndicate, 25 Taylor street, San Fran- cisco. Estimated cost, $400,000. Florida MIAMI — Paramount-Publix Theatres Corporation, Paramount Building, New York, and local subsidiary Paramount En- terprises, Inc., reported will erect probably one-story theatre at East Flagler street and S. E. Third avenue, with seating ca- pacity of 1800. C. W. and George L. Rapp, architects. Paramount Building, New York. Estimated cost, $500,000. Kentucky CAVE CITY— Park Way Realty Com- pany, care W. R. Gardner, plans erection of a modern picture theatre. Massachusetts SPRINGFIELD— Fox Theatres Cor- poration, 850 Tenth avenue. New York, and A. J. Benline, 30 Church street. New Haven, Conn., has plans by Thomas W. Lamb, 644 Eighth avenue. New York, for a brick theatre and office building to be located on Main street. Estimated cost, $1,000,000. WORCESTER— Fox New England Theatres, Inc., A. J. Benline, 30 Church street. New Haven, Conn., plans rebuild- ing theatre on Front street recently de- stroyed by fire. Architect not selected. Estimated cost, $150,000. New Jersey TRENTON— F. V. Storrs, 33 West Forty-second street. New York, will soon award the contract for rebuilding recently destroyed theatre by fire. Estimated cost, $400,000. New York NEW YORK— Fox Theatres Corpo- ration, 850 Tenth avenue, has project for new theatre at 731 Lexington avenue in abeyance until late in 1931. Estimated cost, $1,000,000. NEW YORK— B. S. Moss Theatres, care Colony Theatre, Broadway and Fifty- fifth street, plans the erection of a new theatre at Eighth avenue and Twenty-third street. Eugene De Rosa, architect, 18 East Forty-first street. Maturity in win- ter or early next spring. Estimated cost, $1,000,000. PLATTS BURG— Paramount - Publix Theatres, Paramount Building, New York, has project for a new theatre in abeyance until winter. Estimated cost, $150,000. WHITE PLAINS— Warner Brothers Theatres, Inc., 312 West Forty-fourth street. New York, has plans for a new theatre by John Eberson, 370 Lexington avenue. New York. Maturity next win- ter. Estimated cost, $150,000. Pennsylvania BRADFORD— Imperial Chain Thea- tres, Inc., Clark Building, Pittsburgh, Pa., has plans by Marks & Kann, Home Trust Building, Pittsburgh, Pa., for a theatre, with seating capacitv of 1500. Es- timated cost, $150,000. Rhode Island PROVIDENCE — J. Conn, 368 Friendship street, has plans by T. J. H. Pierce, 1713 New Industrial Trust Build- ing, for a brick theatre to be located at Broad and Chestnut streets. Estimated cost, $150,000. South Carolina AIKEN— Willis Irvin, architect, S. F. C. Building, Augusta, Ga., is preparing plans for a two-story brick and tile pic- ture theatre. Tennessee NASHVILLE— Warner Brothers Pic- tures, Inc., 321 West Forty-fourth street, New York, is taking bids on various con- tracts for a new theatre and office build- ing. Mair & Holman, architects, Stahl- man Building. Estimated cost, $1,250,- 000. Texas AMARILLO— Amarillo Theatre Com- pany has plans by W. S. Dunne, Melba Building, Dallas, Texas, for a two-story theatre, 140 by 180 feet, to be located at Ninth and Polk streets. Estimated cost, $400,000. DALLAS — Hughes-Franklin Theatres Company, Harold B. Franklin, president and general manager, Los Angeles, Calif., plans the erection of a picture theatre in the Mission shopping district, Preston road and Mocking Bird lane, Highland Park. Estimate cost, $250,000. LONGVIEW— East Texas Theatre Corporation, Inc., Sol E. Gordon, pres- ident, Perlstein Building, Beaumont, Texas, has plans by J. A. Cararas, Hen- derson, Texas, for a new theatre and office building, 55 to 150 feet. Cost $30,000. Vermont BURLINGTON— Citizens' Theatres, Ltd., Church street, plans the erection of a new brick theatre on Church street. W est Virginia CHARLESTOWN— Benjamin T. Pitts and E. C. Beer, Fredericksburg, Va., have completed negotiations with A. D. Goetz Sons Company, Ranson, W. Va., for the erection of a theatre, with seating capacitv of 1000. Estimated cost, $100,000. Remodeling Alabama BIRMINGHAM— Trianon Theatre, 1926 Second avenue, N., George Steele, manager, plans remodeling. New York NEW YORK— F. H. T. Holding Cor- poration, 309 West Twenty-second street, plans alterations to theatre and store build- ing at 302 West Twenty-fourth street. Improvements estimated to cost $350,000. Contracts Awarded California RICHMOND— United Artist Corpo- ration of California, 1966 South Vermont street, Los Angeles, has awarded the con- tract to H. I. Beller Construction Com- pany, 6513 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, for the erection of a Class A re- inforced concrete theatre on McDonald avenue. Estimated cost, $50,000. POMONA — Uptown Theatre Com- pany has awarded the contract to J. Strona, Philadelphia street, for the erection of a reinforced concrete theatre on Carey ave- nue, with seating capacity of 1000. Esti- mated cost, $165,000. Kentucky SCOTTVILLE — Dr. Lattie Graves has awarded the contract to Hood Brothers for the erection of a two-story brick theatre and office building. Estimated cost, $25,- 000. Neiv Hampshire FRANKLIN — S. Kurson, 179 Ex- change street, Bangor, Me., has awarded the contract to Jandrin Construction Com- pany, Blanchard place, Gardner, Mass., for the erection of a one and two-story brick theatre, store and office building, 50 by 175 feet. Estimated cost, $150,000. New York NEW YORK— Loews Theatres, Inc., 1541 Broadway, has awarded the contract to Aronberg Fried Company, Inc., 21 East Fortieth street, for the erection of a theatre at Seventy-second street and Third avenue. Estimated cost, $750,000. 70 Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 NICW InV^ntlOriS • • "Huslrated descnplions of devices related to motion pictures and allied crafts, recently published by the U. S. government and selected for Better Theatres by William N. Moore, patent specialist of Washington, D. C. 1,T69,772. SATETY AND CHANGE-OVEK MECHANISM FOB MOVING-PICTUBE-PRO- JEOTJNG MACHINES. Henry C. Cornetta, Boston, Mass. Filed Dec. 27, 1927. Serial No. 242,609. 7 Claims. (CI. 88—17.) 1. In a meehanism for use with moving picture projecting machines, the combination of a dowser, a support on which said dowser is mounted for movement into an open or closed position, mechanism for normally hold- ing said dowser in its open position and in- cluding electro-magnetic means for releasing the dowser, said dowser being adapted to be moved manually into its open position, an electric switch, and operating means for said switch arranged to be coninected to said dow- ser to be operated therewith or to be discon- nected therefrom at will. 1,762,925. SOUND FILM WITH SENSITO- METRIC SCALE. Loyd A. Jones and Clifton M. Tuttle, Rochester, N. Y.; assignors to East- man Kodak Company, Rochester, N. Y., a Cor- poration of New York. Filed May 1, 1929. Serial No. 359,634. 5 Claims. (CI. 95— a) 3 1 2 0 D d]d Q 0 0 0 0 b b □ 0 ^ja\s \/q OODD.trEDDDDODODOJ 1. A band of sensitized film having thereon at intervals throughout its length latent im- ages of sensltometric strips, and having a longitudinal series of exactly spaced perfora- tions, each sensltometric strip image varying in exposure lomgitudinally of the band in an accurate dimensional relation to the perfora- tions. 1,763,517. PROJECTOR LAMP. Frederick H. Hartwick and Harry C. Arnold, Columbus, Ohio. Filed Jan. 21, 1924. Serial No. 687,552. 1 Claim. (CI. 176 — 103.) 1,763,939. FILM-MOVING ilECHANISM. Otto Wittel, Rochester, N. Y'., assignor to Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, N. T., a Corporation of New York. Filed June 10, 1925. Serial No. 36,291. 1 Claim. (CI. 88—18.4). In a motion picture apparatus having a frame and a motor carried thereby, mechan- ism driven b.v said motor and including an arm with a claw, a link pivoted to said arm and to said frame, and means to reciprocate said arm, whereby the claw is moved through a closed path, members forming a guideway for a film strip, a portion of said path inter- secting said guideway whereby the claw may engage and move a film, and a spring between the frame ajid the link and adapted to op- pose and be tensioned by the movement of the link when the claw is being moved along its path outside of said guideway, and adapt- ed to assist in the movement of the link and the mechanism connected thereto, when the claw is In the film engaging portion of its path, the force exerted by the spring alone being insufficient to move the film. 1,763,049. LOUD SPE.4KER. Marcus C. Hop- kins, Washington, D. C, assignor to Hopkins Corporation, Jersey City, N. J., a Corporation of Delaware. Filed Feb. 11, 1926. Serial No. 87,491. 16 Claims. (CI. 181—31.) I. A loud speaker tympanum having a por- tion which is substantially fully responsive to the higher frequencies and a portion con- sisting essentially of s.vnthetic lumber which is substantially full.v responsive to the lower frequencies. In a supporting device for the carbons of an arc lamp projector, angle brackets secured to a wall of the lamp housing of the projector and including horizontal parts, a boss on each of the horizontal parts, a pin rising from each boss, a bar for each pin svviveled thereon, the bars passing through said wall and each havifng a horizontal bore in the outer end thereof, a screw for each bore for securing a terminal of an electric wire in a hole formed in each bar at right angles to the bores there- in, tlie opposite ends of said bars being flat- tened, links, spring pressed pivot means con- necting the links at one of their ends in pairs, one link of each pair having its opposite end pivoted to the flattened end of one of said bars, brackets at the opposite ends of the other linlis of the pairs, a boss for each of the second mentioned brackets, studs extend- ing from the bosses amd providing pivots between the links and the second mentioned brackets respectively, spring means for the last mentioned pivots, a flange for each of the second mentionejl brackets disposed at the outer end thereof, carbom holders, and connecting means between the carbon holders and flanged ends of the second mentioned brackets. 1,762,378. MOTION-PICTURE JIACHINE. Franklin H. Avers, Portage, Wis. Filed Feb. 26, 1923. Serial No. 621,339. 14 Claims. (CI. 88—16.) 2. In a cameni having an exposure opening, a plurality of fixed lenses in alignment with and spaced transversely in said opening, a mechanism for intermittently advancing a film past said opening, a source of light, a rotary shutter shaft, a cam mounted on said shaft, and means operable b.v said cam for inter- mittently moving said source of light in pre- determined timed relation with respect to the film feeding mechanism relatively of the film. July 4, 1931 Motion Picture Herald 71 ALPHABETICAL LIST OF ADVERTISERS ' A Adam, Frank, Electric Company 55 American Seating Company Fulton Insert Automatic Devices Company 63 B Best Devices Company 38 Bigelow-Sanford Carpet Company, Inc 6 Blizzard Sales Company Fulton Insert Brenkert Light Projection Company 30 c Channon, J. H., Corporation 58 L. C. Chase & Company 10 Chicago Expansion Bolt Company 40 Clark, Peter, Inc 67 Cutler-Hammer, Inc 5 D Da-Lite Screen Company, The 32 Dayton Safety Ladder Company 57 Dryfhout, H., Company 62 Duovac Radio Tube Corporation 40 E Econoquipment Mfg. Company, The 66 Enterprise Optical Mfg. Co Fourth Cover Exhibitors Printing Service 62 F Film Fire Prevention Company 61 Friedley-Voshardt Company 38 Fulton, E. E., Company Fulton Insert G G-M Laboratories, Inc 40 Garver Electric Company 59 General Electric Company .Fulton Insert General Register Corporation 60 General Seating Company 60 H Hall & Connolly 57 Hertner Electric Company, The 39 Heyw^ood-Wakefield Company 7 Hoffmann-Soons 42 Horton Manufacturing Company 40 Hub Electric Company 62 E. W. Hulett Mfg. Company Fulton Insert I Insulite Company, The 3 International Projector Corporation . .Third Cover K King Studios, Inc 32 Kliegl Brothers 32 Kooler-Aire Engineering Corporation 66 Mc McAuley, J. E., Mfg. Company 37 M Mellaphone Corporation 56 Metal Products, Inc 30 Mohawk Carpet Company Second Cover Moore, William N 65 Movie Supply Company . 61 N National Carbon Company 53 National Theatre Supply Company 35 o Ohio Music Company 61 P Phototone Equipment Corporation of America 42 Preddey, Walter G 59 Projection Optics Company, Inc 42 Pyroloid Sales Company 66 9 Q. R. S.-Neon, Inc 57 R Raven Screen Company 41 Rex Film Renovator Mfg. Company, The. ... 59 Reynolds Electric Company 65 s S.O.S. Corporation 56 Sloane, W. & J 8 Sosman and Landis Company Fulton Insert Steel Furniture Company 36 Strong Electric Corporation, The. . . .Fulton Insert T Theatre Managers Institute 60 TifRn Scenic Studios 61 Torstenson, J. A., & Company Fulton Insert u Universal Sound System, Inc 58 V Vallen Electrical Company, Inc.. .Fulton Insert-67 w Walker American Corporation 38 Wall-Kane Needle Mfg. Company 59 Weber Machine Corporation 33 Wright-DeCoster, Inc 41 Y Yankee Lubric Company 38 York Safe and Lock Company 65 n Better Theatres Section July 4, 1931 WHERE TO BUY IT ACCESSOKIKS FOK SOUND DEVICES Basson 6- Stern Dwortky Film Machine Corporation Elec-Tro-Fone Corporation Essannay Electric Manufacturing Company G-M Laboratories, Inc. Simptimus, Inc. S. O, S. Corporation ACOUSTICAL, I'KODI CTS The Celotex Company Densten Felt & Hair Company The Insulite Company Johns-Manville Corporation King Sludtoj Inc. National Rug Mills, Inc. Union Fibre Sales Company United States Gypsum Company Uystern Felt Worhs Wood Conz'Cfsioii Company ADVEKTISING NOVELTIES Brasel Novelty Manufacturing Co. Pytoloid Sales Company The I'itaprint Company AIK CONDITIONING EQUll'JIENT Carrier Engineering Corporation K ooler-Aire Bnginttring Corporation Supreme Heater & Ventilating Company Tilts Air Conditioning Corporation, Ltd. Wittenmeier Machinery Company AISI.E F.IOHTS Kausalite Manufacturing Company AMPLIFIFRS Operadio Manufacturing Company W ebster Company ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS AND PLANTS Frank Netschert, Inc. AUTOMATIC CURTAIN CONTROL Automatic Devices Company Bruckner-Mitchell, Inc. Econoquipment Manufacturing Company Tiffin Scenic Studios V alien Electrical Company. Inc. BANNERS, SIGNS H. Dryfhout Company CAMERAS AND TKOJECTOKS Bell and Howell Company CARBONS National Carbon Company CAKBON ADAPTERS Best Devices Company Hewes Gotham Company CARPETS Bigelow-Sanford Carpet Company, Inc. Mohawk Carpet Mills B. F. Shearer Company Wm. Slater, Jr. W. &■ J. Shane CAKPET CUSHIONING The Celote.r Company Clinton Carpet Company National Rug Mills, Inc. Western Felt Works CEMENT FOR FASTENING CHAIRS General Seating Company The Paine Company CHAIR ANCHOR BOLTS Chicago Expansion Bolt Company CHANGEABLE LETTERS Crystalite Products Corporation Friedley-Voshardt Company Metal Products, Inc. CHANGEOVERS Basson &■ Stern Essanay Electric Manufacturing Co. GoldE Manufacturing Company Guercio and Barthel CLEANING COMPOUND /. B. Ford Company COLOR LIGHTING EQUIPMENT Reynolds Electric Company CUTOUT MACHINES International Register Corporation DIMMERS Cutler-Hammer. Inc. Reynolds Electric Company DOUBLE BEARING ASSEMBLY Lavessie Machine Works DOUBLE BEARING MOVEMENTS Guercio and Barthel DRAPERIES B. F. Shearer Company EARPHONES Hearing Devices Corporation Western Electric Company EFFECT MACHINES Brenkert Light Projection Company Chicago Cinema Equipment Company ELECTRIC FLASHERS. COLOR HOODS Eaple Sifin Company Reynolds Electric Company Time-O-Stat Controls Company ELECTRIC PICKUPS The Audak Company Best Manufacturing Company The Oro-Tone Company Webster Electric Company EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEMS Electric Storage Battery Co. Roth Brothers & Company ENGINEERING SERVICE Bilmarjac Corporation Humphrey Davy & Associates Kendell &■ Dasseville, Inc_ EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES Continental Theatre Accessories, Inc. E. E. Fulton Company Guercio and Barthel Illinois Theatre Seat Exchange Company Monarch Theatre Supply Company Movie Supply Company National Theatre Supply Company B. F. Shearer Company S. O. S. Corporation FANS, VENTILATING Century Electric Company Typhoon Fan Company FILM CEMENT F. B. GriMn H ewes-Gotham Company FILM PROCESSING MACHINES The Rex Film Renovator Mfg. Company Yankee Lubric Company FILM STOCK Eastman Kodak Company FIRE PREVENTION Film Fire Prevention Company Sentry Safety Control Corporation FRAMING LIGHT SHIELDS GoldE Manufacturing Company Guercio and Barthel FUSIBLE LINKS /. W. Yates GENERATORS Automatic Devices Company General Electric Company Hertner Electric Company Roth Brothers & Company GOLF COURSES. MINIATURE Miniature Golf Courses of America, Inc. National Rug Mills, Inc. HORNS AND SPEAKERS Miles Reproducer Company Macy Manufacturing Company Racon Electric Company, Inc. Silver-Marshall, Incorporated Wright-DeCoster, Inc. INTERIOR DECORATIONS Armstrong Studios, Inc. I. A. Torstenson &■ Company Novelty Scenic Studios B. F. Shearer Company LAMPS. HIGH INTENSITY Hall & Connolly Inc. LAMPS. REFLECTING ARC The J. E. McAuley Manufacturing Company Strong Electric Corporation LENS MOUNTS GoldE Manufacturing Company LENSES Bausch & Lomb Optical Company Ilex Optical Company Projection Optics Corporation MATS AND RUNNERS Boston Rubber Mat Company Rub-Tex Products Company MAZDA REGULATORS Garver Electric Company NEEDLES, PHONOGRAPH Sound Seririce Systems, Inc. Wall-Kane Needle Manufacturing Co. ORGANS George Kxlgen & Sons, Inc. The Page Organ Company Rudolph Wurlitzer Company ORGAN HEAIERS Kausalite Manufacturing Company Time-O-Stat Controls Corporation PATENT ATTORNEYS William N. Moore PHOTO ELECTRIC CELLS Uuovac Radio Tube Company G-M Laboratories, Inc. Q.R.S.-Ncon, Inc. PROJECTORS Coxsaikie Holding Corporation Enterprise Optical Mfg. Co. Holmes Projector Company International Projector Corporation PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS Mites Reproducer Company RAILINGS. GRILLES Zero Valve and Brass Corporation RECTIFIERS Forest Electric Company Garver Electric Cjmpany REELS HewesGotham Company Universal Electric Welding Co. REEL END SIGNALS E. IV. Hiilctt Manufactnrinri Company rewim>i:rs Dworsky Film Machine Corporation GoldE Manufacturing Company RHEOSTATS Hoffmann &r Soons SAFES, THEATRE i ork Safe & Lock Company SAFETY LADDERS Dayton Safety Ladder Company Patent Scaffolding Company SCHOOLS Theatre Managers Institute SCREENS Da-Lite Screen Company Minusa Cine Screen Company Raven Screen Company Schoonmaker Equipment Company Walker-American Corporation SEATS American Seating Company General Seating Company Heywood-W akefield Company Illinois Theatre Seat Exchange Company Standard Manufacturing Company Steel Furniture Company Wisconsin Chair Company SEAT INDICATORS Flexlume Corporation SIGNS— ELECTRIC Flexlume Corporation Metal Products, Inc. Milne Electric Company SLIDES National Studios, Inc. Quality Slide Company RadiO Mat Slide Company Ransley Studios Worstel Studios SPEED INDICATORS Essannay Electric Manufacturing Co. Mellaphone Corporation SOUND EQUIPMENT Bestone, Incorporated Elec-Tro-Fone Corporation The Foto-Voice Cornpany, Inc. General Talking Pictures Corporation Gates Radio &■ Supply Company Mellaphone Corporation National Motion-Ad Company Ohio Music Company I'acent Reproducer Corporation The Phototone Equipment Corporation of America Pictur-Fone Corporation RCA Pbotophone, Inc. Sound Service Company Powers Cinephone Equipment Co. Universal Sound System, Inc. Vitadisc Company Weber Machine Corporation Western Electric Company STAGE AND ORCHESTRA LIFTS Brenkert Light Projection Company Bruckner-Mitchell, Inc_ Peter Clark, Inc. Gallagher Orchestra Equipment Company STAGE LIGHTING EQUIPMENT Frank Adam Electric Company Belson Mfg. Company Chicago Cinema Equipment Company Hub Electric Company Kliegl Brothers Major Equipment Company Reynolds Electric Company STAGE RIGGING HARDWARE Bruckner-Mitchell , Inc. J. H. Channon Corporation Peter Clark Inc. Novelty Scenic Studios Sosman and Landis STAGE SCENERY Armstrong Studios, Inc. Novelty Scenic Studios B. F. Shearer Company Sosman and Landis Tiffin Scenic Studios THEATRE PRINTING, PROGRAMS Exhibitors Printing Service National Program & Printing Company The Vitaprint Company THEATRE SEAT REPLACEMENTS Frost's Veneer Seating Company, Ltd. Illinois Theatre Seat Exchange Company TICKETS Arcus Ticket Company TICKET JIACHINES General Register Corporation UNIFORMS Chicago Uniform and Cap Company Mater-Lavaty Company UPHOLSTERY PRODUCTS L. C. Chase & Company USHER SIGNAL SYSTEMS Gallagher Orchestra Equipment Company VARIABLE SPEED PULLEYS Horton Manufacturing Company VENDING MACHINES AND SCALES Watling Scale Manufacturing Co. VENTILATIN mi A. U u c k i) 0 ii -e -a- * 0 I) a* t li 1«f ? INTERNATIONAL PROJECTOR CORPORATION 92 GOLD STREET genuine simplex parts give most satisfaciory results NEW YORK OTIOGRAPH DE LUXE CO PLETE SOUND EQUIP Tiny variations from linnits of nni- crometer accuracy distinguish between inferior and good sound equipnnent. The Motiograph Deluxe Sound Projector with built-in sound repro- ducing elennents is a precision built, complete sound projector unit. SOLD DIRECT FROM FACTORY TO USER AT FACTORY PRICES W€)TII)€IV»'^H It merits the consideration of the largest or smallest theatre. NO BATTERIES OR MOTOR GENERATOR USED. NO ELECTRICAL FADER USED. FULLY GAURAN- TEED. MOTIOGRAPH DE LUXE SOUND PROJECTOR FOR REPRODUCING SOUND FROM FILM. THE ONLY PROJECTOR BUILT PURELY FOR SOUND FILM PRO- JECTION. WRITE FOR OUR BOOKLET OF FULL INFORMATION ENTERPRISE OPTICAL MANUFACTURING CO. 564 W. RANDOLPH ST. CHICAGO, iMiOTION PICTURE] HERALD A CONSOLIDATION OF EXHIBITORS HERALD-WORLD AND MOTION PICTURE NEWS OP THE INDUSTRY AT ARMAGEDDON by William A. Johnston CONTRASTS IN SCREEN MUSIC by Joseph O'Sullipan FRANCE LETS DOWN THE BARS Text of New Regulations WHAT THE DAILY PRESS SAYS A New Service to the Trade Vftl IflA TVrt 9 Entered as second-class matter January 12, 1931. at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Published j i IQOi M Ul. rSO. £> Weekly by Quigley Publishing Co., inc., at J790 Broadway, New York. Subscription, $3.00 a year. Single copies, 25 cents. JUiy 11, lyol CHARLIE CHAN THRILLER CKm ROXy AUDIENCES "COPY... BOY! . . . and make the first edition! Staccato Hum of the City Room at Press Time!.... Nimble Fingers Dancing across Clicking Keyboards! News of the Show World Flashing to an Eager Public! ATION'S TOP-RANK REVIEWERS STRIKING VOTE OF PRAISE! Trade and Daily Press Collaborate In Testimonial to RKO Radio Pictures! RKO at PICTURES Reg. U.S.VPot. OfF. Boston Globe {White Shoulders) "Strong, effective, well acted." Boston Traveler (White Shoulders) "Highly diverting...novel plot." . Ft.WorthStarTelegram(YoungDonovan*sKid) "First-rate entertainment." . Cincinnati Post (Young Donovan's Kid) "Put it down for an hour of joy." . New York Times (Transgression) "Admirably directed." .... New York Daily News (Transgression) "Most satisfying" New York Herald Tribune (Transgression) "Well worth seeing" Lowell Courier-Citizen (Everything's Rosie) "Cyclone of laughter." .... New York Daily Mirror (Transgression) "Strong woman's picture." . Detroit Free Press (Transgression) "Brenon scores high." .... Portland Evening News (White Shoulders) "Interesting and original." Springfield Republican (White Shoulders) "Action never lags." Detroit News (Young Donovan's Kid) "Seeing it is a grand experience." Hollywood Filmograph (The Public Defender) "Gripping action that never lags." . Harrison's Reports (High Stakes) "Excellent . . . strong human interest." Film Mercury (The Public Defender) "Splendid Dix starring vehicle." Motion Picture Herald (FulJ of Notions) "Wheeler Woolsey never funnier." . Daily Screen World (Full of Notions) "Set record for comedy productions." Boston Traveler (Transgression) "Ladies are going to adore this one." Detroit Daily Mirror (White Shoulders) "Vivid drama... good audience stuff." MOST PRACTICAL SHOW BUY OF THE NEW SEASON . . . 36 TITAN ATTRACTIONS BACKED BY GOLDEN ERA AD CAMPAIGNS SHOT RIGHT AT YOUR TICKET WINDOW Here are the TRANSATLANTIC MERELY MARY ANN BAD «IRL WICKED SKYLINE THE BRAT M AN of few words sends infrequent telegram apprais- i n g ^ completed new season PICTURES GO ON RECORD NlQ 4 y6. ort to Con >est is c/a, 3ve /or Us esf is Mat, ''on AT, 'He care, AT Ox «^if/, is sk ce an th a6, '^fazQ, aiicf ave i-ea/ Pares /a Oil Pk Q did •a6/ ay. for A.!"^^^y, ofB, Ce ^ock ^11 Out ' Photo, aftrac- aoce iiec/ i/j Pi-od, Ui-e? in er On. ^ce es esf are ^ac/e 'gh est ^arA: Pointing with pride to pictures loaded with box office produced at FAX Movietone City CHEVALIER-LUBITSCH HIT, THE SMILING LIEUTENANT", IN 3rd S. R. O. MONTH AT $2 CRITERION, N. Y., PICKED FOR 2-A-DAY RUN AT CARTHAY CIRCLE, LOS ANGEL X3:S. With CLAUDETTE COLBERT, CHARLIE RUGGLES, MIRIAM HOPKINS. Music by OSCAR STRAUS. What a show! JUL 11 1931 121304 MOTION PICTURE HERALD Vol. 104, No. 2 An Opportunity in Shorts OFTEN the reflection comes that the art of the mo- tion picture seems in its present state most amaz- ingly devoted to the manufacture of fictional entertainment, to the practical exclusion of the realms of fact. It is chiefly in the short topicals that the interesting materials of the non-fiction world of record and expres- sion find an avenue to the screen. And this non-fiction has a sizeable audience which is but casually served. Some interesting observations are presented in a letter to Motion Picture Herald from Ina Roberts, of the staff of the Cleveland Public Library, in which she observes: "For years I have tried to get cooperation established, since the short subjects often tie up more directly with books than do features. The drawbacks are: the usual lack of stills and the fact that short subjects are not advertised. The stills are very important to us as they serve to sepa- rate the books and jackets in an exhibit from the mass of books that line the walls. The advertising of short sub- jects is necessary because without it we can hardly post exhibits on these subjects without adding too much di- rect advertising. If the subjects were advertised we could install exhibits on the same subject and the connection would be obvious. "I do feel that the right handling of this matter would result in filling the theatres during the supper hour and our people — a small number, it is true — much prefer such subjects to features and these are quite apt to be the type who prefer to go to a show during the supper hour and get home early." ▲ A ▲ Selling the Newsreel AN interesting and significant bit of enterprise is pre- sented in the manner in which Mr. D. M. Idzal, man- ager of the Fox theatre in Philadelphia, exploits newsreels. He scans the contents of the reel and sends notes to any important individuals or organizations which he deems likely to be interested in special subjects. The result is considerable constructive publicity and good will in important places. A recent example is afforded in the attention which he won from the Philadelphia Chamber of .Commerce with a Fox Movietone News presentation of a picture and re- marks by Merle Thorpe, editor of the Nation's Business. Such endeavor is a service to the motion picture institution, tending to demonstrate to the substantial world of busi- ness a none too widely appreciated aspect of the screen's service to the whole social and industrial fabric. The newsreel is the one product of the screen which, to a highly important portion of the audience, is especially laden with responsibility for establishing and maintaining July 11, 193! the status of the motion picture as a medium. Also the newsreel is the chief instrument by which the institution of the screen can hope to build up a public state of mind calculated to give to it some part of the status and preroga- tives of the art of publication. AAA Powerful Statistics NO less than 26,697,398 motor vehicles were owned in the United States January 1, according to a cen- sus by Charles F. Baldwin of the automotive divi- sion of the Department of Commerce. That provides one car for each 4.9 persons, no matter how awkward you might feel with that kind of a load. This tends to indi- cate that the American public is still equipped to go places. It is just possible a fair fraction might be induced to go to the motion picture theatre if properly invited. It is suggested that 4.9 admissions should be sold as 5. AAA Importance of Music ATTENTION may well be given certain reportings and observations by Mr. Joseph O'SuUivan in this issue in his article on the muscial aspects of various foreign productions. He appears to feel that musical op- portunity in dramatic narration is being given but casual attention by a preponderance of American producers. Not so long ago we found Mr. Nicholas Schenck expressing a somewhat related thought. It may be observed in passing that in Europe one seems to observe a closer kinship and sympathy of purpose between the arts than in the United States, and it is not so surprising as regrettable that in our country the art specially concerned with the making of sounds should have so small a voice in the making of sound pictures. AAA Debating the "Tragedy" NOW we are to have a battle of the experts over the question of whether Paramount did or did not make a faithful transcription to the screen of Mr. Theo- dore Dreiser's "An American Tragedy." Mr. Deiser's com- mittee of literary personages has viewed the picture and re- ported, adversely. In the coming week Paramount will name a like committee of equally weighty names. Each committee will be as loyal to the points of view of the op- posed principals as the divided alienists in the Thaw case, and likely to reach the same net result. Regardless of the special issue between Paramount and the author, the pre- view reports from Hollywood aver that the picture is ex- cellent as a picture. The issue, then, is one of the art, not the business. MOTION PICTURE HERALD MARTIN QUIGLEY, Editor-in-Chief and Publislier Incorporating Exhibitor's Herald, founded 1915; Motion Picture News, founded 1913; Moving Picture World, founded 1907; Motography, founded 1909- The Film Index, founded 1906. Published every Friday by Quigley Publishing Company, 1790 Broadway, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Martin Quiglty, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin W. Srot««, Vice-President and General Manager; Terry Ramsaye, Editor; Chicago office, 407 South Dearborn street, Edwin S. Clifford, manager; Hollywood office, Pacific States Life Building, William A. Johnston, manager; London office, Faraday House, 8-10 Charing Cross Road, London, W.C.2, W. H. Mooring, representative. Member Audit Bureau of Circulations. All contents copyrighted 1931 by Quigley Publishing Company. All editorial and business correspondence should be addressed to the New York office. Better Theatres (with which The Showman is incorporated), devoted to the construction, equipment and operation of theatres is published every fourth week as section 2 of Motion Picture Herald. Other Quigley Publications; Motion Picture Daily, The Hollywood Herald, The Motion Picture Almanac, published annually, and The Chicagoan. 8 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 11, 19 3 1 HONOR PUPILS GUESTS OF HOOVER AT VISUAL EDUCATION TESTS Clarke Tenders Dinner to Visual Education Pupils The first nationwide test and demonstra- tion of visual education through sound mo- tion pictures is being held in Washington this week with 96 grammar school gradu- ates participating daily at George Wash- ington university. A boy and a girl pupil from the various states and the District of Columbia were appointed by the governors at the sugges- tion of President Hoover, who received the students Wednesday at the White House. The films were prepared especially for the test by Fox Film Corporation at the request of a group of educators and include four major subjects: science, history, geog- raphy and civics. The students were welcomed by Joseph M. Dixon, acting secretary of the interior, at a dinner given Monday night at the Wardman Park hotel by Harley L. Clarke, president of Fox Film Corporation. Dixon in his welcoming address im- pressed upon his youthful auditors the im- portance of the part they are taking in this epoch-making occasion. "We are sure," said Dixon, "that visual education can quicken the processes of edu- cation, enlarge the culture, and increase the earning power of the boys and girls who leave our public schools." In addressing the guests, Clarke, whose interest in visual education dates back to 1920, said : "For the first time those who have the resources and technical ability to produce good pictures are in full cooperation with competent educators who know how to adapt motion pictures to school purposes. Not only does sound film supplement the text- book in direct instruction, but it gives to the pupil the culture and the breadth of knowledge that otherwise might be acquired only by advance study, travel and years of experience. "The cooperation of President Hoover in helping to bring about this week's dem- onstration augurs well for this important contribution to one of the most significant developments in the recent history of edu- cation. A library of sound films to supple- ment textbook teaching in American schools This JVeek Educational field opening way to huge non- theatrical growth foZf ^ Lowering of service charges would jeop- ardize quality of equipment, ERPI warns Page 1 1 Motion picture common stocks gain $160,- 000,000 from record low levels of last April, compilation indicates Page 10 Fox Film income is $25,458,223 for quarter, with a net profit of $1,124,704 Page 13 French government removes all quota re- striction on American films; successful termination of long negotiations seen as Hays organization victory Page 21 Action awaited in Canadian film combine investigation Page 14 Fox plans production in Germany and Aus- tralia, Clayton Sheehan reveals in Europe Page 22 A Contrast in Musical Treatment in Motion Pictures — By Joseph O'Sullivan Page 2 5 FEATURES Editorial Asides and Interludes The Camera Reports What the Press Says DEPARTMENTS Productions in Work Box Office Receipts Managers Round Table The Release Chart J. C. Jenkins — His Colyum Classified Advertising Passing in Review Music and Talent Sound Reproduction Chicago Film Row Page 7 Page 15 Page 19 Page 23 Page 34 Page 3S Page 57 Page 7J Page 52 Page 78 Page 26 Page 5 4 Page 5/ Page 53 is being developed by us, and we are be- ginning with the production of films in the fields of science, geography, history and civics. If we can do something to give the 18,000,000 boys and girls in grade schools today a broader culture and wider vision of life, we shall have justified the faith and patience and the efforts of the advocates of visual education." Can't Translate Lines Literally, Producer Warns Literal American translations of Ameri- can productions into Latin tongues are largely responsible for failures of American- made talkers to click with Latin audiences, in the opinion of Maurice A. Chase of Mex- ico City, president of Empire Productions of Mexico. Chase is now in Los Angeles arranging for the equipment for the new studio which his company has built in Mex- ico and will devote exclusively to the pro- duction of feature and short subject talkers in Spanish. "Spanish people do not always under- stand the American way of doing or saying things," said Chase. "The American direc- tor cannot take an American script, trans- lated into Spanish, and shoot it as a repro- duction of his American picture. It must be translated, both as to dialogue and ac- tion, with the customs, the mannerisms and the movements which the Spanish peoples will recognize as natural. They will not stand for people doing and saying things in an unnatural manner any more than will an American audience. Our American artists must do things in a natural, convincing way, and their dialogue must be natural. It has not been so with many of the foreign lan- guage productions made in America." Chase also is of the opinion that Ameri- can producers have raised too much of a bugaboo in their own minds over the ques- tion of dialect. Chase says his company expects at the outset, at least, to produce about twenty fea- tures a year for the Spanish market. This, he declares, is only 4 per cent of the amount of product required. "The Spanish talker market covers 150,000,000 people in twenty different countries," he said. "That is a great market, and one worthy of con- sideration. In Mexico City our company will develop a staff of Latins, most of whom will be Mexicans, in all probability. I have engaged a number of American technical experts to return with me to train our peo- ple in the most up-to-date Hollywood meth- ods of sound picture technique. After that we should be able to go on our own." Empire Productions, Mr. Chase said, is financed by American and Mexican capital. July 11. 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 9 EDUCATIONAL FIELD OPENING WAY TO HUGE NON-THEATRICAL GROWTH Hope of Revived Fi m Mart Follov^s Hoover Debt Pact American producers are already looking toward an enlivened market, in this coun- try but more notably in Europe, as a result of the world war debt moratorium insti- gated by President Hoover and finally con- summated with France's agreement this week. They see in Europe's immediate re- action a favorable sign for the theatre busi- ness there, and hence greater possibilities for the producer here. It is even possible that production sched- ules may ultimately be reorganized to take advantage of any renewed vigor in the film market both here and abroad. One com- pany, Universal, has already announced its intention to extend its production expen- diture, as a direct result of the debt holiday. One million dollars more will be spent than had been originally intended, this sum to be used chiefly, at least according to present plans, in elaborating on the productions scheduled. The British "Film Review" states that "during the past week there has been a very pleasant boom in European production, coinciding with President Hoover's world heartening statement in regard to war debt payments." It is also pointed out that though better conditions mean greater oppor- tunities for the American producer, they likewise of¥er him more competition as a result of an increase in European produc- tion. Foreign Films For Columbia Columbia's initial venture into distribution of foreign pictures, particularly English, in the American market, is set for the new sea- son when Joe Brandt will launch a new de- partment, under Foreign Manager Miss H. Kass, who now is in Europe spotting product. A deal for several already has been con- summated with British International Pic- tures. Hey wood- Wakefield Asks Stockholders to Cash Shares Heywood-Wakefield Company, Boston, is inviting holders of first preferred stock to cash in their securities to the extent of $350,000. Continued liquidation of excessive inven- tories has resulted in accumulation of cash reserves not required for current operations, the company statement said. Pettijohn and Milliken Flay Off-Color Titles Flaunting the dollar sign, particularly in publicity, came in for a severe lashing by Charles C. Pettijohn and Carl E. Milliken at a Hollywood meeting this week of direc- tors and producers. Both warned against the use of suggestive feature titles and sex stories, telling Coast picture makers that each factor seriously jeopardized a healthy legislative condition. They make censorship difficult to ward off, the producers were told, while laying heavy stress on the dollar sign and Hollywood's "gorgeous homes" pave the way for heavy taxation, Pettijohn and Milliken stated. Report Wanger to Join RKO Radio The question now arises, "With what company will Waiter Wanger, now out of Paramount, become associated ?" Reports current along Broadway have him considering two propo- sitions, one with RKO Radio and the other with a group of asso- ciated directors. Wanger, who now has offices at the Amer- ican Play Company, re- fuses to discuss either report, his secretary stating that "Mr. Wan- ger is not giving inter- views these days." Insiders are of the opinion that the Radio hookup seems the most likely. Walter Wanger Darrow Will Sue Censor For Cuts; Universal Not Involved Clarence Darrow, featured with Professor H. M. Parshley of Smith College in the edu- cational study of evolution, "The Mystery of Life," plans suit against the censor board of New York state for deletions which the board made in the film. Universal is distributing the film, but is not in any way involved in the proposed suit, since a clause in Darrow's contract with Universal provides that the company must inform Darrow of any censor dele- tions, and he has the privilege to undertake legal action if he so desires, without Uni- versal having the right to stop him or being in any way involved in the suit. The film, inspired by the Tennessee "monkey" trial, may be shown in that state. Big Division of Industry To Use 16-mm Film Number of Sound and Projector Equipment Makers Pointing Definitely in New Direction Developments in the non-theatrical field, now current and presaging a decidedly quickened pace in that field perhaps as early as fall, point to the establishment of a potentially great division of the motion pic- ture industry, largely employing 16-mm. film instead of standard commercial stock, and stressing the use of talking pictures in education. A number of sound and projector equip- ment manufacturers are now pointing di- rectly toward this field. One of the largest professional projector builders, the Inter- national Projector Corporation (Simplex), already has brought out a portable 35-mm. projector with sound-on-film apparatus, and now is contemplating the marketing of 16-mm. equipment in the near future. An- other make of projection-sound equipment designed expressly for the non-theatrical field and but recently added to the others on the market, is that of the Phototone Cor- poration of America, an Indianapolis con- cern. And now arrived at the testing stage is a Western Electric model for 16-mm. stock. This type, designed exclusively for industrial, church and school use, is ex- pected to be ready for the market by the end of summer. Realizing Extent of Market Impetus has been given to the whole field, it is believed, by the growing realization of the extent of the non-theatrical market — es- pecially that part of it represented by edu- cational activities, both general and re- ligious. It is, in fact, the enormity of the field that so far has prevented anything but estimates of admitted looseness as to the number of units in the market. But there are figures that point the way. One places the poten- tial education market at over 65,000 institu- tions, some of which doubtless would need more than one set of equipment. Another figure places the number of churches at 400,000. Besides the tens of thousands of industrial organizations, the possibilities of which cannot be estimated because of the great variance in activity, there are also a huge number of lodges and similar or- ganized social groups which form a lesser phase of this vast non-theatrical market. Two Conditions Necessary Of these divisions, the schools have come to be regarded as by far the most impor- tant. Indeed, opinion is almost in agree- ment that non-theatrical entertainment offers relatively but few opportunities for the equipment manufacturer and film pro- ducer. The main field of development, it is believed, will be in the use of talking pic- tures for education. Interest in the extension of visual educa- (Covtinued on page 24) 10 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July II, 1931 FILM COMMON GAINS 160 MILLIONS FROM RECORD LOW LEVELS OF APRIL FILM SHARES" VALUATION ON STOCK AND CURB EXCHANGES Approximate Market Value Current Slock at Year's Low Market Value Increase Consol. Film $1,958,667 $4,199,824 $2,241,157 Eastman Kodak 266,801,540 292,371,410 25,569,870 Fox Film A 28,098,297 48,513,200 20,414,903 General Theatres 6,407,900 9,493,185 3,085,285 Loews 51,269,214 75.864,765 24,595,551 Paramount 30,115,403 84;479,571 54,364,168 Pathe 948,581 1,897,162 948,581 Pathe A 729,669 1,945,784 216,115 RKO ,.. 