: I Scanned from the collection of Karl Thiede Coordinated by the Media History Digital Library www.mediahistoryproject.org Funded by an anonymous donation in memory of Carolyn Hauer Digitized by tlie Internet Archive in 2011 witli funding from IVIedia History Digital Library http://www.archive.org/details/filmdaily4748newy rv,^ h^ (\, 5 Christie in New Company to Make Talking Pictures :i^c NEWSPAPER oypiLMDOM ALL THE HEWsl ALLTHE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 1 Wednesday, January 2, 1929 Price 5 Cents In Other Lands TAKING up the several prob- lems which, in our opinion, confront the industry in this lew year of grace, we turn today o the torcii^n situation. Elsewhere, there appear expressions of opin- on on what 1929 will mean for his inilustry abroad. They peer nto the future — a proceedings which consequently delves largely nto the regions of the unknown. However, sound and quotas cap- ure the center of the stage. In he first instance speculation runs ligh, for those who open up their ninds to you are frank in declar- ng they don't know what sound vill do. On quotas, opinion veers oward the belief that the policy jf artificial stimulants will finally all of its own weight. Facts, Plus Figures It is ill this connection that we tfer evidence conchisive in itself and rather damning indictment of the iiifairness of the foreign powers hich are practising a business In- liiisition on the American motion pic- iire: Figures compiled for the forth- oming Film Daily Year Book prove hat almost 200 pictures were im- jorted and exhibited in American heaters in 1928, as compared with Lss than 75 in 1927. Germany heads he list with 83; England is credited i.ith 37; France, 30; Russia, 16; Swe- len, 7; Italy, 6; Poland, 4; Argentine, wo and Canada Czecho-slovakia, Lgypt, India and Norway, one piece. Yet nary a word of protest is raised 1 any quarter of the American trade. Jim Williams and Al Aronson form \'orld-Wide Pictures to distribute mported films in America. Again o objection. The World Vs. America Contrast this with the heartaches eliberately thrown in the path of lis country's pictures in many of the ations whose product took playing me away from domestic films and ou will understand how strongly le industry here feels against such nfair discrimination. It is a righteous indignation that ome day will take the form of a itter retaliation aimed at those whose nability to compete fairly brands hem irrevocably as mighty poor .portsmen. K A N X U. S. FUTURE IN FOREIGN FIELD SEEN AS SECURE IN 1929 F. N, to Make 35 llest Coast Bur. THE 1-lLM UAIL/ Los Angeles — First National will make 35 pictures next year. The production budget totals $18,000,000. The pictures will be known as First National Vitaphone productions. War- ners recently announced a program of 35 for 1929-30. IT 9 NET T0TA^$5,975,745 Net profit of $2,102,117.57 for the three months and $5,975,744.76 for the nine months ended Sept. 29, after deducting all charges and reserve for Federal income and other taxes, is reported by Paramount. The nine months figure includes the company's $142,532.76 undistriljuted share of earnings of Balaban & Katz, then a 65 per cent owned subsidiary. (.Continued on Page 7) Fox Secures Site for Theater at Boston Boston — Announced here, only to be denied. Fox has closed deal for purchase of a site at Boylston, Tre- niont and La Grange Sts., on which is to be built a $10,000,000 theater seating 5,000. Work of razing build- ings on the site is to start June \. The theater will be housed in a 24 story building. 5 MORE HOUSES ACQUIRED IN MIDWESCO EXPANSION Milwaukee — Further expansion of Fox-Midwesco Theatres in Wiscon- sin is seen in acquisition of the Pal- ace and New Antigo, Antigo; Ma- jestic and Lyric, Stevens Point; and the Marinette, Marinette. The Palace at Antigo was leased from Harvey Hanson, former oper- ator while the New Antigo was ac- quired from the Associated Theatre Co. The Majestic and Lyric at Ste- vens Point were secured from J. P. (Continued on Page 7) Four Legislatures Open Sessions; 8 More Today Four state legislatures are in ses- sion, eight more are to open today with the total to be swelled during the month to 43. A number of bills affecting the industry are expected to be introduced in various states. In session are the Nebraska, Dela- ware, Pennsylvania and Rhode Is- land legislators, with the following slated to open today: Colorado, Flor- ida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mis- souri and New York. Intermountain Ass'n to Fight Adverse Legislation Salt Lake City — Threatened ad- verse legislation in the Utah and Idaho legislatures is to be opposed Ijy the Intermountain Theater Ass'n., formerly the Utah unit. New Talking Film Firm is Announced by George Weeks Moran & Mack to Make 2 Paramount Talkers Paramount has signed Moran & Mack, comedy team known as "The Two Black Crows" for two feature- length talkers. The pair leave soon for the Coast where final decision will be made as to story, cast and direc- tor of the first picture. THE REAL WORLD IS THE STAGE for World Wiile Pictures. — .Advt. Sono-.\rt Prod, has been formed to produce feature length talkers at the .Metropolitan Studios, Hollywood, states announcement by George W. Weeks, eastern representative of Christie Film Co., who is to serve as vice president of the firm. Produc- tion is to start in January on "Broad- way Bound," by and starring Eddie Dowling, who also is to appear in (Continued on Page 7) Obstacles of Sound and Quotas to be Overcome is Belief The lightning-like spread of the use of sound presents an entirely new problem for the American industry to face in formulating and carrying through its foreign sales policies. Those whose interest in motion pic- tures centralizes in overseas markets are frank to concede that here is a difficulty for which they can supply no answer. Quotas and trade barriers erected against the American film in impor- tant territories are again recognized as a constant source of irritation in that their workings hamper the ordi- nary course of trade. The general outlook on the foreign situation is (Continued on Page 7) SALES POLICiETOFj TS OUTUNENT MEETING Chicago — Sales and exploitation of the pictures on the company's program now in course of production were out- lined at sales meeting of Tififany-Stahl branch managers here over the week- end. The 30 managers present were enthusiastic over "Lucky Boy," talking and singing picture starring George Jessel. The star and members of his (Continued on Page 7) Dulcetone Firm to Be Launched by Wilson Details in the launching of a new firm to handle Dulcetone, synchroni- zation device, are slated to be work- ed out at a meeting today or tomor- row of directors of the company now being formed. Frank R. Wilson, head of M. P. Capital Corp., is to be president of the new company, which has 100 theater equipment sets in production. Imported Photoplays are DIFFERENT Novelty is box-office. — Advt. Chain of 25 Houses ' ' I Planned by Equity Philadelphia — lujuitv Theaters, through its oflficials, has announced l)lan for four new houses here in the (Continued ort Page 2) "EXHIBITORS' CHOICE" SELLING means picking those you want. — Advt. THE Wednesday, Jaguary 2, 1929 Vol. XLVII No. i Wednesday, Ian. 2. 1929 PriciSCints JOHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter, May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should ren:it with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue dfi la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Financial B'klyn House Interchanges Movietone and Phonofilm Demonstrating furtlier intercliange- aljilitv with Fox Movietone, the Dyke'r theater at 86th St. and 4th Ave., Brooklyn on Sunday opened with "The Red Dance" and Fox Movietone News. The house is equipped with a De Forest Phono- fihii reproducer. Cowan Named Production Manager at L. I. Studio James R. Cowan, who has been in charge of the making of short features at Paramount's Long Island studio, has just l)een appointed pro- duction executive. Bell will con- tinue his general supervision, but Cowan will he directly in charge of the detail of all productions, both features ' and short subjects. The change will allow Bell greater free- dom for questions of policy and new developments. Cowan has produced nearly 20 talking short subjects since the studio reopened. QQuotatknis as of Monday, Dec. 31) STOCK MARKET Am. Seat 35 34)4 35 1,400 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. . 25 J4 25/2 25 J4 700 East. Kodak 183 J4 183 183 500 •do pfd 128 *First Nat. pfd 104 .... Fox Fra. "A" ... 945^ 93 935/^ 9,600 *do rts ....•• .... .... o ■•• Keith A-O' 43M 41/2 4354 3,300 do pfd 129 126/8 129 100 Loew's Inc 63/2 63^ 63 !4 4,900 do pfd 102!^ 1025^ 102!^ 200 *M-G-M pfd 254 .••• M P. Cap 13!4 10 10 500 Para. F-L 55 53^ 55 11,300 Pathe Exch. ..:.. 11% HKs H'/^ 5,600 do "A" 26 26 26 300 Rad. K-A-O 44'^^ 42 44J^ 46,000 Stanlev Co 42 42 42 300 ♦Univ. Pict. pfd 98'^ Warner Bros 123J4 122 UZ'A 10,300 »do "A" 129 Warner pfd 5554 54^ 55H 1.400 CURB MARKET Acou.siic Prod. ... ISyi 1&% 18^. 2,100 Bal. & Katz .... 78 78 78 200 Con. Fm. Ind. ... l&'A ISV* 18^ 500 *FiIin Insp 25^ .... Fox Thea. "A" .. 35^4 34-^ 35 33,600 ♦Intern Proj I2V2 .... Loew do deb. rts.. 26 26 26 200 Nat. Thea. Sup... m SVi »'A 800 Trans-Lux 5H SH 554 1.200 •Univ. Pict 28 BOND MARKET Keith A-0 6s 46. 93^ 93J4 93i4 1 Loew 6s 41ww ..115 115 115 1 do 6s 41 x-war...l00 100 100 4 Paramount 6s 47 .. 99'/, 99'4 99!4 16 •Par. By. 5'/Js 51 1021^ Pathe 7s 3" 79/ "9/ 79/ I CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 . . 95 95 95 1 •Warner 6/s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 30 32 do units 33/ do com 5 / 6 / Skouras Bros. ... 54 55 Technicolor 10 12 United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 etweeM I iiited States and U. S. S. R. in the w(;rlil of the cinema should bring very important results f(jr Imth sides. » * » SOUND PORTENTS TROUBLE By JACK BARXSTYN President, British and Continental Trading Co. Inc. The prospects of the exporter of Ameri can mo'ion pictures, either national or inde- |)endent, look to me extremely unsettled for the next year. A great many productions will be either "all talkies" or will have dialogue in part. Such productions, of course, covia only be used in English-speaking coun- tries and even for such territories the use will be extremely limited on account of the very few houses which have been wired, even in England. • * • FUTURE HINGES AROUND QUALITY By J. H. HOFFBERG President, J. H. Hoffberg, Inc. 1 can see further curtailment in indepen dent markets throughout the world unless independent producers make bigger pictures than they have been making until now. The day of the ordinary program picture is gone forever. There is a market everywhere for good pictures. Monopolists may buy all the theaters and attempt to control all the mar- kets they want but they can never control the public. • * • MARKETS ABROAD DUBIOUS By EDWARD L. KLEIN President, E. L. Klein Corp. Prevailing quota laws have already had their elJect on American producers abroad. • * ' It has become necessary for a number of American producer-distributors to produce pictures in these countries in accordance with V GIRL ^^ ioqiue ifou, AlUheBe^afWiit FOUR GREAT YltAPftom PICTURE/* PER YEAR Now you'll Hear "IT"! — She sounds even better than she looks . . . The Spirit of Whoopee — multiplied by two! The Box- Office power of her pulsing pep doubled when she sings and dances like Everybody's Business. Ond'HeadifSoon ^'NAUGHTY BABV V^ITH X" O U H D AND O N G What a girl in "Show Girl"! Critics said— "socks home plenty of that S. A."— "excellent"— "delectable"— "acme of delight." Now you can follow up with another Show Girl type of role in "NAUGHTY BABY". . . Plenty of show-off costumes . . . Lots of ritz . . . Convulsing comedy . . . Great cast, mth Alice While — Jack Mulhall— Thelma Todd— Doris Dawson. Directed by Mervyn Le Roy. Presented by Richard A. Rowland. FIRST NATIONAI. VITAPHO"^ PICTURES ^ju/vce as fy/ieac / IT Are you prepared for the BEST? Watch lor II CORIK^E GRIFFITH in "THE DIVINE LA»Y"! I British Exhibitors No:v Turning to Sound Pictures - AMI '/ oypiLMDOM ^■M*'*^^ ALL THE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 2 Thursday, January 3, 1929 Price 5 Cents Let's Cut 'Em THE instances where good pictures have been made tiresome pictures because of excessive length are legion. The practice is widespread and the of- fenders general. When you turn some thought to the matter, there appears no reason why this should be. Exhibitors would be grateful, for shorter features would cut the overhead. The public mos|gertain- ly would hail a general unSrstand- ing along these lines with loud hozannas and not a few cheers. We stand firmly for this idea as a common-sense business procedure which would bring nobody ill and everybody much relief. Let's cut 'em during 1929 and all the years to follow. The World's Leader Critics in 36 countries voting for the ten best pictures of 1928 hand the palm leaf to "The Patriot," produced in America by Paramount and star- ring the great Jannings. Third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and ninth places nestle under the American standard as well with "The Circus," "Underworld," "White Shadows in the South Seas," "The Last Com- mand," "Seventh Heaven" and "The Crowd." Third position was cap- tured by "Jeanne d'Arc," produced in France; eighth went to Russia for "The End of St. Petersburg" and tenth to "Heimkehr," a product of German studios. "Der Deutsche," German trade paper, operated the voting machinery, the result of which demonstrates the good judgment the critics exercised and established convincingly and once again the superiority of American- made product. Our Own Ten Best Here in the United States, critics, too, have been busy casting their se- lections for The Ten Best Pictures Poll conducted annually by The Film Daily on behalf of The Film Daily Year Book. We took a peek at the standing last night and very inter- esting it proved to be. Every new ballot, however, is changing the status of the leaders and making the close race for first honors more in- triguing. K ANN FILM SHORTAGE WARNING ISOUND-ON-FILM SYSTEM STIRS BRITISH TRADE By ERNEST W. FREDMAN Editor, "The Daily Film Renter" London — The large American com- panies may not be able to offer Brit- ish exhibitors more than SO per cent of their present output! by the mid- dle of 1929, due to the concentration of time on production of sound pic- tures. This statement, made by John Cecil Graham, Paramount's British chief and general European represen- tative, upon his return from New York has caused consternation and a profound impression in the English (.Continued on Page 7) FOR BIOPHONE USERS 255 GRITIGS TO DATE ON TEN BEST PICTURES POLL Polling for the Ten Best Pictures of 1928 is rapidly drawing to a close. To date, 255 critics embracing fan, trade and daily newspapers scattered throughout the United States have voted and every mail brings in new ballots. The competition is conducted an- nually by THE FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK, the 1929 edition of (.Continued on Page 2) GIRGUITING PORTABLE VITAPHONE PLANNED? Omaha — Vitaphone for houses not yet wired for sound is reported in prospect for exhibitors of this territory through, the medium of a portable equipment, to be circulated through- out the territory. Exhibitors, it is said, will present sound films two or three times a month, depending on reception of the plan. Wehn & Merritt state that their first showing at The Isis, Broadwater, Neb., is early in January. George E. Quigley of Vitaphone could not be reached yesterday for a statement on the Omaha report. Musicians Enjoined from Halting Sound Pictures New London, Conn. — Theater owners here have secured an injunc- tion restraining the musicians' union from interferi g with the installation of sound pictures here. Biggest ice thrill since W. D. E. chmaxes "PAWNS OF PASSION" melodrama actually made on wild Russian frontier and artists' quarter, Paris. Brilliant Olga Chekova as beautiful dancer, hunted by men, until true love triumphs. WORLD WIDE PICTURE.— Advt. Cinephone Attachment is Provided for Disc Reproducer To give users of Biophone oppor- tunity to play sound-on-film subjects, as well as those recorded by the disc system, Biophone has acquired rights to put Cinephone attachments on its sound reproducing system. The new step makes Biophone phy- sically interchangeable with all disc and sound-on-film systems. It dem- onstrated interchangeability at New- ark, where it presented "Submarine," recorded by the Western Electric disc system. Cinephone has demon- strated its interchangeability with the Western Electric sound-on-film system at the Colony and Strand theaters in New York. Interchangeability of Cinephone Again Shown Another demonstration of the inter- changeability of a subject recorded by Cinephone, over Western Electric equipment is being given this week at the Strand, New York, with "The Galloping Gaucho," one of the Micky Mouse sound cartoons created by Walt Disney, being shown. "Patriot" Called Best in Poll of 36 Countries Berlin (By Cable)— "T.ie Patriot" was selected as the best picture of 1928 in a poll to determine the Ten Best Pictures conducted in 36 coun- tries by the German paper, "Der Deutsche." The French film, "Jeanne D' Arc," was second. Others follow- ed in the order named: "The Circus," "Underworld," "White Shadows in the South Seas," "Last Command," "7th Heaven," "The End of St. Pet- (Contir.ued on Page 7) 3 Theater Companies to Operate Fox Theaters Three theater operating companies have been determined upon by Fox, for operation in various sections. Fox Interstate Theaters is to operate the upstate New York and Ohio hold- ings. Fox New England Theaters (Continued on Page 7) Thursday, January 3, 1929 Vol. XIVII Nd. 2 Thursday. Ian. 3, 1929 Price 5 Cents JOHN W. AUCOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y-. and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Fclk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, Preside^[^id Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-PrWiWnt and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms ( Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10 00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3 00 Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should ren-it with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Cirde 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I Berlin— Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographie Francaise, Rue d£ la Cour-des-Noues, 19. STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am. Seat 36/8 34/. 34/. Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 25/. 25^i 25/ East. Kodak ....184 181 '/i 182^ ♦do pfd 128 •First Nat. pfd ■ 104 Fox Fm. "A" .... 96 93/ 95?4 ♦do rts -•• 3 Keith A-O 44 43 43M do pfd 132 132 132 Loew's Inc 65 J| 63-5^ 65 J^ do pfd 103/ 102Ji 103/ ♦M-G-M pfd 25^ M. P. Cap 14/ 14 14/ Para. F-L 60 55/ 597^ Pathe Exch 12 H/ 11?4 do "A" 26 25^ 26 Radio K-A-0 .... 445^ 43/ 43J4 ♦Stanley Co 42 ♦Univ. Pict. pfd 98/ Warner Bros 123->^ 122/ 122-/ Warners pfd 55^ 54/ 54/ ♦do "A" 129 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 19 18/ 18/ Bal. & Katz 80 80 80 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 18/ 18 18/ ♦Film Insp 2'?^ Fox Thea. "A" ..36 35 35/ Intern. Proj 12/ 12/ 12/ Loew do deb. rts.. 29 28 28 Nat. Thea. Sup... 85^ 8 8/ Trans-Lux 5/ 55^ 5/ ♦Univ. Pict 28 BOND MARKET Keith A-O 6s 46. 94 94 94 Loew 6s 41WW...115/ 114J4 115/ do 6s 41 x-war..lOO/ 100 100 Paramount 6s 47 . 99/ 99/ 99/ Par. By. 5/s 51 .102 101/ 101/ Pathe 7s i7 79/ 79/ 79/ CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 .. 97 97 97 ♦Warner 6/s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 28 30 do units 30 32 do com 5 6 Skouras Bros. .55 .... Technicolor 10 12 United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2 do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED Indiana Unit Considers Allied Pl*oposal Today Indianapolis — Whether Associated Theater Owners of Indiana is to affiUate with the AlHed States Ass'n of exhibitors is expected to be dis- cussed at today's meeting of the board of directors of the state unit. Sales 200 500 800 6,000 5,i66 100 27,300 200 'ioo 38, SOU 5,600 300 32,900 8,000 1,500 1,600 100 700 37',566 200 300 1,000 1,400 3 47 16 1 3 2 A MiUion Feet of Everything FILM LIBRARY SCENES Stone Film Library 220 W. 42nd St. Room 2002 Phone Wisconsin 2141 Talkers Have Proved Aid to Legit. Brady Says Talking pictures have given many legitimate actors jobs and, in general, has been a help rather than a harm, so far as the legitimate field is con- cerned, according to William A. Brady, chairman of an emergency committee formed by the Managers' Protective Ass'n, to consider ways and means to relieve present eco- nomic depression in the theater. For- mation of an organization topped by a single executive armed with power was discussed at a meeting of the committee with Actors' Equity rep- resentatives. The matter is to be turned over to the American The- ater Board. N. Y. Syndicate Plans Conn. House Rockwell, Conn.— M. E. Lerner of Hartford and I. Harry Rizkin rep- resenting a New York syndicate have been inspecting the Prescott block property with intentions of building a 999 seat theater equipped for sound pictures. Mass. House Quit Split Policy Boston Mass. — Former five act split week policies of the Broadway, Springfield; Victory, Holyoke; Cal- vin, Northampton; and Palace, Pitts- field, have been discontinued and sound pictures with presentations will be featured. Kiddies Stunts Popular Cleveland — Frank Grenewald, man- ager of the Moreland has popularized Saturday children matinees by hav- ing the children who want to come on the stage and do a stunt. Cleveland Disappointed Cleveland — Holiday business in the theaters here was distinctly disap- pointing. Prevalence of "flu" seri- ously afifected all businesses that de- pended upon gathered crowds. Branton Gets Twin City Post Minneapolis — G. Ralph Branton has been named general manager of Publix-F. & R. houses in the Twin Cities. "Awakening" Does $33,123 in 4 Days at Rivoli, N. Y. With midnight shows and an ex- tra New Year's Eve performance at $1 top, "The Awakening" did %ii,- 123 in the four days beginning Satur- day and ending Tuesday night at the Rivoli, New York. Figuring on only a fair break for the rest of this week, United Artists believes the picture should break the house record now held by "Sadie Thompson" with $46,- 000 for a week's run. Pathechrome to Make Bow in New Pathe Review First offerings in Pathechrome, which supplants the Pathecolor proc- ess in Pathe Review, edited by Terry Ramsaye, will be presented in issue No. 3 released on Jan. 13th. "Chro- matic Cinematics" is the title of the initial Review subject in Pathechrome. $20,000 Given Families of Montreal Fire Victims Montreal — Twenty thousand dol- lars was distributed, without preju- dice, on a prorated basis to families which lost children in the Laurier Palace theater disaster two years ago. The voluntary ward was made by the city as a Christmas gift. Previously, the municipality had been held not liable for the disaster in cases brought against it. "Broadway Bound" Unit Leaves Eddie Dowling and other members of the Sono-Art Productions unit which will make "Broadway Bound," a feature length talking picture, leave New York today for Hollywood where the picture will be produced. The party includes O. E. Goebel, president of Sono-Art; George W. Weeks, vice president; Frances Ag- new, who is writing the screen play of "Broadway Bound"; Jimmy Han- ley, music composer, and Eddie Dowling. "Broadway Bound" is an original by Dowling. Recovering from Influenza Cleveland — Mark Goldman, Tif- fany-Stahl is recovering from in- fluenza. Enlarging Warner Office Cleveland — Warner's are extending their office space here to take care of discs and other sound apparatus. Norman Moray will have charge of both the sound and silent department. Schools, Churches and Clubs using Motion Pictures Should Subscribe for THE EDUCATIONAL SCREEN and keep up-to-date with the new films and new equipment '*1001 FILMS*' {Fifth Edition) Complete reference booklet, listing nearly 3,000 educational films given at reduced rate with each subscription $1,50 per year - 5 South Wabash Ave., Chicago, III. The Industry's Date Book Jan. 11 Film Guild Cinema opens in New York. Jan. 20 Annual banquet of M.P.T.O. of Eastern Pennsylvania. Jan. 24-26 Fifth annual conference of Na- tional Board of Review. Mar. 2 AMPA Hollywood Masque Ball in New York. Sound Equipment Doubled at Paramount L. I. Studio Doubling of equipment for record- ing talking pictures and a program of immediate improvements in other facilities marked the turn of the New Year at Paramount's Long Island studio. Since the actual making of all-dialogue pictures was begun last fall with "The Letter," featuring Jeanne Eagels, followed by "The Hole in the Wall," it has been pos- sible to make only a single talking scene at once. This equipment now has been doubled and in a few weeks a third "sound channel" to record musical scores will be completed, it is announced by John W. Butler, ex- ecutive manager. 255 Critics To Date On Ten Best Pictures Poll {Continued from Page 1) which will appear, as usual, late this month. In accordance with the prac- tice which has been followed for a number of years, the results will be published simultaneously by THE FILM DAILY and several hundred daily newspapers throughout the United States on or about Jan. IS, the definite date to be fixed later. Houses, Closed by Flu, Reopen Aurora, Mo. — With passing of the influenza scare, theaters here have been reopened. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Tlieatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3580 BUREAU OF COMMERCIAL ECONOMICS 1108 Sixteenth Street Washington, D. C. Co-operating with 42 Govern- ments and loaning films free and speakers throughout the world for the purpose of public instruction. -G-M PUTS THE JOY IN LIFE! THE BUNK. IN 6 REELS When you watch the crowds stay away in droves and you wonder what the future can pos- sibly hold — "And the folks ask you when you^re going to have another big one like "Ben Hur" and "The Big Parades- '—And you feel that a really Giant Picture would sure pep things up for you — ^^TjBAil -And then comes M-G-M's "THE TRAIL\ \ OF '98" with more spectacle in it tharrv "Big Parade" and "Ben-Hur" combined^ And you get behind it with smashing show- manship—And the folks come packing your Show Shop— And the money pours in— Hotsy! Totsy! Isn't it the truth that M-G-M alivays puts the Joy in Life ! BIOPHONE a SOUND ON FIL I TO ITS 1 [Cinephone licensed ORDERS RECEIVED TODAY ASS BIOPHONE MACHINE and and yot PLAY ALL produce!^ on th< SEE IT — HEAR IT at any 1600 Broad'way, N. Y. C. CORP4 s CINEPHONE i ATTACHMENT UIPMENT ler De Forest patents] k E IMMEDIATE INSTALLATIONS INEPHONE ATTACHMENT m then > SOUND PICTURES larket UY IT and PROF-IT iinGh or Lacka^wanna 751 1 /^TION THE DAILY Thursday, January 3, 1929 FILM BOARDS REPORT MORE THEATER CHANGES Film Boards of Trade through- out the United States regularly gather data on changes in the exhibition field, by arrangement with THE FILM DAILY. New theaters, changes in own- ership, re-openings and closings are covered. The latest reports f ollo"w : ALABAMA Changes in Ownership Acmar — Liberty, sold to O. A. Miles by Phillips & Pitts; Elba— The Elba, sold to First National Bank by H. C. Johnson; Thomasville — Rivoli, sold to A. S. Spinks by M. McCrory. Closings Columbia — Pastime ; Fairhope — Loxley Hall ; Homewood — Homewood ; Kinston — ^Grand ; Tuscaloosa — Dunbar. ARKANSAS New Theaters Rogers — New Victory. Changes in Ownership Clarendon — Strand, sold to P- F- Engle by Tri State Theater Corp. ; Clarksville — Dun- lap, sold to M. A. Lightman by R. D. Dunlap ; Eureka Springs — Commodore, sold to Herman Alwes by Tri State Theater Corp. ; Ft. Smith — Mystic, sold to J. E. Dotson by Tri State Theater Corp.; Gil- lette— Princess, sold to Sweeney & Hutch- inson by G. C. Sweeney; Hot Springs — Spa, sold to J. Earl Housley by Tri State Theater Corp. ; Royal, sold to J. G. Blaschke by Tri State Theaters. CALIFORNIA New Theaters Alvarado — The Alverado ; Hawthorne — Plaza ; Los Angeles — Arroyo. Re-Openings Delano — Star; Geyersville — Geyser; San Francisco — ^Lux. Changes in Ownership Alhambra — Garfield, sold to W. G. Kellow by J. P. Goring; Arcadia — Arcadia, sold to Joe Rubenstein by H. N. Wolcott ; Blythe — Liberty, sold to L. B. Todd by Roy Johansen ; Brawley — Kstrealla. sold to Maria Aranda ; Buena Park — Buena Park, sold to J. W. Siddall by W. E. Emick ; Duns- muir — Strand, sold to Byard & Chapin by S. S. Theller: Eagle Rock— Eagle Rock, .sold tn L. Cohen by J. & H. Sugar; EI Segunda — State, sold to Bourbonnie & Kirsch by R. C. McCullock ; Encinitas — T.a Paloma, sold to H. P. Matthews by T. J. Lewis; Fresno — Lyceum, sold to John Vluhos by Joe Kneaster; Gardena — The Gardena, sold to Richard Sims by F. A. Gayden ; Los Angeles — Alpine, sold to American Light Opera Co. by C. R. Wright ; Estella, sold to Frank Fouce by J. Castcllano; Gem, sold to Schwartz Bros, by E. H. Endler; Riverside, sold to White & Morris by S. Warrick: York, sold to L. Cohen by J. & H. Sugar : San Diego — Hillcrest, sold to H. B. Matthews by T. J. Lewis ; Sebastapol — Royal, sold to Mrs. O. H. .Wliite by A. H. Trocchini ; Taft— Playhouse, sold to Ward Lascelle by J. Rouse; Wheatland — The Wheatland, sold to M. C. Beilby by John A. Hansen; Wil- lows— Rialto, sold to Henry Daly by Prin- cipal Theaters. Closins;s Calpine — The Calpine ; Fellows — Star ; Mar- tinez— Novelty ; San Francisco — Lorene, Lux and Portola; Santa Cruz — Cameo. COLORADO Openings Seiberg — Select. Closings Somerset — Gem. CONNECTICUT Changes in Ownership Baltic — Jodoin, sold to H. Schwartz by R. Jodoin ; Darien — Royal School, sold to C. Rinaldi by N. Luppinaci ; Derby — Commo- dore, sold to Al Gottesman by A. S. Friend Corp.; Hartford — Grand, sold to Herkwein Theater Corp. by Cameo The- ater, Inc. ; Norwich — Strand, sold to J. & F. Nejime by S. E. Feld. Coast Wire Service Warners to Make 35 SILENT VERSION OF 35 FILMS ALSO TO BE MADE All of the 35 pictures on the 1929- 30 Warner program will be all-talk- ers, states Jack Warner. The com- pany estimates that the pictures will cost $15,000,000 to make. Silent ver- sions of all of the films will be re- leased. Warner now is preparing for re- opening of the studio, closed a few weeks ago. The entire plant has been rebuilt at a cost said to total $2,000,000. The studio has seven sound proof stages, capable of han- dling 20 companies simultaneously. Schildkraut Not to Appear in Fox Film Joseph Schildkraut will not portray featured male role in "Through Dif- ferent Eyes," which Fox is to pro- duce shortly. Schildkraut, it was an- nounced, would star in "The Bargain in the Kremlin" under direction of Edward Sloman for Universal. In- asmuch as it was to be a talking pic- ture and since the equipment would not permit them to start on the scheduled date the date of starting was set back. Fox immediately ne- gotiated to borrow Schildkraut. This was agreed to providing that he would finish within the specified time. Fox executives, it is said, now have agreed to cancel their contract. 15 Sound Proof Cameras Ordered by Le Baron W'ith preparations under way for installation of sound stages at the FBO studios, William Le Baron, vice president in charge of produc- tion, has ordered 15 sound-proof cameras. New Chesterfield Film Started Lou Young has started production of "Just Off Broadway," which he is supervising for Chesterfield M. P. Corp. Frank O'Connor is directing. The cast includes Donald Keith, Ann Christy, Barry Steers, De Sacia Mooers and Sid Taylor. Next White Film Alice White's next starring vehicle will be "Broadway Musketeers," which will be a First National-Vita- phone version of the story of that name by Jay Gelzer which ran in Good Housekeeping Magazine, and was recently awarded a World Prize. It will probably follow the star's cur- rent production, "Hot Stuff,'' on the production schedule. Marceline Day Signed Marceline Day has been signed to a Fox contract to replace Marguerite Churchill in "Nobody's Children," in which she will appear with Frank Albertson and Helen Twelvetrees. Signs Compson Betty Compson has been signed for a series of four FBO pictures. Margaret Livingston Signed Margaret Livingston has been signed for "Innocents of Paris," Maurice Chevalier's first Paramount Ijicture. Harry Green for Talker Harry Green, international vaude- ville and stage headliner and owner of the Lyric in London is to play in "Close Harmony," Paramount production which is to bring Charles "Buddy" Rogers and Nancy Carroll together in all-dialogues roles. Columbia Signs Musical Director Constantine Bakalcinikoff, musical director of the Criterion, New York, has been signed by Columbia to score and synchronize "The Young- er Generation," one of the six talkers on the company program. A Little from it Lots >f By RALPH WILK Hollywood WILLIAM B. JUTTE, who came to the Coast from New York, is one of the busiest dialogue writers here. He wrote the dialogue for "Shady Lady," "The Godless Girl," "Tong War" and "Show Folks." * * * Busy Arthur Landau has added three more well known stage play- ers to his roster. In addition to his other actors and actresses, he is now managing James Spottiswood, who came to the Coast to play his orig- inal role in "The Lady Next Door"; Ralph Harrold, who will play the leading part in "The Front Page" at the Belasco theater, Los Angeles; and Natalie Moorhead, a form,er New York stage favorite. * ♦ ♦ Spencer Bennet has probably been connected with more serials than any other director. He is now directing his fourteenth, "The Queen of the Woods." With George B. Seitz, he co-directed 22 serials, and before be- coming a co-director, was an assistant director on 20 serials. This year, he will devote all his time to features. * * * Julien Josephson has returned to his first love — the Warner studio. He is writing adaptation of "Mam- my," which will star Al Jolson. Julien, who is known for his human interest touches, recently completed the scenario of "The Climax," which will be a Universal talker, with Renaud Hoffman directing. TELEVISION VALUE FOR GENERAL PUBLIC SCOUTED Current television pictures are pos- sible, as evidenced by those appear- ing in newspapers, but the pictures are very small, comparable to re- duction of a vest pocket camera pic- ture's detail to that of a newspaper screen, it is pointed out in conclud- ing article of the survey on prac- ticability of television made by the Radio Manufacturers' Ass'n. Al- though the pictures are small, they provide excellent entertainment to a careful and skillful radio experimenter, but are unsuited for general enter- tainment, the article says. From an entertainment standpoint are in no way comparable with audio broad- casting, it is claimed. Development of television is still in the experimental stage, and is quite complicated and expensive. One of the most talked of television experi- ments required the use of three com- plete transmitters and receivers with a full crew of trained engineers to keep the system in operation. There is still considerable disagreement as to how far television will go beyond the experiment interest stage. Improved Sound Recorder Perfected on the Coast San Francisco — Development for commercial use of a mechanism, which is guarded as a secret, com- bining four phases of sound record- ing has been announced by Carl Rhodehamel, orchestra leader and inventor. The mechanical apparatus records or "stores" sound on a dif- ferent media from any of the three now used in the commercial produc- tion of talking pictures it is claimed. In demonstrations, an hour and sev- enteen minutes of uninterrupted con- versation was reproduced and si.\ hours of unbroken reproduction is possible from a single record, Rhode- lianiel claims. Acts Signed for Vitaphone Five vaudeville acts have been signed for Vitaphone presentations to be produced at the Brooklyn studio. They are: Frank Whitman, "The Fiddler of Infinite Surprises;" Sol Ginsberg, "Violinsky;" McKee and Ardine; Fred Ardath and Co.; and Lerdo's Mexicana Orchestra. Pro- duction is to begin immediately un- der direction of Bryan Foy and Mur- ray Roth. Edwin Du Par, chief cine- matographer for Warners, has ar- rived at the studio. Another Run for Russian Film "10 Days That Shook the World," Amkino film, which recently played five weeks at the Carnegie Playhouse, New York, is to run a week at the Cameo, opening Dec. 29. Hazle Mgr. For Saenger House Clarksdale, Miss. — Claude Hazle of Shreveport, La. has arrived to as- sume management of the Marion here for Saenger Amusement Co. He succeeds E. R. Medd who has left for Asheville. N. C. Thursday, January 3, 1929 DAILV FOREIGN FILMS LEAD IN GERMAN DISTRIBUTION IVashington Bureau of THE FILM PAILY Washington — Of the 395 feature productions released in Germany during the first nine months of 1928, 241 were foreign productions and 154 German pictures, according to the advices from the M. V. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. Of the Ger- man companies unafTihatcd with an\ American concern, I'fa led, distribut- ing 29 films, eight foreign and 21 German; followed by; Kmelka with 24. 14 foreign and 10 German; Sud- film with 17, eight foreign and 10 German; Terra with 15, nine foreign and six German; Messtro with 14 seven foreign and seven German: Derussa with 14, six foreign and eight German; Deutsche Lichtspiel Syndikat with 13, five foreign and eight German and Aafa with 11, five foreign and six German. $10,000,000 BUILDING PROGRAM FOR LONDON London — Building program saiil to involve SlO,0(K),000 is planned in Lon- don sul)urbs by the IJcnman Con- struction Co., subsidiary of Gaumont- British Corp. The houses are to seat 4,000 each. Saenger to Build at Hattiesburg Hattiesburg, Miss. — Representatives of the Saenger Anuiscnicnt Co. and the Chamber of Commerce here have signed a contract for the construc- tion of a theater seating 1.500 at a minimum cost of $150,000. The con- tract specifies that work is to begin not later than Feb. 12 with comple- tion of the house one year later. Wrigley House Costing Over Million Avalon, Catalina Island — The Aya- lon and Casino under construction here is to run well into the second million It was started by William Wrigley, Jr., as a 51,000,000 project. No cost limit has been set on the structure by Wrigley. Short Shots from New York Studios ^^By ARTHUR W. EDDY ^^^ LARRY KENT has become a full- fledged Astorian owing to the fact that the Paramount short sub- ject department has been working nights and days. In other words he "moved in" on Astoria in order to be close to the studio. * ♦ ♦ Enter the Movieola! Helene Tur- ner is using one at Paramount's Eastern studio while cutting "The Hole in the Wall." It is a device which plays the synchronized score and dialogue of a picture as the film passes through the cutter's hands. Earphones are used by the operator. * ♦ * Francis X. Bushman is again Man- hattaning owing to the vaudeville urge. * * * Bill Cody, who is daily exercising himself and his horse in Central Park, is going to make a Western with dialogue and sound. Galloping microphones! Bill recently made a series for Universal. * * * Mina Wallis, recently with the Co- lumbia camp at the Coast, is in New York vacationing and such. Filmophone Is New British Sound Device London — International Cine Corp. recently demonstrated a new disc synchronizer, Filmophone. The ap- paratus consists of a double turntable gramophone directly coupled by a shaft and universal joints to a pro- jector. Turntables are controlled by a piece of apparatus which stops one turntable and starts another at a given time during the running of a tilm, so that a series of records can be played without stopping the film. Green says. The company, he says, will be ready to supply about 100 machines within a month and a num- ber of records and films would be prepared soon. C. E. A. Launches Own Publication in England London — "The Cinematograph Times," official organ of the organi- zation has been launched by Cinema- tograph Exhibitors Ass'n. There has been widespread comment and criti- cism of the move, for the publication is accepting advertising in competition witii the regular trade papers. Brennan and Scully Leave R-K-O St. Louis, Mo. — James P. Brennan, for the past five years manager of the Grand O. H., has resigned. Irvin J. Scully, publicity man for the Grand Opera and St. Louis is also leaving the K-K-O chain. Both Brennan and Everett Hayes, who managed the St. Louis, resigned after the control of the Orpheum circuit was taken over by Radio Corp. of America. Latchis & Son Build at Milford Milford, N. H. — Latchis & Sons have purchased the Kaley estate here to erect a theater on the site. Lat- chis & Sons own the Strand here as well as theaters at Keene and Brat- tleboro and have opened a new iiousc at Claremont. Work on the new house is to start in spring. Contract Awarded for Wichita House Wichita, Kan. — Blaser - Volhner Construction Co. has been awarded the contract for the construction of a theater at North Market St. to be erected by the Stockman-IIartman Theater Co. according to plans drawn by Boiler Bros, of Kansas City. New House for Chanute, Kan. Cliaiiute, Kan. — R. E. Mills plans to Iniild a theater seating 600 at 2l)3 E. Main St. New Theater for Austin, Minn. Austin, Minn. — May 1 is date scheduled for opening of the new 1,200-seat house under construction here. Film Shortage \\ arnin<> Stirs British Trade {Continued from Page 1) trade and is expected by London to precipitate like discussion in New York. Production scliedules which offer the trade here a succession of pro- grams to the end of 1930 now seem to have taken on the aspect of the problematical. The question is consequently ask- ed on all hands "How shall we fill the bill?" and exhibitors are begin- ning to take a much more serious interest in the advent of the dialogue and sound pictures than was apparent previously. A more optimistic feeling concern- ing the talkers has been produced by Graham's survey of installation costs. The $15,000 to $35,000 price of West- ern Electric equipment with which the trade here was originally threat- ened has ceased to strike fright into the showmen since the statement was made that devices are on the market which cost no more than $3,500 to $4,500, w4iile it is common knowl- edge here that many of the British inventions are considerably cheaper. But apart from this, the main fact of Graham's report is that the British exhibitor cannot afford to stand still. He must move in time or be beaten in the race. Developments now are becoming so rapid that it is regarded as a short-sighted policy to set up any opposition to the natural evolution of the business. Graham has de- scribed the talking picture as a thing in which millions of capital have been invested by his own company, and by all the big American corpo- rations; that it is a form of enter- tainment that has come to stay, and that those who try to impede the on- ward march of this "mighty steam roller" will be crushed out of recog- nition and disappear from the enter- tainment world. Every exhibitor who was inclined to scoff at sound, to profess himself indifferent as to its results and to assume an out and out canny atti- tude in regard to equipment in his theaters is now beginning to take a totally different point of view. Schines Buy Akron House Akron, O. — Feiber and Shea have sold the Colonial here to Schine En- terprises. It is understood that L. B. Cool will continue as house man- ager. Vitaphone is now being in- stalled. F.N. PROGRAM TO BE CUT OF 25 PER CENT West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Program of 35 l''ir>t National pictures for 1929-30 re))re- sents a cut of over 25 jier cent over the current schedule. The 1928-29 program calls for release of 48 pic- tures. All of next year's releases will have sound. "Patriot" Called Best in Poll of 36 Countries {Continued from I'aye 1) ersburg" (Russian), "The Crowd" and "Heimkehr" (German). The Ten Best Pictures for 1928, based on choice of American criticH in a national poll now being com- pleted, is to be a feature of THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK, i.ssued this month. 3 Theater Companies to Operate Fox Theaters (Continued from Page 1) the New England houses, and Fox Metropolitan Theaters houses in the New York zone. Fox Takes Over Buffalo House BiifTalo. — Frederick I'llman, Jr. reijresenting the Corporation for the Flmwood here has closed negotiations with Fox under terms of which that firm will take over the house. The change in ownership becomes effec- tive Feb. 1. It is planned to show sound pictures as soon as equipment is installed. Sigfried Sells Decatur Bijou Decatur, III. — A. Sigfried has sold his Bijou to Great States Theaters, Inc. Sound Pictures at Lynn House Lynn, Mass. — Regent Enterprises, have completed renovations of the Auditorium and are presenting sound pictures with daily changes. Wallingford Strand Redecorated Wallingford, Conn. — Harry Olshan, who recently took over the Strand, has redecorated the house. New House for Clarksdale Clarksdale, Miss. — Al Nachman and five other businessmen of this city have purchased a site for a theater here. TIFFANY- STAHL PRODUCTIONS, INC. Announce That they have in the course of production two motion picture productions entitled: "CLOSED SHUTTERS** "ZEPPELIN*' ALL RIQHTS PROTECTED saw he heard' • • he booked! PATHE SOiND NiWS -of its wonderful tone and effects. -Pathe News al- ways led all com- petitors. Sound Recording By RCA Photophone System ,/ Combined Total of World's Theaters is 57,341 \ iTHE :9f^HEWSPAPER o/'FILMDOM \ / ALL THE NEWS ALLTHE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 3 Friday, January 4, 1929 Price 5 Cents Monuments WHERE can it all end? On and on it goes, this building of vast theaters, monuments to personal ambi- tion, and symbols in granite — of which tombstones are inci- dentally made — to somebody's folly. Overbuilding is prevalent everywhere today and what is becoming a grave danger to in- dustry-wide prosperity contin- ues. Everybody talks about it, but nobody does anything. The Eberson Idea To assume the stand that all new theater construction should cease for industry good is, of course, to turn entirely ridiculous. Fast-growing communities, densely populated cit- ies make for new situations that will always call for construction, but to swell the exhibition roster with the- aters that cut into existing business and make it impossible for new houses, and old, to operate at a profit appears to us to be most unwise. The one constructive not injected into a really serious problem has been struck by John Eberson, whose na- tional reputation as a designer and builder of theaters, stamps his ob- servations with the weight of author- ity. Bearing in mind that, as an ar- chitect, he ekes his livelihood by plan- ning new theaters, you wmII concede his reasoning is completely minus ulterior motive. He believes the key- note should be re-construction and re-equipment of existing theaters, rather than continued and wholesale construction of entirely new theaters. Property values, location and initial investment are pointed out as three impressive reasons why such a policy would be sensible. And Eberson is right. As Applied to Sound Karrowing down a general argu- ment to sound equipment, a problem which so sorely besets the small town exhibitor today, Eberson declares the soliUion is not difHcult and explains it is the theater built before costs rocketed skyward which is acoustic- ally and in substantiability of con- struction the best adopted for sound installation. Re-decorate, re-equip, re-construct, rip out the insides and build up from the four remaining walls — this is Eberson's solution. We stand foursquare behind it, for it is logical and sane. It merits the consideration of every serious factor engaged in exhibition. K ANN riLM STOCK SALES IN '2S TOTAL 22,306,120 SHARES In one of the most hectic markets in years, fluctuations in film issues during 1928 were pronounced, an analysis of their course for the year indicates. On the New York Stock Exchange, 22,306,720 shares were sold. The sensational feature of the year was the rise of Warners "A" from a low of 22 on Jan. 5 to a high of 139J4 touched on Sept. 11. The turn- over in this one issue was 2,922,500 shares. There is a difference of 47f^ points in the high and low for Fox Film "A" which on June 12 dropped to 72 and clambered to 119^ on Sept. 10, closing at 92% for the year with (.Continued cm Pant 4) WORLD WIDE JAN. 15 DEBUT WITH 7 fILMS Seven imported pictures comprise first series of releases of World Wide Pictures, which Jan. 15 begins op- eration as a national distributor with physical distribution handled by Edu- cational branches. The company is headed by J. D. Williams as execu- tive vice president; Alexander S. Aronson associate to Williams and general foreign representative and Joseph Skirboll, general sales man- ager. Its own sales force is to be maintained in each key city, as well (Continued on Page 3) Ben Hecht & Charles Mac- Arthur Signed by FBO Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, playwrights, novelists and co-authors of "The Front Page," legitimate play now running on Broadway, have been signed to FBO contracts by Joseph (Continued on Page 2) CENSORING SOUND MADE ISSUE IN PATHE ACTION Fight on Issue Whether censors have the right to censor sound films is an issue in several states. In Pennsylvania, one court decision has upheld this right, while another has denied it. Virginia the first in an action by Vita- phone, the second by Fox. Both decisions were in the same court but by different judges. In Ohio, the attorney general has handed down an opinion, de- claring censors have the right to pass on sound films, but a test case there is anticipated. Virginia's censors' powers in the matter probably won't be de- termined definitely until the legislature meets next year. A number of test cases are antici- pated in the various states. LEOPOLD ERIEDHAN KADE DIRECTOR or LOEW'S At the annual meeting of Loew's Inc. yesterday, Leopold Friedman was elevated to the board, filling the vacancy caused by the death last year of William Hamlin Childs, financier wlio had been a director of the corporation since its inception a number of years ago. It had been generally understood that Friedman was to receive this promotion. In point of service, he is one of the oldest executives in the Loew organization. Originally hav- ing served his law clerkship in the (Continued on Page 3) U. S. Has 20,500 of World's Total of 57.341 Theaters William Brandt May Head Fox Metropolitan Theaters It is reported William Brandt, Brooklyn exhibitor whose theaters and those of a number of important (Continued on Page 2) WORLD WIDE PICTURES new faces from distant places. — Advt. Firm Gets TemporaryWrit Preventing N. Y. Censors Stopping Sound Film Showdown on the question of whether New York censors have the power to censor sound and dialogue used in or with films has been called for by Pathe, which has secured a temporary restraining order return- able in Supreme Court Monday, en- joining the censors from interfering with showings of sound version of "Sal of Singapore,'' which is to be released today. The picture, in silent version, was passed some time ago by the cen- sors, and later synchronized with talking sequences. When application for duplicate license was made, the duplicate license was issued, but with (Continued on Page 9) WORROFMISECTIONIS EXTENDEDJY GOV'MENT Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The M. P. Section, now a unit of the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce, will become a division, the 18th in the Bureau on July 1, 1929. The House sub-com- mittee on appropriations has approv- ed the added appropriation required for this elevation and, while the Sen- ate committee must approve, no dif- (Continued on Page 3) Portable Vitaphone for Circulating Plan Denied There is no truth to Omaha re- port that Vitaphone is planning cir- cuiting of sound pictures to small towns of that territory, to be repro- duced on a portable Vitaphone equip- ment, George E. Quigley, vice presi- dent of Vitaphone, stated yesterday. All of Europe combined has only 6,838 more motion picture theaters than the United States and in the entire world there are 57,341 picture houses, according to the Motion Pic- ture Section of the Dept. of Com- (Continued on Page 3) Give 'em a change to WORLD WIDE PIC- GO ABROAD AT HOME with World Wide TURES.— Advt. Pictures.— Advt. Continued Delay in Case of Vitaphone Versus W. E. Illness of Samuel Untermeyer, one of the arbitrators, is continuing delay hearings in complaint brought by Vitaphone against Western Electric, charging needless delay in installation of equipment and maintaining prices at too high a level. \ THE DAILY Friday, January 4, 1929 Mf^^ULTHE NEWS lAlLTHE TIMS »Dl.XlVIIH9.3 Friday, Ian. 4. 1929 PrieaSCants JOHN W. ALICOATE PU81ISHER PubKshed daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Fc/Uc Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vioe-Presjdent and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Tr^urer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter, May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terras (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3 00 Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should rerrit with order. Address all communica- "ons to THE FILM DAILY. 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: . Fl™'^'; New York. Hollywood, California— Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London— Ernest W. Fredman The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I Berlin— Karl Wolff sohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue dfi la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Financial Resume of stock fluctuations for 1928 will be found on page 4. STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am Seat 36^ 36^ 36% Con. f" Ind. pfd. 2sji 25/. 2SH East. Kodak 188 183 J4 18554 *do pfd 1^^° First Nat. pfd.... 104/8 104>^ 104/8 Fox Fm. "A" ... 98J4 95 J4 96% Ke'ith'^*A-6";.';'.'.'44>i 'ii/v 43^ do pfd 133 132/2 132/. Loew's Inc 68 66/ 67 do pfd 1047/8 104/8 1047/^ *M-G-M pfd 2% ♦M. P. Cap •■• 14/^ Para. F-L 62 60 60^ Pathe Exch 12 11/ llJi do "A" 26% 26/8 267/8 Radio K-A-O .... 44/ 43/8 4354 »Stanley Co 42 *Univ. Pict. pfd • 98/ Warner Bros 129/ 122'74 127M Warner pfd 5654 54% 56 •do "A" ■•• 129 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 18% 18% 18% Bal. & Katz 80% 80% 80% Con. Fm. Ind. ... 18% 18 18% *Film Insp ^Vs Fox Thea. "A" ... 36% 35 35/ Intern. Proj 12% 12% 12% Loew do deb. rts.. 29% 28% 29 Nat. Thea. Sup. .. 8% 8% 8/ Trans-Lux 6% 5% 5% *Univ. Pict 28 BOND MARKET Keith A-O 6s 46.. 94/ 94% 94% Loew 6s 41ww ..115% 115 115% do 6s 41 x-war....l01% 100 101% Paramount 6s 47 . 99% 99% 99% Par. By. S/s 51.. 102 102 102 Pathe 7s 37 79% 79% 79% CURB BONDS ♦Am. Seat. 6s 36 97 ♦Warner 6%s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 28 30 do units 30 32 - ■ • •. do com 5 6 .... Skouras Bros. ... 55 Technicolor 10 12 United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. Com... 2 I do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 200 500 3,100 '266 12,900 2',i66 500 22,800 400 71,800 6,200 300 27,000 43,000 5,000 2,700 100 10,100 64',866 200 1,000 200 11,600 4 5 8 39 2 New Theater for Bartelsville Bartelsville, Okla. — E. C. Burlin- game plans a $150,000 theater. Work will commence soon. Klitsch of Ufa Due Here Soon to Look Over Sound By KARL WOLFFSOllN Editor of "Lichtbildbuehne" Berlin (By Wireless) — Ludwig Klitsch, managing director of Ufa and associate of Alfred Hugenberg who is controlling factor in this Ger- man company leaves for New York soon to study the sound situation and discuss Ufa's American distribution which is split up among Paramount, M-G-M and World Wide. Cleve Adams Heads FBO Sales in N. Y. State Cleve Adams, veteran FBO execu- tive, has been named New York state sales manager of FBO, succeeding Charles Rosenzweig, newly-elected general sales manager. Adams joined FBO as a district manager at its in- ception, after having been eight years with Universal. Last year he was made short subject sales manager, holding that post until his present appointment. It is doubtful if any short subject sales head will be named in his place. Harry Brandt Entering Brokerage Field in N. Y. Retiring from the field in Brooklyn where, with his brother William, he has been one of the most active in- dividuals in exhibition, Harry Brandt shortly joins Louchheim, Minton and Co., New York brokerage house. His friends will tender him a dinner in the Crystal Room of the Ritz Jan. 14. Several hundred will attend. Zamecnik Compiles "Redskin" Score "Redskin," will have a music score compiled by J. S. Zamecnik, of the Sam Fox Sound Synchronization de- partment. This department, under di- rection of S. M. Berg, is devoted en- tirely to the scoring and synchronizing of pictures and comprises a stafT of nationally known composers. Murray Heads N. Y. Film Board Thomas Murray (Paramount), is new president of the New York Film Board, succeeding Harry Thomas, who declined to be a candidate for reelection. Joe Lee (Fox) is first and Arthur Greenblatt, second vice presidents; William Raynor (Pathe), treasurer; Joseph Vergesslich (First National) recording secretary and Edward Schnitzer (Fox) master of ceremonies. Publix Unit Shows Open Thursdays New Haven, Conn. — Publix unit show which formerly opened here on Fridays will open on Thursdays so that officials and producers may re- view the opening and arrive in N. Y. for the Paramount opening on Satur- days. Call WAFILMS, Inc. Walter A. Putter, Pres. for Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 4eth St., New York Bryant 8181 William Brandt May Head Fox Metropolitan Theaters (Continued from Page 1) independent chains in the Greater New York territory are expected to pass to the Fox interests on Jan. 15, will become operating head of Fox Metropolitan Theaters, proposed hold- ing corporation for houses thus ac- quired. Fox Gets Englewood House Englewood, N. J. — The Plaza has been sold to Fox interests for $62,- 250 in foreclosure proceedings by the Fidelity Union and Title Mortgage Gurantee Co. of Newark. The house was built about two years ago. Fox St. Louis House Opens Feb. St. Louis, Mo. — The formal opening of the new Fox house here, originally set for Christmas, has been postponed. It is probable that the house will open in Feb. Fox Gets Syracuse House Syracuse, N. Y. — Frederick Ellman of Buffalo, has sold his interests in the Brighton here to Fox. M. W. Korack is in charge of the house which is being wired with Photo- phone and will reopen soon. Webb to Direct News Millard Webb is to direct "News," tentative title of "Gentlemen of the Fress," which goes into production next week at the Paramount Long Island studio. John Meehan, stage director, will co-operate on dialogue. Cast for the picture are: Walter Hus- ton, Charles Ruggles, Norman Fos- ter, Lawrence Leslie, Katherine Fran- cis, Betty Lawford, George Barbier, Victor Kilian, Charles Slattery, Jos- eph M. Holicky, Charles M. Seay, Leslie Hunt, Ralph Murphy and Mary Williams. Bartlett Cormack adapted the play by Ward More- house. Monta Bell will supervise. AMPA-TPROA Affiliation Up Proposed affiliation or working agreement between the AM PA and the Theatrical Press Representatives of America, to combat proposed unionizing of press agentry, now is being considered by a joint commit- tee representing bothi organizations. Williams Buys Westville House Westville, Okla.— D. W. Williams has purchased the Lyric from G. W. Gibson and plans to remodel the building and install new fixtures. MORE THEATRES! "We have been using your trailers at our theatres, and have found the quality of your trailers, and service so satisfactory, that on opening the Ad- miral Theatre we contracted for your trailer service there. "Wishing you every success in the future, we remain" C. &■ E. ENTERPRISES. Chicago, III. The Industry's Date Book Jan. 18 Film Guild Cinema opens in New York. Jan. 20 Annual banquet of M.P.T.O. of Eastern Pennsylvania. Jan. 24-26 Fifth annual conference of Na- tional Board of Review. Feb. Opening of 4,000 seat Toledo-Para- mount at Toledo Mar. 2 AMPA Holljrwood Masque Ball in New York. Ben Hecht & Charles Mac- Arthur Signed by FBO (Continued from Page 1) I. Schnitzer, new president of the company. Each is to write an origin- al for the company. Hecht is at work on "Upperworld," while Mac- Arthur is to start his story, as yet untitled, within a few days. The pic- tures will be filmed in Hollywood. Redecorating Canton House Canton, O. — Max Young is redec- orating the McKinley. Accountant Available after January 15th. Ca- pable of handling depart- ment. Experienced in every phase of Motion Pic- ture Accounting. Excellent references. APPLY BOX A 106 FILM DAILY 1650 B'WAY., N.Y.C. Club Luncheon $-1.10 1= 11 Served A.M. to 3 P.M. Table d'Hote DINNER $2 25 Served Every Evening f llppcvLobby^ *" Hotel \icroi-ia ^7 Ave.' 51 St. I'riday, January 4, 1929 U. S. Has 2(),5()() of World's 57,341 Houses (Continued from Page 1) niercc which presents revised esti- mates on theater distribution in the 1929 FILM DAILY VKAR ROOK to be placed in distribution the end of January. Data gathered by the Motion Pic- ture Section for the 1928 edition placed the grand total at 51,103, but since the last YEAR BOOK made its appearance records have been gone over and made more accurate while full cognizance has been taken of the spurt in the theater building in Europe with the result that the Section now places its estimate for the world at 57,341. For the United States, the total for 1928 remains approximately the same as for 1927. The 20,500 houses set down ft>r this country are the figures used universallv bv the Film Boards of Trade and" THE FILM DAILY which unite in compiling the nationally known "Blue List" of the- aters for each edition of the YEAR BOOK. The current estimate for Europe shows an increase of 5,696 over 1927. The 27,338 houses now credited for England and the Continent as against 21.642 in 1927 do not, of course, rep- resent all new theaters. The injec- tion of a greater degree of accuracy made possible through later and more comprehensive data, plus new con- struction, explains the wide differ- ence in the totals. By major territorial divisions, the ; world's figure is arrived at as follows: 1928 1927 Europe 27,338 21,642 j United States 20,500 20,500 I Far East 3,885 3,629 I I^tin America 3.733 3,598 Canada 1,100 1,019 Africa 640 644 Near East 145 71 DAILV MOTION PICTURE TIIKATIRS THROUGHOUT THE WOHLD-1928 EUROPE UNITED STATE FAR EAST ^■3665 LATIN AMERICAp|^|3733 CANADAlllOO AFRICAI640 NEAR EA5T||45 20.500 This is one of four siynilar charts containing data in fuller detail on. theater totals in the above major geographical divisions. They will be one among hundreds of features in the 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK, which will be placed in international circulation, us usual, the end of January. Total 57,341 51,103 I Aubert Gets Russian Films Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — M. Aubert of France, has secured an option on all Russian pictures for France with a reservation covering censorships, according to a report to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. New Hungarian Film Bureau Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington^The new building of the Hungarian Correspondence Bureau recently was opened in Buda- pest, the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce is advised. The build- ing houses a new studio and the Hungarian Film Bureau, which is pro- ducing and releasing the semi-official weekly newsreel review. Sound Archives for Tobis IVashinoton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — German Tobis in- tends to form a sound film archive, comprising prominent international sound films on political, artistic and historical subjects, according to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Com- merce. Austrian Production Activities Decreasing Hashiugton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — During the current year figures show that production activities in Austrian have dropped while imports have also decreased, according to advices to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. Up to the end of Oct. 1928, 14 films were produced in Austria and 119 were imported, of which 69 were American and 47 German. During 1927-28, Austria produced 18 pictures while her imports were 447, 217 of them American and 181 German. In 1926-27, 28 films were produced and 416 were imported, 205 American and 158 of German origin. Castel With Franco Film Washington. Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — M. Castel, general manager of the French Gaumont Co., has been appointed to a similar post in the Franco Film Co., according to advice from the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. He will re- tain his position with the French Gau- mont Co. This is generally taken by the trade as an indication of an amalgamation in the near future of the two concerns. Warners Give Dinner for Three Foreign Executives Arthur Clavering, Robert Schless and Gus Schlesinger, foreign execu- tives representing the Warners in London, Paris and Berlin respective- ly were guests of honor last night at an Astor dinner given by the com- pany. All executives attended. Dutch Firm Issuing Shares IVashington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Kuchenmeister's In- ternationale Ultraphoon Maatscappii, of Amsterdam, with a capital of S2,- 400,000, is reported to be issuing 800 new shares at §400 each at the rate of S520, according to advices to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Com- merce. Britain Censors 56 Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The British Board of Censors censored 56 feature produc- tions during the month of October, tjie M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce is advised. 1000 Pathe-Rural Machines Sold Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Pathe Cinema and Charles Pathe recently held a meeting to celebrate sale of the thousandth Pathe-Rural projection machine sold or rented, according to advices to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Com- merce. Films for the Pathe-Rural machines are printed on 17j4 mm stock and intended for societies and country use. VVork of M. P. Section Extended by Gov'ment (Continued from Page 1) ficulty on this score is predicted. Clarence J. North, chief of the Sec- tion since its inception, will continue ill charge of the work with Nate C. Golden as his assistant. World Wide Jan. 15 Debut With 7 Films (Cofitinued from Page 1) as its own advertising staff in New York. Exhibitors are to be given oppor- tunity, after screening, to buy one or as many pictures of the group as they like. The company will handle product of British International Pic- tures, Ufa in the United States and Canada, exclusive of certain states; and British and Dominion Films, Ltd. French, Austrian and Italian contracts are pending. In the first series to be released this month are: "Moulin Rogue," starring Olga Chekova, directed l)y E. A. Dui>ont, produced by Brit- ish International Pictures, in Paris with the principals and ballet of the "New York-Paris Revue" and photographed in the Moulin Rouge. "A Woman In The Night," starring Maria Corda, from the novel by the Baroness Oreczy, directed by Victor Saville, produced by British International Pictures in Scot- land. "The Bondman," starring Norman Kerry, from the novel by .Sir Hall Caine. directed by Herbert Wilcox for British & Dominion Film Corp. in Sicily and on The Isle of Man. "'Tommy Atkins" with Walter Byron, from the play by Ben I.andeck and Arthur Shir- ley, directed by Norman Walker with the co-operation of the English War Office, pro- duced by British International Pictures in London and the Kgyptian Soudan. "The Woman In White," starring Blanche Sweet, directed by Herbert Wilcox, from the novel by Wilkie Collins and made in Scotland. "A Honeymoon Abroad," with Monty Banks and Gillian Deane, directed by Tim Whelan formerly with Harold Lloyd, pro- duced by British International Pictures in I-ondon and Paris. "Pawns of Passion," starring Olga Che- kova, directed by Carmine Gallone and pro- duced in the Montemarte section of Paris and in Poland and Russia. Gilda Gray has just made a picture in London and that Pauline Fred- erick has recently completed one in France which are to be brought to the United States, it is understood. The Motion Picture Section is an official Government body and serves as a clearing house for the Amer- ican industry in promoting film trade, abroad. It has a long and fruitful record. The Section cooperates an- nually with the editors of THH: FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK in revising and preparing data for the Foreign Section. L. Friedman Made Director of Loew's (Continued from rage 1) office of Elck John Ludvigh before the latter became general attorney for Paramount. Friedman later en- tered the legal department of the Loevv enterprises. This goes back a number of years. Friedman's rise in the corporation's affairs was rapid until he became general legal over- seer. His post has been concerned with the business end of the corpora- tion as well, one notable deal which he handled for Loew's necessitating a hurried trip to Berlin several years ago where he and S. R. Kent repre- sented Loew's and Paramount re- spectively in the contract which re- sulted in formation of Parufamet iii Germany and brought a limited num- ber of Ufa pictures into the American market via those two organizations. In addition to his other duties, Friedman has been serving as secre- tary. Gaumont Expected to Enter U. K. Production By ERXEST W. FREDMAX Editor, ''The Daily Film Renter" London (By Cable) — Production plans of Gaumont British Corp., which controls the largest and most influential chain in England, are un- known at the moment, hut through its producing and distributing units such as Ideal and W. and F. Film Service, it is expected the company will enter production on a heavy scale. Netoco Takes Out Group Insurance for Employes Boston — New England Theaters Operating Corp., which controls about 30 picture houses in Massachu- setts. Maine and Connecticut, has adopted group life insurance policy for the protection of its 389 employees. The sum involved in this policy, placed with the Prudential Insurance Co. of America, is 5592,000. Amounts of coverage varies from $500 to S3.- 000, according to the rank or the posi- tion held. Klein Denies Symon Gould has not booked "Ad- ventures of Maya" for the new Film Arts Guild theater in New York as reported by the former, according to Edward L. Klein who is arranging re- lease of this film in the United States, THE i^^ DAILV Friday, January 4, 1929 Film Stock Sales in '28 Total 22,306,720 Shares {Continued from Page 1) total sales marked down of 3,016,000. Loew's, Inc., was heavily traded in, 2,427,800 shares of this issue changing hands. Closing for the vear at 63j4, the stock in its varia- tions went as high as 77. This was on May 9. Several pools were busy with Keith-Albee-Orpheum. What they did for and to this issue is perhaps best illustrated by its 1928 fluctua- tions. On May 7, K-A-O closed ISyi. Its high for the year was reached on Nov. 30 when the cur- rent quotation was 51^- Market conditions and the pools are held re- sponsible for a slide to 43^4 which closed out the year for this stock. In September, Paramount split up its common three-for-one. On the basis of the last day's sales for 1928 when the new common closed at 55, the old was worth $165 a share. The new common which opened in the neighborhood of 48, went as high as 56^, this top figure being attained on Dec. 5. Yearly sales, for both classes of common, were 1,964,700. The course of Pathe Exchange "A" was very erratic, the Street gen- erally crediting pool operations for much of this stock's strange behavior. On Feb. 9, the market price was 8^^. This was brought up to 34 by Aug. 8 after many ups and downs and, as the year closed, the figure stood at 25^. Sales were 1,009,400. In addition to Warners "A," War- ner Bros, showed a gain of 58 points throughout the year. On Aug. 23, the issue sold at 80^ and on Dec. 3, current price was 138 while shares to the tune of 2,097,800 changed hands. Full data on the course of these and other issues dealt in on the "Big Board," as well as a resume of sales in the New York curb and bond mar- kets will be found in adjoining col- umns. More complete than ever before, the 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK, out this month, will contain in the Financial Section a compre- hensive and authoritative cross-sec- tion of the dollars and cents struc- ture of the industry. Detailed finan- cial statements, charts comparing activities of mportant organizations this year with last year and with earlier years constitute part of the exhaustive information embodied. Dunlap House Ready Feb. Dunlap, la. — The New Sun under construction here is expected to be completed by the middle of Feb. The house will seat 1,000, according to E. B. Woods, one of the sponsors. Vosburg to Manage South Bend South Bend, Ind.— Elmer E. Vos- burg, formerly connected with Saxe Amuse. Co. of Wis., has assumed the managerial duties of the Tivoli here. Sampson at Buffalo Buffalo, N. Y. — Sidney Sampson, former manager of the Fox New Haven exchange, has been transfer- red to the Fox exchange here. Sales of Film Stocks in New York Exchanges During 1928 New York Stock Market Total Sales: 22,306,720 Shares Clos- High Date Low Date ing American Seating 45 May 14 275^ Nov. 1 35 Consolidated Film Industries, Inc 29^ Sept. 10 23 July 16 25M Eastman Kodak 194^ July 30 163 Feb. 21 183 Eastman Kodak pfd 132'4 May 15 123^ Aug. 31 126 1st Nat'l Pictures pfd 109 Feb. 8 100 Nov. 13 104 Fox Film "A" 1195^ Sept. 10 72 June 12 93'4 Keith-Albee-Orpheum 51 Ji Nov. 30 15'/^ May 7 43^ Keith-Albee-Orpheum pfd. ..160 Nov. 30 75^-2 Mar. 7 129 Loew's, Inc 77 May 9 49;^ June 19 63^2 Loew's, Inc., pfd 1105^ Aprj 30 99^ Mar. 15 102'/^ Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, pfd... 27li May 29 24J4 Dec. 11 24"/$ M. P. Cap. Corp 14% Nov. 5 5 Mar. 29 10 'Paramount Famous Lasky Corp 56^ Dec. 5 47j4 Oct. 9 55 Pathe Exchange, Inc 15 Nov. 23 2 Feb. 8 llj^ Pathe Exchange. Inc., "A".. 34 Aug. 8 S% Feb. 9 2S7A Radio-Keith-Orpheum 51^ Nov. 30 34J5 Dec. 8 445-8 Stanley Co. of America.. 6954 Sept. 12 35 Dec. 10 42 Univers.al Pictures, pfd 100 Feb. 24 91^ Nov. 15 92 Warner Bros 138 Dec. 3 80?i Aug. 23 122^ Warner Bros. "A" 139'A Sept. 11 22 Jan. 5 126 Warner Bros., pfd 57J4 Dec. 24 51J4 Dec. 20 5554 * New common on basis of three for one. New York Bond Market Total Sales: 18,069,000 Clos High Date Low Date ing KeithAlbee Orpheum 6s, 1946 101 Jan. 9 88 Aug. 28 94 Loew's, Inc., deb. 6s warrants 1941 llS'/i Dec. 27 10554 June 13 11454 Loew's, Inc., deb 6s warrants 1941 I02}4 Apr. 10 99 June 13 100^^ Paramount Broadway Corp. S^^s 1951 10354 Apr. 17 100 Sept. 28 102' Paramount Famous Lasky Corp., 6s 1947 101 Mar. 31 9SH July 21 99J4 Pathe Exchange 7s warrants 1937 865^ Nov. 26 SO Feb. 9 79J^ Net Change Sales —5 153,900 352,400 -H1854 384,200 —3 3,140 —2 'A 3,400 +9K 3,016,500 3,667,000 168,400 -{-U'A 2,427,800 75,500 -H 42,500 +2H 80,700 6354 1,964,700 -1-7.5^ 3,092,600 + 7 1,009,400 21,600 801,100 7,880 2,097,800 -fl035^ 2,922,500 13,700 New York Curb Market High Month Low Month Acoustic Prod 26 Nov. 17 Oct. Consolidated Film Industries 23 Nov. 125^ Sept. Film Inspection 5% Jan. 2^8 Dec. Fox Theaters "A" 36 Dec. 17^ Mar. International Projector . 14 May 65J Sept. Nat'l Theater Supply 19 !4 May 6 Jan. Trans-Lux 7 Apr. 2% May Universal Pictures 40% Sept. 13% Aug. Net Change Sales —654 818,000 — 9'4 3,875,000 -fl 2,732,000 -'A 1,262,000 + 'A 3,729,000 —A 5,653,000 Closing Net Change 18/2 •• 1854 2-^ —15^ 3S'A + 1314 UA 8!4 +254 55^ + VA 28 -i-m "STREfr ANGEL", BIGGEST DRAW IN 1928 AT ROXY "The Street Angel" topped the year's grosses at the Roxy, garnering 1144,000 the week ended Aug. 4, ac- cording to "Variety's" estimates' This is an all-time picture house high. The record is remarkable because this was the third week of its Roxy run, the picture having chalked up $126,000 and $121,000 respectively in the first two weeks at this theater which marked second Broadway run of the picture, the first at $2 top. Compila- tion of 'Variety's" box office estimates, covering every section of the nation, is a feature of THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK, to be issued this month. Howell, Mich. House Opened Howell, Mich. — Schulte Amuse. Co. recently opened its 2500 seat Howell theater here. MAE MURRAY NOSED OUT AL JOLSON IN ST. LOUIS Mae Murray nosed out Al Jolson for the box office record at St. Louis in 1928, according to "Variety" es- timates, which credit Miss Murray with gross of $43,600 at the Ambas- sador, the week of Feb. 4, while Jol- son got $43,400 at Loew's State, the week of Feb. 18. Miss Murray was topping the stage bill with "Irresis- tible Lover" the picture attraction, w'hile Jolson appeared in person on the bill with "Baby Mine" as the pic- ture. Loew's State seats 3,300 and is scaled from 25 to 65 cents, while the Ambassador seats 3,000, and is scaled from 50 to 75. This interesting sidelight on box- office grosses developed in preparing box-office grosses for THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK which will cover week by week business in St. Louis and all other key cities throughout the country. And That's That By PHIL M. DALY DAVEY Lee, the Sonny Boy of Al Jolson's "Singing Fool" radioed seasonal good wishes over KFWB, Warner station at Los Angeles. There has been an absurd report cir- culated that the clever youngster was dead, but he is very much alive and preparing to start his next picture. Approximately 200 theaters, among them a number of first runs, have booked "The Lion's Roar," Educational's first sound comedy, the company says. That's an aus- picious start for Educational's sound program. Sam Moore, chief curator of the Guild of Former Pipe Organ Pump- ers, yesterday told the AM PA some of the stories that made Prince William of Sweden laugh when he was guest of honor ,at the Writer's Club in Hollywood, on which occasion Moore was teamed with Charley Murray. Moore, who was once identified" with news reel enterprises, is said to have a dozen humorous monologues in his reper- toire and made this week's AMPA meeting a merry one. Congratulations to James B. Clark of Rowland & Clark, who was married t'other day at Pittsburgh, and now is on a honeymoon trip to Bermuda. Geddes With Baker Theaters Baker, Ore. — Freeman Geddes has been appointed manager of the Baker Theater Co. operating the Clarick, Empire and Orpheum here, it is re- ported. He will also supervise pub- licity for the houses. To Complete Evansville Houses Evansville, Ind. — Lease for the pro- posed theater site of the old uncom- pleted Cadick will be signed soon by Alvah Phelps, local business man who is promoting the project. Carr At Shea's Centiu-y Buffalo, N. Y. — Michael Shea, pres- ident of Shea Operating Corp., has appointed John E. Carr, former man- ager of the Hippodrome, manager of the new Century. George A. Mason, former assistant manager of the Hip- podrome has been made manager. Dismantle St. Louis Olympia St. Louis — The Olympia, where Skouras Bros, started in picture busi- ness in 1914 will be torn down the early part of next year for the con- struction of a $5,000,000 municipal auditorium for which people of this city voted bonds a few years ago. John Karzin is owner of the property. Calla Managing Two Canton, O. — Joe Calla now is man- aging both the Strand and Valentine and has moved his headquarters to the latter. RECORDS SH IN OLD ARIZONA beating ALL PREVIOUS WEEKS' business CRITERION nnoAwwA V FIFTH AVENUE Theatre 01%WAUT¥AI Theatre Los Angeles _ ^^ Theatre Seattle, Washington Portland, Oregon TheTalk of theWestCoast! FIRST in SOUND on FILM so«-Tr the L. THE FIRST ALL-TALKING I with EDMUND LOWE • DOROTHY BURGESS WARNER BAXTER M ruly the outstanding achievement of WilUam Fox* —Seattle Post Intelligencer ir OX Films have set a standard not only for the rest of the industry but for themselves. —Seattle Times This picture excels all of the promises made for it by the makers* —Seattle Star W othing excels it in romantic interest, novelty and picturesque appeal* — Portland ISJews Ueserves highest praise. Delight to sit through it all. — Portland Journal V nique in cinema annals. A thoroughly entertaining production. — Portland Oregonian F MOVIETONE talkers in TALKING FEATURES FEATURE FILMED OUTDOORS Directed RAOUL WALSH and in Dialog by IRVING CUMMINGS iSuX TOM BARRY Wothing short of triumphant. Best demonstration of the speaking screen ever put forth, —Los Angeles Express I t ideally the first talkie to combine the technique of the screen and stage. Take my advice and see it. — Los Angeles Examiner ^^ surprising disclosure of what can be done with a micro- phone in the open air. —Los Angeles Times *^estined to please many audiences and to win over new converts for the talkies. —Los Angeles Herald T his production is of unusual merit. — Los Angeles Ddily News talk RECORDS* IT THE SEATTLE T 1 GREOtDHEREBy People StaRdin Line to Gam Admittance at Sth Avenue to See First Talicing Otit- door Picture Made. *itERCHANDISEB^ the world over I. intan^ble something wwcn i^«« i "whal the P^Wlc wants «x^ -blustery, ^alny day Severn n LiVurho^3't^ansth.puh. at the 5th Avenue TbeaU^P^^ the face (ft 3"'=^*'? ®h^,^«^« doorg dS^y rndV&le"^t. if ha. ^^^xSi'^i^.arot^thr'^rnis^^ and Don Juan o£ «^^8^ B«lxter, Baxter has an.^f'^/^^We ot blp at the same time by vir^^« ^^^ long aiiii Ariioiia-' he re- ,^ZA oj^^nit^y and made -^ '"^Smund We ^-^^-f^ "What Price Glory,' app^f^W sergeant of a oav^lrv. *»- duty along the type of « role t ■with. Hb is tb man to' the n gives a perf' trifle broadly sraliy admir Dorothy the jBcreP 'ai*:e 1' RECORD BREAKING BUSINESS of IN OLD ARIZONA o at BROADWAY Theatre, Portland, Ore. ^ and FIFTH AVENUE Theatre, Seattle, Wash. K [both MTith -weeUly change policy] ^ eompels transfer to other theatres ^, na"up"***v y , Ixj •y," app'^f^T^^^^^^'^"'^"'"™''™"""^"^"""""™^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^"^^^^^^^^^^^"^^"""^ *N Irv A' ^\ #a%he croivds line up today at the g ^ HOLLYWOOD Theatre, Portland - and COLISEUM Theatre, Seattle »^ ^« A w^ ^a» .^^.^ —^ — _^ TUirATItir opens JANUARY 18*" WARFIELD Opens JANUARY 19*" Opens JANUARY 20*" THEATRE San Francisco V^ ^^^ymy THEATRE J;^%JJ|^X New York CAPITOL Theatre, Hartfordf Conn. PALACE Theatre, Worcester, Mass. PALACE Theatre, Waterbury, Conn. PALACE Theatre, Ne^v Haven, Conn. PALACE Theatre, Bridgeport, Conn. P for Greater prosperity in 1929 ploy MOVIETONE all-talking features X — — Si THE Friday, January 4, 1929 i^< DAILV fxpt^U-0-GMmi>«.sT >ioitTi<:.>i.s' with Kuynionfl (>ri(Iith "MUSIC HATH IIAIIMS*^ by OrlavuN Roy (!ohen "MEET THE MISSl S*" with James Cleason, star of stage "Is Zat So!" By Kenyon Nicholson, author of "The Barker" and many more! Product of the Market! TALKING acts no longer succeed on novelty alone. The public demands quality and class. Paramount- Christie Talking Plays supply this as no other product available does! Produced with the same lavish expenditure of care, money and talent as feature pictures in sound. DISTRIBUTED by Paramount. First release, ^^When Caesar Ran a Newspaper", on February 9th. Followed by other Paramount-Christie gems of entertainment, all with box office headliners who can talk. See your Paramount salesman today. CHRISTIE Talking Plays i 0i I -■^r}ii^f ' 12 Austrian Studios Kept Busy Through Revival Vienna — An average of two films a month have been completed at each of Austria's five studios during 1928. This revival is due to the fact that production, it is claimed, cost in Aus- tria are one third of those in France, Germany, England or other foreign countries. Austria intends to keep its film talent at home. Publix Changes at Bangor Bangor, Me.^ — Due to illness of C. J. Russell, manager of all Bangor Publix houses, the following tem- porary changes have been made: Graham Jeffrey manager of the Park will be at the Bijou and Theodore McGuigan will be his successor at the Park. C. J. Russell, Jr., will re- main at the Opera House. Split Week for Wallingford Wallingford, Conn.— The Wilkin- son has opened with pictures the first half and five vaudeville acts added to the last half of the week. South Norwalk House Opened South Norwalk, Conn. — The Em- press, seating 1,700, recently opened here with AUie Hamilton as manager. Short Shots from New York Studios ^^By ARTHUR W. EDDY ^mmt^ ABE MEYER is the chap who is supervising the synchronizing of the score of "Molly and Me," dia- logue sequences for which Tiffany- Stahl is making at the RCA studio on 5th Ave. Belle Bennett and Joe E. Brown are featured, with Al Ray telling 'em how. Frank Zucker's grinding the camera. * * * Millard Webb probably holds the world's record for having seen "Gen- tlemen of the Press." He's seen it plenty in order to get the stage slant for a picture version he is to make for Paramount at its Astoria plant. When exhibitors buy it, the opus will be knowrn as ''News." * ♦ * Erno Rappe's latest scoring efforts to reach Broadway is in connection with "The River," in which Charles Farrell and Mary Duncan face the camera. He's the man who com- posed the music for unforgettable "Charmaine," theme song of "What Price Glory" and "Diane," theme song for "Seventh Heaven." * * * Regge Doran, who went westward some time ago to open the Filmartc theater and who later joined up with the Carthay Circle in Los Angeles, is back in Manhattan for a few moments or so. Not long ago she was director of public relations for Pathe. * * ♦ When H. H. Van Loan writes 'enj for the stage, he doesn't miss on the picture angle. His latest is "Forward March," which is destined for Broad- way stage presentation within a few months. THE Coast Wire Service 1 1 Ray arts Completed WORK STARTS ON OTHERS Of RAYM'S TWENTY Three more pictures, or 11 in all, of Rayart's 20 for 1928-29 have been completed by Trem Carr. Number nine is "The Black Pearl," by Mrs. Wilson Woodrow, a mystery featur- ing Lila Lee and Ray Hallor. The tenth, "When Dreams Come True," has Helene Costello and Rex Lease as leads, while the next is "Brothers," with Cornelius Keefe, Arthur Rankin and Barbara Bedford. Camera work on the twelfth, "Some Mother's Boy,'' is already under way, with Mary Carr, Jobyna Ralston and Jason Robards featured. This is being di- rected by Duke Worne. Jannings Unit on Location Emil Jannings is on his first loca- tion trip since his arrival in America. With Esther Ralston, Gary Cooper, Director Lewis Milestone and a com- pany, the German star will make Swiss Alps scenes at Lake Tahoe for "An Alpine Romance." The story is by Victor Schertzinger and Nicho- las Soussanin. Fox Role for Armstrong Robert Armstrong has been cast for the male lead in "Woman from Hell," new title for the Fox version of the stage play, "From Hell Came a Lady," written by George Scar- borough, Jaime Del Rio and Lois Lesson. Dog in T-S Film Buddy, a dog, will play in Tiffany- Stahl's production temporarily titled "The Miracle." Eve Southern is starred under direction of George Archainbaud. J. Barney Sherry, Henry Barrows, Walter Pidgeon and Montagu Love are in the cast. Griffith Film Near Completion Vitaphone sequences are nearing completion on Corinne Griffith's forthcoming First National special, "The Divine Lady." Herbert and Knopf Sign New contracts have been signed yesterday by F. Hugh Herbert and Edwin Knopf as writers at Para- mount. Added to Cast of "Life" Larry Kent has been added to cast of Tiffany-Stahl's production tem- porarily titled "Life" in which are Ricardo Cortez, Claire Windsor, Montagu Love and Helen Jerome Eddy. "Early to Bed" for Colleen First National has purchased an original by Lynn and Lois Montross, tentatively titled "Early to Bed," for Colleen Moore. Coldeway Made Associate Producer at First Nat'l Anthony Coldeway, former assist- ant associated producer at Warner Bros, has been named assistant as- sociate executive at First National Studios. He will work with Al Rock- ett, associate executive, on produc- tion matters and will be in charge of writers as well as the story de- partment. Pathe is Recording 2 And Preparing 2 Others Dialogue sequences are being re- corded at Pathe for "Square Should- ers" and "The Leatherneck." Prep- arations also are under way for start of "The Flying Fool" and "Listen Baby." Colleen Completes Film Colleen Moore has completed "Why Be Good?" and will vacation the re- mainder of the month of January. Her next picture, "Early to Bed,'' by Lynn and Lois Montross, is sched- uled lo go into production the first week m February. Another 'Pathe' for Von Stroheim, Jr. Eric Von Stroheim, Jr., who play- ed the youthful director in "Young Hollywood," a special Pathe comedy is playing; in Junior Coghlan's latest Pathe picture, "Square Shoulders." Two New Pathe Players Ethelyne Claire has been signed by Pathe for the forthcoming serial, "Uueen of the North Woods." An- otner newcomer on the Pathe lot is Lew Ayres, a discovery of Paul Bern. Columbia Signs Two Virginia Valli and Gaston Glass have been signed for leads in Co- lumbia's latest production, "Behind Closed Doors." Howard J. Green is doing the adaptation. Fox Borrows Camilla Horn Camilla Horn is to play the lead in "Woman from Hell" for Fox, hav- ing been borrowed from United Art- ists. This is a screen version of a stage play which was produced last spring in Hollywood under direction of Joseph S'childkraut. It is to be directed by John Erickson, assistant to F. W. Murnau. Davis and Spencer Teamed George Davis and Fred Spencer have been teamed agiin in another two-reeler, "Howling Hollywood," which is nearly completed at the Ed- ucational studios. Ella McKenzie will have the leading feminine role. Banthim in Billie Dove Cast Larry Banthim has been cast in "The Man and the Moment," Billie Dove's new First National picture which George Fitzmaurice is direct- ing. Rod La Rocque plays opposite the star. Luther Reed Named FBO Associate Producer Luther Reed has been named an associate producer at the FBO studio Henry Hobart recently was appointed to a similar post by William Le Baron vice president in charge of produc- tion. Loretta Young for "The Squall" Loretta Young has been given a prominent role in First National's Vitaphone production "The Squall," film version of the Broadway stage play. Bradley King has completed the adaptation and Alexander Korda is to direct . Lazzlo For Dove's Next Josef Lazzlo, European writer and co-author of "The Comedy of Life," is writing the adaptation and continuity for Billie Dove's next production. The story is laid in Europe. Long Contract for Lowe Edward T. Lowe, Jr., in recogni- tion of his work in writing the con- tinuity for "Broadway" has been given a long term contract by Uni- versal. A Little from ti Lots ff By RALPH WILK Hollywood LUCKY" Humberstone is a popu- lar assistant director at United Artists. He had no sooner finished his duties on "The Iron Mask," starring Douglas Fairbanks, then he was as- signed to assist Sam Taylor on "Co- quette." "Lucky" assisted Fred Niblo on several pictures before joining United Artists. * * * More Passing Show: Junior Cogh- lan "drilling," with Eddie Goulding his "commanding ofS,ccs"; Betty Brown imitating Frisco imitating Helen Morgan. * * * Our Passing Show : Robert Ellis reminiscing about "the wild and woolly days" in New York, when he was police re- porter; Robert E. Welsh pre- senting a loving cup to Carl Laemmle, Jr., at the party tendered the son of the Uni- versal president ; Joe Shea and Jack Francis chatting at the Fox studio; Ezra Mir motor- ing to Franklin Ave. ♦ * * Ben Grauman Kohn is writ- ing the scenario of "Black Eagles," which wUl star George Bancroft. ♦ * * Arthur Rosson, who directed "Silk Legs," a Fox moneymaker, and "Wet Paint" and "You'd Be Surprised," both starring Raymond Griffith, is directing Hoot Gibson in "Birds of a Feather." >-* ^-r' ITHEI o/* FILHDOH ANDWEEKIV FILR DIGEST ^^y^M VOL. XLVII No. 4 Suiiiiciy, January 6, 1929 Fl 11. L- ilij L."- Ill-) p^-invY ^Oalk/ MELODY OF LOVE Carl Laemmle's 100'," Talking Picture. LONESOME Paul Fejos' Masterpiece. Glenn Tryon, Barbara K:nt. THE LAST WARNING Laura La Plante. Paul Leni Production. GIVE AND TAKE George Sidney, Jean Hersholt. Wm. Bcaudine Production. THE CHARLATAN George Melford Production. COHENS AND KELLYS in ATLANTIC CITY George Sidney, Vera Gordon, Kate Price, Mack Swain. Wm. J. Craft Production. THE SHAKEDOWN James Murray, Barbara Kent. Wm. Wyler Production. COME ACROSS Mary NoUn. Wm. Wyler Production. RED HOT SPEED Reginald Denny. Joseph Henabery Production. HIS LUCKY DAY Reginald Denny. Directed by Edward Cline. IT CAN BE DONE Glenn Tryon. Fred Newmeyer Production. GIRL ON THE BARGE By Runert Hughes. Jean Hersholt, Sally O'Neil Malco'm McGregor. Edward Sloman Production. CLEAR THE DECKS Reginald Denny. A Joseph Henabery Production. THAT BLONDE Laura La Plante. ONE RAINY NIGHT Laura La Plante. DANGEROUS DIMPLES Laura La Plante. YOU CAN'T BUY LOVE An Ernst Laemmle Production. BROADWAY Paul Fejos Production. Original play dialogue. THE MINSTREL SHOW Eddie Leonard. THE KING OF JAZZ Paul Whiteman SHANNONS OF BROADWAY with James Gleason. Directed by Wesley Ruggles. BARGAIN IN THE KREMLIN By Sir Philip Gibbs. Josoph Schildkraut. Directed by Edward Sloman. THE CLIMAX From famous play by Edward Locke. THE GREAT CINEMA MURDER By Leonard Fields. FLAMING DAUGHTERS By Beatrice Van BARNUM WAS RIGHT From play by Philip Bartholomae, John Meehan. THE HAUNTED LADY By Adela Rogers St. John. THE BRAGGART Jean Hersholt. Edward Sloman Production. ERIC THE GREAT Conrad Veidt, Mary Philbin. Paul Fejos Production. SHORT SUBJECTS BAILEY and BARNUM. THE THREE BROX SISTERS, ZIM MERMAN and GRANDVILLE. •THE COLLEGIANS" — Fourth Series. Supervised by Carl Laemmle, Jr. (Note: Two negatives: one silent; one with dialogue, on all Universal talking pictures excepting "Melody of Love.") '-StJmi or Sound- Carl Laemmle leads the Way/// ^h-^. „. ^■■K_ KEEP POSTED ON DEPENDABLE TIPS ON SILENT, SOUND SHORTS, AND FEATURES All the news of the field Theater Equipment A service department that serves LATEST PICTURE BOX OFFICE REVIEWS THAT EVERYWHERE ARE RECOGNIZED AS THE AUTHORITY Academy of M. P. 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Stories; Movie Age; Mound Circuit; Munz Theatrical Enterprises; Musical Protective Ass'n; Muskogee Phoenix; Muskogee Times- Democrat; Nathanson's Circuit; National Board of Fire Prevention; National Board of Review; National Catholic Welfare Council; National Costumers Ass'n ; National Ex- hibitor; National Photoplay Indorsers; Na- tional Screen Service; National Theater Corp.; National Theater Supply Co.; Nation- al "Theaters Syndicate; Navelle Studio, Jean; Neilan Studios; Newark Ledger; Newark News; Newark Studio; New Bedford Stand- ard; New England Theaters Operating Co.; New Haven Journal-Courier; New Orleans Times-Picayune; Newport News News-Her- ald; Newspaper Enterprise Syndicate; New York American; New York Daily Mirror; New York Daily News; New Yorker; New York Evening Journal; New York Morning Telegraph; New York M. P. Salesman, Inc.; New York Telegram; Nichols Circuit; Nix- Contributors to the FILM DAILY YEARB' %I% K — 1929- Only a partial list, but indicative of the sweep of this encyclopedic volume Keith-Albee Theaters; KeUy, A. W.; Kent, Sidney R. ; Kenosha News; Kinograms; Kleist Amusement Co. ; Kohn ft Fairchild Enterprises; Koppin Co., George; Koppin- Woodward Theater Co. ; Kunsky Theaters Co.; Kutinsky-Blumenthal Theaters; La- Cross Tribune & Leader; Laemmle, Carl; Lakeland Ledger; Lakeland Star-Telegram; Lambs' Club; Laske, J. L. ; Lansing News; Lawrence Amusement Co. ; Lefkowitz Cir- cuit; Leland Theater Enterprises; Levin The^ ater Enterprises; Lewis Theater Enterprises; Libson Theater Circuit; Lichtbildbuehne Berlin; Lichtman, Al; Lima News & Times- Democrat; Lindsay Circuit; Lloyd, Corp., Harold; Location Managers Ass'n of Holly- wood; Loew, Arthur M.; Loew, E. M. Cir- cuit; Loew's, Inc.; Long Island Theater Owners Ass'n; Los Angeles Evening Herald; Lourie Circuit; Louisville Courier-Journal; Lucas Theater Enterprises; Lucas Film; Ly- man Howe Studio; Lynchburg Advance; Lynch Theater Circuit: Lynn Item; Lynn Telegram-News; Lyric Amusement Co.; Mc- Carthy Bros. Theater Circuit]; M'aGowan Theater Circuit: McKeesport News; Macon Telegraph; Manheim, N. L. ; Mann Circuit of Theaters; Manning & Wink Theaters; Markell Theater Circuit; Marks Bros.; Mar- low Circuit, John; Massce & Co.; Mayer Louis B.; Mayer & Schneider Circuit; May- fair Club; Memphis Evening Appeal; Metro- Goldwyn-Mayer Studio; Metropolitan Studio; Michaels Theater Co. ; Middletown News- Signal; Midland Theater & Realty Co.; Mid- state Theater Co.; Midwest Theater Co. of Colorado; Midwest Theaters Co.; Miles The- ater Circuit; Miller Circuit; Miller Theaters; Milwaukee Journal; Milwaukee News; Mil- waukee Sentinel; Minneapolis Tribune; Minot News; Moline Dispatch; Monarch Pictures; Montgomery Advertiser; Montreal Theater Managers Ass'n; Moore Amusement Co.; M. P. Capital Corp.; M. P. Chamber of Commerce; M. P. Classic; M. P. Club of New York; M. P. Digest; M. P. Journal; M. P. Magazine; M. P. News; M. P. Photo- graphers Ass'n ; M. P. Prod. & Dist. of Am- on-Nirdlinger Theaters; North American Theaters, Inc.; North. C. 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J.) Hudson Dispatch; United Amuse- ments Corp. of Quebec; United Artists Corp.; United Artists Studio; United Artists Theater Corp.; U. S. Army Theaters; U. S. Dept. of Agriculture; U. S. Dept. of Com- merce; U. S. Dept. of the Interior; U. S. Dept. of Labor; U. S. Navy Dept.; U. S. Post Office Dept. ; U. S. Treasury Dept. ; U. S. War Dept. ; United Scenic Artists Ass'n of Hollywood; United Theaters of Cal- ifornia: United Theaters Corp. of Connecti- cut; United Theaters Enterprises'; United Theaters of Wisconsin; Universal Chain The- aters Corp. ; Universal Pictures Corp. ; Utica Press; Variety; Variety Amusement Co.; Visual Instruction Academy: Vitaphone Corp.; Vocafilm Corp.; Vogel, W. J.; Wahl, Major General: Wall St. Journal; Wall St. News; Walker Bros. Theater Co.; Warner Bros.; Washington Daily News; Washington Star; Waterbury Republican & American; Weaver Studio of "Tacoma; Weekly Film Review: Wehrenberg Theater Co.; West Coast Theaters, Inc. ; Western Ass'n M. P. Advertisers : Western Indiana Theaters Corp. ; Wheeling Telegraph; White Plains Reporter; Wichita Eagle; Wichita Falls Times; Wilby- | Baum Theater Circuit; Williams Circuit, J, Homer; Wilmer & Vincent Theaters; Wil- ] mington Every Evening; Wilmington Journal; Wilmington News; Wise Theaters, Inc.; Marvin; WolfFsohn, Karl; WoUson-Meyer Theaters: Women's Ass'n of iScreen Pub- ] Heists; World Realty Co.; Wome Prod. Wyoming Theater Managers Ass'n; Yonkers j Statesman & News; Yost Theater Circuit; Youngstown Telegram; Zimmerman & Dipion Theater Circuit; Zukor, Adolph. Warners Closing Deal for Philadelphia Chain ;^€* NEWSPAPER o/'FILMDOH AHDWEEKLY FILH DIGEST VOL. XLVII No. 4 Sunday, January 6. 1929 Price 25 Cents NO "NEW DEAL" MADE FOR f. & R. CIRCUIT There is no "new deal" between Publix and Northwest Tlieater Cir- cuit (Finkelstein & Rulicn), as inti- mated at Minneapolis, 'rranster of G. Ralph Branton to general man- agement of ail F. & R.- Publix houses gave rise to report that Publix was engineering a new deal, presumably for control of the circuit. There is no truth to the report, Branton who had been in charge of all F. & R. houses in the Twin Cities, except the nine in which Publix is interested, having been loaned only to the firm which operates the nine houses joint- ly-owned by the two companies. F. & R. still continues booking and man- agement of its houses. Hanson Names Carl Goe T-S Sales Head Aide Carl J. Goe, veteran film executive, has been naniedl assistant general sales manager of Tiffany-Stahl by Oscar Hanson, sales manager. Goe has been assistant sales head of FBO, Associated Exhibtors and Pathe fea- tures. Henry Ellman has been named supervisor of the Central dis- trict replacing A. H. McLaughlin, with Harry I. Goldman new manager of the Boston exchange. 6 British Sound Stages to be Ready by April .Six stages will be ready for sound production in England by April, ac- cording to \'ictor Saville, managing director of Burlington Films, who is in New York for conferences with J. D. Williams regarding pictures to be produced by Burlington which World Wide will release in the I'nited States and Canada. Saville leaves Thursday for Hollywood to ^tudy sound production. Later he will be joined by John Maxwell, chairman of British International. Saville's picture, "A Woman in the Night," starring Maria Corda, is to be released this month. WARNER-EQUITY DEAL REPORTED TO BE SET Warner Equity New Haven, Conn. — Regard- ed as spiking report that Alfred Gottesman is planning sale of his chain to Warners is the news that Gottesman has taken over the Palace, Norwich, and the Capitol, Middletown, in- creasing to 11 the houses in the chain. Philadelphia — Deal of Warners for the Plquity circuit of 35 theaters in Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, is understood to be set or practically so. Warner officials from New York were here Friday, when details were said to have been agreed upon. The Etiuity chain's expansion program is to be carried out by Warners, it is understood, except where such plans conflict with Stanley interests, owned by Warners. Albert Warner could not be reach- ed for a statement on the Warner- E((uily deal report. Hazza Named Canadian Representative of T-S Toronto — Phil Hazza, formerly with Canadian U in Montreal, has been named Canadian representative of Tiffany-Stahl, RCA CLOSES DEAL FOR ACQUISITION OF VICTOR W.E. PREPARES rORSOUND IN EDUCATIONAL riELD Development of educational talking pictures in 1929 is anticipated by Western Electric, which has formed a Department of Educational Talking Pictures with F. L. Devereaux, Bell Telephone Securities Co., vice presi- dent, as its head, in the Electrical Re- search Products organization. Here- tofore, Western Electric sound equip- ment has been confined to theater use, but the company looks for ex- tension of its use to the educational field. Devereaux's work will relate to the development of sound films in fields other than those of amusement. Except for the period of the war, Devereaux has been connected with the Bell Telephone System continu- ously since 1903. Talk-A-Phone Claims Disc System Interchangeability Des Moines— Talk-A-Phone is be- ing placed on the market here by ihe Talk-A-Phone Co., (Continued on of which I'aye 4) Eli Woodger Issues Stock for Phantestra Device London — Woodger Industrial Trust Co., prominent in the recent Emelka (leal, have floated a $679,000 stock issue in Phantestra Ltd., formed to acquire Renn Honnam Co. Ltd. and I'hanton Orchestras Ltd. Phantestra is a combined gramophone and wire- less rei)ro(lucer, which has already been installed in a number of theaters. The Child is Born MONDAY : Here we are in 1929. C:)n this day and. in accordance with a jjractice of many years' standing, the views of the industry's leaders are gathered, combed and presented to you in ([ui'ck form. What they think 1929 holds in store is largely conjecture, of course. Last year, only two or three forecasts of the fifty some odd presented thought sound was sufficiently important to talk al)out. And yet, reflect for a moment on the upheaval talking pictures caused in this industry during 1928. Titne was when the producer who had next season's product finished and on the shelf awaiting release was the fellow who walked away with much of the choice play- ing time. Last year, this selfsame individual was the one who developed the largest and inost headachy of headaches. Such is the course of this business, sensitive as it is to innovations and the ever-changing mind of the public. For the new year, general prosperity is predicted and in al- most every instance, the era of good times ahead is irrevocably with sound. It is recognized — as it must be, of course — that all major developments in 1929 revolve around talking pictures. (Continued on Page 3) Tangle of Rival Talking Equipment Firms' Status Seen Furthered h'urtlier strengthening Radio-Keith- Orpheum and RC.\-Photophone in the sound picture field, and adding to the puzzle of the relations between RCA and Western Electric, RCA directors Friday voted to absorb V^ic- tor Talking Machine Co. through an exchange of stock. One share of new common and one share of new Iireferred stock of RCA and $5 in cash will be exchanged for each share of Victor common. RCA stock is to be split five for one and a new is- sue of five per cent preferred floated. RCA has outstanding 1,155,400 shares of common. RCA is parent company of RCA- Photophone and Radio-Keith-Orph- eum. Recently, RCA-Photophone announced plans for a disc synchroni- zation device, with the discs to be made by Brunswick-Balke-Collander. On the other hand, Victor is a West- ern Electric licensee, and holds con- tracts for the making of discs for users of the W'. E. system. Six Distribution Deals Are Closed for Reeltone Six distributii)n deals have been closed by the Reeltone Corp., New York, manufacturers of the Reeltone disc synchronization device. A num- ber of other deals are declared pend- ing. These include: Reeltone Corp. of the Southeast, for the Carolinas and Georgia; F. T. Welter, W^iscon- sin; Richard C. Houghton, New Eng- land; Harry Webb, Virginia and Maryland; Maurice Sebastian, Pacific Coast, and Four Square for the Mid- dle South. •EXHIBITORS' CHOICE- Selling we mean) "EXHIBITORS' CHOICE" SELLING Pick it! World Wide Pictures.— Adv-t. I the ones you want. W. W. P.!— Advt. Quebec Continues Test Case on Sunday Shows Montreal — Test case on Sunday shows is being continued by the Province of Quebec, which has an appeal pending here from decision holding .Sunday picture shows legal, on the ground that they do not con- stitute a theatrical performance with- in the meaning of the Lord's Day Act. Picture theaters for 20 years have enjoyed Sunday shows. WORLD WIDE PICTI'RES Here today and HERE tomorrow. — Advt. fjg^ DAILY Sunday, January 6, 1929 INDEX V(ri. XlVIl Ho. 4 Sunday, Jan. 6, 1929 Price 25 Cents lOHN «. AllCOkTE PnUisher Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway. New York. N. Y-, and cop -right (1929) by Wid's Films and F.lm Folk Inc. J. W. Alicoate. President and fubli'sher! Maurice D. Kann. Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer Business aAd Advertising Manager^ Entered as second class matter, May 21, 1918, at tne pos office at New York N. Y., under the act r,< March 3 1879. Terms (Postage tree J UniUd States outside of Greater New York. $10 00 one year: 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3 00 Foreign $15.00. Subscribers should rernit with ofdCT Address all communica- remit "'^"^^"^tt jj DAILY, 1650 Broad- way' N J York^ N^Y."" Phone Cirde 4736- 7737-4738-4739. Cable address: . E'l^^f y- New York HoUywood. California-Ralph Witt, 642S Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite ^607. London-Ernest W Fr.dman Ihe Film Renter, 58 Great Marlboroudi St., W. f. Be^fn-^K^H WolfTsohn,. Lichtb.ldbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris--P. A. Harle ll Cinematographie Franca.se, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am Seat 36'/ 36'/ Co"-. Fm ind. pfd. 25M 25.5/s East. Kodak 187 185 *do pfd ♦First Nat. pfd.... .... ■■■■ Fox Fm. "A" .... 97f^ 94% *do rts •■•• ;•;; Keith A-0 46 40/. do pfd 137 129 Loews Inc 67 ^ 65 ■Z? do 36'/2 25^ 186 128 104'/^ 96^ 3 45 '4 136 67 %fd. ..::::::io477s io4/. 1047/, 58'/^ 1154 26 41 43 U'A 59/ 12/ 27/ 46 43 98'/ ♦M-G-M pfd, *M. P. Cap , . ■ . Para. F-L 607^ Pathe Exch 12/ do "A" 277^ Radio K-A-O .... 467/8 Stanley Co 43/ *Univ. Pict. pfd • --■-. Warner Bros. ...127/ U4Jj 12654 Warner pfd 56 54/ 55/ ♦do "A" CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ♦Bal. & Katz Con. Fm. Ind. ♦Film Insp. 129 Sales 300 500 800 7,866 5',866 1,000 12,200 200 59,900 11,700 1,300 82,000 300 18',666 5,700 18/ 375^ 1754 18/ 36" 2'9 8/ 287^ 8/ 6/ 17M 801^ 185^ 2^ 375^1 12/ 29 8/ 6.54 28 95 115^ 4,900 6,766 35,466 i',i66 300 6,700 Fox Thea." "A" . ♦Intern, Proj. . . Loew do deb. rts. Nat. Thea. Sup... -,, Trans-Lux 6?4 ♦Univ. Pict BOND MARKET Keith A-0 6s 46 . . 95 95 ♦Loew 6s 41ww — -,. do 6s 41 x-war..l00/ 100/ 100/ Paramount 6s 47 .. 9954 99/ 9954 Par. By. 5/s 51.102^ 102/ 102/ P.ithe 7s 37 79 78?i 78% CURB BONDS Am, Seat. 6s 36 .. 96/ 955/^ 955^ ♦Warner 6/s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Koxy "A" 28 .^0 do units 30 32 do com 5 6 Skouras Bros. ... 48 52 Technicolor 10 12 United Art 7 12 <\o pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com.. .2 ... do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED Lodge Opening House Atlanta — B. D. Lodge is prepar- ing to operate the Crescent at Wrightsville, Ga. It is probable that he will change the name of the house to the Wrightsville. PAGE THE CHILD IS BORN, An Editoriul by Maurice Kami 1 FINANCIAL 2 SOUND PICTURES, by Charles P. Hynes 3 HOLLYWOOD HAPPENINGS, Coast Ncivs by Telegraph 6 "A LITTLE FROM LOTS," by Ralph Wilk 6 FOREIGN MARKETS, by James P. Cunningham 7 THEATER EQUIPMENT, by Charles F. Hynes 8 PRESENT A TIONS, by Herbert S. Berg 9 REVIEWS OF NEWEST RELEASES, by Jack Harrower 10-11 THE WEEK'S HEADLINES, Resume of the News 12 SHORT SHOTS FROM N. Y. STUDIOS, by Arthur W. Eddy 12 - REVIEWS PAGt' BROADWAY FEVER 10 STOLEN LOVE 10 LUCKY BOY 10 LUCRETIA BORGIA 11 RESTLESS YOUTH 10 PAGE SAL OF SINGAPORE 10 SHOPWORN ANGEL 10 WHEN DUTY CALLS 11 WHY GO GIRLS GO WRONG.. W WEST OF ZANZIBAR 10 SHORT SUBJECTS SOUND 11 SILENT 11 Lewiston Project Denied Lewiston, Me.— E. T. D. Willard, of Portland, who has secured options on the Lisbon street property here denies the report that the New Eng- land Theaters Operating Corp. of Boston, is interested in the purchase of this property as a site for a new theater, but that a Boston chain store desires a location here. Bregstein with Synchronization Firm Nat Bregstein has been appointed special representative of M. P. Syn- chronization Service. New York. He leaves New York Monday for Pitts- burgh on a swing around the coun- try. The synchronization firrn_ fur- nishes a cueing service to exhibitors, whose houses are equipped with non- synchronous machines. St. Clair to Direct Lloyd Film West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Macolm St. Clair has returned from New York and has signed to direct Harold Lloyd's new picture, as yet untitled. Florence House Closes Florence, Mass. — Manager John Davis of Cosmian Hall stated that attendance was so small that he could not afford to operate any longer and was forced to close the house. Fu- ture plans are not known. Kupper to Fox Home Office Pittsburgh — William KupDer, maii- ager of the local Fox exchange, is leaving to take uo special duties at the home office. Ira S. Cohen, man- ager of the Fox Cincinnati exchange is taking Kupper's place here. Bill Cody Opens Office Bill Cody Prod., have established headquarters at suite 1102, 45 West 45th St., New York City. Clarence J. Elmer has been appointed produc- tion manager. Talkers starring Bill Cody are planned. Garfield Convalescing Cleveland — Herman Garfield of Roadshow Pictures, New York, is recovering from illness here. Buy El Paso House El Paso, Tex. — International Amusement Co. has purchased the Alcazar from Aldrete & Son. The company now has a chain of five in the Mexican quarter here. Editing "Hole in The Wall" Helene Turner is editing "The Hole in The Wall," Paramount pro- duction, at the Eastern Studio. Eddie Grainger on Trip Chicago — Eddie Granger of Fox is here, en route to the Pacific North- west. Six Canadian Films Planned Fort William, Ont. — Production of six outdoor features is planned by Thunder Bay Films, a privately financed corporation of which Sar- geson V. Halstead is president and general manager, and Louis H. Chau- det is director-in-chief. The Industry's Date Book 18 Jan Jan. 20 Film Guild Cinema opens in New York. Annual banquet of M.P.T.O. of Eastern Pennsylvania. Jan. 24-26 Fifth annual conference of Na- tional Board of Review. Feb. Opening of 4,000 seat Toledo-Para- mount at Toledo Mar. 2 AM PA Hollywood Masque Ball in New York. Morgantown to Get New House Morgantown, N. C. — Dr. E. W. Phifer, E. D. Alexander and R. G. Presnell are the owners and pro- moters of a proposed new theater here seating 660 which will be ready for opening by the middle of March. The house will be equipped with Vitaphone. Phyllis Haver Arriviftg Phyllis Haver, who recently sign- ed a contract with M-G-M is sched- uled to arrive in New York Monday, and will probably remain two weeks or more. "Noah's Ark" Run Extended West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Run of "Noah's Ark" at Graumann's Chinese has been extended to Jan. 16. Rockwell House Gets Sound Rockwell, Conn. — Putnam Theaters Corp. has installed sound equipment at its house here. $75,000 House For Wichita Wichita, Kan. — J. C. Hartman and associates have awarded a contract for the building of a $75,000 theater here. Expert Cameraman going throughout the World — Asia — Africa — Europe — taking International News — Panorami- cal — Costumes and wild animals scenes. If any company is interested — ivrite for information to Cassio Film Corp. at Temple Court, 223 Second Ave., N. Y. C., Room 10. House Planned at Madison, Wis. Madison, S. D. — A. H. Brown is sponsoring a $200,000 theater here, on condition that local citizens oro- vide a site and subscribe to $75,000 worth of stock. Wurlitzer for Riverside House Riverside. Cal. — A Wurlitzer pipe organ is being installed at the River- .side for its opening Jan. 11. Let Us Solve Your Prohlems ! Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCORPORATED 1540 B'WAY N.Y.C. TELEPHONE BRYANT 3040 THE Sunday, January 6, 1929 The Child is Born (.Continued from Page 1) IIdwcvit, much cruiicliiiin of l)ri>ws prt-vails over the exact manner in wliicli to use this useful, albeit trou- Mesonic agency. It is exactly here that industry leaders a|)parently en- counter snags. A cross-section of opinion seems to indicate that, while sound will immeasurably add to the entertainment (lualities of motion pic- tures, it does not follow at all that silent films are on their way out. In other words, there are signs that some sense is beginning to assert itself insofar as sound is concerned. Months ago when sound first left its weighty imi)ress on the conduct of this business, we asserted that the appeal of motion pictures would probably divide itself into two ma- jor classifications: Those to whom silent pictures with well-done syn- chronized scores would appeal and those to whom talking pictures in which the characters actually speak would represent the acme in enter- tainment. Wc venture to say that before 1929 is over a condition such as this will prevail. . . . Second Wind Tuesday. This being New Year's Day and the morning which is largely devoted to removal of dark brown tastes, the industry closed it- self down. For us, it was a fruitful day. We spent much of it in work — all having to do with the forth- coming Year Book. Eleven hun- dred pages in all with the entire organization turning nights into days in order to apear on scheduled time late this month, this holidav gave an opportunity to get a second wind. And so we thumbed schedules, forms, indexes and went into more minute detail concerning the editor- ial foundation of the impending edi- tion. As the day ended, we came to the conclusion that this encvclopcdic work, which we are told often has real standing in the international film world, will be more complete and more comprehensive than ever before. The three major divisions of the in- dustry which are, of course, produc- tion, distribution and exhibition, have been submitted to powerful informa- tive microscopes and the result will M'eak better than we can tell you '"■re. In connection with produc- ■n and all of its component ele- - -nts, the amassed data will approxi- mate two hundred pages. From the '<-'"er "A" to the twentv-sixth in the alphabet, we believe the job is com- plete. Distribution has been sub- jected to the identical treatment and -o has exhibition. Theaters through- out the United States; chains, their headquarters, their theaters; an ex- ubitor's buying guide so that he will "iiila, Model D, designed for sfecial use of the director models. The machine is an apparatus designed for viewing standard film for which 1,000 ft. reels are available and has been found helpful for cut- ting, editing, titling, and cataloguing various types of celluloid subject matter. PRODUCTION DATA TOTALS 200 PAGES IN YEAR BOOK The West Coast office of THI", FILM D.MLY has completed its task and has forwarded to the pub- lishing offices in New York com- plete statistical data covering pro- duction for appearance in the 1929 FILM D.MLY YEAR BOOK. The production records for the forthcoming edition which will be placed in circulation the end of this month will covtr almost 200 pages. The work of stars and featured play- ers for the last three years up and to including released product as of Dec. 31. 1928 will again be an im- |)ortant feature of this section of the Year Book. Directors, scenarists and adaptors, and cinematographers will be similarly treated. _ Appearing for the first time in any Year Book will be a list of editors and title writers and their work dur- ing 1928. All production factors wliich entered into the making of sound pictures are properly desig- nated and easily marked so that those who seek such information may find it with a minimum of delay. The production statistics will be rounded out by a complete list of stu- dios and their personnel, play brok- ers, laboratories, film libraries, cos- tumers, players' representatives and all other listings to which those con- cerned with production have to turn to in the daily conduct of their work. j Moviola, Model C, designed for special vse in the cutting room i Model C is designed especiallv for {use in cutting rooms. Technically, it ; includes larger lenses which are said ]to give maximum enlargement and ifilter a cool light which permits any one frame to be held as long as mav ;be desired without danger of igni'- 'tion. "Children of Ritz" Completed "Children of the Ritz," Jack Mul- hall-Dorothy Mackaill film has been completed. John Francis Dillon di- rected. It is a dialogue production. The cast includes Doris Dawson, James Ford, Edmund Burns, Lee Moran. Kathryn McQuire, Evelyn Hall and Aggie Herring. Tucker Film Starting Soon Sophie Tucker's first Vitaphone starring picture, "Honky Tonk," will he soon at the Warner studio. Leslie S. Barrows wrote the story and Lloyd Bacon will direct. Mahlon Hamilton, Audrey Ferris and Lila Lee have been chosen for the cast. Farrell Macdonald in "Son of Anak** Farrell Macdonald is to play the role of the father in "Son of Anak," which David Butler will start this week with George O'Brien featured in this screen version of Ben Ames Williams' story. Fox Signs Sylvia Sidney Sylvia Sidney, legitimate star, has been signed by Fox for "Through Different Eyes," a talker which will feature Warner Baxter, Mary Dun- can and Joseph Schildkraut. Chaney Plans Swedish Film Lon Chaney is planning a trip to Europe, during course of which he is to make a picture for M-G-M in Sweden. Continiung Film Work May McAvoy intends to continue picture work after her marriage in April. Foreign Markets By JAMES P. CUNNINGHAM WICKS HEADS f.N.-P.D.C. INAUSTRALIAATTERJAN.IO Sydney— Leslie C. Wicks, recently appointed Australian general sales manager of First National and P.D. C, is slated to arrive in Sydney Jan. 10 to assume his new duties. Ken G. Hall has resigned as director of advertising and publicity to join Union Theaters Ltd. No successor will be named until arrival of Wicks, the sales force is expected to be in- creased when Wicks assumes charge. Quota Decree Is Planned in Portugal Washington Bureau of THIS FILM DAILY Washington — A quota of ten to one is planned by Portugal, accord- ing to reports from the M. P. Sec- tion of the Dept. of Commerce. All legislation affecting pictures in foreign countries, is to be listed in the 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK to be issued this month. Gaumont and Gainsboro Output for Kinemas, Ltd. London — .*-•. Hayden of Kinemas, Ltd., has secured contracts from W. J. Gell, Gaumont Co., and M. E. Bal- con of Gainsboro Pictures, covering the output from both companies for South Africa. These pictures will be shown in the 63 theaters in South -Africa under control of Kinemas, Ltd. Many of the houses are wired for Phonofilm. Belgium Has 645 Theaters Washington Bnieau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Of approximately 645 theaters in Belgium with com- bined seating capacity of 352,000. three houses seat between 2,000 and 2,500; 16 from 1,500 to 2,000; 27 from 1,000 to 1.500; 7?> from 750 to 1,000; 216 from 500 to 750 and 310 have less than 500. according to advices from the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. Polish Theaters Number 750 Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington— Poland has approxi- mately 750 theaters with a combined seatmg capacity of 200,000, accord- ing to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. French Bookings Show Popularity of Newsreels Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Newsreels arc becom- ing increasingly popular with the Irench public according to a report to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. This is true in provincial houses as well as in Paris. Many the- aters which formerly exhibited only feature pictures, have change their policies to include newsreels. Russian Film on Nobile Expedition to be Shown Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington— The original Russian film on the Nobile expedition to the North Pole will be shown soon in Berlin according to a report to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Com- merce. The picture will be titled "The White Secret'' and is 7150 feet in length. It contains shots of the entire expedition on the Russian ship Krassin as well as personalities of Amundsen, General Nobile, Zappi, Mariano, Biagi, Professor Behounek and the Russian aviator Tchouchnov- ski, all who played a part in the great tragedy of the North Pole. Increase Discussed at Melbourne Melbourne — George Griffith, man- aging director of Hoyt's recently pre- sided at a meeting of suburban ex- hibitors at which the question of a further increase in admission prices was discussed. Many suburban ex- hibitors feared a further rise would tend to drive their patrons into the city theaters. Talkers For Sydney House? Sydney — That the Athenaeum will probably be used by Union Theaters, Ltd. as a long run talker house this year, is reported here. This is sig- nificant inasmuch as Hoyt's new Plaza, a long run house, is being erected directly opposite. W. E. I>roduct for Australia Sydney — .\rtlnir W. Edmunds of Electrical Research Products, recent- ly arrived to install sound picture ap- paratus in Union and Hoyts Theaters. French Ban Feyder Film Paris — French censors have ban- ned "Les Nouvcaux Messieurs," pro- duced by Jacques Feyder and dis- tributed by Armor. Reasons given were that the film ridicules the French Parliament by showing fist fights and violent scenes in the Cham- ber of Deputies. Rehearsals for "Rio Rita" Rehearsals will be held for two weeks before a camera is turned fol sound recording on "Rio Rita." Richmount Pictu i ts 723 7th Avenue Inc.-'^'*^* ^"f** ^Ity D. J. MOUNTAN, Pre«. P^XCLUSIVE foreign representatives for Rayart Pictures Corporation and other leading independ- ent producers and distributors Cable Address: RICHPICSOC, Paris Cable Address: DEEJAY. Loadon Cable Address: RICHPIC. N. Y. Exporting only the best in Motion Pictures THE -3^< DAILV Sunday, January 6, 1929 Theater Equipment By CHARLES F. HYNES\ SPECIAL RENOVATOR IS DESIGNED FOR THEATERS A special-size automatic film reno- vator is being manufactured for the- ater use by the Dworsky Film Ma- chine Corp. of Long Island City, N. Y specialist in the care and renovat- ing of films. The firm manufactures renovators and processing by buf- fing machines, as well as the Filmex fluid for cleaning film. The special theater film renovator is smaller than the regular size Renovator No. 1, and the Double Renovator No. 3. It has a single trough through which the him is passed and bathed in Filmex. Rub- ber wipers remove the clean Huid, and a series of roller bumpers wipe off the fluid which remains i" ["« perforations and also polish the film. The cotton flannel on these can be reversed while the strips are fastened or removed easily. The film then passes through rub- ber rollers, which pull the entire width of the film by friction, a meth- od of traction said to prevent any damage to the perforation, which might result if a sprocket were used Pressure of these rollers is controlled by an attachment on the top of the machine, permitting manipulation of the film by hand during threading. The theater renovator. No. 2, is not capable of the high speed of the No. 1 and No. 3 types, but is said by the , inventor, A. S. Dworsky, to adequate- 1 ly fill the need. The No. 1 is single I and the No. 3 double, one side clean- ing 1,000 feet of film in six minutes. The No. 3 requires but one man to operate, as it stops automatically. If the film breaks while running through either of the three machines , their operation is identical— an * idler running on the film operates a lever which opens a switch, immedi- ately stopping the machine. An- other switch can be opened by hand at any time. Heeding Eberson*s Advice Theater owners throughout the country are heeding the advice of John Eberson, leading theater architect, and re-constructing and re-equipping their houses in their efforts to bring them up-to-date, rather than rushing headlong into construction of new theaters where conditions do not warrant. This is indicated by a survey made for the 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK, a feature of which is to be the Eberson Re-Construction and Re-Equipment Section. This section is to embrace a wide variety of ideas and sugges- tions by leaders of the equipment field, for the guidance of the ex- hibitor in improving his houses, in line with suggestions made by Eberson at the Toronto M.P.T.O.A. convention. Eberson occupies an enviable position in the theater field. His individualism and thoroughness have made him much sought-after as an architect, who "follows the job through" to completion, coupling his ability as an architect, designer and builder, with a thorough knowledge of all things required in front and in back of the curtain. Eberson's warning against the overbuUding evil is well founded, for he has observed the working of the overbuilding danger in all sections of the country. He is against a topheavy structure in the exhibition field, believing the advancement of the industry can best be promoted, by improving existing houses, where conditions do not warrant a new theater. THERMOSTATCONTROLFOR 1 SHEET, DATE CARD, 8 NEW METHOD OF Only 6 Weeks Training on Sound Held Needed Personnel to operate RCA-Photo- phone sound reproducer in the the- ater can be trained in six weeks, de- clares E. E. Bucher, executive vice president of the company. Standardi- zation of the equipment permits this simplicity of operation, he says. No Disposition of Stock Minneapolis — No announcement has been forthcoming as to disposi- tion of stock of the R.alto Theater Supply Co., this territory s oldest equipment firm, which recently pas- sed from hands of S. A. Louis, com- pany founder. It had been reported the stock would be sold to National Theater Supply Co. II BY I4S IN ERA! Cincinnati — Newman Manufactur- ing Co. is offering a special metal lobby frame, which holds a one-sheet, date card and eight 11 by 14 photos. The frame is finished in a choice of verde antique, statuary bronze, oxi- dized brass, nickle plate or polished and lacquered brass, none of which require daily polishing. Each com- partment has a separate door hinged from the back. It is made of 3%- inch brass moulding, with lj/-inch di- vision bars. Two sets of brass easel legs, inclinable to any desired angle are included. Where specified three hinged glass doors are available. The Newman company manufac- tures a wide variety of theater equip- ment, including bronze work, cano- pies, booths, brass railing, ticket choppers, velous ropes, door hard- ware and lighting fixtures. Glass Music Racks for Pianos and Organs Chicago — Plate glass music racks for organ and piano are being fent- ured by Gallagher Orchestra Equip- ment Co. The plate glass rack and shelf make the organ rack transpa- rent, so the screen can be viewed for cues and titles. The music desk is 12 by 30 inches and the depth of the shelf three inches. The piano rack is made with mahogany-finished rack and plate glass shelf. Its desk is 12 by 30 inches and the depth of the shelf three inches. CURTAIN ON LOW STACE Chicago — Method, which the coni- I)any says is new in the hanging of asbestos curtains, has been designed by the J. H. Channon Corp., for use where the stage is low and does not permit the curtain to go above the arch. The curtain is hung by means of a steel roller, operated with an endless line having a large wheel geared to make operating easy. A heavy chain enclosed in a wooden box for counterweight is used. This elim- inates raising any dead weight. The steel roller is furnished complete, with all operating equipment but without curtains unless specified. The Channon firm manufactures and installs steel and asbestos cur- tains, rigging equipment, blocks and rigging, counterweight equipment, draw curtain rigging, hand and pow- er, cable, rope and fittings, grand piano trucks, cyclorama fittings, elec- tric niggerhead winch and stage hard- ware. Organ for Baker House Baker, Ore. — Baker Theater Co. is to have a Robert Morton pipe organ installed at the Clarick, Feb. 1. Pho- totone is now installed at the house S ALE ! The Latest Model Double Spring Motor SEPT AUTOMATIC STANDARD MOVIE CAMERA Hold* 16 Feet Film — Case — 6 Masazinei 2 in. F. 3.5 Lens $29.S0 U/IUQCICHByS !1 Prometheus thermostatically - con- trolled radiator, designed to main- tain temperature of an organ chamber or theater box office at an even point, is being manufactured by the Prome- theus Electric Corp., New York. Made of cast iron throughout and with an aluminum finish, the Prome- theus eliminates the fire hazard be- cause no part of it heats to a red temperature. This insures that the air will not be dried out, and that the glued seams in any woodwork nearby will not open. The radiator may be set directly on the floor, heat- ing the air at the floor level, and so occupying but little space. It is 14^ inches long, 15 inches high and four inches deep. The radiator is equipped with a three heat switch, which may be set at any given point. The thermostatic control makes the radiator automatic in operation, so that no attention is required. An indicator is provided for adjustment. There are no mov- ing parts, with the single exception of the "make and break." which is enclosed in a vacuum tube so that the contact points will not oxide. IJ 110 \)Je^t 5?"'<^' '^f' --H,Niy' Phone Penna. 0330 Movie-Fone Is Name of Non-Synchronous Device Minneapolis — Movie-Fone is the name of a non-synchronous device being handled in this territory by Sam Levinson of the Western Theater Equipment Exchange. Wiring Another Columbus House Columbus, Neb. — Jan. 15 is date set for completion of wiring at the Swan. The Empress here has been wired. 1^- 1 VICTOR A. RIGAUMONT ARCHITECT 1 "W ^^P I LOEW BUILDING 1540 BROADWAY TIMES SQUARE. NEW YORK LOEW BUILDING PENN AVENUEl PITTSBURGH Sunday. January 6, 1929 FILM BOARDS REPORT MORE THEATER CHANGES OHIO New Theaters Lima Kialtx. Changes in Ownership Addyston I'astiiiie, sold to Johnson & Car- trr; Akron— Ideal, sold to I'ark J. I'alnu-r tiy Akron Theaters ; Alger — Houston, sold to Mr. Thompson by Anna Hnston : An- sonia — Ansonia, sold to I.. Ehle hy Smith & Fcltnian ; Beverly -Optra House, sold to Mrs. P. C". Masou; Bloomingsburg— Pythian, sold to O. \V. ("reach ; Bridgeport -New Home, sold to I). F. Steiuiger by C. B. Grimes ; Camden — Dover, sold to Jean Strickler by (). P. Strickler: Cleve- land—Grand Central, sold to R. (". Wahl by C F. Gross; Columbus — Dunbar, sold to O. K. Gibbs by Don Kennedy ; Holly- wood and Lincoln. soUl tti Marie Amoraso ; Continental — Palace, sold to Dr. J. \V. Flinn by C. Armburst; Dayton — Mudget. sold to Mrs. L. Keller by John Lahm ; Duncan Falls — Duncan, soM to Williams and Wilson by J. Barker ; Greenville — Na- tional, sold to J. F. Thomas by J. F. Sink; Hicksville — Crescent and Capitol, sold to K. K. Wilder by C. A. Young; Marion — Oakland, sold to W. C. Harry by R. Masxon ; Portsmouth — -Forest, sold to H. J. Cook by E. Champan ; Garden, sold to Schine Enterprises by R. L. Wood ; Rose- ville — Pastime, sold to Wilson & Williams by S. L. Dilts; Struthers — Amusu. sold to .M. Weintraub by Tigus & Kelley ; Sun- bury — Ken-Gri. sold to Granger & Par- sons; West Jefferson — Orient (formerly Avalon), soKI to A. C. Herschner by Ben Almont. Closings Washington — Colonial. OKLAHOMA New Theaters Elgin — Xew; La Vista — Hollis; Muskogee — Ritz; Pauls Valley — Lyric; St. Louis — Mission. Re-openings Vian — Wonderland. Changes in Ownership Bowlegs — Ray's, sold to J. O. Tcmpleton by G. R. Parks ; Cheyenne— Princess, sold to J. T. Davidson by S. James : Clinton — Rialto and Royal, sold to C. W. Guthrie by O. C. Welch ; Colony — Colony, sold to T. H. Coyle by P. W. Kuhn; County Line - — County Line, sold to H. L. Gilliam by W. v. Jensen ; Eakley — Palace, sold to T. H. Coyle by P. W. Kuhn; Gage— The Gage, sold to W. K. Sampson by Price & Davis; Konowa — Xew, sold to W. F. Mor- ris by Mrs. O. F. Moore; McCurtain — Rialto, sold to G. L. Harrison by W. D. Tarkington; Marietta — Liberty and Palace, sold to E. E. Middlcton by Mrs. E. L. King ; Maud — Rex, sold to Tol Teeters ; Muskogee — Strand, sold to Cauhle & Perry; Stillwater — ^Camera, sold to Roy H. Kuss by F. M. Tull; Waynoka — Eaton, sold to Paul Covey. Closings Healdton — Cozy; Lexington — Pastime; Noble — ^Noble ; Rocky — Mecca ; Taloga — Pas time; Watts — Royal. OREGON Changes in Ownership Enterprise — Peoples, sold to J. A. Williams by .\Iclvin Due; Florence — Princess, sold to Leonard Lark by A. Edwards; Hermis- ton — Princess, sold to Walter E. Olson by Lucy A. San ; Portland — Sunset, sold to Frank O'Rourke by A. H. McMillan. Closings Dalles — Auditorium. SOUTH CAROLINA Changes in Ownership Anderson — The Anderson, sold to A. M. Pinkston by Mrs. J. Rowely ; Blacksburg — Broadway, sold to London M. Beattie by B. L. Amick; Cherokee Falls — Cherokee, sold to London & Bettie by U. L. Amick; Chester — ^Dreamland, sold to Eaves The- aters, Inc., by L. D. Eaves ; Cowpens^ Rialto, sold to London M. Beattie by B. L. Amick ; Fountain Inn — Rex, sold to Paul J. Baty by W. S. Finch; Gaffney— Cozy, sold to Eaves Theaters, Inc., by L. I). Eaves; Georgetown — Princess, sold to F. W. Arnbolter by Arnholter & Cather- Graiul ; Rives wood ; Lockhart -The Lockharf, sold to Eaves Theaters, Inc., by L. 1). Eaves; Mullins — -Kirby's. sol<| to liordon Games by Joe Kirtiy ; Rock Hill -Omar, .solil to Eaves Theaters. Inc.. by L. I). Eaves; Sumter Lyric, soKI to Cieo. Henne of production. . . .2 reel comedy Jerry Drew again is the misunder- stood husband trying to find a little harmless pleasure with the whoopee girls while his wife is endcavorng to keep him to the straight and narrow. There is a party going on next door, and Jerry manages to bust in. He is having a great time with the beauties from the show, when his wife breaks into his fun. She does the husband of the hostess, who takes a violent dislike to Jerry. The real laughs come in the climax, which develops into a grand slamming affair, with all hands throwing powder and face cream at each other. It is pure slap- stick, but done with a lot of class that will make the most dignified person in the audience laugh. Di- rected in a different way by Stephen Roberts. "Whose Baby" Horace Series — Universal Studio Stuff 'V\\)c of production. . . .2 reel comedy Nf)thing so hot about this one. with the use of an old gag that has been worn threadbare by much re- cent use. It is that of the hero who is left witii a baby in his arms by an al)sentminded rnotiier, and whose gal comes along and sees him with the incriminating evidence. From here on it is the usual frantic effort on the I)art of the boy to make the girl friend understand that he is not the daddy of the babe. Director Luddy handled the usual gag in the usual manner. Our World Today— No. 1872 Educational Oddities Tyne of production. . 1 reel magazine Opens with a very unusual study of walking fish, which are to be found in the acpiarium of the Walker House Hotel in Toronto. Then are shown thrilling views of the Bessemer Steel Plant, with the men working in fire- proof costumes turning out white hot steel rails. The complete operation in manufacture is shown. Finishes with Tony Sarg's Pti^nets in a ma- rionette show with Columbus at the .^ipanish Court before Ferdinand and Isabella. "The Diamond Master"— Serial Universal Looks Good Type of production. .10 chapter serial This starts off in the first few in- stalments with a lot of pep and thrills, and if this pace is maintained through- out, it looks like a surefire for the exhibitors who use the serials for their Saturday matinees. In addition, there is a very intelligent plot tied up to it, and the acting is well handled, especially by the principals, Louise Lorraine and Hayden Steven- son. The heroine's grandfather has discovered a process for manufactur- ing diamonds. An international dia- mond expert who is dealing with the inventor is also the head of a gang of crooks, and he is after the secret process. Along comes the hero, who is a wealthy amateur crim- inologist, and aids the girl to escape from the clutches of the gang. Then he appoints himself as the girl's pro- tector, and is kept busy warding off the dangers which threaten her at every turn. It is from a story by Jacques Futrelle. Jack Nelson di- rected ably, and the continuity by George H. Plympton and Carl Krus- ada has been expertly handled. "Hubby's Week End Trip"— Sennett Pathe Married Mixup Type of production. .2 reel comedy Billy Bevan and \'ernon Dent fur- nish the comedy as the two cronies who take a whirl at the races at Tia Juana over the week end. The trouble is that Billy has a jealous wife, and when she goes to the races and finds hubby there with a blonde baby the fur starts to fly. This one has the pep to get it over safely with the fans who like their Bevan comedy antics. Directed by Harry Edwards. "The Newlyweds Headache" Stern — Universal Good Gags Tvpe of production 2 reel corned v Snookums stages one of his usual riots to the tunc of a lot of laughter from the kids who enjoy this sort of thing immensely. His dad has charge of the electrical booth at the exhibi- tion. Snookiuns is left alone there for a time, and when he gets through jiushing the various buttons the place is a wreck. It is well gagged, and up to the standard of this popular series. Directed by Francis Corby. "A Daring Dude" Featurette — Universal Fair Type of production. . .2 reel western Another in the series of the com- edy tenderfoot who tries to make good among the he-men on the ranch. Percival has an adventure with a vicious horse that he mounts and it runs away with him. Mean- while the daughter of the ranch own- er is being held prisoner by the crooked gang foreman in his cabin. Percy on the wild horse dashes onto the scene unexpectedly, and saves the gal through no fault of his own. This makes him the hero when the sheriff arrives. Directed by Walter Fabian. Dialogue Set for Nine Forthcomnig F.N. Releases Dialogue has been determined up- on for nine First National Pictures to be released during the coming months. They are: "Weary River," starring Richard Barthelmess; "Sat- urday's Children," and "Prisoners" both featuring Corinne Griffith; "His Captive Woman," starring Milton .Sills and Dorothy Mackaill, "Hot Stuff" and "The Broadway Mus- keteer'' with Alice White in the lead- ing role; "The Squall"; "Pat And Mike" and a picture starring Milton Sills and Biliie Dove, as yet un- titled. Titling "The Four Feathers" John Farrow has been assigned to title "The Four Feathers." Julian Johnson will write the titles for the silent version of the William A. Wellnian production, "Tong War," featuring W^^llace Beery and Flor- ence \'idor. Theater Planned for Riverhead, N. Y. Riverhead, N. Y. — Building de- velopments here will include a new theater, it is reported. A syndicate )f New York City theatrical men are said vo have visited this city and have made surveys as to the proposed site. Fayetteville Capitol Opened Fayettevillcj Tenn. — The Capitol here, operated by the Crescent Amusement Co. of Nashville and the Cumberland Amuse. Co. recently has opened here. Raymond Hardin will manage the new house. Warners Sign Joseph Edmund Joseph, formerly with Fox, has been signed to write dia- logue for X'itaphone shorts to be pro- duced at the Brooklyn studio. 12 Short Shots from New York Studios ^^£/3}> ARTHUR W. EDDY^mm DICK BARTHELMESS has shifted from a production schedule to a theatrical schedule. In other words, having finished "Weary River," Dick is now New Yorking with Mrs. Barthelmess and going to shows nightly. Companion show- goers are Mr. and Mrs. Jascha Heifitz, the Mrs. part of the com- hination being Florence Vidor of pic- ture fans. "There is a Santa Clans." Believe it or not that's the title of a talking short which has just been -produced in Manhattan by Leigh Jason, Mark Sandrich and A. J. Weil. Arthur Liibin, ivho recently finished with the lead of "Times Square," is prominent in the cast, along with Frank Mc- Cormack and Jim/my McCallion. The short was synchronized with RCA Photophone. Director Robert Florey is happy over the reports on "Night Club," Paramount sound short which he made with Minnie Dupree, June Walker, Ann Pennington, Frances Williams, Vivienne Osborne, Ann Forrest, Pat Rooney, Pat Rooney, Jr., Fannie Brice and Tamara Geva. Paul Leni, Universal's ace director and Mrs. Leni, who is better known in Europe as Lore Leni, talented dancer, are in New York for vacation purposes and to watch public reac- tion to "The Last Warning," now having its premiere showing at the Colony. Leni's the man who directed "The Cat and the Canary" and "The Man Who Laughs." New Theaters Port Jefferson, N. Y.— The Allerton The- ater Corp. has taken on option on a site on Tones St. and are considering building a theater. Rome, N. Y. — The new Capitol will seat 2,500. EI Paso, Tex. — L. M. Crawford will re build the Crawford. Wichita, Kan. — Harry J. Stockman, J. C. Hartman and others will build a $125,000 hous« to be called the Nomar. Greenwich, N. Y. — The Swan has opened, Pekin, 111.— The $250,000 Pekin has opened. Midland, Tex.— Dr. C. G. McCall has opened the Ritz with W. H. Williams as manager. Long Beach, Calif. — A 100,000 house will be built at E. Second and St. Josenh Ave. Jenkintown, Pa. — Thalheier and Weitz will build a 1.500 seat house here. Morganton, N. C. — C. V. Davis will lease a 660 seat house to be erected here. Hattiesburg, Miss. — Saenger Amusement Co. will build a $250,000 seat house. Burlington, la. — Chicago interests are con- sidering building a $400,000 house on Main St. Buckner, Mo. — E. V. Buchanan will build a house here. Downers Grove. 111. — Vitaphone and Mo- vietone has been installed in the Tivoli which opened ("hri'^tni.'is day. San Francisco — The Daly City theater is open. Martinsburg. W. Va. — United Prop. Corp. has been formed to build a house here. THE Fire at Windsor Vt. House Windsor, Vt. — F"ire destroyed the Strand here with damage estimated at $35,000. Louis Biachini owns the Iiroperty. Publix Changes At Columbia, S. C. Columbia, S. C— R. B. Talbert, former manager of the Imperial, has been appointed manager of the Ritz here. D. E. Huf? of the Ritz has been transferred by Publix to the Carolina at Charlotte where he will be assistant to manager Warren Ir- win. John McKenna of the Imper- ial at Charlotte is new manager of the Imperial here. Netoco Reopens Boston House Boston, Mass. — Samuel Pinanski's latest addition to his Netoco chain is the Globe which recently opened after renovations and installation of Vitaphone and Movietone. Greenwich, Conn., House Planned Greenwich, Conn. — Work will start soon on the Greenwich Play- house to be erected on West Putnam Ave. for New York theatrical inter- ests to be ready in spring. Henry S. Thorne and Michael Mindlin, of New York, are interested. Hammer Heads Louisville Chain Lafayette, Ind. — Don L. Hammer has been appointed managing direc- tor of the Fourth Ave. Amusement Co. of Louisville, Ky. owners of the Mars, Luna, Family and Lyric here as well as many other houses in In- diana and Kentucky. House Opens With Sound Fort Wayne, Ind. — The Strand, dark since May, has reopened with sound pictures. Second run. Building Delavan House Delavan, Wis. — Leutten & Swartz, Burlington contractor, is building the new Delavan house here. Jacqueline Logan Renews Contract of Jacqueline Logan has been renewed by Columbia. She is to appear in two more pictures for the company this season. Plan Fayette, Mo. House Fayette, Mo.— Hartley H. Banks of Columbia has purchased property here on which he expects to build a $60,000 theater, it is reported. Rome, N. Y. House Closed Rome, N. Y. — The Strand has been closed by J. S. Kallet, manager of Kallet Theaters here. Odium Managing Two Houses Elmira, N. Y. — G. D. Odium, form- er manager of the Majestic at Hornell, is managing the Colonial and Capital here. Natrona, Pa. House Opened Natrona, Pa. — Martin J. Wygonik has reopened the State here. $85,000 House for San Antonio San Antonio, Tex. — The Little Theater, seating about 1,000 will be constructed here in San Pedro Park, according to Mayor C. M. Chambers. The house will be built on style of a municipal auditorium at a cost esti- mated at $85,000. Sound for Constanti House Puyallup, Wash. — D. Constanti, who owns theaters at Tacoma, recent- ly opened his Liberty here after com- plete redecoration and installation of Vitaphone and Movietone. Mike Barovic is manager. $500,000 Philadelphia House Opened Philadelphia — Edwin N. Johnson has opened his 1,700-seat Keswick here. The policy is vaudeville and first run pictures. Publix Gets Sparks House West Palm Beach, Fla.— The Ar- cade has been taken over by Publix. The house formerly was operated by E. J. Sparks. A. P. Talley, manager of the Arcade has left for Sarasota to manage two Spark houses. Paramore Joins Paramount Edward Paramore, Jr., author of "The Ballad of Yukon Jake," has joined the Paramount writing staff. He will specialize in dialogue films. Filmdom' s Recognized Book Of Reference For Past Ten Years 1929 Edition OUT IN JANUARY Over One Thousand Pages FREE TO FILM DAILY SUBSCRIBERS COVERS EVERYTHING GOES EVERYWHERE Week*s Headlines Monday .Siiuiid picture (Ie\ eldpiiu-nt will he liiKhliKlit of 1929, industry leaders predict in state- ments iirepared f(.r 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK; Will H. Hays predicts in- dustry's greatest year. Warner i)rogram calls for .^5 pictures for 1929-1930 season with budget estimated at _ $15,000,000. KBO considering ehaiiKe in company name. Tuesday New Year's Day Wednesday iMrst National program for 1929-19.!0 calls for expenditure of $18,000,000 on 35 pic- tures. . Paramount net for nine months totals $5,- 975,745. Sono-Art Prod, formed to produce talking features at Christie Metropolitan studio, Hollywood. Thursday British exhibitors now turning to sound films followins- warning of possible shortage of silent pictures. Biophone adds Cinephone attachment to ma- chines to provide souud-on-film system for users. Friday Censors' light to pass on sound and dialogue issue in Pathe New York .suit; temporary injunction restrains interference with show- ing of sound film. Film stock sales in 1928 totaled 22,306,720 shares. World Wide Pictures starts releasing opera- tions Jan. 15 with series of seven films. M. P. Section of Dept. of Commerce to be m;ule a division in the department. U. S. has 20,500 of world's total of 57,341 theaters, M. P. Section of Dept. of Com- merce reports. Saturday RCA closes deal for acquisition of Victor. Western Electric prepares for sound in edu- cational field. Warner deal for Equity circuit reported to be set. EGGERS INCORPORATED Photo Engraving Specialists to the Motion Picture Industry DAY AND NIGHT 250 West 54th Street NEW YORK Telephone: Columbus 4141-2-3 /// the ' ' Tnlkics ' ' too The fidelity of sound reproduction M'itli motion pictures is affected by every variation in the film — be it ever so slight. That is why, in the "Talkies" too, Eastman film excels. The great quantities in which it is produced, the strict supervision constantly ex- ercised — the resulting uniformity from roll to roll, day to day, year to year — these factors of Eastman film manufacture are of first importance to the newest development of the art. EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY ROCHESTER, N. Y. ^t^^tv<:.9'i'*^"^ -«*5i«>«i«?rt4//j<*<'rt, I.o^,^ ' . T Q»cr C ■3-__r_ ^ .1 "A WOMAN IN THE NIGHT" amazing maternity drama starring lus- cious Maria Corda; romance of London marriage and Southampton night actually produced where story's laid. Variety's London Critic says "Deli- cate theme robustly handled— 100% entertainment." — WORLD WIDE PICTURES.— Advt. Company Ready to Fight N. Y. Free Speech Case to a Finish Fight of Pathe against what it terms the Xew York censors' attempt to usurp power to censor sound and speech used in connection with pic- tures will be fought to a finish, it is indicated by company attorneys. The distributing company's fight is ex- pected to serve as a test case for the industry, just as was its fight in 1922 against censoring of newsreels, which resulted in exemption of newsreels from censorship by action of the legislature. Coudert Bros., who are handling the present case, also han- dled the newsreel case. Hearing on application for a per- manent injunction, scheduled for to- day, has been postponed until Jan. 16, at the request of the attorney gen- eral's office, which stated that coun- sel assigned to handle the case was to be busy on another case today and so could not be in court. The re- (.Ccmtinued on Page 4) NETOCO PROGRAM SEEN SPIKING SALE REPORT Boston — Expansion program mapped for 1929 by Samuel Pinanski, is regarded here as spiking report that sale of the circuit to Fox or Warners is planned. Boston- — Further expansion of the Netoco circuit throughout New Eng- land, is planned by New England (Continued on Page 4) France Used Fewer U. S. Production During 1928 What is reported by "The New York Times" as one effect of European efforts to check dominance of -American pictures is a sales drop in France where 313 American pic- tures were used in 1928 as against 368 in 1927. Great Britain, on the other hand, sold 23 to France in 1928 as compared with eight in 1927. On the Continent, Germany disposed of 123 in 1928 as against 91 in 1927. V«L XLVU Nt. 5 Monday, Jan. 7, 1929 Price 5 Cants JBHN W. XlieOATE PttSllSHER PabKshed daily except Saturday and holidays at 16S0 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and FiljB Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terras (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreigrn, $15.00. Subscribers should reirit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Harle, La Cineraatographie Francaise, Rue dfi la Cour-des-None8, 19. STOCK MARKET Hieh Low Close •Am. Seat 36^ Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 25-^ 25 ^ 25 J4 East. Kodak 186 185 185 ♦do pfd 128 ♦First Nat. pfd 104Ji . . . . Fox Fra. "A" ... 97K2 95^ 95J^ 3,800 ♦do rts 3 .... Keith A-0 46^ 43^ 43J4 do pfd 138 137 137 Loew's, Inc 67^4 66'/i 66% do pfd 105 102/2 102/2 ♦MUM pfd 25^ ♦M. P. Cap 14^ Para. F-L eoyi 59^ 59Jg Pathe Exch 14}4 13 14 do "A" 29 27 28 Radio K-A-O .... 46J^ 43!4 44-5^ ♦Stanley Co 43 •Univ. Pict. pfd 9854 Warner Bros 127 J4 122!^ 12354 Warner pfd 56 55 55 Ji ♦do "A" 129 Sales ■966 200 1,000 200 6,500 900 15,900 56,900 4,400 43,200 7,400 2,000 Acoustic Prod. ♦Bal. & Katz . Con. Fra. Ind. ♦Film Insp. . . . Fox Thea. "A" ♦Intern, Proj. . Loew do deb rts Nat. Thea. Sup. Trans-Lux ♦Univ. Pict. ... CURB MARKET 18 17' 17'/ 1,200 so-^ .... 18J4 uyi i&H 2,000 2^ .... 37Ji 3714 37J4 32,500 12^ .... 29Ji 2934 29yi 1,300 9ya 8^ 9yi 900 65/8 6'A 654 1.400 28 BOND MARKET ♦Keith AG 6s 46 95 ♦Loew 6s 41ww 115f^ do 6s 41 x-war...l00J^ 10054 100^ Paramount 6s 47 .100 995i 9954 Par. By 5/s51 101% 10154 10154 Pathe 7s37 80 80 80 CURB BONDS ♦Am. Seat 6s 36 95^ ♦Warner 6J4s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 28 30 do units 30 32 .... do com 5 5 .... Skouras Bros 495^ 50 Technicolor 10 12 United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com... 2 do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED Jacobsen Transferred to N. Y. IVest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Universal City — Sam Jacobsen. publicity director of the Universal studio, has been transferred to the home office. Dulcetone to Produce if Service Is Refused (Continued from Page 1) elusive interview with THE FILM DAILY. Wilson, who is slated to become president, or chairman of the board, at the organization meeting next week, does not anticipate any difficul- ty over the question of service, stat- ing- he regards the interchangeability issue as settled. However, if product is refused, "there is plenty of money where this came from" to produce, he says. Incorporation papers have been filed in Delaware for the new company, which ihas an elastic capitalization, the original amount being $500,000. The first group of machines are to be ready by Jan. 22, comprising ten units, five of which are scheduled for immediate installation. Price range of the machine, depending upon the installation is from $3,500 to $7,500. While a number of prominent bankers are among the 15 associated in the venture, they are in it only as indi- viduals. No stock will be sold. Pro- duction program is hoped by the com- pany to reach 100 machines a week by Jan. 20, with four factories making parts. 15 BRISTOLPHONE SETS NOW BEING INSTALLED National Popularity Test Tied up with "Coquette" Twenty-four girls, selected as the most popular by 24 key city news- papers and 24 newspaper writers are to go to Hollywood as guests of Mary Pickford in a tie-up on "Co- quette," arranged by Victor M. Shapiro, United Artists advertisiftg and publicity head. Selections are to be made simultaneously in the 24 cities Jan. 14 to Jan. 27, after the in- itial announcement Jan. 10, with the party of girls to leave Chicago Feb. 9 on a special train, which arrives Feb. 12 at Hollywood. The news- papers, it is said, have a combined circulation of 5,211,883. Fifteen installations of Sonora- Bristolphone are in progress, accord- ing to Budd Rogers, sales manager of Sonora-Bristolphone. The com- pany is continuing its class of 25 en- gineers at the Waterbury, Conn., plant, training them for additional installations. Equipments are being installed at: Princess, Gadsden, Tex.; Princess, Hop- kinsville, Tex.; Rialto, Dickinson, N. D.; Egyptian, Sioux Falls, S. D. ; Delf,, Mar- quette, Mich.; Family, Jackson, Mich.; Em- bassy, Portchester, N. Y. ; Empress, Mil- waukee; Verdi, San Francisco; Arcade, Los Angeles; Rialto, Alimosa, Col.; Frolic, Mid- land, Mich.; Strand, Colorado Springs, Col.; Edeon, Bartlesville, Okla. ; Ambler, Ambler. Pa. The Industty*s Date Book Jan. 18 Film Guild Cinema opens in New York. Jan. 20 Annual banquet of M.P.T.O. o< Eastern Pennaylvania. Jan. 24-26 Fifth annual conference of Ntb- tional Board of Review. Feb. Opening of 4,000 seat Toledo-Para- mount at Toledo Mar. 2 AMPA HoUywood Masque Ball in New York. Morgan in U. A. Foreign Dep't Guy P. Morgan has resigned from the Samuel Goldwyn sales organi- zation to join the United Artists for- eign department. He now is con- ferring with Arthur W. Kelly, vice president and general manager of foreign distribution, prior to leaving New York on a tour. "Shopworn Angel" Makes Two New Theater Records The Paramount, New York, for the week ending Jan. 4 did $82,700 with "The Shopworn Angel" which out- distances "Underworld," previous rec- ord holder by $1,700. The same pic- ture playing concurrently at the Paramount, Brooklyn, did $65,000, or $6,270 more than any other film since the house opened a few months ago. Both theaters held extra perform- ances New Year's Eve while the Nev? York house operates under a mid- night show policy every day in the week. International Alliance Ball Feb. 4 Cleveland — Second annual theatri- cal ball will be held at Public Hall on Feb. 4, anounced Manus W. Caf- fery, business manager of the Inter- national Alliance. I Columbia Pictures | I Corporation | ! Announces that it has in the coarse of ! production a motion picture entitled: I i "Whoopee Girl" Copyrighted — and All Rights Reserved ATTENTION PRODUCERS HAVE you a 'weU made American picture for ivliicli you 'want a release? A successful independent distribut- ing organization is open for world distributing rights to several good silent pictures. Com- municate "With Distrib- utor, Box IS, Film Daily 16S0 Broadway, N. Y. C. Monday, January 7, 1929 THE -Stl DAILV '^ •H .'J IT^S A HIT! READ ANY TRADE PAPER CRITIC "LUCKY BOY" Starring GEORGE JESSEL in his first singing and talking production TIFFANY-STAHL PRODUCTIONS, Inc^ 1540 BROADWAY - - NEW YORK CITY THE i^Sl DAILV Monday, January 7, 1929 Hollywood F.N.ANDWARNERR[SEARCH IN CHARGE OF JACKMAN Scientific research departments of the Warner and First National stu- dios have been merged, with Fred Jackman in charge. The departments formerly maintained at the Warner and Vitagraph studios have been abandoned. The new department is housed at First National. Hugh Bennett .veteran film editor, for several years with First National, both in the East and on the Coast, has been named chief film editor of First National, which is a new posi- tion. Harold J. McCord continues in full charge of the film editing de- partment at the Warner studio. Columbia Signs Ben Lyon for Silent, Sound Films Ben Lyon has been signed by Columbia for talking and silent films. Pathe Fight Censoring Sound, Industry Test (Continued from Page 1) quest was agreed to by F. R. Cou- dert, Jr., for Pathe, with the stipula- tion, that the temporary injunction now in force, be continued until Jan. 16. This injunction restrains the censors from interfering with show- ing of "Sal of Singapore" with sound record accompaniment. Buy All-Dialogue Story Paramount has purchased "A Wo- man Who Needed Killing" by Mar- gery H. Lawrence as an all-talker. Baclanova, Clive Brook and Neil Hamilton will play the leads. Row- land V. Lee will direct. Ford to Direct McLaglen? Victor McLaglen will play the feature role in the next Fox produc- tion to be directed by John Ford. The screen play will be taken from Talbot Mundy's story "King of the Kyber Rifles." Supported by Lea- trice Joy, McLaglen has just com- pleted "Strong Boy" under direction of Ford. To Score "She Go«s to War" Modest Altschuler, founder in 1904 of the Russian symphony orchestra, will write the synchronized musical score for "She Goes to War." Paramount Signs Jefferson Thontas Jefferson has been signed by Paramount for "Close Harmony," which features Charles Rogers and Nancy Carroll. John Cromwell is di- recting the film which is an all-talker. DE LUXE VARIETY! "The traUers themselves are certain- ly of the de luxe variety and we are pleased with them." SMITH &■ BEIDLER THEATRES, Toledo, Ohio N. Y. Censor Board Has Been Passing on Sound Pictures James E. Wingate, head of the New York censors, has no comment to make on the Pathe action, stat- ing the case has been placed in the hands of Ernest C. Cole, counsel for the Board of Regents. Sound films for some time have been subjected to censorship. Legal Battle on Censoring of Sound Films Is Forecast Albany — Legal battle on the Pathe injunction suit to determine whether sound films are to be subjected to censorship is anticipated here, with the case probably not to be deter- mined until the Court of Appeals passes on it. Netoco Program Seen Spiking Sale Report (.Continued from Page 1) Theaters Operating Co., which in one year has quadrupled its holdings, having now approximately 50 houses in its chain. The firm was organized in January, 1928, with authorized capital of $25,000,000 and Samuel Pinanski as president. Four houses now are in construction: Netoco State, $1,000,000 Portland, Me., the- ater; Seville, East Boston; Netoco Egyptian, Brighton, Mass., and Com- munity, North Attleboro. All of the houses are atmospheric and will seat 2,500 and be equipped for sound. Several sites for new houses already have been secured. Club Luncheon $1.10 1.1U = 11 A. Served Table d'Hote DINNER $2 25 Served Every Evening JVow tn Production Mascof s Epic Chapter Play THE FATAL WARNING with a superlative cast headed by HELENE COSTELLO and RALPH GRAVES including Phillips Smalley, Lloyd Whitlock, Sid Crossley, Martha Mattox, Boris Karloff, Symona Boniface, George Periolat, Tom Lingham, etc. The Best Acting Cast Ever Assembled for a Serial A Cast Worthy of the Finest Feature BEING PRODUCED FOR THE FINEST THEATRES IN THE WORLD ( c BLAZING THE TRAIL" Produced by NAT LEVINE 1650 Broadway New York City 933 Seward Street Hollywood, California 1 Pathe Censor Test Embraces All Sound Recording :5f<* NEWSPAPER o/'FriMDOM / ALL THE NEWS ALL THE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 6 Tuesday, January 8. 1929 Price 5 Cents 'In Old Arizona ' THE Aristocrat ut West- erns has arrived. A dis- tinguished, pro d u c t i o n from many viewpoints, principal anu)ng; which are : Acting that is immense and which ranks easily among the best in many months. Direction of Class A calibre for which Raoul Walsh and Irv- ing Cummings each get credit — there is plenty for both. Sound that sounds natural be- cause it was photographed in wide open spaces as the film was made ; impressive because it marks an entirely new depar- ture in sound production and de- lightful because the spoken lines are musical, lilting and genu- inely charming. All of which steps the picture into the much-talked about but lot often achieved class of real )()x-ofiFice attractions. It's there :rom the money angle. Loaded with it, as a matter of faithful reporting. A High Mark "In Old Arizona" demonstrates hat far from having exhausted the )otentialities of sound, it is the be- ginning only that has been touched. The microphone caught everything. A'hen the caballero sings as he rides )ut of the picture his voice grows ainter as it would in real life. When he cows moo, you hear them and viien the stage coach driver cracks is whip, your ears get that, too. The locale is Arizona in the '90s nd the story deals with the Cisco vid, Portuguese bandit-gentleman, /ho crossed in love, metes out dc- [erving punishment in his righteously uel manner. The picture has sus- ense, comedy, charm, sex appeal, ssion that flames — and three indi- dual performances by Warner axter, Edmund Lowe and Dorothy urgess, a newcomer, that will cause luch comment. They put on a gor- eous show. Ba^cter is superb; so od in fact that we reserve comment r him later. "The Rescue" Ronald Colman's first starring pic- re— in tomorrow's dope. A most eritorious production and — but we ustn't get ahead of ourselves anv- ore. K A N X WARNER FINANCING PLACENT SYNCHRONIZER, IS REPORT $1 6, 000, 000 Budget West Coast Bur. THE FIL.V DAILY Hollywood — Production bud- get of Universal for 1929-30 product, calls for expenditure of 516,000,000. "Broadway" and "The King of Jazz" are to cost 51,000,000 each, under company plans. CniCAGO LEADS UST Of CITIES FOR FOX HOUSES Chicago, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Boston and Cleveland, arc to get new Fox houses during 1929, according to a statement credited to William Fox. Each is to have a capacity of from 5.000 to 6,000. St. Louis, San Francisco and Atlanta houses now are nearing completion. Famous Canadian Gets Fourth Calgary House Calgary — Giving the firm control of four theaters here. Famous Players Canadian Corp., has acquired the Palace, second largest house in th;- city. PHONOSCOPE, NEWEST OF DISC TALKER DEVICES Phonoscope, a new disc syn- chronizer, claimed interchangeable with existing systems, and Auditone, non-synchronous device, are being placed on the market by Recording Laboratories of America, New York, headed by William A. Brown, Ca- nadian businessman. Jess Smith, former producer for First National, is vice president and studio produc- tion manager, and Jordan ^L Cohen, secretary. Production of a series of short novelties, geared to speed of 33 1-3 revolutions per minute, is planned. Synchronizing service also is being offered independent produc- ers. 300 Critics Voting in Ten Best Poll for Year Book Total of critics balloting in the an- nual poll to select the Ten Best Pic- tures of 1928 will reach 300, it is in- dicated by votes being received as the competition draws near a close. The Ten Best Pictures selection will be a feature of THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK, to he is- sued in January. Sound Cannot Be Construed As Motion Picture, Pathe Insists Counsel for Censors Has No Comment on Pathe Suit Ernest E. Cole, deputy commis- sioner and counsel of the New York Department of Education, has no statement to make on Pathe's suit for an injunction to restrain censors from ■•»'h?t 't r'siniu jo an attempt to usurp the power to censor sound and dialogue used in connection with pic- tures, he informed THE FILM DAILY yesterday by telegraph from Albany. Meanwhile, Coudert Bros., attorneys for Pathe. are mapping plans for a finish fight on the issue, which is expected to prove a test. case for the entire industry. Both sound-on-disc and sound-on- film methods of recording sound or dialogue are exempt from censorshi]). Pathe will contend in its fight against the New York censors' efforts to cen- sor sound used in conjunction with films. Test case is being made on discs used in conjunction with "Sal of Singapore'' in Pathe's injunction suit, scheduled to be heard Jan. 16 in Sui)reme Court. New York, with F. R. Coudert, Jr., of Coudert Bros., handling the case for Pathe. The photographing of sound, so far as censorship is concerned, is the same as recording on a wax disc or any other substance or material, and not by anv stretch of the imagination (.Continued on Page 2) Device to Sell at $3,000— Quigley Denies Any Affiliation New Haven. Conn. — With report- ed Warner financing and Warner distribution, the Placent P.lectrical Corp. yesterday started production at Seymour, Conn, of a synchronous disc reproducer to be marketed for $3,000 and perhaps as low as $2,500. Seymour Products Co., manufactur- ers of electrical supplies and a sub- sidiary of Placent Electrical which makes radios, is the production unit at Seymour where the factory force totals 200. H. W. Davies, sales man- ager for Seymour Products, admits all facts concerning price, type of machine and manufacturing facilities are correct, but is mum in regard to all questions regarding the Warner affiliation. George Quigley, vice president of Vitaphone, denied last night that the Warners were "directly or indirect- ly" connected with the Placent syn- chronous device. Declaring that Warners will iirobably service the equipment when it reaches the mar- ket, Quiglev insisted there was no mutuality of interests between the two. Drive Against Mutilation of Prints on at K. C. Kansas City — Distributors here are mapping a drive against mutilation of film, due to increase of the evil in recent months. Exhibitors are being asked to co-operate, through a series of letters being sent out, as well as through suggestions by salesmen. Under terms of the contract, the ex- hibitor must notify the exchange of a poor print before running it, other- wise he is liable for damages. 60 Siemens-Halske Sound Films Ready in Germany Berlin — Siemens-Halske, German sound company, has completed 60 short and feature sound productions which will be released this year, it is claimed. One of the pictures, is a feature containing sequences of the F"rench Revolution. Siemens system is a sound-on-film process and in- (Continued on Page 2) Tuesday, January 8, 1929 Vol. XLVU No. 6 Tuesday. Ian. 8. 1929 Price 5 Cents JOHN W. AllCGATE PUBLISHER PubKshed daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York. N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folic, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should retrit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cmematographie Francaise. Rue ds la Conr-des-Noues, 19. Tri-State Zone Theaters Walloped by "Flu"' Scare Memphis — With theaters in more than a dozen towns in the tri-states already closed, all children under 12 barred from theaters in Memphis, and general closing of all the city's theaters a probability if the epidemic grows much worse, influenza is leav- ing its mark in this territory. Houses reported closed in the tri- state territory are: Dunlap, Clarksville. Ark.; Grand, Parkin, Ark.: Ozark, Berryville. Ark.; New Grand, Morrilton, Ark. ; Meteor, Bentonville, Ark. ; Colosseum, Corinth, Miss.; Lincoln, Corinth, Miss.; Blue Mountain. Blue Mountain, Miss,; Ritz, New Albany, Miss.; Gloria, Senatobia, Miss.; Loew's Milan, Milan, Tenn. ; Dixie Ripley, Tenn,; Folly, Marks, Miss. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am. Seat i6Vs 35'A iS'A Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 25^ 25 '/i 25 5,^ East. Kodak 183^2 179'A 183^2 9754 941^ . 43 .131 . 67 42 131 64-% 59-/S 14^8 285i 44-/8 41'^ 58 13 26J4 42^ 4154 128 104J4 94Va 3 421^ 131 65/2 102/2 2% 14/ 58J/t 13/ 27/ 17,600 38,800 1,300 42Ji 30,100 4VA 100 98/ 123/ 116/ 120-K 22,400 55 53/ 54/ 6,300 *do pfd, ♦First Nat. pfd. Fox Fm. "A" . *do rts Keith A-0 do pfd Loew's Inc. *do pfd *M-G-M pfd. .. ♦M, P. Cap. . . . Para. F-L Pathe Exch. . . . do "A" Radio KAO . . Stanley Co. *Univ. Pict. pfd. Warner Bros. Warner pfd. . . . *do "A" CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 17-5/^ 17 ♦Bal. & Katz Con. Fm, Ind, .,, 19J4 *Film Insp Fox Thea, "A" . . 36^ Intern. Proj 12 Ji Loew do deb. rts... 29 J^ Nat. Thea, Sup.,. 10 J^ Trans-Lux 8/ *Univ. Pict BOND MARKET ♦Keith A-O 6s 46 Loew 6s 4Iww ,,114/ 114/ 114/ do 6s 41 x-war, , ,1005^ 100 100 Paramount 6s 47,. 100 100 100 Par. By. 5/s 51. .100/ 100/ 100/ Pathe 7s 37 81/ 80^ 80fi CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36,. 96/ 96/ 96/ ♦Warner 6/s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 28 30 do units 30 il . , , , do com 5 6 , , , . Skouras Bros, ... 49/ 50 Technicolor 10 12 United Art. ..... 8 12 do pfd ..76 84 Univ. Ch, com... 2 do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 200 400 300 8,800 h's'ob 100 7,000 "Flu" Causes Closing of 9 Theaters in Southeast Atlanta — Due to the prevalence of "flu." nine theaters in the Southeast were reported as closed, or closing, this week. They are the Lvric, at East Tallassee, Ala.; Vaudette^ Brew- ton, Ala.; Palmer, Palmer, Tenn.; Bonita. Murphy, N. C; Italian Gar- den. Claxton, Ga.; Olympia, Petros, Tenn.; Bonifay, Bonifay, Fla. ; Mount \'ernon. Tallassee, Ala., and the Porterdale (community house), Por- terdale, Ga. "Flu" Closes 3 in Kentucky Seco, Ky, — The Seco here. Loyal, Shonn, Ky., and Auxier, Auxier, Ky., have closed as a result of the "flu," Rappe at the A.M.P.A. Meet Erno Rappe, musical conductor of the Roxy will be guest at Thursday's meeting of the A,M.P,A. Rappe will bring some of the Roxy entertainers with him, it is expected. 18% 34" 127,^ 2974 9H 6/ 129 17/ 80/ 19 2Vs 347/8 12 7/8 297^ 10^ 7/ 95 5,000 s'.soo 22',566 100 300 900 26,200 Due from Coast Today Joseph M. Schenck, D, W, Grif- fith and John W. Considine arrive in New York from the coast todav. "Singing Fool" in Silent Form Warners now is releasing the silent version of "The Singing Fool." Two Deals on Disney Series Charles Gregerich has closed two ! distribution deals for the Mickey I Mouse cartoons created by Walt Dis- ney. Penn Prod,, has bought the Philadelphia territory, Richard C, Fox of Fox Film Exchanges, Buffalo, has obtained the series for that terri- tory. Madison Company Formed Madison, Wis. — Jackson Amuse- ment Co., has been formed here for the purpose of operating a theater. Signers of the articles are Al. Jack- son, Glenn W. Stephens, S. Pinckney and Earl N. Cannon. S ALE ! Tb« Latest Model Double Spring Motor SEPT AUTOMATIC STANDARD MOVIE CAMERA Holds 16 Feet Film— Ca»o— 6 Masazinei 2 in. F. 3.5 Lent $29.SO ▼▼110 West J2«*St,Nc«ybrK.f4y«* Pathe Insists Sound Is Not Motion Picture (.Continued from Page 1) can the photographed celeniuni cell, be construed as a motion picture, to which the censors' power is confined, Pathe will insist. Decision in the case, therefore, is expected to cover both methods of sound recording now in vogue, and establish a precedent for the entire industrv. 60 Siemens-Halske Sound Films Ready in Germany (^Continued from Puge 1) terchangeable with Vitaphone and Movietone. It has been developed with an experimental stereoscopic de- vice used on some of the pictures. Minder, New Fox Manager Atlanta — William G, Minder has succeeded Paul C, Bryan as Fox man- ager here. The latter has been trans- ferred to the Movietone department, in charge of activities in this and the Charlotte territories. Seitz to Direct for Fox West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — George B. Seitz has signed to direct for Fo.x. The Industry's Date Book Jan, 18 Film Guild Cinema opens in New York. Jan. 20 Annual banquet of M.P.T.O. of Eastern Pennsylvania. Jan. 24-26 Fifth annual conference of Na- tional Board of Review, Feb. Opening of 4,000 seat Toledo-Para- mount at Toledo Mar. 2 AMPA Hollyvifood Masque Ball in New York. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Tlieatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3580 Pbon* Puma. 0330 WANTED! Moving Picture Tlteatre Managers One of the large national theatre circuits is looking for manpower! They want men of experience, character, ability, initiative, men who are looking for a field in which to advance. They want the new type of showman — the man who is moving along with the proces- sion— live wires and yet business execu- tives. They want you! Write in your application, stating your past experience, your present position and sal- ary, your qualifications, your ideas. Sell yourself in a letter! Make it comprehensive — not rambling. Businesslike — not discursive. Showman- shiplike— not perfunctory. Address A-108, care Film Daily 1650 Broadway New York City Write today! JL P.THE SOUNDS' , ^^ N>'"^- Boon., Ne^ ^°' „.,^ph sW"''^ P'°'' ;hophoweP*^«":t;t today >" f the orthopf achievement ^^^^._^„ as the ^"V'^r'pvod"'^"* vhe^Photo- the best tonal qualities ?S^;^^=^=^yet unfold- CCl M^^ Vatietu Sound Recording By RCA Photophone System .... You always knew he was the biggest male star-draw in pictures .... But— YOU DON'T KNOW NOTHIN' YET! Makes the Greatest Male Screen Star Tvi^ice as Great! All these years Richard Barthelmess' rich voice has been buried treasure. Now VITAPHONE unearths this tremendous hidden asset — brings you a Barthel- mess so much greater it's like discovering a NEW STAR ! A voice so sensationally fine he could have won stardom on that alone. He's drawn MILLIONS just to see him ACT . . . Now he'll draw MILLIONS MORE just to hear him TALK and play the piano. YouHl get TWO GREAT STARS IN ONE when you get RICHARD BARTHELMESS WEARY RIVER With Betty Compson. A Frank Lloyd production. Screen version by Bradley King. Presented by Richard A. Rowland. Are you prepare 4:oni!v>E umv Member of Motion Picture Proc3uceis and Distributors of America lnc.~Wlll H.Hays Pnstdenl PhonofUm Adding Disc Attachment to Device* :9f€> NEWSPAPER oypiLMDOM ALL THE NEWS ALLTHE TIME VOL. XLVII No. Wednesday, January 9, 1929 Price 5 Cents The Ten Best ^S January grows older, the ^^j^ competition turns keener. Each mail brings in ballots from the nation's critics and ev- ery ballot changes the standing in the Ten Best Pictures Poll for 1928. Last night's adding machine revealed 303 judges of what the public goes and does not go in for in film entertain- ment had cast their dye. The rising interest in the workings of this selective ma- hinery is indicated by the fact hat the 303 votes thus far re- reived compare with a total of 186 in 1927 and the end is not et in sight. What It Means This is the time in their journal- uic routine when newspaper guard- ins of the pubhc's likes and dis- kes in motion pictures divert their hought to consideration of the best hat Hollywood has delivered the ation. In print everywhere these pinions animately set down their .