26,192,812 37,252,000 11,059,188 Warner Bros 17,896,052 30,140,720 12,244,668 Columbia Pictures 1,488,602 1,93 0 60 442.558 Fox Theatres A 2,774,374 4,487.130 1,712,756 Nat. .Screen Serv ^ 1,888.000 2,171,200 283,200 Sentrv Safety Con *]48,9S0 167,569 18,619 Technicolor 1,876,111 3,622,836 1,746,725 Trans-Lux DPS 4.142.575 4,734,372 591,797 Totals $442,736,747 $603,271,888 $160,535,141 Average Price Increases $2.57 During June Steady Rise from Bear Market Re- flects Better Sentiment To- ward Film Stocks The stock market rise from the record Jew levels of the April "bear market" — a forward movement which grained increas- ing momentum during June, resulted in an appreciation of more than $160,000,000 in market value of all motion picture common stocks on the stock and curb exchanges, a compilation by Motion Picture Herald shows. The extent to which the amusement stocks responded to improvement in the general list is reflected in the fact that at their lows for the year, which generally were touched in April, and which in most instances represented record lows, these shares had a market value of $442,736,747, while at current levels the market valua- tion of these stocks is approximately $603,- 271,888. Unlike the spasmodic advances in most other sections of the list, the rise in picture stocks from their bear market lows has been marked by steady crystallization of a better sentiment toward amusement securi- ties. This trend was accelerated in June, by which time most of the unfavorable news in the way of dividend reductions and first quarter earnings reports were out of the way and the speculative fraternity was inclined to look ahead to a generally bet- ter showing for the industry in the last half of the year. During June, according to the official monthly statement of the New York Stock Exchange, the average price of amusement stocks rose from $14.80 to $17.37 on July 1. The table, compilation by Motion Pic- ture Herald herewith shows picture stock valuation on both the stock and curb exchanges at the lows of the year, and at current levels, with net appreciation for each stock. New European Company Plans 10 Mulfl-Linguals Consortium Internationale Cinematogra- phique is the name of a new European pro- duction unit being formed by S. D. Wilson and H. P. Carver in Berlin, Wilson to be managing director and Carver, formerly general manager of Cosmopolitan Produc- tions, in charge of production. In conjunction with German Universal Company it is planned to produce, in Berlin, ten pictures in the first half of the coming season, with German, French and English versions. DuPont Changes Name DuPont-Pathe Film Manufacturing Cor- poration has changed its name to DuPont Film Manufacturing Corijoration, at the State House, Dover, Del. Ask Open Studios As Business Aid Hollywood business men, faced with the tourist competition of Miami, Reno, Ha- vana and other places, and as a result of the successful visits of National Education Association delegates to the studios, have presented to film companies a plan by which the tourist business to Hollywood as the film center may be improved vastly. Colonel Harry Baine, president of the Hollywood Boulevard Association ; Robert J. McCabe, manager of the Roosevelt Ho- tel and others have asked studios to relax their non-visitor rule in order to attract visitors. Fred Beetson, Hays representative, ar- ranged visiting hours for the Association people, with great success, and proponents of the idea point out that the plan would be a boon to local business and employ- ment, and also result in motion picture good-will. Thorpe Resigns B. I. P. Post To Produce Independently It has been officially confirmed in London that J. A. Thorpe, former general manager of British International Pictures, Ltd., has resigned to take active control of an inde- pendent producing company. Associated Metropolitan Productions, Ltd. Thorpe will remain on the British Inter- national board of directors, however. The new company will make at least three pic- tures a year for British International Pic- tures. Garyn Returns From Europe Pat Garyn, sales chief of National Screen -Service, has returned to the home office in New York following a six weeks' visit to company branches at London and on the Continent. Dorst Out As Pathe Midwest Manager James Darst, Midwestern manager of Pathe News, with headquarters in Chicago, is out. Up to this time, no replacements have been made in positions which have been dropped in the Chicago territory. The of- fice originally had two sound trucks, one of which recently was transferred to New York. The other is understood to be on the road continuously. This is offered in some quarters as a possible explanation of the present lack of necessity for maintaining the position of Midwestern manager. According to Jack Connolly, Darst has resigned, prior to engaging in an enterprise of his own. This was coincident with or in sequel to a visit to Chicago by Connolly. Eddie Kaw, Pathe News editorial rep- resentative on the Pacific Coast, has also resigned. Beverly Jones, formerly assistant editor of Pathe Review and latest to depart from the Pathe News and Review organization under the progressive retrenchments of the last few weeks of the Courtland Smith ad- ministration, has been employed by Truman Talley of the Fox news and short subject department. Jones becomes assistant to Louis De- Rochement, who is charged with the pro- duction of various topical, adventure and travel short pictures as a division of the newsreel department's activity. Jones was among the first members of the Pathe or- ganization to become specially trained in sound picture production and editing. He has conducted various pictorial expeditions in the LInited States and abroad. Schnitzer Arrives From Coast Joseph I. Schnitzer, Radio Pictures' presi- dent, is due to arrive in New York from Hollywood on Friday. July 11, 1931 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 11 CUTTING SERVICE CHARGE WOULD JEOPARDIZE QUALITY, ERPI WARNS APRIL MAV JUNE THIRO WCCKIroURTH wk. I Fl CST WIEk lOCOMO WEEkI -miRV W£EK I FOUIOH WCCK I FIFTH WEEK I FIRST WCtK I stCdHP MEEKlmilRD MEEK This chart shows a comparison of 1930 and 1931 box office receipts in sixteen cities, in analysis of Motion Picture Herald's survey of grosses in the theatres. The horizontal line designated 100 per cent represents average receipts in 1930 for the period April to June. The broken line ( ) represents receipts in 1930, the black line the receipts In 1931 for the same period. See Indictments In Chicago Quiz The state's attorney's office in Chicago expects conspiracy indictments to be re- turned against officials of the projectionists' union some time this month. It was stated further that investigators have "enough evi- dence to send all officials of the union to the penitentiary." This declaration came from Assistant State's Attorney Charles Bellows as the July grand jury took over the investigation be- gun last month. An unnamed Chicago ex- hibitor is expected to testify this week to the effect that while he paid two projection- ists $125 each per week, the exhibitor had realized no income from his theatre. The state's attorney's office is also con- tinuing the investigation of the murder of Jacob Kaufman, insurgent member of the union, who was killed several days before he was to have testified before the grand jury. Heyl Replaces Abel As RCA Photophone Sales Manager E. O. Heyl, vice president in chai'ge of foreign affairs for RCA Photophone, has been appointed vice president and general sales manager by A. E. Reoch, executive vice president. He succeeds Sydney E. Abel, who recently resigned as commercial de- partment head. T.P.E. Announces '31-'32 Schedule Talking Picture Epics will offer 12 fea- tures and 88 short subjects for the 1931-32 season. The first three features are the Ufa- American films, "The White Devil," "The Last Company" and "The Immortal Vaga- bond." The shorts are grouped as "The Great American Cities" series, "Latin American" series, "Far East" series, "Wanderlust," "Intimate Interviews" and various other novelty groups. The Chester Monkey comedies will be revived and released with the addition of synchronized music and sound effects. Three other features already announced are "Monsters of the Deep," "Hell Below Zero" and "I Kiss Your Little Hand, Ma- dame," with Marlene Dietrich. Claim Against Ripley by Lecture Bureau Is Denied Robert L. ("Believe It or Not") Ripley, who is making a series of shorts for War- ner Brothers, is the victor in a suit brought by Famous Speakers. Inc., which asked dam- ages on the charge that Ripley had refused to fulfill a contract for lecture engagements but had taken film, radio and vaudeville engagements with others. The plaintiff stated that its half interest in these totaled -between $50,000 and $100,000. Replies to Complaints by National Circuits Major Theatres' Executives Reported To Feel That Much of Compulsory Costs Is Unnecessary Further price inductions in charges for servicing sound equipment of Electrical Re- search Products are impossible for theatre owners, circuit or independent, at least within the immediate future, unless, in the opinion of Erpi, the industry would jeopar- dize present quality standards of sound and take upon its own shoulders all responsi- bilities for eventualities. This, it is learned through authentic sources close to the inside circle of the com- pany's policy-makers, is Erpi's reply to the reported widespread dissatisfaction which is supposed to exist on a threatening scale among theatre circuits of national distribu- tors, with regards present charges for serv- icing Western's talker equipment. Executives both at Western Electric and Electrical Research point out that "every bit of efficiency has been squeezed out of the economic servicing phase of sound. Charges have been lowered as this reduced overhead and increased efficiency took place, but further cuts most certainly would neces- sitate an immediate weakening of quality standards." "There is no alternative other than a downward slide in quality, if charges for servicing equipment are further slashed," Erpi chiefs stated, "and if the motion pic- ture leaders are of the opinion that this quality will stand being lowered, then the consequences of lost theatre patronage and the future fate of sound must rest in their hands." The major circuit executives are said to be of the opinion that much of the com- pulsory service charges now being paid to Erpi is unnecessary, particularly in view of the existence of a maintenance department in practically each circuit organization. The matter of reduction in charges, ac- cording to the report, is said already to have left the hands of circuit engineers and maintenance men and now is reported to be in the hands of front rank company execu- tives, who are said to be considering con- certed action, possibly working through the Hays organization. Cline Named Producer of Paramount Shorts Edward Cline has been appointed producer of one- and two-reel comedies to be made at the Paramount Eastern studio in New York. The post was offered Cline at the con- clusion of his direction of Charles Ruggles in "Girl Habit." He joined the Paramount staff in March. It is expected Cline will devote most of his time to the production the 22 slapstick two-reel comedies on the 1931-32 schedule. 12 PICTURE HERALD July 11, 19 3 1 The Industry Facing Its Armageddon IT looks now as if the picture industry would face its Armageddon this fall. A battle will be fought to j^ank up theatre receipts and to lower production costs — a real battle, so real that upon its result one way or another hangs the future of the much vaunted American industry of motion pictures. This is no alarmist opinion; least of all is it intended as such. The writer, in the past 18 years, has seen many a scare and at times a crisis, out of which the profitable business tramped triumphantly on with only a memory of some huge, fearsome shadows on the wall. But we are not facing shadows this year of 1931. We are facing large economic facts. AAA True to its traditions, this entertainment business has been the last to feel the severe business depression. Other industries have had, for over a year, to fight high and low and desperately to put their houses in order. That is just what the picture business must do. And without any thought that some mir- acle like talking pictures is going to leap out of the sky to save the day for inefii- ciency. The reader can clearly visualize the situ- ation by making his own graph. Take, as a baseline, the span of the last six years — from 1925 to 1931. Then start — at 1925 — ^two lines : one rep- resenting theatre receipts and the other pro- duction costs. Start the first, say, an inch above the other, simply to indicate that pro- duction costs were low and theatre receipts high as compared with today. 1925 was not a happy year. There was the radio scare for one thing ; for another there were the big consolidation of theatres and ensuing circuit buying which was forc- ing the distributors into their corners. But there were pictures, be it known — such as "Thief of Bagdad," "Lost World," "Sea Hawk," "Ten Commandments," "White Sis- ter," "Iron Horse," "Beau Brummel," "Girl Shy," "Phantom of the Opera," and many another close to 90 per cent in box-office rating. Theatres — the big ones — and the big circuits were making money. AAA At any rate, from 1925 on, theatre re- ceipts began creeping down and production costs went upward until in 1928 they came altogether too close to each other. The film diet was beginning to pall, so all the ex- hibitors reported. But the studios were turning it out more expensively than ever. Just as the two lines seemed destined to cross — to the exclusion of profit in a pros- perous industry — a cataclysm happened, the advent of sound, and sent the lines soaring away upward, the more so because the in- novation came at a time of high wages and loose spending. Production costs, of course, went up sharply, but theatre receipts made studio expense a negligible ifem. Throughout 1929, by WILLIAM A. JOHNSTON theatres made a harvest. The big circuit owners who had sold out were frantic and maneuvering to get back into the business again. Here, in California, small-town the- atres were making as much as a thousand dollars a week. This continued into 1930 and then the two lines resumed their normal directions; theatre receipts downward, production costs upward. AAA Have the lines now crossed? This highly important question may well be argued. And that the summer slump is here, with a record-breaking number of closed houses, is a heavy factor. But the plain facts to consider are these : n the lines have crossed we are for the first time in picture history in a definite loss area ; and if they have not crossed as yet they are certainly pointed to cross unless something quite radical happens. An executive, whose judgment should rank highest, stated this spring that unless theatre receipts bounded upward with a vim in the fall — and kept up — the industry would face its great crisis. That seems logical. This is no time for gloom. But, also, it is no time for thin optimism, for blind hopefulness that things will somehow right themselves and that the Great God of Picture Prosperity will con- tinue to beam his rosy blessings and con- done glaring inefficiency, opportunism and heartless extravagance. Hollywood is facing today a mighty re- sponsibility. The studios are owned by the New York companies and the New York companies are owned by nation-wide stock- holders. A family can wreck its own house if it will, but not the other fellow's. Men have no business at the head of studio af- fairs today unless they can prove their abil- ity without politics and without luck. The business of production is calling for man- power as never before. If it doesn't get manpower, production will fail ; and the test is right here, now. Marketing New Sound System The Radio Installation Company, Los Angeles, has introduced a new studio sound system, called the "Rico." Accord- ing to engineers of the company, the equip- ment is an effort to meet the needs of in- dependent and foreign production compan- ies which cannot afiford the higher priced sound equipments. The "Rico" system employs the double system of recording. The new method of noiseless recording has been incorporated in the apparatus, which has been specially designed for use in all climates, with pre- cautions having been taken, it is said, to guard against moisture. Operation of Tiffany Unit To Bill Saal William ("Bill") Saal's friends in the industry honored the former Publix film buyer at a testimonial dinner Wednesday night at the New York Astor. L. A. Young, Tiffany backer, is understood to have brought Saal from Publix to handle all phases of Tiffany operation, switching Grant L. Cook to the executive business and financing end of that company's activities. Practically every major company was rep- resented at the gathering of 200 which turned out to pay homage to Saal, and at the dais were: Lou B. Metzger, who represented Co- lumbia; Ned Depinet, RKO Pathe ; Felix F. Feist, M-G-M ; Al Lichtman, United Artists ; Phil Reisman, Universal, and Charles Rosenz- weig, RKO. Saal's former associates at Para- mount and Publix were, of course, present in force. At the speaker's table alone were Rob- ert J. O'Donnell, Austin C. Keough, David J. Chatkin, Sam Dembow, Jr., representing Sam Katz, as well as himself ; George Schaefer, representing Sidney R. Kent; A. M. Botsford, Leon D. Netter, Milton H. Feld, Boris Morros and Arthur Mayer. E. W. Hammons, now as- sociated with L. A. Young in the consolidated Educational-Tiffany-World-Wide-Sono Art in- terests, was another, as was Grant L. Cook. Toastmaster A. M. Botsford, Publix pub- licity advertising chief, read telegrams to Saal from Adolph Zukor, L. J. Ludwig, Minneapo- lis ; Maurice F. Barr, New Orleans ; Nat Wolf, Minneapolis; Harry David, Salt Lake City; Vincent R. McFaul, Buffalo; Sam Katz, Pub- lix chief ; Ralph A. Kohn, Paramount treas- urer ; Sam E. Morris, Warners' general man- ager ; Harry M. Warner, Harold B. Franklin, James R. Grainger, Fox general sales man- ager : Mike Shea, Buffalo ; Max Balaban, Chi- cago: E, V. Richards, New Orleans; Eddie Grainger, Fox ; Jay Rubens, Chicago ; Levere Montgomery, New Orleans ; Mack Mansfield, Chicago ; Max Friedman, Des Moines ; Harry L. Nace, Phoenix ; William K. Jenkins, New Orleans. Among those present were : Ed Ruben, Sara Dembow, Jr., Arthur Mayer, Harry Katz, Milton Feld, D. J. Chatkin, Bob O'Donnell, Leon Netter, Gaston Rureau, Jr., Paul Raibourn, M. F. Gowthorpe, T. X. Jones, Jack Hirch, Harry Hol- land'er, John Bannan, A. M. Bottsford, Lem Stewart. Jack Meredith, Maurice Kann, James R. Cron, James P. Cunningham, Herb Fecke, L. L. Edwards, A. C. Keough, J. A. Walsh, W. H. Higgins, Marty Mul- len, Scott Lett. Phil Seletsky. Louis Notarius, J. J. Deitch, Leo Miller, Tracy Barham, Dave Samelson, W. Borack. Alex Halperin, Sol Bragin, Harold Greenberg, Joel Golden, Harold Goldblatt, Sol Edwards, Warren Duff. Harry Roberg, Ralph Kohn, G. B. J. Frawley, George Schaefer, Miles Gibbons, P. McDermott, J. Zimanich, J. E. Fitzgerald, Herman Robbins, M. Van Praag. I. Schwartz, Phil Meyer, Abe Schneider, Lou Metz- ger, Louis Weinberg, Rube Jackter, Hal Hodes, L. A. Young, Grant Cook, Carl Goe, Earle Hammons, Stan- ley Hatch, Burt Kelly, Harvey Day, Budd Rogers, Nel Depinet, Eddie McAvoy, Harry Scott, Charles Rosenzweig, Jerry Safron, Louis Cohn, TecJ Schlangef Harry Lorch, Sig Wittman, Fred McConnell, Felix Feist. Tom Connors, Eddie Saunders, Bill Rodgers, Al Lichtman, Harry Gold, Charles Klang, Irving Wormser, Nathan J. Cohen, Arthur Gottlieb, Wm. O'Donnell, Paul Swift, Gradwell Sears. Ed Hinchy, W. C. Patterson, Sam Shane, Pat Garyn, Tom Waller, Willard Patterson, M. Solomson, George Walsh. Roxy Plans European Trip To Examine Architecture It is understood that Samuel L. (Roxy) Rothafel and Andrew Reinhard of the archi- tectural firm of Reinhard and Hofmeister, plan a visit to Europe this summer to study architectural ideas for possible Radio City adaptation. July 11, 1931 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 13 FOX FILM INCOME $25,458,223 IN QUARTER; NET PROFIT $1,124,704 FOX INCOME ACCOUNTS FOR QUARTER COMPARED 193! 1930 fNCOME: Gross income from sales and rentals of film and literature and theatre receipts $24,099,795.59 $26,069,336.84 Income from rental of stores and offices 547,727.20 514,746.32 Dividends from investment's — Loew's, Inc 495,675.00 Other income 315.025.37 211,661.03 Interest requirements on one-j'ear six per cent, gold notes : Interest $825,500.00 Amortization of discount and expenses 402,783.77 $1,228,283.77 Total income from all sources $25,458,223.16 $26,975,744.19 EXPENSES : Operating expenses of theatres and exchanges, head office and administration expenses, etc $14,250,986.79 $13,346,064.76 Amortization of production costs, including participa- tions 7,204,478.08 7,537,053.04 Depreciation 1,009,160.75 867,482.26 Interest 500.540.54 288,466.37 Minority interests' share in theatre subsidiaries' profit 140,068.79 400,460.25 Total $23,105,234.95 $22,439,526.68 Income available for interest requirements of parent company and Federal income taxes $2,352,988.21 $4,356,217.51 NET PROFIT FOR QUARTER (13 WEEKS) BEFORE FEDERAL INCOME TAXES $1,124,704.44 $4,356,217.51 General Theatres' Quarterly Return Totals $3,157,750 Consolidated and condensed statement of profit and loss of General Theatres Equip- ment, Inc., for the three months period ended March 31, 1931, shows net sales and other revenue of $3,157,750. After cost of sales, general and administra;tive expenses, depreciation, etc., totaling $2,908,367, there was net income of subsidiary companies of $249,382. Income from dividends on Fox Film Corporation class A and B stocks amounted to $1,372,601. Total income of General Theatres Equip- ment, Inc., exclusive of its equity in the undistributed earnings of non-consolidated controlled companies, was $1,621,983. After interest charges and amortization of debt discount and expense, amounting to $723,- 273, there remained net income of $898,710 applicable to preferred and common stocks of General Theatres Equipment Inc., ex- clusive of its equity in the undistributed earnings of non-consolidated controlled com- panies. No comparison with the March 31, 1930, results is made due to acquisitions made in 1930. Fourth of Scenes Concern Foreign Life, Says Wunder Twenty-five per cent of the scenes shown in American motion pictures in a year con- cern foreign life and environment, with a consequent stimulus to world trade, world peace and world travel, and a cure for pro- vincialism, the members of the Junior Chamber of Commerce at Glendale, Cal., and Pasadena Rotary Club were told in ad- dresses by Dr. Clinton Wunder, executive vice-president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. International interest in American com- modities is affected directly by the screen, and the same is true of foreign goods, Dr. Wunder said, pointing specifically to the enhanced trade relations between the Amer- icas. "Talking pictures are daily talking business throughout the world," he de- clared. "Business men of today, wise business men, employ motion pictures as a part of their sales campaign," he said ; "further- more, the increase in production of come- dies in the past year is a worthy service to the business man as a tonic." Expenses Show Increase Over Half Million Rise Over Same Period in 1930 Accounted For by Acquisition of 70 Theatres Total income from all sources of $25,458,- 223 for 13 weeks is shown by Fox Film Corporation and wholly owned subsidiary, controlled and affiliated companies, in the comparative consolidated statement of in- come and expenses for the quarter ended March 28, 1931. This compares with $26,- 975,744 for the corresponding period of last year. Total expenses were $23,105,235, compared with $22,439,527. Income available for interest requirements of the parent company and federal income taxes were $2,352,988, against $4,356,218; Interest requirements on the one-year 6 per cent gold notes of Fox Film Corporation, and amortization of discount and expenses totaled in the 1931 quarter $1,228,284. Net profit for the quarter, before federal income taxes, was $1,124,704, as against $4,356,218 in the same period of 1930. The form used for the 13 weeks ended March 28, 1931, and March 29, 1930, is the same as used in the annual report for 1930, and the figures are comparable. The in- crease in operating expenses of theatres and exchanges, etc., is occasioned by the fact that the 1931 quarter has the acquisition of 70 theatres, expenses and receipts of which ~are in the 1931 quarter which were not in the 1930 quarter. It is also to be noted that $2,228,284 for interest and amortization of discount and expenses appeared only in the 1931 quarter. Bellmak-Pollak Will Release 24 Jack Behman and Adolph Pollak, now associated in Hollywood Pictures Corpora- tion, have formed a new producing and distributing organization. Peerless Produc- tions, Inc., with offices at 630 9th Ave., in New York. Twenty-four features, two of which are now in work, will be released during 1931-32. The first release is sched- uled for September 15th. The Peerless plan, which is said to have been in development for months, provides for simultaneous state right release through- out the country. By September 1, Bellman and Pollak state that arrangements will have been completed for distribution of product in every territory through Peerless-owned or affiliated exchafiges. Product will be nationally advertised in a comprehensive campaign that will be started shortly. Jack Bellman is vice president of the new company and Adolph Pollak is general man- ager. 14 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 11, 19 3 1 CANADIAN COMBIN ACTION IS AWA Charge That 95 Per Cent of Distri- bution in Dominion Is Under Mon- opoly is Before Labor Minister The industry in the United States as well as in Canada is awaiting the next move of G. D. Robertson, minister of labor for Can- ada, following the report of Commissioner Peter White charging that a combine, domi- nated from the United States, controls 95 per cent of the distribution of motion pictures in the Dominion. At the same time, no statement was forthcoming from the offices of the Motion Picture Producers and Dis- tributors of America, Inc. The report of the commissioner, made after a six-months inquiry, also holds that the combine occupies either a dominant or an exclusive position in control of theatres in practically all towns of more than 10,000 population. The apparent spokesman for the Canadian trade are Arthur Cohen, managing director of Famous Players, and Col. John A. Cooper, president of the distributors' asso- ciation. Cooper declared he had no apologies to make regarding his own record in connec- tion with British films. "I am quite ready to defend that when the time arrives," he said. H. A. Kauffraan, manager of Consoli- dated Theatres, Ltd., Montreal, independent chain of five houses, declared : "They did not get to the bottom of things at all. They only investigated conditions in Ontario and British Columbia, and did not call witnesses from Montreal or other Que- bec cities. They have not heard the half of it, as the situation in Montreal is even worse. The combine controls everything here." Provincial authorities of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and British Columbia state they are studying the White report, but no decision regarding possible action has been reached. Dewey Bloom, recently appointed man- ager of the British film division of Regal Films, Ltd., in which N. L. Nathanson has a large interest, stated the stage was all set in Canada now for a British drive and an- nounced 15 British pictures for scheduled release. The 23 companies and one association named in the 234-page report are: Famous Players Canadian Corporation ; B & F Theatres, Ltd.; Radio-Keith-Orphe- um of Canada, Ltd., and eight other com- panies affiliated with Famous Players Cana- dian ; Motion Picture Distributors and Ex- hibitors of Canada ; Canadian Educational Films, Ltd. ; Canadian Universal Film Com- pany ; Famous Lasky Film Service ; Fox Film Corporation ; RKO Distributing Cor- poration of Canada ; Columbia Pictures of Canada; Regal Films, Ltd. (distributors for M-G-M and RKO Pathe) ; United Artists Corporation; Vitagraph, Ltd.; TifTany Pro- ductions of Canada ; First National Pic- tures; Warner Brothers' Pictures and Vita- graph, Inc. Hoiman, Botsford Are Assigned to Story Committee In order that the production department may have a closer contact with distribution and with the theatre in the purchase of suit- Russell Holman A. M. Botsford able screen material, Russell Holman, ad- vertising manager of Paramount, and A. M. Botsford, advertising manager of Publix, have been assigned to the home office "cabi- net" of five which passes judgment upon stories for future production. The two men will retain their advertising- posts. When the assignment first became known, a false report spread that it was a "polite out" for the two men who have been with Paramount for several years. However, as one executive said, "Para- mount is merely taking advantage of the judgment of these two men." Declare German Business Crisis There exists an acute crisis in the Ger- man film industry, it was stated at a Berlin meeting recently of Tobis and other Ger- man film companies. Charges were made that Tobis had main- tained apparatus and royalty costs to the harm of the German industry, though the charges were denied by Tobis delegates present. It was declared that there was danger of 700 theatres closing, with a slump of some- thing like 75 per cent in film renting tax anticipated in the coming season. The list of film company bankruptcies was de- scribed as alarming. Tala Birell on Coast Tala Birell, Universal discovery from the Vienna stage, is in Universal City follow- ing her arrival in New York on the Bre- men, with her sister Gabriella. Charges Made After Inquiry 1 That protection is detrimental to the ' public. 0 That the activities of the Motion Picture Distributors and Exhibitors Association are against public interest, n That Famous Players has a monopoly ^ on many important locations. ^ That Famous Players and affiliated com- panies have control of vaudeville in Canada. C That Paramount Publix owns 93.786 ^ per cent of the issued shares of Famous Players. Z That detrimental activities by Famous ^ Players include acquisition of theatres, threat of building new houses, securing and holding of theatre sites, improper use of buying power and causing the withholding of suitable pictures for exhibition. ~7 That Sam Bloom has made threats to ' independent exhibitors in Toronto. Q That the Motion Picture Distributors ^ and Exhibitors Association has em- ployed subterfuge in professing to have en- rolled in its ranks exhibitor members and that such members are merely employes of Famous Players. Q That the association is completely con- ' trolled by the Hays organization of New York. 1 r\ That block and blind booking are de- ' ^ cidedly detrimental to the public. 1 1 That the compulsory arbitration ' ' clause in film contracts has contrib- uted very materially to the influence and strength of Famous Players and actually to public detriment. 1 0 That protection granted to Famous ' ^ Players is far beyond what could be possibly justified and has injured independ- ent exhibitors. 1 O That, by this protection, Canada is ' ^ made to contribute a share to the extravagant salaries paid to picture stars. UThat, under its present management, Famous Players does not appear to be conducted with quite the ruthless dis- regard of the rights of others and of the public interest ; but that the present man- agement is still under the direction of Amer- ican interests who control the company. IC That the industry had its origin in ^ an art, but that in the hands of per- sons who at present control it, the industry has become purely commercial. 1 Z That the Cooper organization (the M.P.D.E.A.) has engaged in a pro- gram of propaganda with social organiza- tions with the idea of creating a false idea of the objects and aims of this combina- tion of producers and distributors with Fa- mous Players. 1 -J That, with regard to British films, ' ' much could be done in placing be- fore the theatregoing public British man- ners, British language and British ideals. 1 O That the parties to the combine un- ' ^ dertook to force awards of arbitrators by harsh and unreasonable terms, leaving the e-xhibitors at the mercy of exchanges. 1Q That, in regard to credit rules, these ^ distributors, the M.P.D.E.A. and Fa- mous Players, constitute a combine within the meaning of the Combines Act and a detriment to the public. July 11, 1931 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 15 A§I[)E§ & INTEI^LIJDE§ By JAMES CUNNINGHAM I HAT personal trust fund of the brothers Warner which recently was placed at the dis- posal of the company when it felt the depres- sion reaction, is understood to have reached $30,000,000. . . . The fund had its inception a few years ago when the Warners, who were in on the ground floor of sound, were riding high, and realizing that fate is tricky they agreed to set aside sev- eral thousands each week in a fund which would protect them, personally, against the days when — and if — they found themselves out of the picture business. . . . ▼ ▼ T Bill Kerrigan, chief of RKO's Albec at Brooklyn, N. Y., is out of a job. . . . Unlike nearly all chain managers, Bill has been getting $10,000 yearly, and then the home office agreed that Bill . could continue . . . at $3,000. . . . Aggressive, friendly and thoroughly a shou'- man of unusual merit, his leaving is understood to have launched a flood of protests from Brooklyn merchants to RKO executives. . . ■ ▼ ▼ ▼ Darkened studios, closed for regular sum- mer layoffs and personnel slashes have placed the independent producer in Holly- wood in a most advantageous position to bargain with talent and studio help. . . . ▼ T T E. V. Richards' name is being mentioned for the post of a major and national circuit presidency. . . . Which circuit is understood to be in sore need of a powerful force to pull it back into the black. . . . T T T Fox booked Paramount's "Forbidden Ad- venture" into houses of its circuit, but later discovered that the picture, which features little Mitzi Green, had been misnamed. . . . And so called attention of Fox managers "to the misleading title, which far from be- ing a racy, sexy picture with a naughty twist, has great appeal to the kiddies. . . . And managers should be governed accord- ingly. . . ." ▼ TV Movie motherhood is said to be a real acting feat. . . . Stars managing the deep emotion easily, but they find safety pins hard to fasten with "nonchalance." . . . ▼ TV What has happened — if anything — to that supposed bitter battle of minority Pathe E.r- change stockholders to regain control of Pathe assets from, RKO Pathe? . . . T T T From the London Film Review comes this: . . . "Every now and then we receive publicity matter about films, designed to impress the stuff with the colossal stamp. . . . Not long ago we received from an American office a long list of figures giving the number of actors in the film, the number of animals used, size of the crowds, etc. . . . But when the picture was trade shown we took the trouble to check up these figures and found that in every case the figures given were, to put it mildly, at least ten times those representing the actual num- bers. . . . And in one or two cases they were a hundred times greater." "Barnum is dead!" . . . But his memory lingers on. . . . T T T One will always remember Harry L. Reichenbach for many reasons, but among the mountainous humorous angles — and re- layed via Winchell — is Harry's line that "A press agent is nothing but a bill-poster with a full dress suit. . . . And a movie press agent is only an accent-remover." . . . AMERAD," out Hollywood way, is author of the one about the studio management at a rental lot which had its hands plenty full with independents, chiefly promoters and "chiselers," who sat around, waiting hopefully for stray bankrolls with which to produce quickies. . . . They talk in millions and pay off in promises and some of them even sleep in their millions because landladies will insist upon impounding suitcases with the one clean shirt. . .■ . The blackout came, however, when the studio management rebelled after the quickies started plugging in electric cooking utensils on studio light outlets. . . . -Now, signs in conspicuous corners about the lot blazen forth w'ith the depressing news : "Absolutely no light house- keeping permitted." T T T The height of something or other in ex- ploitation stunts zvas pulled the other day zvhen J. D. L'Esperance, managing Fox's California- at San Diego, brought upon the theatre's stage a vi'hole flock of cozt's . . . which were the unperturbed subjects of a milking contest in which patrons participated. . . . T T T Did you know that Hy (RKO ad chief) Daab started his career in the choir of a church in the wilds of New Jersey? . . . A long time ago. . . . T T T Changes continue in Columbia's home office advertising-publicity department . . . and the end is not in sight. . . . T T T Bruce Gallup resigns as United Artists' home office advertising-publicity department, and immediately the rumor mongers rush into print with: . . . "wholesale layoff starts at United!" . . . (Sam Goldwyn's habit of putting his "finger in the pie" with a pro- ducer's idea of how ad copy should be writ- ten riled Bruce and he quit.) . . . T T T A young chap — whom we know to be efficient and a plugger — was called into the chief's office the other day to hear: "Sorry, my boy, but you're through; we do not like your work!" . . . \\'hich is particularly strange because results of the job have not changed one iota since he was hired. . . . And that was 17 months ago. . . . Well, it does take a long time for some to learn. . . . T T T E. W. (Educational) Hammons and West- ern Electric-Erpi strongly denied that Erpi, or Western, are the powers behind the throne in Educational's financing program . . . and two hours later we watched Hammons on- the-run rushing up Broadway from his offices at Times Square to Erpi headquarters near Columbus Circle, in New York. . . . And we do not mean to infer anything! . . . T T T J^ivian Moses is now_ with D. W. Griffith helping the old master to shape up the next D. IV. picture venture. . . . T T T An executive of a New York motion pic- ture company failed miserably in a five-day attempt to locate, by telephone, Harry Stoakes, who is a department fiead at New York headquarters of Erpi. . . . He finally gave it up as a bad job, after having been told tltat "we have been unable to ascer- tain whether or not Mr. Stoakes is with our organization! ! !" . . . (Must be a vice- president.) . . . ▼ ▼ ▼ Trans-Lux has been trying to get a certain distributor to eliminate its compam^ name and trade mark when the Trans-Lux turnstile theatres play its short subjects. . . . I O those who still do not realize the impor- tant part which the small exhibitor plays in the scheme of motion picture business, let a word be sufficient ; . . . Two average small the- atres. . . . Each having 600 seats and operating in an average situation, paid out $35,000 in gross film rentals in one 12-month season — 1930-31. . . . That's $35,000,000 in one year for only 1,000 600-seaters. ... Or $350,000,000 in rentals over a five-year period. . . . T T T Four important advertising-publicity posts at the New York home offices of major companies are being mentioned in connec- tion with a widespread shakeup and resigna- tion movement. . . . T T T Twenty years ago this week: . . . The slogan of Rex Motion Picture Company was "Silence Is Golden." . . . John W. Considine was in partnership as Sullivan & Considine in a Los Angeles vaudeville circuit. . . . Vitagraph got itself into a pretty mess when it released "The End of the World," in which a prospective mother was shown in almost immediate con- finement. . . . Southern California exhibitors agreed that no five-cent house should show vaudeville with pictures. . . . English industry, then as now, was awaiting a big boorn in Brit- ish picture circles. . . . News item : "Chris Vogt will erect a new theatre to cost $500." . . . T T T Remembering the chaos brought about in production by the entrance of sound, wise play- ers and directors should begin now studying requirements of television — just in case. . . . Television, incidentally, has many perplexing novelties. ... ▼ ▼ ▼ Amos 'n' Andy, NBC stars, and Morton Downey, of Columbia ether waves_, are in the midst of a hitter struggle for supremacy of the seven p. m.. period on the air. . . . And those in the knoiv will tell you that Mort is commencing to gain several paces on the "colored" competition. . . . NBC and Radio Pictures are co-related companies, while Para- mount ovtms Columbia. . . . AAA Headline on a producer's yarn to the press: . . . "Monogram Signs Clara Kimball Young!" . . . Echoing shades of a decade ago! . . . T T T Local boy makes good! Josef Cherniavsky, former orchestra leader at Saenger's, New Orleans, and a recent Hol- lywood arrival, twote the folks back home de- scribing Hollywood as being far from the fast- moving, wild and joyful town he left. "Movie production is slow," said Josef, "and depres- sion is plentiful in these parts. Producers are zvary and are in a quandary." . . . But Josef remains in Hollyzvood. . . . T T ▼ ' The editor and assistant editor of a major company's newsreel would like, oh so much, to join another company . . . anyone! ▼ ▼ ▼ Ed Sullivan, New York columnist, discov- ered— wherever one studies family trees — ^that Lou (Columbia sales manager) Metzger started in the picture business on a grand scale. . . . Piloting a hot dog stand in Hollywood, and of all places, right next to the Universal lot ! . . . ▼ ▼ ▼ The statistically-minded might care to know that. ... In an average month. Na- tional Broadcasting hears between 400 and 600 artists at auditions, and of this total found only 11 capable of a chance on the ether waves. . . . Only 1 to 3 per cent ever get on the air. . . . or* a victor over adversity K. CARL LAEMMLE an intrepid pioneer of the industry has been throtigh all the periods of ordeal in the industry, and some of his own, from the beginning. And he is still smiling. When he was beset by the powerful Vatents Com- pany, he grinned and fought — and advertised. When he fought with his partners, he laughed and fought — and advertised. When business was good he crowed about that, and when it got dull he got excited. If he had known when he was licked he ivould have been out of business in 1908, /'// 1912, and again in 1916. He didn't know it and it tvasn't so. He has always believed in tiuo en- during facts, the motion picture and Carl Laemmle. He keeps selling. This advertisement is the third of a series on success in the picture industry. working girl The very dignified advertising agency, N. W. Ayer & Son, Inc., in the dignified city of Philadelphia took a page of the dignified New York Times the other day to remark and admit to the world of American business that "advertising is a work- ing girl." It is a pleasure to have this question settled. There are slightly divergent ideas. Howard Dietz holds to the notion that advertising is a lion. Hy Daab thinks of advertising as a robust and slightly naked young giant, a Titan. Bob Cochrane thinks that it is a sort of radio activity that comes "straight from the shoulder" of Carl Laemmle. Charles McCarthy for years has made it the fire and smoke from a Paramountain shooting at a ring of stars. Pathe spent twenty- five years proving it was a rooster. And, on this subject, G. F. Kettering, vice-president of General Motors Gorporation, writes in Printer's Ink: "Advertising is to me a story about a product. I believe that business will come back when we get some products that people want to buy. ... I also know that there is a horrible thing in this world called monotony that has more to do with business than anything else. . . . If you want to kill any idea in the world today, get a committee working on it" Mr. Kettering's remarks charmingly apply to some aspects of the motion picture selling situation today. It is pretty clear that our motion picture industry appears these days to be influenced by the genius of a committee on hard times. This working girl, "Advertising," has often proved the best leading lady in the business. She keeps kissable, and she can do a bit for the industry today, if the gloom committee will let her. GOLVIN BROWN General Manager Quigley Publications OP MOTION PICTURE DAILY MOTION PICTURE HERALD THE HOLLYWOOD HERALD 18 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 11, 1931 MARKET QUOTATIONS OF FILM STOCKS (Jf'cek Ended Tliursdav, July 9) Slock Exchange 1931 Range Stock & Div. Sales Thurs. Net High Low (in lOOs) High Low Ciose Change 'is "m Cons. Film 7 "8 ■ '7'A " 8 + / WVe. Cons. Film pf. (2) 6 1454 I45i + 54 185M 118 Eastman Kodak (8a) 170 153?4 UVA 144/2 - 4/2 38?^ Fox Film A (2.50) 478 2134 17 173/^ - 2/2 Gen. Thea. Eq 399 454 4 4 IZ /2 63 36J^ Loew's, Inc. (3b) 438 4754 42?4 4454 - 15i 98 83 Loew's pf. (6.50) 3 90 87 87 — Va 27 22 M-G-M pf 24*4 24J4 2434 + 54 50}4 195/g Para. -Pub. (2.50) 550 28Vs 24^ 25 5i — 154 2% 1 Pathe . 179 2A 15^ Wi + 54 3 Pathe A 387 654 + l?4 ■2AVz 1154 763 1614 1454 WA — 154 42 1254 Univ. Pic. 1st pf. X (8) 1 33 33 33 + 3 4M , 537 85/8 754 Wt. - 5/8 1054 Warner Bros. pf. (3.85).... 3 17/8 WA — 2 X— 10 share lots. a — Including extras. b — Plus extras. Curb Exc hange 22 954 Columbia Pic. vtc. (.75) 5 ' 103/4 103/4 - IM 6A 25^ Fox Theatres A 41 27/i 3 - /s 3154 55^8 Gen. Thea. Eq. cv. pf. (3).. . 33 954 7 7 — 2 Nat. Screen Serv. (2) "iK ' V Sentry Safe Con 2 "iVt "vA ■ 1/8 - /8 35^ 9 m 7 7. + / 1354 554 21 6'A 5/. 5/2 - /2 A — Plus 5 per cent in stock. Bonds on Stock Exchange 1931 Range Bond & Maturity Sales Thurs. Net High Low (in$l(M)Os) High Low Close Change 74 25 Gen. Thea. Eq. Cv. 6's '40... 73 41 3754 98 38 — I'/i 9934 94 99 98 105 100 Para.-Bwy. 5'4's '51 28 1023/4 101 10254 + 1 97 74 Para.-F.-L. 6's '47 23 91 885^ 8954 + i^s 89M 67 Para.-Pub. 554's '50 92 82!