-ading ten, thereby giving to the idustry at large what must be con- trued as a significant cross-section- 1 viewpoint of the type of pictures hich, in their discriminating judg- lent, the public desires to see. The results, as well as the obser- ations to be gleaned, will be many nd will come to vou shortlv in the olumns of THE FILM DAILY to e repeated in amplified form in the xpansive pages of the forthcoming ILM D.AILY YEAR BOOK. In the Star Cluster In "The Rescue," Ronald Colman's rst individual starring picture this :tor who ranks high in the school ■ restrained performances earns his aw position in the star constellations : the industry. As King Tom in oseph Conrad's famous sea story. olman was lucky enough to get a )le which he handled with much rill. Points worth talking about in The Rescue" are the suspense which ips you in the first reels, the fine mpo, magnificent photographic ar- 5try and the uniform excellence of e cast. Of consequence is the first merican appearance of Lily Damita, ]ontinental actress who. histrioni- lly and optically, has much to rec- mend her. KANN Starting Soon Paramount Sound News is scheduled to make its appear- ance in February. One issue a week is planned. The Para- mount News (silent) will con- tinue two issues weekly. M- G-M Movietone News is slated to appear about March I. U.S.LOSES CONTROL or FILM MARKET IN GERMANY American films have a greater hold in Germany than the pictures of any other nation sending films into that land, but this country's one time dominance in that market has given way to Germany. In 1926, comparison secured by THE FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK for its Foreign Section shows, Amer- ican pictures dominated 60 per cent of the German field. In 1927, this had fallen to 37 per cent, Germany, for that year at least, finding herself in the position v^^here the major needs of her theaters were filled by home- made product. In 1927, Germany consumed 526 (Continued on Page 2) Interchangeability Again Demonstrates Phonofilm Cleveland — DeForest Phonofilm again showed its interchangeability, this time with the Movietoned "Uncle Tom's Cabin" at the .Vstor, operated by M. B. Horwitz, who has been running sound films via Pho- nofilm two weeks at his Plaza here. The device recently proved its in- terchangeability at the Alhambra at Canton. FOX BUILDING PROGRAM ANTICIPATED IN TEXAS 4 TALKING FEATURES, 50 SHORTS FOR L. "Nothing but the Truth," starring Richard Dix, and "Gentlemen of the Press," now in work; "The Cocoa- nuts," starring the Four Marx Brothers; a new Jeanne Eagcls fea- ture, and 50 .shorts are included in the talking picture program for the year at Paramount's Long Island studio, according to Jesse L. Lasky. Production of shorts now is up to sched- ule, he says, with work on them to be re- sumed in February, when the Mar.x film will be started. The Eagels picture starts {Continued on Page 4) 'Bill' Morgan Named Sales Executive of Columbia William J. Morgan who recently re- signed as European general manager of First National, has become a sales executive with Columbia Pictures. He was for eight years in charge of First National's home office sales and con- tract department, later become sales manager of P.D.C. Firm Annexes Opposition House at Grand Junction Grand Junction, Colo. — Rex .Amusement Co., Denver, has ac- quired the Avalon from the Grand Junction Theater Co. The Rex firm, headed by Harry T. Nolan, op- erates the Majestic here. March 1 is Date Set for Disc Addition to Phonofilm System Disc Makers Held Seeking Cinephone Attachments Several makers of disc reproducing equipments are declared seeking Cinephone sound-on-film attach- ments, to complete dual systems for synchronization, according to P. A. Powers. Biophone recently was licensed for a Cinephone attachment. Similar arrangements may be made with others, it being Powers' policy to refuse exclusive contracts and to remain aloof from mergers. Attachment for the playing of discs will be offered by March 1 by General Talking Pictures for the De Forest Phonofilm, sound-on-film re- producer. Indications are that the attachment may be ready before that date. It is offered merely as a con- venience to Phonofilm users, to en- able them to play films synchronized by discs. General has no intention of making records, planning to con- fine its activities to sound-on-film recording. Survey Made by Aide Said to Have Revealed Field as Fertile One Dallas — Invasion of south Texas by Fox is considered probable here, as a result of the survey recently made throughout that section of the state made by Eddie Grainger. This survey, made two months ago, is said to have resulted in a report to Wil- liam Fox that the territory is a fertile one for future development in the theater field. Fo.x for some time has been seeking a foothold in this territory, angling for the holdings of Karl Hoblitzelle. Meanwhile, Publix and its allies are planning expansion in this territory. MASTERPijEGOING IN FOR DUAL SOUND SYSTEM Seattle — Interchangeability of De Luxe Masterphone, disc device, was demonstrated here with the Western Electric synchronized "Manhattan Cocktail" and "Persian Market," by Great Western Theater Equipment, sponsor of the device. The company says it soon will have an attachment to enable reproduction of sound recorded on film. While Great West- ern says the equipment is manufac- tured in the East, it is believed here that the device is assembled, parts of it being made locally by E. M. Jensen, head of Great Western. Cinemaphone Claims 100 Kan., Mo., Installations Manhattan, Kan. — Cinemaphone is new name of the Kolster Phototone, which claims 100 theater installations in Kansas and Missouri theaters. The Kipp Music Co., manufactures the non-synchronous disc device in three models. Two plans of cueing service are offered. Hays Leaves Today for Coast on Usual Visit Will H. Hays is scheduled to leave for Hollywood today for his regular semi-annual conference with members of the Ass'n of M. P. Pro- ducers. Jg^gggK* Vol. XLVU No. 7 Wediesday, Ian 9, 1929 Prico 5 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folic, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice B. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donaid M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter, May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months. $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should re nit with oider. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berhn — Karl Wolffsohn. Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographie Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Sales Am. Seat 35 Ji 35 35 800 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 275^ 255^ 275^ 500 East. Kodak 182 182 182 800 ♦do pfd 128 ►First Nat. pfd 1045^ Fox Fm. "A" ... 95 935^ 94!^ 2,800 ♦do rts 3 Keith A-O 42/2 42 42 100 do pfd 130 130 130 100 Loew's Inc 65^^ 64!^ 64J^ 9,600 do pfd 104 103iA 104 100 ♦M-G-M pfd 2.54 M. P. Cap 14 125^ 14 1,400 Para. F-L SSyi STYs 58^ 10,600 Pathe Exch nVz \2% 13 17,700 do "A" 27K 26J4 27 1,300 Radio K-A-O 43?i 42' 43 22,200 Stanley Co 41 41 41 100 ♦Univ. Pict. pfd gS^^ Warner Bros 120J^ 118 1195^ 12,200 Warner pfd 54^ 53^ 53^ 1,200 do "A" 129 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ..17 16 16^4 5,200 ♦Bal. & Katz 805i Con. Fm. Ind. . . . 1954 19 19M 6,900 ♦Film Insp 25^ Fox Thea. "A".. 36 35^ 35^ 32,300 Intern. Proj 13 12j| 13 600 Loew do deb. rts. 28 28 28 100 Nat. Thea. Sup... 10^ 10J4 10>/4 300 Trans-Lux 8K 7}i 8^ 11,200 ♦Univ. Pict 28 BOND MARKET Keith A-O 6s 46. 96 95Ji 96 4 Loew 6s 41 ww..ll3M 11354 113J4 5 do 6s 41 x-war... 10054 100 100 10 Paramount 6s 47 ..100 100 100 1 Par. By. S!4s 51.. 102 101^ 102 1 Pathe 7s 37 80^ 80'^ 80 J| 5 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 .. 97 96K' 965/^ 17 ♦Warner 6'4s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 34 36 do units 37 40 do com 554 6!/2 Skouras Bros. ... 49}4 50 Technicolor 10 12 United Art 8 12' do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2 do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED CaU WAFILMS, Inc. Walter A. Putter, Pres. for Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46th St., New York Bryant 8181 U. S. Loses Control of German Film Market {Continued from Page 1) pictures of which total she supplied 243, an increase of 59 over 1926. All other nations supplied 283 and of this latter number, 190 came from .America, the closest competitor being France with 28 to her credit. For the first six months of 1928, Germany consumed 291 features of which 112 or 38 per cent came from German studios. America supplied 179 or 47 per cent for the half year while all other nations aggregated 18 per cent. Thus for America, the early half of 1928 proved more en- couraging than 1927. Lust Handling Press Work for Hoover Inaugural Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington' — Sidney Lust, local ex- hibitor, has been appointed to handle press matter for the committee on press relations and communications in handling the Hoover inauguration. He also is a member of the general entertainment committee. B. & K. Declares Dividends Chicago — Balaban & Katz Corp. yesterday declared three regular monthly dividends of 25 cents each, on common, payable Feb. 1, March 1 and April 1 to stock of record Jan. 19, Feb. 20 and March 20, respective- Iq. The regular quarterly dividend of 1^% on preferred was also de- clared, payable April 1 to stock of record March 20. Revier Directs Lytell By special arrangement, Harry Re- vier director of Powers Cinephone sound pictures, is arranging and di- recting the dialogue sequences of "The Lone Wolf's Daughter," the Columbia production starring Bert Lytell. The sound sequences are be- ing recorded at The Victor Studio at Camden, N. J. Hancock at Springfield, Tenn. Hopkinsville, Ky.^ — A. L. Hancock former local showman, has assumed management of the Princess at Springfield, Tenn., and Capt. Ament, goes to Nashville, where he will have charge of a Sudekum theater. Beacham at Atlanta Office Atlanta— C. R. Beacham, veteran Atlanta exchangeman, will head the local office of World Wide Pictures, Inc., when that company opens here Jan. 14, with headquarters in the Educational exchange. Universal-Variety Chain Reported Being Divided Cleveland — Universal- Variety cir- cuit is splitting up and dividing the theaters, it is reported. Universal will take Cedar-Lee, Broadway, Oriental, Milliard Square and De- troit, w!hile Variety will take the Im- perial, Kinsman, Homestead and Moreland, it is reported. The Up- town belonging to Variety was never included in the jointly oper- ated theaters. Dent Continues Expansion Buying 4 More in Texas Harlingen, Tex. — L. L. Dent of Dent Theaters is continuing his ex- pansion program throughout Texas. Deals have been closed recently for the Ritz and Capitol, Weslaco; Donna at Donna and the Pharr at Pharr. Belle Bennett's First Talker Belle Bennett, Tiffany-Stahl star, who is in New York, is making talk- ing and singing sequences for the production temporarily titled "Molly and Me." Joe E. Brown and Alberta Vaughn, also are in New York for the talking and singing sequences, being made under direction of Albert Ray and supervised by Rudolph Flothow. E-K Director Dies Rochester, N. Y. — Funeral services are to be held at Boston for James H. Haste, 61, Eastman Kodak di- rector and for 20 years general man- ager of the Kodak Park, who died after illness of a week. Baltimore in Dark Baltimore — Real estate agents and theater men to date have heard noth- ing definite of Fox's proposed plans for a large Baltimore theater. Balmer to Manage Stanley Enright Pittsburgh, Pa. — James Balmer, former manager of the Grand, has been appointed manager of the En- right, new Stanley house in East Liberty. Theater Manager Now employed, seeks position. Com- petent house manager and shownnan. Long experience vi'ith thorough knowl- edge of motion pictures and vaudeville. Address: B-101, c-o Film Daily 1650 Broadway New York City Let IJs Solve Your Problems I Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCORPORATED 1540 B'WAY N.Y.C. TELEPHONE BRYANT 3040 Wednesday, January 9, 1929 The Industry's Date Book Jan. 18 Film Guild Cinema opens in New York. Jan. 20 Annual banquet of M.P.T.O. of Eastern Pennsylvania. Jan. 24-26 Fifth annual cooiference of Na- tional Board of Review. Feb. Opening of 4,000 seat Toledo-Para- mount at Toledo Mar. 2 AMPA Hollywood Masque Ball in New York. Jacob Wilk Heads Story Dept. of First Nat'l Jacob Wilk, authors' representative and play and story broker has been placed in charge of the story depart- ment of First National. DELUXE VARIETY! M^M^ "The trailers themselves are certain- ly of the de luxe variety and we are pleased with them." SMITH & BEIDLER THEATRES, Toledo, Ohio The HOTEL Jefferson ON THE OCEAN END OF KENTUCKY AVE. ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. AN HOTEL WHOSE COMFORTS WILL ASSURE ONE OF FULL ENJOYMENT OF THIS GLO- RIOUS RESORT. Each Room has Bath — Strictly Fire- proof — Luxurious Lobbies — Sundeck Overlooking the Ocean. Golf Privileges American Plan $7 up European Plan $4 up OWNERSHIP— MANAGEMENT FETTER & HOLLINGER 'WE NEVER DISAPPOINT' [WPWFIIM iMiii/jwa INCORPORATED 220 WEST 42^-° STREET NEW YORK Phone: Wisconsin 6876 ALLAN A.LOWNES, CEN.MCR. •fci \.*.. ^r \Mt^tir,r\ MirtllTP t-TUUWl,C»» "'"* FOLLOW THE LEADER! More theatres are play- ing M-GM's Hal Roach Comedies and M-Q-M^s Short Subjects than those of any other company. See for yourself! m "OUR GANG'' Better than ever. "Our Gang" rascals always steal the show! "Noisy Noises" with or without Sound! CHARLIE CHASE His latest "Off to BufFaJo" is the fun- niest in his long fun record ! LAUREL- ^^'^ great pair is ■■ ** ** ^ ■ draw! Consistent hits have won them real popu- larity! See them in "Liberty." ROACH ALL-STARS Something new in laughs! METRO -MOVIETONE ACTS M-G-M within si.x months is topping the field with its de luxe Movie- tone Acts. A great library of Star num- bers to draw from. Second series -now booking. If you're planning for Sound, insure the success of your investment with Metro-Movietone Acts! M-G-M NEWS A Newsreel that gives the News ! Twice weekly it scoops all rivals! M-G-M GREAT EVENTS TheTechnicolor dramatic gems of feature calibre! Watch for "Manchu Love." M-G-M ODDITIES Once known, always shown. UFA's world-wide thrills! uith '^- DOLORES f DEL RIO Ralph Forbes Karl Dane Harry Carey Directed hy Clarence Brown THE STORY OF THE YEAR'S OUTSTANDING PICTURE! In Book Form for Exhibitors. Write or Wire Your M-G-IVI Exchange! THE TRAIL OF '98 leads to the hank! METRO-GOLDWYN - MAYER DAILV Wednesday, January 9, 192 Hollywood "Red Sword" Finished "The Red Sword" has been com- pleted for FBO. It was directed by Robert Vignola and the cast includes Marian Nixon, Buster Collier, Carmel Meyers and Allan Roscoe. Neill's First Selected "Behind Closed Doors" is to be directed by R. William Neill for Co- lumbia. He was signed recently. Virginia Valli and Gaston Glass will be featured. Kay Johnson Cast Feminine lead in "Dynamite," Cecil B. De Milk's first M-G-M talker, has been given to Kay Johnson, Broadway actress. Charles Bickford will play masculine lead. "Exiles" Being Completed William Beaudine is completing "Exiles" for Fox. Kenenth Hawks is supervising. Don Terry, Matthew Betz and Arthur Stone are featured. Bow Cast Named Ruth Taylor, Jack Luden, Phillips R. Holmes, Jack Oakie and Shirley O'Hara are cast in "The Wild Party," new Clara Bow starring vehicle for Paramount. Filming "Strong Boy" John Ford has a company of 80 on the Mexican border near Car- rizo Go(rge, filming sequencesi for "Strong Boy," starring Victor Mc- Laglen, with Leatrice Joy playing opposite. New Arlen Vehicle Set Richard Arlen is to be featured in "The Man I Love," by Herman J. Mankiewicz, of the Paramount scen- ario department, which first was pro- duced on the New York stage. Wil- liam A. Wellman will direct his first picture under a new contract just signed. It will be an all talker. New Devore ini Work Dorothy Devore is working in a new production for Educational under direction of Charles Lamont. This is the third starring comedy in her new series of six. "Speakeasy" Started "Speakeasy,"' Fox version of the play by Edward Knoblock and George Rosener, is in production with Henry B. Walthall as latest addition to the cast. Other principals include Paul Page, Lola Lane, Helen Ware, War- ren Hymes, Sharon Lynn and Stuart Erwin. "The Charlatan" in Work George Melford is at work on "The Charlatan" for Uinversal. In the cast are Holmes Herbert, Rockliffe Fel- lows, Margaret Livingston, Philo Mc- Cullough, Anita Garvin, Fred Mac- kaye, Crauford Kent, Rose Tapley, Dorothy Gould, Wilson Benge and John George. Ernest Pascal and Leonard Praskins wrote the play which Robert N. Lee adapted. J. G. Hawks wrote continuity. 4 Talking Features, 50 Shorts for L. I. Studio (Continued from Page 1) in March. Lasky says results are justifying the company's policy of drawing upon the stage for talker casts, as well as the policy of employing stage directors to assist with dialogue. "The Letter," starring Jeanne Eagels, and "The Hole in the Wall," directed by Robert Florey, are talking features so far completed, while, the shorts include: "Night Club," "The Pusher-in-the-Face" and subjects starring Kddie Cantor, Walter Hus- ton, Borrah Minnevitch, Ruth Etting, Lynn Overman, Eddie Peabody, Smith and Dale and their Avon Comedy Four. Florey Gets 3 Year Contract and Will Direct "Cocoanuts" Robert Florey, French director, who recently completed "The Hole in the Wall" for Paramount, has signed a three year contract and next will produce "The Cocoanuts," mus- ical comedy film starring the Four Marx Brothers. Irving Berlin is writing music for the film and Mor- rie Ryskind is preparing the script. S. Jay Kaufman is to act as advisor. Moray Made Home Office Official by Warners Cleveland — Norman Moray has been elevated from manager of the local Warner exchange to a home office official. His exact status will be announced at the Warner conven- tion in Chicago Monday. C. E. Almy, manager of the Warner exchange in Buffalo, succeeds Moray in Cleveland. Almy was M-G-M manager in Cleve- land for nine years prior to going to Buffalo for Warners. Ochs With World Wide Cleveland — Herbert Ochs, for the three years assistant manager at First National has resigned to become man- ager of the local World Wide ex- change. Milton Mooney, of the First National sales force, succeeds Ochs as assistant manager and city sales- man. Buy "Why Girls Go Wrong Cleveland — Albert Dezel and Fred Schram have purchased Ohio and Kentucky distribution of "Why Girls Go Wrong" from Herman Garfield. Served 11 A.M. to 3 P. M Club Luncheon Table d'Hote E«^ DINNER $225 Served Every Evening Upper Lobby Hotel Victoria '7^Avc.*'51-St. And Now.' Tone Posters For the Amusement Business The same TONE and class posters used in advertising CAMEL CIGARETTES, PALM OLIVE SOAP and other nationally advertised products. They do not cost any more money than you are now paying for posters. After twenty years with a lithograph company at Cleveland, I am pleased to announce that I am now associated with the McCandlish Litho- graphing Corp. of Philadelphia in charge of the TONE POSTER division of their business. I will be glad to call on my many friends in the amusement industry and tell them more about TONE POSTERS that will make the public TALK about your SOUND pictures as well as your regular pictures and theatrical productions. Sincerely, Oscar J. Lynch McCandlish Lithographing Corp. 2112 Graybar Building, New York City Telephone LEXington 10120 Lower- Priced W. E. Equipment for Small Houses 7AeHl¥S?mit o/'FILMDOM ULTHE NEWS ALLTHE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 8 Thursday, January 10, 1929 Price 5 Cents 200 THEATERS ACQUIRED BY FOX IN N. Y. DEALS 280,000 Seats in Houses to be Operated by Fox Metropolitan Chain Two hundred theaters, representing i) independent units in Greater New ork, witli seating capacity of 280,- DO, have been secured by Wilhani ox by purchase and merger and will ; operated by Fox Metropolitan iayhouses, Inc., wholly-owned sub- diary of Fox Theaters. This makes e latter the largest chain operator Greater New York. Theaters included in the deals for c most part, have all been erected iring the past three to five years, leir annual profits are estimated at ,000,000. They have been acquired ider leases having an average life over 20 years and did an average (.Continued on Page 6) B, DX DEAL MARKS [ND TO N.Y.lNDrnilEATERS Acquisition of almost 200 Greater w York Theaters by Fox Metro- itan Playhouses, Inc. will prac- lly eliminate all the so-called in- endent theaters in the territory , at the same time, give Fox The- ■s Corp. a buying power for film mated at $7,000,000 per year. This chasing power, it is held, can im- isurably better the quality of ;hborhood shows. UHEATERS NOW GROSS 135,000,000 ANNUALLY Md admissions of the Greater York theaters acquired by the interests and to be operated as Metropolitan Playhouses, Inc. led over $72,000,000 for the vear ig Oct. 31, 1928. This added lue places total annual business iWox Theaters Corp., the parent l)any at about $100,000,000. With Coast Theaters, Inc., likewise Theaters subsidiary, total gross le is estimated at $135,000,000 a 1,000,000 Seats Addition of almost 200 the- aters in the Greater New York zone placed total num- ber of seats in the combined holding of Fox Theaters Corp. at 700,000. Indicative of what is to come in the form of ad- ditional theater purchases and construction is a statement from Wilham Fox that, by the end of 1929, he anticipates in- creasing this figure to 1,000,- 000 seats. HUGE MERGER WAS riRST CONCEIVED MONTHS AGO Banding together of practically every chain of independent theaters in the Greater New York territory under the banner of William Fox is the result of long deliberations which (Continued on Page 6) W. E. SYSTEM FOR SMALL HOUSES AT $7,000 TOP INDIANA UNIT VOTES AEFILIATION WITH ALLIED Indianapolis — Affiliation with the -Mlied States Ass'n, headed by Abram V. Myers, former chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, was voted by directors of Associated Theater Owners of Indiana, with President David B. Cockrill of New- castle, elected to the Allied board. I'inances of the two organizations are entirely separate, it is pointed out by General Manager Charles E. Metzger. A committee of 25 In- diana exhibitors has undertaken to handle finances of the Allied affilia- tion. Deal for Nolan Chain Reported Under Way Denver — Sale of the theater hold- ings of Harry T. Nolan, to a "large eastern circuit," presumably Fox or W'arners is reported under negotia- ion. • f«^: rr*.^^ -xv^- "^vi.^ ^ - . i ^ BRITl ISLES lartilt End Warning "innocent" unmarried men. "HONEYMOON ABROAD" feat- ure comedy novelty. Whoopee honeymooners in London, Paris — actually made there. Love breaks in wet French filling station, dry London fog. American star, director. WORLD WIDE PICTURE. Exhibitor's Choice Selling. — Advt. Single Disc or Sound-on- Film Reproducer Priced at $5,500 Western Electric sound projection equiiiment, designed for small the- aters, and guaranteed to equal tonal quality of the larger size equipment is being placed on the market today, priced at $5,500, including installa- tion, for either the Vitaphone or Mo- vietone system, and at $7,000, includ- ing installation, for the dual system. Orders are being taken for delivery after June 1, on a first-come-fiist- served basis. Announcement of the lower-priced Western Electric equipment, follow- ed report that production of low priced equipment, which was to have the indorsement, if not actual back- ing of Vitaphone, had been started (Continued on Page 6) BRISTOLPHONE SECURES PHONOfILM ATTACHMENT De Forest Phonofilm is the attachment secured for Sonora- Bristolphone under a license from General Talking Pictures, THE FILM DAILY is in- formed. Claiming the new attachment makes the equipment physically in- terchangeable with every type of system now being used by "outstand- ing producers," Charles R. Rogers has announced that a sound-on-film attachment has been secured for So- nora-Bristolphone and will be avail- able Feb. 1. The new anxiliarj' ser- vice will be marketed along the same lines as Sonora-Bristolphone. Another Talker North Vernon, Ind. — An- other talker equipment is to make its appearance soon with a synchronous attachment to be launched by Platter Cab- inet Co., for use writh Photo- tone, non-synchronous device. Thursday, January 10, 1929 i/FILMDOH yol.XLVIINo.8 Thursday, Jatt. 10. 1929 Price 5 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE POBUSHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York N. Y and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk Inc J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher: Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager Entered as second class matter, May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y-. ""der the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months $o.OO; 3 months $3 00 Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should re^it' with Older. Address all communica- tfons to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: . Filmday- New York. Hollywood, California-Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607.' London-Ernest W Fredman The Film Renter. 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I Berlin— Karl WoWsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Pans— P. A. La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue Cour-des-Noues, 19. Harle, de la Milwaukee Board Reelects Milwaukee — All officers of the Film Board of Trade were re-elected at the annual meeting. They are Charles Trampe (Midwest) presi- dent; Eddie Weisman (Educational), vice president; Sam Shurman (M-G- M), secretary-treasurer and Robert Smith (Warner), sergeant-at-arms. J. E. O'Toole (Tii¥any-Stahl) was named chairman of the board of ar- bitration. Members of the board in- clude J. A. Kraker (Paramount); E. J. Weisman (Educational) and W. A. Aschmann (Pathe) and A. N. Schmitz (FBO), alternates. Sound Changes Twice Weekly Calgary — Only a comparatively short time ago the question arose in Cialgary as to whether there would be sufficient available synchronized features to keep a theater in sound or not. The answer is already seen here with John Hazza of the Cap- ital announces sound programs would be changed twice weekly. "The Terror" being the first under the three-day policy. The Industry's Date Book Pictures He will Syd Chaplin Signs Syd Chaplin has signed a contract with British International to make three productions, start in March. World Wide Pic- tures will handle the pictures in America. Chaplin has just returned to London from Germany and will remain there for another year. 128 651/ 104 58^ 13-^ 27 4354 1193/i 54 34% 100 27 3,400 182 200 128 . • • • 1045^ 94 6,766 3 43/2 900 132 200 681/5 36,000 105 25^ 14 59^ UVz 28^ 431/2 41 98^ 123 541/ 129 STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am. Seat ^34% 347/8 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 28 27 East. Kodak ....182 182 *do pfd ♦First Nat. pfd ■■•■ Fox Fm. "A" ... 9654 94 *do rts • • • • • Keith A O 4354 43 do pfd 132 Loew's Inc 6954 do pfd 105 ♦M-G-M pfd *M. P. Cap • Para. F-L 5954 Pathe Exch 14?i do "A" 30 Radio K-A-O 4454 ♦Stanley Co ♦Univ. Pict. pfd Warner Bros. ...123^ Warner pfd 5454 ♦do "A" • • CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 17J4 16 Bal. & Katz 80 80 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 215l 20 ♦Film Insp Fox Thea. "A" ..37 iiVs, Intern. Proj 1354 13}4 13 Loew do deb. rts. 30 29^4 30 Nat. Thea. Sup. .. 954 9;^ 9^4 Trans-Lux 854 8 8'4 ♦Univ. Pict 28 BOND MARKET ♦Keith A-O 6s 46 96 Loew 6s 41ww ...11454 11354 11454 do 6s 41 x-war... 10054 10054 1005i Paramount 6s 47 .IOO14 10054 10054 Par. By. 5 54s 51.102 102 102 Pathe 7s 37 .... 84 89% 82 CURB JJONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 .. 97 9654 97 ♦Warner 654s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 34 36 do units 37 40 do com 554 654 .... Skourps Bros. .. 4954 50 Technicolor 10 12 United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 75 85 Sales from direct Whe- Whelan Back to Europe Tim Whelan has returned Europe where he went to "When Knights Were Bold." an has had an ofifer to make a pro- duction starring Jack Cummings. World Wide will distribute "When Knights Were Bold" in the United States. Changes in Wisconsin Milwaukee — Recent changes in management of Wisconsin theaters include the Miramar on Milwaukee's east side formerly operated by A. H. Bartelt and now operated by Morris Anderson. The Tomah at Tomah, Wis., has been taken over from David Olson by J. A. Cooper, while the Grand at Oconto Falls is now oper- ated by Emil Plain, the old owner being W. R. Vincent. The Ladies Aid Society has taken over the Co- lonial at Amherst, Wis., formerly op- erated by W. E. Boynton. Jan, Jan 18 New 20 of Film Guild Cinema opens York. Annual banquet of M.P.T.O. Eastern Pennsylvania. Jan. 24-26 Fifth annual conference of Na- tional Board of Review. Opening of 4,000 seat Toledo-Para- mount at Toledo. Feb. Mar. AM PA Hollywood Masque Ball in New York. 600 12,600 52,600 8,800 43,300 13,600 1,500 17 8,700 80 100 2054 21,400 25/^ .... 3654 36,600 6,100 400 1,300 24,200 Lily Damita Due Here Lily Damita will arrive in New York next Wednesday to make per- sonal appearances in connection with the showing of "The Rescue," at the Rialto. Graham Heads Indianapolis Board Indianapolis — Harry D. Graham (Pathe), is new president of the Film Board, (ilaude E. Penrod (FBO), vice president, and Lester Rosenthal (Univ.), secretary-treasurer. Miss Marian McCullough is executive sec- retary. Brenon Coming East West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Herbert Brenon has left for Chicago today to be present, at the premiere of "The Rescue," United Artists' theater. He will also be present at the opening in Detroit the following night, and will then go to New York. Get All Rights on "Tosca" First National has acquired world motion picture rights to "La Tosca." The contract just received from Eng- land also covers talking rights in the United States, Canada, The United Kingdom, England, Austria, India and all other British Dominions. Price Closes Two Deals Oscar A. Price has sold to Grand Cinema Olympia, of Cairo, Egypt, rights for Egypt, Palestine and Syria, to "The Bachelors' Club," first of a series of four Richard Talmadge pic- tures. J. H. Hoffberg has bought rights for the Phillipines. Fight Reel, Educ'l Special Official films of Lewis-Sonnenberg championship wrestling match in Boston, are being released immedi- ately by Educational as a special. Prints are now being air mailed. Warrall Gets High Springs House High Springs, Fla. — Operation of the Ciapitol, here has been takeu over by A. H. Warrall from W. J. Priest. ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED Start Building Ravenna House Ravenna, O. — Work has been started on the New Ravenna, a 1000- seat house being built by S. Rosen- thal, Edward Flanigan and B. C. Steels, who also own and operate the New Kent, at Kent, and Terminal, Cleveland. Gets Bradenton House Bradenton, Fla. — The Lincoln, colored house here, which has been closed for some time, has been taken over by Manuel Patris from W. B. Russell. $50,000 Fire Damage Havre De Grace, Md. — The State, F. H. Durkee house here was dam- aged by fire, the loss amounting to about $50,000. The house was wired for sound films. Fire is thought to have started from oil burning fur- nace. Big Day for A.M.P.A. In addition to Erno Rappe, Al Ray, Belle Bennett, Alma Bennett, Al- berta Vaughn and Joe E. Brown, will be guests at today's meeting of the A.M.P.A. Dewey Co. to Build at Washington Washington, D. C. — Dewey and Co. will build amusement building here to cost about $150,000, to in- clude theater, it is reported. Kelly Resigns from F. N. West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Dan Kelly has re- signed as casting director of First National. Mrs. Engel at Liberty Center, O. Liberty Center, O.— Mrs. J. O. Engel who formerly operated the Ma- jestic -now is associated with C. L. Tindolph in the management of the house. Akron House Leased Akron, O. — A. P. Botzum leased the Dreamland to H. Malone. has M. Salem House Sold Salem, O.— W. E. Weiberg has sold the Royal to M. W. Sheffield and C. W. Briggs. Linden, Ala., House Opens Linden, Ala.— The Howard, one of the Schulte Amuse. Co. of Detroit has opened here. Fowler Heads W. C. Personnel West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Bruce Fowler has been named director of personnel for West Coast Theaters. Cold Closes Chicago Exchange Chicago — Explosion in the heating plant of the film exchange building injured an engineer and caused Na- tional Screen Service, United Artists and other concerns to close Monday due to sub-zero weather. Burton Buys Cleveland House Cleveland — Charles Burton has purchased the Rivoli and will operate the house himself. Sam Barck, form- er lessee did not renew his lease. Dover House Reopens Dover, O. — I. Webber and his son Charles Webber are now operating the Webber which has been closed. Saenger's Biloxi House Open Biloxi, Miss. — The new Saenger house has opened here. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Tlieatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3580 'SALE!- Th* Latest Model Double Spring Motor SEPT AUTOMATIC STANDARD MOVIE CAMERA Holds 16 Feet Film — Case— 6MaBazine« 2 in. F. 3.S Len* $X9.S0 uiiuoa^HBys ▼▼110 West 32«'St,N«uMDrti.«4y«'* Phone Peniu. 0330 J Ml hi THE SHOPWORN ANGEL" I smashes records in same week at Paramount, New York* and Paramount, Brooklyn!" * Former record $81,000 "Former record $59,000 I PARAMOUNT When the tougli New York eritics rave like this^ it means plenty! " "TIh' Sliopworii Aii;:«l" is lh<>roii<:lily 4-liariiiin<; aiul t'li^a^in^. So «l«'li^li(l'iil ill s(<»r\ , :i<-li(>n, diri-ct ion ;iii(l (illiii^ lliiil iti.sassnr«xc<'|>- tionally goo«'r will umu/.e fans. He gives a great p«'rforniance."—A'etc York Daily Mirror "THEY DON'T COME MUai MORE ENTERTAINING THAN 'THE SHOP- WORN ANGEL.' Has every ingredient necessary to success." — ;\e«; York Daily ISews "Nancy Carroll looks pretty enough to be in the front row of any show, in fact right out in front. 'The Shopworn Angel' is ably done and wonderfully free of hokum." — New York Worltl. "Neat, ingratiating. Charming Nancy Carroll is excellent. ONE OF THE BEST THINGS I HAVE SEEN AT THE PARA- MOUNT THIS SEASON." — Aew York Telegram. "An amusing film handled well. Paul Lukas is excellent. Nancy Carroll again proves she has make-up of a real comedi- enne. Gary Cooper puts over a convincing characterization." — New York Evening Journal, "Nancy Carroll and Gary Cooper give ex- pert and charming performances in 'The Shopworn Angel.' Richard Wallace has turned out a thoroughly fresh and fasci- nating film." — New York Sun. "Entertaining, packed with audience ap- peal. SO WELL HANDLED THAT IT GOES DOWN AS ADDITION TO SEA- SON'S GOOD PICTURES."— iVeti; York Daily Graphic. Great SILENT or in SOUND with score, Nancy Carroll singing and ONE REEL DIALOG all the Bis: Ones! THE Thursday, January 10, 1929 YEAR BOOK TOPICS 1, HISTORY 9. SOUND 2. CONTENTS 10, EXPLOIT'O' GRAMS 3. RESEARCH IL THEATERS 4. READERS 12. FINANCIAL 5. STATISTICS 13. ORGANIZATIONS 6. PRODUCTION 14. THEATER CHAINS 7. DISTRIBUTION 15, TEN BEST 8. EXHIBITION 16. FOREIGNMARKETS 17. ADVERTISING OUT IN JANUARY PUBLISHED BY FILM DAILY No. 14 No. 14 THEATER CHAINS IN THE past year the theater map has again changed its aspect through new combines and affiliations. New- chains have sprung up. Old ones have been absorbed, or increased the scope of their activity. The pulse of this business is its theaters. The line-up of the theater circuits, therefore becomes tremendously vital. This section in the 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK shows where the balance of power rests in any given ter- ritory. It is an immense chess board of theatrical activi- ties, and a study of it will prove enlightening to everyone engaged in this industry. Chains are alphabetically com- piled for ready reference. The entire United States is in- cluded. The personnel of each group is given, with the headquarters address. The names of subsidiaries of the large circuits are listed. To keep abreast of the theater situation, possession of this list is necessary. Coas t] Wire"] Service Hollywood Happenings Hergesheimer Will Write Story for Ronald Colman Joseph Hergesheimer, who was signed last fall by Samuel Goldwyn to write a picture for Ronald Col- man from one of the stories in his recent book, "Qtiiet Cities," is in Hollywood to begin work on the script, to be known as "The River Gambler." "The River Gambler" will go into production following "Bulldog Drummond." This story will thus take precedence over Gold- wyn's plans to star Colman in Blair Niles' adaptation of her novel of life in the French Guiana penal colonies, "Condemned to Devil's Island," on which Sidney Howard is now work- ing. Start "Gamblers" Soon Work of preparing "The Gam- blers" has been assigned to J. Grubb Alexander, who recently signed a year's contract with Warners. The screen version, based on the stage play by Charles Klein, will be direct- ed by Michael Curtiz. Jason Rob- ards and Lois Wilson are to play two of the featured roles. Conklin in "House of Horrors" Chester Conklin will replace Lu- cien Littlefield in the First National- Vitaphone picture, "The House of Horrors," which Benjamin Christen- sen is directing. William Orlamond has been added to the cast. Thelma Todd and Louise Fazenda head the list. "Young Sinners" Next Rogers "Young Sinners" will be Charles "Buddy" Rogers' next vehicle, to be filmed as a 100 per cent dialogue pic- ture by Paramount. It is an orig- inal by John Farrow, and is being adapted by Doris Anderson. Hare in Fox Cast Lumsden Hare, Broadway player, has been added to cast of "Girls Gone Wild," co-featuring Sue Carol and Nick Stuart, which Lew Seiler is directing for Fox. Editing "The Red Sword" "The Red Sword" is being edited by Director Robert Vignola at FBO. Carmel Myers, Marian Nixon and William Collier, Jr., head the cast. "Squall" Role for IVTyrna Loy Myrna Loy has been cast in the First National - Vitaphone picture, "The Squall," about to go into pro- duction. Loretta Young and Alice Joyce head the cast. Alexander Korda is directing. Badger Assigned Clarence Badger will direct "Through the Night," the next all- talker to be produced on the Para- mount lot. Gary Cooper and Fay Wray have been the only two named to play featured roles. Production will start soon. Warners Signs Edna iMurphy, Betty Compson Betty Compson and Edna Murphy have signed long term contracts with Warners. FBO recently announced Miss Compson would make four pic- tures for that company. Newmeyer to Direct Fred Newmeyer yesterday was signed by George W. Weeks, vice- president of Sono-Art Prod, to direct Eddie Dowling in "Broadway Bound." "California Mail" Completed "The California Mail," the latest Charles R. Rogers production for Frsit National starring Ken Maynard, is now being edited and titled. Lesley Mason is writing titles. In the cast are: Dorothy Dwan, Paul Hurst and "Cap" Anderson. Albert Rogell di- rected and Harry J. Brown super- vised. Patheserial Cast Complete Casting of "Queen of the North Woods" has been completed by Spen- cer Bennet. The story is by George Arthur Gray. Walter Miller and Ethlyn Clair head the cast which in- cludes: Frank Lackteen, Edward Cecil, Fred Burns, Nelson McDowell, Tom London, Ben Corbett, Arthur Dewey and Jean Diamond. Mary Nolan Contract Renewed Universal has exercised its option on services of Mary Nolan, who was loaned to M-G-M for two pictures. Her next will be "Come Across." Fox Signs Stage Player Gavin Gordon, legitimate player, has signed a long term contract with Fox. He is appearing with Warner Baxter and Alary Duncan in "Througlh Different Eyes." Desmond May Head Own Unit William Desmond may shortly head his own company, Chicago interests-- are said to have offered to financd the star's productions following hi^ present vaudeville tour. !• Preparing Revier Vehicle Columbia has plans under way foi Dorothy Revier's initial starringl vehicle, following her return after playing in pictures for several other companies. Drew Comedy Under Way Cast assembled in support of Jerry Drew in his new Educational-Ideal Comedy includes Vernon Dent, Lucille Hutton, Estelle Bradley and Clen Cavender. Stephen Roberts is directing. "Darkened Rooms'' Acquired Dialogue film rights to Sir Phillip Gibbs' "Darkened Rooms," have been acquired by Paramount. It will _bt filmed as a 100 per cent talker witll William Powell and Evelyn Bremt featured. Lothar Mendez will direct, Tlie^ couldrit pla^ it larger unle^i^ they en larged their theatres The Pantages, Seattle, and the Capitol, Manitowoc, gave this sensational sub- ject everything- they had— with pride — and for profit • rgrrrnM Beginning February 3rd PATHE SOUND NEWS Becomes a One-A-Week Super Special Member Associated Motion Picture Producers & Distributors of America, Inc., Will Hays, Pres. 20 NEW HOUSES PLANNED IN EOX EXPANSION MOVE Future plans for expansion of Fox Metropolitan Playhouses, Inc. under which corporate name the Fox in- terests will operate its tremendous New York City holdings call for con- struction of 20 new theaters in those neighborhoods where such houses are deemed necessary. Actual building is expected to get under way at once. It is predicted by Fox that the the- aters to be so added will swell by a minimum of $500,000 per year the earnings of theaters just purchased and now grouped under the one man- agement. Huge Merger Was Conceived Months Ago (Continued from Page 1) had their beginnings months ago. For the last two years independent theaters in the metropolitan district tried to form an organization that would function as one cohesive unit to deal with the various problems that confronted the independent theater operator, the most important of which was the buying of film and other outside entertainment such as vaudeville. The sound situation in later months added to their problems. A number of cooperative organiza- tions were attempted at various times. The last attempt was made by Aaron Sapiro. The organization was form- ed, but it was unable to successfully handle the problems that each cir- cuit, had to deal with and thus dis- banded on Dec. 1. About this time Fox had a confer- ence with the leaders of these various groups and determined the only way to meet the problem would be to actually purchase the theaters, thus combining under one ownership all of the houses in the so-called inde- pendent group. The problems confronting such an acquisition made it a difficult task. To actually accomplish the acquisi- tion Fox solicited the servces of A. C. Blumenthal, who had been ac- tively engaged in all the larger ac- tivities on behalf of the Fox organi- zation for the last two or three years. After several months of negotiation, contracts have now been signed by which practically every important cir- cuit of independent theater operators in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Kings and Westchester county, and a number in the New Jersev and Connecticut have agreed to sell their holdings to the Fox Metropolitan Playhouses, Inc. Played to 8,235,436 in 1928 Milwaukee — According to Fox- Midwesco. 8.235,436 people visited the circuit's 12 theaters in Milwaukee in the past year. Al Belasco, stage hand leader, has succeeded Al Apal- lon at the Wisconsin. Might Rebuild Corning House Corning, Ark. — J. W. Crabtree, owner of the Joyland which was re- cently gutted by fire, has not decided whether he will rebuild the house. ££^2&^^< ^V^ DAILV 184 Theaters Seat 285,047 Deal for 200 theaters, announced by Fox, is not confined to the Greater New York area, the list demonstrates, some of the houses included being located in New England. The list herewith lists but 184 of the houses, names of the several others being withheld for the time being. Name of Theater or Circuit Total Seating Capacity No. of Theaters Bernstein, J. E 1 2,255 Blindernian-Steiner-M. & S 25 30,650 Brandt, Wm. & Harry 7 8,500 Brecher, Leo 2 2,529 Burroughs-Boas 13 10,288 Calderone 5 8,600 Coleman, A. & S 1 2,200 Delphine 2 1,514 Freedman, Chas 1 1.200 Genesee 1 1,650 Greenberg 1 2,060 Grob-Knobel 9 1,^.500 Hammy, Jr., Geo 2 2,025 Harris 7 9,300 Hirsch, J. Arthur 1 1,700 Toelson 10 15.000 kutinsky, Morris 10 13,950 Merck 1 1.073 O'Reilly, Charles L 1 1.400 Park Lane 1 2,200 Rachmil & Rinzler 8 15,000 Rapf, Arthur 3 4,550 Rhaben 6 7,161 Robinson 2 3,000 Rosenszweig 7 8,500 Runckle Bros 2 1 ,904 Salkin 2 2,289 .Schwartz 3 3,755 Siegal 6 8,000 Small-Strausberg 26 37,000 Stillwell 1 1.770 Stoneman-Embassy 1 2,100 Stoneman-Somerset 9 10,792 .Stoneman-Portland, Me 3 5,700 Ullman, Tr., Fred 2 3,326 Weingarten 1 1,760 West End State 1 1,400 Total 184 285,047 I Thursday, January 10, 1929 200 Theaters Acquired By Fox in N. Y. Deals (Contiitucd from Page 1) gross business, in the last three years, of approximately $25,000,000. An in- dication of the combined magnitude of this new company may be gained by the fact that paid admission fig- ures for the year ended Oct. 31, 1928 totaled over $72,000,000. Fox Met- ropolitan Playhouses, Inc., will form one of the most strategic links in the Fox Theaters Corp. chain of houses and will constitute by far the largest group of theaters under one manage- ment in the Metropolitan area. Under Fox management an organi- zation will be effected by which sev- eral exhibitors thus bought out will be made division managers and, under one head, will be added as one unit to the organization of Fox Theaters Fox has ambitious plans for his new chain and among other thi-'-s has issued orders to immediately equip each theater with the latest in sound equipment. Under centralized management, it is estimated expenses of the new cir- cuit should be decreased by about 20 per cent with the unification of pur- chasing power and the ability to show better and newer productions. Box-ofiice receipts are expected to in- crease in the same amount, so that with this increase in gross and the saving, it is hoped the net return of $5,000,000 will be increased at least 50 per cent; therefore, this circuit, which shows earnings of $5,000,000, ought to make between $7,000,000 and $7,500,000 per year, the company believes. Ontario Censors Now Put Films Into Two Classes Toronto — Films now are licensed by the Ontario censor board under two classifications, those suitable for general audiences (universal) and those for adults (adult) only. Films ere similarly classified in Great Britain and in Alberta. There is no enforce- ment in connection with the new sys- tems, the ratings being only for guidance of the public. Saxton For Loew's Jamaica Syracuse, N. Y. — William Saxton, manager of Loew's State, has been transferred to Loew's Valencia, a 4,- 500 sealer at Jamaica, L. I. John P. McCarthy, formerly from Harris- burg, Pa., succeeds Saxton here. Penn- State Amus. Co. Get Dixie Uniontown, Pa. — Penn-State Amus. Co. has acquired the Dixie here, it is reported. The Penn and State here and Metropolitan at Morgan- town are also owned by Penn-State Amus. Co. T Biophone for Cleveland Variety Cleveland — Bill Onie has sold Bio- phone for immediate installation in the Variety, operated by Variety Amusement Co. Ottawa — There is considerable amusement here over published re- port in New York that the Canadian government has placed a ban on non- synchronous disc devices. The gov- ernment is concerned with pictures only in two respects, collection of ! duty on imports and release of its own films. Canadian exchanges have added a clause to contracts forbidding use of auxiliary phonograph or other sound reproducing machine, when a theater not wired for approved sound projection equipment. Notice of this proviso is being enclosed in film shipments. W.E. System for Small Houses at $7,000 Top (Continued from Page 1) by Seymour Products Co.. subsidiary of Pacent Electric Co., at Seymour, Conn. The lower price is made pos- sible by the design and mechanical differences, chiefly in the amplifica- tion. Orders already received on the large size equipment, even with the increased 1929 manufacturing sched- ule which he says calls for 250 in- stallations per month, will keep the factory and installation department working at top speed until the late spring, but installations can be as- sured beginning June 1, J. E. Otter- son, president of Electrical Research Products, which markets the West- ern Electric equipment, said in con- nection with announcement of the new lower priced equipment. The new sets will be made "with the same care and in the same factory as the equipments now in use" and serviced by the same organization as the larger equipment, he promises. Mt. Airy House Destroyed Charlotte — The National at Mt. Airy, N. C, operated by W. H. Mar- ion, was destroyed by fire said to have been caused by defective .wiring. Marion also operates the Broadway at Mt. Airy. Strand, Rome, N. Y. New Policy Rome, N. Y. — The new policy of the Strand calls for double features daily with program changing every second week. Sunday's bill will be for one day only. Cleveland Policy Changes Cleveland — • Loew's Liberty and Doan have changed policies from straight pictures to pictures and four acts of vaudeville with three changes a week. Nova Scotia House Burns Joggin Mines, Nova Scotia — Fire starting near the furnace of the pic- ture theater owned by F. J. Burke, was not subdued until 21 buildings had been destroyed, the loss being $100,000. Burned structures included the theater, church, hotel, school, stores and 12 residences. Prices Cut in Calgary Calgary — Starting with "Three Week Ends," the Palace, second largest house here, made a substan- tial reduction in prices, discontinued vaudeville and introduced the "Pal- ace Music Weavers," a stage band, for one appearance nightly. The Palace shows silent films. To Increase Mich. License Fee Port Huron, Mich. — Fred J. Dixon, finance commissioner has proposed an amendment to the city ordinance governing an increased license fee on theaters. The present fee is $25 a year for all theaters but under the new proposal houses would be taxed according to seating capacity; $35 for houses seating from 500 to 900 and $50 for theaters with more than 900 seats. 'k More Thrilling Than Any Prize Fight Film Ever Made Presents Official Pictures of th< Ed "Strangler" "Dynamite Gus" LEWIS^^SONNENBERG Wrestling Match for the Championship of the World The finish — Lewis disqualified f^^cUu:A^t4xrn Harrlson^s Reports Says- "BILLIE DOVE in 'Adora- tion has real heart appeal, powerful scenes, is deeply pathetic, appeals to the nu- man emotions." Sound or Silent. Variety Says- "THE HAUNTED HOUSE' made best showing in Chi- cago in bad week." Silent or Sound. Mack Jackson SayS' "If I were asked what picture I would recommend as a sure shot I would say without hes» itation, 'COMPANIONATE MARRIAGE.' Put it down for a return engagement at my Strand Theatre, Alexan- der City, Ala. # Take ^ loui* Cue y^-Sk Member eT Motion Picture Producers «nd Distributors of America Inc-Wl H.Hays J^uunt Engineers to Fix Limit on W. E. ** Junior Devices iTHE 3^AeHi¥S?kPllt oypiLMDOM ALL THE NEWS , ALL THE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 9 Friday, January 11, 1929 Price 5 Cents At Last IT was inevitable, lo any ob- server, diligent or not, it was in the cards that Western Electric would slash its price scale for sound reproducers. What influenced the decision is not of particular moment. Ex- hibitors will be concerned with the facts as they stand. The decision of the present day leader in sound installations > to reduce its selling figure to a I level which makes it possible at ! least for small theaters to con- isider the sound adjunct, we pre- dict, will have a stimulating ef- fect on the whole movement. lAnd that is most important — jniost important — for the stabil- ity and future of this develop- ment. In Small Towns W'c are pronipteil to direct atten- tion once again to the original con- iception of the value of sound pictures. iSmall towns were to be benefited principally. Until now, however, this !i»as been so much hot air, and the ,only noises that the little fellow has iheard have been his own squawks, ,])unctuatcd with not a few groans. ;The crisis which has reflected itself Sn the smaller theater owner's mirror las been severe, well nigh crucial. iBelieve it or not, the foundation of the entire industry has been shaken to its prosperous core by this situa- tion. .\nd so it is for these reasons ► hat we see in Western Electric's • \v policy an occasion for a salvo lusty cheers. All He Surveys The betting was divided. Those ^vho insisted the Fox deal for those 200 |Mew York theaters would never ma- ;erialize were matched about equally jvith those who leaned the other way. Vow it's fact and the conclusions to pe drawn are several. More of that later, however. What is significant 'o prepare you for concerns that \hich is to come. If you think for one moment that >x has finished, you don't know I* ox or the exact measure of his am- lition. All that we can pass on to 'U at this juncture is a suggestion ' watch out. Anything might hap- en — and probably will. KANN rORM ADVISORY COUNCIL TO BETTER PROJECTION I'runiinent projectionists through- out tlie industry have organized the Projection .Advisory Council "to de- veloi) a better realization of the im- portance of good projection and to assist all activities seeking to improve projection conditions." It is declar- ed the aims already have received the endorsement of many municipal gov- ernments as well as engineering and projection societies. With "Prog- ress Through Understanding" as its motto, the Projection Advisory Coun- cil will make effort to impress the exhibitor with the shortsightedness (Continued cm Page 6) TIFFflNY-STAHL PLAN 26 FEATURES FOR 1929-30 Twenty-six features, made in both silent and sound versions, and includ- ing third dimension films, and 26 one reel color subjects, arc understood planed by Tiffany-Stahl in 1929-30. This may be increased to include other sound shorts. This season's outinit was 34 features and 26 shorts. FOX REACHING OUT FOR 60 TO 75 MORE HOUSES 4 Issues a Week Four issues a week will be inaugurated Feb. 2 by Fox Movietone News. The schedule now is three issues a week. U. A., Chicago Becomes Straight Sound House Chicago — Orchestra at the United .■\rtists will be dropped Jan. 17, the house adopting a straight sound pol- icv. MOVE FOR NEW EXHIBITOR BODY IN U.K. REPORTED By ERNEST W. FREDMAN _ Editor, "The Daily Film Renter" London — Dissatisfaction within the ranks of the Cinematograph Exhib- itors' Ass'n may result in the forma- tion of an entirely new and inde- pendent organization. Launched orginally as a body (Continued on Page b) Pathe Censor Test Case Film to Play Colony, N. Y. Confident of a permanent restrain- ing order in its fight to prevent New York censors from what the com- pany claims is the usurpation of au- thority to censor sound used in con- junction with picturjcs, Pathe has scheduled "Sal of Singapore,'' on which test is being made, for the Colony Jan. 19. Installations of Small W. E. Sets Depends Upon Theater NOT DISTURBED BY W.E. MOVE, ROGERS STATES Introduction of a lower-priced equipment l)y Western Electric does not disturb Sonora - Bristolphone, which looks upon the step as a com- pliment upon the kind of service it has been rendering to exhibitors, Gen- eral Manager, Charles R. Rogers stated yesterday, when asked to com- ment upon tiie new development. "Our company never has been con- (Continued on Page 2) No fixed limitation has been set by Western EJectric as to which the- aters may or may not install the "Junior'' sound reproducing system, in preference to the regular size equip- ment, the matter being one to be de- cided according to the individual the- ater. W'estern Electric engineers will determine if the junior systems will give proper results in each particular instance. The equipment is designed for the- aters up to approximately 800 capa- city, but the number of seats is not to determine feasibility of installa- tion. In each instance, a survey will be made, and if the house in question {Continued on Page 2) Deals on for Theaters in and Around New York Under Way With about 200 houses "in the bag," and slated to be taken over in about two weeks, William Fox is reaching out for additional theaters in and around New York, with negotiations under way for between 60 and 75 ad- ditional houses. Fox representatives now are going over the books of a number of chains, making surveys of properties and carrying out other work connected with the proposed deals, involving a numl)er of individually-owned and circuit houses. Fox Theater Plans for Southwest are Denied The Fox organization has no the- ater building plans for the Southwest, stated James R. Grainger, sales man- ager, yesterday when asked for further retails regarding Dallas re- ports that recent trip of E. C. Graing- er through Texas concerned such a step. "The report is erroneous. Trip of E. C. Grainger about a month ago through Texas concerned film sales and had nothing whatever to do with theaters in view of the fact that his duties in no wise concern exhibition developments of this organization." $200,000,000 Gross in 2 Years Predicted by Fox Business of Fo.x Theaters Corp., in two years will total 5200.000,000, it is predicted by William Fo-x, who is quoted as saying it would not sur- l)rise him if that figure is reached. Hollywood House for Fox IVest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Antreles — Building of Fox's proposed Hollywood theater, to seat 4,000, is expected to get under way. Fox After Pittsfield House » Pittsfield, Mass. — Representative of Fo.x have been negotiating for the pnrcliasc of the Kameo here, it is reported. 95 Per Cent to Make Grade in Sound Films, Lasky Says Tampa, Fla. — \'oice tests so far have shown that the great majority of stars will be able to remain in the (.Continued on Page 2) Friday, January 11, 1929 Vol.XLVIINo.9 Friday, Jan 11,1929 Price 5 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor ; Donaid M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months. $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should re nit with oider. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite Small W. E. Sets Depends On Theaters (Continued from Page 1) from the standpoint of acoustics and other factors, is regarded as requir- ing the larger-size equipment, to as- sure proper sound reproduction, Western Electric will refuse installa- tion of the junior model. In this con- nection, the company, it is pointed out, is determined to prevent installa- tions which would be injurious to re- putation of its sound reproducing sys- tem. W. E. Officials to Be Feted Baltimore — E. S. Bloom, president of Western Electric, heads the list of company executives, who will be guests tonight of the Association of Commerce, to receive congratula- tions on their decision to build a $25,000,000 plant here. The new Not Disturbed by W. E. Move, Rogers States (Continued from Page 1) cerned with price, all our efiforts be- ing devoted to turning out quality equipment, and the Western Electric move, emphasizes that we are on the right track, in providing quality equipment, within the reach of the theater owner's pocketbook," he said. 6607. London— Ernest W. Fredman, The factory will result in transfer of a Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. ' I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Harle La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Sales Am. Seat 34J^ 34}^ ZAVi 600 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 27 2614 27 1,400 East. Kodak 18654 183 183 "^ 3,700 *do pfd 128 •First Nat pfd 104^ Fo.x Fm. "A" ... 96}i 95 95^ *do rts 3 Keith A-0 43}4 4254 43 600 do pfd 132 132 132 100 Loew's Inc 695^ 68^^ 69 22,000 do pfd 106 105 105 500 *M-G-M pfd 2'55^ .... M. P. Cap 15 14 15 1,300 Para. F-L 60 59 59}4 10,300 Pathe Exch 145^ 1354 14 19,600 do "A" 28>^ 27Y2 27^ 600 Radio K-A-O 44^ 4254 42^ 13,800 •Stanley Co 41 .... *Univ. Pict. pfd 98 J^ Warner Bros 124Ji 121^ 122?^ 8,800 Warner pfd SSYz 54 5454 3,200 *do "A" 129 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 18^4 1754 18 8,800 Bal. & Katz 8254 82^ 8254 200 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 215i 205i ZX^A 2'4,800 *Film Insp 2.^ Fox Thea. "A" .. zyy^ 3554 3554 85,200 •Intern. Proj 135i Loew do deb. rts.. 345^ ZAYz 345^ 100 Nat. Thea. Sup... 9Va 954 954 200 Trans-Lux 9 8J4 8% 31,300 *Univ. Pict 28 BOND MARKET Keith A-O 6s 46. 96 96 96 8 Loew 6s 41ww ...11SJ4 115 11554 16 do 6s 41 x-war.. 10054 1005^ lOOM 10 Paramount 6s 47 ..10054 lOOJ^ 100J4 7 Par. By. S54s 51. .1025^ 102 102 3 Pathe 7s 37 8254 8254 8254 1 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 .. 97J4 97 9754 7 •Warner 654s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 34 36 do units 37 40 do com 5 54 654 Skouras Bros. ... 4954 50 Technicolor 954 II54 United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2 do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED Call WAFILMS, Inc. Walter A. Putter, Pres. for Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46th St., New York Bryant 8181 number of activities from the Haw thorne plant, Chicago, increasing fa- cilities there for the manufacture of sound reproducing equipment. 95 Per Cent to Make Grade in Sound Films, Lasky Says (Continued from Page 1) industry, although advent of sound will supplant five per cent of present day stars, Jesse L. Lasky is quoted as saying here, where he has been visit- ing Thomas Meighan, Lasky says he is confident that silent films will seem out of date within a year. The Industry's Date Book Jan. 18 Film Guild Cinema opens in New York. Jan. 20 Annual banquet of M.P.T.O. of Eastern Pennsylvania. Jan. 24-26 Fifth annual conference of Na- tional Board of Review. Feb. 14, 1929 Wampas Frolic, Hollywood Mar. 2 AM PA Hollywood Masque Ball in New York. Barthelmess Opening Jan. 25 Richard Barthelmess' "Weary Riv- er" is to have its premiere Jan. 25 at a New York legitimate house. Premiere of "Bellamy Trial" "The Bellamy Trial" is to open Jan. 23 at the Embassy, New York. M-G-M's "Broadway Melody" is to have its premiere Jan. 25 at Grau- man's Chinese, Hollywood, replacing "Noah's Ark." Eberhardt Heads Trade Paper Bureau for ERPI Walter F. Eberhardt, for seven years with First National, has been placed in charge of trade paper ad- vertising and publicity for Electrical Research Products, Inc., which mar- kets the Western Electric sound sys- tems. He will work as a member of the staff of P. L. Thomson, di- rector of public relations for Western Electric. Vitaphone Signs Pitching Ace Waite Hoyt. star pitcher of the New York Yankees, has been signed to make a Vitaphone subject. DELUXE VARIETY! Mexico City Manager in N. Y. Clarence C. Margon, general man- ager of the Paramount organization in Mexico City, has arrived in New York for his annual visit for con- sultation with E. E. Shauer. Jackter Recovers Ruber Jackter, assistant sales man- ager of Columbia, has recovered from illness, which has kept him confined to his home for ten days. Leishman Leaving for Europe E. B. Leishman, Universal super- visor of exchanges and assistant to General Manager Lou B. Metzger, leaves for Europe in a few weeks to become assistant to Joe Friedman, in charge of Universal activities on the Continent. Charles Steele, until recently supervisor of exchanges for First National, has succeeded to Leishinan's former post. M^m^ mf lers "The trailers themselves are certain- ly of the de luxe variety and we are pleased with them." SMITH & BEIDLER THEATRES. Toledo, Ohio Maberry Returning Cecil E. Maberry, general sales manager of Columbia, returns to New York today from a sales trip of sev- eral weeks. Leaving for Coast Charles Goetz and Richard Thomas leave New York next Wednesday for the Coast where they plan pro- duction of "The Woman Who Was Forgotten." F. N. Exchanges Moving New York and New Jersey ex- changes of First National will move into the new Film Center Building, New York about the middle of Janu- ary, according to arrangements just completed. Strand Amuse. Co. to Build Owensboro, Ky. — Strand Amuse. Co. of Louisville has completed plans for the construction of a 2,000 seat theater here, according to Fred Levy. Wampas Frolic Feb. 14 West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Feb. 14 is date set for the 1929 Wampas Frolic. Schools, Churches and Clubs using Motion Pictures Should Subscribe for THE EDUCATIONAL SCREEN and keep up-to-date with the new films and new equipment '*1001 FILMS'* {Fifth EdiHom Complete reference booklet, listing nearly 3,000 educational films given at reduced rate with each subscription $1.50 per year - 5 South Wahash Ave., Chicago, III, Club Luncheon $"| .10 Served 1= 11 A.M. to 3 P.M. Table d'Hote DINNER $2 25 Served Every Evening BUREAU OF COMMERCIAL ECONOMICS 1108 Sixteenth Street Washington, D. C. Co-operating with 42 Govern- ments and loaning films free and speakers throughout the world for the purpose of public instruction. I POWERS ^ , -^ HONE EQUIPMENT CORPORATION POWERS BUILDING 723 SEVENTH AVE. NEW YORK, N. Y. Mi^ "of the Trade-Mark Registered New York, N. Y., January 11th, 1929. Notice to the Trade TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Warning and notice is hereby given by POWERS CINEPHONE EQUIPMENT CORPORA- TION of its intention to invoke full protection for its patent rights and license agreements respecting the manufacture, lease or sale, distribution, and use of POWERS CINEPHONE SOUND RECORDING device or devices, and POWERS CINEPHONE SOUND REPRODUCING device or devices, or any part or parts thereof covered by patents owned by or licensed to or by POW- ERS CINEPHONE EQUIPMENT CORPORATION. Action will be taken by POWERS CINEPHONE EQUIPMENT CORPORATION against any person or persons, company or cor- poration infringing its patents, or invading its patent rights, by selling, or leasing, or using POWERS CINEPHONE SOUND REPRODUCING device or devices, or POWERS CINEPHONE SOUND RECORDING device or devices, or any part or parts thereof or trade-marks or trade names without a license or con- trary to the provisions of any license issued by POWERS CINE- PHONE EQUIPMENT CORPORATION. POWERS CINEPHONE EQUIPMENT CORPORATION Patrick A. Powers, President t 0) a. ,,,.--^j| »/^: '■*K**«r ;Z?T ^*1 In Ik a B^^HB ggf ^ '^jflBB^I t JW myi^ Z i^ ?. o i 9 o CO CO ^^ •op j: s ^ ^ o O "^^ •^ rr. c S S o 02 OB C C a o V •5: o ^ OX O (0 o "a o S 5 s o CO ^4 V eo id " u C« 0^ s C= ce s o be s o (» > o C3 -^ CO C5 o a, =5 -^2 4 1 C/5 C/5 o ^ "H. Si u ?i ^ ^^ C 5- K ^ Jl Z ^ o 2 -^ d I o H O - O ^ " . CO 2 3 5*=^ o ™ j=m Si •it C C i I •^ 3 r- '^ C 0) .£ CO "r; = 2 > eO o Q <5 ** *-! M O 4, CO J^rT,^ 4> « OS S ,C T? »-i ^ CO s be CO c m CO o B a 0^ o DO B O J5^ JOB ■^ ^ CO 02 CO 11 X B o A u o CO "2 A i cc E c ."I bxi"^ CO w ■ — B B a ."3 CO 4> Oi ►/ CC i- • o C0 45 " «<« a ^ Q, o a> •>« E .> ^ «« 3 I ^c 2Wr' w bccq ^ « J ^ •— 4> tJ '^ Q 2 ««^ B O 4* E •— ' Ji a* S bPQ << CO o m . H B I?; > « ^ "^ 2 CO c CO a, — 1 ^^ic .2 c« > -S* a* o) 3 . B «> SJCC .^ a* B a> t« o e 4) ^ S g Oh ^ C/5 ^1 ha *3 Q Ml i •13 —/XMi DAILV Friday, January 11, 1929 Move for New Exhib. Body in U. K. Reported {Continued from Page 1) ■which was to function on behalf of the British exhibitor group, the C. E. A, lias now become, in the opinion of many, so honeycombed with con- flicting interests that it is faihng more and more to function as its founders intended. Tht growth of theater circuits in the British industry is believed to have created a hitherto unprecedent- ed situation and one that calls for a more clearly defined policy for the protection of the independent exhib- itor. Rumblings of discontent are mani- festing themselves more definitely day by day and are evidencing them- selves in one form, through suggest- ed plans for formation of exhibitor buying cooperatives. Describing his plan as a "General Collective Booking Scheme," J. Van Koert of the Sussex branch of the C.E.A. has advanced the following scheme: A series of booking circuits em- bracing Great Britain to follow the general organization structure of the C.E.A. and to be known as the A and B Sections. The first will in- clude all theaters seating over 800; the second, all theaters seating under 800. From a central headquarters in London would function a series of branches to be opened in key cities, such as Birmingham, Cardiff, Liver- ipool and Manchester. Each branch |would have a president and secretary |and both of the major sections their own chairmen. The general secretary at head office would receive particulars of forthcoming films in advance, and after trade show lists would be sent to the branch secretaries to distribute to members by the first day of each month. A meeting of the A Section would then take place a week later; in this way the first and second runs would be arranged. The B Section would meet a week later than the A Section; therefore, the later runs would, in the case of a big town, know the first and second runs already bid for, which is an essential point, and all bookings would be confirmed before the end of the month, so that it would result in regu- lar consecutive bookings. Every exhibitor, before becoming a mem- ber, would have to be accepted by the Kine- matograph Renters' Society (distributors) the K.R.S. from a financial point of view. In this way, it would be possible to retain the present method of invoicing by the renter direct to the exhibitor. The K.R.S. would also be alile to object to a proposed member on other grounds, but would have to prove justification to an arbi- tration committee. The advantage to the renter would be, it is claimed, that in the first month he would receive a collective l)ooking of perhaps 500 to 700 theaters without any expense or trouble, and still be at liberty to continue booking with non-members, as before. Every exhibitor would be pledged to offer a fair price for films, based on previous prices and local conditions. The advantages he would obtain are that he would l)ecome a member of a big circuit Imoking, and be able to compete for the best films at a reasonable price. The offers for films could be sealed and kept secret, merely the dates for taking same divulged. These sealed offers and dates would be sent up to head office, where they would 'je sorted out and sent, still sealecl, itor. In the case of a price dis- )ute, the matter would lie referred to arbi ration. In the event of a member not being able o attend a meeting of his section, he could ;end his offer and date to the Secretary for he films he reciuired. Any combination of six large or twelve ;maller theaters could form a branch, which j vould have lo confoim to the general rules and )ay a share to the upkeep of the head office. Wampa Stars Wampa stars selected for the year are: Jean Arthur, Betty Boyd, Ethlyn Clair, Sally Blane, Doris Dawson, Jose- phine Dunn, Helen Foster, Doris Hill, Caryl Lincoln, Anita Page, Mona Rico, Helen Twelvetrees and L o r e 1 1 a Young. Form Advisory Body To Better Projection (Continued from Page 1) of a policy of defective projection, to improve working conditions in projec- tion rooms for the operator and to aid the theater owner and his archi- tect in properly planning projection rooms in new theaters. The board of directors includes: Lester B. Isaac, president, supervisor of projection, Loew's Inc. Laurence Jones, secretary and treasurer, for- merly Editor of "American Projectionist." /. Clayton, Capitol theater. New York. W. Ricks, Palace theater, Washington. C. Greene, Minneapolis. A. Gray, Lancaster theater, Boston. E.. Keller, Chinese theater, Los Angeles. L. Katz, Regent theater, Harrisbiirg, Pa. H. Rubin, supervisor of projection, Publix Theaters, New York. L. Bowen, New York. C. Johnson, supervisor of projection, Fox Film Corpn., New York. C. Eichhorn, Vice President, Local No. 306, New York. The Chairmen of committees are: Ways and Means — Otto Kafka, formerly pres- ident American Projection Society. Safety — George Edwards, president American Projection Society. Projectian Room Planning — M. D. O'Brien, assistant supervisor of Projection, Loew's, Inc. Equipment Specifications — J. Hopkins, assis- tant supervisor of projection, Publix The- aters. Membership — T. Reed, president Washington local. Sound — R. Meihling, Publix theaters. New York. History— W. C. Smith, New York. Lazv — H. E. Stein, Rialto theater. New York. Lighting and Effects — Colby Harriman, Loew's Palace theater, Washington. Publicity — P. A. McGuire, New York. Awards — Thad. Barrows, Metropolitan theater, Boston. Resolutions — B. Stern, Rialto theater. New York. Public Relations — Harry Sherman, Publix theaters. New York, formerly assistant president, I. A. T. S. E. M. P. M. O. Cleveland Houses Closed Cleveland — Theaters in this terri- tory closed because of the flu epidemic include the Dorsey, Johnstown; Lib- erty and Grand, East Liverpool; Barton, at Barton; Home, Seville; Star, Sandusky; and the Bijou, New Philadelphia. Any exhibitor would be able to join, and in the event of an exhibitor having more than one house, each would have to be entered sep- arately. Other advantages urged for the new scheme are that two competing exHibitors could join and still obtain the advantages of collective booking, and where they could not come to agreement, would send their sealed offers, barring each other, to the renter, who would naturally accept the best of the two. The prices paid for films would not neces- sarily be known to anyone except the renter concerned. A. Lever, member of the South Midlands branch of the C.E.A. fav- ors formation of a limited company of exhibitors for purposes of collec- tive buying. C. C. Day of the same branch believes it entirely logical for independent exhibitors to form a buy- ing organization embracing .3,500 houses the combined buying power of which, he thinks, would more than be sufficient to secure first runs. Crosland to Direct Davey Lee Alan Crosland is to direct "Sonny Boy," which is to mark starring de- but of Davy Lee, three-year-old-boy, who appears in Al Jolson's "The Singing Fool.'' Harvey Gates is writ- ing an original for this Vitaphone film. Ekleson in "Man Higher Up" Robert Edeson has been signed for the all-talking and sound version of William DeMille's stage play "The Man Higher Up." Hobart Bos- worth also has been signed. Producing at Tec-Art Chesterfield has begun production in its new headquarters, the Tec- Art Studios. "Just Oflf Brodway" is being made. Donald Keith and Ann Christy head the cast which includes Larry Steers, DeSacia Mooers, Beryl Roberts and Jack Tanner. The pic- ture, which is the fifth of a series of eight scheduled for Chesterfield's 28-29 program, is to be directed by Frank O'Connor. New Jannings Film Title Emil Jannings' new picture has been titled "The Betrayal," which Lewis Milestone is directing. Victor Schertzinger, the director, and Nich- olas Soussanin Russian actor, wrote the story. Esther Ralston, Gary Cooper and Bodil Rosing are in the cast. Marion to Title Chevalier Film George Marion, Jr., is to title "In- nocents of Paris," in which Maurice Chevalier, French music hall star, will make his bow to American audi- ences. New Serial in Production Pathe has just started production of "Queen of the North Woods," serial with Ethlyne Clair and Walter Miller in the leading roles. The unit is on location. Spencer Bennet and Tom Storey will co-direct, from an original by George Arthur Gray. Sills in Dual Talker Role Milton Sills, First National star, has been chosen for a dual role in "Pat and Mike'' by Richard Connell. First Oswald Ready in Sound "Hen Fruit," first of the synchron- ized Oswald comedies, is set for re- lease Feb. 4. Prints now are being sent to Universal exchanges. Dialogue for Marceline Day Marceline Day's voice is to be heard for the first time in "The Wild Party" under the Paramount banner. The picture will be directed by Dorothy Arzner. Other members of the cast have not been chosen. Starting New Gibson "Birds of a Feather," Hoot Gib- son's new starring vehicle is sched- uled to go into production in the next few days. Arthur Rosson will di- rect. Ruth Elder is to play oppo- site Gibson. D Those Amp as By JACK HARROWER 1 YESTERDAY at the AMPA lunch- eon at the Paramount we almost became famous. It all came from being mentally alert, which even hap- pens to us on occasions. Anything is liable to happen to you if you at- tend these AMPA luncheons. It was like this: There, at the speaker's table, was a bunch of no- tables including producer Sam Sax, director Dudley Murphy, theme corn- poser, Erno Rapee, song composer L. Wolfe Gilbert, leading lady Al- berta Vaughn, dramutic actress Belle Bennett, comedian Joe Brown, and wrestler "Strangle^-" Lewis. Do you get it? There was the complete lay- out for a swell feature production. All that was needed was a script. So we started to write one on the tablecloth. Everything was going great until we started to write in parts for all the extras sitting around the tables. Unfortunately we selected a white slave theme for our opus, and as we glanced around the room at such ma- terial as Alex Moss, Paul Benjamin, Al Selig and other leading publicity lights, the thought occurred to us that they were not just exactly the right types. So we abandoned the idea, and Istened to Joe Brown tell about the German director outlining his new production as he interviewed members of his cast. If sound producers want a knock- out short that will roll customers off their seats with laughter, they should sign Joe up for the original mono- logue. It was one of the best acts ever staged by a guest at an AMPA. No foolin'. "Strangler" Lewis oc- cupied three chairs gracefully, Al- berta Vaughn hid behind his left elbow and Belle Bennett could be seen peeking above his right mitt on the table. L. Wolfe Gilbert sang George Jessel's "Lucky Boy" song, "My Mother's Eyes." He should hire himself to plug liis own songs. He's almost as good as Jessel. Rapee lent an artistic atmosphere to the pro- ceedings and everybody tried to look knowing when he used a lot of musical terms in his speech, but real- ly the only musical term that press agent bunch understood was his re- ference to do-re-mi — and they only understood the first syllable. Completes Another Theater Newport, Tenn. — Booth Enter- prises recently opened their Ritz here. Theaters Closed at Elyria Elyria, O., has ordered all places of public gatherings closed for a period of three weeks due to influenza. "Brock" Becomes "Capitol" Brockville, Ont. — Fred McLennan has changed the name of his theater from "Brock" to "Capitol" to conform with the title largely prevalent throughout the Famous Players chain, of which the Brockville house is a unit. THE Friday, January 11, 1929 .^^'^^^' ~ DAILV ta -J3^t!k We state it modestly, but never in the history of the Motion Picture Industry has there been a book like the coming 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK ^■ Nearly llOO Pages Over 500 Advertisers Covering the Motion Picture Industry Like a Blanket and Distribution to every nook and corner of the -world "sr I AM INDISPENSABLE ♦ ♦ I ^ make known the services and mer- chandise of manufacturers and distri- butors- ♦ ♦ ♦ 1 bring together buyer and seller- ♦ ♦ ♦ I build confidence and good wilL ♦ ♦ ♦ I point the way to profit making* ♦ ♦ ♦ 1 create demand and stim- ulate sales. • ♦ ♦ 1 keep buyers "sold'' ^ , . * 1 help buyers to buy and to reselL ♦ ♦ ♦ I inspire effort that leads to success- ♦ ♦ ♦ I Ughten the work of salesmen- ♦ ♦ ♦ I turn the wheels of progress- ♦ ♦ ♦ I make possible the dis- semination of the news of the industry, its personalities, its thousand and one intricacies of activity and circumstance--- this news that, in final analysis, is the tie that hinds the industry together as a unit and makes for its collective progress day by day and week by ti^eek. - - . I promote prosperity- - ♦ - I am indis- pensable in the progress of my industry- ... 1 AM TRADE PAPER ADVERTISING. (Contributed to the cause of progress for the motion picture industry by ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS, INC., publishers of ten regional film trade papers.) I^g^^^g^^^g^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^-^^^ o/ FILMDOM ,*:;»:^--^i: V VOL. XLVII No. 10 Sunday, January 13, 1929 Price 25 Cents in cash prizes are being offered to the general public by Universal for the best answers to the question: BPBS1I womer love homely men? It's one of the greatest exploitation ideas in years. See Universal Weekly, issue of January 12, and succeeding issues, for full details. CARL LAEMMLE'S Super Production With Olga Baclanova, Brandon Hurst, Sam De Grasse, Cesare Gravtna, Stuart Holmes, George Seigtnann. Two negatives — one silent, one with sound. VICTOR HUGO'S ^•■■-.'^ Starring CONRAD VEIDT and MARY PHILBIN A PAUL LENl Production '-Stimt or Sound- Carl Laemmle leads the Ti^ay/// OVER 300 CRITICS Do you know which are FIND THE ANSWER VOTE IN POLL TO NAME LEADERS OF The Ten Best Pictures IN THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK PICTURES IN 1928 o/ 1928 OUT THIS MONTH Simplex Supremacy WILL BE MAINTAINED AND A Pledge of Progress IS MADE FOR Simplex Projectors FOR TWENTY -FIVE YEARS WE HAVE SERVED THE MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY AND SIMPLEX PROJECTORS MADE IN THE LARGEST FACTORY OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD have won absolute, unquestioned international leadership a resolve to aqain deserve this qood will and confidence is our 1929 new year's messaqe International Projector Corporation 90 GOLD STREET, NEW YORK Reade Circuit Seen Next Major Purchase of Fox iTHE 7AeHi¥S?kPl{t of FILMDOM ANDWEEKLY FILH DIGEST VOL XLVII No. 10 Sunday, January 13, 1929 Price 25 Cents EUROPE OPPOSE TAXATION Paris — At a meeting liere of tlie representatives of American distribu- tors in I'aris. it was determined to lodge formal protests, with European government against the present laws which impose a tax ranging from 15 to 20 per cent on profits earned by these companies and transferred to the United States. Belgium and France were scored as the chief of- fenders, with Germany and Austria as runners-up. The decision was the result of an original protest filed with the foreign department of the Hays association in New York. 70 THEATERS IN SOUTH . AfRICA IS KINEMA GOAL Seventy theaters within the next few months is the goal in South Africa of Kinemas, Ltd., Sydney Hay- den resident manager in England states through AmerAnglo Corp., N'ew York. The Astoria. Capetown, recently opened, was the sixtieth house of the chain. A $500,00n house is under construction at Capetown and a theater at Johannesburg planned. The firm is opposition to the Schlesinger circuit, dominant South African firm. Hayden has contracted for the Ufa output, 12 Gaumont and a minimum of ten Gainsborough productions and FBO's 1029 output, AmerAnglo states. ^ Germans Acclaim "Wings" Despite Film Killings Berlin — Fear that "Wings" would not find a warm reception from Ger- man audiences, due to its scenes showing .-Kmericans shooting down German planes, proved ungrounded, and the picture is being acclaimed. No Date Set for Opening of "Noah's Ark" in N. Y. No date has been set for New York opening of "Noah's Ark," Sam Mor- ris, vice president and general man- ager of \Varners, stated yesterday in commenting on a report from the Coast that the picture is slated to play the Winter Garden at an early date. Meanwhile, "The Singing Foor' is continuing at the house. Pictures Free for Hotel Guests is Newest Wrinkle in Chicago Tax Proposed Topeka, Kan. — Tax on the- ater admissions is part of the proposed revision of the state's system on taxation, ap- proved by the legislative tax committee. The M.P.T.O.A.. of Kansas and Western Mis- souri, headed by R. R. Biechele has mapped plans to oppose the measure. The legislative session began last Tuesday. 'Singing Fool' Emphasizes Bitter Fight at Chicago (hicagt) — "The Singing Fool" is causing a lot of comment here, not only as a box office card, but as it concerns the bitter opposition be- tween Balaban & Katz and Marks Bros. The picture had a sensational run at B. & K.'s McVickers and now is playing the Roosevelt, and the local trade is speculating as to whether this is on account of business done or if it is to "milk'' the picture before it can get to the Marks houses. Marks Bros., is giving plenty of pub- licity to the fact that the picture soon is to play their houses, telling people to wait and hear the picture at houses "built for presentation of sound films." Chicago — Here's something new in competition. The Stevens Hotel here presents pitcures in the ball- room every Sunday afternoon and evening. All hotel guests and dinner guests in the main dining room re- ceive tickets. A four-piece orches- tra supplies music. Last Sunday's program was "The Last Command" (Paramount), "New Wringles" (Educational) and Pathe News. The dinner charge is $2, and the average admission of loop houses Sundays is 75 cents. Thus, the patron can fig- ure the dinner at $1.25, show 75 cents, minus inconvenience of stand- ing in line. "Our Gang" in Person Tops Chicago Grosses Hal Roach's Our Gang kids in a personal appearance at the Chicago, Chicago, on the bill with "The First Kiss,'' hold Chicago's record for 1928, with a gross of $71,000 for the week of Aug. 25, according to "Variety" estimates compiled for the FILM D.\ILY YEAR BOOK. Coinci- dcntally, Jackie Coogan was next (Continued on Pane 6) Swiss and German Co. Formed for Sound Films Wa^luuiiton Bureau ,>f Till- FILM DAILY Washington — A Swiss branch of Tonbild Svndikat, of Berlin and the ^Continued on Page 12) Some Things Happen MONDAY: Loin.s girded and chest thrown l)ack. Pathe is primed for a fight to the hitter finish with the high mongiils of censorship in New York. Involved in the case of "Sal of Singapore" is an issue which has a direct hearing on the exhibition of sound pictures in the Empire State. It e.xtends further, however, m that legislative and censorship jiests in other states are apt to model restrictive measures of their own along lines of the decision formulated in New York. The picture, originally silent, was later revamped suf- ficiently to include sequences in dialogue. Pathe made application and secured licenses for six .sound prints. Neither sound, nor music, nor dialogue were submitted, Pathe adhering to the belief that the censor law contains no provision covering restrictions in speech. The commission, however, held otherwise and issued permits which are invalid when the film is used in conjunction with mechanical devices for the reproduction of sound. Pathe holds this to be an arbitrary assumption of power and is ready to argue the issue out before the scales of justice. A temporary injunction in the company's behalf is to be heard in a few days. Out of this situation will come a clearer exposition of censorship rights in the matter of dialogue. With (Continued on Page 3) DEAL DECLARED SET rOR 34 OE READE CIRCUIT Walter Reade's circuit of 34 New York. New Jersey and Ohio theaters are expected to be announced as the next major jjurchase of William F'ox. Kxaminers now are going over the books with Reade, with the deal de- clared practically set. Reade's ask- ing price is reported to be $16,000,000. The Reade holdings embrace the Astor, Metropolitan, Bijou. Savoy Morosco and Columbia in N. Y. The Astor is under lease to M-G-M, the Morosco to the Shuberts and the Co- lumbia is a burlesque house. In New Jersey, Reade has the May- fair, Reade's Lyric, Reade's Main Street, Reade's Rialto, Reade's St. James and Reade's .Savoy. Asbury Park; Embassy and Strand, Freehold; Broadway and Strand, Long Branch; Keith's State and Reade's Rivoli, .\'ew Brunswick; CrcsceiU, Ditmars, Majestic and Strand. Perth .Amboy; Oxford, Plainfield and .Strand; Plain- field; Carlton, Red Bank; Keith's Capitol, Reade's Palace and Reade's Trent. Trenton. He also has the Broadway and Reade's at Kingston, N. Y., and Reade's Hippodrome at Cleveland. Film Exports Showed Big Increase in October Washinfilon Bureau of Tllli FILM DAILY Washington — October exports of films totaled 30,438,408 linear ft. val- ued at $796,510, against 16,632,985 ft. valued at $410,741 in September, ac- cording to figures just made public by the Dept. of Commerce. Ship- ments during the month included 2i.- 034,792 ft. of positive films valued at $550,770; 472,400 ft. of negatives val- ued at $95,092 and 6.531.216 ft. of raw stock valued at $150,648. Ship- ments to the principal markets for positive films, which had been light for the previous few months again were heavv in October, Australia tak- ing 2,500.(')00 ft., Germany 1.678,000 ft., and .\rgentina, Brazil and the United Kingdom each more than 1,- 000,000 ft. 16 Film Houses Launched in Eastern States in Dec. Sixteen picture houses were among the 24 theater projects launched in i7 eastern states during December, according to the F. W. Dodge Corp. These theaters, it is stated, involved $825,000. THE DAILY Sunday, January 13, 1929 M XIVII No. 10 SiDday, Jan. 13, 1929 Prita 25 Cwta IDHN «. UieOATE PvMishar Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann. Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter, May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all conmnmica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad way. New York, N. Y. Phone Cirde 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address; Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 642S Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Frfdman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlboroueh St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— 'P. A. Harle, La Cinematographie Francaise, .Rue de la CouT-de9-Noue«, 19. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am. Seat 34i4 34^ 34J^ Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 2754 27 27'/i East. Kodak 184^183 183}4 ♦do pfd 128 ♦First Nat. pfd 104^^ Fox Fm. "A" ... 97Ji 95 96J4 •do rts 3 Keith A-O 42K 'H'A 42 do pfd 134 134 134 Loew's Inc 70}i 69'A 7Q'A do pfd 105 104 >^ 105 ♦M-G-M pfd. .* 25^ M. P. Cap 14?^ 14 14 Para. F-L 605/^ 59;^ 60?^ Pathe Exch 14^ 13^ 14 do "A" 28^4 27/2 27-5^ Radio K-A-O 43 M 42 42 Ji Stanley Co 41 41 41 'Univ. Pict. pfd 98^ Warner Bros. ...128 123 125^ Warner pfd 56 54 H 55 H CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 17% 17!4 17^ Bal. & Katz 8854 82?^ 8854 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 22}4 21J4 22 ♦Film Insp 254 Fox Thea. "A" . . 36'A 35 35 Intern. Proj 19 17 19 Loew do deb. rts.. 34^ 33% 33% N.it. Thea. Sup.... 9ii 954 954 Trans-Lux 9% 954 9"4 ♦Univ. Pict 28 BOND MARKET ♦Keith A-O 6s 46 96 Loew's 6s 41ww... 11554 115% 115J4 do 6s 41 x-war...lO0^ 100 100-% Paramount 6s 47 ..10054 100 100 Par. By. S^^s 51.102 101% 102 Pathe 7s 37 83% 83 83 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 , 97J4 97^4 97 }4 ♦Warner 6'As 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 34 36 do units 37 40 do coin 5'A (''A Skouras Bros 45 50 Technicolor 9yl \\osition of this interesting ques- tinn takes on the aspects of an in- dustry-wide tt>pic. We are. of course, death on censors no matter what their ilk. Pathe. in our opinion, is entirely in the right and carries with its fighting campaign our editorial and moral endi>rsement as should be the attitude of all responsible factors and individuals in the business.... W In Connecticut Tuesday: In the town of Seymour which is in (."onnecticut a new sound reproducer started manufacture today. Louis Pacent, who, we are informed, is a man of parts in the field of radio engineering, has developed a synchronous device. With plans all set for a steady stream of equip- ments, the first has been placed in work. Two angles are interesting. First, persistent reports that this is the cheaper-priced equipment on which the Warners have been secret- ly but busily engaged for some time. Secondly, that the Brothers Warner are so sold on it that it is their financ- ing and their distribution which are expected to make the Pacent machine one of consequence in the industry. This, however, is denied categorically as well as emphatically by Vitaphonc. But — it is admitted that Vitaphone will service Pacent and, while on its face this sounds like an unimportant fact to pass on to you, it is significant primarily because this is the first re- producer other than Western Elec- trc's, that has been so recognzed. From this point on, figure it out on your own .... It was at Atlantic City many moons back that William Fox, addressing his assembled sales cohorts, decisively pointed out that his pictures will not stand for the freezing out game which has been tried ofT and on in the merry whirl of filmatics. The- aters garrisoned by many seats, were to be the Fox fortifications on all theater fronts. How accurately this plan is being carried out is best proven by the rapidity with which these houses are being built. Chicago, war zone center if ever there was one, is now in line. The fellow who has the gumption to buck B. and K. right where thev are most sensitive, not to overlook most strongly en- trenched, merely demonstrates he has backbone as well as a nerve center. . .. Introducing Phonoscope, latest of sound synchronizers, and Auditone, non-synchronizer, and Phonoscope's blood brother. The twins are to take their bow under the fartherly guidance of an organization bearing the title of the Recording Laborator- ies of America. William A. Brown, w-ho we arc told made a record for himself with various Canadian units of the Du Ponts in factotum su- preme Some Things Happen (Continued from I'ayc 1) Little Old New York ^ Wednesday: The signs have it that New York is about to come into its own again as a prodjjcing center. Paramount's program for the East includes four features and 50 short subjects, all of them with voice as well as action. The day that a size- able percentage of film output is made right here in the by-lanes of Broad- way will be a happy one. Hollywood has its advantages. It also has its CJiiiiilacencies and its self-satisfactions that have done considerable already to make production stereotyped and inane. While you can't see it as you alight from the Sante Fe, there is nevertiielcss a high wall which Holly- wood has been silly to build around itself. You migiit lay it all at the door of exclusiveness, or, as some call it, snoi)bishness. Maybe it's just plain damfoolishncss. But, no matter how you dub it, it is a mental condition that has to be conjured with. The result is that, once they get settled and comfortable, few Holly- woodians make any attempt to scale this barrier in order to find out what the rest of the poor world on the out- side may be doing or thinking. It is, therefore, natural that what they talk about and what they think there, evi- dences itself in the pictures they make. It's all very provincial. Likewise, artificial. Permitting Hollywood to keep first honors as production center for mo- tion pcitures, we agree to. Allowing no pictures to be made elsewhere, we dub ridiculous. New York as the pivot around which the cultural, artis- tic and commercial life of this coun- try revolves should be a center of production activity. These are some of the reasons, in brief, why it is our opinion that returning part of the manufacturing end of this industry to the hub of the nation is one of the best things that could have hap- pened to the business, to the producer, to the creators and, perhaps firstly, to the public that supports the cellu- loid institution. W'ill Hays is on his way west. The usual spring round table with pro- ducers is on his program. Hays, as an important contact point between producer and picturegoer, will confer and advise those steps which he be- lieves will improve the production formula. One certain step for better- ment calls for demolition of the Hollywood wall. That w'ill topple some high hats into the dust of common sense. Another calls for a division in production with New York securing what it should have for the common good. . . . as frenzied. Not all of the indepen- dent circuits in this populous zone have been annexed, but the leaders, with one or two exceptions, have. Fox will install Movietone in the entire formidable string at once, thus bringing to New York neighborhoods sound pictures which so far have been confined almost entirely to the de luxe houses along Broadway and down- town Brooklyn. Product while it is fresh will also be fed to these houses, thereby eliminating a booking con- dition which, because of protection and producer-chain dominance, is be- lieved by many to have cut into the business of these individually oper- ated houses more than any other single factor. What the independents have been striving to do for years now becomes an actuality, but not as they had been hoping. W'e see ill this important theater move a clear- cut application to this industry of the German vertical trust theory wherein all elements necessary to the succesful operation of industry are embraced w^ithin the one structure. 'l"he New York independents could not solve their own problems because they had no voice over production. Fox, as producer and distributor needed only theaters to make his en- terprise self-contained. This has been done in New York. It will be done elsewhere. Call it a prediction if you like, but check future events with these words for the ultimate answer. . Slashed High Stepping Thursday: It took several months, two floors at the Hotel Ambassador loaded down with personnel, many conferences with bankers and a gruel- ling measure of labor to swing the deals, but Fox did it. Almost two hundred Greater New York theaters are now listed in the roster which makes Fox Metropolitan Playhouses, Inc., a chain to speculate over. The imagination runs high all along the Broadwav rialto. Well it might, for Fox is not through. Examiners are busy: appraisers are at it overtime. The activity might well be described Friday: Widespread interest of W'estern Electric's price cut. A dual sound system, disc and film, now be- comes available for small houses at $7,000 top. Now we're getting some- where. This figure lands well with- in the hounds of reason, viewing the matter from the little man's angle. From now on, he can at least figure on a sound installation without de- veloping a mathematical brainstorm with no attemi)t to get smart alecky, or even assuming a we-told-you-so de- meanor, you may recall that it was many weeks ago that we advised hold- ing off on sound until the churnings became less pronounced. Our theory then was that the theaters not al- readv equipped for sound couldn't get it anyway, whether because of non-availability of equipment or price. Too bad, for them, of course, but w^hat w^as there to be done about it? As w-e envisioned the set-up, we saw no further harm than already had been created bv curbing impatience and awaiting developments. There have been plenty. New sound devices have made their appearance; the mar- ket is opening up and now, perhaps most significant of them all, comes the W. E. price drop. . . . Chalk up another. Indiana joins Allied States. Now it's Texas, Michi- gan, Minnesota, the Dakotas and In- diana. In the interim. Commissioner Mvers says nothing further about policies or operating plans. It won't be for long. He's working. . . . Ninety-luL- per cent ,,i prcstui day screen personalities will make the grade in sound. Jesse L. La.sky is spokesman. Another prediction- silent films will seem out of date in a year. Lasky is covering a good deal of ground when he vouchsafes the statement that the entertainment pill which the public has been swal- lowing for thirty years is to become non-elifective in the short space of twelve months. There will be room for both. I'roducers will find them- selves adopting the dual style prin- cii)ally because the public would have it so. . . . And Still More Today: Fox, the luadline conquer- or, is still harvesting theaters. Now it is the Walter Reade chain, strung out through Jersey seaboard towns that this exhibition colossus is after. Of course, you know how these deals are. They happen — sometimes; in this case, however the chain appears to be set to swing Fox-ward and the goal of 1,000.0(JO controlled theater seats by the dawn of 1930 is brought some thousands nearer. Remember, already 700,000 have been corralled. Out in the Windy City, home of machine guns, some of the exchange l)oys are proving that they may know how to sell film but that their knowledge of showmanship requires vacuum cleaning. Guests of the Stev- ens Hotel on Sunday afternoons and evenings get a picture show for noth- ing. Those who buy their dinner at the same hostelry pay $2, of which SI. 25 may be apportioned to the edi- bles and the remainder to admission. A swell idea; guzzle coffee and watch hot love scenes as you do it. The latest dumbell idea in showmanship and how to make exhibitors gnash their teeth. Now we ask you! K A N N. Moss Point House Opens Moss Point, Miss. — The American has reopened here under the man- agement of C. C. Stewart of Grand Bay, Miss. Chastine Managing S. C. House Union, S. C. — Dick Chastine is the r.ew manager of the Stevenson here. Managing Newport, Ark Houses Newport, Ark. — K. \'. McGinnis is managing the Capitol and Newport here succeeding H. M. Clyburn, who has assumed the management of the Rialto at Camden, Ark. Alabama House Opens Ruston, Ala. — Kidder-Astor Amuse- ment Co., recently opened their Astor here. The house seats 1,000 and cost approximately $100,000. Fire Destroys N. O. House New Orleans — The Grand, owned by Nick Maurice of Marrero, La., was completely destroyed by fire with a loss estimated at $14,000. THE ■€&S1 DAILV Sunday, January 13, 1929 m FILM BOARD REPORTS MORE THEATER CHANGES DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Changes in Ownership Washington — Olympic, sold to A. D. Mur- dock by Jackson & Murdock. FLORIDA Openings Orlando — Isis. Changes in Ownership Dunnellon— Lyric, sold to Mrs. W. B. An- derson by H Gordon; Fernandina — Amusu, sold to A. B. Tanner by L. A. Andrews; New Smyrna— Palace and Victoria, sold to A. T. Hayes by Publix Theaters ; Trenton— Gilchrest, sold to W. J. Tate by J. V. Yearly. Closings Bunnell— Biddle; Dade City— Colonial ; Dune- din— Dunedin ; Fernandina— Rex ; Miami Beach — Strand ; Tampa — Lisbon. GEORGIA Changes in Ownership Albany— Strand, sold to Bromberg & Lres- well by H. Hirschensohn ; Augusta— Logan, sold to S. B. Solomon by F. L. Reid; Brooksville— Victory, sold to Mrs. Jane C Owen by A. C. Hawkins; Cedartown— Grand, sold to C. H. Graves by J. H. Wheeler- Ft. Valley— Franklin, sold to Geo. Stonaras by A. H. McCarty ; Lithoma— Universal, sold to H. H. Langford by J. W Haygood; Savannah— Folly, sold to T G Evins by M. Lucas; Valdosta— Pal- "ace, sold to Ga. Amuse. Co. by L. A. Stem. Closings Americus— Opera House; Brunsv»ick— Jaxon; Stone Mountain — Dixie. IDAHO New Theaters Haybum — American. Closings Holbrook — Garr. ILLINOIS New Theaters Jonesboro — ^Square. Re-Openings CarlinviUe— Grand ; Cisne —Opera House; Colp — Plaza; LewisviUe — Jm. Changes in Ownership Aledo— Aledo Opera House, sold to J-„ W. Edwards by Leslie Trevor; Aubora— B sold to Great States Theaters by J. G. Bershedt; Bluffs— Marvel, sold to K. E. Skinner by H. Card; Chicago— Americus, sold to L. Schuessller by M. Hontos ; Crystal, sold to Hillside Amuse. Co. by R & G de Giacomo ; Lyda, sold to Kal- nay-Dickerson by M. Hellman; Magnolia, sold to Max Hinsey by Kidland Amuse. Co • Overland, sold to Edw. J. Kubik by Joe' Lipton: Willard, sold to Rullmor- Courshan-Koben by Truklein Amuse. Co.; Downers Grove— Curtiss, sold to Geo. Petrulas by E. H. Uhlhorn ; Earlyille- Lyric, sold to E. S. Perki'is ; Grafton- Gem, sold to C. R. Johnson by Fred Phim- mer; HiUsboro— Grand, sold to United The- ater Corp. by Weingard & Butler; Hum<^ II sold to Luther Clark by A. J. Mc- Clkin ; Ladd— Ladd, sold to Cos & Gnvette by J Tonozzi ; Livingston— Eagle sold to R Stanko by Mrs. F. Peart ; Manl.us- M.inlius Opera House sold to G. W. Thomas; Spingerton— TOOF, sold to R. D Lasater; Springfield— Pekin, sold to W. h' Goodlette by Amos Duncan ; Tremont— Gem, sold to Mrs. Harrington. Closings Hettick— Princess ; Perry— Majestic. INDIANA New Theaters Rensselaer— Palace ; South Bend-.Ormo. Changes in Ownership E Hammond-May wood, sold to Jack Cooney by Gary Theater Co. ; Fowler-Dreamland, sold to M. & P. Morin by Pat J. Boyle; GaA'-Rex, sold to Frank A. Turner by M Cos^ionoff; Indiana Harbor-New Home, sold to Morris Cash by J. Rudz.nskl ; In- d^aiL^olis-Illinois, sold t"^ Goulden Fell- man Theaters, Inc.. by W. M. lurner, Kniehtstown- Alhambra, sold to Harry W. AA^fts by F & L. M. Clark; Kouts— cYem sold to Griffith-Griffith; Lafayett^ Luna. Mars and Family, sold to Fourth Ave. Amuse. Co. by Luna Amuse. Co North Liberty-Liberty, .s*>ld to Harry Ransberger by E. A. Houser ; Petersburg — Lincoln, sold to Lincoln Amuse. Co. by Chas. Risley ; Shirley — Lyric, sold to Mrs. C. F. Van Horn by Greene & Lee ; Val- paraiso— Valpo, sold to Mr. Sailor. Closings Decker — The Decker ; Evansville — Fulton ; Hazelwood — Cozy; Colitic — Dixie; Fierce- ton — Liberty ; Tyner — Tyner. IOWA Changes in Ownership Alton — Opera House, sold to B. G. Hoxemeier by Homan & Hoxemeier ; Boone — Strand, sold to A. W. Fairchild by Harry Frankle ; Brayton — Brayton, sold to American Legion by Ormo Rasmussen ; Ellston — Miller, sold to L. Miller by Miller & Fouser ; Oto — Opera House, sold to N. L. Lamb by O. H. Company ; Tipton — ^Hardacre, sold to G. L. Denune by C. A. Loperman ; Truro — Crown, sold to W. D. Kale by C. M. Hutchinson; Varina — ^Liberty, sold to C. A. Styles by Eberle & Horner; Vail— Cozy Corner, sold to Ed Phillips by R. M. Junkin ; Waukon — Cota, sold to A. J. Eaton by Ruth Cota ; Woodward — Strand, sold to W. A. Belt by Stanley & Macy. Openings Ashton — Roben ; Exira — Palace ; Stratford — Stratford. Closings Elliott— Palm; Fairbanks — Polly ; Grundy Center — Strand; Iieton — Legion; Irwin — Princess; Kiron — Movie; Lawlor — Princess; Milton — Columbia ; New Hartford — Lyric ; Plainfield — Legion ; Waterloo — Plaza. KANSAS New Theaters Bronson — Rex ; Lone Elm — Community ; Pittsburg — Lure ; Prescott — Community ; Turon — De Bruce. Changes in Ownership Alta Vista— Vista, sold to Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Booth by J. H. Kincheloe ; Chetopa — Opera House, sold to J. C. Ramsey by W. G. Warwick; Dunlap— City Hall, sold to Business Men by F. S. Hurlbut ; Elk City — Strand, sold to A. W. Franklin by J. E. Searle; Elkhart — Doric, sold to Ed Row- land by R. F. Rickart ; Glasgoe — Lyric, sold to R. R. Bourne by H. C. Thompson; Muscotah — Muscotah, sold to Jack Grab by R. M. Spencer; Ness City — Doris, sold to T. E. Bondurant by D. E. Dowden. Closings White Cloud — Community. KENTUCKY Re-Openings Columbia — ^Paramount. Changes in Ownership Dry Ridge— New, sold to M. B. Rice by H. R. Dixon; Jeffersontov™ — Jefferson, sold to Joe Farley by R. R. Jones; Majestic — Majestic, sold to Lindley & Cope by W. T. Gravely ; Morgantovm — Enterprise, sold to R. B. House by E. L. Tilford; Springfield — Lyric, sold to H. Barnes by E. Martin; Walton — ^Unique, sold to M. B. Rice by H. R. Dixon. Closings Ashland— Columbia ; Blackey — Stuart Robin- son School; Campbellsburg — Campbells- burg; Kuttawa— Orion; Sanders— Sanders. LOUISIANA Changes in Ownership Logansport— Union, sold to C. C. Dale by W. W. Page, Jr. ; Olla— Lone Star, sold to t<. Shamlin by B. W. Thompson; Shreve- port— State (formerly Lincoln) sold to Chas. Hetley by Leon Chappeleau. w c ,.. T Closings Winnfield — Joy. MICHIGAN New Theaters Detroit— Conant and Fisher. . Changes in Ownership ^"^^^e~Capiio\, sold to Theo. Sophie by W. H. Marolf; Detroit— Buchanan, sold to Wm. Holstein by Wadlow Bros.; Dix s-old to Stanley Dink by Mrs. Blanche Ryder; Frontenac, sold to Stefen Kulinski by Alex Schrieber; Oriole, sold to Oriole A "'w'.-^"''- ''^ H. G. Christman Co.; Uuo Vadis, sold to Michael Stocki by S Moranz; Warren, sold to Leon L. Gray by Andrew Fignar ; Grand Ledge— Grand, sold to Asa Stevens by Chase & Benson; Iron Mountain— Capitol, sold to W H Marolf by Theo. Sophie; Grands Rapids-I -Southlawn, sold to M. H. Randall by Peter Hummel. ' - Closings Carsonv.Ile-^EIectric ; Clarksville — Family ; ^Z ^,^l"^^^~hr'<' ■ Onekama-Schroe- dcrs , Vicksburg— Garden. DAILY TIPS WHICH MEAN DOLLAQS FOR SUOWMEN "Annapolis" (Pathe) Canopy was decorated with pen- nants and flags lettered "Annapolis." At each end of the top were cut- outs of a cruiser with two naval ca- dets, eight feet in height standing at attention on either side. Strings of navy signal flags were strung from the top of the building down to the canopy, these having been secured through the courtesy of the U. S. Naval Reserves, stationed here. — State-Lake, Chicago. "Battle of the Sexes" (United Artists) Preview was given for city judges and other officials as being of spe- cial interest to them because of the domestic problem in the theme Downtown window displays were obtained on two different weight re- duction machines as used by Jean Hersholt in the photoplay, in each case a pretty girl in tights acting as demonstrator. Another living dis- play was a make-up and beauty stunt by a girl in drug store. — Rochester theater, Rochester, N. Y. "Melody of Love" (Universal) Used a "discovery" radio stunt in connection with the run. Radio sta- tion gave 15 minute tryouts over the air to discover talent for Uni- versal synchronized pictures. The local singer who wins was ofifered, a screen test and the judges' report sent to Universal City. Publicity for "The Melody of Love" worked into this stunt so that the film and theater got a good break over the air. — Capitol, Dallas, Texas. "Ramona" (United Artists) Staged a "Ramona" singing fest for young ladies, securing ten entries. It pleased the large crowd. — George Forhan, Griffin, St. Catharine, Ont. "The Singing Fool" (Warners) On each broadcasting night an an- nouncement was made that "The "Singing Fool" was playing at the theater and after completion of songs "Sonny Boy" and "There's a Rain- bow Around My Shoulders" they would announce that these numbers were the theme songs of the picture which Al Jolson song. This program was broadcast every night during the two weeks' engagement of the picture. In return for the broad- casting publicity, the management permitted the radio station to erect a small record department in the theater lobby. — W. F. Brock, State, Chattanooga, Tenn. "The Barker" (First Nat'l) Free tickets were given to those who originated the best slogan to accompany advertising appearing in the newspaper. Five pairs of tickets were awarded each day during the run. — John F. Kumler, Pantheon, To- ledo, Ohio. "The Street Angel" (Fox) The picture played a full week but a flower matinee was arranged for a Wednesday afternoon. All children bringing flowers were ad- mitted free to see the show; the flowers being turned over to the three local hospitals. Many people who hadn't heard about the flower matinee became a bit curious when they saw so many children carrying bouquets of flowers and they began to ask questions. — ^Norman Prager, Missouri, St. Joseph, Mo. "Uncle Tom Cabin" (Universal) Ran old timers contest in which newspaper participated giving the stunt space for nine days prior to the opening of the engagement. Prizes were ofifered to those who saw the play before 1875. Winners saw it in 1854. They were given a box party and passes for the next six shows at the Grand. — J. Real Neth's Grand, Columbus, O. "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (Universal) Cabin building contest. "The Post- Gazette" cooperated in publicizing the stunt. The cabins submitted had to be not larger than six inches, and the smaller and neater they were the better chance they had of win- ning. Both the jewelry store and Spauldings, who contributed the prizes, gave window displays on the picture. — Harold Dygert, Grand, Pittsburgh, Pa. "While the City Sleeps" (M-G-M) Got out a one-sheet "scare head" edition and had newsboys distribute it along with every newspaper they sold. In huge letters the headline read, "Lon Chaney, screen star, knocking them dead at Brin's Ma- jestic theater." To the casual glance it seemed as though the paper was proclaiming Lon Chaney's death. The words "knocking them" were in very small type. "Extra! Extra!" was liberally plastered around the headline. The rest of the sheet was taken up by feature stories on the attraction. This stunt caused end- less comment and laughter. — L. K Brin, Majestic, Milwaukee, Wis. "Wings" I (Paramount) ' Lobby contained a Curtiss airplan*' motor, a fuselage and propellers. Th( motor was set on a wooden blocl while smaller parts were on exhibij in a show case. Lettered card alongside of the displays gave a brie explanation of the particular displa; that was of interest to the many on lookers. An excellent tie-up wa effected with newspaper and th' giant airplane "Niagara," which wa': on a goodwill tour of the country — Bolivar Hyde, Jr., Alabama, Bii mingham, Ala. Sunday, January 13, 1929 THE ■^< DAILY NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FAST GROWING FIELD OF SYN- CHRONIZATION SOUND PICTURES TIPS ON EQUIPMENT AND VARIOUS DE- | VICES ARE NOW AVAILABLE By CHARLES F. HYNES "ERPr'NOWREACHINGOUT INTO FOREIGN TERRITORY Invasion of foreiRn lands is actively underway by Electrical Research. The activities of the coninniiv in the do- mestic field have overshadowed the fact representatives of the company are already engaged in installing sound reproducing equipment in wide- ly separated territories. Crews are on the job in India, Burma. Cuba, and Australia while it is anticipated installations will be extended shortly to other West Indian islands and to South America. Col. W. E. Dennis has completed the first Western Ivlectric installation in British India. The theater is the Elphinston Picture Palace in Calcutta where a warehouse of emergency parts has been established. The sec- ond is to be completed at Bombay and the third is the Excelsior theater in Rangoon. Burma. Another engineer, H. D. Benson, has made several trips to Havana where the initial equipment is slated for the Fausto theater. Other installa- tions in the West Indies are in pros- pect for Kingston, Jamaica; Panama Citv and in Costa Rica. South America is as yet untouched, but "Erpi" is understood to have re- ceived an order from an unnamed the- ater in Sao Paulo, Brazil, w-hile in- quiries have been received from Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Guaya- quil, Ecuador. J. W. Roberts, former assistant general auditor of Western Electric and later chief accountant for Elec- trical Research, is now in Sydney where he will serve as general man- ager of the Australian company. Patchen Jones is business manager and Allan McLean, operating man- ager in charge of installations. Others in the Australian subsidiary include J. W. Roberts, A. W. Edmund and C. A. Reed. H. G. Knox has been appointed European manager in general charge of the Continent, British Isles and British India. L. E. Rudolph has established headquarters in Berlin and J. C. Latham, in Paris in which city a large chain is reported to have placed an order with Electrical Re- search. Movietone Comedy Retitled Hollywood — The next Clark and McCullough talking coniedv, a Mov- ietone short hitherto called'"The Big Bout." is "Waltzing Around." Sound At Redwood City Redwood City, Cal.— The Sequoia has been opened here according to Otway J. Cosgrove, manager, with Vitaphone and Movietone sound pic- tures. Boone, lo^i'a, celebrates an Achiefement Vav annually. C. C. Collin, of the Rialto, remem- bered, arranged this float and was successful in reaching 30,000 people in one day. Achieve- ment Day in Boone dra'ivs z'isitors from "5 surrounding totvns. 50 GERMAN HOUSES WIRED! MAKING NANAPHONENOW MONTHLYJOBIS PROGRAM WITH TWO SPEED RATES Berlin — Tobis, trade name for Ton- bild Syndikat Co. which is a com- bination of five German sound de- vices, claims interchangeability with all American sound-on-film reproduc- ers. The system is a consolidation of the best features of the five. Tobis asserts its attachment m" be added to any German-make projector in a few hours, the installation being rounded out by the Tobis amplifying system and specially-made loud speak- ers. The company is now wiring five large houses in Berlin. Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Leipzig and Munich and expects to install SO equipments a month beginning February 1. The orice is said to be one tenth that of the Western Electric system. Sound for Indiana House New Albany, Ind. — The Grand which was closed recently for re- modeling, is scheduled to reopen some time in February with sound, accord- ing to Sam J. Switow, head of Switow Enterprises, which operates the house. The theater is to be thoroughly over- hauled and 400 new seats added. Sound At Lynn, Mass. Lynn. Mass. — The Auditorium, one of the Regent Enterprises houses is showing sound pictures. Sound at Coliseum, Seattle Seattle — Sound policy has been in- troduced at the Coliseum, West Coast house. Philadelphia — New style Hana- phone equipment will be interchange- able with all sound-on-disc equipment operating at the speed of ii 1-3 re- volutions per minute, according to the Hanaphone Co. A special clutch attachment makes it possible to switch to 80 revolutions a minute should it be desired. Pictures are to be produced by the company at its Woodside. L. I., studio. "Bob" Savini Returns R. M. (Bob) Savini, special field representative for Sonora-Bristol- phone. has returned to New York from a trip in the South and South- west, arranging for installations. His most recent order is from H. U. Paradis, calling for installations in the following theaters: White, Green- ville. N. C; Colonial, Fairboro, N. C. ; Palace. Sanford, X. C.; Oasis, Wilson, N. C; Opera House, Smithfield, N. C. Newspaper Boosts Sound Devices North Platte, Neb. — The Tribune ushered in the advent of Vitaphone and Movietone at the Keith here with a six column story and much editorial comment which bids fair to increase theater attendance here, it is reported. Embassy, Milwaukee Goes Sound Milwaukee — The New Embassy. formerly the Empress, has reopened with pictures. It has been redecor- ated and is now playing sound pic- tures under management of Stanley Brown. ORGANIZES RECORD CUES FOR NON-SYNCHRONIZERS Chicago — Marie Pierson has organ- ized the Exhibitors' Cueing Service to supply theater owners equipped with non-synchronous machines cue sheets for standard records used over such devices. Miss Pierson has been identified with the development of theater cue- ing since Orchestraphone was plikced in the market by National Theater Supply Co. The cueing of every film submitted to the Exhibitors' Cueing Service is supervised by her and a detailed cue sheet, with full instructions, including the name of each individual record, its manufacturer and number, is re- turned to the exhibitor. From this sheet, the operator of the "cueing" instrument can fit the proper music and sound effects in the picture se- quences. This service is available for a single film or for an entire year's booking, and is adaptable to any make of cueing instrument now on the market. Toronto Theaters Change Prices Due to Sound Ottawa — Significant price changes have taken place in sound and silent theaters. With the introduction of sound at the Regent. Ray Tubman raised admissions 10 cents. Enormous crowds were in evidence. At the same time Ambrose Nolan reduced prices 10 cents at the new Avalon, opened only a few weeks ago, where silent films prevail. Regent prices are now- 45 and 60 cents while at the Avalon they are 20, 25 and 35 cents. Labor Difficulties in New England Being Ironed Out Boston — Difficulties between thea- ters equipped or about to be equipped for sound and the unions are respon- sible for the presence here of W. A. Dillon, international representative of the I.A.T.S.E. At Holyoke, the Vic- tory has had no stage hands since it adopted a picture policy some two years ago. It now has Vitaphone equipment and Dillon was success- ful in getting the management to place one man back stage and also prevailed upon this house to put in extra projection room help. He also straightened out differences at the Keith house in Portland, Me. At the Broadway in Springfield, owned by the Goldstein Bros., he suc- ceeded in getting the management to keep the usual crew. This house was recently wired. THE ■S&^ DAILY Sunday, January 13, 1929 "Our Gang" in Person Tops Chicago Grosses (Continued from Page 1) high on the bill with "The Myster- ious Lady," week of Aug. 4, getting $68,000. Paul Whiteman, with "Hot News," the week of July 7 grossed $54,000 at the house, which seats 4,100 and is scaled from 50 to 75 cents. A remarkable showing is bemg made in Chicago by "The Singing Fool" at the McVickers, where the film played 11 weeks, at 50 and 75 cents, chalking up the following grosses in this 1,400 seat house: $51,- 000; $53,0000; $51,000; $51,000; $48,- 000, $48,000; $48,000; $46,000; $40,- 000; $34,000; $28,000. The picture has been moved to the Roosevelt, where it is now playing. $10,000,000 Spent by Public In Montreal for Amuse. Montreal— The city of Montreal collected $1,000,827 in amusement tax during 1928. This was $138,000 more than in 1927. The tax is approxi- mately 10 per cent of admission ticket values; therefore it is figured that Montreal spent $10,000,000 for shows during the year. Changes at Iowa Houses Des Moines — Several houses in this state recently have changed hands. They are: Colonial at Cedar Rapids sold by F. E. Williams to L. S. Sted- man. Palace, Waterloo taken over by W. T. Waugh from Palace theater Corp. O. J. Luman is operating the Columbia at Milton, while the Grand at Nashua was sold by Mrs. Larson to O. P. Laird. Sound Equipment for Fairmount Fairmount, Minn. — Sound equip- ment estimated at $16,000 has been ordered for the Nicholas here. Both Vitaphone and Movietone will be installed with the possibiUty of Bris- tolphone, it is reported. Council Bluff to Offer Sound Council Bluff. la.— The Broadway will offer sound pictures late in Jan- uary, it is reported. "--rks' Managers Transferred Jacksonville. Fla. — John Thomas, formerly of the Riverside, has been transferred to the Imperial. Brandon Warren, formerly of the Rialto, now is at the Riverside. Manager John L. Crovo is in charge of Sparks' Jacksonville houses. Dardine Heads Charlotte Branch Charlotte— E. F. Dardine is now connected with World Wide Pictures in this territory. The company will open its Charlotte office Jan. 14 in connection with the local Educational exchange, which will handle physical distribution. Thomas Ends Inspection Tour Toronto— H. M. Thomas, Western division manager of Famous Players Canadian, has returned to headquart- ers after making an extensive tour of inspection of Western Canadian theaters. "The Ja^z Age" FBO Hippodrome AMERICAN—* * * The usual mad motor race is in evidence and the night club bout is there, too. * * * DAILY NEWS—* * * This is cheaply produced, mediocrely directed and Marceline Day isn't the jazzy type at all, although young Doug is pleasing in his role. » * * EVENING WORLD—* * * It is just a straight-away story told in a straightforward manner and at very little expense, but it has as much entertainment value as any program picture on Broadway today. * * * GRAPHIC—* * * It splashes highly im- probable action with bootleg gin, insinuates a disregard for accepted ethics, and when it has devoted most of its early reels to in- timating just how far from decency the new youth is straying it goes sickeningly moral and wipes off in a silly climax all of the innuendo it had crudely thrust at the audi- ence. * * * HERALD-TRIBUNE—* * * The picture is directed with poor continuity, has unin- teresting sets, and is without originality in telling the tale, in lighting or in camera work. * ♦ * SUN — * * * At any rate, "The Jazz Age" reeks of tried and true movie stuff. Every scene has been pictured any number of times. ♦ ♦ ♦ TIMES — * * * There is nothing new in "The Jazz Age," and it isn't so well acted as to stand out from many others of the same type. ♦ * ♦ WORLD—* * * Without rising to any im- portant heights "The Jazz Age" ranks with the sort of program picture the main action of which consists of extreme youth making a considerable noise and to-do in its efforts to have a good time. * * * "The Last Warning" Universal Colony AMERICAN — * * * you may not mind the occasional lapse into speech in "The Last Warning," for Mr. Leni has done such an expert job at megaphone-wielding that it is a positive joy to see his methods of translat- ing spooky acts to the silver sheet. » * * DAILY NEWS—* * * is corking mystery stuff — rather for Paul Leni's superb direc- tion than for the actual enigma it unravels. * * * EVENING JOURNAL—* * * But while the cast does good work and Leni's effects are excellent, the development of the story sags, partly because of several inexpertly added talking and sound sequences. ♦ ♦ * EVENING WORLD—* * * is Paul Leni's sequel, so to speak, to "The Cat and Canary." As was the case with the predecessor, he has devised a marvelous collection of settings for it and he introduced some superb pho- tography to bring them out. ♦ * » GRAPHIC—* * *Leni turned some of the magic of his European camera tricks, his remarkable lighting effects, his weird angles and his uncanny ability to fit his play- ers into his carefully effected atmosphere.* * * HERALD-TRIBUNE—* * * The disting- uished talents of Paul Leni for the manufac- ture of cinema horror tales are being demon- strated once more this week at the Colony Theater, where his latest production, "The Last Warning," is on display. * * ♦ SUN — * * * it is a curious and rather dull hodgepodge of bad talking sequences and unrelated silent ones. It is topheavy and lopsided, and its story gets nowhere. * * * TELEGRAM— * ♦ * Viewed— or rather heard — simply as a talkie it is perhaps a trifle better than so-so but as a film drama it creaks, stumbles, and finally flounders to its end, bogged down in a mass of unexplained TELEGRAPH—* * * Unlike most mystery pictures, this one is an intelligent story, skil- fully directed, capably acted and adroitly photographed. In fact, we have nothing but laurels for everybody responsible for the film. TIMES—* * * There are too many out- bursts of shrieking, merely to prove the ef- fect of the audible screen, to cause any spine- chilling among those watching this produc- tion. ♦ * * "Romance of the Underworld" Fox Roxy AMERICAN—* * * While the conclusion may be a bit illogical, it is entertaining and interesting, none the less. * * * DAILY MIRROR—* * * The whole thing is oln ious from start to finish, but it is so neatly handled it makes a rather better than ordinary movie entertainment. * * * DAILY NEWS—* * * Once again a pro- gram picture is completely satisfying. "Ro- mance of the Underworld," without being a powerful, grand melodrama, strikes a note which captures your sympathy at the start and holds it all the way through. * * * EVENING JOURNAL—* * * Robert El- liott, as a big-hearted detective, walks away with the acting honors of "Romance of the Underworld," a better than average gang- ster melodrama. ♦ * * EVENING WORLD—* * * The tale fol- lows along conventional — and stereotyped — lines, but it is very nicely handled by Irving Cummings, who directed. Miss Astor is superb in the role of Judith. * ♦ ♦ GRAPHIC— » * * Irving Cummings, who made such an excellent directorial job of "Dressed to Kill" last season, has started the new year well with another skillfully handled celluloider. * * * SUN — * * * Somewhat vividly projected, and offering several distinct and cannily etched characters, it survives as the best film of a weak week — even if it is reminiscent from its opening title to its ultimate fade- out. * * * TELEGRAM-* * * In it Mary Astor is one of those fragile flowers who always seem to pick out the lowest night clubs to work in. Surrounded by gunmen who would shoot 3'ou for a nickel, she goes her tear-dampened way, pure as the well-known driven snow. * * * TELEGRAPH—* * * While you will find interest in the newer opus now at the Roxy, an interest that will hold you from the start of the picture until the finish, it still lacks the originality of! story and imag'inative direction that Cummings gave to "Dressed to Kill." ♦ ♦ * TIMES—* * * is blessed with subtlety and good humor. Whether Mr. Cummings is dealing with scenes in the crooks' hangout or a more wholesome side of life, he gives to his work a charming imaginative quality that in- veigles the attention. * * * WORLD—* * * Robert Elliott as the po- liceman just about walks away with the pic- ture. A nice piece of work, humorously, subtly and well thought out. In fact, the best part of the picture is his method of settling accounts with Derby Dan. * * * Fort Wayne House Sold Fort Wayne, Ind. — Makers Bros., who operate the Riley here, have taken over the Grand at Bluffton from H. S. Logan. Negotiations are on for the Gaiety at Bluffton, it is reported. Buys Plattsmouth House Plattsmouth, Neb.— W. J. Seyditz of Lincoln, Neb. has purchased the Parmele from A. W. Coldt and A. O. Moore. The house seats 800. Expects Sound at Beatrice, Neb. Beatrice, Neb. — Max Tschauder of the Rivoli expects to offer sound pic- tures as soon as engineers' survey is completed. Plans Sound for Brainerd Brainerd, Minn. — Sound is planned for the F. & R. houses here as soon as remodeling at their houses are completed. Orchestrola at Humphrey, Neb. Humphrey, Neb. — An Orchestrola, cueing devices, has been installed at the Lyric here according to manager E. J. Karthaus. Medd Gets New Post Luinberton, N. C. — Lumberton Theater Corp., has appointed E. R. Medd general manager of the Caro- lina. Foreign Markets ^By JAMES P. CUNNINGHAM^ U.K. Shows 614 Films; 447 Are American Prod. Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Great Britain exhibi- ted 614 films to the trade in London during the first ten months of 1928, according to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. Of this total American productions lead with 447 films Germany was second with 72 while 70 were British pictures; 18 French, four Italian, two Russian and one Danish. There were 620 American films shown in 1926 as compared with 723 in 1927, yet the American percentage share of the British market was higher in 1926 than in 1927. French Exports Decrease Washingtmi Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The French film in- dustry continues to show an upward trend in imports of both negative and positive films and a decrease in ex- ports of this stock, according to re- ports to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. Gaumont British Films for France Paris — M. Graham Maingot, direc- tor of Victoria Films, has secured Gaumont British productions for dis- tribution in France, it is reported. About 12 Gaumont British films will be handled by Victoria. More German Houses Berlin — Construction of theaters here is steadily increasing with subur- ban projects under way at Schoen- berg, Steglitz, Reinickendorf, Weiss- ensee and Lichtenberg. D'Annunzio to Write for Italy Rome — D'Annunzio, Italian poet is reported to have received a request from Mussolini to turn his attention to writing for the Italian screen. Jean Plans Paris Chain Pans — M. Charles Jean, financier, is behind a proposal to build new the- aters on Grand Boulevard here, it is reported. His intention is to organize a chain of 300 French-owned houses in French provinces. Richmount Pictures 723 7th Avenue Inc. "ew York City D. J. MOUNTAN. Pre*. i pXCLUSIVE foreign representatives for Rayart Pictures Corporation and other leading independ- ent producersanddistributors Cable Address: RICHPICSOC, Paris Cable Address: DEEJAY, London Cable Address: RICH PIC, N. Y. Exporting only the best in Motion lectures THE Sunday, January 13, 1929 i^^ DAILY NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FAST GROWING FIELD OF SYN- CHRONIZATION SOUND PICTURES TIPS ON EQUIPMENT AND VARIOUS DE- | VICES ARE NOW AVAILABLE By CHARLES F. HYNES "ERPl" NOW REACHING OUT INTO FOREIGN TERRITORY Invasion of toreiRn lands is actively underway by Electrical Research. The activities of the coninanv in the do- mestic field have overshadowed the fact representatives of the company are already engaged in installing sound reproducing equipment in wide- ly separated territories. Crews are on the job in India, Burma. Cuba, and Australia while it is anticipated installations will be extended shortly to other West Indian islands and to South America. Col. W. E. Dennis has completed the first Western Electric installation in British India. The theater is the Elphinston Picture Palace in Calcutta where a warehouse of emergency parts has been established. The sec- ond is to be completed at Bombay and the third is the Excelsior theater in Rangoon. Burma. Another engineer, H. D. Benson. has made several trips to Havana where the initial equipment is slated for the Fausto theater. Other installa- tions in the West Indies are in pros- pect for Kingston, Jamaica; Panama Citv and in Costa Rica. South America is as yet untouched, but "Erpi" is understood to have re- ceived an order from an unnamed the- ater in Sao Paulo. Brazil, while in- quiries have been received from Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Guaya- quil, Ecuador. J. W. Roberts, former assistant general auditor of Western Electric and later chief accountant for Elec- trical Research, is now in Sydney where he will serve as general man- ager of the Australian company. Patchen Jones is business manager and Allan McLean, operating man- ager in charge of installations. Others in the Australian subsidiary include J. W. Roberts, A. W. Edmund and C. A. Reed. H. G. Knox has been appointed European manager in general charge of the Continent, British Isles and British India. L. E. Rudolph has ^ established headquarters in Berlin and J. C. Latham, in Paris in which city a large chain is reported to have placed an order with Electrical Re- search. Movietone Comedy Retitled Hollywood — The next Clark and McCuUough talking coniedv. a Mov- ietone short hitherto called "The Big Bout," is "Waltzing Around." Sound At Redwood City Redwood City. Cal— The Sequoia has been opened here according to Otway J. Cosgrove, manager, with Vitaphone and Movietone sound pic- tures. Bootie, Itnva, celebrates an Achievenumt Uav annually. (i. C. Cullin, of the Rialto, remem- bered, arranged tliis float and :vas successful in reaching 30,000 people in one day. Achieve- ment Day in Bo:>ne draws fisitors from 75 surrounding toiims. 50 GERMAN HOUSES WIRED I MAKING HANAPHONE NOW MONTHLY, TOBIS PROGRAM WITH TWO SPEED RATES Berlin — Tobis. trade name for Ton- bild Syndikat Co. which is a com- bination of five German sound de- vices, claims interchangeahility with all American sound-on-film reproduc- ers. The system is a consolidation of the best features of the five. Tobis asserts its attachment c" be added to any German-make projector in a few hours, the installation being rounded out by the Tobis amplifying svstem and specially-made loud speak- ers. The company is now wiring five large houses in Berlin. Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Leipzig and Munich and expects to install SO equipments a month beginning February 1. The orice is said to be one tenth that of the Western Electric system. Philadelphia — New style Hana- phone equipment will be interchange- able with all sound-on-disc equipment operating at the speed of 33 1-3 re- volutions per minute, according to the Hanaphone Co. A special clutch attachment makes it possible to switch to 80 revolutions a minute should it be desired. Pictures are to be produced by the company at its Woodside, L. I., studio. Sound for Indiana House New Albany, Ind. — The Grand which was closed recently for re- modeling, is scheduled to reopen some time in February with sound, accord- ing to Sam J. Switow, head of Switow Enterprises, which operates the house. The theater is to be thoroughly over- hauled and 400 new seats added. Sound At Lynn, Mass. Lynn, Mass. — The Auditorium, one of the Regent Enterprises houses is showing sound pictures. Sound at Coliseum, Seattle Seattle — Sound policy has been in- troduced at the Coliseum, West Coast house. "Bob" Savini Returns R. M. (Bob) Savini, special field representative for Sonora-Bristol- phone. has returned to New York from a trip in the South and South- west, arranging for installations. His most recent order is from H. U. Paradis, calling for installations in the following theaters: White, Green- ville. X. C; Colonial, Fairboro, N. C; Palace. Sanford. N. C; Oasis, Wilson, N. C; Opera House, Smithfield, N. C. Newspaper Boosts Sound Devices North Platte, Neb. — The Tribune ushered in the advent of Vitaphone and Movietone at the Keith here with a six column story and much editorial comment which bids fair to increase theater attendance here, it is reported. Embassy, Milwaukee Goes Sound Milwaukee — The New Embassy, formerly the Empress, has reopened with pictures. It has been redecor- ated and is now playing sound pic- tures under management of Stanley Brown. ORGANIZES RECORD CUES FOR NON-SYNCHRONIZERS Chicago — Marie Pierson has organ- ized the Exhibitors' Cueing Service to supply theater owners equipped with non-synchronous machines cue sheets for standard records used over such devices. Miss Pierson has been identified with the development of theater cue- ing since Orchestraphone was placed in the market by National Theater Supply Co. The cueing of every film submitted to the Exhibitors' Cueing Service is supervised by her and a detailed cue sheet, with full instructions, including the name of each individual record, its manufacturer and number, is re- turned to the exhibitor. From this sheet, the operator of the "cueing" instrument can fit the proper music and sound effects in the picture se- quences. This service is available for a single film or for an entire year's booking, and is adaptable to any make of cueing instrument now on the market. Toronto Theaters Change Prices Due to Sound Ottawa — Significant price changes have taken place in sound and silent theaters. With the introduction of sound at the Regent, Ray Tubman raised admissions 10 cents. Enormous crowds were in evidence. At the same time Ambrose Nolan reduced prices 10 cents at the new Avalon, opened only a few weeks ago, where silent films prevail. Regent prices are now 45 and 60 cents while at the Avalon they are 20, 25 and 35 cents. Labor Difficulties in New England Being Ironed Out Boston — Difficulties between thea- ters equipped or about to be equipped for sound and the unions are respon- sible for the presence here of W. A. Dillon, international representative of the I.A.T.S.E. At Holyoke, the Vic- tory has had no stage hands since it adopted a picture policy some two years ago. It now has Vitaphone equipment and Dillon was success- ful in getting the management to place one man back stage and also prevailed upon this house to put in extra projection room help. He also straightened out differences at the Keith house in Portland, Me. At the Broadway in Springfield, owned by the Goldstein Bros., he suc- ceeded in getting the management to keep the usual crew. This house was recently wired. DAILV Sunday, January 13, 1929 "In Old Arizona" Fox Length: 8724 jt. THEY'LL EAT IT UP AND THE PICTURE DESERVES IT. FIRST SOUND PICTURE MADE IN NATURAL EXTERIORS: THAT MEANS NOVELTY. RAT- TLING GOOD YARN PLENTY SEXY AND BEAUTIFULLY EN- ACTED: THAT DECLARES IT IN. Cast Warner Baxter, as the bandit will knock 'em for a loop. He's magnificent. Edmund Lowe in a hard-boiled sergeant role, delight- ful; Dorothy Burgess as "the no- good-gal" competent and clever, others all fine: Farrell McDonald, Ivan Linow and Solidad Jiminez. Story and Production. .. .Western, based on "The Caballero's Way," by O. Henry. Baxter as the Cisco Kid is the bandit terror of the Arizona territory. Edmund Lowe, tough ser- geant, is commissioned to get him. Dorothy Burgess, the girl in the case, loves generously and none too well. She plays up to Lowe; Baxter learns of it and wreaks a unique vengeance which ends in the girl's death at the hand of her soldier lover. Strong stuff at the close. Photographed out- doors . The sound will give the pub- lic a new thrill. The dialogue, Eng- lish, largely with a Spanish accent, is a pure delight while many of the lines are funny. Believe us, this one is there^like a million. All-dialogue. Direction, Raoul Walsh, Irving Cummings, splendid; Author, O. Henry, story adapted by Tom Barry; Dialogue, Tom Barry; Photography, Arthur Edeson, fine. Ronald Colma/n in "The Rescue" United Artists Length: Synch. 7920 ft. COLMAN'S FIRST SOLO PIC- TURE SCORES. AN ADVEN- TURE STORY. SUSPENSEFUL IN ITS CONSTRUCTION AND GRIPPING IN ITS TEMPO. Cast Colman splendid as the gentlemanly sea captain-adventurer. Lily Damita a very satisfying eyeful and a sexy lady. Others Alfred Hick- man, Theodore Von Eltz, John Dav- idson, Philip Strange, Bernard Siegel, Sojin. All good. Story and Production Adven- ture drama of the South Pacific. The suspense in the opening reels is im- mense. King Tom, sailor man ex- traordinary, is the central figure around which gun running, political upheavals and the love interest with Lily Damita are built up. The story concerns King Tom (Colman) and his promise to reinstate a native ra- jah who had once saved his life. An English yacht, with Damita aboard, runs ashore at the scene of the story and upsets the plans. The picture gets its title through the events that lead to the rescue of Damita's hus- band from the natives. The finish, logically dramatic and sensible, sees the lovers parting forever more. Ex- pert direction made the picture Syn- chronized. Direction, Herbert Brenon, splen- did; Author, Joseph Conrad; Sce- nario, Elizabeth Meehan; Editor, Marie Halvey; Titles, Katherine Hil- lier, H. H. Caldwell; Photography, Geo. Barnes, magnificent. "The Last Warning" Universal Length: Silent 7731 ft. Length : Synch. 7920 ft. MYSTERY MELLER REHASH- ES ALL THE OLD STUFF BUT LENI'S ATMOSPHERIC DIREC- TION KEEPS IT INTEREST- ING. POOR SOUND EFFECTS. Cast Laura La Plante some- what miscast in serious role. Mon- tague Love gives the only impressive performance. Others Roy D'Arcy, Margaret Livingston, John Boles, Bert Roach, Burr Mcintosh. Story and Production. ... Mystery melodrama, from the stage play. Chiefly notable for the atmospheric effects and camera technique, and throughout the craftsmanship of di- rector Paul Leni is very evident. Leni was after effects, and to achieve them he built up several of the char- acters to a point where they became caricatures. The plot is somewhat in- volved, and far from plausible. The sound effects were away off when caught at the Colony on Broadway, and the dialogue sequences were far from impressive. For one thing there were too many screams of frightened women in the cast. During a Broad- way performance, the leading man is murdered as the stage goes dark. His friend reopens the theater later with the same cast, and uncovers the murderer. Direction, Paul Leni. effective; Au- thors, Thomas Fallon, Wadsworth Camp; Scenario; Alfred A. Cohn; Ed- itor, Robt. Carlyle; Titles, Dialogue, Tom Reed; Photography, Hal Mohr, very good. Rex Bell in "Taking A Chance" Fox Length: 4876 ft. FAIR JUVENILE WESTERN. RATHER LIGHT ON THRILL STUFF AND HAS LITTLE FIGHTING. EVIDENTLY MADE TO PLEASE THE KIDS. Cast.... Rex Bell is the pleasing young hero who shows little in the way of riding or fighting. Others Lola Todd, Richard Carlyle, Billy Watson, Jack Byron, Martin Cichy Sfory and Production. .. .Western. This was made for the juvenile trade, and as such is a fair number. This is the new juvenile star's fourth star- ring vehicle, and he bids fair to cut quite a niche for himself among the young fans. He has a very pleas- ing personality, although in this one he gets little chance to do any spec- tacular riding or fighting. There is quite a little comedy injected, to make up for the lack of real action, evidently. Rex is a cowboy who has been with a circus doing magician acts. Pie hooks up with a traveling minister and they start to put over a show together, one preaching and the otlier doing the showmanship stuff to bring them in. Of course there is the villain trying to take ad- vantage of the gal, with the hero setting things right. Direction, Kornian McLeod, satis- factory; Author, Richard I'rct Hartc; Scenario, A. H. Halprin; Editor, M. Logan Pearson; Titles, not listed; Photography, Sol Halperin, clear. "The Jazz Age" FBO Length: 6245 ft. OUTWORN "FLAMING YOUTH" IDEA WITH NOTH- ING TO RECOMMEND IT. HOLDS NO APPEAL FOR GROWN-UPS WITH SILLY AN- TICS. Cast. .. .Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., as the featured juvenile is better than the film, and the same can be tsaid for Marceline Day. Henry B. Wal- thall lends dignity to a dizzy story. Others Myrtle Stedman, E. J. Rat- cliffe, Gertrude Messinger. Story and Production Drama of modern youth. Just a hodgepodge of what the wild modern youth of America is supposed to be. The son of the poor lawyer in a small town pals with the daughter of the mil- lionaire traction magnate. Among the wild parties they stage, is one where they take a joy ride with a trolley car and wreck it. Of course it points a moral. The boy finally comes to the aid of his dad at the city council meeting when the trac- tion gang is trying to get him to I)lay ball with them by threatening to send his boy to prison for wreck- ing the street car. Meanwhile the boy is trying to save his young sis- ter from making whoopee, which makes the plot a little more involved. Poor stuff. Direction, Lynn Shores, flat; Au- thor, Paul Ganglin; Scenario, Paul (janglin; Editor, Ann Mc Knight; Titles, Randolph Bartlett; Photogra- phy, Ted Pahl, good. Leatrice Joy in "Tropic Madness" F"BO Length: 6324 ft. SOUTH SEA YARN MISSES BIG PUNCH SCENE AND LACKS SUFFICIENT ACTION TO MAKE IT ANYTHING BUT A FILLER. Cast. .. .Leatrice Joy gives a good performance as the white woman on *he South Sea island. Others Lena Malena, George Barraud, Henry Sedley, Albert Valentino, David Du- rand. Story and Production. . Melodrama of the South Seas. This is a very artificial yarn that is directed better than the flimsy theme deserves. In fact, it reflects a lot of credit on Bob Vignola that he was able to make this yarn entertaining at all, considering the slimness of the ma- terial and the far-fetched situations. Story opens with a man in England committing suicide because of the extravagance of his wife. He makes provisions before his death to send his baby boy to a friend, a trader in the South Seas, so that his wife can- not have him. Years later she stum- bles on the island, and the trader falls in love with her. The big scene in- volves attempted sacrifice of the child by natives to pacify the god of the volcano. This scene falls pretty flat. Direction, Robert Vignola, good; Author, Ramon Romeo; Scenario, Wyndham Gittens; Editor, Jack Kitchen; Titles, Randolph Bartlett; Photography, Nick Musuraca, okay. "Romance of the Under- world" F'ox Length: 6162 ft. CAPABLE DIRECTION AND HAND - PICKED CAST MAKE AVERAGE ENTERTAINMENT OF OUTDATED CROOK YARN THAT SAGS IN SPOTS. Cast. . . .Mary Astor lovely as ever, but hardly the type for a come-on gal in a tough joint. Robert Elliott captures the honors with his fine characterization of the detective. Story and Production. . Melodrama of the underworld. Based on the old stage play by Paul Armstrong. Over a decade ago this playwright's stuff was the last word in underworld thrillers. But the screen has so far outdistanced him with the recent avalanche of underworld plays that this up-to-date rehash of the old ma- terial creeks in a few places. Direc- tor Cummings did wonders with it, and breathed a lot of life into the old corpse, and the cast were all ex- ceptional and made the film look far better than your sober intelligence told you it was. The heroine quits the tough joint and her stool pigeon pal, and after taking a whirl as laun- dress and waitress becomes a stenog, marries her boss, a child arrives, so does the stool pigeon to queer the works, etc. Direction, Irving Cummings, capa- ble; Author, Paul Armstrong; Sce- nario, Sidney Lanfield, Douglas Dotz; Editor, Frank Hull; Titles, Garrett Graham; Photography, Conrad Wells, fine. "Thundergod" Crescent Length: 5917 ft. MAKES A FAIR PROGRAM PICTURE WITH STORY OF LUMBER CAMP THAT CAR- RIES GOOD PROPORTION OF ACTION AND THRILLS. Cast Lila Lee and Cornelius Keefe carry the leads acceptably. Others Walter Long, Helen Lynch, Ray Hallor, Jules Cowles. Story and Production. . Melodrama of the North Woods. This is a rea- sonably interesting yarn of the lumber camps, with an Indian legend concerning the Thundergod moun- tain forming a background. The hero arrives from the city in the lum- ber camp, having gone away to for- get the gal who jilted him. In the camp he finds Enid, who runs the works, and she of course is having trouble with her 'villainous superin- tendent. The rest of the plot follows the usual lines, with the villain hold- ing up the work and a big jam in the river threatening to crash every- thing. The super is killed by a shaft of lightning that seems to come from the mysterious mountain, carrying out the old Indian legend of ven- geance. Direction, Charles J. Hunt, fair; Author, James Oliver Curwood; Sce- nario, Arthur Hoerl; Editor, William Holmes; Titles, not listed; Photog- raphy, Robert E. Cline, good. £)/^|LY Sunday, January 13, 1929 First National Completing 4 Stages Twelve Stages for Vitaphone Pictures to be Available at First National by End of January Five Talkers on United Artist Program — Other Coast News and Ralph Wilk's Personality Briefs SOUND PROGRAM BEING SPEEDED AT FIRST NAT! Seven sound stages will be available at First National before the end of January. When they are completed it will be possible to use 12 stages for Vitaphone pictures. These in- clude the theater stage, the experi- mental stage and laboratory, and the specially constructed sound stages. Some temporary sets will be enclosed by sound-proof material. Paramount Signs Harry Green Harry Green, vaudeville star, has been signed by Paramount for "Close Harmony," Elsie Janis-Gene Markey story in which Charles Rogers and Nancy Carroll will have the leading roles. "Skeets" Gallagher, Jack Oak- ie, Oscar Smith, Daisy BufTord and Matty Roubert have been selected for the cast. John Cromwell will di- rect. George Fawcett Assigned George Fawcett has been cast in "Innocents of Paris." Sylvia Beecher of the stage will play the heroine in this all-talking production in which the voice of Maurice Chevalier will be heard singing a number of songs written especially for him. Richard Wallace will direct. More Additions to "The Squall" Latest additions to the cast of "The Squall," (First National-Vitaphone) are George Hackathorne, Knutc Erickson and Harry Cording. Alex- ander Korda is directing. Perez Gets Titling Job Paul Perez has been assigned by First National to title "Why Be Good?", Colleen Moore's new produc- tion. Perez recentlv titled "Wearv River." "Glory" Sequel Starts Soon Raoul Walsh is preparing for "The Cock-Eyed World," based on a story by Laurence Stallings and intended as a sequel to "What Price Glory." Victor McLaelen and Edmund Lowe are to be featured. T-S Stars Eve Southern Eve Southern is being starred by TifiFany-Stahl in a film temporarily titled "The Miracle." George Ar- chainbaud is directing. Sound Added to Coghlan Film "Square Shoulders,'' featuring Junior Coghlan, has been completed at Pathe. Work has been started on the sound version. Little from ''Lots'' By RALPH WILK Hollywood AH. HALPRIN and Seton L • "Happy" Miller are among the Fox scenarists who became fathers (luring 1928. In fact, Halprin's \c)ungstcr will receive presents only once a year, having been born on Christmas. * * * Margaret Chambers is becoming one of the busiest character actresses en the Coast. She spent fifteen years on the stage, before entering pic- tures. * * * The work of Sol Polito, cameraman, has become so popular, that directors l)id against each other for his ser- vices. Sol, John F. Seitz and Arthur Martinelli are among the old Metro cameramen who are now First Na- tional. * * * Passing Shoiv: Bertram Mill- hauser, George F. Seitz and Beulah Marie Dix conferriyig at Fox; J. J. Gain motoring on Western Ave.; Charles C. Burr, Cornelius Keefe, Al Mannon and James R. Diamond chatting at Tec-Art; Marty Cohn busy at Tiffany-Stahl. * * * Genial Ralph Dietrich is edit- ing "Hearts in Dixie," Paul Sloane's first production for Fox. * * * Roy Clark, former Eastern camera- man, who photographed "Sunset Pass" and "Avalanche," Westerns, is preparing for another production at Paramount. Robinson's First Chosen "Listen, Baby," is to be first pic- ture directed by Casey Robinson for Pathe. Elsie Janis and Gene Markey wrote the story. Eddie Quillan and Dorothy Appleby will head the cast. Pathe All-Talker Titled "Strange Cargo" is title selected for Pathe's first all-talker, filmed as "The Missing Man." Benjamin Glazer directed the picture, cast of which in- cludes Lee Patrick, Frank Reicher, June Nash, Russell Gleason, Otto Matieson, Ned Sparks and Warner Richmond. ROBERT LORD WRITER Under Contract to WARNER BROTHERS "Fatal Warning", Mascot in 3rd Shooting Week Mascot Pictures is in the third week of production on its serial "The Fatal Warning," cast is headed by Kali)h CJraves and Helene Costello and included are Phillips Smalley, Lloyd Whitlock, Sid Crossley, Boris Karloff, Martha Mattox, Symona I'oniface, (jeorge Periolat and Tom Lingham. Mascot plans five serials this year; this is the third. Another Vitaphone Feature Gertrude Oiinstead will play the lead in "The Time, The Place and The Girl" which starts in a few days, (jrant Withers plays opposite while other players include James Kirk- wood, Gerald King, John Davidson, Gretchen Hartman, Vivian Oakland and Irene Haisman. Howard Brether- ton will direct. Jannings Finishes Exteriors The Jannings unit which has been on location at Lake Tahoe making scenes for "A Tale of the Alps," has returned to the Paramount studio. Lewis Milestone, is directing. The featured cast includes Esther Ralston and Gary Cooper. "Dynamite" Cast Assembled Cast for "Dynamite'' which incliulo Kay Johnson, Conrad Nagel, Carol Lombard and Charles Bickford, has been completed and rehearsals will be- gin in the next few days. This will be Cecil De Mille's first for M-G-M. In Colman's Support Samuel Goldwyn has signed Lilyan Tashman and Montagu Love for roles in "Bulldog Drummond," Ronald Colman's first talking picture. F. N. Buys an Original First National has purchased "The Queen of Jazz," by Charles Beahan and Frances Kanes for a forthcoming \ itaphone production. Gallaher Augments Cast Donald Gallaher is the latest addi- tion to the cast of "Thru Different Eves." HARVEY GATES Writer WARNER BROTHERS *The Desert Song" FIVE ALL-TALKERS ON UNITED ARTISTS' LIST Five all-talking pictures, appear on the L'nited .-\rtists list for 192<^. They arc Mary Pickford in "Coquette"; "Nightstick'"; "Lummox"; Ronald Colman in "Bulldog Drummond"; and \'ilma Banky in "Childs, Fifth Avenue." Six part-talkers, four of them in production, have been announced. These are Doujjlas Fairbanks in "The Iron Mask," Charlie Chaplin in "City Lights," "Lady of the Pavements,'^ Gloria Swanson in "Queen Kelly," "She Goes to War", and Harry Rich- man in "Sav It With Music." THE Doorway o£ Hospitality t/NTER the doonvmy o# thit popular hostelry and you feci «t homa. There'* an atmo»phere of cordial welcom* which marks the difference between th« Hollywood Plaxa and ordinary hotels. Your room, too, has that added touch of distinction. Pictures on the wall, over- stuffed furniture, a floor lamp and readioB lamp . . . these are but a few of the features that make you feel at home. Pig'n Whistle Dining Service insures th« best of food. Therefore, when you are ne«t in Los Aitgelcs be sure to investigate. THE HOLLYWOOD PLAZA HOTEL Vine Street at Hollywood Boulevard HOLLYWOOD. CALIFORNIA PAILV Sunday, January 13, 1929 "In Old Arizona" Fox Length: 8724 ft. THEY'LL EAT IT UP AND THE PICTURE DESERVES IT. FIRST SOUND PICTURE MADE IN NATURAL EXTERIORS: THAT MEANS NOVELTY. RAT- TLING GOOD YARN PLENTY SEXY AND BEAUTIFULLY EN- ACTED: THAT DECLARES IT IN. Cast Warner Baxter, as the bandit will knock 'em for a loop. He's magnificent. Edmund Lowe in a hard-boiled sergeant role, delight- ful; Dorothy Burgess as "the no- good-gal" competent and clever, others all fine: Farrell McDonald, Ivan Linow and Solidad Jiminez. Story and Production Western, based on "The Caballero's Way," by O. Henry. Baxter as the Cisco Kid is the bandit terror of the Arizona territory. Edmund Lowe, tough ser- geant, is commissioned to get him. Dorothy Burgess, the girl in the case, loves generously and none too well. She plays up to Lowe; Baxter learns of it and wreaks a unique vengeance which ends in the girl's death at the hand of her soldier lover. Strong stuff at the close. Photographed out- doors . The sound will give the pub- lic a new thrill. The dialogue, Eng- lish, largely with a Spanish accent, is a pure delight while many of the lines are funny. Believe us, this one is there — like a million. All-dialogue. Direction, Raoul Walsh, Irving Cummings, splendid; Author, O. Henry, story adapted by Tom Barry; Dialogue, Tom Barry; Photography, Arthur Edeson, fine. Ronald Caiman in "The Rescue" United Artists Length: Synch. 7920 ft. COLMAN'S FIRST SOLO PIC- TURE SCORES. AN ADVEN- TURE STORY. SUSPENSEFUL IN ITS CONSTRUCTION AND GRIPPING IN ITS TEMPO. Cast Colman splendid as the gentlemanly sea captain-adventurer. Lily Damita a very satisfying eyeful and a sexy lady. Others Alfred Hick- man, Theodore Von Eltz, John Dav- idson, Philip Strange, Bernard Siegel, Sojin. All good. Story and Production Adven- ture drama of the South Pacific. The suspense in the opening reels is im- mense. King Tom, sailor man ex- traordinary, is the central figure around which gun running, political upheavals and the love interest with Lily Damita are built up. The story concerns King Tom (Colman) and his promise to reinstate a native ra- jah who had once saved his life. An English yacht, with Damita aboard, runs ashore at the scene of the story and upsets the plans. The picture gets its title through the events that lead to the rescue of Damita's hus- band from the natives. The finish, logically dramatic and sensible, sees the lovers parting forever more. Ex- pert direction made the picture Syn- chronized. Direction, Herbert Brenon, splen- did; Author, Joseph Conrad; Sce- nario, Elizabeth Meehan; EMitor, Marie Halvey; Titles, Katherine Hil- lier, H. H. Caldwell; Photography, Geo. Barnes, magnificent. "The Last Warning" Universal Length: Silent 7731 ft. Length: Synch. 7920 ft. MYSTERY MELLER REHASH- ES ALL THE OLD STUFF BUT LENI'S ATMOSPHERIC DIREC- TION KEEPS IT INTEREST- ING. POOR SOUND EFFECTS. Cast Laura La Plante some- what miscast in serious role. Mon- tague Love gives the only impressive performance. Others Roy D'Arcy, Margaret Livingston, John Boles, Bert Roach, Burr Mcintosh. Story and Production. . . . Mystery melodrama, from the stage play. Chiefly notable for the atmospheric efifects and camera technique, and throughout the craftsmanship of di- rector Paul Leni is very evident. Leni was after efifects, and to achieve them he built up several of the char- acters to a point where they became caricatures. The plot is somewhat in- volved, and far from plausible. The sound effects were away off when caught at the Colony on Broadway, and the dialogue sequences were far from impressive. For one thing there were too many screams of frightened women in the cast. During a Broad- way performance, the leading man is murdered as the stage goes dark. His friend reopens the theater later with the same cast, and uncovers the murderer. Direction, Paul Leni, effective; Au- thors, Thomas Fallon, Wadsworth Camp; Scenario, Alfred A. Cohn; Ed- itor, Robt. Carlyle; Titles, Dialogue, Tom Reed; Photography, Hal Mohr, very good. "Romance of the Under- world" Fox Length: 6162 ft. CAPABLE DIRECTION AND HAND-PICKED CAST MAKE AVERAGE ENTERTAINMENT OF OUTDATED CROOK YARN THAT SAGS IN SPOTS. Cast. . . .Mary Astor lovely as ever, but hardly the type for a come-on gal in a tough joint. Robert Elliott captures the honors with his fine characterization of the detective. Story and Production. . Melodrama of the underworld. Based on the old stage play by Paul Armstrong. Over a decade ago this playwright's stuff was the last word in underworld thrillers. But the screen has so far outdistanced him with the recent avalanche of underworld plays that this up-to-date rehash of the old ma- terial creeks in a few places. Direc- tor Cummings did wonders with it, and breathed a lot of life into the old corpse, and the cast were all ex- ceptional and made the film look far better than your sober intelligence told you it was. The heroine quits the tough joint and her stool pigeon pal, and after taking a whirl as laun- dress and waitress becomes a stenog, marries her boss, a child arrives, scv does the stool pigeon to queer the works, etc. Direction, Irving Cummings, capa- ble; Author, Paul Armstrong; Sce- nario, Sidney Lanfield, Douglas Dotz; Editor, Frank Hull; Titles, Garrett Graham; Photography, Conrad Wells, fine. Rex Bell in .»»> "Taking A Chance Fox Length: 4876 ft. FAIR JUVENILE WESTERN. RATHER LIGHT ON THRILL STUFF AND HAS LITTLE FIGHTING. EVIDENTLY MADE TO PLEASE THE KIDS. Cast.... Rex Bell is the pleasing young hero who shows little in the way of riding or fighting. Others Lola Todd, Richard Carlyle, Billy Watson, Jack Byron, Martin Cichy. Story and Production. .. .Western. This was made for the juvenile trade, and as such is a fair number. This is the new juvenile star's fourth star- ring vehicle, and he bids fair to cut quite a niche for himself among the young fans. He has a very pleas- ing personality, although in this one he gets little chance to do any spec- tacular riding or fighting. There is quite a little comedy injected, to make up for the lack of real action, evidently. Re.x is a cowboy who has been with a circus doing magician acts. He hooks up with a traveling minister and they start to put over a show together, one preaching and the other doing the showmanship stuff to bring tliem in. Of course there is the villain trying to take ad- vantage of the gal, with tiic hero setting things right. Direction, Norman McLeod, satis- ■actory: Author, Ricliard Bret Harte; 'cenario, A. H. Halprin; Editor, M. gan Pearson; Titles, not listed; tography, Sol Halperin, clear. "The Jazz Age" FBO Length: 6245 ft. OUTWORN "FLAMING YOUTH" IDEA WITH NOTH- ING TO RECOMMEND IT. HOLDS NO APPEAL FOR GROWN-UPS WITH SILLY AN- TICS. Cast. . . .Dougl?.= Fairbanks, Jr., as the featured juvenile is better than the film, and the same can be said for Marceline Day. Henry B. Wal- thall lends dignity to a dizzy story. Others Myrtle Stedman, E. J. Rat- cliffe, Gertrude Messinger. Story and Production Drama of modern youth. Just a hodgepodge of what the wild modern youth of America is supposed to be. The son of the poor lawyer in a small town pals with the daughter of the mil- lionaire traction magnate. Among the wild parties they stage, is one where they take a joy ride with a trolley car and wreck it. Of course it points a moral. The boy finally comes to the aid of his dad at the city council meeting when the trac- tion gang is trying to get him to play ball with them by threatening to send his boy to prison for wreck- ing the street car. Meanwhile the boy is trying to save his young sis- ter from making whoopee, which makes the plot a little more involved. Poor stuff. Direction, Lynn Shores, flat; Au- thor, Paul Ganglin; Scenario, Paul (ianglin; Editor, Ann McKnight; Titles, Randolph Bartlett; Photogra- phy, Ted Pahl, good. Leatrice Joy in "Tropic Madness" FBO Length: 6324 ft. SOUTH SEA YARN MISSES BIG PUNCH SCENE AND LACKS SUFFICIENT ACTION TO MAKE IT ANYTHING BUT A FILLER. Cast. .. .Leatrice Joy gives a good performance as the white woman on ':he South Sea island. Others Lena Malena, George Barraud, Henry Sedley, Albert Valentino, David Du- rand. Story and Production. . Melodrama of the South Seas. This is a very artificial yarn that is directed better than the flimsy theme deserves. In fact, it reflects a lot of credit on Bob Vignola that he was able to make this yarn entertaining at all, considering the sHmness of the ma- terial and the far-fetched situations. Story opens with a man in England committing suicide because of the extravagance of his wife. He makes provisions before his death to send his baby boy to a friend, a trader in the South Seas, so that his wife can- not have him. Years later she stum- bles on the island, and the trader falls in love with her. The big scene in- volves attempted sacrifice of the child by natives to pacify the god of the volcano. This scene falls pretty flat. Direction, Robert Vignola, good; Author, Ramon Romeo; Scenario, Wyndham Gittens; Editor, Jack Kitchen; Titles, Randolph Bartlett; Photography, Nick Musuraca, okay. "Thundergod" Crescent Length: 5917 ft. MAKES A FAIR PROGRAM PICTURE WITH STORY OF LUMBER CAMP THAT CAR- RIES GOOD PROPORTION OF ACTION AND THRILLS. Cast Lila Lee and Cornelius Keefe carry the leads acceptably. Others Walter Long, Helen Lynch, Ray Hallor, Jules Cowles. Story and Production. . Melodrama of the North Woods. This is a rea- sonably interesting yarn of the lumber camps, with an Indian legend concerning the Thundergod moun- tain forming a background. The hero arrives from the citj' in the lum- ber camp, having gone away to for- get the gal who jilted him. In the camp he finds Enid, who runs the works, and she of course is having trouble with her villainous superin- tendent. The rest of the plot follows the usual lines, with the villain hold- ing up the work and a big jam in the river threatening to crash every- thing. The super is killed by a shaft of lightning that seems to come from the mysterious mountain, carrying out the old Indian legend of ven- geance. Direction, Charles J. Hunt, fair; Author, James Oliver Curwood; Sce- nario, Arthur Hoerl; Editor, William Holmes; Titles, not listed; Photog- raphy, Robert E. Cline, good. Sunday, January IJ, 1929 DAILY Collfvii Moore in "Synthetic Sin" A'i;-sf S'titioiiiil I.ctii/th: ()T30 l'(. COLLEEN NOT SO GOOD IN FAR FETCHED PART THAT DOES NOT FIT HER VERY WELL. TITLES MAKE FILM LOOK BETTER THAN IT IS. Cast. .. .Colleen Moore just about i,'et> l)y in a tough part that does not show her off to advantage. Others have feed parts to Colleen, ihey are .\ntonio Moreno. Kdythe Ihapnian, Katherine McGuire, Gert- rude Howard, Gertrude .Astor, Ray- mond Turner. Montagu Love, Ben Hendricks, Jr. Story and Production. ... Comedy. They >eeni to have niiscued when they picked this tor Colleen. The theme is one oi those impossible ones which makes Colleen act like a nit- wit and still have a very intelligent hero chasing after her. The best laughs invariably came on the titles, and without these mirth-builders the lilm would have taken a nose dive. Colleen has a yen for acting. She comes to New York to mix in sin and vice and thus get experience to he a real seasoned actress. She gets in with a gang of gunmen. So inno- cent is she that in a gang fight with gunmen falling all about her she thinks it's just fun. Direction, William Seiter. ordinary. Authors, Frederick and Fanny Hat- ton; Scenario, Tom J. Geraghty; Editors, Terry Morese, Al Hall; Titles, Tom Reed; Photography, Sid- ney Hickox, good. "Taxi 13" FBO Lciujili: .'')7()() ft. CHESTER CONKLIN GETS THIS OVER WITH HIS COM- EDY CHARACTERIZATION AL- THOUGH THE STORY DRAGS HEAVILY IN SPOTS. Cast. . . . C onkliii is practically liu- who.e WH)rks, for it is his comedy work that carries any entertaimnent value. Others Martha Sleeper, Ethel Wales, Hugh Trevor, Lee Moran, Jerry Miley, Charles Byer. Story and Production. .. .Comedy. This is a typical Conklin film which gives him a chance to do his good iiatured boob role, and also works in a few touches of pathos. It man- ages to class up as a fair program number, not because of the story or treatment, but entirely due to the characterization of the comedian. As a taxi driver he is having a tough time supporting his family of 13 kids. He is hired by a gang of jewelry thieves to drive them after a robliery. They hide the necklace in his taxi when the cops get too hot on their trail. The fun only starts about here, when Chester takes a gouty customer for a wild ride as his taxi gets caught on a rope dangling from a speeding fire engine. This se(|uencc is a cuckoo and puts the film over. Direction, Marshall Neilan, fair; Author, W. Scott Darling; Scenario, the same; Editor, Fandro Berman; Titles, Randolph Bartlett, Garrett Graham; Photography, Philip Tan- nura. good. Ken Mdijiiord in "The Phantom City" First Xational Length: 5887 ft. ONE OF KEN MAYNARD'S BEST IN SOME TIME. FULL OF ACTION. AND WITH A SIZZLING THRILL FINISH. REAL ENTERTAINMENT. Cast Maynard has a strong role that gives hini plenty of chance to do his riding stunts and put up a few good scraps, with a thrill climax to top it off. Others Eugenie Gilbert, James Mason, Charles Hill Mailcs, Tarzan (the horse). Story and Production. .. .Western melodrama. Here is a real treat for fans who like their westerns fast and thrilly. The story is unusually good, and is crammed with atmosphere. The locale is a deserted mining town. Ken has been sunnnoned there by a mysterious note. It con- cerns a deserted mine that was once famous, in which his father had held a half interest. Ken encounters a gang who are also interested in se- curing control of said mine. A nice element of mystery is worked up through a black phantom that prowls around the deserted hotel and mine, and keeps upsetting everybody's plans. The explanation of the mys- tery is very satisfactory, and the climax is a Innnmer with the hero fighting the heavy in a cable car as it swings over the center of the canyon. Direction, .\lbcrt Rogcll, fine; Au- thor, .\dele Buffington; Scenario, Adele Buffington; Editor, Fred .Mien; Titles, Lesley Mason; Photography, Ted McCord, very good. "Thou Shalt Not Steal" Ufa Length: 6941 ft. PLEASING NUMBER THAT HOLDS GOOD SUSPENSE THROUGH CLEVER WORK OF LILLIAN HARVEY IN A SYM- PATHETIC ROLE. Cast.... Miss Harvey screens well and creates a nice characterization as the bad little gal who reformed through love. Others all German players, include Werner I-'uetterer, Dina Gralla, Bruno Kastner, Char- lotte Susa. Story and Production. ... Drama. With a Berlin setting, this film looks as if it had a better chance of en- tertaining American audiences than the majority of pictures that come from the Ufa studios. The hero be- friends the little gal who had a tend- ency to go the wrong way. Mean- while his sister has got mixed in a compromising situation with a man about town, who holds her note for a thousand dollars. When it falls due, she robs her brother's safe of jewels in order tt) meet the iJayment. The little girl is blamed. It works out with nice suspense to a pleasing ending. Deserves a i)lay, for it car- ries real entertainment. Direction, Victor Jansen, good; Author, Rdbert Liebmami; Scenario, the same; Editor, Joseph R. Fkis- ler; Titles, the same; Photography, Kduard Hosch. Walter Harvey Pape, okay. SOUND Robert Benchley in "The Spellbinder" Fox Movietone Sii re fire Type of production. .. .comedy skit .•\gain that rare comedian Robert Benchley with one of his goofy num- bers, which in its way is as good as "The Treasurer's Report" or "The Sex Life of the Polyp." This time Bob attends a picnic where he makes a speech for a political candidate, lie talks about everything in the world but the candidate and his <|ualitications. In the usual Bench- ley manner he gets started on one subject and rambles off aimlessly to something entirely different. It is great spoofing, and at the same time taking some subtle digs at the usual blatant soap-box orator. But even the boobs in any audience can enjoy the fun, for it is broad enough in spite of its cleverness. Time. 11 mins. "Pep Up" Cameo — Educational Good Gags Tyi)e of production. ... 1 reel comedy That good comedian Cliff Bowes is back again, and this time in a skit that is w-ell gagged and carries a nice assortment of ready laughs. He goes to a party at the home of his girl, and takes along a poodle as a present. His rival starts to get even by planting some African l)ugs on the poodle and down Cliffs back. The butler sfiuirts bug killing juice on the poodle and Cliff. This juice de- stroys clothing, and as Cliff walks down the street with his girl he grad- ually becomes disrobed as patches of his raiment falls off. It sounds silly to write about, hut it is real funny as enacted by this comedian. Francis J. Martin directed with class. SILENT "The Rag DoU" Novelty — Universal Unique Type of production..! reel novelty This is a real novelty well worked out from the camera angle. It tells the drama of a doll's life, from the time it is cast aside by a rich child who prefers a more elaborate doll than the little rag specimen. After suffering various indignities the rag doll lands in an ashcan and is picked up by a thief who uses it to hide in its sawdust interior a valuable neck- lace he has stolen. At last the doll goes to the special heaven where all good dolls go, and is suitably re- warded. Jacques Rollens directed this with charm and imagination. It will appeal to the intelligent of all ages. no actors appear, the story being idld entirely with inanimate objects I'hen follows "(berry Blossoms," which is beautifully portrayed in lathe-color, showing the festival sea- son in Japan. The reel finishes with "Bottles," showing how young ani- mals of all sorts arc artificially fed the same way as many human babies — with the good old bottle. "Snapping the Whip" Fables— Pathe Skating Fun Type of production .. I reel animated .\\ l''alfa wakes up to find that all his animal friends have gone in for the roller skating craze. They put roller skates on Al, and he is forced to play "Snap the Whip." He gets snapped plenty, winds up by knock- ing down a cop, and is chased over the hill by a whole army of cops. Silly, but the kids will enjoy this non- sense. Pathe Review No. 2 Variety Type of production..! reel magazine Opens with a novelty subject en- titled "A Drama Without Players," in the form of a little playlet in which "Hold "Em Ozzie"— Oswald Universal Gridiron Fun Type of production..! reel cartoon Oswald the funny rabbit does his bit as the hero on the football team. He gets a great hand from his ad- mirers in the grandstand, where are to be found all the animals rooting for him. Of course Oswald wins the game by scoring the deciding touch- down. He does it by converting his ears into a propeller and flying down the field to the goal. It is cleverly animated in the usual peppy style of this series. Pathe Review No. 4 Very Good Type of production..! reel magazine One of the most entertaining of subjects shows the various Pathe News camera aces doing their stuff. .'V half dozen of the boys are shown with full credit given them in the titles, and this is bound to be one of the most popular Reviews yet shown. The next subject shows Eng- lish sailor lassies disporting them- selves on a sailing yacht. The final subject is called "Paper Scraps," and shows I'athcchrome scenes of the four seasons from the viewpoint of a juvenile. "Range Wolf" Western Featurette — Universal Old Stuff Type of production. .2 reel western .Another of the tried anmcnt Specifications: The work of this committee will be to draw- up standard specification sheets to en,il)le owners and projectionists to give adequate information when pKacing orders for equip- ment. Committee of Awards: The work of this committee will be "to suitably recognize any work for the .idvancement of projection or an act of meritorious nature performed by a projectionist." In many instances projec- tionists have risked their lives to protect P^'rons, and the Projection Advisory Coun- cil believes that such men should receive cec- ognition. Committee on Resolutions: Will give rec- ogtiition to owners, executives and managers who promote higher projection st.-indards by flPr'!!'"^ better working conditions and es- tablishing pleasant relations with projectionists. Executives who encourage skill and conscien- tious effort are a more potent influence for TALKING SHOP A Worthy Movement Which Merits Support is New Advisory Council Formed to Improve Projection LE.\DI{RS in the projection field, who have banded together to form the Projection Advisory Council, are entitled to the thanks and the earnest co-operation of the entire industry. The move is a constructive one, hav- ing for its object the betterment of projection — a subject vital to every branch of every company or individual of the industry. It is time that the industry as a whole recognized that fact that pro- jection is a highly specialized and skilled profession, and that the pro- jectionist not only is not just a neces- sary evil, but a skilled technician, whose knowledge must embrace sev- eral arts and industries, if he is to function properly. For years now, in articles and edi- torials we have stressed the impor- tance of projection, endorsing every worthwhile move made to better the thing we are all selling — the picture on the screen. Sound has added a myriad of new duties and problems to projection, hut with characteristic foresight and acumen, projectionists have set out to and are mastering these nev/ problems, always with the thought uppermost in mind, that the show must go on and the picture projected in the best possible manner. There has been a falling down on his duty by many an exhil)itor, whose apath\' has resulted in poor projec- tion, damaged prints and untold finan- cial loss to the industry. However, through the medium of new Projec- tion Advisory Council it is hoped that the campaign of education to be un- dertaken, will sell the exhibitor the idea of the shortsightedness of defec- tive projection, and that nothing but the best will suffice, to gain new pat- ronage, and hold that which he al- ready has. the advancement of better projection than has been generally realized. Declaring that no conflict with the work of any other organization or duplication of efforts is anticipated, the council states its chief purpose will be to wage a campaign of "con- structive propaganda." Its declara- tion of purposes states: "No attempt will be made to have the Projection Advisory Council comprehensively function at once; each committee will be given one simple, workable but important task before starting any other activity for the council. Elaboration of the plans of the Projection Advisory Council will be post- poned until, by the successful performance of certain practical but highly essential work, we can gain the confidence of the industry. Accomplishment will be slow, but in the meantime we ask the industry to lie patient and to have faith in the men w;ho have asso- ciated themselves with the Projection Advis- ory Council. Presentations THREE STAGE NUMBERS AT ROXY THAT CEICK By HERBERT S. BERG In fact laughs One of the richest stage presenta- tions in point of variety was shown last week at the Roxy, the credits about equally divided between three outstanding numbers. These "were a circus clown sketch, an atmospheric bit "In Holland," and the 32 Roxy- ettes in a color carnival. The clown number had a setting showing the performers quarters in the circus. Here the old drama of the clown, bareback rider and Harle- quin was enacted. Douglas Stanbury took the part of the clown, and his vocalizing was splendid. One great number was "Poor Punchinello," by Pollack, Lewis and Young. This air ran through the action, and with the bright costumes of the players helped to build up some fine atmosphere. "In Holland" was a song and ballet bit, with a realistic reproduction of the old Dutch delf pattern in the familiar blue and white carried out in sets and costiunes. A windmill cen- ter added to the quaint design, and the costumes of shiny material resem- bling oilcloth matched the glitter of I he delf china backgroinid. Then there v/as the third smash, the Roxy- cttes. In four groups the i2 girls were a riot of colors, the costumes being backed up with contrasting hues. For instance one group show- ed green fronts and the reverse in bright orange. The skirts were of ostrich feathers, and the entire effect was breath-taking. Add to this Krno Rapee's arrangement of selections from "La Roheme," with a silhouette "Mirtatioi'.'' done against a vivid flame red background, and it was some show, even for the Roxy. ECONOMY WEEK OBSERVED ON THE COLONY STAGE 'i"hc Colony surely missed the ef- fervescent Benny Rubin this week, for that unusual m. c. has taken his departure and it devolved upon band leader Jimmy Carr to put over the stage show. .\nd all they gave him was a second rate hoofing team and a gal of impressive avoirdupois who did slow bends and splits to the great delight at least of the trap drummer who was placed strategically where he could observe every little move- ment without unnecesasrv evestrain. Standard VAUDEVILLE for Motion Pictare PreaeDtation The FALLY MARKUS VAUDEVILLE AGENCY \mtikwimmnom 7876 1531 BBOADWA). rfEWYORKClTY tins became one of the best f the show, for the drunnncr with his effects was selected to put the gal's act over, and this conscien- tious musician standing up just above the girl's slowly moving torso studied her so intently that it had the house m a constant snicker. This show probably is the most economical presentation ever given in a Broadway picture house. Plain cloth drapes for a background, with ^thrce members of the band doing in- •"di vidua 1 vocal acts that were just about able to get by. The two youths hoofed in regulation style, and the heavy gal did lu-r leisurely twists and turns. Jimmy Carr did his best to pel) up the proceedings with a bur- les(|ue on several of Kipling's poems and with the help of his harmonizers managed to squeeze out a few laughs. But taking it by and large, it was a sort of flat affair all round. rubinoefThit of week's paramount show Paul Oscard staged "Cheerio" at the Paramount, which might have been intended as encouragement to Gene Rodemich who undertook his mitial week as m. c. Gene sure needs all the encouragement he can gtt, for there have been so ma^iy wh<) have come and gone before him that the prospect cannot look any too bright for the new incumbent as he surveys the problem he is up against. Rodemich did nothing but introduce the acts in a routine way, and lead the stage harmonizers. But he did the latter .so well that the impression was very favorable. The real hit of the show^ was Dave Rubinoff, who beside leading the or- chestra, came u]) on the boards for his violin number, and it was so good that he had to oblige with two more. In the pit Rubinoff was a mild sensa- tion. He is not only a first class musician, but a great showman. The way he dramatizes with his baton while the spot is on him makes a show in itself. The stage acts were neatly balanced for eye appeal, com- edy and the usual pop picture house fare. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions £or Picture Theatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3S80 12 THE |jQtj2_[gA DAILV Sunday, January 13, 1929 Short Shots from New York Studios ^^By ARTHUR W. EDDY ^^ ARTHUR LUBIN jumped into John Halliday's part in "Jeal- ousy,'' Broad\y dustry. * Tuesday Warners financing Pacent low-priced syn- chronizer, report says. Fox announces plans for Chicago, Los An- geles, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Boston and Cleveland theaters. Wednesday Fox building program anticipated in south- ern Texas. Masterphone, disc device, demonstrates in- terchangeability at Seattle; sound-on-film attachment planned. Thursday Western Electric to offer lower-priced sound equipment after June 1. Two hundred theaters acquired by Fox in Greater New York deals; 20 new theaters planned. Friday Fox seeking from 60 to 75 more houses in and around New York. Twenty-six features and 26 single reel color subjects reported planned by Tiffany-Stahl for 1929-30. Saturday Walter Reade- circuit of ,U theaters in New York, New Jersey and Ohio seen as next major purchase by Fox. Seventy theaters in South Africa is Kinema Ltd. goal. American companies in Europe oppose taxa- tion. Free pictures for hotel guests is newest wrinkle in Chicago. Fire Wipes Out Ark. House Hartman, Ark. — Fire which started in the projection booth completely destroyed the Hartman here owned by Dr. Herbert Boyer. Insurance policies on the property expired a few days before the fire, it is stated. i^ Vitaphone at Puducah Arcade i'uducah, Ky. — Columbia Amuse- ment ("o. which operates the Arcade, has (ipciied with sound. "Waterfront" was the first sound picture shown. Swiss and German Co. Formed for Sound Films (Coiitinurcl from Page 11 Tri-Ergon Schallplatten Co. of St. Gall, have merged into a new hold- ing company, according to advices to the }i\. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. The company, capitalized for $57,000, will be known as the Tri- Ergon Holding Co. with headquarters at St. Gall. It plans to participate, at home and abroad, in exploiting talking i)ictures, phonograph discs, radio and allied lines. The articles of incorporation also reveal that the company will be active in the ex- ploitatipn of patents, distribution of films, theater management and partici- tion in financial enterprises which are interested in similar projects. New Company Gets Mich. House Grand Rapids, Mich. — Temple The- ater Co. capitalized at $10,000, has taken over the Temple here from George F. Spaeth. Officers of the new company are; Charles B. Kelsey, president, A. George Gordon, of South Bend, Ind. secretary, treasurer and general manager. George Spaeth owns the Majestic at Fort Wayne and plans other projects. Applies For Charter Wilkes-Barre, Pa. — Application will i)e made to Gov. John S. Fisher by Edmund M. Connolly, William G. Quigley and Michael B. Comerford, for a charter for a corporation to be called Nanticoke Theaters, Inc. Ob- ject of the company is to engage in and carry on a theatrical business. Florida House Cuts Prices Orlando, Fla. — The Beacham has reduced its adult adinission prices from 60 to 50 cents. The house features Vitaphone and Movietone. Mountcastle at Richmond Richmond, Va. — J. R. Mountcastle, who managed the Bijou here, has been appointed manager of the Co- lonial succeeding Herbert Curtis. Mountcastle's successor at the Bijou has not been named. Short Subjects (Continued from Foijc 9) they put on a couple of costumes and mingle with the chorus. But the manager was hard-boiled, and when he finally sorted them out, the boys found themselves out on the sidewalk by way of their ears. The action is snappy, and the comedy is there in abundance. Directed by S. Newfield. "Knowing the Ropes" — Grantland Rice Pathe Up-to-Date Type of production..! reel Spotlight All the forms of athletic activity and sports that employ the use of a rope are shown, and there is an ex- hibition of some very clever lariat work by a cowboy that is unusual. Then views are shown of a rodeo with the boys showing just what can be done with the whizzing twine Also is shown the manner in which a Hollywood player keeps in trim by skipping rope in plain and fancy variations. "Clunked on the Corner"— Sennett Pathe Clever Burlesque Type of production. . . .2 reel comedy Johnny Burke, former vaudeville headliner, is featured in this laugho- logy, wherein he appears as the well meaning goof who stumbles into two slick crooks. In his innocence he tries to help them and tlie result is a series of good laughs mixed with some real pathos. Carmelita Geraghty and Vernon Dent are the crooks, and they help Johnny to make this a laugh number of the first water. Di- rected by Harry Edwards with a lot of class. "Have Patience" — Buster Brown Universal Good Juve7iile Type of production. .2 reel comedy The fun this time is on a sleeper where Tige and Buster with the help of Mary Jane succeed in making things very uncomfortable for the Filmdom's Recognized Book Of Reference For Past Ten Years 1929 Edition OUT IN JANUARY Over One Thousand Pages FREE TO FILM DAILY SUBSCRIBERS COVERS EVERYTHING GOES EVERYWHERE rest of the passengers, including poor dad who thought he was all set for a nice restful vacation. Tige creates a small riot when he gets in the baggage car and releases a crate full of chickens. It all winds up with the gang being put ofif the train and the usual punishment for Buster from his irate dad. The- direction by Sanniel Newfield is snappy. The fans will get a lot of fun out of the antics. "The Fixer" Juvenile — Educational Ordinary Juvenile Type of production. . . .2 reel comedy Big Boy gets a job as assistant to the vacuum cleaner man. They start out to clean the house of a very ritzy lady. There Big Boy with the help of his kid brother succeeds in almost tearing the house apart as he manipulates an enormous vacuum cleaner. Nothing particularly new. Here is Big Boy, an unusual screen trouper, and they give him the same line of stuff that any of the ordinary screen kids could do just as well. That's the sort of material that sent him over big when he first started, but the gang out at the studio all seem to be sitting back and resting now — on Big Boy's laurels. And the kid's too young to holler about it, so we'll holler for him. Wintroubs Handling Dramaphone Omaha — Max and Phenias Win- troub, who now operate the Security Pictures Corp., here have acquired dis- tribution of Dramaphone in western Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and western Missouri. Company name is being changed to Wintroub Distributing Co. EGGERS INCORPORATED Photo Engraving Specialists to the Motion Picture Industry DAY AND NIGHT 250 West 54th Street NEW YORK Telephone: Columbus 4MI'2-3 /// the ''T^alkies' too The fidelity of sound reproduction with motion pictures is affected by every variation in the film — be it ever so slight. That is why, in the ''Talkies" too, Eastman film excels. The great quantities in which it is produced, the strict supervision constantly ex- ercised — the resulting uniformity from roll to roll, day to day, year to year — these factors of Eastman film manufacture are of first importance to the newest development of the art. EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY ROCHESTER, N. Y. reasons why Atneriea is rushing to hear and see IN OLD ARIZONA the Epic American Drama of La^w and Order =Love and Revenge = I The round-up of frantic cattle. 2 The Arizona stage coach holdup. J^ Wild women and rough men in the gold miners* dance halL ^ ^* ^* Cavalry on the Rio Grande. ^ Barber shop wise cracks in 1898. O The gypsy serenade. / The 1898 gold digger fools her man (even as today). 9 EDMUND LOWE as the shootin^ spitting crack -shot Sergeant Dunn ! €f DOROTHY BURGESS as the she-devil, passion incarnate Tonia Maria. lO WARNER BAXTER as the merciless Robin Hood, singing his heart out. WILLIAM FOX presents THE GRANDEST TALKER EVER HEARI» Hear it Big as all Outdoors F Play it MOVIETONE 100% dialog feature X Filmed in Nature** Beauty Spots Vitaphone Service Assured Pacenjt Synchronizer iTHE o/'FILMDOM ML THE NEWS ALLTHE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 11 Monday, January 14, 1929 Price 5 Cents Out of Bounds THE divine right of the dol- lar sets unreasonably on most people. Take the pro- tection situation, by way of ex- ample. The clauses demanded by some of our self -crowned theater dictators are becoming as rational as the fraternity that inhabit the padded cell. No longer are mere miles in all directions from the favored de luxe house demanded. It's getting to be whole counties now. Next year, it may be entire states and pretty soon there will be no more worlds to conquer. What a pity. The protection problem is rapid- ly slipping into an industry mael- strom. Attention must be turned to it sooner or later. It might better be now — and from within the industry's own ranks. Self- regulation, it is well to remember, is more to be desired than outside pressure. Practical Stuff Exploitation, the cream in the mo- tion picture coffee. Why there is not more concentration on its practi- cal phases, we have never understood. For instance, look what intelligent showmanship will do for Pickford's new picture, "Coquette." In 24 key cities, 24 important dailies are tied in on a popularity girl contest. The winners go to the Coast, newspaper writers tagging along. There Mary will entertain them. Then the girls go back home and the playdates are fixed. From then on you figure it, bearing this in mind: A similar stunt was pulled for "My Best Girl," which sent that picture over with several pronounced bangs. Vic Shapiro conceived the original idea and now revamps it for Mary's latest. It's a pip. Wait until the grosses from the 24 keys roll in fof proof. A Wrinkle "Curiosities." that interesting pic- torial magazine which takes you around the world and permits j'ou to peek into odd corners and what they contain, has been set to sound. We saw the first and came away con- vinced that its entertainment quali- ties were enhanced by the voice that ad libbed during each shot. It's novel. You know what that means at the box-office. KANN PACENT STARTS INSTALLATIONS, DEVICE APPROVED BY WARNERS Understanding ? "There is a widely circulated rumor in the financial district that Paramomit Famous Lasky eventually may be found to be working in close harmony with Radio Corp." states "The Wall Street Journal." "No confir- mation has been obtainable, but many are inclined to credit the report and it is being re- peated in all quarters. The stock has held well in the past few days, although outside profit taking has been on a somewhat larger scale than in recent weeks." Brin Returns to Milwaukee After Setting Chain Deal With negotiations understood com- pleted for sale of his circuit of Wis- consin theaters. L. K. Brin, who spent several days in New York con- (Continued on Page 2) $40,000,000 IN BONDS TO FLOAT FOXTHEATER BUYS I*'ive important Wall Street bank- ing firms shortly are to float $40,- OCO.OOO in bonds on behalf of two of three new Fox theater companies organized to operate the many chains acquired and to be acquired in the Fast. Fox Metropolitan Playhouses, which last week announced purchase of almost 200 theaters in Greater New York and New England will be sold to the public via a $20,000,000 issue as will Fox Interstate Theaters, Inc., formed to operate in New Jer- sey, upstate and towns near New York, with a flotation of like propor- tions. Smith Again Being Talked of as President of RCA Former Governor Al Smith of New Ycrk again is being boomed for presidency of RCA, according to per- (Continued on Page 2) I rtiu-.rii:Ai;i:>j pzxTJivAir 4v.!"V>v\Na 1 hi>fiarcL A..-;-,.Jt. ISLE OK MAN P'of-lvi-j. BoogUis fhlf, "<^ ^ ^ UJlitf-in. I. TasSJ*"'' iT See "THE BONDMAN" a WORLD WIDE PICTURE, starring Norman Kerry, exteriors actually made in the romantic Isle of Man and Sicily, home of the vendetta, from SIR HALL CAINE'S great novel of bitter hatred conquered by love. Exhibitors' Choice Selling. — Advt. First Reproducer Other Than W. E.'s to Be Served by Warners With Vitaphone prepared to ex- tend service, installations of the new Pacent reproducer have begun. The Lincoln tlieater in L^nion Hill, and the Moiitclair at Montclair in New Jersey already have been equipped with the device which is selling at a price range of from $2,500 to $3,000. Paramount has already served the Lincoln where "Wings" has played. "The Home Towners" and several short subjo'-t's comprised the first Vitaphone show at the Montclair. George Quigley declared on Saturday tliat Vitaphone's policy toward ex- tending service to theaters equipped with the Pacent reproducer will be determined as eacli installation is made, but that the quality of the machine practically assures Vita- phone service to all houses equipped. WARNER DMER NET E8TIMATE|^$1, Warners' net for December, ae cor^ do pfd 105'/^ 105 lOS'A "M-G-M pfd. .' 255^ M. P. Cap 15 U7/s 15 Para. F L 60% 60 6O/2 Pathe Exch 14J^ 13M 14 do "A" 28 28 28 Radio K-A-O .... 42^ 4I/2 42 ♦Stanley Co 41 *Univ. Pict. pfd 98i/2 Warner Bros 128 125 !4 125% do pfd 565^ 55J4 55M CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 17^4 17% 17!4 Bal. & Katz 82' 82 82 Con. Fm. Ind 22^8 22 22'4 ♦Film Insp •••■ ,25^ Fox Thea. "A" .. 35/8 345/^ 34% Intern. Proi 20 19 20 Loew do deb rts. 34.. 33% 34 Nat. Thea. Sup. .. 10% 95^ 10% Trans-Lux 10% 9j4 10% ♦Univ. Pict 28 BOND MARKET ♦Keith A-0 6s 46 .... 96 Lotf'v 6s 41ww 116 11514 116 do 6s 41 x-war ..100% 100% 100% Paramount 6s 47 ..100^ 100>4 100'^ Par. By 5!4s51 .. .10254 102'4 102'/4 Pathe 7s37 84 84 84 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36.. 97/ 97/ 97/ ■ 'Warner 6/s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 34 36 do units 37 40 do com 5% bl/i Skouras Bros 45 SO Technicolor 9 / 11/ United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com 2 .... do pfd 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED 1 The Broadway Parade THE third week of the new year finds the lineup on Broadway practically the same, with Warners, United Artists and M-G-M with two each to represent them in the big money division. The only change over the week-end is the addition of "The Rescue" at the Rialto which superseded "Abie's Irish Rose." Picture Distributor Theater "The Singing Fool" Warners Winter Garden . Opening Date ..Sept. 19 IS "Jimmy Valentine" M-G-M Astor Nov. "Interference" Paramount Criterion Nov. 16 "The Viking" M-G-M Embassy Nov. 28 "The Barker" First National. . . . Central Dec. 5 "My Man" Warners Warners Dec. 21 "The River" Fox Gaiety Dec. 22 "The Awakening" United Artists. . . . Rivoli Dec. 28 "The Last Warning" . . . .Universal Colony Jan. 5 "The Rescue" United Artists. . . . Rialto Jan. 12 Brin Returns to Milwaukee After Setting Chain Deal {Continued iron Page 1) ferring with prospective purchasers, has leturned to Milwaukee. Fox and Warner were among four companies bidding for the chain. Brin recently took over Pischer-Paramount Thea- ters, in Wisconsin. 100 400 200 12,500 'ioo 600 7,000 200 '266 11,300 1,300 100 3,100 8,300 3,400 400 100 9,800 3l',i66 1,200 200 800 25,300 Newspaper Backs Sunday Shows Newman Grove, Neb. — Notice of the ordinance to permit Sunday shows has been printed and petitions circulated calling for a special election filed with the city board. The min- isterial alliance has been campaigning against such shows here. New York's New Film Bldg. Is Formally Opened Formal opening of the Film Cen- ter Building by Abe N. Adelson, president of Film Center, Inc., mark- ed the completion last week of the new home for the film and allied in- dustries in New York. The 13-story building occupies the entire block front between 44th and 45th Sts. on Ninth Ave. Leases have been closed with the following film firms: First National, Universal. Pathe. FBO, Educational, United Artists, Hol- lywood Pictures, Exhibitor's Progres- sive Poster Co., Sampliner Adver- tising Co., Harold Auten, represent- ing New Era Film Co., Ltd., of Lon- don, DeVry Corp., Phono-Kinema Syndicate, Morris Kleinerman, Inc., General Publicity Co., National Film Renovating Co., Prudential Film De- livery Co., and Alexander Kaufman. ZeUner in N. Y. Arthur Zellner, personal represen- tative of Mary Pickford, arrived in New York yesterday .in connection with the national exploitation cam- paign being conducted for "Co- quette." "Pan" to Build at Hollywood West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — This city is to be the only one of the nation with two Pantages houses, following erection of the new Hollywood house. The Pantages chain now numbers 66 houses. Secures Alameda House Alameda, Cal. — Lawrence Borg and John Peters are the new owners of the Palace here. They are connected with Golden State theater circuit but are operating the Palace as an inde- pendent house. Equity Branch Plans Ball Actors Equity Ass'n will hold a ball Jan. 31 at the Biltmore Hotel, inaug- urating the first of these events for members of the organization. Civil Liberties Union Backs Pathe Censor Fight Endorsement of Pathe's fight against efforts of New York censors to censor sound used in conjunction with pictures and an offer of legal aid, lias been made by the American Civil Liberties Union, which con- siders the censors' stand an encroach- ment on the right of free speech. The Industry's Date Book Van Osten Prepared for Fight Against Censorship Sacramento, Cal. — Thomas D. Van Osten, business manager of Allied Amusement Industries, northern Cal- ifornia exhibitor unit, is here keeping a watchful eye on legislative activity, in anticipation of the censorship bill, reported scheduled to be offered. Three Film Issues Listed on L. A. Curb Exchange IVcrt Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los .\ngeles — Three film issues have been admitted to listing on the Los Angeles Curb Exchange. They are Paramoutit no par common, 850,- 877 shares; Pathe "A" preferred, no par, 251,753 shares; and Fox Film "A" no par common, 820,660 shares. Film Attorney Opens N. Y. OfEce Jesse A. Levinson has opened a New York law office. Heretofore he has confined his legal practice chief- ly to Los Angeles building in asso- ciation with Judge Frank Carleton. Chicago House Changes Policy Chicago — The Sheridan has adopt- ed a rew policy of pre-release pic- tures and vaudeville with three changes a week. First Week — Well Pleased! "We received and showed our first week's trailers and were very well pleased with them." PARAMOUNT THEATRE, Pine Grove, W. Va. Jan. 20 Annual banquet of M.P.T.O. of Eastern Pennsylvania. Jan. 25 Film Guild Cinema opens in New York. Jan. 24-26 Fifth annual conference of Na- tional Board of Review. Feb. 14, 1929 Wampas Frolic, HoUywood. Mar. 2 AMPA Hollywood Masque Ball in New York. Smith Again Being Talked of as President of RCA (.CoiUinued from Page 1) sistcnt report. Gen. Harbord, now head of the company, is on a se- cluded southern vacation, and could not be reached for comment on re- rort he plans to retire. Creelman Writing Two West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles— James A. Creelman, author and playwright, has been signed by FBO to write two orig- inals for talkers, first of which is "Wolves of the Waterfront." Smith Leaving on Sales Trip Cresson E. Smith, assistant sales manager of United Artists, leaves New York today for an extended sales trip which will embrace all but Far West key cities. He is to return about Feb. 1. 'SALE!' Th* Latest Model Double Spring Motor SEPT AUTOMATIC STANDARD MOVIE CAMERA Hold* 16 Feet Film— Ca«e— 6MaB«cine« 2 in. F. 3.5 Leu $29.SO ▼▼no West 32«'St,Nett.H)fK.NLy** 1! Pboa* Pannm. 0330 J] lAM A Former Paramount Executive I WANT One Grade A Salesman In Every Territory to Sell To the Exhibitors A Service as High Class and Valuable To the Box Office As the Picture Is to the Screen Film Salesmen : With High Productive Sales Record Considered Only. Address BOX OFFICE care Film Daily A^^ ORDERED YOUR SHIPMENT .<^- ^<'^*? <.»^ C;vPlfOU,Ot '*^^*^^3Vl Boston. Mass. NATION A.^: \„„,«a„da. N- \ 1 K. BR*'^' Olio *«^^°-^''•^^nOu'o.C»W•. DEbFT, Escanaba. M ^Y Providence, R- ^€%^^" ^S^ '-^€:^' v:\* ,<>*°o'*' s^*:^c> ■uS*" DELIVERIES MDl LN TUE ORDER O? RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS V'^.vv.ft- vo ... ^^" :^^;*:>!H- Ol'^ "a^-V THE ■s&m DAILY Monday, January 14, 1929 Qoast Wire Service, YioMywood Happenings "Evangeline" is Started Edwin Carewe has started produc- tion of "Evangeline," starring Dol- ores Del Rio. Finis Fox prepared the screen story and the cast includes Roland Drew, John Holland, James Marcus, Alec B. Francis, Lawrence Grant, Bobby Mack, Paul McAllister and George Marion. Cast in Hersholt Film William Worthington, actor and director, has been cast in Universal's "The Climax," talker which is to star Jean Hersholt, under direction of Renaud Hoffman. "Squall" Cast Additions Additions to cast of "The Squall," the First National special about to go into production, are Richard Tucker and Zasu Pitts. In the cast are Myrna Loy, Alice Joyce, Loretta Young and Nicholas Soussanin. Alex- ander Korda will direct. Donovan Shooting at Tec-Art Frank P. Donovan is shooting "The Girl with the Golden Eyes," Balzac short story at Tec-Art in silent and sound. This is one of a series of 26 International Short Story Film Clas- sics he is making. He will use De Forest system for sound. They are short subjects. He has made three to date. Darrow in Fox Cast Fox has signed John Darrow, who has just finished a year's work in "Hell's Angels" a Caddo production, for "Girls Gone Wild" co-starring Sue Carol and Nick Stuart under the direction of Lew Seiler. Janningfs' Cast Nearly Completed Ann Brody has been added to cast of Emil Jannings' new Paramount starring film, tentatively called "A Tale of the Alps," which is now be- ing made under the direction of Lewis Milestone. Four Writers Signed by FBO Jane Murfin, Winifred Dunn, Jack Cunningham and Sidney Lazarus have been signed by FBO to prepare con- tinuities and scenarios on the Coast, according to J. I. Schnitzer, president. This is in line with the new produc- tion policy of the company which is reported planning to change its name to Radio Pictures. Babe Ruth in Talker? Christy Walsh, Babe Ruth's man- ager, is in Hollywood negotiating for Ruth's appearance in a talking pic- ture. A Little from ti Lots y* By RALPH WILK Hollywood ENDRE BOHEM, Metro-Gold- wyn-Mayer scenarist, is en route to Budapest, where he will attend the premiere of his play, "For Bet- ter, or Divorce." Endre is on a leave of absence, but will return to the studios in February. * * * Our Passing Show : Walter Byron and David Findlay playing tennis on Findlay' 8 Beverly Hills court; Lothar Mendes and Leo Birinski discussing a scenario at Paramount. * * if For the first time in several years, Fred Niblo was not on a production on Christmas Day and he celebrated the fact by playing host at an outdoor party at his home. * ♦ • Excellent reports filter in on "Broadway Melody," the scenario of which was written by Sarah Y. Ma- son. Miss Mason also provided the screen play of "Alias Jimmy Valen- tine." Gary Cooper Signs Contract Gary Cooper has signed a new con- tract with Paramount. Mary Brian Cast Mary Brian will be the heroine in the talker, "The Man I Love," in which Richard Arlen will be featured. This film will be directed by William A. Wellman. The story is adapted from a play by Herman Manckiewicz. Lupe Velez in Chaney Film Lupe Velez has been signed for "Where East is East," Lon Chaney's next picture. Tod Browning, who wrote the story is also directing. Estelle Taylor and Lloyd Hughes also has been signed. Butler Starts Picture "Son of Anak," by Ben Ames Wil- liams, has been started at Fox under direction of David Butler. In the cast are George O'Brien, Nora Lane, David Sharpe, James Gordon, Edward Peil, Sr., Farrell MacDonald and Frank Hagney. The scenario was written by Harry Brand and Ben- jamin Markson. Assi«;ned to "Darkened Rooms" Evelyn Brent and William Powell have been signed to play opposite in "Darkened Rooms," the Sir Philip Gibbs' story which appeared in Cos- mopolitan Magazine. The screen play will be directed by Lothar Mendez and shooting is scheduled to start Feb. 11. Sweet Directing His Honor "His Honor," a new Fox produc- tion is in work under direction of Harry Sweet, former comedian and gag-man. Louise Fazenda in White Cast Louise Fazenda has been signed for "Hot Stuff," Alice White's new star- ring vehicle which Mervyn LeRoy is directing. William Bakewell has the masculine lead. Thursday Change Policy at West Coast House IVest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — West Coast The- aters is adopting a Thursday change policy at Loew's State. The house now changes on Friday. Rearrange- ment of bookings of Fanchon & Marco presentations necessitated the change. Nadler at Ambridge House Ambridge, Pa. — M. B. Nadler has been appointed manager of the new Ambridge Amuse. Co. house here. The house seats 1,600 and built at a cost of approximately $500,000. Malloy at Altoona Altoona, Pa. — The State, a Wilmer & Vincent house, has opened here with Jack Malloy manager. Sound pictures are featured. W. C. Gets Building Permit Richmond, Cal. — A permit has been issued for the addition of 47^ feet of floor space to the projection room of the California a West Coast the- ater Inc. house. Knoxville Studio Moves Knoxville, Tenn. — The Knaffl & Brakebill's studio has moved to 1630 W. Cumberland Ave. it is reported. Medd at Lumberton Lumberton, N. C. — E. R. Medd has been appointed manager of the Caro- lina, a Lumberton Theater Corp. house. J. W. Griffin, who formerly managed the Carolina, will devote his time to the Pastime, which he owns. Hamilton Policy Change Hamilton, O. — The Rialto here has adopted policy of three changes a week. Merick Amuse. Co. Formed Mineral City, O. — Howard M. Mercy and Kenneth Dick have formed the Merick Amusement Co. and taken over the Opera House here and the Grand at West Lafayette. Sound Pictures 3 New Improvements for Orchestraphone Junior Chicago — Three new improvements to Orchestraphone Junior Model are being introduced. They are: micro- phone attachments, enabling talking effects, effect control, enabling simul- taneous operation of the two turn- tables and extension of the record > library to include a wide variety of sound effects. Prepares Vitaphone Exchange Cleveland — Herman Goldberg of I Vitaphone is here in connection with' the new Vitaphone exchange which will adjoin and be operated in con- junction with the local Warner branch. Sound for Louisville House Louisville — The Kentucky here isi entering the ranks of houses show- ing sound pictures, arrangements have been made to have sound equipment at this second run house by Jan. 20. Vitaphone for Goshen, Ind. Goshen, Iind. — Swanberg Electric Co. of Elkhardt, Ind., has been awarded a contract for the installation of Vitaphone equipment at the Lern- er. Electrical Research engineers ' will supervise. Photophone for Des Moines Des Moines — The Orpheum, a K- O-A house, will be equipped with RCA-Photophone sound device. Vitaphone at Mulberry, Fla. Mulberry, Fla. — Vitaphone sound equipment has been installed in the Rio. Sound at Hinsdale, N. H. Hinsdale, N. H. — Sound cr;uipmenl has been installed at the Monitor here "Wings" Shown Via Phototone Baker, Ore. — "Wings'" was playec via Phototone accompaniment a opening of the Orpheum here. Filmdoni's Recognized Book Of Reference For Past Ten Years 1929 Edition OUT IN JANUARY Over One Thousand Pages FREE TO \FILM DAILY SUBSCRIBERS COVERS GOES EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE Biophone Run of Vitaphone Discs is Approved iTHE o/'fllMDOH VOL. XLVII No. 12 ML THE NEWS ALLTHE TIME Tuesday, January 15, 1929 Price 5 Cents At It Again TH J£ old business is buzzing again. From behind cup- ped hands you hear a lot of dizzy rept)rts about mergers and amalgamations of a calibre that staggers you — and that is putting it mildly. Figures that almost run off the adding ma- chine are reposing, so it is said, and awaiting the word and the moment that will propel them into the film picnic. Funny part is the ravings are not such wild ravings after all. There are several matters of great significance that continue to be discussed, principally in banking circles. But Wall Street is not so far removed from Times Square that the word fails to seep through. Softly, no\v. Fverything in due time. You'll learn about the latest moves of the pawns in this many-million- ed dollar chess game soon enough. Of Interest Len Fields, who spyglasses stories for Universal in New York, is to get his chance at fashioning production. Westward he travels shortly to su- pervise pictures at Universal. At his desk in Xew York will be Florence Strauss, for years with First Na- tional and a diligent unearther of good yarns for films as her record over on Madison Avenue amply demonstrates. Of interest. Joe Steps Up ^leet Joe Plunkett, general man- ager for Radio-Keith-Orpheum: Yes- sir, Joe's stepped right out of the Stanley outfit into the biggest job he has ever held. The task that faces him is plenty large, but Plunkett knows it and is set to give R-K-O his best. When he sits down in his new office on Monday next, Plunkett will be fortified with a barrage of good wishes for success from his many friends — including us. Cleveland They do talk about more first runs for poor old Cleveland. That's no way to treat a respectable Mid-West- ern city. Already the saturation point has been reached and drained clean dry, but what diflference? The chief gag seems to be to build 'em and worry later how to fill 'em. Sounds just like the film business. K A N N Choosing 1 0 Best More than 400 newspapers and fan and trade publications are represented in the ballot- ing to determine the Ten Best Pictures for 1928, for the 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK, to be issued in January. Three hundred thirty-two critics to date have voted itx the annual poll, setting a new record. YEAR'S TEST ON TALKER B.O. DRAW HELD NEEDED West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood— Debate over i)erman- ency of the talkers continues at the studios. Despite the fact that talkers are rolling up big grosses, there are many who believe that only the novelty is putting them over, with their vogue to pass after it wears off. A year's test, based on box office fig- ures, is needed to settle the argu- ment, they say. Meanwhile, studios are working 24 hours a day, turn- ing out talkers. VITAPHONE SERVES DISCS FOR BIOPHONE SHOWING W.E.flLN SHOWN VIA BRISTOLPHONE SYSTEM Sonora-Bristolphone's interchange- ability with a picture recorded by the Western Electric system of sound re- cording was demonstrated again last night with opening of "The Woman Disputed,'' United Artists film, at the Embassy, Portchester, N. Y. Budd Rogers, sales manager, and Mike Sim- mons, advertising and publicity head of Sonora-Bristolphone, attended the opening. WARNERS BUY INTEREST ) IN MUSIC PUBLISHER Gaining control of a number of songs made popular by Al Jolson. Vitaphone star, Warners has pur- chased a "substantial interest" in M. Witmark & Sons, New York music publishing firm. Witmark is one of the pioneer concerns in the music publishing business. It has for years {Continued on Page 2) MEMPHIS EMERGING FROM THE INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC Memphis — Emerging from the in- fluenza epidemic, Alemphis today will reopen its schools. Theaters are registering a considerable improve- ment in attendance, although children tnidcr 12 still arc banned from the- aters. The city health officer de- clares the crisis passed. Brin Denies Any Deal is Closed for Sale of Chain Milwaukee — No deal for sale of his circuit has been closed, L. K. Brin, who has returned from New York, declares.. Several deals were under negotiation while Brin was in New York. Hays Says Censoring of Sound is Abridgement of Free Speech Dates Set for "Redskin" and "The Letter" Paramount has set dates for Broadway opening of two of its new pictures at roadshow prices. They are: "Redskin," Technicolor produc- tion, starring Richard Dix, which opens at the Criterion Jan. 28, and "The Letter," talker starring Jeanne Eagels, which, opens Feb. 23 at the Embassy. West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angelest — Effort to censor dia- logue used in connection with films in curtailment of the right of free speech and is un-.Amcrican, Will H. Hays stated in an interview here. The industry, he says, has been directing its efforts to "so improve the pic- tures that no reasonable person could claim there was anv need for censor- ship." "Educators and leaders of thought (Continued on Page 2) New York Theater Opens with Vitaphone Film After O. K. Installation of Biophone at Leo Brecher's Lafayette, has been okehed by \'itaphoiie, which is serving the house, where "Lights of New York," all-talker, opened yesterday. -Service to the theater is not indica- tive of any general Vitaphone policy, according to George E. Quigley, vice president of N'itaphone. Each in- stance is decided on its individual merit, he says. The Lafayette install- ation was found to reproduce sati-- factorilv. he said. \ STANLEY HOME OFFICE IS MOVED TO NEW YORK Home office of the Stanley Co., of America has been transferred to the Warner building in New York, with Spyros Skouras, head of all Warner theater activity, in charge. S. H. Fa- bian continues as buyer for the circuit, with Ed Alperson, former Warner district manager, as his assistant. Reeves Espy, former advertising and publicity director of the Skouras chain, is in charge of operation of de luxe theaters. His post at St. Louis has been taken over by his erstwhile assistant, Thornton Sargent, with Maurice Davis, formerly of Loews as assistant. The Philadelphia offices of Stanley are being continued by con- tact and theater operating executives. J. J. McCarthy, In 111 Health, Resigns West Coast Bureau, THE fILM DAILY Hollywood — J. J. McCarthy, who recently came West from New York, to head sound activities at Fo.\ Mo- vietone City, has resigned. Winfield Sheehan explained 3'es- terday that McCarthy's resignation was brought on by poor health. His doctor has ordered a six months' rest. No successor has been ap- pointed. Tuesday, January 15, 1929 Vol. XLVU Nt. 12 JITuesday, Ian. 15, 1929 Price 5 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE ?:: PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folic, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donaid M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter, May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months. ' $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should re -nit with Older. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter. 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, I-.a Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low *Am. Seat Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 27-5^ 26-^ East. Kodak 182^ 182^ *do pfd "First Nat. pfd Fox Fm. "A" 96?i 94M *do rts *Keith A-O do pfd 127 126 Loew's, Inc 71% 695^ do pfd 104 104 *M G-M pfd M. P. Cap 15 14^ Para. F-L 605^ 575^ Pathe Exch 14>^ 135^ do "A" 27 261/5 Radio K-A-O 42 J^ 40 ^i Stanley Co 40 J4 40 J4 *Univ. Pict. pfd Warner Bros 126 '^^ 123'/ Warner pfd 56 55^ CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 17'/; 17 'A Bal. & Katz 82"^ 82^ Con. Fm. Ind. . . . ll'A 22 *Film Insp Fox Thea. "A" 900 200 3,500 Close Sales 34?i .... 27 1821^ 128 104 J4 96 3 42 126 69 7A 104 25ys U'A 60 13M 263^ 41% 40^ 98 /i 123"^ 55% 3454 19 35 Intern. Proj 19?^ Loew do deb. rts... 3454 34}4 Nat. Thea. Sup... 10'/, 1054 Trans-Lux 11J4 1054 ♦Univ. Pict 1754 S2/8 225^ 2% 3414 19 3454 10^, 11% 28 54 BOND MARKET Keith A-O 6s 46.. 96 96 96 Loew 6s 41ww ...117 117 117 do 6s 41 x-war.. 10014 1005^ 10054 Paramount 6s 47 .1005^ 100% 100% Par. By. 554s 51.102 102 102 Pathe 7s 37 83 54 83 54 83 '4 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36.. 97'/j 9714 97 *Warner 654s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 32 34 do units 33 35 do com 45/. 5 54 ... Skouras Bros. ... 45 50 ... Technicolor 9 54 1154 ... United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 70 85 «LAST PRICE QUOTED 200 25,300 100 '966 6,600 27,300 1,300 12,900 100 i2',s66 1,200 3,700 200 19,500 33',266 300 1,000 200 76,200 1 5 2 10 1 1 'It Lyiuch Handling Tone Posters Oscar J. Lynch ha.s joined the Mc- Candlish Lithographing- Corp., of Philadelphia, in charge of the Tone Poster department. Lynch has been in the lithograph hu.siness for 20 years. Warners Buy Interest in Music Publisher (.Continued from Page 1) specialized in the pubHcation of the scores of musical shows, and ballads such as "Mother Machree." Victor Herbert, Sigmund Romberg, Ernest R. Ball and George M. Cohan are among the composers whose works they have made popular. 400 Attend Testimonial Dinner to Harry Brandt Harry Brandt was guest of honor last night at a testimonial dinner given by his friends at the Ritz Carlton at which about 400 attended. Brandt, who has been active with his brother William in exhibition in Brooklyn today joins Louccheim, Minton and Co. stock brokers in charge of the Hotel Astor branch. City judges were present. The dais list included Harry Reichenbach, Al Lichtman and David Minton. Fields Associate Producer; Mrs. Strauss Joins 'U' Leonard Fields, for three years eastern scenario editor of Universal, leaves Friday for the coast where he will become associated with produc- tion and with the preparation of two of his original stories. He will be succeeded here by Mrs. Florence Strauss, formerly scenario editor of First National. Pathe to Release Lincoln 1 Reel Talking Special Finishing touches are being put on a one reel Abraham Lincoln sound and talking special, by Pathe for re- lease Lincoln's Birthday week. It will be ready Feb. 10, and also will be available in silent form for un- wired houses. George Billings por- trays the role of Lincoln. Film on Burlesque Bill Wins 'Blue' Exemption Inclusion of a two reel comedy on the bill exempted the Columbia, New York burlesque house, from the Sam- day closing law. Barthelmess Film Dated "Weary River," starring Richard Barthelmess, is to open Jan. 24 at the Central, New York. Plans Personal Appearances Lily Damita, arrives in New York tomorrow. Censoring of Sound Abridgement of Speech (Continued from Page 1) are realizing what censorship of pic- tures really is now that censor boards are presuming actually to cen- sor speech,'' Hays said. "News as heard from the screen, the speeches of the greatest public men on the greatest occasions, are all subject to some of the censorship laws, and the great development which is imminent of speaking films for educational purposes is definitely retarded because of the ridiculous possibility of their being cut to pieces by censors." British Musicians Protest Entry of U. S. Jazz Bands London — Protest against entry of two American jazz bands for engage- ments in London, is planned by Brit- ish musicians, who cite unemployment in their ranks, and point to Ameri- ca's refusal to permit British bands to play in the United States. Abe Lyman's band is one of the two, whose entry will be protested. Ruby Filming Consulich Line Edward Ruby, of Ruby Camera Exchange, sailed last night aboard the the M. V. Vulcania of the Consulich Line for Trieste. He will make a mo- tion picture of life aboard the steamer as well as several land routes which cover Egypt, Palestine, Bombay and Calcutta. Garrick Recuperating Richard Garrick, who returned tn New York some weeks ago following te.i years of production activity in Europe, is recovering from an opera- tion at the Naval Base Hospital, Brooklyn. Zelnik Arrives Today Frederick Zelnik, German pro- ducer, associated with First National in Berlin, arrives in New York on the Majestic today. Heermans Arrive Victor Heerman, director, and his wife, Sarah Y. Mason, who recently finished continuity of "The Broadway Melody" have arrived in New York from the Coast. Hines Recovers Cleveland — Frank A. Hines, man- ager of Keith's Palace, has recovered from a flu attack. Schools, Churches and Clubs using Motion Pictures Should Subscribe for THE EDUCATIONAL SCREEN and keep up-to-date with the new films and new equipment '»» "1001 FILMS' {Fifth EdMon) Complete reference booklet, listing nearly 3,000 educational films given at reduced rate with each subscription $1.50 per year - 5 South Wabash Ave., Chicago, III. The Industry's Date Book Jan. 20 Annual banquet of M.P.T.O of Eastern Pennfylvania. Jan. 25 Film Guild Cinema opens in New York. Jan. 24-26 Fifth annual conference of Na- tional Board of Review. Jan. 31 Theatrical ball of Los Angeles branch of Actors Equity Ass'n. Feb. 9 Dinner of Writers Branch of Acad- emy of M. P. Arts and Sciences, Hollywood, to visiting dialogue writers. Feb. 14 1929 Wampas Frolic. Hollywood. Mar. 2 AMPA Hollywood Masque Ball in New York. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions Sor Picture Tlieatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City j Phone Penn. 3580 Club Luncheon $1^0 Served 11 A.M. to 3 P.M. Table d'Hote DINNER $2^^ Served Every Evening llppir f-obby Motel \icrofia ■7- Ave- 51 St. BUREAU OF COMMERCIAL ECONOMICS 1108 Sixteenth Street Washington, D. C. Co-operating with 42 Govern- ments and loaning films free and speakers throughout the world for the purpose of public instruction. AT WARNER L^^^^l^ MY MAN has^./ /?a5/7 of Early Plat^ Dates Proves Exhibitors are Wise to its Box-Off ice Appeal EMBASSY San Francisco, Cal. VITAPHONE Oakland, Cal. ALABAMA Birmingham, Ala. MAJESTIC Homell, N. Y. JEFFERSON. ..St. Augustine, Fla. STRAND Erie, Pa. STANLEY Pittsburgh, Pa. REGENT Pittsburgh, Pa. HARRIS Tarentum, Pa. HARRIS Washington, Pa. J. P. HARRIS. ..McKeesport, Pa. ROGER SHERMAN New Haven, Conn. GARDE New London, Conn. CAMEO Bridgeport, Conn. PLAZA Asheville, N. C. MELBA Dallas, Tex. GRANADA Everett, Wash. RITZ Columbia, S. C. CAROLINA... Greensboro, N. C. PALACE Raleigh, N. C. MODJESKA Augusta, Ga. RIVIERA Knoxville, Tenn. STRAND Montgomery, Ala. MAINE Portland, Me. METROPOLITAN Houston, Tex. JOIE Ft. Smith, Ark. FAIRFAX Miami, Fla. WORTH Ft. Worth, Tex. QUEEN Austin, Tex. BURNS Colo. Springs, Colo. ALADDIN Denver, Colo. PALM Pueblo, Colo. STRAND Hartford, Conn. STRAND Waterbury, Conn. RIALTO Boone, la. RIALTO Ft. Dodge, la. ORPHEUM Waco, Tex. STRAND Wichita Falls, Tex. STRAND Stamford, Conn. STRAND Scranton, Pa. CAPITOL Wilkes Barre, Pa. D & R Aberdeen, Wash. LIBERTY. . . Walla Walla, Wash. MUSIC BOX Seattle. Wash. BLUE MOUSE.. .Tacoma, Wash. CAPITOL St. Paul, Minn. STATE Minneapolis, Minn. ORPHEUM Ogden, Utah CATARACT. Niagara Falls, N. Y. AVALON Bellingham, Wash. MUSIC BOX Portland, Ore. LIBERTY Centralia, Wash. AVON Utica, N. Y. STRAND Albany, N. Y. TROY Troy, N. Y. AVON Utica, N. Y. PANTAGES DaUas, Tex. RITZ Muskogee, Okla. MAJESTIC Springfield, O. ROBINSON GRAND Clarksburg, W. Va. DOME Youngstown, O. FLORIDA Daytona Beach, Fla. STATE Chattanooga, Tenn. METROPOLITAN Baltimore, Md. FLORIDA Daytona Beach, Fla. PHIEL St. Petersburg, Fla. EMPIRE Lawrence, Mass. STRAND Maiden, Mass. GREAT LAKES . Buffalo, N. Y. STRAND Canton, O. CAPITOL Grand Island, Neb. RIVIERA Omaha, Neb. BROAD Columbus, O. NEWMAN Kansas City, Mo. CENTRAL SQUARE Cambridge, Mass. RIALTO York, Pa. CAPITOL St. Paul, Minn. STATE Minneapohs, Minn. LOEW'S ALLEN. . . Cleveland. O. ROSE Santa Barbara, Cal. PALACE Superior, Wis. LOEW'S STATE New Orleans, La. BELL Temple, Tex. VITA TEMPLE. ...Toledo, Ohio OLYMPIC Steubenville, Ohio TI VOLI Washington, D. C. STRAND Altoona, Pa. PLAZA San Diego, Calif. LUCAS Savannah, Ga. LOEW'S VENDOME Nashville, Tenn. BROAD WAY... Charlotte, N. C. HOWARD Atlanta, Ga. METROPOLITAN Baltimore, Md. METROPOLITAN Washington, D. C. EARLE Allentown, Pa. NOAH'S ARK Tops OHii picture ever tnade Story by Mark Canfield Scenario by Robt. Lord BROS. VlTAPBi Directed by ARCHIE MAYO THE ,^ — I DESERT WhatWarner Bros.Promise Warner Bros. Deliver SONG Is on its wauf PA^THEO^ THEATRE ^^^ Toledo, Oh.o t Pathe peat Exchange. , r, 1 R"^^' ^?'^»i!ind Ohio Mr- 0,i;..v,.n«, Cleveland, Mr Ruby •• vou know how ^ ,~_..„^ News pleased we line to let you Kn lust a 1'"*= ^°pathe Sound New ^a,e with your Patn ^^^ ^ews been showing P^^J? \ i^ getting ^:eThas"ent.-ttf:..egard>tas ='"^ \i belter and we 3^. v,otter and oen^ m- pro&'» Tneo^ the high spots on --e greatly /,,„, wonder- O- P^rthe"enls.ngers.K'S ;^,3 ^^, weekw.ththe . sate f„l act in 'tse" i perfect. I" e synchronization ^^^,„i rt News keeps uP t J^ ^ it is an pr' roud to have. ^ vprv truly. ♦ . . Good judgment? YES! Patrons Step Right Up and Pat Him On the Back I N PALM THEATRE Pueblo, Colo. Mr. A.G.Edwards, Pathe Exchange, Denver, Colorado Dear Mr. Edwards; — I want to congratulate Pathe Sound News — two issues of which now have played our theatre. I am sat- isfied that this is a business builder as it is creating unusual interest and talk afhong our patrons. The wonderful tonal quality and clearness has been the subject most praised by those enthused with your News. The special feature contained in the first two issues makes this more than a news reel, a real piece of entertainment. Wishing you success with this worthy product, I am. Very truly yours, HAROLD E. KIEL The State ind Americ ^-'"^J'olr"^^™^^ '"DJ '^en^emen.— shown. ^ S°"nd News /.I ^'"°- We h "^ sound ^ ^'3% so With ^'"^'Jar 'sn't off'^^ice everv .^^ our " ^ °^fen enough. ^ ^"^^ Weeks yours, E.E. BAIR HAPPY DAYS for the showm an playin PATHE SOi//VD NEWS ft LASS BY ITSELF / Abratn F. Myers Takes Over Allied Reins Today oypiLMDOM ML THE NEWS ALLTHE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 13 Wednesday, January 16, 1929 Price 5 Cents Double Width THE celluloid baby nay have wiggled out of its in- fant clothes, but the strides that carry it toward its major- ity are not yet finished. Having been silent since their begin- nings, it was, of course, merely a question of time and scientific ingenuity before motion pictures realized they possessed a tongue. And, while they don't say very much as yet, time will mellow the vocal chords and lend poise to what they speak. Never fear for that. Now the screen is to take on new dimensions. A film, double in width and one and a half times the height in current use, has been developed and an entire production in sound already made. What It Signifies The film is a Fox development. The picture is "Hearts in Dixie." To bring the innovation to the public necessitate radical changes in opera- tion. A new projector is required, but we understand specifications have been approved by engineers and ac- tual manufacture is the next move. New screens must be provided to catch the enlarged image. That, too, is being arranged. In the studio, the optical and pho- tographic principles involve a new technique in set construction and. we are told, lighting. This has been grasped as well. Insofar as sound is concerned, it appears the wide film, rather than inviting distortion, actual- ly, betters tonal quality. Consequent- ly new opportunities in effects and values are opened up are almost in- finite. And so, there is about to be let loose on the entertainment market in innovation for which we predict hurried exhibitor scramble from irst run quarters. This is the show business. Anything that's new goes. Remember that. Gee Whiz! He's a most important man in a nost important company. Pretty nuch the boss of the whole works, yittiiig in a position where nearly verybody else would be content. fet the unknown of whom we write ; not. He wants to get out and nter another field of industry. How- ver, there exists a contract and Dmetimes contracts even in the pic- are business have to be taken into ccount. But Mr. Unknown usually as his own way. Maybe he'll get again. If he does, it is a story. KANN WORLD WIDE EXCHANGES OPEN THROUGHOUT U. S. Launching of World Wide Pic- tures as a new national distributing organization is being completed, witli Feb. 1 to find all office functioning in keys throughout the United States and Canada. Eastern offices began operating Jan. 2; Aliddle- Wcst offices, Jan. 7; Western and Southern offices, Jan. 14. Managers make their headquarters in Educa- tional exchanges, physical distribu- tor of the product. Launching of (.Continued on Page 4) EERUSGETSSYNCHRONIZER DISTRIBUTION IN EAST Distribution rights for the east- ern half of the United States on Mo- vie-Phone, disc synchronization de- vice, which sells for around $1,000 have been acquired by Sam Efrus, independent producer. He claims the machine interchangeable with (Continued on Page 4) Pacent Plant Near Newark Available for Sound Units New Haven, Conn. — Pacent Elec- trical Corp., now manufacturing a synchronous disc reproducer at the (Continued on Page 13) FOX DEALS FORERUNNER OF NEW EXPANSION STEPS 2 for Cleveland? Cleveland — Two large the- aters are in prospect here, it is understood, with both Fox and Warners planning to build. The Fox project recently was confirmed in New York by William Fox. It will seat 6,000. HAS NON-SYNCHRONIZER Columbia Phonograph Co., is turning its attention to the sound picture field, and is manufacturing the Columbia Theaterphone, non- synchronous disc device. The ma- chine, launched some time ago, now is ready for installations. It is re- (Continued on Page 4) Pathe Censor Test Again Postponed ; Hearing Jan. 25 Injunction suit of Pathe to restrain New York censors from claimed usurpation of the right to censor (Continued on Page 13) Former Head of Federal Trade Commission Makes Debut MINN. EXHIBITOR PLANS U.S. ARBITRATION TIGHT Minneapolis — Complaint charging restraint of trade will be lodged with the Dept. of Justice against the Film Board, by V. R. Morse, owner of the Village theater at Claremont, it is reported by "Greater Amusements." He alleges he bas been cut off from service for refusing to comply with an arbitration award, in a case brought by Warners. Huma-phone Production for Installations Planned Detroit — Production of Huma- phone equipment for theater installa- (Continued on Page 13) Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Abram F. Myers to- day enters upon his duties as presi- dent and general counsel of Allied States Ass'n of M. P. Exhibitors. His resignation as chairman of the Federal Trade Commission was ef- fective yesterday with Commissioner Edgar A. McCulloch succeeding him. Butterfield and Kunsky Oppose Allied Move Detroit — W. S. Butterfield, who operates more than 80 Michigan the- aters, and the Kunsky interests, which have about a dozen Detroit houses, are declared opposed to ac- tion of directors of the Michigan unit, in voting to affiliate with Al- lied States Ass'n. Both exhibiting firms are allied with Publix. Chain To Secure Houses in Majority of Key Cities of U. S. Theaters actiuired in recent months by William Fox in a series of spec- tacular deals are but the forerunner of the theater expansion program planned. Fox who is closing deals for 200 houses in the Greater New York area, has deals under way for many others in the metropolitan zone and other sections. Building of theaters in a number of keys, will give Fox representation in a majority of principal cities of the nation. Fox's deals in Greater New York raised the aggregate of seats in the chain to 700,000, and the goal for 1929 is set at in excess of 1,000,000. WEST coastId publix SEEK SALUAKE HOUSES Salt Lake City— Both West Coast and Publix are understood to have made an offer to buy the American, operated by Abe Glassman, and the Capitol, operated by Louis Marcus, former district manager for Para- mount. Both chains are said to need a Salt Lake stand to fill in on their stage shows. Marcus at present is showing Fanchon and Marco unit at his house. Philadelphia Speculates Over Boyd-Warner Deal Philadelphia — Speculation contiin- ues over the future of the Boyd the- ater. It is generally understood the Warners are negotiating for the new (Continued on Page 13) Chains Decrease Number of theater chains throughout the United States showed a marked decrease in 1928, due to continued expan- sion of the larger circuits, it is shown in figures being com- piled for the 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK. A complete list of chains is a feature of the edition to be issued in January. Wednesday, January 16, 1929 Vol. XLVII Ne. 13 Wednesday, Jan 16, 1929 Price 5 CsdU JOHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should re nit with oider. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Tom Mix Retiring? West Coast Bur. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Tom Mix will make but five of the six pic- tures he is slated to star in for FBO, if arrangements under way for cancellation of the con- tract are completed. The star says he is tired of pictures and intimates he will make a per- sonal appearance tour at picture houses. Grandeur Films, Double Width, Tested by Fox West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Grandeur Film is the title given the double width film with which Fox is experimenting. It is projected, by means of a special attachment on the projection machine to a screen twice as large as present screens. An art director and camer- man will continue experiments. Kohn On B. & K. Board Chicago— Ralph A. Kohn, Para- mount treasurer, has been elected a director of Balaban & Katz., succeed- ing William H. Mitchell. Other directors and officers were reelected. Jolson to Play Granada San Francisco — Al Jolson is to play a week at the Granada. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am. Seat 34 34 34 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 27Ji 26}4 26J4 East. Kodak 182?i 181 J4 181 ■/2 *do pfd 128 *First Nat. pfd 104J^ Fox Fm. "A" ... 96J4 94'A 94J4 *do rts 3 Keith A-O 41 40J4 41 do pfd 130 129M 130 Loew's Inc 70}4 68 70 do pfd 104^104 lOAYs *M-G-M pfd 25ys M. P. Cap 15 15 15 Para. F-L ...... 60^ 585^ 585^ Pathe Exch 13 J4 12?^ U'A do "A" 261/1 26 26 Radio K-A-O 41% 395^ 40J^ .Stanley Co 41 }4 40'A 4054 ♦Univ. Pict. pfd 98}4 Warner Bros 125% 121 122^ Warner pfd 55^ 54^ 54i^ CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 17}4 16J4 17 ♦Bal. & Katz 82 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 22J4 21Ji 21% *Film Insp 2% Fox Thea. "A" .. 34% 33^ SS'A Intern. Proj 18% 18% 18% *Loew do deb. rts 34 Nat. Thea. Sup 10J4 10% 10 J4 Trans-Lux 12 10% 10^ *Univ. Pict 28 BOND MARKET Keith A-0 6s 46. . 96 96 96 Loew 6s 41ww ..117^^ 116 11654 do 6s 41 x-war...l00j4 100 10054 Paramount 6s 47 ..lOQi^ lOO'A 10054 Par. By. 5^is 51 ..10254 lOlM 10254 Pathe 7s 37 83 82 82 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 .. 97 54 97 97 ♦Warner 6>is 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 32 34 do units 33 35 do com 4 A 5J4 Skouras Bros. ... 45 50 Technicolor 9'A 1054 ■• United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 200 900 900 2,966 'soo 400 31,400 100 '266 11,800 8,800 800 13,600 300 7,466 900 2,100 11', 5 66 18,566 100 i',i66 62,300 Start Sound Two-Reeler Production got under way yester- day on a two-reeler starring Alberta Vaughn at the Phonofilm studio on East 48th St. The Educational Film Division of the Stanley Advertising Co. is making the picture which will have dialogue and sound effects. "Eve's Leaves" is the tentative title. Powell in N. Y. William Powell, who has completed his role in Paramount's "The Four Feathers" will arrive in New York today. Colorado Houses Close Denver — The Isis at Victor and Star at Cripple Creek have closed for an indefinite period. Let Us Solve Your Problems ! Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCORPORATED 1540 B'WAY N.Y.C. TELEPHONE BRYANT 3040 30 PICTURES PLANNED BY RKO fOR NEXT SEASON Thirty pictures will comprise the 1929-30 line-up of RKO Productions, formerly FBO Pictures, according to President Joseph I. Schnitzer. The four subsidiaries of the company now are named: RKO Distributing Corp., RKO Studios, RKO Pictures Ltd. of Canada, and RKO Export Corp. K-A-0 Hour on National iladio Broadcast Planned K-A-O Hour on the National Broadcasting Co., chain of radio sta- tions, has been arranged for Jan. 22 at 11 P.M., as the first on a series of R-K-O programs. Woodhull and O'Toole at AMPA R. F. (Pete) Woodhull, president, and M. J. OToole, secretary, of the M.P.T.O.A., will be presented with honorary memberships at tomor- row's meeting of the AMPA. Fight on Fake Schools Planned West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — War against fake film schools has been declared by the Ass'n of M. P. Producers. To Star Charlotte Grreenwood Charlotte Greenwood has been signed to star in a series of Vita- phone pictures. The Industry's Date Book Jan. 25 Film Guild Cinema opens in New York. Jan. 24-26 Fifth annual conference of Na- tional Board of Review. Jan. 27 Annual banquet of M.P.T.O. of Eastern Pennsylvania. Jan. 31 Theatrical ball of Los Angeles branch of Actors Equity Ass'n. Call WAFILMS, Inc. Walter A. Putter, Pres. for Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46tli St., New York Bryant 8181 'WE NEVER OISAPPOINT' mmm miiihAm INCORPORATED 220 WEST 42^-° STREET NEW YORK Phone: Wisconsin 6876 ALLAN A.LOWNES.CEN.MCR. HEAR IT UP TO A STANDARD m DOWN TO A PRICE / Daily Demonstrations in New York for Sound and Silent Pictures A^j -^-_ _^_^5 -^^^ ^ Immediate delivery on either or ^C"»5ftHw«l • both the synchro or non-synchro machines. Perfect tonal values and absolute interchangeability. Two Models. No service charges. No film contracts. Outright sales — as low as $1,000.00 CALL — WIRE - PHONE — WRITE SAM EFRUS 220 W. 42 ST.. NEW YORK Phone Wis. 1177 here^s ivhy IT'S A PLEASURE to play M'Q'M A WOIVIAN OF AFFAIRS John Gilbert - Greta Garbo (Telegram) When Our Dancing Daughters played the Warfield Theatre to the biggest weeks gross any motion picture ever did in any theatre in San Francisco we thought we had established a record that would stand for a long time Stop A Woman of Affairs has just completed a weeks run at the Warfield and beat Dancing Daughters gross by over five thousand dollars establishing a record that none of us thought possible which proves we have in this produc- tion one of the biggest attractions ever released by any company THE FLYING FLEET Ramon Novarro ■'Allow me to congratulate Metro -Goldwyn- Mayer for de- livering exhibitors such an out- standing picture as the 'THE FLYING FLEET.' "No exhibitor can go wrong on advertising this picture as the greatest aviation picture thus far . He should also give this picture an extended run. "Tliere is nothing lacking, good photography, good acting,- with great cast, some of the best air scenes 1 have ever wit- nessed. A bigger surprise than •ROOKIES." "Keep up the good work." S. W. Williamson, Mgr. Majestic Theatre, Camden, S. C "'Flying Fleet' is a corking pic- ture and I don't mean maybe. Tell your exhibitors to get be- hind it with all four feet and guarantee it to every mother's son in their territory. It is a real picture and will go over anywhere." Chas. W. Picquet, Carolina TTieatre Pinehurst, N. C. AND STILL THEY COME! M-G-M MEANS HITS! Oh, see the inan» What is the man doing? The man is making a "Standing Room OnV^ sign* He is getting ready to play the Yearns Giant Picture THE TRAIL OF '98 (Sound or Silent) STARS: DOLORES DEL RIO Karl Dane ^ Harry Carey ' Tully Marshall AUTHOR: ROBERT W. SERVICE DIRECTOR: CLARENCE BROWN i Your Best Friend MembeFof Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America. Inc. II ] THE -.^Bg^ DAILY Wednesday, January 16, 1929 And That's That By PHIL M. DALY pATHE is going to exhibit its •^ crowning rooster trade mark "in person" at the Madison Square Gar- den Poultry Show in New York, be- ginning today and until Jan. 20. * * * This column recently commented on Joe E. Brown's monolog about the German director which he gave at the AMPA luncheon, and said that it would be a darb for a short sound feature. But Tiffany-Stahl, we just learn, already had grabbed the idea, and are using it as a pro- log to a forthcom^ing feature. * * * Disgruntled Patron (emerging from cinema) : "I've never seen a rottener picture! Commissionaire: Ever 'ad yer photo took? ■ — Punch. * * * Fred Niblo says that for 25 y'-tars pictures "have been in their infancy but now that they have learned to talk, the new year should be a howl- ing success." Fend Opens Office Cleveland, O. — Harland Fend, for- merly of the Loew publicity staff is now in business for himself here, handling general publicity. -SALE!' Th* Latest Model Double Spring Motor SEPT AUTOMATIC STANDARD MOVIE CAMERA Holds 16 Feet Film— Ca«e— 6 Masazinei 2 in. F. 3.5 Lene $29.S0 UIILLQCIQHByS ▼▼110 U;cst J2'*St,N«i;Vbrk.NLy.«* The HOTELS Jefferson ON THE OCEAN END OF KENTUCKY AVE. ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. AN HOTEL WHOSE COMFORTS WILL ASSURE ONE OF FULL ENJOYMENT OF THIS GLO- RIOUS RESORT. E^ch Room has Bath — Strictly Fire- proof — Luxurious Lobbies — Sundeck Overlooking the Ocean. Golf Privileges American Plan $7 up European Plan $4 up OWNERSHIP— MANAGEMENT FETTER & HOLLINGER World Wide Exchanges Open Throughout U.S. (Continued from Page 1) activity has been received favorably by exhibitors, according to Joseph S. Skirboll, sales manager. Branch managers of the, new com- pany are: George G. Moeser, Buf- falo; J. J. Sampson, Chicago; Her- bert Ochs, Cleveland; L. L. Phillips, Des Moines; R. J. Garland, Denver; George W. Sampson, Detroit; Ralph Abbott, Indianapolis; L. L. Ballard, Milwaukee; Mark Ross, Minneapo- lis; George Dillon, New York City; C. J. Feldman, Omaha; Joseph Lef- ko, Pittsburgh; J. P. Bethell, Phila- delphia; A. R. Dietz, St. Louis; C. F. Dardine, Charlotte; Claude Beacham, Atlanta; D. C. Gibson, Dallas; W. C. Humphreys, Washington; Donald B. Smith, San Francisco; C. C. Mc- Dermond, Salt Lake; A. W. Plues, Cincinnati; C. P. Wexman, New Haven; W. H. Byers, Portland. Cubberley Advocates Fund for Aid of Film Salesmen Minneapolis — Establishment of a fund for salesmen, to tide them over any sieges of misfortune, was pro- posed here at a meeting of man- agers and salesmen by J. F. Cub- berley, manager of F. & R. theaters, exclusive of the Twin Cities. Cub- berley. a former exchangeman, told the salesmen to save their money and to shoot square with accounts. Cub- berley gave his check for $25 to start the proposed fund. Columbia Phonograph Has Non-Synchronizer (.Continued from Page 1) garded as forerunner of increased ac- tivity on the part of the company in the theater field. Record library service and cueing service will be available about Feb. 1. The machine consists of two elec- tric amplifying units, motors, turn- tables and other reproducing equip- ment. The two units are houses in a single cabinet, the turntables be- ing side by side, each having its own pickup arm. A cone speaker is at- tached to each amplification unit, and is separate from the operating ma- chine. Each is enclosed in a wooden case provided with a baffle board, each speaker having about 30 ft. of connecting cable. The turntables operate separately from the electric pickup amplifiers and speakers. A separate on and off switch is pro- vided for each unit, so that either or both may be used at one time. Efrus Synchronizer Is Distributed In East (Continued from Page 1) Other disc systems. Safrus Pictures Corp. has been organized with Efrus as president, to produce synchronized films for projection over the device. Six features and 52 single reelers are planned. A non-synchronous attach- ment also is provided. The machine, manufactured in Chicago, has no con- nection with Moviephone, sound-on- wire device recently announced in New York by Dr. S. N. Baruch. Talkers Going Over Big In Australia, Doyle Says Talkers are proving a tremendous success in Sydney, Australia, accord- ing to cable advices from F. Stuart Doyle, of Union Theaters Ltd., to his American representative, Millard Johnson. "The Jazz Singer" and the Elman and Martinelli Vitaphone shorts are the biggest hits in Sydney at the Lyceum, Doyle said, declaring talkers have been accepted whole- heartedly by the public. Publix Get Houses and Will Build at Manchester Publix is taking over operation of the Crown, Star and Park at Man- chester, N. H., under a partnership deal with Courtere Bros. The two firms plan erection of a new house at Manchester. First Week— Well Pleased! "We received and showed our first week's trailers and were very well pleased writh them." PARAMOUNT THEATRE, Pine Grove, W. Va. Columbia Home Office Is Being Moved to 729 Climaxing eight years of activity, Columbia Pictures is moving its home office from 1600 Broadway, to occupy the entire eleventh floor at 729 Seventh Ave. The new quarters which are more than twice the size of the old, will house an augmented sales staff, and expanded advertising, publicity and scenario departments. Slated for expansion also are the contract, auditing and foreign divisions. For the last 17 years 1600 Broad- way has meant "business home" to Joe Brandt and Jack Cohn and it was for many years the permanent address of Harry Cohn, now in charge of the company's production on the Coast. Short Shots from New York Studios i^Bjr ARTHUR W. EDDY \ GEORGE FOLSEY holds the Paramount studio record for photographing features since the big Astoria plant reopened. He has been first camera on "The Letter,'' "The Hole in the Wall" and now "Gentle- men of the Press," to be released under the title of "News." Richard Barthelmess will continue to star in First National produc- tio7is, as per contract, despite Flo Ziegf eld's offer to appear in a musi- cal version of "East is West." With Mrs. Barthelmess he's going to Flor- ida to vacation before returning to the Chin-ema Capital, as one Man- hattan cohim-nist puts it. Gene Markey's title of "Stepping High" has been changed by FBO in favor of "Syncopation." Bert Glen- non is now cutting the picture which he directed assisted on stage technique by Bertram Harrison. Both Richard Dix and Eddie Cron- jager, who has photographed him in mxtny and many a picture, are ill at Roosevelt hospital. Cronjager has been scheduled to grind on "Nothing But the Truth," Dix vehicle now in the initial stages of production at Astoria under Victor Schertzinger's direction. Carl Fenton soon makes his debut in the talking picture field. The w. k. orchestra leader was formerly with Brunswick in charge of instrumental recordings and knows a flock of musi- cians. Sees U. K. as Production Factor Diniitri Stephon has returned to New York from England after 11 months activity in the English pro- ducing field. "Five years from now British pictures will be on a par with any brand in the world, sound or silent. The greatest mistake produc- ers make over there is in aping Hol- lywood instead of developing the re- sources of a background surfeited with literary tradition," he said. LeMaire Starting Pathe Series George LeMaire starts work next week at Sound Studios, New York, on the first of the series of 12 two- reel talkers he will produce for Pathe. A student of sound production methods at Sound Studios is Ru- dolph Cameron, who is associated with Robert T. Kane. Cameron knows silent production well enough but is intent upon learning what this talking business is all about. Ernest Pascal is still smiling over the cordial reception given his show, "The Marriage Bed," now current on Broadway. He's Algonquining. Alma Bennett is en route to the Coast after talking all for the sake of a Tiffany-Stahl picture. She's returning to the T-S lot. Abe Meyer is devoting much of his energy to synchronizing "Haw- aiian Love Call," third of Tiffany- Sta:hrs Color Symphony series. The work is being done at the Victor studios. Baby Peggy, escorted by her par- ents, is departing for Colorado to exchange the picture biz for the ranching biz and to put the cute lit- tle miss through an educational career. She recently worked some weeks in vaudeville. P»j>5^^^^* m H « .*v« if^jf'* L^, *>» I- if The Miracle of the hdustry The hide and Profit of Every Exhibitor \WABNE1 BROS. mni^l^^ ONI WITH VITAPHONI ONI wmioffi ATIVE9I WARNER BROS EXTENDED AL JOLSON THE SINGING FOOL Mr- ON TRIAL PAULINE FREDERICK BERT LYTELL. LOIS mtSON THE TERROR MAY McAVOY, LOUISE FAZENDA George M. Cohan's Great Stage Success THE HOME TOWNERS DOLORES COSTELLO MADONNA OF AVENUE "A, LOUISE DRESSER THE DESERT SONG ALL STAR CAST AL JOLSON THE JAZZ SINGER DOLORES COSTELLO ALIMONY ANNIE LIGHTS OF NEW YORK HELENE COSTELLO. CULLEN LANDIS DOLORES COSTELLO GLORIOUS BETSY CONRAD NAG EL THE LION AND THE MOUSE MAY McAVOY, LIONEL BARRYfilORE NOAH'S ARK TOPS AN Y V ROAD SHOWS AND RUNS MY MAN DOLORES COSTELLO THE REDEEMING SIN COS RAD SACr.L MONTE BLUE CONQUEST H. B. Vf'ARNER. LOIS WILSON STARK MAD H. ft W'ARNER. LOUISE FAZENDA W.ilcb for: JOHN BARRY MORE GENERAL CRACK GEORGE ARLISS His First Viiaphonc Talking Picture /«■• SOPHIE TUCKER HONKY TONK THOMAS MEIGHAN His Rrst Vitaphonc Talking Picture TEXAS GUINAN QUEEN OF THE NIGHT CLUBS TED LEWIS His First Vitaphone Talking Picture DAVEY LEE Starring in a Vitaphone Talking Picture ICTURE bVER MADE i Warner Bros. Deliver \ SPECIAL WARNER WINNERS MONTE BLUE THE GREYHOUND LIMH ED RIN-TIN-HN T/jt' MILLION DOLLAR COLLAR ofp AUDREY EEKKtS FANCY BAGGAGE MONTE BLUE, MAY McAVOY NO DEFENSE ONE STOLEN NIGHT REITY HRONSON WILLIAM COLLIER, Jr. CONRAD NAG EL KID GLOVES LOIS \niSON RIN-TIN-TIN FROZEN RIVER DAVEY LEE MONTE BLUE FROM HEADQUARTERS SHE KNEW MEN EDWARD EVEREIT NORTON DAVEY LEE BETTY BRONSON GREAT WITH PROVEN DRAWING Al Jolson Dolores Costello George Arliss Fannie Brice Conrad Nagel Audrey Ferris Rin-Tin-Tin Myrna Ley Louise Fazenda Betty Bronson William Russell May McAvoy Edward E. Horton Antonio Moreno Lois Wilson David Lee William Collier, Jr. Richard Behnet Doris Kenyon Warner Bros, because of their pre-eminent position in the talking picture field naturally have the choice of stage and screen stars. Look at the galaxy of Warner Bros, stars and see if you can match it in any other assemblage of entertainers on any one pay roll. )TARS BOX OFFICE POWER John Barrymorc Monte Blue Thomas Meighan Pauline Frederick. Texas Guinan Sophie Tucker Ted Lewis H. B. Warner Alec Francis Lionel Barrymorc Bert Lytell Gladys Brockwell Noah Beery Irene Rich ! Louise Dresser i i John Miljan Agnes Franey Grant Withers John Boies BROS. tl All the movie fansof your community know all about the stars and supporting players Warner Bros, bring to your screen. Now Warner Bros, stars are being made the more powerfully attractive to your patrons by the enormous advertising campaign in the papers and on the air. IVITAW \^^ s\^^ Warner Bros. 2 MILLION DOLLAR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN Coas^ to Coast NEWSPAPERS - ~ RADIO MOVIE FAN MAGAZINES Selltxg Vitaphone Pictures fn over 18. 000. 000 itomes To over 100000.000 people. ^ l¥^' \i> (^Vc\3t ,|5ettvo cttf^ .^^ xiS srf^ .^' L^^ s^ .<^ 1>^ .s^y '.^ A^ I I') s^ ^. A .♦ > ^ .c^ •J>' .^ A ^ S$ # !^^>'' V'^.T"' \-^. *i4V»' ^ «5 .e«0 •^ :^^' .cV i-}'^;^ \ .1^' ,06' lb tl«". If)''- ^ rV ja> 5'"^* ^O*. .^:>? 2t k *=^' sy^ I t^^ V^ogb^3V^ ^^^^'j .v^ £;*#*'" , WAWli IT ^ ^A\%e CvreaXeA KAvonce ^ ^ kAfvA. evcv conceVvcA * ^V« !(Vie WUVovH of ^'' "loUon pidures I m^^ .f^ Vjtj r //,/ •iTlON 2^ WARNER BROS. ARE SPENDING ALMOST TWO MILLIONS OF dollars to advertise Vilaphone Pictures to 100 inillion people in the leading newspapers in every important American city. The merits of Warner Bros. Vitaphone Pictures are being extolled via radio over the Columbia Broad- casting System of 28 stations to over 65 million listeners. They are being proclaimed in movie fan magazines to additional millions. T7ie definite pur- pose of all //lis IS to pack your home and create new customers every time you play a Warner Bros. Vitaphone Picture! J-- M/AR.>^3 IWARNB BROS. VlT^SSS tni|e> vftS I L EDUCATIONAL COMPIETK^ SECOND OE 3 STAGES Anotlicr sound staRC has been iDnipIcted by the Educational Studios. riiis is the second of the tliree stages originally planned, work on the third now being rushed. h'ach of the two completed stages provides 7,000 square feet of space for the (iroduction of talking pictures. The first unit has been tested by RCA riigineers. The second is a replica ot the first. The walls of the third ^tage are all concrete with inner walls insulated in the same manner as the other stages on the studio grounds. This unit is completed with the exception of the flooring and will be ready for work in about a week, accordirfg to E. H. Allen, studio gen- eral manager. Foley to Direct Rubin Short Jack Foley has been named a Uni- versal director and will make "The Pilgrim Papas," first of the series of talker shorts starring Benny Rubin, who will supervise direction. Eddie Kane has been cast in the picture. Rubin has arrived from New York to start work in the picture. Nick Stuart-Lois Moran Team Lois Moran will team with Nick Stuart in "Joy Street,'' a new picture which Raymond Cannon will direct. Stuart will start in the picture as soon as he has finished his present co- featured assignment with Sue Carol in "Girls Gone Wild," now nearing completion. Hawks Adds Two Marceline Day and Donald Crisp have been cast in the Fox picture tentatively titled "Murder Will Out," which is to be directed by Howard Hawks. Two Versions of Fox Film Two versions of "Nobody's Chil- dren," with Helen Twelvetrees, newly chosen Wampas Baby star for 1929, and Frank Albertson, are being pre- pared by Director Alfred L. Werker on the Fox lot. They are a silent version, now nearly completed, and a talking version, to be made immed- iately afterwards. Paramount Signs Clyde Cook Clyde Cook, has been cast in "The Woman who Needed Killing,'' which is to have Baclanova in the title role. This forthcoming Paramount picture will have Rowland V. Lee as direc- tor and Clive Brook and Neil Hamil- ton leading the cast. Fox Premiere Set "Let's Make Whoopee" will make its first West Coast appearance at Loew's State Jan. 18. The cast fea- tures Conrad Nagel, Sharon Lynn, June Collyer and Arthur Stone. It is a Fox production directed by Ray- mond Cannon. Mary Duncan Recovering Mary Duncan is recovering from an appendicitis operation. University Film Course MOTION PICTURES ADDED TO U. OF S. C. Definite announcement is made through the Academy of M. P. Arts and Sciences that the University of Southern California would inaugurate as a permanent part in its curriculum, a course on "The Appreciation of Motion Pictures." The first test, which will be made before a class picked from the student body, is scheduled for February 6th and will be in the way of an intro- duction to the course. Douglas Fairbanks, president of the academy, will lecture on "Photoplay Appreciation'' to be followed by a lec- ture by Dr. Rufus B. Von Kleinsmid, Pres. University of Southern Cali- fornia, on the subject "Photoplay and the University." It is planned to make all necessary revisions, with the assistance of prom- inent authorities, at the close of this trial course and record them for use in the future. The course, a cultural movement to promote the standing of the photo- play in the intellectual's mind, has limitless possibilities. "Evidence" Assigned to Wyler William Wyler has been assigned to direct "Evidence," Universal talker. It is an original by Edward Montague, scenarized by Charles Kenyon and John Clymer. New Colleen Moore Vehicle Colleen Moore's next vehicle for First National will be "Early to Bed," by Lynn and Lois Seystcr Montross. Production will start around the first of February when Miss Moore finishes her vacation. Ray Griffith in Fox Cast Raymond Griffith, well-known com- edian, has been cast in Howard Hawk's mystery production for Fox called "Murder Will Out." Ray- mond Hatton is in the cast. Jack Mulhall Renews First National has signed Jack Mul- hall to a new long-term contract. His first picture under the new contract will be "Two Weeks Off," by Kenyon Nicholson, author of "The Barker." Cast in Columbia Film Jason Robards and Thclma Todd have been cast in "Trial Marriage," which Erie C. Kenton is directing for Columbia. Cast in Bow Film Adrienne Dore, Miss Los Angeles at the national beauty pageant two vears ago at Atlantic City, has been cast in "The Wild Party," Clara Bow talker, which Dorothy Arzner will direct for Paramount. A Little from tt Lots ff By RALPH WILK Hollywood Cll.XRLES R. CONDON, who, in collaboration with Frank Gay. wrote the adaptation of "Ecstacy," which Raymond Cannon will direct as a special for I'ox, is now dictat- ing the scenario. * * * Our Passing Show: Hank Mann, Gits Earth, Jack Mintz, Jack Fier at the Will Durant lecture; Olive Borden, Helen Twelvetrees, Earle Wingard, Charles Morton, Barry Norton, George O'Brien's father, Dan O'Brien, and Harm Wurtzel 2vatching George lead the Fox basket bailers to an easy tvin over the Rich- field five. * ♦ * Katharine Hilliker and H. H. Caldwell, who have edited and titled several United Artists' productions, are returning to the I'ox studio to work on four important pictures. They will edit and title Bill Howard's "Christina," Frank Borzage's next production; F. W. Murnau's "Our Daily Bread" and a fourth picture. They will also continue to work on United Artists' pictures. More Passing Shoiv: King Char- ney an interested listener while Marty Cohen relates details of an automobile accident; Benjamin Christenson, with inevitable cigar, hurrying at First National; Dudley Early studying the latest books ov philosophy and psychology. Starting New "Collegians" Series Production is starting on the fourth number of the "Collegian" series this week. Nat Ross, who directed the earlier "Collegians," is directing the new series for Universal. George Lewis, Eddie Phillips, Churchill Ross and Hayden Stevenson will portray the some roles as in the previous groups. The stories are by Carl Laemmle, Jr., and the continuities by Harry Eraser. Raymond Cannon Assigned Raymond Cannon will direct "Fol- low the Leader,'' featuring Lois Moran supported Ijv Rex Bell, Joe Crispo and John Breedon. The story was developed from an original of Cannon by Frank Gay and Charles R. Condon. Now It's "Chinatown Nights" "Chinatown Nights" is the definite title for the film featuring Wallace Beery and Florence Vidor formerly called "Tong War." Gland Signs contract Warner Oland has signed a long term contract as a Paramount feat- ured player. ZANUCK NAMED ASSOCIATE WARNERPRODUCTIONCHIEE Darryl Francis Zanuck has been named associate executive in charge of production for Warners, i)y Jack L. Warner. Zanuck for years has been Warner's right hand man in studio matters and has written or .idoptcd a number of pictures. The company now is i)reparing to resume production activity. Synchronizing Griffith Film Hugo Riesenfeld, will direct a 32 piece symphonic orchestra in the syn- chronization of the score for "Lady of The Pavements," D. W. Griffith's latest. Heretofore synchronization has been placed in the hands of the east- tern office. This probably will be the first attempt made in Hollywood to comijltte a musical score for a picture. Rayart Rofe for Irene Rich Irene Rich has been signed by Rayart for title role in "Shanghai Rose," which Trem Carr is produc- ing. In the cast are: Richard Wall- ing, William Conklin, Ruth Hiatt, < Sid Taylor and Robert Dudley. Scott Pembroke is directing. Writers Plan Dinner A committee of the Writers Branch of the Academy of M. P. Arts and Sciences met at a luncheon yesterday to arrange for a dinner to be given Feb. 9 by that branch to visiting dialogue writers. All members of the Academy of M. P. Arts and Sciences and their friends will be in- vited. Joseph Farnhum heads the committee. Pat O'Malley and Karns Signed . Pat O'Malley and Koscoc Karns 1 have been cast in "The Man I Love," all-dialogue film soon to go into pro- duction at Paramount with Richard .\rlcn and Mary Brian featured. Wil- liam A. Wellman will make this pic- ture from a stage play by Hermai. Mankiewicz. ' John Reinhardt in "U" Cast John Reinhardt. son of the Aus- trian composer, Heinrich Reinhardt, has been signed by Universal for a featured role in the forthcoming all-dialogue screen play, "The Cli- max," which Renaud Hoflman will direct. Jean Hersholt is to star. Kathryn Crawford will have the fem- inine lead and William Worthington is in the cast. Mayo Gets Assignment Achie Mayo has been assigned tc direct "The Sap" for Warners, which| is to star Edward Everett Horton. Contract for Jimmy Aldine Jimmy Aldine, youthful player, has] been signed on a long term Pathe' contract. New Contract for E. T. Lowe Edward T. Lowe, Jr., who wrote adaptation, continuity and dialogue for "Broadway," has signed a new Universal contract. 'S&^K^ THE 12 ^^"^^^^ OAltV Wednesday, January 16, 1929 IT'S A WOW!! You'll say so too--Never a book like the coining 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK Nearly HOC Pages Over SCO Advertisers An authentic, reliable reference ivork covering the entire industy AND Distributed complimentary to Film Daily Subscribers all over the "world i Wednesday, January 16, 1929 GERMAN CO-OP SEEKING RECIPROCITY WITH FRANCE /(•uj.'.....,y(..H /?«..Mii of THE lll.M DAILY Washington — M. Schilling, t'ologne exhibitor and founder of the Deutsche Lichtspicl Syndikat, co-operative tihn producers for some 850 theaters throughout Germany, and M. Fett, production manager of tlie producer- exhibitor chain has been in Paris ne- gotiating with Franco Fihns, which recently acquired 12 Frencii Gau- mont theaters, to effect a joint re- ciprocity and production agreement, reports the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. Sliould the agreement be successful, it will mark the second such reciprocity agree- ment between F'rance and Germany as Super Films of France and Aafa Films of Germany have entered into a similar agreement. Huma-phone Production for Installations Planned (Continued from Page 1) tions is planned. This is a disc syn- chronizer, which attracted attention at the Cinderella here, when suit w-as brought to force distributors to serve Western Electric discs for reproduc- tion via the machine, a suit which re- sulted in an out-of-court settlement. Stubbs Gets Lake Viewr Lake View, O. — F. .A.. Stubbs has purchased the Indianola here. Pacent Plant Near Newark Available for Sound Units {L\>::iinucd ficm I'aijc I) plant of a subsidiary company in Seymour, Conn., has another factory available for production should de- mand make it necessary to increase output. The company has a factory in New Jersey, not far from Newark, which can be converted. At present, a force of about 200 is turning out svnchronizers in the Seymour plant where additional acreage makes it possible to increase output there as well. "Godless Girl" & "Strange Cargo" Set for Release .Aimouncing tliem as the company's two most important pictures of the current season, Pathe has set March 31 for simultaneous release of "The Godless Girl" and "Strange Cargo." "The Godless Girl," directed by Cecil B. DeMille, was withheld from re- lease last October, in order to add dialogue and sound. The film ran seven weeks at the Biltmore, Los Angeles. "Strange Cargo," is Pathe's first tall-talker, directed by Benjamin Glazer, co-author of the play, which was titled "The Missing Man." Philadelphia Speculates Over Boyd-Warner Deal (Continued from Page 1) house but, since the deal was first broached a few weeks ago, nothing apparently has developed. Pathe Censor Test Again Postponed; Hearing Jan. 25 (( I'll/ 111 idj from Page 1) sound films, again has i)een post- poned, at the recpiest of Krnest E. Cole, deputy commissioner and counsel of the New York Dep't of I'.ducation. The case now is slated for hearing Jan. 25. The temi)orary injunction, obtained by F. R. Coudcrt, Jr., of Coudcrt Bros., continued in force, with "Sal of Singapore," the picture involved, opening Saturday at the Colony, New York. Playwright Sues First Nat'l Over "Night Watch" Michael Morton, playwright, has tiled suit against First National Pic- tures, Inc. in the Supreme Court in New York seeking an injunction and damages in connection with "The Night Watch," a Billie Dove fea- ture. The complaint alleges the film is based on "La Veille d'Armes" a French play by Claude Farrere and Lucicn Nepoty which was produced in London in 1920 and in New York in 1921 from an English adaptation by Morton. He claims First Na- tional assumed his title which was "In The Night Watch," adapted the picture from his adaptation and also plagiarized some of his original ma- terial for the picture. J. A. Levin- son is his attorney. No statement was obtain.'>ble at First National. Golman Leases Temple Tuscon, Ariz. — A. H. Golman has leased the Temiile. VIRGINIA "FLU" EPIDEMIC IS Richmond, Va. — In view of the fact that hundreds and even thou.san -:- -:- Sales Distributors FOREIGN RIGHTS AVAILABLE NEW YORK ^/TALKING PICnJRtS ^^ ^^3^ 1.^^ Merger of Warner- F. N. Foreign Forces Planned iTHE :!^€>NEWSPAPEK oypiLMDOM ALL THE NEWS ALLTHE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 14 Thursday, January 17, 1929 Price 5 Cents r.N.AND WARNER FOREIGN DISTRIBUTION MERGING First National is to handle abroad all product of Warner and Vitaphone. There will be amalgamation of com- panies with exception of England, and for the present, Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Hungary, Mex- ico, Australia, Scandinavia and Dutch East Indies are territories where sales activities are affected. Gus S. Schlesinger has been named foreign general manager with head- quarters in Berlin, with H. A. Bandy, foreign sales manager, now manager of foreign distribution with headquar- ters in New York. Arthur Clavering, Warner managing director in Eng- land, will supervise sales in that coun- (Continued on Page 14) INTERCHANGEABILnr POUCIES BASED ON OPEN MARKET WISH Manitoba Admission Tax Shows Big Drop in 1928 Winnipeg — Despite big crops and general prosperity, the Provincial Government of Manitoba derived only $379,000 from the amusement tax during the last 12 months. The gov- ernment had estimated $420,000 as its revenue from the ticket tax during 1928. Freihof er Invading Stanley Domain; Active in PhiUy Philadelphia — WHiatever agreement existed between William Freihofer and the Stanley Co. of America cov- ering theater expansion in certain Philadelphia districts is apparently non-operative. Freihofer is under- stood about ready to acquire the Ox- ford, an 1,800 seat theater in the Burlholme distrfct. This house is opposition to the Lawndale, operated by Stanley. The Fern Rock, a 2,000 seater in the Fox Chase section may also pass to Freihofer which would give him an opposition theater to the Colony, likewise a Stanley house. Memphis Plans Strong Bid for Sunday Shows Memphis, Tenn. — Stiff fight for Sundav shows for Memphis seemed indicated in Nashville at the 1929 General Assembly now in session, with the Memphis and Shelby County delegation understood planning to do everything possible to reopen Sabbath jentertainment. The present law ban- |ning all film or vaudeville shows on Sunday is to be replaced by one granting local control to the com- missioners or other governing au- thority in each municipality. GOV'T PLACES EILNS ON SAME PUNE WITH SKEL IVashington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Assurance that the Motion Picture Section will be made a division on July 1 next when the government's fiscal year starts raises motion pictures to a level with steel, foodstuffs, textiles and motors in the eyes of Department of Commerce of- ficials. Synchrophone Acquired by HoUand in 28 States Ethel V. Holland Attractions, New York, has acquired distribution in 28 states of Synchrophone, non-syn- chronous disc device, priced at $395 installed. Representatives are being sent to key cities to demonstrate the machines and handle distribution in the particular zone. The company also is handling foreign distribution of the device. Financial Progress Consolidation of their posi- tions through retirement of out- standing indebtedness, marked financial progress of major companies of the industry dur- ing 1928, it is shown by data compiled for the 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK. The volume, containing analysis of financial structures, is to be published in January. POINT OF ORDER ENDS Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Hearings on the Vestal bill on advisability of copyright came to an abrupt conclusion follow- ing the morning session yesterday when Rep. Jeff Busby (Miss. Dem.) arose in the House to make the point {Continued on Page 14) 3^ "^ •Cj^ / ■.■■ L .M'Ti '^53? ■m ^ .'^»"^ J*>- ■'^- S"^ ' ^ '?^ Lia&r A| -,t^' A real night in Paris is this notable picture "MOULIN ROUGE." Dupont (Director of "Variety") rented the famous night resort and entire beauty cast of its daring Revue for realism for the strange love-triangle story. Stars brilliant CHEKOVA. W^ORLD WIDE PICTURE.— Advt. Making All Sound Houses Available as Custoj Declared Aim Intercliangeability policy of major companies in serving sound films for projection over any equipment which will not impair the reputation of their product, is in line with their desire to keep open the market. Distribu- tors, in their stand, take the position that they primarily are in the business of distributing pictures, and are sell- ing dates. Accordingly, they cannot reject playing time in favor of any one or two systems, if such course is to cut heavily into gross business. This attitude was demonstrated clearly, as early as February of this year, when M-G-M, Paramount, First National, Universal and P. D. C. (later absorbed by Pathe), formed a pool to investigate and develop the various sound systems on the mar- (CorUinued on Page 5) S. R. 0. Ticket Ban Placed on Theaters at Montreal Montreal — Sale of S. R. O. admis- sions has been prohibited by ordi- nance here, with exhibitors instructed to discard S. R. O. signs. Sale of tickets must be stopped as soon as seats are filled. A statute prohibit- ing lines outside the theater also is being sought. Texas Bill to Legalizc Sunday Shows is Sought Austin, Tex. — Bill to legalize Sun- day shows throughout Texas is to be sought at the current session of the legislature. In some communi- ties Sunday shows are being per- mitted, but in others the lid is being retained. Ince-a-Phone is Newest of Disc Synchronizers West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — And still they come, the synchronous and non-synchronous disc machines. The latest is Ince-a- Phone, sponsored by John E. Ince. The device, a synchronizer, is claim- ed interchangeable with existing disc systems. THE ■S&H DAILY Thursday, January 17, 1929 Mf^^ULTHE MEWS Vol. XIVU Nt. 14 Thursilaj, Ian. 17. 1929 Price 5 CMt$ JOHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter, May 21. 1918, at the post-office at New York. N. Y.. under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms ( Postage free) United SUtes outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3 00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should retiit with Older. Address all communica- tion, to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: . F'lmday. New York. Hollywood, California— Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London— Ernest W. Fredman The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I Berlin— Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse. 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues. 19. Production Starting for Movie-Phone Disc Device Production of pictures for showing via Movie-Phone is to get under way in New York immediately, Sam Ef- rus, head of Safrus Pictures, who has acquired distribution of the disc de- vice in the East, declares. Jean Gol- den has been signed for the series of 26 reelers which Safrus will produce, in addition to a series of features. "Blue" Fight at Monnett, Mo. Monnett, Mo. — "Blue law" fight has been launched here and O. W. Williams and E. R. Haymes have been fined $5 for operating a picture show on Sunday. They plan to carry the fight to the state Supreme Court, contending the "blue" ordinance passed by the City Council 12 years ago is unreasonable and unjust. Sev- eral merchants plan to aid in the fight. STOCK MARKET High Low Close Sales Am Seat 35 3454 34Ji 200 Con. Fm.'lnd. pfd. 287/g 26^1 2Wi 13,700 East. Kodak 183/. 182 183/. 800 *do pfd 128 ♦ First Nat. pfd l^o .... Fox Fm. "A" ...957/8 94^4 95/^ 1,800 Keith" A-6' ■:: :::: 41' ■ 46" 41 aoo *do pfd 130 .... Loew's Inc 73 707/8 73 22,200 do pfd 106 105 106 1,100 *M-G-M pfd 255i M. P. Cap 18/2 14^ 16J4 12,000 Para. F-L 59/, SS/s 58/8 11,600 Pathe Exch 13^ 12f^ 13 6,300 do "A" 26% 26 2W«. 1.100 Radio K-A-O .... 40/8 39/. 40/8 14,600 Stanley Co 40/. 40/. 40/. 100 ♦Univ. Pict. pfd 9854 , • • • • Warner Bros 125 121!^ 124 16,000 Warner pfd 55J4 54>i 55J4 800 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod MVs. 16M ^^ 2',600 *Bal. & Katz 82 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 22 2^ 22 8,900 *Film Insp 2% Fox Thea. "A" ... 35M 33^ 35Ji 45,300 Intern. Proj 18}4 H^ 18 600 Loew do deb. rts.. 35 J4 33'4 34% 800 Nat. Thea. Sup. .. 1154 lOM H/a MOO Trans-Lux 11 10;4 lOH 33,500 •Univ. Pict 28 BOND MARKET ♦Keith A-O 6s 46 96 Loew 6s 41ww ..117 117 117 19 do 6s 41 x-war...lOOM lOOJ^ 100% 5 Paramount 6s 47 .. 100 99% 99% 19 Par. By. 5Ks 51.102 101?4 102 5 Pathe "s 37 81 81 81 1 CURB BONDS *Am. Seat. 6s 36 97 •Warner 654s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 32 34 do units 33 35 do com 4}4 iVi Skouras Bros. ... 50 Technicolor 954 1054 United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED Richman Film Starting in March Harry Richman will leave New York Mar. 1 for Hollywood, to begin work at the United Artists studio on "Say It With Music." Sam Taylor will direct. Alan Crosland was to have directed but since deferment of production he has assumed other con- tractual obligations. Irving Berlin wrote the original story of the picture and also composed eight new songs it will introduce. Educational May Use Lane Revue Material Educational has consummated a deal with the producers of Lupino Lane's Music Box Revue whereby Educational is in on the ground floor for any or all of the material incor- porated by Lane in the new Music Box Revue running at the Hollywood Playhouse, Los Angeles. This tie- up enables Educational to incorpo- rate in sound pictures the high lights of the revue. Witmark Rehearsal Catalog Planned Reading rehearsal of the individual numbers of the Philharmonic Photo- play Series, being assembled by M. Witmark & Sons, music publishing firm in which Warners is associated, is slated Friday morning at Carnegie Hall, New York, under direction of David H. Broekman, editor of the series. Radio Hookup for Premiere World-wide radio hookup has been arranged for premiere Jan. 24 at the Central, New York, of "Weary River," Barthelmess talker. Wilcox Back in N. Y. Herbert Wilcox, of British and Dominion Films, Ltd., London, has returned to New York from the coast with a print of "Fog," first of two all-talkers to be made at Met- ropolitan Sound Studios. Marshall Neilan directed. Freiberg Transferred Cleveland — J. A. Freiberg has been transferred from the local MGM ex- change of which he was office man- ager, to Detroit as office manager. Carl Senning formerly of Cincinnati, succeeds him here. Reed, Yemm & Hayes Plan Another Mount Vernon, 111. — The Reed, Yemm & Hayes Circuit with head- quarters in Duquoin, 111., has pur- chased a site here for a house to feat 1,500 persons, will cost approximately $200,000. This circuit now has 19 theaters in the following Southern Illinois towns: Benton, Centralia, Mount Vernon, West Frankfort, Mar- ton, Duquoin, Christopher, Sesser and Ziegler. RKO Managerial Changes W. E. Matthews has been trans- ferred to management of the RKO Prod, branch at Seattle, replacing A. H. Huot, with George Seach named acting manager at San Fran- cisco to replace Matthews. E. A. Lamb is new Portland manager, re- placing W. T. Withers. Film Bureau Dinner Feb. 3 The dinner of the Silver Screen is the title of the function to be given in New York Feb. 3 by The Film Bureau, at which plans for carrying out the Civic Cinema project will be outlined. Photophone Opening Today .Syracuse, N. Y. — RCA-Photophone is slated to make its debut today at the Syracuse. Club Luncheon $-|.lO Served i== II A.M. to 3 P.M. Table d'Hote DINNER $22^ Served Every Evening A MiUion Feet of Everything FILM LIBRARY SCENES Stone Film Library 220 W. 42nd St. Room 2002 Phone Wisconsin 2141 Joan Bennett Signed Joan Bennett has been signed by Art Cinema, United Artists producing unit, to a three-year contract. She left New York yesterday for Holly- wood. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Kctiire Tlieatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 35S0 SYNCHROPHONE World's Latest — Most Marvelous NON-SYNCHRONIZING Sound Device Compare it with $3,000 to $10,000 Talking Devices TONAL QUALITY UNSURPASSED PRICE $39S- INSTALLED ETHELV. HOLLAND ATTRACTIONS 915 LONGACRE BUILDING -:- Sales Distributors FOREIGN RIGHTS AVAILABLE NEW YORK itvliile INTERFERENCE ^9 . . . is still playing to capacity in its 9tli week as a $2 show at the Criterion, New York . . . . . . and is doing the biggest box office business throughout the country of any motion picture . . . and is telling the trium- phant story of PARA- MOUNT QUALITY TALKING PICTURES to 100,000,000 people in a giant newspaper campaign. VARIETY ! INTERFERENCE/ $40,300 AT AMBASSADOR, ST. L. Estimates for Last Week Ambassador (Skouraa downtown) (3,000; 35-50-65-75)— "Interference," dialog (Par). Talker called "me- chanically the best of the talking pictures." Ed Lowry still a tonsllitia victim during- early part of week; $40,300. Loew's State (3,300: 2S-35-6S>— QVALITI'talkikg -__ nou^ conies the second de luxe i PARAMOUNT QUALITY ALL-TALKINC SHOW |[^ THE DOCTOR'S SECRET . . . consisting of the great all- talking feature production, ^^THE DOCTOR'S SECRET" from J. M. Barrie's sensational stage hit, ''Half an Hour". With Ruth Chatterton, H. B. Warner, Robert Edeson and John Loder. William de Mille production . . . . . . plus the sparkling musical comedy act with the jazz star, RORRAH MINNEVITCH and His Musical Rascals • • • plus a startling all-talking playlet with a brand new idea ^^JIJST ONE WORD" Produced by Joseph .Santley with an all-star Broadway cast TALKING or SILENT . . . QUALITY and QUANTITY . . . PARAMOrXT! ^^ Thursday, January 17, 1929 fj^E^ DAILV Aims of Interchangeability Outlined Interchange-ability Is Based on Open Market (Continued from I'auf 1) kct. The pool was formed in an ef- fort to standardize various sound s>>- tems. in order to make tlicm avail- able to all "at reasonable terms" in the hope that further development would be along lines which "will keep competition free and open among producers and distributors, and make all exhibitors availiblc as customers of all producers, instead of having theaters tied up by the ex elusive use of certain devices obtain- able only in connection with certain companies' productions." That attitude explains the various companies' willingness now to serve sound films for interchangeable use. Practicallv all companies, among Western Electric and RC.\-Photo- phone licensees, have served or are willing to serve their sound films for use on other machines, if and when the installation on which the reproduction is sought measures up to what the licensee believes is qual- ity equal to that of the W . E. or RCA-Photophone tonal reproduction. Of the companies in the pool, M-0- M, Paramount, Universal and First National, are Western Electric hcen- sees while Pathe (P. D. C.) is a li- censee of RCA-Photophone. Italian Government to Produce Sound Pictures Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAIL/ Washington — Premier Mussohni has submitted a bill to Italian Par- liament providing funds for produc- tion of sound pictures, the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce is advised. Aside from the profits of this government-controlled company which are to accrue to the War Cripples' Fund, it is Mussolini's wish to boost the Italian film business in general by tightening the existing Italian quota. Inasmuch as the bill was personally drafted by the Prem- ier, it will undoubtedly be passed by Parliament increasing difficulty of placing foreign pictures on the Ital- ic.:! market. Sound For W. C. at Tacoma Taconia, Wash.— Sound equipment has been installed at the Broadway, a West Coast Theater.s, house. ■ Richard Spier is new resident man- ager suceeding Mortaguc Salmon. Southwest Royaltone Deal Kansas City — Distribution of Royal- ,tone in Oklahoma, Kansas and west- ern Missouri, has been taken over Iby J. W. Jenkins Sons' Music Co. jThe machine is a non-synchronous 'disc device claimed to be interchange- able with all disc systems. Need for Open Market on Sound Stressed Last Feb. Interchangeability policy of all companies making sound films, fol- .ows (|uite closely, the policv out- lined Feb. Zi through THE FILM DAILY by the five company pool, embracing, M-G-M, Paramount, First National, P.D.C., and Universal, full text of which follows: "Recent inventions have developed many devices designed to be used in conjunction with motion pictures through which, in addition to the photographing of pictures and their subsequent project upon the screen, sounds will be recorded subsequently reproduced simultaneously with the projection of the picture. These de- vices vary greatly in nature, efficiency and expense of installation and operation and require different systems and devices both in the studio for recording sounds and in the theater for reproducing sounds. The systems are such that the use of one for recording in connection with a film usually means that no other can be used for reproducing in connection with that film, so that if a producer of motion pictures adopts one record- ing system, his pictures can only be exhibited in theaters which have in- stalled the corresponding reproducing system. The theaters with such re- producing systems cannot exhibit films made by producers using other recording systems, unless they put in reproducing apparatus for those sys- tems. "The adoption of different systems by different producers and exhibitors would thus restrict competition in the icture business since producers would be limited in their business to those theaters using their system, and theaters on the f)tlier hand, would be limited in their dealing to producers having the system corresponding with the theater's device. "Inasmuch as most or all of the sys- • ems now on the market are in an (.xperimental stage and further devel- opment should follow the line tending toward standardization of devices to kcei> the market open to all, the five film companies will appoint a commit- tee that will determine upon the sys- tems best adapted for standardization in the motion picture industry. This committee will employ scientific ex- perts and consult with governmental authorities and will make comprehen- sive experiments with all devices now or hereafter made available. "It IS expected that whatever rec- ording and reproducing devices are recommended Ijy the committee will he available on reasonable terms to all producers, distributors and exhi- bitors. "All other companies are welcome to join in the investigation if they see fit and may each api)oint a repre- sentative to work with the committee. Powell Enthuses Over Future of Sound Films Expressing enthusiasm over sound pictures and their future, William I'owell has arrived in N'ew York, on a vacation. He returns to Hollywood in about a month to begin work with Evelyn Brent in featured roles of "Darkened Rooms." all-talking story by Sir Philips Gibbs. Powell has a featured role in "Interference," first Paramount all-talker. 14 Bristolphones Being Shipped to Mid-West Fourteen complete installations will be shipped by the end of the week to J. S. Grauiiian, Milwaukee distributor, states Budd Rogers, sales manager of Sonora-Bristolphone. These are to fill orders from the fol- lowing houses: Rivoli, Two Rivers, Wis.; Rialto, Dickinson, N. D.; Grand, New London, Wis.; Delft, Marietta, Mich.; Temple Strand, Saulte Ste. Marie, Mich.; Holly- wood, Milwaukee, Wis.; Egyptian, Sioux Falls, S. D.; Delft, Escanaba, Mich.; Delft, Iron River, Mich.; Grand, Brookings, S. D.; Lyric, Red- field, S. D.; Brin, Neenah, Menasha, Wis.; Capitol, Racine, Wis.; Majes- tic, Rice Lake, Wis. Roth With Vitaphone Cleveland — Howard Roth has re- signed as MGM booker to become division booker for the new Vita- nhone sound office now being opened by Herman Goldberg. This is a sub- sidiary branch of the Warner ex- change and is under management of C. E. Almv, exchange manager. Sidnev Gottlieb is advanced from the Buffalo exchange to succeed Roth as MGM booker. Vitaphone Signs Phil Baker Phil Baker, veteran master of ceremonies and accordionist, has been signed for a Vitaphone subject .to be started Jan. 18 at the Brooklyn {studios. Sound At Lucas House Savannah, Ga. — Both Vitaphone and Movietone are reported to be clicking at the Lucas house here. First sound picture recently presented was "On Trial" and several Vita- phone acts. Fannie Ward in Vitaphone Film Bryan Foy and Murray Roth will direct Fannie Ward in a Vitaphone subject to be made at the Brooklyn studio. WANTED FIRST CLASS SALESMEN with Automobiles Film sales experience preferred Apply in person to ETH[IV. HOLLAND ATTRACTIONS 915 LONGACRE BUILDING 1476 BROADWAY -:- NEW YORK CITY RONALD COLHAN Mild JiUb Meur leading- Judy LILY DAMITA xanM^dlfeel^iUcULjed'' xi^happyjOA HiRDiRT DRiNON whoxUtected them-'MiJiu Jm^ ..greeted JJte Jit^ xxpening^ (^ GofUHut^ fAMUiL COLDWYN iijz^i n * COLMAN ""iXJw RElCUi" My yx^JjepkXjowHuL junik LILY DAMITA HERBERT DRENON OixkLuMotv UNITED AIITIfTi Mut±M fUu, JtL XI Jiibjj g "Aye! Aye!" says LOS ANGELES EXAMINER: "For wild melodrama and scorch- injj love 'The Rescue' is Samuel Goldwyn's most thrilling contribution to motion pictures. A film that for action and for rapidly moving situations has seldom if ever been surpassed. Something that will fill the theatres in every town in the United States." NEWS: "Colman just the right person to portray a passionate, gallant hero, beset with the worth- less beauties. 'The Rescue' is romance undiluted. Lily Damita fulfilled promises made for her bv United Artists." TIMES: "The lure of romance and the sea will go far to spell success for Ronald Colman's first starring picture. Plot is unusual — situations of va- ried interest. 'The Rescue' is particularly notable. Lily Damita is a genuine dscovery." "Yes Sir!" says DETROIT PRESS: "Colman has a definite and large follow- ing among filmgoers and they are going to ad- mire his Captain Tom Lingard. It is better per- haps than anything he has offered. Teems with suspenseful drama. Lily Damita seems to have a very marked quantity of what is known on screen and stage as s. a. Mr. Brenon will probably carry off another gold medal with 'The Rescue.'" TIMES: "It gives Colman immense opportunities to show his wares. Needless to say he does. 'The Rescue' is magnificent. Go to 'The Rescue.' Lily Damita is a substantial addition to the Hollywood colony as Colman's leading lady." i"And WHAT A Hit!" says CHICAGO POST: "'The Rescue' is a picture to be seen and long remembered. What a story it is. Romance and adventure at the world's end. Colman in a role which might have been written for him." TRIBUNE: "Conrad's story well filmed. Worth seeing. All men, and, I believe, most women will be charmed with this production. The film is alive 1 with dynamic and suspenseful action. 'The Rescue' is in every way a commendable picture. It holds ' your intent interest from start to finish." HERALD-EXAMINER: "Have captured not only the letter but actually the spirit of Conrad's novel. You will find 'The Rescue' exactly to your taste. Colman does handsomely by his role. And Lily Damita is lovely to look upon and refreshingly dif- ferent" "Give us more"-..v. NEW YORK EVE. WORLD: "If you take your movies seriously you just cannot fail to include this one in your list. A very fine picture indeed. Has all the sweep of the novel ; crammed full of adventure and romance and is beautiful to behold. Colman does the best work of his career. 'The Rescue' will doubtless prove pop- ular wherever it is shown." POST: "An unusually entertaining adventure movie. Good photography, plenty of action. The film is well worth a visit." SUN: "Colman gives just about the finest perform- ance of his American career. A majestic pageant of the Far East and the sea that 'foams and murmurs' on a thousand shores." TIMES: "Herbert Brenon has skilfully preserved the essence of the narrative. He sustains the interest throughout his many scenes. Colman's performance is so earnest and sensitive he reflects the spirit of 'King' Tom. Lily Damita is fascinatingly handsome and gives an intelligent performance." WORLD: "In all a good, very entertaining filming of Conrad's story and well worth seeing. It conjures up and holds the glamor and wide sweep of Conrad's story. An ideal part for Mr. Colman." DAILY MIRROR : " 'The Rescue' faithful to Conrad. Good entertainment. Herbert Brenon has made an interesting and colorful movie of the Conrad novel. Colman gives a beautiful performance. Lily Damita has beauty, intelligence, potent allure and real fire. They are splendid foils for each other." JOURNAL: "The picture certainly ranks above the average. Colman does an excellent piece of work as King Tom." NOW PLAYING AT RIALTO NEW YORK CITY TO SPLENDID BUSINESS it Wkrtf$n/dn buduiedA. DAILY Thursday, January 17, 1929 14 Houses in Tri-State Chain Revert to Owners Memphis — Disintegration of the chain of 17 theaters once operated by the Tri-State Theaters Corp. with headquarters in Memphis, seemed virtually completed this week with 14 of the theaters already returned to their original owners, according to statistics of the Memphis Film Board of Trade. The Tri-State held all of its houses as lesses, owning none. The list of houses, with the owners to whom they reverted after the chain project proved a financial failure, follows: Royal, Hot Springs, Ark., to J. G. Blaschke; Spa. Hot Springs, to Earl Housley; Strand, Clarendon, Ark., to O. F. Engle; Mystic, Fort Smith, Ark., to J. E. Dodson; Star, West Point, Miss., to L. B. McEachin; Sharp's, Humbolt. Tenn., to J. E. Sharp; Commodore. Eureka Springs, Ark., to Herman Alwes; Palace, Ashdown, Ark., to Sam Dudney; Gem, Prescott, Ark., to R. B. Hardy; Lyric, Mena, Ark., to Price McCall; Liberty, Heber Springs, Ark., to H. H. Miller; Ritz, New Albany, Miss., to F. L. Marsh:dl; Imperial, Gurdon, Ark., to Earl Powell; Wright's, Gurdon, Ark., to R. D. Wright. The two last named houses, at Gurdon, have been leased to the Arkansas Amuse- ment Enterprises, headed by M. A. Light- man. The remaining 12 are now operated by the owners named, according to the board. Remodeling: Pasadena House Pasadena, Cal — The Garfield is be- ing remodelled at a cost of approxi- mately $4,000, It is reported. Holton Sells Lamesa House Lamesa, Tex. — Roscoe Holton, owner of the Palace, has sold his in- terest to Audry Cox. New Theaters costing W. Flynn will Tuscon, Ariz.— A. H. Goldman is building a 900 seat house, the Varsity, to be opened March 1. Sweetwater, Tenn. — Booth Enterprises has opened the Gay theaters here. Picayune, Miss. — Berenson's Bogalusa State, under construction, will open Feb. 1 Camden, Tenn. — E. A. Fry and M. Fry have opened a new house, unnamed as yet. Ruston, La. — The Strand theater here has been completed. Winston-Salem, N. C. — The Colonial, a U. K. Rice house, has opened. Helena, Ark — The new Saenger will open here soon. Biloxi, Miss. — The Saenger theater here has opened, it is reported. Williamston, N. C— J. W. Watts has opened his Strand. Denmark, S. C. — D. Stanley Brown has completed his Dulanae theater here. Forest City, N. C — W. H. Haynes has opened the Romina house. St. Joseph, Mich. — The Flynn $50,000 and owned by J open soon. Owensboro, Ky. — Principal Theaters Corp. is building a 1,000 seat house to be ready this fall. San Rafael, Cal. — The El Camino, seat- ing 1,400 has been opened by Harry Albert. Rochester, N. Y.— The Keith-Albee-Palace has opened here. Belleville, Kan.— The Blair, seating 1,000 and costing $60,000 has opened. Norristown, Pa. — The Ambler is opened. Philadelphia^A 2,500 seat house is under construction at Susquehanna Ave. and Broad Street. Panama City, Fla. — The Panama Theater has been opened. Princess Anne, Md. — The Preston has been reopened after a fire. Pittsfield, Mass. — The Kameo with Leon- ard Wilson manager has been opened. Philadelphia, Pa.— The Uptown, seating 2,500 is nearing completion. Norristown, Pa. — The Keswick, seating 1,- 700 and costing $500,000 has opened. Ontario, Cal— C. W. Young's California has been opened. Oklahoma City, Okla.— The Circle is open. Charlotte, N. C— The Romina has been opened at Forest City, N. C. by W. H. Hnglies. Coast Wire Service Columbia Talking Shorts 'NAMES' TO BE SOUGHT FOR ONE REEL SERIES Production of a series of one reel talking shorts during the coining year, according to Jack Cohen. Stage and vaudeville names will be sought for the casts. Columbia's activities in the short subject field heretofore have been confined to "Screen Snapshots" and "Radiograms," single reel of Ralph Spence wisecracks. Work Starts on First Sono-Art Prod. Talker Production has started on "Broad- way Bound," first of a series of fea- ture length talking pictures to be made by Sono-Art Prod, headed by O. E. Goebel, president and George Weeks, vice president and general manager. Eddie Dowling, actor-pro- ducer-playwright, will star in the story which is an adaptation by Fran- ces Agnew of an original written by Dowling. Marian Nixon is working opposite. Fred Newmeyer is direct- ing. A silent version of this picture will be made. New Cummings Film Started Irving Cummings has started di- rection of "The Grouch Bag," with a cast headed by Louise Dresser. New Contract for Anita Page Anita Page has signed a new con- tract with M-G-M. Mack Renews New contract has been signed by M-G-M with Willard Mack, actor, director and author. Mack in Hollywood Charles Mack of Moran &: Mack has arrived in Hollywood, for_ the two talking pictures the team is to make for Paramount. George Moran arrives Saturday. Titling "She Goes to War'' Tolm Monk Saunders now is titling "She Goes to War," Henry King Dfoduction of Rupert Hughes's story. Eleanor Boardnian has the principal role. Cast in "Wild Party" Kay Bryant has been added to cast of "the Wild Party," by Warner Fabian, which is Clara Bow's new starring vehicle, to be produced as an all-talker. Paramount Signs Two Percy Heath and John V. A. Weav- er have been signed under long con- tracts to Paramount to specialize in dialogue writing. Weaver, who is the author of "Love 'Em and Leave 'Em" and a great many others, has been, as with Heath, long associated with this studio's writing department. Little from It Lots ff By RALPH Wll.K Hollywood W SCOTT DARLING is tossing "» • off theme songs, original stories, dialogue and continuities with equal facility. He recently collaborated witli Bculah Marie Dix on a story for Fox and is remaining with the organization to write adaptation and continuity of "The Unholy Family.'' an original by Freddie Schader and Harry Sweet. In collaboration with Bill Conselman, Darling also wrote the dialogue and screen version of "Listen Baby," whicli Casey Robin- son will direct for Pathe. Our Passing Show: John Stone showing Will Durant points of' interest at the Fox studio; Alan Crosland, Gor- don Hollingshead, Ricardo Cortez and Fred Datig at Lu- pino Lane's Music Box re- nte,■ George Melford at "The Front Page;" William Jutte and Ted Paramore, Jr., con- ferring at Paramount; Wil- liam LeBaron, Lee Marcus and C. E. Snllivan. being pho- tographed at FBO. * « * George Amy, who edited nine Johnny Hines' pictures, is now free- lancing. For the past three years he has been under contract to the Burr- Hines Enterprises as film editor, col- laborator on stories and comedy con- structor. :{: ^ ^ A newcomer to the Fox lot is Sonya Levien. who is work- ing with Tristam Tapper on his next story, as yet untitled, which will be directed by Frank Borzage. Miss Levien recently completed "The Younger Gen- eration,'' a talker, which Frank Capra directed for Columbia. Excellent reports filter in on this picture, which will be Co- lumbia's first talker special. 'f- * -Y- Our good friend, Louis Natheaux, 's being kept busy. First National used him in "Weary River" and "Win' Be Good." Now he is at Fox, work- ing in "Girls Gone Wild." * * * With several young men being gii'en their initial opportunities as directors, it would not be siirprisiiig if the neiv year found Frank Gay be- hind a megaphone. He is a mem- ber of the Fox writiyig staff. "Bargain in Kremlin" for Leni Paul Leni is to start "The Bargain in the Kremlin," upon his return from New York. Joseph Schildkraut will play the lead in this adaptation of Sir Phillips Gibbs' story. Portsmouth House Is Condemned After Fire Portsmouth, O.— Fire, originating! m the projection booth, and caused^ when the him ignited from an over- heated picture machine, caused dam- ages of $2,500 at the Dalmar. The operator, Irvin Napier, was burned- about the hands. Flames shot out I into the theater because the auto- matic fire door failed to operate Patrons left the house without con-i fusion. The theater has since been condemned by the police chief, who! stated that a permit to operate would' not be granted until all state build- ing codes had been complied with. Mae Murray in Vaude Mae Murray has signed a vaude ville contract with Keith-Albee-Or pheum. She is appearing the first half of this week at Proctor's new Fifty-Eights Street, New York, and is booked for the week of Jan. 2C at the Hippodrome. Dumont Named Brin Aide Milwaukee— A. C. Dumont, for- merly with Fox in Milwaukee, ha; been named assistant manager to L K. Brin at the Garden. Braun Gets Indianapolis House Indianapolis, Ind.— H. C. Braui has bought Lewis Hibbert's interest' in the Eastland here. Newspaper Opinions "Synthetic Sin" First National Paramount much plot when there is so much else t see, and when Colleen does her stuff one- bound to be satisfied. • « ♦ .r!^^^^^ MIRROR-* • • Colleen's cor scientious efforts to make whoopee and pla rough are wildly hilarious. Her inspire clowning makes the slim little, story a gooc lively laugh entertainment • • • " DAILY NEWS-- • « The continuity o' this current Paramount theater offerinR i cute, jolly, and completely entertaining. ' • ' EVENING JOURNAL-" • * There ar plenty of laughs in Colleen's latest comedi i>he emotes as a stage-struck girl, who gei a part in a show and flops because, accorc infof tu T?,"^^^!"' ^^^'^ ^°o innocent t enact the worldly role. • • ♦ EVENING WORLD—* • « Collee t^r''t II ^'"^ellent in "Synthetic Sin," a though there are times when the story sh tells runs counter to authenticity * ♦ ♦ GRAPHIC-* • * Miss Moore found i },fj°^^ ?/ u^^"y ^^'''■f^^ ^n opportunity 1 display all her appealing awkward manne: iisms^as well as several new camera trick: HERALD-TRIBUNE—* • * It seems fail ly safe, therefore, to describe "Synthet; .V,'" t ^^ ^ pleasant little comedy, despil tne tact that it contains more murders tha a minor Elizabethan tragedy. * * * H/f^'^^T"* " * ^°'^ various reasons, neithf Miss Moore nor her surroundings represei more than flatly mechanical fooling * * • TELEGRAM—* • * The picture is a co, glonieration of the old south New York a leged gangland and the determination of young playwright wanting Colleen for a wif All is interesting, hut not extremely coi vincmg. * * * -' TELEGRAPH-* • * Do not hold tl ghastly injection of a theme song, nor man of the utterly blah proceedngs of "Synthe . ' on that most lively and intelligent ( stars. Colleen Moore. * • • .. .TIMES— * * * The stellar performer this wild piece of work is Colleen Moor who IS really sufficiently talented to act in more sober sort of comedy. • * • are the DAYS when talking pictures could hope to succeed on novelty alone. The speaking screen has reached maturity— its infant days are over. Noise is through as a box-office attraction. Today the public expects talking features of even better quality than the outstanding successes of the fast-fading silent screen. P«X f has thenim Big All-Dialog Full-Length FOX Movietone Features of a quality never before kno'wn since the silent screen took voice are noiv ready or in production IN OLD ARIZON — the outdoor sensation which broke all box-office records in its pre-showings at CRITERION Theatre, Los Angeles ; FIFTH AVENUE Theatre, Seattle, Washing- ton; and BROADWAY Theatre, Portland, Oregon. Acclaimed every- where as the LAST WORD IN TALKING PICTURES. _ ARTSIMTMXI SiPEAKEASY THRU DIFFERENT EYES THE GHOST TALKS I r=» l^m and a Unit of ioo% All-Talking Condensed Features I ir ANOTHER PERFECT BIG FOX TALKERS WILLIAM PRESENTS HELEN TWELVETREES CHARLES EATON EARLE FOXE CARMEL MYERS I LEW SEILER Production' I ! Story by Max Marciti and Edward Hammond Scenario by Frederick H. Brennan \ IKalog by Frederick H. Brennan and Harlan Tliompson ONE Feature HILARIOUS COMEDY ALL-DIALOG FEATURE \ A COMEDY that will be a sensa- tional success, not as a sound novelty, but as a screamingly funny piece of screen entertainment. Marks another big advance in sound. It is the finest bit of sound reproduction that 1 have heard yet. A picture that no one can afford to miiss." — Film Spectator Hollywood T HE GHOST TALKS' is a well- equipped and amazing pioneer in the 'talkie' field. Gives substantial testi- mony of the fact the 'talkie' is a phase of the theatre that must be reckoned with seriously." — Springfield Union'Repiiblican has ALL the BIC All-Star, All-DialocI ALL-PROFIT PICTURES WILLIAM FOX presents 100% Dialog Fox Movietone Feature with PAUL PAGE LOLA LANE HENRY B. WALTHALL Helen Ware Sharon Lynn BENJAMIN STOLOFF Production Front the play by Ed^v^ard Knoblock & George Rosener The Broadway stage success with its breezy dialog and exciting action makes the ideal talker. Many of the scenes were filmed in New York where Fox Movietone captured the eye-filling sights and ear-thrilling sounds of Broadway and its side streets. Featured are two Fox screen finds, Lola Lane and Paul Page, recruited from the Broadway speaking stage. L. A murder mystery with a brand new mystery angle in which the evidence is revealed through the eyes of a prosecutor, a defense attorney and a mysterious girl. Milton Gropper, author of many Broadway stage successes,wrote it. Certain to be one of the most important all- dialog features of 1929. WILLIAM FOX presents 100% Dialog Fox Movietone Feature with lARY DUNCAN WARNER BAXTER I SYLVIA SIDNEY m Earle Foxe Donald Gallaher Florence Lake From the play by Milton H. Gropper and Edna Sherry JOHN BLYSTONE Production il A punch-packed drama that tugs at the heart and builds to a smashing climax. Played by an all-star cast that includes Paul Muni, celebrated Broadway char- acter actor^in his greatest emotional role, and Marguerite Churchill, charming young stage actress. Eugene Walter, dean of American playwrights, adapted the play to the screen. WILLIAM FOX presents 100% Dialog Fox Movietone Feature F with PAUL MUNI MARGUERITE CHURCHILL WILLIAM K. HOWARD (Production Scenario by Eugene Walter Based on play by Robert Middlemass and Holworthy Hall MOVIETONE X First in Sound on Film Printed in U. S. A. THE Thursday, January 17, 1929 ■cBtl DAILV 13 British Exhibitors Seek Buying Coop AGRATION GROWING IN ENGLISH THEATER RANKS By ERNEST VV. FREDMAN Editor, ''The Daily Film Renter" London — Revival of the C.E.A. plan, although this time confined to groups of independent exhibitors, is being sought in agitation for a book- ing cooperative the rank and file of association members. A special meeting of the South Midlands branch of the C.E.A. was consid- ering the proposal yesterday. The recent big Gaumont-British merger with Provincial Cinematog- raph Theaters circuit has caused ex- hibitors to feel that with this giant in the path (and with many of its members as nominees helping to dic- tate the policy of the general council of the association) the C.E.A. auto- matically must decline in its service to independents. Gaumont Plans Talker in French; Improving Studio Paris — Leon Gaumont, who last October presented the first French talker to the public here, is hard at work improving his process which reproduces sound via the photo- graphic method. He plans to pro- duce an all-talker shortly and, in the interim, is synchronizing several French and imported productions. French Trade Aroused By Ban on Feyder Film By P. A. HARLE Editor, "La Cinematographic Francaise" Paris — Intention of the govern- ment to prohibit showings of "The t New Gentleman," a film produced I by Jacques Feyder in which adher- ents of socialism and royalism are ridiculed, has created wide interest in Paris. It is believed an under- standing between Albatross, the pro- ducing company, and the French Ministry will be reached. French Member Fees Jump Paris — Proposal of Charles Delac, president of the Chambre Syndicale (Ass'n of the M. P. Industry) to in- crease membership fees from 150 to 1,500 francs yearly has been accepted. The offices will be considerably en- larged and the publicity and statisti- cal departments improved. Incorpo- rated trade papers form a special section. Attendance Drops at Berne Washington Buremt of THE FILM DAILY Washington — During April, May and June of 1928, attendance dropped 20.000 at theaters in Berne, Switzer- land, compared with the same period in 1927, according to a report to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Com- merce. The drop is causing consider- able anxiety as a new theater seat- ing 1,000 is under construction. Analysis of French The following table compares France from 1924-1927, inclu.sivc, by Country 1924 No. United States 589 France 68 Germany 20 Italy 9 Great Britain Austria 6 Russia 1 Denmark Sweden Totals 693 Market 1924-1927 the number of features ccnsijred in principal countries of origin 1925 1926 1927 Total No. No. No. No. 577 444 368 1978 7J 55 74 270 29 33 90 172 13 14 11 47 7 2 8 17 2 4 2 14 , . I 10 12 6 S 11 2 5 2 9 703 564 581 2530 U.S. LOSING GROUND IN FRANCE; GERMANY GAINS From an 84 per cent hold on the French market in 1924, American pictures dropped to 63 per cent by the end of 1927 while German pic- tures in that same period made the most noteworthy gains. These com- parisons were computed for the For- eign Section of THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK and repre- sent the latest figures available on competitive conditions in that coun- try. The United States still holds domi nant sway in France, although the lead is dwindling year by year, as is illustrated by the following: Number Number Censored American 1924 693 589 1925 704 577 1926 581 444 1927 581 368 Germany was America's closest competitor in 1927, her representa- tion totalling 90 pictures or slightly more than 15 per cent of the mar- ket consumption. America's stand- ing for 1927 as compared with other producing nations is illustrated as follows: United States 368 Germany 20 France 74 Italy 11 Great Britain 8 Russia 10 Denmark 5 Sweden 2 Austria 2 Stuttgart Gets Exhib. Conference Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — German exhibitors will hold their annual conference at Stuttgart, Germany, it is reported to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. In the same city, this spring, the German Arts and Crafts Guild will open a Film and Photo Exhibition. French Industry Supports School Paris — A special school has been opened in Paris for engineers inter- ested in photography and motion pictures. This school is sustained by the industry. Students pay a speci- fied instructional fee annually. Corey Sells Olathe House Olathe, Colo. — J. B. Corey has sold the Opera House to Oarence B. Wallace. THEATER BUILDING RACE LOOMS IN SOUTH AFRICA London — Building race in South Africa will be witness during 1929 between African Theaters, Ltd., (Schlesingers) and Kinemas, Ltd. The former plans a 2,750 house and a legit theater at Johannesburg, where the firm has two houses, while the latter also plans a Johannesburg house. At Cape Town, African has the Alhambra, seating 2,500 in con- struction, with Kinemas also build- ing there. Pretoria and Pietermar- itzburg are to get new African houses. The Schlesingers now have 90 South African theaters, while Kinemas is aiming at a goal of 70 houses. British Internat'l Gets Distribution in India Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — British International Pictures of London, has concluded negotiations with Globe Theaters, Ltd., of Rangoon, whereby the entire output will be distributed by the lat- ter in India, reports the M. P. Sec- tion of the Dept. of Commerce. This is the first time that an Indian com- pany has tied up for the complete output of one company. Among the pictures to be exhibited in India are: "Poppies of Flanders," "The Far- mer's Wife," "Moulin Rouge," "Tom- my Atkins." "Not Quite a Lady," "Tesha," "Paradise," and "Adam's Apple." Norway Film Production Active Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Norway, lately inac- tive in motion picture production, now shows signs of increased activity with the completion of "Cafe X" a Furst Film production, according to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. The picture was made in Oslo and directed by Walter Furst. Another Monte Cristo Paris — Henri Fescourt has practi- cally completed a picture, adapted from "The Count of Monte Cristo." Lil Dagover and Jean Angelo play the leads. Theater Destroyed by Fire Bloomington, 111. — The Strand here was destroyed by fire with estimated loss of $18,000. URGES CARE IN TAKING STAND ON 'KONTINGENT' By KARL WOLFFSOHN Editor of " Lichtbildbuehne" Berlin — From a cable advice from THE FILM DAILY, it is apparent that the American industry is protest- ing against the new German "konting- ent" regulations, and intends to ex- ercise pressure upon the United States Government, in order to prevent the latter from ratifying the international Geneva Flconomic Agreement with re- gard to import and export regula- tions until such time as the German "kontingent" regulations will have been improved in favor of the United States. If it is the intention of the industry to fight against "kontingents" in Europe and, especially, in Germany, and to arrive at a free importation of films, then these measures adopted by the American Government are the worst imaginable and utterly wrong. If the United States does not sign the Geneva agreement, then, of course, it can never become valid; and if this agreement does not be- come valid, of course there is no rea- son for the present "kontingent" to he ratified at all. Consequently, only the contrary of what the American industry actually desires will be reached. The new German "kontingent"' reg- ulations are explicitly postponed un- til fiirtlier notice," that is to say, un- til such time as they lose legal ground through the adoption of the Geneva economic agreement. It is anticipat- ed that the Geneva agreement will be enforced by June 30th, 1930. Con- pequeittly, this date would signify the termination of the new "kontingent" regulations, provided the agreement is ratified by various countries in- terested, to which, first of all, belongs the United States. Everybody throughout the world, and particularly in America, should try to understand this situation before wrong measures are adopted. Soviet Rejects U. S. Films Moscow — Of 746 foreign films, the chief repertoire committee has re- jected 393. chiefly American, as unfit for Soviet exhibition on account of their bourgeois ideology, adventure and mvsticism. Educational Shorts for Russia Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Directors of Sovldno, of Russia, have decided to limit fea- tures to 5,500 feet to permit showing of short subjects, the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce is ad- vised. These shorts are becoming popular in Russia. Lake Worth House Reopens Lake Worth, Fla. — The Oakley, closed since the September hurricane, has been reopened. THE 14 Short Shots from New York Studios M By ARTHUR W. EDDY ^^i AE MURRAY is vaudevilling these days with the various box- offices reflecting her drawing power. This week she's the big number on the bill at the new Proctor's East 58th St, New York. * * * Charles Beahan, Fox Story ex- pert who spends his evenhigs knock- ing out plays, is now converting the novel, "Shanty Irish," into stage fare. * * * Joe Ruttenberg, who has photo- graphed all shorts made up to the present time at Paramount's Astoria plant, has been temporarily switched to feature work, pending resumption of production on shorts in February. He's working with George Folsey, who is training his camera on "News.'' Charles Edward Davenport is getting set to enter the talker fields where he can use his experience of both stage and screen direction. He last staged Mae West's dramatic venture, "The Pleasure Man." Sound and Silent Scenes Made on Alternate Days IVest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Sound scenes one day and silent the next are being made in the alternating schedule introduced by Universal in production of "Show Boat." This is claimed as an inno- vation in picture making. Butterfields Going to Coast Detroit— Col. W. S. and Mrs. But- terfield plan to leave Jan. 19 for Cali- fornia, where they will spend most of the winter. Heads Memphis Fox Branch Denver — Hugh Rennie of the local sales force, has been named manager of the Fox Memphis exchange. Exhibitors, Colorado Scions Denver — Sen. Frank R. Kelly, Em- press, Salida, and Representative Charles F. Rumbaugh, Liberty, Pa- gosa Springs, are the two exhibitor- members of the state legislature, now in session. Mountcastle Managing Three Richmond — Herbert Curtis, local actor who succeeded Stewart B. Tucker as manager of the Colonial more than a year ago, has resigned. He has been succeeded by John R. Mountcastle, who is managing three houses. Bijou, Broadway and Colo- nial. Curtis is expected to resume work on the stage. Point of Order Ends Copyright Hearings (.Continued from Page 1) that as the bill had been reported, the committee was without authority to hold further hearings on it. Congressman Busby's point was up- held by the speaker with the result that witnesses who had come to Washington to appear at the after- noon session were forced to leave without presenting their views on the measure. The only witness to be heard during the morning session was William A. Brady, who had not yet concluded his discussion of the bill. When Rep. Albert H. Vestal of Indiana, chairman of the committee, was forced to announce that no fur- ther hearings could be held. Brady during the morning told the com- mittee that his orp-anization had an i.greement with the authors organiza- tion which ran until 1931 and that he was afraid that passage of the measure would tend to nullify that agreement. As a matter of fact, the impression given by the representatives of the legitimate producers was that they fear anything which might tend to help motion pictures. The only rea- son for holding the hearings, it was explained to the representatives of THE FILM DAILY, by Congress- man Vestal, author of the bill, was that all those opposed to the legisla- tion might have an opportunity to set forth their views. The Indiana con- gressman has been a strong supporter of the measure and has sought con- sistently to have it pushed through but at the same time has always shown a spirit of extreme fairness and an unwillingness to put through any- thing which may unfairly affect any interest. "These hearings were planned in order that the committee might acquaint itself fully with the opposi- tion to this bill," Vestal declared to- day. "The bill having been reported by the committee, we would have no right to have further hearings but in order to permit the opposition to be heard at their request so that no ad- vantage could be sought or taken by anybody we asked to have this addi- tional hearing. Rep. Busby interposed an objection to the committees hold- ing hearings and therefore we have been forced to bring them to a con- clusion. There will be no further hearings on this measure." F. N.-Warner Merge Foreign Distribution (Continued from Page 1) try; Robert Schless, Warner head in France, will be in charge in France, Belgium and Switzerland; Harry J. Cohen will be assistant to Schlesinger, as assistant foreign manager operating abroad. Schlesinger sails Feb. 6 for Europe, and on his arrival, Vitaphone will be inaugurated in all countries. He will carry out merging of the organizations in Germany, and be responsible for production by the companies in that country. The Industry's Date Book 10 Houses in Cleveland Zone Install Phonofilm Cleveland — DeForest Phonofilm will be operating in at least ten the- aters in this territory by Feb. IS. These instillations will include the Plaza, Astor and Haltnorth, Cleve- land; Utopia, Painesville, Washing- ton theater at Toronto, and the Ma- jestic at Charleroi, Pa. Jess Fish- man is distributor of the DeForest Phonofilm in Ohio, Michigan, west- ern Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Jan. 25 Jan. 24-26 Jan. 27 Jan. 31 Feb. 1 Film Guild Cinema opens in New York. Fifth annual conference of Na- tional Board of Review. Annual banquet of M.P.T.O. of Eastern Pennsylvania. Theatrical ball of Los Angeles branch of Actors Equity Ass'n. Opening of 4,000-seat Toledo-Para- mount at Toledo. Dinner of the Silver Screen spons- ored by The Film Bureau in New York. Dinner of Writers Branch of Acad- emy of M. P. Arts and Sciences, Hollywood, to visiting dialogue writers. 1929 Wampas Frolic, Hollywood. AMPA Hollywood Masque Ball in New York. Feb. Feb. 9 Feb. 14 Mar. 2 Film Policy Dropped at New Richmond Theater Richmond, Va. — Picture policy has been dropped at the Mosque, $1,000,- 000 house, which seats more than 2,500. Grand opera is set in from Jan. 21 to 26, after which no policy has been decided upon. Clinton L. Williams, chairman of the directing committee, is endeavoring to adjust matters so the house can be reopen- ed after the opera run. The house may adopt a legitimate policy. The Isis is another picture house here which is dark. St. Louis Amusement Has 11 Sound Houses St. Louis — The Columbia has been added to the St. Louis Amusement Co.'s chain of sound theaters, having 13 with "Lights of New York." Other company houses using talkers are: Grand-Florissant, Powhatan, Shen- andoah, Arsenal, West End Lyric, Kings, Maplewood, Mikado, Lindell and Tivoli. Peal Firm Improves House Washington Court Plouse, O. — The Colonial, purchased by the Peal interests of Cincinnati, operating a chain of houses in Ohio and Ken- tucky, has been entirely redecorated and remodeled and is now called the Cino. "U" Managers Transferred Fred A. Flader general manager of Universal Circuit, has announced a shifting of managers embracing In- dianapolis and Cleveland. Charles Loewenberg has been assigned to the management of the Rivoli and Gran- ada, Indianapolis, replacing Willis Grist, who has been transferred to the Hilliard Square, Cleveland. Lorenzi Leaves Fox Springfield, Mass. — U. J. Lorenzi, who formerly managed the Palace, a Fox house, has resigned to Join Warner Bros, as a road show repre- sentative here. Howard Waugh who managed the Fox-Poli house at Meri- dan, Conn., has succeeded Lorenzi, it is reported. New Toledo House Toledo — Thomas H. Gardner has announced that he will build a new $100,000 theater on the site of the old Bijou which was recently damaged by fire. House for "U" Ally Fairfax, Okla. — The Griffith Amusement Co., affiliated with Uni- iversal, has leased the Tallchief here for a long term of years. Brin Reopens Fond du Lac House Fond du Lac, Wis. — Brin's Fond du Lac theater reopened here fol- lowing the installation of sound equipment and the remodeling of the lobby. Louis Lutz, Oshkosh repre- sentative for Brin's Enterprises an- nounced that the theater will feature sound films except Saturday and Sunday when the stock will be pre- sented. The Fond du Lac was for- merly one of the Fischer chain. Louisianna Lottery Case Dismissed by Court New Orleans, La. — Alfred Grosz, owner of the Cortez here, who was fined $25 or 30 days, by the criminal court for an alleged violation of the lottery law was exonerated from the charge by a supreme court order. Tickets were given with each admis- sion at Grosz's theater and the lucky numbers were awarded prizes. The defendant alleo^ed that the facts in the case did not constitute a violation of the Louisiana lottery law. Fox Manager Killed in Mishap Portland — J. M. Linn, Fox manager here, was burned to death when the automobile in which he was riding near here turned turtle and took fire. Charles Powers, former member of the San Francisco sales force, is being installed as new manager by Eddie Grainger of the home office. Linn had been with Fox here for 11 years. 1 Tarkington at Eye Institute Baltimore — Booth Tarkington, writer, is getting along nicely at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he is for attention to his eyes. Reichstein Resigns Beloit Post Beloit, Wis.— F. A. Reichsteui, for nine years connected with the- atrical enterprises in this city, has resigned as manager of the Rex. He is succeeded by O. V. Loyd, formerly manager of the Jeffris and Apollo theaters, Janesville and now general manager of the United Theaters Co. which operates a number of theaters in this section of the state. Shows at O. H. Havre de Grace Havre de Grace, Md. — The Opera House here, owned by the city, is being used by Durkee Theatrical In- terests in which to show films while the State, recently damaged by fire, is being remodeled. DeCroteau at So.nerville, Mass. Somerville, Mass. — William De- Croteau, former manager of the Na- tional at Boston, has been appointed by Arthur F. Viano manager of the Broadway here. A SIGN OF SERVICE m wm Nearly 1100 Pages 500 Advertisers Bound in Clotli Covers Everytliing Goes Every ivlie re Eleventli Edition Out This Month Published Yearly By •/'FILMDOM m AMD WEEKLY FILM DIGEST FREE to Film Daily Subscribers a happy showmans serenade to Pafhe' Sound News which drew lATRONS PRAISE APPUUSE ^CLASS OF sePViCE OESIREO' WESTERN UNION kCWeOMB CARLTON. PNesiO'KNr J. c. wiLLFVER. ntnr vfcwPntMTomHT Send the following menage, lubject to the lergij on baekJt^rcof, which'afc hereby agrecJ to 197AU ON 92 3 EXTRA MANITOWOC WIS 310P DEC. 29, 1928 PATHE EXCHANGE, INC WE JUST FINISHED WITH YOUR FIRST PATHE SOUND NEWS. APPLAUSE OF AUDIENCE AND THE PRAISE AS THEY LEFT THEATRE WAS WONDERFUL I AS WELL AS MANY OTHER THEATRE PATRONS WHO HAVE VIEWED OTHER SYNCHRONIZED NEWS AT OTHER THEATRES HAVE PRONOUNCED YOUR SOUND NEWS ONE HUNDRED PER CENT BETTER THAN ANY OTHER THEY HAVE EVER WITNESSED I PERSONALLY VIEWED QUITE A NUMBER OF OTHERS AND I WISH TO COMPLIMENT YOU ON YOUR WONDERFUL SUCCESS A. H GEORGE, CAPITOL THEATRE, MANAGER PATHE SOUMD N EWS The Voice of the Screen^ One a Week^ Starting Feb. 3rd U. S. Health Board Says '"Flu" Scare Passing oyplLMDOM / ALL THE NEWS ALLTHE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 15 Friday, January 18, 1929 Price 5 Cents TAX THREATEN IN N J. Bismark. N. D. — Sundaj opening will be sought in the current session of the legisla- ture. Proposed amendment of the law to permit Sunday shows was tied at the legisla- tive session two years ago, only to be defeated by vote of the lieutenant governor. Minneafr)olis — Censorship, biennial ssue in the Northwest, again is be- ng proposed in the Minnesota, North md South Dakota legislatures, with he latter throwing in a proposed ten oer cent admission tax for good neasure. NTERCHANGEABILITY Of TAIKAPHONE IS Minneapolis — Add Talkaphone to he list of disc devices which have •roved their interchangeability with •ictures recorded by the Western 'Zlectric sound system of recording, he proof being furnished by W. A. Steffes with "Lilac Time" at the ivOgan here, Tuesday and Wednesday, 'aramount, First National and United artists have accepted sound contracts, nd Columbia also has agreed to ex- :nd service. The "Lilac Time" run ere was okehed by Ned Depinet, 'irst National sales head. INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC REPORTED RECEDING Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Influenza epidemic throughout the country has passed its peak and now is receding, in the opinion of officials of the Public Healtii Service, based on reports from all scctons. Cases have decreased SO per cent from the peak figure of ten weeks ago. Death rate from all causes is but about six per cent higher than comparable periods one year ago, showing that the present scare has not been accompanied by an in- creasing rate of mortality, as would be indicated by alarmist propaganda. Musicians Hard Hit by Sound Films, Weber Says H'oshiiipton Bureau of THE FILM D/HLY Washington — Development of talk- ing and sound pictures has caused an acute unemployment situation among musicians, who view with dismay in- vasion of foreign talent, according to Joseph N. Weber, president of the American Federation of Musicians. The musicians' head appeared yes- terday before the House immigration committee in connection with the I joint resolution oflfered to obtain a more specific definition of the term "artist," to check to some extent the invasion of foreign journeyman musi- cians, in competition with residential talent. The musicians contend the term is so elastic, that under the law even an organ grinder and a monkey would be admitted. lore Interchangeability luns for Bristolphone Two more interchangeability dem- nstrations for Sonora-Bristolphone re scheduled. The Family, Jackson, lich., is slated to open its sound pro- ram Sunday with M-G-M's "The "lying Fleet," while the Midland, 'lewark, O., introduces its Sonora- ^ristolphone Monday with Para- lount's "Interference." ^ew Pacent Firm Maps Plans for Production Production plans of Pacent Re- roducer Co., formed to manufacture disc synchronizer, now are being jmpleted. The new company has gun manufacture of its device at eymour. Conn. Vitaphone is to ■rvice the machine, which has been stalled at the Lincoln, Union Hill, {Continued on Page 2) SCHENCK AGAIN DENIES LOEW-FOX DEAL REPORT A Year Apart In reiterating denial that negotiations were on with Fox for sale of the Loew interests, Nicholas M. Schenck said yesterday: "I haven't seen Mr. Fox since the time he came to my office to talk about his pur- chase of the West Coast Cir- cuit." The Wesco deal was an- nounced on Jan. 25, 1928, al- most a year ago. Publix Girding for Fight for Business on Coast Miimeapolis — Adopting a policy identical with that of the Paramount, N. Y., the Metropolitan Jan. 24 will change its name to the Paramount. {Continued on Page 2) Remaining Ascher Houses to be Operated by Fox Chicago — Remaining houses of the Ascher circuit, now in receivership, are slated to go under Fox manage- ment within the next month. Some of the theaters of the chain, which embraces 11 theaters, have been leased to Balaban & Katz. Myers A ddresses A Hied Leaders; Special Wisconsin Meet Called Chicago — Policies which he expects to pursue were out- lined at a meeting here yes- terday of Allied leaders by Abram F. Myers, president and counsel of the organization. Milwaukee — Special meeting of the Wisconsin exhibitor association has been called for Sunday to pass upon the question of affiliation with Allied States Ass'n. Allied and _M. P.T.O.A. representatives are being invited to address the gathering, out- lining advantages of affiliation with their respective organizations. Direc- tors have ratified affiliation with Al- lied, but some members are declared questioning the legality of the move. Individual members of the Wiscon- sin unit have contributed to the Al- lied fund and if the move is not ratified, it perhaps will mean that they personally must stand that ex- penditure, in which event it is be- lieved a new state unit will be form- ed to affiliate with Allied. Detroit— With W. S. Butterfield and Kunsky enterprises declared op- posing the ratification of the Mich- igan unit's affiliation with Allied, a similar situation as existing in Wis- consin has developed, which it is said, may lead to a rift between these two leading circuits of the state, and the exhibitor unit. H. M. Richey, busi- ness manager of the state organiza- tion, is one of the sponsors and sec- retary of Allied. N. Y. Buzzes With Report of Merger Loew Head Brands Untrue Nicholas M. Schenck yesterday again denied persistent reports that Fox is negotiating for purchase of Loew's, Inc. Meanwhile, New York film circles buzzed with talk of the reported sale which, in some quarters, was declared near consummation. Others were inclined to discount it, in the face of persistent and strong denials from both Schenck and Wil- liam Fox. Those giving credence to the re- port, declare the delay in closing the Fox purchase of almost 200 independ- ent houses in New York was to be credited to an impending deal with Loew's claiming that consummation of one or the other, but not both, might be expected. However, from a Fox source it was learned that the purchase of the independent theaters (Continued on Page 8) ADMITS bIgAPPROACHED "INfORMALLY" BY JI-K-0 Radio-Keith-Orpheum has made an unsuccessful offer to buy a control- ling interest in Loew's, Inc. for $125 a share. The proposal is understood to have been turned down flatly by Nicholas M. Schenck. Yesterday a reporter for THE FILM DAILY asked Schenck whether or not it was a fact that he had been approached by R-K-O. He admitted that an offer had been brought to him, but did not define its terms, adding however, no direct proposition had been presented to him by Radio or any other group. More Releases Number of releases on the American market increased in 1928 over 1927, it is shown in figures being compiled for THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK. A complete list of all available films for the year will be a feature of the edition, to be issued in January. Friday, January 18, 1929 1 ILLTHE MEWS liUTUETlMr Vil.XLfUNi.15 Fridir,la>.18,1929 PriciSeMrtt JOIN W. AllCOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Fil« Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donaid M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertisinc Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should re -nit with Older. Address all communica- trons to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Cirde 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredraan, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin— Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris — ^P. A. Harle, La Cinematographie Francaise, Rue de la Cour-dea-Noues, 19. Publix Girding for Fight for Business on Coast {Continued from Page 1) The move follows return of the house to Ptiblix management, following dis- solution of the deal for operation by West Coast Theaters, a move made upon request of the Dept. of Justice. An intense showmanship battle for business between the two firms, here and at other Coast key cities is an- ticipated. This may result in a theater acquisition campaign on the part of Publix. Financial 3= STOCK MARKET High Low Close Sale* Am. Seat 35 35 35 100 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 28?^ 27J^ 2854 6,400 East. Kodak 184^ 182}4 184 J4 1,300 *do pfd 128 •First Nat. pfd 104}^ Fox Fm. "A".... 96Ji 95^ 95^ 1,800 *da rts 3 .... *Keith A-O 41 *do pfd 130 Loew's Inc 74% 73'^ 73% 33,200 do pfd 106% 106 106% 300 25^ 18% 500 5854 17,800 nVi 7,800 27 43 M 40 J4 9854 100 200 *M-G-M pfd. . M. P. Cap 18% 1654 Para. F-L 60 5854 Pathe Exch 1354 12 J4 do "A" 27 27 Radio K-A-O 43J4 41 •Stanley Co ♦Univ. Pict. pfd Warner Bros 12554 12354 124 Warner pfd 55 J4 55 5554 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 18J4 16% 18 *Bal. & Katz 82 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 22% 2154 2154 7,500 *Film Insp 2% . . . . Fox Thea. "A" .. 3654 3554 365^ 52,300 Intern. Proj 18% 18 18% 200 Loew do deb. rts.. 38 J4 37% 3754 Nat. Scr. Ser 3454 32 3254 Nat. Thea. Sup... 11J4 11 J4 11^ Trans-Lux 11 IO54 10% *Univ. Pict 28 BOND MARKET •Keith A-0 6s 46 96 Loew 6s 41ww ..11954 11954 11954 do 6s 41 x-war... 10054 10054 10054 Paramount 6s 47 ..100 9954 100 Par. By. S54s 51 .10254 102% 10254 •Pathe 7s 37 81 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 .. 97 9654 965i •Warner 654s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 34 36 do units 36 41 .... do com 554 8 .... Skouras Bros 50 Technicolor 954 1054 .... United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 .... Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED 6,800 1,700 11,500 3,700 3,400 300 8,300 Entertaining Scribes Not Deductible from Income Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Expenditures by pic- ture actors in entertaining newspaper reporters are not deductible as ordi- nary and necessary expenses, directly connected with or pertaining to business, under am opinion just ren- dered by the general counsel of the Internal Revenue Bureau, in re- sponse to an inquiry regarding de- ductibility of such expenditures in making income tax returns. However, it is pointed out that expenditures for upkeep and operation of their auto- mobiles are allowed as deductions, to the extent that they represent cost of transportation actually required in carrying on their business. Such ex- pense may even include hiring of a chauffeur. "Sal of Singapore" Postponed Rearrangement of booking has post- poned the opening of Pathe's "Sal of Singapore" at the Colony, New York, from Jan. 19 to Jan. 26. Phyl- lis Haver, the star of the picture, will broadcast from a local radio station the day before the opening, it is said. The picture is the subject of a test case brought by Pathe against Ntew York censor's, to prevent them from "usurping" power of censoring sound. New Pacent Firm Maps Plans for Production {Continued from Page 1) N. J., and Montclair, Montclair, play- ing Vitaphone pictures. The new company has no connection with the Pacent Electric Co. F. N. Calls Meeting of Eastern Branch Managers Conference of eastern branch man- agers of First National, has been called by Ned E. Depinet, general sales manager for Jan. 24, at the New York office of the company. Among the branch managers who will attend are: R. S. Wehrle, Albany; T. B. Spry, Boston; F. J. A. McCarthy, Buffalo; M. H. Keleher, New Haven; J. C. Vergesslich, New Jersey; Jules Levy, New York; W. J. Heenan, Philadelphia; Robert Smeltzer, Wash- ington; C. A. Clegg, Atlanta; R. H. Haines, Pittsburgh; F. E. North, Detroit; Carl Leserman, Cleveland; Paul E. Krieger, Cincinnati; F. P. Bryan, Charlotte and R. S. Bell of Toronto. Leaving to Start Production Production is slated to start within two weeks on "The Woman Who Was Forgotten," which Richard Thomas and Charles S. Goetz, will produce with endorsement of the National Education. They are slated to leave New York today for the Coast. Ray Kirkwood, director, also is leaving for the Coast. The Industry's Date Book Jan. Feb 31 Jan. 25 Film Guild Cinema opens in New York. Jan. 24-26 Fifth annual conference of Na- tional Board of Review. Jan. 27 Annual banquet of M.P.T.O. of Eastern Pennsylvania. Theatrical ball of Los Angeles branch of Actors Equity Ass'n. Opening of 4,000-seat ToledO'Para- mount at Toledo. Dinner of the Silver Screen spons- ored by The Film Bureau in New York. Dinner of Writers Branch of Acad- emy of M. P. Arts and Sciences, Hollywood, to visiting dialogue writers. 1929 Wampas Frolic, Hollywood. AMPA Hollywood Masque Ball in New York. Feb. 3 Feb. 9 Feb. 14 Mar. 2 Organist Plays During Fire Baltimore — Harold Ramsay, organ- ist, kept playing while the audience filed out of Loew's Century, when a fire occurred in the building next door. Price Closes Deal Oscar A. Price has sold to Tony Luchese, of Liberty Film Corp., Philadelphia, rights to "The Bach- elors' Club," starring Richard Tal- madge in Eastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, and Virginia. FBO Ass't Director 111 Basil Smith, assistant to Bert Glen- non who is directing "Syncopation", for FBO, is in a New York hospital suffering from a nervous collapse. James Seymour, casting director of Sound Studios, is replacing him tem- porarily. Downey Heads Detroit Board Detroit — Frank Downev (M-G-M) is new president of the Film Board. He succeeds James Allan, who has been transferred to the Warner home office as assistant general sales man- ager. Plainview, Tex. to be "Blue'' Plainview. Tex. — Rigid enforcement of the Sunday "blue" laws has been promised by Royce A. Oxford, county attorney. The action is promised as a result of a conference between James E. King, manager of three theaters and the prosecutor. Johnston Buys At Deer River Deer River, Minn. — J. E. Johnston of Aiken, Minn, has purchased the Lyceum here from C. G. Mullen. Mullen is leaving for the Coast. Local Censor Law at Alice, Tex. Alice, Tex. — Backed by ruling on its legality by the state attorney gen- eral, the council here has enacted an ordinance providing for censorship of pictures and banning Sunday shows. Hollander Back in N. Y. Harry Hollander of the Publix production department has returned to New York from a trip through the South and Middle West. "U" Chicago Sales Meet Headed by M. Van Praag, general sales manager for Universal, a group of the Universal home office sales heads is in Chicago for a sales meet- ing of nearby exchanges. Included m the group which will gather in Chicago from New York are Ted Schlanger, assistant general sales manager, Fred J. McConnell, sales manager for short product, and R. V. Anderson, sales manager for In- ternational News. On the way back to New York, the group expects to stop over for similar meetings in Cleveland and Buffalo. Gertrude Lawrrence for Movietone? Fox is reported dickering for ser- vices of Gertrude Lawrence, musical comedy star, under terms of which she would go to the Coast to appear in several talking and singing pic- tures. She already has appeared in two Movietone shorts. Berlin, Md., House Destroyed Berlin, Md. — Levin A. Cannor's small theater at Newark, Md., near here was destroyed by fire. George Skouras in N. Y. George Skouras of Skouras Enter- prises is in New York. Jossey With Mag^naphone Cleveland, O. — J. S. Jossey, former manager of Progress Pictures, is gen- eral sales manager of Magnaphone, disc synchronizing sound equipment. This is a state rights company. RKO Regional Sales Meeting Charles Rosenzweig, sales man- ager, will preside at a meeting of eastern RKO branch managers to be held Sunday in New York. YOUNG LADY Secretary, bookkeeper, stenog- rapher, correspondent, legal knowledge. Many years experience practically every branch of motion picture indus- try. Capable taking charge of office or department. Excellent references. Available about February 1st. BOX A-101 care Film Daily, 1650 B'way, N.Y.C. CaU WAFILMS, Inc. Walter A. Putter, Pre*, for Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46th St., New York Bryant 8181 First Week— Well Pleased! "We received and showed our first week's trailers and were very well pleased with them." PARAMOUNT THEATRE, Pint Grove, W. Va. Ooh, look- a Geepsy! maybe a fortune she'll tell, hah! WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS IN STORE FOR LEO AND YOU The greatest barometer of the days to come are days passed and passing. That's why it's a cinch to figure out what Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer means to you in 1929! Here's what happened in 1928 "Our Dancing Daughters" with Joan Crawford started the fun! And what fun! Ever>'bodv said: "Watch M-G-M!" And oh baby, they watched Bill Haines in "Excess Baggage"; Lon Chaney in "While The City Sleeps"; "White Shadows in the South Seas"; Marion Davies and William Haines in "Show People"; "Dreain of Love" with Joan Crawford; Lon Chanev in "West of Zanribar"; John Gilbert in "Masks of the Devil"; Gilbert-Garbo in "A Woman of Affairs" and a lot more Big Ones. one, hit after another DUNK THIS OVER! ,--/'- ''You're . . the . . cake . . in my cof , . fee! . .," M-G-M HAS COME THROUGH WITH ONE BIG HIT AFTER ANOTHER SINCE AUGUST but it's just part of M-G-M's merriest box-office partyi HOORAY! HOORAY! THEY'RE ON THE WAY! nuas JUVHVIY VALENTINE Sturrina WILLIAM HAINES S. R. O. $2 ASTOR THEATRE TALKING SENSATION! And More.' Morc; More.' Tafce a look — And still the M-G-M hits come — RAMON NOVARRO >>i THE FLYING FLEET Ahsiiliilrlv the lJ^t wonl m aviation thrilK wiih hanJMtmc Kiimitn in tit* muk( romandc and jullickt rule tince "The MiJfthipman.** Great cither \% ith Sound or Silent. JOHN GILBERT in THIRST I'hr tiar ihey all wanted! He's ')u*>t «ii:neit attain with M-C*'M f«if ^:iMir>ic!). AntI hi^ vaitt pub- tic will Hock |o see hik new drama of Uivc and thriUk ! l!(|iiipped for Sound— or Silent! GRETA GARBO in WILD ORCHIDS John C4>lton, author of the' sij^c Kuccepis "Rain" has jiiven hcuuiiful C*reta the must icfip* pinn story she's ever appeared in. With Nils Asther. Sound »)r Silent! METRO TONE MOVIE- ACTS THE BELLAMY TRIAL Something to cheer about! The Saturday Evening Post serial! Directed by Monia Bell! The perfect TALKING picture. A thriller any way yuu play it — Sound or Silent. WILLIAM HAINES in THE DUKE STEPS OUT Jimmy Crure who made ''Ex- cess EiaggaKc'Ms directing Bill Haines (with Joan Crawford) in what is destined to be one of the talked of pictures thit year. Watch for a Big Shot! It was to be expected that M'G'M would bring the much needed Quality note into the making oi these imponanc Movietone sub- jects. Within a brief six montht M'G'M has built up a library of great box-office numbers and now brings you its Second Scries of Metro Movietone Acts. Three de luxe numbers weekly. Arhonjgthe big names : Van &. Schenck, Vincent Lopez. Miller & Lyles, Ukelcle lke» George Dewey Washington, Odette Myrtit and many more. WITH SOUND! Now available with Sound— HAL ROACH'S Comedies: "Our Gang," Charlie Chase. Laurel-Hardy. THE FIRST RELEASE OF 1929 IS THE GIANT PICTURE Clarence Brown's production of Robert W. Service's Novel THE TRAIL The $2 Astor Theatre Sensation OF (Sound or Silent) MORE BIG SCENES THAN EVER BEFORE IN ONE PICTURE! THE GIGANTIC SNOW SLIDE More breath'taking than the dividing of the Red Sea- in "Ten Commandments." THE CHILKOOT PASS A spectacle to he remembered with the winding march of heroes in "Big Parade.** THE WHITE HORSE RAPIDS Ranks for thrill and tenseness with the chariot race in "Ben-Hur." THE BURNING OF DAWSON CITY Showing the origin of history's great disaster, when the gambler with ignited clothing sets fire to the world's most famous gold camp. DOLORES DEL RIO Ralph Forbes — Karl Dan* Tully Marshall- Harry Carey \ ' / THE BRIGHT LIGHTS! M'G-M stars are the greatest of all! And There Are "More Stars Than There Are in Heaven' in Metro-Goldwyn'Mayer Pictures ,.t John Gilberl Hamon Novarro l>re(a Garbo Joan CrawforJ Marion Davies Norma Shearer Busier Kcaton William Haines Lon Chanev mi^ -G- Money Getting Movies MicinbffofMo famous udniple wiili a ■'r- wlirn ^vife by urt ict tioDi of n Uvinh "I ' I f 4iaD who I i singer, 1 nnl Uaiher r Kerda. JTAW national WlOHEji "THE BARKER'' and VITAPHOXE Great Talking Special with Hilton Sill<^ Dorothy Markaill, Betty Conipson and DougUi^ Kairbanki*. Jr. $2.00 (>ma8h in New Yqrk and Los Angeles. GrealesI review ovation any piciure has received in montbs. Held third week in Toledo. $2,100 over hou»e record at Rialto, Newark. Record at Hippodroiur. Cleveland. CORINNE GRIFFITH and VITAPHONE in "The Divine Lady'* Built to mnk as the greatei^t sea special ever made. Story from E. Barringlon'B beat-seller ba;ed on the eendatioual love affairs of one of the most famous sirens of hislory. Five stars and thousands in the vast, plus brilliant sound und score. A Frank Lloyd production. TIICRVKD BARTHELMESS and VITAPHONE in "Weary River" All of Barthelme88 — for the fint time! Viu- ptione digft up buried treasure in Dick's rich speakinff voice and add« it to the treirtendouA 9er«oiuiity punch tliat has made him the screen's greatest male star. Will he roadshoKed on Broadway at {2.00. Brilliaol theme Mmg will be plugged froui coast to coaal. Betif Compson in the cast. MILTON SILLS and DOROTHY MACKAILL and VITAPHONE in "His Captive Woman'' Trenfendous success of **The Barker" will prime tbe public for this follow-iip with the same two stars in dramatic TALKING roles, as a New York cop and Jris "uurdeTess captive marooned, half-clad, on a deeert island — with I be cop apparently compelled to doom to death the woman he has learned to love, when res«ueeeksonBroadtcay. MILTON SILLS in"PAT AND MIKE"— read it in January "Cosmopolitan." "THEHOUSEOFHORRORS" — third great mystery thriller. idtionol YlTAPftom ficture^ "The only film concern that seems to care anything about the success of.the.exhibitor."— C. A. Roberts, Coniniunity Theatre, Ulysses/ Pa. Member f Motion Kcxmt Productn mi D)«tributor« of Americ* Inc>.WUi H.Hayt fiuUnt "Oh Mithcr dear, an' did ye hear the NEWS that's round?" goin "Noo, (lope, so who hcz- zeiil lioibrh to the Core/ Sunday, January 20, 1929 Price 25 Cents ^^^^^^^^*!"«g the bet- ' dedly belongs »"'**''^ sort ever brouK ^^.^^^, n. v .Thepict«^^^^^^^v^-^-""" sion tops ^*^* Li... ^^ N u «t and interesting^' ^^^^^ "Excellent an" _.n v skilfully di- •«tPlligent story, sk .^^y "An »"^*"'^v acted and adr * A capably *'- rectett, ^•**' „ reuarapi' photograpbed. o Complete Coverage, Accurate, Exclusive THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR B< The Standard of Comparison in the Motion Picture Industry %i% »K OUT THIS MONTH FREE TO FILM DAILY SUBSCRIBERS 3^AeHi¥SPmii .^Mm Wmm ^^/^llthe news o/'FILMDOM ^^mtL^ ^ ^^ ALL THE TIME IS READ EVERY DAY BY EXECUTIVES REPRESENTING 90% OF THE Buying Power OF THE Motion Picture Industry ' ii Bargain with U. S. Sought by French Industry ;^^ NEWSPAPER 0/ FILMDOM AHDWEEKLY FILM DIGEST VOL. XLVII No. 16 Sunday, January 20, 1929 Price 25 Cants lUSTRy HELPING PUT )V£ft iOVER INAUGURAL li^'askington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY ■ Washington — With the film in- lustry prepared to extend co-opera- ion to publicize the event, plans are inder way to make the Hoover in- .ugural the first "old fashioned'' in- ugural since 1913. Three days, 'larch 2, 3 and 4 have been set aside jr the observance, to which many tales will send delegations. Trail- ers are playing an important role in iublicity being employed by Sidney i. Lust, head of the film section of 16 committee on press relations. Provision is being made by the pmmittee for accommodations of the ;wsreel men who will film the oath- king procession. In charge of this iction of publicity are Andrew May, fiairnian of Harris & Ewing; M. H. cintyre of Pathe; Harry Van Tine, .ternational Newsreel; Albert Hol- hd, Fox. Preliminary publicity al- lady started includes filming by jithe Sound News of Colonel U. S. •■ant, chairman, and W. Irving 'over, executive secretary, respec- Ifely of the general arrangements unmittce. iax Gooseman Joins Ufa Eastern Distributors Max P. C. Gooseman. until re- citly general sales manager of Ufa, Crman firm, has joined Ufa Eastern Istributors, New York, which han- ds the Ufa and other imported p)duct in Eastern states. David E 11 is president of the company. Siitz Starting Series of 2 Talking, Singing Films 'roduction on the first of a series f>H2 operettas with singing and dia- le will be started, by E. Spitz in \- York next week. Leo Taub supervise the series and Eugene ier and Phillip Van Loan will co- lli ct. Frank Rehsen is musical di- 'eor of the production, the script which was written by Merle .^nson. Adolph Philip, author and CO poser, also is associated with the piiure, based on gypsy life. :he cast includes Rosalinda Mor- inisoprano, who will make her debut m he Metropolitan Opera this sea- so Ralph Errolle of the Philadel- Ph. Opera Co.; Berna Dean, who apcared in "The Vagabond King," Je.o Warner. Sarah Edwards, Bcr- iiic Mershon. Fred Osborn, Allan DtWitt, Harry Hermsen and Karin (^ne. BIG BOOKING FOR JESSEL m IS CLOSED IN N.Y. Marking one of the biggest book- ing deals ever closed in Greater New York for an independent company release, "'Lucky Boy," Tiffany-Stahl talkir.g and singing picture starring George Jesse!, opens at the Capitol, the middle of February, to be fol- lowed by runs over the Loew^ circuit in Greater New York. The deal was closed by Phil Meyer, Tiffany-Stahl branch manager. Manny Brown District Head for T-S on Coast Los Angeles — Manny Brown has been named Coast district supervisor of Tiffany-Stahl, succeeding Homer Borger. R-K-0 Managers Compete On "Wings" Showmanship R-K-O house managers in the Greater New York sections are in competition the week of Jan. 20th for 3 bronze trophj- offered by Major Les- lie E. Thompson, divisional manager, to the local house manager who shows the greatest ingenuity in the exploita- tion and box-office results during the engagement of "Wings," which will have a full w-eek's showing in all houses. Has Big Year Passing the experimental stage, the Academy of M. P. Arts and Sciences firmly es- tablished itself during 1928, great strides being made dur- ing the year, it is shown in a review of the organization's work compiled for THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK to be issued this month. FRENCH INDUSTRY SEEKS TRADE WITH HAYS GROUP Paris — Charles Declac, president of the Chamber Syndicate, will head a delegation of the French industry, which is to go to New York ostens- ii)Iy to study tl-.c film situation there, but, in reality to negotiate a recipro- cal agreement with Will H. Hays. One plan is an American guarantee of purchase of a fixed numljcr of French films ainnially, the other calls for a fund of from $400,000 to 5600.000 to be contributed by American distribu- tors for rehabilitation of the French industry. The industry here regards the time as particularly propituous for the driving of a bargain in Amer- ica, pointing out that only 313 Amer- ican films were shown in France in 1928, compared with 368 the previous year. A Busy Week MONDAY: What Wall Street thinks Wall Street does not always see happen. However, for its possible bearing on the centralization era in the industry, the following comment is reprinted from "The Wall Street Journal" : There is a widely circulated rumor in the financial district that Paramount Famous Lasky eventually may be found to be working in close harmony with the Radio CorporaticMi. No confirmation has been obtainable, but many are inclined to credit the report and it is being repeated in all quarters. There the matter stands. Conjecture, if you go in for that sort of thing. We pass to other comment leaving with you two sidelights to remember : First, "The Wall Street Journal" by its conservatism has estab- lished a reputation for accuracy. Wildcat rumors find no place in its columns. Secondly, Adolph Zukor, always zealous for his company's posi- tion in the industry, is working hard and planning as he goes. Along what lines, he, of course, knows best. We are informed, however, that he is maintaining close vigil on the trend of the times and how- (Continued on Page 3) ALLIED STARTS WORK ACTIVELY ON MONDAY Chicago — With details of organiza- tion and financing worked out at the meeting here. Allied Slates Ass'n of -M. P. Exhibitors, expects to start work actively Monday. Abram F. Myers, president and general coun- sel, and other leaders of the revived organization are slated to address a meeting of Wisconsin exhibitors called for Sunday. Policies and plans were agreed upon at the ses- sion here. Special Meeting of N. W. Exhibitor Unit Called Minneapolis — Call has been sound- ed for special meeting of the North- west exhibitor unit Feb. 4 and 5 to discuss the organization's participa- tion in Allied and ways and means to combat adverse legislation now pending in Minnesota, North and South Dakota. At the sessions. President W. A. Steffes will offer a plan for a more cohesive organza- tion by appointment of county chair- men with expenses paid to the dis- trict meetings to be held regularly. Marsh Named by President Federal Trade Commission iVashinglon Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Charles H. Marsh of Minnesota has been nominated by President Coolidge to succeed Ab- ram F. Myers as a member of the Federal Trade Commission. Deal for Sale of Equity to Warners Not Yet Closed Philadelphia — Deal for sale of the Equity chain in Philadelphia and vicinity to Warners has not yet been closed, it is reported here. Negotia- tions are continuing however, it is stated. 5000 Organs Manufactured by Kilgen in 50 Years St. Louis — Charles C. Kilgen, pres- ident of George Kilgen & Son. pipe organ builders, has completed his 50th year of active connection with the firm. During the half century the company manufactured 5,000 pipe organs. Witmark Music Catalogued for Use in Sound Scores M. Witmark and Sons, New York music publishing firm in which the (Continued on Page 12) J%$Bg»»* Sunday, January 20, 1929 Vol. XLTI1 No. 16 Sinday, Jan. 20, 1929 Price 25 Cents JOHN «. UiCOATE PBUisher Pubfished daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. »•, and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann. Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter, May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Ternis ( Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months. $3 00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all cotnmtmica- tions to THE FILM DAILY. 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone CircSe 4736- •4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday New York. Hollywood, Caltfornia — Ralph Wilk 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London— Ernest W. Frf<3man, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse. 225. Paris— 'P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close *Am. Seat • 35 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 28'4 275^ 27-^ ♦East. Kodak 184^ ♦do pfd 128 ♦First Nat. pfd 1045^ Fox Fm. "A" .... 99M 94^ 99 ♦do rts 3 Keith A-O 42J4 41 41 ♦do pfd 130 Loew's Inc 74 12Vi 73 K do pfd 10654 105 106'^ ♦M-G-M pfd 25^ M. P. Cap 1854 17M 18 ^ Para. F-L 59 SS'^ 58^ Pathe Exch 135i \2Vi 13'4 do "A" 27 26 26J4 Radio K.A-O 43 ->4 41 54 41 M Stanley Co 40^ 40^ 40J4 ♦Univ. Pict. pfd 98'/4 Warner Bros. . . .\2iVt. 123 54 125^ Warner pfd 555^ 5454 55}4 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... IS'^ 1754 17^ ♦Bal. & Katz 82 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 21.54 21}4 21'/^ ♦Film Insp 254 Fox Thea. "A" .. 3654 355^ 3554 Intern. Proj MVi \TVi 1754 Loew do deb. rts.. 3954 37 37 Nat. Scr. Serv... 33 32 1/2 33 Nat. Thea. Sup... lOJ^ lO^^ lO^^ Trans-Lux 11^ 10?4 11 ♦Univ. Pict 28 BOND MARKET Keith A-0 6s 46 . 95 !4 95 '4 95 K Loew 6s 41ww ...119'/ 11854 11854 do 6s 41 x-war.. 9954 99^ 99i4 Paramount 6s 47 ..100 100 100 Par. By. S^^s 51.. 102'/^ 102 102 Pathe 7s 37 82.M 8254 8254 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36.. 97 97 97 ♦Warner 6!.^s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 34 36 do units 36 41 do com 5 ^ 8 Skouras Bros. ... 45 Technicolor 11 13 United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com... 2 do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 2',306 13', 666 '366 9'666 2,900 5,400 2,400 300 21,600 200 9,666 2,700 2,000 4,966 22', 5 66 100 400 200 500 14,000 1 22 4 1 6 2 Leased Homerville House Homerville, Ga. — Daniel W. Hughes and F. W. Jernigan have lea.sed the Liberty, succeeding Lucas Jenkins in the operating of that house. INDEX A BUSY WEEK, Ait Editorial by Maurice Kann 1 FINANCIAL 2 HOLLYWOOD HAPPENINGS, Coast News by Telegraph 4 "A LITTLE FROM LOTS," by Ralph Wilk 4 SOUND PICTURES, by Charles F. Hyncs 6-7 PRESENTATIONS, by Herbert S. Berg 7 REVIEWS OF NEWEST RELEASES, by Jack Harrower 8-9 FOREIGN MARKETS, by James P. Cunningham 10 THEATER EQUIPMENT, by Charles F. Hynes 11 THE WEEK'S HEADLINES, Resume of the News 12 SHORT SHOTS FROM EASTERN STUDIOS, by Arthur IV. Eddy 12 REVIEWS T*"! ' PAGE BEAUTY AND BULLETS 9 BEWARE OF BACHELORS 9 BUSHRANGER, THE 9 CASE OF LENA SMITH 8 FORBIDDEN LOVE 8 KING OF THE RODEO 8 LADY OF CHANCE 8 MAN IN HOBBLES 8 NAUGHTY BABY 8 ORPHAN OF THE SAGE 8 SINGLE MAN. A 8 SPIELER, THE 9 SOUND SHORT SUBJECTS 9 SILENT .9-10 Bombed Hammond, Ind. House to be Rebuilt Hammond, Ind. — The State here, nationally known because of the bombing which wrecked the house in November, 1927, will be rebuilt, bondholders have decided. Harry Ames and Joseph Million, conferred bombers, are serving prison sentences of from one to three years, while William Kleihege, who operated the house, has an appeal pendingin state Supreme Court from conviction of a charge of having conspired to have the $900,000 house destroyed. Making Dialogue Sequences Dialogue sequences now are being made by Columbia for "The Lone Wolf's Daughter," starring Bert Lytell, at the Victor Recording Stu- dios, Camden, N. J. Rockville House Closed Rockville, Conn. — The Princess, operated by the Interstate Theater Corp. which also operates the Palace here, will close soon, it is reported. $6000,000 Mid West House Oklahoma City, Okla. — Erection of a $600,000 theater by the Mid West Enterprises, Inc. is being considered here, according to John Sinopoulo, manager of the Orpheum. To Manage Dallas House Dallas, Tex.— S. S. McHenry, has taken over the management of the Ritz, succeeding J. V. Mayo. The new Ritz manager has been associated with the Oak Cliff Amuse. Co. of which C. R. McHenry is head. Pro Patria and British Instructional to Merge London — Amalgamation of Pro Patria with British Instructional Films is reported to have been dis- cussed at a recent directors meeting of Pro Patria, Ltd. The interests and directorship of the two companies are already closely united, and a move to centralize them under one control. H. Bruce Woolfe presided at the meeting due to the illness of A. E. Bundy. Hitchcock in Movietone Series Raymond Hitchcock has been signed to do a series of short Movie- tone sketches for M-G-M at the New York studio. Ruben on Coast IVest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Al Ruben, insurance broker, has arrived in Hollywood from New York. Dow Made Division Manager Louisville — David E. Dow, resi- dent general manager of the RKO theaters in this city, has been pro- moted to division manager in the western district, with headquarters at Chicago. Fairchilds Buys Granrts Grants, N. M. — Leo M. Fairchilds is now owner and manager of the Grants here. The house was sold by Earl Fackler vk^ho has moved to Los Angeles. The Industry's Date Book Jan. 25 Film Guild Cinema opens in New York. Jan. 24-26 Fifth annual conference of Na- tional Board of Review. Jan. 27 Annual banquet of M.P.T.O. of Eastern Pennsylvania. Jan. 31 Theatrical ball of Los Angeles branch of Actors Equity Ass'n. Feb. 1 Opening of 4,000-seat Toledo-Para- mount at Toledo. Feb. 3 Dinner of tho Silver Screen spons- ored by The Film Bureau in New York. Feb. 9 Dinner of Writers Branch of Acad- emy of M. P. Arts and Sciences, Hollywood, to visiting dialogue writers. Feb. 14 1929 Wampas FroUc, Hollywood. Mar. 2 AMPA Hollsrwood Masque Ball in New York. "Film Fun" Changes Curtis Mitchell, editor of "Film Fun," monthly magazine, for the last two years, now is vice president of the company. Ernest V. Heyn, for- merly managing editor is now editor. May Ninomiya is now the editor of "Screen Romances," a new love story publication issued monthly. She con- tinues ber former work on "Film Fun." Maberry on Sales Trip Cecil E. Maberry, general sales manager of Columbia Pictures, left New York Friday on a sales trip to the Philadelphia, Washington and Cleveland exchanges. He is to re- turn in about ten days. Dave Werner's Father Dies Funeral services are being held Sunday for Bernard Werner, 65, father of Dave Werner, manager of Universal's Colony. New York, who died following a heart attack, induced by several months' illness. Jolsons ip New York Al Jolson, accompanied by his wife, is in New York. He will return soon to the Coast to start work on his : next Warner Bros. Vitaphone pro- duction, "Mammy." BROOKS THE NAME YOU GO BY WHEN VQa_GO To BUY COSTUMES '^^37 B'WAY. N.y TEL 5560 PENN. , ALIO 25.0OO COSIUMES TQ °CM-r 'I Loyd For Beloit House Beloit, Wis. — O. V. Loyd has been named manager of the Beloit, suc- ceeding F. A. Reichstein, who has retired. Akeley Camera Equipped Bell & Howell Camera Outfit Also Eymo. BROWNING STUDIOS 110 West 40th Street N. Y. C. PENn. 1258-9 Let Us Solve Your Problems I Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCORPORATED 1540 B'WAY N.Y.C. TELEPHONE BRYANT 3040 THE Sunday. January 20. 1929 ■s^mi DAILV A Busy Week (Continutd from Page 1) I'araiuouiit can best lit into tlie coali- tions, consolidations and movements under way and in ci>nteniplation. . . . A vast si^li of exhibitor relief is rising all over this broad land. Sound equipment, the noal of all and sun- ,rk. That makes the second de- SI ve the Warners have expressed I ^■llingness to serve. While the Bio- l pbne instance does not establish a )j Pfcedent for that equipment insofar ^ a, Warners are concerned, it is indi- ^ cied— just that — that in theaters % w|ere it is demonstrated quality holds via the Biophone reproducer, irner pictures will become avail- t. This tidbit falls into the classi- tion of good news for the exhib- r R (Iw IB E! u \ a fi it C ti in d- nt m tl 0 ca of Mlis lemphis is emerging from the flu. ler sections of the country con- le to be hard hit, but the general cations are generally that the epi- lic is on the wane. More good s. . . . he need for a definite source of ic for synchronized scores and me songs has propelled practi- •■ all major producers into alliances various nature with music pub- :rs. The latest is the purchase t)f a substantial interest in Witmark by Warners. . . . Concentration of executive man- agement continues over at the Warn- ers. Sypros .Skouras has moved to New York. The Stanley headquarters are housed in the Warner Bldg. and in a few months, First National moves in. The watchful eye of Harry VX'arner won't have so far to roam from now on. . . . Just Wait Wedyiesday: The enterprising Mr. Fox has not yet finished his self- imposed job. Active as he has been in the theater field, more moves are on the wing. By his own statement, it is w^ell to remember. Fox who now controls 700,000 theater seats through- out the countrv anticipates swelling the total to 1,000,000. This, by the end of 1929. In other words, 300,000 to go. If he were to build to acquire this vast block of seats on the basis of the present program which calls for 5,000 seat houses, it would mean 60 giants. But, of course, all of the contemplated acquisitions won't be constructed; many will be annexed, and the riddle now is: where will they be? . . . Mark it down. January 16 the date upon which Abram F. Myers enters assumed duties as president and general counsel of the Allied States Ass'n of M. P. Exhibitors. Very soon now a more detailed plat- form will be made public and from that will be gleaned exactly what Myers proposes to do on behalf of the floating body of unorganized, in- dependent exhibitors. . . . Another big music group is dig- ging into the business. Columbia Phonograph is about to market a non- synchronizer bearing the fitting name of Theaterphone. This, we un- derstand, is the beginning. A syn- chronous device lurks in the background. Now! Columbia is tied in with Kolster Radio. The patents owned by the Federal Tele- phone and Telegraph Co. are con- trolled by Kolster. H. D. H. Connick, (luondam big man at Paramount is one of the prime movers in Wired Radio which is allied with Kolster. Federal Telephone several years ago announced its intention of entering the sound picture field. The strings that wind around these enterprises lead into the offices of the North American Co., America's largest public utilities company with assets that run into more ciphers than the compositor can set without losing his composure. There you are. Your conclusions are entirely j'our own. . . . After Rentals Thursday: There will be no closed market for sound pictures. If dis- tributors have their say. the field is to be as wide open as the Western prairies. When you hear of instances where a theater is refused service, the reason will be found largely to rest in a fear on the part of the distribu- tor that the reproducer in that theater (Continued on Page 12) Who is the best theatre manager in the country? \17E don't know who he is, but whoever he is — WE WANT HIM! We want him for a job that's just as big as he is now, and which will become just as much bigger as he makes it. pERHAPS this man feels that -*- he is the best theatre man- ager in the country, but he hasn't quite proved it to the world as yet. If so — we're ready to listen. "VTATURALLY, he must have -^ ^ a record of results — and the ambition and stamina to reach and fight toward the very top. npO such a man we (one of the '■' major companies) can offer a most attractive proposition. Write us fully with the assurance that all replies will be accorded the utmost privacy. BOX A' 110 Care of Film Daily 1650 Broadway, New York City Q/^|LY\ Sunday, January 20, 1929 Hays Favors Epic Productions American Public will Prevent Retarding of Industry Development by Censors' Muzzling of Sound Pictures, Producers' Ass'n Told— Paramount to Work 24 Hour Schedule — Wilk's Paragraphs INDUSTRY URGED TO KEEP HIGH EILM STANDARDS Epic pictures must be continued, using possibilities of sound to in- crease their quality and magnitude, Will H. Hays, told the Association of M. P. Producers, declaring that the American people will "soon see to it that the industry's progress is not retarded by the attempt of some to censor speech," "Coincident with the full realization of the fact that the motion picture industry must resist the attempt in some places to censor speech from the screen is the renewed deter- mination on the part of the industry to make certain that its pictures are of such quality that no reasonable person can claim any need for censorship," he said. "This atti- tude which the industry must take is not only for itself but in the defense of the whole right of free speech. The particular part which the studio has in this effort is the most important job of all and that is care as to the quality of the productions. "We are attaining public confidence in this regard and the American people will soon see to it that the progress of the industry is not retarded further by the misguided attempt on the part of some actually to censor speech. Back of it all, however, and more important than any other element in the whole matter is the faithful execution by the studios of the purpose and promise to make the quality of their pictures right in this regard. That duty will be discharged. With the advent of sound in pictures and the realization of its great supplemental en- tertainment value, and the educational possi- bilities of sound films, the industry is not un- mindful of the importance of the picture it- self and of the immeasurable value of the epic pictures made in this country which have marked as milestones the progress of the art. These epic pictures must and will continue to be made and will be yet more magnificent, using still further the value of the new sound possibilities to increase their quality and magnitude." New Story by Arthur Caesar Fox Movietone is placing in pro- duction Arthur Caesar's new story, "Women Are Like That," which James G. Parrott will direct. The cast includes Armand Kaliz, Paul Nicholson, Frederick Graham and Sharon Lynn. Dawson Made F. N. Director Ralph Dawson, film editor for War- ner Brothers, who edited 'The Desert Song," 'lias been signed by First Na- tional as a director. Rooneys in "U"' Comedies The three Rooneys of vaudeville fame will make their debut in a series of Universal sound comedies. Ben Holmes will direct under supervision of Nat Goldstone. Sills Title Changed Milton Sills' starring vehicle, "The Comedy of Life" has been retitled, "Love and the Devil." Maria Corda is playing the feminine lead and others are: Ben Bard, Mario Dominici and Hector Sarno. Alexander Korda is directinR. 24 Hour Schedule May Be Adopted at Paramount Paramount probably will act upon voluntary offer made by studio work- ers and adopt a 24-hour schedule at the studios. The schedule it is prom- ised, will not be held up by the fire which destroyed the new sound stage. Alice White's Next Set Alice White's next First National- Vitaphone picture will be "Broadway Musketeers," by Jay Gelzer. It will be a singing, talking and dancing picture, Vitaphoned throughout. Monte Katterjohn has been assigned to write the adaptation. Neilan Completes Talker "Fog," directed by Marshall Neilan, is the first all talker to be completed at the new Metropolitan sound studio. The cast includes Mary Brian, loaned by Paramount, James Kirkwood, Frank Reicher, John Loder, Lloyd Hamilton, Hallam Cooley, Noble Johnson, Ben Hendricks, and Robert Ames. It is a British and Dominion Film production. Cast Opposite Eddie Dowling Marian Nixon will appear opposite Eddie Dowling in "Broadway Bound," first of the talking pictures to be produced at Metropolitan studio by Sono-Art Prod. Frances Agnew IS writing the screen story and dialogue. Dorothy Arzner Assigned Dorothy Arzner, Paramount's wo- man director, who is now filming Clara Bow's first all-talking picture, "The Wild Party," has been assigned to direct Charles "Buddy" Rogers' next starring film, "Young Sinners." Turns Freelance Earle Snell, who has been with Universal for the past two years and who is credited with most of Reg- inald Denny's current vehicles, will not renew his contract but will write on a picture-to-picture basis. To Assist on Hale Vehicle Joseph Franklin Poland is to as- sist William Conselman in preparing "Ladies Prefer Brunettes," Alan Hale's first starring picture for Pathe. Young Starts New Film Lon Young has placed "Just Off Broadway" in production for Ches- terfield. Frank O'Connor is direct- ing under Young's supervision. ROBERT LORD WRITER Under Contract to WARNER BROTHERS A Little from ''Lots*' By RALPH WILK BRADLEY KING is keeping busy at First National. She is writ- ing dialogue and adaptations with equal facility. She furnished the adaptation and dialogue for "Weary River" and "The Squall'' and is now at work on "Pat and Mike," which will star Milton Sills and will be the first time a dual role has been done in the talkers. * * * Our Passing Show: Max Reinhardt aivd two of his for- 7ner pupils, Joseph Schild- kraut and Fritz Feld, visiting Universal as the guests of Carl Laemmle, Jr., and Paul Fejos; Al Green and "Red" Golden discussing baseball; Louis Jacobino visiting Pathe. * * * Harry Decker, one of the busiest supervisors on the Coast, has return- ed from a well-earned rest and is ac- tive at Universal. Harry is a pro- duction veteran and was for years an important figure at the Thomas H. I nee studios. * * * Charles G. Clarke is start- ing his ninth production at Fox, photographing "The Grouch Bag," which Irving Cummings is directing, with Louise Dresser starred. Char- lie recently finished work on "The Sin Sister," which charles Klein directed. LON YOUNG "/ was once a newspaper- man myself." Tec-Art Studios, Hollywood, Calif. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha RUBINEWS-1 Back in Hollywood from the Colony, where I made them throw away the red ink Bot- tle. Latest news here: Any day now some company will make a perfectly synchronized talking picture? Sh. Sh. Sh. BENNY RUBIN Sennett Signs Gribbon Harry Gribbon has been signed by Mack Sennett for the all-talking com- edy the producer is to direct from his own story. .i HARVEY GATES Writer WARNER BROTHERS ''Sonny Boy >» THE Doorway ol Hospitality f _1 in Los Angeles be stire to investigate. THE HOLLYWOOr PLAZA HOTEL Vine Street at Hollywood Boulevard HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA THC Sunday, lanuary 20. 1929 M^M ■^^ ^ DAILY IJjgS^—sft IRVING CUMMINGS Director of "IN OLD ARIZONA" "ROMANCE OF „. William Fox THE UNDERWORLD" \ Studios "DRESSED TO KILL" I —JXI^ DAILV Sunday, January 20, 1929 NRW DBVBLOPMBNTS IN THE FAST GROWING PIBLD OP SYN- CHRONIZATION SOUND PICTURES TIPS ON EQUIPMENT AND VARIOUa IDS- VICES ARE NOW AVAILABLE By CHARLES F. HYNES PHOTOTONE TO PLACE SYNCHRONIZER ON MARKET North Vernon, Ind. — Platter Cabi- net Co., manufacturers of Phototone, (has started production of a synchron- ous device which can be included with the non-synchronous machine, which will have an attachment for either film or disc reproduction. The device will have a double amplifying unit, one for reserve. There will be either nine-inch or 12-inch dynamic cone speakers attached to the baffle sound board speakers. The machine is ball-bearing at nearly all moving centers. A four or six-tube ampli- fier will be used, according to the size of the house, the large ampli- fier delivering 15-watt output. The large amplifier will operate from two to 40 speakers and provide field cur-, rent to dynamic speaker operating from 105 to 120-watt 50/60 cycle current, the company claims. The company states it will have a representative in every territory, to service machines at cost. The ma- chine will be sold outright, it is un- derstood. 3 Sound Stages West Coast Bur. THE FILM DAILY Three sound stages costing $250,000, are to be built by R-K-O Prod. Work on them is to start at an early date. New House for Sound Harrisburg, 111. — The Orpheum, destroyed by fire recently, will be re- built as a sound house. The Colo- nial Amusement Co. has closed with General Talking Pictures for a De Forest Phonofilm reproducer. Phila. Supervisor for "Erpi" Philadelphia — F. W. Johnson, for- merly in the New York office of Electrical Research Products, Inc., has been appointed supervisor for Pennsylvania. H. J. Mayer suc- ceeds Johnson as supervisor in the New York district. More "Erpi" Service Offices Electrical Research intends adding three new service stations to its sys- tem. San Francisco, Seattle and Denver are the designated cities. Sales and installation will be handled out of them as well. SOUND PICTURES CUT INTO EMPLOYMENT rOR EXTRAS West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Talking pictures are held responsible for reduced employ- ment in extra ranks, the annual re- port of the Central Casting Bureau points out. Total earnings for the supernumaries dropped more than a third of a million in 1928 as compared with 1927. The aggregate earned by extras during 1928 was $2,469,711, as com- pared with $2,838,186 earned in 1927. The 1928 average was $8.94, as against an average of $8.59 for the previous year. Total daily place- ments last year were 276,155, a drop of 54,242 from the 1927 total of 330,- 397. Most of the sound pictures so far produced have been made with small casts and few crowd scenes calling for extras. Bristolphone at Soo Saulte Ste. Marie, Mich. — Wiring is under way for Bristolphone at the Temple, a Soo Amusement Co. house SYNCHRONOUS FIELD LATER With its entrance into the field of non-synchronous disc devices al- ready under way, Columbia Phono- graph Co., manufacturer of the Co- lumbia Theaterphone, is considering entrance into the synchronous field. The company, one of the largest ] disc and phonograph manufacturers, states it already claims to have in- stalled 146 of its Theaterphone ma- chines in various sections of the coun- try. A sales department is handling the machine, and sales offices are to be opened in key cities. Columbia has exclusive contracts with Kolster Radio, which owns the Nakken sound-on-film patents. Kol- ster manufactures a number of the parts for the Theaterphone. This al- liance, it is said, would be carried out in event Columbia enters the talker field, although it is expected Columbia would prefer a sound-on- disc synchronizer. Theaterphones will be produced at the rate of 250 a month after March 1, Columbia promises, and in event Voice and Orchestra selections are recorded iw^ith such fidelity and delicacy oS tone -with such siveetness and clearness combined 'with depth, as to make music and entertainment of an actual orchestra that is present. The human voice with every intonation, with every fine expression, with every heart throb, is reproduced lifelike through RACON EXPONENTIAL HORNS. The one piece construction, the patented, vibrationless, non-porous material and the lightness of weight, make RACON HORNS the recognized standard for musical and voice reproduction by the largest Amplifier Com- panies, Talking Picture Companies and Reproducer Companies throughout the world. Sizes of horns vary from 6" to 6' square bells, with air columns of from one foot to fifteen feet DYNAMIC UNITS FOR EXPONENTIAL HORNS THE NEW UNIT MARK an advanced step in this day of remarkable talking picture achievement. The results obtained by the use of the Racon Air Column Units are to be a surprise even to the most critical hstener. Your entertaining problems wrill be solved, the box office receipts will be increased, your patrons will be delighted by the reproduction from RACON EXPONENTIAL HORNS AND DYNAMIC HORN UNITS. There will be no blasting, no tinniness, but perfect amplification combined wdth volume, depth and brilliancy. Consult Our Acoustical Engineers specialists in Acoustic Chambers Factories: 18 to 24 Washington Place, New York, Telephone Spring 1120 Slough, Bucks, England, and 105 Sherbourne St., Toronto, Canada THE Sunday, January 20, 1929 -.%g^ DAILY Tlie Columbia Theaterphone, new double turntable non^synchronous device, manu- factured and distributed by the Columbia Phonograph Co. a synchronizer is determined upon, this will be in the form of an at- tachment to the present machine. Two amplifiers, a precaution against mechanical trouble, and a record gauge, said to enable operator to se- lect the particular groove desired are features of Theaterphone. Record for "Sinking Fool" Altoona, Pa. — Playing two engage- ments at the Strand within a six- week period, Warners claim that "The Singing Fool" played to dou- ble the town's population, with heavy patronage coming from the sur- rounding districts. SYNCHROPHONE World's Latest— Most Marvelous NON-SYNCHRONIZING Sound Device Compare it with $3,000 to $10,000 TalkingDevices TONAL QUALITY UNSURPASSED PRICE $395- INSTALLED ETHELV. HOLLANDAHRAaiONS 915 LONGACRE BUILDING -:- NEW YORK Sales Distributors FOREIGN RIGHTS AVAILABLE Presentations By HERBERT S. BERG i mn STAGE SCREEK BALLYHOO OLD VIENNA Owing to the length of the feature. "Sunrise," the stage show at the Roxy was confined to an atmosphere prolog called "In Old Vienna." The scene was the garden of the emperor's palace, with the emperor surrounded by his courtiers and ladies. Several of the popular light Viennese opera arias were woven into the piece, and with the gay costumes and brilliant lighting effects made a pleasing spectacle. Erno Rapee led the orchestra through an elaborate musical cycle including "Hungarian Dance No. 5," "Hungarian Fantasy" and "Liebe- straum.'' Miss Glass was at the piano on the stage for the two latter num- bers, and received an ovation for her splendid work. Fox Movietone News sprang a novelty with Julius Rosenwald, the Chicago mail order millionaire, delivering a monolog on the subject of how millionaires get that way which was startling in its frankness. Rosenwald declared that most men who acquired millions were very ordinary people, and that the real brainy boys were not the big money makers. To prove his argu- ment he said: "Look at me," or words to that effect. He's either a very honest gent or a great press agent for bigger and better mail or- ders for his company. The audience actuallv applauded this Movietone bit. NIGGENEYER'S SHOW SCORES AT PARAMT The Paramount show was "Beauty Shop Blues," a very nifty turnout credited to C. A. Niggcmeyer. Gene Rodemich as m.c. is doing very nicely, this being his third week. Gene has an easy style that fits in well with the various acts as he introduces them, and when it comes to leading the stage harmonizers, he is there also. The show led off with the Foster Girls doing a novelty bootblack dance. The Gibson Sisters were very good, one of them especially with her slow acrobatic routine employing some clever backovers and splits. Stanley House furnished a lot of comedy, and Rodemich assisted in the cross- Standard VAUDE VI LLE for Motion Pictore Prci««ii Nation Tbe FALLY MARKUS VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Lmulummxaam 7876 1S31 BiMMDWA^, NBKYOICKCITY firing. The Foster Girls were on for a French Doll number, and later (lid the Beauty Shop Manicurists, both scoring neatly. Karavaeff appeared in tiie latter number as a bell hop and (lid some lightning Gossack steps com- bined with the native brand of tap- ping. Helen Lynd proved a real ace comedy entertainer with her splendid impersonations a la Fanny Brice, her Russian Lullaby in which she soothes her baby by offering to give it a herring being a darb. The beauty shop idea is well carried out in the finale, with the girls parading in powder pufT costumes as an immense girl's head is lowered from the wings with two girls posed in the earrings. MORT HARRIS HAS NIfTY CAPITOL PRESENTATION A good stage show at the Capitol with Mort Harris providing "Reflec- tions," which was nicely balanced with color, laughter and nifty girlies. Dave Schooler and his band boys working in great shape, and the costumes of the Chester Hale Girls were of the kind that even the gals at the Roxy could envy. And these Hale girls know how to fill them. The main attraction was the work of Shaw and Lee, formerly of the "Five O'clock Girl." These two ec- centrics had a line of gagging and hoofing that kept the audience in a steady ripple of laughter. A girl named Rosemary did some high and fancy warbling, and Colleano was on for some sensational stepping in the middle of which he pulled a double somersault and did a comedy fall that was a cuckoo. Sonny handled a couple of solos well. The finale smash was a gorgeous eyeful. One of the best shows the Capitol has staged in months. New Policy For Denver House Denver, Colo.- — With the announce- ment of Homer Ellison as new man- ager of the Colorado, the house will present pictures and presentations. Negotiations are being made for the installation of RCA-Photophone, it is reported. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Theatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3S80 THE i^E^ DAILV Sunday, January 20, 1929 Norma Shearer in "A Lady of Chance" M-G-M Length: 7126 ft. CHALK UP A HIGH MARK FOR DIRECTOR ROBERT LEONARD WHO PUT A TIP- TOP CAST THROUGH THEIR PACES WITH A LOT OF CLASS. Cast. .. .Norma Shearer goes underworld, works the badger game, marries the sucker, falls in love with him, and does it all delightfully. Low- ell Sherman a close second as the confidence man. Others Gwen Lee, John M. Brown and Eugenia Besserer. Story and Production. .. .Comedy drama. From the story "Little Angel." Quite a novelty to see Norma playing a shady lady. But she does it all so delightfully that she makes you forget the absurdity of such a charming type doing any- thing so brazen as working the bad- ger game. Robert Leonard made this film with his clever directorial touches. There were lots of holes in the story, but he succeeded in gloss- ing them over so that even the intel- ligent in any audience will soak it in and like it. And that, brothers, is what we call real directing talent. Norma is gorgeous, clever and very amusing. Lowell Sherman does one of his best roles. John Mack Brown clicks with his sincerity. Surefire with 3-way play on director, cast and story. Direction, Robert Z. Leonard, ex- cellent; Author, Le Roy Scott; Scen- ario, A. P. Younger; Editor, Mar- garet Booth; Titles, Ralph Spence; Photography, Peverell Marley, Wil- liam Daniels, fine. Lew Cody and Aileen Pringle in "A Single Man" M-G-M Length: 5596 ft. JUST ANOTHER OLD STAGE PLAY THAT WAS NEVER MEANT FOR SIX REELS OF FILM. MAKES CODY LOOK SILLY IN SAPPY ROLE. Cast.... Cody as the serious mid- dle aged suitor who goes collegiate looks pathetic and you feel real sor- ry for him. But you can't blame Cody for the impossible role. Cast includes Aileen Pringle, Marceline Day, Edward Nugent, Kathlyn Wil- liams, Eileen Manning. Story and Production. .. .Comedy. That is, it was a comedy as written for the stage almost 20 years ago. And played by John Drew, it was a delightful comedy. Played by Lew Cody on the screen with the regula- tion standardized Hollywood script to give the modern youth atmos- phere, it's flatter than a lunch room pancake. Listead of comedy it be- comes pathos. It's a pathetic sight to see Cody trying to make whoopee with the collegiate nitwits just be- cause he has become infatuated with a dizzy young thing. Of course his faithful secretary in the guisel of Aileen Pringle sits back patiently and watches the middle aged novelist make an ass of himself, then grabs him away from the flapper. Misses. Direction, Harry Beaumont, handi- capped; Author, Hubert Henry Dav- ies; Scenario, F. Hugh Herbert, George O'Hara; Editor, Ben Lewis; Titles, Joe Farnliam, Lucile New- mark; Photography, Andre Barlatier, good. Hoot Gibson in "King of the Rodeo" Universal Length: 5509 ft. UP-TO-DATE WESTERN WITH THE CHICAGO RODEO GIVEN A LOT OF FOOTAGE THAT CARRIES A PUNCH. HOOT GIBSON IN FINE FORM. Cast. . . .Gibson gets over strong in interesting yarn that gives him a chance to ride plenty and do some good comedy stuff. Others, Kathryn Crawford, Slim Summerville, Chas. K. French, Monty Montague, Jos- eph W. Gerard. Story and Production. .. .Western. They are getting more intelligence into the westerns, and this Hoot Gib- son comes pretty near the head of the list for all-round entertainment placed in a modern setting with an interesting story. None of the old bunk about cattle thieves, outlaws, mortgage on the old ranch, etc. Hoot's father runs a modern ranch, and wants his son to go to college and forget about his string of relay racing horses. But Hoot legs it to Chicago with his ponies and enters the rodeo. And from there on the reels are crammed with action, com- edy and bang up entertainment. There is a neat love story worked in, and a clever thief chase that is dif- ferent. A safe booking anywhere. Direction. Henry MacRae, fine; Author, B. N. Bower; Scenario, George Morgan, Editor, Gilmore Walker; Titles, Not listed; Photog- raphy, Harry Neuman, the best. Buzz Barton in "Orphan of the Sage" FBO Length: 4903 ft. THIS ONE WILL PLEASE THE KIDS WITH A TALE OF PIONEER DAYS AND INDIANS ATTACKING THE COVERED WAGONS. BUZZ DOES HIS HERO STUFF. Cast.... Buzz Barton gets lots of opportunities to play hero in help- ing his partner, the pioneer scout and guide, save the emigrants from mas- sacre by the Indians. Frank Rice, Thomas Lingham, Anabelle Nagnux, Bill Patton. Story and Production. .. .Melo- drama of pioneer days. Made for the juvenile trade. It gives the kid star. Buzz Barton, a chance to do his heroics and there is no doubt that the juvenile fans will like this one. Buzz and his partner throw in their fortunes with an emigrant train that is going to homestead sites in Ore- gon. There is a renegade among the pioneers who is after the gold that the miners are taking with them. Buzz and his partner uncover his plot to have the Indians ambush the train. The attack by the redskins runs for a lot of footage and builds up a lot of excitement. Buzz sneaks through the lines and brings relief from the nearby army post. The film carries a good little human in- terest story. Direction, Louis King, good; Au- thor, Oliver Drake; Scenarist, Oliver Drake; Editors, Jack Kitchen, Delia King; Titles, Helen Gregg; Photog- raphy, Nick Musuraca, fine. "The Case of Lena Smith" Paramount Length: 7229 ft. FAIR BOX OFFICE. VON STERNBERG'S DIRECTION AND ESTHER RALSTON'S FINE CHARACTERIZATION OFFSET HEAVY AND DRAGGY STORY. Cast. .. .Esther Ralston does most serious and impressive role of her career as the mother who sacrifices all for her child. Gustav von Seyffer- titz splendid as an old bigot. James Hall scores also as young Austrian ofiicer. Others Emily Fitzroy, Fred Kohler, Betty Aho, Lawrence Grant, Leone Lane, Kay DesLys, Alex Woloshin. Story and Production. . . .Drama of Vienna in early nineties. Director Von Sternberg has done something entirely different from his previous work. It is mainly a psychological study of a woman's reactions to the injustices of class and cast in aristo- cratic and military Vienna before the war. For three-quarters of its length it moves very slowly, with great de- tail. It is a fine example of thought- ful and studied directorial effort. Characters aire well rounded, and every incident impresses with its faithful portrayal of life. The last reel snaps up with some strong dra- matic action. Esther Ralston holds the interest throughout. Direction, Josef von Sternberg, fine; Author, Samuel Ornitz; Scen- ario, Jules Furthman; Editor, Helen Lewis; Titles, Not listed; Photog- raphy, Harold Rosson, expert. "The Man In Hobbles" Tiffany-Stahl Length: 5967 ft. STRONG PROGRAM PICTURE WITH HUMAN INTEREST STORY OF FAMILY LIFE. JOHNNY HARRON CREATES FINE PART AS YOUNG MAR- RIED MAN. Cast. . . .Harron is immense as the young business man who found him- self supporting his wife's family. Lila Lee as the wife looks good and acts well. Lucien Littlefield as pa-in-law looks the part. Others, Betty Egan, Eddie Nugent, Fanchon Hart, Vivian Oakland, Bill Anderson. Story and Production. . . . Comedy drama of domestic life. One of the most human stories seen for some time. Harron has an art photogra- phic studio and marries a gal to find that he has also married her pa, ma and a brother and sister. The whole family come and camp with him, and to please his wife he tries to put up with it. Finally he leaves them his business and goes to New York. They follow him, and again start messing up his business and his home. Final- ly the wife learns that she must choose between her family and her hubby. She does — and how she does it makes a corking good climax. Great film for neighborhood houses. Direction, Geo. Archainbaud, fine; Author, Peter B. Kyne; Scenario, John Francis Natteford; Editor, Des- mond O'Brien; Titles, Frederick & Fanny Hatton; Photography, Harry Jackson, okay. "Naughty Baby" First National Length: 6360 ft. GOOD BOX-OFFICE NUM- BER FOR FLAPPER TRADE. FAIRY TALE OF THE POOR LITTLE HAT CHECK GIRL WHO LANDS THE YOUNG MILLIONAIRE. Cast Alice White is given a Clara Bow role where she gets a chance to show her figure and be almost naughty. Jack Mulhall is the young millionaire under cover Ben- ny Rubin, Andy Devine and Georgie Stone are Alice's three comedy ad- mirers. Others Thelma Todd, Doris Dawson, Natalie Joyce, Frances Hamilton, Fred Kelsey. Story and Production. ... Comedy. This belongs to the "shop girl" school of screen entertainment. Made expressly for the 5 and 10 cent shop- girl vote, and it will get them plenty. A dizzy yarn of the hat check gal in the Ritz who tries to fool a young millionaire stopping at the hotel in- to believing that she is a society girl. She dolls up with the help of three Tenth Avenue pals — a Hebrew, an Italian and an Irishman. These boys borrow clothes and jewels from the shops where they work so Alice can look ritzy. It gives Alice a chance for a swimming scene in the nude, an undressing scene, etc. Flappers of both sexes will vote it swell screen stew. Direction, Mervyn LeRoy, show- manship; Author, Chas. Behan and Gerrett Fort; Scenario, Tom J. Ger- aghty; Editor, Leroy Stone; Titles, Tom and Jerry Geraghty; Photogra- phy, Ernest Haller, very good. Lili Damita in "Forbidden Love" Pathe Length: 5937 ft. BRITISH PRODUCTION IS HEAVY DRAMA OVERLOAD- ED WITH TITLES AND DE- TAILS. LACKS ACTION. JUST FAIR PROGRAM. Cast.... Lili Damita, touted as the European sensation, screens well and does some fairly good acting, but will prove no sensation here. Paul Richter lends adequate support. Others Rosa Richards, Klein Rogge, Harry Liedtke, Trude Hesterberg. Story and Production Drama. Based on Noel Coward's play, "The Queen was in the Parlour." The Englishman's play was one of fine comedy with pathos, and the comedy was put over with some sparkling dialog. In transferring to the screen, director Graham Cutts has done it with a typically heavy British hand. The crisp dialog is missing, and in its place are oodles of titles that clutter up the footage. Lili Damita as the princess forced to give up her sweetheart, the novelist, and marry some unknown prince in order to save her little principality from revo- lution, is very impressive both in looks and acting. She has class, but is hardly the type that American fans will rave over. An honest Brit- ish effort but lacking zip and action. Direction, Graham Cutts, credita- ble; Author, Noel Coward; Scenario, Graham Cutts; Editor, Harry Chand- lee; Titles, the same; Photography, not credited, fine. I THE Sunday. January 20, 1929 ■Stl DAILV "Beware of Bachelors" irii/nc/.s' I.fiij/lh : 5778 ft. FLAPPER FILM PULLS SOME DIZZY AND GOOFY STUFF IN EFFORT TO GET LAUGHS. BUT IS TOO FAR FETCHED TO GET OVER. Cast. .. .William Collier, Jr., as the youiiR doctor not so hot as a light comedian. Audry Ferris just pretty atniospliero. Andre Bcranger gets the laughs in a neat character- ization. Margaret Livingston the vamp. Story and Production. . . . Farce comedy. Made for the flapper fans, and made plenty dizzy. There is no sense to it, and the film will prove a washout with intelli.gent audiences. They tried to make it a howling farce, but it misses here also. If it had not been for the clever comedy characterization of Beranger, there would have been few laughs. But Beranger as the fluffy perfume sales- man trying to flirt with the married girl makes the proceedings real funny. But only in spots. Hero is a young doctor, and his grandad has promised him 550,000 on the first anniversary of his wedding if he is still happy with his wife. His cousin frames him with a vamp in order to ruin him and collect the money in- stead. Drection, Roy Del Ruth, ordinary; Author, Mark Can field; Scenario, Robert Lord; Editor, Ralph Dawson; Titles, Joseph Jackson; Photography, Norbert Brodin. Frank Kesson. lair. Tim McCdi/ ill The Bushranger M-G-M Lvni/th: 5200 ft. RATTLING GOOD MELLER CROWDED WIH FAST ACTION AND PLENTY OF STUNTS BY TIM McCOY. WILL PLEASE THE THRILL FANS. Cast McCoy has made-to-order part for his heroics and stunts, and makes the film snappy entertainment. Others: Marion Douglas, Russell Simpson, Arthur Lubin, l'"d Brady, Frank Baker, Dale Austin, Richard R. Neill, Rosemary Cooper. Story and Production Melo- drama. The action takes place in the early days of bush life in Aus- tralia. To protect his brother who has carried on an afifair with a mar- ried woman, Tim takes the blame, fights a duel with the husband in England, and kills him. He is sent to the penal colony, escapes, and be- comes notorious as an outlaw. In later years his father is appointed commissioner to Australia and ar- rives there with his ward. The plot is well worked out with the attempt of the authorities to capture the out- law, and his many tricks by which he evades capture. The climax is a pip, with Tim rescuing the girl from the outlaw gang high up in a cave. There are some good stunts pulled on a rope ladder that hangs over a dizzy precipice. Direction, Qiet Withey, very good; Author, Madeline Ruthven; Scenario, George C. Hull, Madeline Ruthven; Editor, William LeVanway; Titles, Paul Perez; Photography, Arthur Reed, okay. "The Spieler" Pathe Length: 5606 ft. CLICKS STRONG WITH COL- ORFUL STORY OF CARNIVAL LIFE FILLED WITH ACTION. HAS A PIP OF A FIGHT. POP- ULAR APPEAL. Cast.... Alan Hale is the spieler who works against the grifters and stages a bully fight. Renee Adoree ,as the owner of the carnival has lit- ;tle to do. Good cast includes Fred Kohler, Clyde Cook, Fred Warren, Jinnny Quinn, Kewpie Morgan. Story and Production. . . .Drama of carnival life. Here is a dandy num- ber for exploitation purposes, for it has the colorful atmosphere of the [carnival to help put it over. The ^tory was done by one who knows ^he inside of the traveling show busi- pess. Consequently the action is fealistic, and a lot of stuff is injected that is novel and colorful. Director 'Tay Garnett did a showman's job, md the characters who represent the -rrifter gang are immense. Alan Hale - the spieler for the show, who de- idcs to be on the level when he sees he pretty owner of the carnival is, iiterested in him. But he has to ontend with the grifters, who under he lead of Fred Kohler start to ;ive him the works. RCA syn- hronized, talk and sound. Direction, Tay Garnett, excellent; \.uthor, Hal Conklin; Scenario, Tay ■arnett, Hal Conklin; Editor, Doane larnson; Titles, John KrafTt; Pho- ography, .\rthur Miller, fine. Ted Wells in "Beauty and Bullets" Universal Length: 4179 ft. SHAPES AS GOOD POP EN- TERTAINMENT OF THE THRILL VARIETY WITH TED WEI.LS PULLING SOME FAST ONES. Cast.... Ted Wells does his brand of riding with thrill stunts, and keeps the interest mounting till the end. Duane Thompson is attractive and better on the acting than the average western heroine. Others Jack Kenney and Wilbur Mack. Story and Production. .. .W'estern meller. There is nothing new in the plot, which is that well known for- mula in which the gal's brother gets mixed up with the crooks and hero conies along and gets him out of the jam. Ted is working for the express company, and nips a plan of the gang for robbing the company stage. Heroine, who is the local telephone operator, secrets the money in the office safe. Later, when the outlaws .get their paws on the coin, it is found in the possession of the gal's brother. Hero then starts to do some fast and snappy work, and saves the situation for all hands, except of course the bandits, who are brought to justice. The direction and the work of the star lift this out of the rut and make it entertaining. Direction, Ray Taylor, good; Au- thors, Karl Krusada, Yin Moore; Scenario, George Plynipton ; Editor, Not listed: Titles, Not listed; Pho- tography, Joseph Brotherton, clear. Short Subjects SOUND "Just One Word" Paramount Movietone Keul Novelty Type of production Novelty skit 1 his is a special for Paramount produced by Joseph Santlcy, based on a sketch originally used in a Mu- sic Box revue. A character from the sketch explains that in order to keep pace with the business efficiency ex- perts, they will give a play along efficiency lines, with each character economizing on time and energy and only using one word each time he opens his mouth. The plot is that of a married woman with her sweet- heart and her husband returns to the house and catches them together. The comedy is worked in with a cook interrupting the proceedings ready to leave, but each time the madam grants her a raise and she stays. In the climax the two men cut a deck of cards for the woman, with the loser to be banished to Hoboken. The husband wins, and the other man departs to Hoboken with the cook. Slick comedy idea, very snap- py with the staccato questions and answers of a single word from each actor. Time, 9 mins. Jack North in "The Ban-Jokester" Vitaphone No. 2756 A Pip Type of production. . Comedy lyrics This boy Jack North clicks in his first sound short after delivering the goods personally on the stages of the big picture houses. He puts over three comedy numbers with the help of a banjo, which gives the title of the picture. This entertainer seems to understand the technique and psy- chology of the sound film, for he gets his stuff over beautifully, with a pleasing personality, a nifty smile and a voice that records a 100 per cent. He is extremely natural, and that probably is the real secret of his success. Time, 11 mins. SILENT Lewis-Sonnenberg Wrestling Match Educational SensationMl Type of iiroduction. . . 1 reel special This is the official motion picture of the championship wrestling match held in Boston on Jan. 4 resulting in "Dynamite" Gus Sonnenberg be- coming world's champion. Here is one of the most remarkable matches ever filmed. It developed into one of the most sensational contests ever held in the roped arena due to the amazing exhibition of strength and skill of the new champion. "Strang- ler" Lewis tried again and again to overcome his younger rival with his famed headlock hold, but each time Sonnenberg manager to wriggle free. In the final phase of the gruelling proceedings, Sonnenberg suddenly uncovers his famous driving tackle which won him fame as the star on Dartmouth's football team. Seven liiiHs ill MKcc-ssioii lie rushed and butted Lewis clean through the ropes, liiially the cx-chami) refuses to re- turn to the ring, and the referee an- nounces Sonnenberg the new cham- pion. This reel is pretty strong meat, and the chances arc that lots of women might object to it, for it certainly borders on a brutal spec- tacle at the finish. But the sports and fight fans will eat it up, for it has more rock 'em and sock 'cm than most championship prize fight I)ictures. "The Nation's Market Place" Visugraphic Pictures Wide Appeal Type of production 1 reel novelty This is a very timely film, for with the attention of the country centered on the spectacular Wall Street ope- rations of the past few weeks, this picturization of the operation of the N. Y. Stock Exchange will prove enormously interesting. The various steps in an exchange transaction arc- worked out in a little story. .\ man in Tacoma is shown placing his or- der to buy a certain stock with his local broker, while a man in New Orleans is seen placing his order to sell the same stock. The wp" these two transactions are brought to- gether on the floor of the exchange and the various steps in the transac- tion are pictured in interesting man- ner. "In Line of Duty" Featurette — Universal The Usual Type of production. . . .2 reel western This is the story of the old pal who goes straight and returns the stolen money to the mine owners. Of course when his two pals get out of prison and find out that he has re- turned the loot, they are upset, angry and peeved. The sentimental angle is worked in through the young ran- ger who is in love with the daughter of the reformed crook. So at the showdo'vn, the ranger captures the two bandits but the old man is mor- tallv wounded. "All Aboard" Smitty — Pathe Juvenile Fun Type of production. . . .2 reel comedy Another in the Smitty and His Pals series, featuring the precocioui kids, Smith and Terbie, making life miserable for their daddy. This time they are at a railroad depot with pa intent on taking a much needed va- cation. But the kids get separated in the jam, and as soon as dad finds one, the other disappears. There is too much repetition in this one. and the comedy seems forced and me- chanical. About the poorest of the series thus far. Directed by George E. Marshall. Hodge Podge No. 76 Educational Novel Type of production..! reel magazine The usual assembly of unique scenic shots from odd corners of the world, showing the various native (Continued on Page 10) 10 customs, modes of living, etc. These are embellished and animated with il- lustrations by Archie Griffith, whose technique is the same as he employed on the first subject of this series that he tackled a long time ago. If the artist would modernize his supple- mentary illustrations and inject some new pep into the decorations, it would ihelp this series a lot. The scenes cover shots of traffic in War- saw, herding sheep in Roumania, home life in Lapland, an open air dance in Hungary. "Man-Made Miracles" Visugraphic Pictures For Radio Fans Type of production....! reel novelty This carries a dedication "to all small boys from six to sixty," and if these boys are radio fans, then they certainly will enjoy it. The scenes take you through a factory devoted to the manufacture of radio tubes. It is vastly interesting to learn of the multitude of processes and the number of machines that are required to turn out a completed ra- dio tube. It is nothing but a bit of tungsten wire and some ordinary metal sealed in glass, but the way these are transformed into the mar- vel that makes radio possible consti- tutes a real romance in pictures. Well worth anybody's time. "Roaming Over Andean Byways" Visugraphic Pictures Novel Scenic Type of production....! reel scenic Unusual views are presented in a jaunt over the snow-capped Andes of South America. Bolivia, Peru and Chile are traversed, and interest- ing highlights of these countries form a very interesting reel. Such novelties are shown as a footbridge of woven willow; native women weaving the brilliantly colored na- tive ponchos in the same manner as tiiey were woven centuries ago; a shepherd seated on the ruined throne of an Inca fortress as he watches his flock of llamas, a mardi gras that rivals the famous New Orleans car- nival; crossing rapids on horseback. The scenery is gorgeous, especially the shots of Southern Chile, known as the "American Switzerland." "The Cloud Patrol" Aviator Series — Educational Air Stunts Type of production. .2 reel air drama Reed Howes as the crack flyer of the U. S'. Border Patrol is featured in this series, primarily designed to please all the juvenile fans, and there is no doubt that this issue will more than satisfy the youngsters. Reed goes to visit his sweetie in his air- plane. Arrived at the mine owned by her uncle, he is just in time to get mixed in some sizzling adventures with outlaws who have taken pos- session of the mine. Captured by them, he escapes and from a motor- cycle makes a flying leap to the plane which his mechanic flies low to pick him up. Later he makes a parachute jump with a machine gim, and holds off the outlaws till a squad- ron of the Border Patrol come to THE the rescue. Plenty of thrills and action make this the real stuff to entertain the kids. Directed by Harry J. Brown. "The Newlywed's Visit" Junior Jewel — Universal Lively Type of production. . . .2 reel comedy The fun is fast and lively when the Newlyweds land in a mysterious house, under the impression that it was tiie home of a relative who had asked them to occupy it in his ab- sence. The occupants, in turn, thought the Newlyweds were a gang of desperate burglars, so they dress- ed up in wild animal skins to scare the intruders. Snookums and a little darky provide most of the comedy. This little pickaninny, by the way, is funnier than Snookums. Wonder why they don't give the half-pint dinge a real break and feature him in a series? Outside of the cloudy kid, this film shows nothing worth mentioning but its lively pace. Di- rected by Sam Newfield. U Foreign Markets By JAMES P. CUNNINGHAM R & R Gets Three Houses McAlester, Okla. — The Palace, Rialto and Busby leases have been secured by R & R Theaters from Publix. The R & R circuit consists of 65 houses in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. The new leasees plan ex- tensive alterations at the Palace, in- stalling sound equipment. The Busby which has been closed will reopen while the policy at the Rialto remains the same. $24,250,000 Issue for New Moviecolor, Ltd. London — Moviecolor, Ltd., has been formed with a capital of $24,- 250,000. The objects are to exploit color photography under the process known as Keller-Dorian. Moviecolor, Ltd., also agrees to acquire one-fifth of the capital shares of the Keller- Dorian Co. By a special license Eastman Kodak is marketing in America amateur size color film and pictures under the Keller-Dorian process known as Kodacolor. Blatt- ner Film Corp. will secure from Moviecolor, Ltd., all its requirements in color film for the purpose of sub license, and will purchase a minimum quantity of 10,000,000 ft. of film for the first year, with 12,000,000 ft. the second year, 14,000,000 ft. the third year and 16,000,000 ft. for the fourth and fifth year. Further revenue for Moviecolor is expected from the contracts made by Keller-Dorian wtih Pathe Consortium and Societe des Cineromans of France. The board of directors include: Sir Wal- ter Beaupre Townley, Maurice Brett, John H. Thompson, Jean Ulmann, Karl Freund and one member repre- senting Eastman Kodak Co. of America. W. C. Remodeling Three Houses Butte, M©nt. — The Parkway, seat- ing 1,800, will open this spring equip- ped with Vitaphone and Movietone, according to William Steege, state manager for West Coast Theaters. Sound equipment is to be installed at the American while the Rialto will be redecorated.. Harry Stone will be manager of the three houses. Buys Rochester House Rochester, N. Y.^ — Fred Braz and Harry Fisher and Co. have purchased the Plymouth here. The new owners plan to redecorate. New Theater Circuit Planned For England London — Walter Bentley, manag- ing director of the Elite Super Cin- ema, with Frederick Healey, banker, William Peake and E. G. Minter, plan a circuit of theaters to invade the south coast of England. Bentley re- cently purchased the Playhouse at Folkstone and the company plans to build a 1,800 seat house at Twicken- ham. Bentley says he is seeking only first run houses. Horner With Consolidated Denver — Sam H. Horner, former owners of the Emblem here and the Hollywood at Aurora, is now as- sociated with Consolidated Theaters, as manager of the Granada here. 'Frisco House Reopens San Francisco — Samuel H. Levin Theaters, which acquired the Coli- seum and Alexandria Egyptian from Ackerman, Harris & Oppen, has re- opened the latter as a silent house. The theater had been dark for wir- ing, but equipment is not yet ready. Vitaphone Signs More Names Jay Velie, musical comedv player, Miss Marcelle, Jinmiy Duffy, Fred Ardath, the Ryan Sisters, Jan Gar- ber and His Orchestra and Mai Hal- let and His Orchestra has been signed to appear in Vitaphone pres- entations produced in Brooklyn. Rumania Abolishes Film Control Decree IVashinsiton Bureau of THE FlkHI DAILY Washington — Sproull F o u c h e , Commercial Attache of Bucharest, states that he has heard nothing about a plan to establish a quota in Rumania, he reports to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. Fouche further states that the new Maniu government, in line with its announced policy, has abolished ordinary censorshp for the time being and will probably continue this policy. Sound For Scottish Circuit London — Alec King, owner of the- aters in Scotland has arranged for the installation of Phonofilm sound equipment for his chain. Phonofilm apparatus also will be installed in theaters at Horden, Consett and Bishop Auckland. Clift With Gainsborough London — Denison Clift, author and director, has signed a contract with Gainsborough Pictures, to make a, scries of films. Clift formerly was with British International Pictures. French M. P. Syndicate To Stop Title Conflicts Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The French Motion Picture Syndicate will prevent con- flicts of titles and subjects by the use of a register in which producers may record titles and synopses of films they are producing or planning, re- ports the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. The register may be consulted at all times. A similar register also will be kept for distrib- utors but will only contain titles of pictures which are released in France. Finland Has 258 Theaters Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — There are approxi- mately 258 theaters in Finland with a seating capacity of 40,000 seats, state advices to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce Of this total, !07 operate daily while the re- maining 151 are operated one or sev- eral days weekly. Of the houses, 244 have less than 500 seats each. Dividends for German Co. Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Nitzsche Co., of Ger- many, in its recent balance sheet showed net profit of $!,296, accord- ing to advices to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. The capital of the company is $8,400. A ten per cent dividend will be paid. Ufa Productions for Australia Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Cinema Art Films of Australia is to have choice of ten out of 18 Ufa features and 26 Ufa educa- tional films during the current season for distribution in Australia, it is reported to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. Arbitration Court for Austria Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — A neutral court of arbitration will officiate in all future differences within the Austrian in- dustry, state advices to the M. P. Sec- tion of the Dept. of Commerce. After long negotiations, a new contract has been agreed upon by distributors and exhibitors. Richmount 723 7th Avenue Inc. Pictures New York City D. J. MOUNTAN, Pre«. P^XCLUSIVE foreign representatives for Rayart Pictures Corporation and other leading independ- ent producersanddistributors Cable Address: RICHPICSOC, Paris Cable Address: DEEJAY, London Cable Address: RICHPIC, N. Y. Exporting only the best in Motion Picturej THE Sunday, January 20, 1929 iSStl DAILY II Theater Equipment By CHARLES F. HYNBS MAJOR SySTEH HAS IWO GENERAL CONTROL TYPES Chicago — Two general types of 'control, namely the All Master Con- trol and the Modified Control em- brace the system of theater lighting of the Major Equipment Co., spe- cialists in theater lighting. ' The All Master type is furnished .with either five or ten All Master switches. ' Each All Master switch can be used (as a color master control, a stage master control, a house master con- trol or a grand master control, hence the name "All Master Control." The number of scenes of illumina- tion which can be pre-selected in ad- vance depends upon the number of switches provided. The number of twitches recommended for a particu- ar installation depends upon the in- dividual requirements, and the imount of money available for each installation. I When less than a ten All Master lypc of control system is provided, t is necessary to continuously change (he selector switches on each "con- jrol unit" to suit the illumination re- ]uired for each scene throughout the •ntire performance. 1 The pre-selective control feature of ■jhe five All Master type of control mables the stage electrician to pre- ielect five illumination scenes in ad- vance of their presentation, thereby ieducing the switching operation for Iny scene to that of a single, or not nore than two switches. With the ten All Master type the lecessity of changing the "control init" selector switches during a per- prmance is eliminated. It has been bund from experience that for oper- king either one only, or a combina- lon of not more than two, of the '■vitches, as many as 55 changes in ene illumination are possible. All : the illumination required by the ost elaborate scenic effect is con- clled by operating only the All I aster switches. The insistent demand for more ca- I lacity in illumination, more individu- lity of control, and more elaborate 'i cenic effects, has necessitated the i; ly-er increasing number of subdivi- ions of control circuits ("control nits") for operating a show, from ? to 40 as required several years i~'o, to the present day demand of 3, IW, 150 and even 250 "control nits." When once the selector switches of e "control units" have been set up II the proper All Master switches, ic entire show from beginning to 111 Td, by regular or special program, lij an be operated by only ten switches. ' In addition to the pre-selective. All faster switching control there is |1 rovided a secondary switching con- , (ol with individual, color, stage and ™ puse master control, for rehearsals The Stamp of Approval An endorsement of product and propositions, bestowed by The B^ilm Daily, after investigation of qualifications and merit Upon the proper cueing of the picture, depends the success of your picture, whether silent or sound. While this, perhaps, is a matter of presentation, the right cue sheet is an essential part of your equipment, subordinate only to picture, screen and seats. The cue sheet is important regardless of the size of your orchestra — its importance increasing as the size of the orchestra decreases. Whether you are in a de luxe house or at the smallest theater in the country, proper enjoyment of your picture depends upon the manner in which it is cued. Recognizing the importance of the cue sheet, many distributors indorse and specify the Thematic Music Cue Sheet, invented and produced by the Cameo Music Corp. Because of its efficiency and economy, the Thematic Music Cue Sheet has THE FILM DAILY STAMP OF APPROVAL. 3-in-l Film Speed Unit Introduced by C. C. E. Chicago — Gauging picture speed with music synchronization is pro- vided for in the speed indicator, am- meter and volt meter unit recently developed by the Chicago Cinema Equipment Co. The three instru- ments are mounted on a bakelitc panel, 11 by 23 inches, set in flush with the front w^all of the projection room, close to the projectors. The instrument is suitable for either flush or front of board mounting and meas- ures five inches in diameter overall. The case is cast iron, Duco finished. The scales are 3^ inches in length with brass mounting pan. The point- er is of seamless aluminum tubing. The instruments are equipped with a zero adjuster. Mendelsohn Opens Coast Branch L. A. Mendelsohn of Mendelsohn's Textile Corp., has just returned to New York after opening a Los An- geles branch to handle West Coast trade. New Easel to Be Placed on Market by Adsign Chicago — New easel display frame is to be placed on the market soon by Adsign Corp., of New York. Joseph Coufal, president of the firm, was here this week in connection with the new easel. E. Hertzberg has been added to the sales staflf and J. Shrader, former Pathe district manager, is Indiana representative. I' he Xe-u' I'tiivcrsal Projector Base, developed by Bell Telephone Laboratories engineers, and furnished as equipment with Western Elec- tric sound projector systems. or any emergency demand for illumi- nation. This can also be used for ex- tended control for either or both stage and house sections of the switchboard. The Modified Type Control is adapted to the smaller installations. This type provides for a limited de- gree of pre-selective control by a combination of manual and remote control switching. New Neon Firm New Jersey Claude Neon Corp. has been formed with exclusive rights to handle all Claude Neon lighting equipment in New Jersey and to con- tinue business already established outside of the state. The new firm, a subsidiary of Claude Neon Lights, has taken over Neonlight Corp. of America. Reorganization Completed By Dworsky Machine Co. Reorganization and refinancing of Dworsky Machine Co., at Long Is- land City, has been completed, with a half interest in the firm purchased by Pipe Railing Construction Co. The Dvi'orsky firm manufactures 15 sizes of amateur and professional film renovators, rewinders and buffing machines. TALKING SHOP Proper Ventilation Is a Safe- guard Against "Flu" — Its Importance Stressed by Recent Developments I.Ml'ORT.WCK nl proper ventila- tion in the theater has been forci- l)!y demonstrated throughout the country, during the influenza scare. Theaters have been hard hit in some sections, but through an intensive -iiid intelligent campaign of stressing tiicir ventilation, they have been able to sell the idea of the safety which such systems insure, regardless of how large the audience. * * * In Chicago, for instance, theaters have been combatting the inroads on attendance made by influenza alarnn'sts, by special trailers, which said in part: Good ventilation, proper heat- ing, with precaution against over and under heating are preven- tatives against colds. Use those preventatives in your home and office. When you seek amusement, go to places where there is good ventilation. The ventilating system in this theater is under the supervision of the Chicago Department of Health, insuring an ample sup- ply of pure air and perfect ven- tilation as is possible. * * * Much of the apprehension felt throughout the country has been due to propaganda and alarmist talk, some of which was declared fostered by patent medicine sellers. However, true, the charge, it is a fact that theaters properly ventilated have proven a big help in counteracting the disease. Be sure that your house is ventilated properly, that your equipment is in order, and then stress the fact in all your advertis- ing. S ALE ! Tb* Litest Model Double Spring Motor SEPT AUTOMATIC STANDARD MOVIE CAMERA Hold* 16 Feet Film — Cue GMasaxinea 2 in. F. 3.5 Len* uiiLCoacHBy^ ▼▼110 West ia^St-NewMork.ny.** Ili 110 West ia^St.NewMork.NLy PbOBS Panna. OSSO 3 II THE 12 ■a^H DAILV Sunday, January 20, 1929 A Busy Week' (.Continued from Page 3) will hurt the entire sound movement. Rentals have ambled closer to the clouds since sound became a factor. Distributors are, therefore, more than anxious to secure as much of the ad- ditional money as they can lay hands upon. It is consequently reasonable, as it is natural, for them to sell to whomever they can and in as many spots as they can. On the other hand, it nmst be realized that snap judg- ment already has retarded the com- mercial possibilities of sound. We refer to mediocre product and the shortsighted policy of adding voice to almost all pictures whether sound belongs or not. Bootleg equipments are rapidly cluttering the market. Every day brings something new. It is advisable — even essential — to see to it that this new entertainment factor is properly fostered. That, in a nutshell, gives you a picture of the attitude of responsible organizations in the industry. . . . Denied Again Friday. It was in Nick Schenck's office. To our left were Arthur and David Loew. Almost in direct line of vision were Schenck, David Bern- stein and Robert Rubin with Howard Dietz, master of ceremoning the whole proceedings. First Schenck talks. Then Bernstein. Then Rubin, with Dietz interpolating all the way through. Individually and collectively they sat down hard on the persistent report that the Loew organization was about to sell out to Fox. Denied it had been discussed. Denied it could have been discussed. So much for the officialdom of Loew's and Metro. On the other hand, many in the trade continue to adhere to their own ideas which were that a deal between Fox and Loew's was not merely warm, but actually hot. This is a brief history of the incident. ... The legislative hounds are pound- ing the industry again. Censorship, which crops up regularly in the Northwest, has been proposed again for Minnesota and the Dakotas. All over the nation, legislatures are meet- ing, and in most of them, some form of onerous taxation on motion pic- tures appears on the program. A seri- ous industry problem, vexatious and knotty. ... , ,, K ANN j 5/ior^ Shots from I New York Studios \By ARTHUR W. EDDY, MURRAY ROTH, director of short subjects at the old Vita- graphj now the Vitaphone, studio in Brooklyn, has had a varied career in the picture business. He has been an assistant director, scenarist and composer for Vitaphone subjects at the Coast. If you remember your popular songs of a few years back you'll recall "I'm a Lonesome Little Raindrop" and "Keep Your Eye on the Girlie You Love" which Roth composed when a Tin Pan AUeyite. + * * Lewis I. Maisell's Rialto M. P. Co. has lined up 25 comedy shorts /•or production soon, with Jacques Byrne to direct the first, "Daniel in the Lion's Den." The series is based on the Charles Murray and Ollie Mack Broadway stage success- es. Ollie Mack will be featured. Sub- jects in the series are : "A Night on Broadway," "Finnegan's Courtship," "The Rising Generation," "Mc- Nulty's Visit," "The Photo Gallery," "Shooting the Shoots" and "The Pretzel." * * * P. Frank Goddard, former English heavyweight champ and more recent- ly a good performer in British pic- tures, has arrived in New York to work before the camera. Not so long ago he worked with Norman Kerry in "The Bondsman," English production based on the Hall Caine novel. Week*s HeadHitie^ Jack Knight Resigns Chicago — Jack Knight, for several years supervisor of service for B. & K., has resigned. Knight is credited with instituting the usher system of West Point drills that prevails in most de luxe houses. Toledo House Changes Hands Toledo — Messrs. E. Pennell and A. L. Scott have purchased the Artcraft from W. L. Beckham. Monday Installations of Pacent synchronizer started; device approved by Warners. Fox plans $40,000,000 lx)nd issue to carry out theater huys in Greater New York and along Atlantic seahoard. Joe Plunkett named general' manager of RadioKeith-Orpheuni. Tuesday Vitaphone serves discs for Biophone show- ing in New York. Wednesday Fox New York deals held to be forerunner of many others embracing number of sections of nation. World-Wide Pictures make debut as national distributor. Abram F. Myers takes over post of president and general counsel of Allied States Ass'n. Thursday Distributors' interchangeatjility policies in line with companies' desire to keep open market on sound pictures. First National and Warner foreign distribu- tion being merged. Friday Nicholas M. Schenck again brands as false reports of deal to sell Loew's to Fox. Talkaphone shows interchangeability with W. E. discs at Minneapolis. Saturday Industry prepared to extend cooperation to publicize Hoover inaugural. Tiffany-Stahl secures hooking for "Lucky Boy" at N. Y. Capitol. French industry seeks trade with Hays group. Allied States Ass'n starts active work on Jan. 21, 1929. Witmark Music Catalogued for Use in Sound Scores {Continued from Page 1) Warners have secured a substantial interest, have prepared a catalogue of the music they control for use in compiling synchronized sound scores. In addition to an alphabetical index which gives a telegraphic code word to each orchestration, there is a clas- sification index which may be used something like a dictionary, enabling the conductor to identify the kind of music he is seeking by means of va- rious descriptive heads. The tempo and mood of each number is also in- dicated. Additions and revisions will be made after the manner of a loose leaf encyclopedia so that the new works of popular composers may be included later. Stevens Buys at Willoughby Willoughby, O. — George Stevens. formerly manager of Reade's Hippo- drome, Cleveland, has purchased the McTodd here from James A. Mc- Mahan and C. B. Todd. R. W. Tyson Building 2 Memphis, Tenn. — R. W. Tyson, has returned to the territory, after an absence of six years, as owner and operator of two theaters he is com- pleting at Sumner and Moorhead, Miss. House at Defiance, O., Sold Defiance, O. — Edgar F. Stanley has sold the Rivoli to C. Lynn and F. M. Miller, who are operating the house as the Defiance, Rivoli Theater Co. Fi/mdom's Recognized Book Of Reference For Past Ten Years 1929 Edition OUT IN JANUARY Over One Thousand Pages FREE TO FILM DAILY SUBSCRIBERS COVERS EVERYTHING GOES EVERYWHERE Pathe Signs M. Downey For Singing, Talking Films Morton Downey, tenor, has just been signed by Pathe to appear as a singing and talking artists in produc- tions to be made in New York at Sound Studios by Robt. T. Kane. Gorres Amuse. Co. Gets House Elizabeth, Pa. — Mrs. F. C. Mc- Ginley has sold the Grand to Gorres Amusement Co. This boosts the Gor- res chain to five, the others being located m McKeesport, Glassport, Rialto and Clairton. Club Luncheon $-|.lO Served i= 11 A-M. to 3 P.M. Table d'Hote DINNER $2 25 Served Every Evening EGGERS INCORPORATED Photo Engraving Specialists to the Motion Picture Industry DAY AND NIGHT 250 West 54th Street NEW YORK Telephone: Columbus ales abroad. The broadening of facilities means further service the industry which should cncour- ife the agency that supplies it. T They're Too Long The circuit is large. It's on its fcs. In a certain key town, one of i theaters did a whale of a busi- iss with a certain picture. The or- • estra was ditched and the mechani- '1 score used. When it came to 'her situations, the chain and dis- ■;bator could not agree on the price ♦r the mechanical score. So the < cuit ran the picture with the hu- un orchestra. What do you think Ippened? Same picture sans score llled more business than Theater ■ 5. 1 which used the canned music. h you know why? The human uiation made it possible to speed > the entire show and that made it issible to take in more money. Up Goes Overhead A hether sound or silent, this in- •^ nee proves again that most pic- t es are overlong, a condition which aJs to theater overhead while it tTis the intake. Bad stuff for the eiibitor. t can be remedied. Most certain- 1 it should. We see nothing to I'e while the possibility exists that n|ch might be gained. KANX ACTION ON CODE OF ETHICS HINGES ON P. F.L.-CASE OVtlSEAK MM LOOMS IN Wmm PHIllt Philadelphia — With the addition of 12.000 .seats planned during 1929, the downtown district is threatened with overseating. This section had always been Stanley's most dependable source of revenue. The situation will be brought about by three new houses. The new Mastbaum, which opens soon, has 5,000 seats. A similar number is provided by the new Fox, under con- (Conlinucd on Fage 4) Silent and Talk Versions of "Broadway" to Compete H asUitujton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — 'I" wo versions of "Broadway," all-talker and silent, will be run at adjacent theaters in New York in April, by way of a test of the general popularity of sound against silent pictures. Public reac- tion on these two versions will help Universal determine future policy. Approach a Billion Twenty corporations, repre- senting the backbone organiza- tions of the industry, have re- sources of $755,963,462. This interesting fact came to light in compiling data for the Fi- nancial Section of THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK, which will be placed in circu- lation beginning the endl of January. Wis. Meeting on Allied Scheduled for Wednesday .\lilw;uikce — Special meeting of the Wisconsin exhibitor unit to consider legality of the action of its directors in voting to afihliate with Allied States .-\ss'n, is to be held Wednes- day. It previously had been report- ed erroneously that the meeting was to have been held yesterday. The M.P.T.O. and .\llied have been in- vited to send representatives to ad- dress the gathering, outlining the re- si)ective advantages. Second Trade Conference Unlikely Until Courts Pass on Case Waxhinfiton liu.cau of lilt'. IILM OAILY Washington^Although test period ha- expired for the Code of Ethics adopted by the industry, it is not likely that the Federal Trade Com- mission will take any steps toward calling a second conference for some time to come. Olticials of the commission point out that there is pending litigation di- rectly connected with the subject matter of part of the code and that, therefore, there is little use in doing anything with the code until the courl> have acted upon the issues in the commission's case against Para- mount. Further, .^bram F. Myers, who presided at the Trade Practice Con- ference, has severed his connection (Continued on Page 4) Western Penn. Meets April 9 to Discuss Allied Pittsburgh — The M.P.T.O. of Western Pennsylvania will hold its ninth annual convention .■Xpril 14- 16. at which aflTiliation with Allied States will be discussed. U. A. Launches Deal for German Import Licenses Bv KAKI. nOLFFSOilS Editor of "Lichthildbuehne" Berlin (By Radio)— United .Art- ists is understood to be negotiating with Terra Film in a productii>n move which would give the former a num- ber of import licenses under the new "kontingent" ruling for 1929-30, and permit continued operations in this market. .\. W. Kelly said Saturday United Artists was negotiating in several di- rections, but that no deal h*l been closed. Romance in Egypt! A great, grim, battle-scarred fortress: hundreds of wild tribesmen: Battalions of beautiful girl and her lovers. World Wide Picture.— .-Xdvt. British troops, a "Beau Geste" story of a "TOMMY ATKINS"— Fighting Lover— Aubert Using W. E. to Build Paris Sound Studio Paris — Following his trip to Amer- ica, Louis Aubert has launched plans to build a sound studio equipped with Western Electric apparatus. THE DAILV Monday, January 21, 1929 Mf^^ULTHE MEWS UlTUE TIME Vil.XLVUNt.17 Mondiy. lu 21. 1929 Prici 5 CnU JOIN W. ALICOATE PDN.ISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y-, and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donaid M. Mersereau, Treasurer. Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918. at the post-office at New York, N. Y.. under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10 00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months^ $3 00 Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should re nit with Older. Address ?.ll communica- tk,n, to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad way. New York. N. Y. Phone Cirde 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filniday. New York. Hollywood, California— Ralph Wilk 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London— Ernest \V. Fredman, The Film Renter. 58 Great Marlborough St.. W. I Berlin — Karl Wol£Esohn, Lichtbildbuehne. Friedrichstrasse. 225. Paris— P. A. Harle. La Cinematographie Francaise. Rue de la four-des-Noue», 19. STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am. Seat 34!4 33^ 33^^ Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 27?^ 27^ 27?^ East. Kodak 181H 181!4 181K *do pfd J28 •First Nat. pfd .■•■ 104 J| Fox Fm. "A" 101 98;^ mA Ke°ith'A"-0 ■■.'.■. ■.■.■■. VVA 41/; 4U< *do pfd 130 Loew's. Inc 76 H 74 75/. do pfd 107 105 Ji 105/2 •M-G-M pfd 25^ M. P. Cap 18^ 18 im Para. F-L 58^ 58K 58'4 Pathe Exch 13 12^ 13 do "A" 26K 26^ 26K Radio K-A-O .... 42}i 41/, 4m •Stanley Co 40H •Univ. Pict. pfd • 98 V5 Warner Bros 127 !4 125^ 126 do pfd 56 55 "4 56 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 17J^ 17^ 17^ •Bal. & Katz 82 Con. Fm. Ind 21/ 21/ 21/ •Film Insp 2^ Fox Thea. "A"... 35^ 33 35/ Intern. Proj l»^ l&H 18H Loew do debt. rts. 40/ 38 39 Nat. Scr. Ser. .. 33/ i2yg 33/ Nat. Thea. Ser... 10J4 10% 10'^ Trans-Lux 11/ 10J4 lOJi •Univ. Pict 28 BOND MARKET Keith AC 6s 46.. 95/ 95/ 95/ Loew 6s 41ww ..119/ 118J^ 118J4 •do 6s 41 x-war 99/ Paramount 6s 47.. 99M 99^ 995^ •Par. By. 5/s51 102 Pathe 7s37 83/ 82^ 83/g CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 .. 97/ 97/ 97/ •Warner 6/s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 34 36 do units 36 41 do com 5/ 8 Skouras Bros 55 Technicolor 11 13 United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2 .... do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 200 100 400 12,666 'i66 22.666 200 '466 1,500 1,300 100 7,500 4,266 900 100 2,806 6,566 200 900 400 200 6,800 1 34 Refowitz Adding Three? Philadelphia — Refowitz Bros., op- erating in Freeland and Schuylkill Haven, are reported adding three iiouses to their group. REVIEW BOARD MEET OPENS IN N. Y. JAN. 24 Annual conference of the National Board of Review is planned for Jan. 24-26 in New York. Scheduled speakers at the conference luncheon will include Harry M. Warner, D. W. Griffith, Dr. S. Parkes Cadman, Mayor James J. Walker, Anita Loos, Congressman Loring M. Black of New York, S. M. Eisenstein, pro- ducer of "Potemkin" and Richard Di.x. The program will be broadcast. One session will be devoted to the topic, "An Industry Surveys Its Evolution." Speakers will include Dr. Lee DeForest, who will talk on "How Motion Pictures Learned to Talk"; Peter J. Brady, banker, who will discuss "The Motion Picture Meets the Banker," and William A. Brady, theatrical producer, who will speak on "Putting Pictures on the •Big Time'." Between sessions those attending the conference will visit one of the sound picture studios in New York. A special program of exceptional pictures will be shown at the Little Carnegie Playhouse. Vitaphone for Five More Southern Houses .Atlanta — Five more houses in the Southern territory have opened with Vitaphone. They are: Colonial, Win- ston-Salem. N. C: Carolina, Win- ston-Salem; Saenger, Biloxi, Miss.; Saenger, Helena, Ark., and the Saen- ger, Hope. Ark. Series of 12 Historical 2-Reel Talkers Is Planned Production of a series of 12 two- reel talkers based on Owen Wisner's book, "The Square Deal," for release through Educational exchanges is planned by Greater Union Films, Ltd., new company, formation of which was announced in New York Saturday by J. D. Williams of World Wide Pictures, who will supervise production. The company aims to present fairly controversial histori- cal episodes involving the United States and Great Britain, with the object of alleviating misunderstand- ings between the two nations. "Joe" Doolittle Leaves Continental E. J. Doolittle has resigned as New York manager of Continental Lithographing Co , to devote his time to a new plan for national adver- isers, details of which are to be an- nounced soon. Mosjoukine Film Premiere "The President." .starring Ivan Mosjoukine, and released in this country by Edward L. Klein Corp., ^ad its American premiere at the 55th St. Playhouse Saturday. Klein Gets Feature "Sister Beatrice," an imported feature, will soon be released by Ed- ward L. Klein Corp. AMPA Maps Plans for Masque Ball, March 2 Nils T. Grantlund, ("N. T. G.") will be master of ceremonies at the Hollywood Masque Ball of the A. M.P.A. in New York March 2. Con- tract for $200 a week is to be given the most beautiful chorus girl in the entertainment to be staged for ap- pearance in the talking comedies George Le Maire will produce for Pathe. A number of other competi- tions are planned. Goal set by the committee is a minimum of 2,000 tickets, with the public invited for the first time. Talker Shorts Series Planned by Great Arts A series of 13 shorts, with dialogue and sound, is planned by Great .\rts Pictures, new organization headed by Frank D. Ferrone. The pictures will be based on famous lovers in history. Silent versions will be made of each film. Production will be in the East. Butterfield Adding Four Houses in 1929 Detroit — Butterfield's building campaign for 1929 calls for four houses. A 1,950-seat house is plan- ned for Jackson and at Muskegon, a 2.000-seat theater will be erected. The Regent will be constructed at Ionia with financing by Gov. Green. .\t Flint a house to be known as the New Garden will be built, starting luly 1. Construction on the other three houses will start in the spring. Montgomery Resigns Atlanta, Ga. — George P. Mont- gomery, for the past three and one- half years manager of the Wells at Anniston, Ala., has resigned follow- ing sale of the house to Walter Hickey of this city. "Mastbaum Day" for Philly Philadelphia — Feb. 15 will be desig- nated as "Mastbaum Day" in con- nection with the opening of the Mast- baum by the Stanley Co. "The In- quirer," "Ledger" and "Record" will issue a supplement commemorating the premiere of the house, named for the late Jules E. Mastbaum. Ufa Film Has Premiere By KARL IVOLFFSOHN Editor of " Liclitbildbuehne" Berlin — "Scandals," latest Ufa pic- ture had its premiere at the Univer- sum theater Friday night. The pic- ture was made in Baden Baden, Ger- many's noted bathing resort. THEATRE SUPERVISOR and EXECUTIVE Desires to make a change in present position. Now employed as city man- ager, supervising three theatres, for one of the large circuits. Record absolutely clean and have owti rea- sons for desiring change. Have full knowledge of buying and booking of pictures, shows, etc. Know all angles of supervision, advertising and exploi- tation. Will guarantee results. Reply Box A-107 c-o Fi^m Daily. 1650 B'way. N. Y. C. The Industry's Date Book Jan. 25 Film Guild Cinema opens in Nei York. Jan. 24-26 Fifth annual conference of Nw tional Board of Review. Jan. 27 Annual banquet of M.P.T.O. «| Eastern Pennsylvania. Jan. 31 Theatrical ball of Los Angeltt branch of Actors Elquity Ass'n. Feb. 1 Opening of 4,000-seat Toledo-Para. mount at Toledo. Feb. 3 Dinner of the Silver Screen apooii ored by The Film Bureau in Nm York. Feb. 9 Dinner of Writers Branch of Acad emy of M. P. Arts and Scienc«i Hollywood, to visiting dialogue writers. Feb. 14 1929 Wampas Frolic. Hollywood. Universal Club Dance. Hotel Astot New York. Mar. 2 AMPA Hollywood Masque Ball i: New York. Publishing "Weary River" Songs Irving Berlin will publish thi songs, "Weary River" and "It's Ui to You," which Richard Barthelmes: sings in "Weary River," First Na tional picture. World Wide Gets Two ,J World Wide will distribute "Pic cadilly," starring Gilda Gray, ani "Moulin Rouge," in America. Hot! are E. A. Dupont productions. Th former will be released in the spring ' the latter this month. "Film Curb" Makes Change John MacCallum has been af pointed news editor of "Film Curb, New York regional published b Tom Hamlin, following resignatio of Marion Weber, managing edito who is to be married. Smith Seeks Distribution Deal Toronto — S. W. Smith, managin director of British Lion Film Corf has been visiting here with a vie to arranging for the Canadian n lease of five of that company's pr( ductions. made at Beaconsfield, En( land. Another for Reading Reading, Pa. — A large house is r ported planned on Penn St. Akeley Camera Equipped Bell & Howell Camera Outfit Also Eymo. BROWNING STUDIOS 110 West 40th Street N. Y. C. PENn. 1258-9 SERVICE GREAT! "Service great! Every house large or small should run Ad-Vance Trail- HIDER THEATRE. Bingliamion, N. Y. you need, Mister Motion Picture Industry, is to make some Whoopee!" Wake up Industry! Let^s all forget our troubles and join in the Party of Parties! Music! Gayety! Fun! HOLLyWCCC CALL Saturday Night, March 2nd Grand Ball Room, Hotel Astor A MECGEC cr TLN^ PCCLIC anl PCIV€LITy Tickets $10.00 each available at all Trade Papers, Motion Picture Club, Ticket Committee: Jim Beecroft, Chairman, Al Selig, P, A. Parsons, Bert Adler, Harry Blair, Herbert S» Berg, John Level, Jim Milligan THE iSE2 DAILV Monday, January 21, 1929 | Hollywood Plans 15 Talker Features Fifteen features are planned by the Perfect Talking Pictures Co., headed by Anthony J. Xydias. The firm has completed a series of 12 one-reelers synchronized with sound, dialogue and music. "Sleepy Valley" in Work First feature to be made by Sono- Art Prod, will be completed in six weeks, the title having been changed from "Broadway Bound" to "Sleepy Valley." Eddie Dowling is starred in this sound picture. Moore in Pickford Film Matt Moore has been added to the cast of the Mary Pickford vehicle, "Coquette." John Gales had been previously slated for the role but his work in San Francisco stock pre- vented his fulfilling the engagement. "Melody" Set for Opening "Broadway Melody," first M-G-M all-talking feature, will have its world premiere at Grauman's Chinese Jan. 25. Asther's Contract Renewed Nils Asther's contract with M-G- M has been renewed. Starts Filming "Zeppelin" Work has started on the Tiffany- Stahl Reginald Barker production "Zeppelin" with Conway Tearle, Claire Windsor and Larry Kent in the principal roles. The picture, will have dialogue and sound. George B. Seitz Assigned Fox is preparing "The Fatal Wed- ding," which George B. Seitz will adapt and direct. Production Halted Production on "Thru Different Eyes," Fox all-talker, has been sus- pended two weeks owing to the op- eration for appendicitis from which Mary Duncan is convalescing. Fox Signs Music Writers De Sylva, Brown and Henderson, musical comedy writers, are leaving this week en route to the Fox stu- dio, Hollywood, where among other activities they will write music and lyrics for "Fox Movietone Follies," now being made. Fox is understood to own a sub- stantial interest in the firm. Alice White in "Broadway Babies" "Broadway Babies" has been select- ed as title for the Alice White-First National-Vitaphone picture to follow "Hot Stuff." Heretofore it has been called "Broadway Musketeers." The new picture is based on the story by Jay Gelzer. Monte Katterjohn is vfriting continuity. Mervyn Leroy will direct. Overseating Looms in Downtown Philly {Continued from Page 1) struction at 17th and Market Sts. The Boyd, which has just been sold to the Warners, adds 2,300 more seats. Increased competition will prob- ably lead to the elimination of sev- eral of the older houses. Houses re- ported as scheduled for closing are: Arcadia, with 700 seats; Globe, 2,500 seats; the Stanton and the Fox-Lo- cust, all in the downtown district. Another possibility is the closing of the Aldine, which Stanley now oper- ates on a sharing arrangement with the Borton & Felt interests. Ray Taylor Gets Assignment Universal has signed Ray Taylor to direct "Come Across," a talker, which will star Mary Nolan. Conrad Veidt Reported To Be Leaving Universal West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Conrad Veidt, who first attained prominence for his work in "Dr. Caligari" and was brought from Berlin by Carl Laem- nile, has announced that he has sev- ered his connections with Univer- sal. No announcement has been made of his plans. New Daniels' Contract; Several Firms Dicker West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Signing of a new contract by Bebe Daniels is expected to be announced shortly. Several companies are declared negotiating for services of the star, long a main- stay of the Paramount program. Columbia Signs Neill for Six Productions Hollywood — Harry Cohn, vice president in charge of production at the Columbia Studios, has signed R. William Neill, director, for the mak- ing of six pictures. New Two-Manual Organ Is Made by Robert Morton West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Robert Morton Or- gan Co., has placed on the market a new two manual pedal unit organ, which can be played by hand or the self-producing and recording player rolls, recently developed by the com- pany. The rolls are recorded for picture cueing exclusively. Action of Ethics Code Hinges on P.F.L. Case {Continued from Page 1) with the commission and his succes- sor has not j'et taken ofiice, and this, too. tends to delay action somewhat. The Paramount case, however, is the principal matter, influencing the com- mission to hold up further action on the code and no further trade confer- ence will be called until the case is settled. Commission's Case Awaiting Printing, Briefing, Argument Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Case of the Federal Trade Commission in the Circuit Court of Appeals, New York, to en- force its "cease and desist" order against Paramount, awaits printing of the transcript, briefing and argu- ment, the commission states, in its report for December. Chicago Moves Up Day to Adopt Friday Change Chicago — They're moving the show calendar a day ahead in Chicago. Time was v/hen all houses in the loop changed on Sunday. Then some- body started the Saturday change. This week the Chicago changed Fri- day, which is to be change day here- after, under the new policy which in- cludes talking pictures, more than 100 people on the stage, a headliner and symphony orchestra. Ted Lewis is this week's headliner. Short Shots from New York Studios Idn ,By ARTHUR W. EDDY, THE famous "Hitchy" brand o'A comedy is due for translation to) the screen. Raymond Hitchcock, whose name has used up a lot of good electric light bulbs, is going in-: to pictures. Tucked away somewhere he has a M-G-M contract to appear' in a series of talking shorts. , Frank D. Ferrone, better knowr as "Dan," is presidenting a new or- ganization, Great Arts Pictures which S0071S starts shooting on a se ries of shorts based on lovers wh( got a break in history. Dan workei with the Richard Barthelmess uni in the East a few years back. David Newall is deserting thi Ethel Barrymore show owing to th lure of a Paramount contract. H' made his screen debut in "The Hoi in the Wall," under the guidance o Director Robert Florev. * I Ernest Pascal, the novelist wh\ wrote the screen dialogue "Inter' ference," Paramount' s' initial ah talker, soon will have another pla on Broadway. His "The Marring Bed" is drawing 'em in, current! ' speaking. SYNCHROPHONE World's Latest' Most Marvelous NON-SYNCHRONIZING Sound Device Compare it with $3,000 to $10,000 TalkingDevices TONAL QUALITY UNSURPASSED PRICE $39S- [INST A|L LED UmS. HOLIAND AnRAOIONS 915 LONGACRE BUILDING -:- Sales Distributors NEW YORK FOREIGN RIGHTS AVAILABLE Jnes Drawn for M.P.T.O. A.- Allied Wis. Tilt iTHE o/FILMDOM ALL THE NEWS ALLTHE TIME \)L. XLVII No. 18 Tuesday, January 22, 1929 Price 5 Cents FEWER FILMS NEXT YEAR V p. ACADEHY CONSIDERS OUND TABLE ON SOUND By RALPH WILK (ollywood — Officials of the Acad- :i' of M. P. Arts and Sciences are rcsidering a suggestion that a sound :c.-ention be held in March or April, O'e devoted to discussion on sound in dialogue pictures. Actors, direc- o, writers and technicians would ai have a day for the discussion 'f leir sound problems. F>cher Theaters for 5 More Wisconsin Cities ■ 'onroe, Wis. — Fischer theaters at Vjleton, Beloit, Monroe, Stevens ?(it and Wattrtown are due for T:o'itruction the coming season un- le plans that are now being com- '>l'Ld, Monroe shareholders have )ei told. The five theaters are to leSuilt under one general contract I bond issue covering all five of lOUses, it is declared. 1i Old Arizona" Breaks W^k End Record at Roxy th a gross of $54,000 for Satur- and Sunday, "In Old Arizona," first complete talker from Fox lished a new high record for ' ; ends at the Roxy. The picture xpected to play this big New I c theater for three weeks. 1" Gets Dialogue and Songs of "Show Boat" niversal has acquired rights to 'duction of dialogue songs and c of "Show Boat," Florenz (Continued on Page 3) N. C. Reel Tax ] Raleigh, N. C— Modeled af- er the Cormecticut law, which reated havoc until modified, $10 reel tax has been intro- uced in the legislature. Charles V. Picquet, president of the cate unit, is conducting the impaign against the measure, 'hich, if passed, would result I closing of a number of the- ters throughout the state. What They Plan R-K-O . 30 Paramount (estimate) 65 to 70 First National — 35 Fox (estimate) SO Warners 35 United Artists — (estimate) 20 M-G-M (estimate) 50 to 55 Tiffany-Stahl 26 Pathe (estimate) 30 Universal (estimate) 60 Columbia 30 to 36 Gotham 18 World Wide 45 Rayart 36 Excellent 20 Artclass 6 Chesterfield 8 ANOTHER BlOPHONEHOUSElSMITH VICE PRESIDENT GIVEN VITAPHONE OKEH Vitaphone pictures are to be served for showing via Biophone equipment at the Miller, Milwaukee, Midwesco house, according to John A. Ludwig, who with Jerry Abrams distributes the Biophone equipment in the Mil- waukee and Chicago territories. Lud- wig and Abrams are in New York for conferences with Alfred Weiss, head of tiie Biophone Corp. Single reelers are being screened at Lud- wig's Parkway, Milwaukee, in a test of the Biophone installation at that house. ANDO.M.OFCINEPnONE E. J. Smith, veteran sales executive has joined Powers Cinephone, as vice president and general manager. He is to make his headquarters in New York. Since entering the industry 15 years ago. Smith has been asso- ciated with Powers almost continu- ously. He was connected with Powers with Victor Talking Machine Co., at Buffalo, and entered the industry IS manager of the Universal Cleveland exchange which Powers owned. After five years in that capacity, he becarne managing director for Universal in (Continued on Page 3) Between 560 and 580 to be 1929-30 Output of 17 Companies Production by major companies will show a marked decrease next year, as contrasted with the 1928-29 outputs, it is shown in a survey just completed by THE FILM DAILY, with between 560 and 580 pictures to be offered by 17 companies. The number will be swelled somewhat, by releases of a number of independents, not included in the 17 companies canvassed. The majority of the pic- tures scheduled to be produced on the Coast and in New York will be talk- ers, the survey indicates. Schedules of the various compa- nits, while tentative, give a fair cri- terion of the product to be available, and emphasize that there will be fewer productions in the 1929-30 sea- son. MyerS'Woodhull Debate Seen in Bid for Wisconsin Unit Favor Reel Tax Fight Halted to Meet Allied Threat Plan to go to North Carolina to help in the campaign against the $10 reel tax pending has been post- poned by R. F. Woodhull, M.P.- T.O.A. president, in order to go to Milwaukee to attend the special meet- ing of the Wisconsin unit, scheduled tomorrow. Woodhull was invited to (Continued on Page 3) Milwaukee — Lines arc being drawn here for what may develop into a spectacular battle, making first clash of forces of the M.P.T.O.A. and the Allied States Ass'n, with a special convention of the Wisconsin con- vention to be held tomorrow to con- sider the question of the unit's affil- iation. R. F. Woodhull and Abram F. Myers, president of the rival organizations, are headline speakers, (Continued on Page 3) Darst Succeeds Talley at Fox; Latter Promoted James E. Darst has been appoint- ed director-in-chief of Fox News, succeeding Truman Talley, who has moved to the Roxy building as as- sistant to William Fox. Darst, for- mer newspaper and magazine editor, joined Fox News in June, 1924, and has been assistant editor for the past two years. Buffalo Prefers Talkers But Likes Silent Films Buffalo, N. Y. — Talkers arc pre- ferred by a majority of Buffalo pic- turegoers, but elimination of silent films is opposed. This is emphasized in a straw vote just completed by H. M. Addison, managing director of the (Continued on Page 2) For Showmen Putting over the show, re- gardless of the kind of picture offered is provided for in the showman's manual of exploi- tation, which is a feature of the 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK, to be issued this montfi. The section, most complete of its kind ever pub- lished, is based on tried and proved stunts. THE Tuesday, January 22, 1929 lAlLTMETIMf Vol.XLVIINo.18 Toesday,]an.22,1929 PricoSCents JOHN W. AUCOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donaid M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter, May 21. 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms ( Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months $3 00 Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should retiit with cider. Address all communica- tion^ t^ THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Cirde 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: . Fi'mday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607.' London— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I Berlin— Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographie Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Buffalo Prefers Talkers But Likes Silent Films (Continued from Page 1) Great Lakes. On the other hand, the fl'ote shows, practically all of the music loving population of the city. Five out of six of the persons who participated in the vote are not in favor of limiting sound in pictures to sound efifects and music, as would be indicated by the vote on talking pic- ture preference. The voters were about evenly divided on the proposi- tion of all and part talkers. "Does Mother Know Best" Used as Philly Run Title Philadelphia — "Does Mother Know Best" was the title under which "Mother Knows Best" was billed for its run at the Fpx. Fight for Sunday Shows in Maryland Being Renewed Baltimore — Sunday show fight of two years ago is to be renewed to- night by John G. Callan, who will in- troduce in the House of Delegates a bill designed to permit Sunday shows. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am Seat 34 33 33 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 28 27 'A 27 'A East. Kodak 18354 183 183J4 »do pfd 128 ♦First Nat. pfd • 104;i Fox Fm. "A" .... 99Ji 96J4 98^8 *do rts 3 Keith A-O 41M 41 41 *do pfd UO Loew's Inc 7854 74^ 7854 do pfd 105/8 105^1 105/8 ♦M-G-M pfd • 2S5j M. P. Cap 18^/4 175^ 17^ Pathe Exch 13 12;4 12^ do "A" 27 26 27 Radio K-A-O 4154 4054 41 Stanley Co 4254 40 42}4 *Univ. Pict. pfd 98)4 Warner Bros 134 12554 133^ Warner pfd SSVz 55!4 58 CURB MARKET Acountic Prod. ... 17 1654 1654 Bal. & Katz .... 80 79?4 80 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 215/^ 21'4 2I/2 ♦Film Insp ^Vs Fox Thea. "A" ..35 54 34 34 '4 Intern. Proj I8/2 18!^ iS'A Loew do deb. rts.. 39;4 38^4 39J4 Nat. Scr. Ser. ... 34 32 34 Nat. Thea. Sup. .. 1254 10^ 12^ Trans-Lux 10^ lOJ^ lOJi *Univ. Pict 28 BOND MARKET »Keith AG 6s 46 95!4 Loew 6s 41ww ..120 119-54 120 do 6s 41 x-war .. 99J4 99^4 99^4 Paramount 6s 47 ..10054 9954 1005^ Par. By. S'As 51.1025^ 102 10254 Pathe 7s 37 83!^ 8254 82^4 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36.. 97/2 97 97 •Warner 6/s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 34 37 do units 39 43 do com 5 7 .... Skouras Bros. ... SO 54 .... Technicolor 11 13 United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. Com. ... 2 do pfd 75 85 »LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 800 500 200 6,400 '206 4l",26o 400 "266 3,300 600 5,800 200 57',266 7,800 1,800 400 11,600 16,566 600 300 600 2,400 6,100 13 2 11 6 18 FOR SALE AKELEY CAMERA EQUIP- PED BELL & HOWELL CAMERA OUTFIT ALSO EYMO. BROWNING STUDIOS 110 West 40th Street N Y. C. PENn. 1258-9 "Blue" Fight at Lakewood, N. J. Lakewood, N. J. — Effort to enforce the "blue" laws has been started here with arrest of Barney Ferber, man- ager of the Palace, his operator, cash- ier and doorman. Emergency em- ployes filled their places Sunday night, so there was no interruption of the show. R-K-O Radio Hour First Radio-Keith-Orpheuni Hour on the radio made its appearance last night in a nationwide hookup. Clark Discusses Photophone Distribution of RCA-Photophone in England is being discussed at con- ferences in New York between Al- fred Clark, managing director of Gramophone, Ltd., London, and David Sarnofif, vice president and general manager of RCA. Another Ufa Premiere Berlin— (By Cable) "Her Dark Spot," a Ufa production had its pre- miere at the Gloria Palace here. Lil- lian Harvey, Willy Fritsch and War- wick Ward are in the cast. Manne Resigns from Brooklyn Post Max H. Manne has resigned as di- rector of stage productions at the Fox theater, Brooklyn. Ufa Eastern Releases 2 Ufa Eastern Distributors, Inc. will' release "Crime And Punishment" and "Russia" two Russian productions. Causey At Bartow Fla. Bartow, Fla. — J. C. Causey is man- ager of the Calaetha here. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Tlieatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York Gty Phone Penn. 3S80 Many Changes Made of Midwesco Managers Milwaukee — A number of changes in theater management have been announced bv Midwesco. William Mick, formerly manager of the Tow- er, Milwaukee, is now managing the Strand and Merrill. Paul Hayden, formerly at the Strand, is now at the Tower while Arnold Saxe, formerly manager at the Merrill, is now at the Mirth, a neighborhood house. Howard Foerste, formerly at the Up- town, has succeeded Jess Day re- signed manager of the Oshkosh, Oshkosh, while Jost Daily has suc- ceeded Foerste at the Uptown. Plunkett Takes Over R-K-O Post Joseph Plunkett, new general man- ager of Radio-Keith-Orpheum, as- sumed his new duties, yesterday. He succeeds J. J. Ford. Margaret Mann Returns Margaret Mann has returned to New York from Scotland. She may make a talking short before return- ing to Hollywood. The Industry's Date Book Jan. 2S Film Guild Cinema opens in Nnt York. Jan. 24-26 Fifth annual conference of Na- tional Board of Review. Jan. 27 Annual banquet of M.P.T.O. of Eastern Pennsylvania. Jan. 31 Theatrical ball of Los Angeles branch of Actors Equity Ass'n. Feb. 1 Opening of 4,000-seat Toledo-Para- mount at Toledo. Feb. 3 Dinner of the Silver Screen spons- ored by The Film Bureau in New York. Feb. 9 Dinner of Writers Branch of Acad- emy of M. P. Arts and Sciences, Hollywood, to visiting dialogue writers. Feb. 14 1929 Wampas Frolic, Hollywood. Universal Club Dance, Hotel Aster, New York. Mar. 2 AMPA Hollywood Masque Ball in New York. C. Sharpe Minor at U. A. House West Coast Bureau, THE FILM VAlLi' Los Angeles — C. Sharpe Minor is playing a series of daily organ con- certs at all de luxe performances at the United Artists. Attending N. Y. Premiere Nancy Carroll will attend premiere of "The Wolf of Wall Street," which opens Saturday at the Rialto, New York. Featured in Stage Show West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Lina Basquette is featured in the Fanchon & Marco show, "Let's Make Whoopee," cur- rent at Loew's State. Blumenthal Sailing Tomorrow Berlin (By Cable) — Ike Blumen- thal, general manager for Paramount in Central Europe, sails tomorrow for New York, where he will arrive Jan. 28 or 29. Rosen in New York ' Eph Rosen, who recently resigned as Chicago manager of Tiffany- Stahl, is in New York. Nasser Bros. Sell S. F. House San Francisco — Nasser Bros, have sold the Victoria to George Naiffy. Raze Salina Theater Salina, Kan.— After 51 years of continuous service, the New theater' has been wrecked to make way for an' office building. YOUNG LADY Secretary, bookkeeper, stenog- rapher, correspondent, legal knowledge. Many years experience practically every brzmch of motion picture Indus- try. Capable taking charge of office or department. Excellent references. Available about February 1st BOX A-101 care Film Daily, 1650 B'way, N.Y.C. BUREAU OF COMMERCIAL ECONOMICS 1108 Sixteenth Street Washington, D. C. Co-operating with 42 Govern- ments and loaning films free and speakers throughout the world for the purpose of public instruction. Schools, Churches and Clubs using Motion Picttirei Should Subscribe for IHE EDUCATIONAL SCREEN and keep up-tOHdate with the new films and new equipment **1001 FILMS** (FifthEdMon) Complete reference booklet, listing nearly 3,000 educational films given at reduced rate with each subscription $^1,50 per year » 5 South Wabash Ave., Chicago, Ilh THE Tuesday, January 22, 1929 And That's That By PHIL U. DALY JOHNNY MANNING, manager of the Criterion, for a long time lias been trying to figure out the unusual fact that all the gloves found in the theater are left-handed ones, when the house porter, turned in another find, also a left-hander. He was told iby Willie Kurtz, Manning's assistant, that finding a left-hander was no trick, but to look around and see if he couldn't match up a pair. After quite a search, the porter came back ',to the office and said: "Gosh, boss, that was mah glove ah found." Hank Linet is developing himself nto an attorney which is the reason (or his burning all those gallons of riiidnight oil, nee electricity. Reel Tax Fight Halted to Meet Allied Threat (CoHtiny.ed from Page 1) be present at the meeting, where Mlied leaders are to outline their roposition, in an efTort to have mem- )ers approve action of Wisconsin irectors in voting to join Allied. .egality of the move is being ques- ,oned by the rank and file of Wis- onsin members. Woodhull will be Dined at Cleveland by Fred Desberg ■■ hairman of the M.P.T.O.A. board : if directors. "It is unfortunate that I have to jend several days to meet one of I le periodic assaults upon our or- i anization, at a time when I could be pvoting myself to fighting adverse J gislation and to other constructive 4 rganization work," Woodhull said '^ rior to his departure. d t ,, '•'ox To Synchronize 5 : "The Bachelors' Club" Arrangements have been completed !tween Courtland H. Smith of Fox ase Corp. and Oscar Prices, of Gen- i|i al Pictures Corp. under terms of "'' nich Fo.\ Case will Movietone "The achelors' Club," starring Richard ilmadge. Erno Rapee has written 0 theme song. Motion Picture Syn- ronization Service will prepare cue oets for non-synchronous machines all General Pictures, the first of lich will be Richard Talniadge's est. Biographies in Bound Volume Bound volume of mimeographed ^ hgraphies of all principal Fox play- ^ «6 of the company, together with -^ lotographs of each, have been sup- Jed to the St. Paul public library s the request of its librarian, who 1 IIS to circulate the volume. \l l\ Finishes Scenes for Arlen Film Madison Square Garden scenes sn for "The Man I Love," new Irhard Arlen vehicle, have been cnpleted under the supervision of f:iest Maas. -3^^ ^m^ I J. Lenski Builds House I'f" ""ittsburgh, Kan.— A 450-seat the- a r is being built at 213 No. Broad- wV by J. Lenski. Myers-Woodhull Bid For Wis. Unit Favor yConlinucd inm I'tiiic 1) scheduled apiiearance tomorrow may be expected to develop into a de- bate, on controversial issues. Tomorrow's meeting was called after some members of the state unit, charged that action of the board of directors in voting to affiliate with .Mlied is illegal and that a referendum on the subject is necessary. There has been a race for proxies between proponents and opponents of the Allied plan. In outlining the advantages offered by Allied, Myers is expected to make know'n the platform on which he will seek to enlist regional units under the Allied banner. The speech, his first since taking over the post of president and general manager of Allied, is being awaited with interest throughout the industry. Woodhull, with Fred Desberg, chairman of the board of directors of the M.P.T.O.A., is slated to arrive here today, when Myers and other Allied leaders are expected. Myers to Address N. W. Unit Convention Feb 4. Minneapolis — Abram F. Myers, president and general counsel of Allied States Ass'n, will be principal 5peaker at the convention of North- west exhibitors to be held here Feb. 4 and 5. A.M.P.A. Places Tickets For Ball with McBrides In connection with tiie plans of the executive committee of the A. M.P.A. Hollywood Masque Ball, which has decided for the first time in 15 years to invite the general pub- lic to its annual frolic, the ticket committee has been successful in se- curing the cooperation of the Mc- Brides office for distribution in their various branches about the city. To further push the sale of tickets. 1,000 special window cards, especially print- ed, will be posted throughout the city in a few days. Cook at Studio Conferring on New Season T-S Prod. Tiffany-Stahl is continuing i)Ians for key city theaters, according to Grant L. Cook, secretary and treas- urer, W'ho is here in connection with the schedule of 36 features planned for next year. At least four pictures are to be made in England, he says. Another for Crescent Chain Cleveland. Tenn. — R. D. Page, local manager of the Princess, which is owned by the Crescent Amusement Co. of Nashville, has taken over the Moneta and will manage both houses. Open Kansas City Theater Kansas City, Kan. — Tiie Home theater at 2011 Quindaro Blvd. has been opened by the Home Theater and Investment Co. Carter at Kokomo Kokomo, Ind. — Frank Carter is now managing the Wood, following the resignation of O. J. Chandler. Smith Vice President and G.M. of Cinephone (C'jntinui-J from I'dyf 1) Europe, returning to become sales manager of the company. When Powers ac(|uircd control of Associ- ated Exhibitors, Smith became gen- eral manager, resigning when Pathe absorbed the company, when he be- came sales manager for TifTany-Stahl. "U" Gets Dialogue and Songs of "Show Boat" (CoDtinncd from I'aoe I) Ziegfeld production, running at the Ziegfeld theater, New York. The company previously had acquired the screen rights, and the film, just com- pleted, is to have the dialogue and music portions inserted. These re- makes will be taken at the Ziegfeld. Under terms of the deal, the picture is to open in New York one week af- ter close of the play, which contin- ues indefinitely. Helen Morgan will sing two songs, Jules Bledsoe will sing "Old Man River" and one other, and Aunt Jemima, with a chorus of thirty negro voices, will sing the theme song. Alterations for Alberta House Edmonton, Alta. — Interior altera- tions have been made at the Cai)itoI here costing $42,000. This does not include wiring the house for sound programs. Harold Bishop, is the manager of this Famous Players' house. DePass Gets New Toronto Post Toronto — Appointment of Sam DePass, advertising manager of the company for many years, to the post of supervising manager of To- ronto suburban theaters has been announced by N. L. Nathanson, man- aging director of Famous Players Canadian Corp. Succeeding De Pass in the advertising and special exploi- tation department at the Toronto of- fice will be H. M. Thomas, w^ho will contmue as eastern division manager. Studio for Salt Lake Salt Lake City — Plans for con- struction of a studio here are re- ported taking definite shape with pur- chase of 12 acres of land by the Pio- neer Film Corp., tiie property being on 23rd East St. Work will start in the spring. J. G. Sargeant, general manager of the company, and Sam- uel Kantor, financial director, are al the Coast completing "The Exodus," which will have its Salt Lake City premiere late this month. Lightman Wiring Three Memphis, Tenn. — Installation of sound equipment in three houses of the Arkansas Amusement Enterprises chain, at El' Dorado, Jonesboro and Fayettcville, Ark., will be complete within two weeks. The chain is headeid by M. A. Lightman, president of newly-formed M. P. T. O. of Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. Short Shots from New York Studios i^B> ARTHUR W. EOUY ^^ EDWARD G. ROBIXSO.N has added playwriting to his list of talents which include stage and screen acting. He is co-author of "The Kibitzer," which Patterson McXutt will soon reveal to Broad- way. Robinson made his picture de- but at Paramount's Astoria plant in "The Hole in the Wall." Up at M-G-M's eastern plant the other day they detected some for- eign noise while playing -bade the yodelivg of an operatic tenor. A lot of funny 7ioises have been discover- ed in making talkers but this ivas a netv one. Finally Director Nick Grinde traced the sounds to the art- ist himself and imagine his embar- rassment when the tenor learned that it was due to the clicking of his false teeth. W'ith his ten-gallon hat, etc., Bill Cody has railroaded back to New York after a business trip to Toron- to and Montreal, .^mong other stunts he pulled while in Canada was to drive a young Canadian Pacific Rail- way locomotive, all for sweet pub- licity's sake. Charles Byers, who has been pay- checked in many Coast studios, is temporarily residing in Manhattan owing to the vacation urge. Mary Williams is beautifying the Astoria studio where Paramount pic- tures are made. She's playing the society editor in "Gentlemen of the Press." So. Theaters Opens Tampa House Tampa, Fla. — A. Chandler Thorn- ton is managing director of the Park, recently opened here by Southern Theaters, headed by Anthony Shimko. Club Luncheon Served 11 A.M. to 3 P. M Egelston Redecorates House Atwood, Kan. — E. W. Egelston is redecorating the inside of the Elec- tric. Table d'Hote DINNER $225 Served Every Eveninj; Upper Lobby Hotel \'iirori.i 7 Ave- 51 St mare than ^' ^ Ten GREAT Y«» CB0WPSS0.1S. r-^^nn I y^ROKEN at ^:Vou? In Its THE FIRST i;;^^^^i£^ X«0% AU.-TA**"* WILUAM FOX presents L.- I I with ' V- -"J ' .■■■ EDMUND LOWE DOROTHY BURGESS WARNER BAXTER BREAKING ALL RECOEm WORLD - _ tlr E«er3, Theatre E««'3'«?!!!f!:f THEATKE forced to CLOSE DOOBS ot£P;M^ UOS ANQELES, CAL. 4th ttJeefc WSS«»" «'»''" *"** OUTDOOR FEATURE I Story FARRELL MACDONALD TOM SANTSCHI IVAN LINOW FRANK CAMPEAU Weature MOVIETONE JLtraordinaryl THE Tuesday, January 22, 1929 1,068 HOUSES NOW WIRED FOR W.E.SOUND PICTURES Number of theaters wired for Western Electric sound projection totaled 1,068 on Jan. 5. Installations during that week topped the preced- ing week by 22. The company is speeding production in its aim of 250 installations of the large equipments per month during 1929. Prompt re- sponse to announcement of the lower- priced equipment is reported by the company. Talker Censorship Due As Pa. Assembly Topic Philadelphia — Censorship of talk- ing pictures is certain to be a sub- ject considered by the General As- sembly now in session. Whether or not the state censorship board's juris- diction covers dialogue is now being determined by the Pennsylvania Su- preme Court. If the court decides that the board lacks this authority the governor, it is expected, will sponsor a bill giving the board the control it desires. Synchrophone Franchise ;Mixup at Philadelphia Philadelphia — The question of who owns the local franchise on Synchro- phone is one troubling Vine St., with two exchanges claiming the property. Both the Synchrophone Co. of Phila- delphia and Phil Greenberg claim they are regional agents for the de- vice. Traveltone, Portable Disc Synchronizer, to Be Shown Demonstration is planned in this week of Traveltone, portable disc synchronizer, by S. M. Livingston, V ho says the machine can be install- ed in one hour in any type theater. Wingham for S. L. Film Board Salt Lake City— L. C. Wingham was elected president of the Film Board of Trade at a re<:ent meeting lield here. Other officers elected were: Wayne C. Ball, vice-president, and D. T. Lane, secretary-treasurer and .general consul. Denver Film Board Elect Denver — Anthony P. Archer (Edu- cational) was unanimously elected president of the Denver Film Board of Trade at its recent meeting here. Other officers elected were: R. J. Garland (World Wide) vice presi- dent, Arbitrators are: H. W. Helm- hold, (U.A.), J. S. Hommel, (M-G-M) and S. B. Rohn, (Columbia). Levy Heads Minn. Board Minneapolis, Minn. — Moe Levy (Fox), was elected president of the Minneapolis Film Board of Trade at a recent meeting. H. J. Maolntyre was named vice-president and Mrs. Mabel Dietz secretary and treasurer. C. L. Burt Buys House Hutchinson, Kan. — C. L. Burt has purchased the Old Home theater. Coast Wire Service First National Busy COMPLETION OF SOUND STACES STARTS BOOM With the completion of the new sound stages at Burbank, a number of First National- Vitaphone pictures have gone into production with more scheduled to follow at an early date. Billie Dove is appearing in "The Man and the Moment," from the Elinor Glyn story of that name, which George Fitzmaurice is directing. Alice White is making "Hot Stuf?," with Mervyn LeRoy at the mega- phone. Corinne Griffith is working in the talking sequences of "Satur- day's Children." "The House of Horrors" is being directed by Ben- jamin Christensen, with Louise Fa- zenda and Chester Conklin in the cast. "The Squall" has been started by Alexander Korda. Loretta Young, Wampas Baby Star of 1929, Myrna Loy, Alice Joyce and Carroll Nye are featured. New pictures soon to start are Col- leen's Moore's "Early to Bed," "Pat and Mike," the Milton Sills' starring vehicle; "Two Weeks Off," with Dorothy Mackaill and Jack Mulhall, and "Broadway Babies," with Alice White. Love in Goldwyn Cast Montagu Love has been added to the cast of "Bulldog Drummond," Ronald Colman's new all-talker for Samuel Goldwyn. West Signs Ballard Elmer Ballard, stage actor, has been added to cast of "Alibi," all- talker being produced and directed by Roland West for United Artists. Oakie Plays Lead Role Jack Oakie will play the principal male role, in Paramount's talking picturization of "The Studio Murder Mystery." Frank Tuttle, who has been adapting the story for the screen, will direct. Lawler Gets Christie Post H. D. Lawler, formerly on the staff of Victor Talking Machine Co., has been assigned to the post of mu- sic manager for Christie talking pic- tures. New Christie Talker Started "Jed's Vacation," starring Charlie Grapcwin, with Anna Chance, has gone into production as a Christie Talking Play. Bill Irving and Aileen Carlyle have been added to tlie cast. Goldwyn Signs Marion George Marion, Jr., has been sign- ed by Sanuiel Goldwyn to title Vilnia Banky's new starring picture, "Child's — Fifth Avenue," which Al SantcU directed. A Little from **Lots** By RALPH fVILK Hollywood RALPH SEDAN is busy at Cata- lina, where scenes are being made for "Making the Grade," a Fox picture. Ralph recently completed a role in Douglas Fairbanks' "The "Iron Mask." * * * Our Passing Show: Robert E. Welsh, Warren Newcombe, Lloyd Corrigan, Russell Mat- hews, John F. Goodrich watch- ing the Hollywood "Million- aires" lose a hockey game to Oakland; Bob Hill, Dave Ep- stein and Eddie Cline discus- sing talkers at Universal. * * * Gilbert Warrenton, who photo- graphed "Show Boat," "Lonesome," "The Man Who Laughs" and "Moth- er Knows Best," recently completed camera work on "The Haunted Lady," which Wesley Ruggles di- rected. * ♦ * Dick Alexander is one of the busi- est actors on the Coast. He did not lose a day for 25 straight weeks and worked in "The Sin Sister," "Our Daily Bread" and "The Viking." * * * Bradley King has the distinction of writing the first dual role characteri- zation for talking pictures. She is transcribing Richard Connell's "Pat and Mike" to the screen for Milton S'ills. This will be Sills' dialog pic- ture for First National. Fenton in Baclanova Cast Leslie Fenton) has been cast by Paramount in "The Woman Who Nei^ded Killing," starring Baclanova, under direction of Rowland V. Lee. Writes "Redskin" Score J. S. Zamecnik who scored "Wings," has written musical score of "Redskin," starring Richard Dix, which will have its premiere Jan. 26 at the Criterion, New York. Edwards for Comedy Relief Snitz Edwards, comedian has joined Clyde Cook in furnishing laughs for "The Woman Who Needed Killing," Paramount film Baclanova, Clive Brook, Neil Hamil- ton and Leslie Fenton in the cast. Rowland V. Lee is now directing. Story is by Margery Lawrence. Talking Comedians Busy Clark & McCullough have launch- ed their Fox Movietone production, "The Music Masters," based on a story written by themselves and be- ing directed "by Norman Taurog. Pomeroy Resigns Roy Pomeroy has resigned from Paramount. He was in charge of soimd production. His desire to direct is said to be the cause of controversy. Pomeroy directed the talking version of "Interference." COLUMBIA SOUND PLANS tilNCE ON BOX OFHCE While only six pictures have been scheduled as all-talkers by Columbia, the number may be increased, de- pending upon public reaction to these pictures. Two part dialogue pictures have been completed, and Harry Cohn, production chief, is preparing to film the company's first all-talker, "The Donovan Affair." The part- talkers just completed are "The Lone Wolf's Daughter," starring Bert Ly- tell, and "The Younger Generation" in which Lina Basquette heads the cast. ^ '-I Octavus Roy Cohen to Write Octavus Roy Cohen is in Holly- wood to write the first all-talking film story for Moran and Mack, the Two Black Crows. Christie is now filming a series of Cohen's stories as two reel comedy features for Para^ mount release. Preparing Screen Story William LeBaron, of FBO, has signed Sidney Lazarus to do adapta^ tion and continuity of "Boarding House Blues," an original by Glorian Mundi and Dudley Murphy. The pic ture is to be supervised by Lotharlj Reed. Herbert in "Madame X" HoluK^s Herbert has been engagedjl for a role in "Madame X," whichijl will be made by M-G-M. Next Talmadge to Be All-Talker Norma Talmadge plans to makejl an all-talker as her next production jl based on a Broadway play as yet un-jl selected. George Fitzmaurice will dij rect from a scenario by C. Gardnei;i| Sullivan. P. F.-L. Filming Wasserman Nove "Black Eagles" will be the title iin der which Paramount will produc Jacob Wasserman's novel, "Golo win." Fay Wray and Gary Coopc will be co-starred. William Powel and Paul Lukas have been assignc to the cast. Oliver H. P. Garrett i preparing the adaptation, and Lc Birinski and Ben Grauman Koli are collaborating on the screen pla} Added to Bow Cast Renee Whitney has been added t cast of "The Wild Party," Par: mount talker starring Clara Bow. Robert Lord Starts Another Robert Lord, writer under co^ tract to Warner Bros., has started h third assignment of the present ye^ — the screen play of "Shoestring." THE 'uesday, January 22, 1929 s^^ DAILV Paid Circulation vs. Free Distribution T HE prestige of a publication and its value as an advertising medium is judged mainly from reader interest evidenced by the ability of that publication to sell subscriptions and renewals to its reading public. Free distribution of a publication is direct admission of a lack of reader interest, and, of course, this is reflected in advertising pages, for a publication without paid circulation must sell its advertising space at whatever rate it can secure. Advertising experts generally do not include such publications in their budgets, regardless of rates and fancy promises of blanket distribution, that really mean nothing. Theatre Owners of the Middle Northwest states gladly pay their subscription dues over and over again to Greater Amusements for they know that throughout the more than 14 years of its existence the publication has rendered a real ser- vice and has given them the news of the industry in unbiased and fearless form. Reader Interest, Reader Confidence, Prestige, Service — You'll find them all predominant in America s Foremost Motion Picture Regional Trade Journal Greater Amusements Advertisers Select The Medium With Prestige Vni^ VITAPHONE MAKES HERO THE GREATEST SCREEN r IV I C E AS GREAT! The Great Ones of the Earth Flocked to see it! Princes and Princesses, maes- tros and millionaires, were among the thousands of New Workers uho paid $2.00 to see "WEARY RIVER" when it ran for weeks at the famous Central Theatre in the heart of Broadway. It will he a social event in this city, too, but — there will he no (I el va nee in pfiees! $2.00 BROAD- WAY HIT- HE R E AT POPULAR PRICES! WORTH "Double Feature" Tonight! P.ICUAP.D BARTUtLMESS ACTrNGnnection with production matters. Sound Advice Reconstruction and re-equip- I ing of theaters to bring them ; up-to-date will prove a boon to ■ the industry in counteracting ! the overbuilding orgy, John Eberson, leading theater archi- tect, declares in the Eberson Section of the 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK to be issued this month. ALLIED TO WORK FOR REFORMS IN INDUSTRY, MYERS SAYS Test of Strength Between M. P. T. O. and Allied at Meet Today Not Present Wash. Bur. of THE FILM DAILY Washington — ^That he was not scheduled to attend the special meeting of the Wiscon- sin unit, to be held at Milwau- kee today, Abram F. Myers, president and general counsel of the Allied States Ass'n in- forms THE FILM DAILY. It previously had been report- ed from Chicago and Milwau- kee that Myers would address the sessions today, on which hinge the question of Wiscon- sin's affiliation with Allied or the M.P.T.O.A. If Allied is represented in Milwaukee, it will be by members of the or- ganization committee, Myers states. German Audible Screen is Installed at L. A. House West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Clearsight, audible screen invented by German scien- tists, is being installed in the Para- mount (Metropolitan) here, the first installation in the United States. The screen, it is claimed, enhances pho- tographic value of the film and inten- sifies the tonal qualities of talkers. Milwaukee — National exhibitor in- terest centers today on the meeting here of the Wisconsin exhibitor unit, called to pass upon the question of affiliation. Recently, the directors of the state unit, voted a union with Al- lied States Ass'n, and when the move was attacked, a special meet- ing was called proxies have been cir- culated throughout the state. R. F. Woodhull, president, and Fred Des- berg, chairman of directors of the M.P.T.O.A. are here, to outline ad- vantages of their organization as are members of the Allied organization committee. Month to Bring Keen Race in Sound Newsreel Field Increase of competition in the sound newsreel field is scheduled in February and March. Fox Movie- tone News Feb. 2 plans to increase to four issues weekly. Three issues are now released weekly. Pathe Sound News, now released bi-weekly, is to become a weekly release Feb. 3. Par- amount Sound News is slated to make its bow during the month, with one issue weekly planned. M-G-M Movietone News is slated to start releasing March 1. Therefore, it is expected, by the middle of Feb. there will be available at least six sound newsreels weekly for exhibitors use. $163,559,000 Estimated Total for New Theaters During 1929 Bach to Handle "Erpi" Sales in Great Britain William A. Bach, until recently general sales manager for First Na- tional in Great Britain, has been named associate to H. G. Knox, gen- eral manager in Europe for Electrical Research Products. Bach will be in charge of British sales and is slated to sail for London Feb. 9. New theaters of all types costing $163,559,000 will be built in 1929, ac- cording to a national survey conducted by the "Architectural Forum," a lead- ing publication in its field. The fore- cast is based on confidential reports from 2,057 architects, covering in de- tail work now on schedule or in de- finite contemplation for contract let- ting during 1929, plus information de- rived from the general building field as covered by other publications in (Conttnued on Page 2) Method of Selling Needs Change Says Statement on Policies Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Serving notice that the organization represents exhibitors only, in matters in which the several branches of the industry conflict, Abram F". Myers, president and gen- eral counsel of Allied States Ass'n of M. P. Exhibitors, today outlines the policy and program of the or- ganization. Myers' statement outlines the as- sociation's position with respect to other branches of the industry, the Brookhart bill, interchangeability, ar- bitration and the music tax. Allied, says Myers, will not seek to meddle in the internal affairs of any other branch of the industry and will claim like immunity for its own affairs. He says that exhibitors are determined a change in prevailing sales method is imperative, and hopes that this can be brought about within the industry, without recourse to the Brookhart bill. Argument of gov- ernment regulation, he says, "calls for a bona fide effort on the part of those making the argument to settle such differences between the industry." "While exhibitors do not want reg- ulation," Myers says, "they prefer it to being driven out of business. He points also to government regula- tion which he says does not benefit exhibitors and cited 'the copyright law,' which gives a monopoly value (Continued on Page 8) Fox Won't Build Chicago — Talk of a big Fox house here built in conjunc- tion with Marks Bros, is re- garded as idle, in view of the friendly relations between Fox & B. & K. which is resulting in plenty of Fox bookings for loop theaters. Captain Lash" plays the Oriental the week of Feb. 2; "The Red Dance," the Chicago, Feb. 9 and "In Old Arizona," the McVickers for an extended run beginning Feb. 23 or March 2. THE Wednesday, January 23, 1929 M^^ULTUE MEWS ULTUE TIME Vol. XLVII No. 18 Wednesday, Jan. 23, 1929 Price 5 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y-, and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donaid M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3. 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months $3 00 Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should re nit with mder. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: iilmday. New York. Hollywood, California— Ralph Wilk 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London— Ernest W. Fredman, Ihe Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I Berlin— Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedricbstrasse. 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La (Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la t'our-des-Nouei, 19. Financial STOCK MARKET High Lov» Close Am S«at 33/2 33/2 33/2 Cob. Fm. Ind. pfd. 277i 27^8 27/2 East. Kodak ....183 182 183 *d» pfd 128 •First Nat. pfd ..•• ^M'A Fox Fm. "A" ... 98}4 97 97 *do rts ^ Keith A-0 39J4 39^ 39j4 d. pfd 122 122 122 Loew's Inc 7m 75 TSyi do pfd 10854 107 108 •M-G-M pfd •••; 255i M P. Cap 18 17/2 17/2 Para. F-L 6OH 58/2 60 Pathe Exch 13 I2/2 12^ do "A" 26^ 26 26 Radio K-A-O .... 4154 i9Vs 41'4 Stanley Co 42?4 41 41 •Univ. Pict. pfd • 98^^ Warner Bros 134 127J4 128 Warner pfd 59J4 57>/i 57^ CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 16J4 16 16% •Bal. & Katz • 80 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 2m 21Ji 2I/2 •Film Insp 254 Fox Thea. "A" . . 34^ 34 34 Intern. Proj I8/2 18^ I8/2 Loew do deb. rts.. 42^ 41 41 Nat. Scr. Ser 33% 32'A 32^ Nat. Thea. Sup... im ll?i H^ Trans-Lux U'A 11 1154 Univ. Pict 23/2 23/2 23/2 BOND MARKET Keith A-0 6s 46.. 95^4 95-4 9554 Loew 6s 41ww ... 120i4 119J4 119M do 6s 41 x-war... 99/, 9954 9954 Paramount 6s 47 .1005^ 100 1005i Par. By. 5 54s 51.. 102 102 102 Pathe 7s 37 8354 8354 8354 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 .. 97 97 97 •Warner 6'^s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 34 37 do units 39 43 do com 5 7 .... Skouras Bros. ... 50 54 Technicolor 13 1354 United Art 8 12 do pfd. 76 84 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 100 700 700 4,800 'ioo 100 61,600 500 '766 48,800 6,600 600 29,400 400 56,666 11,900 4,400 10',566 is'.ioo 600 500 600 100 24,800 100 11 4 1 1 $163,559,000 Estimated '29 New Theater Total (Continued from Page 1) the group of which "Architectural Forum'' is a member. Theater construction represents 3.2 per cent of the total building planned by the entire nation which, according to this source, will reach $7,308,793,- 200. Geographically, theater building will be devided as follows: Northeastern States $6,303,000 North Atlantic States 62,891,400 Southeastern States 3,746,600 Southwestern States 7,812,200 Middle States 74,032,200 Western States 8,773,600 Total $163,559,000 Virginia Firm Incorporated Norfolk, Va. — Stevenson Amuse- ment Co. of Henderson, has been in- corporated here to own, operate, sell and lease theaters. The capital is 1,000 shares of no par value stock. Officers are S. S. Stevenson, W. D. Burwell, S. R. Watson and others of Henderson. Lita Grey in Person Cleveland — -Lita Grey Chaplin has been drawing record crowds this week at Keith's Palace. Roseland Handling Cartoons Roseland I^ictures Corp., New York, is distributing on a state right basis, a series of 26 one reel "Bonzo" cartoon featurettes, the creation of the English artists, G. E. Studdy, which long has been a supplement of Satur- day and Sunday feature pages. The first three of the series titled "Bonzo- lina,'' "Detective Bonzo" and "Spooks Bonzo" are ready for release. Cohen With Anne Watkins Jeanne Cohen, who for nine years was executive secretary to Jesse L. Lasky, and later one of the story edi- tors of Paramount, has been placed in charge of the motion picture de- partment of Anne Watkins, repre- sentative for Sinclair Lewis, Mary Roberts Rinehart, Louis Bromfield, Cyril Hume and A. B. Seabrook. An- other addition to the Watkins office is Monica McCall, who until recent- ly represented the London firm of Peters and Lee. Miss McCall now is in charge of Miss Watkins' play de- partment. Frances Goertzman has been transferred to Hollywood, where she will assist Mary Alice Scully, western manager. Lily Damita Makes Appearances Cleveland — Lily Damita made four personal appearances at the Allen theater last Tuesday, stopping off here for the day on her way to the West Coast. Brauenig With World Wide Cleveland — Otto Brauenig, former- ly of First National, has joined the local World Wide sales force which is under the management of Herbert Ochs. Klein Acquires Series Series of 13 short subjects with dialogue and sound, which are to be made in silent versions by Great Arts Pictures, a new organization headed by Frank D. Ferrone, has been ac- quired by the Edward L. Klein Corp. of New York for foreign distribution. Lasky to Attend Toledo Premiere Toledo, O. — Jesse L. Lasky, vice president of Paramount, is slated to attend the opening Feb. 1 of the Toledo-Paramount here. Mrs. Lee Returning Mrs. Maron F. Lee, Samuel Gold- wyn's eastern literary representative, returns to New York Saturday from the Coast. Mrs. Balsly Services Today Funeral services are to be held to- day at Kansas City for Mrs. Lee D. Balsly, wife of the New York divis- ion Universal exploiteer. She died at her home at Mount Vernon, N. Y., following a sudden attack of pneu- monia, t Charter for Texas Co. Ganado, Tex. — Charter has been granted Iris theater here. The incor- porators are F. H. Knipling, Ray- mond Knipling and Ludwig Sabla- ture with capital stock of $1,000. Movietone Acts Picked Three recently completed Metro Movietone Acts have been selected for the surrounding program at the Embassy premiere tonight of "The Bellamy Trial." These are a num- ber by George Lyons, "singing har- pist," a Phil Spitalny orchestra num- ber and a number by The Revellers, another orchestra. Change Unit Headquarters Headquarters of Joseph M. Seider and the M.P.T.O. of New Jersey are now located in the Film Center Bldg., 9th Ave., between 44th and 45th St. Let Us Solve Your Prohlems ! Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCOKPORATED 1540 B'WAY N.Y.C. TELEPHONE BRYANT 3040 The Industry's Date Book Jan. 25 Film Guild Cinema opens in New York. Jan. 24-26 Fifth annual conference of Na- tional Board of Review. Jan. 27 Annual banquet of M.P.T.O. ol Eastern Pennsylvania. Jan. 31 Theatrical ball of Los Angeles branch of Actors Equity Ass'n. Feb. 1 Opening of 4,000-seat Toledo-Para- mount at Toledo. Feb. 3 Dinner of the Silver Screen spons- ored by The Film Bureau in New York. Feb. 9 Dinner of Writers Branch of Acad- emy of M. P. Arts and Sciences, Hollywood, to visiting dialogue writers. Feb. 14 1929 Wampas Frolic, Hollywood. Universal Club Dance, Hotel Aster, New York. Mar. 2 AMPA Hollywood Masque Ball in New York. Ohio Directors Meet Columbus — Director's meetings of the M.P.T.O. of Ohio met yesterday. THEATRE SUPERVIlSOR and EXECUTIVE Desires to make a change in present position. Now employed as city man- ager, supervising three theatres, for one of the large circuits. Record absolutely clean and have own rea- sons for desiring change. Have full knowledge of buying and booking of pictures, shows, etc. Know all angles of supervision, advertising and exploi- tation. Will guarantee results. Reply Box A-107 c-o Film Daily, 1650 B'way, N. Y. C. FOR SALE AKELEY CAMERA EQUIP- PED BELL & HOWELL CAMERA OUTFIT ALSO EYMO. BROWNING STUDIOS 110 West 40th Street N. Y. C. PENn. 1258-9 SERVICE GREAT! "Service great ! Every house large or small should run Ad-Vance Trail- HIDER THEATRE. Binghamton, N. Y. "WE NEVER DISAPPOINT" PmilOWFIlH f33?K/ill»MS INCORPORATED ' 220 WEST 42^1-° STREET NEW YORK Phone: Wisconsin 6876 ALLAN A. LOWNES. CEN. MCR. THE TALK OF THE INDUSTRY It Is with justifiahle pride that we announce the presentation at Qrauman^s Chinese Theatre, Hollyivood, of what is considered the greatest advance in the talking screen play THE BROADWAY MELODY You will hear a great deal about this sensa- tional ALL TALKING, ALL SINGING, ALL DANCING DRAMA. It is announced for a Broadway run in the near future. ^^') ^^unnn^**^ NOW PLAYING ON BROADWAY- the amazing courtroom mystery drama the established talking hit of the season ^IfQ fciHcd Mimi Bellamy! Mctro-Goldwyn-Mayc /»rc(rnti the cetchrated COURTROOM K.YSTERY The BELLAMY TRIAL Based on the book and Saturday Evenine Po»i serial by Frances Noyes Hare Directed by Monu Bell Begins Wed., Jan. 23 Twice Daily Thercaflcr 2:45— 8;45 EMBASSY THEATRE Broadway at 46ih Si. SEATS NOW ON SALE TALKING PICTURE with action BROADWAY'S NEW TALKING PICTURE SENSATION ALIAS JIMMY VALENTINE ll Is un(|uoilonablv ihe moM thrillinf enienabi' ment on Broadway The Talkini; Picture now rrachet it* perfect fulfill- incn(. Read how ihe critics laughed and cried and loved It! SOLID SELL OUT Tottmc PlCflttf >■ He'll Steal Your Heart Away! WILLIAM HAINES LIONEL BARRYMORE KARL DANE LEILA HYAMS TULLY MARSHALL THE CRITICS LOVE IT i.)m > V*Ur .. . I'-llv. iln^ff iu[Jt ••' <*■•»• Don'i mm -hftt ri...... Oa.h N nj I ASTOR ft MAV ANI> T«1C t DAILY t *% anj B.4S - F.rv. M<; M imSit ^.oivt lo ( >>ld> *n Mtrrt utnr mediuTi, hai Jtmc nobt* You'll mirMKiin crnutnr afvl ntuxng fnirf i ainmrnf at the AUM " ->.«W...r Z.'mmrrna'^ _^_ TtUpam h>n ' (tH.! 'Al>a> |l«nr.n«' .1 rotj'rr owf fot tluk ( ALSO GALA METRO MOVIETONE SHOW featuring "Thr itmni Paul AfinMrorif H>* 'ikr* lo <<>urc iKc A>(vt (i>t monih*, mak* .hKh f >lin Uilbnf. NKTma no mixakc at rhai " Fairt . Joan Ctavford. — IJn-|rGf<4 vd. C« tt.*!! Kur, Lr«.> SxMx mate rarHT Alio >«< and hrar F> 'nd ScKrnik. Onitic VwrrWathir'cronandudvrii Nou' Playing Twice Daily at the Embassy, N. Y. at $2 Admission SHORTLY TO BE RELEASED! Third capacity month at $2 at the Astor Theatre, N. Y. NOW AVAILABLE FOR DATING' METRO-GOLDWYN- ti THE TRAIL OF '98" LEADS TO THE BANK! I WUILE OTUER COH ™>TALKIE CEORCE JESSEL IN Mir ripyT fINCINC J^ILKING FEATURE PRODUCTION m^ fcV'.-. .^i RY -IC UNANIMOU/LY AGP AT CREATE/T THEME /ONC EVER VRITTEN-CREAT RADIO PUBLICITY | ByABELBAER «.= L.WOLFE CILBERT^MY MOTH E R^T EYE/'^PUBLUHED By LEO FEI/T.h. TirrTerienced trouoer. But Tessel I time. All of which is a job for I experienced trouper. But Je I is that and does his stuff well. But Jessel Looks Like Money By this time you have probably suspected we think "Lucky Boy" ' looks like ready money. It is. No question about what it will do in wired houses. We should have pre- ferred to see the picture shorter and the story more expertly knit together. bat when it's all over, you find you have been so well entertained that the discrepancies don't make very much difference. "The Toy ShopT This is an engaging one reeler, made in Technicolor and distributed like "Lucky Boy" via Tiffany-Stahl. A simple story made delightful by deft handling. Primarily it concerns a waif picked up out of the snow by a toy maker. The child falls asleep and dreams the toys come to life. Charming and particularly suitable for the Christmas season, but suf- ficiently above the average to pLiydatcs any lime. to rate Motion Picture l^ enr Lucky Boy A Real Tear Jerking Meiodramm (Rrtlrwrd by Frrddir SebMl«r) npiKKA.NV.STAHL havi- turned out a boi * office bet in "Lucky Boy" which baa Grorgic Jc-^el as the stir. Now don't At off the handle and nay that Geoixi« Jeatel flicln't mean a thing to you when he was in Warner Bros, pictures. This one is differ- rnt. and, Goorgie. who was to have made "The Jb7Z Singer,'* for he playefJ it ongin- olly on the stage, has finally obtained a chance to redeem himkelf. He certainly doe* -hine to advaniase in this picture and while it lia-.ii*t got all the wallop of "The Sine* inf Fool," it has a lot on the ball and is certain to get money in any houie. There ore .six talking sequences in the picture and the star puta over five songs. The songs are "My Molhefs Eye^i," tbe theme of th« picture. "Old Man Sunshine,*' "My Black- birds Are Bluebirds Now," "My Real Swocheart" and "Bouquet of Memories." If your house is wired you can't afford to' overlook this one. In the cast there aren't any nsmr^ that will mean very much to your audience oat- fide of Jpbscl, but the company burrounding him is adequate. Gwen Lee and Margaret Quimby in the principal women roles look pretty enough, although neither will make n spot for herself as far as talking pic- tures are eoncrrned. Roi^a Ro^annva and William K. Strauss playing Georgie'a mother and father respectively, manage to score nicely. • The tale takes Genrgie from the Atlan- tic to the Pacific. His dad wants him to be a jeueler but the boy has his 'heart *et on the sta;;e. He tries to make good in the Bronx but proves a flop, so he hik"s for San Francisco where he makes good on an amateur night and next is seen as a cafe entertainer. Here he meets the pirl of the story. She's from New York on a visit. Back in tbe Bronx Georgie's folks listening in on the radio hear their boy way out on the coast doing his broadcasting and they wire him that his mother is ill. He hopn a train, which is also carrying the girl friend' back home. Once back in town the social harriers betweon the .cafe singer and Vht Aociely girl are broken down and Oeorgie beromr^ a Brondw.Ty <^(nr. George Je*tel in "Lucky Boy" I Tigany-StaKl Length. 8900 /(. A DO-RE-MI PICTURE. IT^ ALL JESSEI^-SONGS. TITLES, DIALOGUE — AND THAT MEANS ENTERTAINMENT APLENTY. WIRED HOUSES HAVE A PROFIT MAKER HERE. Caat The Jessel personality dominates this. He's an entertainer bc>ond doubt. Margaret Quimby I adds the feminine {.ovcliness. Others. all good, include Rosa Rosanova. William K. Sirauss. Gwrn Lee. Rich- ard Tucker, Gaync Whitman and Mary Doran. Story and Production ... Comedy drama of a jeweler's son with stage I ambitions who hits the road, finds It rocky, but comes through, as yoo ! expect, at the end. The stor^ is nothing to gel excited about. Neither is it always well held together, but after it's all over you've been enter- tained with jazz songs, clever quips and some clutchings at your heart We ask you what else is the func- I lion of motion pictures. Jessel sings wisecracks and docs all of the stuff which gave him his reputation in musical comedy and in the main, docs it very well. "My Mother** Eyes." the theme song is a pip Everybody will be singing it soon We predict tt as a runner-up for "Sonny Boy " RCA system used. Direction. Norman Taurog, Charles C. Wilson, very good. Author, sug- gested by slorv by Viola Brothers Shore: Sound Editor. Richard Shields. Dialogue and Tide*. George Jessel; Sound Scqticncca b>- Rudolph Flolhow. Photography. Harry Jack- son, Frank Zucker very good H ^ TOLD YOU CEORCe JE/ZELii'LUCKY BOYVA NATURAL frri:/3NV- U.$.AID TO BESOUGHT IS STEP SEEN NEAR (Continued from Page 1) to the films they must use, and under which a music tax is imposed upon them; the patent law under the .pre- text of which conditions and limita- tions are imposed on the use of sound equipment and the tariff law designed to exclude foreign films and equip- ment." Hint that restrictions on inter- changeability may be made the basis of another M. P. Patents Case, which Myers incidentally handled is con- tained in the statement, which says that action by the government is needed. Public policy favors arbitration, Myers asserts, who says that whether arbitration as practiced in the indus- try is a system for fair adjustment of disputes or a coercive method of en- forcing contracts lacking in mutual- ity is the issue in the Dept. of Jus- tice suit pending against distributors. Evidence in the matter, supplied by exhibitors, is to be sifted carefully he promises and, if found pertinent, turned over to proper authorities. If the course seems advisable, petition to intervent will be filed, he says. The Dept. of Justice has examined the matter and cannot take action under anti-trust laws against music publishers collecting the 'music tax,' because interstate commerce was not affected, Myers says, pointing out that advisability of working for re- peal of the copyright will be studied. tween exhibitors and distributors in the mat- ter of advice and preparation will be in a measure overcome through the agency of the Allied States Ass'n. However, the rule that the arbitrators shall not depart from the strict letter of the contract really takes the practice i out of the field of arbitration. Take for example a supposititious case. The disgruntled manager of a theater that is about to be sold contracts with the agent of an exchange for a large amount of pictures of the kind that are wholly unsjited for exhibition in that theater. The purchaser of the theater is not advised of the transaction until the ex- change calls on him to assign play dates. He declines to assign play dates and is sum- moned before the board. The exchange man is present with counsel, and under the prac- tice the award must be against the exhibitor under the strict terms of the transfer clause "In such a case it is hard to discover what part arbitration, as that term is under- stood and employed, has played in the matter. "Music Tax" Relief Plan Being Studied by Ass'n "Regardless of considerations of justifica tion the 'music tax' gives rise to more dis satisfaction than any other charge imposed ci the exhibitors of motion pictures. The Dept of Justice examined the subject with son" care and announced that it could take "'. action under the Sherman anti-trust la> because interstate commerce was not af fected. "The sole support claimed for the tax i ; the copyright law. The extent to which tha- law really supports the tax in its preser- form, and, assuming it does, whether or nc; the copyright law ought to be amended, ar questions which will be carefully studied.' , Michigan with Allied; Wisconsin Split on Issue I X o/'FILMDOM ^^i*'^^^ALLTHE TIME I. ^^L. XLVII No. 20 Thursday, January 24, 1929 Price 5 Cents 'Bellamy Trial' j> USPKNSE and surprise, \ twins of necessity in any well developed mystery yarn, h d the board in "The Bellamy lial." Opening like a newsreel a 1 then getting at once into the cartroom scenes, the story is told aiiost entirely by llashbacks to the eil with a surprise finish which f«/ will be able to dope out in acance. The courtroom sequences are fi-;. Dialogue steps in towards th end and lifts the picture out ofa wordy stretch of subtitles. All oi which makes for a nice piece oimtcrtainment. It's fare geared to;he popular standard and that, w- take it, assures this picture a su:essful box-ofifice jamboree. Hot Thermometers he Capitol here in New York is KOg in for rubber walls. Business IS lat good. The Year Book has an- ched us in cement right to the ofte chair, but the reviewer tells - A Woman of Affairs" is unusual iBce. A whitewashed version of ij Green Hat," you know. And thiGarbo! She is immense. Ziegfeld ' you know what's going to hap- >> "Show Boat?". Universal has turned over a fat check to Flo eld. For it the peer of musical <\y producers will allow his songs used in the picture. Also will pear in it. Likewise part of the . including principals and chor- i Imagine>that for box-office stuff ion the provinces. Fewer — Maybe Better ^e dare not hope too hard. Fewer r res for next year? It looks like ly that and yet — we don't like rn so optimistic. If they are less imber, they might prove better lality. No wonder the tremors citement shake our young frame. The Last Lap ^ proaching the finish. The^Year — almost all of it — has feeeh" . tucked away in its bed. Make i)w pretty soon. Eleven years this spring and mighty lusty. ing so fast it's a job to handle hild. However, when its trip id the world starts in a com- ively few days now, we'll breathe of relief, struggle to our downy ui and stay there until all lost e is regained. K A N N FURTHER CUT OF PRODUCTION SCHEDULES FOR '29-'30 SEEN Michigan Affiliated Opposition Overridden; Wis. Defers Action Milwaukee — Wisconsin today is di- vided into two armed camps, so far as its exhibitor unit is concerned, deadlocked on the issue of affiliating with Allied States Ass'n, or remain- ing in the M.P.T.O.A. Action on the affiliation was deferred at yesterday's session. R. F. Woodhull, M.P.T.O.A. president, :iddressed the meeting. Some exhibitors present disagreed with action of directors Nov 19 in voting to join Allied. MYERS ASKS U.S. ACTION ON INTERCHANGEABILITY Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Outlawing of alleged agreements between sound equipment producers and distributors, under terms of which product of the latter will be leased for use only with ap- proved sound production machines has been asked of the Dept. of Jus- tice by Abram F. Myers, president (Continued on Page 11) Halgrophone, Disc Device Makes Appearance at K. C. Kansas City — Claiming inter- changeability with other discs sys- tems, using ZZ 1/3 rpm records, Hal- grophone is being placed on the mar- ket here by Jack Gross, formerly with Universal's theater chain, and Hal McAlpin, designer of the machine. A power controlled unit drives the pro- jector which is attached to the set. Settlement Again Reported in Marks-B. & K. Case Chicago — Out of court settlement has been reached in the Marks Bros., restraint of trade suit against Bala- ban & Katz, Publix and a number of distributors, according to persistent reports here. Some time ago, it was stated that a settlement would be reached. Meanwhile, the Dept. of Justice has pending a conspiracy ac- tion embodying chief points of the Marks Bros. suit. Detroit — Michigan will go along with Allied States Ass'n. The op- position of the state's two big affil- iated chains, was overridden by mem- i)ership of the organization, which yesterday voted 249 to 101 to confirm action of directors, who had voted 12 to 3 to join. Out of 400 ballots sent out, 52 were not returned. Pledge of H. M. Richey, business manager, Glenn Cross and James Rit- ter, of $10,000 to Allied for its first year's dues, was taken over by the board of directors at yesterday's meet- ing. George Trendle, of the Kunsky chain, did not vote. W. S. Butterfield was not present. These two circuit owners have fought against Allied affiliation. Richey, who heretofore had remained neutral, was instructed to actively serve with Allied, of which he is secretary. He says that reports of a split are unfounded and that the organization is stronger than ever. SIGNinCANCfsTEN IN SIEffESJOUND TEST Minneapolis — Significance is at- tached to interchangeability tests of Dramaphone, at the Logan here, in view of intention of Abram F. Myers, president and general counsel of Al- lied .States Ass'n, to invoke Dept. of Justice aid, to break up alleged agreements on the question of inter- changeability. The Logan is oper- ated by W. A. Steffes, founder and former president of Allied, and it is (.Continued on Page 11) Sunday Show Not Inherent Right in N. Y., Court Says New York picture houses have no inherent right to operate on Sunday, and may do so only under a special privilege granted by the state. Su- preme Court Justice Morschauser at White Plains ruled in action brought by the Peekskill Theatrical Corp., against the chairman of the board of trustees, which had closed the firm's house on Sunday last April. Uncertainty Existing Due to Sound May Result in New Reductions Trimming of production schedules, provided for in tentative plans of ma- jor companies for 1929-30, may be followed by further reductions due to the uncertainty existing because of sound films. This uncertainty is based on the situation concerning installa- tions, prices of synchronization equip- ment, and continued public favor of sound films, plus the necessity for securing higher grosses on each par- ticular picture to meet the higher overhead brought about by advent of sound pictures. 1 he trend toward fewer pictures is niphasized in a survey made by THE FILM DAILY, which shows that 17 (Continued on Page 11) 1929 THEAIERIuILDING SLIGHT JOMP^OVER 1928 Proposed theater construction for 1929 noses out budgets for new the- aters in 1928 by $1,621,000, compar- ison of figures compiled by "Architec- tural Forum" indicate? Forecast for his year places total in ,estnient in the theater building at $lo3,5S9,000 while for 1928 the estimate made in January of last year by this same publication was $161,938,000. Nineteen twenty-nine will show a drop of about 18 per cent over 1927, (Continued on Page II) CONTINENTAL LITHO. CORP. M. Witmark and Sons, Inc.. music publishers and the Continental Litho- graph Co. arc entirely owned by Warner Bros., it became known last night when the company mailed to stockholders a letter extending hold- ers of the common the right to sub- scribe for additional shares at $100 a share to the extent of one share of the new for every six shares now- held. The new issue will total 147,000 (Continued on Page 11) THE -.^Bg^ DAILV Thursday, January 24, 192S! Vil. XLVII No. 20 Thursday, lao. 24. 1929 Priei 5 Cuts JOHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISHER United Opens 14th House of Circuit in Quebec Montreal — United Amusements af- filiated with Famous Players Can- adian Corp., is opening its 14th the- ater in Montreal, the Seville in the East End. It seats 1,800. The pre- vious house to be opened by this com- Sound Pictures Going Over Big in Australia Enthusiastic reception given sound pictures in Australia has resulted in order of 11 additional Western Elec- tric equipments by Union Theaters, Ltd., according to Millard Johnson, New York representative. Twelve The Industry's Date Book Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y-. and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann. Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should retiit with otder. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY. 1650 Broad- way. New York. N. Y. Phone Cirde 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday. New York. Hollywood, California— Ralph Wilk 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6687. London— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse. 225. Paris— P. A. Hade, La Cinematographie Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noue«. 19. pany was the Granada at Sherboske, systems now are being installed, Quebec. United Amusements pre- making a total of 23 installations in viously confined its activities to Mon- | Union houses, treal but it is probable that the com pany will invade other centers of the province during 1929. STOCK MARKET High Low Close Sales Am Seat 34 34 34 100 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 27^8 27/8 27^ 1,300 East. Kodak 1835/8 183/. 1835^ 200 ♦do pfd 128 ♦First Nat. pfd iO^'A Fox Fm. "A" ... 97n 96/, 96'A 4,800 *do rts ^ .... Keith A-O 4m 4054 41 Ji 1,000 ♦do ptd 122 Loew's Inc 76% 75-4 75/. 35,200 do pfd 108J^ 107% 108^8 900 ♦M-G-M pfd 2SX .... M. P Cap 17J4 17^ 17H 900 Para.'F-L 62'A 60^ 62 64,400 Pathe Exch 12^ 12-4 125i 5,700 do "A" 2'6 25/2 26 800 Radio K-A-O 42/ 41 4VA 23,800 Stanley Co 4054 40^4 40J4 100 ♦Univ. Pict. pfd 98/ Warner Bros 134 128^ 130 53,400 Warner pfd 58/ 57-^ 58!4 3,400 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 15^ 15 15 2,900 *Bal. & Katr 80 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 2154 2P^ 2154 7,600 ♦Film Insp 25^ Fox Thea. "A" .. 34^ 33 33/ 22,500 Intern. Proj 185^ 18J4 18J4 300 Loew do deb. rts. 40 40 40 100 ♦Nat. Scr. Ser 32/ Nat. Thea. Sup.... 11% 11% 11% 500 Trans-Lux 11/ 11/ 11/ ♦Univ Pict 23/ BOND MARKET Keith A-O 6s 46 . 95 95 95 3 Loew 6s 41ww 119% 119 119% 13 do 6s 41 x-war... 9954 99 99/ 21 Paramount 6s 47 ..100 99% 99% 2 Par. By. S/s 51.. 102 102 102 3 Pathe 7s 37 83/ 8254 83/ 4 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 . 96/ 96/ 96/ 3 ♦Warner 6/s 2'8 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 33 35 do units 34 36 do com 4/ 5;4 Skouras Bros 50 54 Technicolor 1254 13/ United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com 2 do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED Guild Gets More Product Film Arts Guild has acquired American rights to an experimental film, "The March of the Machines," produced by a young Ukrainian di- rector, Eugene Deslaw. It also has bought U. S. rights to "The Star of the Sea," made by Man Ray. Loew Columbus Changes Columbus, O. — Edward J. Mel- niker, managing director of the Loew's Ohio, has assumed charge of publicity for the three Loew houses here. Archie F. Bangert, formerly with the Broad, becomes manager of the Broadway. Richard Custer of the Loew's State at St. Louis, suc- ceeds Bangert at the Broad. Robs Missouri Theater Columbia, Mo. • — An unmasked bandit held up the box-office of the Missouri and got away with $100. Thomas Buys Reno House Reno, Nev.- — The State has been bought by R. Thomas from Milo C. McMillian and C. F. Thomas. Fox BaU Feb. 2 Arrangements have been completed for the Third annual dinner, dance and ball of the Fox Film Athletic Club at the Waldorf Astoria on Feb. 2. Fred Hershom Leases House Bunceton, Mo. — Fred L. Hershom, salesman with Paramount in Kansas City, has leased the Princess from Brent Peters. Feb. 1 Film Guild Cinema opens in York. Jan. 24-26 Fifth annual conference of tional Board of Review. Jan. 27 Annual banquet of M.P.T.O. i Eastern Pennsylvania. Jan. 31 Theatrical ball of Los Ange' branch of Actors Equity Ass'n. Jan. 31 Opening of 6,000 seat Fox Theate St. Louis. Feb. 1 Opening of 4,000-seat Toledo-Par mount at Toledo. Feb. 2 Fox Athletic Club Dinner and Dan at Waldorf-Astoria, N. Y. Feb. 3 Dinner of the Silver Screen spas ored by The Film Bureau in Ne York. Feb. 9 Dinner of Writers Branch of Aca emy of M. P. Arts and Scienci Hollywood, to visiting dialog writers. Feb. 14 1929 Wampas Frolic, Hollywood. Universal Club Dance, Hotel Ast New York. AM PA Hollywood Masque Ball New York. Mar. Quigley Enthuses Over Sound Enthusiasm over the growth of sound pictures was expressed by (jeorge E. Quigley, Vitaphone vice president, who sailed yesterday for a vacation in Bermuda. "Weary River" Opens Tonight "Weary River,'' the First National- Vitaphone picture starring Richard Barthelmess, will have its world pre- miere at the Central, New York, to- night. Shy on "Underworld" Title Toronto — What the Ontario censors did to the feature "Underworld" vyas a crime. When passed for exhibition it was given the reversed title of "Obey the Law." The picture has only been released recently with new posters and literature. Trailers oni M-G-M Films Ready Among recent releases of sound trailers. National Screen Service, has two, one each for "The Bellamy Trail," which opened at the Embassy, New York last night and "Alias Jim- my Valentine." These were made in association with M-G-M. The prin- cipal characters are seen and heard and shots from actual scenes in the productions are shown. Oscar Shaw Signed Oscar Shaw, musical comedy star, has been signed by Paramount for "The Cocoanuts," starring the four Marx Brothers, which will go into production as an all-talking picture at the company's Long Island studio. "U" Club Plans Fete Sponsored by General Manager Lou B. Metzger, the Universal has been formed by home office employes. The organization plans a dance and entertainment Feb. 15 at the Hotel Astor, New York. Saso at Portland, Ore. Portland, Ore. — Andrew Saso has assumed managership of the two John Hamrick houses, the Music Box and Blue Mouse. He succeeds Lynn Peterson. Lewis in New York B. C. Lewis of the research sales products department of Northern Electric Co., Ltd., who is in New York, leave late this week for Mon- treal. Later he will tour Canada going to the West Coast in the in- terests of Vitaphone and Movietone. Big Bill for AMPA Two western film stars and three Broadway personalities of the musical comedy stage will be guests at to- day's AMPA meeting. Art Mix and Bill Cody are the picture plainsmen who will attend and musical comedy will be represented by Margaret Irv- ing of "Animal Crackers," Nina Olivette of "Hold Everything" and Betty Gallagher of "Good News." Schwartz Joins Schwartz Charles Schwartz of the Muller a Schwartz Circuit has become afl iated with the A. H. Schwartz, Ct tury Circuit, Inc. in an executive CJ acity. YOUNG LADY Secretary, bookkeeper, stenog- rapher, correspondent, legal knowledge. Many years experience practically every branch of motion picture indus- try. Capable taking charge of office or department. Excellent references. Available about February 1st. BOX A-101 care Film Daily, 1650 B'way, N.Y.C. O'Connell at Hartford Hartford, Conn.— Jerry O'Connell, has been appointed by Herschel Stuart, general manager of Fox New Eugland Theaters, as general man- ager of the Capitol here. O'Connell succeeds W. S. Perutz who has been transferred to New Haven where he will manage the Fox-Poli Palace. Glazer and Revnes Arrive Benjamin Glazer, in charge of Sound Production for Pathe, and Maurice Revnes, sound supervisor, are in New York this morning. Fire At Kenmare House Kenmare, S. D.— Fire which orig- inated in the projection booth of the Lyceum here did about $4,000 dam- ages, it is estimated. Lee Darling is the owner. FOR SALE AKELEY CAMERA EQUIP- PED BELL & HOWELL CAMERA OUTFIT ALSO EYMO. BROWNING STUDIOS 110 West 40th Street NYC PENn. 1258-9 AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Tlieatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York Gl Phone Perm. 3580 CIRCUIT HEAD I can increase your gross re celpts $20,000 per week per 20' houses. Legitimate plan, ex pense negligible. Will explaii plan to responsible people wit understanding I to be retaine to execute same. Terms modes salary for 90 days after whic remuneration to be determine by results. Address: J. W. ' c/o Film Daily, 1650 B'way N. Y. C. .' n ■^^^^-Ir WINTER GARDEN DRpAOWAV «/ 50~ ST AUOLSON tHL SINGING FOOC m^^&x^^^A^M WARNfR!5°iTHEATRt BROADWAY a/ SZj ST. FANNIE BRIO -^^MY MAN'' z^-S^ ^rfT" ^S*<' -v^ *<« vS*^ _ A ^ r^NTRALTHEATRF ^ BROADWAV4|'47"'ST BARTHELMES5 /v'WEARY RIVER" OPENS THURSDAY JANUARY ON TRIAL I THE LITTLE WILDCAT iiffuTmomx ^ m ^hof^ 5 B'way Blocks 47lh Street to 52nd Street 5 Vitaphone Pictures *AL lOLSON "THE SINGING FOOL" *FANNIE BRICE "MY MAN' RICHARD BARTHELMESS "WEARY RIVER" ON TRIAL STELLAR CAST "'THE liniE WILDCAT AUDREY FERRIS $3_TWICE-A-DAY 19TH S. R. O. WEEK WINTER GARDEN Broadway and 50th Street $2.50— TWICE-A-DAY IN 6TH RECORD BREAKING WEEK WARNER BROS. THEATRE Broadway and 52d Street $2.50— TWICE-A-DAY First National Vitaphone Picture CENTRAL THEATRE Broadway and 47th Street AFTER TEN WEEKS AT $2 PRICES MARK STRAND THEATRE Broadway and 47th Street DRAWING REAL CROWDS TO UNIVERSALIS COLONY THEA. Broadway and 53rd Street 5 B'WAY THEATRES PLAYING VITAPHONE Qo« PICTURES THIS WEEK ONE WITH VrD\PHONE ONE FWITHOW ^VriAFHONE OlfE WITH VTDIPHOKE. I NEGATIVES ONE wnHon 'vnAPBONE EGAT1VE9] gg^ BROS. ,YlTftWlom[^ NOAH'S ■■■■■■■■^■■■™^^^^^ DESERT ARK WhatWarnerBros.PromiseWarner Bros. Deliver! SONG Topf anQ picture ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^■^^■■H ft OH Uf way ! \ ever made ^pWAi With four tremendous successes openi simultaneously on Broadway on the sai day— January 26th— PARAMOUNT demc strates again its unchallenged superiority the field of talking and sound pictures, well as silent dramas! No exhibitor c; question FACTS! PARAMOUNT HA§ THl PieAures O'wn Braaiilwaiy Think of these S.R.O. hits dominating the 'orld's greatest amusement street— think of Canary Murder Case", "Wolf Song", "The ^ette^", "Close Harmony" and 15 other talk- ig super- specials coming — WHEN YOU HINK OF 1929's BIG PICTURES, YOU'RE KINKING PARAMOUNT! BIG MONEY PRODUCT the: Coast Wire Service Hollywood Happenings irbara Kent Opposite Lloyd in New Comedy Barbara Kent will be Harold >yd's lead in his first talking com- '. The picture is now in production ler the direction of Malcolm St. lir. Christie Appoints Lawler i. D. Lawler, formerly on the staff Victor Talking Machine Co., has ;n assigned to the post of music nager for Christie talking pictures, all of the Christie talkers for Para- unt, music in some form or other being used. Holt Gets Columbia Lead Jack Holt has been cast on the leading male role in "The Donovan Affair," Columbia talker. Dorothy Revier is to appear opposite with Frank Capra as director. Cast Opposite Howes Majorie Daw again plays opposite Reed Howes in "The Cloud Patrol," the latest picture in the "Russ Far- rell, Aviator" series of aviation dramas being released by Educational. F. N. Signs Bela Logusi 3ela Logusi, last seen in New York the star of "Dracula," has been ned for "Prisoners," First National- taphone picture starring Corinne iffith with Ian Keith opposite. I Testing Voices at Educ'l fack White, director-in-chief at the ucational Studios, has completed ice tests of the various players der contract to appear in Educa- nal's comedies. It is his intention use his regular staff of comedians the productions. Making All-Male Comedy Stephen Roberts, director at the lucational Studios, is making an 1-male" comedy, which he is now ecting for Educational, with the w team of Monty Collins and Ver- n Dent. Starting "2 Weeks Off" ' First National is preparing to start 'wo Weeks Off," which will co-star )rothy Mackaill and Jack Mulhall. isting is under way and among 3se assigned are Gertrude Astor, mes Finlayson and Kate Price, wo Weeks Off" is a Kenyon cholson story. Bowes Has New Leading Woman Cliff Bowes, who is again appearing in Educational-Cameo Comedies, has a new leading woman in "Served Hot,'' his most recent laugh-maker in this series. She is Dolores Johnson. Dugan in Alice White Cast Tom Dugan has been cast in Alice White's forthcoming picture, "Broad- way Babies." Film Division Aiding Hoover Inaugural Plans Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Details for the Hoov- er Inaugural festivities here March 2, 3, and 4 have been completed. In addition to a two hour parade in which both civil and government clubs, organizations and societies will participate there will be a Charity Inaugural Ball on the eve of the 4th in which the official reception to gov- ernors will take place. Sidney B. Lust, Washington exhibitor, is han- dling the motion picture division co- operating on arrangements. Sound Films in English and French Titles in Montreal Montreal — "Woman of Affairs" is being presented with both English and French subtitles in its sound presenta- tion at the Capitol. Bilingual titles are now the rule at the Capitol with all sound track films to please the French-speaking population. "The Concert" for Jannings Eniil Jannings' next vehicle will be "The Concert," stage play by Her- man Bahr in which Leo Dietrichstein starred for many seasons. Ludwig Berger will direct him. Berger now is in Berlin directing a UFA produc- tion but he will return on Feb. 20 and "The Concert" will go into pro- duction early in March. Gilbert Title Chosen "Desert Nights" has been selected as the final title for John Gilbert's new starring film. British Film for Lya De Putti Lya De Putti is to leave for Lon- don next month, where she will ap- pear in a picture. Ruggles Completes Film Wesley Ruggles has completed the direction of the Universal production "The Haunted Lady," starring Laura LaPlante. Ban on Sumter House to be Lifted Sumter, N. C. — M. Hcndrickson, manager of the Rex and Carolina, has been advised the "flue" ban would be lifted and his houses may be opened, it is reported. Thursday, January 24, 1929 Fox to Open 6,000-Seat St. Louis House Jan. 31 St. Louis — ■ The new Fox near Washington, will be opened Jan. 31, Major John Zanft, executor director of the Fox theater chain has an- nounced. Harry Greenman will be manager. The opening feature picture will be "Street Angel." A stage pro- dyction from the Roxy Theater, New York, and a chorus of fifty and fifty dancers will also be featured on the opening bill. A sixty piece orchestra will be used by the new 6000-seat house. "Jazz Singer" to Break Another Run Precedent Loew's will break precedent and play "The Jazz Singer" over its Greater New York circuit, despite the fact that it played minimum runs of a week over the Fox metropolitan chain. This was in addition to the 24 week run of the picture at the Warner and a subsequent two weeks at the Roxy. Theme Song for "Godless Girl" "Love," has been written as theme song for Pathe's "The Godless Girl," which will be released Mar. 31. Josiah Zuro and Charles Weinberg wrote this number, published by Irving Berlin. Filmdom's Recognized Book Of Reference For Past Ten Years 1929 Edition OUT IN JANUARY Over One Thousand Pages FREE TO FILM DAILY SUBSCRIBERS COVERS EVERYTHING GOES EVERYWHERE Short Shots from New York Studios P" ARTHUR W. EDDY ^^^^ PHYLLIS HAVER, who is seeing shows and things in New York as part of her vacation schedule, says that her association with M-G-M makes it look like a happy 1929. She will talk for an ether audience Wed- nesday evening, next week, at mid- night, from Station WRNY. Irene Franklin, who got a lot of complimentary notices when she made a Vitaphone short, will en- hance John Murray Anderson's "Alamac" in the Spring. At present she is headlining on the R-K-0 time. Colonial, N. H., Reopens Keene, N. H. — Peter D. Latchis is to reopen his Colonial, which recent- ly was damaged by fire. Comerford Reopens Luna Dansville, Pa. — The Comerford chain will open the Luna here with daily change of program, it is re- ported. The Victoria is scheduled soon to present its first sound pro- gram with the completion of Vita- phone and Movietone installation. New Theaters The Moore sisters, Ruth and Grace, are going talkies. The charming team has adored "The Passing Show'' and other species of high-calibre enter- tainment revealed on Broadway and elsewhere. In connection with the signing of Robert Montgomery by M-G-M it's appropriate to quote the old one about "all good things come to he who waits." Montgomery, who has bag and baggaged to the Coast, was signed to play opposite Vilma Banky a few months ago but it developed that he wasn't the type and James Hall tvas comnmndeered for the part instead. But M-G-M snatched him up and now he's in possession of a long-term, contract. Fredericksburg, Wise. — John M. Stahl, manager of the Palace plans another house here. Carrizo Springs, Tex. — Diaz Callahan has completed plans for the construction of a new theater. Henderson, Tex. — East Texas Theaters, Inc. have released a contract for the con- struction of a $75,000 theater here. Merrill, Wise. — A. L. Robarge is contem- plating the erection of a new house here. Sparta, Wise. — E. J. Brandua is to be the owner and backer of a new house here. Lawler, la. — A citizens committee plan to finance the construction of a new theater here. Mexia, Tex. — Dent Theaters, closed a con- tract for a theater site here. The house is to be constructed within a year. The com- fiany operates the Palace and National under eases. El Dorado, Ark. — The Rialto here is being torn down for a theater building for the Arkansas Amusement Co. Equipment from the Rialto is being transferred to the Ma- jestic which is being remodeled. Sound equipment is expected soon. East Bayton, Te.x. — The Arcadia, con- structed by H. E. Brunson, costing approxi- mately $65,000 has been opened. The house will feature sound pictures. Neenah, Wise- — Eaton Sizer, manager of the Neenah, has been approached by a rep- resentative of Midwesco Theaters, owned by the Fox Theater Corp., on joint building of a theater. East Stroudsburg, Pa. — The Sherman, cost- ing $250,000, has been opened here. Summitville, Ind. — The Community, oper- ated by the American Legion, will open soon. Springfield, Mass. — Work on the 3,000 seat Massasoit is being rushed to completion. Lowell, Mass. — The Victory has been open- ed by William S. Grady. Pasadena, Cal. — The Park has been opened here. W. Philadelphia, Pa. — Charles Segal is to build a new theater here, it is reported i ^ ■^m ^ ^. *./ '/ 1 r*"" CECIL B.DeMILLES I T\ie master of magnificent spec- tacle creates the most sensational melodrama of all time. M& ^JEANIE MACPHERSON Pathe © Rcture CECIL B.DeMILLES Super pidure of a thousand thrilk ybyJlMWf. MACPHERSON •■%'*!! X lly ■i \ / > REALIST! The emotions, the hate and the love of youth — radiant and rebellious — thrown against the most absorbing background in the annals of the screen — a never-to-be* forgotten picture that will be written about in every newspaper and talked about in every home — 1 i^4 1' I 1 i ^ Pathe delivers the season*s T^record'hreaker-and relecised '' just when you need a hig one- A N E W TYPE OF MEL< • i RAMA lat will revolutionize allprevwus standards for Box-Office values i\ ii'iV'- S;^ -^^ W\ CECIL B.DeMIUES Jr ''t^KI^Bk •*^ byJli^K MACPHERSON Pathe O Rcture THE Thursday, January 24, 1929 j^ElS DAILY Warners own Witmark and Continental Litho. (Cmtiiiiiiil ftom I'iUii- 1) vliarcs and tlu- purpose of tin- new linaucin^; is to li<|iii(latc current in- debtedness ot" Warner Bros. I'ictures. Inc., the Stanley Co. which is a sub- .sidiary and to provide for acquisition of the two companies previously mcn- 1 tioned. Holders of preferred will not be en- titled to subscribe to tiic new block but mav convert their stock into com- mon after which conversion they \\i\\ -ecurc subscription warrants entitling them to participate in the new com- mon. Prendergast Bill Would Increase 'Blue' Law Fines Austin, Tex. — Representative F. H. Prendergast of Marshall has in- troduced a drastic anti-Sunday movie bill, which would more than double the penalty for violation of the "blue law." The present penalty is be- tween $20 and $50 whereas the new bill provides for fines no less than S200, The bill also compels the sheriff to make arrests for all in- fractions of this law under the di- rection of the county attorney. Issue Up at Monroe, La. Monroe, La.— Two petitions, one for Sunday shows and one against, have been presented before the meet- ing of the city council here. In De- cember 1926 the dispute here reached the Supreme Court when the man- ager of the Crystal presented Sunday shows despite the ordinance against it. The court upheld the ordinance. Three Years of Theater Construction l-oncast of tlK-aler building lor l'.>2*.' as coiiipik-d by "Architectural Forum" from estimates furnished by arcliitects throughout the United States reveal a number of interesting comparisons. This is i)articularly so when the current figures are compared with the forecasts for 1'.'27 and 1928. The statistics found below are those made public every January by C. Stanley Taylor, director of research of National Building I'liblicatitiiis of which "Architectural Forum" is a member and, it is advisable to remember, con- stitute forecasts, not actual figures, for each year treated. However, Taylor states that the productions which have been based upon each annual survey have proven to be unusually accurate is compared with the ultimate contract figures developed at the close of each year. The Middle States, in which are included Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Mich- igan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, lowa^ Missouri, North and South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas, lead the nation in the 1929 forecast just as this section ran away ahead during 1927 and 1928. The second in geographical dominance is the North Atlantic States group which embraces New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and the District of ("olumbia. Comparisons for the three years follow: Si\lion 1929 1928 1927 .Northeastern States $6,30.1,000 21.920,000 18,637,500 .Vortli Atlantic States 62,891,400 ■13, 114,000 54,747,500 .Southeastern States 3,746,600 4,167,000 6,995000 .Southwestern States 7,812,200 3,777.000 ... 11012500 .Mi.l.Ue States 74,032,200 71,620,000 93'367'500 Western States 8,773,600 17,340,000 14,892.500 Total $163,559,000 $161,938,000 $199,652,500 1929 Theater Building Slight Jump Over 1928 (Continued from Page 1) however, when the forecast was $199,- ()52,500, a slight increase over 1928 when the estimate was $161,938,000. It is pointed out by "Architectural Forum,'' however, that actual build- ing at the end of each year measures up with the forecast in an unusually accurate manner. Four geographical divisions will Cody to Produce Sound Pictures in Canada With purchase of rights to "The Trail of Destiny,'' novel by the Can- adian author, John M. French, Wil- liam ("Bill") Cody Productions an- nounces plans to produce a sound and dialogue feature in Canada, starting next Spring. A silent version will also be made. Cody, who has been starred by both Universal and Pathe, leaves for Toronto within a few days to adjust details in the plan. Showman Loses Civic Post Toronto — W. A. Summerville, own- er of the Prince of Wales and East- wood, received a setback when he was unseated from the Civic Board of Control to which he had been elected Jan. 1, by a large vote. Sum- merville, was challenged on a tech- nicality and, acting upon the advice of his solicitors, disclaimed his seat as Controller Jan. 16, thereby creating a vacancy on the board. The legality of the election of three other mem- bers of the city council also has been (|uestioned. show an increase in theater activity for 1929 as compared with 1928, this survey indicates and two sections will show a decrease. Percentages of total construction in each territory to be devoted to theaters are indicated by the following comparative chart: Section 1929 1928 Change North Atlantic States.. 3.2 2.5 |- .7 Northeastern States ... 2. 4.... 7 4.6 Southeastern States ... 2.7. . . .2.5. . . . -(- .2 Southwestern States .. 2.1 1.0.. |-1.1 Middle States 4.2 4.1 f. .1 Western States 1.5 2.8 1.3 Further Cut of Production Schedules for '29- '30 Seen (.Continued from Page 1) firms plan release of between 564 and 580 features during the next season. The number includes World Wide, which will offer 45 imported pictures for the season. Last year, the 17 firms had 616 films scheduled for re- lease at the start of the season. This number included Ufa, with 12 im- ported films. The 616 pictures, listed by the com- panies last year, were a part of the 756 films planned for release in 1928- 29 by 32 companies. While the new 1930 list, omits some of the state right producers canvassed last year, a number of the companies concerned have ceased production, so that the addition of pictures which will be made by these state right producers still would find the total for next year considerai)ly short of the 1928-29 mark. Sentiment of officials of major onipanies is reported in favor of curtailment of production to cut studio overhead, and to center more atten- tion on individual releases. By fewer pictures, it is felt, higher grosses could be realized on individual attrac- tions, now permitted to waste draw- ing power and cumulative advertising value, because of the tendency to neglect them, as each new release comes along. British Film Opening Toronto — First of the British Gau- mont productions to be released in Canada, "Carry On,'' will be pre- sented as a roadshow at the Regent Famous Players house. How the Release Schedules Compare 1929-30 1928-29 Artclass 6 12 Chesterfield 8 14 Columbia 30 to 36 36 Excellent 20 19 First National 35 49 Fox 50 (estimate) 52 Gotham 18 30 M-G-M SO to 55 (estimate) 56 Paramount 65 to 70 (estimate) 78 Pathe 30 27 RKO 30 60 (FBO) Rayart 36 20 fiffany-Stahl 26 36 United Artists 20 (estimate) 1 8 Universal 60 (estimate) 63 Warner 35 34 Worldwide 45 12 (Ufa) Total 564-580 616 Myers Asks Action On Interchangeabilit^ {.('•inlinued from I'cuir I) and general comistl of Allied Statt .Ass'n. Mvers has laid before the dcpar menl contracts anroniisc in his statement made public yeste day, in which he declares that tl agreement restrictions are not sul stantially difTercnt from those whit were declared illegal by tiie court in the government's suit against tl .VI. P. Patents Co., whicii resulted the breaking of that monopoly. W. E. Agreement Places Matter on Distributor Western Electric has an agreiinc with its licensees which provides th their pictures will be played on at ■(|uiiiment which, in their judgniei gives satisfactory tonal quality, ai also provides for refusal to ser equi))ments found inferior. T' agreement was announced in a stat ment issued Dec. 28 by J. V.. Olte son, president of I'.lcctrical Reseao Products. "We have just reached an und< standing with the producers licenS' by us that they will play their pr duction.^ on any e(|uipment which their judgment gives results of sat; factory quality" Otterson said. " they find or we demonstrate that t quality is not up to standard th they will cease to serve such equi ment. "To the exhibitors we say: If y can get an equipment as good ours for less money, buy it, but if is of lower quality, don't buy it any price.'' Significance Seen in Steffes Sound Te; (Continued from Page 1) believed that if service had been • fused, or withdrawn, the matter woi have been the basis of a conspira action on the part of Allied. First > tional. Paramount and United Arti have accepted contracts and Columl has indicated it will serve the hous Wainstock at Eveleth, Minn. Eveleth. Minn. — Mike Wainsto is F. & R. manager here, replaci Abe Sosnosky, w^ho has been trai ferred to the Minneapolis office assist in the booking department. Vincent Sells Wis. House Oconto Falls, Wis.