/^ 8154 81 54 + 54 91 51 Pathe 7's '37 vpw 45 91 5^ 89^ 9154 + 1 7454 25 Warner Bros. cv. 6's '39 104 41/; 40 41 + 1/2 Bonds on Curb Excl" lange 70 55 59 59 59 - Va, Produce Exchange Stocks Color Pic ... ... Photocolor 10 25 25 25 Roxy Over the Counter Stocks Bid Asked Roxy A Wt, Roxy A (3.50) 12 14 Roxy units 125^ 1454 REALIZING ONLY GRAZES FILM STOCK Picture Shares Relatively Strong in Week's Market Hit by General Profit-Taking By THE ANALYST Realizing by traders who had picked up stocks last week for quick-turn profits brought a lower price range in motion picture stocks during the past week, but the recessions were comparatively narrow in view of the declines that took place in some other sections of the list and lack of important pressure against the film shares was further reflected in the moder- ate turnover. The dullness that developed on the moderate reactions denoted an absence of liquidation, and there was no doubt that the principal picture shares were being held for the benefits that are generally expected to accrue from oper- ations in the last half and from the working economies recently effected by the major com- panies in the industry. Some reaction from the broad advances made over the last two weeks was logical and, with announcement of universal acceptance of the Hoover war debt suspension proposal out of the way, the market was left without any spe- cial stimulus and with a somewhat impaired technical position. Consequently, following another bulge in the pre-holiday session last week, the market was subject to a steady dribble of selling, which, however, in the picture shares, was a routine process and only about one-quarter of the previous weeks' gains were eradicated, although at the end of the week the leaders of the group were well off from their highs of the period. RKO displayed greatest resistance to down- ward tendencies, and although subject to the largest turnover of the group, sold off only about a point from last week's closing level. Warner was another steady feature, holding within its recent range of 7 to 8. The stock, ever since its recovery from the year's low of 454, has been one of the best performers in the list, holding steady in some of the most reac- tionary sessions and reflecting a considerable change in financial sentiment regarding the company's status since the receivership rumors were dispelled some time ago. Considerable importance is attached in the financial district to the interbooking arrangement with Para- mount, a step that, in the opinion of the Street, should react beneficially to both companies. Loew's was subject to considerable profit- taking on its recent bulge, but the issue remained one of the speculative favorites. The report for the fiscal year ending August 31 is being looked forward to with keen interest, consensus of estimates averaging $7 a share, but in some quarters there is talk of an even better showing. Fox was subject to increased pressure late in the week after issuance of the report for the first quarter, which showed a slash of $3,231,514 in net profits, as compared with the corresponding period of 1930. Total income made a better comparison, and the reduction in net was attributed by the report to a sharp increase in operating expenditures occasioned by the acquisition of 77 additional theatres dur- ing the quarter. Although selling off from a high of over 28 to around 25, Paramount displayed underlying strength that indicatetl buying support just under current market levels. Second quarter earnings of the company are expected to cover the 62/^ cents dividend, while some estimates of the company's showing for the first half of this year range as high as $1.85 a share. This would compare with $2.37 a share in the first half of 1930, a very favorable comparison in view of general business conditions. Eastman Kodak was subject to its usual wide gyrations, selling off from a high of 153)4 to around 144, where it was off more than four points froiri last Thursday's final level. Consolidated Film and Pathe shares moved in a narrow range and were notably steady, while action of amusement issues on the bond market was very favorable, even the convertible descriptions holding comparatively steady in the face of declining prices for their relative stocks. Rathe Exchange Earnings Listed Profit of $36,941 after interest and amor- tization for four and two-thirds weeks ended January 29, 1931, and a loss of $73,999 for 133-2 weeks ended May 2, are reported by Pathe Exchange and subsidiaries. The Jan- uary 29 date was the one on which certain properties and parts of the business were sold to RKO. The 13>^ weeks figure is based on application of certain profits to reduction value of assets involved. Statement of income and surplus for the four and two-third weeks period follows : Gross sales and rentals, $1,259,215; cost of sales and rentals and selling and general administrative expenses, $1,211,227; bal- ance, $47,988; other income, $28,603; total income, $76,591 ; interest accrued and amor- tization, $39,677; profit, $36,914. Statement of income and surplus for the thirteen and one-third week period is : Re- ceived in liquidation of receivables, stories and investments, $496,050 ; gross sales and rentals, $1,133,932; dividends and interest received, $85,742; total income, $1,715,724; book value of receivables, stories and invest- ments liquidated, $496,050; film amortiza- tion and costs, and costs of other operations, including general salaries and expenses, $1,130,392; profits on certain operations ap- plied to reduction of ledger value of assets involved, $64,334; interest payable accrued, $98,947; loss, $73,999. B & K Pays Dividend Balaban & Katz, Chicago, has declared a regular quarterly dividend of 75 cents on common and $1.75 on preferred, payable October 3 to stockholders of September 15. July 11, 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 19 Ji^THE CAMERA CEPCCTS CALLED "A COMER." James H. Dunn, former stock and Broadway lead- ing man, has definitely "clicked," they say, in his first important screen assign- ment, Fox's "Bad Girl." He's under con- tract to Fox, where his next will be "Sob Sister," newspaper story. LINKING FILMS AND EDUCATION. A lighter moment in the weighty affairs of the National Education Association, during its convention in Los An- geles, when screen celebrities were introduced to members. Shown are Dorothy Jordan, George O'Brien, Elissa Landi, Ivan Lebedeff, Ann Harding, Carl E. Milliken, Harry Bannister, Jackie Coogan, Jackie Cooper, Mitsi Green, Jackie Searl and Robert Coogan, with Willis E. Sutton, president of the association, as "schoolmaster." (Acme photo.) HONORED BY FOREIGN GOVERNMENT. This affair of state occurred the other day in the office of Adolph Zukor, when the president of Paramount Publix was awarded the Grand Cross of Portugal. Shown are Sebastino Sampaio, consul general of Brazil; Zukor, Dr. Joas de Deus Rames, consul of Portugal, who made the presentation; and J. Saavedra de Figueireda, vice consul of Portugal. "NOT A MOVIE." A premiere, but this . time that of a "legitimate" play, "The Man in Possession" brought Jack L. Warner and Jack, Jr., to the Warner the- atre in Los Angeles, as here recorded. 20 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 11, 19 3 1 RARE SEA MONSTER. Heave-ho, me lads, for she's a big on' and yon can lay to that! Yes, sir, seldom do the ocean's depths yield such as this, a giant sea bat, which was caught off Mexico by M-G-M's fishing pic- ture company under Harold Austin. VARIED CHARM. Eleaiior Boardman, Paramount player {and another of our "Celebrities at Home"), on the hearth of the old Spanish farm house fireplace in her Bei'crly Hills residence. MADE GOOD. An Iowa farm boy, zvas this urban- looking chap, Kent Tay- lor. Now he has a Para- mount contract awarded him just the other day. A FAMILY AFFAIR. Ten years ago William McGann was chief cameraman for Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. Time and talent ultimately made him a director. And just recently he was assigned to First Na- tional's "I Like Your Nerve" — a starring vehicle for Douglas Fair- banks, Jr. Above he's shozviiig Young Doug a piece of one of dad's old productions. OFFICIAL CONGRATULATIONS. Sam M. Mos- cow (center), Southern division manager for Co- lumbia, being congratulated by Governor L. G. Hardman of Georgia {left) and Luke Arnold, rep- resenting Mayor Key of Atlanta, on Columbia's sales record through the South the past year. July 11, 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 21 Text of French Decree Letting Down the Bars FRANCE DROPS QUOTA RESTRICTIONS ON U. S. Article I The film year for which the present regula- tions are established commences on July 1st of each year and ends on June 30th of the follow- ing year. Article 2 Is considered as a French film a film produced in studios located in French territory or in terri- tory under French protectorate or French man- date, by French producers, with the collabora- tion of exclusively French elements, under re- serve of certain derogations which may be ad- mitted by the Commission in individual cases. Article 3 The following categories of films are auto- matically classified, that is to say, they are automatically inscribed on the list of films susceptible of receiving a visa : 1. All French films, such as specified in Art. 2 above mentioned ; 2. For the film year commencing on Julv 1st, 1931 and ending on June 30th, 1932, all films which, although not complying with the above-stated definition of a French film, are entirely produced in studios located in French territory, or territory under French protec- torate or French mandate ; 3. All silent films regardless of their origin ; 4. All newsreel films and all films of an ex- clusively advertising character, regardless of their origin; 5. Films without dialogue, either talking or singing, the musical accompaniment of which is recorded on film or discs or synchronized, regardless of their origin. Article 4 For the film year commencing on July 1st, 1931, and ending on June 30th, 1932, no per- mits for the exploitation of foreign films under the provisions of Art. 7 of the regulations pre- viously in force will be granted. The impor- tation and exploitation in the French territory (or French protectorates) of films produced abroad in countries where French film pro- duction is not restricted will be entirely free, under reserve of the application of the last paragraph of the present Article. With regard to films produced in other for- eign countries, their importation and exploita- tion in the French territory (or French pro- tectorates) will be placed under a reciprocity rule, the modalities of which, concerning each of these countries, will be established by the Commission. The Commission will determine for all of the foreign film producing countries the maximum number of talking films, with subsequent syn- chronization in French (dubbed) to be imported into France during the film year '31 -'32. Article 5 For the application of paragraph 2 of the preceding Article the average length of films is fixed at 2,500 meters. The importation and exploitation of several short subject films not exceeding a total length of 2,500 meters are considered equivalent to that of a single film. Article 6 The owners of permits authorizing the ex- ploitation in France of films produced abroad, that were delivered according to Article 7 of the regulations previously in force, must make use of these permits before July 15th, 1931. After this date, the validity of the permits previously granted will expire. Article 7 The regulations of May 2Sth, 1928, are can- celled. Gallup Leaves United Bruce Gallup, advertising direc- tor at United Artists' home office in New York, resigned this week, and following a four-weeks' va- cation he will complete nego- tiations pending with another com- pany. Hal Home, in charge of United Artists' exploita- tion on the West Coast, is Gallup's successor. Bruce Gallup Gallup, long a student of motion picture pub- licity and advertising promotion has worked over a long period for the cause of the advertising profession in the film industry. He is widely credited with considerable accom- plishments in the uplifting of its ad- vertising standards. As one of the initial group of workers and officers of the New York Motion Picture Club, and as official handicapper for 10 years of the "Film Daily" Golf Tournament and President of the Associated Motion Picture Advertisers, Gallup's sports- manship, and loyalty to his profes- sion and its place in the film world, has created for him a wide circle of friends in the motion picture busi- ness, among the newspapers and the general advertising profession. Stanley-Warner Books Paramount Features Again The Stanley-Warner Company will play Paramount product for the first time since the split over a year ago, when "The Smiling Lieutenant" opens at the Stanley, Philadel- phia, on July 24. It is reported the Boyd will reopen to show Paramount product. Keith's, operated by A. R. Boyd for the past year as Paramount's first run, will close in August, it is understood. It is believed that the lease, which has one year to run, will be taken by Stanley- Warner. The company will continue to deal with independents, though it has taken Para- mount product for the larger percentage of its schedule. Decree Signed July 6 Terminates Long Negotiations; Seen as Hays Office Victory The French government has finally dropped the bars of quota restrictions which have stood in the way, heretofore, of the free entrance of American motion pictures into France. The action followed long ne- gotiations in Paris. Maurice Petsche, Under-Secretary of State for Fine Arts, representing the French government, this week signed the cinema control decree, effective from July 1, 1931 to June 30, 1932, whereby American motion pictures may enter France free of all import restrictions, amounting to the abolition of the quota law. The passage of the decree marks the first time in the history of French film regula- tions that reciprocity has been established. American films have entered France for the past three years only on a contingent basis, the last regulation calling for a seven-to-one arrangement, with seven American films ad- mitted for distribution in France for every French film purchased for distribution in the United States. The decree is looked upon as a tacit ad- mission by the French government that the principle of quota regulations for American product is impracticable. It is hoped by American interests that the French move will prove an opening wedge for similar fa- vorable action in several other European countries where quota restrictions prevail against American films. Film circles here and abroad generally concede the passage of the decree a distinct success for the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, headed by Will H. Hays, which organization has had repre- sentatives in Paris for some time, negotiat- ing with French interests and the govern- ment. Principally involved in the successful ter- mination of the issue were, in addition to M. Petsche, Daniel J. Reagan, acting commer- cial attache of the American Embassy in Paris ; Harold L. Smith, representing the Hays organization and George R. Canty, trade commissioner for films in Paris, and representing the American government in the matter. American films may now enter France without restriction as to numbers, being subject only to import duties. The French government will in the future place restric- tions on films coming only from countries where restrictions are imposed on French films. American interests see a greater stimulus for film production in France, as a result of the removal of what has been termed by the American government an unfair trade barrier. There is seen, also, a resulting increase in the world distribution of French language films. 22 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 11, 19 3 1 FOX PLANS PRODUCING IN GERMANY, AUSTRALIA Foreign Chief Reveals Tieup With Tobis, Possible Antipodean Production Plant Clayton Sheehan, Fox foreign chief, in London last week, revealed that Fox will produce in Europe with an alliance between Fox and Tobis, German company, calling for not less than 10 features a year to be made at the Tobis studios in Berlin. Production will start next month, with the films in German only, in a concentrated bid for the Central European market. It is also the plan of Fox, as revealed by Sheehan, to establish the first large Austral- Clayton Sheehan |an studios of an Amer- ican company, to pro- duce talking films which are expected to rank for British quota. Sheehan will him- self go to Australia before returning to New York, to investigate conditions. Fox already owns the Australian Hoyts theatre circuit, whose recent chief, F. W. Thring, has already formed a production unit. Sheehan stated that he would stop over in India on his way to Australia to look over the new company which Fox has formed there. Sheehan was reported as stating that Fox might combine with F. W. Thring in his Efftee Productions, Ltd., Australia. Hoffman Out of Circuit in Sept. I. J. Hoffman will, it is understood, re- linquish operating management of Warner Brothers 80 New England theatres on Sept. 1, at which time the two-year contract made with Warners when that company pur- chased the Hoffman circuit expires. Warners purchased control of the Hoff- man Brothers' 19 theatres, principally in Connecticut, as the nucleus of a strong New England organization. Up to that time, Publix was the dominant factor in that ter- ritorial division. Hoffman was contracted to supervise the development, which was completed some few months ago. Few U. S. Films Rejected In 1930, only 3.2 percent of the feature films imported into Australia from the United States were finally rejected by the Australian censor, while the British rejec- tions were eight percent. Schoedsack Sails July 9 Ernest B. Schoedsack, explorer-producer, will sail from San Francisco, July 9, for In- dia, to film scenes for "The Lives of a Bengal Lancer," Paramount film. Tribute by Hy Daab The death of Harry Reichenbach marks the passing of a gay, coura- geous spirit. He gave glannour and color to the industry in an era which saw the mo- tion picture soar to unexampled heights. His death is particularly distress- ing today when one contemplates the sadly dispirited mood of an in- dustry which is fundamentally emo- tional. Harry Reichenbach took the com- monplace and the routine and lifted them to the clouds on the wings of fabulous Imagination and energy. We need such spirit woefully in this stuffed shirt era of the movies. Twelve Westerns On Big 4 List John R. Freuler, president of Big 4 Film, has completed the line-up of action West- erns to be distributed by his company for the season 1931-1932. They are to be released at the rate of one a month and will be di- vided into two series. Titles on the 12 in- clude : "Headin' for Trouble," "Cyclone Kid," "Lure of the Range,'' "Desert Spawn," "Rip Roaring Broncs," "Mark of the Spur," "Blazed Trails," "Highway Rider s," "Hard Pan Gulch," "Rio Grande Raiders," "Guns and Saddles" and "Quick Trigger Lee." The series of six melodramas to be re- leased by Big 4 will be announced upon completion of plans for the Westerns. John R. Freuler Story Scouts in Europe William Worthington and John Twist, Radio studio story scouts, are in Europe searching for material in foreign books and plays. Worthington will be in France and Italy, Twist in England and Germany. Langdon Honor Guest Harry Langdon, comedian, and his wife were honor guests at the last monthly meet- ing of Stage and Screen Scribes of Ameri- ca, held at the Cincinnati Zoo. Starts Southern Circuit J. W. Myers of New York is establishing a circuit of 15 houses in Texas and Louisi- ana. His headquarters are in Dallas. All Broadway in Final Farewell to Harry Reichenbach The tribute this week to the memory of Harry L. Reichenbach, who died on July 3 at Doctors' Hospital in New York, once more brought to light the fallacies of the old maxims that the human equation in the amusement world is chilled to affection for a favorite son, or that Broadway's heart is worn on a coat sleeve. Newcomers to Broadway and gray- haired veterans of "Mazda Lane" bowed heads lowly with lead- ers of New York gov- ernment, including Mayor James J. Walk- er, and with hundreds who came to pay hom- age from the general Harry Reichenbach business world, news- paperdom and the film industry, who, led by Will H. Hays, Grover Whalen, Sidney Kent, Florenz Ziegfeld, Jesse L. Lasky and A. C. Blumenthal, gathered in mournful silence while Dr. Nathan Krass conducted services at Temple Emanu-El. Later they joined with Harry Hershfield, eulogist, to bid farewell to Reichenbach, dean of American exploiteers and one of the most colorful characters ever known to motion pictures, or to the city rooms of most of the country's newspapers. The end came after a painful cancerous illness of several months, during which Reichenbach's almost unbeatable grit, keen intellect and steeled nerve fought so vigor- ously as to cause amazement to many old students of medical science. But the odds were too great. Reichenbach was born March 17, 1882 at Frostburg, Md., the son of Charles and Ma- tilda Reichenbach. He was one of a family of eight, of whom six survive. They are Wal- ter, Leon, Joseph, Howard, Elsie and Mrs. Lee Hass. He is survived by his widow, Lu- cinda Bacon Reichenbach. Reichenbach was a major in the World War but never used the title because he did not feel that he had won it fighting. He served as attache of the American Diplomatic Corps and was assigned in charge of enemy propa- ganda on the Western Front. For five months he was with Lord Northcliffe in England. He was personally responsible for bombarding the enemy lines with over 45 million pieces of propaganda. He served continuously with the American Diplomatic service for three years from 1916 to 1919 and was awarded the vic- tory medal and the New York State military medal. For 13 years he was advance agent for road shows playing one night stands. He was road agent for Henry B. Harris. Later he handled publicity for David Belasco, Florenz Ziegfeld, Klaw & Erlanger. A. H. Woods and John Cort. He resigned his post with Morris Gest to join Jesse Lasky and helo establish the Lasky Play Company. He left Lasky to be- come Metro's advertising and publicity direc- tor. Then to World-Equitable, later becom- ing a partner in the Frohman concern. He then opened a free lance publicity bureau but never had more than two on his staff. He was an ardent fight fan and his favor- ite pastime was attending the fights at Madi- son Square Garden with Mayor Walker. His last public appearance was as toast- master at a testimonial dinner for Harry Hershfield. July 11. 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 23 WHAT THE PRESS SATS THE BOSTON TRANSCRIPT edito- rially makes protest coticerning the screen's typical manner of presenting irrelevant credits and the limited footage given to casts, in the following terms: Via the Films Habitual attendants at the motion pictures have observed here and there of late certain subtle forms of adver- tising creeping into them. They are not flamboyant, not intrusive, they do not exasperate the spectator who wants his money's worth of picture and nothing more . . . The only ques- tion is whether this may not, like some radio advertising, become too insistent, come to be lugged in with no rhyme nor reason except the ex- ploiting of a brand of merchandise. Evidently the question has come up in Hollywood, for now one of the great potentates of the motion-picture industry announces that in the films produced by his company there will be no such advertising. We do not find, however, that he touches upon another phase of mo- tion-picture advertising, and that is the interludes during which coming shows cast their shadows before on the screen. In some cases this takes the form of the most arrant bally- hooing. Some of the producers man- age these advance announcements so cleverly that they form part of the entertainment — but it might be wished that one and all would cur- tail this feature of their programs and give a few seconds more to the pro- jection of the cast on the screen, so that the spectator could get the glim- mering of an idea what players are taking the minor parts. It seems to us that this is of more importance to the audience than reading the names of the electricians and assistant vice- directors and call-boys and general utility functionaries and general odds and ends. They may be most necessary to a perfect production, but the public might as well read a page in the city directory for all the con- tribution the names make to an in- i-elligent enjoyment of the show. AAA THE SAN FRANCISCO NEWS pre- sents an article by Mrs. Walter Ferguson in which she raises protest against the fa- mous old newsreel habit of continuously photographing the army and the navy. She says: I grow angrier and angrier as I sit these days at the movies and am regaled with the news reels. During the past six weeks, accord- ing to faithful count, not one single program has neglected to show sol- diers, guns, battleships or military maneuvers of some sort. Entertainments are made hideous bv reminding us that, in every cor- ner of the earth, from Cape Horn to AVERY considerable portion of the repute and status of the motion picture in the public mind is built upon the atti- tude and expressions of the daily and periodical press. The press and the public react upon each other, consciously, verbally. The motion pic- ture is quite as intimately related to that same public, but in this relation neither Is so articulate. In conse- quence of this, what the press has to say of the screen assumes a special importance to the motion picture In- dustry, and constitutes a broadly based report that can be had through no other channel. Motion Picture Herald will from time to time pre- sent the more significant expressions of the press.— THE EDITOR. Copenhagen, the boys are drilling, drilling, drilling. We see the huge battleships So and So demonstrating what a fine retalia- tion she would make if an enemy ves- sel sneaked up on her. Munitions are wasted on an unbelievable scale. Whether all this stuff is subtle propaganda, I do not know. Prob- ably not. But as an audience of one, I'm announcing that I'm fed up on it. Most of us merely resign ourselves to the inevitable and take militarism for granted, but it's hardly logical to argue that all this play of belliger- ency will not bring about disastrous results. The trouble with the pacifists is that they are too pacific. The men who love and honor war shriek its glories to the heavens, while those of us who dream of concord are con- tent with timid expostulation. The solemn Associated Press has purveyed to the newspapers of Amer- ica the following important dispatch: COPENHAGEN, July 6— His first visit to civilization was too much for Otto Knudsen, Eskimo hunter of the Lauge Koch Arctic Expedition, who became violently de- mented when he saw his first movie at Thorshavn, the Faroe Islands. His companions overpowered him and lashed him to his berth in the steam- er Tjaldur, which brought him to Copenhagen yesterday. This may be news, but it is cer- tainly not the first instance in which a motion picture has put a spectator into a state of mind where he was- fit to be tied.— THE EDITOR. THE NEW ORLEANS TRIBUNE feels that the motion picture might well pay heed to and invite criticism from broader fields of thought, giving voice to the attitude in a friendly editorial which says: Censorship Or — ? The moving picture industry has had its troubles. Here and there its corporations have been reorganized. At a time when everything is coming under critical review, we find a good deal of dissatisfaction expressed with the movies. Some of this we believe is warranted. The movie is no longer a minor in- dustry. It started in a penny arcade but it has become a national amuse- ment and has circled the world. What- ever we may say about it at home, we must all be rather proud of the fact that it not only brings dollars into the United States, but that it ad- vertises the United States abroad. Partly on this account, those of us who are friendly to the American movie want it to be better. While we applaud the initiative and ability which has made it successful, we recognize its defects. The movie peo- ple intelligently set up a censorship of their own under Mr. Will Hays, to correct some of these weaknesses. Of course the public is always sus- picious of a censor whose work is paid for by people who have a com- mercial interest in the matter being censored. Some believe that some of the pictures released by Mr. Hays' organization are harmful to morals and not what should be given Amer- ica and the world in the way of amusement. On the other hand, many of us are only too well aware of the dan- gers of official censorship. For when we go in for official censorship we take chances not only with the dis- couragement and destruction of crea- tive art, but we risk interfering with free speech and free thought. The Federation of Churches of Christ, through its Department of Research and Education, takes excep- tion to some of the methods followed by the Hays organization. We do not know what plan the Federal Council may have to improve mov- ing pictures, and we are always made nervous by the idea of religi- ous censorship. But we are con- vinced that the owners of moving pic- ture industries would do well to in- vite the constructive criticism of their industry by the leaders of thought, religion, education, political and ar- tistic thought in America. The moving picture industry is new. It is great. Its progress has been marvelous. It enjoys enormous patronage and in our opinion should and can have additional patronage. It is time, however, for it to take, constructive steps to improve its prod- ■ uct. 24 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 11, 19 3 1 THE WHITE HOUSE WA S H I N GTO M July 1, 1931. Mr, Hiram S. Brown, President, R. K. 0. Corporation, 1560 Broadway, New York City. Dear Mr. ^rown: Any movement that tends to foster patriotism, instill love for coiintry in the minds of our youth and encourage confidence among our people in the ultimate welfare and prosperity of the United States is deserving of the support of every loyal American. It is for this reason that I am happy to endorse the program, sponsored by your organization at the suggestion of the Vice President, to extend the facilities of the stage, screen and radio in promoting patriotic demonstrations. Yours faithfully. President Hoover's personal endorsement of RKO's Patriotic Week is evidenced in this reproduction of his letter to Hirann S. Brown, head of RKO. Edward L Klein To Work Abroad Edward L. ("Eddie") Klein, a pioneer distributor of American films in foreign markets, leaves soon for Europe to establish headquarters in Paris, from which city he will make periodical visits to London, Berlin and other Continental film Capitols, repre- senting American producers and dis- tributors in England and on the Contin- ent in the distribu- tion of their product abroad. Klein says he will arrange for the cooperative pro- duction of multi- lingual pictures with American, British and Continental producers for the purpose of internationalizing film production and distribution. For the past 13 years, Klein has operated from New York, making annual trips abroad, each extending from eight to nine months. At present, Eddie Klein is making New York headquarters at the offices of Winkler Film Corp., 25 W. 45th St. Edward L. Klein S. O. S. Corporation Offers New AC Sound Apparatus The S. O. S. Corporation, recently moved, with J. A. Tannenbaum, Inc., to 1600 Broadway, New York, has announced a new AC operated sound-on-film appar- atus for two projectors. The equipment consists of two sound heads with photo electric cells ; optical sys- tems, exciter lamps, lamp mounts, AC pow- er supply. No motor generators or batter- ies are used. Seth Parker to Studio July 20 Seth Parker (Phillips Lord) is clearing up his radio broadcasting so as to arrive at the Radio lot in Hollywood July 20 with twelve of his company to appear in his sup- port in a Radio picture. B & K Ignores 'Adults' Sign Publix-Balaban & Katz was forced to re- place the "adults only" sign which was ordered by the Chicago censor for "Laugh- ing Sinners," and ignored for two days on the M-G-M film. Lily Damita to France Lily Damita, Radio star, leaves July 11 for a six weeks' vacation in France, follow- ing which she will return to Hollywood for the third Radio picture under her contract. Big Market for Non-Theatrical in Educational Field (.Continued from page 9) tion, long evmced by educators and definite- ly expressed in the Society for the Ad- vancement of Visual Education, has been even increased by the addition of sound and dialogue to the powers of the screen. Now the organization named has such com- mercial interests as Electrical Research Products to assist it practicably in its work, it is pointed out, however, that two con- ditions are necessary before educational mo- tion pictures can advance with the rapidity that their efficacy in education seems to sup- port. They are : 1. Entrance into the figld of enough re- sponsible and resourceful' producers of edu- cational pictures to assure a steady and varied supply of authentic subjects. 2. Development of a technique that most effectively combines the best principles of talking picture production with those of pedagogy. With respect to the first condition, it is pointed out that at present there are only a few hundred educational subjects, many of which have not been produced directly for the classroom. The lack of subjects is laid to the fewness of schools with equip- ment. On the other hand, the fewness of equipped schools is laid to the lack of suit- able subjects. It is therefore the opinion that production of educational films must keep pace with developments in the equip- ment field if this division of the motion pic- ture industry is to advance rapidly. The second condition is involved in the first, referring especially to the absence now in the educational field of enterprises com- parable to the Hollywood studios making regular programs of pictures under the best technical and creative supervision. Still another factor, one which would grow in importance as the first available market neared saturation, is the number of schools in outlying districts not having elec- trical power. This number, of course, is continually being diminished as progress ex- tends power lines to the rural regions. There also remains the possibility that a portable supply of suitable power will be de- veloped. Wampas Child Benefit to Feature Many Child Stars The Writers-Wampas benefit in Holly- wood on July 12, "by children, for children, to help children" will be featured by the appearance of numerous child screen stars, including Jackie Cooper, Mitzi Green, Nanci Price and Leon Janney. The entire proceeds of the two perform- ances, matinee and evening, will be turned over to the Parent-Teachers' Association to aid in feeding the needy school children of Los Angeles. Ray Bolton in New York Ray Bolton, public relations counsel for a number of national organizations, and ad- visory secretary of the National Board of Review, has returned to New York follow- ing a swing around Eastern keys during which he surveyed conditions. July 11, 1931 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 23 A CONTRAST IN MUSICAL TREATMENT FOLLOWING that mythical line of least resistance which distinguishes the medi- ocrity of commercial product from what is considered as the hazardous adventures of originality, seems to be an obsession with the master minds of motion picture fabrica- tion in this land of ours, at least so far as the fusion of picture and sound, particularly music, is concerned. Evidently, this is a set policy on the part of the big business men responsible for the screen entertainment of our great Grand Rapidized country, although it must be ob- vious to the most standardized intelligence that triteness is a vice more persistent and deadly than any other form of malady to which the arts (and certainly motion pic- tures must be included in that category) are subject. It is true that Old King Sonos raised the very dickens when he first invaded filmland. While Old King Cole had only three fid- dlers at his command. Old King Sonos has all the fiddlers, piccolo players, trombonists, human and inhuman larynxes, and noise- makers galore ready and only too willing to do their utmost. The entry of Old King Sonos into Cinemaland was accompanied by a fanfare that was terrifying. He ran amuck in a copious cacchination of cacophony, rhythmic rantings and the tantalizing tin- tinnabulations of Tin Pan Alley, reinforced with realistic recordings of grinding, shriek- ing and raucous noises that were deafening. After two years of an orgy of sound the old boy seems to have contracted nodes on his vocal chords. In the beginning he didn't have much of significance to say, but he said it in a loud voice. What he accomplished was to demonstrate that he could make at least fifty-seven varieties of noise. This should not be held against the old chap ; he had simply discovered he had a voice in films and just had to use it, pertinently or impertinently. He couldn't be expected to articulate intelligently all at once. But the minds that guide the destiny of pictures seem to have come to the conclu- sion that he still hasn't much of significance to say — and they're not letting him say it, at least not in Hollywood. One is forced to this conclusion when such an interesting adventure into the realms of materia musica as Du Maurier's "Trilby" is distorted into a melodramatic melange of hypnotic hysteria too obviously for the pur- pose of affording John Barrymore, great actor as he is, the widest latitude in the ex- position of his brilliant histrionic gifts. The resultant picture thrills hardly compensate for the lost illusions of those who had sensed in Du Maurier's story possibilities of un- usual musical treatment that would mark a distinct advance in photoplay-music produc- tions. Svengali, as Du Maurier conceived him, was first of all a musical creative genius Some more or less pertinent observa- tions on the importance of music in American and foreign-made photo- plays now extant — John Barrymore in "Svengali" — Emil Jannings in "Der Grosse Tenor." By JOSEPH O'SULLIVAN who used his hypnotic powers in playing up- on a human instrument as a great violinist would express himself upon a Stradivarius. He found that medium in Trilby, and so began that strange alliance from which the author evolved a fascinating study in musi- cal megalomania. But the photoplay stresses Svengali as the hypnotist who uses his talents and sin- ister powers almost solely to dominate wo- men. Conspicuously absent from the pic- ture were those scenes in the Latin Quarter studio described by Du Maurier where the virtuoso-hypnotist weaves his musical spell upon Little Billee, Taffy and The Laird as ■ I AM so BAITI ■ (Siese Soug) Ich bin ja bo ver gnugt. This rolliclcing German ditty is the principal motivating song in "Der Grosse Tenor." It is first sung by Winkelmann (Janningsj in a beer garden, surrounded by his admirers. Later it recurs when the great tenor discovers he has regained his voice and decides to return to the oper- atic stage. he plays divinely the Chopin Impromptu in A flat or Schubert's Rosamonde, or im- provises with devilish artistry ; and of little Gecko rhapsodizing on the violin the Hun- garian love plaints, czardas, gypsy dances, under the hypnotic eye of the dirty Pole ; and of Trilby rendering "Ben Bolt" in a voice which Svengali described as one that has "its roots in the stomach, and blossoms on the lips like the voice of Madame Alboni — I'oce sidle lahre — nn cri du coeiir !" Nor is there shown that unforgettable scene which the novelist paints of Svengali and Gecko improvising on "Ben Bolt," play- ing it in fugue, canon and counterpoint — in minor, pizzicato, con sordino — adagio, andante, allegretto, scherzo — exhausting all its possibilities of beauty, till their suscepti- "BEN BOLT" 1. Oh, don'l you re-mem-ber s»eel A - liie. Ben Boll. 2 Oh, don't you re-mem-ber the wood._- Ben Bolt, 3. Oh, don't you re-mem-ber the school^ Ben Boll. Du Maurier, the author of "Trilby," used this plaintive old ballad as the theme around which revolves the sinister psycho- logical drama of the musician-hypnotist, Svengali, and the artist's model, Trilby. ble audience was all but crazed with delight and wonder. What an opportunity ignored in the picture ! Here, indeed, we find one of the most glorious subjects that could be devised for the perfect exposition of talking-music-pic- ture art, ruthlessly cast into a commonplace mold — Du Maurier's "Trilby" metamor- phosed into a Hollywood "Svengali" for Mr. Barrymore. There is no doubt but that Mr. Barrymore does act — so valiantly, so sinisterly the charlatanism of the role evolved for him, that the musical-psychical significance is submerged and the trite hyp- notist emerges triumphant to make a film holiday. ▲ A A If the masters of our home-made product have any intention or inclination to produce pictures in which music has a really integral function, it would be well for them to ob- serve, analyze and emulate some of the re- cent importations that have been showing in and around Broadway. At the Cosmopolitan theatre that splendid actor, Emil Jannings, held forth with much gusto in "Der Grosse Tenor," built around the adventures and career of a grand opera tenor in Vienna and South America. In such a setting the music flows as freely as the beer and wine of those blessed locales. Herr Albert Winkelmann (Jannings), gift- ed with a golden voice and lusty for the good things of life, breaks forth into song in one of those dear old beer gardens, and the music-loving populace crash the place and join, en masse, in the chorus. They also crash the opera house at night when he is billed to appear, acclaiming him in "Othel- lo." They carry their saengerbund banners and gemuethlichtkeit to the boat when he sails for Buenos Aires, and the frauenverein and maennerchor again lift up their voices in the Teutonic equivalent of bon voyage and good luck. Upon his return from South America where his voice had failed him, his admirers, not knowing of his failure, again assemble their larynxes in a mighty chorus of welcome. Later, Winkelmann's voice returns and he makes a triumphal re- entry on the Vienna stage in "Lohengrin." This is all very natural in such an en- vironment where music is as much a neces- sity as beer and cheese, and the result is a delightful transcript of Teutonic musical life. While no attempt is made to have the music serve in a narrative capacity or in any way usurp the dialogue, the motivating theme is distinctly a musical one and is imbued with what the Germans call stim- mung — a sincerity of emotional-artistic ex- pression characteristic of true interpreta- tion. The musical arrangement of "Der Grosse Tenor" was under the very able direction of {Continued on page 35) 26 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 11, 19 3 1 PAMINe IN REVIEW This department does not attempt to predict the public's reactions to pictures. It does, instead, present detailed and accurate information on product, together with the frank and honest opinion of the reporter. Honeymoon Lane (Sono-Art) Eddie Dowling Returns Eddie Dowling returns to the screen after a long absence in "Honeymoon Lane," produced by V. & D. Productions for Paramount re- lease, and the Broadway star "wows" them. Ray Dooley, Vaudeville and Follies headliner, stands out conspicuously with a comedy part that has had few equals in talking pictures. A San Bernardino audience howled with glee through almost the entire length of "Honeymoon Lane" on preview despite the fact that the picture has yet to make another visit to the cutting room. The picture has romance, plenty of real comedy, action and drama. If the preview crowd is any criterion the public will like it immensely and the kids will go for it big. Here is the story of Mother Murphy (Mary Carr) who struggles to make ends meet in a Hot Springs hotel despite the competition of- fered by a neighboring resort, which boasts a gambling casino. Tim, the dealer (Eddie Dow- ling), has difficulties with the owner (Noah Beery) after he has confessed his love for the latter's niece (June Collyer). Tim determines to open a competitive gam- bling concession, but Mrs. Murphy's kindness (as well as her cherry pie) brings about a change of heart, as it does in the three crooks (Raymond Hatton, George Kotsonaros and Adolph Millar), who arrive in answer to Tim's message. By a fluke the King of Bulgravia pays a visit to the little hotel, is captivated by the pie, and the success of the place is assured. The audience found Armand Kaliz particu- larly amusing as the kind-hearted king. One of the scenes which brought forth the greatest amount of laughter was that in which royalty and crooks battle over the famous cherry pie in a midnight raid on Mrs. Murphy's kitchen. The picture brings Ray Dooley to the screen and brings Eddie Dowling back for the first time since he made "Rainbow Man." The fame of "Honeymoon Lane" as a legiti- mate show, plus the names in cast should bring the public in and the picture will sell itself. Produced by Sono-Art. Distributed by Paramount Publix. Screen play by Eddie Dowling and James E. Hanley. Adaptation and continuity by Barney Sarcky and Jack Jevne. Directed by William j. Craft. Photography by Gilbert Warrenton. Film editor, Dorris Drought Synchronization by Abe Meyers. Release July 25, 1931. CAST Tim Dugan Eddie Dowling Mary Baggett June Collyer Dynamite Raymond Hatton Gertie Murphy Ray Dooley Tom Baggett Wallace Beery Mother Murphy Mary Carr King of Bulgaria Armand Kaliz Pauline Major Domo Adolphe Milar Colonel Gustave Gene I^ewis Arnold Bookstein Lloyd Whitlock Noisy George Kotsonaros Betty Royce Corliss Carmer The Smiling Lieutenant (Paramount) Musical Maurice Chevalier, gay, debonair, smiling lieutenant of the Austrian army, who falls in love with the leader of a feminine orchestra and is forced, through an accident, to marry a princess, literally captivated an audience at the New York Criterion with his pleasant voice and fetching mannerisms. The generally considered able support fur- nished the star was headed by Claudette Col- bert, Charles Ruggles and Miriam Hopkins, all of whom came in for a good share of the liberal praise bestowed upon the film as a whole. Set in old Vienna, this musical effort, the directorial work of Ernest Lubitsch, whose work was accorded much favorable comment, revolves around the romantic adventure of Chevalier, who, as a happy-go-lucky officer of the royal guard, meets his fate in a beer gar- den, then is overtaken by another fate because he couldn't restrain his mischievous eyes. Charles Ruggles, who appears only in the opening sequences, tells Chevalier of a girl he had seen in a beer garden, playing a violin and leading an orchestra of girls. He had fallen in love with her by long distance, and needed Chevalier to help him in meeting her. Cheva- lier agrees, sees the girl, falls in love with her and their romance begins, to the exclusion of Ruggles. The king of the neighboring country of Flausenthurm visits the emperor with his shy, quiet daughter, played by Miriam Hopkins. Chevalier, officer of the guard, sees his sweet- heart across the street and smiles at her, but the smile is caught by the princess instead, and she is insulted. To appease the anger of the king and the insult to the princess, who has by this time achieved a decided attraction for Chevalier, he is ordered to marry the princess. Despondent, he goes to Flausenthurm, and there one night finds his first love. The ro- mance starts anew, until the unhappy princess discovers where her husband has been spending most of his time. On a pretext, she brings Miss Colbert to the palace, where they first slap each other's faces, then become fast friends. The violinist realizes she must lose Chevalier, so she undertakes to teach the mouse-like prin- cess how to attract her husband. The trans- formation is complete and sudden, and Cheva- lier, returning to the palace, comes upon a new sort of princess wife, the kind he had always wanted. There is much trifling and many amusing lines in the film, to judge by the continued smiles and hearty laughs which greeted every appearance of the star on the screen. George Barbier, as the king of Flausen- thurm, was greeted enthusiastically for his amusing, expert treatment of the role. The cast throughout, comment indicated, did much to bring out the humor of the story, and the fine touches in the work of the featured players. The musical numbers were apparently en- joyed by the audience, particularly as rendered by Chevalier and Miss Colbert, both as to lyrics and melody. Produced and distributed by Paramount. Directed by Ernst Lubitsch. Based on "The Waltz Dream." by Leopold Jacobson and Felix Dormanti; and the novel, "Nux Der Prinzgemahl," by Hans MuUer. Screen treatment by Ernst Vajda and Samson Raphaelson. Music by Oscar Straus. Lyrics by Clifford Grey. Photographed by George Folsey. Re- lease date, August 1, 1931. Running time, 88 minutes. CAST Niki Maurice Chevalier Franzi Claudette Colbert Anne Miriam Hopkins King George Barbier Orderly Hugh O'Contiell Max Charlie Ruggles Adjutant Von Rockofif Robert Strange Lily Janet Rearle Emperor Con MacSunday Baroness Von Schwedel Elizabeth Patterson Count Von Halden Harry Bradley Joseph Werner Saxtorph Master Ceremonies (Austrian) Karl Stall Bill Collector Granville Bates Goldie (Fox) Comedy A slight lack of suspense and story interest seemed to be the principal criticism of an audi- ence which viewed this Spencer Tracy-Warren Hymer film at a Coast theatre. However, the patrons, as a whole, extracted a good deal of amusement, as evidenced by their laughter, from the work of Warren Hymer in particu- lar. Jean Harlow plays opposite the two, act- ing the foil for the pair of romance chasing, globe trotting sailors, who have a particular partiality for blondes, no matter what the port. Much praise was accorded Ben Stoloff for his direction of the film. The two sailors, on their way around the world, or anywhere else, spend their time ashore looking up romance, and generally finding it somehow or other. But the trouble is that every girl Hymer finds seems to have been Tracy's girl some time previously, which leads to many a conflict, fistically, between the two buddies. In France, Hymer meets Jean Harlow, as a diver in an itinerant carnival, and falls in love with her. Tracy tries to discourage him, since he has known her in past times, but Hymer believes him attempting to steal his girl. Tracy discovers that the girl is merely after Hymer's money, though Hymer is really in love with her. When he becomes angry at Tracy's inter- ference, Tracy recovers Hymer's money from the girl and restores it to Hymer. The two sailor buddies, then, take up their travels again, good friends once more and in search of new blondes to conquer. Produced and distributed by Fox. Adaptation and dialogfue by Gene Towne and Paul Perez. Directed by Benjamin StolofT. Photographed by Krnest Palmer. Art director, Joe Wright. Recording by Gene Gross- man. Release date, June 28, 1931. Running time, 60 minutes. CAST: Bill Spencer Tracy Spike Warren Hymer Goldie Jean Harlow Constantina Lina Basquette Dolores Mara Alba Russian Girl Eleanor Hunt Wife Lena Karnelly Husband Ivan Lnow Gonzales Jesse De Vorska Barker Eddie Kane The Girl Habit (Paramount Publix) Comedy "The Girl Habit" is a refreshing comedy that made the audiences at the Paramount the- atre forget the blistering heat of Broadway. The picture was good for a constant flow of laughter, with Charlie Ruggles responsible for most of the chuckles. The dialogue of the piece is snappy, as well it might be, for it is an adaptation by Owen Davis and Gertrude Purcell of the play by A. E. Thomas and Clayton Hamilton. Under the direction of Edward Cline, the action proceeds with a steady pace. The laughs have been well timed. The comedy of the picture centers around Charlie Floyd's flare for "nibbling" (flirting). Even though engaged to one of the city's debu- tantes, Lucy Ledyard, this man-about-town finds it difficult to refrain from being nice to (Continued on page 33) OUR PACE IS YOUR FORTU N E at the studio 3§ore than your contract HI calls for \ Half of Hollywood^s pro- duction activities consist of trying to discover what WARNER BROS, and FIRST NATIONAL will do next to stand the industry on its ear! at the theatres WBHWMM^BBI^^BB—i I 1 Exhibitors who have been plugging along at a so-so pace for years are climbing over each other to buy Warners and First National ...RIGHT NOW! ere^s the WARNE STAR H ITS /^QUANTITY WARNERS SET A HOT PACE WITH GEORGE A R L I S S in THE MILLIONAIRE Has done more for thea' tre grosses than any pic- ture this year! PUBLIC ENEMY with JAMES CAGNEY JEAN HARLOW Topping "Little Caesar" records they said would never be equalled! BEBE DANI ELS in THE MALTESE FALCON witli RICARDO CORTEZ Doing winter business in the height of the summer. JOHN BARRYMORE SVENGALI Willi MARIAN MARSH Double star attraction that is getting double grosses! and while the seven best ^^leadership eiaimers^^ were gasping for breathy we eawne through with the biggest fortune builder of them all. ore than youi c o n t r a e eaiia for MONEY with EDWARD G. ROBINSON JAMES CAGNEY EVALYN KNAPP More than capacity busi- ness at Winter Garden, N.Y. is example of record grosses every spot it plays I rtow Po THe^ po IT? |P I ONLY KNEW THE V/ARNEK wAyI" ^i^^llywood^ s ace preview 'Snoopers are going NUTS over the Warner flood of fortune builders / Samples— just samples of the FIRST NATIONAL 1931-32 sensaHons And Get iTHISh "Guaranteed to make you think. Highly entertain- ing," raves Photoplay Mag- azine about The RULING ..VOICE with iVALTER HUSTON LORETTA YOUNG Doris Kenyon, David Dudley Digges Get You may never read such praise again: — "Picture one of greatest since in- ception of talkies." ' — Hollywood Reporter "Brilliant! Proves the inherent power of the talking picture." — Hollywood Herald "Powerful! A cinematic jolt!" — L. A. Express "Most entertaining film we have seen in some time." —Dan Thomas, N. E. A. Service That^s the kind of praise theyWe singing about F I V E STAR FINAL with EDWARD G. ROBINSON MARIAN MARSH, FRANCES STARR GEORGE E. STONE, ONA MUNSON ANTHONY BUSHELL, H.B.WARNER And iTHI "One of the six b tures of the montl tifuUy and huma Cast is perfect " /Photoplay (Mc The Barg; u/ith LEWIS SI DORIS KEI Chas. Butterv Evalyn Knap Una M^'-' IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND |no cornRfilUiSil those— STAR „ HITS from STAR HITS from fhe moment you sign that WARNER BROS, and FIRST NATIONAL flRST NATIONAL Guaranteed VALUES SQUARE-DEAL CONTRACT for 1931-32 VITAGRAPH, INC., Distributors ( July 11, 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 33 every girl he meets, which is offensive to both his fiance and her mother. Through this weakness, Charlie is framed by a jealous rival for Lucy's hand, and his life is threatened by a mob of gangsters. To es- cape being put on the spot, Charlie proceeds through a series of farcical episodes in an endeavor to be jailed. While a "guest" of the city he becomes unintentionally involved with the warden's wife, but escapes punishment be- cause of a bit of scandal he knows about the warden. On his release from behind bars, the gang meets him at the entrance, but he is saved from an untimely end by Tamara, wife of the gang leader, who confesses that Charlie is the vic- tim of intrigue. This is Ruggles' first starring picture for Paramount. Produced and distributed by Paramount Publix. Or- iginal by A. E. Thomas and Clayton Hamilton. Adap- tation by Owen Davis and Gertrude Purcell. Directed by Edward Cline. Photographed by Larry Williams. Running time, 77 minutes. Released, June 27. CAST: Charlie Floyd Charles Ruggles Sonya Tamara Geva Lucy Ledyard Sue Conroy Mrs. Ledyard Margaret Dumont Tony Allen Jenkins Jonesy Donald Meek Huntley Palmer Douglas Gilmore Warden Jerome Daley Warden's Wife Betty Garde ''Salvation Nell (Tiffany) Melodrama Antithesis of the so-called gang picture, yet surcharged with the theme of the futility of crime and, presented in melodramatic form, is "Salvation Nell," seen at the Warner Beacon Theatre on upper Broadway, outside the thea- trical district. It is a picturization of faith and love triumphant, with only a comparatively few feet of film allotted to the subject of regenera- tion. Helen Chandler takes the title role which Minnie Maddern Fiske made so well known on the stage when the Edward B. Seldon play was produced at the now-gone Hackett Thea- tre by the actress' husband, Harrison Grey Fiske. The story, as implied by the title, concerns a girl who squanders all her love on a worthless poolroom idler and finally draws him to a new evaluation of living. Nell Saunders (Miss Chandler) ignores the admonishments of Myrtle, her more sophisticated roommate and fellow-waitress, and gives her wages to Jim Piatt (Ralph Graves), with her love, and in return loses her job. Jim, with money for his poolroom accomplishments in view, sends her to the saloon of McGovern (DeWitt Jennings) for a new job. There Mooney (Matthew Betz) in a wager tries to kiss her. Jim lurches in upon the scene and, with suspicions aroused by a two-weeks spree intermingled with loyalty, attacks Mooney and gets a five-year sentence for manslaughter. McGovern's saloon is closed by the police, and Nell, again out of a job, is advised by Myrtle, who has taken the easiest road, to join her. Maggie (Charlotte Walker)', a Salvation Army girl, intervenes and Nell casts her lot with the Army. Jim, in the silent contemplation of his cell, convinces himself of Nell's faithfulness, but on release from prison he joins two other ex-con- victs in a plot to rob a bank. He learns Nell's address and comes into the room just after Major Williams of the Salvation Army group (Jason Robards) has told Nell of his love. Jim orders him out. Nell wrings from Jim the facts of the bank stickup plans but falls short, because of her love, when she starts to give him up to the police. Jim's philosophy, that everything is all right until one is caught, is her greatest stumbling block in attempting to dissuade him from his plans, even after Jimmy, their boy (Wally Albright), whom he sees for the first time, has won him. She bars her husband's exit; he strikes her, and vanishes through the window. She keeps her engagement at the Army meeting, Jim decides against going through with the bank job, and he finally comes to her at the Army headquarters. James Cruze, in his direction, has kept Graves' character development consistent from start to finish, and the player has achieved the same result with his characterization. There was indication from the audience that it felt Maggie's dialogue in the saloon scene was over- done, but that was the only place where this was evidenced. The important function which sound can play in the motion picture in creating atmosphere before the story of the production begins to unfold itself is brought out in "Salvation Nell." The playing of a scanty-pieced band in the dis- tance, during the showing of the titles, was unmistakably a Salvation Army group. The program listed the role of Madame Cloquette, keeper of the raided establishment, but the role was not represented in the picture as shown, an indication of censorial shearing. Produced by Samuel Zierler and distributed by TifiFany. Frcm the play by Edward B. Sheldon. Directed by James Cruze. Continuity by Walter Woods. Dialogue by Selma Stein. Recorded by RCA Photophone. Length, 7,653 feet. Running time, 85 minutes. CAST Jim Piatt Ralph Graves Nell Saunders Helen Chandler Myrtle Sally O'Neill Major Williams Jason Robards McGovern DeWitt Jennings Maggie Charlotte Walker Mooney Matthew Betz Madame Cloquette Rose Dione Jimmy Wally Albright Wild Horse (Allied Pictures) Western Real entertainment of the Western kind, with more than a thrill or two, seemed to be the verdict of an audience at a Santa Monica house where this latest Hoot Gibson number was shown. The youngsters, especially, gave whole- hearted approval to Hoot and the horses which he rides as though he meant it. Gibson, to judge from the vociferous reaction, is a real favorite with the younger generation. There is enough and more action throughout the film to satisfy, apparently, the most avid patron in the audience. The picture retains the swift pace all the way, with the exception, com- ment indicated, of the sequences in which dia- logue was the predominant feature of the film story. Hoot, an itinerant horse wrangler, acquires a place with a rodeo outfit, by dint of some particularly fancy riding. In the course of the action, he contrives to capture a wild horse, a bank bandit and a murderer, with thrills spaced throughout the sequences. The audience greeted with hearty applause the exciting events in Gibson's own rodeo, with bronco-busting and steer bulldogging rated the most exciting. Hoot proved himself a finished and thrilling horseman, while "Skeeter Bill" Robinson earned numerous laughs with his comedy antics and laughs. The cast in general was accorded praise for its satisfactory work. The trained horses in the cast came in for a good share of the honor, a fight between two of them being rated one of the highlights of the film, and being roundly applauded. Produced by M. H. Hoffman, Jr. Released by Allied Pictures Corp., Ltd. From the story by Peter B. Kyne. Screen play by Jack Natteford. Directed by Richard Thorpe and Sidney Algier. Photographed by Ernest Miller. Recording by L. E. Tope. Film editor, Mildred Johnston. CAST The Night Angel (Paramount) Drama An audience at the New York Rivoli seemed not over-enthusiastic about the Paramount Ed- mund Goulding effort, "The Night Angel," in which Nancy Carroll and Fredric March por- trayed the chief roles, Miss Carroll as the daughter of a cafe owner, the vociferous "countess" ; and March as the young prosecut- ing attorney of Prague, who sends the mother to jail for two years, and falls in love with the attractive daughter. Edmund Goulding was author of the original story, prepared it for the screen, directed the cast and edited the film for final release. Principal among the audience comments was the seeming lack of finish in the story, as though all that was inherent in the story's pos- sibilities, was not fully realized in the film pro- duction. The work of Miss Carroll and Fred- ric March earned praise from the patrons, though Miss Carroll was termed as over-acting a bit in one or two sequences. Allison Skip- worth as the Countess von Martini was roundly praised for her performance, equal attention being given to the work of Allan Hale as Biezl, strong man of the cafe and lover of Yula, the daughter. March, as Rudik Berken, prosecutor, and engaged to marry a neighbor, played by Phoebe Foster, instigates a raid on the cafe of the countess and sends her to jail. The daughter, in whom he has become interested, is given an alternative of going to a hospital as a nurse in training or being sent to the reformatory. On the eve of her mother's release from jail, she leaves with Biezl and returns to the cafe. Berken follows her, is drugged by Biezl and is cared for during the night by Yula, who acknowledges her feeling for Berken. Biezl finds them, and in the resulting fight, Berken 'Kills the strong man in self-defense. At the trial, the prosecutor is saved through the self-defense testimony of Yula. Acquitted, he returns to his fiancee but is sent to Yula by the girl, who realizes the attachment of the two for each other. The film is set in Prague, settings being limited to the interior of the cafe, the home of Berken, and short sequences in the streets of the city and in the hospital grounds. The entire film, comment indicated, was rather too much confined to a limited set of circumstances and settings. Produced and distributed by Paramount. Directed by Edmund Goulding. Story, adaptation and editing by Edmund Goulding. Photography by William Steiner. Release date, July 18, 1931. Running time, 71 minutes. CAST Yula Martini Nancy Carroll Rudik Berken Fredric March Theresa Manril Phoebe Foster Countess von Martini Allison Skipworth Biezl Allan Hale Father Vincent Hubert Bruce Mrs. Berken Catharine Emmett Schmidt Donald Meek Mitzi Frances Dowd Kapka Tod Waller Rosenbach Clarence Derwent Head Nurse Cora Witherspoon Jan Francis Pierlot Clown Charles Howard Matron Estelle Winwood Hoot Gibson Stepin Fetchit George Bunny Edmund Cobb Joe Rickson Alberta Vaughn "Skeeter Bill" Robinson Edward Peil Neal Hart Fred Gilman The Mystery of Life (Universal) Study in Evolution "The Mystery of Life" is a study in evolution as expounded by scientists, but presented to the screen audience in the language of the lay- man. Life in all of its stages from the amoeba to the present civilized man is presented pictorially and in motion, with many microscopic shots to enlighten the average person not schooled in science. Accompanying the pictorial presentation are explanatory remarks by Clarence Darrow, noted attorney and exponent of evolution, and Dr. H. {Continued on page 35) 34 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 11, 1931 1^ PC€DLCTI€N$ IN WCCr g TITLE COLUMBIA PRODUCTION "Hell Broke Loose'" Norman E. Springer. Director: George Seitz. Richard Cromwell, Sally Blane, Noah Beery. Shooting FOX "Bad Girl" From the play by Vina Delmar and Brian Mar- lowe, based on Vina Delmar's novel. Director: Frank Borzage. Sally Eilers, James Dunn. Shooting "The Midnight Cruise" Fulton Oursler and Lowell Bretano. Director. Kenneth MacKenna and William C. Menzies. Edmund Lowe, Lois Moran. Shooting "Skyline" Felix Rosenberg. Director: Sam Taylor. Thomas Meighan, Hardie Albright, Maureen O'SuUivan. Shooting "Wicked" Story by Gordon Rigby. Director: Allan Dwan. Victor McLaglen, Elissa Landi. Shooting METRO-QOLX>WYN-MAYER "Get Rich Quick Walling- ford" George Randolph Chester, original. Director: Sam Wood. William Haines. "Boarding School" Director: Harry Pollard. Madge Evans, Anita Page, Dorothy Jordan, Stuart Starting "West of Broadway" Director: Harry Beaumont. John Gilbert, Lois Moran. Starting "Susan Lenox, Her Fall and Rise" Story by David Graham Phillips. Director: Rob- ert 2. Leonard. Greta Garbo, Clarke Gable, Jean Hersholt, John Miljan. Shooting "Sporting Blood" Story by Fred Hazlett Brennan. Director: Chas. Brabin. Ernest Torrence, Clark Gable, Madge Evans, Lew Cody. Shooting "The Guardstnan" Franz Molnar. Director: Sidney Franklin. Alfred Lunt, Lynn rontanne. Shooting "Hell Divers" Frank Wead. Director: Geo. Hill. Wallace Beery, Marjorie Rambeau, Clark Gable. Shooting MONOGRAM PICTURES *'Partners of the Trail Will TlpaV DirprtpfJ bv Wallv Fnx *v 111 xJCdic i-'i ici^LCLi uy VV<111J' XUA, Tom Tsylor") Betty M3.ck Shooting PARAMOUNT "Huckleberry Finn" Mark Twain, William Slavens McNutt. Direc- tor: Norman Taurog. jTackie Coogan, Mitzi Green, Jackie Searl, Junior Dur- Shooting "Twenty- Four Hours" Story by Louis Bromfield. Director: Marion Gering. Clive Brook, Kay Francis, Miriam Hopkins. Starting "Daughter of the Dragon" Sax Rohmer, Lloyd Corrigan, Sidney Buchman, Jane Storm. Director: Lloyd Corrigan. Anna May Wong, Warner Oland, Sessue Hayakawa. Shooting "The Road to Reno" RKO-PATHE Virginia Kellogg, original. Director: Richard Wallace. Charles Rogers, Carman Barnes, Lilyan Tashman. Shooting i!ady from Nowhere** Adrian Johnson, Barney Gerrard. Director: Richard Thorpe. Alice Day, John Holland. . Completed UNITED ARTISTS "Age For Love" Ernest Pascal. Director: Frank Lloyd. Billy Dove, Charles Starrett, Lois Wilson. Shooting **Street Scene*' Story by Elmer Rice. Director: Kinjg Vidor. Sylvia Sidney, Estelle Taylor, Wm. Collier, Jr. Starting "Scarface" Story by Armitage Trail. Director: Howard Hawks. Paul Muni, Karen Morley, Osgood Perkins. Starting "Corsair" Story by Walton Green. Chester Morris, Gay Seabrooke, Mayo Methot. .Ji'iarting UNIVERSAL "Heaven on Earth" Ben Lucien Berman, Ray Doyle. Director, Rus- sell Mack. Lew Ayres. Shooting "Waterloo Bridge" Robert E. Sherwood, Benn W. Levy, Tom Reed. Director: James Whale. Mae Clarke, Kent Douglass, Doris Lloyd. Finishing "Battling With Buffalo Bill** Henry MacRae. Director: Rex Taylor. John Mack Brown, John Wayne, Jim' Thorpe. Shooting "Strictly Dishonorable*' Preston Sturges, Gladys Lehman. Director, John M. Stahl. John Boles, Sidney Fox, Lewis E. Stone. Shooting "The Deadline" Story by Barry Barringer. Director: Christy Cabanne. Regis T'oomey, Dorothy Revier, Richard Tucker. Starting WARNER BROS. "Larceny Lane" FIRST NATIONAL "Local Boy Makes Good" Kubec Glasmon, John Bright. Director: Roy Del Ruth. Walter DeLeon. Director: Mervyn LeRoy. James Cagney, Joan Blondell, Louis Cathom, Edward Nugent, Noel Francis. Joe E. Brown, Dorothy Lee. Shooting Shooting July 11, 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 35 M. Parshley, professor of zoology at Smith college. In endeavoring to prove the theory of evolu- tion, many scenes in the film are devoted to comparisons of the framework of the lower forms of animal life and man. All the forms of life from the lowest to the highest, as we know them today — the jelly fish, reptiles, mammals, man — are presented in this treatise on this widely discussed subject, which first was expounded by Darwin, and since has aroused controversy throughout the world. "The Mystery of Life" has been playing at the Cameo Theatre in 42nd Street, just off Broadway, in New York. This small house has been pretty well filled during the run of the attraction. A pedestrian, on seeing the marquee sign, was heard to comment : "What is that, a 'Men only' picture?" Produced by Classic Productions, Inc. Distributed by Universal. Directed by George Cochrane. Edited by W. W. Young. Maciste in Hell (Excelsior Picture Corp.) Drama Based on the epic Inferno of Dante, the Warner in New York is showing "Maciste in Hell," produced several years ago by Pittalugia Studos of Turin, Italy, and now synchronized with operatic score and appropriate sound ef- fects at the Metropolitan Studios in New Jer- sey. The New York audience sat fascinated through the picturization of what the Inferno, pictured in words by Dante, might well have looked like. A blazing furnace-like labrynth of caves and deep caverns, in which men, who looked like beasts, and are meant to be the devil subjects of Pluto, the king, and Lucifer, the emperor of the kingdom of darkness, is fantastically displayed on the screen. The story concerns Maciste, virtuous and un- usually strong physically, who is the worst enemy, in his righteousness, with which the denizens of the nether-world have to contend. Pluto dispatches one of his chief devils to the Earth to garner new subjects for his kingdom and at the same time, to attempt the capture of Maciste. The devil is thwarted in his ef¥orts to take Rosabelle, whom Maciste loves, despite the fact that she has permitted herself to sin, and has a child by a prince, with whom she had fallen in love. The devil, does however, capture Maciste, and he is taken to Hell. There he dis- plays his great strength, and for a while, re- sists the wiles of Prosperpine, unfaithful wife of Pluto, and the daughter, Luciferine. Unaware of the danger, he succumbs and kisses Prosper- pine, which act automatically condemns him to live in Hell forever. But in the course of a rebellion against Pluto, instigated by the chief devil, Barbarici, Maciste, whose strength is great, takes the side of the king and aids in vanquishing the rebels. Given his choice, he asks to be set free, but is trapped by Prosperpine. Meanwhile, the prince returns to Rosabelle, and the prayer of their child on Christmas Eve is sufficient to set Maciste free from the chains which bind him in Hell. Photographic effects were generally com- mented upon as perhaps the most striking feature of the unusual screen offering, with con- siderable praise for the manner in which the sound effects and operatic score have enhanced the film as a whole. General reaction was to the effect that "Maciste in Hell" was a film unusual in its theme, interesting in its portrayal and striking in the matter of settings and photographic pre- sentation. Produced by Pittalugia Studios of Turin, Italy. Dis- tributed by Olympia Macri Excelsior Pictures Corp. Based on the Inferno of Dante. Directed by Guide Brignone. Settings by Jules Lombardozzi. Camera- men, Ubaldo Arata and Massimo Terzano. CAST Maciste Bartolomeo Pagano Prosperpine Mario Sale Luciferine Pauline Polaire Barbarici Domenicco Serra Pluto Umberto Guarracino Gerion Helene Sangro Rosabelle Lucie Zanussi George Franz Sala Son of the Plains (Syndicate) Western A newly appointed deputy sheriff goes after the notorious Polka Dot Bandit against a back- ground of what was generally conceded to be most interesting and striking Western scenic effects, in this film of the old West. The bandit, Eddie Hearn, has held up the express office, shot the agent and run for it, dropping the money on the way. J. P. Mac- Gowan, as the father of the heroine, retrieves it, and is about to pursue the bandit when he is shot. Wounded, he returns home, and suspicion, even that of his daughter, falls upon him. But the deputy learns the real identity of the ban- dit, and sets out after him. Of course, he suc- ceeds in capturing him after much hard riding and a good deal of shooting. Incidentally, and romantically, the daughter, played by Doris Phillips, is equally successful in capturing the deputy, Bob Custer. Robert Bradbury, who handled the story and produced the film, has, in the opinion of many, done well in bringing in snow-capped West- ern mountains with splendid effect. Al St. John, in the comedy role, drew laughs from the audience at a New York house. Produced and adapted by Robert Bradbury, under the supervision of Trem Carr. Photographed by Archie Stout. Recording by Balsley and Phillips. Release date. May, 1, 1931. Running time, 61 minutes. CAST: Tom Brent Bob Custer Ann Farrell Doris Phillips Dan Farrell J. P. MacGowan "Drunk" Al St. John Brokaw Eddie ISearn Sheriff Gordon DeMain Money-Makers of Manhattan (Educational) Novelty One of the Lyman H. Howe "Hodge Podge" numbers, in which is shown the many and di- versified ways in which New Yorkers in vari- ous stations of life earn their livelihoods. The majority of the shorts are taken in the lower East Side, with window washers at work on the new Empire State building to conclude the short. — Running time, 7 minutes. Hello Napoleon (Universal) Comedy Lloyd Hamilton, in a lunatic asylum, is the subject of the none too gentle medical atten- tion of four prize lunatics. Harry Edwards was responsible for the direction. — Running time, 17 minutes. Strange As It Seems — No. 10 (Universal) Novelty Oddities in the world are, as usual, pictured in this number of the series. Probably the most outstanding of the subjects featured is that picturing a Hawaiian catching an octopus and then eating the fish. — Running time, 10 minutes. North Woods (Universal) Cartoon This number of the Oswald animated cartoon series pictures the rabbit as a member of the Northwest Mounted Police out to "get his man." He does it, but covers a good bit of ground in the attempt. — Running time, 6 min- utes. A Contrast in Screen Music (Continued from page 25) Willy Schmidt-Gentner, who also wrote the music of "I Sing You a Love Song," one of the striking numbers in the production. What might be called the musical theme of the picture is a song entitled "Ich Bin Ya So Vergniigt ("I Am So Happy"). This rollicking ditty is sung first in the be* garden in the opening scenes by the irre- pressible tenor, surrounded by his hero- worshippers — mostly women — who join in the refrain with lusty lungs and much son- ority. A free translation of the refrain is : "I am so happy, am so gay ! Just like a lark in sunny May, that sings and flies away. An inn with good old beer to drink — and pretty maids that kiss and sing. This is my favor'd place to stay. The world is glorious and gay — Hooray !" The significance of this unpremeditated lay is emphasized later when, his voice ap- parently gone (although he, himself, is tht only one who realizes it) Winkelmann is urged by the opera director to return to Vienna and resume his career. But the great singer, always the actor, pretends to be happy on his little farm and scoffs at the idea of again being the paid slave of the masses. He wouldn't even consider it ! He is contented where he is, with his garden, his cows and his pigs. He is playing the comedy to the end, and as he plays he un- consciously begins to hum his favorite song, "I'm so happy, I'm so gay." As he hums his voice acquires its old resonance; it grows in volume and rises in a mighty crescendo. His glorious voice has come back and he will sing again ! And so — on to Vienna and his triumphal return to the stage in "Lohengrin." The opera scenes are extraordinarily well done. Evaristo Signorini, who plays the part of the singer who substitutes for Wink- elmann in the South American opera house, has a brilliant voice. His number, "Pier- rot's Love" is an original song written for the production by Willy Schmidt-Gentner. The records synchronized with Jannings' singing as Winkelmann are those recorded by Marcel Witrisch, noted tenor of the Berlin Staats Opera, one of Germany's most gifted singers, and reveal a noble voice in the singing of Lohengrin's "Farewell to the Swan." There are several other foreign films now showing in New York which deserve the serious consideration of our picture makers. Notable among these are "Zwei Herzen im H Takt" at the Europa theatre, and "Le Million" at the Little Carnegie Playhouse. These pictures demonstrate what can be accomplished when musical intelligence is made to foregather with other intelligences of motion picture production. Headline Film Finished "Women Men Marry," Headline picture, has been booked into the New York Beacon week of July 10. M. D. Sikawitt, president, has announced from Hollywood the comple- tion of "A Private Scandal," next produc- tion at the Tec-Art studios. Marion Nixon is featured with Lloyd Hughes. Charles Hutchison directed. Theodore Von Eltz, Walter Hiers, Lucille Powers, Edward Phil- lips and others are in the support. LET'S GO SHOW BUSINESS ! LET'S CO LET'S GO because business in general is coming back with a whoop. Because picture business needs only a rallying cry and some more good productions to bring boom-time profits to theatres, because PARAMOUNT, the industry's leader, is furnishing the slogan and the hits. Sufficient of PARAMOUNT'S 20th BIRTHDAY JUBILEE PRO- GRAM for 1931-2 have been shown and finished to brand the group without question the best in 20 years! LET'S CO ET'S GO because "THE SMILING LIEUTENANT" is doing S.R.O. at the two-a-day Criterion, New York, and Carthay Circle, Los Angeles; and has licked terrific heat at the United Artists, Chicago, for the healthiest gross in a year! Because previews of "AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY" led the wise boys to tab it the big money show of the year. Because"MURDER BY THE CLOCK" and THE MARX BROTHERS' "MONKEY BUSINESS" are the talk of Hollywood. because the famous stars, the rising players, the best directors, the hottest selling books and plays are with PARAMOUNT, where YOU, as an exhibitor, know they'll do YOU the most good. And the avalanche of signed 1931-2 PARAMOUNT contracts sweeping into our exchanges proves YOU KNOW IT. ET'S GO, klOW BUSINESS Ith •aramount e PARAMOUNT exhibitor 1931'2 will reap greater '^fits than ever before ! 38 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 11, 1931 THEATRE RECEIPTS Theatre business, according to weekly gross receipts obtained by Motion Picture Herald, has failed to re- cover from the slump which started with the first heat wave. A new low record was set during the "Current Week" with 22 theatres reporting the lowest grosses for the last 1 2 months. No new highs were registered. Last week 19 new lows were reported, with 20 reported the week previous. Business generally was below that of the "Previous Week." (Copyrighti 1931: Reproduction of material from this department without credit to Motion Picture Herald c.vprcssly forbidden) Theatres Current Week Previous Week Picture Gross Picture Gross Albany Harm-Bleecker.. 2,300 35c-50c Leland 1.350 2Sc-3Sc Proctor's RKO.. 1,500 20c-60c Kitz 1.146 25c-3Sc Strand 1.900 3Sc-S0c Baltimore Keith'i 2.500 25c-SOc Loew's Century. 3.076 25c-60c Loew's Parkway 987 15c-3Sc Loew Stanley.... 3.522 25c-60c Loew's Valencia. 1.487 2Sc-3Sc New 1.600 25c-50c W. B. Metropol. 1.300 15c-50c Boston Ktith'8 2.800 30c-65c Kdth- Boston ... 2,500 25c-60c Lrocw** Orpheum 3.100 25c-50c Loew's &tate 3.700 2Sa-S0e HctropoIiUn .... 4.350 25c-60c Olymi^ 2.500 35c-S0c Soollay Square.. IXOO 25c- SOc Uptown 2,000 2Sc-60c Buffalo Buffalo 3,500 30c-65c Century 3,0«) 25c-35c Great Lakes .... 3,000 25c-60c HinpodrGme 2,100 25c-50c Lafayette 3,300 25c-35c Charlotte Braadway 1.167 25c-50c Carolina 1.441 40c-S0c "Charlie Chan Carries On" (Fox) 6,200 (6 days) "A Tailor Made Man" (MGM)... 4,200 (20c-25e— 6 days) "Transgression" (Radio) 2,300 (3 days) "Forbidd'en Adventure" (Para.) 2.400 (3 days) "Aloha" (Tiff.) and 2,000 "The Lightning Flyer" (Col.) (3 days) "Misbehaving Ladies" (F. N.) and 1,960 "Costello Case" (Sono-Art) (3 days) "Chances" (F. N.) 5,900 (25c-35c — 6 days) "The Night Angel" (Para.) 6,400 (6 days and Sun. midnite show) "The Girl Habit" (Para.) 19,000 (6 days) "Five and Ten" (MGM) 4,200 (6 days) "A Free Soul" (MGM) 23,500 (6 days) "Men o{ the Sky" (F. N.) 3,000 (6 days) "Hush Money" (Fox) 6,500 (6 days) "Svengali" (W. B.) 4,500 (6 days) "Sweepstakes" (Pathe) 18,000 (2Sc-60c) "Three Who Loved" (Radio) 17,000 "Just a Gigolo" (MGM) 18,000 "Never the Twain Shall Meet".. 21,500 (MGM) "I Take This Woman" (Para.).. 30,000 "Smart Money" (W. B.) 14,000 "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 14,500 "Smart Money" (W. B.) 11,500 "I Take This Woman" (Para.). 19,000 "Always Goodbye" (Fox) 4,100 (5 days) "A Free Soul" (MGM) 26,000 "Six Cylinder Love" (Fox) 14,800 "Lover Come Back" (Col.) 7,800 "Broadminded" (W. B.) 5,000 (3 days) "Tlie Lady Who Dared" (F. N.) 3,500 (3 days) "I Take This Woman" (Para.)... 6,000 (3 days) "The Night Angel" (Para.) 5,000 (3 days) "A Free Soul" (MGM) 11,650 (6 days) "Always (joodbye" (Fox) 4,100 (6 days) "The Good Bad Girl" (Col.) 2,600 (3 days) "The Lawyer's Secret" (Para.).... 2,800 O days) "A Soldier's Plaything" (W. B.).. 2,150 (3 days) "The Single Sin" (Tiff.) and 2,000 "Captain Thunder" (W. B.) (3 days) "Smart Money" (W. B.) 7,100 (6 days) "Transgression" (Radio) 5,920 (6 days and Sun. midnite show) "Just A Gigolo" (MGM) 24,000 (6 days) "Laughing Sm,.ers" (MGM) 3,800 (6 days) "I Take This Woman" (I'lia.) 15,500 (6 days) "Laughing Sinners" (MGM) 2,800 (6 days) "Annaballe's Affairs" (Fox) 8,000 (6 days) "Seed" (U.) 4,800 (6 days) "Transgression" (Radio) 21,000 "Lover Come Back" (Crol.) 20,500 "Laughing Sitmers" (MGM) 22,000 "Indiscreet" (U. A.) 24,000 "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 35,000 "Chances" (F. N.) 16,500 "The Vice Squad" (Para.) 17,000 "Chances" (F. N.) 13,000 "Seed" (U.) 23,500 "Gold Dust Gertie" (W. B.) 3,100 (4 days) "Bachelor Apartment" (Radio).... 2,800 (3 days) "Annabelle's Affairs" (Fox) 18,000 "The Maltese Falcon" (W. B.).... 15,500 "Everything's Rosie" (Radio) 8,900 "Big Business Girl" (F. N.) 3,000 (3 days) "Smart Money" (F. N.) 4,000 (3 days) "A Free Soul" (MGM) 4,500 (3 days) "Just A Gigolo" (MGM) 6,500 (3 days) High and Low Gross (Tabulation covers period from March, 1930, to July, 1931) High 1-24-30 "Reducing" $ 18,500 Low 4-4-31 "Passion Flower" 6.160 High 5-2-31 "Strangers May Kiss" 8.100 Low 6-27-31 "Alwaysi Goodbye" 4,100 High 3-14-31 "MiUie" 8.600 Low 6-13-31 "The W Plan" and "Donovan's Kid" 4,650 High 12-13-30 "The Cat Creeps" 4.750 Low 6-6-31 "Party Husbands" 3,190 High 4-25-31 "The Finger Points" 9J00 Low 4-4-31 "My Past" 5.850 High S-9-31 "Bachelor Apartment" 16.080 Low S- 17-30 "King of Jazz" 3.800 High 4-11-31 "A Tailor Made Man"... 30.000 Low 11-1-30 "Her Wedding Night".... 14.000 High 1-3-31 "Follow the Leader" 5.500 Low 8-9-30 "Love Among the Million- sires** ••■••■(•(■•r*>>>>>i>*<<>>><>aaa>*** 2 900' High 4-11-31" "Strangers May kiss^ 33.*S0O Low 5-3-30 "Honey" 12.500 High 7-26-30 "Sins of the Children" .... 7J0O Low 11-29-30 "Only Saps Work" IJOO High 8-30-30 "Common Clay" 18.500 Low 12-27-30 "Princess and Plumber".. 2.800 High 3-16-30 "Green Goddess" 9,000 Low 7-26-30 "Sweet Kitty Bellairs" .... 2.10O High 10-11-30 "Half Shot at Sunrise"... 34.500 Low 12-6-30 "Sin Takes a Holiday".... 16.500 High 1-10-31 "Danger Lights" 22JOO0 Low 7-4-31 "Three Who Loved" 17,000 High 1-17-31 "Hell's Angels" 31.500 Low 6-28-30 "Lady of Scandal"* 17.500 High 10-18-30 "Three French Girls" 30.000 Low 6-28-30 "Bad One" 18.000 High 10-11-30 "Sea God" 49.000 Low 6-7-30 "True to the Navy" 26.000 High 7-5-30 "With Byrd at South Pole" 28.000 Low 2-21-31 "Sit Tight" 12.000 High 10-11-30 "Numbered Men" 20.000 Low 7-5-30 "Shadows of the Law" ll.OOO High 3-28-31 "My Past" 39.500 Low 7-4-31 "I Take This Woman" 19,00(> High 2-14-31 "Cimmaron" 25,600 Low 7-4-31 "Always Goodbye" 4,100 High 4-18-31 "Strangers May Kbs".... 30.000 Low 12-27-30 "Remote Control" 13.400 High 2-14-31 "Free Love" 26,300 Low 7-4-31 "Six Cylinder Love" 14.800 High 4-11-31 "Ten Cents a Dance" 24.10n Low 7-4-31 "Lover Come Back" 7,800 iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiHiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiii'iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii T^review Critics days — 2nd' Week) "Ladies Man" (Para.) 13,000 'Good Bad Girl" (Col.) 13,000 "I Take This Woman" (Para.).... 14,000 (6 days) "LaughiuK Sinners" (MGM) 13,000 (6 days) "Mr. Lemon of Orange" (Fox) 12,000 (6 days) "Speckled Band" (British) 11,500 (6 (lays) "Newly Rich" (Para.) 11,500 (r> days) "Just A Gigolo" (MGM) 35,000 (6 days) "Smart Money" (W. B.) 14,000 (6 days — 2nd week) "Good Bad Girl" (Col.) 9,000 (6 days) "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 6,400 (2nd week) "Always Goodbye" (Fox) 14.800 "Dude Ranch" (Para.) 1,500 (3 days) "Six Cylinder Love" (Fox) 1,900 (4 days) "Svengali" (W. B.) 4,500 (2nd week) "Beyond Victory" (Pathe) 15,600 "Five and Ten" (MGM) 9,500 "Women Of All Nations" (Fox).. 10,500 and "The Black Camel" (Fox) "I Take This Woman" (Para.).... 6,000 "Good Bad Girl" (Col.) 4,500 ."Up For Murder" (U.) 3.000 "The Front Page" (U. A.) 9,200 "Women Of All Nations" (Fox).. 7,000 "Hell Bound" (TifJ.) 12,500 "The Tarnished Lady" (Para.).... 2,800 "The Secret Six" (MGM) 14,750 "Always Goodbye" (Fox) 34,000 "Up For Murder" (U.) 16,500 "White Shoulders" (Radio) S,5CC "The Vice Squad" (Para.) 19,000 "City Lights" (U. A.) 10,500 (4th week^ "The Black Camel" (Fox) 22,000 "Gold Dust Gertie" (W. B.) 8,500 "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 11,000 (2nd week) "Kick In" (Para.) ; 3,000 (4 davs) "Seas Beneath" (Fox) 2,000 (3 days) "Rough Waters" (W. B.) 6,000 "Svengali" (W. B.) 7,500 (1st week) "Laughing Sinners" (MGM) 14,500 "White Shoulders" (Radio) 13,000 "The Black Samel" (Fox) 14,.500 (6 days) "Daybreak" (MGM) 12.500 (6 days) "The Painted Desert" (Pathe) 10.000 (6 days) "Daddy Long Legs" (Fox) 8,000 (6 days — 2nd week) "Up Pops The Devil" (Para.) 10. .500 (6 days) High and Low Gross (Tabulation covers period from March, 1930, to July, 1931) High 1-3-31 "Going Wild" 58,000 Low 6-27-31 "Just A Gigolo" 35,000 High 2-14-31 "Cimarron" 26.000 Low 6-6-31 "The She Wolf" 9,000 High 3-21-31 "The Last Parade" 16.500 Low 7-4-31 "Hell Bound" 7,000 High 1-10-31 "Min and Bill" 21,000 Low 4-4-31 "The Prodigal" 3,000 High 1-3-31 "Paid" 26,000 Low 4-20-30 "Ladies Love Brutes" 9,456 High 10-18-30 "Road to Paradise" 12,800 Low 4-18-31 "Right of Way" 3.000 High 2-14-31 "Cimarron"^ 20.000 Low 5-23-31 "Iron Man" 8.500 High 12-13-30 "Hell's Angels" 28.000 Low 6-27-31 "Five and Ten" 9,500 High 3-7-1 "Little Caesar" 18.000 Low 4-4-31 "Love of Aloha" and "Cos- tello Case" 8,000 High 7-19-30 "Son of the Gods" 18,000 Low 7-4-31 "Girl Habit" 6,000 High 8-2-30 "All Quiet on Western Front" 20,000 Low 7-4-31 "Sweepstakes" 3,200 High 4-6-30 "Golden Calf" 13,500 Low 7-4-31 "Lover Come Back" 2,800 High 12-6-30 "Up the River" 17,000 Low 3-14-31 "Part Time Wife" 12,000 High 1-3-31 "Lightnin" " 70.000 Low 5-3-30 "Children of Pleasure" 18.000 High 5-30-31 "Subway Express" 19,000 Low 7-4-31 "Lover Come Back" 9,500 High 2-14-31 "Cimarron" 30.000 Low 9-6-30 "Outside the Law" 7.000 High 2-7-31 "Morocco" 35.000 High 5-24-30 "All Quiet on Western Front" 41,000 Low 4-5-30 "Bishop Murder Case" 9.500 High 1-21-31 "Illicit" 14,500 High 4-18-31 "Trader Horn" 17.000 Low 3-14-31 "Inspiration" (10 days)... 10.000 High 1-10-31 "The Lash" 11,500 Low 6-13-31 "Sweet Kitty Bellairs" and 5,500 "Oklahoma Cvlcone" High 2-28-31 "City Lights" 14,000 Low 4-4-31 "Drums of jeopardy" 5,500 High 9-13-30 "Animal Crackers" 21,900 Low 10-11-30 "The Bad Man" 10,000 High 9-27-30 "The Spoilers" 22,000 Low 6-20-31 "Always Goodbye" 13,000 High 4-18-31 "City Lights" 22.000 Low 10-4-30 "Love in the Rough" 10,500 High 3-7-31 "Those Three French Girls" 16,500 Low 6-27-31 "The Painted Desert' 10,000 High 2-28-31 "Cimarron" 19,500 Low 12-20-30 "Alf's Button" 9.000 High 8-16-30 "For the Defense" 17.500 Low 1-31-31 "Young Woodley" 9,500 A C apital I nvestment that keeps on paying its own way THEATRES can no longer continue to oper- WESTERN ELECTRIC assures you unmatched ate profitably without the best sound. apparatus — made to Bell System standards of pre- WESTERN ELECTRIC — the world's sound stand- cision and quality by a company in business to stay, ard — is a real capital investment — the same as a It guarantees you patent protection, well-built house, comfortable seats, attractive decora- ERPI SERVICE, too, prevents costly breakdowns tions— all paying their share of dividends — maintains highest possible quality of reproduction. That^s why Western Electric is a profitablCf capital investment S O U N D||b^J|sYSTE M Xortbern Electric in Canada Distributed by Etectricat Research Products tnc» 250 West 57th Street, New York 50 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 11, 19 3 1 VCICE Cr THE INDLSTCy MIGHT I ADD MY EARNEST EN- treaties to those 3'ou are receiving ask- ing for reports from exhibitors on the talkie pictures they are showing? No reviews make up for "Straight from the Shoulder Tips" or "What the Picture Did for Me." I cannot tell you how much I miss them in your otherwise excellent magazine. Please tell the American exhibitors how glad and grateful I would be for their help again. In the old silent days they helped me to get many pictures that proved good for the public and at the box office, and to avoid many duds that without their help I would undoubtedly have been caught with. I have always found that most of the pictures that do well in your houses do well here also. With thanks in anticipation of your help in this to us a very vital matter. (Miss) E. A. McKibbon, West End Picture House, 108 Shankill Road, Belfast, Ireland. (As so often remarked here before, Mo- tion Picture Herald finds a majority of its readers better served as to measures of exhibition values by the directly statistical box office reports from key cities, than by the older and once so highly successful de- partment of exhibitor opinions entitled "What the Picture Did for Me." The per- formance in the key cities is rather defi- nitely the performance for all the rest of the world.