— W. R. V cent has sold the Grand here to Ei Plain. Vincent operated the hoi for the past ten years. To Remodel Glendale House Glendale, Cal. — Henry C. Jen? has secured a building permit wh; calls for remodeling of the Linc< at a cost estimated at $31,700. Takes Over Greenville House Greenville, S. C. — Mrs. Katie Goodenough, former manager of Rivoli at Lincolnton, N. C, has tal over the Drace here from C. Drace. Whoopee! What A Night! THIRD ANNUAL DINNER : : ENTERTAINMENT : : BALL OF THE m ATHLETIC CLUB IN THE GRAND BALLROOM OF THE WALDORF-ASTORIA HOTEL FEB. 2 " 8 PlM TO DAWN Oscar^s Menu Fruit Cocktail, Carmen Gombo Soup, Southern Style Celery Olives Filet of Bass, Bonnefemme California Asparagus, HoUandaise Supreme of Chicken, Colbert Hearts of Romaine, Chili Dressing Mousse of Orange and Praline Ice Cream Assorted Cakes Macaroons Coffee Continuous Dance Music by Henry Meyer Orchestra A Stupendous Bill Of Stage! Stars From Current Broadway Hits, Roxy Theatre, Night Clubs and Jack Osterman MASTER OF CEREMONIES Buy Your Tickets At Once! Subscription $6 $7.50 $10.00 LIMITED CAPACITY Positively No Crowding TICKETS ON SALE: GAIETY THEATRE, BROADWAY AT WEST 46th ST. MAURICE GOODMAN, AUDITING DEPT., FOX FILM CORP., 850 TENTH AVE. Censor Danger Emphasized by Sound Film Stand 3" speaking in a current issue of Movietone News. To comment er on what is so excellently ex- reed is neither necessary nor fit. )cl knows. Whether it pertains 3 ie daily newspaper serving the "'c or the daily newspaper serv- m industry, the application is Ileal. K A N N Opposition Felt Foreign quotas caused a drop abroad of the margin of superi- ority of American pictures dur- ing 1928, it is shown in survey of the foreign field completed for THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK. This section which will be issued this month, contains the most complete in- formative data on the foreign situation ever published. LEO RDECTS REPORTED OEEER ON BRIN CIRCUIT Milwaukee — Joe Leo, operating head of Midwesco, is understood to have rejected figure asked bj' L. K. Brin for the former Fischer's Para- mount circuit, recently taken over by Brin. The figure is said to have been under that which Brin paid for the circuit. The inside story is reported to be that Midwesco (Fox) had a deal set to take over the Fischer holdings, but that Erin's representatives stepped in figuring a quick in and out deal and a sale to Fox, Universal or Warn- (Continued on Page 11) Ten F. N. Sound Pictures to be Released in 2 Months Headed by "Weary River," scheduled for release Feb. 14, ten I'"irst National Vitaphonc productions will be released between that date and April 14, under revision of the schedule announced yesterday by Ned E. Depinet, sales head, after a sales meeting. Silent versions of the same pictures will be released between Jan. 27 and March 31. Ochs Describes Advertising as "Very Essence of News" Readers make advertising and ad- vertising is the very essence of news, declares Adolph S. Ochs. publisher of "The New York Times" in a cur- rent issue of Fox Movietone News. "There is a prevalent misconception about advertising in the newspapers," {Continued on Page 11) R. & R. Officials Spikes Report of Dent Merger Dallas — Denial is made here that the Dent and R. & R. chains will be merged. Harry T. Peebles, vice presi- dent of R. Sr 'R., is authority for the statement the report is without found- ation. COMMISSION STAND SAME ON BLOCK BOOKING EDICT CONFERENCE TO TACKLE SOUND CENSOR PROBLEM? Talking pictures, censorship and the influence of the screen in promot- ing international amity will be leading topics at the Fifth Annual M. P. Conference of the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures, which yesterday opened a two day session in New York. The board, which for 20 years has been working agairist legalized censorship, in the belief that selection, not censorship is the way to better film standards, is ex- pected to give special attention to {Continued on P^e 11) CENSORSliTwiDE POWERS ON SOUND riLNS Contention that New York censors not only have the right to censor sound records used in connection with pictures, but also have the right to approve or forbid any speech used in coni;ection with films, is advanced in the defense against Pathe's injunction suit, hearings on which are scheduled in Supreme Court today. The censor stand, Pathe attorneys will contend, would prevent any public speaker from making an address in conjunc- tion with showing of a film, unless permit from the censors first was se- cured. Pathe's case, being handled by F. R. Coudert, Jr.. of Coudert Bros., is a test case for the industry in action {Coniinued on Page 11) Maryland "Blue" Law Fine Upheld by Appeal Court Baltimore — Conviction and fine of John G. Callan, legislator and presi- dent of the Liberty Defense League, on a charge of violating the "blue" laws for operating a theater on Sun- day, has been upheld by the Court of' Appeals. Meanwhile. Represen- tative Callan has introduced a bill providing for repeal of the laws. .\ resolution may be introduced in the House of Delegates, providing for rebate of Callan's fine of $100. Pathe Case Dismissal No Indication of Change; Test Awaited lyashington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Dismissal of the block booking action against Pathe in no way atfects attitude of the F"cdcral Trade Commission on that subject, according to commission officials. No information as to whether the Pathe case is similar to the Paramount ac- tion would be made public, however, in conformance with the commission's policy of holding such matters con- fidential. At offices of the commission, the inference is given that the application for complaint against Pathe difTered from the Paramount suit, although it is possible that the commission is holding in abeyance all block book- ing cases, until the Federal courts de- cide just how far the commission can go in its desire to eliminate the prac- tice. Pathe Claimed Right of Choosing Customers, Terms Right to say to those to whom and under what terms it will license its I'ictures was the major contention of Pathe, in the brief filed by Lewis In- ncrarity, secretary and attorney of the company, in the answer to the Federal {Continued on Page 11) Pathe Climb Continues Firm's Statement Shows Continued upward climb of Pathe exchange is reflected in report for the second quarter under the new management, covering the period from July 14 to Oct. 6, 1928, which shows net of $167,798. This com- pares with net of $65,-338 for the pre- vious 12 week period ended July 14, {Continued on Page 11) Supreme Court to Act on Quebec Law Banning Kids Quebec — Prosecution of Arthur Drapeau, local exhibitor, charged with violating the provincial law banning children under 16 from attending pic- ture houses, is expected to hinge on a Supreme Court decision, following his appeal from a judgment vacating his injunction to restrain prosecution. Similar cases in Montreal are to be heard by the high court. THE ■g&ak DAILY Friday, January 25, 192 >UT1IE MEWS ALLTUETIME Vol.XLVIINo.21 Friday. Ian 25. 1929 Price 5 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE :: PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. »-. and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk Inc. J. W. Alicoate. President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau. Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter, May 21. 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3. 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months. $3 00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should rerit with oider. Address ?.ll communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: t''"" ,^' New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I Berlin— Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Sales Am. Seat 33/^ 33/. 33/. 100 Con. Fin. Ind. pfd. 27J4 27 27^ 1,000 East. Kodak 184 184 184 200 ♦do pfd 128 First Nat. pfd. ...105 105 105 Fox Fm. "A" ... 96^ 95^ 95}^ 4,100 Keith A-6" ".'.'.'.'. '. 40 J4 40^ 40^^ "206 do pfd 128 128 128 100 Loew's Inc 76Ji 74 74 18,300 do pfd 107 J^ 107^ W7Vi 100 »M-GM pfd 25^ M. P. Cap 1854 17^ ITVi 800 Para. F-L diVt. 6\Vi 63 77,900 Pathe Exch UY^ 12 12 10,600 do "A" 26^8 2554 2554 1.000 Radio K-A-O 41^ 40"^ 40^ 10,900 Stanley Co 42 42' 42 400 *Univ. Pict. pfd 98 J4 Warner Bros 131 127 127 31,800 Warner pfd 57^ 56 56 5,300 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 16!4 15 15 9,300 Bal. & Katz 80;4 80"^ 80^^ 100 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 225^ 21 }4 21 H 9,500 Film Insp 154 154 154 100 Fox Thea. "A" .. 33/ 33 3354 8,200 *Intern. Proj 1854 Loew do deb. rts. . 3954 3854 3854 200 Nat. Scr. Ser 32 32 32 100 Nat. Thea. Sup. .. 1154 II54 UYz 100 Trans-Lux 1154 10J4 11 11,600 ♦Univ. Pict 2354 BOND MARKET Keith A-O 6s 46 . 95 95 95 1 Loew 6s 41ww ..119 \n% 1185^ 2 do 6s 41 x-war... 99/ 9954 9954 It:- Paramount 6s 47 .1005^ 1005^ 1005^ 2 Par. By. S/s 51 .102/ 102 102/ 6 Pathe 7s 37 83 5^ 83 83 4 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 3fi .. 9654 96 96;4 6 ♦Warner 6/s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 33 35 do units 34 36 An com 454 554 Skouras Bros 50 54 Technicolor 1254 13/ United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED Pathe Signs Stage Player Dorothy Appleby, New York stage actres.s, has been .sent to the West Coast I)y I'athe to play one of the two leading feminine roles with Ed- die Quillan in "Listen, Baby!" second Pathe all-talker. Dorothy Hall Opposite Dix Dorothy Hall, featured in the cur- rent play "Precious," was signed as leading lady opposite Richard Dix in his all-talking Paramount picture, "Nothing But the Truth," now in production at the Long Island stu- dio. Others in cast are: Edna May Oliver, Louise John Bartels, Plelen Kane and Ned A. Sparks. Victor Schertzinger is directing. Sells New London House New London, Conn. — The Garde owned by the Connecticut River Valley Theater Corp. has been trans- ferred to the Thames River Theater Co. of New York, according to a deed filed at the city clerk's office here. To Rebuild at Green Bay (rreen Bay, Wis. — The Orpheum which will close Feb. 11, is to be re- i)uilt at a cost of approximately $300,- 000 according to Harry K. Timm, manager. Cinephone Makes Stage Debut A Powers Cinephone sequence is being used in "Street Scene," stage play now current in New York. Siegel Made Distributor Harry Siegel, president of the Roy- al Film Exchange, Boston, has been appointed exclusive representative in New England States for M. P. Syn- chronization Service, Inc., New York. This announcement was made by Maurice A. Chase, president of the synchronization firm. Writing Dialogue Mike Simmons is writing dialogue for his original "Eve's Leaves," which is to star Alberta Vaughn. Ethel Smith to Havana Ethel Smith, assistant to Ambrose S. Dowling, manager of RKO Export Corp., leaves tomorrow for a two week trip to Havana. Le Baron Arriving in N. Y. William Le Baron is slated to ar- rive in New York today from the Coast. Bristolphone Opens at Milwaukee Milwaukee — The Egyptian, Mil- waukee neighborhood house, opsned Jan. 20 with the Brisfolphone. Earl Rice is manager. Wallech Goes to Coast Milwaukee — Reinhold Wallech, formerly manager of the Milwaukee Theater Circuit's Lake here, has been summoned to L^niversal City. Newman Recovers Arthur Newman of Sonora-Bristol- phone, New York, has returned to duty, following recovery from illness, which for a time threatened to de- velop into pneumonia. Call WAFILMS, Inc. Walter A. Futter. Pres. for Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46th St.. New York Bryant 8181 Animated Color Film for Opening Film Arts Guild will present on the inaugural program of the Film Guild Cinema opening in New York, Feb. 1, the American premiere of "The Frog Princess," an animated color picturization of an old Russian folk tale. Paul PerofI, Russian artist, who has been in this country for several years, designed the film. New Producing Firm Formed Emerald Prod, has been formed in New York to produce a series of talk- ers, first of which is to be "The Gins- bergs," starring Nat Carr, under di- rection of Frank Milford. Sam Brown- ing is cameraman. The story is by Darby Aaronson. Powell's Vacation Extended B. P. Schulberg, production head at Paramount Hollywood studio, has wired William Powell that filming plans on "Black Eagles" has been so rearranged that Powell could take his planned trip to Mexico. Powell now is in New York. Rohzm Joins King Features Pierre de Rohan, former dramatic critic of "The New York American," has joined staff of King Features Syndicate, to review screen and other amusement offerings. Mary Eaton for "Cocoanuts" Mary Eaton, star of the musical comedy, "The Five O'Clock Girl," has been signed by Paramount for an important role in "The Cocoa- nuts," starring the Four Marx Broth- ers, which is to go into production shortly as an all-dialogue musical comedy film at the Paramount Long Island studio. Chosen for "Fox Follies" Dixie Lee, musical comedy under- study and chorus girl, is en route to the Coast after being chosen by Fo.x for "Fox Movietone Follies." "Weary River" Opens With the event broadcast in an in- ternational hook-up, "Weary River" opened last night at the Central, New York. FOR SALE AKELEY CAMERA EQUIP- PED BELL & HOWELL CAMERA OUTFIT ALSO EYMO. BROWNING STUDIOS 110 West 40th Street N. Y. C. PENn. 1258-9 SERVICE GREAT! — - "-.Jl * l\y^ — "Service great! Every house large or small should run Ad-Vance Trail- ers." HIDER THEATRE. Binghamton, N. Y. Fair and Warner GET in on "CONQUEST. Saw it the other da} What a picture ! Timel as tonight's paper! All aboi airplane expedition to " Sout Pole with plenty of action ar good love story. Opens simu taneously February 16 at Mar Strand, New York, and Mar Strand in Brooklyn. —WB— Warner Bros, national advertil_, schedules being arranged to coincfo' with exhibitors' play dates — two ft pages on "MY MAN" reported reac to break in over 200 papers. Go( tip: see your local exchange and g dates set to tie in for full benefit. —WB— Says Variety: '"ON TRIAL" going like wildfire at the Bl Mouse (Tacoma, Wash.) In for run." —WB— Warners Cover Broadway Looks like every Broadway bio has its Warner Bros. Vilaphone p ture: "On Trial," Strand, 47th Stre^ "The Singing F'ool," Winter Gardi 50th Street; "My Man," Wan Bros. Theatre, 52nd Street; "T Little Wildcat," Colony, 53rd Stre —WB— Santa Glaus visits Fred Desbe Manager of Loew's Ohio Theatr wires: "In coldest weather of : winter "My Man" opened to capaC busi'iess at the Allen. We are op' ing theatre one hour earlier e; morning to handle the crowds. I ture now scheduled for indefii run in Cameo Theatre next weelt —WB— After 11 weeks at McVickfij, Chicago — 1400 seater at 50 and J cents— to gross of $498,000, '"]'' Singing Fool" is now doing gn business in 4th week at Rooseve —WB— Popular Hook-up Smart showmen are tying up Warner Bros. Vitaphone Jut Hour broadcast over 28 stations ery Monday at 9:30 P. M. Eas Standard Time. Biggest hookup i in picture industry. Excellent 1 — big stars every week. —WB— 118 theatre records go by board. Cause: Al Jolson in Singnig Fool." —WB— I Charlotte Greenwood, Edna 1 phy and Betty Compson signec Warner Bros. —WB— BROS. j\i^^^5^; TIFFflMY- rraui TOLD you so/ Merer The finrwer CEORCE* # I iNHifFiRrT riNCINCoHoT^ILKINCi picture \ MOr BEEn BOOKED FOR t^ RUM /QT THE --^'^ ^ CAPITOL jy^gjggCZL BOOKED BY THE ENTine PUBLIX CIRCUIT TUE^ITRE h4E:W V O R K COMMENCINq THE MIDDLE OP" FEBRU/QRy WIRED UOU/E/QET OM TWE WIRE TO yOUR tlE/lRE/T TIFF/1 nyVTflUL EX* CW/IMQE FOR PL/lVDflTE/ JL/ -"^ L>*0 .*'^ Kf> THE EflRUy E 7^ " tr X^ r CflTCWE/ TUE THE ENTIRE L.OEW RCUIT QRtATER MEW yORK EXUIBITOR CflTCUE/ TME qOLD PIECE/ TiFrflNy-T/ai-iL production^' inc i^-^-o BRooDv/ay MEW YORK CITY Sr: 9^ G > dj d) 4: r c 9 ^ ^ ^ ^ O- -^i J2 MH '^ — _r! "^ O o o. S i^ 1^ ^^H ^ O) (L» ^ 0) o u (/) ri' ^ 3 c .^'S g > ^.2 1/3 03 0) •OiD C S 2 ►G "OJO;^ ^ g 03 *H 0) O 1/3 r a3H c/5 O o o tf rc/ifc I c; c t: Friday, January 25, 1929 [ Foreign Markets By JAMES P. CUNNINGHAM^ Theater Building Is Active in Switzerland Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — With the opening of two theaters, and one under construc- tion the number of houses for Basel, Switzerland, is being increased to 15, it is reported to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. The Pa- lermo seating 900 and the Forum seat- ing more than 900 are the new houses, while the Capitd theater under con- struction is expected to open early this year. Further theater construc- tion is witnessed at Lausanne and in Bienne. PUIL DALY SEZ/ "A great thing for the business general- ly are the lower priced sound systems. The small town al- ways was and is the backbone of film business, and if the talkers are to suc- ceed, the equipment must be within reach of the little fellow." New Swiss Company Formed Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Society Financiers of Colored Films (Cicolfina) was formed with a reported capital of $95,000, advises the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. The company plans, activity in industrial and commercial moving pictures, especially color idiotography. Theater for Chefoo, China Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Chefoo, a city of ap- proximately 150,000, now has its own theater, reports the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. Pictures shown are generally versions of Chin- ese historical stories and are rented at a price of $150 for four days. The Industry's Date Book Today Second day of Fifth annual con- ference of National Board of Re- Gaumont- Palace to be Enlarged Paris — 'The "Franco-Film" Co. which purchased the "Salles Gau- mont" (Gaumont Theaters) in France and, particularly, the "Gaumont-Pal- ace," the largest picture theater in Paris, containing 5,000 seats, intends to further enlarge this theater. The seats and decorations will be changed, and the number of seats will be in- creased to 6,000. French Producers Amalgamate Paris — L'Union Latine Cinematog- raphique and La Societe de Roman- ciers Francais et Etrangers have amalgamated and formed Consortium International Cinematographique with capital of $304,000. M. J. Lagneau is president and M. Georges Guillemet managing director. New French Co. Formed Paris — R. Robert Boudioz, director, has formed Films Apollon. The first production will be an adaptation from the French musical comedy "Count Obligado." Berlin Exhibitors Hit by "Flu" Berlin — Exhibitors here are com- paining of decrease in receipts due to the influenza epidemic and a rise in unemployment which now is claimed to total 146,602. Maurice With British Interna'l London — M. Maurice, recently with !'. D. C. has joined British Interna- tional Film distributors asi special representative for southern and east- ern counties. Jan. Jan. Jan. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Mar. view. 27 Annual banquet of M.P.T.O. of Eastern Pennsylvania. 31 Theatrical ball of Los Angeles branch of Actors Equity Ass'n. 31 Opening of 6,000 seat Fox Theater, St. Louis. 1 Film Guild Cinema opens in New York. 1 Opening of 4,000-seat Toledo-Para- mount at Toledo. 2 Fox Athletic Club Dinner and Dance at Waldorf-Astoria, N. Y. 3 Dinner of the Silver Screen spons- ored by The Film Bureau in New York. 9 Dinner of Writers Branch of Acad- emy of M. P. Arts and Sciences, Hollywood, to visiting dialogue writers. 14 1929 Wampas Frolic, Hollywood. Universal Club Dance, Hotel Astor, New York. 2 AMPA Hollywood Masque Ball in New York. Boswell at Louisville Louisville — John H. Boswell, form- erly of the Mary Anderson here, has been appointed manager of the Rialto. A. B. McCoy, replaces Boswell at the Mary Anderson. Repairing Springfield House Springfield, O. — Repairs are under- way on the marquee of the Liberty here. Wilson In Springfield Springfield, Mass. — ■ With resigna- tion of Irving T. McDonald of the Fox theaters here, J. V. Wilson has been named manager by Herschel Stuart, general manager of Fox New England Theaters. Policemen Want Theater Work Haverhill, Mass. — Members of the local police reserve department have petitioned the city council in an effort to secure work at theaters here in place of doormen who are not regular officers. New Dorp House Redecorated New Dorp, N. Y. — Renovations of the New Dorp here have been com- pleted. New carpets, lighting fix- tures and other acoustic have been installed. Coast Wire Service Hollywood Happenings Von Stroheim Off Swanson Film in Row with Kennedy Edmund Goulding will finish "Queen Kelly," starring Gloria Swanson, following retirement of Eric_Voii Stroheim as director of the picture. The change was caused by a controversy over production costs between Von Stroheim and Joseph P. Kennedy, who is producing the picture for United Artists release. Activity in Silent Comedies On the Christie lot Billy Dooley is making "Crazy Doings,'' with Vera Steadman, Eddie Barry, Jimmy Hertz and George Hall, directed by Eddie Baker; Bobby Vernon is work- ing in "His Angel Face," with Mar- garet Lee, Eddie Barry and Molly Malone; Sandy MacDuff has started "Are Scotchmen Tight?" with Jack Duffy, Eddie Barry, Blanche Pay- son and Dorothy Dix; Frances Lee and Billy Engle are featured in "Tight Places," latest of the "Confes- sions of a Chorus Girl" series, being directed by William Holland. Borzage to Direct Gaynor-Farrell "The Lucky Star" is the title selected for the new Fox production which will re-unite Janet Gaynor, Charles Farrell and Frank Borzage. This is based on the magazine story by Tristram Tupper, "Three Episodes in the Life of Timothy Osborn." Fox Signs Silvernail Clark Silvernail, Broadway actor, producer, director and playwright, has been placed under contract by Fox to write and direct Movietone features. F. N, Cast Additions William V. Mong, Michael Visaroff and Tenen Holtz have been added to the cast of the forthcoming mystery thriller, "The House of Horrors," which is now in production under the direction of Benjamin Christensen. The leading roles in the production have been assigned to Thelma Todd, Louise Fazenda, Chester Conkiin and William Orlamond. Teaming in Columbia Film Virginia Valli and Gaston Glass will be teamed by Columbia in "Be- hind Closed Doors," which R. Wil- liam Neill is directing for Columbia. Howard J. Green adapted the story. In the cast are Andre De Segurola, Otto Matieson and Fanny Midgley. New Vitaphone Film Started "The Time, The Place and The Girl" has gone into production this week at the Warner studio. Record- ing of Vitaphone sequences outdoors will be one interesting phase of this picture which is based on the stage play by Frank R. Adams and Will Hougli. Grant Withers, Gertrude Olnistead and Betty Compson head the cast, while other players featured are James Kirkwood, Vivian Oakland, Gretchen Hartman, Irene Haisman and Bert Roach. John W. Krafft Renews John W. Krafft, the title chief at the Pathe Studios, for three years, will continue at his desk for at least another year in accordance with a new contract just signed. Oland for "Studio Murder" Warner Oland, recently signed as a Paramount featured actor, will make his debut under the new alli- ance in the all-talker, "The Studio Murder Mystery," which Frank Tut- tle is to direct, starring Baclanova. Neil Hamilton instead of Jack Oakie will appear in the cast with Frederic -Vlarch. Cast for "Jed's Vacation" "Jed's Vacation," starring Charlie Grapewin with Anna Chance, has gone into production as a two reel Christie talking play. Bill Irving and Aileen Carlyle have been added to the cast. Mack's Next Chosen Willard Mack, who has just di- rected his own story, "Hunted," as a talking picture for M-G-M, next will direct Norma Shearer in "A Free Soul." This is the same play which ran on Broadway a year ago. It was adapted to the stage by Mack from a serialized story by Adela Rog- ers St. John. RKO Signs Olive Borden Olive Borden has been signed to make two RKO talkers. Loretta Young in "Prisoners" Loretta Young has been cast for "Prisoners," Corinne Griffith's vehi- cle. Miss Young recently completed her role in "The Squall," for First National. To Title "Children of Ritz" First National has signed Paul Perez to title "Children of the Ritz," co-starring Dorothy Mackaill and Jack Mulhall under direction of John Francis Dillon. Perez recently com- pleted titling "Why Be Good?" star- ring Colleen Moore, and "His Cap- tive Woman," co-starring Milton Sills and Dorothy Mackaill. Marcia Harris Added Marcia Harris has been cast in the new First National-Vitaphone pic- ture, "The Squall," which Alexander Korda is directing. In the cast are Myrna Loy, Richard Tucker, Zasu Pitts, Loretta Young, Alice Joyce, Carroll Nye, Nicholas Soussanin, George Hackathorne, Harry Cording and Knute Erickson. Pathe Signs Jimmy Aldine Jimmy Aldine has been placed under a long-term contract by Pathe. THE liday, January 25. 1929 ■S^tl DAILV DAILY TIPS WHICH MEAN DOLLACS FOR SHOWMEN "Four Sons" (Fox) ilsed the motlur aiul son angle in ■ ilirity. The message appearing n he newspaper read, "Motliers Be y- Guests — Tlirough the courtesy )fithe Tenjple tlieater management. r, Pioneer invites motliers with four i'^ as guests of the Temple during l>two day run of the picture 'Four 51 s.' Any mother and her four sons Uncaring at the box office either of li.'.wo days, Wednesday or Thursday itt will be admitted free. Here is .1 an opportunity for the boys, vither one of four sons or not to jiit mother a treat." The news- )a.»r article created plenty of talk vl:h reacted very favorably to the ■ivire.H. Kayes, Temple, Houlton, "Lilac Time" (First Nat'l.) ^•iator was employed and entered hiair derby and races. The lower ipt wing of his plane carried copy el ive to the engagement. Three mke trailers were attached to his )iEe on as many flights and gave an ■ff't of the plane afire above the h<;sands who visited the air port lung the gala festivities. A para- hie jumper worked ofT this plane w:. On the back of his overalls finished by the theater) the foUow- ipy appeared. "I am landing to )llecn Moore in "Lilac Time' at iul'lorida.'' — Guy A. Kenimer, Flo- id Jacksonville, Fla. "Submarine" (Columbia) .' man well over six feet wearing omplcte diver's suit paraded lirigh the downtown section every avduring the run. The only adver- isi< he wore was a placard announc- ighe picture. — Hippodrome, Cleve- i "The Air Circus" (Fox) r three successive days, we re- •ajd several thousand balloons in "01 of theater just when the crowds 'ti the greatest. Being air filled lejdidn't sail out of sight, but kept itin vision, making a beautiful pic- inand attracting a lot of attention. ■ )ss was attached to every tenth alhn, just to add excitement to It unt. In the lobby airplane mod- s ere suspended from the ceiling, isl)ut of reach, but in full vision of • e.one. They were secured from le'ical aviation lines. — E. P. War- erKeith's Palace, Cleveland. "The Awakening" (United Artists) ■'1 V sent the iiKssagc in connec- ^liwith her first starring picture, hqtop of the 'gram stated it was e jrst photogram ever received in '"■In and was sent by Vilma via Western Union. On one side of the 'gram was an explanation that photograms arc the written words transmitted by wire fac-simile and the other side of the sheet read, "This Western Union Photogram re- (|uired 20 minutes transmission time from New York to St. Louis, then to Lincoln via air mail. The photo- grams were delivered by Western Union (gratis) messengers to the 1000 largest users of Western Union service in the city. — Chas. F. Shire, Orpheum. Lincoln, Neb. "The Barker" (First National) Circus atmosphere was carried out. Canvas roof covered entrance into the foyer. The entire foyer was covered with a thick layer of sawdust. Slot machines were ranged against the wall. A popcorn stand was on one side with the owner of the stand called "hot buttered pop corn for sale." Another concessionist sold candied apples, balloons, candy, lemonade. The inner foyer also was covered with sawdust. The walls were hung with circus tent canvas. The ceiling was covered with canvas put on like the roof of a tent. And all the way down the foyer there were circus concessions. Throw a ball and hit a doll — ring throwing — swinging balls to hit objects — throw something down and get a silk shawl — silk kimonas — candy — and a side show where .gypsies told your fortune lor a quarter. The ushers were in regular circus uniform — red coats, blue trousers and regulation blue cap. Parading in the foyer were several rubes. — E. P. Warner and William Watson, Keith's Hippodrome, Cleve- land. "The Singing Fool" (Warners) Arrangements were made with a bus station to have banners placed on all buses running into four neighbor- ing towns. The drivers were handed a couple of passes in return for giv- ing heralds to all passengers as they paid their fares. And while waiting over in the towns at one end of their journej', the drivers put up window cards wherever possible. It was a happy arrangement and reacted fa- vorably.— T. Y. \\'alker, Ritz, .\ii- niston, Ala. Newspaper Aids House Opening (iiilfport. Miss. — "The Daily Herald" here got out a special 16 page edition for the opening of the new Saenger house. The theaters will feature Vitaphone and Movietone pictures. Merchants to Help Opening Toledo — Publix otiicials arc conferr- ing with the retail merchants' lioard here relative to a "Come To Toledo" celebration for the opening of the Paramount Toledo on Feb. 1, it is re- ported. FILM BOARD R[PORT$ NOR[ MATER CHANGES WAV JhRSKY Changes in Ownership Laurel Springs I,.iiiril. sold to Kdit. Mills liy Clio. .\. ('Ii,ipiii.-jii ; Mays Landing — N'icton.i. Mild to Sol I'raiik !>>■ K. Scid- man; Newark- .South Or.-ingc (formerly Olyiniii.i), Mild to .Navik.is & Kodnlts by 1. RoM'iiilial; Phillipsburg — Tuxcclo, sold to Hii-I)cr & Lippclialk by (Ji-o. S. Kirby ; Ramsey- II olliy. sold to J. K. Stli.iuiir ; Corona. L. I. Coloiiial, Dovert PLaini llerbcits Hall; E. Quogue, L. I.- Atlantic Hall; Farmingdalc. L. I. Dale; Hicktville. L. I.- — Hick>ville; Hollywood Sriund Avr nur; Howelts- Rustic ; Huntington, L. I. -Palace; Inlet -Gaiety ; Kinderhook Op- era HIid- way. SMA.RTEST \s modern as tomorroijv Ckarmiit^ly i^itty As classy as a next season's sport roadster Presents ^^THE ELIGIBLE MR. BANGS'^ by Robert Housum with EDWARD EVERETT HORTON Directed by Hugh Faulcon With talking and all natural sound effects from start to f inisk Recorded by Western Electric System mi MisGia mlluna comedies FOR SMART THEATRES lliducatioxxaX Victurts took the industry by storm with their first talking comedy. Exhibitors who saw the first preview of "THE LION'S ROAR" are still laughing. The MACK SENNETT TALKING COMEDIES instantly proved that Educational was going to live up to its promise to lead the field of Short Fea- tures with Sound. But there's plenty more coming. For instance, here is the second announce- ment: a group of six comedy playlets that are the smartest things you ever saw in two reels... .the CORONET TALK- ING COMEDIES. Here's something mvc and different ....in story, lines, acting and direction. They're charmingly witty, as smartly sophisticated as a Park Avenue ball room, as classy as a society night club. CORONET TALKING COMEDIES will add a crown of mirth to the smartest picture /i^^-v programs in the land. DJCATIONAL FILM IXCHANGES, Inc. Member. Motion Picture Producers and Dwtt*!- butunj of America, In''.. Will U. Uays. PrvsiUent Out on Time —As Usua Ready for Distributioi Next Week ELEVEN HUNDRED PAGESi FIVE HUNDRED ADVERTISER COVERS EVERYTHING GOES EVERYWHERE i FILMDOM'S ENCYCLOPEDIA Free to Film Daily Subscriber I Friday. January 25, 1929 DAILV TRI-C CLUB AT SYRACUSE NOW IN IISJHIRD YEAR Syracuse, X. V. — Climaxed by pro- duction of "Toucluknvn" as its fourth amateur production, The Tri Club (Herald Cinema Critics Club), now is entering its third year. The club, sponsored by Chester B. Bahn. dram- atic editor of "The Syracuse Herald," has as its object the constructive study of pictures, and establishment of a meeting place for film enthus- iasts. Dinner meetings are held monthly, and regular theater parties scheduled. Production of its picture attracted keen interest, with the film co-featured with another subject at the Empire here. The club co-operates each year m aiding THE FILM DAILY poll of critical opinion in selection of the Ten Best Pictures. Winners of the symposium, following tabulation of the votes, are guests at theater parties in their honor. The Ten Best Pictures of 1928 ■will be made public in the 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK, issued this month. Pathe Climb Continues 1 Firm's Statement Shows f (Continued frcnn Page 1) \ and a loss of $415,389 for the 16 I weeks ended April 1. These figures I are after all charges including pro- ; vision for depreciation, interest and amortization of discount, etc. and after charging certain estimated excess pro- duction costs on pictures in prodiic- tion prior to April 21 to the special reserves previously established. Leo Rejects Reported Offer on Brin Circuit (Continued from Page 1) ers. He recently was in New York ■with Sam Miller, in connection with the sale, where he is said to have offered the chain to the three firms as well as to United Artists. No deal, however, was closed. Accordingly, Brin has set about to operate the chain, securing as general manager Stan Brown, long affiliated with Mid- wesco. Whether Brown can eliminate reported red ink houses and put over the circuit, in view of conditions ex- isting throughout the state, is prob- lematical, but opinion here is that he has a "tough job" in prospect. Elyria Houses Reopen Elyria, O.^Picture theaters here are open again after having been losed for two weeks on account of :he fiu epidemic. Business, however, s off because Billv Sunday is draw- ng the crowds. He will be here six veeks. Akron Houses Exchanged Akron. O. — Max Federhar has urned his Nixon over to Charles P. talder and V. M. Gill, and has taken exchange Staldcr and Gill's house he People's. Stalder and Gill now ave the Nixon and Southern, and ederhar has the People's, Rialto, ameo and Regent. Today* s Proof ram of Conference Here's program for second day of Fifth Annual M. P. Confer- ence of the National Review of Motion Pictures, which concludes its sessions tomorrow: Morning Session — 10 o'clock Topic: "Twenty Years of Motion Pictures with the National Board of Review." Chairman — Wilton A. Barrett, Executive Secretary of the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures. 10:15 1909 — "Censorship Threatens the Motion Pictures" — Dr Frederic C. Howe, former Conunissioner of Immigration, Port of New York; First Chairman of the National Board of Review. 10:35 "Social Viewpoint on the Motion Picture Twenty Years Ago" — Mrs. Henry Moskowitz, Prominent Social and Political Worlcer. 10:55 1915 — "The Solution — Selection Not Censorship" — Rev, Cranston Brenton. of the Staff, Cathedral of St. John the Divine; Second Chairman of thi: National Board of Review. 11:15 "IJarly Methods of Liberalizing the Public Mind and the Motion Picture" — Dr. Chester C. Marshall, Pastor, First Methodist Episcopal Church, Bridgeport Conn. ; Member Better Films National Council. 11:35 1916— "Research as a Determining Factor in Film Selection and Regu- lation"— Col. Clarence A. Perry. Associate Director of Recreation, Russell Sage Foundation; Fourth Chairman of the National Board of Review. 11:55 1929 — "The National Board, The Public, and the Motion Picture Today" — Dr. Francis D. Tyson, of the Department of Economics. University of Pittsburgh, Member Better Films National Council. Afternoon Session — 2 o'clock Topic: "An Industry Surveys Its Evolution." Chairman — Judge John R. Davies, Former Judge of Seventh District, Mu- nicipal Court of Manhattan; Member of General Committee National Board of Review. 2:15 "Putting Pictures on the 'Big Time'" — William A. Brady. Theatrical Pro- ducer, formerly President World Film Corp. 2:35 "What Price Educational Films?" — Earle W. Mammons, President Educa- tional Film Co. 2:55 "The Motion Picture Meets the Banker" — Peter J. Brady, President, Feder- ation Bank and Trust Co. 3:15 "The Motion Picture Learns to Talk" — Dr. Lee DeForest. 3:35 "The World Market — What the Imported Film Offers to America" — J. D. Williams, executive vice-president World-Wide Pictures. Inc. 4:00 Visit and reception to delegates. Rcosevelt House, 29 East 20th St. Topic: "The Motion Picture in History." Showing of Roosevelt Memorial Film. Speaker — Mrs. Douglas Robinson, sister of the late Theodore Roosevelt. Evening Visit to Vitaphone Studio with delegates participating in the production of a sound film. Delegates will convene at 7:00 sharp at the Waldorf-Astoria to take busses to the studio. Conference Will Tackle Sound Censor Problem ? {Continued from Page 1) efforts now being made in several states to censor talking pictures. The delegates assembled in the morning for registration at ten o'clock and shortly thereafter visited a num- ber of projection rooms to preview unreleased product. The afternoon session started about two o'clock with a discussion, "Organized Interest in Motion Pictures," delivered by Pro- fessor Leroy E. Bowman secretary of the Nat'l Connnunity Center Ass'n and member of the faculty of the Uep't ot Special Science at Columbia University. Following a general wel- come by Dr. W. B. Tower, chairman of the National Board, there came a talk by Mrs. Newton D. Chapman, l\arman of the Better F"ilnis Com- mittee of the Board, called "Films and Patriotism." Other papers read in- cluded "The Child and the Screen," by Mrs. Howard S. Gans, president of the Child Study Ass'n of America; "Reaching Specializd Audiences with Selected Films," by Mrs. Thomas A. McGoldrick, chairman of the M. P. Bureau of the International Federa- tion of Catholic Alumnae; "Why the Music Lover is Interested in Sound Pictures,'' by Mrs. E. H. Caliill, chair- man of motion pictures for the Na- tional Federation of Music Clubs; "The Creative Power of America's Art Form — The Talking Movie," by Gena Branscomhe, composer; "How The Educator Can Stimulate Produc- tion of the School Room Film," by the Hon. George J. Ryan, president of the Board of Education of New York City. Last night, the group visited the Little Carnegie Playhouse where films held to be notable examples of mo- tion picture art were specially shown. There addresses were made by J. K. Paulding, chairniaii of the Committee on Exceptional Photoplays of the Na- tional Board and Col. Roy W. Win- 1 in, managing director of the Amateur Cinema League. The meetings will be resumed this morning. "Coquette" Campaign Under Way in 23 Cities sponsored by newspapers of 23 key cities, the Mary Pickford co- operative advance campaign for "Co- quette," is under way. In each in- stance, the newspaper selects a girl between ages of 18 and 25 to go to Hollywood for a two week vaca- tion as guest of Miss Pickford. Paramount, Opens Toledo House, Leases Another Toledo — Paramoinit's planned in- vasion of Toledo, which gets uiuler way here Feb. 1, will be extended through a second new house, to be built bv local capital at a cost of S2,OO0,600. and with 4,000 seating capacity for opening by November. The Toledo-Paramount, is now be- ing completed. (Commission Stand on Block Hookin«> Same (C/nlinMcd fiom fane 1) 'IVade Commission on application for a comi)laint ag;iinst the company foi its block bi>oking activities. Dismissal by the commission of the application was announced Tuesday by the com panv. This right to dispose of itf ()rodui t, according to its free and in ('epoiident discretion "is entirely nn traniineled by any agreement, under standing or otherwise," Patlie con- te!i(Uf the issue, due to legal technicali- ties, Pathe went to bat Friday in .he first round of its fight to pre- sent New York censors from "usurp- ng power of censoring films," per- suading Supreme Court Judge Glen- lon to hear arguments on the merits .)f the case. This was done through ,■*■. R. Coudert, Jr., Pathe counsel, l.fter the court had indicated inclina- ion to agree with E. E. Cole, coun- el of the Dept. of Education, that he case should be heard at Albany, laiming that is where offices of the ensor,< are located. The court has instructed Pathe to Ic its brief Monday and the censor lid to file brief next Friday, af- which the court will decide the uestion of jurisdiction or either lake [lermancnt or vacate Pathc's ijunction, secured in a test action, leanwhile, the court has the matter f jurisdiction under advisement, loudert is striving to prevent the irisdiction issue from confusing the ,sue of the censoring of sound in . onnection with films, against which e is fighting. Under a state law, in- mction against a state officer must ' filed in the city in which offices ' the defendant are located. Coudert attacked efforts of cen- )rs to pass on sound used in con- • action with "Sal of Singapore," hile Cole upheld the censor stand Friday's argument. I REPRODUCTION FORECAST Discovery of a way to directly insform telephonic current into und waves in the air without the tervention of anything mechanical, ything involving inertia or elastic- ■ was predicted for the ultimate •und reproducer by Dr. Lee De For- »t, inventor of Phonofilm, in an ad- ♦ess before the Fifth Annual M. P. •inference of the National Board of iview, which Saturday concludes its l^ee day session in New York. The ultimate reproducer, said De West, "the one which shall give us ti nearest possible approach to per- f'tion, will in my opinion, involve ! thing so clumsy, so inherently im- frfect as a diaphragm of any des- cption." A ''Magna Charta" Detroit — Magna Charta of the Allied, is the term used to describe the Abram F. Myers statement by H. M. Richey, secretary of AlUed States Ass'n and business manager of the Michigan unit. Richey took a leading part in revival of Allied, with which the Michigan membership voted to affiliate, over opposition of the state's biggest affiliated circuits. PATHE GROSS $3,686,927 fOR 12 WEEKS' PERIOD Gross sales of Pathe for the 12 weeks ended Oct. 6. 1928 was $3,- 686.927, it is shown in a statement of earnings, which lists net for the period at $167,798.50. This com- pares with profit of $65,338 reported for the previous 12 weeks period ended July 14, 1928. Detailed statement of Pathe earn- ings appear on page 12. Talking Sequences Added for Seattle Film Run Seattle — Talking sequences have been added by sponsors of the device to First National's "Companionate Marriage" for showing via Melophone at the Winter Garden here. KEENER COMPETITION IN SALES SURE THIS YEAR PHOTOTONE NOW OEEERED AS SYNCHRONOUS DEVICE Suffolk, \'a. — New synchronous Phototone is complete and ready for the market, according to Phototone Sales Co., southern distributors of product of the Platter Cabinet Co., Noith Vernon, Ind., which manufac- turers the device, heretofore made only as a double turntable non-syn- chronous machine. A reproducer for sound-on-film soon to be added. The device is to cost $1,800 for synchronous and non-synchronous, and will be available to Phototone owners for $1,200. If only the syn- chronous disc device is purchased the price is $1,400. the sound-on-film at- tachment costing an additional $500. The prices include installation charges. 18 Melotone Synchronizers Sold After Demonstration Toronto — Eighteen Melotone syn- chronizers were sold after a demon- stration here for exhibitors by S. S. Krellberg of New York. The machine, geared to play 33 1/3 rpm records, is sold for SI. 500. The Week is Passing MONDAY : So the Federal Trade Commission sees slim chance of calling a second Trade Practice Conference. Down in Washington, little need is held for such a step in view of the lonpf-pending litigation against Paramount in which is involved part of the code. You will be amused perhaps to learn that in whipping into shape a large mass of historical data for the forthcoming Year Book we discovered that it was exactly August 30, 1920, or many years ago as this business is figured, that the commission launched its investigation of Paramount. Be that as it may, it is interesting to call attention to the fact, that, regardless of what the government may do, there is some dis- cussion in inner circles of the advisability of holding a conference by and of the industry for purposes of housecleaning without broom- wielding by any outside source. . . . Overseating, now a national pastime, is about to hit Philadelphia. There, 12,000 new seats will be added in 1929. No wonder conjecture is rife over the future in the downtown section of the city which has for long been a Stanley stronghold .... If Uncle Carl goes through with his plan, the test will prove {Continued on Page 3) Major Companies Even on Sound — Showmen Guarding Playdates Keener competition in sales than has existed for several years is being anticipated for the 1929-30 season by sales executives, as they survey the outlook for the season ahead. By mid-year, major companies will be well along on their sound picture pro- grams, so that a number of them will start neck to neck, as the new season approaches. This situation will prevent a repetition of that which occurred last year, when many com- panies were unprepared for the sud- den sound picture demand. The spirited competition looming is expected to be increased greatly by the present state of exhibitor mind. Theater owners in many sec- tions look forward to the year with uncertainty, hesitant to stake their judgment too far in advance. Wheth- er sound will continue as a perman- ent factor or will face a public reac- tion and swing back to silent films is a question many are debating. Hence, many believe it's going to be hard to get them to sign on the dotted line for any great number of pictures. Many exhibitors now, in fact, buy "from hand to mouth," cautious not to sew up too much play- ing time before they ascertain just how the public stands on the ques- tion of sound pictures. 15 F. N. Managers Attend New York Sales Meeting Fifteen managers of First National eastern branches attended sales con- vention held in New York this week and presided over by Ned E. Depinet, general sales manager. Going Up Synchronous and non-syn- chronous disc and film repro- ducing devices are appearing on the market wnth surprising rapidity, it is shown by the Sound Section of THE FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK, to be issued this month. A com- plete list and classification ol devices will be a feature of the editions. THE Sunday, January 27, 1929 Vol. XlVIl No. 22 Sunday, Jan. 27. 1929 Prico 25 Coots lOHN «. AllCOATE PoMisher Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. NiiW York, N. Y. Phone Cirdle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London— Ernest W. Fr| 74^ 7454 do pfd 108 \07Vi 108 •M-G-M pfd 25^ M. P. Cap 18 1754 1754 Para. F-L 64'A 6354 64M Pathe Exch 12^4 12 12 do "A" 26 ZSVi 2554 Radio K-A-O 41^4 405^ 41 Stanley Co 41 }4 4154 4154 ♦Univ. Pict. pfd 9854 Warner Bros 1295^ 12654 12654 Warner pfd 5654 55 54 56 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 155i 1254 1354 Bal. & Katz 80 80 80 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 2254 21^ 22 ♦Film Insp 154 Fox Thea. "A" ... 35 33% 34^2 ♦Intern. Proj 1854 Loew do deb. rts... 40 3954 40 Nat. Scr. Ser. .. 3154 3154 3154 Nat. Thea. Sup.... 1154 1154 1154 Trans-Lux 11 10-5^ lOVi ♦Univ. Pict 2354 BOND MARKET ♦Keith AG 6s 46 95 Loew 6s 41 WW... 11954 118-^ 11854 do 6s 41 x-war... 9954 995^ 9954 Paramount 6s 47 ..10054 100 10054 Par. By. 554s 51 ..102 102 102 Pathe 7s 37 8354 83 83 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 . . 9654 965^ 965^ ♦Warner 654s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 33 35 do units 34 36 .... do com 454 554 •••■ .Skouras Bros 50 54 .... Technicolor 1254 1354 United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 900 200 5,100 '266 100 18,400 200 2",366 60,000 7,300 200 11,900 100 17",466 2,600 11,500 100 6,700 11,766 '566 200 200 10,400 8 6 5 1 20 Paramount Exchange Kansas City, Mo. — Construction of the Paramount exchange building here at 18th & Wyandotte Street is Hearing completion. It will be ready for occupancy in March. INDEX THE WEEK IS PASSING, An Editoriul by Maurice K . . FINANCIAL , REVIEWS OF NEWEST RELEASES, by Jack Han-rower. HOLLYWOOD HAPPENINGS, Coast News by Telegraph. "A LITTLE FROM LOTS," by Ralph Wilk SOUND PICTURES, by Charles F. Hynes THEATER EQUIPMENT, by Charles F. Hynes FOREIGN MARKETS, by James P. Cunningham NEWSPAPER OPINIONS PRESENTATIONS, by Herbert S. Berg THE WEEK'S HEADLINES, Resume of the News PAGE ... 1 ... 2 ..4 5 ... 6 ... 6 ... 7 ... 8 ...10 ...10 ...11 ...12 REVIEWS PAGE BELLAMY TRIAL 4 FURY OF THE WILD 4 HOMESICK 4 LITTLE WILDCAT 4 MARQUIS PREFERRED 4 REILLY OF RAINBOW DIVISION "U BOAT 9" UNTAMED JUSTICE .. WEARY RIVER WOMAN OF AFFAIRS SOUND SHORT SUBJECTS 5 SILENT British Company Plans 6 Pictures; U. S. Talent London-^Harry Lambart and M. Patterson have completed negotia- tion for erection of a sound proof studio at Chiswick which is to be completed the end of this year. Mean- while the company is continuing with ts present schedule of six productions. It is understood that a production staff, having had experience in both California and New York has been engaged. New Manager at Fond du Lac Fond du Lac, Wis. — S. John Kel- zenberg is the new manager of the Brin here which reopened recently after being closed for remodeling and the installation of sound equipment. Kelzenberg was formerly manager at the Strand, Madison. Desormeaux Gets Another Madison, Wis. — • The new East Side theater to be erected by the East Side Business Men's Ass'n has been leased to Arthur P. Desormeaux, who operates the Strand. The the- ater which will cost about $150,000 to build, is expected to be ready about Sept. L Grebner Managing Two Madison, Wis.^ — Leo Grebner, who has been assistant to F. J. McWil- liams manager of the Fischer thea- ters here, has been named manager of the Madison and Majestic by L. K. Brin, Milwaukee, who recently took over Fischer houses. A new manager for the Parkway will be ap- pointed soon. McWilliams will con- tinue to make Madison his headquar- ters and manage Fischer interests in the state. FOR SALE AKELEY CAMERA EQUIP- PED BELL & HOWELL CAMERA OUTFIT ALSO EYMO. BROWNING STUDIOS 110 West 40th Street N. Y. C. PENn. 1258-9 Double Featuring Used to Combat Sound Films Seattle — Double-features is the weapon being employed by subur- ban exhibitors here to combat talk- ing pictures at downtown houses. Despite this move, the sound houses are getting the business. "Redskin" Opening "Redskin," Paramount's natural color Indian film, starring Richard Dix, will have its premiere Saturday night at the Criterion, New York, where it will remain for an indefinite run. Dix, who has been in a New York hospital for more than a week, plans to attend the opening, as does Victor Schertzinger, the director and John Bachman, associate producer. All of them are now in New York making Dix's new all-talking film, "Nothing But the Truth," at the Long Island studio. William Powell and Nancy Carroll, vacationing in New York, also will be present, as will Monta Bell. Publix S. F. Changes San Francisco — The following changes in the Publix theater staff have been made; Tom Lancour, form- er manager of the St. Francis is assistant manager to John C. Smith at the California, Gene Karlin as man- ager and Dick Lucas former treasurer of the California will be at the St. Francis. Edward Hussong returns to his former post as treasurer of the Granada. The Industry's Date Book Today Second day of Fifth annual con- ference of National Board of Re- view. Jan. 27 Annual banquet of M.P.T.O. of Eastern Pennsylvania. Jan. 31 Theatrical baU of Los Angeles branch of Actors Equity Ass'n. Jan. 31 Opening of 6,000 seat Fox Theater, St. Louis. Feb. 1 Film Guild Cinema opens in New York. Feb. 1 Opening of 4,000-seat Toledo-Para- mount at Toledo. Feb. 2 Fox Athletic Club Dinner and Dance at Waldorf-Astoria, N. Y. Feb. 3 Dinner of the Silver Screen spons- ored by The Film Bureau in New York. Feb. 9 Dinner of Writers Branch of Acad- emy of M. P. Arts and Sciences, Hollywood, to visiting dialogut writers. Feb. 14 1929 Wampas Frolic, Hollywood. Universal Club Dance, Hotel Aster, New York. Mar. 2 AM PA Hollywood Masque Ball in New York. Brown En Route West Clarence Brown left New York Friday night for Chicago, where he will board an airplane for the balance of his journey to the studio. During his stay in the East Brown made tests of stage players now under con- sideration for his next production, "The Wonder of Women," adapta- tion of a Hermann, Sudermann nov- el, "Sitephen Tromholt's Wife." This will be a part-dialogue picture and is now being prepared for the screen by Bess Meredyth. Murphy for Three Publix Houses Rochester, N. Y.— Milton H. Feld, director of theater management for Publix, has appointed Melvin J. Mur- phy, manager of the company's three houses here. Murphy will supervise the Eastman, Regent and Piccadilly. Holliday at Asheville Asheville, N. C. — Tom Holliday is the new manager of the Publix Plaza here, succeeding Howard S. Amos who has been transferred to Macon, Ga. BROOKS THE NAME YOU GO BY yVHEN YOU GO TO 6UY COSTUMES OOViTNS AND UNIPORIVfS 1437 B WAY. NY TEU5580 PENN. I AUSO 25.000 COSTVMCS TO RE.NT===a Let Us Solve Your Problems ! Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCORPORATED 1540 B'WAY N.Y.C. TELEPHONE BRYANT 3040 THE Sunday. January 27, 1929 S^^ DAILV The Week is Passing (Continued from Page 1) valualjle. "Broadway, " now in pro- duction at Universal City, is to play day and date on Broadway. One tluater will house the sound version; the other, the straight silent picture 1. 1 yesteryear. Laeinnile believes the runs will provide a standard of icinparison between sound and silent pictures from which Universal hopes to learn much by way of ft)r!uing its tiiture policy. . . . On the Horizon Tuesday. We sharpened pencils on this day, wrestled with the telephone and discovered this: That advance estimates for 1929- IV JO show fewer pictures than the current season. Not a drastic cut, i:iparative figures indicate, but . ertheless a trimming. Like most :ner matters in filmatics these days, 'lame sound. All through the in- iustry, considerable uncertainty pre- .ails. Everybody has shaped plans make talkers, of course. There < ins to be no other choice. Never- heless, the uncertainty over sound ind exactly what it will bring is empering discussion over futures \ ith much caution. However, to get )ack. Fewer pictures, as we have stated )n other occasions, open the door to )etter pictures. Certainly, no indi- idual who has the best interests of his industry at heart can argue con- ra-wise. Sound, color, double width ilnis, a third dimension — all these are ■ ssets that will round out the ma- ured growth of motion pictures, but 11 of them and whatever else science nay develop must bow before quality nd intelligence in story, acting, di- cction, treatment, tempo and photog- aphy. Chortle if you like, but in 929 as in every other year in the idustry, past and present, it is the uality film that counts. . . . Tie in what follows here with what as gone above if you like: "In Old Arizona," a splendid picture and the r>t to be made entirely in sound out- >rs, kicked business up to $54,000 cr the week-end at the Roxy in ,cw York. They don't want to see r>od pictures, eh? Not much.... Myers Platform iVednesday: Commissioner Myers ow proclaims his Magna Charta for xhibitors. An interesting statement 1 policy, it appears to us from a uick reading. He talks about the ced for remedies in the business ractices between distributor and ex- il)itor. It is not our intention at this nie to diagnose of what Myers pro- ves to do. We see a need for oful study of his platform before ring our own views in print. That 0 propose to do shortly. How-ever, is essential to remember this: Ihe need for overhauling in certain ell-define directions exists. We re- ise to turn PoUyanna to the extent : believing that everything is right 1 the operating machinery of this jsiness. It is not and to state so 'amps us neither recalcitrant or ouble-brewer. Those who are honest in tiuir attitude will agree that many matters call for adjustment. That this is so does not necessarily reflect on the integrity of either exhibitor or distributor. We remember Hays de- claring many months ago and not once, but several time thereafter that in arbitration, for instance, the sys- tem had not reached perfection and that with time nnisl come changes. In connection with the standard ex- hibition contract, the exact circum- stance prevails. So it is in other directions as well. Now whether Myers and his i_deas for reform are radical or moderate, we do not know at this juncture. VVe propose to find out, however, and very soon at that. . . Michigan Joins Thursday: From the Allied head- quarters: Michigan joins. Word flashed from Detroit gives the vote as 249 for, 101 against. Butterfield and Kunsky, both operating chains which are pro- ducer-affiliated, turned thumbs down on the proposal, but the remaining directors turned the balance of their votes the other way. Important, be- cause this unit is perhaps the best organized in the United States. It is our opinion that by this act Michigan will wield enough influence in the Middle West to swing other state units into Myers' camp.... A neighbor, Wisconsin is in the throes of great indecision. On Nov. 19, the directors decided to sally forth under the Allied banner. Then Fete WoodhuU of persuasive tongue alighted from a Pullman in Milwau- kee, harangued the boys and now exhibitor ranks arc split neatly in two Interchangcability, one of the flies in the sound picture ointment, has been lodged on the doorstep of the Department of Justice. Agree- ments between equipment manufac- turers and producers purporting to restrict sound reproduction to ap- proved systems is all wrong and should be ditched. So thinks Myers and following his belief, you now find the question one for the attorneys of the Justice Department to handle. Right along has there been talk of a test case on interchangeability. Now it is here Stubborn Boys Friday: Somebody somewhere filed a complant against Pathe with the Federal Tfade Commission. It concerned block booking. The com- mission investigated and dismissed the petition. But — don't think this de- noted a change of heart on a long- standing issue. Not at all, the official attitude toward purchases in block hasn't budged one iota. It's death to the practice insofar as the F.T.C. is concerned with Paramount supply- ing the battleground.... Headlines highlights: Pathe's net is $167,798 for the sec- ond quarter of 1928 which for that company, ended on Oct. 14. Com- paring this with a profit of $65,338 for the first three months of the fiscal year, the definite progress made as- sumes more definite form. Hard work and clever executive manage- ment are responsible.... Perhaps "(jueeii Kelly" will reach the market this year after all. Messrs Vi>n Stroheim and Kennedy had a few measly words regarding produc- tioti costs. \'on won't finish the pic- ture, but Eddie Goulding will. How Ciloria feels about it, we haven't heard .... Keener Than Ever Today: Scalps hunting such as vcui have never seen before will high- Jlight the 1929-1930 season. Supremacy in the sound picture field will not only reach into the studios, but into the field as well. Competition for bookings is destined to wax heavier than ever before and if you find the roadway cluttered with mained and injured just remember that in busi- ness, as in everything else, the weak go dow'u before the strong.... Ill-advised Seattle suburbanites. In the Pacific Northwest city, outlying exhibitors are going in for double features in an effort to keep patrons froni journeying to the downtown theaters equipped for sound. Dear Seattle folks, that is not the way to do it. The idea may be swell for a time. It may look like a buy to the public and all that sort of thing, but not for long. Sitting through two fea- tures, not to overlook a newsreel and possibly a short on any one given bill, takes the process out of the entertain- ment class and into the realms of boredom. And once an audience gets that way, it means "curtains" VVe now take reluctant leave of you until Monday. We hear the Year Book calling. K A N N Sacramento House Renamed Sacramento/ Cal. — The Sutter is the new name of the Godard which has been opened under the manage- ment of Max Weiss. The house will feature first run pictures. Waugh Leases Waterloo House Waterloo, la. — W. T. Waugh, manager of the Strand at Cedar Ra- pids has taken a five year lease on the Plaza here from the Plaza Syn- dicate. Waugh will operate the house with straight pictures. Free Pictures at Huntingburg Huntingburg, Ind. — Businessmen of Huntingburg have arranged with the Gem here to show free pictures every Saturday afternoon beginning Feb. 2 and for the next six weeks, it is reported. Saul Strauss Transferred Milwaukee — Saul Strauss, formerly assistant manager at the Milwaukee Theater Circuit's Venefian, Racine, has been succeeded by Royal Good- ing, formerly manager at the circuit's Venetian theater here. Strauss has been transferred to the Coast. New Owner for Sonora House Sonora, Te.v. — A. C. Elliott has closed negotiations for Adwell-El- liott Co. for a three year lease from J. M. Barnett on the La Vista here. O. K. Rankhorn will operate the house. Pioneer Renames Film Salt Lake City— Pioneer Film Corp producer of "The Exodus." ten reel him which portrays the historic jour- ney of Brigham Young into Utah have changed the name of the pic- ture to "All Faces West." Directors of the company here arc leaving for Hollywood for the premiere. "Blue" Ordinances Upheld Richland Center. Wis.— The city ordinance forbidding Sunday pic- tures has been upheld here by vote of the common council after consid- ering petitions for and against the change. The controversy was of long standing. Fire at Litchfield, 111. Litchfield, 111.— Damage estimated at $20,000 was caused by a fire here which destroyed the Palace. A Vita- phone device recently installed at the house, was destroyed. H. Tanner, owners stated that the house would be rebuilt immediately. Fire at Illinois House Pana, 111. — Joseph Berroycr, pro- jectionist at the New Palace, was burned painfully when he attempted to extinguish fire started by an over- heated motion picture film. Three firemen were overcome by smoke while fighting the fire which spread through the theater. Brown at Pittsfield House Pittsfield, Mass. — Thomas Brown has been appointed manager of the Palace here succeeding Maurice Rosenthal. Brown will also have charge of the Colonial, another G. B. Theater Co.'s house. Morrison Leaves Publix Jacksonville, Fla. — Charles S. Mor- rison, who managed the Florida for Publix. has resigned to assume the management of the Jacksonville Baseball Club. Morrison is president and general manager of the ball club. Brin Seeks Strand at Madison Madison, Wis. — E. W. Kelzenberg has been named by L. K. Brin as manager of his Parkway here. Kel- zenberg formerly was assistant man- ager of the Strand theater for which Brin is said to be negotiating with A. P. Desormeaux. New Title for Dresser Film The title of the new Fox picture featuring Louise Dresser, which Irv- ing Cummings is directing, has been changed from "The Grouch Bag" to "Empty Arms." Souther at Nashville Nashville, Tenn. — Robert H. South- er, formerly connected with the Grande and Lyric at Iluntsville, Ala., is manager of the Belmont here. Lake Worth House Reopened Lake Worth. Fla.— The Oakley has been reopened here with Richard Dor- man as manager. Damage at Laurel Laurel. Md — Damage amounting to about $20,000 was done by fire tc the theater here which Philip Merrill owns. THE ^1 Richard Barthelmess in "Weary River" First National Length: 8000 ft. Syn. 7916 ft. BARTHELMESS DOES HIS USUAL FINE WORK IN ROLE OF CRIMINAL TRYING TO GO STRAIGHT. STORY LACKS AC- TION AND RAMBLES TOO MUCH. BUT IT'S BOX-OFFICE. Cast Dick Barthelmess' acting splendid. He creates a strong char- acterization in a part that makes him rather indecisive. Betty Compson lends adequate support. Others Wil- liam Holden, Louis Natheaux, Ray- mond Turner, George Stone, Glad- den James. Story and Pl-oduction Drama of the underworld. A big propor- tion of the footage is dialogue, and consequently the action suffers. This in an underworld story is very notice- able. Barthelmess is immense. He creates a well rounded characteriza- tion. The weakness is in story plot, which forces the star to zigzag be- tween the life of crime and trying to go straight You are never sure till the climax just what he is going to do. It looks like a great film for the re- formers and bluestockings. The war- den and Dick's gal preach purity as good as any minister. But with Dick Barthelmess not only acting, but singing — yes, and good singing— al- though we're not sure that Dick sang— it's bound to drag 'em in. Direction, Frank Lloyd, excellent; Author, Courtney Riley Cooper; Scenario, Bradley King; Editor, Ed Schroeder; Titles, Not listed; Pho- tography, Ernie Haller, very good. "The Bellamy Trial" M-G-M Length: 8000 ft. COUNT THIS IN WITH SUS- PENSEFUL MURDER MYSTERY PLOT, SKILLFUL DIRECTION AND SURPRISE KICK IN END- ING. Cast. . .Honors pretty well divided, with Leatrice Joy as the defendant and Charles B. Middleton as the prosecuting attorney getting the strong bits. William Tooker as the judge and Jack Raymond as a profes- sor rate special mention as do Betty Bronson, Edward Nugent. Others Peggy Moran, George Barraud, Mar- garet Livingston, Kenneth Thomson, Margaret Seddon, Charles Hill Mailes. Story and Production. .. .Mystery drama. Chiefly clever for the intel- ligent manner in which director Mon- ta Bell built up suspense. Opens like a newsreel with shots of scenes out- side courtroom. Adds greatly to reaHsm. Story told in skillful flash- backs. Courtroom technique unusu- ally good. Highlights are a dramatic scene between Leatrice Joy and the prosecutor; the professor as a last- minute witness kicking the prosecu- tor's case to pieces; a surprise kick in ending which is intensely human. Gets along slowly at first, due to too many subtitles. Then the dialog and suspenseful drama snap it into tense entertainment. Good dialog se- quences. Direction, Monta Bell, skillful; Au- thor, Frances Noyes Hart; Scenario, Monta Bell; Editor, Frank Sullivan; Titles, Joe Farnham; Photography, Arthur Miller, often spotty. John Gilbert and Greta Garbo in "A Woman of Affairs" M-G-M Length: 8319 ft. GREAT WOMAN PICTURE. ONE OF SCREEN'S FINEST LOVE STORIES. GRETA GAR- BO GLITTERS. A BOX-OF- FICE CLEAN-UP ANYWHERE. Cast Greta Garbo does best work of her career in a part that all women will rave over. John Gilbert has very secondary role. Lewis Stone and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., immense. Rest of superior cast in- cludes John Mack Brown, Douglas I-'airbanks, Jr., Hobart Bosworth, Dorothy Sebastian. Story and Production Drama. Adapted from Michael Arlen's novel, "The Green Hat." Although they tried to disguise the original source, all the women know it is the story of the notorious lady with a lot of lovers. Director Clarence Brown has done a masterly job. He cunningly dodged the censor stuff by treating the many-lover episodes as a series of photos with captions taken from a newspaper's files. The rest is a great, tense love story clean enough for baby sister to see. Greta has a pa- thetic role that gets men and wo- men alike. So tense it even sealed the lips of a coupla gabby girls in back of us. Can one say more? S. R. O. anywhere. Synchronized, sound effects. Direction, Clarence Brown, superb; Author, Michael Arlen; Scenario, Bess Meredyth; Editor, Hugh Wynn; Titles, Marion Ainslee-Ruth Cum- mings; Photography, Wm. Daniels, excellent. Sunday, January 27, 1929 Adolphe Menjou in "Marquis Preferred" Paramount Length: 5506 ft. ANOTHER FLUFF FILM THAT ONLY HAS MENJOU AND DIRECTOR TUTTLE WHO THROWS IN SOME MILLION- DOLLAR ATMOSPHERE. BUT THAT DOESN'T MAKE IT A PICTURE. Cast. .. .Adolphe Menjou is at his best as the bored aristocrat with love affairs. Nora Lane as his support is colorless and fails to click in this. Story and Production Light comedy of Parisian life. There sim- ply wasn't enough story to stretch over six reels. Another case of a magazine writer's effort that gets over with a lot of words in print but has no pictured action for a screen. Oh, well, some day they'll find this out — even in Hollywood. A tough assignment for director Tuttle. He did his best with some gorgeous set- tings and spectacular parades of squads of uniformed butlers, chefs, maids and other flunkies who danced attendance on the French marquis. The idea was original, and held some good comedy. The penniless mar- quis agrees to be incorporated by his creditors, who are to dig him up a rich American heiress to marry. Slumps badly at end. No femme support, either. Direction, Frank Tuttle, handicap- ped; Author, Frederick Arnold Kum- mer; Scenario, Ernest Vajda, Ethel Doherty; Editor, Verna Willis; Titles, Herman J. Mankiewicz; Plw- tography, Harry Fishbeck, excellent. "The Little Wildcat" Wai-ners Length: 5644 ft. A COUPLA OLD VETS RE- STAGE THE CIVIL WAR IN SIX REELS OF DIALOG. DOD- DERING FILM, DODDERING DIALOGUE. Cast. .. .George Fawcett and Rob- ert Edeson play a couple of old Civil War vets and squabble in tiresome silly dialog through long stretches of film. Audrey Ferris and Doris Daw- son, the granddaughters, also squab- ble, making it a perfect foursome. Others also licked by the film calam- ity are Hallam Cooley, James Mur- ray. Story and Production. .. .Comedy. You see. Little Wildcat had a grand- daddy who was a dear old grouch. Ever since the Civil War he had spent his time in squabbling with his side kick about which of 'em fought the best at Bull Run. You really couldn't blame Little Wildcat for be- ing squabbly with her sister. She inherited it from granddaddy, don't you see? So Little Wildcat squab- bled over a stray aviator. They all wind up in the hotel room of the avi- ator with the two granddaughters al- most compromised and granddad ter- ribly mad and everything. Just six reels of squabble. Mostly in dialog. Not even good squabble. Direction, Ray Enright, blame the story; Author, Gene Wright; Sce- nario, E. T. Lowe, Jr.; Editor, George Marks; Titles, James A. Starr; Pho- tograjihy, Don Reynolds; good. Ranger in "Fury of the Wild" FBO Length: 4899 /(. JUST AN AVERAGE DOG OPUS THAT GOES THROUGH THE REGULAR SCHEDULE OF STUNTS. STORY IS FAIRLY INTERESTING. Cast. .. .Ranger, the dog, is feat- ured throughout. His work is good and will please the fans. His hu- man support includes Barbara Worth, Robert Homans, Pat O'Brien, Al Smith. Story and Production Melo- drama. This follows the usual for- mula of the dog stories, and rates average entertainment of this partic- ular variety. Pat O'Brien as the hero leaves prison after serving a year for a felony he did not commit. It seems all hands are turned against him. His only friend is his dog, Ranger. Finally he gets a break when he meets Barbara Worth, who plays the part of the daughter of a hotel proprietor. Barbara takes an interest in him. He resolves to go straight, even though he has run in- to an old pal who is at the head of a tough' gang in a deserted cabin nearby. The climax comes when the gang robs the hotel, and for a time it looks bad for the hero who seems mixed up in the crime. Direction, Leon D'Usseau, fair; Author, Frank Howard Clark; Sce- nario, Frank Howard Clark; Editor, Delia M. King; Titles, Not listed; Photography, Bob De Grosse, okay. "U-Boat 9" Jofa Prod. Length: 6500 ft. IMPORTED PRODUCTION MAKES BID FOR AMERICAN POPULARITY WITH LOVE THEME A LA HOLLYWOOD IN WAR STORY. JUST FAIR. Cast Rate rather weak, none showing anything out of the ordinary. Cast mostly German players, are Gerd Briese, Ernest Hofmann, Fred Solm, Hella Moja, Mathilde Sussin, Fritz Alberti, Hans Mierendorff, Carl de Vogt. Story and Production. . . .Drama of sea warfare. At last the Germans have turned out a war picture that has something besides grim and real- istic war stuff. They have made an attempt in this effort to inject a love interest a la Hollywood. It strikes one as rather crude in many spots, the direction and acting being quite stilted and artificial in many instances. But the theme itself is interesting. A German mother suffers the loss of her son in a submarine. She has another son by a second marriage to an Englishman. This son is in the Bri- tish navy. Wounded, he is brought back to health by a German nurse, with the usual love development. Some good war scenes with sinking of German submarine and English vessel carry big kick. Direction, Heinz Paul; Author, the same; Scenario, Heinz Paul; Editor, Heinz Paul; Titles, Heinz Paul; Photography, Not listed. "Homesick" f^ox Length: 6120 ft. PACKS A LOT OF LAUGHS, WITH SAMMY COHEN AND HARRY SWEET THE COMEDY HEAM THAT KEEP THE MIRTH BUBBLING. A POP NUMBER. Cast. . . .Sammy Cohen, the Hebrew private in "What Price Glory," makes = this a real laugh fest with a lost of slapstick fun. Harry Sweet ably sec- onds him. Marjorie Beebe the girl. Others Henry Armetta, Pat Har- mon. Story and Production Comedy. This is a rollicking comedy with the fun coming steadily throughout the reels. It is mostly broad slapstick, but the kind that makes you laugh in spite of yourself. It starts with a poker game that lasts for two dp"s, with Sammy coming out the winner of a big bank roll. He has taken his friend Harry plenty, and the latter is determined to get his roll back, figuring that things weren't just exactly on the level. They both enter a cross-country bicycle race for a big cash prize. Incidentally they are both after a gal in California who has advertised for a hubby with enough dough to buy a chicken ranch. From the time the race starts it is a series of good hearty laughs. Safe pop bookings. Dirction, Henry Lehrman, box- office; Auliior, John Stone; Scenario, the same; Editor, not listed; Titles, not listed; Photography, not listed, good. Sunday, January 27, 1929 THE ■a^mk DAILY "Untamed Justice" .,,.,,,.;/« /'/.'TOO It. THIS QUICKIE IS FILLED A/ITH THE GOOD'OLD HOKE. A^ITH SENTIMENT AND THRILLS MAKING IT OKAY -OR SMALL STANDS. Cast Virginia lirnwii Faire N needed cliarin to a very shod- production. Good cast includes juston Cilass, David Torrcncc, Philo /IcCulIonph, Alice Lake, Tom Loii- on, S'licldoii Lewis. Story and Production. . Melodrama. he story is very loosely coiistruct- d, and the production is of the usu- 1 quickie variety. They had a good ast though, and contrived to knock ut several reels of fair entertain- lent. The gal is held up in a bank- r's office and the bonds are stolen •cm the safe by two crooks. The irl flees to the backwoods feeling lat she will be blamed for the rob- ery as she had the combination of safe. In a cabin occupied by her "Other, slic meets the air pilot who es over every day. Later the bond audits show up, and rob the mail lane. The finish is fairly peppy, ith a dog and horse running down le escaping bandits. Just a filler >r the daily changes. Direction, Harry Webb, ordinary; uthor, John Francis Natteford; cenario, the same; Editor, Xot list- 1: Titles. Xot listed; Photography, rthur Reeves, spotty. "Reilly of the Rainbow Division" '■'■scent Leufjth: 6040 ft. QUICKIE HASH THAT IS HROWN TOGETHER WITH A ETTER CAST THAN IT DE- ERVES. RATE PRETTY OOR, EVEN FOR SMALL OUSES. Cast. . . .Creighton Hale is the hero • a doughbov. with .M .\lt his com- ■y buddy. Pauline Garon and Joan anding dress up the production, 'thers Jack Carlyle. Lafayette Me- te. Rolfe Sedan. Jack Raymond. Story and Production. ... Comedy ' th war angle. This is a film of the 'lining camps before the boys went ' crseas. In this way the producer ' (Iged the war scenes, which is a (eat relief. The plot is silly and •ppy. and just thrown together in ; strenuous effort to force some lighs. The two buddies in the iiining cariip scheduled to marry ■teir sweeties, but are placed in the fard house on their wedding day. le gals disguise themselves as eughboys. and circulate among the fldiers without being detected. Now MI know just what sort of a film ■ -• is. The rest of the proceedings equally foolish. The climax ■■^'Ots a fair thrill with capture of sje.s in a balloon. Direction, Robert Ray. ordinary; lithor. Not listed; Scenario, Arthur Jperl; Editor, Dave Rothchild; 'Jtles, Al Martin; Photography, Har- Forbes, Spotty. Short Subjects SOUND Jan Rubini, Violinist vitapiione Wo. ^/i>u Excellent Type of production. . V lolin selections Jan Rubmi scores impressively in his exceptional violin selections wliich are beautifully rendered, yet Ins style is sucli that it will have a very wide popular appeal. He does ^ gypsy number that lias you sway- ing 111 your seat with its melody, and imishes with. "I Hear \ ou Lallnig Me." This is a sale booKing any- where that harmony is appreciated. Rubini has an unusual stage presence, anu the tones ot the instrument re- cord perfectly throughout, lime, 7 mins. Georgie Lyons M-G-M Movietone Fair Type of production .... Instrumental solo This Italian harpist is a good in- strumentalist, playing three short numbers that carry a popular ap- peal. He interpolates some vocal- izing tl'.at is fair. But somebody should have wised hiin up on his fa- cial expressions, for the way he made eyes at the camera had the house in titters. 1 ime, 8 mins. Al Abbott in "Small Town Rambles" Vitaphone No. 2703 Average Type of production. . Character songs One of those acts that registers neither hot or cold, but just in be- tween. Al Abbott first apears straight with a little introductory talk, and then goes into several impersona- tions, such as a Chinaman, a farmer, and a colored gent. His accent is very good for the different charac- terizations, but there is nothing about any of it to call for applause. Just a fair vaude act. Time, 8 mins. The Revellers M-G-M Movietone Pop Number Type of production .... Male quartet These boys are a strong singing aggregation with a radio following. They make a classy appearance in dress clothes, grouped around their pianist. They sing three straight pop numbers and get over with some tricky harmonizing effects. All four have good screen appearance and seemed to know what it was all about. They made a strong impres- sion on a first-night Broadway audi- ence. Time, 10 mins. Phil Spitalny and His Hotel Pennsylvania Orchestra M-G-M Movietone Ordinary Type of production. .Orchestra with girl numbers Photography was poor throughout this reel, and the changes from close- ups of individual players to shots of the entire band were not very well handled. The effect was very jumpy. The orchestral numbers were just i.iir. 1 hree ot the boys vcjcalizing ilrew laughs by their funny facial ex- pressions, unintentional — which makes it bad. Al Wohlman as mas- ter of ceremonies wisecracked with some so-so stuff, and a group of Chester Hale Girls did mechanical routine. Just a filler that won't linger in the memory. Time, 12 mins. Trixie Friganza in "My Bag O'Trix" Vitaphone No. 2791 Popular Type of production .. Comedy songs The good old comedy standby Tri.xie Friganza weighing plenty and not ashamed of it steps out in a song all about children knowing an awful lot before they go to school. Trixie talks the song to a girl friend, spell- ing out most of the words so her child in the room won't get the dirt and spill it to his daddy. The idea is that Trixie has been stepping out with a boy friend and has a date for a foursome to include the other girl. The gag line comes when her son passes her a note saying that he has understood all the words she spelled about the party, and will tell daddy if she doesn't buy him that bicycle. The comedienne finishes with a goofy song about her various husbands whom she got rifl of. burlesf|uing it on a bass viol. Good pop fare that won't panic 'em but gets fair laughs. Time. 9 mins. SILENT "Calling Hubby's Bluff" Sennett — Pathe Good Number Type of production. . . .2 reel comedy Billy Bevan has a nifty part in this one. and succeeds in getting a big quota of laughs that come without any effort. He is the sport who thinks allthe dames are falling for him. His modest wife is in the background with Billy. When she catches hiiu stepping around with a rich widow, she starts to dress up and ritz around on her own. Carmclita (ieraghty looks swell as the wife, and with the help of Vernon Dent these three make it a snappy two-reeler. Di- rected by Harry Edwards. "Smart Steppers" Mermaid — Educational Very Good Type of production 2 reel comedy Al St. John is back again — and how! This is without question one of the wow laugh reels among the current crop of short comedies. Tlie producers would be perfectly safe in offering a reward to anybody who could sit throu"'- it without cracking a lot of smiles, to say the least. Al gets a job in back of a soda foun- tain in a drug store. After messing things up, the boss fires him. and tells the gal in the window who is demonstrating bunion plaster that he will fire her. too, unless she makes some sales. So Al goes up the street and from a basement window in a cobblers he pounds hammers on pedestrians' corns and sends them limping into the drug store in droves. It's a riot at the end— a riot of laughs. Directed by Stephen Rob- erts. "Mild or Mighty" Grantland Rice — Pathe Up-to-Date Type of ijroduction . . I reel Sporllight This reel is one of contrasts in a variety of sports It shows how prac- tically the same kinds of sport activi- ties can be indulged in strenuously and also leisurely, according to the temperament of the participants. It is VNoll edited, and makes an intere-t iiig reel throughout. "Sweet Adeline" Fables— Pathe The Usual T>pc of production..! reel animated 'I'his follows the usual line of Fa- bles, with Milti)!! Mouse and his sweetie who are on the vaudeville bill at the neighborhood playhouse. After the show the villain cat kidnaps the heroine, is chased up and down sky- scrapers, and finally the hero catches the cat and rescues his sweetie. It's about time the artist on this cartoon dug up a new idea that gels awav from this continuous kidnapping stunt. We have seen it in at least a dozen Fables lately. "Auntie's Mistake" Devore — Educational Flat Type of production. . . .2 reel comedy Tiiis offering falls very flat witli a lot of mechanical gagging that fails to get the laughs where it should. The occasion is the celebration of the first wedding anniversary of Doro- tiiy Devore and her hubby. Her aunt and uncle arrive, and never hav- ing met hubbv. they mistake a guest named Ben for husband. Dorothy can say nothing, for she has been re- hearsing a love scene with Ben to help him with his sweetheart, and is afraid her rich aunt and uncle will misunderstand. Then they drag in the old bedroom farce stuff, with the two couples mixed up. But they keep pulling the same gags till it gets monotonous. Charles Lament directed this but he shouldn't talk about it. "The Collegians Farewell" Collegians — Universal Misses Type of production. . . .2 reel comedy Dear old Calford holds its com- mencement week in this one. and the stuff is so darned tedious before it winds up that it seems almost a week since you commenced sitting through it. There is no athletic con- test, but we still have that good old standby, the coach, talking out of character to the audience with his "Well, folks, here we are again and what of it" stuff. He probably fig- ures that the proceedings need ex- plaining. The main gag is strung out for a lot of footage. It consists of the rival having the hero's tuxedo ripped at the seams and basted up again, so that when he dances at the "prom" his clothes fall apart. This ancient .eag constitutes the sole rea- son for making this film, so judge for yourself. Nat Ross admits di- recting it. OAlLY Sunday, January 27, 1929 JL^f^^JtMUe Talkers and Silent Films Separate George Weeks Thinks They Should Not Be Made Simultaneously — Louise Dresser in "Empty Arms" - — The Gleasons in Talker for Christies — Ralph Wilk Comments on Well-Known Coast Personalities HOLDS SOOND AND SILENT TECPIDUEAREDlffERENT Simultaneous production of a talk- ing and silent version of any picture never will work properly in the opin- ion of George W. Weeks, vice presi- dent of Sonoart Prod., a new com- pany now making its first talking and silent version of "Sleepy Valle)'," in which Eddie Dowling will be star- red, under direction of Fred New- meyer. "As this is my first venture in the talking picture field, I have been looking about me here in Hollywood observing methods," said Weeks. "Many of them are making a silent and talking version at the same time, first shooting the silent sequence and then ex- tracting these scenes in which dialogue will be used for the talking picture. "In my opinion this system is wrong, pri- marily because producers are now- dealing with two distinctly difi^erent forms of ex- pression, first an orthodox silent picture pro- duced under a system and pointing various highlights which have been found necessary as a result of years of study. In the talking picture we now have a new medium of ex- pression which cannot be properly handled under existing methods of silent production — and that is what some producers are trying to do at the present. "Again, I find that we cannot properly make the tw'o versions from script whether or not it was first intended for a talking or silent picture. This fact has been amply demonstrated in the cases where producers took the precaution to prepare a script for each version; side by side anyone could de- tect the great difference. The varianc^e in length of scene, gestures and timing called for would immediately be apparent even to the most casual observer."' Re-Sign Renee Adoree Renee Adoree has signed a new contract with M-G-M. She has just returned from the South Seas, where she played a featured part in the new Ramon Novarro starring film, "The Fagan," directed hy W. S. Van Dyke. M-G-M Signs Stage Player Gwyn Stratford, young actress now appearing in the Shubert production, "And So to Bed," at Baltimore, has been signed for M-G-M talkers. She ■will appear in Metro Movietone shorts in New York, continuing stage work meanwhile, and in about six months will go to the Coast to appear in talking features. Mary Astor Gets Lead Mary Astor has been assigned to the leading feminine role in "The Woman From Hell," which Fox will produce, with John Erickson direct- ing. Robert Armstrong will play op- posite her. Fox Cast Set Cast which was selected by Fox for Irving Cummings' production of "The Grouch Bag" includes Louise Dresser, June Collyer, Paul Page, Oscar Apfel, Ben Hewlett, Jack Kenny, Paul Nicholson and Marjorie Beebe. PRODUCTION SPEEDED AT TIFEANY-STAHL STUDIO Production is proceeding rapidly at the Tififany-Stahl studio, with "Zeppelin," Reginald Barker produc- tion heading the list of pictures in work. Conway Tearle, Claire Wind- sor and Larry Kent are featured. Another picture in work is star- ring Eve Sothern, tentatively titled "The Miracle." Talking sequences are being made for "Whispering Winds," starring Eve Sothern; "Life," (tentative title), with Ricardo Cortez and Claire Windsor, and an untitled picture with Buster Collier, Alma Bennett and Eddie Gribbon. Three talkers, six synchronized and nine silent films have been completed by the company. Serial Unit Returns Spencer Bennet and his Patheserial company have returned from two weeks location work for "Queen of the North Woods." Anita Page in 'Our Modern Maidens' Jack Conway is directing "Our Modern Maidens," in which is appear- ing Anita Page, recently signed to a long term contract by M-G-M. The picture stars Joan Crawford, recently elevated to stardom. Pathe Talker Titled "Strange Cargo" is the new title of Pathe's first all-talking picture, originally called "The Missing Man." Benjamin Glazer directed. Delaney Opposite Alice White Charles Delaney will play opposite Alice White First National-Vitaphone picture, "Broadway Babies." Singing Role for Lois Moran Lois Moran, will get her first op- portunity on the screen to dance and sing by playing the title role in "The Belle of Samoa," Fox Movietone tab- loid musical comedy with Clark and McCullough. Gleasons With Christie James Gleason and Lucille Webster Gleason, have been secured by Al Christie to play the sketch, "Meet the Missus," for one of the two reel Christie talking plays, to be released by Paramount this spring. ROBERT LORD WRITER Under Contract to WARNER BROTHERS A Little from **Lots*' By RALPH WILK Hollywood ALTHOUGH Charles F. "Chuck" Reisner, the director, has been away from Minneapolis, his old home, for seven years, he is still very popu- lar with Mill City fight fans. T'other night, when Armand Emanuel, the Coast fighter, won from Harry Dil- lon in the Minnesota citj', several of the fight followers sought informa- tion regarding "Chuck." The direc- tor was at one time a professional fighter. :^ % :}; Credit Hal Howe with describing the talkers as celluloid chit chatter. * * * Our Passing Show: John F. Goodrich and Bernard Mc- Conville chatting at the RKO studios; Arthur Caesar elated by the report that 15 East- ern newspapers voted the dia- logue in "The Diplomats" the best of last year. * * * Al Boasberg declares 'tis a wise woman who knows her own automo- bile. A few days ago, Mrs. Boas- berg motored from Hollywood to Culver City, only to learn she had driven away in a car not her own. Of course, Al insisted she return the machine to its rightful owner. * * * No one is considered a success in Hollywood uyitil he can afford a "yes man." LON YOUNG Supervisor Chesterfield Pictures Corp. Tec-Art Studios, Hollywood, Calif. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha RUBINEWS-2 Jerry Horwin Wrote, Jack Foley Directed and Benny Made Comical in Shorts known as "High and Low Lifes of History." You wUl die laugh- ing, God Forbid. BENNY RUBIN F. N. Production Program 70 Per Cent Completec Seventy per cent of production !hai been completed at the First Nationa studio. ■ "High Voltage" Advanced Because of the necessity of shoot- ing scenes during the snow season- "High Voltage" will be put ahead oi "The Flying Fool" on the Pathe studio production schedule. Howard. Higgins and his location men havf just returned from Butte, where they were to shoot most of the action ol this William Boyd starring vehicle. "Empty Arms" Started . Irving Cummings has started di-i rection of "Empty Arms," a Fox si-' lent drama featuring Louise Dresser.' THE Doorvray of Hospitality i _iNTER the doorway d this popular hostelry and you feel at homa. There's an atmosphere of cordial welcom* which marks the difference between th« Hollywood Plaza and ordinary hotels. Your room, too, has that added touch of distinction. Pictures on the wall, ovef stuffed furniture, a floor lamp and reading lamp . . . these are but a few of the features that make you feel at home. Pig'n Whistle Dining Service insures tha best of food. Therefore, when you areoeat in Los Angeles be sure to investigate. THE HOLLYWOOD PLAZA HOTEL Vine Street at Hollywood Boulevard HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA THE Sunday, January 27, 1929 'cSt!k DAILY NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FAST GROWING FIELD OF SYN- CHRONIZATION SOUND PICTURES TIPS ON EQUIPMENT AND VARIOUS DE- VICES ARE NOW AVAILABLE By CHARLES F. HYNES mnm pulling house OUTOFRED AT MILWAUKEE lilwaukVe — Installation of Bio- .le equipment has proved a lite- r for John Lud\vig"s Parkway . The house was "dying" be- sound equipment was installed Iv grossing enough to pay ren- Talkers have nearly doubled aess, and although rentals eat up lie major portion of this increase. he house now is out of the red. alkers cost an average of 100 per ent more than silent pictures, with _S0 per cent boost on the synchron- Ecd films, containing little or no ialogue. M-G-M and Paramount re serving films for the house, with VarncTS now testing the installation, ith a view to supplying film. Talk-A-Phone for Cloquet Cloquet, Minn.— \V. M. Miller, ner of the Leb here has securer! 'alk-A-Phone sound equipment for nmediate installation at his house. iller was present at a demonstra- on of the device in Mintieapoli'. ,^632. in Postage Chicago — When it became necessary to ship two ampli- fiers to Hollywood on a rush job recently, the Hawthorne works of Electrical Research Products used air mail. The postage bill was exactly $632, but the amplifiers reached the Coast at the allotted time. Phonofilm for Harrisburg House Harrishurg,, III. — The Orpheum (l.'unaged by fire, will be remodeled into a souncl picture house. De Forest Phonotilni equipment will be used and the house will re-open in March. Photophone For Denver Denver — The State here will be equipped with Photophone sound equipment. The Colorado also will feature sound pictures. Photophone for Springfield Springfield, III. — Gus and Louis Kcrasotes have closed the Strand here to install RCA-Photophone equip- ment. The house is expected to open Pel.. 10 Only Two Talkers Cut by Providence Censors Providence — Only two talkers shown in Providence during the past year were changed by the city cen- sor, annual report of Police Capt. George W. Cowan, annisenient in- spector shows. In both instances the subjects objected to were shorts. "Producers are bending all their ef- forts to furnish clean and wholesome entertainment." is his comment. Last year .30.852,000 ft. of film was shown in Providence, this being an increase of 5,000,000 ft. over the pre- vious year. Providence has 20 the- aters seating appro.vimately 30,000. I-"our of the houses have synchroniza- tion devices. mHum^it^ Us in Wichita Sound for Koppin Chain Detroit — X'itaplione and .\Io\ietone equipment has been installed in the following Henry S. Koppin theaters here; Harmony, Rialto, Lakewood. Raniona and Ferndale. Other instal- lations are expected next month. Biophone for Columbus House Columbus — Biophone has been in- stalled in the Dreamland and Ter- mania, owned and operated by Ted I'ekras. It's Sweeping the Nation! Koteworthy example of the man- ner in which exhibitors are featuring short subjects in advertising, is this copy used by the Uptown, Wichita, Kan., for "The Lion's Roar," first of the Mack Sennett talking comedies released bv Educational. Voice and Orchestra selections are recorded "with such fidelity and delicacy of tone with such s^veetness and clearness combined w^ith depths as to make music and entertaimnent of an actual orchestra that is present. The human voice with every intonation, with every fine expression, with every heart throb, is reproduced lifelike through RACON EXPONENTIAL HORNS. The one piece construction, the patented, vibrationless, non-porous material and the lightness of weight, make RACON HORNS the recognized standard for musical and voice reproduction by the largest Amplifier Com- panies, Talking Picture Companies and Reproducer Companies throughout the world. Sizes of horns vary from 6" to 6' square bells, with air columns of from one foot to fifteen feet DYNAMIC UNITS FOR EXPONENTIAL HORNS THE NEW UNIT MARK an advanced step in this day of remarkable talking picture achievement. The results obtained by the use of the Racon Air Column Units are to be a surprise even to the most critical listener. Your entertaining problems will be solved, the box office receipts will be increased, your patrons will be delighted by the reproduction from RACON EXPONENTIAL HORNS AND DYNAMIC HORN UNITS. There wiU be no blasting, no tiiminess, but perfect amplification combined with volume, depth and brilliancy. Consult Our Acoustical Engineers SpecitUislM in Acoustic Chambers Factories: 18 to 24 Washington Place, New York, Telephone Spring 1120 Slough, Bucks. England, and 105 Sherbourne St.. Toronto. Canada THE M 8 PAILV Sunday, January 27, 1929 Theater Equipment By CHARLES F. HYNES HIGH ILLUMINATION FOR NEW PEERLESS CLAIMED Chicago — More illumination at 65 amperes than obtained with ordinary arc lamps using up to 160 amperes is claimed for the new Peerless high intensity reflector arc lamp, manu- factured by the J. E. McAuIey Co. The lamp was designed to produce the increased illumination recognized as necessary for reproduction of sound-on-film. National Theater Supply Co., which distributes the lamp, claims the increased illumination is obtain- ed despite reduction of current and carbon costs. The arc controlling mechanism can be removed instantly from the lamphouse, National says, and auto- matically disconnects electrically and mechanically and reconnects when again pushed inward to its operating position. Adjustable means are provided for the independent control of the rate of feed of the positive and negative carbon making it possible to obtain the proper rate of feed of each elec- trode on any current from 55 to 70 amperes. The positive carbon is rotated and fed continuously, the negative being fed at intervals according to the set- ting of the negative adjustment screw at the side of the control. Other features claimed for the new Peerless arc are: automatic instan- taneous arc striker, heat resisting optical glass reflector, single cranks control of all carbon adjustment, roomy lamphouse, mechanical arc control, removable as a complete unit while lamp is in use. Prompt Reaction Reported on Orchestraphone Films Chicago — Prompt reaction of ex- hibitors to the new improvements made to increase versatility of the Orchestraphone Junior Model is re- ported by National Theater Supply Co., which markets the non-syn- chronous device. Each machine now is wired for microphone attachment, which matiy exhibitors have found practical in making special announcements and in adding "talking" effects. Through the new effect control, both turnta- bles may be operated at the same time, allowing the introduction of various sound effects (such as storms, horses' hoofs, bird calls, etc.,) with- out discontinuing the musical selec- tion in progress. In addition to these features, the library service has been extended to include a new selection of sound effect records. Practically any effect from a whistle or bird call to a thunderstorm, are now recorded fr)r Orchestraphone. The Stamp of Approval An endorsement of product and propositions, bestowed by The Film Daily, after investigation of qualifications and merit Speedy handling of crowds is one of the first rules of the show business. The value of it hardly need be dwelt upon, for the speedier a house can handle patrons, the more dollars are coaxed into the box office. Discomfiture of waiting in line for tickets is not relish- ed by patrons, who will drop into an overflow house, in order to be seated quickly. This places a heavy responsibility on the cashier, who can "make or break" a house, so far as a number of its pa- trons are concerned. A valuable aid to speedy sale of tickets is the Gold Seal Ticket Register, manufactured by the Automatic Ticket Register Corp. This vending rnachine has been tried and proved over a period of years. Because of its long service and demonstrated efficiency, the Gold Seal has THE FILM DAILY STAMP OF APPROVAL. NEW DEVICE KEEPS NAMES OF CAST BEFORE PATRONS Kansas City — "Castograph," a shadow box arrangement for lighting up of names of members of the cast during showing of a picture, recently was tried out here at the Newman. Results of the test now are being checked by Publix, with a possible view of placing the device on the market. Its purpose is for con- venience of patrons, who are seated following showing of the credit lead- er and those who wish to remember names of player^. The announcer consists of lettering in silver frames, set on either side of the stage. The frames, about the size of a door, are lighted from be- hind and the lettering stands out in bold relief. London House Has Sentry All units in the battery of four pro- jection machines in the booth of the new Empire in London, are equipped with Sentry Safety Control. Jos. E. Cohen, president of the Sentry Safety Control attended recent open- ing of the house operated by the Loew interests. SLIGHTLY USED DeVRY Automatic Standard MOVIE HAND CAMERA fitted with F 3.5 Velostigmat Lens $90. Guaranteed Perfect Condition uiiuociCHBys ▼▼no West aa^SLNewMorh.My^ New Westinghouse President Pittsburgh — Andrew Wells Rob- ertson of Pittsburgh, president of the Philadelphia Co., is new chairman of the board of directors of Westing- house Electric and Manufacturing Co., manufacturers of a number of items of theater electrical equipment, as well as sound equipment. Paul D. ravath, continues as general counsel. TALKING SHOP Eberson Doing Real Service to Industry Counteracting Scourge of Overbuilding of Theaters Through- out Nation Overbuilding, epidemic throughout the last few years, has been one of the worst headaches with which the industry had to contend. Vanity, mis- taken judgment, stock promotions and over-expansion have contributed their share to the orgy of theater construction, which has ruined many former profitable spots. The danger has been sounded in a number of quarters, but nowhere more forcibly than by John Eberson, outstanding among theater architects of the nation, who calls upon the in- dustry to take inventory. Eberson makes a real contribution to industry welfare in the Eberson Re-Construction and Re-Equipment Section of THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK, forcibly driving home his arguments on the subject he knows so well. J' '\ Modern Perfection in Theatre Service K' EEPING pace with the phenomenal develop- ment of the motion picture industry. National ONE-SOURCE, ONE-QUALITY, ONE GUAR- ANTEE Service has conic to stand for modern perfertion in theatre supplies and equipment . From thumb tack to pipe organ, the National Line re- flects the convenience of expert service from thirty distributing branches; the economy of one-source pur- chasing and the integrity of a vast National organization. It provides for the ready financing of theatre renova- tion and for the construction of a new house from the ground up — completely equipped. It maintains an ex- pert repair service for the convenience of the American exhibitor. National Service and modern theatre perfection go hand in hand. In supplies, equipment, and appoint- ments. National sets the pace today ... as it did yes- terday ... as it will tomorrow. Ask Your Nearest Branch or address General Office, 624 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago National Theatre Supply Company Offices in all Principal Cities Of Interest to Every Theatre Owner and Theatre Circuit KO OU"Jk ] R E »»t:AJLTHFOl> >^TMOSPHERlC CONDITIONING Guaranteed to Reduce Temperatures 10 to 19 Degrees ABSOLUTELY SILENT- -HUMIDITY CONTROL- -RESULTS GUARANTEED The Low Cost of Kooler-Aire — The Low Cost of Upkeep Will Amaze You — A 1500 Seat Theatre Can Be Cooled for $20.00 Per Week No Engineer Required There is a Kooler-Aire for every size theatre. WRITE - WIRE • PHONE Kooler-Aire Engineering Corp. Division of Arctic Nu-Air Corporation North West Terminal Bldg. Minneapolis, Minn. Paramount Bldg. New York City, N. Y. 818 State-Lake Bldg. Chicago, 111. 518 City Bank Bldg. Kansas City, Mo. Sales Offices in principal cities KOOJ,ER-AJRE ENGINEERING CORP. North West Terminal Bldg. Minneapolis, Minn. Send engineering data and information on KOOLER-.\IRE Year-Around System for my theatre feet long, feet wide feet high, balcony? seating people. Name Theatre Address - ,. City State... _ , THE 10 -cM^ DAILV Sunday, January Foreign Markets By JAMES P. CUNNINGHAM ENGLAND NOW LEANING TOWARD SOUND FILMS By ERNEST W. FREDMAN Editor, "The Daily Film Renter" London (By Mail) — The invasion of new devices in the field of the sound film together with the an- nouncement of Western Electric price decrease have done much to induce the industry here to revise opinion on the expediency of wiring theaters for the 'talkies'. There is no doubt that the outcry against the 'talkies' among British exhibitors two or three months ago was due to the stagger- ing prices with which they were faced for installing the new inven- tion. The Western Electric reduction is 125^ per cent. It is expected the company will make spare parts here. * * * Earl St. John of the Plaza and Francis Mangan, presentation direc- tor of the Paramount Plaza in Paris are en route for the States where they are to study presentation methods in American theaters. They are expect- ed to be back in April. * * * The Brimingham justices have agreed to the suggestion of the Pub- lic Entertainments Committee of that city to approach the Home Secretary with a view to inducing the govern- ment to adopt some scheme for uni- versal censorship. It is stated that there is so much confusion about cer- tain types of films, and their suitabil- ity for certain districts that one uni- form rule would be beneficial both to the industry and the local authori- ties. It is extremely unlikely, how- ever, under the present regime that any alteration will be made in cen- sorslhip methods. British Story Co. Formed London — British Movietales has been formed to provide original stor- ies for the screen. The company also will do adaptations and continui- ties. Richmount Pictures 723 7th Avemie Idc. •*** ^"^ ^ D. J. MOUNTAN. Pret. pXCLUSIVE foreign representatives for Rayart Pictures Corporation and other leading independ- ent producersand distributors Cable Address: RICHPICSOC, Pari* Cable Address: DEEJAY, London Cable Address: RICHPIC, N. Y. Exporting only tlie best in Motion Pictures Kinsman & Ledger Get British Screen Output London — Robert H. Kinsman, man- aging director of Kinsman & Ledger, importers and exporters of films, has consumated a contract with British Screen Prod. Ltd., whereby his com- pany acquires control of all the lat- ters product for the next three years. This gives Kinsman & Ledger com- plete rights for British Screen Pro- ductions in the following countries: France, Belgium, Switzerland, Hol- land, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Czecho-Slovakia, Jugo- slavia, Rumania, Albania, Bulgaria, Poland, Russia, China, Japan, India, Burma, Ceylon, Strait Settlements, Philippine Islands, South Africa, in- cluding British East and West Africa. British Firm Making Sound Films London — Supreme Film Co., it is reported, is now producing sound versions of their "The Clown," di- rected by Georg Jacoby, with- Victor Janson and "Saxophone Susie," featuring Malcolm Tod and Anny Omdra. Encore Films to Produce London — Encore Films, Ltd. has started production of "Encore." Bri- tish Screen Productions will handle distribution. Prepare Next Harvey Vehicle Berlin — Director Wilheim Thiele is preparing the next Lillian Harvey production, "The Model Of Mont Parnasse." Sign Clift for Two London — Gainsborough Pictures has signed Denison Clift to make two more productions. They are "Soho" and "A-1 at Lloyds." A. H. Woods is conferring with Clift on "Scotland Yard," Clift's play which he will produce in London next spring. Stuart With Gainsborough London — John Stuart has signed a contract to appear in the new Gains- borough picture film, "Taxi For Two." He recently completed a part in Vic- tor Saville-Burlington's production "Kitty." Propose Canadian Studio London — Richard Maitland Ed- wards who has been studying the possibilities of erecting a studio at Vancouver, is expected to arrive here to secure additional financial capital. In a recent letter to his father he stated that a Canadian financial com- panv was interested to the extent of $12.S,000. French Police in Film Paris — Jean Lorette is directing a picture for the police department. The picture will be designed to edu- cate the Parisian public to safe and sane pedestrianism and driving in traffic. Newspaper Opinions "In Old Arizona Fox Roxy AMERICAN—* * * Here is a slick "mel- ler," with the villain, the handsome hero and the girl doing some familiar stuff, and though it follows the usual film formula for a few reels there is a decidedly new twist at the end that puts it in the novelty class. * * * DAILY MIRROR—* * * is the first of the talkers to be made outdoors in natural settings, without the mechanical advantage of sound stages. While it isn't perfect, and some of the characters talk in three ranges of voice, it is still a big advance in talking film tech- nique. ♦ • * DAILY NEWS—* * * The voice of Ed- mund Lowe proves as captivating as his silent drama personality, and Warner Bax- ter, adopting a Mexican accent for his talkie role in this 100 per cent dialogue produc- tion, is simply swell. ♦ * * EVENING JOURNAL—* ♦ • The picture is outstandingly vivid. It boasts some real acting on the part of its three principals, Warner Baxter, Dorothy Burgess and Ed- mund Lowe. The mechanical effects are good; the voices of the players register superbly, the dialogue is above the average, and the direction is intelligently able. * » * EVENING WORLD—* * * for once the object of a ballyhoo lives up to the good things said about it. "In Old Arizona" is an excellent picture indeed; it is due for a long life and a happy one. * ♦ * GRAPHIC—* * * It is a big step in the development of the talkies and certainly gives more justification for long dialogues than any other of the films which have been seen pre- viously. » * * HERALD TRIBUNE— * * * On the whole, the production is effectively managed. The swnchronization is excellent, the voices have color and tone, the out-of-door sounds are restrained and believable and the dialogue is sensible. * ♦ * POST — * * * Something of a surprise awaits you in Mr. Roxy's cathedral this week, for he has a film which is by all odds the most interesting all-talking picture yet to be heard in the town. * * * SUN—* * * Pictorially, the film is rather fascinating, and in this last bit — which might be a free adaptation of the last episode in "Carmen" — there is a deal of excitement. « * * TIMES — * * * Often the story is so well told by the dialogue of the characters that one forgets for the moment the novelty of the Movietone. * ♦ * WORLD—* * * Warner Baxter plays his Cisco Kid with plenty of dash and flourish. A good performance. • » • "Marquis Preferred" Paramount Paramount AMERICAN—* * * The familiar Menjou mannerisms are in evidence once again, and they seem to get more and more tiresome. * * * DAILY MIRROR—* * * It's a nice, little yarn, exceptionally well-directed, and Adolphe isn't required to do that kittenish love-making which has made his recent pic- tures seem so asinine. * • * EVENING JOURNAI^— * * * Frank Tut- tle directed, and Mr. Tuttle apparently di- rects on the premise that if a situation goes over once it will continue to do sq In other words, you'll find "Marquis Pre- ferred" a pleasant picture if you've never seen a Menjou picture before. * * * EVENING WORLD—* * * These two young women are portrayed by Nora Lane and Lucille Powers, and neither stands out. In fact, that is one reason why "Marquis Preferred" is probably one of the worst Men- jou pictures in years. * * * GRAPHIC — * * * is a far step downward from the clever, scintillating, vehicles which brought this star into special favor during the past few seasons. ♦ * * HERALD-TRIBUNE—* * * While this is another Menjou-Vajda combination, differ- ing little from others, for the pattern is usually much the same, still a Menjou per- formance is always a Menjou performance. » * * POST — * * * Unless Adolphe Menjou is quickly provided with better stories and bet- ter direction, he will soon be but a memory. "Marquis Preferred," at the Paramount this week, is a feeble, scrambled imitation of every- thing he has ever done. * * * SUN — * * * Individual bits, here and there, cause the screen to sparkle with their brighl highlights, but somehow as a whole it ha: no great amount of smoothness or pungency. » « * TELEGRAM—* * * The story is so poci ' and the reaching after effects so forced and exaggerated that the debonair Menjou doc; not get much of a chance to shine. * • * TIMES — * * * It contains some brighl ideas, and is especially pleasingly directed bj Frank Tuttle. * * * WORLD—* * * The new Adolphe Menjou film at the Paramount plays true to form— a shade too closely true to form as the Men- jou output goes. For of late the series of pictures manufactured for this suave and debonair star has' been rolling out of tht well-oiled movie machine with the regularity and uniformity of a string of perfect sau- sages. * * * t "A Woman of Affairs" M-G-M Capitol AMERICAN—* * * Miss Garbo is excel ' lent in the role of the easily-falling Diana. She manages to invest it with an undeserving , sympathy, though she looks both delicate and decadent. * ♦ * DAILY MIRROR—* * * The story ii; sheer, humorless twaddle, but with Garbaj and Gilbert in it and those love scenes ilj can't miss being a box-office riot. * * * 1 EVENING JOURNAL—* * * and thost^ who come to see the translation of the ArO menian author's erotic novel will stay t(] rapturize over Greta Garbo's looks, Greti'j Garbo's acting, Greta Garbo's mannerisms in short, over Greta Garbo, who gives i marvelous performance. * ♦ * , EVENING WORLD—* * * "The Greer Andrew Monatis by Linnton Dept. tore; Portland — National, sold to A. J. I -chulcr by Sam Hemstein. Closings Ptland — Sunset ; Willamette — 'Williamette. PEN'SSYLVANIA Openings HTimelstown — Orpheum; Folcroft — Fire '■: Wilkes Barre — Family; Williamsport .ipitol. Chances in Ownership A>ona — Miscliler, sold to John S. Ginter by 'ilmer & Vincent; Ambler — Ambler, sold k Equity Theaters, Inc.. by Harry Fried; akerton — Grand, (formerly Nixon), sold . I.. F. Smith by M. Regan; Blair Sta- DH — Art, sold to Frank Staropoli by James alniire; Blythesdale— WMRU. sold to unnell Dramatic Co. by WMBU; Browns- Ue — Strand, sold to P. T. Denias by Geo. asky; East BerUn— POS of A, sold to r. Eugene Elgin by Robt. M. Sheaffer ; rederickstown — Milfred, sold to Lincoln wnes by D. G. Fitzgerald ; Mahafley — ew Gem, sold to J. M. Jones by Frank ohen ; MinersviUe — Opera House, sold to ewen Pizor by Chas. F. Kear; Mont- )mery — Lyceum, sold to T. Harold Boak ■ Thos. E. Grady; Palmerton — Colonial ui Park, sold to Penn State Theaters, ic, by East Coast Theaters ; Philadelphia Rijou, sold to Jos. Rainey by Eighth St. ■leater Co. ; Rexy, sold to Stanley Co. of mcrica by Rexy Realty Corp. ; Pittsburgh ■Hrookline, sold to N. Braverman by H. ,eller; Castle (formerly Chimes), sold to dw. O'Connell by James A. Rhoades ; omewood, sold to John Cassady by W. . Worthington ; Pine Grove — Hippodrome, Id to Eugene Ferron by Lewen Pizor ; arentum — Palace, sold to B. GoldstoflE by arris Amuse. Co. Closings Br>kline — Braverman ; Harrisburg — Eagle ; lercer — Mine No. 5 : Philadelphia — •ayne; Pittsburgh — Crystal (formerly well) : Poland Mines — Shannopin ; Six ile Run — Old Home. Change in Name Bidehem — ^State (formerly I./ehigh) ; Potts- wn — Victor (formerly Opera House) ; liladelphia — Sixtieth St. (formerly Hav- /ord). SOUTH CAROLINA Changes in Ownership Aierson — Central, sold to W. S. Finch by C. Cawthorn ; Chester — Carolina, sold Mrs. K. Abell by F. M. Hamilton; >artanburg — Dunbar, sold to J. Ed. Car- 11 by J. B. Dean. Closings Wence — Florence; Kershaw — Kershaw. SOUTH DAKOTA Changes in Ownership 3iitford~Lyric. sold to Roy Kelly by Glen cFadden ; Elk Point — Florence, sold to pple V. Donahue by C. S. Bovee; Puk- uia — Movies, sold to F. M. Wallace & ). by American Legion. Closings Fcstburg — Rex ; Stratford— Pastime. TENNESSEE Openings ClksviUe— Capitol. Changes in Ownership Bi-viUe— Pastime, sold to Chy Foust by W. White; Humboldt — Sharps, sold to O. Gentry by C. W. Burkhead ; Memphis UTAH Changes in Ownership M/ille — Hub, sold to Melvin A. Brown; '.garhouse — Forum, sold to G. H. Hog- n; Wellsville — Opera House, sold to Mel- i» A. Brown. ■ Closings Padise— Garr; Park Valley— Garr; Snow- le — Garr. CAPITOL HAS THE BEST ALL-ROUND STAGE SHOW Looks as though the Capitol gets the palm for the best all-around show on Broadway this week. The fea- ture "A Woman of Affairs" had 'em lined up in the lobby all day and night. But the stage show was a darb, and no doubt had a lot to do with pulling them in. The show on the boards was "Pirate Blues," a Mort Harris production, and Mort can be very proud of it. The set was a darb, the stage representing, the quar- ter deck of a pirate ship, with stairs leading up on both sides to the wheel platform. With a pirate girl stationed at the wheel slowly manipulating it as she gazed out on the audience, the effect was very realistic. Dave Schooler's band were in pirate garb, and Dave in a swell Captain Kidd cos- tume led the proceedings in approved musical comedy style. Evelyn Wilson was the main solo attraction, appearing first on a rising platform from the pit. She was placed in a miniature "desert isle" setting, and Dave Schooler accom- panied at the piano while they gagged a little scene featuring her as the gold digger. But the highlight of the show was Miss Wilson's sing- ing of "Good Bye Broadway," appear- ing as a pirate half corned, and do- ing the drunk stuff with great com- edy effects. Next in order of merit was the work of an adagio team, Howell, Harger and Naldi. It was nothing short of sensational, especial- ly in the finale bit, when the two men put the girl through a series of full loop swings featuring dizzy wrist and ankle holds. The Chester Hale Girls scored as usual with some very striking costumes in three slick routines. One of these was the sail- ors hornpipe, with the girls in white satin making a great splash. Al and Ray Samuels did a hoofing routine that had plenty of class. It was a neat show from all angles, with hon- ors evenly divided among all par- ticipants. Bernard With Peoples Portland, Ore. — A. Bernard, for- mer manager of the Rivoli, has been transferred to the head office of Peo- ples Theaters. Other changes are: Jerry Lasswell former manager at the Peoples will be at the West Coast State. D. Kimberley will be manager of one of the West Coast houses at Tacoma. Broad Gets Coldwater House Coldwater, O. — Thomas Broad of St. Mary, O., has leased the Colum- bia here. Broad also operates thea- ters at St. Mary, Mendon and Fort Recovery. The Columbia is equip- ped for sound pictures. Licenses for Lowell Houses Lowell, Mass. — License commis- sion here issued permits to Thomas F. Hennessy for the Lowell Opera House and William S. Grady for the Victory. Presentations By HERBERT S. BERG, DUNCAN SISTERS HELP TO PEP UP T 'ihe stage show at the Paramount was "Barcelona," doing the Spanish stuff in broad burlesque with emphasis on the slapstick comedy. Boris Pet- roff staged the affair without collect- ing any particular laurels. The Dun- can Sisters were called in, evidently to offset the weak Menjou feature. They did their "Topsy," also the Spanish opera burlesque, which was a riot and had the house in a mild uproar. Their act was done with the stage cleared of the band, but with the Spanish number carried out the general idea of Petroff's offering. Jack North was also there with his routine of gags that he has done for the talkies, so the edge was taken off the proceedings, as many of the cus- tomers have seen the sound short which has played at Broadway pic- ture houses very recently. Jack should get wise to himself, and change his act or stick to the stage end. One kills off the other very effectively. [The Dorothy Berke Dancers were very good, doing "Street of Barcelona," "Flamingo" and "Dance of the Tores." Gene Rodemich continues to lead the stage harmonizers, while Dave Rubinoff is still going through his colorful gymnastics as orchestra leader. PAUL SPECHT HAS HIS HARMONIZERS AT COLONY It must be tough for Paul Specht to lead his band while looking out on a vista of empty chairs. The con- trast is all the more apparent with the other Broadway picture houses lining them up in the lobbies all week. Again the sparse stage setting pre- vailed, with a single drape the only thing in sight outside the stage band. Specht has a fine bunch of harmon- izers, and they worked hard to inject some life into the proceedings. Some of the solo work was away above the average. But it takes more than ten men and a good leader to make a stage presentation on Broadway. Evelyn Deane. a shapely blonde, did a good acrobatic dance, featuring slow turns. A little Australian girl (name not caught and no check-up possible as no programs are issued) did nicely with a tap and a little song. Standard VAUDEVILLE for Motion Pletnro Pres«Dtflllon Tbe FALLY MARKUS VAUDEVILLE AGENCY LaeJcswuma 7876 ISSI BaOAOWXV. NBVYOBKaTY DANCERS AT THE ROXY The big Seventh Avenue house was over strong this week with the fea- ture "In Old Arizona," and the long running time resulted in cutting the rest of the bill to the ncwsreel and a very elaborate prolog. The overture was eliminated. Scenes for the stage show was a Mexican patio, very colorful, with a stairs on each side and platform across back. It was called "Excena Mexi- cana," and employed a very large cast with a number of special performers. The theme song of the feature was worked in throughout the stage show, and with the colorful costumes, danc- ing and singing served as a fine pre- paration for the picture. The 32 Roxy- ettes were the life of the party, half the girls being dressed as senoritas. They were divided into groups of eight in one routine, and with some tricky lighting effects their number went over big. Especially good were the sister team of Ofelia Ascencio and Julia Ciarnica who sang pleasing- ly in Spanish. The Kentucky Jubilee Choir sang "Rosita," while the bal- let and chorus rounded out a fine stage entertainment. Bushman 8 Weeks More on R-KO Providence — Francis X. Bushman, Jr., appearing in a mystery sketch at the Albee, has about eight more weeks' bookings on the R-KO time. With him in the act is his sister, Lcnore. In early summer Bushman will return to the Coast to work in pictures. Miller cind Lyles at Paramount Miller and Lyles, black-face team of musical comedy, will appear in per- son all next week at the Paramount, New 'S'ork, an added feature to Paul Oscards Publix Revue, "Southern Belles." Buys Clear Lake, Fla. House Clear Lake, Fla. — Levy and Mcl- cher have purchased the Park here from C. C. Carragher and have ap- pointed Walter Peterson manager. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Tlieatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3580 12 THE <^E^ DAILV Sunday, January 27, 1929 New Theaters Red Bluff, Cal.— The rebuilt T. & D. house will open about Mar. 1 according to M. J. Naiffy, president. The house will be called the State. It will be equipped for sound. Aberdeen, Wash. — West Coast Theaters, Inc. plan to erect a theater here, it is re- ported. Laurelton, N. Y. — Goldberg & Sons have begun work on the construction of a 1,500 seat house here. Anderson, Ind. — J. Tansey, architect, is in charge of a new theater under construc- tion. Hammond, Ind. — The State, which was destroyed by a bomb, will be rebuilt. Hanford, Cal.- — West Coast Theaters are to open theaters here and at Visalia, it is reported. Coin, la. — The new Sun theater here will open soon. Modale, la. — C. F. Alexander has opened a theater here. Austin. Minn. — A theater is being erected here by F. & R. Klamath Falls, Ore. — The Pelican built by Harry Poole will open soon. Two Harbors, Minn.- — Construction has started on a theater to be built by Christian- son, Wright and Stephenson. Atlantic City, N. J. — A theater will be built here for C. Howard Schermerhorn, Jr., it will seat 2,500, it is reported. St. Paul, Neb. — Victory will be the name of the theater being constructed for John Rojewski here. Adria, Minn. — R. E. Benson will reopen the Princess here late this month. Dorset, Vt. — A theater is to be constructed here by the Dorset Players. Hanford, Cal. — R. K. Covington, resident manager of West Coast Theaters has re- ceived plans for the erection of a 1,600 seat theater here. ' ! 9 Akron, O. — A new Loew theater seating 3,000 will open here April, it is reported. Carmel, Cal. — Golden State Theaters, Inc. has secured property here for the construc- tion of a the?ter. Stroudsburg, Pa. — H. A. and Fred F. Scheurmann have opened their Sherman here. Philadelphia, Pa. — A theater is under con- struction for William Freihofer at 6700 N. Broad St., estimated cost at $1,500,000. Kansas City, Mo. — The Plaza theater is under construction by J. C. Nichols Co., here. Oklahoma City. Okla. — The Circle theater, Moraand Enterprise house, has opened. Burlington, N. J. — Jacob B. Fox h»s opened his new Auditorium here. Meara with "Legit" Firm Milwaukee — John Meara, formerly in charge of publicity for the seven Milwaukee theaters operated by the Milwaukee Theater Circuit, Inc., now is handling publicity at the Davidson and Pabst, two legitimate houses op- erated by Sherman Brown in Mil- waukee. "Thunderbolt" Next for Bancroft George Bancroft, star, Josef von Sternberg, director, Jules Furthman and Charles Furthman, writers, again will combine talents in "Thunderbolt," soon to go into production at Para- mount as an all-talker and in silent form. Patrick Kearney will do dia- logue. Richard Arlen and Fay Wray will head the supporting cast. Ford in F. N. Film j James Ford, has just been assigned by First National to, "The House of Horrors," which Benjamin Christen- sen is directing. Louise Fazenda, Chester Conklin, Thelma Todd and William V. Mong are in the cast. Statement of Pat he Earnings For 12 Weeks Ending Oct. 6, 1928 Gross sales and rentals $3,686,927.63 Deduct — cost of sales, rentals, selling and administrative expense $4,179,117.78 Less — amount transferred from special reserve by resolution of directors dated Sept. 27, 1923, to absorb excess costs of sales over normal costs as estimated by management 592,896.71 3,586,221.07 100,706.56 Other income 189,717.59 290,424.15 Interest on funded debt and amortization of discount 105,567.88 Depreciation on equipment at home office and branches 17,057.77 122,625.65 Net profit $167,798.50 Complete financial analvses of all major companies of the industry is a feature of the 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK shortly. Newspaper Opinions (Continued from Page 10) Script has no point. Direction is spotty, choppy. Dialogue sequences are all right in their way, but the movie doesn't gain by them. It is decidedly inferior stuff. * * ♦ EVENING WORLD—* * * And for some other reason, probably through courtesy, the thing is called a comedy. It may be, of course, that we have gotten things mixed up, and that the program really meant that the laugh is in the fact that Audrey Ferris is called a movie star. • • * GRAPHIC — * * * for interest, exciternent or llicker value it also has the propensities of a tame old tabby that already lived through eight and a half lives. * * * HERALD-TRIBUNE — * * * The vigorous and incomprehensible efforts of the Warner Brothers to thrust Miss Audrey Ferris into screen stardom are being continued with the usual lack of success, this week in a picture ominuously called "The Little Wildcat." * • * TELEGRAM — * * * is just one of those things that escape periodically from Holly- wood, presumably when nobody is looking. It is so sad and sorry an entertainment that its arrival at a big Broadway program house is a mystery that must go unsolved. ♦ * * WORLD—* ♦ * There is not much that can be said for this picture. It is farce done in the manner known as slapstick, and with a synchronized accompaniment which at times goes into some talking sequences. * * * "The Shopworn Angel" Paramount Metropolitan, Los Angeles EXAMINER—* * * holds interest and suspense and is entertaining throughout. Af- ter all, that is the object for which it was created. Its outstanding merit, aside from the work of the players, is the direction of Richard Wallace. HERALD— Wallace and his confreres, Nancy Carroll, Gary Cooper and Paul Lukas, have made a picture that is different, human and genuine. TIMES — * * * comes very near being a perfect picture, as pictures go. The only thing the matter with it is that somebody apparently got stage fright over the ending, and left it away up in the air, and threw in a talking, singing sequence in the hope of making everything fairly agreeable. • * -* The direction by Richard Wallace is on the whole effective, and at times very skillful. Boyce Heads Alumni John Boyce-Smith, vice president of Inspiration Pictures, was unani- mously elected president of the Co- lumbia University Alumni of Los Angeles, at the first meeting of this organization held at the Tec-Art Studios. It is the plan of the alumni to hold a meeting about every two months. Change in "Black Eagles" Cast Esther Ralston, instead of Fay Wray, will be co-starred with Gary Cooper in "Black Eagles," Para- mount's film adapted from Jacob Wasserman's "Golowin." The change in plans was necessitated by Miss Wray's assignment to the cast of an- other film. William Powell and Wal- lave Beery will have character roles in the new picture. Filmdom's Recognized Book Of Reference For Past Ten Years 1929 Edition OUT IN JANUARY Over One Thousand Pages FREE TO FILM DAILY SUBSCRIBERS GOES EVERYWHERE Week*s Headlines Monday Further action on Code of Ethics by Federa Trade Commission hinges on court actioi on "cease and desist" order against Par? mount. Tuesday Between 560 and 580 pictures planned f« 1929-30 by 17 companies, survey shorn pointing to fewer pictures for new season Wednesday Fox planning expansion moves in number ol sections. . < Abraham F. Myers takes over post as prov' dent and general counsel of Allied StaUill Ass'n. Thursday Further reductions of product for 1929-3t | seen due to uncertainty existing on acconnt ; of sound situation. Michigan unit members override opposition ' of affiliated chains and ratify Allied Ass'n,' affiliation; Wisconsin unit, split on issne^ postponed action. Friday ■ \ Attitude of Federal Trade Commission on block booking unchanged, despite dismissals of application for block booking complaint against Pathe. Sattirday Keener competition certain for 1929-30 saA'i son, due to exhibitor uncertainty on sonnil'i films and fact that most distributors an ; fortfied on sound pictures. Building War at Philly Philadelphia — Both William Frei-. hofer and Felt & Levin plan houses ■ for North Broad St., at City Line. ' However, it is believed that onlj' one of them will be built. Felt & Levin have demolished the building on their site and have plans for a 3,500 house. EGGERS INCORPORATED Photo Engraving Specialists to the Motion Picture Industry DAY AND NIGHT 250 West 54th Street NEW YORK Telephone: Columbus NEWSPAPER I/'FILMDOM t ULTHE NEWS ALLTHE TIME XLVII No. 23 Monday, January 28, 1929 Price 5 Cents I Less Film I MOST interesting experi- lA ment is on tap for next ^year, provided advance in- tions are borne out by per- ance. For producers intend :ing fewer pictures — to cut n numerically on product in ;r to give the individual pic- more attention. is an experiment wliich should iven wide encouragement. For long, the policy of overproduc- has been permitted to burden the 5try. Whether because of van- alse economics or mistaken zeal, sh to grind out picture after re with no analysis of the mar- requirements has dominated far any years. Quality First le firm foundation upon which lusiness must rest is quality, not tity film. Both bromidic and >me, we know. Nevertheless, a 33- truth which argument will ev batter down. In the past, pol- :y as determined that so many pic- ur shall be made for so much \ Ignoring the strain on the e element so vital in produc- ■!ie numerical equation always . n met, but how sadly and how he quality equation has sufEcr- w ritten prominently in the his- orul ledgers of the industry. Iwer pictures, we repeat, open liiloor to the possibility that they lil'be better. Better pictures in- ur> and assure continued and in- r«:ed public patronage. And that, ^e isist, means a healthier and far !>rosperous business. We would with product curtailment in- mercliandising and a well- d and carefully wrought fol- "Wip system of exploitation aids ■T he individual attraction to the r.dhat exhibitor interest be sustain- ed stimulated. With such an in- program, we are confident >s disturbances would become olcanic. From Where? ^ " chains get larger and larger. ir every link, that much more ■ dy to handle. Taking over the- irincipally requires money. That always the most difficult thing Manpower to run the houses different. The big chains know d are worried. Many times Jowhave we pointed out how loudly his situation cries out for relief. has appeared. None is even in KANN "Hip" Sold RKO is reported to have sold the Hippodrome, New York theatrical landmark, to Frederick Brown, New York realtor. The house, located at 43rd St., and 6th Ave., is ex- pected to be razed for an office building. FILM CENSOR BILL IS OFLERED IN NEBRASKA Lincoln, Neb. — Censorship of pic- tures and picture advertising is pro- vided in a bill introduced in the legis- lature by Rep. Henry P. Hanson. Under the act, the governor would be named state censor, with power to nrniie seven deputy censors, at least three of whom would be wo- men. Three year terms are desig- nated. The censor fee is set at $2 per showing. Penalty of showing films without licenses would be $25 for the first offense and from $100 to $500 for each succeeding offense. Censor bills regularly make their ap- pearance at legislative sessions in this state. SEEKS TO CONTROL SHOWS .\nnapolis — Maryland censors would be required to pass upon suit- ability of pictures for showing to children between ages of ten to 14 inclusive, under a bill introduced in the House of Delegates by Delegate .A.ndrew P. Szamski. The bill provides that no child un- der ten could enter a theater unless pictures being shown had been ap- proved for them and carried trailer stating that such films had been ap- proved by censors. Trailer could not (Continued on Page 7) Equity Enjoined on 20 Week Emplo5Tnent Rule Temporary injunction restraining Actors' Equity Ass'n from enforcing its employment rule has been granted by Federal Judge Frank J. Coleman in New York, who defined the asso- ciation as "a labor union which con- trols the supply of actors and ac- (.Cont4 3454 Con. Fm. Ind. Pfd. 27 27 27 ♦East. Kodak 183J4 •do pfd 128 •First Nat. pfd 105 Fox Fm. "A" .... 96/, 95'A 95 H •do rts ^ Keitn A-0 40J4 40^ 40^8 ♦do pfd -127 Loew's, Inc 75^4 74 Ji 75 do pfd 108 108 108 ♦M-G-M pfd ; 25^ M. P. Cap 18J4 1854 I8/2 Para. F-L 64^ 64!4 64J4 Pathe Exch I2K2 125i 12J^ do "A" 26}4 26 26!4 Radio K-A-O .... 41 40^ 40?^ ♦Stanley Co 4^4 •Univ. Pict. pfd • 98/2 Warner Bros. ..127^ 12554 126'4 do pfd 55^ 5554 55^ CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 14 135^ 13'/i Bal. & Katz &0% 80% S0% Con. Fm. Ind. .. 22^ 2254 225^ •Film Insp 154 Fox Thea. "A" .. 34Ji 33?^ 34 •Intern. Proj 1854 •Loew do deb rts 40 ♦Nat. Scr. Serv 3154 Nat. Thea. Sup.... 1054 1054 1054 Trans-Lux lOM 1054 1054 ♦Univ. Pict 23}4 BOND MARKET Keith A-0 6s 46.. 95 95 95 ♦Loew 6s 41ww 118J4 do 6s 41 x-war.... 99^ 9954 9954 Paramount 6s 47.. 100 100 100 Par. By. 5}4s51 102 102 102 Pathe 7s37 82 J4 825^ 82^ CURB BONDS ♦Am. Seat. 6s 36 9854 •Warner 65^s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 34 36 do units 35 36 .... do com 554 6 .... Skouras Bros 50 54 ♦Technicolor 12J4 13^4 United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 100 200 800 '366 '800 100 "206 7,600 700 100 1,700 2,400 900 3,500 100 4,000 3,166 100 1,200 20 2 2 1 30 Cinephone Effects on Stage Street noises and sound effects used for "Street Scene," stage play which has excited considerable inter- est in New York, were recorded via Powers Cinephone and are repro- duced off stage. The Broadway Parade THE long run group is now being led by Paramount with three features, while Warners and Fox have two each. United Artists have dropped out of the parade with their two entrants, "The Awakenmg" and "The Rescue." Six of the ten listings have only been running this month. Picture Distributor Theater Opening Date "The Singing Fool" Warners Winter Garden. . . .Sept. 19 "Jimmy Valentine" M-G-M Astor Nov. 15 "My Man" Warners Warners Dec. 21 "The River" Fox Gaiety Dec. 22 "The Bellamy Trial". . . .M-G-M Embassy Jan. 23 "Weary River" First National. . . . Central Jan. 24 "Redskin" Paramount Criterion Jan. 26 "Sins of the Fathers". . . Paramount RivoU Jan. 26 "Wolf of Wall Street".. Paramount Rialto Jan 26 "Sdl of Singapore" Pathe Colony Jan. 26 Consolidated Closes "Lab" Deal with Big Producer Consolidated Film Industries, Inc., it -s understood, is about to announce consummation of one of the largest contracts for film printing that has been negotiated in several years. One of the leading producing and distrib- uting companies has arranged to turn over to Consolidated all the printing of its Eastern units. Consolidated operates two plants in Hollywood and three in the East. Another for Butterfield Saulte Ste. Marie, Mich. — -The But- terfield chain will build a show house in Sault Ste. Marie if a suitable loca- tion is found and if half the stock is subscribed in Sault Ste. Marie. The total cost of the proposed the- ater is expected to be in the neigh- borhood of $250,000, of which half, $125,000, would be raised here. Probing Rhode Island Fire Bristol, R. I.— Fire Chief Grabert will conduct an investigation to de- termine the cause of the fire which damaged the interior of the Olympia theater building to extent of $75,000. Berkholtz Plans House West Bend, Wis. — August Berk- holtz, owner of the Mermac, will build a new theater here to seat 750. For this purpose, the West Bend Theater Co. has been formed. The new theater will be equipped for sound, while the Mermac continues as a silent house. Schramm Joins Brill David Brill, president of the Ufa Eastern Division Distribution, Inc., has appointed P. Schramm, manager of the contract and sales promotion department. Schramm has been con- nected with the industry for about 14 years. Hi-Mark Seeks European Films Acquisition of American rights to a number of European pictures is the purpose of a trip to Europe planned this month by Nat Nathan- son, president of Hi-Mark Film Sales Co. New Western Australia House Perth, W. Australia — The Ambas- sadors has just been opened. It fol- lows the American style in atmos- pheric theaters. "Erpi" Now Extending Its Service Stations Abroad Service stations for foreign coun- tries where sound 'equipment has been or is scheduled to be installed now are engaging the attentions of Electrical Research Products. To date, Western Electric reproducers have made their debut in Australia, India, Cuba, England and France. "Erpi" now maintains 13 service sta- tions in the United States. Fined for Sunday Shows Paducah, Ky. — -On charges of vio- lating the Sabbath by showing Sun- day picture shows, the Columbia Amusement Co. was assessed agreed judgments of $40 and costs in each of eleven cases in McCracken circuit court. The indictments against the company which operates all the Pa- ducah theaters were returned a year ago, charging the company with vio- lation of the Kentucky statutes by operating the Columbia and Arcade on specific Sunday dates in Decem- ber, 1927, and January, 1928. Indiana Seeks Open Sunday Kendallville, Ind. — A petition for the repeal of a city ordinance against Sunday pictures is before the city council. Two hundred people favor- ing return of Sunday pictures were present at the council meeting when the petition for the repeal was pre- sented. Action on the petition was deferred for three weeks. Considine Leaves John W. Considine, Jr., is en route to Los Angeles. On his arrival at the United Artists studio, Considine will check up on the material now in work for United .\rtists release, in- cluding "Lummox," "Queen Kelly," "Alibi" and "Song of Broadway," which is soon to go into production with Harry Richman. Trop Recovers J. D. Trop, who escaped serious injury in an automobile accident re- cently, has recovered fully. FOR SALE AKELEY CAMERA EQUIP- PED BELL & HOWELL CAMERA OUTFIT ALSO EYMO. BROWNING STUDIOS 110 West 40th Street N. Y. C. PENn. 1258-9 The Industry's Date Book Jan. Jan. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Mar. 31 Theatrical ball of Los Angeles branch of Actors Equity Ass'n. 31 Opening of 6,000 seat Fox Theater,' St. Louis. 1 Film Guild Cinema opens in New York. 1 Opening of 4,000-seat Toledo-Para- c mount at Toledo. 2 Fox Athletic Club Dinner and Danea 1 at Waldorf-Astoria, N. Y. 3 Dinner of the Silver Screen spong- ored by The Film Bureau in New York. 9 Dinner of Writers Branch of Acad- emy of M. P. Arts and Science^ 1 Hollywood, to visiting dialogue 11 writers. 14 1929 Wampas Frolic, Hollywood. Universal Club Dance, Hotel Astor, New York. 2 AM PA Hollywood Masque Ball in New York. Canada F. N. Branches Lead Canada leads at the end of the fourth week in the First National- Vitaphone January Billing Drive with two weeks still to go. Toronto with a percentage of 127.42 takes first place with Calgary in second at 117.80. The next eight exchanges in the order given are Kansas City, Memphis, Vancouver, Buffalo, St. John, Detroit, New Jersey and New York. Offer Exchange on Dienman Shares London — Gaumont-British Picture Corp. has offered shareholders in Denman Picture Houses, Ltd., to ex- change their holdings for Gaumont- British shares. Big shareholders have intimated their intention of ac^ cepting. Denman Picture Houses has an is- sued capital of 2.800,000 shares of which 1,650„000 shares are held by Gaumont-British. SALESMEN! Several high class positions for well-groomed representatives. Write full experience to FRANK R. WILSON M. J. WEISFELDT General Manager 61 E. 42nd St. N. Y. C. Another Booster! "We cannot refrain from expressing our gratitude, and wish to state fur- ther that if at any time anyone de- sires a testimonial as to the quality of your service, we would be very glad to have you refer them to us." —JACOBSON AMUSEMENT CO.. Louisville, Ky. ■ limWWWWWWWWWtWWWWWffffWffWffWtWWWffWWWWWWWW— WP •nmwvwvwwvwi ^wv*^^^nOT**« nVWVVfWVVVOTWVVVM Service to the ENTIRE INDUSTRY spontaneous Response to the Announcement of the New Model Western Electric Sound Equipment for Small Theatres "Electrical Research Products, Inc., takes pleasure in announcing the development of a standard Western Electric Sound equipment specially adapted for small theatres. "We are prepared to accept orders now for these equipments for installation after June 1, 1929 for either Vitaphone or Movietone productions only, at a price of $5,500 including installation, and for dual equipment for both Vitaphone and Movietone at a price of $7,000 including installation." r y -f The foregoing announcement was made through the trade press on Jan. 10. Within the few days which have elapsed a substantial number of orders have been placed with us both by chain operators and by individual theatre owners. This spontaneous response confirms our convic- tion that discriminating small theatre owners have been awaiting moderately priced sound equipment of the same reliable quality as that now rendering service in the large first run houses. In developing the new apparatus Western Electric engineers have built on the successful experience in designing, making, installing and servicing equip- ment now in use in more than a thousand theatres. The result is a sound reproducing system of equal electrical quality and mechanical durability. In a word, it is Western Electric. This organization pledges its continued co-opera- tion with producers and exhibitors alike. It will maintain the present high quality of its apparatus, and its nationwide technical staff is at the service of the entire industry. Electrical Research Products tnc. 250 West 57th Street, New York, N. Y. Representing Western Etectric SYSTEM OF SOUND PICTURES CMAAftMMMMMM iMAMMUMMMMMMUMMMMMMMMMMMMM iMUMMMMiMMUMMMUMMM IMMMMMMMMMMM^ THE « Monday, January 28, 192! i II }^ if i i It it ^ ^1 is THE BIGGEST NEWS EVENT OF THE YEAR Ten Best Pictures of 1928 AS VOTED BY Three Hundred and Twenty Four Critics REPRESENTING Over 350 Newspapers and Publications I WITH A COMBINED CIRCULATION OF TWENTY FOUR MILLION « NEXT FRIDAY I IN THE is i FILM DAILY I AND THEREAFTER I IN NEWSPAPERS AND PUBLICATIONS ALL OVER THE WORLD is is is is is is is is ^ is is is is is is is is i^ I ONE OF ELEVEN HUNDRED PAGES OF INTEREST IN THE 1929 FILM YEAR BOOK — OUT THIS WEEK THE Monday, January 28, 1929 i55^ DAILY FILM BOARD REPORTS MORE THEATER CHANGES Film Boards of Trade through- out the United States regularly gather data on changes in the exhibition field, by arrangement with THE FILM DAILY. New theaters, changes in own- ership, re-openings and closings are covered. The latest reports follow : ALABAMA Changes in Ownership Anniston — Lyric, sold to Publix by F. T. Banks ; Montgomery — Fitz, sold to Brom- berg & Creswell by Adams & Windham. Closings Alexander City — Peoples ; Corona — The Co rona ; Sylacauga — Star. ARIZONA Changes in Ownership Duncan — •The Dunci, sold to Lovett Bros. by J. M. Pierce. ARKANSAS New Theaters Dell— The Dell. Openings Hatfield — Star; Van Buren— New Royal. Changes in Ownership Dierks — Luverne, sold to Curtis Yates, by Mrs. L. B. Taylor; Gould — Star, sold to I. W. Fish by H. Wann ; HoUy Grove- Royal, sold to C. E. Alexander by W. E. Matthews; HuntsviUe — -Dixie, sold to Elsie Hawkins by J. R. Warren; Little Rock — Rialto, sold to Tri State Theaters Corp. by Ark Amuse. Co. ; Marvel — Royal, sold to C. E. Alexander by Anderson & Lazenby ; Mt. Ida— Gem, sold to W. B. Bearce by Joe A. Guthrie ; Stephens — Majestic, sold to W. B. Best by S. E. Collier. Closings Magazine — Dixie ; Normzm — -Lyric ; Paris — Liberty. Theaters Planned and Under Const. Danville, by C. C. Springfield ; Glenwood by J. M. Kaufman. CALIFORNIA New Theaters San Francisco — Amazon ; 'Sanger — New Sanger. Changes in Ownership Alturas — Empress, sold to M. L. Vates by Lena Y. Danforth ; Colton — Hidalgo, sold to Ben Saugeda by G. E. Cooper; Corona — Chapultepec, sold to J. A. Smith by Luiz Crus ; Ft Bragg — ^Liberty, sold to Geo. Mann Theaters by J. J. Perry ; Long Beach — Ebell, sold to J. P. Hansen by O. A. lOlson ; Los Angeles — Arrow, sold to Drane & Kulla by Jack Oster ; Bandbox, sold to Mr. Gevuritz by Principal Theaters; Bel- mont, sold to Chotiner Bros, by John Gor- ing ; Broadway Palace, sold to Gus Metzger by Orpheum Circuit ; Brooklyn, sold to F. A. Menello by Theatrical Enter. ; Hub, suld to Hilda Singer by Gus Pappas ; Lvric, sold to J. J. De Vaux by M. A. Bley; Meralta, sold to Robbins & Berman by Theatrical Enter. ; Principal, sold to D. Acosta by Willard Wyatt ; Oakland- Home, sold to M. Gluschkin by Wierman & Vurek; Red Bluff— Orpheum, sold tn T & D Jr. Enter, by T. T. Wood; Red- dmg— Redding, sold to T & D Jr. Enter. l>y J. J. Wood; San Francisco — Diamond, sold to John A. Hanson by Lippert & Smith; Imperial, sold to Bert Lew Circuit by Markowitz Bros.; Larkin, sold to Viola Langer by Kinema Theater Corp. ; Lorene, sold to John Woodbaugh by Mrs. C. Thoshinsky ; San Jose — Lyric, sold to lohn Phillips by Kinema Theater Corp. ; Stock- ton— Stockton, sold to W. Nebeshina bv Lmcoln Strand Corp. ; Suinsun — .•\rling- ton, sold to V. S. Naggair by Toe Blumcn- feld Theaters. Closings Boyes Springs — Boyes Springs; Fellows- Star; Maricopa — Mission; Point Reys — Pomt Reys; Wheatland— Wheatland. COLORADO New Theaters Englewood-Golhic. Openings Byers — Burton; Johnstown (icni. Changes in Ownership Bonanza— Kilz, sold to Max Williams by L. E. Prati ; Denver — Colorado, sold to Ho race W. Bennett Co. by BishopCa.<.s Inv. Co.; Empress, sold to Bert Levy Circuit; I'alni. sold to Holimann & Johnson by Dave Kossman ; Genoa— School, sold to J. A. Morgan by Business Men's Cluh ; Mek- ker — Princess, sold to Lynn Dunham by Victor Slitka ; Palisade — Rialto, sold to Frank Router by D. Danielson ; Stratton —Majestic, sold to Glen Weikel by L. L. Harmon. Closings Augilar- Colorado ; Denver — Emblem. CONNECTICUT Changes in Ownership Bridgeport — Capitol, sold to L. Anger by J. Anderson ; Bridgeport — Rialto, sold to Strand -Amuse. Co. by Alderson & Pickus ; So. Norwalk — Rialto, sold to Norwalk The- aters Corp. by A. Terris. Closings West Haven — Cameo. FLORIDA Openings Gainesville — Florida. Changes in Ownership Bushnell — Franklyn, sold to H. A. Mahon by Vann & Winton ; Clearwater — Ft. Harri- son, sold to Mrs. Oriett Jordan by H. Pit- man; Gainesville — Metts, sold to F. B. Beeman by J. C. Metts ; Lynn Haven — Lynn Haven, sold to Miss C. Ernestine Cooley by O. S. Barron ; Tampa — Chariott, sold to J. E. Wood by L. Goodbread ; Ybor City — Italian Club, sold to Antonio Juran by -Antonio Vcnto. Closings Lynn Haven — Lynn Haven ; Pompano — Pom- pano. GEORGIA Openings Atlanta — -Dixie ; Griffin — ^Rex. Changes in Ownership Atlanta — -Capitol, sold to Locw's by Univcr- .sal ; Capitol View, sold to A. Hally by W. Z. Hudson; Lakewood Heights, sold to J. M. Young by E. R. Greene; Dublin — Crystal and Rose, sold to Peck & Smith by C. S. Smith ; Ft. Valley— Franklin, sold to A. H. McCarty by W. L. Brandenburg; Grantville — Movie, sold to M. W. Dumeran by J. L. Blair; Royston — Royston, sold to B. M. Spears by B. S. Randall; Sparta- Sparta, sold to R. R. Bryan by D. T. Clary; West Point^Al Bun, sold to J. M. Etheridge by L. J. Duncan. IDAHO Changes in Ownership Boise — Strand, sold to J. Edwin Thamert. INDIANA Re-Openings Bicknell — Colonial ; Dagger — Majestic ; Ft. Wayne — -Majestic. Changes in Ownership Crawfordville — ■.■\rc and Strand, sold to Von- derschmitt Ent. Co. by Arthur Jackson ; Greencastle — Granada, sold to Harris Mc- Carroll Ent. by V'onderschmitt Ent. ; Hess- ville — Family, sold to Potritz & Troy by Geo. Gauthier ; Indianapolis — iSenate, sold to Louis G. Hill by Hill Bros. ; Marion — Indiana, Lyric, Grand and Royal, sold to Fourth Ave. Amuse. Co. by Marion The- ater Co. ; New Carlisle — -Cosmo, sold to Kromewitter & Brooker ; Topeka — Topeka, sold to R. Shadkier. i:^>dM!f^l TALK and SOUND TRAILERS Thrill and Entertain as well as SELL Synchronized Attractions To Patrons of "Wired" Theatres -^'l-^^iJ^^HJ^V'i DAILY TIPS WHICH MEAN DOLLABS FOR SHOWMEN "Lilac Time" (First Nafl) Distributed an advertising card wliidi appeared at first glance to be a season pass to tiic Manos Theater. Ten tlu usand of tbcni were distril)- uted. The first sentence on the card read, "Don't let the season pass with- out seeing the world's greatest sound production, 'Lilac Time.' " The words, "Season Pass," were printed in large type clear across the card. It got the film a showing before the eyes of prospective patrons. Adver- tising space was taken in the score card of the high school football game. — Louis E. Rann, Manos, Greens- burg, Pa. "Manhattan Cocktail" (Paramount) Novelty heralds were distributed throughout the city. These heralds had a match attached with copy read- ing, "Don't Get Lit! — with bad liquor — but for delicious intoxication. See 'Manhattan Cocktail' with Nancy Carroll and Richard Arlen at the Publix Empire." — H. C. Farley, Em- pire, Montgomery, Ala. "Our Dancing Daughters" (M-G-M) Tie-up was arranged with the Tor- reon Dance Palace for a "Our Danc- ing Daughters" dancing contest. They allowed the theater to place a girl on the inside and distribute heralds to all those attending. This girl also distributed cigarettes secured in a tie-up. — Midland, Kansas City, Mo. "The Red Dance" (Fox) Orchestra playing every Friday night at one of the leading hotels pulled a contest for the best dance to the tunc of "Someday Somewhere We'll Meet Again" the theme song of the picture. This stunt created quite a bit of talk among the dancing set. — E. E. Whitaker, Montgomery, Spartanburg, S. C. "The Singing Fool" (Warners) For a ballyhoo, a man dressed as Jolson with a black face make-up walked around the streets playing a small jazz horn and carrying a sign on his back reading, "Hear and See Al Jolson in 'The Singing Fool' at the Strand all next week. Jlcar the theme song 'Sonny Boy' on sale at the Montgomery Fair." The bally- hoo man also visited crowded de- partment stores and other public places where people were congre- gated. The Montgomery Fair paid half the expense of the ballyhoo. — Hugh J. Smart, Strand, Montgomery, Ala. WHAT EVERY EXHIBITOR KNOWS The Regional Magazine is liis ^^Home Torwn Paper*' read from cover to cover by lilmself and family be- cause it tells him things he DOESN'T know about the men he DOES kno^w. IN EASTERN PENNA., SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY AND DELAWARE IT'S THE BARRIST-GOODWIN PUBLICATIONS 219-23 N. BROAD ST. PHILADELPHIA, PA. The 1929 1100 Pag Will Film Year Book and 500 Advertisers be Out This Week -; The 1930 Film Year Book Is Already in Preparation Monday, January 28, 1929 DAILY Astor — "Jininiy \aliiitnic Canco— "UlJoat 9" .. I Capitol— "A Woman jI Altairs Central— "Weary River" , Colony— "Sal of SinK-T'ri- Criterion — "Redikin" Embasjy— "The Bellamy Tr.al Gaiety— "The River" _ I Hippodrome- "Syntlu-tc Sm LocVs New York-Monday. "\\ «'.."' ^f" zibar; Tuesday. "Outlaws anJ lirJken Barriers;" Wednesday. "Rom.incc ot tic Underworld;" Thursday. "Give and Tace: Friday. "The Aiia-lie" and "Oii the Ui vide;" Saturday. "Marriage by Contract; Sunday. "Adoratio'-." Mark Strand— "On Trial" Paramount -"Interterence' Rialto--"Tlic WoU o( W lU Street RivoU— "Sins of the Fathers" Roxy — "III Old Arizona" Warners— "My Man" WiTer Garden— "The Sinking tool Equity Enjoined on 20 Week Employment Rule (Continued from Page 1) tresses in the legitimate, musical and comedy field." The rule, which was passed by the association last Sep- tember, specifies that the personal representative must agree to secure emplovmcnt for the member at least 20 weeks in each year of the agree- ment, at a salary not less than the average salary paid to the member during his engagements for three years before the date of the agree- ment. Nathan Burkan, representmg William Edelstein. manager and lagent for actors, secured the injunc- tion. The order is directed against Frank Gillmore, acting president and executive secretary of the association, • and other officers. Stencil Buys Jackson Theater ! Jackson, Ga.— Paul P. Stencil has purchased the Jackson from N. T. Regland and has changed the name to the Lyric. He is spending $5,000 in remodeling and equipment. Changes in Atlanta Houses Atlanta, Ga. — Five theaters in the Atlanta district have changed own- ership. They are the Gypsy at La- I fayette, Ala., from C. H. Carney to O. L. Shclnutt; Capitol View at At- lanta from A. Nally to O. J. Mason; Majestic at Nashville, Ga. from E. F. Boyd to Ed Falte, and the Pas- time at Townley, Ala. from Mrs. W. S. Thornton to Cecil Bushnell. Herman Arnold Made Director Bedford, Ind. — Herman Arnold, former manager of the Von Ritz, has been made managing director of the Vondcrschmitt Circuit with houses at Crawfordsville, Greencastle and Bedford. Kentucky Chain Expands Terre Haute, Ind. — The Fourth Avenue Amusement Co., a Louisville, Ky. firm headed by Fred Dolle, has added four more houses to its In- diana string taking over the Hippo- drome. Indiana, American and Lib- erty here. New House for Rome, Ga. Rome, Ga. — Lam Amusement Co. \ is having built a $110,000 theater to \t seat 1,500, which will be ready about 1 1 May 1. Seeks Show Control of Minors in Maryland (Conliiiiied from Paiic 1) be less tlian four feet lotig. The sec- ond section reads: "Xu child l)etwecn the ages of ten and 14, both inclusive, shall lie allow- •(! to witness any represeiitation t>r • liowiiig of a motion picture unless iccompanied by an adult: provided, however, that this shall not apply if there is shown a statement on the screen of not less than four feet of film that the picture has been ap- )roved by the State Board of Cen- sors fi>r children from ten to 14 vears." Those convicted of violating the measure, if passed, would be subject to penalties being imposed of from $5 to $50. British Lion to Handle Melotone in England British Lion Film Corp., Ltd., is to handle distribution in England of Melotone, disc synchronizer. S. W. Smith, who recently was in New York, closed a deal for 100 machines. Chain of Virginia Houses Planned by New Company Charlottesville, Va. — Enterprise Theater Corp., formed with Sol Ro- senburg as president, is to build a theater here costing $300,000, as one of the chain of houses planned throughout the States. It will be a sound house. Giles Sells Gary Houses Gary, Ind. — Smith & Hart, operat- ing the Empire and Cort in Auburn, Ind., have bought the Royal and Pas- time from A. Giles. Plan Big One for Lawrence Lanience, Mass. — Herbert A. Hor- gan of Boston has purchased the old Boston & Maine depot here, and it is reported that he will build New England's largest theater on the site, in connection with an office building. The deal involved $500,000. Gottesman in Middletown Middletown, Conn. — -The Capitol has been taken over by the .Alfred Gottesman Theatrical Enterprises, the former operators, who will again play a split week vaude and picture policy. Edwin Leighton will be retained as manager. Fined Under "Blue" Law Lakewood, N. J. — Four persons have been fined here by the city Re- corder for violating the old "blue" laws by operating Sunday shows. Spizzi Recovering Arthur Spizzi who has been con- fined to his bed with an attack of influenza is now recuperating and is expected back this week to resume production for Reeltone Talking Pic- ture Corp. Reopen Brea Theater Brea, Cal. — The Red Lantern is to be reopened by the Brea Investment Co., who purchased the unexpired lease from W. W. Whitmer of Los Angeles. Fox Gets Four Buffalo Suburbans; Seeks More (i. t>iitiiiued from I'age 1) has acquired four local houses. The theaters secured here are the Genesee, Maxiiie, .^ciieca and Capitol. Genesee Holding ('orp., which operates the Genesee, 1,800-seater, has confirmed the signing of a preliminary contract with Fo.\, but neither confirmation nor denial of tiic other deals is forth- coming. Synchronization of Silent Films Is Chase Plan Extending its scope, M. P. .Syn- chronization Service, New York, has established a music department which will be devoted exclusively to the scoring of silent pictures for film producers, states Maurice A. Chase, president. The new department is to be conducted independently of the service which the synchronization firm is now oflfering to exhibitors and which consists of a synchronized cue service for non-synchronous equipment. The first producing com- pany to subscribe to the new service is General Pictures Corp. Australia Again Reports Enthusiasm Over Sound Excellent reception on the part of the public was accorded the intro- duction of sound at the Regent, Syd- ney, according to cable advices re- ceived from Hoyts Theaters by W. A. Robbins, New York representa- tive. The opening program included "The Red Dance" and Fox Movie- tone shorts. Small Towns in Michigan Hard Hit by Sound Films Battle Creek. Mich. — Theaters in towns surrounding Battle Creek are having a hard time attracting pa- tronage, due to the sound picture houses here, state newspapers of these towns. Fire at Nashua Theater Nashua, N. H. — Fire damaged the Colonial, destroying several rows of seats. The theater was able to re- open within two days. Howard S. Evans in Richmond Richmond, Va. — Howard S. Evans has been appointed to succeed V. E. Smith as manager of Loevv's here. Evans formerly was manager of the Strand at Memphis. J. J. De Wald at Gary Gary, III.— J. J. De Wald, former' manager of the Sipe and Indiana at Kokomo, has been appointed assist- ant to V. U. Young, general manager of the Young Amusement Co., with headquarters here. Granada, Chicago, Damaged Chicago — Flames that for a time threatened to destroy the Granada did damage estimated at $25,000 to the Granada Building. The blaze was discovered in the Granada restaurant, which occupies one of the store fronts in the build- ing. OHve Borden's Next "The Wildcat" has been selected as Olive Borden's second vehicle for Columbia. Because of its similarity in name to another feature Columbia will release this production under a ditTtrcnt title. John McCarthy will direct. Williams in Fox Cast Guinn Williams is playing the featured role in support of Charles Farreil and Janet Gaynor in "Blue Skies," a Fox production which is being filmed under Frank Borzage's direction. Finishing Work in "Hottentot" Edtiiuiul Hrcesi- will conclude work this week in the Warner production, "The Hottentot." He continues to appear nightly in the stellar role of the legitimate production, "So This Is London." now in its sixth week at the El Capitan. Cast Opposite Maynard Olive Ilasbrouck has been signed to play opposite Ken Maynard in his latest western. "The Royal Rider," which is being produced by Charles R. Rogers for First National. Miss Hasbrouck completes the cast, which includes I'hilipe de Lacy, Joseph Burke, Theodore Lorch, Harry Sem- els, General Icoiiakoff, Billy Franey and Bobbie Dunn. Harry J. Brown is directing. Starts "Two Weeks Off" Production on First National's "Two Weeks Off" has started at the Burbank studios under direction of William Beaudine. In the cast are Eddie Gribboii, Phyllis Crane, James F'inlayson, Kate Price and Gertrude Astor. William Boyd's Next Tay Garnett, who is to direct Wil- liam Boyd in his next Pathe star- ring feature, "The Flying Fool," is getting his original story ready for early shooting. Julanne Johnston in "F^risoners" Julanne Johnston has been cast in the role originally assigned to Lo- retta Young in "Prisoners," a Ferenc Molnar play, as Miss Young will not be through with her work in "The Squall" in time to appear in "Pris- oners." Paramore with Paramount Edward Paramore, Jr., who wrote "The Ballad of Yukon Jake," has been added to the dialogue writing and scenario staff at Paramount. Lawrence Gray with Fox Lawrence Gray has signed with Fox for a role in "Murder Will Out," an adaptation by Beulah Marie Dix, which Howard Hawks is directing. Cast for "Dark Streets" Wade Botcler and Aggie Herring are to appear in "Dark Streets," a First National-Vitaphone, in which Milton Sills plays a dual role. you have not ^mthis one hooked^ ^|L go after it ^ jHt GHOST ^ TALKS ^° "" ,u from t^e screen pbj ,he ghost talks from . ,,. lot of theatres. Uo| "The Ghosl Ta"" ^^^ j,^^ — " "'-fane T"' "«' ".^ st«dio'5 and one ^; ^.^^^^^^ ,„ is tailToaded in "'^rra tana moves .Shti " * '" Ver the expett eng.n- along und^" The steam --^^^^Td by an excellent beingfutmshedby ^^^^^ I ,,3t consisting of Hele" MA Charles Eaton. ^^11 "''" Earl Foxe and the coal-UJ Meyers. Earl ^^^^ expert J Ine being done Dy i ■- r «n Stephin Fetchit. fireman. ^^^ ,, 0/ tfce P'f ;;• ^ H,^ .tart 0/ entire cast to ^^.^ blacfe „,eetor'»'.''-^«\^,j„i„,y /etch« "'* '^"''"' J seen a negro char- y,e have ever seen ^^^^^ ^^^ -''' "T Wr<.a.. seen ne.ro voos real. ^ j^ (;, ^htles cHaracters pMye'J by ^^ and blacks, tut n^l^^^ ,,en.ed Ihey deliver^ AU> ^,,,^„c« -jaky"- *"' ' .fee real hunuin '» '"« ^'''"" wU aZ speech actions. ^"""'""Xten „, the part as ■wrxtten. at once I^JF'eature MbmETpNE WILLIAM FOX presents "' not got this one H you have not go ^^ ^^^^1 booked, go ^"^' ^ii upl „ as you get «. " As soon as y ^^^^ ] .-.rket chopper y°"^ Kine for there is go- ^^'^'^^ T hea^y traffic on your) ing to be heavy A COMEDY tharuill be a sei'isa"^ _ tional' success, not as a sound ■novelty, but as a screaminj^ly funny piece of screen entertainment. Marks /another big advance in sound. It is the I finest bit of sound reproduction that 1 I have heard yet. A picture that no one [can afford to miss." '■"^^^"^^"'"■^^ — Film Sp>ectator Hollywood S MORE FOX ALL -DIALOG FEATURES ic^iow Ready or in Production: IN OLD ARIZONA HEARTS IN DIXIE SPEAKEASY THRU DIFFERENT EYES THE VALIANT THE GHOST TALKS with HELEN TWELVETREES-CHARLES EATON-EARLE FOXE-CARMEL MYERS Story hy Max Mardn and Edward Hammond — - Dialog by Frederick H. Brennan and Harlan Thompson Scenario by Frederick H. Brennan — > LEW SEU.ER Production I Columbia Takes Over Liberty-Specialty Offices iTHE oypiLMDOM ALL THE HEWS ALLTUE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 24 Tuesday, January 29, 1929 Price 5 Cents A Talkie Moses HARRY CARR, whose ver- bal lance digs often and sharply into motion pic- tures, declares what the talkies need is a Moses to lead them out of the wilderness. Writing in the "Los Angeles Times," he -ays : What impresses me about the talkies is that no one knows what they arc all about. Are they to be stage plays plas- ered onto a screen with all the stage dia- logue? Or are they to be motion pic- tures with an occasional outburst into conversation? Or just a slamming door or the moo of a cow or the tick of a clock for punctuation? He sees the need for a great genius to fashion the mold for sound films and believes Max Reinhardt who is to direct Lil- lian Gish in a picture for United Artists is the artisan who will do it. So Far, This We agree with Carr, but only in part. There is much to be learned, but we draw attention to the indis- putable fact that almost every new dialogue picture denotes an advance over its predecessor. Perfection, of course, is still among the unachieved. The technique is new, the medium of sound unknown. It will take time. But we have an abiding faith in the ingenuity and the ability of the crea- tive element in production that the problem will be surmounted. Insofar as Carr's reference to Rein- hardt is concerned, we, like many others, will avidly watch what hap- pens. This superior German stage craftsman should do much to further the artistic standards of motion pic- tures. Artistry, do not forget, makes for quality and quality strengthens the cornerstone of the entire busi- ness. A Sm'^H Comedy "The Eligible Mr. Bangs" is well described. All-sound, nicely record- ed, well-dressed and performed, dia- logue lines that are both natural and sensible and a somewhat far-fetched, but nevertheless diverting, story idea. Edward Everett Horton is an excel- lent Bangs. Here is a comedy that reminds us of the famous Sidney Drew series which helped make at- tending picture thealgrs so pleasant years ago. Incidentally, the first of a new sound series from Educational. A very good beginning. "The Bride's Relations" It was the worst day of the win- ter. The venerable trade press — al- most all of it — was there to see a (.Continued on Page 2) LAEMNLE ON ANNIVERSARY PRAISES SOUND PROGRESS "Marvelous strides have been made in the past few months by motion picture studio experts in grasping the fundamentals of a new production technique for the making of talk- films," says Carl Laemmie, presi- dent of Universal, in a survey of the field upon the occasion of his twenty- third anniversary in the industry. This anniversary is being celebrated by a testimonial period of concen- trated activity in the Universal or- ganization, and by a unique expres- sion of good will by Laemmle's many exhibitor friends and well-wishers. "Despite contentions that it would take many months for motion picture producers to learn to coordinate dia- logue and pure screen action in pic- (.Continued cm Page 6) ALLIED DRIVE TO START SOON, MYERS DECLARES "Plain Myers" "Is it to be commissioner or Mr. Myers," queried THE FILM DAILY reporter, of the new head of the Allied States Ass'n. "Mr. will do, I guess," he replied, "or better still just Myers." Smith and Raskob Not to Enter Film Industry Sarasota, Fla. — Neither former Governor Al Smith nor John J. Ras- kob have any intention of entering the film industry, they declared in an interview here, denying the story which had been circulated as a re- sult of a telegram from Raskob made public on the Coast by Eddie Dowl- ing. The telegram quoted Raskob as saying he might be in Dowling's business soon. "So far as anyone can predict the future, neither of us will every enter the motion picture industry," Raskob said. "Cameo" Gets Control of Automatic Ticket Register Acquisition of a controlling interest in Automatic Ticket Register Corp., manufacturer of Gold Seal ticket reg- ister products, has been completed by Consolidated Automatic Merchandis- inz Corp. PiCK-UP CONTROL FEATURE OF JONES SYNCHRONIZER Control of pick-up which enables advance or retarding of reproduction while the disc is playing will be a feature of a disc synchronizer, soon to be placed on the market by E. W. Jones, research laboratories. The ar- rangement enables the operator to "jump" any missing parts of the film. The firm, which for some time has been synchronizing pictures for pro- ducers, now is making 33 1-3 rpm (Vitaphone speed) records, as well as standard speed records. A num- ber of standard speed discs are being recut for the 33 1-3 rmp. speed, which apidly is becoming standard through- out the industry for disc synchron- izers. Jones says that his firm, and not Cinephone, recorded sound ef- fects for "Street Scene," New York stage play. All Sound-on-Film Held Available for Phonofilm All distributors which market sound-on-film pictures are prepared to serve Phonofilm equipment of the (Continued on Page 6) Southern Exchange System Taken Over by Columbia W. E. Sound Equipment for RKO Hippodrome Western Electric sound equipment will be installed at the Hippodrome, New York, RKO house. The theater is reported to have been sold to Fred- erick Brown, New York realtor. No statement on the reported sale or fu- ture disposition of the property could be obtained at Brown's office. Columbia Pictures Corp., has ac- quired the entire group of Liberty- Specialty exchanges now operating throughout the South. The deal, which was consummated in New Orleans late last week, marks an important step in Columbia's nationalization program. The Liberty-Specialty exchange system includes branches in Atlanta, (Continued on Page 6) Head of Association Now Laying Groundwork of Organization Membership drive of Allied States Ass'n, is to get under way within a few weeks, Abram F. Myers, presi- dent and general counsel of the ex- hibitor unit, stated yesterday while in New York. Organization work is to be carried on in all sections. Myers now is laying the ground- work of the association, which is in- viting regional units of exhibitors to join with other units, which formed the nucleus of the revised organiza- tion. He now is selecting regional representatives, to be located at strategic points throughout the coun- try. His first speech to exhibitors is to be made at the convention of the Northwest exhibitor unit to be held Feb. 4 and 5 at Minneapolis. Pittsburgh Zone Unit to Vote on Allied Affiliation Pittsburgh — Whether the western Pennsylvania exhibitor unit, with lean- ing toward Allied States Ass'n, will join that organization will be deter- mined at the annual convention here April 14, 15 and 16. Stage Bands Resumed in Publix Sound Houses Atlanta — Stage band shows are be- ing resumed in the Howard here and the Alabama in Birmingham, the two Publix de luxe houses in this immediate territory which went "all sound" a few months ago. The band show policy went into effect yester- day at the Alabama. Howard re- sumes stage shows Feb. 4. All Nakken Patents Owned by Nakken Patents Corp. Xakkcn Patents Corp., New York, is owner of all Nakken patents, in- cluding the re-issue patent No. 16,870, Leonard Day, counsel for the firm makes clear, in correcting the er- roneous impression that the Nakken sound-on-film patent was owned by Kolster Radio. It previously was stated in error that Kolster firm was owner of the patent. THE Vol. XLVII No. 24 Tuesday, Ian. 29, 1929 Price 5 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; DonaJd M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $19.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should reTiit with older. Address all communica- tion-i to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. HoHywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London— Ernest W. Frtdman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I B«rlin— Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cioematographie Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noue», 19. iSTOCK MARKET High Low Clo»e Am. Seat 34^ 34!^ 34^ Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 28 27/2 28 East. Kodak 183 182 182 •do pfd 128 »First Nat. pfd 105 Fox Fm. "A" ... 96 94^ 95 ♦do rts • 3 Keith A-O 4054 39^ 39!4 do pfd 125 125 12'5 Loew's, Inc 77 75'^ 76'4 do pfd 109^ 10854 10954 *M-G-M pfd 25^ M. P. Cap 18Ji 18'4 18M Para. F-L 65 J4 645/^ 65 Pathe Exch 12"^ 12% 12}4 do "A" 26J4 255^ 26 Radio K-A-O 41 40 AO'A Stanley Co 41 41 41 •Univ. Pict. pfd 98^ Warner Bros 126J^ 124?^ 125 Warner pfd 55 Ji 55 55 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 13M l^'A 13J4 •Bal. & Katz 80!^ Con. Fm. Ind 24 22'54 23% *Film Insp I'A Fox Thea. "A" ... 34% 33 34 •Intern. Proj 18% Loew do deb. rts.. 40 39 39 1^ Nat. Scr. Ser 31 30-4 30/2 Nat. Thea. Sup... 10 J^ lO^i 105^ Trans-Lux UH WVz il'A •Univ. Pict 23J4 BOND MARKET Keith A-0 6s 46. 95 95 95 Loew 6s 41ww 119 118M 119 do 6s 41 x-war.. 99>4 99>4 99'4 Paramount 6s 47 .100 99M 100 Par. By. 5/s 51.. 102'/^ 102 102 Pathe 7s 37 83 82'/^ 83 CURB BONDS •Am. Seat. 6s 46 98^/^ •Warner 6i/s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 34 36 do units 3S'A 37 do com S'A 6 .... Skouras Bros SO 54 Technicolor 1254 13J^ United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2 do pfd 76 84 •LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 1,600 1,500 300 A,i66 i',266 100 27,500 800 '366 63,400 7,200 400 15,300 100 is'.soo 2,100 3,200 lo'.soo e'.soo "soo 200 100 21,200 Loew Dividend Declared Quarterly dividend of $1.62^ per share has been declared on the out- standing $6.50 cumulative preferred stock of Loew's, payable Feb. 15, to preferred stockholders of record Feb. 4. A Talkie Moses (Continued from Page 1) Sennett talking comedy, "The Bride's Relations" by name. Ofif went the lights and on went the opus. It wasn't long after that the laughter began to mount and stay that way. Remember: rotten day, film — satur- ated newspaper men and a projection room showing. Only a jewel among comedies could get the response it did. For your box-ofifice good, get it. Educational is the place to go. KANN Damita Tour Completed Lily Damita, who has been mak- ing a personal appearance tour of the middle west in connection with show- ings of "The Rescue," her first American-made picture, in Colum- bus, Louisville, Indianapolis and St. Louis, completes her tour today and goes directly to the Coast. The new Samuel Goldwyn star will have only a short period for rest before begin- ning work on a new picture for which her services have been loaned to M-G-M. "Piccadilly" Opening Wednesday Word has been received by J. D. Williams that the World premiere of "Piccadilly" will take place Wednes- day at the Carlton, Paramount house, in Haymarket, London. This is the E. A. Dupont picture with Gilda Gray, Anna May Wong and Jame- son Thomas upon which the direc- tor worked for six months, and which will be brought to America by World Wide. The picture is Ar- nold Bennett's first original for the screen. Another Talmadge Deal Oscar A. Price has sold to M. Kleinerman of Exhibitors Film Ex- change, distribution rights in Cuba to "The Bachelors' Club" the first of a series of four pictures starring Richard Talmadge who is under con- tract to star for Mr. Price. Indict Theater Men Martins Ferry, O. — Nine indict- ments were returned against owners and operators for presenting Sunday shows here. Indictments were is- sued by the Belmont county grand jury in session at St. Clairsville. Fire Destroys Hamilton House Hamilton, O. — The Rialto theater building was destroyed by fire of undetermined origin. Damage esti- mated at $150,000. Film Board Secretaries Change Kansas City — Miss Marion McCul- lough of Indianapolis succeeds Miss A. L. Menaugh, Feb. 1^ as secretary of the local Film Board. Miss Bon- nie Long, assistant secretary at Dal- las, will become Indianapolis secre- tary. Miss Helen Vogler has been named Montreal secretary. Miss Ruth Doyle has left Montreal for St. Johns, New Brunswick, to train a new secretary there. Raives with Life Insurance Firm Sol Raives, president of the The- ater Owners Chamber of Commerce, New York, has been named special representative of the Equitable Life Insurance Society. New Manager at Williston Williston, Fla. — Rubin Moore is new manager of the Royal, replacing H. B. Clark, transferred to Jackson- ville by Publix. Colony Run for "Simba" "Simba," Martin Johnson jungle film, is to have its first run in New York at pop prices at the Colonj-, opening Feb. 9. Mr. and Mrs. Mar- tin Johnson are to appear in person, during the run. Releasing French Re-Issue The French film "Cranquebille" directed by Jacques Feyder, which was shown in United States in 1923, is to be re-issued by Red Seal Pic- tures Corp., New York. The Industry's Date Book I Jan. 31 Theatrical baU of Los Angeles branch of Actors Equity Ass'n. Jan. 31 Opening of 6,000 seat Fox Theater, St. Louis. Feb. 1 Film Guild Cinema opens in New York. Feb. 1 Opening of 4,000-seat Toledo-Para. mount at Toledo. Feb. 2 Fox Athletic Club Dinner and Dance at Waldorf-Astoria, N. Y. Feb. 3 Dinner of the Silver Screen spons- ored by The Film Bureau in Nev» York. "^ Feb. 4 and 5 Convention of Northwest ex- hibitor unit at Minneapolis. Feb. 9 Dinner of Writers Branch of Acad- emy of M. P. Arts and Sciences, Hollywood, to visiting dialogue B writers. Feb. 14 1929 Wampas Frolic, Hollywood. Universal Club Dance, Hotel Aster, New York. Mar. 2 AMPA HoUjrwood Masque Ball in New York. Apr. 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn. sylvania Exhibitor Unit. \ Barthelmess Leaves Richard and Mrs. Barthelmess left • yesterday for Florida after a vacation in New York. From Florida they" will go to Havana, and return to Los !■ Angeles by way of Mexico. Second Week for "On Trial" Warner Bros. all-talking Vita- phone production, "On Trial" starring Pauline Frederick with Bert Lytell and Lois Wilson, has entered its sec- ond week at the Mark Strand, New York. Free Show Gets By on Sunday Lakevvood, N. J. — By letting pa- trons in free, Sol Brill's Palace here circumvented the "blue" laws and the sheriff, who a week previously had arrested the manager and three as- sistants, permitted the show to go on. Jolson on Way to Coast Al Jolson, Warner Bros, star, has left New York for Hollywood after a brief stay of a few days. Soon after his arrival on the Coast, he will start work on his next Vitaphone produc- tion, "Mammy." Julian Josephson is now at work on the script which is based on a story by Leslie S. Bar- rows, author of "The Singing Fool." Lewis Leaves Vitaphone Warren Lewis has resigned from the Vitaphone Corp., where he han- dled exploitation and publicity to join the E. H. Holmes Airport, Inc., which is developing an aviation cen- ter on Long Island. In his new post, Lewis will be in charge of ad- vertising and general promotion work. New Owner at Chewelah, Wash. Chewelah, Wash. — G. E. Terhune, formerly of Walla Walla, has bought the Empress from D. A. Morgan. Schools, Churches and Clubs using Motion Pictures Should Subscribe for THE EDUCATIONAL SCREEN and keep up-to-date with the new films and new equipment **1001 FILMS'' (Fifth EdiHoai Complete reference booklet, listing nearly 3,000 educational films given at reduced rate with each subscription $1.50 per year - 5 South Wabash Ave,, Chicago, III. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions fior Picture Tiieatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York Gty Phone Pef^. 3S80 BUREAU OF COMMERCIAL ECONOMICS 1108 Sixteenth Street Washington, D. C. Co-operating with 42 Govern- ments and loaning films free and speakers throughout the world for the purpose of public instruction. L WAAHta (UCHMONO CUISHED ALL TALK I INC SUPE CE HES CIAL ^'>ADS Mk^* **^VS-i ^ism^msxa ""H^Oi; In the veil of night at sea, the flickering lights, the sputtering aerial and the fluctuat- ;^^ ^r^r^r^c,<:c, nnrtpnd stranee deeds— and then. PI CTU RE rH E TALK OF TH E TOWN O > Masterfully supervised and directed by Benjamin Glazer — Horace Jack- son's brilliant adaptation of Benja- min Glazer and Melchior Lengyel's original — produced on a magnifi-' cent scale — enacted by "dramatic players tested in the most famous plays of the century — a revelation as to what can be done with the new wonder of the screen, dialogue t ^ o Pafhe (§ Rcture .;^tti«^*^^ .