— THE EDITOR.) On Length of Features "LAUGHING SINNERS," WITH JOAN Crawford. In this picture there is a big let- down from the usually good pictures that Craw- ford has made. For the first time Miss Crawford seems to overact and her attempt at a singing dancing girl was very far-fetched. Why should they put such a makeup on Crawford — a rube with whiskers? Meant, I suppose, for laughing pur- poses, but it only added to the general weak- ness as an audience picture. Here is another angle that is going to be serious this year. I notice that in the new Reviews in Motion Picture Herald, most of the pictures are being made in short footage, some 70 minutes, some less. Every short foot- age picture means that anywhere from $7.50 to $15 will have to be spent for shorts to make schedule. An added expense to the already overburdened small-town theatre. — A. E. Han- cock, Columbia Theatre, Columbia City, Ind. Comments on Pictures JUST WISH TO PASS ON A FEW COM- ments on "What the pictures did to me'' re- cently. "The Spell of the Circus" — Chapters 5 and 6. This serial is not pleasing my crowd. Lots of action in it, but they don't like the stars, and the worst part is the shortness of the chapters. Chapter 5 ran only 13 minutes, while Chapter 6 ran 12 minutes. This is the length of the old one-reel comedies. "Renegades" (Fox). Warner Baxter and Myrna Loy very good in this and Noah Beery good in support. An extra good picture and runs 1 hour and 31 minutes. On the style of "Beau Geste." Pleased a good Saturday crowd. "The Dancers" (Fox). Just fair. Direction and players weak. .Story i)retty good. Lois Moran, Mae Clarke and Phillip Holmes never caught the interest. "Dude Ranch." Played this after playing him in two inferior ones, so it did not draw, but it is a great farce comedy. I sat down and laughed at it for an hour straight and any pic- ture that can make an exhibitor laugh these days is some picture. Mitzi Green and Eugene Pallette steal the picture, but June Collyer and Stu Erwin and Jack Oakie are good. Good for Saturday. "Part Time Wife." Everything great about this but the title. The kid and the dog are great and all the players do well. A very pleas- ing story — no gangsters, no sex, no smutty wisecracks — it's almost a miracle. "The Big Trail." The big trail proved a cow path to me and it was muddy. Did not draw much and did not please much. El Bren- del was liked. "Parlor, Bedroom and Bath." A pleasant surprise. Had 'em laughing almost all the way through it. Buster Keaton, Reginald Denny and Cliff Edwards very good, while Charlotte Greenwood did not catch on. Pretty rough in spots where Buster wrestles with girl ; in fact, A Knockout! The "Buy Right— But Buy Now" campaign which you are carrying on in the Motion Picture Herald is a knockout. This is a darn good ex- ample of real journalism. More power to you! With all good wishes. — Fred J. McConnell, Universal Film Exchanges, inc., New York City. just a little too rough. That's not funny— it's vulgar. "Laughing Sinners." Joan Crawford fine in this and has good support in Clark Gable and Neil Hamilton. Believe they had Gable and Hamilton mixed in the roles. Both are popular, but Hamilton should have been the hero and Gable the villain. Gable is getting very popu- lar, but is better in the "not-so-nice" type of roles. Story not very good and direction just fair, but players put it over. And don't let me forget Marjorie Rambeau ; she can act and shows it. — L. L. Levy, Iris Theatre, Ke- rens, Texas. Walker Answers Nathan Talking pictures are firmly established and "this foundation is being protected through the training of new acting, writing and directing talent," said Stuart Walker, Cincinnati stock producer, now temporarily in Hollywood supervising dialogue for Par- amount, in answer to the recent statement of George Jean Nathan that talking pictures will be as much an anachronism in five years as silent pictures are today. "Notre Dame" Film to Start Universal starts production July 20 on "The Spirit of Notre Dame," feature foot- l)all memorial in which the late Knute Rockne, Notre Dame coach, was to have appeared. Many gridiron stars of the school are to participate. BOWSER (The bullfoundland pup) and Crockett Brown. Note the intel- ligent expression on Bowser's face. And Crockett isn't so dumb as he looks. If he was, there would be no hopes for him. Crockett is mayor of Nashwauk, Minn., but Bowser runs the town when he isn't running the cats. — J. C. Jenkins. Texas Houses Open Before August 23, Sunday Law Date The new Sunday opening law goes into effect in Texas on August 23, though cer- tain houses are opening earlier to give the movement added emphasis. Publix is reported to have opened in Mexia on June 20, where it met with ( ppo- sition from legal and reforming bodies dur- ing previous attempted Sunday openings. Sono Art In Ad Tieup Sono Art-World Wide has affected a national tieup with the Barbosal Shaving Cream Company, on "First Aid," latest re- lease. Road Show Talking Pictures For Indoor and Outdoor Showing* For (in nliht (tandt— cluba — thurchn. G*t • dniilt tn* nl«ht a week toarni ar tia yp with merthaiita In (mall tawni (or om night a vaek ahawa. Shaar tha raarthanta how to bring paopla te thair tawn whara na (hawi now aperate. Complata tound tUm talking aquipmanL Na retards — no batteriai — ail AC oparatad. Saund takan frea tha adga of the film. Cornea eonpleta with projeetlan machlnaa. For use with 35 ram film. Carried in a pleasure ear; ut up In 15 minutes time. Built for years of service. Reproduction af the very beat. Suitable for audiences of 2.000. FURTHER PARTICULARS UPON REQUEST The Phototone Equipment Corporation OF AMERICA 309 N. Illinois Street Indianapolis, Ind. July 11, 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 51 The BLUEBOOK School Answer to Question No. 85 By F. H. RICHARDSON BLUEBOOK SCHOOL QUESTION NO. 90 — Before threading film info a sound reproducing projector, teil us just what exannlnation of parts you would make. (B) what are the most vital points In threading sound film Into a projector? (C) What will be the effect of a wrong loop setting? What is the exact distance between the center of the picture aperture and the center of the sound aperture of all projectors, following the correct film path of course? The question zvas: (A) Explain just how you determine when your intermittent move- ment is in need of adjustment. (B) Tell us, in minute detail, just how you proceed to adjust the intermittent movement of your projector, telling us what make it is. (C) Just at what point do you ask for a renewal of your intermittent sprockets, explaining, in detail, how you determine whether or not they need renewing. This first set of purely projection ques- tions certainly flooded the market. For the first time, while they have not been counted. I am sure there are well over 1,000 answers. I cannot possibly print all the names of those answering correctly, but will set be- fore you certain ones who gave answers of exceptional excellence, as follows : C. Rau and S. Evans, Lester Borst, Thomas Riddle, Joseph E. Bliven, Alexan- der Thomas, B. L. Day, Dick T. Bann, Frank T. Marion, George Thompson, Ben Edwards, Bill Doe, R. D. O'Brien, John Steele, Andrew Schaefer, F. K. Post, Thomas Dunbar, Benjamin, Shawnison, Neut Van Vaukenburg, James Devoy and G. M. Myers. AAA The above, remember, do not by any means constitute the names of those sending correct answers. I name only those making exceptionally good replies. I have concluded to split up the answer, different sections being best answered by different ones. First, we will hear from James Devoy on Section (A). "If the projector be running smoothly and quietly and the picture is perfectly steady on the screen, then we have a per- fect condition, with which it is never well to meddle. On the other hand, if there be movement in the picture, or if the inter- mittent movement begins to develop noise, then its condition should be promptly checked. "To test the movement, place the move- ment squarely on "the lock." Then, using your fingers, try to rock the intermittent sprocket circumstantially ; also to move it endwise. "If there is anything more than a barely perceptible circumferential movement felt, when the movement is cold or if the sprocket can be moved endwise sufficiently to feel it, then that movement should be taken out and a spare movement installed, if one there be. AAA "The test for circumferential movement should be made with equal care on each of the four sections of the lock. That is to say, on each channel if it be a star move- ment ; on each of the four pins if it be a Powers movement. In this test great care must be exercised, remembering that a thousandth of an inch movement at the sprocket will mean a great many thou- sandths of an inch on the screen. "Summing up, any circumferential play of the intermittent sprocket over and above the amount which may be barely felt WHEN THE MOVEMENT IS COLD, is too much. When the movement is hot you should not be able to feel any at all. There must be no perceptible end movement. Don't forget that both the driving and driven movement will expand considerably as they heat up, and while there will also be some expansion in the frame carrying the bear- ings, it will hardly be sufficient to compen- sate fur the expansion of the parts them- selves." AAA And now we will listen to Messrs. Rau and Evans on section (B). They say: "Our projectors are Simplex, Model M. To adjust their movement, which is a double bearing, the entire movement is removed from the projector mechanism, laid on a bench or table, with the main oil cup point- ing directly upward in a center position, making certain that the movement is squarely on the lock. Next the six cover screws are loosened, whereupon the weight of the loosened cover plate will shove or push the two elements of the movement to- gether by weight (gravity) just sufficiently to effect the necessary adjustment. Then, being very sure the adjustment is not dis- turbed, tighten the cover holding screws, re- place the movement and the job is finished, so far as concerns circumferential move- ment. "If there be end play in the intermittent sprocket, which, of course, means end play in the star shaft itself, loosen the two set screws in the collar at the end of the shaft, pulling outward on the sprocket, at the same time shoving in the opposite direction on the collar. Tighten the set screws and all should be well. (Note: I am not certain, but believe the collar may well be rotated slightly, to avoid possible indentations made in the shaft by the collar set screws in its former location. —Ed.) AAA "Caution : Do not exert too much pres- sure in shoving and pulling, lest you set the collar up too tightly. No friction should be set up. Just fit the collar up snugly, but without mechanical binding." We will listen to Brother Van Vaulken- burg on (C). He says: "I ask for renewal just as soon as any perceptible wear is shown on the under side of the intermittent sprocket teeth under the action of a good strong magnifying glass, which latter I induced friend boss to pur- chase. Just as soon as "undercut" can be seen on the wearing side of the teeth, the sprocket is due at the junk pile. "In case the projectionist himself installs new parts, then two spare intermittent sprockets should be kept on hand, coated .with vaseline and wrapped in a soft cloth, protected by being packed in a small wooden box." 52 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 11. 19 3 1 J. C Jenkins— His Colyum Minneapolis, Minn. DEAR HERALD: We are indebted to Mr. L. O. Kirkeberg, manager of the State theatre, a Publix house at Mankato, for courtesies shown us when we called on him last Tuesday. We found Mr. Kirkeberg a very delightful gen- tleman and we wish to take this means of expressing our appreciation for his kind- ness. At the time we called he was having a rnatinee and promptly at the hour for the burial services for Mr. Isaac Ruben, a well known and high respected theatreman of Minneapolis, he stopped the show and a Congregational minister appeared on the stage and conducted a short memorial ser- vice in honor of Mr. Ruben. We understand that all Publix houses throughout Minnesota were instructed to hold similar services at that hour and Pub- lix is to be commended for showing this mark of respect to the memory of Mr. Ru- ben. In the passing of both Mr. Finkelstein and Mr. Ruben, the Minnesota theatre cir- cle has two vacant chairs that will be dif- ficult to fill. The industry has indeed lost two highly respected and much loved mem- bers, and the community in which they lived and labored will feel the loss of these two most excellent citizens. AAA When you are in Minneapolis and you meet a stranger on the street, you will be perfectly safe to say, "Good morning, Mr. Johnson." You will hit it every time. There are 2,115 Johnsons listed in the telephone directory (we counted 'em) and that's too much Johnson, if you ask us. AAA Jack Oakie in "JUNE MOON" imperson- ated some of the present-day song writers just about as we had them pictured, a little wabbly in the head, and the lyrics Jack wrote for his songs had about as much sense to them as the bulk of the stuff we are forced to listen to when they have all the exits locked. When it comes to playing goofy parts we will have to take off our hats, etc., to Jack and Zasu Pitts ; they're the two big- gest goofs on the screen, and when we see them play we wonder why they didn't cover 'em up the night of the big frost. They are both most excellent players and that's why we never aim to miss one of their pictures. Sometimes when we see Zasu play a goofy part we feel like we wanted to give her a spoonful of red pepper and rub cowitch on her back to give her a little pep, and when she makes us feel that way you may know she is playing her part. AAA The other day when we rounded a sharp turn in the road we came within an ace of plowing into a flock of bovines on the highway and smearing raw beef all over the landscape. Whenever a cow gets her mind set on a bunch of grass on the oppo- site side of the road, a Buick, Lincoln or an Austin doesn't mean a thing to her. We never saw a cow or a bull that didn't think it had the right of way, and we have seen some of 'em sitting behind steering-wheels, too. A New Theatre Mr. and Mrs. Joe Schindele of Granite Falls have built themselves a brand new theatre since we called there two years ago and have it equipped with excellent sound, it took nerve to put that much money in a theatre in a town the size of Granite Falls, but what Joe lacked in nerve (if he lacked any) was made up by the good looks and popularity of Mrs. Schindele, both of which are big assets to any theatre. We predict that they will make a success. AAA Charles Closson of Anoka has put a lot of "fixin's" in his theatre and made it look like a city show house. Charlie is build- ing an outdoor peewee golf course which he intends to run in connection with his theatre. He is nutting a lot of money in it. He asked us what we thought of the venture and we told him we didn't know, but we hoped he'd make it go. We never like to predict something we don't feel reasonably sure of. Charlie's uncle used to be a member of the county board of supervisors when we were county clerk "Out Where the West Begins," and if Charley runs true to the old stock, he doesn't have the word "fail- ure" included in his vocabulary, and be- sides that, Mrs. Closson is just the type of woman to greet the public at the box office. We hope they win. AAA There now, it's just as we told you, when- ever we hit a state it starts raining. It rained about all the time we were in Wis- consin and it began clouding up and get- ting ready for business as soon as we got over here with Ole and Tillie, and it set in to rain this afternoon and is still at it. Wisconsin and Minnesota could well afford to put us on a pension, and it's a darn out- rage that they don't do it; there's nothing fair about it. AAA Accredited Pictures Some lady writer, writing for the Her- ald recently, made the statement that in the cities where they were showing accred- ited pictures, the business had picked up wonderfully and receipts far exceeded ex- pectations. What she meant by accredited pictures were those that had been approved by the Federated Women's Clubs and other civic organizations. Accredited pictures are what the exhibitors have been yelling for for years until they have lost their voices and contracted laryngitis. If the women's clubs have been responsible for accredited pictures being made the exhibitors will thank God for the women's clubs and will want to know what pictures they are ; they'd like to play some of 'em. We wonder some- times if there are not too many latitudina- rians writing scenarios and hollering through megaphones. "COMMON CLAY," "KING OF KINGS," "SUNNYSIDE UP," "THEY HAD TO SEE PARIS," "TRADER HORN," "SEED," "CON- NECTICUT YANKEE," "SKIPPY" and several others are accredited pictures that help to keep this business from becoming topheavy. Wherever we go exhibitors claim they can do good business when they get a good picture, and when they say good pictures they mean what that lady meant by accredited pictures. It's the same old thing: you can get ducks if you've got a good shotgun, but you can't bring home much game with an old rusty muzzle-loader. There are too many flint-locks being used out in the production field. AAA We were just on the point of writing some more poetry, but we happened to re- member that George is not a very ardent student of Longfellow and Tennyson and would be likely to bluepencil it. So, folks, you will have to get along the best you can. We're sorry, but 'taint our fault. AAA Three Taboos There are three things they can't induce us to do — work cross-word puzzles, play solitaire and figure on the size of the moon. The lack of good sense has caused more people to go crazy in this country than any- thing else. That's why we have so many jazz orchestras. AAA Next Monday will be election day here in Minneapolis, and, according to the opinions as expressed by the candidates for mayor over the radio and in the press, the other fellow ought to be in the penitentiary, and the chances are that he is right about it. This campaign reminds us very much of dear old Chicago except that up here they use popguns instead of machine-guns. One dear sister stopped us on the street today and wanted us to vote for her can- didate. We told her that, unfortunately, the laws of Minnesota would look with dis- favor upon our severing connections with our home town of Neligh. Neb., long enough to cast a ballot in Minneapolis, that if it was Chicago it would be all right. She agreed with us. AAA We very much disapprove of going to Mexico to get a divorce when the mills at Reno are in good working order. We be- lieve in patronizing home industries, and Reno needs the money. We'd sooner shake "the hand that rocks the cradle" than the hand that rocks the husband, for the Lord knows he has welts enough on his gourd now. J. C. Jenkins, The HERALD man. July 11, 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 53 WABASH AVE. Chicago Three Loop theatre managers place de- pression last on the list of "What's Wrong With Loop Grosses." Mediocre pictures was the first reason, double featuring was second, season and weather, third, and de- pression, last. Double featuring, the man- agers said, encourage fans to wait for pic- tures to come to the neighborhoods instead of going to the Loop first runs. Balaban & Katz, the managers pointed out, have noted a marked increase in business at the Gra- nada and Marbro since the houses switched to double bills. This gain, however, has been more than offset, according to the managers, by the shortening of Loop runs and consequent lower grosses. ▲ ▲ A Alderman Jacob Arvey may do some- thing about that Film Board proposal to hxive blanket, rather than individual, ex- hibition permits issued by the censor board sooner than you think. AAA An official of what local film organization is on the mailing list of what rival organ- ization, thereby getting considerable "con- fidential" matter issued to members of the other organization? AAA National Screen's new quarters on the second floor of the Warner exchange build- ing are about the neatest and most efficiently laid-out and equipped of any in the industry locally. AAA Incidentally, United Artists and Radio may take over the remaining vacant space in the Warner exchange — the fourth and fifth floors — in the near future. On the other hand, we are told that Radio may decide to build its own exchange building. AAA Kubec Glasmon, author of "Public Ene- my," "Smart Money," and other "half- world" screen stories, is back in town vis- iting his old hoodlum friends on the West Side, hoping to get a hunch for a new story. Glasmon ran a drug store at Madison and Halsted several years ago and made the acquaintance of most of the "hoods" in the neighborhood, who later supplied him with many of his ideas for screen material. He believes a new racketeer type to suit Ed- ward G. Robinson must have been devel- oped on The Corner while he was away. AAA Miller's Grand (State street) will re- open in September with new W. E. equip- ment. AAA Fred Martin bought white trou to wear to Educational's convention, the 16th and 17th at the Congress. Max Stahl is pre- paring for the same event. AAA Mike Kahn has the gout because he likes Nice Things. AAA That theatrical trade paper's story call- ing all other "interviews" with Capone pho- ney, was faked^ AAA The Randolph street lobby of the Woods has been converted into an orange drink stand for the balance of the summer. KANE 29 Theatres In Ch icago Closed Since July 1st Since July 1, 29 houses in the territory served by Chicago exchanges have closed, while an additional 39 theatres have adopted a reduced operating policy of one to three days a week during the period extending to Labor Day. By July 12, it is expected summer closings will be completed. A list of full time closings since July 1 in the Chicago territory follows : City Avaloe Alma Bugg Claremont Garfield Halsted (320 S. Halsted) Halsted (6108 Halsted) Harmony (Division) Independence Irving Karlov Kenwood Morton Park Plaisance Temple West End Suburb Bensonville, Center Bremen, Rialto Byron, Rose Homer, Pastime Le Roy, Princess Rockford, Capitol Rockford, Strand South Bend, River Park South Bend, Indiana Sterling, Lincoln Vermont, Princess Warren, Royal Watseka, Star Unions Make Concessions as More Chicago Houses Close Theatrical unions in Chicago are planning further concession to exhibitors as the offer of one free week during June, was appar- ently insufficient to stem the tide of clos- ings, expected to reach well over 100 houses in the city this week. It is understood one exhibitor representa- tive offered the plan, now being considered by the unions, to continue the one week salary rebate of union employees through July and August for all theatres open. Vita phone to Offer Cartoon And Travel Series This Year Warners will produce for this season a second series of cartoon comedies, called "Merrie Melodies," to be produced by Leon Schlesinger, for Vitaphone release. The company will also release 13 one- reel "World Wide Travel Talks" by Edward M. Newman, lecturer and traveler. Confers in Chicago C. J. Lotta, Warner zone manager, in charge of 33 Ohio theatres, arrived in Chi- cago this week for a business conference. LIBERTY MAGAZINE says "MICKEY MOUSE is still snout and whiskers above all his imitators and there are many." WALT DISNEY believes your audi- ences feel this way, too. SHORT FEATURE Sennett Finishes Current Schedule Mack Sennett has completed 24 of the 26 two-reel comedies for Educational release, at the Coast plant. Neither of the two re- maining numbers are titled as yet, though production is very nearly completed, wind- ing up the current season's product. The studios will continue without inter- ruption, with work already started on sev- eral of the new season's numbers. The 1931- 32 schedule calls for 26 two-reelers and 18 one-reel comedies. Rehearse Radio Comedy The second of a series of six Clark and McCullough short comedies for Radio has gone into rehearsal at the Coast plant, un- der the direction of Mark Sandrich. Tenta- tive title is "Hard to Get." Mascot Serial at Roxy "The Vanishing Legion," first Mascot serial, will have a showing at the New York Roxy this week, with general release following in succeeding weeks. In Educational Comedy Charles Judells, stage comic, has been signed for the "heavy" role in an Educa- tional-Ideal comedy which William Good- rich is directing on the Coast. NEWS PICTURES FOX MOVIETONE NEWS— No. 81— English royalty attends Ascot races — Movietone films Niagara Falls from Autogiro — Young Vanderbilt likes Reno — Meet globe flyers' wife and children — Aquatic champicxns show you how at Atlantic City — New Georgia gov- ernor, 33, sworn in by dad. FOX MOVIETONE NEWS— No. 82— Al Smith is host to King of Siam — Outdoors calls to tourists — Parachutist jumps from autogiro — Air wonders circle globe in 9 days — New York police a melting pot. HEARST METROTONE NEWS— No. 280— Mat giants battle for New York Milk Fund — Live stock auc- tioneer in Pennsylvania wins long talk title — Fair Japanese get baseball fever — Rail Zeppelin runs 143 miles per hour — Ski fans forget it's summer in Rockies — World fliers girdle globe in 9 days. HEARST METROTONE NEWS No. 281— "Old Iron- sides" again in service — Paris flocks to the Grand Prix — President greets world fliers — British war chief honored by France— Spanish republic enjoys election — Von Elm beaten in golf classic — Coolidge cuts a birthday cake — Royal Air Force thrilled Britain. PARAMOUNT SOUND NEWS— No. 97— Post and Gatty circle globe in nine days — France runs classic Grand' Steeplechase — Wilkins submarine safe in Ireland — Holland's queen visits - French exhibition — Londos, mat king, retains title in New York bout. PARAMOUNT SOUND NEWS— No. 98— French see outposts — Ruth Nichols comes home — "Old Iron- sides" sails again — Nation hails airmen — Police of New York take weapons for last ride — Schmeling keeps ring title. UNIVERSAL NEWSPAPER NEWSREEL^No. 54— Post and Gatty end world hop in eight days, 16 hours — News paragraphs — Firemen baflfled in blaze atop New York skyscraper — Experts devise new methods for training alligators — Record throng sees Londos pin Steele in New York bout. UNIVERSAL NEWSPAPER NEWSREEL— No. 55— "Old Ironsides" sailed the Atlantic — Russia opens vast oil field — Rush work on dirigible Akron — News paragraphs — From sheep to suit, n'ew British wool making record — New York police sink con- fiscated arms — Flier cracks up in sea as partner lands in parachute. MOTION PlClUKb HhKALU July 11, 1 y 3 1 Ea MUSIC AND TALENT - | REPORT PUBLIX-F & M TIEUP A TEST Would Give Fox Units 60 to 62 Weeks Publix Will Continue to Produce Its Own Stage Acts For New York Houses By ED DAWSON The reported tieup whereby Publix the- atres will play Fanchon & Marco stage units is, it is said, an experiment. The hookup will be tried out for three months, it is understood, and if at the end of that time it is considered feasible the policy will become permanent. Publix, under the plan, will close its Long Island studio, moving what production force is required to supply shows for the New York and Brooklyn Paramount theatres, which are not included in the proposed tie- up, to the company's new studio in 44th street between 10th and 11th avenues. Such a tieup with Publix would give F. & M. a total of 60 or 62 weeks bookings. Between 1,500 and 2,000 stage people will be employed for these units. Publix units, it is understood, have cost the company an estimated $4,400 a week, whereas the F. & M. "Ideas" represent an outlay of only $3,200 weekly, thereby ef- fecting a saving of $1,200 weekly on each unit. It is said that Publix plans through this tieup to make a weekly saving of at least $30,000, or $1,500,000 annually. This move, it is said, will definitely es- tablish Fox, through its subsidiary, Fan- chon & Marco, as the most powerful vaude- ville agency, gauged by the number of play- ing weeks offered. The F. & M. outfit will be operated so as to furnish regulation vaudeville as well as complete musical comedy units along the lines of the present 'Tdeas." Doc Howe of F. & M. has been in New York for conferences with the Publix execu- tives. They have been in executive session constantly. Harry C. Arthur of Fox theatres, when asked concerning the reported tieup, said that he knew nothing about it. Wilmer & Vincent Placing Vaudeville in Six Houses Straight vaudeville will be returned to six Wilmer and Vincent theatres in as many cities, starting September 1, the acts being Ijooked direct. Joseph V. Egan, general manager, said the change was being made because not enough box office pictures can be obtained for three-day showings. The houses are the State at Allentown, Pa. ; State, Reading; Mayan, Harrisburg ; Em- bassy, Altoona ; Lyric, Richmond, and Wells, Norfolk. RUTH PETTY Here she is, boys, — the little St. Louis "torch" singer who has taken Jerseyites by storm, not only with her beauty and show- manship, but with that great blues voice of hers. Ruthie has been featured in Johnny Perkins' Sang, at the Warner Stanley in Jersey City for the past 10 weeks, and now that Perkins is going to vacation for the remainder of the sum- mer, she is going to tour the Publix cir- cuit with a unit. Believe It or Not (apolo- gies to Ripley], during her engagement at this house Ruth has sung a total of 200 songs. She has learned at least 25 brand new numbers and the balance of them are old songs that have been requested by the audiences. She has sung so many songs that she claims her throat has been "crying," for the past few weeks. The management has announced that when Johnny comes back in the fall, Ruth and the rest of the gang will be with him, so when she comes through your town, don't any of you try to keep her there, because Jersey claims her now. Incidentally, Ruthie is like that other St. Louis woman in the St. Louis Blues — she has 'em following her around by her apron- strings. Francis X. Bushman on Air Francis X. Bushman, former film star, will be heard over an NBC-WJZ program each week for 10 weeks, beginning Friday, July 10. Third Year With Capitol Louise Bave, coloratura soprano, cele- brates her third anniversary with the Major Bowes Capitol Family, on the air, July 10. Musical Shows' Tunes Vie with Popular Songs Songs from Broadway musicals now are giving popular numbers a run for the money, with show tunes joining in the ranking of the country's best sellers, and going on the leading radio programs. "Dancing in the Dark,'' one example of the rise of the show song to the top rung, is from "The Band Wagon," the score of which was written by Howard Dietz and Arthur Schwartz. Best known of other songs in the show were "I Love Louisa," "New Sun in the Sky" and "High and Low." "Dancing in the Dark" is successor to "Something to Remember You By," a hit of last season, and also authored by Dietz and Schwartz. Harms, Inc., publishes the score of "The Band Wagon," as well as songs from "The Third Little Show," "Crazy Quilt," "Wonder Bar" and Ziegfeld's Fol- Hes of 1931. Vacationing Organists Make Broadway Home Arthur Gutow, well-known theatre organ- ist, has been vacationing in New York for the past week. Gutow is featured soloist at the Publix, Michigan Theatre, Detroit. Another recent visitor, was Rex Koury, organist at the RKO Proctor's 4th Street Theatre, Troy, N. Y. Rex came down to New York on his vacation to visit old friends, but it seems he has met more new ones than old. Merle Clark will be at the Brooklyn Para- mount for the next four weeks. Clark is not vacationing, he'll have to work plenty, but inasmuch as he hasn't been away from the Paramount Toledo for the past three years, his assignment here can be classed as a vacation. Elsie Thompson the "Sweet- heart of the Organ," is slated to take Merle's place for the four weeks. To Broadcast Pageant James Cruze will present a pageant of pioneer life in the Salt Lake valley at the University of Utah, on Saturday, July 25. It will be broadcast over an NBC-WJZ network. New York to Paris Maurice Lawrence, who for the past eight years has been supervisor of musical activities with the Paramount-Publix Cor- poration, has just been appointed head of all music activities in the Paramount Studios at Joinville, near Paris. UNIFORMS ^MS^ COSTUMES KisSA5fT.o.s BROOKSjTv-ss July 11, 1931 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 55 SLICES or AiCLLIN STAGE SUCWS By BOBBY MELLIN Helen Hudson, whose deep contralto voice charms radio listeners from Vv'GiN, was at one time prima donna of many George VV^hite "Scan- dals" and had one of the highest, richest soprano voices outside of opera. Miss Hudson was singing leading roles in the "Scandals" opposite Tom Patricola and Gordon Dooley, when she lost her voice during a performance, and the now famous Helen Morgan, then play- ing a secondary role in the show, was hurried into her part. Now, after a lapse of years. Miss Hudson's voice has returned, but instead of being a soprano she finds herself with a contralto voice particularly adapted to the crooning of "blues" songs. — Walter Preston, NBC baritone, has just finished lyrics for a modern charm number, "Cute and Sweet." Music is by William Wirges, well known NBC conductor. PubHcation is expected shortly. "Mississippi Lament," a serious composition by Preston, has been heard in quartet and trio form in recent NBC programs. AAA Watching stars in another firmament t-winkle is one of the pleasures that stars enjoy, accord- ing to Ann Harding, winsome star of many fihns, on a recent visit to the NBC studios in Chicago. "Marvelous" was all she could say as she glanced through the observation zwndoivs in the studios tvhere programs ivere being thrust through the air. Though he had danced to music played by an orchestra in which Norm Sherr was pianist in Shanghai, China, in 1923, Harold Holman, jun- ior production man in the NBC Chicago studios, didn't discover the fact until he met Sherr dur- ing a recent broadcast of Verne Buck's orchestra over an NBC network. Sherr is pianist in the orchestra. Holman, whose father is an Ameri- can engineer in China, lived in that country for several years. AAA John Kuhn, Sioux Indian chief who plays tuba ixnth Harry Kogen's orchestra has found a dramatic role ivhichjie fits perfectly. _ Kuhn, who was born on an Indian reservation and lived many years in the West, leads the band of Indians heard frequently on the Empire Builders program of old days in the West. When Bobby Meeker, now playing at the College Inn, set out to assemble his band, some six years ago, he toured the universities of the Midwest, picking the best dance musicians from the many organizations to which he listened. With his group of tune-making collegiates he toured the East and West, playing at many of the most fashionable hotels and summer resorts throughout the country. AAA East and Dumke, NBC artists, have been partners on the stage and radio for nine years. . . . A little crayon drazving of an airship holds a place of honor among the possessions of Wayne King, popular young maestro. This little drawing came from a small boy _ who hearing over the air of Wayne's exploits in the air and the description of his plane, had a mental vision of the ship. Without ever seeing the plane he made this drawing zdiich is almost a perfect reproduction of the style of ship. Although the picture does not ap- proach perfection as a work of art, Wayne had it framed and treasures it among the many gifts that have come to him from his radio audience. . . The present orchestra arrangements heard in the playing of the theme song for the Amos 'n Andy broadcasts is composed of three violins, one cello, one saxophone afid a piano. In- cidently, the theme song is "The Perfect Song," from the picture the "Birth of a Nation." New York Paramount Week ending July 9 An entertaining show all-around prevailed this week. Show opens with an impressive and entertaining orchestral productions overture, conceived and ably conducted by Edward Paul. Staged as a scrim presenta- tion with historical settings surprisingly au- thentic, as the orchestra played historical airs, "1776'' was by far the most entertain- ing orchestral production offered here in a long time. Jesse Crawford's organ concert is on the "Organ Solo" page. The Boris Petroff-Publix stage-show, "Rio Rosa" opens naturally with a Spanish patio setting in which Ted Mack, house m.c, leads the orchestra as Vera Kingston sings the introductory song, with the 12 Bobby Sanford Girls following in a snappy dance routine which they perform in abbreviated cowgirl costumes. Well-done and the audi- ence liked it. The scene shifts to a beautiful desert scene in which two of the team of Theodore, Enrica and Novello ofTer a grace- ful ballroom dance routine mixed with a little adagio. An adagio-ballroom routine done in full dress certainly seemed out-of- place in this setting and the audience ap- parently sensed it because they seemed re- luctant to give them the applause they de- served. Wilfred DuBois, an expert juggler, entertained the audience the entire time he appeared but his act did not rate all the time given it. The entertaining part of. the next number, a dance routine by the San- ford girls, proved to be the fine playing of Ted Mack and his stage-band. Mack, a per- sonable and popular young chap, leads his band throughout the show and offers plenty real music, but he is not permitted to do much else except a little introducing once in a while. He is a very good showman and has great versatility. Bert Gordon, Jew- ish comedian, using Vera Kingston for his foil, gets all of the laughs for this show, with his witty chatter and funny antics. Morton Downey, on for two songs, "Lady Play Your Mandolin" and "That's How I Spell Ireland," stopped the show and was forced to sing two more numbers, "Please Don't Talk" and "Carolina Moon," before the audience would think of letting him go off. A comedy song and dance, which gets a load of laughs, is next done by Bert Gor- don and the 12 Sanford girls and is fol- lowed by a comedy burn-up bit between Bert and the girl member of the dance team, as a sort of prologue to the trio's tango dance. The trio, Theodore, Enrica and No- vello, perform one of the most entertaining and graceful tango routines ever offered in this house. At the finish of the dance, the entire company come on for finale. "Psychic" at Milwaukee Warner Gene Dennis, stage "psychic," is sched- uled for an engagement at the Warner in Milwaukee, after which she will return to the New York Beacon for qn indefinite time. Rom*» and D'inn at C'^^oilol Rome and Dunn, harmony duo, will he seen with the cast of the New York Capitol stage revue this week, replacing Kate Smith, who is ill. San Francisco Fox Week ending July 8 The circus is in town this week and has pitched Its tent right on the stage of the Fox theatre. There are clowns, elephants, ponies, acrobats, aerial artists, ringmasters, tanbark and sawdust. The calliope is about the only thing that is missing and ' how Kanchon and Marco overlooked this in ar- ranging their "Circus Idea" is a mystery. Walt Roesner and the Fox Concert Or- chestra offer the "Mauve Overtnre," made up of familiar airs from the operettas of Pixley and Luders which were written largely in the nineties, when the circus was in its heyday. One recognizes tunes from "Prince of Pilsen," "King Dodo" and "Woodlands." Joaquin Garay offers a new song, "I'm Through With Love." Ringmaster Gatchett, in traditional boots, tight breeches and high hat, cracks his whip and introduces Lillian St. Leon, equestrienne, who rides a chunky horse around a ring, dancing on his broad back and performing the usual stunts, while a pair of clowns draw out the laughs. Jerry, an Alaskan husky, also takes a ride around the ring and bows to the applause. Carl Sayton and partner, European gvm- nasts, do some clever balancing stunts, and perform them so smoothly that their diffi- culty scarcely is realized. Three boys from the audience come on the stage and try their hand at riding the horse, with the aid of the regular cuxus training gear, and get some good laughs. Gatchett and Hooper, in the role of the ringmaster and the rube, offer a skit before the curtain that proves one of the hits of the show. They uncork a lot of new jokes, sing a song or two and imitate musical in- struments. Gags without an odor is their specialty. Miss Bee Starr is introduced as "Ameri- ca's Ballerina of the Air" and does a lively dance on a vertical rope, ending with fifty one-arm somersault lifts. She has a record of more than one hundred of these without a stop. The concluding act is that of Adela Nel- son and her three elephants. She has the bulky animals rolling over the stage on bar- rels, crawling, dancing-, clowning and per- forming on two legs. Salt Lake City Orpheum Week ending July 4 Featuring as its headline attraction this week Harry Fox, musical comedy star, the RKO Orpheum presents a well balanced and highly entertaining bill. Fox, in addition to presenting his own offering, acts as master of ceremonies for the remainder of the show. Harry is an accomplished chap and is ably assisted by a pretty and talented miss. Opening the bill are the Pasquali Brothers in a spectacular acrobatic novelty. They easily might be called three super-athletes. Next come Three Small Brothers, who say nothing but present an array of tap dancing that is in a class by itself. Rounding out the bill are Ray Mayer and Edith Evans. Miss Evans has an unusual voice, while her partner is an accom- plished pianist. Very good attendance has been enjoyed. 56 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 11, 19 3 1 CCeAN $€LCS LP AND DOVN THE ALLCy EARL ABEL (San Antonio, Texas), pre- sented as his organ solo for his homecoming week the following well known numbers which were very well received: "Hail, Hail the Gang's All Here," "Let Me Call You Sweetheart," next a brand new tune entitled "In a Five and Ten Cent Store." This went over great with the patrons, proving gener- ally tliat they are still Earl Abel fans. Next a pretty peppy parody on "I'm Alone Because I Love You," "Love Is Like That," "What Can You Do?" then a tongue- twister based on "Walkin' Baby Back Home" and a closing chorus of "Hair Has Turned to Sil- ver." This chap is still the fair-haired boy of San Antonio. LOU BONDER (New York City Park- Plaza) presented "A Literary Indigestion" as the title for his entertaining organ presen- tation. Opening with special "expressive" lyrics to "Something to Remember You By," and followed by a slide bearing "big" words, Bonder then orally explained that all these big words, in common English, mean "Clear Your Throats."' A chorus of "Ho-Hum " was next sung and also a special chorus of "Hill-Billy Town," with words formed by letters of the alphabet forming sentences. Bonder played four songs together, two sen- tences of each making up the song as a con- test between the girls and boys, and then a chorus of "Saint Augustine," the boys shout- ing out the "Um-Pahs." A stuttering chorus of "Betty Co-ed" proved very funny. Then the audience went in to the serious singing of "Roll On, You Mississippi," "I Wanna Sing About You" and finished with "Dream a Little Dream." BETTY HAMMOND (New Orleans Publix Strand) has a fine novelty in her all- waltz solo which is handled so skillfully that the monotony of three-fourth-accent on the first beat-time is never apparent. Miss Ham- mond opens with Tschaikowsky's "Flower Waltz," pauses for a moment to tell the audience she is presenting a program of waltzes selected from operetta, musical com- edy and old favorites, the titles of which she will not divulge, but will leave as a memory test. Follows "The Blue Danube" played in fine style, the oldtimer, "After the Ball,'" which got a hand before it was over, "Mem- ory Lane," "Alice Blue Gown" which also was interrupted by applause, and a closing song slide of "For You." The registration for these numbers was particularly effective. JESSE CRAWFORD (New York Para- mount) has changed his routine of present- ing his program and this week is offering a story to introduce the songs and to connect them. The program consisted of "Just One More Chance," "All Dressed Up With a Broken Heart," "I'm Losing You" and "Now You're in My Arms." The solo was very well played and Crawford's only mis- take was in using all the same type tunes. PAUL H. FORSTER (Syracuse, N. Y. Fox-Eckel) had the foresight to arrange his organ novelty in a vein to impress and make sing, the audiences who would be in the majority at the showing of "Daddy Long Legs," the current picture. These, he fig- ured out, would be older folk, so he selected a program of songs he thought they would know and like. He surely made a good bet, because young and old sang every song on the program. Forster used as his opening barrage, five real old timers, namely, "Smiles," "Dixie," "Old Black Joe," "When You and I Were Young Maggie" and "Roses of Picardy." Then he switched to two of the newer hits, 'When I Take My Sugar to Tea," and closing with, "Hello, Beautiful." Besides being very popular with the audi- ence at this theatre, Forster has created a great following for miles around by his Saturday morning radio broadcasts, when he presents a program of all-request num- bers. EGON DOUGHERTY (Astoria, L. I. Triboro) presented not only an entertaining presentation for this week, but one that was novel, inasmuch as the audience sang a program of waltzes and only one of them, a popular number. Dougherty entitled this solo, "Viennese Serenade" and opened with a slide explaining that Vienna was the home of song and beautiful waltzes a^d that he had selected the most singable of past and present waltzes for the audience to sing. Incidental music from the "Merry Widow Waltz" was played as the audience read the slides. The numbers were; "Dance Away the Night," "Merry Widow Waltz," "Sari," "Deep in My Heart" and two choruses, one German, one English, of "Two Hearts." As the show caught, Dougherty took four or five bows and could easily have taken an encore. "MAC" BRIDWELL (San Antonio Ma- jestic) offered a novelty solo recently, in which he made good use of the popular Dave Smason, house master of ceremonies and Joseph Bell, the singing usher. Bridwell entitled the solo "Egyptian-Ella," apparently in honor of the new song of that name, which he introduced for the first time to this audi- ence. After the first chorus was played, "Mac" had Bell sing a chorus and after this, the audience knew it pretty well, be- cause they all joined in on the third chorus. For the next two numbers, "Blossom of Buttercup Lane" and "One Little Raindrop," Bell played a guitar accompaniment as Mac played the organ. The presentation closed with the playing of "Selections from Souvenir," Dave Smason playing his violin as Bridwell accompanied him. The entire solo was well done and re- ceived good response. WHAT'S THE NAME PLEASE? BILL HOFFMAN NOW SELLING ENTERTAINMENT AT THE ORGAN CONSOLE LOEWS PITKIN THEATRE, BROOKLYN, N. Y. "Full of Sparkle and Pep, Jiisf Like the Other Famous Hoffman Product — Ginger Ale" Hello Everybody "Susie" has returned to Tin Pan Alley . . . Not the old favorite, "if Y'ou Knew Susie," but a brand new modern Susie, and with a new title, "It Looks Like Susie" . . . M. Wit- mark and Sons are the publishers and they are looking forward to a lot of popularity for the new Susie . . . Harry Engel, presi- dent of Davis, Coots & Engel, Inc., reports that his firm has shown a substantial profit in its business for the past six months, and judging from their lineup of songs it is no wonder that their business is flourishing and showing profits ... In the past six months they have had such outstanding hits as "Still Get a Thrill," "Good Evenin' " "One Little Raindrop" and now the sensational song, "Dream a Little Dream of Me." . . . They also have a number of new ones, namely, "On the Beach With You," "There's No Other Girl," "A Little Less of Moonlight," "Let's Drink a Drink to the Future," "Out of the Night," "I Do — Do You" and "Rocky Moun- tain Rose." . . . AAA Here is a fellow who is a trouper . . . Bill Hoffman . . . Bill is organist out at Loew's Pitkin, Brooklyn, and all last week he accom- panied George Jessel on the organ as Jessel sang his intimate songs . . . Just five minutes before Jessel went on and sang "My Mother's Eyes," Bill received a cablegram telling him his Mother had passed away in her home in Berlin . . . Bill played the song . . . and that is what constitutes a Trouper . . . Our sincerest sympathy to Bill . . . AAA The first harbinger of the return of musi- cal films is the announcement that Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields left for the Coast, recently, to write the score for Law- rence Tibbett's forthcoming M-G-M film, tentatively titled "The Peanut Vendor." . . . They were accompanied by their publisher. Jack Robbins, who goes at the request of Louis B. Mayer and officials in the East, for the purpose of discussing plans for future M-G-M musicals . . . Mr. Robbins has always been staunch in his conviction that, intelli- gently inserted and "spotted" songs will always be an important factor as long as there is sound in films . . . M-G-M execu- tives have been receptive to his theories, and it is for the purpose of discussing them in greater detail, as well as to assist in the musical end of the new Tibbett picture, that the publisher is making the trip. AAA Art Brown, organist at the Flynn theatre, Burlington, 'Vt., is back on the job after a short illness of pleurisy . . . Art had a bad week and the doctors very nearly gave him up . . . But then the young assistant manager of the Flynn came in to pay a call . . . He brought with him a pint of Canadian Rye and the June 20 issue of Motion Picture Herald . . . Art took one look at the Music and Talent section and when he saw the likeness of that friend of all pedal-pushers, he reached for the pint and drank one long healthy dram — and has been doing well ever since . . . Art writes that it was done for Harry Blair whom, he understands, does not care for Canadian liquors . . . AAA That organist, Russ Henderson, up at the Plymouth Theatre, Worcester, Mass., is getting himself so much publicity and popu- larity that, even though he wants to take a vacation, the house won't let him. There is only one way a fellow can get "that way" and that is through darned hard work. ED DAWSON July 11, 1931 MOTION PICTURE HERALD MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE CLUB Charleis E. 'Chick!' Lewi ^ Qhaitmcm. and ^ditai-, IVJOTION PICTURE HERALJ) S^&tf^ QVeek --^fot C^tdual ySene^it cuzd J^^^^^ Conducted By Atv Exhibitor For Exhibitor? Lend Me Your Ears! THE manager of one of Times Square's deluxers has a reputation for spending- very little or no time at all around the portion of the theatre used by the cash customers. Which accounts, undoubtedly, for the way the service staff functions. This house can insult a patron more times per minute than all the others put together in the course of a year. Their latest method, as viewed by an eye wit- ness, is to elbow any patron who insists on locating a seat. This appears to be the greatest crime a paid ticket holder can commit. Of course he should sit in the rear of a huge theatre just because an over- bearing usher orders him to. Times Square or Podunk; you can't get away with such stuff forever. * * * Just to prove that it pays to build up the per- sonality of the manager in a small community, we listened to the owner of a group of small theatres tell about one house where he played up the manager's name and let him circulate around town until this manager was one of the outstanding leaders of the entire community. As for it's reaction at the box office, may we in- form you that this little theatre has played over forty benefits for local organizations and sponsored all sorts of worthwhile drives, etc., until now, the theatre and it's manager are the pivots around which everything revolves. Circuit organizations, please note. * * * Cultivating the goodwill and friendship of vour projectionists will pay more substantial dividends than some of the stocks you may have lying around. The men in the booth can not only make your screen fare better than usual, but can save you thousands of dollars annually through careful at- tention to the equipment, carbons, etc. Besides, they are always willing and anxious to look after little things around the theatre to show their appreciation for being treated like human beings. These facts were forcibly brought home to us on many of our recent trips around town. We rarely pass up a visit to the booth when we stop at a theatre. Not that we are particularly con- cerned over projection from the technical side of the question, but we are very much interested in the part it plays in modern theatre management. At last we've found out why the picture industry grew to such tremendous proportions. It was NOT because of it's popular appeal and entertainment values to suit tne average pocket-book; it repre- sented about the only way that all the "big shots" could find positions for their numerous relations, (blood and "in-laws"). When it was still in the adolescent period, they started to run out of jobs in the production and distribution fields . . . ; the situation became tense . . . ; new relations were coming along much faster than prospective jobs. . . . SO a hurried meeting of the "brains-of-the-business" was called and as a result thcAr discovered that unlimited jobs . . . pay- ing unlimited salaries . . . could be made available at once, (if not sooner,) by acquiring nationwide theatre circuits. \ Result: several thousand theatres under circuit banners ... all the relations are happy . . . and they are so busy fighting for each other's job that they can't spare time off to annoy the "big- shots." * * * i In line with the — ^"give us the pictures and we'll sell 'em" — cry from house managers ; what a pleas- ure it would be if the producers would keep feeding us b.o. smashes like "Daddy Long Legs". Besides being perfect for any theatre in the land, here is the kind of picture which lends itself ad- mirably to exploitation of every sort. These two angles together provide the nourishment which keeps showbusiness alive. "Chick." 1 . 19 3 1 " he Palace jP ■ ■, Fla., to -Z\iy Man- houses in ' olden puli- iie Jackson- • 'ver like hot vja tnat it's an old 11 . " 'viong with the ' - re it may yet . i.are box about .ered with chick- cards were placed ■ - ree red-painted, or- ■■ r, vjixv' ij^- matter on the sides (V;. :rom the State of Ore- ^ U c ; ;ids of the box the copy step was placed in front rjod view. The cards on tlie Are Harmless, But the One ' t over like wildfire, those who ■ it of it that they brought their 1 Bats. It even got a good-sized vnd, as he also states, it is a gag jf pictures. Thanks, old member, J of your change of address and on ers we are offering congratulations on to the post of City Manager. We , ^me to let others know what you are ■ a. When you make your rounds be ,^ards to other members in your section his . Corn- ells the- i corking and built .le Moon." 1 an idea to /ed a life-size •land and which were worthy of the _e willing to be put on jtivities would fit in with Practically every tiieatre in the country at some time or other has engineered a tie-up for window display, but there are many valuable windows which are not producing results at the box-office because the mere dressing of the window is insufficient to become a magnet for the box-office. It requires just as much showmanship in the copy and text views in connection with such tie-up as the actual securing of the window itself. In this respect, may we add a v.'ord of caution to showmen who go in for this sort of thing on a large scale by suggesting that they supervise the dressing of the window as well as the placing of the theatre's copy so as to bring the best possible results both from the standpoint of attracting at- tention to the window as well as to the theatre. Gives A wist To Ads ctig ''Sit Tight" iiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiii" I We're Sore! I This manager of the Or- i ange Theatre has been telling I you a lot about a Month of I Super Attractions . . . and I the old reprobate never told 5 you about, "Sit Tight", the I laughingist comedy that ever i put Hn Audience into hyster- I ics. I Well, if he won't tell you = about it, we'll tell you our- I selves. If you want to lau^h, I ... if you want to forget I your troubles . . . and get I rid of those cussed blues . . . i see "Sit Tight" starting to- I morrow at the Orange Thea- During a period he called "Month of Super Attractions," Dick Moss, manager of the Orange Theatre, Orange, Calif., created some excellent advertis- ing on "Sit Tight," featuring Joe Brown and Winnie Light- ner. Instead of merely announcing the fact that such and such a pic- ture v/as to appear, or giving the picture a personal endorsement, etc.. Moss featured large-face mats of the two stars in ads and let the message come from them. A sample of one ad which we are reproducing here will give you a good idea of how the series was made up. The last ad read : "We're leaving tonight, folks, . . . and the manager says he's glad. . . . Can't get his staff to work — doorman doubled up ; . . . usherettes rolling in the aisles, . . . and we saw the old boy him- self with tears of laughter stream- ing down his cheeks." All copy carried a generous margin that gave the ads plenty of white space. As another plug for the "Super Attraction" month Moss had his usherettes distribute cards to pa- trons as they were taken to their seats, on which was printed an endorsement by the usherette along ^vith words to the effect that she might have the pleasure of escorting the patron at each performance. Still another gag was the distribution of cards to tailor shops where they were placed in the pockets of all newly pressed suits. Your ads are impressive, Dick, and it is a pleasure to pass along a sample for the benefit of other Club members. Glad to hear that business is so good out your way. Remember us to Jefif Lazarus and shoot some more stuff along in the near future. Notice to Members PLEASE be sure to notify the Chairman of any change of address. —THANK YOU JOE E. BROWN I WINNIE LIGHTNER 1 iiiiiriiriiiitKUiliiiimiiiiiuii; iiiiniiriiliinliiiliindiniif Shepherd Says His Mickey Mouse Club Greatest On Earth Claim to being the sponsor of the "greatest Mickey Mouse Club in the country" is a state- ment flaunted squarely at our several thousand members by a Southern representative, one "Sonny" Shepherd, manager of the Biltmore Theatre, Miami, Fla., so if any other Club member sees fit to take issue with the above assertion let him come forth, for until then we'll have to pin the medal on this enterprising manager from Dixieland. His club is only four months old and already numbers over 1,200 members. He further states: "If anyone doesn't believe that it brings in busi- ness, just dare 'em to write me!" Enrolled in the club are kids described as about the best of Miami's younger element, some of them possessing almost big time talent when it comes to putting over songs, radio broadcasts, re- vues, etc. In fact, they are so good that Jack Fink, manager of the Miami Capitol Theatre, has set aside a day for them to appear in his Capitol Anniversary program, when Shepherd will stage a Mickey Mous^ Revue at a special morning show. A recent stunt that was pulled, in which these youngsters were featured, was a tie-up with the local fire department to exploit "Heroes of the Flames." More than 500 "Mickies" were in the theatre attending one of their meetings when the alarm was rung and answered in regular fashion at a vacant lot opposite the the- atre. The theatre was emptied in record time and the kids then witnessed a series of fire drill stunts put on for their benefit. Photos of both club and fire drill appear on this page. As this member points out, the possibilities connected with a suc- cessfully managed club of this kind are many and his contention is based on a theory that once you make friends *of women and children, the rest is easy. The newspapers are favorably inclined towards kid stories, as several enclosed clippings disclose. Sonny, we will now pass along your appreciation to William Michalson at the Fox-Capitol, Portchester, N. Y., and will hope to hear more about your doings down in Miami. And what about the rest of the boys in your town? What are they up to these days, we'd like to know ! Asbur y Managers Avert Stampedes As Fires Threaten Quick thinking and action on the part of theatre managers often avert what might turn out to be a catastrophe and the fol- lowing three examples of pre- paredness displayed by Asbury I Park managers and assistant managers may serve as a re- minder that the following may happen to YOU some day. A four-alarm fire brought down electric wires and threw the Majestic theatre in darkness. Not knowing how long this condi- tion would last, and being unable to learn, Manager Goldsmith The Showman's Calendar" my 1 5th 17+h 18th 21st 24th 25th 27th 31st AUGUST 1st 2nd 3rd 9th 1 0th I Ith 15th 16th 18th 20th 23rd St. Swithin's Day Sherman's March to Sea (1864) Annerica's successful attack on Chateau Thierry (1918) Battle of Bull Run (1861) Pioneer Day — Utah Occupation Day (Porto Rico) Wireless between Japan and U. S. (1915) Lafayette Arrives from France (1777) Beginning of World War (1914) Colorado Day President Harding's Death (1923) Alexander Graham Bell died — (1922) Germany Declared War on France (1914) Robert Fulton's Clermont given first test— (1807) Missouri Admitted to Union — (182!) Herbert Hoover's Birthday (1874) Fulton's First Voyage in America — (1807) Panama Canal Opened — (1914) Bennington Battle Day (Vermont) Virginia Dare's Birthday— ( 1 587) Benjamin Harrison — 23rd President Born— (1833) First steamer to cross Atlantic launched (1818) made his way to the stage, and held the attention of the audience with a rapid fire ad lib monologue until he learned that a resump- tion of the show would be impossible because of the fire. The patrons filed from the theatre in an orderly manner, and a possible catastrophe was averted. At Asbury Park, New Jersey, the entire city was thrown in darkness for about fifteen minutes. This happened during the supper show, when Manager Stonebrook of the Paramount and Manager Jonasson were dining at home. Assistant Manager War- ren Walker at the Paramount made an announcement from the stage that quieted cat-calls, etc., and held everyone in the theatre, not a single refund being necessary. Assistant Manager Hadley Whitfield at the Mayfair, being a talented vocalist, put across several unassisted numbers until the lights came on. No refunds necessary, and many complimentary remarks were heard concern- ing the house staff's presence of mind. 60" MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 11, 19 3 1 Van Hook Comes To Life With A Couple New Stunts He Used Round Tabler R. W. Van Hook, manager of the Rialto Theatre, Morrilton, Ark., comes to life for the first time since becoming a member of this or- ganization with the contribution of a couple of gags on recently played pictures. For "Sin Takes a Holiday," Van Hook used a street ballyhoo of car with banners reading: "Watch This Car for 'Sin Takes Holi- day,' " and for a follow-up on opening day he had a blindfolded couple in the driver's seat with banner reading : "Rialto — Now." The idea of two local citizens blindfolded was a means of arousing interest, so Van Hook tells us, and the stunt helped pull them in. The old wagon which Van Hook used with "Fighting Caravans" was an aid to putting this picture over 100 per cent, even though it rained cats and dogs. Banners were placed on each side and the antique vehicle was horse- drawn through the town. AH right, Van, the Club will ac- cept your apology for being a tardy contributor. Just watch your step in the future, that's all. We want to be kept posted as to what kind of show- selling is going on around your town and you are the Club repre- sentative there. So do your duty. Lamm Ties Up With Chief Of Police As "Last Parade" Plug Before leaving to take charge of the Variety Theatre, Cleve- land, Julius Lamm engineered a corking piece of publicity in connection with the showing of "Last Parade" at the Ohio The- — — ^— atre, Mansfield, Ohio. Faced with the fact that the release of so many gangster pictures had created a scarcity of new stunts and searching for a new angle, he hit upon the idea of ROSEN'S "MOUSE" JAMBOREE== securing a personal endorsement from the local Chiet of Police. As the result of a personal interview and private screening for the official, Julius crashed the local daily with a two-column story with cut carrying the chief's own by-line. In the story, the chief aired his views on crime in general and in a very subtle way got across an endorsement of the current picture. In addition to the newspaper story, this aggressive manager had posters made up in' frames that bore a quotation signed by the chief, for distribution in the good spots around town. Very nicely put across, Julius, and we're sure that this different angle on exploiting gang films will have its appeal to other mem- bers of this Club. Between you and Louis, this organization can always hope to receive interesting contributions. Let's know how the new job is going along and what's doing at the Variety. We'd reproduce a cut of that poster, but it's too faint to show up well. Next time send us a good one. A tie-up with his local tele- Cruciger's T ie-U p s^^^p^^ °^ ^ t^*^^^"" , , in the theatre lobby proved an With lelegraph to. effective means of arousing in- IS Novel Lobby Gag terest in "Behind Office Doors" for Richard Cruciger, manager ■ of the La Roy Theatre, Ports- mouth, Ohio. The company placed one of their electric typewriter telegraph machines in the lobby and the message on ticker tape was sent out from their office. As it came through the machine a uniformed messenger boy tore it off and handed it to each patron. The message read : "See what goes on in conference — 'Behind Office Doors' — La Roy Theatre starting ( )." The Club is indebted to City Manager Floyd D. Morrow for sending in the above and he also reminds us that he used a card gag on "Fifty Million Frenchmen" that was effective. A small- size envelope bore the following copy : "An Interesting View of Gay Paree. Manufactured by French Photos, Inc. (Warning, Do Not Mail.)" Inside was a stock mat reproduction of film ad of lady pulling up a stocking. Oke, Floyd, and remember us to all the boys out in your town. The Club will remember your threat to make regular contributions to this department. When it comes to doing things up "brown," Victor Rosen of the Warner Theatres in Santa Barbara, Cal., need not take a back seat for anyone. As witness his Joe Brown-Mickey Mouse celebration in that city not so long ago. Mickey Mousers swarmed the Plaza in front of the newspaper building, while Joe Brown helped judge their pets in the newspaper- theatre parade. These few pictures will help convey just how grand an affair this was in many ways. It was a glorious day for the theatre's Mickey Mouse Club mem- Dership and marks another step in the unlimited line of exploitation and institutional propaganda made possible through this now famous cartoon reel. "Crashing" the Club pages in any form whatever is only possible when some subject possesses possibilities. We don't attempt to tell you what is good or bad in pictures, but if there is some worthwhile angle that will help build up your receipts in any picture or short released it will "crash" the Club pages by reason of the various showmen's activities in connection with the picture. This, "Mickey Mouse" has succeeded in doing so often that in the recent check-up of exploitation on pictures, it was revealed that we had as many stories on "Mickey" as we had on some of the leaders among the best exploitation subjects released. Rosen's fine work in ths district he handles under Moe Silver is tod well-known for us to comment further at this time. The mere fact that he successfully engineered as big a stunt as this one is sufficient proof that he knows how to put things across in a show- manlike manner. These "Mickey Mouse" activities are proving a popular trade stim- ulator in many sections and those in a position to do so, are urged to take advantage of the opportunities offered. '1 July 11, 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 61 BEST FORMS OF THEATRE ADVERTISING! Many Slants Are Available, Is View Of J. W. Creamer Strange things happen in this business of ours, for instance, just seven years ago Motion Picture News through its Managing Editor Mr. J. S. Dickerson wrote to me at Chillicothe, Mo., and asked me to write an article on "HERALDS VS. ALL OTHER FORMS OF ADVERTISING FOR THE SMALL TOWNS," and now Chick Lewis asks lor an article on what I consider the most valuable form of Theatre advertising and why. In reading over my article of seven years ago, I still agree with it, in the sense that Heralds are the best form of advertising for the small town, that has only a Weekly paper. .... But to get back to my present as- signment Must Advertise Shows may come and shows may go, but ad- vertising in some forfri or other will live on for- ever. Today more so than ever before man- agers are closely scrutinizing where every dol- lar goes that is spent for advertising. Now we are rapidly discarding forms of advertising that only a few years ago we thought we couldn't get along without. We are waking up to the fact that times are changing and that we must change with them. Perhaps the one form that has been most universally discarded is out- door advertising. Why? This is an age of speed, and with everyone in cars, what time have these people for looking at one sheet, 3's, 6's, 8's or even 24 sheets? True these may be seen and probably are by people who are walk- ing, but why waste your money advertising your shows to a minority of the people in your town? Of course I'll admit there are excep- tions where a billboard is a mighty good place to advertise, and I have one of my own, which is a three sheet located right on the busiest corner in town. Thousands of people pass it every day walking, but it is only to them that I appeal in this manner, to the people riding, the billboard is never seen. But understand J said I had one billboard, not a dozen or so, there- for I do not consider that I am wasting money. The trouble with us managers is that we can- not get it through our head that we can stop a certain thing. We use this or we use that and have done the same for years, and we get in such a habit of doing it, that we cannot realize that the reason we do waste money in this manner is merely from force of habit, and not because it is needed. Various Forms Take up various forms of advertising, and we find that Radio advertising is excellent if judiciously used, but it is available to so few managers that I will not consider it in this article. Lobby displays are worthwhile if you have a location where people are continually passing, but if your house is off the beaten track, money spent on art work or lobby display is wasted because so few people see it. If you figure that a certain display will not sell tickets enough to pay for itself, then discard it before it is built. Should your house be poorly located and still within seeing distance of say a busy corner, then a flashy electric display is an excellent advertising medium. Bus or inside street car advertising. You are compelled to have your display card stuck up right alongside a lot of high powered, specially prepared and attractive copy, and what chance have you to fight this copy ? You have the same ratio again of where everybody in the As this series goes on it gets more inter- esting, is the consensus of opinion from those who are following it. So we continue this week with expressions on the subject from Cliff Gill, well known publicity director of the Minnesota Theatre in Minneapolis, and, J. W. Creamer, city manager of the Fox Theatres in Muscatine, Iowa. Creamer is among the first in the series to lay stress on forms of advertising other than the newspaper and considering the fact that his experience has carried him into typical towns where the best selling medium must be sought for, his story ought to appeal to the mass of showmen who are situated somewhat the same as he. Next week we feature a special article in the series from Jack O'Connell of Toledo, Ohio. O'Connell is one of the outstanding showmen of the middle west and a leader among advertising men. Don't miss his many slants on the question of "What Form of Advertising Is Best for the Theatre, and Why?" car or bus cannot possibly see each and every ad card. You are spending too much money in one spot, in which everyone you are trying to sell cannot possibly be interested. Window Displays. There was a time when I was strong for them. But we worked them to death, and too many windows were grabbed off on a too flimsy excuse for a genuine tie up. Window displays are okay at times and are not expensive. Street Ballyhoo. Among the better class of theatres I believe that this has had its day. I am firmly convinced that sometimes these bal- lyhoos cheapen the theatre. Tire Covers. They will sell a lot of people, but the cost for feature picture use is prohibi- tive to some theatres. Used to put over such as a "Cool Thea,tre" campaign, where the same tire covers can be seen for week after week, then I say that they are okay. Trailers. No theatre should try to get along without them. Heralds. Okay, but I would certainly print up a week's program on the back thus trying to sell several pictures at the same opportunity. They should be distributed from house to house by clean, respectable boys or young men whom you can form into a Theatre Club to take care of such work. Window Cards. Tacking them to every un- protected spot that Hfts its face to the sun, in the hope that somebody will come along and spend five minutes reading them is a piece of foolishness. Window cards in merchants' win- dows will, unless care is exercised be found many times stuck behind one of the merchant's displays, or in any spot that is vacant. There is a right way and a wrong way in the plac- ing of cards in windows. Stand in front of a merchant's store and watch the people passing. Those that walk from the right towards the left are the ones who walk the closest to the win- dow, while those walking from left towards the right will walk the farthest away from the win- dow. Now is your card so displayed and so angled that it will be seen by those who walk the closest to the window? Just a little simple thing, but you can easily waste money by haphazard placing of cards. Which Is Best? Probably by now the reader is wondering just what in the world is a good way in which to spend money for advertising, and my answer is the same as hundreds of other men have said, the daily newspaper. Your ad in the paper is going to be read by people who buy the paper. To put it another way the families in your town Selling Angles Must Be Flexible, Says Cliff Gill If the perfect medium of theatre advertising could be conceived, it would probably consist of a 24-sheet size newspaper, carried to the reader on the shoulders of an army of stilt walkers, its advertisement gleaming out on the pages from borders of marquee lights. Inasmuch as the above picture must remain for the time being, just a press agent's dream, he will have to content himself with selecting from the various media represented in his night- mare the one or the ones that will do the work most effectively for him. He will have to find the most effective medium for his particular theatre. There is no one best medium for all. The people who pay quarters and dollars for picture entertainment, and those who could be induced to do so, are the people with whom every theatre manager is concerned. His in- struments of selling must be flexible enough to reach the mall. If his house front is unfortu- nate enough to be situated on a street removed from the better lanes of traffic, he might bring his front and marquee to those centers of traf- fic by means of billboards, or window cards, or newspapers. Mighty as is the later medium generally, the humble sandwichman has right to feel more important than William Randolph Hearst when it comes to selling country store night at the Italo Theatre, Beachdrift, Maine. Flexibility in advertising recognizes the po- tential strength of every medium and the limi- tations of each. It is of importance to the theatre manager who is interested in getting a message delivered and not in who dejivers it. pay their money for the reading of news and of course your ads. They are interested in the paper and its contents or they would not take it. It may be true that in the papers that your theatre ads are bunched up with a lot of other theatre ads, and in case they do its up to you to make your ad stand out from the rest of the mob. Watch the pages of the Round Table Club, in every issue will be found hints and examples right along this very line. If the rest of the theatres go in heavy for black space (and most of them do) then you be different and use white space and plenty of it, make your ads stand out naked almost, cut out every non- essential, play up the feature name and star's name in large black type, that's what the public wants to know. No one can deny that the theatre goer in looking over the theatre ads wants to find out WHAT pictures are playing and WHO is in them. Budget Must Fit In these days of cutting of budgets, it is very important that every inch of newspaper space counts. One of the important things is to try and get your ad in the same location every day. It can be done and I have proof of it right in this town. Locations on Women's Pages are good, because most of your audience is made up of women. Keep off the Market and Classified pages. Try to prevent your paper from running Funeral Home ads, etc., on the same page with your theatre ads. Especially ask them to keep the Muscians' Union ads that are trying to fight talking pictures off the page with theatre ads. Speak to your paper and they'll see your point of view. Summing it all up ... . from the number of interested people reached day after day, from the widespread distribution given you, from the quick delivery service given you, and at a reasonably low cost, the newspaper is the best 62 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 11, 19 3 1 MEYER STRIKES NEW NOTE WITH CO-OP! A fine example of cooperative advertising that hits the nail right on the head during a time when a majority of the population in this country is timidly awaiting a written guarantee that pros- perity is just around the corner, is brought to the attention of the Club by Fred S. Meyer, managing-director of the Alhambra The- atre, Milwaukee. The following copy is taken from a boxed notice carried in the upper left hand corner of a full-page ad run recent- ly in all dailies by Milwaukee's largest department store : By All Means See "The Tailor Made Man" Ifs playing at the Alhambra theatre this week . . . and ifs a dandy movie. Of course, like all movies, it's a bit over-dramatized in spots, and in some instances a shade improbable. But, we liked it immensely . . . not alone for its excellent entertainment, but because its underlying theme is based on a principle we be- lieve vital to the prosperity of everyone in this community. We are of the opinion there should be more people like "The Tailor-Made Man" (William Haines J . . . who believes that those who have should spend, so that those who haven't might earn — and spend . . . for the mutual benefit of our city, state and nation. We feel it would be good if every Milwaukeean would see "The Tailor-Made Man" . . . not a "preachy" affair at all . . . but a lively, interesting picture with an optimistic note. Its moral is wholesome and fundamental ; its message a bracing tanic for those who might be losing faith in the "return of prosperity." Hats off to Fred Meyer ! It is our opinion that if every theatre- man in this country would take a similar step prosperity would be a great deal nearer than just around the corner. See if YOU can sell this idea to your leading department store merchant. Rosenthal's ''Keep CooV Week Is Fine Hot Weather Stunt A most timely suggestion for boosting attendance in hot weather is made by Bob Rosen- thal, manager of the Mark- Strand Theatre, Albany, N. Y. It has created plenty of talk _ around his town and the old B. O. is showing that it is a finan- cial success as well as a great promoter of good-will. Here tiz : "Keep Cool Week" was promoted with the co-operation of a local newspaper through that sale of a double truck for a run of two weeks. Fifteen of the leading merchants were included in the deal and stress was put on all kind of appliances used for relief during hot weather. These articles were displayed in the mezza- nine of the theatre and were also advertised, along with the event, in all specified stores and through all sales. Note the attractiveness of the display shown in the accompany- ing photo. Run your eye right down the line, starting from the left, and you'll see electric refrigerators, ice cream company ads, fans, cool wicker furniture, summer dresses, light footwear, etc. Then, there is a section devoted to the "Past and Present" methods of house-cleaning, suggested by the contrasting items of brooms and hand-washers as compared with the modern vacuum cleaners and laundry methods of today. This tie-up looks like a corker to us and we are passing it along with as little delay possible on account of the heat wave which has swept over practically every part of the country. Now is the time to hop to a stunt of this sort and we hope that every manager who tries it out will profit as handsomely as Rosenthal did. And many thanks to liim for remembering his fellow members. We shall look for another sample of his work in the near future. Did You Order Your Club Pin? Glover's Lobby On ''Skippy" Is Big Help For The Box Office H. S. Glover or the Majestic Theatre, Shreveport, La., had an unusually attention-getting lobby display to advertise "Skippy." The fronts and sides on both =^^^^^^==== sides of entrance appeared like a boarded fence on which was written copy pertaining to the picture such as title, cast and play dates together with cut-outs and stills. All lettering on the fences gave the appearance ot a youngster's first attempt at lettering with many of the letters reversed and turned upside down, but sufficiently clear to make out. At the corner of each fence adjacent to the entrance were life- like cut-outs of Jackie Cooper in a sitting position with his arm on his knee and his face resting in the palm of his hand. Just above the entrance door appeared, "Now Shooting — SKIPPY." And just inside the doorway was a panel on which there was more eccentric lettering together with pictures, etc. The lobby front was the talk of the town as was evidenced by the many favorable comments received by the manager. And it undoubtedly sold many extra tickets, too, which, after all, was the primary reason for the elaborate display. Burmester Sells His Golf Shorts With Rousing Campaign Backing up his opinion that in the current Bobby Jones series of golf shorts he had one of the "sweetest lot of pictures to sell he'd seen in man)-^ a year," Bud Burmester, owner of =^=^==^=^=^== the Hollywood Theatre Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, proceeded to put on a rousing advance campaign to tell his public that Jones, in picture form, was on his way to Fort Worth. During the four weeks advance work here are some of the efiforts Burmester put forth : 50 twenty-four sheets at strategic points lead- ing to various golf courses ; 25 one-sheets backed, using 7 for win- dow tie-ups and the balance for display on gojf courses ; 3,000 her- alds (colored) for Golf Clubs; 15,000 heralds in local laundry packages for home distribution; lobby display in theatre made by athletic equipment store, showing types of clubs Jones used; espe- cially designed cards for hotel lobbies, and miniature golf course players who made hole in one were given privilege of buying two tickets for the price of one. In addition to the above he got up a 150-foot trailer showing Jones making his rounds, every street car carried a Jones banner on fenders, ushers were dressed in plus fours for the opening and a special preview of the first picture shown to all local professionals. The caddies were also let in for a special performance. As to how it turned out, Burmester states that he was more than repaid for the work he put in on the above campaign. As we have stated before, a picture of this type is both seasonable and portrays a sport which is popular from Coast to Coast. We believe there are many angles for tie-ups and exploitation in this series which make it possible for Club members to reap a handsome return. These are being set down as fast as they come in. In our opinion, as in Burmester's, it is a choice series to build trade over a dull period and if practical for a manager to play, it's his own fault if lie doesn't cash in to the fullest extent. July 11, 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 63 Boucher Sends Two Campaigns; He Also Puts Over a Robot We are in receipt of an in- teresting collection of show data from that tried and proven Round Tabler and one of the Club's Big Men from the South, Frank Boucher, manager of the • Warner-Maryland Theatre, Ha- gerstown, Md. This time he sends along campaigns on "Ten Cents a Dance," "Father's Son" and the somewhat out-of-the ordinary exploitation of Miss Kate- rina Televox, a robot designed by one of America's leading electric concerns. Boucher led off his campaign on "Ten Cents a Dance" with an ad entitled "A Syncopated Advertisement," featuring a jazzy poem in addition to mentioning theatre and playdates. Other ads fol- lowed, with a good break on readers and a syndication of the Dance Girl's story. The distribution of imprinted napkins also rounded out the campaign. Strong ads also featured Boucher's efforts on "Father's Son" and he again received a fine break from his paper in the way of attention-getting readers. A point Boucher stresses in connection with his work ( and he used it consistently to plug this picture) is getting the most out of your program board. He searches the pic- ture for selling angles and finds that it makes interesting selling copy for the board and may be changed from day to day. An en- closed letter of appreciation from an out-of-town Boy Scout Troop, as another part of this campaign, testifies to the amount of good will built for the theatre among this organization. In case other members have an opportunity to visit their local Westinghouse dealer and arrange for a showing of Miss Televox (the robot) Boucher's advance campaign will surely be of interest. The tie-up was effected with his local Edison company and a most elaborate campaign mapped out for the one-day appearance of the robot. This consisted of a special announcement trailer ; lobby cards and banners ; special, large newspaper ads by theatre and Edison Co. ; special window displays ; light bills carrying notice of appear- ance of robot ; a parade from train to theatre ; reception at theatre ; special 15c school matinee: contact with all civic clubs and school officials ; trucks with banners and donation by Edison company of special door prizes. From a glance at Boucher's summary of expense it appears that the electric company bore the greater por- tion of the entire campaign. If any Club member is interested in arranging for a showing of Miss Televox we would suggest getting in touch with your local lighting company. It will be a most novel treat for your patrons, we feel sure, providing it can be brought to your town at no great expense. We further believe that its value would lie in the fact that it is away from the run-'o'-mine added attraction and also that most of the expense would be born by the electric company In view of all this, we are sure that Frank Boucher's advance pub- licity will prove beneficial to anyone arranging for the above at- traction. Thanks, Frank, for these live tips and we know that we can depend upon you for future contributions. PROGRAM MAILING CARD! Fred Weiler, manager of the Victory Theatre, locatea in a residential suburb of New York City, has built up quite an im- pressive mailing list for which he has prepared an unusually at- tractive and effective mailing piece in the form of a weekly pro- gram card. This card, as illustrat- ed here, measures 4>4 by 7 inches and is printed on good brown stock. Type matter is set into a standing cut and bor- der and altogether this makes an impressive weekly program that is not hard to keep and tells its little tale with- out making you wade through too much other stuff to get at "what's playing tonight?" Incidentally, Fred has found worth-while re- vivals mighty profitable despite the fact that his location makes "clear" product tough to get. Overcoming this situation as best he can, we now find the Victory being steered into calmer waters via the showmanship of its skipper. Getting back to the program card ; we have ■PRIDE or THE NORTH SHORE;- !J| n BAYSIDE WEST, N.Y. | •ONCE A VISITOR — A LWAYS A PATR O N " SnhirJay, S,„,d,ix-. Monday — JUNE 27, 28, 29 DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS "KEACHING FOR THJE MOON'" Slim Sumcrville in "ARABIAN NIGHTS" Tuesday, W ediiesday — JUNE 30, JULY 1 2— Bie FEATURES— 2 Mary Astor John Mack Brovn Grant Witlicrs Eleanor Boardman "OTiiEn :»iEX-s "TiiK '«l;nE.\T \VO>IK\" MEAIMHV" ThunJay. Frid — JULY 2, 3 LOWELL SHERMAN ^Bachelor Apartment" wilh, Irene Dui n and All Cast Salurday. Sunday. Monday — JLTL'V 4, 5, 6 THE GREATEST REVIVAL IN HISTORY D. \V. GRIFFITHS Ncver-lo-be-lorgolten Immortal Drama THE BIRTH °/ NATION FIRST TIME IM SOUND The Picture Every American Must See! several of these on hand at Club headquarters and if any mernbers would like to see one, drop us a line and we'll to glad to send it on. Baughman Secures Heavy Co-Operation From Local Editor Earl Baughman of the Vic- tory Theatre, Salt Lake, Utah, got a wide range of publicity through the newspapers in an- nouncing the theatre's inaugu- ration of stage shows in con- junction with the showing of feature-length pictures. Starting on Sunday before the Friday opening, Baughman got lots of publicity through the newspaper columns on the amusement pages daily till opening of show. Inasmuch as the stage show was an innovation to the Victory patrons, the newspapers were more than glad to give it plenty of publicity. Thanks to the newspapers, the stage show was well received and largely attended throughout its entire engagement. Club Index for Month of June Herewith we list the many items of exploitation, etc., which appeared on the Club pages during the month of June. By keeping this issue close at hand you can refer to it whenever necessary as a means of locating some particular form of show-selling. We hope our members and readers are finding this service useful. The Club would welcome suggestions to improve it. Item Issue Page Art Work 6th 56 27th 58 27th 60 20th 62 .. 6th 59 6th 61 13th 61 13th 64 20th 66 20th 69 27th 59 13th 61 27th 65 ., 13th 56 Feature Campaigns.. 6th 56 20th 61 27th 63 27th 63 27th 68 62 20th 69 27th 58 27th 60 27th 61 27th 67 Good Will , , ,20th 66 Item Issue Page 13th 59 20th 64 . , 13th 55 27th 66 Institutional 6th 58 13th 61 20th 64 6th 53 6th 54 6th 58 6th 59 13'th 55 20th 58 20th 66 27th 59 27th 60 27th 68 , , 6th 51 6th 54 13th 55 13th 64 27th 66 Merchant Tie-Ups . 6th 51 13th 60 13th 64 20th 66 20th 67 Item Minstrel Show 6th Issue Page 6th 52 6th 50 6th 53 6th 55 6th 57 6th 59 6th 62 13th 57 13th 60 13th 63 20th 58 20th 59 20th 62 20th 63 20th 65 27th 66 .27th 60 6th 54 13th 58 20th 69 27th 64 27th 68 6th 54 13th 54 20th 60 27th 58 Item Issue Page Programs 27th 59 Radio Tie-Up 6th 50 School Tie-Up 13th 61 Short Subjects 13th 56 20th 59 20th 67 27th 61 Special Nites 20th 61 27th 68 Special Weeks 13th 59 27th 66 6th 50 6th 51 6th 56 6th 60 13th 57 13th 58 30th 59 20th 61 27th 60 27th 67 Theatre Advertising . ...27th 62 27th 63 20th 65 20th 68 Wirdow Displays 13th 64 64 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 11, 19 3 1 WARNER THEATRE HOLDS PREMIERE! View of the main entrance of the newly opened Warner Theatre, Youngstown, Ohio, which recently held its premiere showing before an enthusiastic audience of local celebrities and first night movie fans. Manager B. M. Robbins can be seen at the right of the booth, apparently searching for his watch. Copley Puts Title Letters To Good Use Selling "Cimarron" The eight letters spelling the title "Cimarron" were used to good advantage in two different tie-ups on the picture bearing this name when it was played by H. G. Copley, manager of the Broadway Theatre, Vancouver, B. C. In one tie-up Copley and his local newspaper co-operated in the promotion of various merchant ads, each one carrying one of the letters as the puzzle gag. Suitable awards were made to those who correctly pieced together the letters. The other method consisted of placing the eight letters in eight scattered store windows in the shopping district adjacent to the theatre. The letters were cut out of beaverboard, nicely made and mounted and used separately from an attractively framed 11 x 14 mounted on a card 22 x 28, with good selling copy around it. These found good window space in desirable locations usually not open for this theatre's advertising. The idea of hunting in the windows for the letters appealed to all merchants interested. The same awards named in the newspaper contest were given in the store window tie-up. Both of the above gags can be put over at very little effort and expense, the merchants in most instances donating the awards for publicity received, or, in some cases the merchant and theatre joint- ly sharing cost of the gifts. Copley tells us that both gags were the means of arousing interest in the picture and hopes that some brother showman will also benefit from his experience. _ Let us know what else is doing up in Vancouver, Copley, next time you write the Club. Gift of Radio Set Stimulates Trade, Says J. J. Scholer The gift of an electric radio was a popular highlight of a campaign made on "Ladies' Man" by J. J. Scholer, manager of the Orpheum Theatre, Phoe- nix, Ariz., the award being made on the last playdate. The radio was promoted from a local radio dealer who also aided in other ways to assure a large attendance, especially on the night the radio was given away. On the night the radio was given away from the stage, the sponsor put on a dancing and piano act at his own expense. The radio dealer also plugged the radio contest and theatre in his regular Saturday morning hour over the radio for three Satur- days ; at the same time plugging the pictures playing at the theatre. The dealer also placed three 40-inch co-operative ads in the local paper and two ten-inch ads in two other papers. Cultivation of your local radio man's acquaintance is a valuable asset if it will result in securing the same amount of co-operation which Scholer obtained through his dealer. Furthermore, there can be no doubt that the latest in radio sets has a distinct appeal to the public, if you are in doubt as to what to get in the way of an attendance-boosting gift. The Club would like to hear more about what you are doing to sell shows down in Phoenix, Scholer, so, don't forget to keep us posted. Street B ally hoos Effectively Used By Manager Steam Two different street ballyhoos were used to good effect in ad- vertising "Gun Smoke" and "Mr. Lemon of Orange" when Manager Harry Stearn played these pictures at the Orpheum =^^^^=;^=^== Theatre, Wilkesbarre, Pa. For "Gun Smoke" the bally- hoo consisted of a man dressed as a gold miner of years ago ac- companied by a mule on which was camping paraphernalia and signs on both sides reading, "The Gold Strike of 1931 — Gun Smoke vs. Cowboys — Richard Arlen, Mary Brian, Orpheum Theatre." The merchant who defrayed expenses of the ballyhoo was given a credit line. For "Lemon of Orange" a man ap- peared on the streets in the make-up of El Brendel, with a pig on leash. Banners on the pig read, "see what happens to a squealer in 'Mr. Lemon of Orange'." Stearn also used a spe- cial lobby display consisting of lemons and oranges strung across the entire lobby one week in advance of the showing. Cut-outs and stills of the picture were also included in this display. Both of the above stunts created attention and comment from pedes- trians and were a big help putting over these two pictures, Stearn ad- vises.' So there they are boys, all yours for the taking, if you can use them. Next time you put over a good stunt, we'd like to hear from you again, Harry. Carroll's Big Baby Contest Went Over Top In New Jersey In announcing the finals of a Baby Contest over in Hudson County, N. J., Charlie Carroll, manager of the Warner Stanley Theatre, Jersey City, secured a double truck in a widely read newspaper of that section. A number of prominent merchants co-operated by offering special sales of children's merchandise and the two pages were well filled with ads. Photos of winners of preliminaries in the contest were published along with coupons to be filled out with votes for the finals. The Warner Ritz, Roosevelt and DeWitt theatres were also tied in with the preliminary part of the contest, but the finals were staged at the Stanley where the big campaign ended with a baby- land display consisting of various exhibits supplied by many Hud- son County retailers. Banks and laundries also co-operated with large sized ads. As stated before, we believe that judiciously promoted Baby Contests are a sure-fire means of boosting business over the dull months of the year. Many of our Club members are at present either in the final stages of this sort of promotion or about to start a contest. To those who are casting about for a worthwhile stunt for this season of the year we can heartily recommend that they give this one a trial. THE HEN-YARD STRUTS ITS STUFF! ■ Wl^il^ H 'fF GARDEN THEATRE When exploiting "A Fowl Affair," Educational Pictures arranged a tie-up with the May Company, one of the largest department stores in Los Angeles, for the "personal" appearance of the hen, rooster and duck characters in original comedy costume. The show was part of the May Company's Kiddie Easter party and Billy Leyser, director of publicity for Metropolitan Studios, acted as M. C. July 11. 