■^LinWWfiW*" i^ like a meteor from no^vhere, comes the phantom murderer —startling— actionful— swift-moving— baffling in its solution THE 4 Tuesday, January 29, 1929 "Lucky-Boy" Tie-ups Al Selig, director of adver- tising and publicity for Tiffany- Stahl, has negotiated a tie-up with a national Lucky Strike advertising campaign in con- junction with the Tiffany-Stahl special production "Lucky Boy" starring George Jessel in his first singing and talking picture. The tie-up was handled through Hartman of the Lord & Thomas & Logan Advertising Agency who are handling the nation- wide advertising campaign of Lucky Strikes for the American Tobacco Company. In addition to the newspaper and magazine advertising, George Jessel's en- dorsement of the Lucky Strike cigarette will be broadcast over WEAF'S nation-wide network on the Lucky Strike Hour on Saturday nights, a week preced- ing the opening of "Lucky Boy" throughout the country and for several weeks thereafter. Laemmle Has Praise For Sound Progress {Continued from Paiic 1) ture niakinj?, this is already being done and that the new art of talking pictures has advanced to a remarkable state of perfection," he asserts. Laemmle entered the industry Feb. 6, 1900, when he opened his first the- ater, a store-front show in Chicago called the Whitefront theater. Several months later he started an exchange. Later, he entered production as well. Through the hectic days of one and two reel features, unit shows, fly-by- night adventurers, and finally film trust pressure, he steered the growing Laemmle Film Service, and the Imp production organization. With his leadership in the anti-trust fight he assumed a commanding position among independents and engineered the consolidation of several of the principal independents into the Uni- versal organization in 1912. From this modest beginning, the vast Uni- versal net-work of exchanges, theaters and producing units has grown. Sparks Protests Against Orlando /Municipal Shows Orlando, Fla. — Protest against showing of pictures at the municipal auditorium has been launched by E. J. Sparks, who says this competition IS proving disastrous to local houses. Admission, lower than that of the the- aters, is charged for the showings. The city council has the protest under advisement. Eddie Crane With Shimko Jacksonville, Fla. — Eddie Crane, who has been at the Capitol for the past year as manager, has resigned, fie will be associated with the Shim- ko interests in St. Petersburg, Fla., as manager of the Patio. L. R Pierce at Memphis Memphis, Tenn. — L. R. Pierce has been appointed manager of the Or- pheum. Pierce has been manager of the Home State Film Co. at Omaha. 44 HOME TOWN PAPERS The Regional Magazine is the Exhibitor's ''Home Town Paper" — Intimate, Local, Personal, Homey. It is the one Trade Paper he reads from Cover to Cover. IN NEW YORK STATE AND NORTHERN NEW JERSEY ITS THE NEW YORK 6TATE ff Columbia Takes Over Southern Exchanges (.Continued from Page 1) Charlotte, Memphis, New Orleans, Dallas and Oklahoma City. , Under the terms of the deal Columbia will take over the exchanges Feb. 2nd, and will act as agents for Liberty- Specialty in fulfilling contracts for film service, although the exchanges will operate as Columbia exchanges. It is understood that Columbia is laying $450,000 as the purchase price. Liberty-Specialty was formed a few years ago through the merging of Liberty Film Distributing in At- lanta, with the Specialty Film Co. It was owned jointly by Oscar S. Old- know, of Atlanta; W. G. Underwood, of Dallas; and the Saenger interests, of New Orleans. No changes in branch office per- sonnel are anticipated under the new ownership. Columbia will take over a well-organized group of exchanges already identified with Columbia Pic- tures through distribution of that product. Those exchanges will con- tinue to function without interruption or confusion. It means that the three former own- ers of Liberty-Specialty will step "out of the picture" and their places will be taken by Columbia officials. Mr. Underwood, who has served as gen- eral manager of Liberty-Specialty, will devoted his energies to a group of theaters in which he already is finan- cially interested — the Robb & Rowley chain, which includes some 65 the- aters in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkan- sas. Oldknow, although he retained his holdings in Liberty-Specialty until this new deal was closed, surrended the active management of its affairs to Mr. Underwood at the time Na- tional Theater Supply Company was organized and Oldknow became its vice president with supervision over all southern branches. Short Shots from New York Studios By ARTHUR W. EDDY ^ MORTON Downey, young tenor and picture star, and Barbara Bennett, daughter of Richard Bennett and sister of Constance and Joan Ben- nett, were married in St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York, yesterday. Margaret and Dorothy McCarthy, musical comedy stars, stood up with the bride, and the best man was Richard Callahan. * Colvin W. Brown, Executive Vice President of Pathe, Robert T. Kane, president and general manager of Sound Studios, Inc., Gene Markey the author, Mr. and Mrs. H. McAleenan of- 1049 Park Avenue and Tom, Cum- mings were among those present. I Brothers! That's what the Para- mount Long Island Studio has just got nothing else but. Look at these: Cozine — Arthur, stage and location manager, and Ray, assistant director of "Gentlemen of the Press"; Cron- jager, Eddie, chief cameraman for Richard Dix, and Henry, assistant cameraman; Doran, Dan, property man, and John, boss grips; Biroc, Joe and Mousey, props; Ostroff, Irv- ing and Otto, props. Then there is Dave Sarecky, general assistant to John W. Butler, the executive man- ager, who is a brother to Lou Sar- ecky, formerly editorial supervisor at the studio, now assistant to William LeBaron of FBO. All Sound-on-Film Held Available for Phonofilm (Continued from Page 1) Forum, 138th St. and Brook Ave., New York, according to Manager Berger. The house yesterday began its Phonofilm policy, with "Taxi 13," RKO film, as the feature. WXBIBIToR "'"^ TWiYfy SfPPLEMt/^r BARRIST-GOODWIN PUBLICATIONS 219-23 N. BROAD ST. PHILADELPHIA, PA. 24 Sheets Posted on AMPA Hollywood Masque Ball Through courtesy of the General Outdoor Advertising Co., block 24- sheets advertising the A.M. P. A. Hol- lywood Masque Ball at the Astor, March 2, are being posted through- out Greater New York. A wedding gift of $150 in gold was presented by fellow-workers of the ] Paramount Long Island Studio to Caroline Cerveny, secretary to David J. Sarecky, who just returned from a two-weeks honeymoon. Miss Cer- veny was manned to Charles Gut- knecht. The presentation was made by William Collier, actor, playwright and director, who is assisting with the dialogue on Richard Dix's new all-talking starring picture, "Noth- ing But the Truth." Maas, Edit'l Supervisor Paramount Shorts in N. Y. Ernest Maas, who returned from an extensive trip abroad several months ago, has been appointed editorial supervisor of sound short subjects at Paramount's Eastern studio. David E. Dow Promoted Louisville, Ky. — David E. Dow, resident general manager of the K-A- O theaters here, has been named di- vision manager in the western district of the corporation, operating out of Chicago. Miss Zahrah V. Haven, who has been assistant to Rowland V. Lee, Paramount director, for two years past, has arrived in New York to work under the direction of Robert Florey in the production of the all- talking film, "The Cocoanuts," star- ring the Four Marx Brothers, at the Paramount Long Island Studio. Miss Haven spent six months in the read- ing department of the west coast studio and was a script clerk for Lee, later assuming duties of higher rat- ing. Devaney Made District Head Cleveland — Leo Devaney, for three years manager of tiie UniversaL ex- change here, has been placed in charge of the Mid-West division, co\' ering Cleveland, Cincinnati, Indian apolis and Detroit, with headquarter- at Cincinnati. Harry Young is ne^\ local manager. Phil M. Daly Takes a Day OSS C/ANl- PRESS AS 18 Tons of PAPet? ^^-^ ^' AMD /^OO [JS OF /NK^ VEAR and Puts the 1929 Fil m Daily Ye ar gOoo PfecE^ o^^fA)l fjjzq iiooPAges K| Book to Press THE m 8 DAILY Tuesday, January 29, 1 1 A Little from (€ Lots ft By RALPH WILK Hollywood PRINCETON students should be credited with originating the talkers, according to Tom J. Geragh- ty, the scenarist and title writer. The Princetonians "converted" the silent pictures into talkers by providing their own "dialogue" during the showing of pictures, he says. The other night, the Princeton boys view- ed "Naughty Baby," which had been titled by Tom and his son, Jerry, who is a Princeton student. There were cries of "author" when Jerry's name was flashed on the screen. * * * Our Passing Show: Ben Lyon taking John Farrow and Hal Howe for an air- plane ride; Leonard Fields being welcomed to Universal City; Elmer Clifton and Frank Joyce discussing pic- tures. + * * We wonder whether Rich- ard Barthelmess knows the other Dick Barthelmess, who writes rowing notes for "The San Diego Sun." * * * Gene Towne, one of Hollywood's most prolific writers of comedy ma- terial, has sold "I. O. U.," an orig- inal story to First National. Gene has been writing titles and gags for First National for four years. * * * Excellent reports filter in from previews of "Manchu Love," which was directed by Elmer Clifton. It is the first Americanr^made picture that boasts an all-Chinese cast. * * * Bert Roach, former M-G-M com- edian, is free-lancing. Bert played an important role in "The Last Warning" and is now considering several offers. He was with M-G-M for four years and this is the first time in 10 years that he is free-lanc- ing. * * * "Playback" is the new term used to describe reproduction on the set of players' voices, recorded on discs. The record is played at the end of the scene to detect and correct flaws. * * * Emory Johnson, producer of a number of box office bell ringers, has gone into the portrait business with Carl Siegel, formerly of New York. The partners have opened an elabo- rate Hollywood studio. New Contract for Krafft John W. KrafTt has signed a new contract with Pathe under which he will continue to title all Pathe silent pictures. He will also have a broad- er scope as a dialogue writer. He wrote the dialogue for "Sal of Singa- pore." Warners Borrow Hale Alan Hale has been loaned to War- ner Bros, by Pathe to be co-featured with Edward Everett Horton in "The Sap." Archie Mayo will direct. Coast Wire Service U. A. Speeds Schedule DIALOGUE ORDER OF WEEK AT II. fl. All the big guns at United Artists are being heard, microphones and dialogue being the order of the week. Mary Pickford has nearly completed her 100% talking version of "Co- quette" and she is starting right away on the silent version. Norma Tal- madge is studying diction with Laura Hope Crews prior to beginning work in an all-talkie, her next. Gloria Swanson has finished the silent ver- sion of "Queen Kelly," under Von Stroheim's direction, and is now pre- paring to talk and sing in additional sequences, via Photophone. Doug- las Fairbanks has faced the mikes on his "The Iron Mask" talks that are like soliloquys. Ronald Colman fol- lows "The Rescue" with "Bulldog Drunimond," a 100% talkie already cast. Herbert Brenon's "Lummox," also 100% talkie, was prepared in New York by Brenon and Fannie Hurst, the author, and will be put in production promptly. "Alibi," Ro- land West's all-talking version of "Nightstick," is completed with talk and is now being made silently. Harry Richman is expected in Hol- lywood this spring, for "Song of Broadway," all-talking-singing. Lupe Velez has sung six times in the com- pleted "Lady of the Pavements," D. W. Griffith production due on Broad- way soon. Alma Rubens sings in "She Goes to War," Henry King picture, also completed. Synchron- ized are "Eternal Love," John Barry- more-Ernst Lubitsch, completed; and Rex Ingram's "Three Passions," also completed. It has been decided as general pol- icy of United Artists that all films made with talk also will be made silently; and the versions will be made separately and distinctly, not with parallel production schedules. Prac- tically all forthcoming pictures will have talk; even Chaplin, in "City Lights," will use dialog. John W. Considine, Jr., who has spent three weeks in New York City looking over new plays, is due back in Hol- lywood today. Because of the dialog angle, plays are getting preference over novels and originals in story purchases these days; with the dialog of a stage play a producer can figure on effects, because he knows what reactions were produced; new talk is apt to be more uncertain, tossed out into the air with some uncer- tainty. United Artists have engaged George Scarborough, author of "The Heart of Wetona" and "The Lure," as dialog consultant. Sign Fred Kohler Fred Kohler has been signed by First National for a role in "Broad- way Babies," starring Alice White. Wampas Frolic Cancelled ; Plan Testimonial Dinner Frolic of the Wampas has been cancelled. A testimonial dinner to an outstanding personality is plan- ned instead, with the Wampas stars to be guests of honor. Added to F. N. Cast Jed Prouty, Dixie Gay and Gert- rude Messinger have been added to cast of the First National- Vitaphone picture, "Two Weeks Off," which co- stars Dorothy Mackaill and Jack Mulhall. Among others cast are Ed- die Gribbon, Gertrude Astor, James Finlayson and Kate Price. William Beaudine is directing the production. Gloria Changing Plans Gloria Swanson may make an Ed- mund Goulding original as her next picture for United Artists. She now is finishing "Queen Kelly" under Goulding's direction, and had been slated to make "Clothes" as her next picture. Meighan's First Set "The Argyle Case" is to be Thomas Meighan's first Vitaphone starring vehicle. It is from a play by Robert Hillyard. Work is to start late next month. 7 Under Way Seven sound pictures are un- der way at Universsil, a highl| mark for the company. White Resigns from Firs National Studio P Recording Laboratories of America, Inc. ( Affiliated with ) William M. Brown & Company, Inc. 220 East 38th Street New York Cit Telephone VAN. 9562-3 Woodhull in Favor of Arbitrator Training Classes 9f<> NEWSPAPER >/'FILMDOM / ML THE MEWS ALLTHE TIME OL. XLVII No. 25 Wednesday, January 30, 1929 Price 5 Cents rai MACHINE TO HAVE OUND-ON-fILM RECORDER [Addition of a soiuui-on-filni repro- licing attachment tor the Pacent disc producer is planned at an early date, ouis Pacent, head of the Pacent Re- "oducer Corp., New York, stated in inouncing that 12 machines now are operation in theaters. \'itaphone to service the device, it is generally hderstood. V'itaphone films for re- •oduction by the device will be rrved or not according to tests on ich individual installation, it recently as announced. I Pacent announced two models are ling made, one, selling for $2,500 us installation! for theaters up to 2,- K) seats, and the other, S3, 500 for leaters with from 2,000 to 4,000 .•ats. The equipment is sold out- ght. No batteries are used. )isc Attachment Slated i i for Phonofilm in 60 Days J General Talking Pictures, will have ! disc attachment for DeForest honofilm ready for the market with- i 60 days. Meanwhile, there has een a series of negotiations for a ool between General and Sonora- ristolphone. The latter recently an- ounced it soon would have a sound- n-film reproducing attachment for ristolphone. Munkett Leaves for Tour of K-A-0 Chain Houses Joe Plunkett, general manager of -K-0, has left New York on a tour • inspection of Keith-Albee-Orpheum ouses, his first since joining the firm. [e will go as far west as Chicago. lerman Distributors Forming New Alliance Berlin — Distributors here, among lem, Ufa, National Sudfilm. Bayer- ;che, D. L. S., Parufamet, United irtists, Universal and Fox, are form- ig a working association, which will e registered as a trading concern, •ith a view to reducing distribution (Continued on Page 12) 21 Features Weekly St. Louis — A theater in a class by itself is the Criterion here, which changes daily and runs three features every day, making a total of 21 features a week used. A Record Two hundred ninety-five crit- ics representing 326 news- papers; 29 trade and fan pub- lications and three newspaper syndicates, serving several hundred newspapers through- out the country, cast their ballot in the annual poll to select the Ten Best Pictures of 1928 for THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK out this week. The Ten Best selec- tions, which this year sets a record for votes, is but one of a number of exclusive features of the forthcoming volume. Colorado Bills Would Fix 10 P. C. Amusement Tax Denver — Ten per cent tax is pro- posed in a bill introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Warren F. Blceckcr of Boulder. It is one of 25 similar measures. The bills are designed to raise funds to meet a $1,000,000 deficit which con- fronts the legislature. The only similar law in the United States was passed by South Carolina three years ago. According to Char- les W. Picquet of the exhibitor unit of that state, the tax has caused clos- ing of about 60 per cent of the houses. Fox Attending Opening of New St. Louis House St. Louis — William Fox and other Fox executives will attend opening of the New Fox tomorrow night. The house seating 5000 will open "Street Angel." ,ith N.W. MEET TO SPUR FIGHT ON INTERCHANGEABILITY ARBlTRATORS/'OFfFIRM" REFUSE TO ACT ON CASES Minneapolis — Personal prejudice is the new obstacle which has arisen to block arbitration in this territory, three arbitrators refusing to act in cases involving Warners. As no alter- nates were available, deliberations were at a standstill. W. M. Miller, Clocjuet exhibitor, started of? the fireworks, withdrawing on grounds of prejudice. He took the position that he did not feel justified in performing any service for Warn- ers, claiming the company had refused to do business with him. Oliver Rowe, St. Paul showman, followed suit with George Carrisch, Minnea- polis, also v.-ithdrawing from the case. All three arbitrators are declared previously to have sought unsuccess- fully to negotiate contracts with Warners for sound product, to be shown on independent reproducing equipment. M-G-M Opening First All- Talker at Astor, Feb. 8 M-G-M's first all talker, "The Broadway Melody," opens Feb. 8 at the Astor, New York. Arbitration Appeal Response Prompt, M. P. T. O. Head Says Fourth Avenue Firm Gets Chain at Terre Haute Terre Haute, Ind. — -Fourth Avenue Amusement Co. of Louisville, has purchased holdings of the Western In- diana Theater Corp., which for the last year, have been under the con- trol of the Keith-Albee circuit. The deal involves slightly more than $2.- 500,000 in rentals and includes all the large show houses in the city. Fred J. DoUe, president of the Fourth Avenue company; D. H. Long, secretary-treasurer; Walter S. Lapp, attorney, and Charles N. Koch, chief engineer of the company, met in conference last week with Charles (Continued on Page 12) Favorable response to his appeal to leaders of the industry to direct their best efforts toward improvement of the practice of arbitration, is reported by R. F. Woodhull, M.P.T.O.A. presi- dent. The appeal was sounded at the special meeting last week in Milwau- kee of the Wisconsin exhibitor unit, which was split on the issue of pro- posed affiliation with the Allied States .^ss'n and postponed action in the matter. Woodhull urged that state and re- gional exhibitor organizations should establish training classes for arbitra- tors. He defines an arbitrator as "one who has the power to do as he pleases," and further as "an authority, (Continued on Page 12) Myers to be Given Data on Reported Refusal of Sound Service Minneapolis — Interchangeability will be the big topic of discussion at the convention of the Northwest ex- hibitor unit, here next Tuesday and Wednesday. Abram F. Myers, presi- dent and general counsel of Allied .States Ass'n, is to be on hand for the discussions, at which he will make his first address to exhibitors since enter- ing the industry. He is expected to outline, also, the action he already has taken in calling for Dept. of Justice action on alleged agreements restrict- ing interchangeability . Next week's meeting will find a number of exhibitors on hand, it is said, ready to tell their experience in trying unsuccessfully to get sound pictures, for showing over independent equipment. In this connection, VVarners is slated to come in for con- siderable discussion, for alleged re- fusal to serve sound pictures to sys- tems other than Western Electric. The convention here also is to pass on affiliation with Allied, but that will he more or less of a formalitv. Survey of Foreign Field to be Made by Otterson Survey of tiie situation abroad, as concerns development of sound pic- tures is to be made by J. E. Otterson, president of Electrical Research Prod- ucts, who sailed Friday for Europe. He will remain abroad about six weeks, visiting England, France, Germany and possible other countries. On Merit Each application for Vita- phone service for showring via other than Western Electric equipment is decided on its merits, George E. Quigley, company vice president, stated recently in outlining the com- pany's position. If the tonal quality of the particular ma- chine in the particular house meets with company approval, films and discs are served for showing. I I Wednesday, January 30, 1929 I- wMI^^'^LLTHE HEWS VdI. XLVII No. 2 5 Wednesday, Ian. 30,1929 Prici 5 Cuts JOHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York N. Y-, and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Uonaid M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post ortice at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; i months, $3 00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should re nit with oider. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York. N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: tilmday. New York. Hollywood, California— Ralph Wilk 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607.' London— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter. 58 Great Marlborough St., W. 1 Berlin— Karl WoUTsohn. Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse. 225. Paris— P. A. Harle. La Cinematographie Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noue«, 19. The Industry's Date Book Jan. Jan. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Mar. Apr. 31 Theatrical ball of Los Angeles branch of Actors Equity Ass'n. 31 Opening of 6,000 seat Fox Theater, St. Louis. 1 Film Guild Cinema opens in New York. 1 Opening of 4,000-seat Toledo-Para- moiuit at Toledo. 2 Fox Athletic Club Dinner and Dance at Waldorf-Astoria, N. Y. 3 Dinner of the Silver Screen spons- ored by The Film Bureau in New York. 4 and 5 Convention of Northwest ex- hibitor unit at Minneapolis. 9 Dinner of Writers Branch of Acad- emy of M. P. Arts and Sciences, Hollywood, to visiting dialogue WntATB. 14 1929 Wampas Frolic, Hollywood. Universal Club Dance, Hotel Astor, New York. 2 AM PA Hollywood Masque Ball in New York. 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn- sylvania Exhibitor Unit. Lubin as AM PAS Guest Arthur Lubin, who starred in Gotham's "Times Square," will be a guest of the AMPAS at their lunch- eon Thursday and will discuss the talkers. The Gotham Boys, radio performers will entertain. Special news photos will be taken of all pres- ent through the courtesy of "The N. Y. State Exhibitor." Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am. Seat 3454 345/^ 34}<; Con. Fin. Ind. pfd. 28>^ 27^ 28 East. Kodak 183^ 181^ 182^ *do pfd 128 ♦First Nat. pfd 105 Fox Fm. "A" 95 94}^ 94 •do rts 3 *Keith AG 39K do pfd 122 122 122 Loew's Inc 78J4 75^ 785^ do pfd 109% 109 109% *M-G-M pfd 25% M. P. Cap isyt 18 18 Para. F-L 64fi 63 64 Pathe Exch 12^ ll-Ji llji do "A" 26 25 25% Radio K-A-O 40% 39 39 Stanley Co 40% AO'A 40^ * Univ. Pict. pfd 98H Warner Bros 125 54 122^ 123% Warner pfd 54% 54^ 54% CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 14% 13^ 14}4 Bal. & Katz 80% 80% 80% Con. Fni. ind. ... 24% 24 24% "Film Insp 1 Vi Fox Thea. "A" .. 33M 33 33/2 •Intern. Proj 18^ Loew do deb. rts.. 43 39 43 Nat. Scr. Ser. ... 30^ 30^^ 30^^ Nat. Thea. Sup. . . 10% 10% 10% Trans-Lux 12 IIJ/J 11% •Univ. Pict 23/ BOND MARKET •Keith A-O 6s 46 95 Loew 6s 41ww ...119% 119 119J4 do 63 41 x-war... 99/ 99!4 99% Paramount 6s 47 .100 99% 100 Par. By. 5/s 51 .101/ 101/ 101/ Pathe 7s i7 82.% 82% 82% CURB BONDS •Am. Seat. 6s 36 98/ •Warner 6/s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 33 35 do units 35 38 . . . . do com 5/ 6% .... Skouras Bros 50 54 . . . . Technicolor 12% 13/ United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED Salea 200 3,100 1,300 % 4,400 200 44,100 700 1,266 33,400 1,800 1,800 17,400 300 17,566 1,000 3,200 100 13,100 4,366 '366 100 100 25,200 Woodstock House Changes Name Woodstock, Ont. — Griffin's theater, of which W. J. Fawcett is manager, has been changed to the Capitol. This house was one of many in the Prov- ince of Ontario at one time under the control of Pete Griffin, historic showman of Canada, who had the first chain in the Dominion. Movietone Films of Palestine The Fox Movietone unit, now mak- ing a trip around the world on a Can- adian Pacific cruise, has recently taken the first talking pictures of Palestine. Scenes were made with sound effects and music in Bethlehem and Jeru- salem, the home office states. Opposes Censoring Dialogue ( leveland — Mrs. E. L. Grossman, president of the motion picture divi- sion of the Federated Women's Clubs is opposed to having dialogue in motion pictures censored by the state censor board. Mrs. Grossman brands the effort to secure such cen- sorship as "unfair, unjust and un- constitutional." C. C. Ezell Returns C. C. Ezell, general sales manager of Warners, has returned to New York from a trip through the south- ern territory. His itinerary included visits to New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Dallas and Kansas City. Oklahoma Schools Showing Films Duncan, Okla. — Admission of ten cents for grammar school children 15 cents for high school pupils and adults is charged for films shown in schools here. French Film Being Shown "The Passion of Joan of Arc" French picture, will have its American pre-view tonight abroad the He de France. Fire at Two Arkansas Houses Memphis — Fire has destroyed the Joyland at Corming Ark. and the Pastime at Hamburg, Ark., accord- ing to reports to the Film Board. Let Us Solve Your Problems I Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCORPORATED 1540 B'WAY N.Y.C. TELEPHONE BRYANT 3040 Dismantling Toronto Landmark Toronto — The old Strand, down- town house which was the scene of the first presentation of moving pic- tures on a large scale in the Ontario capital, is being dismantled. Bomb Wrecks Detroit House Detroit — Bombing of the Roose- velt on Gratiot Ave., which com- pletely wrecked the house, will keep the theater dark three or four weeks. Another Booster! "We cannot refrain from expressing our gratitude, and wish to state fur- ther that if at any time anyone de- sires a testimonial as to the quality of your service, we would be very glad to have you refer them to us." —JACOBSON AMUSEMENT CO., Louisville, Ky. "WE NEVER DISAPPOINT' INCORPORATED 220 WEST 42^-° STREET NEW YORK Phone: Wisconsin 6876 ALLAN A.LOWNES. CEN.MCR. Fair and Warner e- \ AlA. Loew houses in Greater New York will soon show "The Jazz Singer". Has played 23 weeks at the Warner Bros. Theatre, 2 weeks at the Roxy and all the local Fox cines mas. Lucky Seven Clipped from Variety: "Ruri* ning seven shows from 11 A. M. and standing them 10 deep for run of 'The Terror,' the Palace (Montreal) beat all records. Pic- ture held over." Jl "On Trial" at the Embassy, Frisco, i must have stirred things up to make ( Variety say, "Talking thriller started < strong and outlook augurs for three i or four substantial weeks. Bettered $15,000; handsome profit." Rinty Here Rin-Tin-Tin, Warner Bros, popular canine star, is in Whalen Town. Will make personal appearances in the East. Fannie Brice is guest star of Ma- jestic Theatre of the Air on Feb. 17, 9 to 10 Eastern Standard Time. Will sing "My Man" and other songs from the picture. March 16th is pre-release date for Texas Guinan's "Queen of the Night Clubs." From what we hear, she'll get a great big hand on her first Warner. Another Record We shy from long news items. But this one from Variety (what againi) can't be boiled down: "'Jazz Singer' came in at midnight premiere on a gale of publicity Friday and opened to near capacity. Saturday saw line- up all day and individual day's gross receipts broke record at almost $S,- 000." Tivoli, Toronto. Big Promise Work started on "The Time, Thi Place and The Girl." Cast includei Grant Withers, Gertrude Olmstead Betty Compson, James Kirkwood Vivian Oakland with Howard Breth erton on the megaphone. Elaborate outdoor sequences feature footbal game and attending crowds. All wit! Vitaphone. Hot Rave Just received a red hot rave fror J. L. Warner on "Frozen River. Sure taken with this one. Starrin; Rin-Tin-Tin and Davey Lee. "My Man" is the feature novel cj "Screen Romances," a new fan mai'j out Jan. 23rd. Cover flash show Fanny Brice and Guinn William' Nice stuff, Warner Bros. Vl^2! BIG STARS in BIG PICTURES! They get the dough, these merry M-G-M stars — John Gilbert and Greta Garbo in"A Woman of Affairs" — Lon Chaney in '^West of Zanzibar" — Ramon Novarro in '-The Flying Fleet" — Norma Shearer, Marion Davies, Buster Keaton, Joan Craw- ford and the rest in hits ! hits ! This year as never before it's been proven that, come what may, an M-G-M contract for Big Stars in Big Pictures is the best theatre insurance on earth. ^ r- J TRADE NEWS! "THE BELLAMY TRIAL" is sensational hit at Embassy, N. Y. at $2. Biggest advance sale in history of house. "THE TRAIL OF '98" beating "Big Parade" and "Ben-Hur" figures in Butte, Montana. "ALIAS JIMMY VALEN- TINE" in 3rd month at Astor is best $2 bet of Broadway's Road-Shows. .OOIDWYNA,. METRO -GOLD^,J^^J AVER Qet the Hit Habit with Leo! *'^^«rsTA.c«.^*' NOTE — This photograph showing M-G-M's stars, appears in all the April fan magazines Police Commissioner Wlialen^s Gets Terrific Test as 4 I Coming! "Doctor's Secret", "Canary Murder New Kroatlway Traffic Plan PARAMOUNT Hits Siiiasli Reeords! "'REDSKIN' has every ele- ment of movie perfection — photofrraphic beauty, action and thrills, romance and pathos. It is a knockout!" — iV.y . FJaily Mirror '"THE WOLF OF WALL STREET' has box office writ large all over it. Excellent entertainment." — N.Y. Eve. Telegram "Paramount takes an easy lead in talking pictures with ^INTERFERENCE'." — A^.y. Morning World "Jannings is immense in 'SINS OF THE FATHERS.' What a part for Jannings, and what 'an actor for the part!" —N.Y. Morning World "It's GREATER PARA- MOUNT WEEK on Broad- way 9? — N.Y. Eve. Telegram p. 8i A. Case" and 16 other para^iouxt Talking ACTIOH, ACTIOK. ACTION fr^'*'^^^% V:. JS*:"" •vN- f.VJ" .St. r "^ ■^. >■ >^ ^^ Y^ \ II ACTION, ACTION, ACTION. THAT TEI If IMACINATIVE. I SETS ARE MARVEU GREAT MASS HOY THE CHARACTER! BREADTH, SWEEP i JOB OF STORY-TEI f » -4ee. DOUGLAS FAIRDAHK MORE «^..' I hf/'V r J '- X w$ M OK -" MORE E STORY. IT EIPLEHDEHT ROWDS GIVE T. THERE I) FAIRBANKS JMTS. HIS BEST iDOH'TMlSSiT" ^ VIL IROK HAtK iV' ■,% ^ II FURTHER --^-^ ADVENTURES OF THE THREE HUtKETEERt ^■}^- ''^■^'^. THE ■^t^ DAILV Wednesday, January 30, 1929 Coast Wire Service F. N. Ahead of Schedule 1928-29 PROGRAM NOW 70 PER P FINISHED First National's studio is ahead of schedule on production for 1928-29 release, with plans being speeded for new season product. Seventy per cent of the current schedule has been completed. I Among the t^ewly completed pic- tures are "Whv' Be Good," starring Colleen Moore; "The Divine Lady," starring Corinne Griffith; "His Cap- tive Woman," starring Milton Sills and Dorothy Mackaill; "Seven Foot- prints to Satan," and "Children of the Ritz," with Dorothy Mackaill and Jack Mulhall. In the cutting room, scheduled for delivery within a few weeks, are "Saturday's Children," starring Co- rinne^ Griffith; "The Man and the ^v Moment," the Elinor Glyn story star- ring,Billie Dove; "Hot Stuff," star- rikg Alice White and "Love and the DeVil," starring Milton Sills. "The Squall," the screen version of the famous play; and "Two Weeks Off," featuring Jack Mulhall and Dorothy Mackaill, are in production. "Broadway Babies," starring Alice White is in work. UNIVERSITY riLM COURSE SEEN INDUSTRY BENEFIT Perrett Resigns from Paramount Francis Perrett, formerly with First National, but who has been a member of the Paramount studio publicity department for several months, ha^ resigned. William Dan- ziger, formerly a Paramount ex- change exploiteer, has joined the studio force. Jackson Parks, at one time with Paramount^ has joined the publicity staff at Warner Bros. Beaudine Starts Film William Beaudine has begun film- ing of "Two Weeks Off." In the cast are Dorothy Mackaill, Jack Mul- hall, Gertrude Astor, Kate Price, Jim Finlayson, Eddie Gribbon and others. This is a First National-Vitaphone feature. F. N. Buys Plays Purchase of "Lilies of the Field" and "An Immoral Lady" has been completed by First National. Both will be Corinne Griffith starring vehicles. Denny's Next Chosen "Companionate Troubles" has been selected as next starring vehicle for Reginald Denny. An original by Gladys Lehman and Earle" Snell. William ^. Craft will direct. There will be a talking and a silent version. Sono-Art Signs Darro Frankie Darro has been added to the cast of "Broadway Bound," which Sono-Art will produce with Eddie Dowling starred, at the Metropolitan Studios. Fred Newmeyer will direct. Frances Agnew is doing the scenario. Officials of the Academy of M. P. Arts and Sciences believe that the inauguration of the "Photoplay Ap- preciation" course at the University of Southern California may have far- reaching effects. They point out that there are now 750,000 students en- rolled in American colleges and that the number is increasing yearly; that up to the present time the ma- jority of college people have been indifferent or hostile to motion pic- tures. Academy officials believe that the course may prove an entering wedge for similar courses in other colleges, possibly in all the colleges in the country. It is believed the local course will later be carefully revised and then submitted to other colleges, together with voice and picture rec- ords of the more valuable of the lec- tures. The written and illustrated material, consisting chiefly of lec- tures with references, annotations and added papers by Academy mem- bers, could be published in book form and sold to the lay public, as well as students. The local course was pre- pared by the Acadeniy's committee on college affairs. A Little from ''Lots'' By RALPH WILK Fawcetts on Trip W". H. Fawcett, president of the Fawcett Publications, which issue "Screen Secrets," and Roscoe Faw- cett, general manager and editor of "Screen Secrets," are in Los An- geles on a pleasure trip. They will visit New York early in March. Sills Has Relapse Milton Sills, who has been laid up with influenza, suffered a decided re- lapse yesterday (Tuesday) and all camera work has stopped on his new First National - Vitaphone picture, "Dark Streets." Doris Kenyon is scheduled to play opposite her hus- band in the picture. Hollywood LUPE VELEZ, vivacious Mexican player, who is possessed of a real singing voice, is to make a record for the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co., it is reported. That Eddie Quillan was a screen "find" in every sense of the word is proven by the fuct that Mack Sennett had to engage Nich Harris to locate him after he had made a screen test at the studio and de- parted without leaving his address. It was a far cry from the Eddie Quillan, who made that screen test, however, to the Eddie Quillan who is featured by Pathe in "The God- less Girl" * * * Little Anita Louise, ten-year-old child actress, is the leading lady of "Square Shoulders," new Pathe pic- ture featuring Junior Coghlan and Louis Wolheim. There is no adult feminine part in the picture. Louis Wolheim, who is an ex-professor of mathematics at Cornell University, ably interprets the role of a seedy, uneducated hobo in the picture. * * * Charles Hamilton, who plays an important role in Pathe's first all-talking picture "Strange Cargo," made his first appear- ance on the stage at the noted "Little Theater" on the cam- pus at the University of Cali- fornia at Berkeley. Hamilton is an alumus of U. of C. * * * Wallace Beery is one of the real Coast aviation enthusiast, usually surprising his friends by swooping down fro-m the clouds in his trim Travelair plane. He recently was named an honorary life member of the Oakland Airport Pilots and Op- erators Ass'n. De Mille Signs Ferguson Casson Ferguson, who has appear- ed in a number of Cecil B. De Mille productions, is the latest addition to the cast of M-G-M's film, "Dyna- mite." Cast headed by Charles Bick- ford and Kay Johnson. Gets Pathe Contract Violet Adams, 17-year old native of Trinidad, West Indies, has been signed to a Pathe contract as mem- ber of the junior stock company. Greta Returning in March Greta Garbo is slated to return to Hollywood March 1. The star now is in Sweden. Louise Fazenda Signed Louise Fazenda has been signed by Al Christie for two of the Christie Talking Plays for Paramount release, the first of which will be filmed with- in the next few weeks, when a selec- tion has been made of one of the plays which have been secured in which to feature her. New Gibson Film Titled "The Winged Horseman"' has been selected by Universal as the release title of the current Hoot Gibson star- ring vehicle. Ruth Elder is playing opposite the star with Arthur Rosson directing. Rubin Series Started Production has started at Univer- sal City on "Pilgrim Papas," first of a series of short talkies, starring Ben- ny Rubin. The series, which is titled "High and Low Lifes of History" is from the pen of C. Jerome Hor- win and are being directed by Jack Folsey with a supporting cast includ- ing Vivian Ray and Eddie Kane. FILM BOARD REPORTS MORE THEATER CHANGES, ILLINOIS I New Theaters K Chicago — ^Paradise. ~ Re-Openings Griggsville — .Star; Hume — J & J; Wilaoo. ville — Wilsonville. Changes in Ownership Altmont— Elph, sold to Floyd Finfrock by F. Schlotterbeck ; Alton — Grand and Hippo drome, sold to Great State Theaters, Inc., by Wm. Savage; BlandinsviUe — Romance sold to P. J. Durbin by R. E. Grigsbyi Canton— Princess, sold to J. & M. Ben by G. H. MenchofF; Chicago — ^Araericai sold to Burdick & Krulevitch by Orpheui Circuit; Drake, sold to J. J. Cooney M & H Amuse. Corp. ; Grayland, sold J. Kovatch by Carl Maag; Lawn, sold John Milton by S. Booth; Overland, soil to Joe Lipton by Sam Laponi ; StranSi, sold to F. W. Anderson by Bohemian HaQi Ass'n; Durand— Strand, sold to A. M3 Pherkolson; Granite City — ^Rialto. sold t« C. P. Cote by James Drake ; Loraine — Loraine, sold to J. A. Creeack by E. C' Witt; Magnolia — Arcadia, sold to H. R,' Barickow by G. M. Mathis; Mt. Carroll— ' Majestic, sold to Floyd Albert by H. W. Shriner; Quincy — Princess, sold to T. V. Wollmer by H. M. Schweer ; Richmond- Community Hall, sold to John Grantby by B. F. Gibbs ; Toluca — Coliseum, sold to John Tozzi by Mr. Sanardi ; Toulon — Em- pire, sold to M. J. Lee by E. C. Bloom; Yorkville— Rialto, sold to E. Muncy by Hazel Graves. Closings Percy — Princess ; Quincy— Princess ; W«u- conda — Wauconda. IOWA New Theaters Cedar Rapids — Capitol. Openings Ashton — Roben ; Forest City — Forest ; Hull —Legion ; Ireton — Ireton ; Ladora — Le- gion ; Lisbon — Garden ; Oskaloosa — Strand ; Urbana— lOOF Hall. Changes in Ownership Barnes City— Opera House, sold to Hazel Moore by Kate E. Moore ; Beacon^field— Model, 8oId to C. W. Hawk by C. R Keasoner ; Casey — ^Amusu, sold to P. G. Thompson by W. C. Mohnsen; Clear Lake — -Uptown, sold to H. A. Dearmin by J C. McCoy; Coggon — lOpera House, sold to J. B. Damge by F. Mertz ; CorrectionvUle —Ritz, sold to L. W. Splichael by St Peters Bros. ; Denison — Opera House, sold to Peter Krauth by Earl Miller; Durant— Opera House, sold to Lew Suhl. b> Schacht & Scheenketon ; Dysart — -Lyric sold to F. Mertz by Mr. Tyler; Eaiiott- Palm, sold to Arthur Heiman by H. Hei man ; Fairbanks — Polly, sold to John Bates by C. J. Grantham; Lone Tree — Rex, sok to F. J. Ulrich by Clara De Lux ; Low den — Liberty, sold to I. G. Bellinger b; L. E. Alexander ; Macedonia — Operi House; Mingo — Strand, sold to Stumbaugl & Shorten by C. E. Trumbles ; OUie- Unique, sold to C. H. Leary by Dwar Frederick ; Orange City — Cottage, sold t( H. Van Boxtel by J. T. Grotenhuia Palmer — Opera House, sold to Elsen i Loots by J. Nolan; Pomeroy — Strand, soU to S. J. Culver by Roy Tobin ; Radcliffe- Opera House, sold to C. L. Drake b; Geo. Wahl ; Seymour — ^Lyric, sold to Clydi Yates by C. R. Coons; Waterloo — ^Plaz: and Rialto, sold to Waterloo Orpheun Bldg. Co. by Alexander Frank ; Winthroi — ^Opera House, sold to C. J. Grantham b; F. Mertz ; Woodvyard — iStrand, sold ti Macy & Stanley by Youngclaus & Latta KANSAS Changes in Ownership Alton — Business Men, sold to E. K. Mailer; by Business Men ; Esbon — ^Standard, soli to R. A. Gaston by Manchester & Carhill La Crosse — La Crosse, sold to Weber i Haas by La Crosse Theater Co. ; Meade— Globe, sold to Mrs. Ruby Griggs by E< Rowland ; Olathe — Gem, sold to Kohlhots Bros, by S. C. Andrews; Peru— Open House, sold to Carl Sonenberg by Sonen berg & Roycr ; Scammon — Royal, sold ti N. W. Huston by F. W. Hughes. Closings Elk Falls — American ; Muscotah — EJectric Stark— The Stark. Wednesday, January 30, 1929 DAILV JShort Shots from New York Studios ^By ARTHUR W. BODY mm^m^ VXN FARNOL. who has been telhiiR the wurld al)out "The Res- " in general and Lily Dainita in ticular, has trekked eastward with imported lady who has been loan- to M-G-M. He's gone to get ic first hand dope on Samuel dwyn's pictures. 'ammy Slept claims credit for heri^tg what he terms the screen's t sjpichronized romance. He iposed "I'll Alioays Be in Love h You," the ntnnber ichich Mort miey sang to Barbara Bennett 'Syncopation," RKO talker. And they got married, as ive all inderella is scheduled to stage a e-back stunt when the AM PAS iw their Hollywood Masque Ball urday night, March 2. I. Miller sponsor her apnearance by of- ng a complete boudoir of shoes ail occasions, (whatever that is) I stockings to match, to the girl ing the smallest foot. ^ith Basil Smith elevated to a letor froTn an assistant, George Maire has started production on first of a series of ten talking ledies for Pathe. Teamed with Maire in the initial opus is Louis von, well-known Broadway com- l« and ajithor, who appeared in fe, Bye, Bonnie," "Mercenary and "The Royal Vagabond" "Moonlight." Pulchritude is pro- id by a rare collection of femmes the musical comedy pasture. lb. W. Churchill, Jr., Coast rep- ■fcntative for British World Films V. well-known in production circles, h. gone and done it. The girl in the is Lotus Thompson, who has the principal femme with Bill Lly and other stars making west- eis and such. [be Meyer, who knows a lot about i] chronizing pictures, has been un- d< care of ttvo nurses for the past tf days or so. He is now recover- !•> from pneumonia. Gets Purcell Theater 'urcell, Okla. — Art Lewis is re- P'ted to have acquired the Rex here. Memphis Grosses Improves as Influenza Scare Passes Memphis, Tenn. — Memphis tiu'ater> are lor the first time reporting them- selves as fully recovered from the disastrous box office effects of the influenza epidemic that cut down re- venues tremendously. Coniing of several outstanding pic- tures to loop district houses helped to hasten the recovery. In the ter- ritory, things were vastly better, with only one additional house reported closed on account of influenza. It was the Liberty, Prescott, Ark. A number of houses remained closed, but the crisis was considered far behind throughout the tri-state territory. $1,200,000 House for Aurora -Aurora, 111. — Great States Theaters has leased propert\- holdings of Frank Thielen as the site for the new Venetian theater. The lease will run for 25 vears at an annual rental of $40,000." Work will start early in February and the theater will open in September. The project will cost $1,200,000. Waco Plans Theater Waco. Tex. — Theater building com- mittee of the Chamber of Commerce is pushinng plans for construction of a theater building to compete with the best in San Antonio, Dallas and other large Texas cities. Railroads Aid in Opening Toledo, O. — Cooperation of rail- roads and bus lines has been secured for bringing in visitors to the city for Great Toledo Week, which will mark the opening of the Toledo- Paramount theater at .Adams and Huron Sts. early in February. Clare B. Tefft, transportation commission- er, has called a meeting of railroad officials to arrange for reduced fares. Retail merchants also are planning to cooperate. Redecorates Ripley House Ripley, Tenn. — W. B. Henderson, owner and operator of the Dixie, re- cently closed due to the influenza epidemic, plans to redecorate and re- equip the house. Call WAFILMS, Inc. Walter A. Futter, Pre*, for Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46th St., New York Bryant 8181 TIFFANY- STAHL PRODUCTIONS, INC. Announce That they have in the course of production a motion picture production entitled: THE LOST ZEPPELIN ALL RIQHTS PROTECTED 44 11 And That's That By PHIL H. DALY FOR the second time this month, there are four Vitaphone i)ictures on the marquees of Broadway the same week. Al Jolson in "The Sing- ing Fool" at the Winter Garden and Fannie Bricc in "My Man" at the Warner Bros. Theater have been sup- plemented by another long-run Vita- phone production, Richard Barthel- mess in "Weary River" at the Cen- tral. Rounding out the ciuartctte is Warner Bros, all-talking feature, "On Trial," at the Strand. Connie Williams of the Lincoln, Union City, N. J., is on his toes. The veteran shotonvan, who grabbed off honors in featuring the Florida hurricane newsreel shots, duplicated on the Neiv York reception to Capt. Fried, getting the pictures on his screen the night of the reception. He claims a ivorld's premiere on the newsreel. A cinema-goer confides to us that while the news reel was showing the signing of the Kellogg peace treaty the orchestra played "Onward, Chris- tian Soldiers." And the next reel showed the American Legion Com- mander in an impassioned plea for more cruisers. Of course, the orchestra played Sul- livan's melody, and nobody sang the words, which probably now read ' Marching as to peace." — N. Y. Morn- ing World. Cooperative Parking Tie-up Made at Dorchester Dorchester, Mass. — Manager Har- vey Cocks of the Fields Corner, has arranged a cooperative parking stunt with a garage, a few doors from his theater. This tie-up will be in ef- fect during the winter months and, where the ordinary parking rate for the evening is 50 cents, the patrons of the theater can park their autos at a 15 cents reduction by securing a parking check with their admission ticket at the box-office. The garage carries an ad in the paper, and the theater a trailer on the screen. The HOTEL Jefferson ON THE OCEAN END OF KENTUCKY AVE. ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. AN HOTEL WHOSE COMFORTS WILL ASSURE ONE OF FULL ENJOYMENT OF THIS GLO- RIOUS RESORT. Each Room has Bath — Strictly Fire- proof — Luxurious Lobbies — Sundeck Overlooking the Ocean. Golf Privileges American Plan $7 up European Plan $4 up OWNERSHIP— MANAGEMENT FETTER & HOLLINGER THE ONE SURE CONTACT WITH THE EXHIBITOR is his ^^liome town paper** — tlie regional magazine in liis zone. For fifteen years tlie ^^regional** lias been recognized as tlie one paper tlie Exhibitor DOES read every issue from cover to cover* IN MARYLAND, D. C. AND VIRQINIA IT'S mmmimE: BARRIST-GOODWIN PUBLICATIONS 219-23 N. BROAD ST. PHILADELPHIA, PA. times 1 have Richard Kai BUissoiiis,^ ^Thf and last iiig:li This hist one i! eaii etertf line of ihk 4 3 4- W^ o r ([ RICH With Betty Compson. A Frank Lloyd production. Screen version by Bradley King. Presented by Richard A. Rowland. Musical Scores uiid Suutid Effects hy ihf Viluphone Music Muslcrs. I'ro- thtcetl li\ n<'stvru Electric Appurulus. :ii RITZIEST BROAl>WA1 ROAI>SHO\r OPEI%II\0 O! RECORD IS FEOORIIVI CEI^TRAE THEATRE B. C IVITH COI^. — FIRST DAI AFTER OPEiAII^CJ $70* BETTER TIIA\ T U < l» R E V I O F S A T T R A C TIOi\SI — BEFIIVITEEl ^*Z HIT! — WEARY RIVER BIU)kE MOUSE RECORD BY > lOOO SINDAY . cVJ^^L.neV^.*^"' as.„ct 3-^re>^ o?^ 1-D. ISJC-^ 1 --vcvce' IR 17# f ' if* # *# if # n s^ "Oil Mo> . W lint \f>ii ilo to me »»li«ii >«.ii TALK \M> .SIN<; AM) n.W for III. iir»l limr it K\«Tybody'« IIumIium tood up to applaud (lieluiess-.ait Mtrokeii l^ateiit Lieatlier Kiel,' it ^ Weary River/. • . llie best of the lot/' . . II e V i e w E^ery ff^or^l a Raive for MtD BARTHELNESS ' W I € E AS €i R £ A T O ^T T H K YlXAPHom ■ ^ WEARY river: r^wmwmv^mamr9 9wwwwwrw~w~rw~a ^'■r-r-m-ww-w-r-rv-w-nwtrK-wnw-r^rrrrvTXTTw.iMXMrra.^Jtr-WT-K^-MJitrmXTawwiww-ww-M-wm-wmtwwr'iwviivtir^ri-wiw mwwirrw-rrrM-rrtvm'rtm Tiw«f«»WM»wwi»»»«ii ■■■m^gri they loved the they lovefl it a^ a TALKING PICTURE "Placed first anioned wholehearted enthusiasm when he burst into song. Ballad attracts you enormously. Fresh synchroniz- ing treatment. Recording was of a veUety, lifelike (|uality. Barthelniess surprised the eyes and ears. First of the life-long cinema stars that I know of who gains added personality, added stature when he opens his nioulh." — Sun "\ ast army of fans will get a big kick out of handsome Dick's articulation and \ocalization in 'Weary Riyer.' Hi> yoice is tenor and tender." — Daily .\ens ' Barthelniess demonstrates he is even more expert in the use of dialogue. Theme r-ong 'Weary River* effectiye and poj)ular." — Herald- Tribune "Dick sings two songs, and has unusually pleasing voice. All jdayers register well in talking secjuences.'' — V. V. interican "Proves ihat Richard Barthelniess is one of ihe regular film stars for whom the spoken dialogue need present no fears." — Morn in s \f arid "'Weary River" is a rave movie. If you're looking for real movie enterlainment. here it is. A talker which is still a movie, with action, a gun-battle, an enchanting love story, hunior and good old tears. Barthelniess" best piece of work. Bcti\ Conipson lovely in a nde which fits her perfectly. Frank Lloyd has made the picture w ith delightful subtlety. Fver) i)ody « onccrned deserves three hearty cheers from the fans who want real movies." — Mirror "Add to the list of to-bc-seen attractions, Dick Barthclmess' latest." — Film Daily "Evening was made (juite a success. Acting was so suj.erior to most of the recent efforts at audibility that it w as almost refresh- ing. Zest and reality. Performance was a certain success. — .Sun "'Weary River' fine underworld film. Will enjoy successful run. Novel touches that invest the action with new interest. Barthelmcss fans will be more than pleased. Take a trip to the Central." — V. V. American "Barthclme-s' performance admirable ii/c\rr\ partic ular. P<>|>u- larity is hcrel>\ predict<'d for'WearyRiver.'" — Ueraltl-'l rilntne "Should do big box-office business." — Daily Sens "Will undoid»tedl\ remain for some time in its present house.'' — (graphic FIRST NATIONAL, 1 Wednesday, January 30, 1929 t Foreign Markets ^^By JAMES P. CUNNINGHAM^ Lancashire Screen Ltd. Plans Newsreel Studio London— George W. Dewhurst, in association with G. W. Pearson, man- aging director of British Screen Prod Ltd., with a capital of $1,212,500 formed for the erection of a studio at Blackpool. The regional northern edition of British Screen's newsreel and British Screen News will be prepared at the Lancashire studios, it is planned. While building and equip- ing of the studio will take three months, arrangements have been made with British Screen Prod, whereby the new company's first picture will e made at their studio at Isleworth. irdsay Parkinson will be chairman •-id Jack Hacking and Alan J. Wil- amson, members of the board. joldman Heads U. K. Paramount Sales Sta£f London — Montague Goldman has been appointed general sales manager of Paramount here. He first joined the company in 1918 as sales rep- resentative and later was appointed to special representative, this post he held until his promotion. Cinema Club for England Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Cinema Producing Club has been formed at Newcastle, England, under leadership of exhibi- tors, it is reported to the M. P. Sec- tion of the Dept. of Commerce. The organization proposes amateur pro- duction on standard apparatus and al- ready has four original scenarios. Ef- fort will be made to secure theater bookings for the product. Teachers to Discuss Films Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Scholastic films will be discussed in detail at the Third World's Congress of the Universal Federation of Pedagogical Associa- tions, which is to be held at Geneva during July and August, the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce is advised. Films Life in Lapland Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Task of filming the daily life of Lapps in northern Scan- dinavia, has been completed, reports the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. New Brisbane Circuit Brisbane, Queensland — Greater Brisbane M. P. Theaters, Ltd., has been formed to lease and operate five suburban theaters which will be built by subsidiary companies. These houses will add 9,200 seats to present accommodations of the city. Fox Talkers in London London— The first Fox picture to be shown in this country with dia- logue will be "Mother Knows Best," at the Plaza, Piccadilly, next month. It will be followed shortly by "In Old Arizona." Arbitration Appeal Prompt, WoodhuU Says {Continued from Page 1) or one who is qualified to give an opinion." He says that prejudice should not be tolerated, by either side. "It is an established fact that the thinking minds of the world are unan- imous in a declaration of approval of the principle of arbitration. It therefore behooves any person or persons who use it for a ballyhoo to move carefully lest in their search an 'issue' they retard the progress of a department of our business that par- allels the adopted plan of other in- dustries and even nations in the pop- ular quest for better understandings. "Therefore, if arbitration or peace- ful negotiation in the solution of our difTerences is the course to follow, leaders of all branches of our industry should direct their best efforts toward the improvement of its prac- tice. Comparatively young in its ap- plication, of course, it is not perfect. Neither is radio or aviation; yet both are huge contributors to the happiness and progress of civilization and the best minds are constantly seeking ideas for their improvement rather than destruction." German Distributors Forming New Alliance (Continued from Page 1) expense, to protect common interests and to promote and co-operate with different branches of the industry. Germany is to be divided into three distributing centers, Berlin, Frank- fort and Dusseldorf. The present German Film Renters' Asso. will be dissolved. Fourth Avenue Firm Gets Chain at Terre Haute (Continued from Page 1) Reagan, of the Western Indiana firm, and Shannon Katzenbach, manager of the Grand is operated by the Louis- ville concern, and completed the trans- action. Katzenbach will assume the gen- eral managership of all the theaters. The Fourth Avenue Amusement Company owns 16 theaters in Indiana and fourteen in Louisville. Consolidated Paramount Contact Consolidated Film Industries is closing a contract to handle all film printing of the Eastern Paramount Studio. Two Capitol Stage Producers Under a new arrangement two pro- ducers will alternate in producing re- vues for the Capitol, New York. They are Chester Hale, who has been ballet master of the house, and Arthur Knorr, art director. Ousler Managing Globe New Orleans — Manaa;ement of the Globe is in charge of W. H. Ousler, Jr., formerly of Greenville, Miss, and treasurer of Saenger's Strand in Shreveport for the last four years. Lake Worth House Reopens Lake Worth, Fla.— The Oakley, damaged by the last hurricane, has been rebuilt and reopened. 4,283 New Accounts on Silent Films for Warners Warners has to date signed 4,283 new accounts on its 1928-29 product, according to Sam E. Morris, vice president. Last fall, a sales drive was conducted in silent films in towns of under 10,000, during which 3,162 new customers were obtained. Change in Local Tax Law Worries Mass. Exhibitors Boston — Massachusetts exhibitors, like other lines of business, are up against something new in taxes. Up to the present year corpora- tions were assessed locally for a per- sonal property tax based on the fair cash value of all machinery "owned and used for manufacturing" and "leased and used for manufacture." Now, however, the law has been changed to read "owned and used in the business" and "leased and used in the business." As a result companies which have never before paid a personal property tax have been assessed by local boards of assessors. There seems to be quite a variation in the opinions held by different assessors as to what consti- tutes machinery. Two Boston Houses Return to Single Feature Bills Boston — Two Netoco's de luxe houses, the Modern and Beacon, have returned to single feature bills. These were the first theaters in Boston to install Vitaphone and Movietone, the equipment having been put in nearly a year ago. Erlanger May Lease New L. A. Orpheum, Is Report Los Angeles — Following confirma- tion of the report that the San Fran- cisco Orpheum has been acquired by the Erlanger chain, it is under- stood that the new Orpheum here will be leased by Erlanger. The story has been denied by Orpheum officials here and Joe Toplitzky Co., agent for the Orpheum building. The San Francisco Orpheum will be op- erated three or four months by the vaudeville firm before turning it over to Erlanger. Film Players' Ball Friday Friday evening is the date for the annual costume and civic ball to be held by the Film Players' Club at New York Turn Hall, Lexington Ave. and 8Sth St. Proceeds go to the club's relief fund. Raymond Hitchcock is slated to be master of ceremonies at the program of enter- tp.inment. Theresa Klee is chairman of the committee in charge of the event, a feature of which will be a beauty prize contest. Consolidated Buys Site Consolidated Amusement Co. has acquired the block front on Eighth Ave., between 50 and 51st St., op- posite Madison Square Garden. The company operates the Tivoli almost opposite this property, as well as other houses throughout Greater New York. Intermission Music Is Vitaphone Innovation li Latest inj^iovation devised by War- i ner Bros, for exhibitors showing: Vitaphone pictures consists of or-' chestrations without film to be played as intermission music, as overtures or as exit marches. The first of these^ j is now available to houses booking? I "My Man." Warners is offering two such orchestrations for "My Man," one of them vocal and the other instrumental. They) contain special arrangements of the songs featured in the production including "My Man," "If You Want the Rain- ' bow. You Must Have the Rain," "I'm J an Indian," "I'd Rather Be Blue. Thinking of You, Than Be Happy With Somebody Else" and "Second Hand Rose." Sound for Hot Springs Hot Springs, Ark. — Sidney M. Nutt will have Vitaphone and Movietone sound equipment at this Princess, first-run house, here. "The' Barker," has been selected for the opening sound picture. Montreal Record for Talkers Montreal— The Palace, first house in Canada to be wired, is reported to have set a record gross with a week's engagement of "The Terror" when the receipts were in excess of $30,000. This was the first all-talker to be pre- sented at Montreal. Dramaphone Branch for K. C. Kansas City — Max Wintroub of Security Pictures, Omaha, and Allan Burke, formerly with Paramount in Chicago, are sponsors of Dramaphone Distributing Co., which is to distrib- ute Dramaphone, disc synchronizer, in this territory. Burke is to be in charge locally. Sound for Bemedji House Bemedji, Minn. — Benny Berger, who operates a string of houses in Minnesota and North and South Da- kota, is now having Movietone and Vitaphone installed at his Elco house here. Berger's Sioux Falls house will have its premiere Feb. 1 he reports. Talkers for Muskogee House Muskogee, Ala. — Strand Theatci Corp. has leased the Strand here anc reconditioned the house it is reported Second-run talkers will be played, ii addition to "tab" shows. Sound at Idaho Capitol Pocatello, Idaho — Ned B. Gross man, has secured sound equipment foi his Capitol here. "The Melody o Love" will be the first sound pictnr( played. Biophone for Ala. House Florence, Ala. — The Crescen Amusement Co. has bought Biophoni for the Princess here. N. Y. Bank Gets Option on 50 Cleveland Houses? o/'fllMDOH ULTHE NEWS ALLTUE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 26 Thursday, January 31, 1929 Price 5 Cents B. & K.-MARKS BATTLE CONTINUES AT CHICAGO Chicago — They're at it again, are Balaban & Katz and Marks Bros., it >eing the hammer and tongs competi- ion which long has been in progress here. Settlement of the Marks con- spiracy suit against B. & K., and other distributors, it is indicated, is to result in even more spirited com- etition between the opposing firms. B. & K. recently announced a new policy of 100 people on the stage at the Chicago, and now the Marks houses, Granada and Marbro are go- ing in for 100-peopIe stage acts. In the settlement, details of which have been kept secret, Marks is to secure neighborhood first run of a (Continued on Page 8) 10 PER CENT TAX AGAIN St. Louis— Exhibitors of the state ire prepared to fight the ten per cent dmission tax bill introduced in the General Assembly at Jefferson City ly Rep. J. L. Wren of St. Louis. Tlie Measure is similar to a so-called nu s- ,nce tax sponsored at the last session ly the Republican governor, passed by the Republican House, but killed by the Democratic Senate. The set- up is the same this year, except that the Democratic margin in the Senate lis so slight, that a hard fight against fthe bill is imperative to assure defeat. Five Per Cent Tax Asked in Bill Introduced in Kan. Topeka — Five per cent tax on ad- missions and renting of memorial ^(buildings for entertainttient, are two ! adverse measures with which exhib- itors of this state are confronted in 'he legislative session under way here. Gov. Asks Increase in Budget for N. Y. Censors Albany — Increase of $12,865 in budget for the motion picture divis- ion "to supervise the new era in pic- tures, brought about by advent of talking pictures" is asked in budget outlined by Gov. Roosevelt of New York. Meanwhile, Pathe has pend- ing an injunction suit against the cen- sors, attacking their right to pass on sound used in conjunction with pictures. Pi NUMBER OF COMPANIES LINKED AS REPORTS OF DEALS PERSIST The Blue Ribbon] Winners For weeks the voting machinery has been functioning. In an- other day, The Ten Best Pictiures of 1928 will be announced. An- nually, this ballot is conducted by The Film Daily as a special tidbit of interest for The Year Book. From a faltering beginning, the pro- cedure has grown to institutional importance until today the vote stands as the greatest of organized expressions on the critical opinion of meritorious motion pictures. The function of the critic is to help guide the theater-going pub- lic in its film selections. When several hundred, as is the case this year, select a given ten pictures for first honors, it appears rather conclusive to us that those ten should furnish producers with more than mild subject for thought. Specifically, the blue ribbon ten cover a viride range of story types. They are not, in every case, the ten that have made the most money. Artistry, however, means Quality. And quality, we again remind you is the axis around which this entire business structure revolves. It is, as a moulder of future great pictures that The Ten Best and the observations drawn therefrom are significant. 11 Units on Opening Bill Tonight at Fox, St. Louis St. Louis— Program for the grand opening tonight of the Fox, 6,000- seat house, will include 11 separate units commencing at 8:30 v^'ith the dedication by Williann Fox. The theater will operate on week days from 12:30 P.M. to 11:30 P.M. and on Sundays from 1 P.M. to 11:30 P.M. There will be four complete de luxe performances daily. The scale of prices will be: Monday to Friday, all seats 12:30 to 6:30 P.M., 35 cents, and from 6:30 to closing, 75 cents; {Continued on Page 8) Emelka Head Spikes Report for Firm Sale By ERNEST W. FREDMAN Editor, "The Daily Film Renter" London — No deal for sale of con- trol of Emelka, German firm, has been or will be made, Herr Kraus, head of that company told this cor- respondent recently at Munich. This should spike the many reports which have been circulated concerning the alleged deal. He never would part with control, Kraus said, pointing out the firm plans further in produc- tion and exhibition. Stock Broker is Reported in on Cleveland Theater Deal International Germanic Co. The hank was formed about a year ago by Julian M. Gerard, former chair- man of the board of Central Mer- cantile Bank, which now is a part of the Bank of the United States. In- ternational has capital of $4,000,000. surolus of $2,225,000 and deposits of $9,313,000. On the board of direc- tors are: Harry G. Aron, C. E. Al- bright, Julian B. Beaty, James A.. Beha, C. C. Bovce, George W. Car- penter, Marcus Daly, Louis Gold and Frank Hedley. Cleveland — Thirty-day option on around SO local theaters is reported to have been secured by Internation- al Germanic Co., Ltd., New York. A national stock brokerage house is said to be associated with the banking firm in an effort to acquire the houses. No Statement Obtainable on Reported Cleveland Deal No statement of confirmation or denial of the Cleveland despatch was obtainable yesterday at offices of ihe RKO-Para.; Fox-M-G-M.; Para.— M-G-M.— U. A. Among Them All kinds of reports and counter reports continue in film circles. Pub- lix is to take over operation of K- .\-0 houses, for RKO, under a man- agement deal, reports current last week stated, but Sam Dembow, Pub- lix vice president, last Saturday den- ied to THE FILM DAILY, there was anything to this recurring re- port. The whispered Paramount-M- G-M-United Artists deal, denied quite emphatically, and the reported Fox-Loew deal, vehemently denied as ever considered are but a few of the others talked about in the trade. There is some deal between Para- mount and RKO under way. Wall St. circles have believed for several weeks, a number of papers printing reports that an understanding be- tween the two had been reached. Publix, it is said, wants the strength in Greater New York, it could secure through the affiliation, and RKO wants the benefit of Publix manage- ment— and picture purchasing power, for its chain. The Greater New York Publix angle would be em- phasized, it is said, in event of a ■ Fox-Loew hook-up. i Possible Paramount Tie-Up Forecast Last Fall Possible hook-up of RCA and Paramount in a series of startling moves planned bv the former was re- norted Oct. 29. 1928. by THE FILM D.'MLY, at the time when RCA was =;eeking to pool Keith-.Mbee-Orph- »uni, FBO and Radio-Keith-Orph- eum with a tie-up with RC.^-Photo- phone. Television Still in "Lab" Stage, Sarnoff Declares Television may be "tapping on the windowpane," but it still is in the laboratory stage of development, David SarnofT, executive vice presi- dent of RCA, said in a recent speech before the Veteran Employes' Assn, of Westinghouse Electric & Manufac- turing Co., East Pittsburgh. 2 THE Thursday, January 31, 1929 Vol. XIVII No. 26 Thursday, Ian 31,1929 Price 5 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y-, and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and FlhB Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donaid M. Mersereau, Treasurer. Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage tree) United Stales outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months. $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should rerit with older. Address all communica- tions »e THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6667. London— Ernest W. Frtdman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I Berlin— Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Nouei, 19. STOCK MARKET High Lov» Close Am. Seat 35^ 34.>^ 35% Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 28 27 Vs 27 Yi East Kodak 183 181% 181% ♦do pfd 128 First Nat. pfd. ...105K 105 K 105 'X Fox Fm. "A" ... 97 94 95^ •do rts 3 Keith A-0 38 38 38 do pfd 119 119 119 Loew's Inc 80 775% 7914 do pfd 110J4 109^4 110J4 *M-G-iVI pfd 25-% M. P. Cap 18% 17% 17% Para. F-L 64 62% 64 Pathe Exch IIH 11!4 H^ do "A" 25% 25 25 Radio K-A-O 38J4 37% 38% Stanley Co 40% 40% 40% *Univ. Pict. pfd 98% Warner Bros 128% 1225% 127 Warner pfd 56% 54K> 56 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 1454 14^ 14% ♦Bal. & Katz 80% Con. Fm. Ind 25% 24% 25 Film Insp 1% 1% 1^ Fox Thea. "A" ... 33% 33 33 ♦Intern. Proj 18J4 Loew do deb. rts. .44% 41% 43% Nat. Scr. Ser. ... 30 30 30 Nat. Thea. Sup. ..10 10 10 Trans-Lux 12% 12 12% Univ. Pict 16% 16-4 16% BOND MARKET ♦Keith AG 6s 46 95 Loew 6s 41ww ..121 119M 120% do 6s 41 x-war.. 99% 99% 99% Paramount 6s 47 .100 99% 100 Par. By. 5%s 51 ..101% 98% 98% Pathe 7s 37 82% 81% 81% CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 .. 97 96% 97 ♦Warner 6%s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 33 35 do units 35 38 .... do com 5% 6% .... Skouras Bros 50 54 .... Technicolor 12M 13% United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 1,900 1,700 300 '266 11,600 166 100 71,200 900 '366 21,700 11,100 300 24,200 200 26,666 4,400 1,100 ll',366 200 3,800 I'.ioo 200 100 42,600 100 12 19 11 5 8 13 Missouri High Court Gets "Blue Law" Appeal Jefferson City, Mo. — Sunday clos- ing case appealed from the lower court by the City of Springfield on a ruling by the Circuit Court that Springfield's Sunday closing ordi- nance was invalid and unconstitu- tional was argued before the Supreme Court here and taken under advise- ment. Decision is expected in Feb- ruary. Heads Kodak Park Plant Rochester — Albert F. Sulzell, asso- ciated with Eastman Kodak since 1901, has been named manager of Kodak Park, succeeding the late James H. Haste. Griffith to Make Television Speech D. W. Griffith is to make a speech Sunday night for radio and television broadcast at the General Electric Co., station at Schenectady. Charles Branham at Birmingham Birmingham — Charles G. Branham has arrived to take over super- vision of the Alabama, Strand and Galax theaters as city managers for Publix. Branham comes to Birming- ham directly from Detroit where he managed the Oriental. Warners in Full Charge of Acme Warners has acquired interest of purchased interest of John McKeon, and now is in full charge of the Acme agency, New York, it is reported. June in Vitaphone Act June, English musical comedy ac- tress, has been signed for a Vitaphone act to be started today. Zeppelin Film A 3 Reeler "Across the Atlantic via Zeppelin," described as the complete story in sound and talking pictures of the trip of the Graf Zeppelin from Friedrich- shafen to New York, will be released Feb. 2 by M-G-M as a 3 reeler. A Million Feet of Everything FILM LIBRARY SCENES Stone Film Library 220 W. 42nd St. Room 2002 Phone Wisconsin 2141 Added To "Cocoanuts" Cast Margaret Dumont, a featured mem- ber of the current Marx Brothers show, "Animal Crackers," and Kath- arine Francis stage actress now play- ing in the Paramount all-talking pic- ture, "Gentlemen of the Press," were added yesterday to the cast of Para- mount's musical comedy, "The Co- coanuts," starring the Marx Brothers, soon to begin production at the Long Island studio. Robert Florey will direct. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Theatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Perm. 3S80 Phonofilm Opens First of Three in Arkansas El Dorado, Ark. — The Majestic opened here with a sound pro- gram with DeForest Phonofilm as the projecting apparatus. The Majestic is the first of three houses owned by the States Theaters, which has con- tracted with General Talking Pictures Corp., for Phonofilm equipment. The other two are the Ozark at Fayetts- ville and the Strand at Jonesboro. Grainger Leaves for Florida James R. Grainger, who is convales- cing from an attack of influenza, has left New York for a vacation in Florida. Whiteman Film Postponed to June Due to a series of personal appear- ances and radio concerts, Paul Whiteman will not begin "The King of Jazz," Universal sound picture, until June. Capital Stock Decreased .St. Louis — Loew's St. Louis Realty & Amusement Co. has decreased its capital stock from $1,000,000 and 40,- 000 shares of common stock to 6,750 shares. Hart Managing Palaka, Fla., House Palaka, Fla.— William Hart has succeeded W. M. Johnson as man- ager of the Howell here. First Denny Talker Opening Reginald Denny's initial talker, "Red Hot Speed," is to open Feb. 2 at the Colony, New York. The Industry's Date Book m Today: Theatrical ball of Los Angeles branch of Actors Equity Ass'n. Opening of 6,000 seat Fox Theater,. St. Louis. Feb. 1 Film Guild Cinema opens in New York. Feb. 1 Opening of 4,000-seat Toledo-Para- mount at Toledo. Feb. 2 Fox Athletic Club Dinner and Dance at Waldorf-Astoria, N. Y. Feb. 3 Dinner of the Silver Screen spons- ored by The Film Bureau in New York. Feb. 4 and S Convention of Northwest ex- hibitor unit at Minneapolis, Feb. 9 Dinner of Writers Branch of Acai emy of M. P. Arts and Science Hollywood, to visiting dialogu( writers. Feb. 14 1929 Wampas Frolic, Hollywood. Universal Club Dance, Hotel Astor, New York. Mar. 2 AM PA Hollywood Masque Ball New York. Apr. 14-15-16 Convention of Western Po sylvania Exhibitor Unit Dutton Joins Cinephone O. H. Dutton, associated for number of years with National Thfr ater Supply, has been appointed spi cial representative of Powers' Cini. phone, with headquarters in Kansas' City. Dutton's appointment is the first of a number of managerial posts to be established by E. J. Smith, vice president and general manager of Powers' Cinephone in the sales organization which he now is cre- ating for that company. The Quality Group of Regional Trade Journals CIRCULATING IN MARYLAND, D. C. AND VIRGINIA. « THE NEW YORK vSTATE Wbibitor ^fitK ftfjf rVfry ^uppLEMtNT CIRCULATING IN ALL OF NEW YORK STATE AND NORTHERN NEW JERSEY THE • QUALITY- TRADE JOURNAL CIRCULATING IN EASTERN PENNA. SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY AND DELAWARE BARRIST' GOODWIN PUBLICATIONS 219-23 N. BROAD STREET :: PHILADELPHIA, PA. ' i.ii'iiii!:i:-jV ':.: . ill aiis!$\vei* to exiiihi iiir dt^iiisiiid! the roply — „ in'l""'' the popular and successful FAMOUS COMPOSERS SERIES produced in SOUND by James A, Fitzpatrick are now PARAMOUNT SOUND SHORTS Also released by Paramount: 13 CHRISTIE TALKING PLAYS, including the famous Octavus Roy Cohen stories; 28 PARAMOUNT TALKING ACTS; 6 SONG CARTOONS. tunes in with HOW/ Presented hy J. I. Schnitzer and William Le Baron WORLD'S GREATEST BAND . . . $5^50 TOP ATTRACTION . . . MAKES FILM DEBUT IN SPEC^ TACULAR MUSICAL DRAMA! MONSTER EXPLOITATION CAMPAIGN HOOK'UP WITH NATIONAL BROAD- CASTING CO. COAST'TO'COAST NET- WORK, VICTOR TALKING MACHINE CO. AND MUSIC PUBLISHERS NOW iidustry's First Mammoth ILL TALKING Creen Extravaganza 12 New Song Smashes! Morton Downey^s three sensational numbers I Dorothy Lee and multitude :>f other artists in glittering ipecialties . . . topped with ^mashing effect by Fred Waring's jazz boys in NINE Hit melodiesl vVith Morton Downey, Osgood Perkins, Barbara Bennett, Bobby Watson and 00 Others! Story and Dialogue by Gene Markey. Adapted by Frances Agnew. At tke Bo>^ilijcG cm* WHENC/IEfAlF^ lUN \ NEWSPAPERk Unique and Clever Travesty I by " Waldemar Young and Wm. Jacobs with W RAYMOND HATTON ' and _ SAM HARDY ,^^ Directed by ^f Walter Graham A bihd IN the: uand By Percy Heath featuring LOIS WILSON with son Robards, Roy D'Arcy and Dot Farley Directed by A. Leslie Pearce ^ liii the Scrcoti iii 100% TALKING AND LIVE, MOVING ACTION Produced by Al Christie, Master of Short Entertainment. THE Ielancholy d\Me BY €T4Vl$IIOYCOHEf^' All-colored cast, with the true dialect of the famous stories Introducing Florian Slappey, Mr. Permanent Williams, Webster Dill, Jonquil and Sapho Directed by Arvid E. Gillstrom / AndCoMing/ POST MORTEMS with Raymond Griffith MUSIC HATH HARMS " * t'' "f. -— ^'' ' Recorded by Western Electric System PARAMOUNT FAMOUS LASKY COKPORATION Adolph Zukor, Pres., Paramount BIdg., N. Y. by Octavus Roy Cohen JED'S VACATION with Charles Grapewin and Anna Chance MEET THE MISSUS with The Gleasons, former stars of "Is Zat So" and "The Shannons of Broadway" ^ THE ■^^ DAILV Thursday, January 31, 192 ' Coast Wire Service Educ'l Works at Capacity PRODUCTION RUSHED ON SOUND AND SILENT niKS Production activity is continuing at top speed at the Educational stu- dios on silent and sound stages. Lupino Lane, who has been pre- paring sound and dialogue comedies, has completed work on several of his silent comedies. He recently finish- ed "Good Night Nurse," and "Sum- mer Saps," both directed by Henry W. George. "Big Boy," Educational's five-year-old star, has finished "The Fixer" and "Ginger Snaps." Jerry Drew recently completed his fifth Ideal comedy, which has been titled "Wise Winunin." Stephen Roberts did the gag work. Monty Collins, Al St. John, George Davis and Vernon Dent are working in the Mer- maid series. The team of Collins and Dent, after completing "Whoopee Boys," i'^ now well along on "Parlor Pests." St. John has finished "Smart Steppers," and Davis has finished "Howling Hollywood." Cliff Bowes, Jerry Mandy, Billy Dale and Gene Stone are figuring as featured players in several Cameo one-reelers, either com- pleted or nearing completion.. Following completion of "The Eligible Mr. Bangs," the first in the new Coronet talker series, this new Educational unit under the supervision of Sidney Brennecke is finishing "Ask Dad." Everett Horton is star of both. Ruth Renick plays opposite. At the Mack Sennett Studios, where "The Bride's Relations" recently was turned out, the third in this group of all-talking comedy, "Whirls and Girls," has been completed. 16 of 20 Roach Sound Comedies Synchronized Twenty of the 40 Hal Roach com- edies for the current season will be synchronized with music and sound effects. With the addition of Our Gang in "Fast Freight" and Charley Chase in "Thin Twins" the total num- ber of comedies which have already been thus synchronized is brought to 16. Back in F. N. Lot Alfred Santell is again on his own lot. First National, where he is con- sidering stories for his next produc- tion He recently comoleted "This Is Heaven." starring Vilma Banky. "Donovan Affair" Started Work has been started by Colum- bia on its first all-talker, "The Dono- van Affair," Owen Davis story, which Frank Capra is directing. In the cast are: William Collier, Jr., Fred Kelsey, Ethel Wales and John Roche. "Madame X" Cast Complete Cast of "Madame X," which Lionel Barrymore is directing as all-talkie for M-G-M, has been completed. It comprises Ruth Chatterton, Lewis Stone, Raymond Hackett, Eugenie Besserer, Richard Carle, Sidney Tol- ler and Ulric Haupt. Two Directors on Talker Joint directorship is the system Paramount used in the making of "Close Harmony," all-talker featur- ing a cast composed of Charles "Bud- dy* Rogers, Nancy Carroll, Jack Oakie, Richard "Skeets" Gallagher and Harry Green. John Cromwell and Edward Sutherland share the di- rectorial responsibility in this pic- ture. Cast Opposite Boyd Carol Lombard has been recalled from M-G-M to appear opposite Wil- liam Boyd in Pathe's "High Volt- age," which Howard Hiegin will di- rect. Miss Lombard will appear in Cecil B. De Mille's "Dynamite," when she completes the Pathe assign- ment. Harry Green Cast Roscoe Karns, who has been an- nounced for a role in Paramount's dialogue film of the prize ring, "The Man I Love," has been replaced bv Harry Green, vaudeville player. Karns was unable to work in the pic- ture because he is appearing in "The Front Page" on the Los Angeles stage. B. & K.-Marks Battle Continues at Chicago {Co-ntinued from Page 1) number of Fox and Warner pictures, as well as on a number of others, which will assure sufficient product for the Marks houses. This gives the Marks firm showing after the loop run, instead of after the product has played the string of B. & K. neighborhood houses. Adolph Zukor is understood to have handled the settlement personally. And That's That By PHIL M. DALY 11 Units on Ooeninfif Bill Toniffht at Fox. St. Louis (Continued from Page 1) Saturdays, all seats 12:30 P.M. to 6 P.M., 50 cents, and all seats 6 P.M. to closing 75 cents; Sundays and holi- days, all seats 1 to 3 P.M., 65 cents and 3 p.m. to closing 75 cents. H. Levey New Musical Director of Vitaphone Harold Levey, composer and con- ductor, has been appointed musical director for Warner Bros. Vitaphone Corp., to replace Norman Spencer, who has been recalled to the Coast to manage the Popular Musical De- partment there. Trinity Starting Another Trinitv Pictures Corp. has com- pleted "The China Slaver" featuring Soijn, and is starting "Bye, Bve. Bud- dy," which is to feature Agnes Ayers. The company has chansred title of "Cocktails" to "Girls Who Dare." The picture features Rex Lease and Priscilla Bonner, with Ben Wilson and Rosemary Theby in the cast. Hale's First Stellar Role William Counselman is preparing a script of "Ladies Prefer Brutes," which is to be Alan Hale's first star- ring vehicle for Pathe. New Contract for Sedgwick Edward Sedgwick, who will direct William Haines in "The Gob," has been signed to a long-term contract by M-G-M. Ruggles to Direct Whiteman Paul Whiteman will report to Uni- versal City for production on his $1,000,000 starring vehicle about March IS. Wesley Ruggles has been selected to direct and will start ac- tive preparations soon. Paul Scho- field wrote the story. Clavering Elected to Head British K.R.S. London — Arthur Clavering is new president of the Kinema Renters So- ciety with E. Gordon Craig, vice- president. The meeting lasted one and a half hours with eight names proposed for the presidency. Claver- ing will preside at the annual dinner of the K.R.S. which takes place at the Savoy Feb. 5. T^ON CLARKE, assistant to He '-^ ard Dietz in the M-G-M ptibl! ity department, is the author of " the Reign of Rothstein," publish today in New York. Clarke's boc which is reported to be sensatiot. in nature and has had an unusua \ large advance sale, deals with "insij stuff" in the careers of Rothsteil Bill Fallon, Nickv Arnstein, Peg! Hopkins Joyce, Gertrude Vanderb Fannie Brice and other glamorc Broadway characters. Film Daily announces that ab< 570 pictures will be combined o put of n companies this year. Fi Curb believes this will mean fev but noisier pictures. — Film Curb J. D. Trop has graduated from t ranks of dialecticians with the degi of BXQ, (Dialogician). His 15 efforts will be heard in the "Life the Party," now being made by Ro land Pictures. I Holmes in "The Wild Party" Phillips R. Holmes, son of Taylor Holmes, who was plucked from the Princeton campus by Frank Tuttle when he was directing "Varsity" last year, and signed to a Paramount contract, has returned to the studio after a long illness. He has a role in Clara Bow's first talker, "The Wild Party." Jackson to Title Warner Film Joseph Jackson has been assigned to write titles for "Alimony Annie," Warner picture which has Dolores Costello as star. Michael Curtiz di- rected. St. Louis Embezzlement Reopened by Prosecutor St. Louis — Prosecution of James P. Brennan. former manager, and Lawrence C. Stuever, former treas- urer of the Grand Opera House, on an embezzlement charge has been reopened. Both are at liberty on bonds of $10,000 each returnable in the Court of Criminal Correction to- day. The men were arrested orig- inally on Dec. 27 and on Jan. 14 when the case was to be presented to the grand jury, R. F. Quinby, who succeeded Brennan as manager of the theater, stated that restitution had been made and the owners of the theater did not desire to prosecute. "Because the civil liability has been met is no reason for not pressing criminal charges," Circuit Attorney Miller announced in ordering the is- suance of warrants against the ac- cused men. Miller is opposed to what he says is practice of "using the circuit attorney's office for a col- lection agency." The St. Louis, RKO office } designated April as Harry Wc Month, as it marks the clo^e Weiss' first year as manager of exchange. Exhibitors of the ) cities of the territory are alrec giving extra play dates as a trib to Weiss and a big month is pected. Charles Skouras of Skouras Brc ers _ Enterprises is up and arot again after having been confined his bed for several days by an att of the flu. He had a comparati^ mild "case. Open Crystal at Ellis Ellis, Kan.- — The Crystal has open- ed at a cost of $15,000. It was built by L. C. Snyder who will operate it. Managing Georgia House Fort Valley, Ga. — Nick Economou is new manager of the Franklin. He formerly was located at Montezuma. Nathanson Names Boar of Strategy for Ch{ Toronto — Executive commi has been named by N. L. Nathan managing director of Famous Plai Canadian Corp., as a board of st egy to assist in the direction of "I company's affairs throughout Dominion. Those named and t respective duties are: Clarence Robson, eastern divi nl general manager, having supervi n| of theaters in Ontario and Que H. M. Thomas, western divi manager and in charge of adverti gl and exploitation; Arthur Cohen, I if department; Sam DePass, supei s-l ing manager of suburban theat sf John Arthur, director of music i| programs and also manager of il Uptown here; T. J. Bragg, co ?l troller of finances, purchases 4 revenue, and Harry Sedgwick iij charge of the Tivoli here. Open $500,000 Theater Klamath Falls, Ore.— Poole's ] H can theater, costing $500,000, a| opened here under managemen cl Glenn Wright, former manage: oj the Orpheum here. The theater j'tl 1,700. f Today: Announcing The Ten Best Pictures of 1928 iTHE 7AeHl¥S?kPlk oyFILMDOM XLLTHE HEWS ALLTHE TIME /OL. XLVII No. 27 Friday, February 1, 1929 Price 5 Cents ).S.0FflCIAL8SAYW EPIDEMIC HAS RUN COURSE '. ■.y censors' action in assuming cen- soring of talking pictures, declares \ssemblyman Loui; 'V. Cuvillier of ,^ew York, who has roduced a bill 'providing for the law's repeal. "It " fe now plainly unconstitutional, for ■ k violates the provision that relates jo the freedom of speech and freedom ■ i»{ the press," said Assemblyman 'Zuvillier today in support of his bill. Meighan Leaves for Debut in Series of Talkers Thomas Meighan will make his de- •)\it in talkers at the Warner stu- lios, on t]ie Coast for which he leaves Monday, to make a series of .three yitaphone pictures. Five Years Held Needed to Perfect Talking Films Five years will be required to ? bring talkers near perfection, and '■■ .en years to make them "anything lear lifelike," is the opinion of Her- iContinued on Page 2) 10 BEST PICTURES OF '28 NAMED BY CRITICS IN HLM DAILY POLL How the Critics Voted Picture The Patriot 210 Sorrell and Son 180 Last Command 135 Four Sons 125 Street Angel 124 Votes Picture Votes The Circus 122 Sunrise 119 The Crowd 105 King of Kings 99 Sadie Thompson 95 HARMONY "AT ALL COSTS" SOUGHT IN WISCONSIN Milwaukee — "Harmony at all costs" is sought in the Wisconsin exhibitor unit, 60 members of the Milwaukee M.P.T.O. made clear, in coming out strongly against any split in the ranks over the controversy on affiliation. Action on the question of whether Wisconsin will align itself with the M.P.T.O.A. or Allied States Ass'n, now is expected to be taken Allied, so far, apparently has lost ground. Action was Postponed After Day of Wrangling Milwaukee — Dissension is said to have marked a "star chamber" dis- cussion of Wisconsin's affiliation at a special meeting here Jan. 23. .'\ day of wrangling, culminated in post- ponement of action. The majorit' {Continued o» Paqe 2) Cleveland Deal Not Set, Banking Firm Indicates Cleveland report that International Germanic Co., Ltd., New York, has acquired option on approximately 50 Cleveland theaters, is "entirely too previous," it was stated at the com- (Continued on Page 2) Substantial Performance Makes Contract Valid Contending that arbitrators must be governed by equity and that sub- stantial performance of a contract, under this contention, prevents can- (.Coniinued on Page 2) I6PARAM0UNTST0HAVE SOUND-ON-riLN ONLY Sixteen of the Paramount sound releases from Feb. 1 to April 30 will be released only with sound-on-film versions, S. R. Kent, general man- ager, declares, expressing a prefer- ence for sound-on-film over disc recording. It is possible that some pictures in future will be handled with discs. Kent declares that the surface noises and scratches which he says will creep into recording by the disc system, are elirjiinated in the film recording method. 326 Newspapers; 29 Fan and Trade Papers, 3 Syndicates in Vote Bringing to an end the spirited competition which has iparked this year's poll, The Ten Best Pictures of .1928, as selected by the nation's critics, is todav made public by THE FILM DAILY. The" poll embraces 295 critics representing 326 news- papers, 29 trade and fan publications and three newspaper syndicates, serv- ing an undetermined number of pa- pers, voted in the ninth annual poll conducted by THE FILM DAILY. Rising to hitherto untouched totals, the poll embraced 188 cities and towns in forty states and the Dis- trict of Columbia and covered news- papers with a combined circulation of 23,850,989, according to "Editor and Publisher." The winners were selected from features released from Dec. 1, 1927, to Dec. 1, 1928, and distributed by seventy-seven companies which sup- plied the titles for alphabetic ar- rangements by THE FILM DAILY which then furnished each critic with all of these titles from which to designate his choice. Pre-releases and roadshows were not included, (Continued on Page 7) The Roll Picture Votes Lilac Time 88 Wihite Shadows 87 Our Dancing Daughters 86 The Racket 85 The Gaucho 75 Ramona 65 Old Ironsides 59 Laugh. Clown. Laugh 51 Docks of New York 47 Man Who Laughs 47 Legion of Condemned 45 Mother Knows Best 41 Speedy 41 Wedding March 39 Show People 36 Simba 34 Tempest 33 Uncle Tom's Cabin 32 Student Prince 31 Submarine 30 Terror 27 Drag Net 27 Chicago 26 Forgotten Faces 23 of Honor Picture Votes Fazil 23 End of St. Petersburg 23 Helen of Troy 21 Craig's Wife 20 The Noose 20 Beau Sabreur 19 Beggars of Life 19 The Cameraman 17 Dressed to Kill 16 Excess Baggage 16 Fleet's In 16 The Wind 16 The Cossacks IS Drums of Love 14 The Enemy 13 Lrd;es of the Mob 13 We Americans 13 Cardboard Lover 12 Last Moment 12 Two Lovers 11 Air Circus 10 Hangman's House 10 Harold Teen 10 Ivan the Terrible 10 Quality Street 10 THE Friday, February 1, 1929 Vol. XLVII No. 27 Friday, Feb. 1, 1929 Prleo 5 Cuts JOHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y.. and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, "Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor ; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. * 10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months. $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should re-nit with Older. Address all communica- tions te THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Cirde 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Fllniday, New York. Hollywood. California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Frtdman, The Film Renter. 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin— Karl Wolflsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse. 225. Paris — P. A. Harle. La Cinematographie Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am. Seat iS'A 34^ 34!^ Ton. Fm. Ind. pfd. IS'A 28 28% East. Kodak 184 182^^ 184 *do pfd 128 First Nat. pfd 105 '^ Fox Fm. "A" ..95^ 95 95!/^ •do rts 3 SalM 1,000 4,200 1,700 3,600 Harmony At All Costs Sought in Wisconsin (Continued from Page 1) present, it was said, was composed of local exhibitors, among them af- filiated exhibitors, who are said to have insisted on voting proxies, while others demanded a standing vote on all motions. The meeting was called to ratify or repudiate ac- tion of the Wisconsin board in vot- ing to affiliate with Allied. Poor roads and insufficient notice were blamed for the small attendance. Barring the press was first order of the meeting. R. F. Woodhull, presi- dent and Fred Desberg, chairman of the board, and Jack Miller, spoke on behalf of the M.P.T.O.A., while W. A. Steffes and Glenn Cross outlined advantages of Allied. Keith A-O .... .. 38 38 38 400 ..119 119 78/r 119 79 lOC Loew's Inc. - . . .. 79!4 20,300 . .iioK 110 110 90C *M-GM pfd. . 25^ M. P. Cap. ... .. 18!4 18 18 900 Para. F-L .. 65J4 63^ 65 J4 43,800 Pathe Exch. .. .. 12 11 H im 6,800 do "A" .. 25^4 25 2554 800 Radio K-A-O . .. i9Vi 37'/^ 39^ 20,000 Stanley Co .. 40^« 40!/8 40!4 100 ♦Univ. Pict. pfd. 98 '/j Warner Bros. . . ..12'9^ 127 128H 36,400 Warner pfd. . . . .. 56/2 55'/« 56/2 3,100 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. . . .. 14M 14^8 14^8 1,500 Bal. & Katz .. .. 81 81 81 100 Con. Fm. Ind. . .. 25 23'/2 23^ 6,200 ♦Film Insp 1^8 Fox Thea. "A" .. 33^ 32i4 3254 1,300 ♦Intern. Proj. . I8V4 Loew do deb. rts. . . 43 42 -Vs 42% 266 *Nat. Scr. Ser. . 30 Nat. Thea, Sup. .. 11^ 10 ll'/i 1,900 Trans-Lux .. 12M 12 12 11,200 •Univ. Pict. . . . 1654 BOND MARKET Keith AC 6s 46 . . 94Vi 94 vj; 94'/^ 2 Loew 6s 41 WW . ..12m 121 121!4 24 do 6s 41 x-war. .. 9954 99-4 99M. 19 Paramount 6s 47 ..100 997/, 99/8 18 Par. By. iVzs 51 ..lom lom lom 3 Pathe 7s 37 .. 9.VA 81 81 2 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 .... 97 97 97 2 •Warner 6 '/is 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" .... . . 33 35 do units . . 35 38 do com .. 5K 65^ Skouras) Bros. . . .. 50 54 Technicolor .. 12'4 13 United Art .. 8 12 do pfd . . 76 84 Univ. Ch. com. . .. 2 do pfd . . 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED Five Years Held Needed to Perfect Talking Films (Continued from Page 1) bert Wilcox, production head of British and Dominion Films. Lon- don, who has returned to England to produce talkers, after studying sound methods at Hollywood. An outdoor all-talker in Ireland is planned by Wilcox, whose com- pany's pictures are distributed in .^merica by World Wide Pictures. England has not yet accepted talk- ers, but when it does the stampede will be as great as in America, he believes. Roseland Making Series of 12 Single Reel Talkers Twelve one reel talkers are being filmed by Roseland Pictures, via 33 1-3 rpm. discs at the R.L.A. studios, New York. The first is an original by J. D. Trop, titled "The Life of the Party." James B. Carson heads the cast. Film Guild's Modernistic Theater Opening Tonight Film Guild Cinema, 52 W. Eighth St., New York, modernistic theater which is to have four screens instead of one, opens tonight. The three ex- tra are the walls and the ceijing on which will be flashed moving army trucks, marching soldiers and over- head airplanes as atmosphere for the individual drama on the central screen. The orchestra will be hid- den and the music will be subdued to allow for "emotional, subjective contemplation." The inside of the theater is built to resemble, the in- side of a camera with the screen where the camera-shutter would, or- dinarily be. The walls and ceiling slope away from the screen and the floor is built in "stadium" fashion. Schwartz Plans Another Baldwin, N. Y. — Following the an- nouncement of the Schwartz Theater Circuit for the construction of a $1,000,000 structure in Rockville Center, it is now reported that the company will build another theater here on Merrick Road. Song Writers Signed William Le Baron, vice president of RKO Productions in charge of production, who arrived in New York on Monday, has signed Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields, song writers, to write all songs for RKO's 1929-30 program. Le Baron has left New York for St. Louis to attend a stage performance of "Rio Rita," which he is to produce as a talker. He returns to New York on Monday. Explosion Wrecks Anaconda Theater Anaconda, Mont. — Gas, escaping into the theater from a broken pipe became ignited and caused an explo- sion which wrecked the Sotndial the- ater and an adjoining garage. Substantial Performance Makes Contract Valid (Continued from Page 1) cellation on grounds of substitution, Louis Nizer won his case before the New York arbitration board yester- day^ in action brought by First Di- vision versus Rosen Bros., for ful- fillment of contract. The nine pic- tures involved, Nizer contended, were substantially the same as promised. The contract, he pointed out, speci- fied the films only by title, contend- ing that the press book or work sheet was inadmissible as evidence, unless fjraud was alleged. The de- fendants, he said, did not rely on the press books in purchase of the films, declaring the evidence brought out substantiated this claim. Allen Buys at Fairmount, N. D. Fairmount, N. D. — R. W. Allen has purchased the Hub here from Ray- mond Mergens. Mergens owns a drug store here and has given up the house to devote his time to pharmacy. FILM SALESMEN Experienced men in Metropolitan Dis- trict wanted on a highly productive proposition selling to exhibitors, please call to see MR. GOULD Box Office Boosters 130 W. 46th St. New York City Cleveland Deal Not Set, Banking Firm Indicates (Continued from Page 1) pany offices, although it is admitted that a proposition on Cleveland houses has been submitted to the company. The Cleveland report said the New York banking firm is asso- ciated with a national stock broker- age house in the reported venture. Booth Opens Tenn. House Sweetwater, Tenn. — Booth Enter- prises have opened the new Gray. E. A. Booth, head of the concern, also owns the Booth, which he continues to operate. Reopens Vancouver House Vancouver — P. R. Allen, manager of the Vancouver, has reopened the Empress The Industry's Date Book Today: Film Guild Cinema opens in New York. Today: Opening of 4,000-seat Toledo-Para- mount at Toledo. Feb. 2 Fox Athletic Club Dinner and Dance at Waldorf-Astoria, N. Y. Feb. 3 Dinner of the Silver Screen spon*. ored by The Film Bureau in New York. Feb. 4 and S Convention of Northwest ex- hibitor unit at Minneapolis. Feb. 9 Dinner of Writers Branch of Acad- emy of M. P. Arts and Sciences, Hollywood, to visiting dialogue writers. Feb. 14 1929 Wampas FroUc, Hollywood Universal Club Dance, Hotel Aster New York. ' Mar. 2 AMPA Hollywood Masque Ball in i New York. Apr. 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn. sylvania Exhibitor Unit. McGinnis Named Manager Newport, Ark.— R. V. McGinnk, has been named manager of the Cap- itol and Newport, succeeding H. M. Clyburn, who has become manager of the Rialto at Camden. ii Campbell at Cameo Belton, S. C— Hulon G. Campbell has become manager of the Cameo, succeeding Medlin, who has returned to his theatrical interests in West- minister. CaU WAFILMS, Inc. Walter A. Putter, Pres. for Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46th St., New York Bryant 8181 Another Booster! "We cannot refrain from expressing our gratitiide, and wish to state fur- ther that if at any time anyone de- sires a testimonial as to the quality of your service, we would be very glad to have you refer them to us." —JACOBSON AMUSEMENT CO., Louisville, Ky. TIFFANY- STAHL PRODUCTIONS, INC. Announce That they hava in the course of production a motion picture production en tided: "MIDWAY" ALL RKJHTS PROTECTED ^[f WARNER BROS. LATEST 100% ALL TALKING VITAPHONE PICTURE ^[AR MonfeBlue \ .s, EDMUND / BREESE / HARS^HAIi 1. THE FLIGHT TO THE SOUTH POLE! — is in every paper every day — is on everybody's tongue. Now — when it's red hot news — Warner Bros, have scooped the motion picture world for timeliness! "CONQUEST" IS A GREAT PICTURE OF THE AIR FLIGHT TO THE SOUTH POLE! It's a golden bonsm^a in box office values. Visualize the marvelous scenes amid ice and snow — the dare-devil flight — the breath-taking crashes — the thrilling rescues — the tense swift action that is sure to lift 'em out of their seats and raise your house re- ceipts into a new record. Get your dates set right now! OPENS Simultaneously FEB. 16 MARK STRAND, New York MARK STRAND, Brooklyn AND YOU CAN PLAY IT DAY AND DATE WITH BROADWAY Directed by ROY DEL RUTH Story by Scenario by Mary Imlay Taylor C '■'^"',^^^' L-. t. *t.> I'x f-f' 0) u u 2 iVr / *»*^' TA 't*-4.»>rr "X^ THE I DAILV Friday, February 1, 192t< 0 Those Amp as By JACK HARROWER 7? i^sj THE Ampas give Mike O'Toole a free pass to a flock of free meals yesterday at the weekly eatfest. To be formal about the matter, the M. P.T.O.A. official received an honor- ary life membership^ Arthur James doing the presenting business. As Mike Simmons -put it, half of the cast of "Jealousy," Broadway play of love and other things, at- tended the luncheon. In other words Arthur Lubin was there. Arthur, you read, plays opposite alluring Fay Bainter, the two comprising the entire cast. Arthur recited a poem which met the approval of the Ampas although it wasn't submitted to the National Board of Censorship. The musical end of the program was upheld by Joey Ray, one of the bright stars of the "Vanities," and Sammy Stept, composer of song hits and theme songs. Joey sang a coupla numbers enthusiastically and well, with Sammy co-operating on the piano. The gathering has that certain Sing Sing touch. Which means that all present {and those unafraid) were "mugged" through the courtesy — and courage — of "The National Exhibitor." No announcement was made as to the Tnotive but it is sus- picioned that the pictures will form the nucleus of an Ampas rougues gallery. li E.f President George Harvey pre- sided, as is customary for presidents. Like a true publicist he boosted the coming Hollywood Masque Ball and made an oratorical appeal for sup- port. Clinton Weyer, introduced by Pete Woodhull, retaliated by briefly re- vealing some of Pete's character- istics, alleged and otherwise. Glasgow Gross $16,975 in Week for "Singing Fool" Glasgow — The Coliseum, here grossed $16,975 for one week with the soijnd version of "The Singing Fool," playing to 87,000 paid admis- sions. At the Regal, London, the picture is continuing its run. Louis Kaplan Buys Site Santa Barbara, Cal. — Louis Kap- lan, owner of the Rose, has pur- chased the Thomas Goux property on West Carrillo St., as a site for a new theater. Leases San Jacinto Theater San Jacinto. Cal. — O. S. Hofmann has leased the Soboba theater to Lynn Yost of Los Angeles and Les- ter A. Reynolds of San Jacinto. W. L. Crull, Jr., Transferred Columbia, Miss. — W. L. Crull, Jr., for several years manager of the Co- lumbia, has been transferred to the Magic City at Bogalusa. Lyall Shiell succeeds him here. Interstate Adds Four Houses to N. E. Chain Portland, Me. — Four houses have been added to the Interstate chain, headed by Rudolph Mayer, brother of Louis B. Mayer. Three of them, the Strand, Empire and Jefferson, are in this city. The fourth, the Capitol, is at Springfield, Mass. The Jeffer- son is a stock house and the other three theaters, with a total capacity of 6,000 seats, are picture houses equipped with both Movietone and Vitaphone. In this new deal Julius Meyer, formerly owner and president of the Elm Amusement Co., chain of 12 houses, is associated with Mayer. To Rebuild Green Bay House Green Bay, Wis. — The Orpheum is to be entirely rebuilt at a cost of $300,000, states Harry K. Timm, manager. The new structure will seat 1,500. Auspicious Program Marks Fox, St. Louis Debut St. Louis — Headed by a dedication by William Fox, an auspicious pro- gram marked opening last night of the new Fox, 6,000-seat link in the national Fox chain. Gov. Henry S. Caulfiekl of Missouri delivered an address of welcome, followed by a Movietone tribute to Fox and greet- ing to the theater by Mayor Miller of St. Louis. The program included 11 presentation units. Improve Wellsville Theater Wellsville, N. Y. — Extensive im- provements and alterations are being made at the Babcock, which will re- open soon. Harold Evans to Richmond, Va. Richmond, Va. — Harold Evans, manager of Loew's Strand at Mem- phis, Tenn., has been named man- ager of the Richmond. Newspaper Opinions "Adoration" First National Mark Strand, New York AMERICAN — * * * There is little oppor- tunity to strike new notes or interpolate original toudhes in this one. The photog- raphy has been well taken care of and the sets are lavish, though not garish. * * * DAILY MIRROR—* * * It's all full of titles, labored complications and shallow characterizations. Pretty poor entertainment for a Broadway theater. * * » DAILY NEWS—* * * Once more, a movie which isn't powerful, but, nevertheless, will leave a decided impression. Moreno, Nicholas Soussanin, Winifred Bryson, Lucy Doraine and Emil Chautard support well. • * * EVENING JOURNAL—* * * It's a handsomely mounted production, with a ro- mantic story that's bound to please audiences ■ — ^especially Billie Dove audiences. * ♦ • EVENING WORLD—* * * The star is beautiful, as usual, and looks appealing at all times. But the burden of the story is carried by Antonio Moreno, who is her titled husband, and Nicholas Soussanin, the philandering Count Vladimir. Both are ex- cellent. * ♦ * EVENING GRAPHIC—* * * It is a pic- ture quite worth seeing, if you are fond of the way Billie Dove handles her men in the movies. Incidentally, the synchronization is extremely well done — a rare blessing these days. ♦ * * HERALD-TRIBUNE—* * * Here is a simple story that has been told on the screen many times before. Yet it is a tender and often moving little picture, directed with grace and acted with warmth and under- standing. * * ♦ POST — * * * is just another Billie Dove movie full of cheap plot, junky settings and stale situations. • * * SUN — * * * You may see Miss Dove at the Mark Strand again with benefit of musical synchronization which fools the ear completely — and again in a role which en- ables her to wear clothes and a title of prin- cess (Russian). • ♦ * TELEGRAM — * * * is another typical Billie Dove pictvue, which is to say that you may expect to find this very lovely lady decked out in any number of very lovely clothes and posing for any number of very eye-filling close-ups. ♦ * ♦ TIMES—* * * As it stands, it is a film with undeniable periods of interest, marred by impossible happenings. » * • WORLD—* * * In all, a very fair ro- mantic picture, elaborately done, which at times may cause the more susceptible to have recourse to their pocket handkerchiefs. "The Rescue" United Artists Rialto, New York AMERICAN—* * * The picture is beau- tifully photographed and each sea "shot" is an exquisite portrait as to composition and lighting. • • ♦ DAILY MIRROR—* * * couldn't have been a great picture. The story lacks sim- plicity and wideness of appeal. But it's still a pretty good program entertainment. * * * EVENING JOURNAL— Pictorially, "The Rescue" is beautiful. It's full of gorgeous lighting effects, striking sets and, what's known in the trade as "production value." EVENING WORLD—* * * is a very fine picture indeed. It has all the sweep of the novel ; it has the tang of far-ofi places ; it is crammed full of adventure and romance, and it is beautiful to behold. Colman does the best work of his career, and Brenon probably feels the same about his end. * ♦ ♦ HERALD-TRIBUNE—* * * As a pic- torial equivalent of Conrad, it follows the original faithfully enough in outline — with the exception of certain understandable teles- coping of episodes and characters — but it is merely the skeleton of the great novelist, with little suggestion of his mood or his man- ner or even of his characterization. * * ♦ POST—* * * There is little subtlety in Mr. Brenon's direction, his picture being car- ried on by good photography, plenty of action and an attractive cast. • * • SUN — * * * Retaining the principal out- lines and curvatures of the original story, and quite enough of its inner core — enough, that is, for all except the most rabid of the Conrad worshipers — Herbert Brenon has fashioned from "The Rescue" an ambitious photoplay of noble romanticism and adven- ture on the Java seas. * » * TELEGRAM— * * * For "The Rescue" is just fair-to-middlin' entertainment, rocked in a cradle of handsome and pretentious settings. * » * TIMES — * * * Considering the inevitable limitations imposed upon a director in reduc- ing a Conrad story toi a swift flow of ani- mated photographic scenes, Herbert Brenon has done valiant work in his pictorial tran- scription of "The Rescue." * * * WORLD—* * * They have made a good filming of Conrad's story of high adventure in the Malay Archipelago. Good by virtue of superb photography, photography that does more than just furnish a picturesque back- ground, as it conjures up and holds the glam- our and widesweep of Conrad's story. • • • fxpM4-0-GaamA OJUur UPS vnocH memi dolucs foc suowmen "Lonesome" (Universal) 'rhrough newspaper tie-up, rati articles claiming that the city's moi lonesome girl had been found. TL picture of the girl with a mask ovei her eyes was printed. The girl hern self was to appear at the Madisoii Gardens oai the Saturday ev ning following the breaking of th story. The first person who ident, fied the girl without her mask, an( who precented her with a copy o her masked picture with the words "You are the lonesome girl fror the State Theater" received a prize.-' State, Toledo, O. ail '1b| rer ern Old \ "The Fleet's In" (Paramount Beaverboard front was built ove the box office; the two openings i; the box office window being in th form of life preservers. The uppe part of the display showed a cut-oi of Clara Bow and James Hall tc gether with copy about the title c picture, star and playdates. — M. ^ Baker, Colfax, South Bend, Ind. "Two Lovers" ' (United Artists) Staged a "Colorado Jubilee Monti and started it off with the Colmai Banky feature. Starting two weel in advance of opening, the theati was literally covered in every coi ceivable spot with cut-out letter "C.J.M." across which were writte such forceful words as "amazing "different," "without precedent "wonderful," etc. This was augmente by screen trailers, newspaper tease and a teaser radio campaign. A wei in advance all the teaser method were turned into announcemen about the Jubilee Month and in organ solo just before the openii a parody on the month was feature Big boards were used carrying sti froin all the pictures to be shov during the month. The front of t theater presented a gala effect wi its stringing colored lights all ov and hanging colored discs under t marquee, on one side of which we pointed Colorado Jubilee Month a on the other side the name of sot star of the month. — Colorado, Pueb Colo. "Women They Talk About" (Warner) Highlights of the campaign w the wholesale arrangement of 20 wi dow displays in prominently locat drug stores. These window displa were arranged by the representati of Kolynos Dental Cream. Manag Collins supplied the Kolynos repi sentative with beaver board art p: els, carrying the following cof " 'Women They Talk About' are u allj' women in the world's eye. Tl all use Kolynos Dental Cream. 5 the talking feature 'Women They T ; About' at the Kirby Theater, n( week. Stills furnislied by < exchange also played a part in thi : window displays. — Kirby, Houst' , Tex. THE Fday, February 1, 1929 ■^tl DASLY By Companies United Artists and Fox have three pictures each among The Ten Best Pictures of 1928. Paramount has two and M-G- M and Pathe one each. In de- tail: UNITED ARTISTS Sorrell and Son, The Circus, Sadie Thompson. FOX ' Four Sons, The Street Angel, Sunrise. PARAMOUNT The Patriot, The Last Com- mand I M-G-M I The Crowd. PATHE , The King of Kings. (ritlcs in Poll Name 10 Best Pictures of '28 , (.Continued from I'aiic 1) t!; voting beiiiK confined only to f4)S released generally. jThere probably will be speculation ccr the non-apnearancc of certain iiportant productions in the list of t e eligibilities. Pictures such as "he Divine Lady," "Noah's .'Vrk," "our Devils," "The River," •■/ings." "The Jazz Singer" and "he Singing Fool" received no votes l:ause in the official list of releases fnished by the distributors for the cnsideration of critics these titles (I not appear. The productions of t|S type which were prc-relcased in 1?8 will be eligible for voting in tlie 129 ballot. iThe order in which the voting :ini:i 2 4 Arizona 1 1 (•.•iliforiii,-i \3 17 Colorado 2 i Coiiiiect icut 6 6 Delaware 1 ^ I)i«frict of C'oliimliia . . . . 1 1 Florida 8 10 Cieorgia 2 •! Idaho 1 1 Illinois 11 19 Indiana 7 11 Iowa yt 6 Kansas .> 4 Kentucky 2 4 Louisiana 3 7 Maine 2 7 Marvland 2 8 .M.is-achusctts 10 21 .Michigan 4 8 Minnestita 2 7 .Missi-^sippi 1 2 .Missouri 2 7 .Montana 2 3 .\e!»raska 2 5 Xcw Jersey 9 13 .N\w York 16 36 North Carolina 4 5 North Dakota 2 3 Ohio 14 27 Oklahoma 4 6 Oregon 1 3 Pennsylvania 9 16 Rhode Island 2 3 South Dakota 1 1 Tennessee 3 S Texas 9 12 ftah 2 3 X'irfc'inia 5 6 WashinRlon 4 6 West Virffinia 2 3 Wi-consin 6 9 Total 188 326 Prices at Vancouver Cut V^ancouver — J. B. McKowen, man- ager of the Orpheum, has made a re- duction of admission prices to a pop- ular scale from Monday to Friday inclusive, reserved scats at matinees being 35 cents and for evening per- formances 80 cents. To Vote on Sunday Shows Hastings, Neb. — The question of Sunda}' shows will be put to a vote at a special election which the city council will call shortly. Business men are in favor of the move. The Great Emancipator Lives Again • • • FOX MO VIETONE re-creates for you — one of the most solemn moments in the life of President Lincoln — his farewell to old neighbors at Springfield, 111., when he became Chief Executive. GEORGE BILLINGS Living image of the Martyred President, speaks the exact words recorded by historians. Directed by Hickman Price. This Sensational Box-Office DraiV is included in Vol. 2, No. 18— Issue A FOX MOVIETONEWS ^. released February 2nd >4'>'^ AT NO EXTRA CHARGE '^^^k^' •^i-^*^ mk^ Charles [CHIC] in Sale r.e^ .*#*^^" "MARCHING ON" ^^ ;,ari#^.*^F^ All -Talking Fox Movietone Comedy in Two Reels Which Ran 11 Weeks at the Gaiety Theatre, N. Y. at ^2. CHIC SALS^ as the Civil War Veteran who knew Lincoln, gives the Outstanding Performance of his Career. ROXY Selects These Two Lincoln Subjects forWorWs Larg- est Theatrct Week Begin- ning Feb, gtfu Box-Office Birthday Greetings from FOX ^<>HEWSPAP£R \/ FILMDOM VOL. XLVII No. 28 Sunday, February 3, 1929 Price 25 Cents COMING To SHAKETHE'WiORlDWlTHlAUGHTER COW '-Silent or Sound- Carl Laemmle leads the Way/// Just off the Presses THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK Bigger, Better, More Complete Than Ever NOW BEING DISTRIBUTED FREE TO FILM DAILY SUBSCRIBERS *'.ri--r ^M Could MaKe a Comedy Such As Twenty 'four parts in the picture, and every role played by Lupino Lane him' self. Who else could do it? The versatility that made such an astonishingly clever ^^^mmmmmm^^^mmmmmmmmmmmi novelty comedy possible, makes Lane the outstanding star in the twO'reel comedy field, and as great a box* office asset as you ever had in Short Features. ^y 9 'fc>v >---\_J ■.ilt Lake City— West Coast The- rs (Fox) is continuing its deal for local house, with negotiations for e Capitol ncaring completion. Re- ntly it was reported that Fox was eking the American as well. Pub- also, said a recent report was eking a stand here, but this was nied in New York by Sam Dem- >w. Marcus, for years was asso- ited with Paramount as district aiiager. With West Coast offi- ils, now working on detail, the deal ith Marcus will be closed or called f within the near future. ERGERS CONTINUE TO WORRY U. I SHOWMEN j London — Mergers and combines re continuing to worry exhibitors lere, it was emphasized at the recent eeting of the Leeds Cinematograph- • Exhibitors Ass'n. One of the big- est problems confronting the trade : present is the growth of the big )mbines, Harry Hopkins, new chair- lan, declared. The C.E.A. trading lethod w^'j killed, Hopkins contends, (Continued em Page 6) Jill to Prohibit Films in Schools Proposed in Cal. Sacramento, Cal. — Bill to prohibit lowing of pictures in schools of the ;ate, as unfair competition to thea- rs. is to be considered by the Cali- Jtnia legislature. Paramount' s Net Between $8,500,000 and $9,- 000,000, or about $4.35 a share on 2,063,517 shares, will prob- ably be shown by Paramount for the year ended Dec. 31 last says "The New York Tele- gram." Provisional estimates for the present year, which take into account income from new properties and from films now released just getting into their full earning power, in- dicate net of around $11,000,- 000 to $13,000,000, the newspa- per states. This is equivalent to $5.50 or $6.50 a share on the present capital. TICKET TAX, CENSORING SOUND BILLS IN OHIO Columbus — Five per cent admis- sion tax and a bill to empower cen- sors to pass on dialogue used in pic- tures, are provided in bills introduced in the Ohio Senate. The censor bills, raises the fee charged by the state from $1.00 to S4.00 per reel, and creating an un- limited number of "inspectors with authority to enter any theater at any time to view films, and to inspect stored films. The censor is backed by the Ohio State League for Better Motion Pic- (.Continiied on Page 12) COLUMBIA AND VICTOR TO MAKE 26 TALKER SHORTS Talent and recording services of Victor Talking Machine Co., are made available to Columbia Pictures, under terms of a contract for joint production of a series of 26 talker shorts closed by Joe Brandt, presi- dent of Columbia, and H. L. Som- merer of Victor. Production is to be started at the Victor plant at Cam- den, X. J. A campaign to secure some of "the biggest names before the public today" is being undertaken. An affiliation with a vaudeville agency now is being negotiated. Economizing Several large-scale deals in- volving the leading motion pic- ture producers are under way and there appears some compe- tition for at least two units. One report which could not be verified credited Warner Broth- ers with having made a bid for a sizable block of Loew's stock held by the wife of the late head of the company. On the other hand, report persists that Fox and Loew's are nego- tiating a consolidation and de- spite official denial by Loew's officials, it is stated that a bat- tery of lawyers are working on this merger. Paramount's strength is attributed to pros- pects of an alliance with a gigantic enterprise whose in- terest in the moving picture in- dustry is constantly increasing. — New York American. Talkers Here to Stay, Says Old Vitaphone Showman Talking pictures are here to stay is the opinion of John Hamrick, who operates houses at Seattle, Portland and Tacoma. Hamrick, now in New York, was the first exhibitor, outside of Warners, to iQStall Vitaphone equipment. For some time his Blue Mouse theaters in the three cities have specialized in sound pictures. Last year, he opened the Music Box, Seattle, as a sound house. M Headline Highlights ^-^■vTT-^ » -1 ^ T. • 1 1 * _ 1 i: "V«4- ^.*4- i*-i fVi<=» lonH 1 ON DAY : It is hard to believe. Yet out in the land where they make 'em, producers are turning serious thotight to a production retrenchment — numerically, not quantitative- ly. Fewer pictures, better production values is as good a man- n'er as anv in which to describe what's now going on in many Hollywood minds. ^Ve hope the thought sticks. • • • Censorship proposed for Nebraska: controlled shows for minors in Maryland. Headlines that tell the story too well. In many states, law makers are training their guns on motion pic- tures", for this, vou know, is the open season for game stalking, said game being the film industry. Working quietly as usual and with narv a toot from the trumpets, Charlie Pettijohn is doing his snoozing in sleepers these nights in order to be in the legisla- tive swirl during the days. Only difficulty here is that Pettijohn can't be in two or three places at one time and that slight diffi- culty, vou see, cuts down to exactly one the available industry champions wise to the wavs of politicians to exactly one. . . . More first runs for Oklahoma City. Publix is expected to build there as it will in many other cities, although executive I (Continued on Page 4) WARNERS TO CONRNE RECORDING TO DISCS Warners are thoroughly "sold" on the disc system of recording and re- producing, and do not intend to make any change, states Albert Warner, company vice president, in comment- ing on S. R. Kent's statement that Paramount favors the sound-on-film system of recording. "Our experience has proved that the best results are obtainable through use of discs," Warner commented. His view is diametrically opposed to that of Kent, who declares that sur- face noises and scratches will creep into recording by the disc system, but that such noises are eliminated by the sound on film recording. Kent says he is convinced that best tonal quality can be obtained by film re- cording, pointing out that 90 per cent of houses equipped for sound can re- produce sound-on-film. Discs are bulky, hard to handle and easily breakable, he contends, stating the average disc is but good for 18 to 20 runs at most. Warners' recording will be con- fined to discs, "until some better sys- tem is evolved," Warner stated. Warners Planning New Hollywood House, Report West Coast Bureau. THE FlUA DAILY Hollywood — Warners is reported planning to build a theater on a site adjoining the firm's Hollywood house. Merging of "M. P. Today" and "Review" Under Way Plans are understood to have been completed for merging of "M. P. Today," weekly, and "Exhibitors Daily Review," daily, both of which are edited by Arthur James. Mayer Resigning f IVcst Coast Bur. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Louis B. Mayer has made no decision as to whether he will resigfn from M-G-M to become am- bassador to Turkey, although he says he is considering Presi- dent-Elect Hoover's offer of the post. Reports have been in circulation that he is to resign March 1. —JX0^. DAILY Sunday, February 3, 1929 Vol. XlVIl Net 28 Sunday, Feb. 3, 1929 Price 25 Cents lOHN W. ALICOATE Publisher Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y-, and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Filrn Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter, May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months. $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY. 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Cirde 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable addross: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California— Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. INDEX HEADLINE HIGHLIGHTS, An Editorial by Maurice Kann 1 FINANCIAL 2 SOUND PICTURES, by Charles F. Hynes 5 EXPLOIT-0-GRAMS, Hints for Shmvmen 6 "SHORT SHOTS FROM NEW YORK STUDIOS," by Arthur W. Eddy. . 6 FOREIGN MARKETS, by James P. Cunningham 7 REVIEWS OF NEWEST RELEASES, by Jack Harrower 8-9 HOLLYWOOD HAPPENINGS, Coast News by Telegraph 10 •'A LITTLE FROM LOTS," by Ralph Wilk 10 THEATER EQUIPMENT, by Charles F. Hynes 11 PRESENTATIONS, by Herbert S. Berg 12 THE WEEK'S HEADLINES, Resume of the News 12 The Industry's Date Book STOCK MARKET High Lov» Close Am. Seat 34^ 34J| 34^ Con. Fni. Ind. pfd. 28M 28 28^ East. Kodak 189% 184}4 187 J4 *do pfd 128 ♦First Nat. pfd 105^4 Fox Fra. "A" .... 957A 9454 94% *do rts 3 Keith A-O 40}^ 40 40% do pfd 123 118 123 Loew"s Inc 80?^ 77% 78H do pfd 110% no 110% *M-G-M pfd 25% M. P. Cap 18 18 18 Para. F-L 66% 65% 66J^ Pathe Exch 12 IIM 12 do "A" 25% 25% 25% Radio K-A-0 42>4 3954 41^ Stanley Co 40% 40% 40% *Univ. Pict. pfd 98'4 Warner Bros 132 129 129 J4 Warner pfd 57J^ 56 57 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 14% 14^ 14% *Bal. & Katz 81 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 24% 23 J4 24 ♦Film Insp 1% Fox Thea. "A" ... 33 32 32 ♦Intern. Proj 1854 Loew do deb. rts... 44 4354 43 54 •Nat. Scr. Ser 30 Nat. Thea. Sup. .. 105i 10% 10% Trans-Lux 12 11% 11% ♦Univ. Pict 1654 BOND MARKET Keith A-O 6s 46 . 94 94 94 Loew 6s 41ww ...12154 121 12154 do 6s 41 x-war... 9954 9954 9954 Paramount 6s 47 ..100% 99J4 100% Par. By. 5 54s 51 ..102 101% 102 Pathe 7s 37 8054 80J4 8054 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 . 9754 9754 9754 ♦Warner 654s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 33 35 do units 35 38 .... do com 554 654 .... Skouras Bros 50 54 .... Technicolor 1254 13 .... United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2 do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED REVIEWS PAGE APACHE, THE 9 BEHIND THE ALTAR 8 BROKEN BARRIERS 8 ESCAPED FROM HELL 8 HARVEST OF HATE 9 ON THE DIVIDE 9 OUTLAWED 8 PAGE REDSKIN 8 SINS OF THE FATHERS 8 SMOKE BELLEW 8 TRAIL OF HORSE THIEVES.. 9 WOLF OF WALL STREET 8 SHORT SUBJECTS SOUND 9 Today: 'Dinner of the Silver Screen spons- ored by The Film Bureau in New York. Fox Athletic Club Dinner and Dance at Waldorf-Astoria, N. Y. Feb. 4 and 5 Convention of Northwest e«- hibitor unit at Minneapolis. Feb. 9 Diimer of Writers Branch of Acad- emy of M. P. Arts and Sciences, Hollywood, to visiting dialogue writers. Feb. 14 1929 Wampas Frolic, Hollywood. Universal Club Dance, Hotel Astor, New York. Mar. 2 AM PA Hollywood Masque BaU ia New York. Sales 300 2',000 9,100 5,600 '466 400 26,900 300 '466 49,300 4,300 100 28,300 100 45',466 3,500 2',400 6,166 s'.ioo '366 'i66 5,200 3 28 19 S3 2 1 Walt Disney in New York Walt Disney creator of the "Micky Mouse" sound cartoons, is in New York from Hollywood with two new subjects in the "Micky Mouse" series, and the first print of a new series of novelty sound cartoons. The Dis- ney pictures are made for sound syn- chronization, recorded by the Powers Cinephone system of sound-on-film. Brill Gets Two Isle Theatrical Enterprise has se- cured the Stadium at Staten Island, from David Snapper and the Palace from James Laird. The Stadium seats 1,000 and the Palace 600. Non-Synchronous Portable Adswin (lorp., New York is mar- keting- a non-synchronous, portable sound device with two turntables. The equipment can be carried in an automobile. Blumenthal in N. Y. I. Blumenthal, general manager of the Paramount organizations for Ger- many and Central Europe, is in New York for his annual conference with E. E. Shauer, general manager of the foreign department. K. C. House Robbed Kansas City, Mo. — Thieves held-up three employees of the Newman, forced one to open the house vault and escaped with $5,000, it is re- ported. Harvard Gets Three F-P-L Films Cambridge, Mass. — The University Film Foundation of Harvarid, has received three Paramount films as gifts. The pictures are: "Chang," "Mona," and "Grass" and will be used by the science departments of the university. German Sound Device Heard London — Demonstration recently was held here of the German sound device being distributed by the Tobis Co. One feature and a number of shorts were shown. "Strange Cargo" Premiere Feb. 16 "Strange Cargo" is to have its pre- miere Feb. 16 at the Paramount, New York. Within a week after screen- ing, the picture and "The Godless Girl" have been booked by a num- ber of circuits throughout the coun- try, states Phil Reisman, general sales manager. Hazelton, Pa., Firm Incorporated Hazelton, Pa. — A Charter has been issued to Nanticoke Theaters, with headquarters at Wilkes-Barre. M. B. Comerford, who operates theaters in this state, is treasurer. The com- pany has been organized for erecting, leasing and operating theaters, with capital stock of $200,000, it is reported. Sells Eureka House Eureka, Cal. — Charles Koerner, general manager of Redwood The- aters, has purchased the Fortuna here from Charles Wescott. The house will be called the State, with the present State to be closed. Pathe Branch Moving The New York branch of Pathe Exchange, Inc., now located at 1600 Broadway will move to the Film Center Building at 630 Ninth Ave., early in February. Pathe will occu- py the greater portion of the eighth floor at the Film Center where new equipment and fixtures are now be- ing installed. Antwerp, N. Y. House Opens Antwerp, N. Y. — The Gateway, closed due to the influenza epidemic has been reopened. Apr. 14-15-16 Convention of Western sylvania Exhibitor Unit. Peniip "Mickey Mouse" Goes Abroad Contracts were closed this week between International Photo Play Distributors and Charles J. Giege- rich, eastern representative for Walt Disney, whereby International se- cures foreign rights to the Disney "Mickey Mouse" animated sound cartoons. International is one of the buying agencies for General Talk- ing Pictures, and the International Variety and Theatrical Agency, Ltd., through which companies the pic- tures will be distributed throughout Europe, Asia and Africa. To Repair S. D. House Washington Springs, S. D. — The Rialto recently damaged by fire will be repaired and redecorated. F. M. Burton is owner of the building. BROOKS THE NAME YOij GO BY V/HEN. YOU GO TO BUY COSTUMES 1AU50 2S.OOO COSTUMES fO BENT: ROAD SHOWS Apply at Adswin, 727 7th Ave., N. Y. C, for latest sound equipment. It is por- table and can be carried in any sedan car. Price and agency proposition attrac- tive. Newark House Leased Bloomfield & Sumner Amusement Corp., has leased the Colonial. New- ark, to Dashkin & Levine, through Adolph Sofiferman, New York. Topeka House Closed Topeka, Kans. — The Isis, National Theaters Corp. house, has been closed here due to poor attendance and in- fluenza epidemic, it is reported. This will not effect the Orpheum or Grand, also owned by National. Let Us Solve Your Problems I Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCORPORATED 1540 B'WAY N.Y.C. TELEPHONE BRYANT 3040 ONE WEEK Starting Tomorrow FEBRUARY 3rd The answer to exhibitors prayers — a PATHE SOUND NEWS release every week starting tomorrow, February 3rd. Overwhelming exhibitor demand, together with added production equipment and facilities, brings Pathe's prompt answer — all within three months since this sound news reel made its debut. With the delivery of new sound re- cording trucks and cameras, espe- cially built by the RCA Photophone System, editorial headquarters will be established in all the principal metropolitan centers of this country and Europe, bringing to each week — fifty-two weeks a year — a spark- ling, new minted sound news reel of consistently high quality. ^lAOt N^>^ PATHE SOUND NEWS SOUND RECORDING B Y RCA PHOTOPHONE SYSTEM rut DAiLV Sunday, February 3, 1929 Headline Highlights {Continued from Page 1) headquarters will tell you quite em- phatically that only a normal expan- sion program is in mind. Of course, it all depends on what Publix holds to be "normal." To return to the oil fields: Fox will either build or buy there. An independent outfit likewise plans a theater to cost $600,- 000. Merrier and merrier it grows The scene switches to the Buffalo sector where Fox is about to take over four houses in nearby towns. It is whispered about that Fox and Mike Comerford are to embark on an expansion spree up-state, hand in hand, and that this might be an open- ing step in said jamboree. . . . Gettin' Coin' Tuesday: Sometime in February, Allied will launch its membership drive. The offensive is being organized simultaneously and the opening shots, so it is designed, are to be fired as one. It was on this day that Myers was in New York. Not Commission- er Myers. Not even Mr. Myers. Just plain Myers, for that is what he prefers to be called. He is a most busy young man, what with appoint- ing regional representatives and, in general, laying the foundation for the Allied that is to be Also on this day Carl Laemmle celebrated his 23rd anniversary in the picture field. Seizing the occasion for a dissertation on sound, "Uncle Carl" discoursed as follows: Marvelous strides have been made in the past few months by studio experts in grasping the fundamentals of a new production technique for the making of talking films. Despite contentions that it would take many months for producers to learn to coordinate dialogue and pure screen action in picture making, this is already being done. Which leads us to reflect that Laemmle's words are of the pearly kind that bespeak wisdom. It is granted, of course, that the technique for sound has not yet been fully de- veloped. But if you are prone to turn critical about the progress made to date, stop for a moment and re- call how valiantly the industry has faced and met the upheaval caused by sound pictures. There was no preparation for the revolution. How could there be when nobody knew what was coming? The job has been mightly well done. In the re- vamping made necessary by the ad- vent of sound, we lean toward the opinion that the motion picture busi- ness has accomplished a herculean task which few other industries of like scope could have done. . . . Nationalization, in a true sense, is a large step nearer. Columbia ac- quires the Liberty-Specialty exchanges in the South and thereby adds an even half dozen branches to the list of those it already owns and oper- ates. Ambitious boys, Joe Brandt and the Cohns. . . . A perfectly good yarn gone hay- wire. From the sunny climes of Florida, John J. Raskob, a power in General Motors, ups and denies flatly persistent reports that he and Gov- ernor Smith are to enter this business of ours. Said Raskob: "So far as anyone can predict the future, neither of us will ever enter the motion pic- ture industry." The yarn, you will no doubt recall, had Raskob enter- ing pictures via RCA of which or- ganization Smith, it was reported, would be president.... Training Schools Wednesday: Pete Woodhull comes out for training schools wherein ex- hibitors can learn the fundamentals of arbitration as it is applied in deal- ings between distributor and theater owner. Excellent. Principally be- cause the value of arbitration has long since asserted itself and because any constructive step designed to make the machinery function more equit- ably as well as more smoothly should be encouraged. Our reactions to arbitration are definite. Often have we set them forth in print for pur- poses of the record. It is our belief that a sad day indeed would befall the industry were the system to be ruthlessly torn down. In principle, there can be no criticism of the sys- tem. In operation, it appears evils have asserted themselves. For this it would perhaps be unfair to level an accusing finger in any one direc- tion. Nevertheless malpractices have crept in and adjustments must be made. If Woodhull's idea, or another similar plan, helps in bringing this about, it is worthy of a helping hand. . . . Another link in the Fox chain. That 5,000 seater — Fox builds 'em only that way — opens in St. Louis. We haven't heard as yet how Spyros Skouras feels about it.... On Feb. 8 we shall see what Metro may be expected to do in the field of all-talkers. On that date, "Broad- way Melody" opens at the Astor in New York.... The Pullmans have rvabbed Joe Plunkett. Somewhere in the Middle West today, Joe is looking over the RKO houses he is expected to oper- ate at a profit. Smart boy, swivel chairs in New York are O. K., but you've got to know what the houses you are running look like, and the competition they have to face before you know where you're at.... Phew! Thursday: The ozone is charged— right to the hilt — with all sorts of reports of mergers, consolidations, absorptions and whatnots. RKO and Paramount are being mentioned. We told you so as far back as October 27. And over the persistent denials of the entire Loew board of directors, Fox is still mentioned as a possible purchaser. On the other hand, there is talk that most widely discussed merger of them all will eventualize. This would bring Paramount, Metro and U. A. into one camp so that the thumbs of three hands instead of one can be wiggled in the direction of Fox. So it goes. Remember, how- ever, that no matter what happens we have attempted to prepare you for several startling moves. Anything might happen, and probably will was the way we put it then. It still goes. They continue to be incorrigble out in the Windy City. The Marks Bros, and the B. and K. crowd get along TIFFANY- STAHL PRODUCTIONS, INC. Announce That they hava in the course of production a motion picture production entitled: *^When the Curtain Comes Down'' ALL RIGHTS PROTECTED like a couple of strange bulldogs Hammer and tongs competition is th< way to describe it. Not only that, th( boys are getting plumb foolish ovei it. The stage of the Chicago theatei is now being cluttered with 100 per formers in each show. Lo and be \ hold, the Granada and the Marbrc' commit themselves to an indentica] policy. Pyramid building, one O' this businesses chief pastimes, thu gets a couple of new champions am the public added bargains.... The Ten Best Friday: The big event of thi week and of many weeks past. Th voice of critical America speaks an proclaims to all who may care t listen the list of distinguished produc tions that have made the grade c The Ten Best of 1928. As a grouj, the standard bearers are: The Ft triot, Sorrell and Son, The Last Con mand, Four Sons, The Street Ange The Circus, Sunrise, The Crowd, Tb King of Kings and Sadie Thompsoi A representative selection indeei Coupled with the ten is the usu; Roll of Honor, a classification of a pictures which received ten votes < more. For 1928, there were fort seven, as against 36 in 1927.... Good news from Washingto Health ofificials declare the "flu" on the wane. An occasion for e: hibitor cheers North, South, Ea and West. . . . Sidney Kent is sold on the soun on-films system as against the di.' Therefore, Paramount will mal them that way. KAN ■TONIGHT! TONIGHT!- ! Third Annual DINNER — ENTERTAINMENT — BALL t of the FOX ATHLETIC CLUB in the Grand Ballroom of the WALDORF ASTORIA HOTEL 8 P. M. to Dawn Continuous dance music by HENRY MEYER ORCHESTRA— a stupendous bill of STAGE STARS from current Broadway hits, Roxy Theatre, Night Clubs, and JACK OSTERMAN Master of Ceremonies ' Buy your tickets from Maurice Goodman, auditing dept., Fox Film Corp., 850 Tenth Avenue, or at the Gaiety Theatre, B'way at 46th Street. Subscription: $6.00, $7.50, $10.00 Sunday, February 3, 1929 DAILV NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FAST GROWING FIELD OF SYN- CHRONIZATION SOUND PICTURES TIPS ON EQUIPMENT AND VARIOUS DS> VICES ARE NOW AVAILABLE By CHARLES F. HYNES LAU8TE DEVELOPING NEW REPRODUCTION DEVICE Revolutionary chanKes in reproduc- tion of sound are forecast in a new device being developed by Eugene A. Lauste. a pioneer inventor in the field of sound-on-filni recording and reproduction, who says his system will transform electrical impulses in- to sound without use of a sensitized diaphragm or other mechanical means. The inventor is working on the device at his Bloomfield, N. J., laboratory, climaxing experiments begun 15 years ago, when he was completing experiments with sound- on-film recording. The new device, it is said, eliminates need of using a microphone to sensitize diaphragm, thus solving many amplification prob- lems. Rochester Hears Phonofilm Rochester, N. Y. — The Thurston, under the management of Al Root, has installed DeForest Phonofilm pro- jecting eciuipnient has opened. European Race ? "Invasion" of Europe by RCA-Photophone is the pur- pose of a survey to be made abroad by David SarnofF, presi- dent of the company, who sail- ed from New York on Thurs- day. This, it is said, presages a race between RCA-Photo- phone and Western Electric, for J. E. Otterson, head of Electrical Research Products, sailed Friday to survey the European market. Audible Pictures to Take Over Han-A-Phone Device London — .\udible Pictures is be- ing formed to take over Han-A-Phonc, sound device recently demonstrated here. The board consists of Alfred Rawlinson, Sanniel Berney, Bertie -Mever and Samuel Harrison. It is capitalized at $970,000. McGuire Buys Miss. House Holly Springs, Miss. — J. E. Mc- Guire has purchased the Rex from George R. Childs. U. K. Exhibitor Invents "Electrocord" Device London — Tom Palmer, De Luxe house at Kirkgate, has invented a sound device called Electrocord. The methods employed harness film to a gramophone disc. A turntable at- tached to the projector is connected by wires to an amplifier near the screen and songs, dialogue and sound effects are reproduced to synchronize with the film. Oganvox Capitalization Milwaukee — Oganvox .Sales Co., recently formed here, is capitalized at $25,000 for the purpose of manufac- turing and selling sound reproducing devices. Signers of the articles of in- corporation are Albert H. Renier, Paul Sullivan and Christine B. Ren- ier. Novel Shorts Presentation Seattle — Manager Robert Blair of the Seattle is presenting sound short subjects in a novel way. He uses the house orchestra to provide in- cidental music while the film per^ formers are doing their stufif, much in the fashion of vaudeville houses. DRANAPHONE CETS DISCS AT CINCINNATI KQUSI Cincinnati — Intcrchangeability o| Dramaphone, with other disc reprc ducer, is being demonstrated at th« Forest here, which opened Mondaj .vitli "Abie's Irish Rose", with "Manhattan Cocktail," "Varsity" anc Ruth Etting and Cantor shorts scheduled for the balance of the weel In addition to Paramount, the Forest.l according to Manager Floyd D. Mor-' row, has sound contracts with M-G- M, United Artists and Tiflany-Stahl. So far, he says, no Warner product has been obtainable, although sev- eral Vitaphone acts have been tried out on the Dramaphone equipment before Warner representatives. Wiring Appleton, Wis., House Appleton — New sound equipment for Brin's Appleton theater has ar- rived and will be installed shortly, according to Howard Whelpley, man- ager. The new equipment will cost appro.ximately $17,000. Voice and Orchestra selections are recorded with such fidelity and delicacy of tone with "*" such sweetness and clearness combined with depth, as to make music and entertainment of an actual orchestra that is present. The human voice with every intonation, with every fine expression, with every heart throb, is reproduced bfelike through RACON EXPONENTIAL HORNS. The one piece construction, the Patented vibrationless, non-porous material and the lightness of weight make RACON HORNS the recognized standard for musical and voice reproduction by the largest Amphher Com- panies Talking Picture Companies and Reproducer Compames throughout the world. Sizes of horns vary from 6" to 6' square beUs, with air columns of from one foot to fifteen feet DYNAMIC UNITS FOR EXPONENTIAL HORNS THE NEW UNIT Write for Catalog MARK an advanced step in this day of remarkable talking picture achievement The results obtained by the use of the Racon Air Column Units are to be a surprise even to the most critical listener. Your entertaining problems will be solved, the box office receipts will be increased, your patrons will be delighted by the reproduction from RACON EXPONENTIAL HORNS AND DYNAMIC HORN UNITS. There wUl be no blasting, no tinniness, but perfect amplification combined vrith volimie, depth and Consult Our Acoustical Engineers Specialists in Acoustic Chambers Factories: 18 to 24 Washington Place, New York, Telephone Spring 1120 Slough, Bucks. England, and IC5 Sherbourne St.. Toronto, Canada THE DAILV Sunday, February 3, 1929 DAILY TIPS WHICH MEAN DOLLARS FOB SHOWMEN "Abie's Irish Rose" (Paramount) Florist donated 500 flowers each day for three day in advance of show- ing. These flowers were tucked in two sht openings on a novelty her- ald which bore copy about the stars, picture, theater and play dates as well as mentioning that the flower came from Eison's, Inc., Columbia's leading florist. The roses and her- alds were given to the ladies at the matinees. And after the picture opened roses were distributed in a similar way at the other Publix house. The florist also had banners on two of his trucks advertising the picture, theater and play dates as well as having a special window dis- play showing a number of shamrock easels in which appeared photos taken from the picture, together with copy about the roses, picture, theater and play dates. Three-foot cut-out letters spelling out the title of the picture were used on top of the marquee. The color scheme was carried out: — -lO-watt ambers for the word "Abie's"; 10- watt green for "Irish'"; and 10-watt rose for "Rose." This made a beau- tiful effect at night and had very good sales value as it could be seen for a block in either direction. — Rob- ert Talbert, Publix Ritz, Columbia, S. C. "The Barker" (First Nat'l) Ballyhoo wagon was kept con- stantly running through the residen- tial and business sections of Roches- ter before and during the engage- ment of the picture. It carried a bar- rel-organ to attract attention and dur- ng stops made at advantageous points played the exploitation record af "The Barker." Circus throwaways ivere distributed in the crowd gath- red around the wagon. Ten thou- sand roto heralds were distributed in 1 house-to-house campaign. The ront of the theater was dressed in :arnival fashion. — Eav's, Rochester, ^T. Y. "My Man" (Warner) Inasmuch at Miss Brice had never nade a stage appearance in St. Paul, md very few people had ever seen ler, the direct mail campaign was •ised through the co-operation of the ochroeder Hotel chain with head- luarters in Milwaukee, the theater N2L1, given 5000 post cards showing he various hotels owned and oper- ited by this hotel chain — with the •everse side imprinted, "Dear Priend: — Just a line in haste; saw ^-annie Brice in 'My Man.' It's a peach Df, a Vitaphone talkie! Understand t's showing at the Capitol. Be sure to see itl Sincerely, Betty." The theater staff addressed the postcards md then they were sent back to Mil- waukee for mailing— reaching St. Paul on the opening day of picture. —John Goring and Eddie Kneppers, Capitol, St. Paul. Ballot Stops Show A gag used on Universal's mystery film, "The Last Warn- ing," is a jury ballot to be given to patrons as they enter the theater. It contains pic- tures of the cast with corres- ponding numbers. The idea is to turn on the house lights at the point in the film where the theater is closed for five years and ask the audience to vote who committed the murder. Prizes should be oflFered for the correct answer. The stunt has proved inexpensive as well as exciting because very few pa- trons light on the real mur- derer. The ballot requests pa- trons to keep the solution a se- cret, which stimulates word-of- mouth publicity. The name and address on the ballot is valuable for the theater's mail- ing list. "Someone to Love" (Paramoimt) The 13 trucks owned and operated by a laundry were bannered on both sides with copy reading, "If you want Someone to Love, have your work done at the Sunshine Laundry. See Someone to Love at the Empire The- ater starring Buddy Rogers." — S. R. Abrams, Empire, San Antonio, Tex. "Tenderloin" (Warner) Hired a young girl to call all the numbers in the telephone book. When the phone was answered the girl called the party by the name of some friend and suggested that they go to the Sterling Theater together to see the picture. When advised by the called party that it was the wrong number, the girl begged pardon and hung up. This got the message across without knowledge of adver- tising in most cases. — C. C. Perrin, Sterling, Greeley, Colo. "Wheels of Chance" (First National) Arranged a trick lobby display which attracted much attention and created no little word-of-mouth com- ment. A beaver board easel was pre- pared and the front covered with textone. A large wheel with num- bers running from 1 to 20 was mounted upon the easel frame, and those passing the theater were in- vited to spin the indicator. If it stopped upon the number 16, they would be entertained as guests of the theater. A theater employee was stationed by the wheel to see that no one spun it more than once. The arrow was kept in motion all day by those trying their luck. In the two days of the picture's engagement, 39 free admissions were given away. — Robert Talbot, Imperial, Columbia, S. C. Mergers Continue to Worry U. K. Showmen (Continued from Page 1) by the attitude of distributors who claimed they would refuse to deal with any combination of exhibitors in booking pictures. However, he be- lieves there is a possibility of small exhibitors getting together for their own self interests. Another special meeting of the C.E.A. is to be called to discuss a firmer attitude on the subject of the standard contract. Of- ficers elected at the meeting were in addition to Hopkins: John Claughton, vice chairman, Herd Oates, treasurer and E. M. Rush secretary. "Trusts" Called One of Big Issues in England London — "Trust" business is one of the biggest things exhibitors are up against, declared R. Copelin, chair- man of the Kent County branch of the C.E.A. To British-Gaumont, pro- ducer-distributing company, he point- ed out a film may be bookd for 300 showings and all ot,her exhibitors would be compelled to wait until the circuit completed its run. "Our failing has been that we have not looked far enough ahead," said Bert Miller, vice chairman. "The very thing we fight against today we could have fought against five years ago. It is in our power to put on the General Council the men we want. It is the big circuits that the inde- pendent exhbitors, 3,000 strong, are going to fight and it is inside the C.E.A. that these circuits have too much power." Another Studio Promotion is Reported at Vancouver Vancouver — This city is once more hearing reports 'of a studio for the production of pictures "to qualify under the British Quota Plan." An actor from Hollywood is said to be the prime mover in the project. Sev- eral promotions have been started in Vancouver and also in Victoria in re- cent years but, as yet, there is no actual sign of a studio. Some months ago two stock salesmen were hailed to court because of their activities in selling shares in a projected film producing enterprise. Theater at Quebec Reopens Quebec — The Eden at Hull, has been reopened with a new policy of pictures and stock musical comedy. The three theaters in Hull, the Lau- rier, Capitol and Eden, are under the control of Donat Paquin of Hull but the Eden had been dark for some weeks. Wilson Gets Winnipeg House Toronto — Edward Auger, manag- ing director of Gaumont British Corp. of Canada, has appointed J. A. Wil- son of Winnipeg as the company's representative in western Canada with offices at Winnipeg. Physical distribution of the Gaumont product in the Dominion is through Canadian Universal. I Short Shots from I New York Studios iBy ARTHUR W. EDDY'^^ A LOT of sound-proof laughter is due at Paramount's Long Island studio next week when Robert Flo- rey starts direction of "The Cocoa- nuts," based on the musical comedy wow. The Four Marx Brothers will be starred, with Mary Eaton and Os- car Shaw contributing to the enter- tainment. Florey recently completed the all-dialogue feature, "The Hole in the Wall." M-G-M's newest recruit from, the legit stage is Clifford Brooke, who has directed many a Broadway stage production. His last piece of work was "Fioretta," the Earl Carroll en- tertainment which soon appears on the Main Stem. Much screen brilliance is expected at the so-called Dinner of the Silver Screen Feb. 3, sponsored by the Film Bureau. It will be provided by Gilda Gray, Phyllis Haver, Lee Patrick, Margaret Mann and others, unless plans go astray. Dialogue and sound will he used in connection with Lewis I. Maisell's 25 comedy shorts, to be produced by the Rialto M. P. Co. The cameras start grinding soon. ]. S. Zamecnik will do the original musical score for "The Betrayal." Emil Jannings' next. He has suc- cessfully developed a new color tech- nique in musical interpretations. Continuing to ransack the theater, concert and operatic stages for talk- er talent, M-G-M has made a short with Craig Campbell. Production at the company's Eastern studio is un- der the supervision of Louis K. Sid- ney and Major Edward Bowes. Horwitz and Kaplan Expand I Columbus — M. B. Horwitz, and I Hyman Kaplan of the Washington \ circuit, Cleveland, have purchased the Ogden and Empress here, from James A. Jackson, and have combined these j two houses with the Pythian, owned ' by William James, into Columbus Theater Co. The Ogden and the Pythian play colored roadshow pro- ductions. The Empress is a picture house catering to colored patronage. Horwitz and Kaplan own and oper- ate the Globe, Cleveland, also a col- ored roadshow house. Site for Wainwright House London — Site has been secured at Epson by J. G. and R. B. Wain- wright Ltd., for a 2,000 seat theater. Work will be started soon with the house to completed by autumn. Freedman Going to California Cleveland — Albert Freedman, who recently resigned as general manager of theaters for Loew's here, leaves Feb. 4 to spend two months in Cali- fornia. THE Sunday, February 3, 1929 Sell Sound to Public and Get Show Angle Exhibitor Urges Rochester, N. Y. — Co-operative ad- vertising effort on the part of pro- ducers and distributors to sell sound pictures to the public, and the secur- ing of exhibitor co-operation to inject showmanship into sound films, are urged by Thomas D. Soriero, man- aging director of the Rochester here, who stresses the alarm with which he says exhibitors are viewing the present situation, inferior sound films, he says, are endangering the future of this form of entertainment. "Anxiety and misgivinj;s have been ex- pressed by a large number of theater man- agers throughout the country, on account of the synchronized pictures," he says. "In the main, it is felt that the sound pictures have not been entirely a success, owing to so many inferior ones on the market. Large expendi- tures for the cost of installations have been .necessary, and, as well, the pictures them- selves are more costly. "Many small theaters have been unable to put in the proper equipment, because of the high initial expense," Soriero continues. "At first, they thought this would hurt them from a business standpoint, now, they feel they are fortunate for not having installed the ap- paratus. Why? Because the talking, sound and music pictures have not come up to ex- pectations. The managers of the large the- aters now having the proper installations are greatly alarmed for fear that their expendi- tures may have been in vain, and they may, perhaps, suffer severe financial loss, unless they are good showmen and know how to go out and get attractions to keep business up. "Underlying all this, however, there is a spirit of optimism. It is pretty generally felt that someone will solve the present difficul- ties. The fear is not for the future, but for the pre-=ent; something has to be done immedi- ately to relieve all misgivings of managers and audiences alike. "The basis of trouble lies, not with the pictures themselves, but in an apparent fail- ure on the part of the producers to compre- hend and appreciate the full significance of showmanship. Formerly, it was the task of theater managers to sell the pictures to the public, selling in the sense of having them' satisfied. This included careful and proper musical accompaniment. When a picture de- manded soft and sonorous music, it was sup- plied and not raspy, heterogeneous sounds as is often found in synchronized pictures. The audience enjoyed them and went away satisfied, with a feeling of 'well that was a darn good show, guess I'll have to coine around again soon. "In other words, with so many synchron- ized pictures on the market, the task of sell- ing them to the public is no longer the job of the theater manager alone, but is also a responsibility of the producer. This shifting has been due to the difference in nature of the present entertainment, although, the prin- cipal change has come about because the mu- sical score has been added to the picture rather than being supplied by the individual theater. For instance, if a musician is not a showman, he is incapable of properly syn- chronizing pictures to tiest please the audi- ence. Primarily, a musician of some stand- ing is an artist in bis field, he thinks for the most part, only in terms of his art, his se- lection of musical scores would undoubtedly comprise many worthwhile compositions; nevertheless, he would not have the least idea of what the public best enjoys. And by no means, can the effect of the music exceed that of the picture, the latter must predom- inate. "It is my belief, that a great mistake has been made on the part of the producers in not fully acquainting themselves with the ex- hihitini? end of the show business. They have failed to realize the close analogy between their objective and that of the exhibitor. Since the introduction of the synchronized pictures, no cooperative attempt has been made on the part of the producers. "Selling the picture to the public, as far as the producer is concerned, has been entire- ly a problem of the exhibitor or theater manager. And as a result, the exhibitor in turn, on many occasions, especially in the large theaters, has had to supplement the synchronization where the producer has fallen down, by having a large orchestra of his own, to popularize the picture. This condition has naturally, meant an increase in expense, all of which can be overcome through closer co- oper.it ion of exhibitor and producer, and the later fully understanding the troubles of the other. "I further suggest to the producer that it would be advisable to have an exhibitor, who is well versed in his field, to work in con- junction with him. In this way, each could aid the other and thereby effect an improve- ment ill the whole moving picture industry. This .suggestion concerns particularly the syn- chronized musical score, where the musician, prim.irily and artist, is not familiar with the selling angle of the picture. "At the Rochester, during the week of De- cember 1, we put into actual practice the ap- plication of this idea, playing "The Foreign Legion." W^e made a complete synchroniza- tion, including a combination of sound, sing- ing and music. The receipts during the week and the dramatic reviews supported our con- tention. "If synchronized pictures are to succeed, it is high time for the producer to wake up and give showmanship its proper place in their production. At the present time, there are too many inferior synchronized pictures on the market. The industry cannot aflford to allow any such unhealthy state of affairs to heronie prevalent. There is only one condi- tion where the present over-abundance of decidedly inferior, synchronized pictures can even hold their own, and this is where one man controls all the theaters in one com- munity. He features the best synchronized pictures at one theater and distributes the others in the remaining theaters, where they are best suited; thereby retaining what little good will that can be expected. Such an ex- ample is singular and is by no means wide- spread, furthermore, the producer does not want to allow any such prevailing condition to exist as he will be the loser in the end as well as the exhibitor. "Dissatisfaction is abroad and we might as well recognize it. Many believe that the present day combination synchronized picture is only in a state of experimentation. This is not the case when many hundreds of ex- hibitors throughout the country have installed at great cost the necessary equipment for showing these pictures to the public. Undoubt- edly, improvements will be made, but are they to lose sight of everything for experimenta- tion's sake alone? No, the producer must either fully know the exhibitor's end of the busi ness or allow the exhibitor a voice in the pro- duction of synchronized pictures, and thus remedy the evil at the source. "There is no alternative, cooperation between the two is an obligation to the public at large." U. K. Music and Sound Concerns Agree on Fee London — The Musical Publishers' .A.ss'n has reached licensing agree- ment with various sound film com- panies for the reproduction of musio in theaters here. British sound film companies are offered a year's con- tracts calling for a tax of 12 cents per seat following a minimum pay- ment of $2,425, while agreements with Western Eletric to import sound films and records are 18 cents per seat with a minimum pay- ment of $21,212.50. Additional claus- es are incorporated in contracts for temporary installations, it is report- ed. Advertising Film Firm Incorporates St. Louis — National Film Publicity Corp. has been incorporated with 7,500 shares of $100 par value stock of which $50,000 has been issued. Under its charter the company is authorized to buy, sell, manufacture, deal in, repair, lease and exchange motion pictures for advertising and other purposes. Directors are: E. F. Howe, Edward Glazer, Dillon T. Stevens and Oscar P. Brauer. Foreign Markets By JAMBS P. CUNNINGHAM BRITISH PHOTOTONE GETS TIE-UP WITH BERLIN CO. London — Directors of British Pho- totone, Ltd., and French Phototone, Ltd., have closed agreements with Klangfilm, a subsidiary of the elec- trical group representing A. E. G. and Sicmcns-Halske for rights to ex- ploit for five years all sound repro- ducing apparatus invented or manu- factured by Klangfilm, in territories operated by the concerns with the exception of Canada and Newfound- land. Both A. E. G. and Siemens-Halskc have been experimenting with sound devices for a number of years, and it is claimed their present apparatus is interchangeable with sound-on-films and disc devices. Klangfilm to Build English Organization London — Klangfilm in conjunction with Siemens-Halske is to open an English organization to operate, in- stall and service all Phototone appa- ratus. A complete technical staff will be at the disposal of British and French Phototone companies. Klang- film will also be active in producing sound pictures, the agreement pro- viding for a mutual exchange of pro- grams of both companies. National Cinema to Secure The George Green Circuit London — National Cinema Corp. is being formed with a capital of $4,- 850,000 to take over the Green cir- cuit. George Smith is expected to be chairman of the company with Clavton Hutton a director. New Film Company Being Formed London — Supremacy Films is be- ing formed with Collingwood Hughes and Clayton Hutton on the board. The capital is to be $1,212,500. Bulgarian Film Completed Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Cine-Film recently completed "Gay Bulgaria," with an entirely Bulgarian cast and dealing with lif^ in that country it is re- ported to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. A number of Bulgarian theaters recently have re- opened. Form Australian Company Sydney, Australia — Brittania Films Australia has been formed to distrib- ute British and Continental films on the Australian market. The company, was organized by W. A. Duff, for- mer general manager in New Zea- land for an American producer. The firm will establish its own distribut- ing organizations throughout Aus- tralia. Development Seen in Egyptian Film iMarket (F(if/ii)iy/oii Bureau of Tills FILM DAILY Washington — Although demand for filnis in Egypt is limited at present, it is anticipated that the market soon will be developed as several American companies have opened offices at- Cario and Alexandria, advises a French report to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Conmierce. An Egyp- tian producing company recently formed in Cario, has produced three pictures which attained success with the natives. The company now in- tends to appeal to Egyptian capital in order to continue production in a bet- ter equipped studio. Davis Head Cinema Theaters London — Tom E. Davies is to be managing director of the Cinema and Theater Corp., Ltd., formed by the merging of Western Import with a group of theaters. The new company has a capital of $2,425,000, and will control 22 houses. Early acquisi- tions of others is anticipated, accord- ing to Davies. Film Congress At Paris Paris — Congress of the French film has been scheduled here Feb. 4 to 10, when questions of importance to the French industry will be discussed. The congress will be divided into four sections, namely; finance of pro- duction; administration, censorship, quotas; social importance of films and its influence on art, fashions and mor- als; technical and sales angles. Gaumont Denies Report London — Reginald Bronihcad of Gaumont, owners of three houses in Bradford, one the St. George which is the largest in the city, denies re- port the house is for sale, it is re- ported. Heads Musical Directors London- — Paul Moulder was elect- ed president unanimously by the Cinema Musical Directors Ass'n at its meeting here. Riehnount Pictures 723 7th Avmut Inc. «•« Y** CItSf D. J. IIOUNTAN, Ptw. pXCLUSIVE foreien representatives for Rayart Pictures Corporation and other leading independ- ent producersan^ldistributors CabU Addrcw: RICHPICSOC. Parii CabU Addrcaa: DEEJAY. Loodoa CabU AddreM: RICH PIC. N. T. Exporting only tlie best in Motion Pictures THE -;g5^ DAILY Sunday, February 3, 1929 Emil Jannings in "Sins of the Fathers" Paramoimt Length: 7761 ft. JANNINGS SUPERB IN A CHARACTERIZATION TIED UP TO HODGE-PODGE PROHIBI- TION YARN FILLED WITH GOOD OLD HOKUM. Cast.... Emil Jannings again cre- ates a vivid and outstanding role as the German-American father tangled in a coil of circumstance. Ruth Chatterton in first screen appearance is a treat. Zasu Pitts fine as the mother. Others Barry Norton, Jack Luden, Jean Airthur, Matthew Betz. Story and Production Drama. It looks like a sop to the prohibition- ists and bluestocking elements in the outlying districts who believe the big city is a very wicked place. Jannings is shown in pre-prohibition days rear- ing his family and a nice business as a saloonkeeper with a restaurant on the side. Then comes the temptress. His wife dies of a broken heart, he marries the other dame, then becomes a big bootlegger after prohibition kills his business. Heart interest centers around his love for his boy, who is blinded by his dad's poison liquor. Winds up with Jannings broke and back to a waiter's job but happy with his boy again. Has undoubted popular appeal. Sound effects vry ordinary. Direction, Ludwig Berger, satisfac- tory; Author, Norman Bernstine; Scenario, E. Lloyd Sheldon; Editor, Frances Marsh; Titles, Julian John- son; Photography, Victor- Milner. okay. Richard Dix in "Redskin" Paramount Length: Silent 7402 ft. Syn. 7643 ft. CHIEFLY NOTABLE FOR NATURAL COLORS. DIX HAS TOUGH TIME TRYING TO SCORE IN A WEAK STORY THAT NEVERTHELESS HAS POPULAR APPEAL. Cast. . . .Richard Dix makes a pass- able Indian and gives the most con- vincing performance in a meller yarn full of holes and generally weak con- struction. Others Gladys Belmont, Jane Novak, Larry Steers, Tully Mar- shall, Bernard Siegel, George Rigas, Augustine Lopez, Noble Johnson. Story and Production. . .Melodrama of Indian life. A sentimental and unconvincing story of the poor Indian and what our white civilization has done to him. It is kindergarten in plot construction and the cognoscenti and sophisticates will curl a super- cilious lip at its childishness. For the pop crowd it has lots to recommend it, chiefly the Technicolor sequences which are practically three-quarters of the picture and are an eye smash. Shows off the colorful Indian costume and desert scenery splendidly. Good peppy climax with Dix in a foot race over the cliffs to beat the claim jump- ers in their auto. Dix as the Indian ostracised by his tribe is away ahead of weak story. Sound effects only. Direction, Victor Schertzinger, or- dinary; Author, Elizabeth Pickett; Scenario, the same; Editor, Qtho Lovering; Titles, Julian Johnson; Photography, not listed, splendid. "Smoke Bellew" First Division Length: 6605 ft. PLEASING NUMBER HAS POPULAR APPEAL WITH STIRRING YARN OF FROZEN NORTH THAT IS WELL DI- RECTED AND ACTED. Cast. .. Conway Tearle as Kid Bel- lew the tenderfoot in the frozen North gives a strong performance. Barbara Bedford lends fine support. Others Mark Hamilton, J. P. Lockney, Al Ethier, William Scott, Alaska Jack. Story and Production. ...Melodrama of Alaska in gold rush days. Adapted from Jack London's novel. All hands did well by this production that rates a good break in any of the popular houses, for it has genuine entertain- ment due to the fine story of the old master, intelligent direction, acting, and the fine scenic shots of the snow country. Dates back to the gold rush days, with the tenderfoot hero going up through Chilkoot Pass and brav- ing all the usual hardships. The at- mosphere is well built up, and the suspense well sustained, with all kinds of deviltry mixed in to keep the cus- tomers steamed up. The hero, of course, saves the new gold claim loca- tion for the gal and her dad against the crooks. Direction, Scott Dunlap, very good; Author, Jack London; Scenario, Fred Myton; Editor, Charles Hunt; Titles, Fred Myton; Photography, J. O. Taylor, Joe Walters, fine. George Bancroft in "The Wolf of Wall Street" Paramount Length : 6810 ft. BANCROFT SCORES IN ALL- TALKER WITH OUTWORN WALL STREET PLOT SLOWED UP BY DIALOG. NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY. Cast. .. .George Bancroft as the roughneck engineering a pool in Wall Street to get the suckers is immense, as usual, but the lack of action and weak story cramp his style. Bacla- nova is strong femme contrast with her Russian accent and exotic style. Nancy Carroll handles dialog fine. Cast includes Paul Lukas, Arthur Rankin, Brandon Hurst, Crauford Kent. Story and Production. . Melodrama of Wall Street. They have resur- rected one of the good old standbys of the old melodrama days for this one. The Wolf organizes his pool to trim the suckers all over the United States, which he does, then his part- ner trims him out of his wife's af- fections, followed by the grand coup wherein the Wolf ruins himself in another manipulation in order to also ruin his rival for revenge. Some good spectacular bits are handled by Bancroft effectively, but the action is very slow in spots and some dialog stuff dragged out to weary length. Direction, Rowland V. Lee, satis- factory; Author, Doris Anderson; Scenario, Doris Anderson; Editor, Robt. Basseler; Dialogue, Doris An- derson: Titles, Julian Johnson; Pho- tography, Victor Milner, good. i "Broken Barriers" Excellent Length: 6000 ft. DIRECTOR KING MAKES EN- TERTAINING FILM FROM A RATHER UNCONVINCING STORY. GOOD PROGRAMMER FOR SMALL HOUSE. Cast. . . .Helene Costello acts rather awkwardly and fails to impress. Gas- ton Glass makes the picture seem more convincing than it really is. Others Joseph Girard, Frank Beal, Carleton Stockdale, Frank Hagney. Story and Production Drama. The theme concerns a crooked poli- tician in a small town who is trying tQ elect his man mayor in order to foist on the city his canyon property for a reservoir. Hero is the reporter on the local paper who with his editor starts to check up on the plot and spoil the financier's game. Some very good situations are worked up ', by director Burton King, who man- ages to cram a lot of suspense and action along with a few surprises into the footage. The love interest is neatly intertwined with the plotting of the conspirators, and interest added by the fact that the girl is the daugh- ter of the crook. Works out to plausible ending. This number will register nicely at the smaller stands for which it was intended. Direction, Burton King, good; Au- thor, Caroline F. Hayward; Scenario, Isadore Bernstein; Editor, Lee An- thony; Titles, Isadore Bernstein; Photography, William Miller, Joseph Walters, fair. "Outlawed" FBO Length: 6057 ft. FLOPS BADLY WITH SLOPPY STORY THAT RATES VERY POOR MATERIAL TO HAND TO A STAR LIKE MIX. JUST ANOTHER WESTERN WITH MIX SHOWING NOTHING. Cast.... Tom Mix proves in this one that he is a director-made star, for without proper handling he is just ordinary. Sally Blane the usual gal. Others Frank M. Clark, Al Smith, Ethan Laidlaw, Barney Furey, Al Ferguson. Story and Production. .. .Western. Chalk this up as the usual lineup of western meller material, directed in just the usual way. Even the juvenile fans will prove too hardboiled to be fooled by this production simply be- cause Tom Mix is in the hero role. Tells the old formula of the hero framed for a bank robbery, his escape in an attempt to run down the guilty party, the gal of course misunder- standing him at first and then realiz- ing he is on the level after all. The gang who did the bank job are also after the money concealed in the ranch of the gal's dad. Here the climax is staged, with Tom Mix fight- ing heavy odds, saving the dough and also exposing the real bank robber. It has been done hundreds of times before, and just as indifferently. Direction, Eugene Forde, poor; Author, Geo. W. Piper; Scenario, Geo. W. Piper; Editor, Henry Webber; Titles, Herman Gregg; Photography, Norman Davol, fair. "Behind the Altar" Affiliated European Length: 6200 ft. IMPORTED FILM A FINE EX- AMPLE OF WASTED FILM THAT WEARIES YOU WITH ITS DREARINESS. BELONGS IN THE AMATEURISH CLASS. Cast. . . . Wilhelm Dieterle stars as well as directs, and flops at both, proving it takes more than good looks to make an actor or director. Mar- c'ella Albani as the femme lead is very attractive, but her acting un- distinguished. Story and Production. .Melodrama, with mystery angle. This was done by a German producer in an Italian locale, and the scenery around the Italian villa is gorgeous. But this beautiful setting only serves to make the amateurish story, acting and di- rection all the more noticeable. Seems the supposedly drowned hus- band of the heroine has a twin brother, an abbe, who comes in his priestly robes to visit his bereaved sister-in-law. Meanwhile an im- poverished count on a neighboring villa is scheming to marry the rich widow. She eventually marries him to save herself from her hopeless love for the handsome young abbe. The priest turns sleuth, uncovers the count as murderer. Latter is drowned. Abbe goes back to Rome. Just blah. Direction, Wilhelm Dieterle, ama- teurish; Author, not listed; Scenario, not listed; Editor, not listed; Titles, J. W. McConaughy; Photography, not listed, good. "Escaped From Hell" Affiliated European Length:?? WEIRD MELLER WANDERS AROUND AIMLESSLY AND GETS NOWHERE WITH POOR DIRECTION AND S H O D D Yv CONTINUITY. ANOTHER IM- PORTED FLOP. Cast. . . .Jean Murat is much better than the story and the rest of the cast, who are either amateurish or poorly directed or both. Others Louis Ralph, Countess Agnes von Esterhazy, Paul Heidman, R. Van Kiel, Leo Penkert, W. Kaiser-Hayl, Harry Frank, Lewis Brody. Story and Production. .Melodrama. Made in France by Derussa Prod. It is a weird affair concerning the hero who is in love with the lady married to a cruel monster and who is sent to a penal colony on circumstantial evidence when the husband is killed in an accident. Escaping from the penal prison, he returns to his love. Murat does some good work in the penal colony sequences, which carry quite a little entertainment value. But the rambling nature of the story, lack of proper continuity and general amateurishness in direction make this a very tedious six reels to sit through. It is all much ado about nothing with the players acting all over the sets but accomplishing little. Direction, George Asagaroff, poor; No other credits given. Sunday, February 3, 1929 DAILV "Harvest of Hate" Cnivetml Loujth: 1719/7. GOOD ACTION PICTURE WITH REX DOING SOME NIFTY STUNTS AND ABLY SECONDED BY JACK PERRIN. WILL PLEASE THE YOUNGER FANS. Cast....Re.\ tlie wild liorsc is jnit :lirouKli some fancy inaiicuvcrs and 'lelps to keep the lihn entertaining, lack Perrin as the sturdy hero docs ome good riding and fighting. Otliers Helen Foster, Toni London. Story and Production. .. .Western, rhis story follows the usual formula if the horse operas, with the hero iighting against heavy odds to save ihe gal and overcome the general vil- ainy that threatens to ruin their lappiness. Rex is all over the place, md Director MacRac has succeeded ;n employing this clever animal's tal- .