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 65 SOCKING SUMMER SLUMPS! Some Money-Getting Ideas to Stimulate Summer Business? Unfortunately, a lot of us are prone to re- sign ourselves to the fate of the time-honored summer slump. Fortunately for show business, each year sees a decreasing effect of the hot weather with the coming of cooling plants and more sincere managerial endeavor. Thousands of theatres that formerly closed now remain open and play to profitable business. Needless to say, that profitable business is in no way accidental in the summer, because the theatre is faced with all manner of opposition and it is only through intelligent effort and honest-to- goodness hard work that the summer bugaboo can be licked. COOLING PAPER The first thought of most of us is to tell the people that the theatre is really com- fortable during the summer months. Our usual medium for this is cooling paper, either sniped or on regular stands. It is not necessary to dis- cuss this such a great deal as it was thoroughly covered in the June 26 issue of the Herald. However, there is one little angle that has proven very successful in plugging the late show. Filling stations will usually give space to a hanging card with this copy : "After your drive, enjoy a complete performance at the cool Paramount Theatre. Come as late as 9:15." A POST CARD NOVELTY In thousands of res- idential communities a regular mailing list can be made to do a good turn by bringing the people a simple mes- sage on your cooling plant or the comforts of your theatre, prepared in a manner different from your usual layout. Reproduced here is a specimen of a card that got splendid results. Many of the lithograph companies now include in their service cut-out paper hangers about 30 inches long made to resemble icicles. For an outlay of three or four dollars and the trouble of tacking these cards to strips of wood, the marquee bursts forth with a new valance idea that adds novelty to the appearance of the front and helps a lot toward giving a cool impres- sion. DANCING IN THE LOBBY Since the last show on these hot summer nights has a pretty good attendance, we have tried another little stunt that has met with favor. The radio dealer across the street very kindly gives us one of his instruments to be placed in the lobby and as soon as the last show breaks, an usher selects a hot dance program, easels are pushed against the wall, the cool- ing plant is left running for 30 minutes and those of our patrons who wish to have the privilege of dancing to good music on a good floor. It is surprising how many patrons stay for these lobby dances. While they are dancing, the theatre cooling plant keeps them more com- fortable than any local dancing pavilion could. ORGANIZATION NIGHTS The smaller the com- munity the more ac- tive are local organ- izations and lodges. We have been quite successful in bolstering business on off nights by putting on the stage a guest artist from the Masons, Elks, Rotary, etc., dedicating the night to the organization. Of course, through pride the members of the organization attend in a body, buying regular admission tickets and feel proud of the fact that the theatre is publicizing them. All in all, it is one of those stunts that costs nothing, but usually makes the ticket machine sing a song. By E. S. C. COPPACK, Managing Director Paramount Theatre, S+apleton, Staten Island, N. Y. E. S. C. Coppack was responsible for the fine "Institutional Merchandising" story which appeared on the Club pages some time back. At that time we promised something more from this aggressive show- man and here it is. Certainly, anything pertaining to the sub- ject of stimulating summer business is not only timely but vital during the hot dog days. What Coppack is passing along here are all tried and successful ideas. With a reasonable amount or revamping, to suit local conditions, the majority of these suggestions can be adapted for most any other house. MIDNIGHT MATINEE In communities where people are out fairly late on summer nights at swimming pools and so forth, a midnight matinee or "owl" show is usually successful. It is our policy to run the picture that opens the follow- ing day, thus making a preview, but giving the folks an organ song fest or a song cartoon, a comedy and a picture, for a flat admission price and it seems to get good results. As an added novelty, of course, there is the dancing in the lobby after the show and we have never had experienced difficulty in getting some local bottling works to provide free refreshments. Sounds attractive, doesn't it? REFRESHMENTS And since we are talking about bottling works, why not use them for the regular matinees? Your local grocer or tea company might be interested in serving iced tea. Possibly the ice cream com- pany would serve these new confections that are put up in paper cups. They are usually glad of the publicity and it appears to me as another one of those bits of exploitation where everybody wins. PARKING Statistics show that almost every Ameri- can family operates at least one automobile. Any business for the the- atre is probably remote from your locality and necessitates the people coming by auto or bus, usually in the old family chariot. We have found that they are more apt to return if the theatre gives consideration to their parking problems. In some crowded areas it is impos- sible to secure a lot for free parking, but even in a business place such as downtown Kansas City, parking garage owners and lot owners are almost invariably interested in a plan that will publicize their service and, in return for Here is the text of a longhand post card used by Coppack for a large mailing list: Dear Friend, We've found the most delightful way of keep- ing cool . . . just the place you will like . . no fans, no drauahts. not too cold. There is a marvelous $60,000.00 air conditioning plant that makes weather to order. Bill and I go as often as possible because while we rest in that Glorious, hsalthhil coolness we enjoy splendid entertainment. Meet us there and we'll all cool off . . . it's the beautiful Paramount Theatre on Bav St. in Stapleton. Mary. Revamp These Sug- gestions to Suit Local Conditions mention in your herald, they will probably cut the parking rates in half for your patrons. If the garage or lot happens to be within a couple of blocks of your theatre, this is too good a bet for the manager to pass up. BOY SCOUTS I have noticed in the Managers' Round Table Section of the Herald subjects bringing out the value of in- stitutional advertising. One of the best of such stunts is to assist some Boy Scout in attending a camp for two or three weeks during the summer with any simple contest : a popularity vote, collecting the largest number of stubs, best record distributing heralds, most proficient in scouting activities, etc. A thing of this kind is always good for space in the papers and usually gives you an opportunity to secure an interesting lobby exhibit of scoutcraft. The ex- pense of sending a boy to camp would proba- bly be about $15 as against the hundreds of dol- lars in tickets sold to parents of scouts endeav- oring to secure a prize. SWIMMING STUNT Here is a simple one that works easily. Photograph the thea- tre staff wearing bath- ing suits that are sold by some nearby mer- chant. He will be interested in using a cut of the photograph in display ads in the newspapers and the photograph itself in his window. The expense : nothing. BEACH IDEAS Even in inland towns where there are no beaches the owners of amusement parks might be interested in giv- ing you space on a diving float bearing large copy about the theatre in return for your stand- ing part of the expense of erection. On the boardwalk or in the midway concessionaires are always in need of prizes. Why not let them award a guest ticket or two in return for a large card on your attractions prominently dis- played ? And, by the way, how about putting stickers on your cooling plant on the bath house mir- rors or inside the lockers? A pass or two to the superintendent will probably square this stunt. And in the same parks, the miniature golf operators are still on the search for new haz- ards. How about a simple wooden replica of your theatre? Such a wooden structure about two feet wide can easily be put together by any handy man around the house and makes a nifty looking hazard, at the same time being a reminder of your show. LOBBY AND Speaking of golf, MEZZANINE ^hy not use one ot those Scanlon puttmg rugs in the lobby? Out in Omaha at the Paramount Theatre there is a complete nine-hole course in the lounge. Why pay 2Sc to just play golf when for the same amount you can play golf and see a great show ? THEATRE PERSONALITIES Most of us overlook the fact that the fellow who is writing adver- tising for other busi- ness houses gets as stuck for ideas as we do. If approached in the right way, he will proba- bly be glad of a little help in the way of a suggestion. Here are a few : A cut of a the- atre personality — organist, master of ceremo- (.Continued on ne.rt page) 66 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 11, 19 3 1 VEST-POCKET AUTO GOES TO WORK! A familiar sight in Maysville, Wis., and environs, is the little Austin that does a street ballyhoo for C. W. Doctor, owner-manager of the May Theatre. Note the rigging that this manager constructed for the mounting of stills on current and coming attractions. At the left is the figure of the Doctor himself. Hiehle's Ad Space Four Times Greater Through Swap Stunt The promotion of a "Swap Ad" contest in his local news- paper is resulting in four times the usual amount of display ad- vertising for Ed Hiehle, man- ager of the Midland Theatre, Newark, Ohio. All that is nec- essary, says Ed, is to give the LET'S SWAP Contest Where Everyone Benefits A GUEST 'nCKET newspaper the guest tickets and the paper does the rest. Considerable has been published on these pages in reference to "Swap Ads," so we will not again go into detail. Briefly, as the accompanying cut will point out, the idea is for people to insert a "swap" advertisement in the classified column and receive a free ticket to the theatre. The gag usually arouses interest because of the fact that the cost of the ad is offset by the guest ticket. To those managers who have a nearby college to draw upon for pat- ronage we can also recommend Hiehle's plans of promoting special College Nites. In his case there is a Dennison co-ed school about six miles away from Newark. In order to get a contact with the student body he held a Dennison Nite, with the time generally allotted to shorts given over to a special "pep" pro- gram. The school faculty and Glee Club were invited guests and along with the house organist the whole gang joined in the festivities with songs, etc. Hiehle also has a special bus and theatre ticket combination rate which admitted the student to the theatre and paid for transportation both ways. The above is an excellent method of building up student patron- age and the Club can heartily recommend Hiehle's way of going HIDUND or AUDITORIUM ADVOCATE SWAP AD iMcLAGLEN IdIeTrich about it. The occasion was, of course, supported by an ad in tht local paper. It would also seem that the idea of arranging trans- portation was a thoughtful one. As Ed wrote the Club he was mailing out bulletins on both Midland and Auditorium attractions to the rural districts and it is the Club's sincere hope that it is pulling them in. Keep up the good work, Ed, and don't forget your brother showmen. Novel Lobby Flash On ''Front Page" Is Made By Phil Engel A novel and attractive dis- play on "Front Page" was re- cently made by Phillip Engel, manager of the Strand Theatre, Perth Amboy, N. J. You will note by the photo on this page that Engel built a compo board front around the ticket booth on which were attached a number of newspaper front pages, together with stills from the picture. The photo is a bit faint but clear enough, we think, to give you a fair idea of how the display was fash- ioned. The above is an idea which ties in neatly with this picture and can be put in effect at very small effort and expense. Thanks, Phil, for re- membering the Club and we Avill ex- pect to hear some more from you as to what your neighborhood needs in the show-selling line. If you rim across Walt Murphy kindly give him our very best regards. The personal information in your letter will be used in another department in the near future. Jones Making Good Headway With Small Town Newspaper Ads Lack of adequate newspaper advertising facilities is neces- sarily a handicap to any exhibi- tor trying to build patronage for his theatre but we note from a recent letter sent the Club by ^=^=^=-^^-==^==^ Clayton E. Jones, manager of Jones & Lyons Family Theatre, Sheldon, 111., that these two progressive showmen are getting by very nicely. What we have reference to above is that so many small town newspapers are not able to correctly cast mats for display ads. In order to combat this circumstance and make the ads stand out Jones and Lyons have adopted a method of running a series of long box- ed ads with alternate bold and medium bold face type. The box effect is in heavy black rules and serves to emphasize the message. The Club recently published several of this type of ad so we be- lieve that most readers are familiar with the layout. We could, -however, make one suggestion to the above mem- bers if they wish to vary their advertising with mat display. It is often possible, through their newspaper, to arrange with a larger publisher in some neighboring town or city to do the necessary work, so we would suggest to Clayton that he take up this matter next time he calls on the local advertising manager of his paper ; that is, in case he wishes to accomplish this purpose. The Club also notes that you plugged the Herald Award of Merit when you reopened the Family and we don't doubt that this different twist in advertising made the desired impression. Thanks for keeping in touch with us and don't forget future contributions. SOCKING SUMMER SLUMPS! By E. S. C. COPPACK ( Continued) nies, etc. — enjoying a fountain drink. Such a cut can hardly be overlooked by anybody with the fountain's streamer. FATHER'S Put this thought Qy^Y away for next year, but don't forget to work it, as it certainly gets results. The expense of this stunt to us was a dollar necktie given to the oldest father at the County Poor Farm. The human interest angle made the papers fall for it hard with a resultant three-column cut. The thing got good will for the theatre and succeeded in bringing the manager and organist pictorially before the people. REFRIGERATOR Nearly everybody GIVE A- WAYS ^^'^^ refrigerators or radios knows that there is no place like a theatre lobby for getting mailing lists and to concentrate the attention of thousands of peo- ple in a short time. Electrical refrigerators are receiving a lot of advertising during the sum- mer months and it is a fairly easy problem to secure one to be given away free in your lobby to some lucky patron. Who would not buy a 50c ticket if he had a chance of taking home a $200 refrigerator? CRUISE Listing stunts such CONTESTS these to sock that old summer slump could go on forever. These suggestions are merely to refresh your memory and possibly give you an idea that has proven successful for some other fellow. A new stunt that some of the boys are using this summer is the awarding of one of those four or five-day cruises being featured by the steamship companies. They are a great idea. A beautiful big liner wanders out into the ocean, fools around a few days and then comes back. The passenger has all the fun of a sea voyage with none of the expense of paying guides in foreign countries. As these cruises in them- selves are merely promotional stunts by the steamship companies they should be glad to put their material before your patrons in return for a cruise or two given away by the theatre. Of course, the awarding of such a cruise sug- gests a lot of other angles such as popularity contests, etc. After all, the only answer to socking that summer slump is a little bit of ingenuity and a lot of hard work. It can be done! July 11, 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 67 P-E-R-S-O-N-A-L -l-T-l-E-S ^ SHOWMEN NEWSETTES FROM EVERYWHERE ^ W. R. KAUFFMAN, manager of the Imp Theatre, Benton, Ark., has announced the installation of new sound equipment. CHESTER D. COWGER, formerly as- sistant manager of the Victory Theatre, Rogers, Ark., has been promoted to the post of manager. J. G. Weigand, former man- ager, has been recalled by the Glen Dickin- son interests for assignment to duty in an- other city. DICK CURRY, manager of the State Theatre, Garden City, Kansas, will also have charge of the newly opened Dickinson The- atre. Both houses are in the Glen Dickin- son chain. * * * C. E. MABERRY, manager of the Lou- Mo Theatre, Louisiana, Mo., has announced purchase of the Princess Theatre, Morgan- field, Ky. * * * C. E. WAGGONER has been named to manage a new house to be built by the Grif- fith Theatres Co., in Clovis, N. M. Wag- goner comes from Elk City, Okla. * * * J. H. NAUERTH, manager of the Traer Theatre, Traer, Iowa, is superintending the enlargement of his house. * * * HAROLD HALL, owner of the Strand Theatre, McGregor, Iowa, has announced the installation of sound equipment. * * * JAMES A. BENFER has purchased the LoMar Theatre, Lohrville, Iowa, from W. A. Marley. * * * FREDERICK MERCY, division man- ager for Hughes-Franklin in a section of Washington, recently attended a meeting called by executives of the Northwest Divi- sion. Under Mercy are. Jack Wright, La Grande; Milton Wight, Pasco; Clarence Ol- brich, Kennewick; Arch Bartholet, Toppen- ish; Keister Adams, Sunnyside, and Frank Hill, Walla Walla. PAUL TOWNSEND has been appointed manager of the Empress Theatre, Okla- homa City, succeeding James Dawson, re- signed. T. O. Stewart is the assistant man- ager. % ^ ^ M. E. SPERLING has been named man- ager of the Strand and Park Theatres, Moundsville, West Va. These houses were recently leased by George Schaffer from T. L. Rogerson. * * * T. H. STEVENS is the new manager of the Rivoli Theatre, Toledo, Ohio, succeed- ing Howard Feigley, now devoting his time to a local theatre circuit. * * * ELBERT BAKER is now in charge of the Pasadena Theatre, Pasadena, Calif., re- placing Lester Clark. CHARLES YEAGER has been named manager of the Longmont Theatre, Long- mont, Colo., succeeding Harry Ashton. * * * JOHN HOVEN has taken over the lease of the H. & H. Theatre, Bowdle, S. D., from Jack Houlihan. * * * J. C. CLEMMONS, manager of East Texas Theatres, Inc., has announced that his company will build a new house in Longview, Texas. MICKEY GROSS, former publicity man for RKO and manager of this circuit's Or- pheuni and President theatres in St. Paul, Minn., has been appointed manager of the Fox State Theatre there, succeeding Bob Ungerfeld. * * * FRANK GANDOLFO is the new man- ager of the Fox-Banning Theatre, Banning, Calif., succeeding E. W. Fletcher. GEORGE MONTREY is now in charge of the Baxter Theatre, Baxter Springs, Kan- sas, replacing Howard Paugh who has been transferred to the management of the Strand and Webster Theatres, Ottawa, Kansas. FRANKLIN ELLEDGE recently re- placed Gillman Cass as manager of the Fairmont Theatre, San Diego, Calif. ^ ^ ^ DAN McGRAW has been transferred from the Fox San Carlos Theatre in Los Angeles to the management of the Rose- mary Theatre, Ocean Park, Calif. The San Carlos house is closed for the time being. * * * WILLIAM FITZHENRY has succeed- ed Cal Edwards as manager of the Fox The- atre, Vancouver, Wash. * * * B. E. ABEGGIAN is the new West Coast manager in Eugene, Oregon. * * * G. H. CHRISTOFFERS is now the gen- eral manager of the Egyptian, North Park and Fairmont theatres in neighborhood sec- tions of San Diego, Calif. * * * MORT GREEN has returned to the helm of the Fox City Theatre, New York City. * >{: * DAVID COHEN is the new manager of the Allyn Theatre, Hartford, Conn., suc- ceeding Ben Zimmerman, resigned. ^ ^ BUNNY BRYAN, New Jersey district publicity man with Publix, and Mrs. Bryan recently celebrated their 17th wedding an- niversary. Bryan's associates presented the couple with a handsome souvenir of the oc- casion. * * * HOWARD AMOS is vacationing in Asheville, N. C, to regain his health. Amos has been in charge of all Publix houses in Macon, Ga., and his place will be tempor- arily filled by R. M. Swanson, of Miami. * * * MAURICE BLOUIN is the new assist- ant manager of the Metropolitan Theatre, Washington, under Thomas Tompkins. Blouin was recruited from the local Warner publicity staff. Items for publicafion on this page should be addressed to "Chick" Lewis and will be published the week following receipt. Notices of pro- motions, transfers, change of ad- dresses, and other material of this nature is what we want for our "Personalities" page. The more you send the more interesting will be the page each week. JULIEN E. CAMPBELL has been pro- moted to the post of manager of the Strand Theatre, Long Branch, N. J. Campbell was formerly assistant manager of the Para- mount. * * * ED J. CANGLEY, former manager of the Sayre Theatre, Sayre, Pa., is now in charge of the Tioga Theatre, Owego, N. Y. * * * J. W. MYERS, well-known New York theatreman, is planning a circuit of fifteen theatres in Louisiana and Texas territory. * * * ROBERT KNEVELS, formerly man- ager of the Tivoli Theatre, Hamilton, On- tario, Can., has been appointed manager of the Capitol, succeeding Leonard Bishop, re- signed. E. E. Geyer, of the Toronto staff, takes Knevel's post at the Tivoli. * * * ROBERT HUTCHINSON has been ap- pointed general manager of all Warner the- atres in Oklahoma City, succeeding Leto J. Hill, resigned. Hutchinson was formerly manager of the Liberty Theatre. * * * BEN GOLD is the new manager of the Strand Theatre, Norwich, Conn. He was formerly manager of the Kameo in Pitts- field, Mass. * ■ * * OWEN McKIVETT has returned to his old post as manager of Warners' Venetian Theatre, Racine, Wise, succeeding Bryn Griffith. CLAYTON BACON has been appointed manager of the newly opened Ritz Theatre, Chillicothe, Mo., a house belonging to the Hughes-Franklin circuit. * ^ * HAROLD ALDINGER, manager of the Granada Theatre, Norfolk, Neb., and Carl Rose, manager of the Columbus, Nebraska, theatre, will exchange posts, it is reported. * * * ED KRAUSS is back in Fargo, N. D., as manager of the State Theatre, following a several months leave of absence due to ill- ness. Robert Nippert, substitute manager at the State, has been transferred to the Para- mount Theatre, Bismarck. * * * CHARLES GOULDING has been ap- pointed manager of the Strand Theatre, Schenectady, N. Y. * * * CHESTER F. LYMAN is the new man- ager of the Rialto Theatre, Boone, Iowa, succeeding Harry Ward. * * * BERT KORBEL is now managing the Odeon Theatre, New York City, one of Leo Brecher's houses. Korbel was formerly located in the Bronx. * * * JERRY ZIEGMOND has been appointed manager of the new Paramount Theatre, Denver, succeeding George Baker. Zieg- inond was formerly manager of the Royal Theatre, Kansas City. * * * EDWARD HARRISON has been trans- ferred to the management of the Palace Theatre, Pittsfield, Mass. He was formerly with the Broadway Theatre, Springfield. * * * MANNY SHURE is the new manager of the RKO Capitol Theatre, Cincinnati, Ohio, succeeding Mark Silver. 68 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 11, 19 3 1 LiOurie' s Prelude For Gang Picture Captures Applause Any Club member who wants to inject some realistic atmos- phere as a prelude to a gangster picture will not go wrong in following out a scheme used on "The Gang Buster" by Joseph Lourie, manager of the Warren Theatre, Roxbury, Mass. Joe informs us that the advance trailer on this picture is a corker, opening up with the rat-tat-tat of machine gun fire with the bul- lets spattering out word of the title. Immediately following the close of the first feature every light in the house was extinguished and for several seconds (not too long, he says, as it might frighten 'ohe audience) a narrow beam of light was played slowly over all parts of the house. While this was going on the stage manager sneaked a dummy gangster on the stage and the acting assistant manager sneaked over to the organ, neither act being observed by the audience. This took about a minute. Then, at a given signal from Joe to the booth, the spot was placed directly on the dummy, machine gun effect was let loose from the organ, the dummy waver- ed and was suddenly yanked off-stage. The spot was then ex- tinguished and the trailer with its opening shots flashed on the screen. All of which sounds like excellent atmosphere, Joe, particularly when you tell us the audience applauded for several minutes and that the grosses on this one were right up to the mark. And as you state, this stunt can be worked with any gang picture. You're right on par with brother Al of the Morton now for sending this gag along but you will have to keep right on in order to make the grade. So don't forget to keep the Club posted on Roxbury show- manship. Morris Rosenthal Now A Fireman; Is Also Beauty Judge A letter from Morris Rosen- thal, manager of the Capitol Theatre, Wilkesbarre, Pa., dis- closes the fact that in addition to being a theatre manager he is also a fireman — in an advisory ' capacity. We don't know just what Morris will advise the lo- cal fire chief to do but can guess that he has "Third Alarm" book- ed and is planning to borrow a few engines and hooks and ladders when the time arrives. Morris also adds that he is getting a great kick out of running Beauty Pageants, acting as both picker and judge. Next time you write, Morris, tell us how the gag worked out. Oh, yes, we also note that you've joined the Lions and feel like a lamb. That will give you a nice tie-up on the next animal picture you play, so we can si^e that you are covering all possible angles of this business. ROUND TABLE CLUB EMBLEM PIN ! ! ! Use This Blank: Managers' Round Table Club MOTION PICTURE HERALD 1790 Broadway, New York Kindly send me, postpaid, Club pins, for which I enclose payment at $L00 per pin. 'Name of Member Theatre Address City State Poag's Novel Lobby Displays Effective Scdes Aid In Texas They're on the job down in Del Rio, Texas, when it comes to selling shows via lobby dis- play method, according to what we can see in a collection of snapshots sent the Club by P. J. Poag, manager of the Princess Theatre in that city. The photo at left is a moving cut-out on "Reducing." The hand on Marie Dressier moves, and so does the indicator on the weight scale. The two centre photos would indicate that Poag believes in playing up his titles in a big way. The letters on "Hell's Angels" are 4 feet high and are strung across the entire width of the lobby. The letters cut out for "Paid" contained about 16 lights per letter and the lights were connected with a flasher circuit on the theatre, the word being spelled out one letter at a time. The photo at the right covers a shadow box containing six different colors which were operated on a flasher. The box measured about three by six feet and was used in connection with the Spanish version of "Cap- tain Thunder." Other recent stunts employed by Manager Poag includes a walk- ing ballyhoo of a lady dressed as a m.an for "A Tailor Made Man" and a real Mexican sandwich man for "Rogue of the Rio Grande." We like the looks of your work so well, Poag, that we're pass- ing it along for the benefit of your brother members with the thought that they, too, will find your contribution interesting. By this time you have undoubtedly stored away a few more gags for the Club. Shoot them in the next time you write. Gelabert Burns Up San Domingo With Rio Rita Campaign Prior to being transferred from Santo Domingo to his favorite island of Porto Rico, Pedro Gelabert, Jr., tells the Club that he put over a real hot campaign on "Rio Rita" at the Capitolio Theatre. Special decorations were made in the theatre which set the house back to the tune of $200 which, as Pedro says, is a lot of money down in S. D. Twenty-five ban- ners, such as the one you can note across the front in the accom- panying cut, were hung across principal streets and, all in all, it was the first time that these Islanders had ever seen a picture ad- vertised in such a big way. Needless to say, the house was a sell- out. Now, Pedro is over at the helm of the San Jose Theatre in Porto Rico (the house witli the golden voice and the silver screen) and he says "wait 'till you see what I do to transform this house." Oke, Pedro, we'll wait but we'd much rather be able to catch a steamer and make a personal call. Don't forget to keep us posted. July 11, 1931 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 69 A barroom replica of the by- gone days was the novel manner in which E. J. Cline, manager of the Capitol Theatre, Wilkes- Barre, Pa., transformed his lobby when playing "Ten Nights =^=;^=^=;^^^=^= in a Bar Room." The display consisted of a regular bar, brass foot-rail and apparently bottles filled with the "regular stuff." Pictures on the wall in back of the bar were obtained from regular paper supplied by the exchange. Memories Of Past Awakened By Eddie Cline's Lobby Bar Four panels on the bar itself facing the people as they came into the lobby advertised the picture, as "The world's most famous play, 'Ten Nights in a Bar Room' — starting Monday." "The mira- cle of dramas that has amazed the world ! 'Ten Nights in a Bar Room' — starting Monday" — -"Starts Monday — Wm. Farnuni — 'Ten Nights in a Bar Room' — Days that are gone, but not forgotten." — "The World's Greatest Miracle Drama." An empty keg was plant- ed at one end of the foot-rail. In these days of Sahara dryness (?) we don't doubt for one minute that this lobby display was the talk of Scranton, Eddie, particularly that old familiar rail. We are reproducing a photo of the lobby and hope that it will not provoke too much thirst. Don't forget us in the future, E. J. Co - ops Put "Pays To Advertise" Over Top, Says Dummer The adaptability of "It Pays to Advertise" to a variety of newspaper tie-ups was capital- ized upon by the promotion of two corking single pages of co- operative ads when A. E. Dum- mer, manager of the Strand Theatre, Muiot, S. D., recently put this picture over the top. Dummer decided to use a slogan and trade-mark contest and with splendid co-operation from the daily paper and twenty-eight merchants the ads brought about a lot of publicity for his house. The first one was scheduled to run one week in advance of open- ing of the attraction ; and the second, one day in advance of open- ing date. Each one of the prize winners of the contest was mailed a personal letter in which attention was called to attractions booked for the balance of the week. In all 353 replies were received, fur- nishing the house mailing list with many additional names. These co-op ads on the above picture, or any other one that lends itself to this form of promotion, can be secured through the co- operation of your newspaper's advertising manager. The cost is small and the mouth-to-mouth publicity on the contest is extensive in comparison. The Club has published cuts of these ads from time to time and feels that most members are familiar with the make-up ; if not, further information may be had by dropping us a line. Thanks, A. E., for passing a'ong the above. We're glad to know the ads worked out so nicely for you. Let us know what else you are doing out in Minot. A, B. BINNARD SAYS: "Have been following the pages of the ROUND TABLE CLUB very closely . . . and must take my hat off to the boys for the many constructive ideas that are always there. It is really a big helo to us 'way out in the sticks' to have such a contact with managers all over the country." Manager, Liberty Theatre, Lewiston, Idaho Colorado Manager Smears Front Page With A Red Imprint Another instance of imprint- ing the front page of a news- paper with a theatre ad is brought to the Club's attention by Joe Rivkin, with the adver- tising and publicity department ' of Educational Pictures. The sample we have in front of us was sent in by the company's local branch manager in Pueblo, Colo., and in large red type the message reads : "Wipe Out the Menace of Gangs and Gangsters — 'Hell Bound' at the Palm." The Club is not supplied the name of the manager who put over this front page gag but perhaps he will see this paragraph and acquaint us with his name. And how about a membership application? Adams Back On Job With Striking Lobby Front; Also, Co-ops Away from his job over a period of four weeks with an at- tack of "eyeeritus," as he de- scribes the ailment. Bill Adams, manager of the Colonial Thea- tre, Brockton, Mass., is again back on the spot and is making up for lost time with a variety of effort on several recently played pictures. In connection with his campaign on "Eront Page" we'd like to particularly call attention to the accompanying cut showing the Colonial's lobby front, which is one of the most attractive we've seen up to the present time. We believe you'll all agree that it a most perfect reproduction of the first page of a newspaper, the mast head, two-column heads, cuts and other stories setting it off in great shape. Also note the big cutout of Menjou in front of the booth, flanked on either side with slashed pages. It appears to us that this piece of work is particularly noteworthy in view of the small sized lobby that this member had to con- tend with in order to produce a striking effect. We also note that as soon as his eyes cleared he secured two cooperative pages, one in connection with the above named picture and the other a half-page on the Bobby Jones golf shorts. The masthead of the local paper appears at the top of the former ad, with copy underneath reading: "Special Worthy of Eront Page Advertising." Many merchants are represented and the theatre ad occupies a commanding position on the page. Owing to the fact that the field was more limited on the golf picture, he was unable to secure more than a half page, but the display, as it is, is impressive and includes sporting goods stores, golf accessories, shoes, landscape architects, clothing, a milk dealer and a screen netting ad. We are also publishing on this page a photo showing how a Bobby Jones window display was arranged in one of the town's leading stores. In connection with both of these pictures, the house newsette was attractively made up in true newspaper style to plug the cpming shows. A generous sprinkling of photos and screen notes adds to the general appearance of this house organ. Well, Bill, from the above we can make a guess that you have fully recovered the use of all your showman faculties, and now that you're in full swing again we will look forward to hearing a lot more about what you are doing, in order to make up for the lost time. 70 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 11, 19 3 1 THREE THOUSAND SHOWMEN CAN'T BE WRONG! SAM CHERNOW is the manager of the Sayre Theatre, Sayre, Pa., and his recent appointment to this post came about in the way of promotion from the assistant managership of the Capitol The- atre in Waverly, N. Y. Sam, now that you are out on your own we're sure you'll have some interesting experiences to re- late to your fellow members. Shoot them along as soon as you can find the time. And we'd like to have one of your photos to give you a good send-off. Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! FRANK KENRICK is in charge of the Capitol Theatre, Waverly, N. Y., and the Club welcome is heartily extended to this new member from upper New York State. Frank, we note that you've just lost your assistant manager, Sam Cher- now, owing to his promotion to the Sayre, at Sayre, Pa. As soon as you get a new man be sure to let us know and also don't forget your obligation in the way of send- ing along some live show tips for the benefit of your fellow members. Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! CLAUDE T. BOBO is the manager of the Boranita Theatre, Scottsboro, Ala., an independently operated house and this manager's name is now listed among the many Southern Round Tablers. Claude, what methods are you using to bring in patrons during the hot months down your way? Let's know next time you write. ■ Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! JACK D. BRAUNAGEL, of the Capi- tol Theatre, Salt Lake City, is another as- sistant manager to become a member of this Club and he admits that he's been a reader of this department for the past two years. He was formerly associated with Member Jack Marpole at the Og- den, prior to the latter becoming Divi- sion Manager of Harry David's Utah- Idaho zone. In addition to regular du- ties Jack writes a column for the daily newspaper, so we know his own house will be coming along soon. SAMUEL LEFFLER is in charge of the Europa Theatre, Philadelphia, Pa., a house exclusively devoted to the playing of foreign first-runs. Sam inquires if other members would be interested in campaigns on these types of pictures and we hasten to assure him that we think they will be, inasmuch as there are a number of Round Tablers on our list who also specialize on foreign-made films. Shoot them along Sam, and we'll let your brother showmen know what's taking up your time. Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! E. B. CLAYTON manages the Coli- seum Theatre, Juneau, Alaska, and we're not only in receipt of his application for membership but he requests two Club pins. So we take it that E. B. is going to hold one in reserve, or maybe he's one of these managers who have two suits of clothes. This new member admits that he's used Club pages for some time and now feels that it's up to him to pass along a few of his own stunts. Why not also include a photo next time you write? Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! LEWIS MOSES is the manager of the Palace Theatre, Port Richmond, Staten Island, N. Y., and he's an independent operator who is particularly well known around the Big Town. We're glad to have you with us Lewis and you can look for that interesting photo you enclosed to appear in an early issue. In the mean- time, don't forget to send along some other accounts of your activities over on the Island. — ■ Wear Yoxtr Club Pin! ! ! H. F. KAYES manages the Paramount Theatre, North Adams, Mass., and it is our guess that we'll soon be hearing of some good show yarns from this new Round Table member from New Eng- land. What's doing over your way this time of the year, Kaj^es, in the way of show-selling? And how about a photo so that we can give you a real introduction? Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! WILLIAM F. BURKE is the assis- tant manager of the Wishart Theatre, Philadelphia, Pa., and his application for Club membership is sponsored by his manager, H. Armstrong, who further states that his protege is "smart, capable and is real showman material." Burke has been with this theatre for 14 months and was promoted to his present post from the service staf¥. With such a rec- ommendation from his boss it certainly won't be long before he'll be stepping up the ladder. Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! JACOB VIDUMSKY is the manager of the Nanking Theatre, Shanghai, China, which to our way of thinking is a long way from home. Welcome to the fold, Jake, and when you tell the Club how you shanghai them into your theatre please see that the account is written in English for this department does not boast a Chi- nese interpreter. Let's know what's do- ing over in your end of the world and include a photo of yourself when you write. Wear Your Club Pin! ! !— GLEN DOWNING is at the helm of the Paso Robles Theatre, Paso Robles, Calif., one of the T. & D., Jr., circuit of houses and he not only sends in his mem- bership aoplication but makes a request for a Club pin. That-a-boy Glen, let the rest of them out your way know that you're now a member of the greatest or- ganization of showmen that was ever Iianded together. And let that account of that last live-wire stunt you put across come right along. J. C. COMBS is the manager of the Palace Theatre, Crane, Texas, and it is a pleasure to include another member from the Southwest among this fast moving army of showmen. What was that last good stunt you put over the top. Combs? Let your brother members know all about it next time you write. And why not in- clude a photo of yourself? IV ear Your Club Pin! ! ! JESS CLARK manages the Palace Theatre down in Jacksonville, Fla., and he is proposed for Club membership by Earle Holden. We're happy to add your name to a large list of Florida managers, Jess, and will expect to hear a whole lot about what you are doing to sell your shows. Best regards to all fellow mem- bers in your town. Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! G. DONALD SEASHOLTZ is in charge of the Capitol Theatre, Chambers- burg, Pa., and we take this opportunity to acknowledge his application for member- ship in this great organization of show- men. Don, we take it for granted that you've found these pages interesting in the past and hope that future issues of this department will include some inter- esting accounts of your ideas on how to sell shows. Next time you write the Club why not send along a photo? Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! E. C. QUALLS is the manager of the Carolina Theatre, Lexington, N. C, and this new member has declared his inten- tion to contribute some of his picture campaigns to these pages. Okay, Quails, and let that first one come right along so that the rest of the members will know what you are doing for this industry. Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! JACK RYAN is the City Manager of the Fox-Virginia and the Fox-Senator Theatres, Vallejo, Calif., a new member who has found these pages interesting in the past and who promises to help keep up the good work by sending in some of his own versions of how shows are put 'way over the top. That's the proper spirit. Jack, and we'll be looking forward to receipt of your next letter. How about that photograph of yourself? Wear Your Club Pin! ! !— JOE HERMAN is the manager of the Fox-Savoy Theatre, a fine house in the Bedford section of Brooklyn, N. Y., and since we are in receipt of his application for membership the Club may soon ex- pect to read an account of what this manager is doing to boost patronage at his house during the warm summer months. Shoot in your ideas, Joe, so the rest of the boys may keep in touch with you. Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! SILVERT SETRON manages the Au- bert Theatre, St. Louis, Mo., and with the reported struggle for business among the- atres out his way we are going to look forward to hearing some lively accounts of show-selling from this new member. Our regards to all brother managers out your way, Setron, and let's hear from you real soon. Wear Your Club Pin! ! ! RAY G. STEVENS is the manager of the Capitol Theatre, Wallaceburg, On- tario, Canada, and a cordial welcome is extended to this new member from the Dominion. We haven't as yet received an account of Ray's show-selling activi- ties but trust that he will soon write and let his brother members know all about what he's doing to put his house over the top. And how about a photo of yourself, next time you write? Here's the Blank Application For Membership In "MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE CLUB" Hey, "Chick": Please enroll me in the Club and send me my framed certificate. Name Position Theatre Address City State (Mail to Managers' Round Table Club, 1790 Broadway, New York) July 11, 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 71 ■llirdJlUlllllilllllilUIMIIIIlllillBl THE RELEASE CHART " Productions are listed according to the names of distributors in order that the exhibitor may have a short-cut toward such informa- tion as he may need, as well as information on pictures that are coming. Features which are finished or are in work, but to which release dates have not been assigned, are listed in "Coming Attractions." Running times are those supplied by the distrib- utors. Where they vary, the change is probably due to local censorship deletions. Dates are 1930, unless otherwise specified. Running Time Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Party Husband Dorothy IVIackaill June 6, '31 66 Apr.18. '31 Reckless Hour Dorotliy Mackaill-Conrad Nagel *ug. 15, '31 May 2, '31 Right of Way, The Nagel-Young Feb. 7. '31 68 Sunny Marilyn Miller Nov. 23 81 Oct II Too Young to Marry Young- Withers May 8, '31 Truth About Youth Young-Tearle Nov. 30 69 Nov 29 Widow From Chicago Neil Hamilton Nov. 9 65 Oct 25 Women Hungry Lee-Kohler-Blackmar Apr. 4, '31 68... Mar. 28.'3I BIG 4 FILM CORPORATION Features Rel. Date Nov. 12 Running Time Minutes Reviewed 60 8.'31 60 I2,'3I 60 Mar. 7.'3I 7,'3I.... 60 7.'3I 60 Mar. 9. '31 24,'31 60 14. '31 62 Title Star Breed of the West Wally Wales Hell's Valley Wally Wales Mar, Red Fork Range Wally Wales Jan. Riders of the Cactus Wally Wales July Sheer Luck Ralston-Stuart Feb. So This Is Ari2ona Wally Wales Apr. Trapped Stuart-Quartaro-DeanSantschi Apr. Coming Feature Attractions Big City Shadows 6 reels. Devils' Decoy 6 reels. Diamond Mystery 6 reels. Masters of Steel 6 reels. Midnight Prowlers 6 reels. Railroad Mail Limited 6 reels. COLUMBIA (Available sound-on-f)lm and sound-on-disc) Features Title Star Rel. Date Arizona John Wayne-L. La Plante. . . June 27, '31. Atlantic Jan. I7,'3I. Avenger, The Buck Jones Mar. 6, '31. Brothers Lytell-Sebastian Oct. 25 Charley's Aunt Ruggles-Collyer Dec. 28 Criminal Code, The Holmes-Huston-Doran Jan. 15, '31. Dawn Trail, The Buck Jones-Miriam Seegar. . . Nov. 28 Desert Vengeance Buck Jones- Barbara Bedford. Jan. 25, Dirigible Holt-Graves- Wray Apr. 4, Fighting Sheriff, The Buck Jones-Loretta Sayers May 15, Good Bad Girl, The Mae Clark-James Hall May 20, Last Parade, The Holt-Moore-Cummings Feb. 28. Lightning Flyer, The James Hall-D. Sebastian Mar. 20, Lion and the Lamb. The Byron-Myers-Hatton-Love ...Jan. I, Lover Come Back Jack Mulhall-C. Cummlngs- B. Bronson June 5, Madonna of the Streets Brent-Ames Dec. I Man from Chicago Men Without Law Buck Jones Oct. 15 Meet the Wife Lew Cody & Laura La Plante. Apr. I7,'3I., Middle Watch, The Mar. 3.'3I.. Subway Express Holt- Kelsey-Pringle May l,'3t., Sweethearts on Parade White-Hughes Aug. 16 Ten Cents a Dance Barbara-Stanwyck-Cortez Mar. 6. Texas Ranger, The Buck Jones Apr. 10, Tol'able David Cromwell-Beery-Peers Nov. 15. Running Time Minutes Reviewed .63. .65.. .76.. Oct. II .Mar. 28,'3I Nov. I Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 27 Feb. 28,'3I .Mar. I4,'3I .73... May 23,'3I .80... Feb. I4,'3I .64... Apr. II.'SI .80... Feb. IVSI 31. ....63 June 20.'3I 70 Dm. • ...70. ...73. ....Not. a .Apr. 4,'SI ..68. ..67. 