•nts to the best advantage. The cow- )oy hero is having a tough time ^vith the crooked circus owner who 'S trying to foreclose on his property. Meanwhile the gal who works in the :ircus with Rex, the wild horse she las tamed, is having her troubles lodging the unwelcome attentions of he circus man. It culminates in »ome very meller action with the jurning of the cabin in which the leavy is hidden. Pep stuff. Direction, Henry MacRae, okay; Authors, William Lord Wright, 'ieorge Plympton; Scenario, George Plynipton; Ekiitor, Thomas Malloy; Titles, Gardner Bradford; Photog- •aphy, George Robinson, good. "The Apache' Columbia I.rii(/lh : aKlK //, MAKES A GOOD PROGRAM NUMBER WITH COLORFUL APACHE STUFF MIXED UP WITH SOME SEXY SITUA- TIONS. Cast. . . . Margaret Livingston does the apache dame. She is good. Don .Mvarndo her partner. Others War- ner Richmond, Philo McCuUough. Story and Production. . . .Meller of Parisian life. Starts off snappily with the heroine and her partner doing their knife-throwing act in a dive in Marseilles. The partner tries to make love to her, but she repulses him. Later an ofUcer of the secret police of Paris arrests the two on evidence that the man is a notorious pick- pocket. He paroles the girl, and sends the man to prison. Later when she is in Paris and working with the hero in an apache act, the police officer thrusts his attentions on the girl, threatening to send her to prison if she ignores him. He is murdered, and her partner arrested for the crime. The climax is good, with the girl getting the real mur- derer, her first partner, into the knife throwing act, and making him con- fess the crime for fear she will let one of the knives "slip." Has the thrills and punch. Direction, Phil Rosen, snappy; Au- thor, Ramon Romero; Scenario, Har- riet Hinsdale; Eklitor, Not listed; Titles, Not listed; Photography, Teddy Tetzlaff, smooth. Frankie Darrow in Trail of the Horse Thieves' ■i^BO Length: 4816 ft. THE USUAL JUVENILE WESTERN THAT GIVES THE KID STAR A CHANCE TO SUP- PORT THE BIG HERO. FAST \CTION AND PEPPY ENOUGH. Cast.... Tom Tyler is the big ,)rother who befriends Frankie and loes the heavy heroing.' Frankie Darrow has plenty of opportunity to ihine in the junior parts. Others Sharon Lynn, Harry O'Connor, Bar- ley Furey, Bill Nestell, Vic Allen, Ray Childs. Story and Production. .. .Western or the juvenile fans. The story is iretty well knit together and tells ,m interesting yarn about trailing the lorse thieves who have been gradu- dly ruining the gal's father by run- ning his stock off the ranch. The :owboy hero arrives in time to start \ checkup, which leads to a hidden ,:ave where he uncovers the gang .vho have been trying to pin the horse thieving on him. The film is kept lonping with two or three situations where the hero gets trimmed plenty. ind it looks as if the villain and his i?ang were going to get away with isverything. Then who should ap- pear but little Frankie on his pony with some novel idea that saves the situation. The kids will be satisfied with this one. Direction, Robert De Lacey, satis- factory; Author, William E. Wing; Scenario, Frank Howard Clarke; Editor, Jack Kitchen; Titles, Helen Gregg; Photography, Nick Musur- aca, okay. Boh Custer in "On the Divide" Syndicate Prod. Length: 4360 /(. NEATLY BUILT WESTERN WORKS UP TO A GOOD THRILL CLIMAX. BOB CUS- TER LOOKS AS GOOD AS ANY OF THE WESTERN STARS. Cast. .. .Custer does his bit in rid- ing and fighting and has a pleasing personality. Peggy Montgomery the gal. Others Lafe McKee, Bud Os- borne, J. P. McGowan. Story and Production. .. .Western. This story of the outwitting of the range-grabbing gang is unusually well directed for a western. Direc- tor J. P. McGowan did a fine job by pepping it up with some surprise twists and unexpected slants that keep the interest throughout. The hero rides into the district and bunks into the murder of a rider by the range grabbers. The murderer loses the back of his watch case, and this evidence in the hands of the hero eventually results in tracking down the criminal. There is a lot of good action and suspense in the last two reels with hero trying to save the ranch of his gal's father from fore- closure. The fans will appreciate this one, for it treats a lot of the old western material frorn a new angle. Some of the bigger companies might well pattern after this original treat- ment on westerns. Direction, J. P. McGowan, very good; Author, Sally Winters; Scen- ario, Sally Winters; Editor, Not list- ed; Titles, Not listed; Photography, Paul H. Allen, good. Short Subjects SOUND "Highlowbrow" Paramount Movietone Novelty Type of production dramatic sketches This is something different in the sound short Held, and has sufficient novelty to make it unusual entertain- ment. It is adapted from S. J. Kaut- man's well known vaude sketch. A literary gent is holding conversati i; with a wisecracking youth, and en- deavors to interest him in good litera- ture by telling him three classic dra- matic stories over the phone. These are then told in flashback fashion. The first is a De Maupassant gem, "Regrets." Kffie Shannon plays the part of the woman with regrets. She IS superb. Then follows a very dra- matic bit of a boy cominitting sui- cide while awaiting the arrival of a woman companion m a private dining room. Finishes with a story from O. Henry, telling of the young mar- ried man who sells his watch to buy his w^ife a comb for Christmas, while she in turn has sold her long tresses to buy him a watch chain. A nice bit of irony fairly well done by Hor- ace Brahm. But Miss Shannon in the De Maupassant skit makes this offering 'way above the average. Leo Donnely as the wisecracking boy on the phone pulls quite a few laughs in between the stories, and this gives the contrast to the heavy dramatic skits. Should go strong in the better houses where they can appreciate the class in this offermg. Tmie, 17 mins. "The Bride's Relations" Sennett- Educational A Comedy Jewel Type of production. dialogue comedy They don't come like this often. Theretore, this rave. "The Bride's Relations" is Alack Sennett's second all-dialogue comedy. First came an auspicuous start with "The Lion's Roar," but for genuine and sustained laughter, this new one makes the roar of said lion sound like a gentle warble. Johnny and Betty arc the bride and groom, visiting the bride's relations, i'here's the story idea but from that bare nucleus has been built up one of the goofiest and most anmsing affairs this reviewer has seen in many moons. It's just funny, so much so that a lot of reviewers who saw this in a cold projection room fairly rocked the place with their laughter. Now imagme what it will do in a theater. Harry Gribbon walks away with comedy honors. Sennett directed personally and re- corded via RCA-Photophone. that smacks pleasantly of the Sidney Drew series of some years back. I'.angs, the eligible, is just as keen lor Lucille .Morgan as she is for iiiin, it appears. I'.angs finds that the armor most innnune from unmarried women is to profess a thorough dis- like for the whole unwcdded se.\. It is Jane Foster, Lucille's friend who really understands b(jth sides of the case and it is her cleverness that brings them both together. The lines are smart and the performances good, |)rincipally those by Edward Everett Horton (Bangs) and Florence Eld- ridge (Lucille Morgan). Directed by Hugh I-'aulcon and recorded via \Vestern Electric. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address Pathe— RCA Photophone Timely Special Type of production. . . .Historical sub- ject. This special is right for the Lincoln holiday, with George Billings imper- sonating the great emancipator in his immortal Gettysburg address. Bil- lings delivers the address in a strong, clear baritone, and his makeup is re- markably fine. Another vocal se- (|uence is that of a soldier quartet at the door of their tent singing "Tent- ing Tonight." These two vocal stretches are built up with all sorts of authentic historical shots in the life of Lincoln such as the Gettysburg monument, Lincoln memorial, and many scenes of his early days in Illinois. It finishes with a short shot of Billings intoning the famous lines "of the people, for the people, by the people." Surefire, especially for Lin- coln's birthday week. Time, 7 mins. "The Eligible Mr. Bangs" Coronet-Educational A Smart Comedy Type of production. dialogue comedy A polite drawing-room comedy "Melancholy Dame" Christie — Paramount Movietone Snappy Type of production ... .comedy skit with colored cast This is taken from an Octavus Roy Cohen story that ran in the Satevepost, and clicks strong as a novelty with a clever all-colored troupe getting the story over with lots of snap and laughs to spare. Shows a colored caljaret in Birming- ham, Alabama, with the proprietor introducing a baby who gets up and does a hot number. The proprietor's wife is seated at a table, and takes exception to hubby's attentions to the entertainer. Later scenes arc in the private office and the proprietor's home, and it develops that the warm baby hubby has hired as entertainer is his first wife. She is married to the pianist, and the fun develops as the proprietor is run ragged between his wife's nagging, the first wife's threats, and his fear as to what the other husband will do to him if he finds out he was the first mate. Works up to a good laugh finish with the other man chasing him all over the place only to catch him and beg for information how to divorce the snappy dancing dame. The prin- cipals all deserve mention for excep- tional work. They are Kd Thomson, Evelyn Freer, Spencer Williams, Ro- berta Hyson, Charles Olden. Time, 12 mins. 0/^ILY Sunday, February 3, 1929 iL,^^l«>°^^Je4ArUe No Let-up on Columbia Production Deal for Series of Shorts with Victor in East Not to Affect Feature Output at Studio — Other Wired News of Coast Production Activities and Ralph Wilk's Personality Briefs COHN SPEEDING WORK Al No change in feature production plans is to be made by Columbia, as a result of its hook-up with Victor Talking Machine Co., for joint pro- duction of a series of shorts, which is being announced today. The fea- tures are to continue to be made at the studio here, under Harry Cohn, who is continuing the fast pace set at the start of the season. Frank R. Capra has finished work on the dialogue sequences of "The Younger Generation," and the print is being edited. In all probability, it will be Columbia's first talker to reach the screen. Jean Hersholt, Ricardo Cortez, Lina Basquette, Rex Lease, Martha Franklin and Rosa Rosanova are the talking members of the unusually large cast which also includes Julanne Johnston, Julia Swayne Gordon, Jack Raymond, Syd- ney Crossley and Otto Fries. Without delay between productions, Frank R. Capra took up the mega- phone on "The Donovan Affair," Co- lumbia's all-talker by Owen Davis. Jack Holt, Dorothy Revier, and Wil- liam Collier, Jr., head the cast which so far includes: Ethel Wales, Fred Kelsey, Agnes Ayres, John Roche. On one of the silent stages, 100 extras have been assembled for a scene in "Behind Closed Doors". Gaston Glass, Virginia Valli, Andre de Segurola, Torben Meyer, Otto Mattiesen appear in this sequence. Fannie Midgley and Broderick O'Far- rell have been added to the cast. The unit shooting "The Quitter." under the direction of Joe Henabery in the featured role, has returned from location. With the addition of four character actors — Fred Kohler, Charles McHugh, Sherry Hall and Claire McDowell — camera work has begun on the final sequence. Ben Lyon and Dorothy Revier are fea- tured. Olive Borden is ready to start "The Wildcat," tentative title under direc- tion of John P. McCarthy. R. William Neill, recently signed to a long term contract, is finishing the details of an original which soon will go into production. Wellyn Totman recently added to the writing staff_ is working on the adaptation and script of a forthcoming production. Warners Cast Louise Fazenda Louise Fazenda is to have one of the leading roles in "Shoe-String," which Warner Brofhers will put into production this month. Alan Cros- land will direct. Marion Byron in "Broadway Babies" Marion Byron has been added to cast of the forthcoming First Na- tional-Vitaphone picture, "Broadway Babies," starring Alice White. Char- les Murray is playing the leading masculine role in the production and others in the cast are Fred Kohler, Louis Natheaux and Tom Dugan. Merv3'n LeRoy will direct the pic- ture which goes into production this week. Vivian Bay with Rubin Vivian Bay is playing the leading feminine role in "The Pilgrim Pa- pas," first of a talking short series starring Benny Rubin. Jack Foley is directing from stories by C. Je- rome Horwin. The series of six pictures is titled "High and Low Lifes of History." Billie Dove in "Careers" Billie Dove's next starring vehicle will be "Careers," an adaptation of the book by Paul Rosenhayn and Al- fred Shirokauer. Production is sched- uled to start within the next two weeks. It will be a Vitaphone pic- ture. New Mix Title "The Big Diamond Robbery" is the new title for Tom Mix's current RKO production. It supplants "The Dude Ranch," under which title the picture was filmed. Pathe Contract for Aldine Jimmy Aldine has been placed un- der a long-term contract by Pathe as the result of his work in "The Office Scandal." Long Term Contract for Lee Paramount has signed Rowland V. Lee to a new contract. He recently completed the direction of George Bancroft's "The Wolf of Wall Street." Varconi Going to England Victor Varconi is going to Eng- land to appear in two pictures for British International. ROBERT LORD WRITER Under Contract to WARNER BROTHERS LON YOUNG Supervisor Chesterfield Pictures Corp. Tec-Art Studios, Hollywood, Calif. A Little from u Lots ff By RALPH WILK Hollywood JOHN G. ADOLFI has assembled a strortg cast for "Headlines," which he is directing at Warner Brothers. The principals include Grant Withers, Edmund Breese, Ma- rion Nixon, Pauline Garon, Frank Campeau, Vivien Oakland and Rob- ert Ober. "Headlines" was written by James Starr. * * * T'other day, Hugh Trevor threw his shoulder out of place while play- ing tennis and is carrying his right arm in a sling. Cedric Gibbons of M-G-M also injured his hand while playing tennis. Speaking of Tennis, "Tiny" Ward, who tips the beams at 270 pounds, recently took three straight sets from Melville J. Shyer. * * * Our Passing Show : Charles C. Burr and Richard Pearl studying signs at the Tec- Art studio; Alfred and Mar- ty Santell playing tennis at Burbank; Percy Heath, Or- ville Caldwell, Paul Panzer, Baron Mandelstamm and Jay Marchant attending a per- fornvance of "The Light- house." * * * John LeRoy Johnson, one of Hol- lywood's leading Boswells, is a for- mer cartoonist. When Herbert Hoover visited Los Angeles last fall, John had the distinction of being the only Southern Californian to make a drawing of the President-elect. * * * Nate Slott, who has trained many screen stars, is putting Richard Ar- len through his paces for "The Man I Love." Dick plays a prize-fighter in his next Paramount picture. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha RUBINEWS-3 LOUIS K. SIDNEY MARCO WOLF MAX E. HAYES CARL LAEMMLE FRANK NEWMAN Follow the ideals of these men and Success will follow you. BENNY RUBIN Butterfield at Paramount Studio William Butterfield, actor andj stage director, has arrived to direct! talking pictures for Paramount. HARVEY GATES Writer WARNER BROTHERS "Sonny Boy*' THE Doorway ol Hospitality __!»NTER the doorway o< this popular hostelry and you feel at horn*. There's an atmosphere of cordial welcoma which marks the diflference between «h« Hollywood Plaza and ordinary hotels. Your room, too, has that added touch of distinction. Pictures on the wall, over- stuffed furniture, a floor lamp and reading lamp . . . these are but a few of the features that make you feel at home. Plg'n Whistle Dining Service insures ths best of food. Therefore, when you are ne«t in Los Angeles be sure to investigate. THE HOLLYWOOD PLAZA HOTEL Vine Street at Hollywood Boulevard HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA THE inday, February 3, 1929 DAILV 11 Theater Equipment By CHARLES F. HYNES iSTANT CONTROL LINK PLAYER ORGAN FEATURE Binghamton, N. Y. — Constant con- ol of every note on the instrument .- of the time, no part of which con- nl is rehnquished to manipulate jps and shell shades, is a feature iiimed for the Link Selective Roll ^producing Player Organ. This is ■id to be an advantage over the Hnual organ, the player of which >s but 12 points of contact maxi- !jmj some of which must be sur- mdered, momentarily at least, in (der to manipulate stops or expres- ;»n controls. 'The Link player has four compart- Selective control fer, operating play- i frovi any dis- tnce. Touch of (tton instantly langes rolls to fol- io picture. rt-nts for endless rolls. Each roll Is the equivalent of 15 selections rd runs approximately 30 minutes I fore repeating, the four rolls ofTer- i; sufficient music to play a two lur show, without repeating on any ce selection. The endless belt rolls iminate need of rewinding. Music on each roll is all of the fne character. A master control hx controls the music. One con- t|l bo.x usually is placed in the hpth, and as many additional boxes almay be desired, can be placed at pints of vantage throughout the the- ar. By the pressing of a button in ay one of these boxes, the music ch be changed instantly from one section to another, even to the I EW BUILDING 1540 BROADWAY TIMES SQUARE. NEW YORK EW BUILDING PENN AVENUE prrrsBURGH The Stamp of Approval Aji etido'rseirvent of product and propositions, bestowed by The Film Daily, after investigation of qualifications and merit Quality in heating and plumbing fixtures cannot be overlooked by the exhibitor, if his house is to measure up to standards of com- fort and beauty demanded by patrons. Whether he is re-construct- ing and re-equipping the theater, or building a new house, plumbing and heating should be given real attention. A leader in the field is Crane, manufacturer and distributor of plumbing and heating materials. The firm, with branch offices in about 180 cities of the nation, is a specialist in theater work as well as in many otheri lines. Its years of experience, coupled with the high standing it enjoys in the field have won for Crane THE FILM DAILY STAMP OF APPROVAL. The Link Reproducing Player Organ, a four roll instrument, operated automatically, with a selective cmitrol system ivhich enables cueing of pictures. A view of the four roll compartments. stopping of any selection at any note and immediate beginning of another of different tempo. This arrangement and control, it is stated, enable cueing of a picture on the automatic player, instantane- ous changes being possible to co- ordinate with the action on the -FOR SALE- Second-hand Sept automatic standard movie and still cam- era with double spring motor, fitted writh 2" F3.5 Anastigmat lens, complete with case and six magazines, $20.00, perfect condition. UIILLOCI^KByS Phone Penna, 0330 Motion Picture Department U. S. and Canada Agents for Debrie screen. This enables shading of ex- pression and additional organ effects. No hand manipulation is necessary. Sentry Safety Factory Is Planned in England London — Plans for manufacture of the Sentry Safety Control device here to supply the British, Continent- al, Indian, South American and Aus- tralian markets is under way here. The project was announced here some time ago by S. R. Cohen, head of the firm. An amalgamation of interests in connection with his company is planned, Cohen stated. New Trans-Lux Projection Device Continued activity of stock of Trans-Lux Daylight Picture Screen on the Xcw York Stock Exchange is attributed to the new back-stage projection device the company has developed. The stock crossed 12 this week for a new high. TALKING SHOP Experiments Costly in the Choice of Projector — Only 3 Machines Have Film Daily Stamp of Approval I iiiporlaiicc of selection of the- prci- jector has been emf)hasizcd over a period of years, which has witnessed the debut and exit of a number of machines. Costly experiments have i)ccn made by exhibitors — and manu- facturers, too — in falling for glitter- ing promises which were not backed up by performance. The projector field is a highly spe- cialized one. It is highly competi- tive, too. to an extent that marks the tremendous forward strides which have been rnade, seem almost incred- ulous. The manufacturer of a pro- jector, with annual sales possibilities of 2,500 or less in the theater field, faces a real task in keeping budget and gross in proper ratio. Because of this situation, exhibitors have become especially wary in the selection of their projectors, with ad- vent of sound, the companies which for years have been serving the field, have turned their attention to the new development with creditable alacrity, and the results have been surprising. In the field there are three pro- jectors, designated by exhibitors as standard makes, which have been the recipients of THE FILM DAILY STAMP OF APPROVAL. They are the Simplex, Power's and Motio- graph, all of them backcd_b.v years of service, which have been marked by constant improvement. These ma- chines long since have passed the experimental stage, in both silent and sound field, and can be depended up- on for service and satisfaction. New Independent Supply Firm Operates at Frisco San I'Vancisco — Western Theater Equipment Co. has been opened here by L. G. Dolliver and C. B. Paden. .•\mong lines the firm is handling are: Da-Lite Screens and Blizzard ventilating equipment. Handling Crystalite Signs Bo.ston — Harry Cohen has secured distribution of Crystalite signs in this lerritoj-y. The sign has a back- ground of black velvet, with raised letters made of a special mirror-like composition, which throws off vari- egated colors under artificial light. THE 12 Sunday, February 3, 1929 Presentations By HERBERT S. BERG', OSCARD STAGES SOUTHERN SHOW AT PARAMOUNT "Southern Belles" was the name of the stage show at the Paramount, de- vised and staged by Paul Oscard. The setting was that of an old Co- lonial .mansion exterior and the band was dressed in the style befo' de war. Gene Rodemich was in charge of the stage harmonizers, and put them through two very pleasing num- l)ers that had a lot of pep. Among the featured acts were the Ormonde Sisters, a trio of harmony singers and dancers, who were very well received. The Dictators, a male quartet, got their harmonizing over clearly in this big house. Eddie Matthews, acro- batic dancer, did some fast turns and tumbles. The Albertina Rash Girls were on in three routines with a nice assortment of costumes. They are a big draw at this house, and got some nice applause. Dave Rubinoff con- tinues to pull his acrobatic directing of the orchestra and they like him immensely, for he collects a big hand. Jesse Crawford had his usual pop console concert going smoothly. They have cut the overhead at the Para- mount by cutting out the programs, so if we have omitted mentioning any- body worthwhile it's because of this fact. MacEvov Managing Union Attleboro, Mass. — Albert MacEvoy, manager of the Rialto and Plymouth in Leominster, has succeeded Benja- min Desmarias as manager of the Union. Leo Grebner Promoted Madison, Wis. — Leo Grebner, who has been assistant to F. J. McWil- liams, manager of the Fischer Thea- ters here, has been appointed man- ager of the Madison and the Majes- tic by L. K. Brin, of Milwaukee, who recently leased the three Fischer theaters here. Ebach Amuse. Incorporated Ebach Amusement Corp. of Queens, New York, has been formed with $25,000 capital. The incorpora- tors are: William Ebach, Frederic S. and Claire A. Marsell. Six for Thunder Bay Co. Fort Williams, Ont. — Sargeson V. Halstead, president and general man- ager of the Thunder Bay Films, Ltd., plans to produce six features of north- ern life in Canada. H. Chaudet is director-in-chief. Standard VAUDEVILLE for Motion Pictnre Preaenfation The FALLY MARKUS VAUDEVILLE AGENCY LaokawMona 7876 ISai B«^ea,;rj."^ ree, 3t On. a/sA "ir,.,. . ""dp C. by n^^«^ ALL-DIALOG. ALL-LAUGHTER COMEDY THE GHOST TALKS Funny rhymes with money, and this all-dia' log comedy talks laughs from beginning to end. Clever, peppy, youthful, fast-moving, merry en- tertainment with sure-fire audience appeal. With the youthful stars of the speaking stage, Helen Twelvetrees and Charles Eaton, and Earle Foxe and Carmel Myers. Lew Seiler production. Story by Max Marcin and Edward Hammond; scenario by Frederick H. Brennan; dialog by Frederick H. Brennan and Harlan Thompson. otti B. arry. r^^^^-^^-^A.^ un- ALL-DJALOG MELODRAMA SPEAKEASY An exciting melodrama of Nev% York and its rackets. Fox Movie- tone captures the actual sights and sounds of the big city — Times Square, Fifth Avenue, the subways, a newspaper office, the race track and Madison Square Garden during a big fight. With Paul Page, Lola Lane, Henry B. Walthall, Helen Ware and Sharon Lynn. Benjamin StoIofF production. From the play by Edward Knoblock and George Rosener ALL-DIALOG^ Full-length MOVIETONE X features Each DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT in story and style THE Val,T' by £m„ P''«^Uct,on i '^"iK. ALL-DIALOG MYSTERY DRAMA THRU DIFFERENT EYES A murder mystery with a novel idea. The story of a man on trial for murder, the evidence being re- vealed through the eyes of the prosecutor, a defense attorney and a mysterious girl, the three interpre- tations forming baffling contrasts. The surprising solution is a smashing climax. With Mary Duncan, Edmund Lowe, Warner Baxter and Sylvia Sidney, supported by Earle Foxe, Donald Gallaher and Florence Lake. From the play by Milton H. Gropper and Edna Sherry. John Bly- stone production. jl\.Iso GEORGE ADE'S Corking Comedy with Talking Sequences MAKING THE GRADE with Edmund Lowe, Lois Moran. '^"1^?J«PJI'"^ (Silent nfa'nt5 Also Available) 1929 Film Daily Year Book Nozv Being Distributed ^€* NEWSPAPER ^yPILMDOM ALL THE HEWS ALLTHE TIME OL. XLVII No. 29 Monday, February 4, 1929 Price 5 Cents High Merit rARDY as we have been, it was not our intention to permit "A Woman of Af- irs" to close an eminently suc- ssful run at the Capitol without rifying first hand the many and rsistent reports of excellence ard of this story of a lovely lady 10 loved recklessly perhaps, but ' thai gallantly. It is too infrequently — and sadly r this business, we reflect — that production of such high merit pears to relieve the cluttered and lo dull round of film fare. Here, a somewhat whitewashed version Michael Arlen's "Green Hat," I ere is uniform excellence of per- Irmancc, restraint, dignity and ^idences of fine intelligence ^roitly blended into an engrossing spry. A demonstration of what can 1 done with dramatic ingredients 'len placed in proper hands. Garbo The woman is Greta Garbo. Her rformance is striking. To fasten her work the adjective superb is, i this case, entirely fitting. She is I actly that. We know of no finer !:ce of work that she has done and I no finer individual performance (ntributed to the screen in months 1st. It is her picture from he open- 1? shot to the last. The ntribut- i? performances are exc< nt, but icessarily in lesser degi John ilbert, Douglas Fairbanks, , Lewis :one, Hobart Bosworth, Ju..a Mack ! own and Dorothy Sebastian do 1 = ir work well but pale by compari- with Garbo. Clarence Brown The unseen hand behind the entire < ort is that of Clarence Brown who ain demonstrates that, as one of -uperior craftsmen in motion pic- .^s, his reputation is entirely justi- Id. He has to his credit in "A ' Oman of Affairs" a really distin- (ished production. Further, the dollars - and - cents- inded w-ill be interested in learning tit in box-office language, this (irbo vehicle speaks volumes. Un- (estionably, a woman's picture of t; strongest appeal. K AN N SOUND-ON-FILM VS. SOUND-ON- DISCS LOOMS AS A BATTLE OF YEAR "Blue" Referendum Harrisburg, Pa. — Referen- dum on Sunday amusements is provided for in a bill introduced in the House. One clause specifically refers to permitting Sunday evening motion picture shows after seven o'clock. Majority affirmative vote in any mimicipality in the state will empower local authorities to immediately issue licenses for Sunday shows as specified. The bill was referred to the Committee on Law and Order on Jan. 21. 12 FILMS ON fllL-TALKER GOTHAM PROD. PROGRAM Twelve pictures, to be known as "The Talking Twelve," will com- prise output of Gotham Prod., for the new season, states Sam Sax, pres- ident of the company. The all-talk- ers will be made by the S'onora- Bristolphone disc recording system and the pir.tures released by Sonora- (Cotitinued on Page 8) Texas Denies New "Teeth" for Sunday Closing Law Austin, Tex. — The Prendergast bill to increase penalties for exhibition of motion pictures on Sunday has (.Continued on Pane 2) BRIN, SCOUTING SALE, Madison, Wis.^Scouting report that he is trying to "peddle" his cir- cuit of theaters, L. K. Brin is con- tinuing his expansion program. He has acquired the Strand here from A. P. Dcsormcaux, and associates, and is dickering for a house at Mil- waukee. The local house is the fif- teenth of the Brin chain, which in- cludes four houses here, the Park- way, Majestic, Strand and Madison; three in Milwaukee, the Garden, Ma- jestic and Embassy, and others in vr-rious cities of the state. WARNER DEAL SET FOR 35 OF EQUITY CHAIN Philadelphia — Warners has com- pleted a deal to operate the 35 thea- ters of the Equity chain in Pennsyl- vania and New Jersey. The houses will be under control of Warner- (Continued on Page 8) Australia Censor Plans to Pass on Talking Films .\ustralia's film censor intends to pass upon dialogue used in pictures, according to advices received by Mil- (Continued on Page 2) Kennedy in Reported Deal for Control of Sonora Parent Firm Northwest Pennsylvania Unit Endorses M.P.T.O.A. Endorsement of the M. P. T. O. \. and a pledge of continued support were voted at a recent meeting of the M. P. T. O. of Northern Penn- sylvania, according to advices re- ceived by President R. F. Woodhull from John T. Galvin of Wilkes-Barre, chairman of the board of the Penn- sylvania unit. Joseph P. Kennedy is reported negotiating for a controlling interest in Acoustics Products Co., parent company of Sonora and Sonora Bristolphone. Announcement of clos- ing of the reported deal is expected in a day or two. Efforts to reach Kennedy or Roy Deutsch, Sonora president, for a statement were unavailable Saturday. Paramount-M-G-M and U. A. Swinging to Sound-on- Film — Warner's View Fight for supremacy between sound-on-film and sound-on-disc sys- tems of recording and reproduction is to highlight 1929, according to in- dications, with Paramount, M-G-M and United Artists joining the list of other companies which intend to confine, or nearly so, their produc- tion to the sound-on-film method. Paramount, as stated by S. R. Kent, favors the sound-on-film sys- tem, and intends to limit use of discs, although some disc recording may be used. M-G-M and United Artists, while making no announcement of thoir position in the matter, are un- derstood, on reliable authority, to have a similar policy. Fox always has confined its recording to sound- on-film, as have Pathe and RKO. This move, it is said, is due to two causes (1) the belief that sound-on- film recording produces best results, and (2) a reported desire to forestall (Continved on Page 8) Disc Recording System to Be Improved by Victor Camden, N. J. — A number of im- provements in disc synchronization of pictures are to be introduced with- in the next few months by Victor Talking Machine Co., it is under- stood, as a result of experiments, which for some time have been under way. Outdoor Advertising Net $2,978,013 in 1928 Net of $2,978,013 after interest de- preciation, amortization. Federal taxes and other charges, is reported for 1928 by General Outdoor Advertis- ing Co. and subsidiaries. This is equivalent, under the par- ticipating provisions of the shares, to $5.33 a share earned on 125,000 shares of no par Class A stock and %i.Z3 a share on 642,382 no par shares of common stock. It com- pares with $3,173,199, or $5.58 a share on Class A and $3.58 a share on the common stock in 1927. [Iflrt^lH:?!!'^ afc-WWSMPCB ^FlUiDOMi V«I.XLfNN«.29 Mondai, Fib. 4,1129 PriciSCinU JORN W. AUCOATE PUBLISHER rubluhed dafly •xcept Saturday and holiday! at 16S0 Broadway, New York, N. Y-. and copyright (1929) by Wld'i Fflma and Ttim Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate. President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918. at the post-oflice at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3. 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outsMe of Greater New York. $19.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00: 3 months. $1.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should re-nit with oidcr. Address all communica- tioav »• THE FILM DAILY. 1650 Broad- way. New York. N. Y. Phone Cirde 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Ftlmday, New York. Hollywood, (Ulifornia — Ralph Wllk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 66»7. London — Ernest W. Frsdman, The FUm Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I Berlin — Karl Wolflsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse. 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cmematographie Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues. 19. STOCK MARKET High Low Cloae Am. Seat 35 35 35 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 28!4 28 28 East. Kodak 194'A 189J4 193 •do pfd 128 •First Nat. pfd 105 54 Fox Fm. "A".. 95 95 95 •do rts 3 Keith A-O 41 41 41 do pfd 125 125 125 Loew's, Inc. 7SH 77% 78>4 do pfd 109 109 109 •M-G-M pfd 25^ M. P. Cap 18 18 18 Para. F-L 67 66J4 66?4 Pathe Exch 12 im HM do "A" 255^ 25^1 25'A Radio K-A-0 .... 42J4 41}^ 42^ Stanley Co 40% 40% 40% •Univ. Pict. pfd 98^4 Warner Bros 131'4 129% 131 do pfd 57% 57^ 57% CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 14% 14^4 H^^ •Bal. & Katz 81 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 24^ 2'4J4 24K •Film Insp 1% Fox Thea. "A" . 32!4 32'A 32'A •Intern. Proj 18^ Loew do deb rts.. 42% 42% 42% •Nat. Scr. Ser 30 Nat. Thea. Sup. .. 10% 10% 10% TransLux 11% 11% 11% •Univ. Pict 16K BOND MARKET •Keith A-O 6s 46 94 •Loew's 6s 41ww 121^4 do 6s 41 x-war... 99M 99^ 9954 Paramount 6s 47 .100% 100% 100;^ Par. By. S^sSl .102% 102% 102^ •Pathe 7s37 80^4 CURB BONDS Am. Seat 6s 36.. 97^4 97J4 97!4 •Warner 614$ 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 33 35 do units 35 38 .... do com 5% 6% .... Skouras Bros SO 54 — . •Technicolor 12^ 13 United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2 do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED SalM 300 200 4,700 200 'ioo 200 1,600 100 '266 12,300 1,300 100 7,000 100 i",866 700 1,000 'ioo 2',66o "266 'ioo 500 The Broadway Parade THERE is only one addition to the Broadway lineup this week, that being "Red Hot Speed" at the Colony, with "Broadway Melody" opening next Friday at the Astor. "Jimmy Valentine" closes today at that theater. Picture Distributor Theater Opening Date "The Singing Fool" Warners Winter Garden. .. .Sept. 19 "My Man" Warners Warners Dec. 21 "The River" Fox Gaiety Dec. 22 "The Bellamy Trial" M-G-M Embassy Jan. 23 "Weary River" First National. . . . Central Jan. 24 "Redskin" Paramount Criterion Jan. 26 "iSins of the Fathers" . . . Paramount RivoU Jan. 26 "Wolf of Wall Street".. Paramount Rialto Jan. 26 Red Hot Speed Universal Colony Jan. 26 Broadway Melody M-G-M Astor Feb. 8 Texas Denies New "Teeth" for Sunday Closing Law (Continued from Page 1) been unanimously voted down by the house committee on criminal juris- prudence. The present law provides a fine of not less than $10 nor more than $50, while the Prendergast bill sought to make the penalty from $200 to $500 and would have made it compulsory on the part of the sheriff to arrest persons charged with vio- lation of the law. Propose Film Publicity Colorado Springs, Colo. — A propo- sal for the use of $4,500 worth of film publicity on the Pikes Peak re- gion has been submitted to the tour- ist travel and advertising committee of the Chamber .of Commerce. Australia Censor Plans to Pass on Talking Films (Continued from Page 1) lard Johnson, American representa- tive of Union Theaters, Ltd. Ar- rangements must be made by the importer to screen the picture on the sound reproducing equipment, until such time as the censor has his own sound projection booth, and a trans- cript of the dialogue must be sub- mitted with application for registra- tion Segal Opens N. Y. Office to Handle Cine-Tone Harry Segal, president of S. & S. Enterprises, Boston, has opened of- fices in New York City, at 729 Sev- enth Avenue, for the sale and dis- tribution of Cine Tone, a non-syn- chronous sound machine. The ma- chine is made entirely of steel and is operated electrically. It is portable and installed by plugging in on a light socket. New Owensboro Theater Owensboro, Ky. — Col. Fred Levy of Louisville states that the Strand Amusement Co. soon will start work on a $200,000 theater and office build- ing at Fifth and Frederica Sts. Carl J. Epping of Louisville is the archi- tect. The theater will seat 1,200. Paula Gould Resigns Paula Gould has resigned from the publicity department of RKO Pic- tures. Plan Butterfield House Muskegon, Mich. — W. S. Butter- field, president of Butterfield The- aters has announced a $600,000 the- ater and store building to be built here soon. To Vote On Sunday Shows Kendallville, Ind.- — This city will hold a special election to determine whether Sunday shows will be held This city is one of the few remain- ing in the State which does not per- mit Sunday shows. To Film Inaugural Sounds Washington — Extensive plans are being made for recording in sound of the inaugural ceremonies of presi- dent-elect Hoover. Andrew May, president of the White House Photo- graphers' Ass'n, in charge of the in- augural photographic arrangements, said the celebration will be the most photographed event in the nation's history. Three hundred film and camera men are expected to attend. Test Suit on Sunday Closing La Junta, Colo. — Test suit on Sun- day closing has been instituted by District Attorney J. Arthur Phelps, in a friendly action he has filed. Frisco House Improved San Francisco — Publi.x has com- pleted improvements at the Gran- ada, and switched the house from a Saturday to Friday change. Organize Newark Corporation Newark, N. J. — The Broadway Theater Co. has been chartered for $100,000 to operate theaters in this territory. William Harris of this city is the attorney. To Start West Coast House Hanford, Cal. — Construction on West Coast's new theater here is scheduled to start March IS and will be ready to open about Aug. 1. The Industry's Date Book First Day of Convention of Northwest . hibitor unit at Minneapolis. Feb. 9 Dinner of Writers Branch of A. eniy of M. P. Arts and Sci« Hollywood, to visiting dltlc writers. Feb. 14 1929 Wampaa Frolic, Hollywo«( Universal Club Dance, Hotel Ai New York. Mar. 2 AM PA HoUywood Masque Bil New York. Apr. 14-15-16 Convention of Western Pi sylvania Exhibitor Unit Short Shots froEo New York Studiosi mi^^By ARTHUR W. EDDY'^S^ ERNEST PASCAL, ■ accompani by his portable typewriter, headed for the Coast. He leaves I hind him "The Marriage Bed," di matization of his own novel, whi is keeping Allan Dinehart employ in the leading role. Hitting the entertcdnment tn Bill Cody went to the Frivoli Club the other night as the gue of Albert Berryman. His weste scenery, topped by his ten-gall derby, augmented the whoopee a mosphere. Paul Dietrich, cutter for Fox, Manhattaning for an indefinite perio He has wielded the shears on "Tl Ghost Walks." Million Dollar Reopening I^'est Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAll Los Angeles— With "The La Warning" as the feature, the Millie Dollar is to reopen Feb. 7. A Better Service The service is indeed satisfactory. In fact I like it much better than the other service that I had been using for the past four years. LYRIC THEATRE, Terrell, Tex. WE WISH TO ANNOUNCE THE OPENING OF A BRANCH OFFICE AT 1560 BROADWAY Room 501 'phone Bryant 0660 Under the Management of MR. WARREN AUERBACH FEBRUARY 4, 1929 IRA HAUPT & CO. MEMBERS NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE MEMBERS NEW YORK COTTON EXCHANGE MEMBERS NEW YORK CURB MARKET (ASSOCIATE) 111 BROADWAY NEW YORK VIEW MOTION PICTURES T O D Air Announcement In step with the spirit of the hour Exhibitors Daily Review and Motion Pictures Today will hereafter and beginning with tomorrow's issue be published as one daily newspaper devoted solely to the interests of the motion picture business in all its elements. The policies laid down by the undersigned will continue to be adhered to. The present size of the daily will be maintained with the exception of the Saturday issue, when it will be published in the present size of Motion Pictures Today. This welding of the two institutions stills forever the cry that has been raised that there are too many trade papers in the motion picture business. With this combination of forces there are now two great dailies and two great national weeklies; there could not properly be less, there need not now be more. The undersigned could not conclude this announce- ment without a word of cordial and hearty thanks to the many friends who have made possible the progress of the two enterprises. We do not expect always to be right but we shall within our Hmitations always en- deavor to be fair. wrttes ati advertisement VARIETY PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, January 30, 1929 '^vsm ^P ^' V" feather. ^^ q^q. .«^ of tue v^eeK ^^^ ^^efc S^'^Pl^f Playing it- ^r^'urpa-sed ^'^T criterion-^''" ^f ^^trd weeVc« ^*^ *^% the second ^f '^^-tbe first that of the ^^^^ behind and was only zona," tl> Biggest tnoney ^^^. (4th weeW- nt ^. C . has ^^^ , Viouse at pre^ advertising ^ to $18,500; toetter vveeli. o V" er. "ARIZ." WARFIED'S 1ST AU-TALKER, $40,000 San Prandeco, Jan. 29. Drawing Population, 762,000 Weather: Cofd and Fair Friday openings now In full sway. Granada was the \SLSt to step in line on Jan. 25. First all -talking ftlm at, the .War- field, "In Old Arizona," established new house record for a regular week. Business ran near $40,000. Estimates for Last Week Warfield (Loew-W. C), "In Old Arizona," dialog" (Fox) and stage show (2,672; 50-65-90). House's first presentation of , all - talker knocked*'eni over; could not handle crowds on Saturdays, Sundays and nights; arouxjd $40,000. Baltimore. Jan. 29. New Jumped 'way up with its first Fox all -talker, "In Old Arizona." giving the house the best week It has had since before the holidays ' "New (Whitehursls)— 'in Old Aff- zona" (wired) (1,800; 25-50). First Fox all-talker drew good week here Good advance ballyhoo aided. Topped anything this house has had for some time. Well liked. About $12,009. Holding over. MOVIETONE your or SILENT best FOX PICTURES with hox'Office reports of a single week Wednesday, January 30, 1929 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY Red Dance' Jumps Emoire, Syracuse, N. T., Jan. 29. (Draw Pop, 220,000) Weather: Cofd The most marked business ad- vance was reported by the Empire, which climbed to $11,000 with Fox's "The Red Dance.'* Kansas City, Jan. 29. I Newman— "The Red Dance'* (1,- 980; 25-40-60). This one has Del Rio just as her flapper followers expect. Sound news and talking shorts. $11,800. Pantages — "Mother Machree" <2,- 200; 25-35-50). Manager Lrouis Charnlsky had given this picture^ some three months' advance adver- tising. It certainly counted for the seats were at a premium on the opening day and many of the fol- lowing performances. Out '■fa/. '"" 41/ -vv ^fs'o* -^^ep oet^rfest ouj^ Yoti Hear a lot about motion pic- ture supremacy tKese days. But claiming^ leadersHip is easy; PROV- ING it is sometHin^ else again. FOX PROVES IT WITH BOX- OFFICE RESULTS! From coast to coastr Fox pictures are consistently establisHing their superiority at tKe BOX-OFFICE. TKe smartest sHowmen today are playing FOX, because FOX is doing big things and doing tbem FIRST. The FIRST outdoor Western talk- er, IN OLD ARIZONA, is shattering records everywhere. Soon a flood of poor imitations from other com- panies will follow^, and when it does, FOX exhibitors w^ill be clean- ing up with five more feature talk- ers, each ORIGINAL in idea, story and treatment: THE GHOST TALKS, HEARTS IN DIXIE, SPEAKEASY, THE VALIANT and THRU DIFFERENT EYES, with more fresh.talk-provoking, profit- making talkers to follow. BOX-OFFICE BET IS ¥mx the: Monday, February 4, 1929 1 •H- Olive Borden Edmund Burns Doris Dawson Ben Bard Claude Gillingwater Shirley Mason William Demarest M an Sylvia SiDNHTi' AA EDWAR Cci Kathlyn Williams Fred Kelsey Charles Delaney Eddie Nelson Edward Martindejl Aggie Herring Otis Harlan Vera Lewis AA*»:^ 4j. j^ Jm|. j. j. j. j.4.Hi>4'4^4»4 j^''J44'4'44>wy wwww i v i i vi »» 'I' '!' 'I' 'I' 'I' » 'I' 'i' 'I'»44 i' » 'i- 'X- i'V 'j^j^^^j^** » J* »>y* >l« v V v 'I' '1' 'I' *' THE Monday, February 4, 1929 J^^ DAILY .4.■^4•■^•+4•♦♦4•v♦•^4•♦♦4•<••^'^*^"^•^+•^•J**4•♦•^4•4•♦♦♦^•♦♦•^♦v4•4•+^•+4•4•♦vv•^v John Bowers Marguerite De La Motte Bert Lytell iient GuiNN Williams SMALL ny Lou HOLTZ p Dale Fuller Charlie Murray ^*?5 iSI f^ "M^^l Lester Cole Robert Ames Vera Gordon George Sidney Robert Montgomery Lionel Barrymore Cissy Fitzgerald House Peters Dell Henderson tt a ++ ++ *+ ++ ++ *- •- J, A •tut* Xi 'i' '4' '1' 'I' J. A -*- -*- ■i' ■*' -»- -♦- '1' "i" ,t, A ,ti A AA vv A tti .*- -*- ■X" V A A •1' 'r -•- -*- .J..J. ,ta A "1" V ** ,t, A ** AA ,ta A «UA ♦J^ A-A ** '4' '1' -*- .*- J, A .♦- .*- v v atkA -•- -♦- 'i • 4»4» ^j* ^ *j, 4m{» ^ •$» ^ ^ ^« ij* ^^ ^m5» 4» *$•♦*♦ 4» *J* *J»4» 4* *J**J* •t^ •«j* ^ »ti j« »^i ij» ^« i|t »^» ,^« ,|, ,|, ,^, j, ,^, j»^ j>j»^ j>jn$*^<{>^<|* j»»|* »;< »j» >|» 4* *|»4*v v4* v^ v^ v4^ ■»»^< >t« »}i rfi A y' ■> »^« ^< ^'' V *I* 't* V 'I* ' DAILV Monday, February 4, 1929 Sound on Film or Discs to Be Battle of Year iContinucd from Page 1) installations of cheap equipment which embraces onlv the disc re- production method. Installations of this equipment, it is said, would result in shutting out dates to sound- on-film product. Meanwhile, Warners, firmly en- trenched by the success of Vita- phone, will continue to use the disc system, as will most of the inde- pendent producers, not licensed by Western Electric for the sound-cn- film method. First National, con- trolled by Warners, also will make Vitalphone pictures. With, practi- cally every Western Electric wired house, equipped for disc recording, some of them for disc only, and the many other disc systems installed in theaters Warners figure an "edge'' in the race for playdates. _ In addition to this, the comnany is "sold" on the disc system as the better and more practical. Meanwhile, a num- ber of arguments pro and con on the respective merits of the two systems, are being heard. Complete list of sound-on-film and sound-on-disc systems of sound re- cording and reproducing is a fea- ture of the Sound Section of THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK, now being distributed. 12 Films on All-Talker Program of Gotham (Continued from Page 1) Bristolphine. Two of the pictures, "Times Square," starring Alice Day and Arthur Lubin, and "The River Woman," starring Lionel Barrymore and Jacqueline Logan, already have been completed. The others are: "Red Velvet by Beth Brown, "The Troupers" by Gerald Beaumont, "Grandstand An- gels" by Courtney Riley Cooper, "The Bowery" by Harry Hoyt, "Father and Son" by John Drink- man, "Mothers of Today" by Henry Lloyd, "Violence" by Norman Hous- ton, "The Girl from Argentine" by K. T. Kelsona, "Flappers Must Live" by Mayme Villard. Warner Deal Set for 35 of Equity Chain (Continued from Page 1) Equity Theaters, a new firm capital- ized at $2,000,000. The local Equity chain, largest independent group in opposition to the Stanley circuit, which Warners own, comprises 16 theaters. The chain was formed by Green & Altman about a year ago, through pooling of a number of in- dependent houses. Expansion pro- gram of Equity is to be carried out by the new company. Incorporators of Warner-Equity include: J. J. New- man of Warner-Stanley, Jacob M. and A. M. Cohen. Coast Wire Service Hollywood Happenings Wolheim-Boyd-Milestone Together Loi'is Wolheini, William Boyd and Director Lewis Milestone, the com- bination that produced "Two Arabian Knights," will combine their talents again, this time in an all-talking com- edy, "Take It Easy." Lupe Velez will follow her work in "Lady of the Pavements" and "The Gaucho" by appearin-j in the picture. "U" Starts "Sweethearts" Production of "Sweethearts," first of a series of two reel talkies, star- ring Pat Rooney, Maricn Bent Roo- ney and Pat, Jr., has been started by Universal. Continuity and dialogue was done by Ben Holmes, who will direct. "Rose of the Rancho" Bought "Rose of the Ranoho," stage play, has been purchased by Paramount and will be produced soon as an all- talker. It was written by Richard Walton Tully and David Belasco and was presented first in 1906 with Frances Starr in the title role. World Corp. Dissolved Albany, N. Y.— Notice is given of dissolution of World M. P. Corp., of Delaware. Colman Film Started After 16 weeks of preparation and four weeks of rehearsals, Samuel Goldwyn's first all-talking picture, "Bulldog Drummond," went into production with Ronald Colman in the starring role. The cast includes Joan Bennett, Montagu Love, Lilyan Tashman, Claude AUister, Lawrence Grant, Adolph Milar and Wilson Benge. Wallace Smith wrote the sce- nario while Sidney Howard wrote the dialogue. F. Richard Jones will direct. - William Cowan Assigned William Cowan will direct the first feature of RKO's new program to be made from a story as yet unse- lected. It will go into production as soon as RKO completes its $250,- 000 construction job in Hollywood studios. Photophone equipment is now being installed and Cowan ex- pects to start work March 1. Butler Back at Studio David Butler, who has been hand- ling the scenes which George O'- Brien, Nora Lane, David Sharpe and Farrell Atacdonald have been taking for "A Son of Anak" in Monterey. Cal., made a flying trip to Los An- geles to see his father, who has been gravely ill. The elder Butler is re- garded out of danger, and his son is now back beside the camera. Added to F. N. Cast Tom McGuire, Mickey Moore, Mickey McBauin and Virginia Gray have been added to the cast of "Dark Streets." a forthcoming First Nation- al-Vitaphone picture starring Milton Sills. Doris Kenyon is playing the leading feminine role opposite her husband in the production. A Little from t( Lots » By RALPH WILK Hollywood GLIMPSES at "The Divine Lady" premiere at the Carthay Circle; smiling Jack Warner being greeted by friends; Fred Niblo excellent as the master of ceremonies; Nat Roth- stein attending his first Coast pre- miere in several years; Robin Coons, of the Associated Press, attending his initial Coast opening. * * * Indications are that Max Shagrin wrill become a permanent "Coast de- fender." Max, who is a native of Ohio, was Warner Brothers' repre- sentative during the "Noah's Ark" engagement at the Grauman's Chi- nese, and is now manager of War- ner Brothers' theater, in Holljrwood. Max is a thorough showman and has operated his own theaters in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. * * * Our Passing Show: Simeon Alter and Peter Shamrey viewing sets at United Art- ists; May Boley working in her initial picture at Fox; Milton Br en and Al Rosen plucking Paramount contracts for their players, Al St. John being their latest client to find a place on the Para- mount lot; Wallace Smith and Dave Selznick dining at Paramount. * ♦ ♦ Victor Varconi is winning new laurels. His work in "The Divine Lady" was given an ovation at the Carthay Circle premiere, while excellent re- ports filter in on his actinf; in "Eternal Love," which has been previewed on the Co.i'st. Victor is also weU remember, ed for his work in "The Volga Boatman" and "The King of Kings." Reginald Denny's Next Chosen "Companionate Troubles" has been selected as next starring vehicle for Reginald Denny. It is an original by Gladys Lehman and Earle Snell. William James Craft will direct. New Contract for Chevalier Paramount has signed a new con- tract with Maurice Chevalier, French star, who came to Hollywood to ap- pear in "Innocents of Pajis." Young Casts Lucien Prival Lucien Prival has been signed to play featured roles in Lon Young's next Chesterfield production, as yet untitled. ii^il^llVi/ilVi/|\i/ilWllVi/|Vl/iiVi/JlVl/JlVi/Jt^^^^ The 1929 Film Daily Year Book IS NOW BEING DISTRIBUTED Mmmmmmmmmmmmi Fox and Publix Gird for Keen Battle on the Coast ;!^e NEWSPAPER o/'FILMDOM ALL THE MEWS ALL THE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 30 Tuesday, February 5, 1929 Price 5 Cents WARNERS PLANNING BIG EXPANSION IN OHIO Cleveland — Warners plans to in- vade Ohio on a big scale, it is under- stood here, the firm reported plan- ning a theater here, as the forerunner of expansion in Ohio cities. The pro- posed local house is to be part of a projecting costing several million dol- lars, it is said. The report most cur- rent is that Warners want the prop- erty at Euclid Ave., and E. Ninth St. The owner, however, denies knowl- edge of any negotiations, however. WARNER ANDFI SALES FORCE SELLING PACENT? Minneapolis — Both Warner and First National sales forces will "plug" Pacent synchronizers, accord- ing to a Chicago dispatch published here. "There has been much talk that Pacent was being backed by Warner Bros.," the publication states, "and while this had been denied by War- ners previously and again by Ned Depinet, at the meeting here this week, the report still persists and its going to take more than the denials so far issued to convince exhibitors that Warner money isn't back of the project. "It is known that First National managers were instructed to 'plug' (Continued cn\ Page 3) Radio Pictures is New Trade Name of RKO Prod. Radio Pictures has been chosen as trade name for RKO Prod, (formerly FBO), producing and distributing unit of Radio-Keith-Orpheum. Hitting the Keys Lexington, Va. — Talk about top prices for Broadway pre- mieres! Take a slant at the Lyric here in Lexington, which, according to newspaper ads, had stepped the price scale up to $7.30 and $9. for "Mountain Terror" and "College" on a joint bill. It was the fault of the linotype operator who hit the dollar mark keys when set- ting the time of the evening performances. However, Lex- ington got a thrill. W.C. 'WAR' SEEN FORERUNNER OF NATIONAL FOX-PUBLIX 'BAHLE' DEIIinilEIIIESHSnC SUEASIIEPOIITSKBI There is no foundation to report that Joseph P. Kennedy is negotiat- ing purchase of a controlling inter- est in Acoustics Products Co., parent company of Sonora-Bristolphone, de- clares Roy Deutsch, president of Sonora. Deutsch declares he has not seen Kennedy for a number of months, declaring he wants to deny the report of a deal as emphatically as possible. In the face of this denial, reports which were guarded on Saturday, grew more persistent yesterday that such a deal was impending. Ohio Talker Censor Bill is Attacked by Newspapers Cleveland — -Newspapers through- out the state are attacking the meas- ure introduced in the legislature, ex- tending power of the censors over dialogue in pictures. The motion picture division of the Cleveland Federation of Women's Clubs has stated it "is not in harmony with the movement." Censors Have Right to Act on Dialogue in Penn. Philadelphia — Censors have the right to pass on dialogue in films, the Supreme Court decided here yes- terday. Tax on Chains? Des Moines — Ten per cent sales tax on Iowa chains is de- clared provided for in a bill to be introduced. This is some- thing new in anti-film legisla- tion. m TO GET N. Y. INDIE CHAINS BY MARCH I Auditors and accountants, variously estimated at 200 to 300 are still scat- tered over three floors of the Hotel Ambassador balancing books and checking land fees, mortgages and whatnots in an effort to clear up the terrific mass of detail yet to be faced before the owners of the 200 odd in- dependent theaters in the Greater New York zone receive their cash and turn their holdings over to Fox Metropolitan Theaters, Inc. The detail will probably be cleared (Continued on Page 3) E. Kramer Named Eastern Division Head for "U" Rounding out his salescabinet, M. Van Praag, general sales manager of Universal, has named Earl Kramer eastern division manager, with su- pervision over the Buffalo, Albany, Pittsburgh, Washington and New Haven exchanges and headquarters in New York. His post as New (Continued on Page 3) 1929 Film Daily Year Book Is Placed in Circulation Numbering approximately 1,100 pages and covering every phase of the industry. THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK, has been placed in circulation. The volume, recognized as the encyclopedia of filnidoni, was issued late last week, and speedily was acclaimed as the most complete compilation of infor- mation on motion pictures ever pub- lished. Major divisions of the volume, which embraces film activities in every country of the world are Pro- duction, Distribution, Exhibition, For- eign and Sound Pictures. Each sub- ject is treated individually in its sep- arate sections, each of which is re- plete with statistical data and other information covering every angle of (Continued on Page 8) Two Firms Strengthening Positions in Western Key Cities Los Angeles — Lines are being drawn — and tightened for what promises to be a merry battle be- tween Fox and Publix next year. The "war" raging in Coast key cities ever since West Coast Theaters turn- ed back to Publix, houses it had been operating, will extend to other fronts, it is indicated, probably clear across the continent. There is a scramble for outstand- ing pictures and big names up and down the Coasts in the spirited com- petition now in progress. The Pub- lix houses, it was stated, were turn- ed b_ack by West Coast upon request of the Dept. of Justice. Publix re- entry into the operating field on the (Continued on Page 3) Mayer Says He's Not After Political Office "I am not a candidate for public office of any kind," says a statement by Louis B. Mayer, issued from the M-G-M home office, to set at rest report that Mayer was considering ambassadorship to Turkey. Interchangeability is Highlight at N. W. Meet Minneapolis — Interchangeability is highlight of the meeting here of the Northwest exhibitor unit, which got under way yesterday. The ses- sions continue today. At it Again Rev. Canon William Sheafe Chase, generally regarded as arch foe of pictures, and world's long distance cham- pion mudslinger is at it again, this time circularizing mem- bers of Congress with a reprint from "Harrison's Reports," in which that publication pans alleged filth in "West of Zan- zibar" and points to that pic- ture as an argument in favor of passage of the Brookhart bill. THE V(l. XLVII N«. 30 Tuesday, Feb. 5,1929 PrieiSCeBU JOHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $0.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to TPIE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin— Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Schlesinger Head of All Warner Activities Abroad Gus Schlesinger, who established the foreign department for Warners seven years ago, has been named general manager of the firm's Eu- ropean activities. This gives him jurisdiction over European distribu- tion of Warner, First National and Vitaphone, as well as supervision of National Films A.G. of Berlin and the Vitaphone studio soon to be opened in the German capital. Schlesinger dates his experience in the foreign field back to the days of Inter-Ocean. In his association with the Warners, the last few years have found him spending practically all of his time abroad. He is now round- ing out a visit in New York for the first time in about two years and sails for Berlin on the Leviathan to- morrow. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am. Seat 34^ 341^ 34^ Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 28 K 27 U 27 M East. Kodak 193 Ji 191 191 *do pfd 128 *First Nat. pfd 105 54 Fox Fm. "A" 94 J^ 94 }4 94 Vi *da Its 3 Keith A-O 40J/J 40J^ 40M do pfd 125 124 124 Loew's Inc 79 77}^ 77'/^ do pfd 109^ 109J4 109J4 •M-G-M pfd 25^ M. P. Cap 19"^ 19 19 Para. FL 67J^ 66^ 6654 Pathe Exch 135i llji 13 do "A" 27% 25 26^ Radio K-A-0 41 }4 40 40 Stanley Co 4094 40J4 40M *Univ. Pict. pfd 98^ Warner Bros 132 J4 129 129% do pfd S77A 56 565i CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 1454 13 Ji 14 *Bal. & Katz 81 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 2414 22J4 22^ *Film Insp 15^ Fox Thea. "A" ... 33 31% 33 *Intern. Proj 18J4 Locw do deb. rts. .. 42 14 42 J^ 42^4 Nat. Scr. Ser 30 Nat. Thea. Sup. . 10}4 lO'A 10J4 Trans-Lux 12j5 12 12^4 *Univ. Pict 16J4 BOND MARKET 'Keith AG 6s 46 94 Loew 6s 41ww ..121}^ 121^ 121J4 do 6s 41 x-war.. 99 J4 99'A 99 J4 Paramount 6s 47 .100J4 99}i 9914 Par. By. S'As 51..102K 102 102 Pathe 7s 37 815^ 80K 81 5i CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 .. 97 97 97 "Warner 6'As 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 33 36 do units 35 37 .... do com 4 6 Skouras Bros 50 54 ...'. Technicolor 12J4 13 United Art 8 12' ...'.' do pfd 76 84 . ". . ' Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 85 *LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 800 3,200 4,700 2',466 '260 100 8,600 200 's66 31,600 54,100 5,300 12,300 100 2i",666 3,400 2,800 5,766 13',366 '166 '366 22,500 4 5 20 24 1 Wilcox Sailing Herbert Wilcox sails on the Levia- than tomorrovv for London. He has been in Hollywood for the last few months supervising "Fog" the first of the all-talkers which his company, British and Dominion Films, Ltd. of London produced. Marshall Nei- lan directed, recorded via the West- ern Electric system. British and Do- minion is building a sound studio in England, equipped with the W. E. system. The Industry's Date Book Feb. 9 Dinner of Writers Branch of Acad- emy of M. P. Arts and Sciences. Hollywood, to visiting dialogue writers. Universal Club Dance, Hotel As- tor, New York. AMPA Hollywood Masque Ball in New York. 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn- sylvania Exhibitor Unit. Feb. 14 Mar. 2 Apr. Daab Makes Radio Changes Sam Warshawsky has been named by Hy Daab general press represen- tative of RKO Pictures, succeeding Paula Gould, resigned. Ken Hallam has been placed in charge of exploi- tation and tie-ups, while John Moyni- han will supervise press books. David Strumpf continues in charge of the art department. Meighan Leaves Thomas Meighan left New York •esterday for Hollywood where he will begin work immediately upon the first of a series of Vitaphone productions for VVarners. This will mark Meigh- an's initial appearance in talking pic- tures. The first is understood to be 'The Argyle Case." Four Paramounts Near New Manhattan Records Four Paramount sound pictures, two all-talking and two with syn- chronized scores and sound effects, broke or equalled the box-office rec- ords of five New York theaters last week, according to the company. "The Wolf of Wall Street"' topped the previous high record at the Rialto, grossing $7,500 more than "The Patriot," which had established a record for that house. "Interfer- ence," after concluding 10 weeks at the Criterion moved across to the Paramount and finished there with a figure that nearly reached that of the record breaker for the theater, it is said. Playing simultaneously in the Brooklyn Paramount, "Interfer- ence" came within $500 of the rec- ord for that house established by "The Shopworn Angel." "Redskin," in its first week at the Criterion came within a few hun- dred dollars of equalling what Para- mount dubs "a good week" for "Wings," the Criterion record breaker. Degel Owms Rights Cleveland — Albert Dezel has ac- quired distribution of "Why Girls Go Wrong" for Ohio and Kentucky. He bought out Fred Schramm's interest in the picture. Hays in New York Will H. Hays, F. L. Herron and Maurice McKenzie have returned from the Coast. SALESMEN With Motor Cars ROAD SHOWS AND MOV- ING PICTURE EQUIP- MENT HOUSES We have a real sensation in a portable non-synchronous theatre sound device, so compact it can be carried to and demonstrated in any theatre. A demonstration will sell it anywhere in competition with devic« that cost twice as much. Now being demonstrated at our show- rooms : ADSWIN CORPORATION 727 7th Ave. New York, N. Y. 52 Runs for "Lucky Boy" "Lucky Boy," Tiffany-Stahl pro- duction starring George Jessel, this week will play 52 theaters through- out the United States. It also has been booked for the Embassy at Shanghai, China, which has the first RCA-Photophone installation outside the United States. Flying Back to Coast A. B. Heath, general supervisor of all Universal sound productions, who came East in January to movietone excerpts from Ziegfeld's "Showboat," now is on his way back to Universal City, Cal., by airplane, with the film, which is to be interpolated into Uni- versal's production of the Edna Fer- ber story. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Tiieatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3S80 Tuesday, February S, 1929 C'Me Tone The Greatest of ALL Sound Devices Announces The Opening of Offices in New York City at 729 Seventh Ave. Suite 510 Phone Bryant3951-0586 And Is Ready to Serve the Exhibitor Cine Tone Is Greatest Because — It Has: The Greatest Tonal Range. The Greatest Tonal Quality. It Is: The Simplest to Oper- ate. The Simplest to Install. All Electric. All Steel. 100 Percent Fireproof. Just Plug It In Like a Radio $395 Complete TERRITORY IS STILL AVAIL- ABLE FOR LIVE. WIDE-AWAKE DISTRIBUTORS Wire — Write— ^Telephone Come and See It— Hear It and Be Convinced S. & S. ENTERPRISES 46 Church St., Boston, Mass. Tuesday, February 5, 1929 W. G. War Forerunner of Fox-Publix "Battle" (Continued from Paijc 1) Coast, was the siRiial for splurging on the part of both circuits. Now. Harold I!. I'rankliii is under- stood to have made a tentative deal with Louis Marcus for his Capitol at Salt Lake City, with final ratifica- tion expected soon. With this as a stand, Fo.K, tiirougii Fanclion & Marco, is reported preparing to ex- tend the stage shows to keys where Publix is entrenched. A deal now is on for Fanchon & ^L•l^co, units at the World, Omaha, as well as in the Fox houses at St. Louis, Detroit and Buffalo. DAILY Coast Wire Service Warners Completing 14 Fox to Get N. Y. Indie Ghains by March 1 (Continued frmn Page 1) away by the end of the month. It appeared yesterday that the deals, as announced, will go through. Indi- vidual corporations for individual theaters; individual boards of direc- tors to deal with; bankers for each chain to be consulted and satisfied; searchers to clear property; mort- iraces to be investigated, box-office orts to go over and books to be ....ianced — these and other matters must be attended to before the trans- fer in properties is completed. Warner and F. N. Sales Force Selling Pacent? (.Continued from Page i) the Pacent equipment, which is only natural, and they were also instruct- ed to refuse service to the many in- dependent equipments now on the market and certainly the branch managers are going to see to it that all the equipment sold through their sayso is going to be something that they can sell their product for. "It is also said that Depinet de- nied that First National would seek a five-year contract for its sound product, this had perviously been re- ported and published in trade papers which reports stated that three men would be sent out in each territory; one selling Pacent equipment, the sec- ond selling features and a third to sell short subjects. This was denied, Depniet advising branch managers that a separate organization was be- ing formed to handle only the sales of the Pacent equipment, while First National branches would handle all Sdles. with the sound sales being handled for the most part by the manager personally. "Equipments now okehed official- ly by Warners and First National include Vitaphone, Movietone, RCA- Photophone and Pacent, according to the statement of Ned Depinet. This would apparently eliminate all other makes of talking devices." E. Kramer Named Eastern Division Head for "U" (Continued from Page 1) York manager, has been taken over by Dave Miller, BufiEalo manager, who, in turn, has been succeeded by Al Herman, C. P. Lester, for several years manager at Jacksonville, has been transferred to Atlanta, and has been succeeded by Cowan Bain. NEW PICTURES AUGMENT 21 OTHERS ON SCHEDULE I'ourtccn Warner Vitaphone pro- ductions are being completed and will be ready for release within the next few months, augmenting the 21 Vita- phone releases and the roadshow pro- duction, "Noah's Ark." The 14 new pictures include: "Stark Mad," Dolores Costello in "The Redeeming Sin," Dolores Cos- tello in "Madonna of Avenue A," "The Desert Song," Dolores Costello in "Alimony Annie," (temporary title), Texas Guinan in "Queen of the Night Clubs," "The Time. The Place and The Girl," Monte Blue in "The Grcyiiound Limited," "Kid Gloves" witli Conrad Nagel and Lois Wilson, Monte Blue in "From Headquarters," Myrna Loy in "Hardboiled Rose," "One Stolen Night" with Betty Bronson and Edward Everett Hor^ ton, Monte Blue in "No Defense" and Rin Tin Tin in "Frozen River." U. A. Contract for Roland Gilbert Roland has signed a new long term contract with United Ar- tists. He now is preparing to start in the leading male role of Norma Talmadge's new picture. Paramount to Make "Fu Manchu" Paramount has purchased Sax Rohmer's "The Insidious Dr. Fu Manchu," to be produced as an all talker and in silent form, v^ith War- ner Oland in the title role. Neil Hamilton, O. P. Heggie and William Austin will be in the cast, with the leading feminine role to be played by Jean Arthur. Lloyd Corrigan and Florence Ryerson are adapting the story. Holmes to Direct Rooneys Ben Holmes will start direction of Pat and Marion Rooney and Pat Rooney III, in their talkie for Uni- versal. It is entitled "Love Birds" and has in the support cast Shep Camp, Clinton Lyle and Symona Bonifact. T.-S. to Film "Two Men and a Maid" "Two Men And A Maid" will be the next TifTany-Stahl production with dialogue and synchronization, with Buster Collier and Alma Ben- nett in the principal roles, supported by Eddie Gribbon and George E. Stone. It will be directed by George Archainbaud. Warners Borrow Arthur Lake Arthur Lake has been loaned to Warner Brothers by Universal, for the lead in an all-dialogue produc- tion, "Shoe-String." Hoffman Named Supervisor Hugh Hoffman has been appointed production supervisor at Uriiversal Studios. Originally a film editor. Roach Reopens Hal Roach officially opened studios yesterday after a four weeks' shut-down. There were no changes in the personnel of the organization. Two com- edies will go into production this week, one starring Hal Roach's "Our Gang" directed by Robert McGowan, and the other starring the comedy team of Laurel and Hardy. Paramount Casts Ruth Chatterton Ruth Chatterton has replaced Bac- lanova in cast of "The Studio Mur- der Mystery," at Paramount. The latter was unavailable, because she is working in another picture. Frank Tuttlc will direct the picture with cast including Warner Oland, Doris Hill, Neil Hamilton and Frederick March. Sally Eilers Cast Sally Eilers, the Mack Sennett dis- covery, has been cast in the forth- coming First National-Vitaphone pic- ture, "Broadway Babies," starring Alice White. Among others who have been signed are: Charles De- laney, Marion Byron, Tom Dugan, Fred Kohler and Louise Natheaux. Mervyn LeRoy is directing. "Whispering Winds" Filmed Tififany-Stahl has completed "Whis- pering Winds," a singing and talk- ing production, with Patsy Ruth Mil- ler, Malcolm McGregor and Eve Southern in principal roles. It was directed by James Flood from a con- tinuity by Jean Plannette. Gibson on Location Hoot Gibson, Universal's western star, now is at King City, Calif., on location for his new starring vehicle, "The Winged Horsemaii." Ruth El- der, aviatrix, is playing opposite Hoot. Arthur Rosson is directing. Fox Asigns Sweet Harry Sweet has been assigned to direct Bobby Clark and Paul Mc- Cullough in "Music Masters," Mov- ietone subject. Norman Taurpg orig- inally drew the "Music Masters" as- signment, but owing to a severe at- tack of influenza, was obliged to turn over his megaphone to Sweet. Dillon to Direct Dove John Francis Dillon has been signed by First National to direct Billie Dove in "Careers." Dillon recently com- pleted "Children of the Ritz," starring Dorothy Mackaill and Jack Mulhall. Casting is to commence this week on "Careers," and the picture is scheduled to face the cameras next week. Tandler Named Aide Adolf Tandler has been engaged by Dr. Hugo Riesenfeld as assistant director of his recording orchestra at United Artists studios. The 1929 Film Daily Year IS NOW BEING DISTRIBUTED ^'mmm'mm'(wmm&<^(i'¥is^^(^ GIVE TfflS GI ONE WTTHODT VITAPHONE GREAT BIG HAND SEE New York in its NIGHT CLOTHES, all dressed up and READY for THRILLS! Make WHOOPEE with "The Whoopee Girl" HAVE the TIME of your life ! SEE and HEAR Texas Guinan in **Queen of the Night Clubs," a marvelous picture of "WINE, WOMEN and WRONG" / Your audience is sure to give THIS little girl a GREAT, BIG HAND! SEE and HEAR BOOK IT NOW and PLAY IT DAY AND DATE WITH BROADWAY! STORY BY MURRAY ROTH AND ADDISON BURKHART DIRECTED BY BRYAN FOY lymFiiDin] THE DESERT SONG \I§onUt wait! NOW AYAI LABLE ilM II RIVER WOMAN 'Vividly SyacKvonijed liiiK unusual souikJ eUects. "TIMES SQUARE" By Norman Houston "GRANDSTAND ANGELS" By Courtney Riley Cooper "THE TROUPERS" By Gerald Beaumont "FATHER AND SON" By John Drinkman "THE By Hii "THli By' "THE GIRLF By( "FLAPPIJ By Hi ^>JR< "^KVk ^O^ ^OMAN" lumate |ERY" loyt IRGENTINE" jflsona fST LIVE" •illard 1 "RED VELVET" By Beth Brown "KNEE HIGH" By M. Stephens and C. B. Dawson "MOTHERS OF TODAY" By Henry Lloyd "VIOLENCE" By Norman Houston PRODUCT lOMV FOREIGN RIGHTS: British & Continental Trading C J. C. Barnstyn, Pres. V^ ^ "T" t-v»^ ^S^^* v^^ .^ ■>▲ K r\f e/^^>i THE i^^ DAILV Tuesday, February 5, 1929 lylOO Pages of Filmdom^s Encyclopedia 1929 Film Daily Year Book in Circulation {Continued from Page 1) the subject treated. The editorial in- dex alone consumes 14 pages. .'Advertising announcements of lead- ing companies of the industrj^, in- cluding a number of colored sections arc embraced in the volume. Forecasts for 1929 by leaders of tlie industrv are a feature of THE 1929 FILM" DAILY YEAR BOOK. Headed by Will H. Hays, the leaders make the predictions of what is in store for the industry during 1929, with the consensus — almost unanim- ity— of opinion that sound pictures in all of their many phases, will be the highlight of the new 3'ear. Sixty- seven of the outstanding executives of tlic industry contribute to the fore- cast, an annual feature. Opinion is divided over the exact effect of sound, although there is uni- versal agreement that the industry will follow in the path already paved by talking jiictures. Speculation over the permanent aspects of this »ew de- velopment exists and some respon- sible executives are at a loss to fig- ure the outcome. All of tiiein, how- ever, are in accord that sound sup- plied the business with a much need- ed impetus. Disregarding this new agency, the opinion is voiced that basic quality in production — whether sound or silent, must be maintained, thus again stressing what has become a recog- nized, but occasionally forgotten, axiom in the industry, that it is the picture that counts. General pros- perity for 1929 is accepted as fact in these opinions. Motion Picture Facts This section is a compilation of in- teresting statistics concerning the in- dustry. The amount of money in- vested in the industry in the United States; assets of 20 leading compa- nies; number of people employed in the LInited States; total seating ca- I)acity of American theaters; weekly attendance at picture houses and dailv intake; number of houses equipped to show talking pictures; minimum num- ber of sound pictures to be made this yearj number of American features released in 1928; world output of fea- tures for 1928-29. World's Theaters Graphically presenting charts show- ing theaters throughout the world, comparing the major continents, to- gether with charts showing the com- parative number of theaters in coun- tries of the respective continents. These authentic surveys were made by the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Comtuerce. Film Fundamentals Ninety pcr-cent of American pic- tures are made in Hollywood, this section shows, pointing out the week- ly payroll of the studios and the po- GROWTH! Steady growth has marked development of THE FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK, which is climaxed by the 1929 edition. From a modest start in 1918, the volume has grown from 180 pages to its present size of 1,1000 pages. Following is a graphic his- tory of The Year Book's steady growth: 1918—180 pages 1919—356 pages 1920—532 pages 1921—422 pages 1922-23—430 pages 1924-514 pages 1925—708 pages 1926—866 pages 1927—978 pages 1928 — 994 pages 1929—1100 pages sition of pictures among basic indus- tries of southern California. Other statistics arc: Production budget for 1928; annual Hollywood payroll; an- nual distribution gross; number of exchanges in American key cities: amount spent for new theaters in 1928; number of theaters which change ownership annually; number of theaters in the world and number in the United States; percentage of gross obtained from foreign mar- kets; number of features released in last 1.3 years. Code of Ethics .\ history of the Code of Ethics drafted at the Trade Practice Con- ference in New York in October. 1927, and passi'd upon by the Fed- eral Trade Commission. A complete list and summary of the resolutions (1) approved, (2) held in abeyance and (,3) rejected. Industry's Milestones Brief summation of outstanding developments of the industry since 1918, supplemented by Headline Highlights, a review of the headlines of 1928. Relief Fund History and purpose of The Film Daily Relielf Fund, together with the number of cases cared for since establishment of the fund. A list of contributors in the 1928 drive is in- cluded. Ten Best Pictures of 1928 Exclusive to THE FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK, the Ten Best Picture poll of critical opinions throughout America, has become an institution in the industry. A complete listing of the Ten Best Pictures, the Roll of Honor, which includes 49 pictures. receiving ten votes or more, the 295 critics of 326 newspapers who voted, together with the national magazines, trade and fan publications represented in the record balloting of 1928. Ten Best Directors of 1928 Listing of the Ten Best Directors of 1927-28, based on their work in pictures released from June 1927 to June 1928. A poll of 221 newspaper critics, conducted yearly as an exclu- sive feature of the Annual Directors Number, published by THE FILM DAILY in June each year. One hun- dred eighteen directors are named for honorable mention. Best Players of 1928 .V list of 89 players named bv "Photoplay Magazine," as having contributed the best performances of respective months throughout the year. Academy of M. P. Arts and Sciences A page devoted to the Coast or- ganization, outlining the purpose of the association, together with high- lights of its activities during 1928. Film Daily Stamp of Approval An outline of the endorsements of products and propositions bestow- ed by THE FILM DAILY after in- vestigation of qualifications and merit. A list of the recipients of the Stamp of .\pproval during 1928. The Year's Releases Feature releases of 1928, listed by title and by companies; footage of each picture, its director, camera- man, scenarist^ editor, title writer, date of review and information as to whether the picture is synchronized, silent, or both. The pictures in an- other section are listed by companie; togeUier with name of sound systen used for synchronized pictures. 10,500 Titles Features released from Jan. 1, 191; up to Jan. 1, 1919 are listed in thi^ special subdivision. This alphabet- ical listing of features by title, lists the distributor and date the picture was reviewed bv THE FILM DAILY. 1928 Feature Imports .\ listing of the pictures importedi into the United -States and released during 1928. Titles, producers, dis- tributors and country of origin are outlined in this section, the first of its kind ever published. Serial Releases 1920-29 Alphabetical compilation of titles of serials, released during the last eight years, including title, producer, star, director and release date. Players' Standard Contract Complete text of the standard con- tract for free lance players, which was adopted in December 1927, and be- came effective Jan. 1, 1928. Production in Canada A resume of production activities of the Canadian government. Short Subject Field A list o£ players, and directors of short subjects, together with their company affiliations. Short subject product of 35 distributors for the 1928-29 season, including newsreel, serial and regular releases, totaling approximately 3,000 subjects, are list- ed. A list of companies, and shorts they produce. Wampas Stars Names of plavers chosen as Wam- pas stars, from 1922 to 1929. Work of Animal Players Feature animal players are listed, together with the pictures in which they worked and producers worked for during 1928. England and Sound Ernest W. Fredman, outstanding figure of British journalism, who publishes and edits "The Daily Film Renter and M. P. News," London, outlines England's reaction to sound pictures, together with a resume of the various equipments on the Brit- ish market. Work of Players Feature releases of all stars and featured players for the three years ended Jan. 1, 1929, are embraced in this compilation. Players name, title and year produced are included in this outline of activity during the last three years. Sound PictMres Complete recent history of the sound picture, tracing the develop- ment from the time of opening of Vitaphone. through the experimental (Continued on Page 13) ' TITAN 4 il Noti) More Than Ever -3^ ■ PICTLRES Distributed by CORPORATION RADIO ^ ^ <» * fulfillment of daring dreams .... colossus of modern art and science .... no> 0 ♦ settings . , . , jabu ireater even than whi 'or 62 weeks at Ziegfeld Theatre^ New York, <><><><* •»*♦•» PICTURES of the Silver Screen RADIO PICTURE; greatest s For the reproduction of rigid tests have established one, the tone velopment in gue as ♦ ii * as music and effects, most one as THE BEST! RKO DISTRIBUTING CORPORATION BlAWBllEMStfr Muw \' . THE Tuesday, February 5, 1929 i^ank DAILV Complete Industry Coverage IConHnued from Page 8) uriod and up to tlie present. A ro- iiantic story of the revolution in the iidustry brought about by tlie sound ogcther with informative and au- horitative data on the development if sound pictures up to their present )c>sition. Included is a recital of the .■vents which took place in settling he clouded issue of interchangcabil- tv. In this section is a complete list of the various sound recording and re- roducing systems now on the mar- ket, each briefly descried, and if isc, a statement of the rpm speed of records played, thus indicating phy- sical interchangeability. Separate isting of synchronous and non-syn- clironous equipments, and the first Sound Buying Guide ever to be pub- hed, containing a list of manufac- turers of sound efiuipments and ac- H -sories. A Lingual Guide on talk- rs. informs producers of talking pic- tures of the languages spoken in vari- ous foreign countries of the world. Production Included in this section are the arious organizations representing all pliases of the production field. Name and address of the association, offi- cers, in some instances members, af- filiation and dates of meetings are included. Distribution Under this classification arc listed the Film Boards of Trade through- out the United States, Canada, Cuba, Mexico and Porto Rico, together with addresses, officers and territory cov- ered by activities, and other organi- zations in the distribution field. Exhibition Theater Owners' associations throughout the United States are list- ed, together with addresses, officers and territories each embraces. Personnel and Other Lists Listing of the officers and of the various distributing companies; key city exchanges, addresses and man- agers; booking agencies, brokers, casting agencies, film deliveries, lab- oratories, laboratory supplies, film libraries, newsreels, portrait photo- graphers, play brokers, public projec- tion rooms, raw stock distributors, ■-tiirage vaults, studios, and trailer -crvices. Theaters Listing of appro.ximately 20,000 theaters of the United States, as well as non-theatrical auditoriums in towns where no theater exits. The compilation is ^arranged alphabetically by states, cities and towns. Popu- lation of each town, and in most in- stances, capacity of the individual theater is included. A special section of this division is devoted to important theater chains of the nation, listing circuits of four or more houses. Headquarters, ad- dress, names of president, general PHIL DALY SEZ/ "Pardon me, if I seem a bit high hat, but the way people are handing me the office on THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK is nobody's business. If you haven't seen it, get wise and cast your orbs over the biggest and finest volume it's been our pleasure to publish." manager and film buyer, are listed where available, as well as subsi- diaries and holdings of each chain. Exploitation Complete manual for showmen is included in this section, which fur- nishes a reference guide to practical exploitation ideas. Each idea, stunt or campaign listed is based on ex- perience of exhibitors, as reported to THE FILM DAILY, tried and prov- ed exploitation, which is arranged ac- cording to type of pic_ture, and spe- cial occasion. Legal Decisions Court decisions affecting various phases of the industry are listed in this section. Exhibition Contract A complete text of the new stand- ard exhibition contract, drafting of which w-as ordered by the Trade Practice Conference, held in New York in November 1927 under aus- pices of the Federal Trad.e Commis- sion, and which became effective March 1, 1928. Rule of arbitration alsi? are included. Fan and Trade Papers Publications catering to motion pictures, including names, addresses, dates of publication, publisher, editor, business manager and correspond- ents. Financial Outline of financial structures of leading companies of the industry, showing assets, liabilities, gross, net and other financial information sup- plied by balance sheets. Hays Organization An outline of the activities of the producer-distributor association dur- ing 1928. Key City Grosses Weekly attractions and grosses of 66 theaters in 12 key cities of the United States. Survey of Canada .\ summary of film and economic Conditions in each province of Can- ada, together with the number of tiicaters in the Dominion and a re- sume of the pictures they show. Miscellaneous Names and addresses of important publishers of music in the United States, together with designation as to whether the nmsic they control may be played without or only with payment of license fee, are listed. Non-theatrical producers of the United States, percentage tables, based on composite average of per- centage systems of various distrib- utors, key cities and their territories and a survey of public likes and dis- likes, the work of the government in aiding the film business, importers and exporters in New York. Re-Construction and Re-Equipment A manual of converting old the- aters into new ones, through intelli- gent reconstruction, as outlined by John Eberson, leading architect. Buying Guide Names and addresses of manufac- turers of theater equipment, a list of technical books dealing with the in- dustry, and theater supply dealers of the United Spates and Canada. Technical Progress An outline of the technical prog- ress made in all branches of the in- dustry, as outlined in papers read to the Society of M. P. Engineers. Foreign A complete survey of the world's markets, together with a Jist of im- portant companies operating, produc- tion activities, legal restrictions on imports, taxation, censorship, num- ber of theaters, imports and exports. Foreign offices of American compa- nies also are listed in this section. Zimmerman Gets Interest in Picqua, O., Company Picqua, O. — Fred Zimmerman, pres- ident of Associated Theaters of Buf- falo and treasurer of Affiliated The- aters of Pittsburgh controlling 70 theaters in New York and Pennsyl- vania, has purchased a part interest in the Picqua Amusement Co. own- ing and operating the Bijou and May's here. Zimmerman was elect- ed vice president and director of the company at its annual organization meeting. Other officers are William Erk, president; R. C. Erk, secretary- treasurer. Eberson Drawing Elyria Plans Elyria, O.— Plans for a $700,000 hotel and theater building are being made by John Eberson for Chicago interests. Option for a site at Broad and Cedar Sts., has been closed. "The Bellamy Trial" M-G-M Embassy, N. Y. DAILV NEW.S— • • • lK,asi8 no e^pe■ cLilly ^'amorous theme. Thus, in screen fashion, its worth depends thoroughly on di- rection. And Bell has done a great job. • • • « * EVKNING JOURNAL—* • • The Fran- ces Noye» Hart novel has hecn skillfully translated to the screen t)y Moiita Bell. Sus- pense is well sustained, the cast is good, and the niclho 250 WEST 39th STREET NEW YORK. N. Y. No Changes in U. A. Field Force, Lichtman States o/'FILMDOM VOL. XLVII No. 31 ALL THE NEWS ALLTHE TIME Wednesday, February 6, 1929 Price 5 Cents Then and Now IT may be that the dear old industry is still entano-led in its infant clothes, but there is no denial of the truth that, in its sturdy strides forward, the prog- ress is both rapid and amazing. In this year of grace, you hear of such unusual box-office gym- nastics as a single theater gross- ing $143,000 in one week ; old records toppling down for new ones and other occurrences of a similar ilk which further the general conviction that, as the years go by, the business demon- .-trates that its potentialities are far from being exhausted. A Few Facts For instance. In 1922. "Blood and Sand" which reached the market at the height of Valentino's success, grossed $35,000 at the Rivoli. Then it was a lot of money even for New York and Par- amount did some slight frothing at the mouth. Last week four of the same company's New York houses, to wit the Paramount in New York and Brooklyn and the Rivoli and Rialto grossed a few dollars short of $250,000. At the Rialto alone, "The Wolf of Wall Street" drove the add- ing machine up to $57,922 or $7,000 more than the previous record holder. A terrific business for that theater. Admissions haven't changed mate- rially. What has happened— and this IS applicable nationally — is this: Larger theaters. Increased popu- lation that is adding new patrons to box-office lines. Advertising that is improved in quality and useful be- cause it carries the sales message di- ectly to the public. Quality pic- tures, although there is never a sur- plus of these. And sound. And the Future? What the tomorrows will bring, no forecast can tell. Sound helped mo- tion pictures, despite the misapplica- lons for which inexperience is re- sponsible. As the film reaches a ful- ler growth— and in that we include I third dimension, perfection in color »nd a larger screen— the field for in- :reased business will grow so broad inat to place limitations upon its i^oundaries becomes futile. J, KANN "MUSIC TAX" VICTORY BY CANADA SHOWMEN Toronto — Music tax can be col- lected from Canadian exhibitors, only if the Performing Rights So- ciety registers assignments of copy- rights the firm controls, the judicial committee of the Privy Council at London has ruled, in case brought by the society against Famous Play- ers. The registration would cost up- wards of $2,000,000, so it is not ex- pected to be filed. This victory for exhibitors of the Dominion, is ex- pected to stand, as effort made to amend the copyright act failed at the last session of Parliament at Ottawa. The original action, dismissed when the court found the assignments had not been registered, cost the society $12,000. USE TO BE PROSECUTED Immediate prosecution will follow any unauthorized use of De Forest Phonofilm equipment. General Talk- ing Pictures Corp., warns exhibitors, pointing to reports that salesmen other than those authorized by the company are offering devices claimed to be De Forest Phonofilm or manu- factured under licenses of patents of Dr. Lee De Forest. No company aside from General Talking Pictures can deliver DeForest . Phonofilm equipment, the company says. Warners Take Over Boyd House in Philadelphia Philadelphia — Warners has pur- chased the Boyd here, new house re- cently opened by Al Boyd, as the first of a chain planned throughout this territorv. "Mil^ado" and "Pinafore" to be Filmed by Pathe Pathe is to produce "The Mikado" and "H.M.S. Pinafore," Gilbert & Sullivan operas, which will be filmed as all-talking and singing productions at Sound Studios, New York. Pro- duction will be by Robert T. Kane, with Josiah Ztiro as musical direc- tor. Casts will include names from Broadway musical shows. LICHTMAN SPIKES REPORT OF ANY SHAKE-UP IN U. A. Doping It Out Interest in the stock market, which the public is going in for heavily these days is seen as a contributing factor in the strong box office draw being shown by "The Wolf of Wall Street." At the Rialto, New York, the picture copped $57,- 922 last week, an all-time rec- ord for the house by about $7,- 000 and held by "The Patriot." Last Sunday, the picture did $9,502 at the Paramount, Los Angeles. SYNCHRONOUS SCORE EOR Synchronous score for non-syn- chronous disc devices is to be pro- vided by Scoredisc Service Corp., New York, headed by Arthur J. Ab- rams, who is inventor of the device. The Scoredisc is a heavy cardboard disc, on which cutouts are numbered consecutively. The pickup needle is inserted in each cutout in numerical order, thus furnishing a complete score for the picture. Abrams, who has been scoring films for years, has been a pioneer in the sound picture (.Continued on Page 7) "Positively" No Changes Planned at This Time, He Says Positively no changes in the field are to I)c made or arc planned at this time, Al Lichtman, sales head, de- clared yesterday, when his attention was called to a report that the econ- omy move made last Saturday, was to be carried into the field force. Admission Tax Proposed by Governor of Utah Salt Lake City— Admission tax on Utah theaters, proposed by Governor Dern, is being opposed by exhibitors of the state, many of whom will be forced to close if the measure is made a law. Ontario Governor Ignores Admission Tax Reduction Toronto — Not one reference was made to the amusement tax in the peech of Lieut. -Governor W. D. Ross of Ontario at the formal opening of the Ontario legislature here despite pleas of Ontario exhibitors for a sub- stantial reduction in the tax during the past year. Further, no intimation (Cuntinued on Page 6) Bruce Gallup Heads U. A. Advertising, Publicity Bruce Gallup, veteran publicity and advertising man, has been named ad- vertising and publicity director of United Artists, succeeding Victor M. Shapiro. For some time, Gallup has been handling preparation of adver- tising copy. Publicity will continue to be handled by Warren Nolan. Streimer and Thompson Remaining with U. A. Moe Streimer of the New York United Artists exchange and Nathan- iel Thompson, sales comptroller, are not leaving United Artists, despite (Continued on Page 6) Pennsylvania Ruling Ends Two Sound Test Cases Philadelphia — Ruling of the Su- preme Court that sound films are nothing but films and so subject to censorship, disi)oscs of both the Fox and Vitagraph cases, the high court having considered both cases jointly. The lower courts in two opposite had held in one instance that the sound was censorablc and in another that it was not, appeal having been taken in both instances. New York's test case on sound picture censoring brought by Pathe (Continued on Page 7) Six Division Heads in New Universal Sales Cabinet Six division managers comi)osed the Universal sales cabinet, just completed by Sales Manager M. Van Praag. and his assistant Ted Schlan- ger. Nann'ng of Earl Kramer, as east- ern division manager, rounded out the cabinet which comprises: Leo De- vaney, midwest division; Harry Tay- lor, western; Gilbert Rosenwald, (Cotttinued on Page 6) THE Wednesday, February 6, 1929 Mf^^ALLTHE MEWS ^AILTOE TIME Vol. XIVII No. 31 Wtrinisday, Feb.6,1929 Price 5 Gents JOHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and FUm Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered 33 second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $0 00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I Berlin— Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues. 19. The Industry's Date Book Feb. 9 Dinner of Writers Branch of Acad- emy of M. P. Arts and Sciences. Hollywood, to visiting dialogue writers. Feb. IS Universal Club Dance, Hotel As- tor. New York. Mar. 2 AMPA Hollywood Masque Ball in New York. Apr. 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn- sylvania Exhibitor Unit. Dayton House in Receivership Dayton, O. — The Salem here, op- erated by Wells-Keister Co. is being operated by P. M. Osmer, receiver. New Vitaphone Film Opening "The Redeeming Sin," new Do- lores Costello Vitaphone picture, is to open Feb. IS at the Warner, New York. Beaumont Arriving Harry Beaumont, director of "The Broadway Melody," M-G-M's all- talking picture which opens Friday evening at the Astor, arrives in New York this morning. He plans to spend a couple of weeks in the East and will look over talent for his next picture. Hiram Brown Leaves on First Inspection Trip Hiram S. Brown, president of Ra- dio-Keith-Orpheuni, has left New York for Los Angeles and San Fran- cisco. He will make several stops along the route visiting some of the principal theaters of the circuit. On the Coast he will inspect the motion picture studios of the RKO produc- tion. This will be Brown's first tour since his advent in the industry. Schneider Completes Trip Atlanta — L. E. Schneider, director of theaters for Publix, has returned to New York following a two weeks' survey of the southeastern circuit. His itinerary covered Publi.x hold- ings in Tennessee-, Florida, Birming- ham and Atlanta. This was Schnei- der's first trip through the territory since he took over the division a few months ago. He scheduled his ar- rival in Birmingham to catch the opening of the new stage band show policy' last Monday and then came into Atlanta to spend Tuesday and part of Wednesday at the district headquarters. Shain with Cine-Tone Sam Shain has been appointed publicity and advertising manager for Cine-Tone, the non-synchronous sound machine, sold and distributed by S. and S. Enterprises of Boston, Mass. Dinner for Gilbert A dinner and dance will be ten- dered L. Wolfe Gilbert next Mon- day evening at the Biltmore by Cour- land Lodge, with Harry Hershfield acting as master of ceremonies. Kennedy Goes to Coast Joseph P. Kennedy has left New York for the Coast, in connection with production of "Queen Kelly," starring Gloria Swanson^ which he is producing for United Artists' re- lease. Fairbanks' Premiere in N. Y. Douglas Fairbari,ks' first talking picture, "The Iron Mask," will have its world premiere at the Rivoli, New York, following the run of "Sins of the Fathers." Fairbanks is expected to attend. "The Cocoanuts" Started Paramount has started production of "The Cocoanuts" at the Long Is- land studio, starring the Four Marx Brothers. Let Us Solve Your Prohlems ! Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCORPORATED 1540 B'WAY N.Y.C. TELEPHONE BRYANT 3040 Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Cto«e Am. Seat 35 34 35 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 28j^ 28 28^^ East. Kodak 193^4 189 191 *do pfd 128 *First Nat. pfd \05'A Fox Fm. "A" ... 94^ 94^ 94^ *do rts 3 Keith A-0 39}^ 39'A 39% ♦do pfd 124 Loew's Inc 77^ 76"^ 76S/^ do pfd 109M 108 108% ♦M-G-M pfd 2554 M. P. Cap 18M 18 18 Para. F-L 67 bS'A 66^ Pathe Exch 1354 12^4 12^4 do "A" 27 26'A 26J4 Radio K-AO 40-5'^ 39^ 39J4 ♦Stanley Co 40H •Univ. Pict. pfd 98^4 Warner Bros 131"^ 12854 130"^ do pfd 5754 56J4 57 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 13 J^ 13^^ 13 •Bal. & Katz 81 Con. Fm. Ind 23 y^ 22Yi 23 ♦Film Insp 15^ Fox Thea. "A" ... 33"/l 32^ 335^ Intern. Proj 18}4 WA ISA Love do deb. rts.. 42% 41 41 Nat. Scr. Ser. ... 29J4 295^ 29"^ Nat. Thea. Sup. .. 10% 9H 10!4 Trans-Lux 12^4 12 12^^ Univ. Pict 18^^ !&% 18^ BOND MARKET Keith A-0 6s 46 .. 94 94 94 Loew 6s 41ww ...120 120 120 do 6s 41 x-war 99^ 9954 9954 Paramount 6s 47 .10054 99 Ji 100 Par. By. 554s 51.. 102 102 102 Pathe 7s 37 81 81 81 CURB BONDS ♦Am. Seat. 6s 36 97 ♦Warner 654s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 335^ 35 do units 34 36 . . . . do C( m S54 654 •••• SI cept, that with weather below zer and a terrible storm (ever visit Mi'' waukee when it storms? b-r-r-r! the picture topped everything e? cept the "Singing Fool" recor( "Stood 'em up every show." Them' his exact words. Yes Sir! I Did you know that one-tenth of a| theatres in the U. S. are now wire! . . . that Warner's are offering 2 Vitaphone talking productions wit fourteen ready for release. . . . whil other producers are talking, Warner are making the talkies. . . . that 42? new accounts who have never playe W. B. product have now contracte for it in their silent houses? Yes, si VV^!» •"I TELL THE TRUTH! Admit that no other producer is in a class with Metro- Goldwyn- Mayer . . . Look over the succession of hits that the weeks have given from M-G-M . . . Truly there are no conditions that can be conceived of which could ever dislodge this great company from ITS TOPMOST POSI- TION in our industry. Does the Above Copy Sound Like Boasting? You know that it doesn't ♦ ♦ ♦ it may not be modest to state a chesty fact, but it's none the less a fact that I « M-G-M is the leader of them all. No season so far has gone by without conclusive proof. Here are some of this season's convincing arguments. A WOMAN OF AFFAIRS (John GiUxrt-Grcia Gurbo) SwccpAna Acaerlca like vWUl'tirc T«a r«ck« Saacmcnt*. Watch It rldel ALIAS JIMMY K VALENTINE(Hai.w..) Broke all record* Strand. Han- ford, Conn. Varletvrcporti Ifbesl In mom hi at Stanley, Baltimore." and "bleg<^l by $4O0O in Syra- COM." BlcK«at alio In New Or leant, Kutaai Cllfr It'i th« money! THE BELLAMY TRIAL (Mo«aB>nc« EnOmMv openini. BlncM advance tale Iff hlatory «i hou*«. Critic*, public > thrilled; Great Talhlnc or SUcnt! MR. & MRS. PUBLIC, just like the industry's smartest showmen, have got THE -G-M HABIT NOTE: As we go to press ^'The Broadivay Melody*' has opened, revolutionizing the whole field of talking pictures. Now playing extended top price runs at Qrauman's Chinese Theatre, Los Angeles, and at the Astor, N. Y. i Mrmberof Motion Picture Troduceri 3nJDiiiribuioriorAmrncs,Inr. BALABAN AND KATZ CIRCUlTr-Uptown Theatre^ Chicago— McVicker's Theatre, Chicago— TivoliTheatre, Chicago- Norshore Theatre, Chicago— Riviera Theatre, Chicago — Alamo Theatre, Chicago— Avalon Theatre, Chicago — Belpark Theatre, Chicago — Biograph Theatre, Chicago — Central Park Theatre, Chicago — Chelton Theatre, Chicago—Congress Theatre, Chicago — Coveiit Garden Theatre, Chicago^— Crawford Theatre, Chicago— Crystal Theatre, Chicago— Ellantee Theatre, Chicago — Highway Theatre, Chicago — Knickerbocker Theatre, Chicago-:-Lakeside Theatre, Chicago— Manor Theatre, Chicago— Marquette Theatre, Chicago- Maryland Theatre, Chicago— Michigan Theatre, Chicago — Paradise Theatre,Chicago—PershingTheatre, Chicago- Regal Theatre, CJiicago— Senate Theatre, Chicago— State Theatre, Chicago— Tiffin Theatre, Chicago— TowerTheatre, Chicago— Vitagraph Theatre, Chicago— West End Theatre, Chicago— Windsor Theatre, Chicago— Buckingham Theatre, Chicago-MIDWBSCO CIRCUIT— Fox Theatre, Aurora, III. — CastleTheatre, Bloomington, 111.— Lincoln Theatre, Chicago' Heights, 111.— Empress Theatre, Decatur, 111.— Dicke Theatre, Downers Grove, III.— Crocker Theatre, Elgin, 111.— Varsity Theatre, Evanston, III.— Forest Theatre, Forest Park, III.— Orpheum Theatre, Galesburg, 111.— Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet, III'.— Majestic Theatre, Kankakee,lll.— Majestic Theatre, La Salle, lll.-Lido Theatre, Maywood, Ill.-Oak Park Theatre, Oak Park, IIL— Madison Theatre, Peoria, IlL— Washington Theatre, Quincy, lU.— Coronado Theatre, Rockford, III.— State Theatre, Roseland, 111.- Genesee Theatre, Waukegan, III.— Lincoln Theatre, Springfield, III.- Grand Theatre, Alton, III.— Fargo Theatre, Sycamore, Ill.-rPickwick Theatre, Park Ridge, III.— Terrace Theatre, Danville, III.— Fargo Theatre, Geneva, UK— Earle Theatre, Washington, D. C— New Theatre, Baltimore— Rivoli Theatre, Bahimore— Liberty Theatre, Cumberland, Md Byrd Theatfe, Petersburg, Va.— Byrd Theatre, Richmond, Va.-WESCO CIRCUIT^T. &. D. JR. CIRCUIT- Warfield Theatre, San Francisco— El Capitan Theatre, San Francisco- California Theatre, Berkeley, Cal.— Kinema Theatre, Fresnq, Cat- Senator Theatre, Oakland, Cal.— T. and D. Theatre, Oakland, Cal.— California Theatre, Richmond, Cal.— Capital Theatre, Sacramento, Cal.— California Theatre, Salinas, Cal.— California Theatre, San Jose, Cat— California Theatre, Stockton, Cal.— Visalia Theatre, Visalia, Cal.— California Theatre, Watsonville, Cal. — Msgestic Theatre, Reno, Nev. — Loew's^ State Theatre, Los Angeles— Adams, Theatre, Los Angeles — Alhambra Theatre, Los Angeles — Balboa Theatre, Los Angeles— Figueroa Theatre, Los Angeles— Golden Gate Theatre, Los Angeles— Highland Theatre, Los Angefes— Mesa Theatre, Los Angeles— Ritz Theatre, Los Angeles— Rivoli Theatre, Los Angeles — Starland Theatre, Los Angeles— Sunbeam Theatre, Los Angeles— Uptown Theatre, Los Angeles— Westlake Theatre, Los Angeles— Egyptian Theatre, HoUyvyood, Cal. — Carmel Theatre, Hollywood, Cal. — Vi«ta Theatre, Hollywood, Cal. — Alexander Theatre, Glendale, Cal.— California Theatre, Anaheim, Cal.— California Theatre, Bakersfield,' CaL— Beverly Theatre, Beverly Hills, CaL— Park Theatre, E. San Diego, CaL— Imperial Theatre, El Centro, Cal.— Alcaiar Theatre, Huntington Park, Cal:M-Granada Theatre, Inglewood, Cal.— El Portal Theatre, Lankershim, Cal We«t Coast Theatre, Long Beach, Cal Doihe Theatre, Ocean Park, Cal.— Strand Theatre, Pasadena, Cal— California Theatre, Pomona, X^kMiRedondo Theatre, Rtedondo, CaL~- Riverside TbA*i, JUrerside, Cal — West Goadr'TheaM, San Bernardinp, Cal — California iTheatre, San Diego, Cal A TALKING C0^ fs sweep in a \\ MACK SENNETT TALKING COMEDIES have swept to world wide fame — in a few weeks — on a tidal wave of laughs. Many of the nation*s finest theatres have booked "THE LION'S ROAR." Just look over their names. All of them are sending their, audiences away, laughing and saying "here is something new in comedies." Most of them are getting a new idea of what short subjects can mean to the box- THE BRIDE'S Produced by RCA Photophone Process pmONS ARE REQUKT"' TO SERVICE , fuU-ra« FWDR THE COMPANY BY CamaSMANO SUGGESTION CON^ CERNING ITS SERVICE ,^^, ,. -. Cable nUss its de- haracter by a suital ove or prccc iblc _5T UNION i-^SJiSn^i^ii''"™'"" TOLEDO OHIO 102 P m 21 19E9 ^ W HAMMONS PBES BRIDES RELATIONS BEST BVER SEEN CONGRATTJLATIONS ED FILM EX IHC VCOMEDY WE HAVE EVER RUN AW) BEST 1 HAVE PANTHEON THEATRE BY JOHN F KUMLER • ^^»-w^ *>«JI ^[£tt DY TRIUMPH r u- h e countru office— through some of the biggest arid finest exploitation ever done on a two-reel comedy. They dared Sermett to do it again. Some of them thought "THE LION'S ROAR" was too good to "repeat." But Sermett has done that— and more. For every laugh he gave you before he gives you two now. You'll simply have to revise all your own ideas of just how funny a comedy can be — and of how much exploitation it can justify — when you see and hear RELATIONS with JOHNNY BURKE and Harry Gribbon It was the worst day of the winter. The venerable trade press— almost all of it— was there to see a Sennett Talk- ing Comedy, '^The Bride's Relations" by name. Off went the lights and on went the opus. It wasn't long after that the laughter began to mount and stay that way. Remember: rottep day, film- saturated newspaper men and a pro- jection room showing. Only a jewel among comedies could get the response it did. For your box-office good, get it. Educational is the place to go. - K A N N in Film Daily cimo 1 ncaire, oan i^uis v^oupQ,v-ai. — v-aoriiio i neaire, San Pedro, Cal.— W. C. Walkers Theater, Santa Ana, Cal. — Criterion Theatre, Santa Monica, CaL — Gleti Ciry Theatre, Satila Paula, CaL— Gateway Theati'e, S. Glendalc, Cal. — Hifpodrome Theatre, Taft, Cal. — Granada Theatre, .Wilmingtoit, Cal.— Colonial Theatre, Seattle — Fifth Ave. Theatre, Seattle— Liberty Theatre, Astoria, Ore.— Alta Theatre, Pendleton, Ore. — Broadway Theatre, Portland, Ore.— Hollywood Theatre, Portland, Ore.— Mt. Baker Theatre, Bellingham, Wash.— Rialto Theatre, Bremerton, Wash. — Ellensburg Theatre, 'EUensburg, Wash.— Granada Theatre, Everett, Wash. — Liberty Theatre, Olympia,. Wash.— Liberty Theatre, Pulallup, Wash. — Broadway Theatre, Tacoma, Wash.— Liberty Theatre, Walla Walla, Wash.— Liberty Theatre, Wenatchee, Wash. — Liberty Theatre, Yakima, Wash, — 'k Clemmer Theatre, Spokane, Wash, — FINKELSTEIN AND RUBEN CIRCUIT- Strand Theatre, MinneapolU— Garrick Theatre, Duluth, Minn.— State Theatre, Hibbtng, Minn.— Grand Theatre, Mankato, Minn. — Chateau Theatre, Rochester, Minn. — Garrick . Theatre, Virginia, Minn, — State Theatre, Winona, Minn. — Grand Theatre, Grand Forks, N. D. — Capital Theatre, Aberdeen, S. D. — State Theatre, Huron, S. D. — Metropolitan Theatre, Mitchell, S. D. — Sherman Theatre, St. Cloud, Minn. — State Theatre, Sioux Falls, S. D.— State Theatre, Eau Claire, Wis.— Palace Theatre, Superior, Wis.— Garfield Theatre, Milwaukee — Merrill Theatre, Milwaukee— Modjeska Theatre, Milwaukee — Oriental Theatre, Milwaukee — Tower Theatre, Milwaukee — Uptown Theatre, Milwaukee— Majestic Theatre, Beloit, Wis. — Retlaw Theatre, Fond du'[Lac, Wis. — Strand Theatre, Green Bay, Wis Jeffris Theatre, Jahesville, Wis.— Gateway Theatre, Kenosha, Wis.- Oshkosh Theatre, J./ Oshkosh, Wis. — State Theatre, Racine, Wis.— Park Theatre, Waukesha, Wis. — Wausau Theatre, Wausau, "Wis, — Mikado Theatre, Manitowoc, Wis. — State Theatre, Detroit— Bijou Theatre, Battle Creek, Mich,— Orpheum Theatre, Bay City, Mich. — Regent Theatre, Flint, Mich. — Regent Theatre, Jackson, Mich. — -'' Capitol Theatre, Lansing, Mich. — Regent Theatre, Muskegon, Mich. — Franklin Theatre,' Saginaw, Mich, — Fenway Theatre, Boston-"' Olympia Theatre, Boston Fox Theatre, Springfield, Mass,— Palace Theatre, Wooster, Mass,— POLI CIRCUIT— Middlesex eatre, Middletown, Conn,— Palace Theatre, Stamford, Conn, — Fox Poli Theatre, New Haven, Conn. — Capitol Theatre, Hartford, Conn. — Fox Majestic Theatre, Bridgeport, Conn. — Palace Theatre, Waterbury, Conn. — Fox Palace Theatre, Meriden, Conn. — Garde Theatre, New London, Coniu — Clairidge Theatre, Montdair, N.J,— Strand Theatre, Schenectady, N,Y. — Oatka Theatre, Warsaw, N. Y, — Capitol Theatre, Waverly, N, Y,— Tiogo Theatre, Owego, N. Y.— State Theatre, Allentown, Pa,— Colonial Theatre, Bethlehem, Pa.— State Theatre, Easton, Pa. — Colonial Theatre, Harrisburg, Pa. — Embassy Theatre, Lewiston, Pa. — Capitol Theatre, Reading, Pa. — Alto Theatre, Columbia, Pa.— Rialto Theatre, Williamsport, Pa.— Victor Theatre, McKeesport, Pa.— Astor Theatre, Cleveland— Hippodrome Theatre, Cleveland— Plaia Theatrei Cleveland— Uptown Theatre, Cleveland — Orpheum Theatre, Akron, O.— Colonial Theatre, Cambridge, O,— ^Strand Theatre, Canton, O.— Madison Theatre, Mansfield, O.— Pantheon Theatre, Toledo, O.— Robbins Theatre, Warren, O.— StaTe Theatre, Youngstown, O. — Lyric Theatre, Cincinnati— Colonial Theatre, Dayton, O. — Hippo- drome Theatre, Marietta, O.— Fountain Sq. Theatre, Indianapolis — Von Ritz Theatre, Bedford, Ind. — Indiana Theatre, Bloomington, Ind. — Strand Theatre, Crawfordsville,IncL — Von Castle Theatre, Greencastle, Ind.— Strand Theatre, Shelbyville, Ind,— Tivoli Theatre, ichigan City, Ind. — Tivoli Theatre, Richmond, Ind. — Rivoli Theatre, Muncie, Ind. — Lemer Theatre, Elkhart, Ind. — Mary Anderson Theatre, Louisville, Ky.— Kentucky Theatre, Danville, Ky.— Princess Theatre, Mayfield, Ky,— Empress Theatre, Owensboro, Ky,— Columbia Theatre, Paducah, Ky,— Palace Theatre, Burlington, la.— Rialto Theatre, Ft, Dodge, la.— Palace Theatre, Mason City, la.— Strand Theatre, Cedar Rapids, la.— ^^Strand Theatre, Waterloo, la Main Street Theatre, Kansas City — Plaia Theatre, Kansas City— Grand Theatre, Topeka, Kan — Uptown Theatre, Wichita, Kan,— Ritr TheatTe,Tulsa,Okla.— Aladdin Theatre, Denver— America Theatre, Denver— Victory Theatre, Salt Lake City — RialtoTheatre, Butte, Mont,— Liberty Theatre, Great Falls, Mont. — Judith Theatre, Lewistown, Mont.— Gem Theatre, Provo, Utah— Capital Theatre, Pocatello, Idaho -r Strand Theatre, Boise, Idahd— THE Coast Wire Service Hollywood Happenings Corinne Griffith to Europe Plans made by Corinne Griffith for an extensive vacation in Europe have brought about a change in her pro- duction schedule at First National. Upon the completion of "Prisoners," Miss Griffith will come to New York and then sail on March 22. She will return to New York in May, as pro- duction is scheduled to start June 1 on a dialogue version of "Lilies of the Field." George Fitzmaurice will direct it and Agnes Christine John- ston is making the Yitaphone adap- tation. Fox "Find" Cast Lupita Tovar, Mexican player dis- covered for Fox by Robert J. Flah- erty, explorer-producer, while mak- ing a picture of Indian life for that company, has been assigned to her first role. She is playing with Lois Moran in Raymond Cannon's produc- tion of "Joy Street." Agnes Ayres Returning Agnes Ayres is returning to the screen in "The Donovan Affair," Columbia's initial all-talker. Frank R. Capra is directing a cast includ- ing Jack Holt, Dorothy Revier and William Collier, Jr. Sign Radio Announcers Gerald King and Bill Ray, former radio announcers at Station KFWB in Los Angeles, have been signed by Warners to play speaking roles in "The Time, the Place and the Girl," which Howard Bretherton is direct- ing. Paramount Making "Escape" John Galsworthy's play, "The Es- cape," current in London, will be made into a 100 per cent talking pic- ture at Paramount's West Coast stu- dio. The talking version will be di- rected by Basil Dean. He will leave London in a few weeks for Holly- wood and his first venture in picture work. Starring Contract for Eve Southern Eve Southern has been signed on a long term starring, contract by Tif- fany-Stahl. She now is appearing in a picture being filmed under working title of "The Miracle." M-G-M Signs Rathbone Basil Rath-bone, stage star, has been signed for M-G-M talkers. Dialogue for Hell's Angels Ben Lyons will return to Caddo to make a dialogue sequence for "Hell's Angels." CsU WAFILMS, Inc. Walter A. Puttar, Prw. for Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46tli St.. Naw York Bryant 8181 A Little from tt Lots By RALPH WILK Hollywood RAYMOND CANNON, rising J-*' young director, has just achieved a unique distinction. He has been awarded the Beaton gold medal for the best "fadeout" in a picture during 1928. At the beginning of last year this award was offered by Welford Beaton, editor of Hollywood's "The Film Spectator," for the director who ended a production with the most original and appropriate finish. Bea- ton judged that Cannon was entitled to the honor with the ending of "Red Wine," which he made for Fox. * * * More Passing Show: Je»a» L. Lasky and Al Kaufman chatting with Mr. and Mr*. Maurice Chevalier at Para- mount; Charles "Buddy" Rog- ers satisfying autograph hounds; Gary Cooper elected by the reviews on "The Shop- worn Angel." * * • While screen stories and future productions are being' prepared at the First National studios, the various stars are taking advantage of the breathing space to enjoy brief vaca- tions. Colleen Moore is indulging in winter sports in the snowy Sierras, having completed "Why Be Good?"; Billie Dove has completed "The Man and the Moment" and is visiting in Seattle; Jack Mulhall made a flying trip to Salt Lake City after complet- ing "Children of the Ritz"; Alice White is at Arrowhead Hot Springs. Richard Barthelmess arrives at Palm Beach, Fla., after being present at the opening of "Weary River" at the Central Theater, N. Y. His next stop is Havana and he will return to Lyos Angeles by way of Mexico. * * * Ted Wilde, who directed Harold Lloyd in "Speedy" and "The Kid Brother," recently underwent an operation on his foot. Ted is a leading direc- tor and has been with Harold Lloyd for seven years. U. A. Shake-Up Spiked By Lichtman Report (Continued from Page 1) report to that effect in circulation, the company's executive committee of three, declared yesterday. Resigna- tions have been accepted from Vic- tor M. Shapiro, advertising and pub- licity director; Paul M. Lazarus, sales promotion manager, Frank Beach, as- sistant secretary, and Charles E. Moyer of the foreign publicity de- partment. This is part of a reorgani- zation plan, made in interests of econ- omy, states the executive commit- tee, which is comprised of Al Licht- man, Harry Buckley and Arthur Kelly. And That's That I By PHIL U. DALY Shapiro to Complete Play and Vacation; Plans Later Victor M. Shapiro who is writing a play in association with Warren Nolan for production by George M. Cohan, intends finishing it after which he will take a vacation, his first in three years. He has had an offer to enter production on the coast and another to join a brokerage house in Wall Street. However, no decis- ion will be made until the vacation period expires. Six Division Heads in New Universal Sales Cabinet (Continued from Page 1) West Coast division; Ralph Williams, southern; Clair Hague, Canadian. The company previously had but two sales divisions, eastern and western, with two directors in charge of each division. The division managers are to meet from time to time to discuss plans and policies. All but the New York, Chicago and Philadelphia of- fices are under district supervision. FRANCES AGNEW Back in Hollywood — writing! 5426 VIRGINIA AVE., GRANITE 0417 or c/o FILM DAILY Latest Scripts — in Production "Sjmcopation"— RKO (talking special) "Broadway Bound" — Sono-Art (talking special) Ontario Governor Ignores Admission Tax Reduction (Continued from Page 1) was given of any legislation affecting the theaters either favorably or ad- versely although many other propo- sals were outlined. Governor Ross is a director of Famous Players Ca- nadian Corp. "Jazz Singer" in Third Week Toronto — "The Jazz Singer" now is in its third week at the Tivoli, sound house, managed by Tom Daley. make your xeseivations m NOW M MM- Hollywood Masqjue Ball HOTEL ASIOR MAR Tickets i\0- each ■■■• niE FILM DAILY- r«HIEF PETTIJOHN is the name ^ of a yearling in the stables of Tom Taggart, Jr., at French Lick, Ind., and C. C. Pettijohn, for whom the horse was named, is predicting it will cop first honors in the Kentucky Derby this year. Sidney Simon who appeared in one of Clara Bow's starring vehicles, re- cently returned to New York and now is associated with one of the leading clothing manufacturers as a stylist. 5. L. Rothafel, who, in spite of the diverting sports of golfing and bathing iyi Havana, has kept in daily telephonic touch with the activities > of the Roxy, has terminated his southern vacation today and sailed for New York, where he will arrive Friday. A Better Service The service is indeed satisfactory. In fact I like it much better than the other service that I had been using for the past four years. LYRIC THEATRE, Terrell, Tex. The HOTEL Jefferson ON THE OCEAN END OF KENTUCKY AVE. ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. AN HOTEL WHOSE COMFORTS WILL ASSURE ONE OF FULL ENJOYMENT OF THIS GLO- RIOUS RESORT. Each Room has Bath — Strictly Fire- proof — Luxurious Lobbies — Sundeck Overlooking the Ocean. Golf Privileges American Plan $7 up European Plan $4 up OWNERSHIP— MANAGEMENT FETTER & HOLLINGER Charley Einfeld, recently pro- moted to the post of advertising and publicity director of First Na- tional, leaves Friday for a brief va- cation at Pinehurst, N. C. Charlev swings a mean golf club and is plan- ning the trip to get in trim for THE FILM DAILY Spring Golf Tourna- ment. 1 THE /Vednesday, February 6, 1929 ■s^mi DAILY Short Shots from New York Studios iMM^By ARTHUR W. EDDV^^ JOSKPII SAXTLEY, who is do- ing the diaioRiio direction on "The \Koanuts" at Paramoiint's Astoria tudio. was the smilincf individual iround the plant the other day. The orpctiial smile was due to the ar- ival of Betty, seven-pound daughter. Mrs. Sawyer is Ivy Santlcy, whom ■ ou know if you know your musical -oinedy stuff. Betty received that laine because Mr. and Mrs. Santley irst met in a show bv that title. A flock of high-salaried names ^Kch as Eddie Cantor, Paul White- man and Jack Osterman tvill eat at the Biltmore Feb. 12 7wt because it's Lincoln birthday, but owing to the fact that a dinner is being ten- dered L. Wolfe Glbert, composer, by Courland Lodge, Masonic organiza- tion. Harry Hershfield ivill sling wisecracks as muster of ceremonies. Fight scribes will take up ping pong in a serious way this evening when a metropolitan championship tournament begins at the Little Car- negie Playhouse under what is called the New York Ping Pong Club. John Balaber is in charge of the festivities. Raymond Hitchcock, with his fa- mous Hitchy smile and wit, offici- ated as master of ceremonies at the annual party throivn by the Film Players Club the other nocturnal. Nick Grinde, who is supe^-vsiitg pro- duction of shorts for M-G-M in the East, was with him,. .\fter having had the flu and a lot "I good publicity, Phyllis Haver is l)ag and baggaging westward to the M-G-M lot. P. L. Thompson to Address AM PA 1'. L. Thompson, president of the Audit Bureau of Circulation and di- I rector of public relations of Western ' Electric, will address the A.M.P.A. Thursday. Charles Barrcll. treas- ' urer of the Ampas, will introduce the speaker. President George Har- I vey announced that N.T.G. and his ! Gang will attend the Feb. 14 meet- i'liT and tell the boys about the two iws he is going to stage at the 'llywood Masque Ball at the As- -. March 2. Pennsylvania Ruling Ends Two Sound Test Cases (ContiniicJ from Page 1) still is pending, the court having un- der advisement the censors' rec|uest for change of venue to Albany. Strief Hits Sound Censor Bill Pending in Ohio Cincinnati — It is onl>- a step from proposed censorship of talking films to censorship of the press, pulpit and stage, Frederick Strief, F"ilm Board president, declared in a statement at- tacking the bill before the legislature to extend power of the censors juris- diction to include sound films. Synchronous Score For Non-Synch. Devices (.Continued from Page 1) field. The company will supply a library of records, a-ud in cases where a particular record called for in the cue sheet is not in the library, the rec- ord will be supplied free. "All that is necessary is that the non syn- chronous machine operator check from his Scoredisc before the run of the picture, pick- ing out those records called for by number on his Scoredisc, Abrams says. "Having arranged his records in order the only re- quirement is that he follow the numerical order called for on the Scoredisc. "The arrangement of these discs includes cutouts into which is inserted the needle. These cutouts are of a size corresponding to the amount of time the particular portion of the record is to be played. At the start of the pictures the operator places the Score- disc over the regular record, places his needle in cutout No. 1 and follows through in his cutouts numbered consecutively from that point. In addition to the cues supplied by number there also is a description of the scene to which the selections are to be applied. "The Scorediscs for pictures are supplied as part of the service and can be destroyed after the picture has been played. Production of Scorediscs is under way and it is estimated that distribution can be started within six weeks to two months. Considering Sites at Toledo Toledo — Three sites are under con- sideration for the house Warners will build here at an estimated cost of $3,- 500,000. The house will seat 4,000, states Jack O'Connell, managing di- rector of the Vita-Temple, who has just returned from New York. The house is part of a chain planned throughout Ohio. No Decision Made by Cammack Atlanta — No decision as to his future plans has been made by Ben Y. Cammack, who recently resigned as manager of the Universal branch here. J Space Available — New Studio Day or Week 50 X 100 Feet Clear 24 Foot Height Complete Modern Incandescent Light Equipment Location — 3 Blocks from Bridge Plaza Long Island City CARAVEL FILMS 3S0 Madison Ave., N. Y. C. Tel. Vanderbilt 6198 To All Motion Picture Exhibitors: WARNING! We have been informed that persons not connected with GENERAL TALKING PICTURES CORPORATION have under- taken to deliver DE FOREST PHONO- FILM equipment, or equipment employing the DE FOREST patents, to theatres in the UNITED STATES. You are hereby notified that only GENERAL TALKING PICTURES COR- PORATION has any authority to contract for, or deliver such equipment or to grant licenses for its use or the use of the DE FOREST patents in connection with sound on film in the UNITED STATES. Any theatre or person operating or using DE FOREST PHONOFILM equipment or granting any such licenses without express written license from GENERAL TALK- ING PICTURES CORPORATION, wiU be proceeded against to the full extent of the law. General Talking Pictures Corporation 218 West 42nd Street New York City Makes Non Synchronous Devices Synchronous I Scoredisc Service Corp. A new music cueing service which simpUfies and guarantees perfect cueing of pictures. By means of the Scoredisc card* board placed over the record each cue is clearly indicated to the operator of the turntables. Operation is foolproof* We will have a Scoredisc for every feature released starting August 1, 1928- FILL IN THIS COUPON / Nothing to Kennedy-" U" Report, Cochrane Says iTHE v/FILMDOM ALL THE NEWS ALL THE TIME 'OL. XLVII No. 32 Thursday, February 7, 1929 Price 5 Cents Of Many Things i2>0ME say it is sound. Others, the bitter lesson of last sea- son's buying strike. What ifference? The interesting ngle is that selling for 1929-30 vill get under way later this Icason than any other for some lime past. A sure sign that all ,eason has not fled from the in- lustry. It used to be that selling ftarted in June; Then it moved ip to May and finally sneaked nto April. This mind you, with hree months of each season to lean up. Why? As easy to jinswer as why Broadway the- liters burn electric signs in broad |laylight. The set-up is to be lifferent this once anyway. Good .ense and good news. After 17 Years Columbia has forsaken 1600 for '29, or from Broadway to 7th Ave. joe and Jack — Brandt and Cohn, you know — were reluctant to move. Too nany pleasant memories haunted the i)ld offices. Now you find them in lew quarters, larger and better, and he company on the eve of more mo- iTientous matters than ever were un- llertaken before. Same company launching new plans in new sur- ■oundings. Looks auspicious. Crashing In Publix books "The Bride's Rela- :ions" for the Paramounts — New York and Brooklyn. "The Lion's Roar" goes into the Colony. We've >een both of 'em.- You're doing Edu- rational no favor if you buy them. It's the public and your box-office :hat are in for the treat. A Warner Wow Did you see those Warner profits ;or the first quarter of the new fiscal year? Very close to three millions ind $872,883 more than the entire arevious twelve months. Harry W. smiles up at the sun in Palm Beach. Well, why not? A New Out Nfit so long ago most of the over- head was laid at the door of the production department. Now the fellows who make 'em are breathing easier. They have a new out and sound is its name. Costs more, takes longer etc.. they say. Nobody can deny, because nobody knows other- wise. One reason why Hollywood embraces sound so roundly. KANN SALES SEASON TO START IN JUNE OR JULY TfflS YEAR (2,911,724 IS Wm NET FOI UST WIQI Net of $2,917,724 for the quarter ended Dec. 1, 1928, is reported by Warners, which is $872,883 in excess of total profits for the full previous year. The quarter's profits are equal to S5.30 a share on the 550,000 shares of combined class A and common stocks outstanding Dec. 1. This com- pares with a net profit of $102,687, (Continued on Page 9) Harry Koplar Gets Cash for St. Louis Holdings St. Louis — Harry Koplar, principal partner of Skouras Brothers in the St. Louis Amusement Co., has sold his stock in the company for cash, and is reported retiring from the company. Skouras Enterprises is operating the houses of the chain. Meanwhile, Publix is continuing to book the downtown houses in which it is interested. A number of stock- holders in the St. Louis firm have traded their stock for Warner stock "Showboat" Premiere in N. Y. in March or April "Showboat," Universal's produc- tion of the Edna Ferber book and Florenz Ziegfeld musical comedy, will have its New York premiere at the Globe, New York, late in March or early in April. 1,206 Wired Twelve hundred and six the- aters have been wired by West- ern Electric and are shovdng sound pictures as of Jan. 26. About 150 installations are in work. MERRY BOSINESS BAniE UNDER WAY AT ST. LOUIS St. Louis — This city is witnessing a merry battle for business, following opening of the 5,200-seat Fox. The big house has further complicated the overseated situation here, and it looks like picture-goers are in for a period of entertainment bargains. It is too early as yet to make any predictions as to the outcome, but the Fox house intends to spread itself on elaborate programs, as indicated by the 11-unit show put on for the opening week. Opening of the new house caused a tailspin of Skouras A stock, which skidded $4-87 on the week. "Doctor's Secret" First to Play Paramount 2 Weeks "The Doctor's Secret," Paramount all-talker,, is to be held over for a second week at the Paramount, New York, establishing a precedent for the house. In its first four days, the pic- ture grossed S527382. getting $32,967 on Saturday and Sunday. Ho, Hum, Cochrane Yawns Denial of "Same Old" Merger "Just another recurrence of the old, old story, which hardly is worth the trouble to deny" R. H. Cochrane, vice president of Universal, said yester- day, when his attention was called to a report in circulation, to the effect that Joseph P. Kennedy of Pathe, is seeking to negotiate a deal for an interest in Universal. Various re- ports have credited Kennedy and J. J. Murdock, Pathe president, with planning a chain of combination houses, and the alleged Universal deal was mentioned in connection with the idea of sewing up sufficient prod- uct. Cochrane says he hasn't seen Kennedy in several months, and that there is nothing to the report that a deal is pending or planned. Ken- nedy, meanwhile, has gone to the Coast. Sound Development Sets Back Start of 1929-30 Product Sales Selling season for 1929-30 will be started considerably later than last year, a canvass made by THE FILM DAILY indicates. The sound picture development is chief cause for the change, although other factors enter into it. Fewer pictures will be available this year than last. Indications are it will be late June and even July before the sales cam- paigns on the new product swing into action. Last year, the season started officially May 1. This advancing of the season brought about a reaction which last year amounted to a buying strike, especially as concerns com- panies which had only silent films (Continued on Page 9) KENNEDY ON COAST FOR DEAL WITH PANTAGES? West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Visit of Joseph P. Kennedy to the Coast is expected to result in conferences between him and Alexander Pantages, in connec- tion with the national combination chain Kennedy and J. J. Murdock are reported forming, and of which the Pantages chain is declared sought as a unit. Site Secured for New Milwaukee First Run Milwaukee — ^With the acquisition of a 99-year lease on a piece of prop- erty on Milwaukee's west side by the H. E. Padway Co., comes the an- nouncement that negotiations are pending with representatives of a picture syndicate for the erection of a new theater on the site. Although Milwaukee is overseated and no new (Continued on Page 9) Phototalker Is Newest of Disc Synchronizing Devices Dallas — Phototalker, disc syn- chronizer, has been placed on the market here by B. G. Herber, former- (Continued on Page 9) THE Thursday, February 7, 19i Mf^^&LLTHE MEWS ALLTUETIMS Vil. XLVII No. 32 Thursday, Feb. 7, 1929 Price 5 Cents JOHN W. ALICBATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Fdm Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter, May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $0.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York. N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6€07. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Financial ^ STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am. Seat 35^ 34J^ 35^ Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 2854 27^ 27J4 East. Kodak 193 189 189 *do pfd 128 First Nat. pfd 105^ 105 K 105^ Fox Fm. "A" ... 95 93^ 93% ♦do rts 3 Keith A-0 40 39J4 39^ *do pfd 124 Loew's Inc 77^4 75 76 do pfd 108fi 1085^ 1085^ *M-G-M pfd 25^ M. P. Cap 18 18 18 Para. F-L 66 Ji 64^ MVi Pathe Exch 12% 11 J4 11% do "A" 26K 25^ 25M Radio K-A-O 40}^ 385^ 395^ Stanley Co 40 40 40 *Univ. Pict. pfd 9854 Warner Bros. ...13254 127!^ 129 do pfd 58 565i 5654 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 13% 12% 1354 *Bal. & Katz 81 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 2354 23 23^4 •Film Insp \Vi Fox Thea. "A" .. 33-5^ 3154 33 Intern. Proj 1854 1854 1854 Loew do deb. rts.. 3854 385^ 3854 Nat. Scr. Sen ... 2'8!^ 285^ 28;^ Nat. Thea. Sup. .. 105^ 105^ 105^ Trans-Lux 125^ 115^ 1154 •Univ. Pict 185^ Warner Pet. rts.. 5% 4J4 55^ BOND MARKET Keith AG 6s 46.. 9354 93 93 Loew 6s 41wW ...119^4 116 116 do 6s 41 x-war... 9954 99 9954 Paramount 6s 47 ..10054 100 10054 Par. By. 554s 51.102 101 101 •Pathe 7s 37 81" CURB BONDS •Am. Seat. 6s 36 97 •Warner 65^s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 3354 35 do units 34 36 .... do com 554 654 •••• Skouras Bros SO 55 .... Technicolor 1254 13 United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 .... Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 7S 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 1,400 1,800 2,500 '266 7,400 13,900 100 '466 37,600 15,800 1,300 17,200 300 35",766 4,800 3,400 io",9o6 13",866 200 200 200 100 11,700 37,266 2 14 45 17 21 Friedgen Directing Series Raymond Friedgen is directing the series of one reel Roseland talkers. The first "The Life of the Party" is now being made at the R. L. A. Studios in New York. Bert Lown's Yale Boys are supplying the musical accompaniment and Arthur Campbell and Nancy Baker are in the cast. MARKET OPEN EOR GOOD FfLNS, EUROPE TO HEAR "Black Walkers," all-talking version of the play, "The Fog," produced in Hollywood by British & Dominion Films, Ltd., is to be handled by World Wide Pictures, Herbert Wil- cox, announced prior to sailing for Europe. Marshall Neilan directed, with a cast including Mary Brian, John Loder, James Kirkwood, Lloyd Ham- ilton, Frank Reicher, Robert Ames, Hallam Cooley and Noble Johnson. It will be re- leased by World Wide Pic- tures. The American market is definitely open for worthy imported pictures, Herbert Wilcox will tell European producers on his arrival abroad, he said prior to sailing yesterday. With the distribution obstacle re- moved, it is up to European produc- ers to remove the remaining two ob- stacles by producing meritorious pic- tures acceptable to American exhib- itors and public, he says. Barnstyn to Distribute Gotham Product Abroad J. C. Barnstyn, president of British and Continental Trading Co., has ac- quired foreign rights to the 12 talkers which are to comprise output of Gotham Prod. The talkers remain intact for English-speaking countries, while silent versions will be made for other countries. Laemmle Goes to N. O. Carl Laemmle, president of the Universal Pictures Corporation, is on his way from Universal City, to New Orleans, at the personal invita- tion of the New Orleans Chamber. of Commerce. He will be one of the guests of the city during the Mardi Gras celebration which begins today. Fire Destroys Lachute House Lachute, Quebec — The Rex was completely destroyed by fire along with various other business premises when flames swept a block of the town. The theater loss was esti- mated at $40,000. Arrangements are being made to rebuild. Trop Sales Manager for Roseland J. D. Trop now is sales manager for Roseland Pictures. The product distributed by this organization is to include 12 disc dialogue single reels, 26 "Bonzo" cartoons and six two reel "Liberty Boys" series. Denies Schine Invasion Ravenna, O. — Schine Enterprises will not invade this town with a new theater states B. C. Steele, who, with associates is building the New Rav- enna theater, now in course of con- struction, and to be completed in the summer. Reichenbach Going South Harry Reichenbach leaves for a va- cation in Palm Beach Monday night. Interchangeability of Melotone Demonstrated Kitchener, Ont. — Interchangeability of Melotone is being demonstrated at the Capitol here, with Paramount's "Interference" as the attraction, for the week. The equipment is being installed in 18 houses of the Premier Operating Co. chain. Melotone is a disc synchronizer driven by the projector. Guy Morgan to S. A. Guy Morgan, for some time East- ern representative for Samuel Gold- wyn Prod., has joined the foreign de- partment of United Artists and sails for Buenos Aires on the "Western World" Saturday in connection with special work in the Argentine. He may be gone a year. Flader Inspecting "U" Houses Fred A. Flader, general manager of Universal Chain Theatrical Enter- prises, Inc., is in Cleveland on the first leg of a tour of inspection of the Universal chain. While en route, Flader will investigate a number of situations where Universal plans ex- pansion. "Coquette" Competition! Closed Competition in the nation-wide ad- vance promotion of Mary Pickford's forthcoming all-talking United Ar- tists picture, "Coquette," has closed after two weeks' contest period in 24 key city newspapers. Selection of the girl candidates who are to travel to Hollywood in Miss Pickford's "Coquette" Caravan, to be her guests during the filming of the final talking sequences of the picture, is to follow. The various choices will board a spe- cial train to arrive in Hollywood, Feb. 12. Guild to Fete Eddie Cantor William Morris, president of the Jewish Theatrical Guild of America, says the Guild March 10 will tender a banquet and dance to Eddie Can- tor, first vice-president. Huston's "Carnival Man" Finished "Carnival Man," a dramatic sketch with original songs, starring Walter Huston, has just been completed as a two-reel talker at Paramount's Long Island studio. It was directed by George Abbott. Scott on Sales Trip Harry Scott, short subject sales manager of Pathe, left yesterday for Chicago as the first stop in a short sales trip which will take in Detroit and Minneapolis. New House for Dundas, Ont. Dundas, Ont. — Guest and Billing- ton have sold the Queens to J. A. Craven and plan to build a 700-seat house on an adjoining lot. WANTED OALESMEN to sell 28 available pic- tures on commission basis. All Eastern territory open. Write Box M-109 c/o Film Daily, 1650 B'way., N. Y. C. The Industry's Date Book Feb. 9 Paramount Pep Club Ball at t Astor, New York. Dinner of Writers Branch of Aca emy of M. P. Arts and Scienci Hollywood, to visiting dialog^ writers. Feb. 15 Universal Club Dance, Hotel A tor. New York. Mar. 2 AMPA Hollywood Masque Ball New York. Apr. 14-15-16 Convention of Western Pen sylvania Exhibitor Unit. Paul Ash M. C. at Paramount Ba' Paul Ash will be master of cer monies Saturday at the annual h:. of the Paramount Pep Club, at tl Astor, New York. Eddie Cantor, »! Four Marx Brothers, James Barf. Walter Huston, Bert Lytell, Je;r Eagles, Lenore Ulric, Richard lu Nancy Carroll, Helen Kane, Bel Starbuck, Oscar Shaw, Mary Eat.i Shaw and Lee, Aileen Stanley, Da' Rubinofif, Billie Taylor and Jeanet MacDonald are among entertainc scheduled. William J. Morgan Returns WilHam J. Morgan, who recent joined Columbia as a sales executiv has returned to New York from trip through the Southern territor His itinerary included visits to tl newly acquired Columbia exchangi in New Orleans, Oklahoma Cit Memphis, Dallas, Charlotte and A lanta. "Singing Fool" Completes 18th We( Chicago — "The Singing Fool" h; just completed its 18th week in tl Loop, setting a record. The fil production had its original premie at McVicker's where it played weeks. Subsequently it was givf four weeks at the Roosevelt and no has finished its second week Warner's Orpheum. Madeline Grey Added to Cast Madeline Grey, playing opposi Lew Fields in "Hello Daddy," to. her place yesterday in Richard DIj Paramount talking picture, "Nothii But the Truth," now in production the Long Island studio. She will pi the part originally assigned to Ed May Oliver, from which the latt was forced to withdraw because illness. The picture is being direct by Victor Schertzinger. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for | Picture Tlieatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3580 ^ iW ^i rce ^^ ■fto VS *" < i\^® ;^ci^^ BELLE BEKKETT TIFrT^I-IL PRODUCTIONS^ IN i^-^-o Br^o/3Dvny MEW YORK CI WITH JOEE. BROWN Play These Sound Box-Office Sound Pictures for Prestige and Profits GEORGE JESSEL /« "LUCKY BOY" J^is first sinj^infi and talking picture. Greatest theme song ever written — "My Mother's Eyes," by L. Wolfe Gilbert and Abel Baer. Riinked to play at the Cafitol Theatre, New York City. "MY LADY'S PAST " siarring BELLE BENNETT with JOE E. BROWN A Special Production with dialogue and sound. Tlismc Song, "A Kiss to Remember," by Ben Bemie. "WHISPERING WINDS" starring EVE SOUTHERN in her first singing and talking picture with Patsy Ruth Miller and Malcolm McGregor. "NEW ORLEANS" starring WM. COLLIER, JR., RICARDO CORTEZ and ALMA BENNETT A Reginald Barker Special Production, with dialogue and synchronization. "THE RAINBOW" starring DOROTHY SEBASTIAN and LAWRENCE GRAY A Reginald Barker Special Production. Theme song, "Song of Gold." Synchronization and sound eflfects by Joseph Littau. "MARRI.\GE BY CONTRACT" starring PATSY RUTH MILLER and LAWRENCE GRAY A John M. Stahl Special Production. Theme song, "When the Right One Comes Along." "THE TOILERS " starring JOBYNA RALSTON and DOUGL.^S FAIRBANKS, JR. A Reginald Barker Special Production. Synchronization and sound effects by Hugo Riesenfeld. "THE CAVALIER" starring RICHARD TALMADGE and BARBARA BEDFORD Theme song, "My Cavalier." Synchronization and sound effects by Hugo Riesenfeld. o Coining- **ZEPFE£/^r'V- A Super Dramatic Epic of the Air— With Conway Tearle, Claire Windsor and Larry Kent. ) ryMCHROMIZED BY R C fl PWOTOPMOME_ ,| irF/1NV- INC PATH E SPECIALS BOOKED OVER THESE ENTIRE Publix — Libson — Feiber Gottesman — R* K* O* — Maine Hampshire — Warner* West Coast and Loew AN UNPRECEDENTED RECOGNITION SWEEP COUNTRY ^^:^ Picture CIRCUITS.. and Shea and New Stanley Circuit OF THE SEASON'S TWO TALK HITS WORLD'S PREMIERE of ''STRANGE CARGO" PARAMOUNT New York Beginning Feb. 16th THE -.SBg^ DAILY Thursday, February 7, 1929 Short Shots from INew York Studios IBy ARTHUR W. EDDY^^ JOHNNY WALKER has turned producer. In association with no less a national figure than Charles Levine, who has done some long- distance flying, and Harry Cahane, who has returned to the industry. he is making a talker, "Blackface," at the De Forest studio on East 48th St. Prominent in the cast is Peggy Wood, perhaps best remembered for her work in "Maytime," musical comedy success of some years ago. Bradley Barker is megaphoning Mart Downey's initial Pathe talking picture at Sound Studios. Opposite Downey plays his newly-acquired wife, Barbara Bennett. Other play- ers in the cast are : Helen Chandler, Beryl Mercer, Brian Dunleavy, John T. Doyle, Osgood Perkins and Lorin Baker. When Victor Schertzinger finishes direction on "Nothing But the Truth" in about 10 days he'll take his star. Richard Dix. to the Coast to make "The Wheel of Life." Eddie Cron- jager, it is expected, will go along to camera the picture. Incidentally, if you'll believe William Collier, Sr., "Nothing But the Truth" should have been titled "Nothing But the Flu," owing to the epidemic which recent- ly swept through the Schertzinger unit. Larry Kent, general manager of short subjects at Paramount's Long Island studio, has a coupla of new assistants. One is Mark Howe and the other is H. H. Rogers, .Jr., brother of the well-known Millicent Rogers. Rogers is now honeymoon- ing in Honolulu. With a score of about 12 theme songs to his credit, Charles Wynn is one of the energetic men on the Pathe payroll. He last wrote "My Wonderful Love," theme song for "Moulin Rogue," World Wide pic- ture, with the synchronization by Jo- seph Littau. Within a few weeks Broadway will hear the theme song of "The Godless Girl," De Mille- Pathe special, which Wynn wrote in association with Josiah Zuro. Neil Neeley has turned broker and is now engaged in this business in New York. Not so long ago he was with M-G-M and going strong. Murray Korman, the busy young man who did the pastels of Warner stars on exhibition in the Warner theater lobby, is now concentrating on ideas for art work in connection with the forthcoming Warner special, "Noah's Ark." First British Film Shown Toronto — "Carry On," first Gau- mont British production to be shown in Canada, is current at the Regent, Famous Players' house, where it is scaled to $1 top. Film Boards of Trade Report Additional Theater Changes MINNESOTA New Theaters Cloverton —Woodman; St. Paul — Dreamland. Changes in Ownership Akely — Bijou, sold to E. G. Gannon by L. Shearer ; Barrett — Movies, sold to Iver Johnson & E. Davis by American Legion ; Battle I>ake — Memorial, sold to Tiller & Knuth by C. H. Markuson ; Bayport — State, sold to Natl. Operating Co. by E. E. Iverson ; Brook Park — Community, sold to H. Brendt by A. V. Buck; Bruno — Opera House, sold to H. Bribo by C. Breiland ; Clarkfield — Star, sold to A. W. Olson by Schindle & Vik ; Dodge Center — Opera House, sold to L. V. Cergtnld by Mrs. Cora Thompson ; Evansville — Village, sold to Star & Melby by Mr. Nelson; Fosston — Liberty, sold to W. W. Gram by Ander- son & Anderson ; Hanley Falls — Commun- ity, sold to M. A. Johnson by Herby An- derson ; Kensington — Star, sold to Johnson & Davis by Ed Scrimstad ; Mentor — State, sold to M. A. Madsen by J. E. and N. O. .Sletten ; Milan — Star, sold to Iver Haug- land by Bertold & Cummings ; Northorae — 'Scenic, sold to E. G. Gannon by Karl Karlstad ; Roseau — ^Princess. sold to Geo. W. Berghind by W. T. McCarthy; Thief River Falls — Lyceum and Princess, sold to Anderson & Anderson ' by H. A. Brum- mond. NEW JERSEY New Theaters Orange — New Orange; Rahway — New Rah- Openings Bridgeton — Stanley ; Glassboro — Roxy. Changes in Ownership Audubon — New Century, sold to Victoria Amuse. Co. by S. Jersey Amuse. Co. ; Hasbrouck Heights — .Strand, sold to E. Rosen by J. Murphy : Highland Park — The Park, sold to Highland Park Theater Co. by Blod< Amuse. Co. ; Hillside— Hill- side, sold to Post Amuse. Co. by Mr. Oakin; Landisville — Landisville. sold to V. .Sturiano & Co. by U. Cavoli ; Newark — Grand, sold to L. Gold by Paramount F'ssex Theater Co. ; Perth Amboy — Roxy (formerly Grand), sold to Trimoijnt Tlie- ater Co.; Trenton — Thropp (formerly State), sold to State Theater Co., Inc.; Tuckerton — Community (formerly Palace), ■-old to Community Theater Co. by W. C. Tones. Closings Camden — ^Colonial. NEW MEXICO Changes in Ownership Grants — Kellvn. sold to Fay & Facklcr by H. C. Kcllam. NEVADA Changes in Ownership Austin— .Austin, sold to (leo. Hogan by C. O. .Scmonsen ; Lovelock — The I^ovelock, sold to R. Austin by H. C. Oastler; Montello — Opera House, sold to Montello .\nmse. Corp. by C. R. Cummings. Reno — Nevada. Closings DAILY TIPS WHICH MEAN DOLLAQS FOR SMOWMCN "The Haunted House" (First Nat'l) Entrance was covered by a large cobweb made from cord, gilted and covered with metallics. Across this web was stretched cut-out letters of the title. Across the front edge of the marquee was suspended a string of three-foot letters spelling out the title of picture. The lobby itself was illuminated by green and blue sub- dued lighting while the ticket booth was covered with a white cloth to give a spooky appearance. — Jack L. Hobby, Hippodrome, Miami, Fla. "The Last Warning" (Universal) Staged a blonde matinee, terminat- ing in the selection of the blonde who most closely resembled Laura La Plante. All blondes between the ages of five and 50 were invited, through "The Syracuse Herald," by Laura La Plante. Nearly 500 ap- peared as guests. As they entered the lobby the judges were busy selecting a group of 11, two of which were finally chosen as resembling Laura La pire, Syracuse, N. Y. most closely Plante. — Em- "The Man Who Laughs" (Universal) Introduced a new quirk on the al- ways popular newspaper cooperative contest. It involved keyed words in ads on a full page. The sentence which these keyed words comprised was to be submitted to the box office of the theater in a novel form. A rebus enclosed in a walnut shell, a blue print in an apple, etc. were some of the unique methods devised. — State, Altoona, Pa. "Wings" (Paramount) Saturday piior to the picture's Mon- day opening, the plane flew over the Municipal Stadium field where one of the big college football games was in progress. The aviator timed his visit perfectly arriving on the scene as the two teams had completed playing the first half of the game. The plane flew low enough to al- low the people to read the copy on bottom wings announcing the title of picture, theater and play dates as well as the special midnight matinee. The aviator also dropped heralds on the mass of people assembled to witness the game. 260 souvenir program booklets were mailed to the offices of the leading physicians of the city with a card attached requesting them to place the booklet on the reading desk. Copy printed on the back cover gave the title of picture, name of theater and play dates. — Chas. S. Morrison, Florida, Jacksonville, Fla. "White Shadows in the South Sea" (M-G-M) The biology class of the High School, became especially interested in the picture when prizes were of- fered for the best short stories deal- ing with some phase of the picture. Printed in two colors of chalk on the blackboard, questions such as, "How does a shark look under water?" "To What are Oysters Attached?" and "What are the dangers of deep div- ing?" were given to the class to write about. — N. Prager, Missouri, St. Joseph, Mo. And That's That By PHIL M. DALY KEEPING contacts in the field is one of the reasons why Phil Reisman, general sales manager of Pathe, has rolled up the weekly grosses, which have brought the com- pany out of the red. He's leaving to- day on another of his long jaunt.s, this time a sales trip which will take him to the Pacific Coast. Will Rogers promises to make three speeches, instead of the cus- tomary one, at the testimonial din- ner which the Jewish Theatrical Guild of America will texder to Eddie Cantor, March 10, at the Commodore in New York. Robert Stevenson, head designer for Maliieu, who supplies the ward- robe for the stage productions at the Capitol in New York, has just filed ,m affidavit to the eftect that in the past year and a half he has designed no less than 15.000 costumes for the Chester Hale dancing girls. Some costuming! But then — some girls! Newspaper reporters and screen newsreel were given the same verbal interview when Fridtjof Nansen, Arctic explorer, visited Neiv York. While the reporters from the dailies quizzed theexplorer, tivo cameras of Pathe Sound News were trained on him and recorded every word of the questions and answers. Another tribute has been paid Col. John A. Cooper, president of the M. P. Distributors and Exhibitors of Canada, Toronto, in his election to the presidency of the Toronto branch of the Canadian Red Cross Society. Col. Cooper is scheduled to be the speaker at the annual conven- tion of the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions to be held at Toronto in February when he will deal with the musical copyright sit- uation. Pardon the error, it was the "New York State Exhibitor," rather than the "National Exhibitor," which photographed the gang at last week's AMPA luncheon. Harry C. Feichtinger, well known Minneapolis film row haberdasher, is in New York. He made the trip East by airplane. New Winnipeg Firm Winnipeg — Empire Theaters has been organized by a syndicate at Winnipeg, Manitoba, for the pur- pose of erecting a theater at Leth- bridge. Alberta, to cost $200,000, the seating capacity being 1,200. The company is identified with the inter- ests which have operated the Gar- rick here for a number of years. Bert Rose, Lethbridge exhibitor, is arranging local details. Evans in Richmond Richard, Va. — Harold Evans is now manager of Loew's Richmond. THE Thursday, February 7, 1929 ■Stl DAILV Qoast Wire Service 7 "U" Talkers in Work FEATURES AND SHORTS ARE UNDER WAY AT "U" High mark for production of talk- ing pictures has been reached at Uni- versal with seven films haviuR dia- logue now shooting. Pictures in pro- duction are headed by "Broadway," which Paul Fejos is directing for Carl Laemmle Jr., associate producer, and with Glenn Tryon, Evelyn Brent and Merna Kennedy in the cast. Dialogue scenes are being made for "Show Boat," directed by Harry Pollard and starring Laura La Plante End Joseph Schild kraut ."The Cohens and Kellys in Atlantic City." directed by William Craft, and "The Shake- down," directed by William Wyler with James Murray and Barbara Kent. "High and Low Lifes of History," featuring Benny Rubin under direc- tion of Jack Foley, and the Rooney series, featuring Pat Rooney. Marian Bent Rooney and Pat III, under di- rection of Ben Holmes are in work. No silent versions of these shorts will be made. The fourth series of "The Collegians." directed by Nat Ross and starring George Lewis is in production. Sixth Chesterfield Started "The Peacock Fan," the sixth of a series of eight Chesterfields, is in production at Tec-Art, with Phil Rosen directing and Lon Young su- pervising. The cast includes Lucien Prival. Dorothy Dwan, Tom O'Brien, Rosemary Theby, Fred Malatesta, Gladden James and David Findlay. Melville J. Shyer assisting Rosen. Plans on "High Voltage" Howard Higgin, who will direct Pathe's "High Voltage," and Elliott Clawson, its author, have completed arrangements for filming the greater part of this William Boyd starring vehicle along the electric railroad lines in the Cascade Mountains be- tween Seattle and Spokane. Carol Lombard, who was loaned to Cecil B. De Miile, has been recalled to play the feminine lead. Dorothy Mackaill Starring Dorothy Mackaill's next starring vehicle for First National Pictures will be "The Girl in the Glass Cage." It is an adaptation of George Kibbe Turner's story and will be Miss Mac- kaill's first individual stellar vehicle. Ralph Dawson, formerly a film editor at the Warner Brothers Studio, is to direct. Production will start in the middle of February. R Radio Buys Raphaelson Story • ' RKO Prod, has purchased an orig- inal story, titled "My Boy" from Sampson Raphaelson, author of "The Jazz Singer" and "Young Love." E Little from u Lots y> By RALPH WILK Hollywood ROBERT ARMSTRONG is one of the best patrons of the new South Gate Amateur Athletic club, as Jack Perry, its manager, is one of his best friends. Jack won 1,500 con- secutive fights from Bob, but it was all in fun — in the stage version of "Is Zat So." James Gleason, who wrote the play, is also a frequent visitor at the new club's fights. * « * "She Goes to War," a spe- cial, is being completed at Tec- Art. Interiors will soon be shot for "Evangeline." "She Goes to War" and "Evange- line" will be important releases on the United Artists' pro- gram. * * * Ben Markson and Harry Brand, the globe trotters, are writing an original story, "Chasing Through Europe," which Dave Butler will di- rect. Dave has already "shot" much European material for the picture. Ben and Harry are former newspaper and publicity men. * * * The Los Angeles Repertory thea- ter, of which many representative ynenihers of the film colony are stockholders, will present John Gals- worthy's "Escape," starting Feb. 11. Lowell Sherman and Doris Lloyd are playing the leading roles in "The Guardsmxin," the second play of the organization's season. Simeon Gest, brother of Morris Gest, and H. Ellis Reed, are co-directors of the Repertory theater. * * * Benny Rubin cannot dodge his first love — acting as master of cere- monies. As m. of c.- in various parts of the country, he established house records. He was at Grauman's Egyp- tian, Hollywood, befoie going to the Colony, New York. Now, he is be- ing starred in Universal comedies, but had to leave the studio, long enough, to preside at the opening of the Mil- lion Dollar theater, today. "Four Feathers" Finished Merian C. Cooper, who with Ernest B. Schoedsack made "Chang" and "Grass," and has just completed the spectacular adventure film, "The Four Feathers," has left Hollywood for New York. M-G-M Signs Fisher Fred Fisher, musical comedy celebrity, has been selected by Clar- ence Brown to write the music which will be used in "The Wonder of Women," new M-G-M production based on the late Hermann Suder- mann's "Stephen Tromholt's Wife."' Banky's Talker Talking sequences of "This Is Heaven" are back in the pic- ture, setting at rest a contro- versy of some profKjrtions here at the studios. Samuel Goldwyn eliminated the dialogue because he felt the picture did not need it. This brought kicks from some exhibitors, coupled with gentle kidding from some lo- cals, who thought Miss Banky's voice would not register. Ac- cordingly, Goldviryn accepted the challenge and the picture is to go out with dialogue. A screening here satisfied the producer that Miss Banky's voice records well, her accent even seeming light for the part of an immigrant girl. "Trader Horn" Expedition of M-G-M Under Way With the departure of Clyde De- Vinna and a stalT of technicians for New York, where they will sail on Feb. 9 for Genoa, en route to Mom- basa in British East Africa, M-G-M's "Trader Horn" expedition is under way. George Kann, business man- ager for the traveling film unit, is already in New York making ad- vance preparations for the trip. Director W. S. VanDyke, who made "White Shadows in the South Seas" on the island of Tahiti and has just returned from a second trip to this island, where he directed "The Pagan," is now making final prepara- tions for his departure from Califor- nia and lining up all members of the cast selected to accompany the party. The VanDyke company will trans- port 25 tons of equipment, including a portable radio station designed to keep them in touch with the studio. Announcement about the cast is ex- pected within a few days. Signed by Columbia Fred Kohler, Claire McDowell, Charles McHugh and Sherry Hall have been cast in Columbia's "The Quitter," which is to feature Ben Lyon and Dorothy Revier. "U" Plans Yiddish Talker "The Green Millionaire." is to gd into production soon at Universal and the dialogue will be entirely in Yiddish. It is from the play, of the same name, written and staged by Abraham S. Schomer, who has been signed to direct the production. Sherman Loew is doing the adapta- tion, continuity and dialogue. The picture is also to be made with the dialogue in English. Darmour Contract for Potel Victor Potel has been made a permanent member of the Al Her- man unit at the Larry Darmour- RKO studio. He will work with the director on the sjt. Graves and Miljan Cast Ralph Graves and John Miljan have been cast in "The Wildcat." which Joseph Henabery is directing for Columbia with Olive Borden starred. % Sales Season to Start in June or July (Continued frt»n J'ai/e 1) to offer. This gave Warners and Fox a big lead on the field. Exhibitors, as was pointed out some time ago, are wary now of signing up for product too far in advance, fearful lest revolutionary develop- ments are in store again this year. The uncertainty of the sound situa- tion, is causing "hand to mouth" buy- ing, key city reports show, as well as delaying the completion of sched- ules for the year just ahead. $2,917,724 Is Warner Net for Last Quarter (CanlinxeJ from Page 1) or 18 cents a share, on the combined stock for the corresponding quarter of 1927 and with $920,894, or $1.67 a share, for the previous quarter ended Aug. 31, 1928. These earnings do not give effect to the c(|uity in the earnings of the Stanley Co. or olher recent acquisitions, nor do they reflect the recent increase in the capitalization of Warner Uros. Pictures. The report follows: Quarter Quarter ending ending 12-128 11-26-27 Net inc. before amort, and deprec, int. and misc. charges $5,381,393 $2,126,185 Deduct amort. & depr. 1,817,160 1,754,616 Net prof, from oper. $3,564,232 $371,569 Add other income 8,697 $3,572,930 $371,569 De, i'^ V-*^ *£, .'!?', '\ ^, Si "-■ -t^. This remarkable shot of the Spaniard ^ "^^ "^e v^' "^ecx. ^ ot V- ^ f^ i Cierva^s autogyro plane which can '^?^tt^^t^hf^l.t^^^ Ml '• stand still in the air and land straight .--- P'odu, /'est f^y Sounrt^-^ '«*' otie -^ ^ jjJrr T tii 5^(5c "est f^y Sounrf - /«^"^x v'«x' °-«tr^'- '/h ^®a//2»tr® aboiif . ^^n«- r-*^ our Complete Sound Equipment for Small TTieattes^ 000. Pays for Itself at the Box Office f THE -SXH^ DAILV Friday February 8, 192' o Exhibitors Daily Remindtr Consult 1929 Film Daily Year Book for all in- formation o n film business. Friday February 8, 1929 WORKING OUT DETAILS or fRENCH QUOTA MEASURE By P. A. Harle Editor, "La Cinemaiographie Francaise Paris — Commission de Cinema is now working out the ratio of impor- tations under which all nations send- ing their films into France must oper- ate. The decrease of 1928 definitely fixed the terms of the French "kon- tingent," a fact which marks as un- founded persistent reports in Paris that an entirely new quota law was to be worked out. Sound for Russian Studios Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The film committee of the Soviet government has de- cided to investigate sound film de- vices with a view of producing sound pictures at Russian studios, the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Conmierce is advised. Electrical engineers have been commissioned to make reports on the various systems available. Labor Bureau Aids Actors Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The Labor Bureau of Berlin is to open a special depart- ment for film extras, state advises to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. The step is being taken as a result of the numerous alleged scandals in which mushroom agen- cies were concerned. Italian Co. Starts Picture Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Augustus Film Com- pany, of Italy, has begun production on "Sole," its first picture, advises a report to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. Merly of Paris Reorganizes Paris — Jean de Merly has incor- porated his activities here and abroad in a company known as Exchisivitcs Jean de Merly, capitalized at 2,500,000 francs. Coast Wire Service Hollywood Happenings De Mille Reelected Cecil B. DeMille has been reelected president of the As- sociation of M. P. Producers. Sound Theater Planned at Universal Studio A projection room of full theater size for talking pictures is to be con- structed at Universal City. To gauge properly the effect of players' voices the screen and loud speakers will be at the same distance as in an average theater, instead of close to the audi- ence as in the former type of pro- jection room. Among other improve- ments announced for the next two months is a new building for editing sound pictures to be completed in time for editing "Broadway." As two versions, one silent and one sound, are made of nearly all Uni- versal pictures, an additional storage vault for film is already under con- struction. New Short Started Clark and McCuIlough have start- ed work on their new Movietone film to follow tlie first musical comedy of the screen, "The Belle of Samoa." in which they appeared with Loi- Moran. More De Mille Additions Cecil B. D^ Mille has announced two more additions to the cast of his first M-G-M production, "Dyna- mite." In addition to Charles Bick- ford, Conrad Nagel, Kay Johnson and Casson Ferguson, the cast of the new film, which will be a dialogue picture, will include Leslie Fenton and Barton Hepburn. New Contract for Manckiewicz Herman Manckiewicz, former New York newspaperman, who has been at Paramount's Hollywood studio titling pictures and writing dialogue for all-talking productions, has signed a new long term contract with Para- mount. British Contract for Marie Prevost Indications are that Marie Prevost is to go to England to make a pic- f'lre. From London, comes word that E. A. Dupont plans to make a production with Miss Prevost for British International, whose pictures aire leased in America by World Wide Pictures. Directors Again to Team John Cromwell and Edward Suth- erland will team in directing "Bur- lesque," John Manker Watters stage play. Abbott to Film Wharton Talker George Abbott, stage director, is to make the Paramount all-talking ver- sion of Edith Wharton's novel, "The Children." Richard Arlen Signs New Paramount Contract Richard Arlen, who has just com- pleted his performance in "The Four I'^eathers," produced by Ernest B. Schoedsack and Merian C. Cooper, has signed a new long term contract with Paramount. He now is work- ing before the cameras in the talk- ing film "The Man I Love," from a play by Herman Manckiewicz. Edwards Revue Titled "Pierrot Minstrels" will be the title of Gus Edward's next "colortone re- vue" for M-G-M. The revue pro- ducer has already turned out several productions in sound and Technicolor which Coast executives believe will set a new standard in musical sound films. The most recent of these was called "Mexicano," and the preceding one "From Broadway to Heaven." Kerry Returning to England Norman Kerry is understood to be going to England again to make a few pictures for British International, whose productions are imported to this country by World Wide Pictures. Next McLean Set Al Christie has secured "Divorce Made Easy," by Wilson Collison, for the next Douglas MacLean pro- duction for Paramount, to be an all- dialogue picture. Marie Prevost will appear opposite. "Midstream", Cortez and Windsor Tiffany-Stahl states the picture made under the working title "Life," with Ricardo Cortez, Claire Wind- sor, Montague Love and Helen Jer- ome Eddy, has been titled "Mid- stream." This is a dialogue produc- tion directed by James Flood. Seeking "Rio Rita" Locations Location scouts of Radio Pictures now are considering spots along the Rio Grande as location for "Rio Rita," which the company will film as a talking and singing production. U. A. Contract for Roland Gilbert Roland has signed a new long term contract with United Ar- tists. He now is preparing to start in the leading male role of Norma Talmadge's new picture. New Contract for Wallace Richard Wallace has signed to a new long term contract with Para- mount. Wallace is now directing "Innocents of Paris," the talking and singing picture which will present Maurice Chevalier, stage star of France. Contract for Pallette Eugene Pallette has signed a con- tract as a Paramount featured player. Zowie ! Galena, Mo. — An excuse for living soon will have to be sought by the youth of this town, if the present "blue-nose" trend continues. The latest is an ordinance forbidding boys and girls of 18 and under from leaving home after 8 P. M. un- less accompanied by parents. 'BLUE lAW ISSUE VOTED UPON IN SEVERAL CITIE! Austin, Tex. — Representatives E. D Dunlap, D. J. Enderby, C. Land an( A. E. Harding are sponsors of a bil to legalize Sabbath shows. The bil IJoints out that thousands of person find themselves free to attend the aters only on Sunday. Stonington, Conn. — Permit to rui Sunday motion pictures was grantei to John B. Findlay, manager of thi Westerly Theater Operating Co., a the special town meeting. Petitioner for Sunday shows were victorious b; more than two to one, the vote beinj 469 for and 213 against. Dothan. Ala. — Sunday closing is sue here will soon be climaxed whei a "blue" law ordinance proposei and sponsored by the pastors here i presented the city council. Thre houses operate here on Sundays. Camden, N. J. — Sunday show peti tion signed by 60 persons has beei presented to village trustees here The issue was once before defeate( here. A special meeting on the ques tion will be held. Paducah, Ky. — Agreed judgment o $40 and costs in each of the 11 case: was assessed in McCracken count; circuit court here against Columbi; Amusement Co. on charges of show ing pictures on Sunday. The Co lumbia firm operates all local the aters. Warsaw, Ind. — L. J. Dunning, o the Strand here plans Sunday pic tures. Other attempts to have Sun day shows here has met with oppo sition. The Milford here was closet by Prosecutor Loehr. Now the coun ty is looking to Prosecutor George Bowser to arrive at a solution of thi question. Sentiment is much dividec on the matter. Tennessee Cleric Hits State's "Blue" Lawi Memphis — Characterizing Sunda; pictures as "something to lift" thi laborer "out of the humdrum color less world that he lives in for si; days a week," the Rt. Rev. Thoma: F. Gailor, bishop of Tennessee an( former president of the Episcopa National Council, put his influenci against the present Tennessee "blue' law in an interview published it Memphis papers last week. "INTERCHANGEABILITY" A Statement of Policy The success, of Vitaphone subjects, both features and shorts, their proven box office vakie and the general enthusiastic approval with which they have been and are being received, has been due to two major factors: 1. The unremitting care exercised in their production — the constant effort, without regard to production cost, to improve the product in all its aspects, — technically, artistically and as entertainment. 2. The excellence of the studio recording equipment and theatre re- producing equipment manufactured by Western Electric and its subsidiary company. Electrical Research Products, Inc., — of which The Vitaphone Corporation is the original licensee — backed up by exhaustive and continuous research of the engineering staffs of those companies and of Bell Telephone Laboratories. It would not be in the interest of the public, the exhibitors or The Vita- phone Corporation to lower the standards of quality which have created the present widespread demand for Vitaphone product and for equip- ment by means of which it may be reproduced. Inadequate reproduction of Vitaphone product, by means of inferior equipment, while it might yield temporary gain to exhibitors and to The Vitaphone Corporation, would in the long run be damaging to the indi- vidual exhibitors, to The Vitaphone Corporation and to the industry. The Vitaphone Corporation, therefore, will require reproduction of its product by means of equipment which operates properly, reliably and efficiently to reproduce the same with adequate volume and quality equal to that obtained by the use of equipment supplied by Electrical Research Products, Inc. Where such satisfactory equipment is installed, The Vitaphone Corpo- ration will, subject to its regular sales policies and then existing com- mitments, enter into negotiations with the exhibitor for its product. THE VITAPHONE CORPORATION 10 DAILV Friday February 8, 1929 Short Shots from New York Studios ^fSBjr ARTHUR W. EDDY^^i^ METROPOLITAN studios, just across the Hudson in the village known as Fort Lee, has completed a two-reel talking comedy directed by Phil Goldstone. George Orth is ])roduction manager at the plant. Scoring has been completed on "Lin- da." a Mrs. Wallace Reid production. * * * Lya de Putti, after th^-illing Coast f'olks with her aviation stunts, has been New Yorking the past few days and sails shortly after midyiight to- night on the Majestic. She's to star in an Engllish picture. * * * Radio fans received a treat the other afternoon when Erne Rapee played several of his theme song compositions over WGBS, with Michael (Microphone) Simmons con- ducting the period. The number in- cluded "Diane" from "Seventh Heav- en;" "Angela Mia" from "Street Angel," and "Marion," from "Four Devils." * * * Ralph Dietrich, who doesyi't want to be called Paul, and who is a film cutter on the Fox payroll, is receiv- ing his mail at the Hotel White. RCA Subsidiaries to Share in Group Insurance Plan (Continued from Page 1) co-operative group insurance program totaling $3,250,000 recently completed by Radio Corp. of America, parent company. March 15 Release Date for "Black Waters," All-Talker (Continued from Page 1) British and Dominion Films, Ltd. via the Western Electric recording sys- tem. This will be World Wide's first all-talker, and will be available on both disc and film. "Moulin Rouge," another from World Wide, is being synchronzed via RCA-Photophone. Ampa & M. P. S. Seeking Joint Meeting Rooms George Harvey, president of the AMPA, at yesterday's meeting, ex- pressed the possibility of that asso- ciation tying up with the M. P. Sales- men's Club and the T.P.R.O.A. for the formation of joint meeting rooms. Joe Wolf of M. P. Salesmen, in a speech, outlined numerous opportuni- ties for co-operation between sales- men and publicity men and was in favor of the move. P. L. Thompson, president of the Audit Bureau of Circulation, high- lighted the advantages of the A. B.C. and how best it serves publishers and space buyers. Other guests were, Ray Ryan, business manager of "Screen Secrets," Mort Blumenstock and Sam Jacobson from the coast. Jenkins At Fla. House Auburndale, Fla. — L. Jenkins of Waycross, Gz. has taken over the ''rriana here. FILM BOARDS REPORT MORE THEATER CHANGES MONTANA New Theaters Valier — Capital. Changes in Ownership Culbertson — Princess, sold to Mrs. A. Don- aldson by E. E. Bonebright ; Drummond — Dreamland, sold to F. E. Simons by I>. L. Like; Miles City— Velda, sold to H. E. Richard by Arthur Hami-y ; Red Lodge — Iris, sold to Buck Cornellio by Byron B. Downard ; Valier — Majestic, sold to S. W. Forbragd by A. J. Schuler. Closings Dixon — Liberty. NEBRASKA Openings Beaver City — Audit ; Cedar Bluffs — Opera House; Henley — Golden Rod; Petersburg — Opera House ; Republican City — Liberty. Changes in Ownership Bayard — Palm, sold to S & H Amuse. Ent. by R. Rogers ; Callaway — Star, sold to Bert Miller by H. H. Deal; Elk Creek- Elk, sold to Otis Cloud by Frank Miller; Litdhtfield — ^Idyl Hour, sold to J. C. Christensen by E. P. Kennedy ; Omaha — Queen, sold to Al Raneri by Lowell Dolan ; Stella — ^Opera House, sold to Chamber of Commerce by A. E. Camblin ; Table Rock — Ideal, sold to L. M. Greene by M. B. Tohnson ; Tryon — Legion Hall, sold to J. B. Heldenbrand by D. K. Berkran ; Ulysses — Ulysses, sold to E. A. Dosek by Stephen Novotny. Closings E)dison — Movie ; Ohiowa — Opera House ; Page — Cozy ; York — Opera House. NEW YORK New Theaters New York City — Loew's Fairmount and Loew's 167th St. Changes in Ownership Binghamton — Cityline, sold to W. E. Benson by Jay Bedell ; Brooklyn — Avalon and Manor, sold to Schwartz by Loew ; Tip Top, sold to Auramor & Werner; Tom- kins, sold to Tomkins Amuse. Co.. Inc., by L. I. Peisner; Buffalo — -Cozy Corner, sold to Klemens Mazorowsky by Edythe Hunt ; Erieville — Orange Hall, sold to Harold Russell by W. E. Benson; Flush- ing, L. I. — -Prospect, sold to Loew's by Schwartz; Glen Cove, L. I. — Glen, sold to J. D. Fink by Hedges ; Hermon — Fairy- land, sold to Hermon Fire Dept. : Ilion — Capitol, sold to Mike Kallet by Robt. Pierce; Kingston — (Auditorium, sold to An- drew Voloukas & Gregory Melikan by John McLean ; Nelson — <5range Hall, sold to Harold Russeli by W. "E,. Benson; New Yortc City — 'Forsythe, sold to Bernstein ; Lucky Star, sold to Rosenbluch & Kauf- man by M & S Circuit; New 14th St., sold to Sunshine Amuse. Corp. by Harold Amuse. Corp. ; Ritz, sold to Bronx Park Amuse. Corp. by S. Osserman ; Third Ave., sold to Horowitz by Fredwalt Amuse. Co. ; Niagara Falls — ^Amendola, sold to Ferguson & Ross by Spray Amuse. Corp. ; Pearl River — Pearl River, sold to Rockland Theater Corp. by Pear! River Amuse. Co. ; Rochester — Grand. Liberty, Riveria, State and Webster, sold to Regorson Corp. & Schine Ent., Inc., by Schine Ent., Inc. ; Victoria, sold to Efren Amuse. Corp. by Rochester Theater Corp. ; Rosebank, S. I. —Lyric, sold to Vinciprova & Bughari ; Troy — Palace, sold to Geo. Battaglia by E. Rosen. NORTH DAKOTA New Theaters Lansford — Sawyer Audit. Changes in Ownership Braddock — Carroll, sold to Alfred J. Huhn by Wm. Carroll ; Fordville — Medford, sold to Claude A Kelly by O. G. Jacobson ; Kintyre — Carroll, sold to Alfred J. Huhn by Wm. Carroll; Moffitt— Carroll, sold to Alfred J. Huhn by Wm. Carroll; Perth- Grand, sold to O. W. Moore by H. C. Hanson ; Sterling — Carroll, sold to Alfred J. Huhn by Wm. Carroll. Closings Inkster — Inkster. PHIL Al. DALY SEZ/ "Was in one of the Broadway palaces the other evening, when the sound-on-film feature was being shown, and the film broke. Made us hot around the ears to think that nothing was done to fill-in. the blank screen be- ing the divertissement for the next ten minutes. Figure out what chance the picture had to get over after that." Colorado Tax Laws Would Close Number of Houses {Continued from Page 1) side the city of Denver. There now are operating in the state, outside Denver. 130 theaters, only 62 of which are on a seven day schedule. Eighty- three of the houses show but one night a week, 22 two nights a week, ten three nights and 13 four nights a week. Traveltone Sound Shorts Planned by FitzPatrick (Continued from Page 1) Masters series, and is a pioneer in the sound shorts field, sails for S^pain next week, where the first will be made. Warners Offer Exchange on Skouras Bros. Stock St. Louis — Holders of S'kouras A have the privilege of converting their stock into Skouras B which was re- centlv purchased by Warners at about $3,000,000 for the entire issue. The A stock is now on an annual divi- dend basis of $3 a share and if the stock ever earns more than $3 a share tjie A stock will share with the B tile surplus earnings. The B stock is the voting issue and controls Skouras Bros. Enterprises. Skouras Enter- prises also controls the St, Louis Amusement Co. which has passed its dividend since the first quarter 'of 1928. Business since has picked up, it is said. Equity Rules to Limit Fee of Agents is Suspended Rule to regulate commissions charged by casting agents and per- sonal managers, have been suspended by Actors' Equity Ass'n. pending dis- position of suit brought by Willie Edelston to test their legality. T-S British Film Started London — Tiffany-Stahl's first Brit- ish production, "To What Red Hell" from the play by Percy Robinson, has been started at the Alliance Stu- dios, St. Margarets. Edwin Green- wood is directing. ALL-TALKERS MAKE DENT By ERNEST W. FREDMAN Editor, "The Daily Film Renter" London — The "talkers" continue to make progress in England, whenever shown. At present only a few of the biggest houses have been equip- ped but judging from some recent figures, the installation would appear to be fully justified. For instance at the Coliseum, Glas- gow, where Movietone is in use, as many as 87,000 paid admissions last week, the takings being $17,500. "The Singing Fool" has been playing at the Coliseum, as also at the Regal, London, where it had been an enor- mous success. It is now continuing its career at the Piccadilly. Maxwell Urges Britain to Support Film Industry John Maxwell, head of British In- ternational Pictures, in addressing the Manchester C.HA. on the subject of British films said: "Two essential features are neces- sary to success in film production, imagination to see the possibilities and guts to take the risk." He stressed the need for Britain to create as many new and vital indus- tries as possible, in order to balance those she had lost or which were in a moribund state. Foremost among these he placed the film industry which now, owing to the impetus given to it by the quota, was mak- ing great strides in the home country and, in addition, succeeding in break- ing into foreign markets. On the question of sound films Maxwell struck a cautious note. "If the public want them the British com- panies will supply them. If not, they will always rely upon the old regime for financial success," he said. Combine and Independents Live Subject in England The combines continue to increase their holdings, and their capital, and exhibitors continue to kick against the combines — that is, of course, whom the combines have not yet swallowed. Whenever a grouping of independents meet together, there is always talk of a possible booking cir- cuit to act as a lever for securing big pictures at reasonable prices. The C.E.A. trading scheme is dead; that was killed by the renters. But it is thought that there may be hope for groups of small exhibitors getting to- gether and pooling their booking op- erations to the end outlined above. It is alleged that the theaters have been the medium of wild stock exchange gambles, and that during the past year the trade has been turned upside down and inside out by the mergers. What definite steps the independent exhibitors will take to cope with the situation still remain to be seen. Paris Likes "Uncle Tom" Paris — "Uncle Tom's Cabin" which recently closed a week's run at the Cameo, clicked. 4 1 We warned you to prepare for the BEST. ..And now Read! Read ! Readl IL how the most spectacular and costly Sound picture ever made took Los Angeles by storm at Carthay Circle World Premiere! 'Carthay Circle had its innings last night. The niagnus opus of the year from the First National studios. A superfilm rank- ing >vith the red-letter products of the industry. All Los Angeles flanked the scene with popping eyes. The most am- bitious effort of Frank Lloyd since his memorable 'The Sea Hawk.' Excels that picture in spectacular elements. One of the best examples of the new art of syn- chronization. The massing of the fleets, the carnage of battle, contain some re- markable direction and photography. Rare beauty." — Los Angeles Evening Press. 'One of the most picturesque films of the year. No set has been more artistically designed or photographed. Battle is truly sensational in its scope. Has the most impressive finish of any film of recent months. I consider this effect one of the finest ever devised. Star's performance ranks with her best. Miss Griffith sings several songs and verv prettily." — Los Angeles Evening Herald. 