31 79. 31 . 70. . May L'SI ...Silt • Mar. 14,'SI .Apr. 25.'SI ....Nov. IS Coming Feature Attractions Blonde Baby Jean Harlow Border Law Buck Jones- L. Tovar Branded Buck Jones Ex-Ranger Buck Jones Fifty Fathoms Deep Richard Cromwell - Jack Holt- Loretta Sayers Flood, The Boardman-Blue For the Defense Evelyn Brent In the Secret Service Jack Holt Miracle Woman, The Barbara Stanwyck Pagan Lady Evelyn Brcnt-C. Bickford- C. Nagel Shapworn Barbara Stanwyck Shot Gun Pass Tim McCoy Sky Raiders. The tloyd Hughes- Marceline Day. Then Hell Broke Loose Richard Cromwell Virtue's Bed CONTINENTAL PICTURES CORP. Features Title iDefenders of the Law. Fourth Alarm, The *lystery Train, The Sea Devils Star Rel. E .Catherine Dale Owen-Holland- Gleckler May .Nick Stuart-Ann Christy Oct. N. Stuart-M. Day-H. Hopper. Aug. .Molly O'Day-Edmund Burns. Jan. Running Time ate Minutes Reviewed 1,'3I 6 reels.May 23, '31 25 61 Oct. 18 l,'3l . . .6 reels I5.'3I 58 Coming Feature Attractions Air Eagles 6 reels. iHellion's Last Cruise, The 6 reels. ■Rose of Chinatown 6 reels. Streets of Shadows 6 reels. FIRST NATIONAL Features Title Beggars Opera, The. Big Business Girl.. Broadminded Chances College Lovers Father's Son Finger Points, The.. Going Wild Gorilla, The Hot Heiress, The... Kismet Kiss Me Aaain .... Lady Who Dared Lash, The Little Caesar Misbehaving Ladies . Men of the Sky Mothers Cry -Naughty Flirt One Night at Susie's. Star Rel. Date Rudolph Forster June '31... Loretta Young- Ricardo Cortez. July 4. '31 Joe E. Brown Aug. I, '31 Douglas Fairbanks, Jr July 18, '31 Whiting-Nixon Oct. 5... Janney-Stone-Rich Mar. 7, '3 Barthelmess- Wray Apr. Joe E. Brown Dec. Joe Frisco Nov. Lyon-Munson Mar. Otis Skinner Jan. Clare-Pidgeon Feb. Billy Dove Richard Barthelmess Dec. 28... (Reviewed under title "Adios," Issue of Oct. 4) Edw. G. Robinson Jan. 25.'3I Lee-Lyon Apr. 18, '31 Irene Delroy-Jack Whiting. . June 20.'3I Peterson-Manners Jan. 4. '31 4li<^e White Jan. 1 1. '31 Dove- Fairbanks. Jr Oct. 19... I, '31. 21 2.... 28.'31. I8,'3I. 23,'31. ling Time tinutes Reviewed '. 80.','.'. Mar. uV' 31 .72 Apr. II, '31 May 9, '31 .63 Sept. 6 .77 Oct. 4 .88. ..Mar. 2I,'3I .72 Aug. 23 .63 Oct. 4 .78... Jan. 24,'31 .92 Nov. 8 .75... Jan. I0,'3I .80 .81... Jan. 72... Mar. 86 .75 Dec. 13 76 . 64 Nov. I 17. '31 14. '31 Coming Feature Attractions Running Time Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Title Star As Good As New All Star Bargain. The Lewis Stone-Doris Kenyon .Apr. js.'SI (Reviewed under title "You and 1") Blue Moon Murder Huston-Young Five Star Final Edward G. Robinson !!june 27,'31 Honor of the Family Bebe Daniels I Like Your Nerve D. Fairbanks. Jr.-L. Young Last Flight Richard Barthelmess ., Local Boy Makes Good Joe E. Brown Merry Wives of Reno Chas. Butterworth-L. Young Our Social Whirl Marilyn Miller ". Penrod and Sam Leon Janney Ruling Voice, The H uston- Young- Kenyon We Three Ben Lyon- Rose Hobart .'. ! World Changes. The Edw. G. Robinson FITZPATRICK PICTURES. INC. F eatures Title Lady of the Lake. Star .Percy Marmont- Benita Hume. Rel. Date Nov. i . Running Time Minutes Reviewed 45 Oct. 25 FOX FILMS Features Title Always Goodbye Annabelle's Affairs .. Are You There? Lad Girl Star Rel. . Landi-Stone May . McLaglen-MacDonald June . Lillie-Garrick May Sally Eilers-James Dunn Aug. Big Trail, The Wayne-Churchill-Marshall Nov Black Camel Warner Oland-Eilers June Body and Soul Farrell-Landi Feb. Charlie Chan Carries On Oland-Churchill Apr. Connecticut Yankee, A Will Rogers Apr. Daddy Long Legs Gaynor- Baxter June Dancers. The Moran- Holmes-Byron Nov Doctors' Wives Baxter-Bennett Mar. Don't Bet on Women McDonald-Lowe-Merkel Feb. East Lynne Harding-Brook-Nagel Mar. Fair Warning O'Brien Feb Girls Demand Excitement Wayne-Cherill Feb Goldie J. Bennett-J. Kirkwood- Hardie Allbright July Holy Terror, A George O'Brien-S. Filers. .. July Hush Money Harlow-S. Tracy- W. Hymer... June Just Imagine Brendel-Sullivan Nov. Lightnin' Will Rogers- Dresser Dec. Liliom Farell-Taylor Oct. Man Who Came Back Gaynor- Farrell Jan Men on Call Edmund Lowe-Clarke Jan. Mr. Lemon of Orange Prendel-Dorsay Mar Not Exactly Gentlemen McLaglen-Wray-Cody- Gribbon Mar. Oh. For A Man! MacDonald-Denny-White Dec Once A Sinner Dorothy Mackalll-Joet McCrea Jan. Part Time Wife Lowe-Hyams Dec. Princess and the Plumber, The. . Farrell-O'Sullivan Dec Quick Millions Tracy-Churchill-Eilers May Renegades Baxter- Beery- Ley Oct. Scotland Yard Lowe-Bennett Oct Seas Beneath O'Brien-Lessing-Maris Mar. 6 Cylinder Love Spencer Tracey-Merkel May (Reviewed under title "The Minute Man" Spy. The Hamilton-Johnson Apr Their Mad Moment Baxter-Mackaill-Pitts July 3 Girls Lost Wayne-Young Apr Under Suspicion Murray-Moran Jan. Up the River Luce-Bogart-Tracy Oct. Women of All Nations McLaglen-Lowe-Nissen May Young As You Feel Will Rogers-Dorsay Aug Young Sinners Melghan- Jordan-Kirkwood . . . May Coming Feature Attractions Title star Rel. Brat, The Sally O'Neil-F. Albertson Merely Mary Ann Gaynor- Farrell Aug Midnight Cruise. The Edmund-Lowe-Lois Moran Over the Hill Lane- Dillaway-Marsh. Kirk- wood Plutocrat, The Will Rogers-Jetta Goulal Riders of the Purple Sage G. O'Brien-M. Churchill She Wanted a Millionaire J.Bennett-S.Tracy Skyline T. Meighan - H. Albright. Maureen O'Sullivan Sob Sister Sally Eilers-James Dunn Transatlantic Edmund Lowe-Lois Moran.... Aug Wicked V McLaglen-Ellssa Landl Yellow Ticket. The Elissi Landl-L. Barrymore Running Ti Date Minutes 24. '31 14, '31. ...75... 3, '31.... 60.. 23, '31 2 Standard I'is.'.'. Grandeur 158. . . 21. '31 71.. 22, '31 82 12, '31. 5. '31. 7, '31. 9. me Reviewed .Apr. 25,'3I .May 30.'3I ...Nov. 29 .Oct. II ..69.. ..96.. 15, '31 15. '31 I, '31 I. '31 8, '31 ...83.. ...82.. ...70.. ..104.. ...62.. ...68.. .May I5,'3I .Mar. 7, 'SI .Mar.28.'3l .Mar.21.'3l . May 23.'3I ...Oct. 4 .Apr. 4, '31 . Feb. 21, '31 .Feb. 28.'3I !Fe'b'."l'4,''3i '31 69 June 13,'3( '31 '31. II Oct. 18 94 Oct. 25 94 Sept. 13 '31 81 Jan. 3, '31 '31 70 Mar. 7. '31 '31.... 67. ...Mar. 7, '31 8. '31 .61.... Apr. 1 1. '31 .86 Nov. 6 . 70.. .72.. . 72. . 70.. .93.. .75.. .91.. ..Jan. 24.'3I Dee. 6 ...Oct. 18 ..Apr. 4, '31 Oct. 4 Oct. 4 ..Feb. 7. '31 ..Apr. la.'SI .58 .'7i;;!."A'p'r".'l'8,''3i .64 Nov. 22 .92 Oct. II . 72.... May 30.'3I Apr. I8,'3I Running Time Minutes Reviewed I6,'3I . METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER Features Title Star Rel. Date " Bachelor Father, The Davies-Forbes Jan. 10. '31 Billy the Kid John Mack Brown Oct. 18 Cheri-BibI John Gilbert-Leila Hyams. . . Aug. 15, '31 Complete Surrender Joan Crawford May 9. '31 Dance, Fools, Dance loan Crawford Feb. 21, '31 Daybreak Ramon Novarro May 2. "31 Easiest Way. The Bennett- Meniou- Montgomery , Feb. 7, '31 lunning TI Minutes ....91... 82... 74... ....81... 81... ....76... 73... Reviewed ...Dec. 13 ...Sept. 13 .Jan. 3.'3l .Apr.l8.'3l 72 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 11, 19 3 1 Title Star Rel. Date Five and Ten Marion Davies June 13. Free Soul, A Norma Shearer-Leslie Howard June 20. Gentleman's Fate Gilbert- Wolheim Mar. 7, Great Lover, The A. Menjou July 18. Great Meadow, The Brown-Boardman Jan. 24, Inspiration Greta Garbo Jan. 31, It's a Wise Child Marion Davies Mar. 21, Just a Gigolo William Haines June 6. (Reviewed under title "Dancing Partner") Lady's Morals,-A Grace Moore Nov. 8. Reviewed under title "The Soul Kiss") Laughing Sinners J. Crawford- N. Hamilton May 30, Man in Possession, The Robert Montgomery July 4, Men Call It Love Hyams-Menjou-Duncan-Foster Mar. 14, New Moon Tibbett-Moore Jan. 17, Never the Twain Shall Meet. ... Montenegro-Smith-Howard ... May 16, Outsider, The Harold Huth Paid Crawford-Armstrong Dec. 20. (Reviewed under title "Within the Law" Parlor, Bedroom and Bath Keaton-Eilers-Denny Feb. 28, Passion Flower Francis-Johnson-Bicktord Dec. 6. Politics Dressier- Moran Aug. I, Prodigal, The Lawrence Tibbett Feb. 21. (Reviewed under title "The Southerner") Reducing Dressier- Moran Jan. 3. Remote Control Haines-Doran Nov. 15. Secret Six, The Beery-Harlow Apr. 18. Shipmates Montgomery-Jordan-Torrence. Apr. 25, Sidewalks of New York Buster Keaton Aug. 8, Stepping Out Denny-Greenwood-Hyams ....Apr. II, Strangers May Kiss Norma Shearer Apr. 4, Tailor Made Man. A William Haines Mar. 28, Their First Mistake Laurel and Hardy (Reviewed under title ''The Rap") This Modern Age Joan Crawford Aug. 22, Those Three French Girls Reginald Denny Oct. II. Trader Horn Harry Carey- Renaldo- Booth War Nurse Walker. Page- Montgomery Nov. 22. Way for a Sailor John Gilbert Nov. I. Runni M •31.... •31.... •31... •31... •31.... •31.... •31.... 31... ng Time inutes Reviewed 89 June I3,^3I Apr. 25, '31 . 93 Jan. 3I,'3I July 4, •SI 80 Nov. 29 ,76 Dec. 27 75... Feb. 28. •SI Apr. 25, "31 Oct. .4 .June 6, •SI .June 13, '31 .Feb. 28. •SI Oct 25 May 30, •SI .May 2, •SI Nov. IS 67. .72., .84.. .71., . 78. .80., .90. .87.. ■31.. ..72. .Jan. SI. 'SI ..BO. Oct 25 •si!.' July 4, '31 •SI.. ..B3. .Jan. 17. '31 •31.. ..77. Dee. 13 ..66. Oct. II '•3i'.'. .. 83. Apr. 25. '31 •31.. .. 72. .Mar. 28, 'SI •31.. ..73. .Mar. 21. '31 •31.. ..77. .Feb. 28, '31 •31.. ..80. .Mar. 7, 'SI . . . Sept 27 '31.. ..76. Oct 18 Jan. 24, 'SI . .82. Sept 20 ..89. Sept. 20 Coming Feature Attractions Title Star Boarding School Madge Evans-Jordan-Page Candlelight John Gilbert Emma Marie Dressier Flying High Get Rich Quick Waliingford Wm. Haines Guardsman, The Lunt-Fontanne-Z. Pitts Guilty Hands L. Barrymore-M. Evans Hell Divers Beery-Rambeau Lullaby, The Helen Hayes-Lewis Stone Aug. 8, '31 Mirage. The Joan Crawford Pigboats Wm. Haines Squaw Man. The Roland Ynung-Valez-Baxter Son of India Ramon Novarro July 25, '31 Sporting Blood Clark Gable-M. Evans Susan Lenox. Her Fall and Rise. Greta Garbo Aug. 29. '31 Wesit of Broadway John Gilbert-El Brendel Running Time Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed MONOGRAM PICTURES CORPORATION Features Running Time Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Dugan of the Badlands Bill Cody June 27. '31.. 6 reels Partners of the Trail Tom Tyler July II, '31. .6 reels Ships of Hate L.Hughes-D.Sebastian June 20, '31. .7 reels Coming Features Title Vanishing Men Star .Tom Tyler. Running Time Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed 6 reels PARAMOUNT PUBLIX Features Rel. Title Star An American Tragedy Phillip Holmes-Slyvia Sidney- Frances Dee Aug. Blue Angel, The Jannings-Dietrich Jan. City Streets Slyvia Sidney-Gary Cooper. .. Apr. Confessions of a Co-Ed Phil Holmes-Sylvia Sidney ...July Conquering Horde, The Arlen-Wray Mar. Derelict Bancroft-Francis Nov. Dishonored Marlene Dietrich- McLaglen .. Apr. Dude Ranch, The Jack Oakie May Fast and Loose Hopkins-Starrett-Lombard- Morgan Nov. Feet First Harold Lloyd Nov. Fighting Caravans Cooper-Damita Feb. Finn and Hattie Errol-Green Feb. Follow the Leader Ed Wynn Dec. Gang Buster, The Oakie-Arthur Jan. Girl Habit, The Charles Ruggles June Gun Smoke Arlen-Brian Apr. Honor Among Lovers Colbert-Mafch-Ruggles Mar. I Take This Woman Gary Cooper-Carole Lombard. . June It Pays to Advertise Foster-Gallagher-Lombard ... Feb. June Moon Jack Oakie- Francis Dee Mar. Kick In Clara Bow May Ladies' Man Wm. Powell-Kay Francis ....May Lawyers, Secret. The Ciive Brook June L'Enimatique Mr. Parkes A. Menjou-C. Colbert (Slightly Scarlet) Man of the World Wm. Powell-Lombard Mar. Monte Carlo Buchanan- MacDonald Oct. Morocco Cooper- Dietrich Dec. Newly Rich M itzi Green- Jackie Seari June Night Angel Nancy Carroll-Fred. March... July No Limit Clara Bow Jan. Only Saps Work Errol-Arlen-Brian Dec. Rango Mar Right to Love. The Ruth Chatterton Dec. Royal Family of Broadway Ina Claire- Fredric March Jan. Scandal Sheet, The Bancroft-Brook- Francis Feb. Sea Legs Jack Oakie Nov. Skippy Mitzi Green-Jackie Searl- Jackie Cooper Apr. Smiling Lieutenant, The M. Chevalier-C. Colbert Aug. Stolen Heaven Nancy Carroll-Phillip Holmes Feb. Tabu South Sea Island natives and Chinese half castes. ... Aug. Tarnished Lady C. Brook-Tallulah Bankhead.. May Tom Sawyer Jackie Coogan Nov. Unfaithful Chatterton-Lukas Mar. Up Pops the Devil N. Foster-Carole Lombard May Virtuous Sin. The Hustofl- Francis Nov. Vice Squad L ukas- Francis June Women Love Once Lucas-Boardman-Tashman . . . . July Running Time Date Minutes Reviewed 22, '31 . 3, '31. 18, '31. II. '31. 7. '31. 22 4, '31. 16, '31. 14, '31. 28. '31. 13 17. '31. 27. '31. II. '31. 21. '31. 27. '31. 28. '31. 21. '31. 23. '31. 9, '31. 6, '31. 28. '31. . 4 20. '31. I8,'3I., 24. '31. 6 7. '31. 27 31, '31. 7, '31. 29 25. '31. I, '31. .95. ..June 6, '31 I 09 Nov. 22 . 80. . .Apr. II, '31 ,75 .72... Feb. 21. '31 .75 Oct 18 .91... Mar. 7, '31 .67... Apr. 18, '31 .71 Nov. 29 .93. . .Jan. 17, '31 .91... Feb. 7, '31 .76 Oct II .65 Dec. 13 .68 Dec. 13 .77 . 64. . .Mar. 14, '31 . 75. . . Mar. 7, '31 .74 .64. ..Feb. 14, '31 .70. . . Feb. 28, '31 .74. . .Apr. 25. '31 .75. ..Apr. 4. '3i .63... May 23. '31 .71 Sept. 6 .70... Mar. 7, '31 .85 Aug. 8 .92 Oct II .77... June 6,'3I 71 .72 .74 Nov. 29 .64... Jan. 24. '31 .79 Dec. 6 .81... Jan. 3, '31 . 73 Dec. 20 .63 Nov. 15 .88. ..Mar. 21, '31 .89 21, '31 76... Feb. 21 1. '31. 2. '31. 15 14, '31. 30, '31. 22 13. '31. 4. '31 . , .81.. .80.. Mar. 21, '31 May 9, '31 Oct 18 Feb. 28, '31 . 85. , 75. 81 Oct 4 70. . . May 9. '31 July 4. '31 Coming Features Title Star Rel. Date Cauohl Richard Arlen-L. Dresser ...Aug, 8. Daughter of the Dragon Warner Gland-Anna May Wong Sept. 5. '31. Running Time Minutes Rnvlewari '31 July 4. '31 Honeymoon Lane Eddie Dowling July 25 Huckleberry Finn J. Coogan- Mitzi Green Aug. Mad Parade E. Brent-L. Tashman Oct. Magnificent Lie Ruth Chatterton July Marines Have Landed (Tent) . . . . Wm. Boyd-C. Rogers Oct Monkey Business Four Marx Bros Sept. Murder by the Clock Wm. Boyd-L. Tashman Aug. My Sin Tallulah Bankhead- March .... Oct. Notriety (Tent) Ruth Chatterton Oct No One Man P. Holmes-C. Lombard Oct. Personal Maid Nancy Carroll Sept. Rich Man's Folly G. Bancroft-Kay Francis Oct. Road to Reno Charles Rogers Sept. 26, '3 Secret Call, The Peggy Shannon-Richard Arlen. July 25,'3I. Secrets of a Secretary C. Colbert Sent S.'Sl. Silence Clive Brook-Mary Brian Aug. 29. '31. Stepdaughters of War Ruth Chatterton Oct. 31, '31. Twenty-Four Hours C. Brook-Kay Francis Oct. I0,'3I. Wound Stripes (Tent.) Paul Lucas-E. Boardman. . . . Oct. 24, '31. '31 5, 'SI 3,'3I 25, '31 24,'3I 19 '3 1 . 8!'3I ."!.'.".'.'july4,"'3i 3. '31 31, '31 I0,'3I I2,'3I 17, '31 RADIO PICTURES Features Title Star Rel. Date Bachelor Apartment Lowell Sherman-Irene Dunn. Apr. 15, Beau Ideal Vail-Forbes-Stengel-Rich- Young Jan. Behind Ofllce Doors Astor-Ames-Cortez Mar. Check and Double Check Amos 'n' Andy-Carol-Rich. .. Oct. Cimarron Richard Dix-lrene Dunn Feb. Cracked Nuts Wheeler- Woolsey Apr. Donovan's Kid R. Dix-Shilling-Sheridan- Jackie Cooper June Everything's Rosie Robert Woolsey-Anita Louise. June Half Shot at Sunrise Wheeler- Woolsey Oct. High Stakes Lowell Sherman-Mae Murray. Sept. Hook, Line and Sinker Wheeler- Woolsey Dec. Kept Husbands Dorothy Mackaill-J. McCrea. Feb. Lady Refuses, The Betty Compson-John Darrow. Mar. Laugh and Get Rich Edna May Oliver-Dorothy Lee Apr. Pay Off, The Lowell Sherman Oct. Millie Helen Twelvetrees Feb. Perfect Alibi All Star Apr. Royal Bed, The Sherman-Astor Jan. Runaround, The Kerr. Prevost, Brian. Hines.July (Reviewed under the title "Waiting at the Church Silver Horde L rent-Wolheim Sin Ship, The Wolheim - Mary Astor - Ian Running Time Minutes Reviewed 31 77... Feb. 28,'3I 25. 15.' 25 9, 19, 6,' 13,' 4. 19, ' 27. 22.' 8,' 20. ' 15 8, 1, 15. 25, 31 79 Dec. 13 31 82 75 Oct 24 31 I 24... Jan. 3,'SI 31 64... Feb. I4,'3i .77. . .76. . .79. . 75. 76. 72 . May S.'Sl May 9,'3I ...Sept 27 .May 9,'3I Dec. 8 .Jan. 24,'3I 31 72. ..Mar. 7,'3I 70 Sept IS 31 85. ..Jan. I7,'3I 31 76. .76. Dec. IS .May 9,'3I Three Who Loved B. Compson - R. Ames - C. Transgression Kay Franc is- Ricardo Traveling Husbands Evelyn Brent : White Shoulders Astor-Cortez-Holt ... W. Plan. The All Star Oct 25 ..75. ....Sept 27 Apr. I8.'3I July 3. '31 . . . 78. . June 13, '31 June 27,',3I . . ..69 Aug. .May 2.'3I June 6,'3I 81. .May 30,'3I Mar. I5.'3I 98. .Apr. 4.'3I Aug. l,'3l.. .Apr. 25, '31 Coming Features Are These Our Children? All star Caught Plastered Wheeler-Wooisey- D. Lee Sept. S.'Sl June 27 '31 (Reviewed under title "Full of Notions") Consolidation Marriage Irene Dunn-Pat O'Brien Fanny Foley Herself Edna May Oliver Kisses by Command G. Tobin-B. Compson Marchita Dix-Dunne Nancy's Private Affairs Mary Astor - Robt. Ames Aug. 8,'3I . Public Defender, The Richard Dix July 18, '31 Should Wives Work Mary Astor-Rob't Ames Sphinx Has Spoken, The Lily Damita - Adoiph Men- jou - Eric Von Stroheim Too Many Cooks Bert Wheeler- Dorothy Lee. ..July II. '31 RKO PATHE Features (Available sound-on-film and sound-on-disc) Title Star Beyond Victory Boyd Big Money Quiilan-Armstrong-Glcason . . Oct Eorn to Love Constance Bennett Apr. Common Law ( onstance Bennett luly Lonely Wives Horton-Ralston-LaPlante Miller Feb. Painted Desert Boyd-Tweivetrees Jan. Rebound Ina Claire Sept. Sin Takes a Holiday Constance Bennett Nov. Sweepstakes Eddie Quillan-Marion Nixon. July 10 Woman of Experience Helen Twelvetrees Aug. 7, Running Time Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Apr. I2.'3I 73... Apr. 18, '31 26 82 I7.'3I 4,'3I 22,'3I Jan. 24.'3I 18, '31 85. ..Jan. I7.'3I 18.'31 23 81 Nov. 29 '31 June 13. '31 31 Apr. 25, '31 Coming Features Big Gamble. The Bill Boyd Aug. 21. '31 Devotion Ann Harding Eddie Cuts In Eddie Quillan Mad Marriage, The Helen Twelvetrees Suicide Fleet. The ^111 Bovd Sundown Trail Tom Keene-M. Shilling SONO ART-WORLD WIDE Features Running Time Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Air Police Kenneth Harlan-J. Dunn Apr. I, '31 60. ..Mar. 21. '31 Costello Case Tom Moore-Lola Lane Oct. 15 78 Oct If Damaged Love Collyer Dec. 15 Jan 24 '31 First Aid Gr. Withers- Marjorie Beebe. . July 25,'3I Hell Bent for 'Frisco Oelaney- Reynolds In Old Cheyenne Rex Lease-Dorothy Gulliver. . May 25,'3I 62. . .June 20. '31 Jaws of Hell McLaglen-Hume Dec. ' Just for a Song Davis-Carpenter Dec. Reno Roiand-Thomson-Love Oct. Rogue of the Rio Grande Hatton-Loy Bohr Oct. Symphony in Two Flats Novello-Logan Apr. Swanee River Withers-Todd Mar. 30. 20 I 15 15, '31.. 15,'31 . . .100. ..Jan. lO.'SI . 80. . 70. .Oct .Dec. ,58... Jan. 31. '31 STATE RIGHTS Features Running Time Title Star Dist'r Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Alibi Austin Trover Gaumont-W & F 74. ..May 30.'3I Bali J. C. Jackson. .. Nov. 1 5... 7 reels By Rocket to the Moon Ufa Feb. 6, '31 .97. .. Feb 14, '31 Cain and Artem Emil Gall Sovkino Chance of a Night Time Ralph Lynn Gaumont-W & F Chess Player. The Johanne-Blanchard .. Unusual Pict Clearing the Range H. Gibson-S. Eilers. M. H. Hoffman, Jr Apr. Comrades of 1918 Forenfllm Feb. Der Grosse Tenor Emil Jannlngs Ufa Film June Die Foerster Christl Irene Eisinger Trans-Ocean Film 94. ..July Docks of Hamburg Jugo-Fritsch Ufa Film Ex-Flame Liberty Prod 72 Nov. 29 Figaro Franco-American 71 Dec." 7 Heart's Melody Fritisch-Parlo Ufa Film Immortal Vagabond Hald- Froelich Ufa Film lade Casket. The French Cast Cosmos Oct. 31 ,64 Lawless Woman. The Vera Reynolds Chesterfield June 15. '31 ,63 . . .July 4. '31 Let's Love and Laugh Gene Gerrard Wardour Films 84. ... May 30, '3 1 Lotus Lady Audible 68 Nov. 15 25.'3I 28. '31 4,'3I July 11 ;^'l 9 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 73 Running Time Title Star Dist'r. Rel. Date IVIinutes Reviewed Lost Patrol Pro Patria 57 Dec. 21 Love Waltz. The Willy Fritsch Ufa Film May I5,'3I Mad Parade, The M.Day-L. Fazenda. . Liberty Prod May 2,'3I Manxman. The Carl Briason Ufa Dec. 21 76. Dec. 14 Merry Wives of Vienna Midnight Special. The Chesterfield Dec. 15 60 Dec. 6 Mysteries of Nature Ufa 71 No Lady Lupino Lane Gaumont- British 72... May 30,31 Pagliacci Italian Opera Audio Cinema Mar. 7, '31 Passion Song, The Olmstead-N. Beery .Excellent 66 Peacock Fan, The Dorothy Dwan Chesterfield 60 Pori Special Cast Ufa Films Primrose Path, The Foster-Darrow Hollywood Films 94. ..Jan. 24,'3I Pueblo Terror Buffalo Bill Jr West Coast Studios Apr. 15. '31 .60 . .Apr. II,'3I Queen of Sparta, The Italafilm 9 reels Queen's Neclilace Protex 9 reels Road To Hell Public Welfare Films July 4. '31 Rosenmmontag Mathlas Wleman, Lien Dyers UFA 8 reels Slums of Toltio Japanese Cast Moviegraphs Smol"' Pale Face Pup Aesop Fable June Parading Pajamas Johnny Arthur Dec. Par and Double Par Sportlight Nov. Pathe News Released Twice Weekly Parents Wanted Folly Comedy Mar. Play Ball Aesop Fable May Racqueteers Sportlight Oct. Radio Racket Jable Mar. Red Riding Hood ^^^^"^ \ \ J^"- Rough and Tumble Sportlight Jan. Rough House Rhythm Ed Kennedy Apr. Royal Flush. The All Star . . . Dec. Sands of Egypt Vagabond Adventure Nov. Seein' Injuns P""'!';? f'*"; Self Defense . V ■ • 1 f/"*' Shadow of the Dragon Vagabond Adventure Mar. She Snoops to Conquer Daphne Pollard June Sink or Swim S"""!'.'-'!! U^!!- Ski Pilot Sportlight Feb. Speed Limit Sportlight ■■ ■■ Mar. Spirit of Sho-Gun Vagabond Adventure Dec. Stage Struck Walter Catlett Jan. Stone Age Stunts Fable Dec. Stout Hearts and Willing Hands. Frank Fay . Juno Tale of Tutulla Vagabond Adventure Jan. Tennis Top-Notchers Tilden-Wills Apr. That's My Line Louis John Bartels July That's News to Me frank McHugh July Them the Unknown Vagabond Adventure Mar. Three Wise Clucks Glenn Tryon Apr. Touchdown Rockne Football Nov. Toytown Tale Fable Jan. Twisted Tales Arthur Housman-Marlon Douglas Mar. Two Minutes to Go Rockne Football Oct. Under Cover S"""^ ,.• i?"' Under Par Farrell Golf Mar. Under the Cock-Eyed Moon Carney-Wills Oct. Water Bugs Johnny Wolsmuller May Well of Fortaleza. The Vagabond Adventure Feb. Winning Putts Farrell Golf Mar. Wizard Land Vagabond Adventure Dec. Younger Years Sportlight 2 I I 15.'31...2 24, '3I.... 19 1 l,'3l...l I8.'3l...l 25, '3I 5, '31...2 19 2 2 I I5.'3I...2 7 1 8,'3l...l 22.'3I.... 22.'3I...I 8 I 8.'3I...I 28 I 18 1 7 I 15,'31.. . . 25.'3I...I 4,'3I...I I3,'3I.... 6, '3I.... 22,'3I...I I2,'3I...2 2 I 4,'3l...l ng Time inutes Reviewed reels .10 July 4,'3I . 7... June 6,'31 reel Sept. 13 reel.. Feb. I4,'3I reels. Apr. 18, '31 reel Sept. 27 reel . Apr. II, '31 reel Nov. 8 reels. May 2, '31 reel Nov. 15 reels reels. Jan. I0,'3I reel Aug. 30 reel Dec. 13 reels reel . Apr. 1 1, '31 reel. Mar, 28.'3I reel . . Feb. 28,'31 reels , . 20 July 4,'3I reel Sept. 20 reels Sept. 20 reel.. Jan. 3, '31 reel Aug. 30 .20. ..June 6,'3I reel Oct. 25 reel. . May 2,'3I reel Dec. 20 reel Nov. 22 reels reels. Jan. 3,'31 reels. May 16, '31 reels. May 2,'3I reel Nov. 29 reels. ... Nov. 22 20. ..Apr. II. '31 .7... Apr. 4.'31 reel reel.. May 3I,'3I reels. Feb. 7,'3I ..9 July 4,'3I reels. Jan. 24, '31 reel Nov. 22 reel reels. Apr. 4, '31 10... May 30,'3I reel Oct. 1 1 reel. . Feb. 28, '31 reel . Jan. 31/31 reel.. Feb. 7. '31 reels. Mar. 14, '31 reels Aug. 30 reel reels. Jan. 3, '31 reel Sept. 13 reel.. Mar. 14,'3I .20. . .June 20, '31 reel. 9. Mar. 28,'3I reel.. Feb. 14, '31 reel.. Mar. I4,'3I reel.. Jan. 3,'31 reel.. Feb. 28, '3 1 reel Dec. 13 20... May 30.'3I reel.. Feb. 7,'3I reel. I I.Apr. 4,'31 20... June 6.'3I 20. .May 30,'3I reel. Apr. 4, '3 1 reels. Apr. I8,'31 reel reel.. Jan. 3. '31 SYNDICATE PICTURES CORPORATION 29,'31 22... Apr. 4,'31 15 1 reel Il,'3l...l reel. .Jan. 24,'3I 15,'3I...I reel.9.Mar. 28, '31 26 2 reels Nov. 15 31,'SI 10 ..May 23,'3I 28,'3I...I reel. .Feb. 21. '31 l.'3l...l reel. .Apr. 4, '3' 14 1 reel Dec. I3 10 July 4,'3I STATE RIGHTS Title At the Photographers Beauty Secrets from Holly- wood— No. I (technicolor).. Besides the Western Sea Birds of a Feather Blind Youth Bosom Friendship Bring on the Bride Broken Doll, The Coast to Coast Down Hawaii Way Electric Ship Eli- Eli Evening in Jewish Camp Felix Fernandino Friend Husband In the Good Old Summer Time lewish Gypsy Jewish Melody Kids and Pets Knights In Khaki Kol Nidre No. I Kol Nidre No. 2 Land of Freedom Legend of the Skies Mal-Ko Mashma-Lou Meet the Family Monkey Business Monkey Squawks Natascha Niagara Falls Oh Doctor One Day Peas and Ques Peculiar Pets Poem in Stone. A Polo Sacred Elephants of India... Sailors' Sweetheart Shoemaker's Romance Signed, Scaled & Delivered. Sixty Minutes from Broad- way Some Wild Appetites. Spanish Rhythm Spring Is Here Style and Class Summer Harmonies . Talk-o-Graphs Tee Time Una-Sana-Takof Wings of Tomorrow.. World Unseen, A Star Harry Delf Runni Distributor M . Elbee 2 ing Time inutes Reviewed reels Welshay Castle Film I Ideal Lou Tellegen Capital 2 Novelty UFA Elbee 2 Sadie Banks Judea Films 1 Talker Visugraphic 2 Color Novelty Castle I Educational General Electric Cantor Waldman ...Judea Film Eval Miller Judea Film Imperial Burr 2 I4,'3I 4,' 31 Ideal Hymie Jacobson Judea Films Cantor Waldman ludea Films, Inc I Color Novelty Castle I Falcon Prod Cantor Schmilikel ..ludea Films Cantor Waldman ...ludea Films Seymour Reltztelt ..ludea Films, Inc 2 Ideal Harry Feld ludea Films Harry Delf Elbee 2 Mar. reel . .8. . .Apr. reels 10 reels Nov. 9 reel reels Aug. 30 reel .9 Nov. 8 10 12 .9.i....Nov. 22 reels. 4,'3I .8... Apr. 21 reel reel 22... May 23.'3I 10 reels .6. ..Mar. reels .8. . .Apr. I4,'3I '4,''3i Burr • PInchus Lavenda Judea Films, Inc 2 reels... Essanay Special Cast Judea Films Visugraphic Pro Patria Ideal Ideal Visugraphic Ideal Hymie Jacobson ludea Films, Inc 2 reels.. Judea Films 21 Special Cast Burr Color Novelty Castle I reel,.. . 20. ..Dec. 20 Dec. 6 Dec. 6 .Apr. 4, '31 .Mar. I4,'3I Nov. 29 .Mar. 21, '31 Ideal .Orchestra Imperial Ideal . Marty Barratz ludea Films .Song Cartoon Binohone Norman Brokenshire Henry Sononshlns Felix the Cat Conley Films .Canto Waldman ... Judea Films Visuographic . Sclentmo UFA .. .8. .. .9. . . 9. , ..23. I reel ,. 9. . I reel .Mar. 21, '31 Nov. 29 .Mar. 21, '31 '.'.'.'.dcV."5 Nov. 29 ....Apr. 5 Alice Chops the Suey Feb. Alice Gets Stage Struck Jan. Alice Gets Stung Oct. Alice Loses Out Mar. Alice on the Farm Oct. Alice Picks the Champ Mar. Alice Plays Cupid Apr. Alice Rattled by Rats May Alice Salves the Puzzle Apr. Alice the Jailbird Nov. Alice Wins the Derby Nov. Alice in the Jungle Jan. Alice's Balloon Race Dec. Alice's Egg Plant Dec. Alice's Mysterious Mystery May Alice's Orphan Feb. Broken Spur, The Jack Hoxie Feb. Cyclone Bliss Jack Hoxie Oct. Desert Bridgegroom Jack Desert's Crucible Jack Dead or Alive Jack Double 0, The Jack Rider from Nowhere Jack Romantic Sheriff Jack Sparks of Flint Jack Western Romance lack Hoxie Jan. Hoxie Oct. Hoxie Nov. Hoxie Dec. Hoxie Nov. Hoxie Jan. Hoxie Feb. Hoxie Dec. I. '31.... I5.'3I.... 15 I.'31.... I 15,'3I.... I, '31. l.'3l I5,'3I.... I 15 I,'3I.... 15 I 15,'3I 15.'3I.... I.'31.. .2 15 2 15, '31... 2 reels. 1 2 reels, 15 2 I 2 I 2 1.'3! I5.'3I reels, reels. reels., reels., reels. . .2 reels.. .2 reels. .2 reels.. TALKING PICTURE EPICS Running Time Minutes Reviewed '31 10. ..May 2,'3I I2.'31 10 Nov. 8 '31 10... May 30,'3I I4,'31 9 25,'31 9 31. '31 10. Title Star Rel. Date Animal World of Make Believe.. Dr. Raymond L. Ditmars. . . Apr., Bird Islands of Peru Dr. Robt. Cushman Murphy. Feb. Fight to Live Dr. Raymond L. Ditmafs. . . Apr., Freaks of Nature Or. Raymond L. Ditmars. .. June Heart of the Nation Washington May In the Realm of Goblins Dr. Raymond L. Ditmars. .. Aug. , Killing the Killer Dr. Raymond L. Ditmars. .. June 9 Land of Evangeline (No. 2) Wanderlust Jan. 30,'31 10. ..Feb. I4,'3I Land That Time Forgot Let's Sing Howard Wade Kinsey Bept. 1 10 Like a Beaver Dr. Raymond L. Ditmars. . .Feb. I2,'31 10... Feb. I4.'31 Monkey Whoopee Dr. Raymond L. Ditmars. . .Dec. 25 9. ..May 30, '31 Naked Man vs. Beast Martin Johnson Oct. 15 10 Pompeii Seeing Bermuda on a Bicycle. .. (No. 1) Wanderlust Oct. Sunny Sweden (No. 4) Wanderlust June This Is Australia Natives lune Today and Yesterday Hearst News Nov. Top of the Old World (No. 6) Wanderlust June Up and Down New York (Empire State BIdg.) May World of Make Believe 15 10 Dec. 13 I5.'31 9 I5,'31 15 15, '29 30.... July 4,'3I 15.'31 9 25,'31 9 TIFFANY Running Time Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Color Symphonies Series 6 in Technicolor 1 reel Chinese Flower Boat July 5 Dancing Bear Juno ID Parisian Nights June 25 Kentucky Jubilee Singers Series of 6 Old Black Joe May 1 2 reels Pickin' Cotton I reel Dec. (3 Road Home, The 2 reels Slave Days I reel Dec. 6 Welcome Home Dec. 12 .1 reel Nov. 29 Musical Fantasies Series of 6 I reel Fire Worshippers Auo. 10 Sept. 27 Memories Apr. 23 William Tell Aug. I Way Down South Dec. 6 Paul Hurst Comedies Series of 6 Do Woild's Champion Dec. 6 One Punch O'Toole Mar. 23 18... Mar. 28,'3I Tale of a Flea. The Missing Link, The Rolling Stone Series Series of 6 In the Mountains Sept. 25 1 reel Sept. 6 The Desert Dec. 18 Tiffany Chimp Series 6 Monkey Comedies 2 reels 1. Blimp Mystery, The Sept. 27 2. Little Covered Wagon, The Sept. 5 Aug. 30 3. Little Big House, The Oct. 15 Oct. 4 4. Little Divorcee, The Dec. 6 5. Nine Nights in a Bar Room Jan. 26,'3I Jan. 3,'3I 6. Chasing Around Mar. 23, '31 16. ..Mar. 28,'3I 7. Africa Squawks 8. Apeing Hollywood 9. Cinnamon Voice of Hollywood Series Station S-T-A-R Jan. 26 1 reel No. 16 Nell Hamilton Aug. 10 1 reel No. 17 Laura La Plante Aug. 20 I reel No. 18 Glcason & Armstrong Sept. Ii I reel No. 19 Johnny Hines I reel No. 20 James Hall I reel Oct. II No. 21 Conklin &. Christy I reel No. 22 Ian Keith I reel No. 23 Sammy Cohen-Tiffany Talking Chimps I reel Dec. 6 No. 24 Leon E. Janney Dec. 21 I reel No. 25 Seben 'n' Leben Jan. 20,'3I...I reel No. 26 Kenneth Harlan Mar. 2, '31 10. ..Mar. 28,'3I No. 27 John Wayne - Our Gang 1 reel 10... May 2, '3 1 .12 UNIVERSAL Title Arabian Knights ... All Excited Africa Alaska All for a Lady Band Master. The.. Butter in Yeggman, Champion, The Cat's Paw, The Champ, The China College Comeback, The Country School, Dangerous Daze Detective, The Discontented Cowboys Divorce A La Carte Farmer, The Fireman, The Fowl Ball, The Framed Go to Blazes ....... Hammer & Tongs ... Hello. Russia Hello, Napoleon Hero's Luck Heroes of the Flames Hot and Bothered . . . Hot Feet Howdy Mate In Old Mazuma Kane Meets Abel ... The Star Rel. Date M .Slim Summerville .. 8, '31 .2 , . Mar. 25. 1 ■31 .2 Oswald Cartoon .. Dee. 15 Leather Pusher Series No. 6. Dec. 31 2 18, •31 Sidney- Murray . . May 6. '31 !2' .Leather Pushers ..Feb. 25. 8, '31 .2 .Red Star Comedy ... ..July '31 .2 .Oswald Cartoon ..July 27, '31 .Oswald Cartoon . . Jan. 12, '31 !i .Oswald Cartoon . . Jan. 26, '31 .Leather Pusher Series No! 4. Dec. 3 !2' .Oswald Cartoon . . May 5, ■'3i . 1 .Red Star Comedy ... . . Mar. 11. '31 .2 .Oswald Cartoon . . Sept. 22 . 1 .Sidney-Murray . . Nov. 12 .2 .Sidney-Murray . . Apr. 15, ■si .2 .Oswald Cartoon . . Mar. 23. '31 . 1 .Oswald Cartoon . . Apr. 6, '31 Oswald Cartoon . .Oct. 13 ' 1 .Leather Pusher Series No! 7. Jan. 14, '31 .2 . Oct. 15 8 2 .Leather Pusher Series No. 20ct. .2 .Slim Summerville ... . . Jan. 17, ''3i .2 . Red Star Comedy . . . . . June 3, '31 .2 .Slim Summerville .. . . May 20, •31 .2 .Tim McCoy . . June 2, '31 .Sidney-Murray . . Mar. 4, •31 !2' . Oswald Cartoon . . Aug. 24, •31 . Red Star Comedy . . . ..July 22, '31. !2' .Sidney Murray . . Jan. 21. •31. .2 . Leather Pushers ..Feb. II, '31. .2 ng Time inutes Reviewed reels. . Mar.28,'3l reels. . Feb.28,'3l Nov. 29 Dec. 20 reels Nov. 29 .6... June 20, '31 reels. . Apr.l l,'3l reels reels. .Apr. 4,'3I reel reels reel reels, reel. . reels, reels, reel. . reel . reel reels Dec. 13 reels. ... Nov. 8 reels reels. . . . Dec. 20 reels reels.. May 2,'3I 17. . . Apr. 4, '31 reels reels reels, roels .May 16, '3! .Mar.l4,'3l ...Oct. II . . . Oct. 1 1 .Mar.l4,^3( .Mar.14,^31 Jan. 3, '3 1 July 11, 19 3 1 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 77 Title Star Rel. Kentucky Belle Oswald Cartoon Aug. Knockout, The Leather Pusher Series No. 3 .. Nov. Lady Killer, A Leather Pusher Series No. 8 .. Jan. Laughback. The Red Star Comedy Dec. Let's Play Slim Summervilie Apr. Love Punch. The Sidney-Murray Dec. Mardi Gras Leather Pusher Series No. 5 .. Dec. Mars Oswald Cartoon Dec. Mexico Oswald Cartoon Nov. Navy, The Oswald Cartoon Nov. No Privacy Red Star Comedy Apr. North Woods Oswald Cartoon June One Day to Live Red Star Comedy Apr. Parisian Gaieties Slim Summervilie June La La Slim Summervilie Nov. Radio Rhythm Oswald Cartoon July Rolling Along Sidney-Murray Oct. Royal Bluff Slim Summervilie j...Feb. Sargie's Playmates Slim Summervilie Mar. Scared Stiff Red Star Comedy Mat/ Stay Out, The Sidney-Murray May Shipwreck Oswald Cartoon Feb. Stay Out, The Sidney-Murray May Stone Age, The Oswald Cartoon July Running Time Date Minutes Reviewed 10. 3 1.. I reel 5 2 reels Oct. II 28, '31 . .2 reels 24 29. '31. 10 17 29 17 3 22, '31. 29. '31. I, '31. 17. '31. 26 2 reels 27, '31.. I reel 1 2 reels IS, '31.. 2 reels 31.. 2 reels 2 reels . Jan. 2 reels 2 reels Nov. 2 reels Nov. I reel 3,'3I reel . reel . reels reel . reels. .Apr. Nov. Nov. .2 reel. I. '31 .May I6,'3I ...Nov. 15 Feb.28.'3l. , Feb. 21. '31 13. '31 . .2 reels. . May 2. '31 24. '31. .2 reels. .May 16, '31 9. '31.. I reel... Feb. 21, '31 t Seems No. It Seems No. It Seems It Seems It Seems It Seems Strange as Strange as Strange as Strange as Strange as Strange as Strange as it Seems Strange as It Seems Strange as Strange as Strange as Strange as Strange as t Seems t Seems t Seems t Seems It Seems , Novelty Sept. 2 Novelty Sept. No. 3 Novelty Nov. No. 4. . . . Novelty Dec. No. 5. . . . Novelty Jan. No. 6 Novelty Feb. No. 7 Novelty Mar. No. 8 Novelty Apr. No. 9. . . . Novelty May No. 10 Novelty June No. II Novelty July No. 12. . . . Novelty Aug. No. 13 Novelty Aug. . Oswald Cartoon Apr. I I reel Sept. 20 29 I reel Oct. II 3 I reel Nov. 22 22 1 reel Dec. 13 19. '31.. I reel. ..Jan. 3. '31 18. '31.. I reel. . .Feb. 7,'3I 16. '31.. I reel. . .Mar.l4,'3l 13, '31.. I reel. . .Apr.l l.'3l II, '31 . . I reel . . July 4,'3I 8. '31 . . I reel 6. '3 1.. I reel 3, '31.. I reel 31, '31.. I reel 20, '31.. I reel. ..May 2,'3I 29 2 reels Oct. 11 19 2 reels. . . Nov. Believe It or Not. No. Believe It or Not, No. Believe It or Not, No. Believe It or Not, No. Believe It or Not, No. Believe It or Net. No. Sunny South We Wo Marie Slim Summervilie Oct. You Said It. Sailor Red Star Comedy Nov. VITAPHONE SHORTS Running Time Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Adventures in Africa No. I. Into the Unknown 2 reels.. June 6.'3I Adventures in Africa No. 2. An African Boma 2 reels Adventures in Africa No. 3. The Lion Hunt 2 reels Adventures in Africa No. 4. Spears of Death 2 reels Adventures in Africa No. 5. Trails of the Hunted 2 reels Adventures in Africa No. 6. The Buffalo Stampede 2 reels Adventures in Africa No. 7. The Witch Doctor's Magic 2 reels Adventures in Africa No. 8. Flaming Jungles 2 reels Adventures in Africa No. 9. Dangerous Trails 2 reels Adventures in Africa No. 10. Maneaters 2 reels Adventures in Africa No. 11. Beasts of the Wilderness 2 reels Adventures in Africa No. 12 Unconquered Africa 2 reels Africa Shrieks Hugh Cameron I reel Ain't Nature Grand Looney Tunes No. 7 Jan. 24.'3I Alaska— Laff Tour Eddie Lambert 1 reel Algiers Novelty Scenic 1 reel Alpine Echoes Douglas Stanbury I reel Dec. 13 Angel Cake A. Rasch Girls - C. Landry J. Ray Foursoma 2 reels. . Feb. 21. '31 Animals of the Amazon E. M. Newman Travel Talk 10. June 6. '31 At the Round Table Hellinger-Hopper-Runyon- Corbett I reel Oct. 4 Babykins Pee Wee Singer and Bill Halligan I reel Baby Bandit. The Bobby Watson- Ann Cornwall I reel Bard of Broadway, The Walter Winchell 2 reels Oct. 4 Barefoot Days Cast of Children I reel Believe It or Not. No. 2 Robert L. Ripley I reel Dec. 6 Believe It or Not. No. 3 Robert L. Ripley I reel 4 Robert L. Ripley I reel Nov. 1 6 Robert L. Ripley I reel . .7. Mr.28,'3l 7 Robert L. Ripley I reel.. Feb. 2I,'3I 8 Robert L. Ripley 1 reel 9 Robert L. Ripley I reel. .9. My 23.'3I . 0 Robert L. Ripley I reel Believe It or Not, No. II Robert L. Ripley 1 reel Big Deal, The Harry Holman I reel Bigger They Are Prime Carnero-Little Billy 2 reels Big Man From the North Looney Tunes No. 6 I reel .. .Jan. I0.'3I Bitter Half, The Frank Orth-Ann Codee I reel Border Patrol, The Frisco-Knopp-Graham 2 reels. . Jan. 24,'3I Booze Hangs High, The Looney Tunes No. 4 1 reel. .6. .Oct. 4 Bosko's Holiday Looney Tunes No. II I reel ... May 9. '31 box Car Blues Looney Tunes No. 5 1 reel Cave Club. The Leach-Merman-Pieriot 9 Cold Turkey H. Broderick - L. Crawford I reel College Capers I reel Nov. 8 Compliments of the Season Dressier- Lane-O'Brien 2 reels Court Plastered Helen Broderick I reel . . .Jan.24, '31 Crime Square Pat O'Brien-Mary-Duncan I reel Cry Baby Vernon-Treen I reel Curses Moore-Clement-Blackwood 2 reels. . Feb.2l.'3l Dandy and the Belle, The Frank McGlynn. Jr. - Mary Murray I reel . .9 Dining Out Kent-Lake I reel Donkey Business Edgar Bergen - C. Graver I reel Down the Blue Danube E. M. Newman Travel Talk I reel. . .Apr.25.'3l Dumb Luck Frank Orth - Ann Codie I reel Dumb Patrol Looney Tunes No. 9 I reel . .7. Mr.28,'3l Duel. The Fields-Teasdale 1 reel Envy Dressler-Brent-Evans I reel Everything Happens to Me Carson-Hoyt I reel .. .. Excuse the Pardon Morgan-Alexander I reel Deo. 13 Fast and Pleasant Billy Wayne-Thelma White I reel Find the Woman Hugh O'Connell Five Minutes from the Station. . Overman-Churchill-Sidney 2 reels . . . .. .. For Two Cents D« Wolf Hopper 10. June 6.'3I Fora . Ford-Lane I reel Fowl fr'iangie • • • vv.-i j; V .' "e'. . . Feb. I4.'3I Frame The Boyd-Middleton I reel Freshman Love Ruth Etting-Jeanie Lang- Don Tompkins ...I reel.20.Ap I8,'3I Gangway Joe Penner 2 reels Gigalo Racket, The Helen Morgan 2 ree s Girls We Remember .r.\,\:. -w:^ "\ '\\;C-\' , ''i Good Mournina .. Eddie Fay- Dressier- White I reel Good Pie Forever ' : i . i . . . . . . ! . . . Billy Wayne-Thelma Whit. I reel . . . . Good Times ...Madge Evans I reel . . Mar.l4,'3l Grand Dames,' ' The ' Patsy Kelly I reel ...May 9.'3I Hangover. The Nee y Edwards - B. Granville I reel Handy Guy, The Earl Sande 15. My 23. 31 Happy Hottentots, The Joe Frisco ree . . . . . Oct. 25 Headache Man, The Cloments-Cavanaugh I reel. . .Jan. 17. 31 Heart Breaker, The Eddie Foy. Jr I ree . 15 . . .Oct. 4 Hello, Sucker Hugh O'Connell I reel Hocus Pocus Edgar Bergen-C. Graver..... Hitting the High C's Frank & Milt Britten & Band I reel. . . Apr. 4,'3I (Reviewed under title "On the High C's") Home Maid Hackett-Hall-Burley I reel .... .... Honeymoon Trail, The I reel .7.Apr.4, 3i Hot Sands Billy Wayne-Thelma White I reel How I Play Golf Bobby Jones _ , . „, No. 1— The Putter 2 ree s. . Anr.25, 31 No. 2— Chip Shots I ree . . . Apr.25, 3 No. 3— The Niblick I reel. . .Apr.25, 31 No. 4— The Mashie Niblick I ree No. 5 — The Medium Irons I reel No. 6 — The Big Irons I reel No. 7— The Spoon I reel No. 8— The Brassie I reel No. 9— The Driver I reel No. 10— Trouble Shots I reel No. 1 1— Practice Shots I reel .Dec. .7. My 9,'3I . .Apr.l8,'3l ..Jan. I7,'3I . .Jan. I0,'3I .8.Mr28.'3l 'II Fix It . Kent- Lake I reel . 9. Mr 28,'3I Running Time Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed Inventor, The Billy Wayne-Thelma White I reel. 10. My 16. '31 Jay Walker. The Chester Gluts I reel . 10. .Sept. 13 Jessel, George, and The Russians Art Choir | reel.. Feb. 21, '31 Junior Neely Edwards-J. McCallion I reel Just a Gigolo Cameron-Crosbie-Austin J. Young I reel .7. Junel3.'3l Knocking 'Em Cold Andrew Tombes I reel Last But Not Leased Billy Wayne-.Thelma White I reel. . Mar. 21. '31 Lady Killer, The Eric Dressier I reel Lady Play Your Mandolin Song Cartoon I reel Last Straw, The Romncy Brent I reel.. 8. My 2,'3I Let's Merge Doree Leslie I reel Lodge Night Phillips-Cox I reel . .7. My I6.'3I Lonely Gigolo Lotti Loder 9... Oct. 25 Looney Tunes No. 1 — Sinkin' In the Bathtub I reel No. 4 — Booze Hangs High. The I reel Oct. 4 No. 5 — Box Car Blues I reel No. 6 — Big Man From the North I reel. . .Jan. 10, '31 No. 7— Ain't Nature Grand I reel. . . Jan.24,'3l No. 8— Ups 'n' Downs I reel. . .Apr. 4.'3I No. 9— Dumb Patrol I reel. .Mar. 28,'3I No.lO— Yodeling Yokels I reel No.ll— Bosko's Holiday I reel No. 12— Trees' Knees I reel Lost and Found Demarest-Bond I reel Love Nest. The Billy Wayne-Thelma White I reel.. Mar. 21, '31 Lucky Break Fox 2 1... Oct. 25 Madame of the Jury Judith Anderson I reel Maid to Order Eleanor Shalor - Bob Lynn I reel. ..May 2.'3I Making Good Joe Penner I reel. . .Apr. 4, 31 Married Flint-Ridoes-Foran I reel Masquerade V. Osborn-R. D' Arcy-W.Lytell 2 reels Martinelli Aria from "Aida" ' reel Gypsy Caravan I reel Pagliacci I reel Prison Scene from "Faust" I reel Sept. 27 Temple Scene from ''Aida" ■ I reel The Ship's Consort I reel Troubadour. The • reel. Two Popular Italian Songs : ' reel. (Reviewed under the title — "Nina") Meal Ticket, The Jack Pearl 2 reels. . Junel3,'3l Military Post, The Roberto Guzman I reel Milky Way, The Neely Edwards-Muriel Abbott I reel Dancers Modern Fairy Tales I reel Merry Melodies 7min..Apr. 25,'3I No. I — Lady Play Your Mandolin Modern Business I reel Money, Money, Money Mason-Keeler Moving In Joe Penner 2 reels Mr. Intruder Otto Kruger I reel My Mistake Donald Brian-Pat O'Brien I reel Naggers' Day of Rest. The Mr. & Mrs. Jack Norworth I reel. Naggers Go Rooting, The Mr. & Mrs. Jack Norworth i reel. Naggers Go South, The Mr. & Mrs. Jack Norworth I reel Naggers Go Camping, The Mr. & Mrs. Jack Norworth I reel . Naggers Go Shopping, The Mr. & Mrs. Jack Norworth i reel Naggers in the Subway, The Mr. &, Mrs. Jack Norworth I reel. 10 Naggers at the Dentist's. The... Mr. &. Mrs. Jack Norworth i reel. ..May 2,'3I Naggers at the Ringside Mr. & Mrs. Jack Norworth 10 min. . . May I6,'3I Nightingale, The Osborne-Talbot-O'Brien 2 reels. .Jan. 31, '31 Nine o'clock Folks Whitey & Ford I reel No-Account, The Hardie-Hutchison 9 Ni Privacy Lloyd Hamilton 20 min. ..May 2,'3I No Questions Asked Little Billy-Jed Preuty I reel Number, Please Sheila Barrett-L. Barrio I reel. 10. Mr 31, '31 Office Scandal. The Bergen-Graber I reel. . .Jan. 31, '31 Old Flame. The Audray Dale-John Marsdon I reel One Good Turn Ruth Etting-Jay Velle 2 reels One Way Out Chas. Lawrence-Thelma White I reel ... Feb. 21, '31 Only the Girl Wattles-Marsh 6 On the Job Frank Orth-Ann Codes I reel Pa Gets a Vacation — Potter Series. Littlefield- Ward 14 Painter. The Frank Orth Partners Wm. Gaxton-Geo. Haggerty 2 reels 21. Ap. 4,'3| Paulo. Paquita & Chiquita 9 Peace and Quiet Billy Wayne- Barbara Leonard I reel Perfect Understanding. A May-Oaks 6 Pest of Honor. The Short-Fielding-Hail I reel Play Boy. The Fox-Curtis 2 reels Playing With Fira Jack Hazzard I reel Politics George Jessel 2 reels Dee. 18 Purely an Accident Brown- Kearns-Otto I reel . 10. My I6,'3I Putting It On Jarvis-Bond I reel Reno or Bust Panghorn- Hager I reel Aug. 23 Riding Master, The Poodles Hanaford 9 reels Nov 8 Romeo and Juliet Chas. Hackett-Rosa Low I reel .'. . . Recruits, The The Three Sailors-Clements I reel.. Feb. 2I,'3I Revenge Is Sweet L. Adams-Weeks-Allworth 2 reels. 9. Mr 28, '31 Roseland Ruth Etting 2 reels. 14 Rural Hospitality Roger Imhof I reel Salesman. The Orth Vernon I reel Santry. Henry, &. Orchestra I reel. Sax Appeal Joe Penner I reel Say A Little Prayer for Me Cameron Crosbie- Dorothy Vogel I reel . Scotch Love Blore-Swinburn-Collins I reel. Second Childhood Mayall-Mackin I reel. Seeing Off Service Penner-Busley-McNaughton 2 reels. Seeing Sarah Off Sylvia Clark 1 reel Seeing Things Demarest-Auer- Fielding I reel. Service Stripes Penner- Waddell I reel. Servant Problem, The Murray-Oakland-Stauber I reel Showin' Off Vitaphone Kiddies I reel Silent Partner, The Billy Gaxton 2 reels Sitting Pretty Joe Phillips-Ruth Donnelly I reel May 9, '31 Sky High Janet Reade-Durdey Clements I reel . 10. Mr 28,'3I Sleepy Head Frank Orth-Ann Codee I reel. .Feb. 2I,'3I South Sea Pearl Gaston Glass 2 reels May 10 Spirits of 76th Street Helen Broderick I reel. 17. May 2, '31 Sportslants No. I — Ted H using I reel . ... Squaring the Triangle Donald Brian-Mayo Maillot Stars of Yesterday Old Film Stars I reel. .Feb. 28,'3I Stepping Out Penner-Phillips-Donnelly I reel Oct. 25 Strange Case, The Charles Halton I reel . .8. My I6.'3I Strong Arm, The Harrington-O'Neil I reel Stuttering Romance. A Joe Penner-Dorothea Chard I reel Surprise Dugan-Leonard 12 Suspicion Lyons-Earle-Morns i reel Syncopated Sermon, A Hall-Johnson Choir Willard Robinson I reel Nov. IS System Clements- Knapp I reel Taking Chances Billy Wayne-Thelma White I reel... May 9, 31 Talking It Over Jack Osferman 8 Thirteenth Prisoner, The Willie Howard-Lea Kohlmar Nov. 15 Tintypes Yorke &. King I reel Oct. II Tom Thumbs Down Jarvis McNaughton I reel Trip to Paris, A Jarvis-Taylor I reel Trees Knees Looney Tuney No. 12 I reel Trip to Tibet, A Scenic I reel May 2,'3I 23 Skiddoo Lew Fields I 4. . . 10. May 2.'3I Twixt Love and Duty Howard- Graham-Percival 10 May 2,'3I Two Rounds of Love Rennie-Oixon I reel Unfair Sex. The Healy-Gilbert I reel Ups 'n' Downs Looney Tunes No. 8 I reel... Apr. 4,'3I Varsity Vamp Mike Ames 2 reels Victim. The Orth-Howard I reel Wanderer. The Douglas Stanbury I reel. .9. .Sept. 18 Watch Dog, The Jack Hazzard I reel Where Men Are Men Joe Penner 2 reels Where There's a Will George Hassell 2 reels With Pleasure Dolly Gilbert-Billy Wane I reel.. 8. Mr I4,'3I Ye Old Time News Reel I reel... May 2,'3I Yodeling Yokels Looney Tunes No. 10 1 reel .Feb. 28,'3I . Nov. I .9... Oct. 18 . .Jan. lO.'SI 78 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 11, 19 3 1 I CLASSIFIED I Advertising ^ Ten cents per word, payable in advance. Minimum charge, t» $1.00. Copy and checks should be addressed Classified Ad Dept., Motion Picture Herald, 1790 Broadway, New York, N. Y. The Recognized N ational Classified Advertising Medium Mail Order Bargains YOUR DOLLAR NEVER HAD GREATER PUR- CHASING POWER— LOOK AT THESE VALUES- EVERYTHING BRAND NEW. Sound Absorbent Theatre Carpet, 69y2