'li Lady Hamilton were half as lovely as Corinne Griffith you couldn't blame Lord Nelson for being willing to sacrifice fame, wife and all else for her. Victor Varconi a fascinating Lord Nelson. Corinne Grif- fith furnishes a series of lovely portraits. Frank Lloyd gets into his old directorial stride. He directs it with his former skill." — Los Angeles Examiner. "Lovely beyond compare in its embellish- ments of setting and costume. The spec- tacular sea fights lend bigness to its glam- orous aspects." — Los Angeles Times. Musical Score and Sound Effects with H. B. Warner, Ian Keith, Victor Varconi, MarieDress- ler, Montagu Love. From E. Barrington's famous best-seller. A Frank Lloyd Production. Presented by Richard A. Rowland. FIRST NATIONAL |d^^ "Y^ce to face with Captai president of the American Telephone and Telegraph Company delivers ^^ important message via Fox Movietone News to the country in general and to 350,000 employes of his company in particular INCLUDED IN NO. 19 ISSUE A A Long Distance Coin Grabber for the lire exhibitor ivho'll talce advantage of tie-up possibilities— Invite local telephone company managers to premiere— hold telephone operators' matinee— have operators tell each subscriber it's at your theatre— To get tiie RIGHT NVMBERS in W2^K^ your box-office figures— dial I^^RAl TAeHl¥S?kPUl o/ FILMDON^i ANDWEEKLY FILM DIGEST ^.■.-> >ti«-.> gy-:- VOL. XLVII No. 34 Sunday, February 10, 1929 Price 25 Cents Oh, Boy— They^r^K here again — thia time in America^t* Playground-ji ND HOW!^^ "Stimi or Sound- Carl Laemmle leads the Way/// Supreme in the Field THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOO^ The Encyclopedia of Filmdom. NOW BEING DISTRIBUTED FREE TO FILM DAILY SUBSCRIBERS James A. FitzPatrick In Association with Gainsborough Pictures, Ltd. Presents Percy Marmont / and / Benita Hume In Sir Walter Scott* s Immortal Poem^ "The Lady of the Lake" A Synchronized Feature Production Produced in the Highlands of Scotland Directed by James A. FitzPatrick Photographed by Bert Dawley and Leslie Rowson Foreign Rights Controlled by Gainsborough Pictures, Ltd. 58 Wardour Street, London Distributed Throughout the British Isles by W. & F. Film Service, Ltd. American Rights Controlled by FitzPatrick Pictures, Inc. 1501 Broadway, New York City / iTHE 7AeHl¥S?kPl\t o/' FILMDOH ANDWEEKLY FILH DIGEST VOL. XLVII No. 34 Suri'iay, February 10, 1Q29 Frico 2.5 Cents CONMUNITY-BRIN DEAL ii ON? LATIER DENIES Milwaukee — L. K. Brin waxes indignant over the report that he was planning the sale of his houses to Community Theaters, Inc. He states he has absolute control of his chain which embraces Portage, Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Ap- pleton and Menasha and that they were not for sale. Milwaukee — Negotiations are un- lUrstood pending for acquisition of Uases of the L. K. Brin chain of ten theaters in six Wisconsin cities (Hitside Milwaukee by Community Theaters, Milwaukee firm, which lias lioiises in four cities of the state. The il is said to involve $130,000. If nsummated, it will make the Com- inity chain the second largest in \\ isconsin, according to Charles W. Xevel, Jr., vice president and gen- eral manager. The deal would not include the three theaters operated in Milwau- kee by Brin, who has houses at Madi- -.>n, Portage, Oshkosh, Fond du Lac, .Vppleton and Menasha. Commun- ity houses are located at West Allis, Lake Geneva, Burlington and White- water, with plans for new^ houses at Delavan, Janesville, West Bend, 'Monroe and W^aupun. If the deal is closed, it will give Community rep- resentative coverage of the state in iiith southern and northern sections. Zuro Placed in Charge of Pathe Musical Activities Josiah Zuro has been signed by l'..thc as director general of music. ill charge of all musical activities of the company. A veteran of the mus- ical comedy, opera and picture scor- ing field, Zuro organized the sound department at Sound Studios, New ^'ork, supervising synchronization of features for Pathe and Radio Pic- tures (FBO). Idaho Exhibitors Win First Round in Fight on Tax ■j Boise, Ida. — Idaho exhibitors have 'Won the first round in fight against the state admission tax proposed here, gaining the backing of the state 'Chamber of Commerce. Jim Hone, secretary of Allied Amusements of . the Northwest, appeared before the 1 chamber in connection with the bill. J. & V. H. MAY REENTER SEATTLE FIRST RUN FIELD Seattle — Jensen & Von Herberg, former dominant factors in this ter- ritory, may reenter the first run field, operating the new Mayflower, it is reported here. The partners may re- open the Liberty on First Ave. They returned to the exhibition field some time ago, with a new house at Bal- lard. Their former circuit now is operated by West Coast. Jannings Reported Signed to Star in British Film British International Pictures of London are reported to have signed Emil Jannings to star in a picture which will be directed by E. A. Du Pont, wlio made "Variety." Jan- nings' contract with Paramount ex- pires the end of this year. Tiie pro- duction department on Friday had heard nothing of the report concern- ing B.I. P. "Canary Murder Case" for Embassy, 'Letter' Criterion Switcli in Paramount bookings will bring "The Canary Murder Case" to the Embassy, Feb. 23, while "The Letter," scheduled for opening at the house has been set in at the Criterion. New York, where it will follow "Redskin" in about four weeks. INTERCHANGE ABILITY TEST SUITS PLANNED IN N. W. Wilverphone Synchronizer to be Made at Toledo Toledo — Wilverphone Corp., pro- ducer of a synchronization device now being made at Newark, is to move its plant here. The company, whose apparatus is designed for small houses, is backed by Clevent O. Mininger, president of Electric Auto Lite Co. Temporary quarters for assembly of equipment have been secured, and production of equipment is to start at once, according to of- ficials. James S. Brailey is president. Ora E. Brailey, vice president and Frank Landwehr, secretary. The firm has $100,000 of preferred and 1,000 shares of no par common. Allied Affiliation Will Highlight Pittsburgh Meet Pittsburgh — Exhibitor leaders are to be invited to attend ninth annual convention of the M.P.T.O.A., which meets here April 14, 15 and 16, to decide, aniong* other things, the ques- tion of the organization's affiliation with Allied States Ass'n. Strong leanings toward Allied are said to prevail. Abram F. Myers, president and general counsel of Allied, is ex- pected to attend. Discs and Films MONDAY: Less than a year ago the industry was as far apart as the poles on the question of sound. The Warners then were plodding along the lines of their preconceived plans. The tremendous drawing-card values of "The Jazz Singer" were just beginning to leave their impress. Fox was doing this and that with Movietone, but the landslide toward the new de- velopment had not yet come. Since then, what has happened is like an open book. Sound has come and conquered with nary a word of protest. Now another situation is about to project itself into the pic- ture. The title of the lusty ballad might be called : "Sound-on- Disc or Sound-on-Film, or' Which System Will Stay With Us?" Our private gumshoe work results in the di.scovery that Para- mount, Metro and United Artists, business triplets in many film matters, lean with favor toward the photographic system. Sound- on-film, avers S. R. Kent who, in this instance, might be consid- ered spokesmen for the triumvirate, is better because its record- ing value has demonstrated its superiority over the disc ; because there is no danger of breakage ; because there is no possibility of scratching. {Continued on Page 4) Actions to Follow on Heels of Myers' Move for U. S. Aid Minneapolis — Plans are being for- nulated for institution in this territory of a number of test cases on inter- changeability, following close of the convention of the Northwest exhibitor unit which marked first address to exhibitors of Abram F. Myers, presi- dent and general counsel of Allied States Ass'n. Myers charged a "freeze-out" of independent sound systems, stating he plans to push his request for a Federal injunction to restrain such alleged agreement, and force service of sound films to in- dependent systems. He recently placed his request for action before the Dept. of Justice. Myers received a big ovation at the meetings here, 243 members of the Northwest unit ratifying affiliation with Allied and pledging $10,000 toward maintenance of the association. Exhibitor Ass'n Rivalry Called Help by Regional Seattle — "Competition, sometimes, is a good thing in organization work," observes "The M. P. Record," in stating that R. F. Woodhull, M.P.T. O.A. president, has telegraphed the Far Northwest unit, suggesting a meeting which he will address. "Now that the Allied has sprung up, the M.P.T. O.A. is sending emissaries all over the country." Time was when the regional organization had diffi- culty in getting national leaders to come out to this territory, the pub- lication states. "Hit the Deck, " Musical Show Brought by Radio "Hit tiie Deck," musical comedy, has been acquired by Radio Pictures, and will be produced as a talking- singing production, states William Le Baron, vice president in charge of production. New Warner Hollywood House to be the Jolson West Coast Bureau, THE Fil.M DAILY Los Angeles — New Hollywood house planned by Warners is to be named the Jolson, it is understood. The house is to be built next to the Warner theater. THE DAILY Sunday, February 10, 1929 ,iHD WEEKLY ►IJj^*"^ fTua digest Vol. XlVIl Hci 34 Sonday, Feb. 10, 1929 Price 25 Cents lOHN «. ALICOATE Publisher Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y.. and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk Inc. J. W. Alicoate. President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign. $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Cirde 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California— Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London— Ernest W. Fr,fdman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I Berlin— Karl WolflEsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— 'P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise. Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. STOCK MARKET High Lov» Close Am. Seat 34!^ 34 34 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 27 26?^ 27 East. Kodak 185 182^ 1S4'4 •do pfd li!5 ♦First Nat. pfd 105 ',4 Fox Fm. "A" ... 9m 85!^ 87/^ •do rts 3 Keith A-O 37J4 36J4 363^ do pfd 117J4 114 117M Loew's Inc 73H 705^ 71 do nfd 107}^ 106 107!^ ♦M-G-M pfd 285/^ •M. P. Cap 18 Para. F-L 62?-^ 60 60i4 Pathe E.xch UVi 10J4 HJ^ do "A" 24 23^^ 23J4 Radio K-A-0 38?^ 37 37 Stanley Co 40 40 40 •Univ. Pict. pfd 98^ Warner Bros 125 121 121 1^ do pfd 55 S3J4 53J4 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... Uyi 12'A U'A ♦Bal. & Katz .81 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 24 22 Ji 23 •Film Insp 15/i Fox The.-i. "A" .. 31H 30 30}4 Intern. Proj 20 18 19 Loew do deb. rts. 34 34 34 Nat. Scr. Ser. ... 28 28 28 Nat. Thea. Sup.... 9-^ 9^ 95^ Trans-Lux U'A H 1IJ4 •Univ. Pict 18^ Warner Pet. rts... 4M 4 4 ' BOND MARKET Keith A-O 6s 46 . 93 !4 93 H 93 J^ I-oew 6s 41ww ...118J4 11854 llSJi do 6s 41 x-war... 99^ 99'4 99'A Paramount 63 47 . 9954 9954 9954 Par. By. 5^s 51.102 102 102 Pathe 7s 37 .... 80 7954 79}4 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 .. 97 97 97 •Warner O'As 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 31 33 do units 33 36 .... do com 4J^ Syi .... Skouras Bros 50 54 . . . . Technicolor 12J4 13 United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 , do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 300 700 300 9,300 300 300 200 22,800 7,800 700 11,400 500 18,266 4,300 2,400 5,166 4*666 1,600 100 200 100 10,000 'A 33,300 New Wichita House Wichita, Kans. — J. C. Hartman and associates are building the Nomar near Market and Twenty-first Sts. at a cost of $150,000. Blazer-Vollmer Construction Co. are handling the contract. INDEX PAGE nrSCS AND FILMS, An Ediiorial by Maurice Kann 1 FINANCIAL 2 HOLLYWOOD HAPPENINGS, Coast Nctvs by Telegraph 5-6-7 "A LITTLE FROM LOTS." by Ralhk Wilk 7 THEATER EQUIPMENT, by Charles F. Hynes 8-13 NEWSPAPER OPINIONS 13 EXPLOIT-0-GRAMS 13 SOUND PICTURES, by Charles F. Hynes 14-16 FOREIGN MARKETS, b\ James P. Cunninqkam 17 SHORT SHOTS FROM NEVr YORK STUDIOS, by A. W. Eddy 17 REVIEWS OF NEWEST RELEASES, by lack Harrower 18 PRESENTATIONS, by Herbert S. Berg 19 THE WEEK'S HEADLINES, Resume of the News 20 REVIEWS PAGE CAPTAIN LASH 18 DOCTOR'S SECRET 18 45 CALIBRE WAR 18 JUST OFF BROADWAY 18 SHORT SOUND 18 PAGE LITTLE WILD GIRL 18 MORGAN'S LAST RAID 18 RED HOT SPEED 18 SHADOWS OF NIGHT 18 SUBJECTS SILENT 18 Ufa Eastern Distributors Gets Art Acord Series David Brill, president of Ufa East- ern Distributors, New York, has ac- quired distribution in eastern states of the series of eight Art Acord westerns being produced by J. Charles Davis, 2nd. The films are: "The White Outlaw," "Bullets and Jus- tice," "Arizona Kid," and "Okla- homa Cowboy." States embraced in the deal are: New York, New Jer- sey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, District of Co- lumbia, Delaware and New England. License Power Provided Annapolis, Md. — Town commis- sioners of Centerville, Md., would be empowered to charge a license fee for every performance given by cir- cuses, carnivals and other street shows and any other kind of per- formances and regulate their show- ing if bill recently introduced here and passed in the Senate, goes through the House. Cohen with "U" Chain Louis Cohen, for the last two years associated with West Coast Theaters, has joined the Universal circuit to survey theater properties. Don Smith "U" Manager Fred Flander has appointed Don Smith manager of the Lake, Milwau- kee, Universal house. Publix Changes in Frisco San Francisco — The Publix man- agerial personnel has undergone a number of changes. John Smith, for- mer manager of the California, be- comes manager of the Granada and Nat Holt succeeds him at the for- mer house. Sidney Dannenberg, for several months manager of the Gran- ada is now managing the Publix at Toledo. Bonner At Midland, Tex. Midland, Tex. — John S. Bonner, former manager of the Westex Cir- cuit, has become manager of the Grand here. S. J. Hodge, who man- aged the Grand will become manager of the Rex and Lyric at Lubbock. Hippodrome at Portland, Ore. Adopts Open Shop Portland, Ore. — Unable to effect a compromise settlement with the mu- sicians and stagehands as to the number of men to be employed, the Hippodrome here has adopted an open shop policy. Veidt Coming to N. Y. Conrad Veidt is slated to arrive in New York next week to make per- sonal appearance in connection with "The Man Who Cheated Life," Af- filiated European Producers' picture, which is to play the Little Carnegie Plavhouse. Chaliapin to Paramount? Feodor Chaliapin, internationally known Russian opera star, is report- ed by the "N. Y. Evening World" to have been signed by Paramount for a sound picture. No confirmation could be obtained Friday. Dismantling Plaza, New York With expiration of Leo Brecher's lease at the end of this month on the Plaza, the house is to be dis- mantled. U. A. Representatives Leaving O. B. Mantel!, special representa- tive of United Artists, leaves Satur- day for Rio De Janiero, with Guy Morgan slated to go to Buenos Aires. The Industry's Date Book Today: Paramount Pep Club Ball at the Astor, New York. Dinner of Writers Branch of Acad- emy of M. P. Arts and Sciences. Holl5fwood, to visiting dialogue writers. Feb. IS Universal Club Dance, Hotel As- tor, New York. Mar. 2 AMPA Hollywood Masque Ball in New York. Apr. 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn- sylvania Exhibitor Unit. English Player in N. Y. Estellc Brody, who played the feminine lead in "Mademoiselle from Armentieres," British picture recent- ly released in this country by M-G- M, is in New York, on her first vis,it to America, "Broadway Melody" Opens M-G-M's first all-talker, "The Broadway Melody" opened Friday night at the Astor, New York. On the program also was "Confession," an adaptation of Kenyon Nicholson's one act play, directed by Lionel Bar- rymore. "U" Theaters Close "Pep" Drive Universal theaters have just com- pleted a 12 weeks' business "Pep" drive. BROOKS COSTUMES n ■437 BWAY, N.Y TEL. AL"iO 23.0OO COSTUMES ro RENT 5580 PENN. I MEN WANTED! Salesmen to sell exhibitors the new Oganvox- -the lowest priced and best non-synchronous device on the mar- ket. Big commissions for men who are familiar with exhibitors in the jEastern district. Apply in person or by letter to Room 2448, ll'W. 42nd St., N. Y. C. i PATENT AND PROTECT j YOUR INVENTIONS j I They May Prove Valuable j I For Expert Service and Prompt | ' Attention Address I I LESTER R. SARGENT j (" Registered Patent Attorney % 1115 K. St., N. W., Washington. D.C. j Let JJs Solve Your Prohlems 1 Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCORPORATED 1540 B'WAY N.Y.C. telephone bryant 3040 The Most Talked- About Picture in the World! DANIEL E. POMEROY PRESENTS Mr. & Mrs. MARTIN JOHNSON IN The Natural History Subject for Posterity SIMBA' PUBLIX, UNIVERSAL, WEST COAST, BALABAN & KATZ, LUBLINER & TRINTZ, FRED ZIMMERMAN, AND LEADING EXHIBITORS HAVE CONTRACTED FOR "SIMBA" RATED AS MOST UNUSUAL ENTERTAINMENT, RELEASED AT A TIME WHEN YOUR PUBLIC, WANTS SOMETHING DIFFERENT AND "SIMBA" IS DIF- FERENT Our Own Sales Representatives to Serve You in Every Exchange Center in the U. S. A. and Canada ( Sales Manager Jesse Kauffman James H. Thompson E. G. Finney James H. Thompson A. H. McLaughlin Gus E. McCune Gus E. McCune Lee Riley Jack Krumm Gus McCune Ben Garetson T. S. Wilson Lee Riley R. A. Mitchell Lee Riley E. J. Eichenlaub S. E. Feld Wm. Gordon Thornburg R. A. Mitchell Lee Riley E. J. Eichenlaub Regal Film Company Film Building, 630 9th Ave. Film Building, 639 9th Ave. Eltabran Film Co., 154 Walton St. Rayart Film Co., 56 Piedmont St. Eltabran Film Co., 225 N. Graham St. c/o B. N. Judell, Inc., 828 So. Wabash Ave. Standard Film Service, Pioneer & Bway. Standard Film Service, Standard Film Bldg. Home State Film Co., Film Exchange Bldg. Sheffield Exchange System, 2075 B'way. Favorite Film Exchange, 610 Film Exchange Bldg. Red Seal Short Stories, 406 N. Illinois St. Midwest Film Dist. Co. Inc., 1710 Baltimore Ave. Home State Film Co., Inc., 108 South Cross St. All Star Feature Dist., Inc., 1929 South Vermont Ave. Home State Film Co., Inc., 724 West Grand St. Masterpiece Film Attractions, 1329 Vine St. Standard Film Service, 1018 Forbes St. Sheffield Exchange System, 252 E. 1st St. All Star Feature Dist., Inc., 209 Golden Gate Ave. Progressive Pictures, Inc., 3320 Lindell Blvd. Trio Productions, Inc., 916 G. Street, N. W. City New York, N. Y. Atlanta, Ga. Boston, Mass. Charlotte, N. C. Chicago, 111, Cincinnati, Ohio Cleveland, Ohio Dallas, Tex. Denver, Colo. Detroit, Mich. Indianapolis, Ind. Kansas City, Mo. Little Rock, Ark. Los Angeles, Calif. Oklahoma City, Okla. Philadelphia, Pa. Pittsburgh, Pa. Salt Lake City, Utah San Francisco, Calif. St. Louis, Mo. Washington, D. C. Toronto, Canada. FOR SALE! RIGHTS FOR MEXICO WORLD WIDE DISTRIBUTION DIRECTION OF FRANK R. WILSON M. J. WEISFELDT, General Manager 51 East 42nd Street New York FOR SALE! RIGHTS FOR SO. AMERICA —JXI^ DAILV Sunday, February 10, 1929 Of the recording qualities of the one system as against the other, we do not know. It takes a technical expert to determine that. Kent's ar- guments anent breakage and scratch- ings on discs are, of course, true. On the other side of this argumentative ledger, there must be considered the fact that once oil or dirt meanders into the sound track on the film, you will get anything on the screen from no sound to a roar like a cataract. It was only a week ago that in one of America's finest theaters the char- acters in a talking picture the for- mer happened. For ten minutes — long minutes they were as the house staff will testify — the characters obediently opened their mouths, but no sound was forthcoming. There was nothing to be done about it until the unfortunate circumstance could be rectified. Then, too, break- age may occur in the film just as it undoubtedly does with the disc. And so the arguments flow back and forth. The particular and peculiar angle which creeps to the fore is the rather sharp division now asserting itself over the merits of the two systems. The Warners, as might be expected, are body and soul for the disc. Never discount the importance of their point of view. We understand it is not because their early work was concentrated on the disc recording that they adhere to it now. _ Their experience, considerable as_ it has been in the travails and the joys that came with sound, tells them that it is the phonographic system which is the better. Sound or disc; Which is it to be? The one point which some are inclin- ed to overlook is the fact that prac- tically all reproducing devices are going in for both disc and film re- production. Even Warners, who will be taken care of through the new Pacent machine, primarily a disc af- fair but with a film attachment planned for it. . . . In Bobs Kennedy Tuesday. Irrepressible young man. Look in the most unexpected places and there you will find Joe Kennedy. They — the vast floating rumor contingent — tell us that Ken- nedy is about to wind up his affairs at Pathe, but that he and J. J. Mur- dock will be associated in several and sundry business enterprises in the future. Such as nabbing options on strategic theater circuits — there are a few left — and holding on until the price gets ripe before letting them go. Kennedy has several irons in the production fire as well. One of them, the Swanson picture, "Queen Kelly"' takes him to the coast to find out where Von Stroheim left off and where Eddie Goulding comes in. The surprise, however, concerns Acoustic Products Co. which, as you know, is the parent company for Sonora-Bristolphone. Kennedy is reported negotiating for control. All of this, Roy Deutsch, president of Acoustic, says is the bunk. He is a very much peeved young man about the whole matter and that explains why his denials are categoric, em- phatic and definite. Placing ourselves in the guise of the disinterested re- porter, it is of moment to tell you that, despite the vehement protests. Discs and Films (Continued from Page 1) the report gains credence as the hours slip by that Kennedy is in. . . . Harry Warner may be sun-basking in Palm Beach, but the wheels of progress whir on. Now it's Ohio where the Warners are foraging. Cleveland will start the theater cam- paign and nobody knows exactly where it will all end. . . . First he said he was. Now he de- clares he isn't. Pertaining to the in- decision in Louis Mayer's mind about the ambassadorship to Turkey. The last word is that the final M. in M- G-M is not a candidate for public office. And there ends one of Holly- wood's most avidly discussed yarns. It is almost two years since he saw New York's skyhne. Returning here from foreign fields, Gus Schlesinger, the energetic overseas sales chief for Warners, found exactly what he didn't expect: a new business. When last he dodged taxis in Times Square, sound was likened to a gentle spring zephyr. Now it is tornado-like and so there was little for Schlesinger to do except dig in and learn. This cramming process has been under for some weeks and is now ended only because the outgoing Leviathan car- ried Gus aboard. The next chapter in this particular story will be heard shortly after Schlesinger arrives in Berlin at which time Vitaphone will start on its Mittle Europa excur- sion. . . . The Way of Economy Wednesday: "I have come three thousand miles and from now I'll do the talking,' 'or words to that effect was the way Joe Schenck put it. Being president and chairman of the board at United Artists, no one could tell him nay. So Schenck had his say which concerned U. A. and its business at large, and the more or less simple requirement of operat- ing for the purpose of making money. When the verbal smoke cleared away, it appeared that the time was ripe to effect savings in overhead. Forth- with the necessary machinery was set in motion and a few heads com- mercially decapitated. On this day, word of what was transpiring raised quite a furore in the bylanes of the trade in New York. All of which we have difficulty in understanding. The ways of economy contain little that is new to this business. Why, there- fore, wax excited over one more? . . . Where two divisions existed before, there are now six at Universal. The portfolio holders are Earl Kramer, Leo Devaney, Harry Taylor, Gilbert Roseiiwald, Ralph Williams and Claire Hague who answer when the M. Van Praag bangs the gavel. So the country is divided, each man handling a specific territory. All pro- motions from the ranks. We like to see this sort of thing. . ." . Surprises, usually in order in the film maelstrom, come from the most unexpected directions. For years Al Boyd has been, and is now, a warm friend of Adolph Zukor. So much so in fact that when Boyd left the Stanley Company to develop his own chain it was rather widely accepted that Zukor's financial assistance was behind him. The speculative fraternity also had it that through Boyd, Zukor would give the Stanley group some competition by way of a move to has- ten a Publix-Stanley deal. Now it ap- pears Boyd has sold his new Philadel- phia house, right in the heart of the Stanley stronghold not to Publix, but to the Warners. Which demonstrates once again that you never can tell. . . . Tanglefoot Thursday: No more stumbling — for one season at any rate Selling which ordinarily gets under way as soon as annual sales conventions wind up is to be tirned with some regard for exhibitor willingness to trade. The tendency until this sea- son has been to move the shock forces well up into the last third of the expiring season. In other words, to make new sales when the cur- rent year was far from its close. Just one of those peculiar trade practices which sprang into vogue for no other reason that we can imagine than the ambition of one distributor to get the jump on his competitors. You will recall last year a lot of exhibitors re- fused to buy with the result that the best laid plans of many sales man- agers were knocked galley-west. This year most conventions will not be held until June which will throw the initial sales barrages into July. Thus, old product will have a real chance to be consumed and exhibitors' date books will be cleared away preparatory to the advent of the new entertainment year. This, sales managers who should know de- clare, will make for a generally satis- factory situation. . . . Twelve hundred and six and going up every week. Electrical Research is dizzy. At Hawthorne, which lurks in Chicago's suburbs, the factory is working three shifts daily in an ef- fort to get out from under the de- mand for sound reproducers. In av- ragcs, each Western Electric system costs $10,000. That means to date "Erpi" has sold over $12,000,000 in equipment. With orders on hand, business on its bulging books to date aggregates well over the $20,000,000. Not so bad. Particularly when you figure that the W. E. system was more or less happened upon in the laboratories of the Bell Telephone Co., where engineers were working not on sound pictures at all, but on methods of improving telephonic communications. . . . Nothing exclusive to the Coast in the merry battle for business now under way between Fox and Publix. In the West, the sparks are flying aplenty. In St. Louis, Fox and the Skouras houses are pitted against each other. There are 5,200 chairs in the new Fox edifice and that means the public must meander through its portal;:' in droves before those seats are filled. It's Skouras' job, exactly as it is Fox's, to divert admissions into his theaters. The only way to do it is to give the public bigger and better shows. The entertainment bargain season in St. Looey is, there- fore, about to begin. . . . Myers Emerges Friday: We have known right along that Abram Myers would pull a Sphinx until he was ready to talk. Minneapolis saw exactly that hap- pen. It was at the convention of the Northwest exhibitor unit that the former trade commissioner chose to deliver his first public speech on what Allied proposes to do. His ar- guments were three: One concerned what he declared was an effort by producers to stran- gle independent sound systems. The second dealt with block booking. At the Trade Practice Conference held in New York in October, 1927, Myers expressed his then ohiciai thoughts on this practice and has adhered to them ever since. Thirdly, he struck midships at the oft-expressed belief that the independents must go be- cause the economics of the business provide no other way out. Three very significant points. What Myers does with each will merit close scrutiny. . . . Censorship and a ban on S.R.O. admissions sought in Missouri. Col- orado's solons are attempting to foist a ten per cent admission tax on ex- hibition. Two more headlines that add to the story of the legislative struggle that faces the industry in almost every state of the Union. A serious situation and one that should not be discounted. . . . KANN Alberta Vaughn TVantstosetmii i at the A-M.-PA. * Hollywood MasaueBall Hotel k^\o\:Mar.%d DAILY Sunday. Feb. 10 rzJic^f^Q^StMUA Eight Pictures in Workat Paramount Five Before Cameras and Three in Cutting Room First National Renewing Contracts- Three More Left on Current Pathe Program NordHnger and Goldstone Resign at Universal Other Coast News FIVE BEFORE CAMERAS; THREE BEING EDITED Paranunint has ci^lit productions in work in Hollywood. Three are in the editing stage and five before thi cameras. "Betrayal," Eniil .Tannines' latest in silent form, is being directed by Lewis Milestone. He is supported by Gary Cooper and Ksther Ralston. "Close Harmony," a Paramount spe- cial production with Charles Rogers and Nancy Carroll in the featured roles, will be an all-talker. John Cromwell is directing and the sup- porting cast includes Jack Oakie, Paramount featured player. Clara Bow is making her first all- ta'king picture, "The Wild Party," which will be made with silent ver- sion. Dorothy Arzner is directing. Maurice Chevalier is well advanced en production of his first "Innocents of Paris." Richard Wallace is di- recting this picture which will be an all-talker. Believe It or Not Pathe says that Lee Patrick, suffering a muscular soreness, found that the new incandes- cents "baked" out the pain dur- ing filming of "Strange Cargo." proving the therapeutic quali- ties of the new lamps. Now it is predicted that rheumatism and other ailments requiring baking as a most effective treatment, are slated to disap- pear. Meirie Prevost Signed Marie I'revost has been signed by Al Christie to play opposite Douglas MacLean in the next Christie-Mac- Lcan talking production which will he filmed for Paramount. A featured cast appears in "The Woman Who Needed Killing," all- talker, which is being directed by Rowland V. Lee. Principal players thus far cast are Baclanova. Clive Brook and Neil Hamilton. Richard Arlen and Mary Brian play featured roles in, "The ^Ian I Love." an all- talker with silent version. William Wellman is handling the megaphone. "The Studio Murder Mystery" will have a cast including Baclanova, Doris Hill and Neil Hamilton. It is an all-talking picture and is being di- ucted by Frank Tuttle. Rayart in Work Duke Worne is directing "The Devil's Chaplain" as a sef|uel to "The Man from Headquarters" for Rayart. This is a Trem Carr Prod, with Cor- nelius Keefe, Virginia Browne Faire and Wheeler Oaknian in the cast. Oliver Designs Sets Harry Oliver, technical director for Fox, designed the sets for the new vehicle for Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell, called "The Lucky Star." Pathe Signs Diane Ellis Diane Ellis, one of the featured players in "The Leatherneck," has been signed by Pathe. Paramount to Make Circus Film What is claimed will be the first circus sound picture will be made by Paramount, the vehicle being "Here Conies the Band Wagon." Player Contracts Renewed by 1st Nat'I; Ford Latest First National has renewed its con- tract with James Ford, who was dis- covered by Corinne Griffith when he was an extra and given a role in "The Divine Lady" and in "Outcast" in wliich he supported Miss Griffith. Recentiv he was cast in "Children of the Ritz" with Dorothy Mackaill and Jack Mulhall and "The House of Horrors." This is the fourth play- er contract that First National has renewed within the past few weeks, the others being those of Alice White, Jack Mulhall and Doris Dawson. Benchley Film Renamed Title of Robert Benchley's new Movietone comedy for Fox, formerly called "The Gardener," has been changed to "Gardening." Sylvia Field has been added to the cast. Maehle Resigns Harold Maehle, First National stu- dio purchasing agent, has resigned and has been succeeded by H. Straub, formerly with Warner Bros. KATHARINE HILLIKER and H. H. CALDWELL Four Sons Edited and Titled Street Angel Titled Sunrise (Voted Three of the Ten Best Pictures of 1928) Edited and Titled Seventh Heaven Titled Ben H u r (Voted Two of the Ten Best Pictures of 1927) DAILY Sunday, Feb PAM HAS 3 MORE TO GO: THENSTARTSNEWPROGRAN Only three pictures remain to be completed on the Pathe 1928-29 schedule. The studio is being cleared for the new schedule for which plans are now being made. "High Voltage," starring William Boyd goes into production this week. Howard Higgin will direct and ex- teriors will be made in the Cascades in Washington. \yest Titles Talker "Alibi" "Alibi" is the title under which "Nightstick" will be released as an all-talking picture, directed by Roland West. Eleanor Griffith, Pat O'Mal- ley, Mae Busch, Chester Morris. Irma Harrison, Al Hill, Kernan Cripps, Elmer Ballard, Purnall Pratt, Regis Toomey, Harry Stubbs, James Brad- bury, Jr., and DeWitt Jennings are in the cast. T7::riljo&ifVf^^^ Edward Horton Busy Edward Everett Horton is tripling in brass, appearing on the stage at the Vine Street in "The Swan," com- pleting his role in "The Hottentot" for Warners and making a sound two reeler for Educational. Dowling Vehicle Ready Frances Agnew has completed the adaptation and continuity on "Broad- way Bound," Eddie Bowling's first talker for Sono-Art. A Production Encyclopedia Containing the most complete record of production ac- tivities ever published, THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK now is being distributed at the studios. The vol ume covers every phase of production activity, sound and silent, together with the work of the Academy of M. P.; Arts and Sciences, and listings of officers and in some in- stances studio organizations. Features are the Ten Best Pictures of 1928 and the Ten Best Directors of 1927-28, selected by vote of picture critics throughout the nation. Outline of the year's releases, as well as a list of all features released since 1915 are included. Feature releases of stars and featured players, work of directors, scenarists and cameramen are among other highlights of the edition, which comprises approximately 1,100 pages. Two More Writers Added to Radio Pictures Staff Sanieul Raphaelson, author of "The Jazz Singer," has signed to write an original for Radio Pictures. It will be titled "My Boy." He now is at work on the dialogue. Vina Delmar also has been signed to contribute "Dance Hall" to the company pro- gram. Ben Hecht recently was signed to do "Upperworld" for the company, and Charles MacArthur to write "Gold Coast." "Stolen Lady" Starts March 1 Ray Taylor will start direction March 1 of "The Stolen Lady" for Universal. "Broadway Bound" Songs Built Into Production With James Hanley. song writer, cr.ating at least half a dozen special numbers for the Eddie Dowling star- ring production, "Broadway Bound," this Sono-Art talking picture is be- ing prepared just like a theatrical show in that the songs are being built into the production right along with the sce.iario. Jackson Assigned Sunnier Jackson has been cast in the role of Alfred King, in "Thru Dififerent Eyes," in which Mary Dun- can and Warner Baxter will next ap- pear for Fox. ZEHNER IN SCENARIO DEPT. AT I'-OTHER CHANGES! Harry Zehner, assistant general manager at Universal City, has been transferred to the scenario depart- ment. Victor Nordlinger, casting di- rector, has resigned and is succeeded by D. B. Brown. Nat Goldstone of the sound department has resigned. "Twin Beds" Starting in March First National will remake "Twin > Beds" as a talker. Production is i scheduled to start next month with Al Santell directing. The latter has ) just completed "So This Is Heaven," starring Vilma Banky for Samuel ( Goldwyn. The s ilent version of "Twin Beds" was made several years ago with the Carter De Haven starred. % Lehrman Completes Film "New Year's Eve," Mary Astor's latest picture for Fox, has been com- pleted under the direction of Henry Lehrman. Charles Morton plays op- posite Miss Astor, and Earle Foxe : and Arthur Stone have principal I parts. First Dwan for Fox Starting Alan Dwan is preparing to start "The Far Call" for Fox, his first picture under his new contract. Wal- ter Woods is doing the script. Dwan recently completed Douglas Fair- banks' "Iron Mask." «-•? ERNST LUBITSCH Wishes to thank the newspaper critics of the country who voted ^^The Patriot^^ the best picture of 1928 P/^ILY Sunday, February 10. 1929 JLSf^b^StMu^ A Little from "Lots" By RALPH ll'ILK GLIMPSES at the '•Broadway Melody" premiere at Graumaii's Chinese: John Gilbert presiding as master of ceremonies; Douglas Fair- i)anks, Jr., jugRliiiK two ci.ijarettes; Benny Rubin an interested observer; Sid Silvers, minus Phil Baker, attend- ing his initial Coast opening; boys busy in the lobby selling the song hits of the picture; six canes and a monocle; Harry Hammond Beall flashing hither and thither; C. Abrams collecting autographs and having Sid (irauman furnish his signature; Al Boasberg handling the microphone. * * * It's dollars to doughnuts that at least one or two principals in the prologue to "Broadway Melody" will soon be the owners of very attractive film contracts. * * * Our Passing Show: Charles G. Clarke and Chailes Wool- eustuhiie dodging the rain at^ Fox; Noll Ginniey visiting' Culver City studios on busi- ness. * « * John V. A. Weaver, who is writing dialogue, is away from the Paramount studio on a lec- ture tour in the Middle West and East. His wife, Pegg^ Wood, is considering two in- teresting offers and is expect- ;:d to come to the Coast soon. * * * More Passing Show. Freddy Newvheyer returning to the Metropolitan studio, where he directed several Harold Lloyd pictures; Leo Robin, the song writer, busy at Paramount. * * * Raymond L. Shrock, formerly general manager of Universal City and at one time associated producer for Warner Brothers, has been com- missioned to write a play for New York interests, represented by Attor- ney Frederick E. Goldsmith. Rav recently sold "The Gob," an original story, to M-G-M as a starring ve- hicle for William Haines. Dale Van Every is writing the screen version and Edward Sedgwick will direct. RUBINEWS-4 2 weeks Capitol — N. Y. 2 weeks Palace — N. Y. 6 weeks Colony — N. Y. 2 weeks Casa Lopez — N. Y. 8 weeks Aldine — Pittsburgh 20 weeks Egyptian — Hollywood 16 weeks Loew's State — L. A. Hold house record for business in Interstate Theatres thru Texas, Etc. BENNY RUBIN Our Passing Shoiv: Victor Varconi and Bill Plant enjoy- ing a view from the city, from the Varconi home, high in the hills; Dave Epstein and Bill Branch discussing dii'ers and sundry matters. * * * More Pass ill g Show: Earl Wingard, Arch Reeve and Pete Smith, three Ambassa- doi-s of publicity, dining at Fox; Eddie Montague and Leonard Fields, erstwhile of New York, obsen'ing Holly- wood night life, froyn a boule- vard coi-ner — at 9 o'clock. * * * .Alfred E. Werker, who directed two of the Fred Thompson features, is making excellent progress on "No- body's Children," his first directorial effort for Fox. * * * Ray Cannon, whose directorial work on "Let's Make Whoopee" and "Life's Like That," has attracted much attention, is enthusiastic over the work of Alan Dale, his protege, who shoulders the comedy burden in "Joy Street," which Ray is making as a Fox special. Alan got his early training at Educational and other comedy studios. * * * Sixth anniversary of its formation unll be celebrated March 21 by the Catholic M. P. Guild. F. N. Signs Boteler Wade Botler has been signed by F"irst National for a role in Frank Lloyd's new production, tentatively called "Dark Street," which is to star Milton Sills. SEES STAGE AND NOVEL AS SOUND DUnRESSES Raymond .Schrock, who recently returned from New Vork where he lool.ed over the new crop of stage Iilays with the purpose of hnding material for talking pictures, does hot agree that the screen is quite ready to "stand on its legs," so to speak, .so far as creating a literature solely its own and unlike all other forms of human expression. "This is a large order and we are still of necessity too much in the ex- perimental stage of our development if the screen to be able to proceed so independently," he points out. "It must be borne in mind that the speak- ing stage is a very old institution. In fact, it dates back to ancient history and therefore has had generations upon generations in which to make its progress toward the goal of be- coming the fine art it is today. On the other hand, the cinema is still very new. It really is less than a quarter of a century old and while the advancement made in bringing it to a high plane of perfection has been nothing short of miraculous it could not by any human means be forced into a state of being isolated from all other kinds of literature. It needs the creative forces both of the stage and the printed novel to but- tress its position until there has been time enough to bring into being a new school of writers. LON YOUNG Making moom pitchers at Tec Art Studios Hollywood PEVERELL MARLEY Chief Cinematographer C. B. DE MILLE PRODS. "The King of Kings" (Voted one of the ten best pictures of 1928) 'The Godless Girl" 'The Lady of Chance' (M-G-M) Now Photoiiraphing "Dynamite" (C. B. DeMille Prod.) Contract for Jean Harlow Hal Roach has just signed t(j :i long-term contract a new discovery, Jean Harlow, former Chicago society girl. GEORGE SCARBOROUGH Consulting Dramatist United Artiiti HARVEY GATES Writer WARNER BROTHERS ''Sonny Boy" THE Doonvay ol Hospitality /NTER the doorway el thli popular hostelry and you feel at bom*. There'* an atmosphere of cordial welcoma which marks the difference between th« Hollywood PlaxB and ordinary hotels. Your room, too, has that added touch of distinction. Pictures on the wall, over<- stuffed furniture, a floor lamp and reading lamp . . . these are but a few of the feature* that make you feel at home. Pig'n Whistle Dining Service insures tha best of food. Therefore, when you ara ocst in Los Angeles be sure to investigate. THE HOLLYWOOD PLAZA HOTEL Vine Street at Hollywood Boulevard HOLLYWOOD. CALIFORNIA THE -;xi^ DAILV Sunday, February 10, 1929 Theater Equipment By CHARLES F. HYNES , FULL UPHOLSTERED CHAIR NEEDED IN SOUND HOUSES New technique in chair construc- tion is demanded to produce best re- sults in sound picture houses, R. S. Reed, advertising and publicity direc- tor of Heywood- Wakefield Co., Bos- ton, stated while in New York this week. Noises caused by use of wood in chairs interfere with proper pro- jection of sound films, he says, de- claring a full upholstered chair is re- quired. Re-construction and re-equipping of theaters, advocated by John Eberson in THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK, has the endorsement of Hey- wood-Wakefield, which is stressing the need for improving theaters. "Eberson brings home forcibly to exhibitors the fallacy of overbuilding, when by rc-construction and re-equip- ment, they can bring their houses up- to-date," Reed says. Landish Firm at Philadelphia Philadelphia — Landish Studios of Rutherford, N. J., has opened a Phil- adelphia branch under direction of A. M. Rosenberg. The firm specializes in scenery, draperies and rigging. The Stamp of Approval An endorsement of product and propositions, bestowed by The Film Daily, after investigation of qualifications and m,erit Installation of stage equipment demands the attention of spe- cialists in the field, because overlooking or slighting of any point impairs efficiency of the whole system. Proper curtains, rigging ele- vators, light bridges, cydoramas and other stage paraphernalia, re- quire great care in planning and demand that quality be the first consideration. A leader in this field is the Acme Stage Equipment Co., New York, whose service covers every phase of stage equip- ment. Because of the firm's experience in its field, coupled with the equipment it handles, the Acme Stage Ekjuipment Co. has THE FILM DAILY STAMP OF APPROVAL. Maxcy-Barton Organ Co., New Oshkosh Firm Name Oshkosh, Wis. — Maxcy-Barton Organ Co. is new name of the Bartola Musical Instrument Co. W G. Maxcy of Oshkosh is president, and Dan Barton, inventor and designer of the Barion organs and Bartola, is general manager. Al Stoll is super- intendent of the factory which is located here. Sales and demonstration headquarters are at Chicago. I. T. Maxcy is secretary. Everything — from one source ""PVERYTHING" is a big word but its -L-^ meaning covers only a part of the NATIONAL One Source — One Price — One Guarantee Service. It stands for everything in supplies and equipment that a theatre can use. It goes farther and guarantees the best of every- thing at a minimum cost. National Ser- vice takes the harassing details of remodel ing or equipping entirely from the exhibi- tors' shoulders. It includes efficient service at a moment's notice. It arranges the financ- ing. Ask the nearest National Branch NEW CIRCUIT BREAKER TO REPLACE LIGHT FUSE \ deion circuit fundamentally ^\Mioiud ^Jheatn Suj^^'^ompanf (4224) Invention of the breaker, based on a new method of interrupting electric current, and which, it is said, will replace light fuses, was announced recently in New York in papers read at the annual meeting of the American Institute of Electrical En- gineers. Dr. Joseph Slepian of the research staff of Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Co., i« inventor of the device, which, it is said, will solve a number of difficult switching problems. In the cases of light fuses, instead of replacing blown out fuses when an overload occurs, with the new invention only the pushing of the handle of a small circuit breaker will be needed to reinstate service, it is said. The circuit breaker eliminates the immersing in oil of separating con- tacts to extinguish the circuit break- er arc. Instead, the arc is driven into a series of circular copper plates, where it is broken up into a series of small arcs, with the copper remov- ing the irons from the arc as the arc revolves. Beekner with Ad-Vance Atlanta — Harry Beekner, veteran Fublix showman, has been named southern division manager for Ad- ■\^ance Trailer Service, New York, and will make his headquarters here. G. I MAKING SPECIAL MAZDA FOR SOUND USE Through use of Mazda lighting, it IS not necessary to use one-half as much illumination, as it was when hard lighting was in vogue, declares F. H. Cadenas, illuminating engineer of the^ National Lamp Works of Gen- eral Electric, who says that increased illummation is not needed for sound film projection. General Electric is making a special lamp for sound projection, having ten volts and 7^ amperes. It is one inch m diameter and about 3" long. The lamp is used for the De Forest and RCA-Photophone sound projectors. 41 States Regulate Signs Along Public Highways Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington— Forty-one states reg- ulate advertising signs along public highways. The only states without such regulations are South Carolina, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico. Okla- homa, Kansas and Wyoming. Massa- chusetts and Vermont have the most rigid laws, where a license is re- quired, and in case of non-residents, bond must be furnished. This is the report made public by the Bureau of Public Roads of the Dept. of Agri- culture. -ABargain!? Slightly used 50 foot auto- matic standard lea Kinamo camera fitted with F3.5 Carl Zeiss Tessar lens, with one magazine and case, guaranteed first-class condition. $50.00 uiiLLoa^HBys ▼▼110 West 32»'StJv»cwytorH.My«* Phone Penna. 0330 Motion Picture Department U. S. and Canada Agents for Debrie New British Seat Indicator Classifies Empty Seats Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Unoccupied seats available and how they are situated, whether singly or together, are in- dicated to the ticket seller and man- ager by a device which is said to have been invented in England, according to report to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce, from George R. Canty, trade commissioner at Paris. The unoccupied seats will be indicated on a plan of the house, Canty's report says. It is planned to make the same apparatus serve to indicate when par- ticular patrons have seen the whole program. Handling Hy-Lite Display Detroit — Arthur Baher is handling Michigan distribution of Hy-Lite lob- by display. Under the plan, the the- ater secures one advertiser to pay cost of the disp!a}^ Theater Chairs Real Estate Spokane — Theater chairs are real estate and not personal property, the Supreme Court has ruled, in appeal from assessment of chairs as per- sonal property at the Hippodioinc here. Color Firm Incorporates Dover — Color Pictures, New York, has been formed here to make films in color. Four hundred ^ares of common are authorized. The Book of Books If You Are in the Motion Picture Industry You Can't Get Along Without It The Film Daily YEAR BOOK Is Used Every Day Throughout the Entire World by EXECUTIVES EXHIBITORS EDITORS PRODUCERS DISTRIBUTORS ARCHITECTS WRITERS FOREIGN BUYERS DIRECTORS PRESS AGENTS U. S. GOV'T DEPT'S CRITICS CASTING DIRECTORS Cloth Bound Filmdom^s Recognized Reference Annual ABA. Film Corp.. 1928 Feature Releases.... 473 Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences : Activities 21 Personnel 521 Accessories and Equipment: Laboratory 563 Manufacturers and Dealers 509; 897 Theater Supply Dealers 979 Acoustics 509 ; 899 Actors and Actresses: Casting Agencies 565 Contract, Standard 355 Feature Work, 1928; Sound and Silent 35 Feature Work, 1926-28 363 "Photoplay" Sections, 1928 19 Serial Work, 1920-28 295 Short Subject Players. Sound and Silent 359 "Wampas" Selections. 1922-29 361 Actors' Equity Ass'n 522 Adapters : Carbon 899 Incandescent Projection 899 Lens 899 Adaptors (Indexed Under: Scenarists) ....35 ; 417 Addresses (See Associations, Buying Guide, Chains, Hxchaitges, Distributors. Foreign, Produc- ers, Sound, Studios, Theaters, etc., etc.) Admission Tickets (Listed Under: Tickets).... 973 Ad-Vance Trailer Service, Branches 575 Advertisers' Associations : A.M.P.A 532 Outdoor Advertisers', Ass'n of America .... 533 Screen Advertisers' Ass'n 533 Wampas 525 Advertising & Exploitation : Exploit-o-Grams, Stunts for Showmen 769 Novelties, Manufacturers of 928 Advertising Service, Theater 899 Affiliated European Prod. : Features, 1928 473 Short Subjects, 1928-29 480 Africa: — A General Survey 1009 Algeria 1010 East Africa 1019 Morocco 1037 North Africa 1037 South Africa 1041 Tunis 1044 Agencies, Casting 565 Agitation Abroad Against U. S. Films (Listed Under: Quotas) 1010 Agriculture, U. S. Dept. ; Production 832 Air Conditioning (Listed Under: Cooling Systems) 907 Aisle Lights 899 Albania — A Survey 1010 Alberta — A Survey 890 Algeria — A Survey 1010 Alicoate, Jack: "Introduction" ....Page 3 of Index Allied States Ass'n of M.P. Exhibitors 534 Alternating Current Rectifiers (Listed Under: Rectifiers) 965 Alternating Current Transformers (Listed Un- der: Transformers) 974 Amer-Anfelo Corp., 1928 Releases 473 American Dramatists. The 526 American Federation of Musicians 537 American Projection Society, Inc 537 American Society of Cinematographers 524 American Sec. of Composers, Authors & Pub. : Personnel 537 Members 892 Amkino Corp., 1928 Releases 473 Amplifiers 509 Anchor Film Dist. : Features, 1928 473 Short Subjects, 1928-29 480 Animal Players' Work, 1928 361 Arbitration : Important Decisions, Precedents 796 Rules 811 Arc Films, 1928 Releases; Sound and Silent.... 473 Architects 899 Architectural : Iron Work 921 Plastering 963 Terra Cotta 972 Arc Lamps (Listed Under: Lamps, Arc) 921 Arfa Film Co.. 1928 Releases 473 Argentina — A Survey 1010 Arkansas Amusement Enterprises 737 Artclass Pictures Corp. : Home Office Personnel 540 Short Subjects. 1928-29 480 Art Directors (See: Cinemagundi Club) 529 Artificial Flowers (Listed Under: Flowers).. 917 Artistic Pictures Co., 1928 Releases 473 Artists-Art Directors : Cinemagundi Club 529 United Scenic Artists 528 Arts & Sciences, Academy of M.P. : Activities 21 Personnel 521 Assistant Directors' Ass'n, Hollywood 523 Associated Ind. Prod. Co., 1928 Releases 473 Associated M.P. Advertisers. N. V 532 Associated M.P. Advertisers. Western 525 Associated Theaters. Inc 738 Association of M.P. Producers. Inc 520 Associations, Clubs, Societies 519 Audiotone — Sound Device 507 Australia — A Survey 1010 Austria — A Survey 1012 Authors, Composers & Pub.; Amer. Society of: Personnel 537 Members 892 Authors' Guild S26 Authors' League of America 526 Automatic Change-Overs (Listed Under: Chan^e-Overal On? Aywon Exchange. Inc., 1928 Releases 473 B Halaban & Katz Corp. : Personnel and Theaters 738 Financial Structure 834 Justice Dept. Case 825 Baltic States — A Survey: Esthonia 1020 Latvia 1036 Lithuania 1036 Bandy, H. A.; Outlook for 1929 999 Barnstyn, J. C. ; Outlook for 1929 1001 Behrman Prod., 1928 Releases 474 Belgium — A Survey 1013 Bell-O-Tone — Sound Device 505; 507 Bell Pictures, 1928 Releases 474 Bells— Chimes 901 Big Three Prod., 1928 Releases 474 Biophonc — Sound Device 505; 507 Blank. A. H.. Theaters 739 Blowers. Organ (Listed Under: Organ Blow- ers) 928 Blue Laws, Nat'l Ass'n Opposed to 537 Board of Review. Nat'l 537 Board of Trade & Commerce 533 Boards of Trade. Film 530 Bolivia — A Survey 1014 Bookers, Vaudeville and Presentation 568 Books, Motion Picture 976 Booths : Heaters, Ticket 919 Projection 901 Ticket 902 Box Office Grosses. "Variety" 865 Boxes and Choppers, Ticket (Listed Under: Ticket Boxes) 973 Brandt, Joe; Outlook for 1929 515 Brass, Bronze Fixtures (Listed Under: Fix- tures) 915 Manufacturers, Dealers 902 Carpets : " Cushions 905 Manufacturers, Dealers 905 Casting Agencies 565 Castle Films, 1928-29 Short Subjects 480 Catholic M.P. Guild of America 527 Catholic Writers' Guild 527 Cement, Film 905 Censorship, Foreign (Listed Under Each Coun- try) 1010 Productions Representatives A Competition, Foreij Country) Composers, Authots Personnel Members Consolidated Amuse ' Consolidated Film Laboratories Financial Structui Consolidated Theate COVERS E The Only Complete Rll Comprehensive! Plctur< Century Circuit, Inc 741 Chadwick Pictures : Studio Personnel 557 Features, 1928 474 Chains, Theater 737 Chairs : Covers 911 Manufacturers (Listed Under: Seats) 969 Chandeliers. Crystal 905 These T-wo Pages Cover Only About One Fifth of the Complete Editorial Index of The 19X9 YEAR BOOK Bray Prod.. 1928-29 Short Subjects 480 Brazil— A Survey 1015 Brenda Pictures, 1928 Releases 474 Brin Theatrical Enterprises 740 Briskin Dist. Corp. : Features, 1928 474 Short Subjects, 1928-29 480 Bristolphone (Indexed Under: Sonora-Bristol- phone) 507 ; 509 British Columbia — A Survey 890 British Film Society of America 533 British West Indies — A Survey 1015 Brokers: Insurance 574 Play and Story 567 Theater 574 Brown, Colvin; Outlook for 1929 516 Bucher, E. E. ; Outlook for 1929 517 Bulgaria — A Survey 1015 Buttcrfield, W. S., Theaters, Inc 740 Buyers : For Theater Chains, in U.S 737 Foreign, in New York 1003 Buying Guide 509: 897 c Cabinets : Film 902 Record 509 Cable, Motion Picture 902 Call Systems 902 Cameramen : A.S.C 524 Feature Work, 1928; Sound and Silent 35 Feature Work, 1926-28 455 International Photographers, Hollywood 527 International Photographers, New York 527 News Photographers' Ass'n 528 Cameras : Lenses 923 New Inventions 983 Parts and Supplies 902 Canada: — A Survey 890 Film Boards of Trade 531 Government Production Activities 357; 561 M.P. Dist. & Exhibitors of Canada, Inc 533 (Chains, Distributors, Exchanges, Labora- tories, Producers, Studios, etc., Appear with American Listings) Canopies (Listed Under: Marquees) 927 Parm anrl Pac^Ms P*.*.! Carrvina OOS Change Makers 905 Change-Overs, Automatic 907 Chaplin Studio, Inc 557 Chesterfield M.P. Corp.: Home Office Personnel 540 Features, 1928 474 Short Subjects, 1928-29 480 Chewing Gum Removers 907 Chile — A Survey 1015 Chimes— Bells 901 China — A Survey 1016 Choppers, Boxes (Listed Under: Ticket Boxes) 973 Christie, Chas. H.; Outlook for 1929 518 Christie Film Co. Studio 557 1928 Releases (Listed: Under Paramount) 481 Cinema Attractions Co., 1928 Releases 474 Cinemagundi Club 529 Cinemaphone — Sound Device 507 Cinematographers : A.S.C 524 Feature Work, 1928; Sound and Silent 35 Feature Work, 1926-28 455 International Photographers, Hollywood 527 International Photographers, New York 527 News Photographers' Ass'n 528 Cinephone — Sound Device 505 Cine Tone — Sound Device 507 Circuits, Theater 737 Cleaners, Film 907 Cleaning Systems, Theater 907 Clinton & Meyers Enterprises 741 Clubs, Societies, Associations 519 Cocalis-Stamatis Circuit 741 Code of Ethics, Film 3; 353 Collvvryn Pictures. 1928 Releases 474 Color : Hoods 921 Photography, Progress in 983; 991 Processes 561 Colombia — A Survey 1017 ' Columbia Pictures Corp. : Home Office Personnel 540 Studio Personnel 557 Exchanges 544 Features, 1928; Sound and Silent 474 Short Subjects, 1928-29 480 Columbia Theatrephone — Sound Device 507 Comerford Theaters. Inc 742 Consolidated Theat Construction, Recoi Accessories, Equ Contractors. Con Eberson Plan. T Contingents; Quot, tries (Indexed: Continuity Writers arists) Contracts: Exhibition, Stan< Players' Standard Contractors, Electr trical Contractor Converters, Electri" Cooling, Heating, Cooperative Bookir Copyright: Foreign Relations y International Ur Law in United I n Costa Rica — A Su / Coston Booking C tit Costumers (Also i Costumers' Ass'n, Court Actions, Pn Covers, Chair Crescent Amuse. C( Critics, Newspaper M Critics Select "TenB Crystal Chandeliersfl liers) Cuba — A Survey . Cue Sheets, Music ( tii Cueing Services, R rJ Cuevox — Sound Dt c Curtains : Controls Fireproof Manufacturers, D Cushions, Carpet ( ions) Czechoslovakia— A i Dailey Prod. : Studio Personnel Features. 1928 . Short Subjects, 1 Dealers, Theater ! Guide) Decorations. Artific Decorative Glass ( Decorative Paint, ' Paint) Decorators, Theate DeForest Phonofilr Description Studio Deliveries, Filr Delivery Ass' Carriers) DeLuxe Masu ' DeMille. Cecil B.: Denmark — A Surv Dent Theaters, Ini Depinet, Ned E. ; Devices. Sound Ri Manufacturers a B Descriptions • Systems Used bj '^^ Dialogue Pictures Dialogue Writers, Dickinson, Glenn, Dimmers Directors : Association. M.l Association. M.l Assistant, A Feature Wc Feature Wf Serial Work Short Subje Ten Best ot Disc Recordir Disc) DL Accessories, Dealers oi Arbitration Arbitration. Books. Mo* del : Kak 832 lOOS h 1010 S37 ... 892 ... 742 1.) .. S62 835 742 C3de of Ethics. Film ... i. 353 Contract. Standard Exhibition 801 Copyright Convention 818 Deliveries, Film i"2 Devices, Sound Reproducing^ Manufacturers and Distributors ui 511 Descriptions 505 Systems Used by Producer-Distributors.... 473 Distributor-Producers. Personnel 540 Distributors : 505 Cur- SOS KRYTHING rence Work Covering file Entire Motion Mlustry ■ .-North) :4J Iter : ^ Guide 897 907 929 Foreign Coun- tion) 1010 Under : Scen- 35: 417 Under : Elec- 801 355 915 907 Sjrstems 907 Hnc 743 .1010 . 816 . 795 .1017 743 Page 974) 909 528 793 911 743 II 9 of 1928" ider : Chande- 905 1017 Music Cues) 928 509 507 Carpet Cush- 911 913 911 905 .1017 557 474 480 A> See: Buying .-, 509: 979 li: - 917 ■r: Glass) 919 I '>ted Under : 961 913 505 560 572 Under : Film 533 Device 505 1929 515 — 1018 744 929 517 >n of 511 505 stributors 473 der: Sound) rk, 1928 35; 441 c._. 744 913 523 522 523 nd Silent 35 321 295 359 Jaily" Poll 17 |r: Recording, 511 icturers and 509: 897 ■s 796 811 Q7K 511 . 915 507 . $26 911 1003 . 911 ; 507 . S07 . 507 507 1019 1011 Domestic. Sound and Silent 551 Foreign, by Countries 1010 England and Sound," by E. W, Fredman 362 Equipment, Accessories 509: 897 Exchanges : Domestic 544 Foreign of U. S. Distributors 1049 Exploitation, Publicity Stunts 769 Exporters, Importers in N. Y 1003 uominican ncpuDiic — 1\ ourvcy Doors and Partitions, Sound Prool Doors, Fireproof Dramaphonc — Sound Device Dramatists, The: American Draperies and Curtains (Listed Under: tains) Drawbacks, FotVign Drops. Stage (Listed Under: Curtains) . Dulcetone — Sound Device .j, Duotone — Sound Device .; Duplex Orchcstrola — Sound Device Duplex-O-Phone — Sound Dutch East Indies — A Survey . Dutch West Indies — A Survey E Karnhart-McDonnell — Sound Device 505 East Africa — A Survey 1019 Eastern Film Co., 1928 Releases '. 474 Eastern States M.P. Research Bureau 537 Eastman Kodak Co. : Raw Stock Distributors 564 Financial Structure 836 Eberson. John: "New Theaters for Old" 931 Ecuador — A Survey 1019 Editors, Film: Feature Work. 1928 35; 449 Editors, Newspaper Photoplay II Educational Field 984: 991 Educational Film Exchanges, Inc. : Home Office Personnel 540 Studio Personnel 557 Exchanges 544 Newsreel (Kinograms) 556 Financial Structure 837 Short Subjects, 1928-29 480 Eflect Projectors 915 Egyp< — A Survey 1020 %I% The FILM YEAR ARE PUBLISHED ANNUALLY By KS :^<> NEWSPAPER oypiLMDOM K Mn^^ AND WEEKLY *^ ^ ^^ FILM DIGEST For TEN YEARS the PROGRESSIVE, RELIABLE Daily New^spaper of the Motion Picture Industry Features : Domestic, 1928, Sound and Silent: Alpha- betical 35 Domestic, 1928, Sound and Silent; by Companies 473 Domestic, 1915-28 91 Imported, 1928 289 Federal Trade Commission Activities 827 Film Boards of Trade 530 Financial 833 Foreign 997 Historical Highlights: 1918-1928 5 1928 888 History of Sound, 1926-28 484 Importers, Exporters in New York 1003 Justice Dep't Activities 825 Legal-Legislative Survey 793 Newsreels, Sound and Silent 556 Non-Synchronous Sound Devices: Manufacturers and Distributors of 511 Descriptions 507 Non Theatrical 894 Outlook for 1929: Domestic 513 Foreign 999 Percentages, Territorial 895 Projection Rooms, Public 564 Publications, Fan-Trade 829 Reproducing Systems, Sound (Sec Syn- chronous, Non- Synchronous Devices) : Screening Rooms 564 Serials: 1920-28 295 Short Subjects, 1928-29; Sound and Silent.... 480 Sound (Indexed Under: Sound) Statistics (Also See: Statistics, General) C: G; 35, 91, 289, 473. 480. 519, 577. 833. 865; 997 Synchronous Sound Devices: Manufacturers and Distributors of 511 Descriptions 505 Systems Used by Producer-Distributors.. 473 Trailers, Sound and Silent 575 • * • Distributors: Domestic. Sound and Silent 551 Foreign, by Countries 1010 Distributors-Producers : (Indejrcd Under: Feature Releases, Short- .'Subjects, Financial, Foreign, Personnel, \' /^^itrr^trl e C#ti/V,yi* ^tmt^e ^ntiutri \ Electric Converters (Listed Under: Conver- ters) 907 Electrical Contractors 915 Electrical Research Products, Inc. (Indexed Under: Western Electric) 473; 507: 509 Electricians Ass'n, Studio 528 Electro-Phone — Sound Device 507 Elevators 915 Ellbee Pictures Corp., 1928 Releases 474 Emulsions, Film; New Processes In 984; 991 Engineers, Society of M.P. : Personnel 528 Technical Reports, 1928 983 England — A Survey 1044 "England and Sound," by Ernest W. Fred- man 362 Equipment : Laboratory 563 Manufacturers and Dealers of 509; 897 Equipment and Re-equipment, Theater: Buying Guide 509; 897 Eberson Plan, The 931 Supply Dealers. Theater 979 Equity Ass'n, Actors 522 Equity Theaters, Inc 745 Esthonia — A Survey 1020 Etchcraft Studio 560 Ethics, Film Code of 3; 353 Europe — A General Survey 1006 Albania 1010 Austria 1012 Baltic States 1013 Belgium 1013 Bulgaria 1015 Czechoslovakia 101 7 Denmark 1018 England 1044 Esthonia 1020 Finland 1021 France 1021 Germany 1025 Great Britain 1044 Greece 1029 Holland 1030 Hungary 1031 Italy 1032 Jugoslavia 1036 Latvia 1036 Lithuania 1036 Norway 1037 Poland 1039 Scandinavia Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey United Kingdom Excellent Pictures Corp. Home Office Personnel Features, 1928 . Exchanges: Domestic . Foreign I 1)4 < 1U44 1044 540 474 I 049 Atcrssorics, Equipment Manufacturers, Dealers 509: 897 Theater Supply Dealers 979 Arbitration : Decisions, Precedents 796 Rules 811 Books, Motion Pictures 976 Canada — A Survey 890 Chains (Also See Personnel of Producer- Distributors-Exhibitors on Page S40).. 737 Clubs, Societies, Associations 519 Code of Ethics, Film 3; 353 Contract, Standard Exhibition 601 Copyright Convention 818 Deliveries, Film 572 Devices, Sound Reproducing (Indexed Un- der: Synchronous. Non-Synchronous De- vices) Engineers, Society of M.P.; Technical Re- port 983 "England and Sound," by Ernest W. Fred- man 362 Equipment, Accessories : Buying Guide 509; 897 Theater Supply Dealers 979 Exhibitor Organizations 534 Exploitation, Publicity Stunts 769 Federal Trade Commission Activities 827 Film Boards of Trade 530 Financial 833 Foreign 997 Grosses, "Variety," Key City 865 Historical Highlights: 1918-28 5 1928 888 History of Sound. 1926-28 484 Insurance Brokers S74 Laboratories (Local Theater Work) 562 Legal-Legislative Survey 793 Non-Synchronous Reproducing Devices: Manufacturers and Distributors of 511 Descriptions 507 Outlook for 1929: Domestic . 513 Foreign .. 999 Producer-Distributor-Exhibitors, Home Of- fice Personnel 540 Projection Rooms, Public 564 Publications. Fan-Trade 829 Reproducing Systems, Sound (Indexed Un- der; Synchronous, Non-Synchronous De- vices) Sound (Indexed Under: Sound Field) Statistics (Also See: Statistics, General) C; E; G: 519. 577, 833. 865. 997 Supply Dealers 979 Synchronous Sound Devices: Manufacturers and Distributors of 511 Descriptions 505 Systems Used by Producer-Distributors ..473 Theater Brokers 574 Theaters : Chains 737 Domestic. List of 20.000 577 Foreign, by Countries 1010 Trailers S75 Unions 519 Vaudeville, Presentation Bookers 568 Exhibitors' Film Corp. 1928 Releases 474 Exploitation, Advertising Novelties (Listed Un- der: Novelties) 928 Exploitation, Publicity Stunts 769 For Following Types : Adventure 782 College 771 Comedies 774 Fashions 780 General 787 Historical 776 Juvenile „ - 772 Mystery 784 Romance 778 Sea 777 Sex „ _.... 778 Society 780 Sound 77 1 Sports 782 ....Underworld 784 War 776 Western 786 Exporters- Importers in New York 1003 Exports to U.S.A.. by Countries 1010 Famous Players Canadian Corp.. Ltd. : Personnel, Theaters 745 Financial Structure 838 Fan and Trade Papers 829 Far East — A General Survey 1008 Australia 1010 China 1016 Dutch East Indies 1019 India 103; The 1929 FILM YEAR BOOK FILMDOM'S ANNUAL BOOK OF REFERENCE IS GIVEN FREE ( As Part of Film Daily Service ) To All FILM DAILY Subscribers \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ Date \ \ To : \ \ THE FILM DAI I.N'. ^ 1650 Broadway. ^>, New York City. \ \ \ Gentlemen: \ Herewith my check for $10.00— \ Start my yearly subscription to I'ihn \ Daily service immediately. \ \ NAMK \ \ STREET ""x \ STATE ( ITV \ \ A Complete Yearly Service At a $10,00 Subscription Rate Includes: THE FILM DAILY DELIVERED OR MAILED TO YOU EVERY DAY EXCEPT SATURDAY THE WEEKLY FILM DIGEST EVERY SUNDAY— REVIEWS OF ALL FEATURES— SHORT SUBJECTS DIRECTORS' ANNUAL EVERY JUNE— A GREAT REFERENCE BOOK SHORT SUBJECTS QUARTERLY EVERY THREE MONTHS— ALL ABOUT SHORT SUBJECTS SOUND PICTURE AND OTHER SPECIAL EDITIONS FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK FILMDOMS RECOGNIZED- BOOK OF REFERENCE THE Sunday. February 10. 1929 j?B^ DAILV TALKING SHOP Influenza Scare Showed Bijf Advantage of Houses With Prop- er Ventilation CHAl-K up another victory for ven- tilated theaters, a victory won during the influenza scare. Washed ! and cooled air was found to be of great aid in counteracting spread of the disease, because it proved to be > leaner and freer from Rcrnis than :it(loor air. Accordintjlv. patronage did not fall oflF at well ventilated houses, for the reason that patrons felt secure in attendiiiR these houses. Influenza has been prevalent in all sections of the country, but reports -show it definitely on the wane. Big miprovements have been noted each week, but the lesson learned should be a profitable one for exhibitors. As we have from time to time pointed ^ out, ventilation is more essential in I summer than in winter, to assure the right kind of air. to safeguard patrons' healih and comfort. Ill some spots, closing of theaters was resorted to as a first step. The hysteria of 1918, it was feared, might ' c repeated, but developments soon -liowed that a shutdown of theaters was an unwise move. Ventilation is entitled to a lot of credit for the hanged viewpoint. Keese With Publix in Ga. Atlanta, Ga.— Alex Keese, former stage-band director of the Tivoli at Chattanooga, has been appointed southeastern musical advisor for Pub- lix theaters with headquarters here. He will supervise musical activities for theaters in about 35 cities in the Southeast. Disapprove Sunday Tax Austin, Tex.— The House commit- tee on criminal jurisprudence by vote of 13 to 3 has disapproved the meas- ure of Representative F. H. Prender- gast designed to increase fines for operating motion picture theaters on Sunday. Van Vorst Gets Another Juneau, Wis.— Herman Van Vorst, o\vner of the Pastime theater at Horicon, Wis., has taken over the theater here, which he will operate as the Gem. Hilbert Hoppe has been named manager. Gets Interest In Mont. House Conrad, Mont.— C. E. Nauman and Herb Kluth have purchased an inter- est in the Orpheum here, with M. Lavin, retaining one-third interest. Talking pictures will be installed at ; the Orpheum sometime this year, ac- ' cording to Kluth. Fitchburg Theater Soon Ready Fitchburg, Mass.— Work on the I'ltchburg 2,200-seat is progressing and is expected to open Feb. 11. Few thcateis in the entire country can boast a more completely equipped booth than the ncxv Tivoli, \,400seat house at Gary, Ind. The latest type Simplex projectors have been installed, together with the latest Brenkert F-7 effect projector. The house, which was built by the Grand Amusement Co., was completely equipped by National Theater Supply Co. DAILY TIPS WHICH MEAN DOLLARS FOR SHOWMEN '"Behind the German Lines" (Paramount) The drum and bugle corps of the Legion post, composed of some SO members were nattily attired in regu- lation army uniforms, leather puttees, Sam Browne belts and iron helmets. The boys paraded up and down the most principal streets playing almost continually as on-lookers rushed to the curb to see everything that was possible to see. Two banners, car- ried by members of the corps brought up the rear of the parade. The banners carried copy reading, "Behind the German Lines" and "Hippodrome — Now Showing." The boys finally stepped in front of the theater where they played for ten minutes and then filed into the the- ater— bringing a great gathering of people with them. To give the the- ater the appearance of an official pic- ture of war scenes, a rope of flags was stretched across the street in front of the theater and two groups of flags of various foreign countries were placed on each side of the en- trance on the marquee. Another chain of flags was tied to the mar- quee and extended along the front and around the corner of the building for a distance of approximately 100 feet, while across the front of the marquee was placed a cloth banner upon which was the title of picture. In the arched entrance appeared the painted pictures of the Kaiser, Crown Prince, Von Hindenburg and action scenes from the story. — R. M. Swan- son, Publix Hippodrome, Miami, Fla. "The Red Dance" (Fox) Used three column space for the reproduction of a telegram from D. O. Byrne, booker in the Toronto film exchange handling the release. The telegram to Roddick read: "If Dolores Del Rio's new picture 'The Red Dance' is released without cutting by board you will have it for London to open Monday, Dec. 17 exactly as shown in New York with complete sound and music accom- paniment. Doubtful however if it will be passed without cutting. If they cut it then it cannot be shown as a sound picture. Picture rather daring so be careful in advertising. If it gets through complete it will be the best possible bet to bring in pre-Christmas crowds as picture is splendid romance of strong drama, big scenes, luxurious settings and packed with action and great thrills from start to finish. Original adver- tising held by Customs as too hot. — R. S. Roddick. Capitol, London, Ont. "Wings" (Paramount) Tie-up with the Greyhound Lines operating buses out of Macon. Ten of these buses carried large banner tying in the title of picture with Grey- hound service as "Travel by the Greyhound Lines and ride on Wings —See and hear the picture all week Rialto, Macon."— W. H. Hemphill, Rialto, Macon, Ga. 13 Newspaper Opinions "Weary River" First National Central . DAII Y MIRROR* • • a talker which IS still a movie, with action, a gun-battle, an enchanting love-story, humor and good old tears. • • • UAM.Y NEW.S --• • • Direction of Frank Lloyd i^n t anythniK much to bis credit There IS little thrill, little backbone, not a great deal of pathos, tjecause there isn't much to be sympathetic about. The love interest IS weak and unconvincing. Many previous gantfstcr movies have been a good deal more powerful in theme. • • • EVENING JOURNAI^* • • The story has an idea, but it isn't well developed, and the direction is uneven. One explanation lor the uncvcnness is the inexpert introduc- tion of talking sequences. The picture should have^been cither all-talking or else allsilent. EVENING WORLD—* • • After all though, this is the star's picture. He is the' whole show. He and Frank Lloyd, who directed, and Bradley Kitig, who adapted the story For "Weary River" is a mar- velously knit story. • • • HERALD-TRIBUNE—' • • The melo- drama IS not terribly important, perhaps, but It succeeds in being pretty consistent in Its dramatic effectiveness. ♦ • • POST— • • • Mr. Barthelmess sings this ditty not once but four times in the course of the picture. Now which is which— was the picture made to plug the song or was the song built to sell the picture' • • • SUN— • • • Mr. Barthelmess, particu- larly, surpnsed the eyes and ears. With a poise, a sense of immersion in a role, and a complete coordination, he went through even the badly written emotional crescendoes with zest and reality. • • • TELEGRAM—* * • For a two-dollar top the spectator has a right to demand some- thing better than a second-rate program pic- ture The only outstanding items to my mind in this new special picture are some interesting scenes of prison routine and the theme song, "Weary River," which is cer- tainly destined for popularity • • • TELEGRAPH—* • • Barthelmess sings the song "Weary River" charmingly, and his natural and unaffected use of the dialogue IS splendid. • ♦ • "TIMES—* * * It is a pity that Mr. Bar thelmess should waste his taUnt on such a hopeless hodgepodge as this. His acting, even in the would-be lachrymose scenes is not without merit. Betty Compson is per- haps well made up for the thankless role of Alice. William Holden is dignified as the ubiquitous Warden. • • • WORLD—* • * Yes, after all, this "Weary River ' is just another motion picture that does not happen to be very good. • • • Giant Beacon on Theater Serves as Flyers' Guide Glenside, Pa.— "Follow the Bea- con," is slogan adopted by the Kes- wick, which has installed on its roof what is said to be the largest airplane beacon on the Atlantic Seaboard, erected to guide night flyers. A night- flying stunt, in which six planes, in charge of a world war ace, marked dedication of the light, which is in operation from sunset to sunrise. The lower part of the beacon is surround- ed by U shaped orange-red neon tubes, six feet high. Above these are two aeronautical lights of 8,000,000 candle power each. One of the lights is stationary, i)ointing to the flying field, and the other rotates every 30 seconds. The Philadelphia Sign Co. erected the beacon at a cost of over S10,000. Edwin N. Johnson operates the house. Redecorating Newark House Newark, N. J. — Redecorating, cost- ing approximately $60,000 is under way at Loew's State here. 14 fj^^ DAILY Sunday, February 10, 1929 NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FAST GROWING FIELD OF SYN- CHRONIZATION SOUND PICTURES TIPS ON EQUIPMENT AND VARIOUS DE- VICES ARE NOW AVAILABLE By CHARLES F. HYNES HANMONS SAYS SOUND IS REVOLUTIONIZING SHORTS "Advent of all-dialogue short fea- tures is bringing about one of the most remarkable changes in program building methods the industry ever Shon'manskip stuff! Marquee display for "The Bride's Relations" at the Royal, Kansas City has witnessed," is the claim put forth by Earle W. Hammons, president of Educational. "This change in policy" continues Liberal 2A-sheet display devoted to "The I.iun's Roar" by Loe-MS State, Los Angeles. Hammons, "has been so drastic that even the most optimistic short fea- ture booster has been somewhat sur- prised at the sudden swing that short dialogue subjects have taken. Prac- tically overnight they are becoming the backbone of many exhibitor's programs. This is a position that the short feature has not enjoyed for several years but now it is possible to point to many instances where the live exhibitor is devoting the major Entire 24-sheet devoted to "The Old Barn" by Hillstreet Theater, Los Angeles. It has selling value, as can readily be seen. Talkers For India Calcutta — Western Electric sound equipment has been installed at the Elphinston Palace here. This is the first installation of sound apparatus, with other equipments planned at Bombay, Rangoon and Burma. In the West Indies installations are in prospect at Kingston, Jamaica, Pan- an)a City and Costa Rica. New French Sound Device Paris — Jacques Haik Co. plans to place on the market a sound device, called Cinevox Haik. The price of the device will be low and it will be interchangeable with other appara- tus, it is claimed. Virginia Town Active Charlottesville, Va. — Improve- ments are to be made at the Jeffer- son in connection with installation of sound pictures. Cueing Service Sold for South Dallas — Home State Film has closed a deal with Motion Pictures Synchronization Service, Inc., to mar- ket the latter's service in the South. Aldam's franchise includes Texas, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, Okla- homa, Alabama, North Carolina, Ten- nessee, Louisiana, Mississippi and South Carolina. RCA Demonstration In London London — ^E. O. Heyl, who is vice president in charge of foreign affairs for RCA-Photophone, is here demon- strating the company's sound equip- ment at one of the leading theaters. portion of his newspaper 'ad' copy to short features. "Twenty-four sheet stands, lavish marquee display and liberal program space is once more becoming the fashion in short feature exploitation and there is every indication that it is a practice that has become solidly entrenched in the modern showman's art," he says. Phonofilm for Kent, O. House Kent, O. — John Palfi has purchased a DeForest Phonofilm for the Opera House. Installation is now taking place and will be completed by Feb. 15. Sound For TottenvUle Toitenville, N. Y.— Isle Theatrical Corporation, which recently acquired the Palace and Stadium here, plans to install sound equipment in both houses. Kokomo House Gets Sound Kokomo, Ind. — Young Arnusement Co. closed the Sipe as a legitimate house, and will open it shortly as a picture theater equipped with Vita- phone and Movietone. Stebbins Handling Oganvox Kansas City — Stebbins Picture Sup- ply has taken over distribution of Oganvox, non-synchronous disc de- vice in western Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. Sound News Shipment Record Pathe holds the time record for the despatch of film from Coast to Coast as a result of Capt. Frank Hawks' record-iireaking non-stop flight from Los Angeles to New York. The West Coast studio sound news crew of Pathe, directed by Donn McEl- waine, made scenes m sound of the preparations of Captain Hawks be- fore his taking off. These were given to the airman and were deliv- ered at the Pathe home office short- ly after Hawks' arrival in New Vurk. Makes Own Synchronizer Toronto — For the presentation of "Simba," Manager Fred Schaefer of the Pantages theater, Toronto, Can- ada's largest house, employed a Westinghouse broadcasting unit with excellent success in effecting a syn- chronization of animal sounds and native dance music. 700 GERMAN EXHIBITORS J SIGN FOR 'TOBIS' SYSTEM By KARL WOLFFSOHN, Editor, " Lichtbildbuehne Berlin (By Wireless)- The 700 theaters which operate jointly as the Deutsche Lichtspiel Syndikat have ratified an agreement with "Tobis," trade name for the Tonbild Syndikat which has consolidated five German sound devices into one company, whereby these houses will install "Tobis" equipment only and exhibit "Tobis" films exclusively. The ex- hibitors,' in return for. the blanket ar- rangement, are promised favorable purchase terms. "I Kiss Your Hand, Madam," the first "Tobis" film was recently ex- hibited in Berlin with Harry Liedtke singing the theme song, one of the most popular in Berlin at the mo- ment. The public reacted favorably, but it was apparent that there is plenty of room for improvement. Biophone Placed in South Newton, N. C. — G. Otto Hartsoe, of the Newton has placed an order with the Leatherman-Branon Com- pany for installation of Biophone. Biophone is being installed in the Princess, Florence, Ala., and in the Melbourne, Melbourne, Fla. Cueing Chesterfield Pictures M. P. Synchronization Service, New York, is to supply musical scores for all pictures of Chesterfield Prod. Cue sheets for silent prints, as well as cue sheets for non-syn- chronous disc devices will be prepared. Melotone Canadian Firm Toronto — The Melotone synchroni- zation device has been placed on the Canadian market by the Columbia Sound-Film Equipment, Ltd. The company has offices in five other cities of the Dominion. This is the first of this type of equipment to be offered in Canada. Sound Company in Charlotte Charlotte, N. C. — International Talking Picture Corp. has been granted a charter giving it the right to deal in sound devices. D. S. Monteith, John M. Jones, Jr., E. J. Grose, and L. Scarborough, all of Charlotte are stockholders. Sound For Michigan City Michigan City, Ind. — The Tivoli has opened here with its first sound picture program. The house is equipped for Vitaphone and Movie- tone. Baher Handling Phototone in Mich. Detroit-^Arthur D. Baher former local showman, has taken over dis- tribution of Phototone in this terri- tory. 1 FACTS: ABOUT PACENT REPRODUCER SYSTEMS And the organization behind them It's not good business to buy sound equipment with your eyes shut, without the full facts before you. Pacent Reproducer Corporation wants every exhibitor throughout the country to know the facts about Pacent Reproducer Systems. That is why we publish this advertisement, a plain state- ment of their merits and advantages in your theatre. Pacent Reproducer Systems are being SERVED By These Leading Producers: PARAMOUNT M-G-M Metro-Gold vvyn-Mayer VITAPHONE UNITED ARTISTS FIRST NATIONAL WARNER BROTHERS All complete equipment is designed by Pacent engineers and manufactured in our ovtn factories. No makeshift or substitute material used. Every Exhibitor Wants These Facts About Pacent Reproducer Systems Before Buying Sound Equipment IAll Electric Operation: Batteries have no place in any Pacent Reproducer System. Our equipment operates direct from any 110 volt 60 cycle alternating current commercial outlet. No batteries of any kind used. 2 Highest Quality Reproduction: We want exhibitors to hear our systems in operation and judge the quality of reproduction for themselves. You will agree witli us that Pacent Reproducer Systems set a new standard of quality performance. 3 Compact and Efficient: All amplifying equipment housed in a single steel cabinet, conveniently small in size, that fits in almost anywhere. Pacent Amplifiers combine compactness with special design features which make them, weight for weight, 25% more efficient than other amplifiers for theatre use. 4 Low Price: Pacent Reproducer Systems stand in a price class by themselves. Never before have synchronous full double channel reproducer systems been available at such low prices. $2,500 buys the Model 2MDA Pacent System, for houses with seating capacity not over 2,000 seats. S3,500 for Model 4MDA Pacent System for theatres from 2,000 to 4,000 seats. 5 Film Attachment Soon Ready: Pacent Reproducer Systems are now built for the disc method of reproduction. The Pacent Film attachment will soon be available for sound-on-film method of reproduction. 6 Installation and Service: Complete service department now functioning at top efficiency. Trained engineers in charge of every installation. Dozens of telegrams from exhibitors tell of wonderful job done by our men. 30 service depots now being established throughout the country to supervise installation and upkeep of Pacent Reproducer Systems. Pacent Reproducer Corp. LOUIS GERARD PACENT, President 250 WEST 39th STREET TELEPHONE: WISCONSIN 1029, 1030 \ ' NEW YORK, N. Y. r^mmm^^m I THE 16 '^^ DAILV Sunday, February 10, 1929 25 MORE W.E. SYSTEMS INSTALLED IN II STATES Western Electiic sound repro- ducers were installed in 25 tlicaters during the week which ended Feb. 2, Electrical Research declares. In each case, both the disc and film at- tachments were installed. The houses are: California — Visalia theater, Visalia; Cali- fornia theater, Watsonville. Georgia — Rialto, Columbus. Illinois ^ Villas, Cicero; Biograph and Knickerbocker, Chicago. Massachusetts — Plymouth, Worcester. Minnesota — Elko, Bemidju. Mississippi — Princess, Columbus. Missouri — Central, Biddeford; Hi Points and Manchester, St. Louis. New York — Colonial, Albany; Playhouse, Hudson; Palace, Jamestown; Playhouse, Ma- maroneck; Capitol, Port Chester; Ritz, Port Richmond, Staten Island (New York City). Ohio— World, Toledo. Oklahoma — Rex, Seminole. Pennsylvania — Roxy, Ashland; Rialto, Uanville; Keystone and Park, Williamsport; Victor, McKeesport. Roseland Set on First James F. Sammon of Roseland Pic- tures, has cast Arthur Campbell and Nancy Baker for singing roles in "The Life of the Party," first of a series of sound one reelers. Head in Movietone News Walter S. Giflord, president of the American Telephone and Telegraph Co., rated as the largest corporation in the world, talks in the latest issue of Fox Movietone News. 'Watch Volume', Joe Weil Warns ' U' Sound House Managers Careful regulation of volume of sound reproduced in their houses is urged upon managers of all com- pany sound houses by Joe Weil, di- rector of advertising and exploitation of Universal theaters. "There have been quite a number of complaints against sound pictures by patrons who claim they get head- aches when seeing one," Weil points out. "There have been other com- plaints that the talkies are not per- fected— voices all sound the same — there are too many 'surface noises,' etc. "Most of this fault-finding is justi- fied. The trouble, however, in 90 per cent of the casts is not with the pictures themselves; nor is it with the equipment and reproduction. The real trouble can be laid to lack of proper supervision of the sound re- production by the manager of the theater. "While the operator in the booth is responsible for the running of the picture, we want the manager to be responsible for the volume at which the picture is run. We want the manager to make a check at least twice during every performance and, preferably, many more times than that, of the way his sound is filling the theater. "This is no place to go into de- tailed explanation as to the changes and further settings necessitated through the number of people in the audience. With an empty house you need less volume. With a packed house you need more. It is up to the manager to check the house and the volume and telephone the booth as to whether a picture is coming over too loud or too soft. "The poor reproduction in most theaters that we have attended is due to an inclination to use too much volume. Human ears cannot stand the tremendous volume of sound being shot through the horns. The result is that the sound seems dis- torted, raspy and overpowering. Sur- face noises are amplified a million- fold. The dirt on the film or on the records almost becomes a blast through the horns. Headaches re- sult. Complaints pour in. "The remedy is to cut down on your volume so that the sound com- ing over will have a normal effect. You will find with lesser volume, in most cases, that all your troubles are done away with. Then music comes over sweetly — voices sound natural and each voice sounds different. Headaches and 'noise' complaints dis- appear. "Managers are cautioned to keep an ear open on all shows and see that they get the best performance pos- sible." Streamer Aids Theme Song Hook-up on "Abie" In addition to the regular publicity material and special press book for "Abie's Irish Rose" the Anne Nichols office has devised a special streamer for use in music store windows which plays up the theme song of the film version. The song is "Rosemary," vyith lyrics by Anne Nichols and mu- sic by J. S. Zamecnik. The streamer is in four colors and measures 15 inches wide and five inches deep. St. Louis House Goes Sound St. Louis — The Star is instaUing Western Electric sound equipment and will reopen as a sound theater on April 17. Sound For Marlowe Murphysboro — John Marlowe has contracted for sound at his house here and in Herrin, 111. The device is reported to be Movietone. Sound for Massachusetts House Boston — Netoco, which is rapidly building up a chain of New England theaters, will build a new house at Natick to be equipped with Western Electric sound reproducers. The house will be known as the Colonial and*will seat 1,500. I Handling 11 Southern States Atlanta — Biophone now is being handled in 11 southern states by the Leatherman-Branon Co. * Voice and Orchestra selections are recorded with such fidelity and delicacy of tone with such S'weetness and clearness combined inrith depth, as to make music and entertainment of an actual orchestra that is present. The human voice with every intonation, with every fine expression, with every heart throb, is reproduced lifelike through RACON EXPONENTIAL HORNS. The one piece construction, the patented, vibrationless, non-porous material and the lightness of weight, make RACON HORNS the recognized standard for musical and voice reproduction by the largest Amplifier Com- panies, Talking Picture Companies and Reproducer Companies throughout the world. Sizes of horns vary from 6" to 6' square bells, with air columns of from one foot to fifteen feet. DYNAMIC UNITS FOR EXPONENTIAL HORNS lyf ARK an advanced step in this day of remarkable talking irfoture achievement. The ■»•"-■• resxdts obtained by the use of the Racon Air Colimm Units are to be a surprise evwo to the most critical listener. Your entertaining problems will be solved, the box ofBce receipts will be increased, your patrons will be delighted by the reproduction from RACON EXPONENTIAL HORNS AND DYNAMIC HORN UNITS. There wiU be no blasting, no tinniness, but perfect amplification combined with volume, depth and Consult Our Acoustical Engineers Specialists in Acoustic Chambers Factories: 18 to 24 Washington Place, New York, Telephone Spring 1120 Slough, Bucks, England, and 105 Sherbourne St.. Toronto, Canada THE NEW UNIT Write for Catalog THE Sunday, February 10. 1929 ■eStl DAILY 17 Foreign Markets By JAMBS P. CUNNINGHAM OUTPUT INCREASES 75 TRENCH PRODUCERS SEEK P. C. IN GREAT BRITAIN TO DROP I TO I RATIO Bv ERXEST IV. FREDMA>! Editor. "The Daily Film Renter" London — Production increased 75 per cent in January and will increase over 100 per cent by the end of Feb- ruary, it is stated here. There are 12 companies now actively engaged in completing 14 features and one two-reel talker. The schedules of the various com- panies, are as follows: British In- ternational has in production, "Mary Was Love," "The Compulsory Hus- band" and "Romance of Seville." These will be followed by "The In- former," "Blackmail," "Goodwin Sands" and "Flying Scotsman." British Instructional is completing "The Pelican" and "A Cottage on Dartmoor" at the Welwyn studio. British Filnicraft has "Power Over Men" in work with Burlington Films completing "The Barber" at Elstree. British Sound Prod, at Wembley is working on its first talker, a two reeler, "The Fighting Fool." Encore Film is completing "En- core" at Isleworth. Gainsborough Pictures is finishing "Taxi For Two" with "City of Play" to follow at Islington studio. New Era is completing "Down Channel" and Nettleford Prod, is producing "W^ould You Believe It?" at Walton-on-Thames. W. P. Films is busy on "White Cargo" at the Whitehall Studio. Welsh Pearson-Elder have "The Silver King" in production at Stoll. Eight other companies are scheduled to start work in the next six weeks. Russia Objects to U. S. Ideals in Pictures Moscow — Three hundred ninety- three out of 746 foreign films, chiefly American, Jiave been rejected by the Soviet Government on account of their bourgeois ideology, adventure and mvsticism. Richmount Pici 723 7th AveiMi* Inc . "•* D. J^ IIOUNTAN, Praa. Pictures New York City pXCLUSIVE foreign ^ representatives for Rayart Pictures Corporation and other leading independ- ent producersand distributors Cable Addnaa: RICHPICSOC. Paria Cable AddrcM: DEEJAY. Loodoo CabU Addreia: RICH PIC. N. T. Exporting «nly tlie||| best in Motiim Pictures Pari.s — French producers are nego- tiating with American interests here for a substitute for the 7 to 1 agree- ment made last year. Various sug- gestions have been made for new agreements, including one by which American money would be put into a large French producing company, operated on .American lines. Another proposal is that American producers should take a fixed number of French films irrespective of the number of American pictures sold in France. American representatives at the con- ference have said that negotiations have reached a dif^cult stage but they hope to arrive at an agreement with- in a few days. U. K. Theater Chain Plans 100 More Houses London — Cinema and Theater Corp, recently formed and which controls 36 houses plans to float a company with capital of $3,880,000, which plans to build within the ne.xt \car 100 additional houses seating between 500 and 700. The theaters are to be built in small towns and larger villages of the provinces. Di- rectors of the company are: Tom E. Davis, Samuel Lloyd, T. R. Wood and John Hopkins. Japan Company Formed To Market Foreign Films fVoshiiuiton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Towa Shoji Goshi Kaisha, film company of Tokio, has been formed to open the Japanese market for European pictures, par- ticularly German films, according to a trade paper report to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. Associated with the new company are: Nagamasa Kawakita, Baron G. E. von Stietenkron, Herr Schacke and Andre Germain. Report also ex- pressed the hope that with the new company, the German and European film industry, will be able to compete with United States, whose share of the Japanese film market amounts to about 90 per cent. Australia's '28 Film Budget Far Below '27 Sydney — .Australia's production budget for 1928 has dropjied far be- low that reached in 1927, according to figures recently publis-hed here. The 1927 figure was $485,000 while that of 1928 scarcely exceeded $48,- 500. For 1929, $97,000 will be avail- able for production here, it is stated. French Newsreel Tariff H'ashiiigtoit Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The newsreel syndi- cate of Paris recently published its new prices, as follows: first week, $12.40. second week, $8.40, third week, $3.60, and fourth week at $1.60, advises the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. The approxi- mate weekly length will be 845 ft. 5 U. K. Films Shown London— Of the 576 films released in Finland during the past year, only five were British, according to re- cently published statistics by the innish Film Commission. American )e:centage fell from 67.6 to 64.1, while Germany's percentage in- creased slightly from 20.2 to 21.9. Picture Activities In Spain Show Decline Barcelona — Production activities have fallen off considerably here in the past three years, it was pointed out in a recent report. During 1926 production reached its peak of 36 pic- tures, while in 1927 there were only 25 pictures made. In 1928 there were 19 films made during which the United States supplying 95 per cent of the Spanish market. Short Shots from New York Studios Berlin Anticipates Deal Between U. A. and Terra By KARL WOLFFSOHN. Editor, Lichtbildbuehne Berlin — It is expected here that United Artists will shortly close a deal with Terra Film by which the companies will enter joint produc- tion, the purpose from U.A.'s view- point being to secure "kontingents." Unless some sort of a deal is closed, United will be unable to distribute pictures in Germany next season. Gainsborough Closes More Distribution Deals London — Gainsborough Pictures, which recently closed a deal with Franco-Films of France for distribu- tion of product in France and Bel- gium, has concluded agreements for' Germany, Austria, Hungary, Czecho- slovakia and the Balkan States, it is reported. These contracts covering all of the 1928-1929 product. Similar contracts have been closed which now gives Gainsborough Pictures distribution in Norway,, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, South Africa. Japan, Republic of China, Argentina, L'ruguay, Paraguay, Chili, Peru, Bo- livia, Ecuador, Australia and Mel- bourne. Lya De Putti With B.I.P. London — Lya De Putti has been signed by British Instructional Pic- tures to play the lead in "The In- former," which Arthur Robinson will direct. Granville to Africa for Warners London — Fred Granville leaves here soon for North Africa to plan loca- tions for the new picture he is to make on behalf of Whitehall Films for Warner Bros., titled "The Legion of the Lost." Thrice Banned— Then Passed Berlin — After being banned here three times the film, "Madonna of the Sleepings" has been passed. The Deutsche Lichtspiel Syndikat is handling the film. ^^By ARTHUR W. BODY, GEORGE ABBOTT bids fair to beccme as well known a screen director as a stage director. Abbott, who has saved many a Broadway show through his expert rewriting and direction, is going to the Coast to have a hand in making Paramount pictures. He recently megaphoned Walter Huston in a short. "The Bis- hop's Candlesticks," made' at the Long Island studio. * * * Having had a spell of vacationing in Havana, S. L. Rothafel has ar- rived back in Manhattan to jnit the final toxiches on his Lincoln Me- morial program. * * * Walter Eberhardt, who pounds a wicked publicity typewriter, is also hitting 'em hrrd in the short story field. In March his "She (iave Up Stardom" will appear in the "Sunday World Magazine" and "The Murder- ous Voice" will be read in "Under- world Magazine." ~ * * ♦ Mart Blumenstock, a graduate of the pi-ess agentry brigade, who has been clicking loudly at the Coast as a high-powered writing man, is in Netv York for vacation purposes. He last wrote an original for M-G-M. * ♦ * If you saw "Listen, Dearie" and "Naughty Ricquette' some time ago you remember Sylvan Lee. Sylvan is now associating with the P'our Marx Brothers in a dialogue version of "The Cocoanuts," in production at the Paramount plant with George Folscy in charge of photography. Loder in World Wide Film John Loder, English leading man brought to this country by Para- mount, played one of the leads in "The First Born" just before com- ing to America. Tliis is the pictuie in which Miles Mander, German player, has the star role and also di- rected. It was made in England and will be brought to America by World Wide Pictures. 190 U. K. Concerns Formed in '28 London — Total registration of new companies formed here during 1928, is 190, according to the annual sta- tistical report published from official sources by Jordan Sons. Ltd. The total capital of the combined com- panies amounted to $47,013,355. Business Improves at Hull Hull. Quebec — Business has pick- ed up to such an extent here that the Eden has been reopened. There are three theaters in Hull, the Lau- rier, Capitol and Eden, all of which are owned by Donat Paquin. For some months only the Laurier and Capitol had been operated. Ferry Sells Akron House Akron, O. — A. Ferry has sold his Columbia to A. Ward of Cleveland. Ferry states that he will re-enter the theater business in the fall. 18 Sunday, February 10, 1929 Victor McLaglen in "Captain Lash" Fox Length: Si/%.-5453 ft. Si7ewf-5376 ft. HAS THE POPULAR STUFF TO SEND IT IN AS A WINNER. McLAGLEN SCORES HEAVY AS STOKER WITH A YEN FOR STRANGE DAMES. Cast. .. .Victor McLaglen makes it his picture with fascinating he-man role that women will rave over. Claire Windsor gets by as the blonde siren. Jane Winton better in smaller bit. Clyde Cook nice foil for Mc- Laglen with comedy buddy role. Others Arthur Stone, Albert Conti. Story and Production Comedy drama of the sailors and seaports. Filled with the paprika of pep, sex and comedy, with a lot of rough he- man stuff thrown in for good mea- sure. John Blystone directed with a fine sense of entertainment values, and this is one of those rare pictures that carries an almost universal ap- peal. It won't burn up any records, perhaps, but it's a sweet baby for any box office at that. McLaglen as the captain of the stokers on a vessel making Singapore gets entangled with a first cabin dame who has gypped a man out of some rubies. Mac takes the stones ashore for her, believing his errand and the gal perfectly in- nocent. The fun comes when he finds he has thrown over his true sweetie for a crooked girl. Sound effects. Direction, John Blystone, excellent; Authors, Daniel Tomlinson, Laura Hasse; Scenario, John Stone; Editor, Jas. K. McGinness; Titles, Malcolm Stuart Boylan; Photography, Conrad I Wells, very good. "The Doctors Secret" Paranwimt Length: 5832 ft. PADDING OUT A SOUND SHORT TO FEATURE LENGTH RESULTS IN ACTIONLESS DRAMA, SLOW AND HEAVY. RUTH CHATTERTON THE ONE BRIGHT SPOT. Cast.... Miss Chatterton jumps to the top of the class for talking screen stars. Her voice is perfect, she screens well, and knows her acting angles. H. B. Warner does little as the unwanted husband. Robert Ed- eson fair as the doctor. Others John Loder, Wilfred Noy, Ethel Wales, Nancy Price, Frank Finch-Smiles. Story and Production .... Drama of English life. From James Barrie's stage play "Half an Hour." Ruth Chatterton does exceptional work throughout, and if this had been made as a sound short it would have been a knockout. As a stage offering it was a dramatic sketch built to run one-half hour with the action and con- versation timed perfectly to synchron- ize with the hands of the clock mov- ing from 7.30 to 8 on the evening of the fateful day. Padding it out to feature length, the action stands still, and long stretches are given over to two people standing cross-firing at each other. All-talker. Direction, William C. de Mille, heavy; Author, James M. Barrie; Scenario, Wm. de Mille; Editor, Merrill White; Titles, Not listed; Photography, J. Roy Hunt, good. Reginald Denny in "Red Hot Speed" Universal Length: Silent 6288 ft. Syn. 6621 ft. ALL THE SPEED IS IN THE TITLE. A LOT OF FLAT SPOKEN DIALOGUE SLOWS EVERYTHING UP. DENNY FUNNY IN SPOTS. Cast. ... Reginald Denny proves to have a nice speaking voice and his comedy antics pep up a weak story. Alice Day pleasing to the eye. Others Charles Byer, Thomas Ricketts, De Witt Jannings, Fritzi Ridgeway, Hec- tor V. Sarno. Story and Production Farce comedy. This is done in the typical Denny vein of broad farce, and as a rule the star is away ahead of his material. He at least succeeds in being entertaining, and at such times as the situations permit, quite funny. But there are only occasional spots where the comedy break spontaneous- ly, and more often it is very forced and artificial. But that is due to a mechanical plot. Denny as the dis- trict attorney is given the parole of a girl for speeding and braking traffic rules. The girl has exercised her poor driving on Denny's car, so he resolves to be severe with her. But she turns out to be the daughter of a newspaper publisher who with Denny is trying to stop reckless driv- ing. Some good farcical mixups at the end help a lot. Direction, Joseph Henabery, fair; Author, Gladys Lehman; Scenario, Gladys Lehman and Matt Taylor; Editors, Ray Curtiss and Jack Eng- lish; Titles, Albert De Mond; Photog- raphy, Arthur Todd, okay. Don Coleman in "45 Calibre War" Pathe Length: 4790 ft. RATES ORDINARY WITH VERY MECHANICAL STORY OF LAND-GRABBERS AND A LOT OF REPETITIOUS AC- TION AND A VERY MELLER FIRE SCENE. Cast.... Don Coleman is just an- other western hero with nothing to distinguish him from the mob. Jea- nette Loff (he girl. Others Ben Cor- bett, Al Hart, Edward Jones, Duke R. Lee, Ployd Ames, Murdock Mac- Quarric, Orrin Jackson. Story and F>roduction Western melodrama. The trouble with this feature is that story, direction and acting are all of the mechanical va- riety. Added to this is a very re- petitious story with a lot of action in the latter reels very similar to ac- tion in the earlier reels. Another fault is that the gang of land gr;ib- bers and the crowd of ranch owners are not sufficiently contrasted so that half the time you don't know wliich is which. Outside of that, it's just the usual rubber stamp western. Hero arrives in time to find a mys- terious gang forcing the ranch own- ers to give up their titles through fear of being ambushed and mur- dered. The footage is devoted to showing hew the hero outwits the gang and keeps them from getting the titles. Direction, Leo Maloney, poor; Au- thor, Ford I. Beebe; Scenario, the same; Editor, Joe Kane; Titles, Ford I. Beebe; Photography, Edward A. Kull, fair. "Shadows of the Night" M-G-M Length: 5448 ft. UNDERWORLD YARN CAR- RIES GOOD ACTION WITH UNUSUALLY CLEVER WORK BY "FLASH," DOG STAR. WILL PLEASE THE THRILL FANS. Cast. .. .Lawrence Gray is passable as the hero, but Warner Richmond as the head of the gangsters does the best work. Others Louise Lorraine, Tom Dugan, Alphonse Ethier, Polly Moran, Flash the dog. Story and Production Under- world meller. It follows the usual formula with the dog Flash being used in a very intelligent way to ad- vance the story interest. The direc- tor is Ross Lederman, who handled the Rin-Tin-Tin features. He knows, his dog stuff. In fact, the work of the canine is about the most interest- ing thing in the offering. The story is that of the young newspaper re- porter working with the police sergeant to run the Feagan gang out of town. The gangster kills a cop by mistake for the sergeant, and then it is time for the showdown. The climax is snappy, with a lot of sus- pense and action. The crook tries to make his getaway in a hearse but the reporter and cops get him. Direction, D. Ross Lederman, smooth; Author, Ted Shane; Scenario, D. Ross Lederman; Editor, Dan Sharits; Titles, Robert Hopkins; Photography, Maximilian Fabian, good. "Just Off Broadway" Chesterfield Length: 6300 ft. PEPPY UNDERWORLD STORY OF FEUD BETWEEN TWO BOOTLEGGERS CARRIES A KICK FOR THE CROWD. GOOD NUMBER FOR SMALL HOUSES. Cast.... The principal players are Donald Keith, Ann Christy and Larry Steers, and they make a good im- l^ression in their various roles. Others De Sacia Mooers, Jack Tanner, Syd Saylor, Beryl Roberts, Albert Dres- den. Story and Production Under- world drama. This one follows the outline of the underworld features put out by the big companies, and a very good job has been done on it. Director Frank O'Comior is to be commended for some unusually well done bits that lend a lot of class to the story. For instance, in the scene where one bootlegging gang get the leader of another, the events leading up to the shooting from a neighbor- ing housetop and the actual killing are handled with an original twist and always the unexpected happens. This directional quality is noticeable throughout and lifts a commonplace story into something of real enter- tainment value. The hero's brother is the bootlegger killed by his rival, and the story shows how the younger brother got his man. Direction, Frank O'Connor, orig- inal; Author, Faimy D'Morgal; Sce- nario, Arthur Hoerl; Editor, James Sweeney; Titles, Arthur Hoerl; Pho- tography, M. A. Andersen. "Little Wild Girl" Trinity Prod. Length: 5300 ft. A MESSY WASTE OF FILM THAT WANDERS EVERY- WHERE AND GETS NOWHERE. AMATEURISH STORY, DIREC- TION AND ACTING. Cast. . . .Lila Lee does not show to advantage and makes little impression. Cullen Landis shows some class, but •s sunk in th sappy story. Others Frank Merrill, Sheldon Lewis, Boris Karloff, Bud Shaw, Cyclone, the dog. Story and Production. . . Melodrama of the North Woods. One of those seemingly endless films that keeps wandering around as if it had mis- laid its plot and was in hopes of finding it any moment in the next reel. Nothing clear cut about the motives or action — simply no excuse for shooting it at all. The gal is seen in a cabin in the Canadian vil- lage. A playwright and a composer come up from Montreal on vacation, and fall in love with her. She al- ready has a village boy for her sweetie. The Northwest Mounted guy also loves her. Then comes a big forest fire, the hero is crippled, and the gal becomes a stage head- liner in Montreal overnight. So it goes, wandering along and getting nowhere. The composer kills the playwright, and the hero gets the gal at last. But who cares? Direction, Frank Mattison, poor; Author, Putnam Hoover; Scenario, Cecil B. Hill; Editor, Minnie Step- pier; Titles, Gordon Kalem; Photog- raphy, Jules Cronjager, spotty. Tim MkCoy in "Morgan's Last Raid" M-G-M Length: 5254 ft. A FAIR YARN OF CIVIL WAR DAYS, WITH TIM McCOY DO- ING HIS USUAL STUNTS IN AN ATMOSPHERE 'OF RO- MANCE AND WAR. Cast.... Tim McCoy as a member of Morgan's famous raiders gets a chance to do some fancy riding and a few thrill stunts. Dorothy Sebas- tian pleasing as the girl. Story and Production. .. .Drama of the Civil War. Tiie theme cen- ters arouPid the historical activities of General Morgan, the Southern leader, and his raiders. Tim McCoy in love with the Northern girl, joins up with Morgan's crowd when his state, Tennessee, secedes. This makes him a traitor in the eyes of the girl, but she still loves him. The plot hinges on the efforts of Tim's riv.il to discredit him. The climax is quite a hummer, with Morgan's raiders out to destroy a Federal ar- senal. Through the deviltry of the rival the girl is imprisoned in the arsenal and it is about to be blown up. This gives McCoy a chance to do some of his stunts, and the pic- ture finishes with some thrills that are very meller. It will get by with the thrill fans, but shows nothing oiil of the ordinary. Direction, Nick Grinde, fair; Au- thors, Madeline Ruthven, Ross Wil- lis; Scenarist, Bradley King; Editor, Wm. Le Vanway; Titles, Harry Baxter; Photography, Arthur Reed, okay. THE Sunday, February 10, 1929 ■^t!k DAILV 19 Short Subjects SOUND "Whirls and Girls" Sennett — Educational .1 Wow \'\\tc of production. .. .2 reel comedy Mack Sennett lias Rone and done it again. In this lauRhology he sets ^uch a fast and dizzy laugh-pace that the other boys have got to go some to stay in the same division. High praise? Yes, and there's a reason. We went in sick and dejected and forlorn, all choked up with a cold in the head, and we came out of the projection room as good as cured. We laughed so much we sneezed the darn cold right out of our bean. Harry Gribbon is the dizzy nut dressed up like a million dollars and acting that way. Andy Clyde is the henpecked husband who believes the nut is what he claims to be. So Andy chucks up a perfectly good job to take a posi- tion with the goofy one. And from there on it's just one belly-laughs after another. They land at the sea- shore with the bathing beauties, and never have the bathing cuties acted as pretty background for more liiiarious and side-splitting fun. You'll laugh vourseif goofy, even with your land- lord or mother-in-law alongside Story and dialog by John A. Waldron, and directed by Mack Sennett in per- son. You can't afford to pass this up. And if the salesman tells you this is worth a dozen ordinary com- edies, he's not exaggerating — for once. RCA Photophone. Anna Chang and Hatsu Kuma in "Two Little Chinese Maids" Paramount Movietone Artistic Type of production. .. .novelty vocal skit Opens with a street scene in China- town, with Hatsu Kuma singing to a Chinese boy beneath the window. The melody she sings is from "East Is West," and it is well done. Then the spot switches to Anna Chang in the street, who is shown as the rival for the boy's affections. She sings several popular American songs, and this novelty carries a punch and should send it over strong. Both voices pleasing, and scenic background helps a lot. Time, 8 mins. "The Old Bam" Sennett — Educational Good Slapstick Type of production. .. .2 reel comedy Johnny Burke is ably assisted by Andy Clyde in furnishing the laughs in this concoction of thrills, mystery and comedy. The scene is a country hotel, with Johnny acting as the hired man and Andy as the sheriff. Word comes over the radio of a desperate criminal at large in the neighborhood. Then a series of things happen to scare the wits out of everybody, and they all go to the barn to check up on a clue to the criminal. The thrills and the chuckles are nicely balanced, and with the clever work of Burke ;ind C lyde it scores easily as a laugh number well above the average. Di- rected by Mack Sennett. Synchron- ized bv RCA Photophone. Smith & Dale in "The False Alarm Fire Company" Paramount Movietone Good Laughs Type of production. . . .comedy sketch "This is adapted from an old vaude- ville sketch, and carries a lot of broad comedy that is surefire for the laughs. Joe Smith and Charlie Dale are the comedy firemen. They are playing cards in the fire house as an alarm comes in. The phone is ringing and the answers for the frantic pleas for help carry a good percentage of the laughs. Then the owner of the house appears frantically begging them to save his property. This is followed by a bit where a girl comes in and begs for protection from burglars. This is good pop stuff that will click eailv. Time, 8 mins. "Ask Dad" Coronet — Educational Class Comedy fvue of production. .. .2 reel comedy A personal triumph for Edward Everett Horton, who shows a high brand of artistry that marks this as just about the classiest comedy of the season. Joseph A. Jackson wrote the skit and the dialog and did a remark- ably fine job. The beauty of it is that it is not so classy as to be subtle. Even the ordinary crowd that feeds on pure slapstick can appreciate this, for Horton is so darn human and the spoken lines arc simple and very un- derstaiulal)lc in the humor they carry with an awful wallop. Horton is a rather excitable business man with a very pleasing secretary. His son comes home from college and makes love to the secretary with beautiful lines of poetry. The way dad slowly awakens to the fact that he loves the girl, too, is altogether delicious and exceedingly funny. The art of this bird Horton is of such a fine quality that it must be seen in person to be fully appreciated. Ruth Renick as the secretary and Winston Miller as the son complete a pejrfect cast of three. A natural that will score wherever (ilks enjoy fine comedy. Western Electric recording. SILENT "Wooden Money" Fables — Pathe Jazzy Type of production..! reel animated Milton Mouse and his sweetie get mixed up with Al Falfa who is hav- ing a lot of trouble fixing his house. He finally manages to sell it to a couple of saps, as he thinks, and beats it with the bag of money. But on opening the latter it proves to be full of mice. From here on it is a mice nightmare, with old Al trying to dodge the pests and at the same time capture the two who stuck him on the sale. "Question Marks" Hodge Podge — Educational Variety Type of production....! reel scenic "This number presents various un- {Continued on Page 20) Presentations By HERBERT S. BERG\ DAVE GOULD STAGES A PARAMOUNT "VANITIES" Gene Rodemich is still the m.c. at the Paramount, and seems to be do- ing very well. He led the stage band through one of those quarrel num- bers where the various members all walk off in a huff, leaving Gene alone with the trap drummer. Old stuff, l)Ut it got a big hand just the same. The show was Dave Gould's "Van- ities of 1929," with Johnny Perkins and the Six Lucky Boys leading in the fun. Cunningham and Clements uncorked some good adagio work. Perkins was the comedy highlight, and finished with "That Old Ciang," and in spite of its being sung every- where, managed to make it sound fairlv novel. The Risley Sextet did some fast acrol)atics. with some nifty tosses and whirls. The Gould (jirls lent color and did some nice routine work, espe- cially in a fan number that was beau- tifully staged. There was a novelty finale with an immense stairway stretching clear across the stage being lowered from the grid, and folded back to cover the band. While the band continued playing, the girls were draped on the stairway for the final flash. Very effective. Dave Rubinoff led, the orchestra and did a violin number, "Dance Tzigane," with the orchestral feature being "Hungarian Sketches." CtiESTER HALE REGISTERS AS CAPITOL PRODUCER Chester Hale, famed as trainer of chorus girls, tries his hand at pro- duction in this week's Capitol show, with good success. The presenta- tion, titled "Dominoes," is a well staged production of singing, danc- ing and clowning, built around the Capitolians, stage band, Dave School- er, house master of ceremonies, and the 40 Chester Hale Girls. .Against a box of domino setting, effective in the extreme. Schooler does a novelty dance number, aided and abetted by the band, which clicks with a number of individual members standing out, as they cl.iwn the novelty song turn. Billed as a surprise act, Miio got over well, with a feminine voice im- personation, and imitations covering a wide range of birds, annuals and Standard VAUDEVILLE for Motion Picture Pre«eDtatioB The FALLY MARKUS VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Laokaj^noa 7876 153 1 BBOJ INDEPENDENTS' PROSPECTS SEEN BRIGHT FOR 1929-30 SEASON kCmWUMSIUDIO IN II. t. WEHS m Gramercy Studios of RCA-Pho- tophone have been completed in buildings extending from 24th to 25th Sts., near Lexington Ave., New York. Opening is scheduled at an early date, with time now being booked. The main stage is 160 feet long and 70 feet wide, with a smaller stage, about half as large, provided for shorts. All recording and pro- jecting equipment will be mobile, housed in wheeled sound - proof booths. A synchronizing laboratory also is included. Be There The A M P A Hollywood Masque Ball to be held in New York March 2, promises to be one of the most colorful social functions in recent film history. Arrangements call for a novel program of entertainment, which promises to muster a record turn-out. The annual AMPA party is an industry in- stitution, which deserves en- couragement and support. KANN McAloon Is Named Ass't to Phil Reisman at Pathe J. F. McAloon has been appointed assistant to Phil Reisman, general sales manager of Pathe, Inc. Edward W. Ballentine has been appointed in charge of physical operations, suc- ceeding McAloon. L. S. Kaiskern has been appointed to handle special sales work nationally. Trade Comm., Named to Succeeds Myers, in OflBce Washmgton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Col. Charles H. March, named to succeed Abram F. Myers on the Federal Trade Com- mission, has entered upon his new duties. riLM EXPORTS IN 1928 SHOW GENERAL NCREASE Reduction in importation of Amer- ican pictures by the majority of for- eign countries in the past year is shown in an analysis prepared by N. D. Golden, assistant chief of the Mo- tion Pictures Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce. A decrease of 10,082,297 linear feet from exports of 1927 is shown for last year. Dur- ing 1928 there were 222,121,586 linear feet of positive and negative film ex- ported as compared with 232,104,883 in 1927. Latin America still remains as our biggest consumer from a quantity standpoint. Europe is sec- ond, and is still our best revenue producing market. Unwired Houses Must Look to Independents for Picture Supply Spirited competition in sales, which will be intensified with start of the new season, promises to be a boon for the independents. Advent of sound has changed selling in the in- dustry, for exhibitors are no longer buying entirely on precedent, but are shopping instead to obtain the best the market affords. The major companies for 1929-30 will concentrate on talking pictures, demand for which is engulfing pro- duction plans. This means that un- wired houses in their search for quality product must depend to great extent upon independent companies. In talking programs, provisions are being made for production of silent versions of some of the talkers. However, unless these pictures are {Continued on page 8) Ohio Papers Back Fight Against Sound Censoring Columbus — Ohio newspapers, ap- pealed to by P. J. Wood, manager of the state exhibitor unit, are declared backing the industry's fight against extension of censors' power to in- clude jurisdiction over dialogue in films. **U*' Launching Sound News; International' Warner Deal ? Universal will launch its own sound newsreel in fall to be known as Universal Movietone News. Daily release schedules, color and other innovations are planned. Sam B. Jacobson, erstwhile publicity head on the Coast, is to be in charge of the venture. "The Talk of the World" will be slogan of the newsreel. Ex- ecutive staff includes: Harry Mack, as assistant; Harold Lewis, as sound expert with Howard Dillinger as as- sistant, and Herman Obrock as chief cameraman. No deal has as yet been made for distribution of International Newsreel, following expiration of the Hearst contract with Universal in October, although report is current that a deal with Warners was pend- ing. No confirmation of this report is obtainable, although THE FILM DAILY some time ago learned that Universal and Educational would not get together and that a deal with Warners was pending. This was denied at the time, however. H. M. Addison Named Gen*l Comerford Representative Buffalo — H. M. .Addison, who has managed the Great Lakes here since its opening two years ago, has been named general representative of Comerford Theaters. Special as- signments are to take Addison to various sections of the country for the circuit. Brin-Community Deal Is Again Reported, Denied Madison, Wis. — On or off? This city still is seeking to know, in con- nection with the reported sale of L. K. Brin theaters outside Milwaukee to Community Theaters. Brin says there is nothing to the report, de- spite the fact that Hal G. Olson, publicity manager for Community, recently declared the deal was set. z^n DAILY Monday, February 11, 1929 Vol. XLVII Nt. 35 Monday, Feb. 11, 1929 PrieiSCoDts JOHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and FUm Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $j.OO. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York. N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin— Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues. 19. Financial (Quotations as of February 8) STOCK MARKET High Low Cloae Sales Am. .Seat lA'A 34 34 300 (X)n. Fm. Ind. pfd. 27 26^ 27 700 East. Kodak 185 182'4 184J4 300 *do pfd Ii8 •First Nat. pfd 105^ Fox Fm. "A" ... 91 Ji SSVi iJyi 9,300 'do rts 3 .... Keith A-0 37J4 36J4 3654 300 do pfd 117J4 114 ma 300 Loew's Inc 73^^ 70?i 71 do pfd 107}^ 106 WTVi 200 *MG-M pfd 285i *M. P. Cap 18 Para. FL 62 ^ 60 60 }4 22,800 Pathe Exch 11^ 10}4 \VA 7,800 do "A" 24 2iy-, 23/j 700 Radio K-A-O 38Ji 37 37 11,400 Stanley Co. 40 40 40 500 •Univ. Pict. pfd 9854 Warner Bros 125 121 121^4 18,200 do pfd 55 5354 5354 4,300 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... XZYi W/g UH 2,400 •Bal. & Katz 81 Con Fra. Ind. ... 24 22J4 23 5,100 •Film Insp IH Fox Thea. "A" .. 31f< 30 30}4 4,000 Intern. Proj 20 18 19 1,600 Loew do deb. rts. 34 34 34 100 Nat. Scr. Ser. ... 28 28 28 200 Nat. Thea. Sup.... 9H 9H 9Vs 100 Trans-Li.x 11}4 11 1154 10,000 •Univ. Pict 185^ Warner Pet. rts... 4J4 4 454 33,300 BOND MARKET Keith AG 6s 46 . Si'A 9354 935^ 1 I-oew 6s 41ww ...118^4 118^4 118J4 1 do 6s 41 x-war... 9954 9954 99}4 1 Paramount 6s 47 . 99J4 99^4 99J4 1 Par. By. 5^s 51.102 102 102 1 Pathe 7s 37 .... 80 79?4 79J4 6 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 .. 97 97 97 1 •Warner 654s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 31 33 do units 33 36 do com 454 554 Skouras Bros 50 54 Technicolor 12}4 13 United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com. 2 , do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED The Broadway Parade THE only change this week among the long runs is the replacement of "Red Hot Speed" at the Colony by "Simba." Next Friday evening "The Redeeming Sin," with Dolores Costello, will replace "My Man" at Warners. Other runs: Picture Distributor Theater Opening Date "The Singing Fool" Warners Winter Garden. . . .Sept. 19 "The River" Fox Gaiety Dec. 22 "The Bellamy Trial" M-G-M Embassy Jan. 23 "Weary River" First National .... Central Jan. 24 "Redskin" Paramount Criterion Jan. 26 "Sins of the Fathers". . .Paramount Rivoli Jan. 26 "Wolf of Wall Street" . .Paramount Rialto Jan. 26 "Broadway Melody" M-G-M Colony Feb. 8 "Simba" Martin Johnson. . Astor Feb. 9 The Industry's Date Book Feb. 15 Universal Club Dance, Hotel As- tor, New York. Mar. 2 AMPA Hollywood Masque Ball in New York. Apr. 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn- sylvania Exhibitor Unit. i Theater Building Program for Hollywood Planned IV est Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood ■ — A theater building program is in prospect here, with announcement that plans for the new Pantages at Hollywood Blvd. and Argyle Ave. have been completed. Work will start this month. It will cost $2,500,000, consisting of a 13- story office building and theater. Seating capacity, 3500. The Bartleet Syndicate Building Corp. is the builder, and M. B. Pretice the arch- itect. This announcement along with the proposed new Warner the- ater to be built adjoining their pres- ent structure, and a Fox house being planned are part of the program here. Bond Issue for Texas House Dallas, Tex. — Bond issue of $750,- 000 on the Melba theater and office building will be underwritten by S. W. Straus & Co. The property is leased by Southern Enterprises, Inc. Improve Tacoma Theater Tacoma, Wash. — Work on the new balcony loge section and redecorat- ing of the interior of the Rialto is under way. 72 Cases Brought Under Child Law at Quebec Montreal — Statistics of the Re- corders Court at Montreal for 1928 show that picture theater managers or proprietors were prosecuted in 72 instances for alleged violations under the provincial law forbidding admis- sion of any person under 16 from at- tending a theater where pictures are presented. No convictions were reg- istered, however, because the consti- tutionality of the law has been chal- lenged. Aside from these alleged of- fenses, which have been placed in the category of test cases, the only black marks against Montreal exhib- itors during the whole year were 14 minor prosecutions for amusement tax offenses. Fire Destroys Madison, Me. — destruction of the St. The building W. Hamilton of building loss was ard Smiley, who ater, lost $10,000 i Maine House Fire caused total Pastime on Main was owned by E. Lewiston. The $5,000, and How- operated the the- n equipment. Homan Buys Wash. House Olympia, Wash. — Gil Homan and Frederic Flahaut, has purchased the Avalon here from Rolla Duncan. RCA Photophone in China Thei Embassy theater in Shanghai launched a sound policy on Saturday with RCA Photophone, according to officials of the latter company who added this was the first installation to be made in China. The house is operated by the Hertzberg-Peacock Enterprises. Dietz Leaves for Coast Howard Dietz, director of adver- tising and publicity for M-G-M, left for Hollywood studio to confer with studio officials. Confer with Joe Brandt ^ Abe Montague and Joseph Mc- Conville, of Independent Films, Co- lumbia's franchise holders in Boston and New Haven, were in New York last week to confer with Joe Brandt, president of the company on the completed talker productions and the remainder of the season's releases. Cornell Theaters Get 3 Ithaca, N. Y.— Cornell Theaters, of Elmira has acquired all capit^ stock of the Crescent, Strand ani Lyceum here, involving approxima tely $1,000,000, it is reported. The capital! stock of the houses were purcjiased from the Ithaca Theater Co. and Lyceum Theater Corp. Publix Gets Lowell Strand Lowell, Mass. — The Strand, herfe has passed into the hands of Pul lix Theater Corporation, who alsi. control the New Rialto and Merri4 mac Square. The house formerly! was owned by A. Rosenberg of Ne* York. % Publix Gets Worcester House Worcester, Mass. — The Capito| seating 2,000, has been taken ovej by Publix. This is the only Publix Paramount house owned in this Vj cinity with nearest Publix at Bof ton. Photophone for Fitchburg Fitchburg, Mass. — The Fitchburg seating 2,000, has been equipped with RCA-Photophone sound equips ment. Next Dix Vehicle Set "The Wheel of Life," stage play by James Bernard Fagan, is to be Richard Dix's next vehicle, to be filmed as a talker and in silent form, as soon as Dix returns to the Coast from New York. John Farrow is preparing the script. Drennan at Fox St. Louis St. Louis — Leland Drennan vocalist, has signed a contract witli the new $5,000,000 Fox house here I PATENT AND PROTECT I YOUR INVENTIONS I They May Prove Valuable I For Expert Service and Prompt J Attention Address 1 LESTER R. SARGENT I Registered Patent Attorney I 1115 K. St., N. W., Washington, D.C. Invites Patrons Backstage Boston— Patrons of the B. F. Keith Memorial here are invited by the management to visit the back stage of theater and gain first hand impression of life behind the scenes. TIFFANY- STAHL PRODUCTIONS, INC. Announce That they have in the course of production four motion picture productioni entitled: ''NOBODY'S GIRL'' ''TWO GIRLS AND A MAN" "T/^o WOMEN AND A MAN" "INDECENT" ALL RIQHT^ PROTECTED |!f^^M!f^j TALK and SOUND TRAILERS Thrill and Entertain as well as SELL Synchrooized Attractions To Patrons of "Wired" Theatres K-^^:^Jj;i.iJ:;'i[. 3 Broadway^s Talking Sensation! Bert Lytell — now playing to crowded houses in the big stage hit — "Brothers" — following his Phenomenally Successful tour of the Keith-Orpheum Vaudeville circuit during which he was Acclaimed by Thousands of Picture Fans! Has the greatest screen role of his career in the " Lone Wolfs Daughter " A Columbia Talking Picture produced with Tense Dramatic Dialogue Marvelous Music Score Great cast, a highly dramatic story and perfect voice reproduction make this thrilling melodrama A Box-Office Attraction of Great Audience Appeal! Get in touch with your Columbia Exchange and you'll learn why Leading Sho^wmen Are Booking It on Sight! all-talking. They won't need eyes at all to thrill at this startling story of the Frisco docks ai? death ship. A beautiful girl and her rival lovers; the gristly midnight fog throui fiend launches silent, invincible death bolts; a scared-to-death stuttering valet « the hissing creeping black waters that carry the ship and its frantic freight down-bay until — Recreating, improving its original, the Broadway stage hit "Fog" by John Willard, author of "The Gat and the Canary." WESTERN ELECTI SYSTEM k BOTH FILM AND Dl The First International Talking Film Produced in Hollywood by British and Dominions Films, Ltd. 1 rly March Release Larrabee's ilh an unseen 3CTiedy relief; The cast includes: James Kirkwood Robert Ames John Loder Mary Brian Hallam Cooley Lloyd Hamilton Frank Reicher Ben Hendricks Noble Johnson Physical Distribution thru Educational Tune in every Tuesday night RKORadioHou Biggest thing or the air 1 / r ^W^^. 'Am H Cf ENNSYLVANIAHS m MAMMOTH SCREEN IXTRAVAGANZA \ "-'^ LiA t a,n?6 ■ \\.i^ o^* RKO DISTRIBUTING CORPORATION xj .'-^ifi^/L'' 1 1 S>] 1 K 1 > I I Completely Revolutionizes Modern Exploitation Methods . . . and Assumes FIRST PLACE in PRACTICAL . . , SEAT^ SELLING SHOWMANSHIP! JllUhvaysBelnlDvel FULL POWER OF VICTOR TALKING MACHINE AND NATIONAL BROADCASTING COMPANIES SOLIDLY BE^ HIND FIRST GREAT RADIO ATTRACTION! I — Tie-up with Victor organization. 8,500 crack dealers in nation's biggest cities ready to join ivith YOU in old' fashioned clean'Upl All hit numbers already recorded; 500,000 car cards; special "Syncopation" heralds; and flash onC'sheets for window displays. 2 — Weekly RKO National Broadcasting Co. radio programs . . . every Tuesday night . . . blanketing the nation . . . reaching the homes of 40,000,000 persons with song smashes from "Syncopation." Now begins the new and amazing era of Electrical Entertainment . . . Harnessing in its Ear-flung Empire the Mighty Forces of Science, Art and Industry! RADIO CHORUS OF SONG HITS BEGINS ALL FEA- TURED IN SYNCOPATION. "I'll Always Be In Love With You" "Jericho" "Do Something" "Mine Alone" "My Insffiration Is Yow" "Tin Pan Parade" "Siveet Mystery of Life" "Love Tales of Alsace- Lorraine" "Hoiv About Me" "Mary" "Tiger Rag" With Morton Downey, Osgood Perkins, Barbara Bennett, Bobby Watson and 100 others! Story and Dialogue by THE ■<&^ DAILV Monday, February 11, 1929 Coast Wire Service Hollywood Happenings Keith Weeks Succeeds Jackson at Movietone Following resignation of Ben Jack- son as head of Fox Movietone and David Thompson as studio manager, Keith Weeks has been appointed as Jackson's successor. Mack Talker Titled "Voice of the City" has been selected as final title for Willard Mack's all-talker for M-G-M. This is an original story written by Mack. In addition to directing the play- wright is appearing in the leading male role. He will next direct Nor- ma Shearer in another M-G-M all- talking film, "A Free Soul." Noah Beery Cast in "Careers" Noah Beery has been added to the cast of "Careers," starring Billie Dove, recently placed in production for First National. It is based on the German book. The cast includes Antonio Moreno, Robert Frazer and Thelma Todd. Four Roadshows Planned Four roadshows are planned by RKO this season, the first being "Rio RiT JEMIMA ringing the songs thai maflr Ihrm faraoua and the "Plantation Singen" A HARRY POLLARD PRODUCTION Movielone Direction by H«rr> Pullard and \rch llralfa :w^ YEADBOOlt 1929 ^^?^^^ i A New Publishing Achievement The 1929 Film Daily Year Book Supreme in the field OW.Y'iai YEARBooit 1929 i A GOOD COOK IS A. SHOW^MAN HE has to pick the right ingredients, mix them in the proper proportions, and serve them in an inviting, appetizing way. That, in a few words, is every showman's task. Would you consider a dinner complete without a dessert? Of course, not! And what that dessert is to the dinner, a little of **Big Boy's" delicious comedy is to your entertainment menu. There's sweet profit for your box-office,too,in "Big ^^^^ Boy's" unbound' "THE FIXER" ^^^^^^^^ ed popularity. Domestic mix-ups that will fix up the laugh part of any program. *TOLLOW TEACHER" School day fun with all the pranks you dreamed of but didn't dare to pull. "COME TO PAPA" "Educational's gifted young star ... in what is easily one of his best comedies to date." — M. P. News r-^/'^ %•."/ ^M Juvenile -COMEDIES- Jack White Productions EDUCATIONAL FILM EXCHANGES, Inc. E. W. HAMMONS, President f _ \ Member, Motion Picture Producers and Distribu- tors of America, Inc., W. H. Hays, Pruidmt •THE SPICE OFTHE PROGRAM" Bl m Warners Plan New House on Site of N. Y. Strand iTHE ;^^ NEWSPAPER o/ FILMDOM ANDWEEKLY FILM DIGEST VOL. XLVII No. 40 Sunday, February 17, 1929 Price 25 Cents UNIONIZING or STUDIOS IN EAST UNDER WAY Extensive unionizing of eastern studios is under way with forma- tion of M. P. Laboratory Technicians, the Cinema Cosmeticians and Assist- ant Directors' Assn. The former has a membership of 160 and is affiHated with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes and M. P. Machine operators, while the latter has about 30 members and is affiliated directly with the American Feder- ation of Labor. Francis E. Ziesse, business representative of the Inter- national Photographers of the M. P. Industries, helped organize the two new organizations. Contracts of Cameramen in East is Renewed Contract of cameramen in eastern studios has been renewed, states Francis E. Ziesse, business represen- tative of the International Photog- raphers of the M. P. Industries. Un- der the new scale, the first camera- man gets S250 weekly; second cam- eraman $150; assistants $60 and still cameramen §100. Fox Movietone Signs 8 Authors, 3 Directors Eleven authors and directors have been signed for Fox Movietone. They include eight authors and playwrights, and three directors. Authors are: George Middleton, President of the Dramatists Guild of the Authors League of America; Zoe Akins, John Hunter Booth, Clare Kummer, Gil- bert Emery, George Brooks, Eliot Lester and Samuel K. Lawren. The three directors are: Lester Lonergan, Campbell Gullan and Frank Merlin. Arkansas Firm Will Headquarter at Memphis Memphis — Arkansas Amusement Enterprises, owners and operators of 18 theaters in Arkansas, will estab- lish new headquarters in Memphis. Opening of the office here will mark its removal from El Dorado, where it has been since its establishment. M. A. Lightman, president, who is also president of the M.P.T.O. of Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee, probably will move to Memphis to tsjke charge as will M. Si. McCord, bis principal associate. New B'way House Plans are under way by Warners for the building of a theater as part of a skyscraper project on Broadway extending almost the entire block from 47th to 48th St., taking in the site of the present Strand, New York, which Warners own- While he admits the deal is planned, Albert Warner is quoted as saying in his opinion the Strand will not be razed within the next year. Warners Again Reported Building at Cleveland Cleveland— Purchase of the Con- tinental Lithograph Co., by Warners, is but the forerunner of the new Cleveland house planned by the com- pany, it is stated here. Fox recently announced a $6,000,000 theater project for Cleveland. Shapiro Joining Fox with Headquarters at Coast Victor M. Shapiro, who resigned last week as advertising and pub- hcity director of United Artists, has signed a contract as a Fox executive, with headquarters at Hollywood, where he will go late this month to work out publicity plans with Glen- don Alvine, Fox publicity and adver- tising director. Shapiro has been in the industry 12 years, serving with Vitagraph, Pathe, Samuel Goldwyn (.Continued on Page 2) QUALITY FILM SHORTAGE FEAR HELD UNFOUNDED T TALKER MINIMUM, 4 "SUPERS" 20 JEWELS Four pictures termed by the com- pany as sound-supers and a minimum of 20 talkers of Jewel quality tenta- tively are scheduled by Universal for 1929-30 release. The list is headed by "Show Boat," "Broadway," and Paul Whiteman in "The King of Jazz" and "The Minstrel Show," star- ring Eddie Leonard. The company plans about 65 features, souni'ent product must continue with- nit abatement. This problem, from many angles, is as vital as is the need to meet the public demand for ind. Let it not be forgotten! . . . Tired Mr. Schenck Tuesday: Sore in throat as a re- sult of the removal of his tonsils uid sore in mind, w-e imagine, Nick ^-chenck again enters the record vviih a complete denial that the Locw company is for sale, whether I Fox, RKO, Warners or anybodj Uc. Said he: "Loew's and M-G-M are not tor sale. You cannot make the statement too strong. These sales reports circulated by out- siders are getting rather tire- some." Vet in the minds of many in the rade the impression prevails that ne sort of a deal is on. This, de- ite that again Schenck olticially and weepingly denies. . . . The Western front. Publix and < and lines that are drawn more .irply . Half a million, more or iss, will be spent adding a three itter word to the electric signs on ill West Coast Theaters. F-o-x is lie word. When Publix took back he Metropolitan in Los Angeles, its iionicker was changed to Pai amount. A'est Coast Theaters is as good a lame as any, but Fox's West Coast Theaters is that much better. Do on get it? . . . More headlines that tell their ■tory only too well: Two censor "ills now pending in Ohio. Censor >ill proposed as tax club in Michi- :an. Now if Charley Pettijohn could k-velop an astral body everything vould be lots easier. . . . All Scrambled Up Wednesday: They simply will not -t the Loew outfit alone. Denials re available, as many as you like, o be sure. Yet, visitors who stum- le through the canyon known as Vail Street emerge into the upper caches of Times Square with all ort of inside stories on what is go- ig to happen. For instance. That the Warners have about losed for control of I-oew's for 55,000,000, or $75 a share. Now the United Artists' yarn of enerable standing makes its appear- nce again. Joe Schenck's visit to New Yurk, 'tis whispered, concerns a reorganization which would make U. A. not merely a distributing unit, but a production organization as well. If and when this is accom- plished, we hear, financing would be done via the usual route, the public. This, we hear further, would estab- lish the basis for an exchange of stock and finally, permit a consoli- dation with Metro by September 1. Such is the situation briefly summed up. To this as to the other, Nick Schenck biicfly, but withal decisive- ly and emphatically affixes his un- qualified denial. . . . Incidentally, the inside history of the Associated Press story linking Warners and Loew's centers around Claude Ezell, general sales manager for W. B., who declares it was a San Francisco newspaper that used a telephone conversation with him as the basis for the story. It is since reported that this newspaper is to make an apology. . . . Cast Buzzings Thursday: Today's chapter in the romance entitled "Will Metro Take United Artists to Its Bosom?" takes the reader to the West Coast and in- to the studio of one Charles Chaplin. The famous comic, it develops interestingly enough, is sold stead- fastly on his intention to remain an independent producer. He wants to finance and make 'em himself, al- though how often he intends making "em didn't come to light. Now this attitude, as reflected by Chaplin's au- thorized representative who should know what he is talking about, clashes somewhat with the persistent- ly reported plan for the reorganiza- tion of U. A. and a possible merger with Metro. It wasn't long after the paper ap- peared that Joe Schenck's voice came in over the office telephone. He said many things, the sum total of which was that the yarn was merely an- other headline in which no credence should be placed. Selah!.... The day's denials brought another from RKO anent the persistent Para- mount report. No, we're wrong. There were two more. One from Hiram S. Broyvn who is in Los An- geles and the other from Maurice Goodman who is in New York. We are a trifle shaky on our mathematics, but we reckon oflihand that this makes four of five times that the same story has been denied. There's persistence for you .... First it was set. Then it wasn't. Again, it looked ready to go. Now, finally it is. Some time has elapsed since Fox announced acquisition of those New York independent houses. Today, however, the actual do-re-mi is being turned over. Thus ends speculation over another important move .... Stock Movements Friday: This chronicler dislikes finding himself in a position where he appears to be emphasizing an al- ready strained situation. This is far I'loiii tin- intent and yet, the day'^ history must be told. The latest in the cycle of report*- aiul whisperings involving the Loew company is traceable to Wall Street and the financial editors of several New York newspapers. These sources see a deal between Warners and Loew's about set. Activity and strengtih in the Loew stocks arc pointed out as evidence. As for us, we arc not at all sure that another reason won't explain it. The first few months of the new Locw fiscal year have been extremely successful, we are advised. Earnings have jumped a considerable per cent of the same period last year and it is this, we are inclined to believe, which is reflecting itself in the stock. . . . Washington headline that will be welcomed with open arms. The De- partment of Commerce which has been keeping close check on the er- ratic course of the influenza epidemic now reports a sharp decline. . . . Found in the news are also these: A report that Al Jolson will join United Artists upon completion of his Warner contract and a quick denial from the coast, inasmuch as three years must elapse before Al can be free to join any other outfit. Complete silence from Joe Ken- nedy regarding his proposed new theater chain. Yet we'll bet a mess of sauerkraut juice he and J. J. Mur- dock have that very plan in mind. . . . An adding machine orgy in St. Louis where the new Fox house did a mere $50,000 on the opening week. Where will these phenomenal gros- ses end up anyway? . . . And a bit of glad tidings for Para- mount stockholders to the effect thai 1928 earnings will reach about $8,- 700,000, or eight per cent over 1927. Of course, this is a forecast only, but the advance dope usually hits close to the actual figures. . . . KANN Kox at Menasha Menasha, Wis. — Rodney Kox, for- merly assistant manager of the Fischer Appleton, has been named manager of Brin's Menasha here. Heads Location Managers Ass'n Jack Lawton has been elected pres- ident of the Location Managers' Assn. for the ensuing year. Lawton has been location manager of Uni- versal studio seven years. Close Ark. Houses Earle, Ark. — The Star at Rogers owned by M. Randall, of Columbus, Kans., and the Princess, here owned by L. V. Kay, are reported closed. Postpones Fayette House Columbia, Mo. — Dozier Stone of this city, has postponed indefinitely plans for the erection of a new house at Fayette. Pathe FUms Yale "Prom" The Yale Junior "Prom" at New Haven, has been pictured and re- corded in sound for the first time by Pathe Sound. Short Shots from New York Studios ^^By ARTHUR W. EDDY, THE ticket-selling campaign in connection with the Hollywood Masque Ball, scheduled by the Ampas for Mar. 2, has a pair of diligent representatives in the Para- mount sector. William Clark, head of the studio accounting department, and Helen Strauss, James Cowan's secretary, are now fawing down on the job. * * * Basil Ruysdael, ■playing the house dick in "The Cocoanuts" at Para- mount's Long Island plant, got his start in show business through George Ade, humorist of national proportions. He studied with the late Caruso and was formerly in the Metropolitan Opera Co. "Simba," African hunt picture which has been piling up big grosses, is being Biophoned at Metropolitan studios in Fort Lee. Fifteen of a series of 26 novelty shorts are also being scored. The studio has now been thrown open to outside pro- ducers. * * 4i Freddie Fleck, who used to he casting impresario at the big Long Island studio, and was recently ele- vated to a directorship, recently told Fred Allen what to do in a talking short. * * ♦ Willis Kent, who is in Manhattan in connection with "Linda," intends :o make an original musical farce with Lloyd Hamilton starred. He's enthusiastic about "Linda," which Mrs. Wallace Reid directed with Warner Ba.xter, Noah Beery and other names. Cliff Broughton was production manager and in on the project. * * * Don Dillaway, who has done some mighty good picture work in the East, is playing the male lead in "Flight," one of Broadway's new- er productions. * * * Frank Tours, working as musical director on "The Cocoanuts," did a similar job on the Marx Brothers show when it was produced on Broadway. Before joining the Long Island force, he was musical director of the Plaza, Paramount house in London, for three years. To Rebuild Va. House Norfolk, Va. — Plans were sub- mitted to contractors for renovation and rebuilding of the Arcade, which was recently damaged by fire. Dohn at Denver with Publix Manhattan, Kan.— M. D. (Babe) Dohn, who managed the Marshall and Wareham theaters here, has re- signed to become manager of the Rialto at Denver, a Publix house. THE jgK PAILV Sunday, February 17, 1929 Schnitzer and Cochrane Deny Neglect of Unwired Theaters Schnitzer's Statement Although RKO Prod, have gone in whole-heartedly for sound and dia- logue attractions and have under way four big all-talking, all-singing, all- dialogue motion picture attractions of road show magnitude such as "Rio Rita" and "Hit The Deck," we, and I believe other foresighted produc- ers, have taken into consideration the silen*. market of the 18,000 exhibitors, who are today in more or less of a quandry as regard silent product. Ex- hibitors need have no fears as far as we are concerned of a shortage. Twenty-six of our products are to be done, it is true, with sound and dialogue, but silent negatives of each of these prints are being made. These pictures will be shot primarily for action and story value." These 26 productions, however, will not be of ordinary program cal- ibre but each will be an exceptional feature designed for extended runs and will to a large extent help to solve the problem of the theater Tun- ing silent pictures by virtue of their increased box office value. It is perhaps for the best interests of the industry that less product be made for the silent screen. This will mean the elimina- tion of the dull, insipid, hackneyed and un- original type of grind product and the ex- hibitor will recreate interest among his pa- trons at his box office. A new day has really dawned for the motion picture industry. The superior talker has ushered this new day in. The exhibitor must now realize that he is no longer a mere picture man, but must now step into the ranks of real showmen. He must obtain at- tractions that have show-calibre to appeal to the sharpened and more critical taste of a more screen wise public. He must handle his attractions as a showman. His picture house must become in every sense of the word a "theater." And while there may be a shortage of product numerically, the longer runs afforded by superior silent product will, in the end, solve the exhibitor's problem of sufficient pic- tures to keep his house supplied. Cochrane's Statement In today's FILM DAILY is pub- lished an editorial to the effect that as a result of the hysteria over sound pictures, "gross neglect is facing the unwired houses which total thous- ands in number and which represent the bread and butter accounts from which distributors will tell you they eke their profits." While the latter part of the state- ment is true, it is exactly the oppo- site of true with regard to gross neg- lect, at least as far as Universal is concerned. We have announced on several occasions that every story we buy is bought with the idea that it will make a good silent picture first of all. After that it is tested as to its qualities as a sound picture. We have followed this policy faithfully and we intend to continue doing so. Our leading picture "Show Boat" was not only bought as a silent one but the silent version was made complete from start to finish. Afterward a sound version was made, including the Ziegfeld hits from his stage show of the same story. The same is true of "Broadway." There will be silent and sound prints of each. And right on down the line, the same thing is true of our whole program. Since the sound hysteria hit the industry, we have made only one picture which has no silent version and that was produced in a hurry to help satisfy the crying need of wired houses for talking pictures. All of our short pictures are silent and some of them have sound prints as well, such, for example, as our animated "Oswald" car- toons. So you see there is no gross neglect and there will not be any, as far as Universal is concerned. I shall appreciate it if you will correct any wrong impression which your article may have created. Southeast Theater Changes Atlanta — Changes in management and operation of six theaters in the Southeast were announced this week, as follows: Royal at Hurtsboro, Ala., from J. O. Park to S. L. Heath; Grand at Cocoanut Grove, Fla., from Sam M. Dock to T. J. McCain; Strand at Miami Beach, Fla., from H. Simons to George B. T Sharp; Lyric at Oakdale, Tenn., from Willam H. Bright to Charles Snyder, and Lyonian at Lyons, Ga., from E. L. Thomas to G. L. Crafton. Booked Over Publix Time Cogert & Motto, known as "The Human Jazz Band," under the per- sonal management of Leo Young, has been booked as a featured act of the Publix new unit, "Vanity Fair," which opens at the Michigan The- ater, Detroit, Mich., today and are booked solidly until the end of July. They have recently finished making a two reel Hanaphone picture. Schmeling in Vitaphone Film Max Schmeling heavyweight cham- pion of Germany, made a Vitaphone film at the Warner Bros, studios in Brooklyn under the direction of Mur- ray Roth. Schmeling sails for his native country Saturday, and the talk- ing picture will be rushed there timed with his arrival. Evens at Richmond Richmond, Va.— Harold ("Chick") Evens, formerly of Loew's Strand, Memphis has succeeded Floyd F. Smith as manager of theater in Rich- mond. Smith has been transferred to New York. Kistler Gets Memphis Branch Memphis — H. R. Kistler, former Pathe salesman in eastern Florida, has been named manager of the lo- cal branch by Phil Resiman, general manager. He replaces L. J. Duncan, who now is Tiffany-Stahl manager at Atlanta. Buy Montana Houses Butte— Herb Klutch and Al Man- ning of Conrad have purchased in- terest cf George Brewerton in the Orpheum at Shelby, and a third in- terest in the Orpheum, at Conrad, it is reported. Fergusons' Tragedy Double One Pneumonia, which a few days ago claimed the life of Casson Ferguson, proved fatal to Mrs. Ferguson, known as Cathernie Mallon. Fergu- son had been in the cast of "Dyna- mite," De Mille's first picture for M-G-M. Presentations By HERBERT S. BERG\ LINCOLN ATMOSPHERE IS USED HEAVILY AT ROJiY The Roxy was overloaded with Lincoln atmosphere for the current birthday, but seemed to be well re- ceived. Outstanding was "The Emancipator, a stage sketch present- ed by George A. Billings in the role of the martyred president. The scene was his room in the White House, and the incident that of the soldier condemned to death whom the Presi- dent saved at the last moment on the pleas of the condemned man's wife. Very effectively done, but Billing's voice failed to carry in the immense auditorium. This was followed by Chic Sale in "Marching On," in an all-talker com- edy built around a Lincoln atmos- phere. Then came "Le Charme De La Dentelle," a prettily staged affair that carried no particular theme but had as attractions Patricia Bowman in a toe dance, and Jeanne Mignolet in a dramatic soprano bit. The Roxyettes did a routine that was the best part of this offering. The costumes were georgeous. The re- maining stage offering was a highly colorful bit called "Pirate Life," with the setting an immense pirate ship against the wharf, and the pirates and piratesses in colorful costumes in the foreground. Here again the Roxyettes took chief honors in two fine routines. Fay Adler and Ted Bradford were an adagio team who featured a thriller with an ankle swing that brought the girls face perilously close to the floor and caused gasps throughout the audi- ence. The costumes by Montedoro were an eye-filler. MARTIN JOHNSON AND WIFE ENTERTAIN AT COLONY The presentation at the Colony was limited to the personal appear- ance of Martin Johnson and his wife in connection with their showing of their South African wild game hunt picture, "Simba." And it was enough, for the feature proved unusual en- tertainment with real thrills as lions and elephants charged straight at the camera. Martin Johnson appeared Standard VAUDEVILLE for Motion Picture PresentatioD The FALLY MARKUS VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Lackawanna 7876 1 BROADWA),NEW YORK CITY before the feature and gave a very entertaining talk on their experi- ences, the hardships endured, and many interesting sidelights that proves to be a real novelty for a pic- ture house audience. He was fol- lowed by his wife who told a lot of things that were calculated to in- terest the women — and did. SOUTH POLE SETTING rOR THE PARAMOUNT SHOW Paramount went South Pole this week, with "Cooling Off" as the stage entertainment, a Gamby-Hale production, with Ted Claire acting as the new m.c. Ted had a good band working with him, and led off in his first number with a little step- ping that could easily have been left out. His principal work consisted in cross-firing with Ben Blue, and in this he was better than most of the m.c.'s who have attempted in times past at this ihouse. The set- ting of the South Pole was cheap, with some ugly splotches of color that were an eyesore. The band was seated on the deck of a ship locked in the ice, and the effect was far from convincing, to put it charitably. However, the show itself was much better. Ben Blue was the featured comedian, and he was the life of the party. He started off with a skat- ing dance that was a darb. He had several good bits through the show, the best being a goof act with three helpers who he put through some comedy stuff as amateur performers. Got plenty of laughs on all appear- ances. Next in line was Picard with his trained seal. This animal is about the best act of its kind any- where. The Gamby-Hale Girls did right by several numbers, with neat costumes, and made a strong im- pression in the final dash. Others were tlie Wallace Sisters, in acro- batics and steps that were just so-so. . Dave Rubinoff had an overture dedi- cated to Lincoln featuring national melodies that scored strong. Jesse Crawford was unusually good at ' the console with a mixture of popu- ; lar and classic stuff. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractiho\v a total of 222,122,586 as against ri2,104,883 ft. in 1927. "Another fac- tor contributing to this decrease," de- clares Golden, "is the better brand of pictures being turned out in some of t!^e producing countries which are finding a greater outlet in their re- spective countries than heretofore." How 1927 and 1928 Exports Compare Wa.^hington — American exports by major geographical divisions follow; Country of Destination 1927 1928 Linear Feet Linear Feet L.ntin America 82,931,241 78,960,444 Europe 69,579,175 669,841,259 Far East 58,827,593 54,335,108 Canada 10,920,724 8,814,462 Africa 3,882,836 3,772,094 Other Countries 5,963,314 6,357,672 German Distributors Forming Working Assn. Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — German distributors nmong them Ufa, National Sudfilm, Bayerische, D.L.S., Parufamet, and three American companies are form- ing a working association, which will be registered as a trading con- cern, with a view to reduce distrib- uting expenses, to protect their com- mon interests, and to promote co- operation in the different branches of the industry, state advices to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Com- merce. Germany will be divided into three distributing districts only, with centres in Berlin, Frankfurt and Dusseldorf Trade Commissioner George R. Canty advises. The pres- ent German Film Renters' Assn. will be dissolved. UFA Completes Two Berlin. — Two Ufa productions have been completed at the Neubabels- berg, studios. They are "The Won- derful Deception of Nina Petrowna," an Erich Pommer production di- rected by Hans Schwarz and "Flee- ing From Love," produced by Alfred Zeisler and directed by Hans Beh- rend. Ufa London Premiere London — -The E. A. Dupont film, "Piccadilly" a Ufa production recent- ly had its premiere at the Carlton here. Jugo Next UFA Film Berlin. — Jenny Jugo will appear in the next UFA production, "The Girl From Valencia," to be produced by Alfred Zeisler. The cast will soon start for Spain where many of the scenes for the picture are to be taken. Country Rank Linear Feet Total 232,104,883 222,122,586 In ten major markets, American exports dropped from $4,727,765 in 1927 to $4,079,288 in 1928, the totals representing invoice not royalty values. Comparisons of the standing of the ten leaders for both years follow: Value Rank 1927 27,017,656 $687,058 1 23.730.723 599,818 2 15,921,565 420,215 3 13,806.498 1,440,036 4 10,187.606 350,858 5 10.920.724 395.164 6 9,336,083 254,862 7 6,781,717 206,004 8 7,896,226 176,939 9 7,103,883 196,811 10 Australia 1 Argentina 2 Brazil . ._. 3 United Kingdom 4 (icrmany 6 Canada 5 Mexico 7 France 11 Spain 9 Japan 10 Linear Feet Value 1928 25,400,562 $563,350 20,161,142 517,199 16,464,410 392,239 12,699,349 1,074,096 11,219,271 425,433 8,814,462 337,783 8,662.988 235,696 8,240,266 202,436 7,932,747 187,900 6,227,686 143,156 Wallis Appointed Head of F. N.-P. Publicity London — H. A. Wallis, has suc- ceeded Horace Judge as director of advertising and publicity for First Xational-Pathe. W'allis is chair- man of the B.M.P.A. and long has been associated with publicity work. He first joined Pathe in 1922 and when First National and Pathe merged he continued in the pub- licity department. M-G-M Not Planning to Build Theaters in India Calcutta — -Vrrangcments have been made by Metro-Goldvvyn-Maycr Ltd. with Globe Theaters, Ltd., whereby all new M-G-M releases will have premiere presentations at the Globe, here, the Capitol, Bombay, and New (ilobe at Rangoon. AI-G-M recently opened oflices here and has no in- tentions entering the exhibition field it is reported. Wallace To Direct London — Edgar Wallace, chairman of British Lion Prod, is to direct the company's next picture at Beacons- field. The story is his own original titled, "Red Aces," and will be the eighth Edgar Wallace picture made by the company. Sydney Censor Cut Talkers Sydney — The first all-dialogue pic- ture to reach this country has been cut by Chief Censor W. Cresswell O'Reilly, it is reported. While feel- ing confident that he can handle all talkers without spoiling continuity, the question regarding the censoring of dialogue on discs is still to be worked out. New Warner Manager London — J. F. Eccles, has been ap- pointed South Wales manager for Warner Bros. Third Newsreel is Placed on Market in Germany Washington — "Dcutschcs Lie lit spiel Syndicat," (D.L.S.), German exhib- itor-renting organization, started a new news-reel here recently, the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce learns. This is the third regular German newsreel on the mar- ket, according to Trade Commis- sioner Geo. R. Canty, Paris, Ufa's (linked up with the old Deulig News- reel) and Emelka's having been earlier established. British Theater Chain Negotiates for 20 More I-ondon — Associated British ("ine- mas, which recently took over the Capitol, 1,400 seater at Wallasey, is at present negotiating for about 20 theaters in ALmchester and other parts of Lancashire, and, it is under- stood, that some deals are nearing completion. Ted Hardiman, Lan- cashire manager of British Interna- tional Pictures, is actively engaged in negotiations on behalf of A. B.C. Other houses taken over by Asso- ciated British Cinemas are Premier Picture at Cheetham Hill and Clarc- mont at Greenleys. New UFA Film Started Berlin — Ivan Mosjoukine's new UFA production, "Manolescu," has been started at the company studios at Neubabelsberg with Dita Parlo and Brigitte Helm in the cast. Clift's First Gainsborough London — Denison Clift's first pro- duction for Gainsborough Pictures will be a version of his own storv, "The City of Play." Parts of the film will be made in Vienna. BRITISH TRADE RESENTS flnACK BY BERNSTEIN By ERNEST W. FREDMAN Editor, "The Daily Film Renter" London — Attack of Sidney Bern- stein on British productions, calling for new blood in the studios, better stories and more imaginative direc- tion, is being resented throughout the trade. It has brought rebuke from C. M. Woolf, managing direc- tor of W. & F. Film Service, who hits back at individuals without pro- duction experience who do their best to "crab" everything which does not come from America or the Conti- nent. S. Rowson of Ideal has issued a further rebuke, "to those who do their laundering in public." General opinion is that the Bernstein attack was ill-timed and ill-advised. John Maxwell of British International, in particular, scouts the idea that op- eration of theaters gives a man right and authority to talk on such a tech- nically and economically-complicated matter as production. 808 Educational Shorts Censored in Germany Berlin— During 1928, 808 educa- tional shorts were passed by cen- sors here, while in 1927 the total number was 870, it is reported. The largest producer was UFA with 112 films, then Emelka, with 37. Others in order were: Hubert Schonger, 33, Cabinetfilm, 20, Humboldt Film, 19, National Film and Robert Neuz Film, 18 each, Puchstein, Konigs- berg, 17 and E. Stoecker, 16. Hurel To Visit U. S. Paris — M. Robert Hurel, head of Franco-Films, will leave soon for a visit to United States to study the film situation, it is reported. Richmount Piel 723 7th Avenut Inc. "•" D. J. MOUNTAN. PrM. Pictures New Yoik city pXCLUSIVE foreign representatives for Rayart Pictures Corporation and other leading independ- ent producersanddistributors Cable Addreis: RICHPICSOC. Pari! Cable Addreu: DEEJAY. Loodoa Cable AddrcM: RICHPIC. N. T. Exporting only tlie best in Motion Pictures OAlLY Sunday, February 17 EE^fe^^>!!!!ffi^^ Jolson Warner Contract for 3 Years Contract an Exclusive One, It is Pointed Out in Hollywood in Denial of Report Star Has Been Signed by United Artists— European Firms Bidding for Players and Directors ^ — Other News PICTURE A YEAR CALLED FOR IN JOLSON CONTRACT Al Jolson is under contract to Warners for three years, and the contract is an exclusive one, it is pointed out here in a denial of the report he has been signed by United Artists. It calls for a picture a year, following his current production. Cast Opposite Benchley Virginia Sale has been signed in Robert Benchley's Movietone "Gar- dening" being directed by James Parrott for Fox. She played in a previous Benchley ofifering, "Fur- nace Trouble." Bailey in Charge Harry A. Bailey, showman and film executive, will be in charge of the Catholic M. P. Guild, when it holds its annual benefit show April 6, at the Philharmonic Auditorium. To Finish 'Chasing Through Europe' Work is to be resumed at Fox on "Chasing Through Europe," started last summer. Nick Stuart and Sue Carol are featured under direction of David Butler. Scenes were filmed last summer in Europe. Staub Making New Series New series of current events has been started by Ralph Staub, pro- ducer of Screen Snapshots. The new series relates experiences of a cameraman. Opposite Dane-Arthur Josephine Dunn will play the femi- nine lead in M-G-M's new co-star- ring comedy for Karl Dane and George K. Arthur, "China Bound." Charles Reisner will direct. The story is an original by Sylvia Thal- berg and Frank Butler. Colleen's Latest Finished With completion of "Why Be Good." Colleen Moore has finished her fifth film in the past year. Prep- arations for her next are under way now. Shooting will start late in February. Conklin, James, MacKenzie Added Chester Conklin, Gardner James and Donald MacKenzie have been added to the cast of "The Studio Murdery Mystery." which Frank Tuttle will direct. An all-talker. Adding to Cast of "Careers" Players added to the cast of Billie Dove's new picture, "Careers," are Noah Beery, Robert Schable, Holmes Herbert and Sojin. Those already announced are Antonio Moreno, Robert Frazer and Thelma Todd. John Francis Dillon will direct. A Little from "Lots'* By RALPH WILK Hollywood GRANT WITHERS, handsome leading man, finds Burbank and Sunset Boulevard busy places. He had no sooner finished playing the featured lead in "Saturday's Chil- dren," when he was assigned to "The Time, the Place and the Girl." Now, he is to start work in "Headlines." * + * Our Passing Show: Leslie Fenton, Dale Van Every, Bar- ton Hepburn, Mary Doran, Erwin Gelsey, Cyril Chad- wick, Charles Dantziger, John Roche, at "The Guardsman"; Sam Friedman and Harry Sherman conferring at the Tec-Art studio. * * * Roy Del Ruth has had a wide experience with making pictures. He directed "The Terror," the first mystery talk- er, and also had the distinction of having directed "The Des- ert Song," the initial talker operetta. His "Conquest" is being booked widely. * >i> >•■ Our Passing Show : Frances Agnew at Tia Juana and Agau Caliente, celebrating the completion of her dialogue scripts, "Broadway Bound," for Sono-Art, and "Syncopa- tion," for RKO. Nicholson on Way to Coast Kenyon Nicholson, author of the one-act play "Confession," produced as a M-G-M talking short is en route to M-G-M studio. Several of Nich- olson's plays have been acquired for film production, including "Casino Gardens," a one-act piece made by M-G-M. RUBINEWS-S "Pilgrim Papas" my first "U" Starring SPIKKY is geflnished. Looks Comical, sounds Comical, but we shall see what we shall hear. Best Garage "benny RUBIN FOREICN PRODUCERS LURE PLAYERSFROMHOLLYWOOD Hollywood stars and featured play- ers are giving serious consideration to offers from German and British producers. The salary offers are the most attractive made by the foreign producers since the Europeans ent- ered pictures. One star has accepted an offer, which carries with it a sal- ary twice that which he has been paid here. Victor Varconi will make two pic- tures for British International, but will return in April. Conrad Veidt will also work in Europe, but will return to the Coast later. Lya de Putti has returned to Europe. Seeking Ed Wynn? Universal is reported negotiating with Ed Wynn for the starring role in "Manhattan Mary," musical com- edy purchased by the company. Will Sing Four Songs Alice White will sing four songs in "Broadway Babies." Mervyn LeRoy will direct. RKO Signs Max Ree Max Ree, artist and designer, for- inerly with First National, has been signed by RKO as art supervisor of Radio Pictures. Abbott to Direct Menjou George Abbott, stage director, has arrived to begin work under his new contract as director of Paramount talking pictures. He will direct Adolphe Menjou's next film, and an adaptation of Edith Wharton's novel, "The Children." GEORGE SCARBOROUGH Consulting Dramatist United Artists HARVEY GATES Writer WARNER BROTHERS ''Sonny Boy" Reicher to Coach Players Frank Reicher, veteran stage and screen director has been placed un- der a special contract at Pathe to ^ coach young players of the stock company for talkers, and will also write, direct and act. }riginal writer at the is now busy j Towne Writing Original Gene Towne, scenario First National Studios, is at work on an original story entitled, "Oh, Margie," which will be in- cluded on the 1929 list of productions from the Burbank headquarters. Columbia Rounds Out Cast Jane Daly and Henry Otto com- plete the cast of "The Quitter. Dor- othy Revier and Frank Kohler are featured with Ben Lyon. Joseph Henabery will direct for Columbia. THE Doonvay of Hospitality JiNTER the doorway of this popular hostelry and you feel at hoin«« There's an atmosphere of cordial welcoma vrhich marks the difference between th« Hollywood Plaza and ordinary hotels. Your room, too, has that added touch of distinction. Pictures on the wall, over' stuffed furniture, a floor lamp and reading lamp . . . these are but a few of the features that make you feel at home. Pig'n Whistle Dining Service insures tha best of food. Therefore, when you are next in Los Angeles be sure to investigate. THE HOLLYWOOD PLAZA HOTEL Vine Street at Hollywood Boulevard HOLLYWOOD, CAHFORlvaA i THE Sunday, February 17, 1929 <^^ DAILV Theater Equipment By CHARLES F. HYNES HIDDEN MS fEATO NEWMAN ROPE STANDARD Cincinnati — Newman Manufactur- ing Co., is introducing a new brass post or standard for velour-covered ropes. The post has a brass cast SUNKEN EYE New standard for velour covered ropes just placed on the market by Nevmmn Manufuctaring Co. ball top, with the hooks for the ropes sunken in the casting to prevent tearing of garments. This is said to be a considerable improvement over old style posts with exposed hooks. The standards also are made with ornamental casts of different kinds, according to specifications, and fitted with the concealed hooks. rABargain!- Slightly used 50 foot auto- matic standard lea Kinamo camera fitted vnth F3.5 Carl Zeiss Tessar lens, with one magazine and case, guaranteed first-class condition. $50.00 UIILLOOCHByS ▼▼110 West 32'*St.«^>"f>rh NV ^* Phone Peivna. 0330 Motion Picture Department U. S. and Canada Agents for Debrie The Stamp of Approval An endorsement of product and propositions, bestowed by The Film Daily, after investigation of qualifications and merit Light is the essence of show business. There are few con- tributing factors of a program, which aid as greatly as light in putting over the show. Borderlights, footlights, spots, striplights, floods and dimmers, plus the stage effects possible through a good lighting system, make or break the show. Inside and outside the theater, lighting offers the showman a short cut to profits. A specialist in the lighting field is the Major Equipment Co., whose engineers stand ready to offer a solution to any lighting problem. Because of its wide experience in the field, plus the merit of product handled. Major Equipment Co., has THE FILM DAILY STAMP OF APPROVAL. Cinevox in Demand States American Silversheet Co St. Louis — There has been a wide- spread reaction throughout the indus- try to Cinevox, sound picture screen placed on the market in December by American Silversheet Co., that firm reports. The screen has the en- dorsement of Electrical Research Products engineers, the company says, pointing out that the porous fab- ric enhances acoustic results, at the same time featuring a metallic sur- face for the picture. The screen, it is said, reduces to a minimum the loss of light due to the porous fabric. The Cinevox is made seamless in standard sizes and is equipped with grommets for lacing, or with regu- lar style, strips for mounting. National Offering Voltage and Tube Set Tester Chicago — Jewel AC-DC set analy- zer has been chosen by National Theater Supply Co., as a "trouble- shooter" for cueing instruments. It is used for testing voltage and tubes. National Handling Library of Brunswick Effect Discs Chicago — ■ Library of effect rec- ords made by Brunswick-Balke-Col- lender, now is distributed through National Theater Supply Co., under an exclusive contract. There arc 500 records in the library. A cue box, with separate felt-lined compart- ments for 40 records, is supplied. Faller Now at Cleveland Cleveland — M. Faller has been transferred to the National Theater Supply Co., branch here from Mil- waukee. Minneapolis Supply Firm Taken Over by National Alinneapolis — Rialto Theater Sup- ply Co., formerly headed by Sid Louis, has been taken over by Na- tional Theater Supply Co. The Na- tional branch has been moved to quarters formerly occupied by Rialto. Louis retired from the Rialto firm when it got into financial difficulties some time ago, due, he said, to the intensive competition existing in the field. Popcorn Machines Added to National Supply Line Chicago — Peerless pop corn and peanut machines now are being handled by National Theater Supply Co. It is offered in a variety of sizes and styles, powered by electricity, gas or gasoline. Special Drapes for Use in Sound Houses at Chicago Chicago — Theaters here are instal- ling special stage draperies for use with sound pictures. Houses equip- ped with new drapes include: the Tiffin, Manor, Almo, Crystal, Twen- tieth Century and Jackson Park. Air Distributed from Dome of New Philadelphia House Philadelphia — Cooling and heating of the Mastbaum, new VVarner-Stanley house, comes from the dome in the auditorium roof, said to be a new idea in theater construction. The cooling system is located in the basement, with the air forced upward to the dome. Pressure of a button regulates the temperature of the house, which has seating capacity of 5,000. TALKING SHOP Fewer Theater Building Projects in 1928 Shows Trend to Re-construc- tion as Advocated by Eberson ¥\ECREASE of theater building projects is ascribed to falling off of sales and profits of American Seating Co. during 1928. Sales of the company during the year dropped to $8,754,668 as contrasted with $10,- 042,149 in 1927. Company net for 1928 was $628,238, compared with $938,360 in 1927. The falling off in construction is a significant development, demon- strating that a curb is being exer- cised on overbuilding. To some ex- tent, this may be credited to John Eberson, one of the nation's leading architects, and foremost proponent of rebuilding and re-constructing theaters, instead of building of new theaters in situations where they are unwarranted. Eberson's views, outlined in detail in THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK, have attracted widespread attention throughout the trade. The soundness of his argument, plus his unquestioned sincerity, emphasize the reaction against needless building. Indications are that further curtail- ment of building is in store during 1929. In the special section of THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK, Eberson outlines not only the falla- cies of overbuilding, and the need for making new theaters out of old ones, but gives a comprehensive, workable plan for the carrying out of the idea. His article traces proposed re-con- struction and re-equipping of the theater from the start of the project to the finished job, and embraces every phase (>i construction. Start- ing in the vestibule, he carries the rebuilding process through the lobby, auditorium, balcony, mezzanine, stage and v.'inng systems — to mention but a gereral outline, not overlooking a single item in the re-construction and re-equipping program. ii THE -;;Bg^ DAILV Sunday, February 17, 1929 NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FAST GROWING FIELD OF SYN- CHRONIZATION SOUND PICTinlES TIPS ON EQUIPMENT AND VARIOUS DE- VICES ARE NOW AVAILABLE By CHARLES F. HYNES STANDARDIZATION NEED OUTLINED BY POWERS This is another in a series of discussions on the respective value of sound-on-disc and sound-on-film recording. Watch for other articles on the subject outlining views of industry leaders. Standardization of sound picture production is "a pressing necessity," in the opinion of P. A. Powers, pres- ident of Powers Cinephone Corp., who advocates the sound-on-fihn sys- tem of recording. "Economy and progress are wait- ing on stabilization in recording which will automatically standardize reproduction and speed up theater installations to the mutual benefit of all branches of the industry," he says. "Since my earliest investigation of sound combined with motion picture action, made over 20 years ago when, as a pioneer manufacturer of 'talk- ing machines' I became interested in motion pictures, I have been convinc- ed that synchronized sound should be recorded on the film itself and not on a separate record," Powers continues. "The sound-on-film system is the only basic advance made since sound pictures were seriously attempted in 1906 and 1907. The first experi- ments made with sound records pre- sented many difficulties which have not been overcome by improvements in the records themselves nor by the development of sound amplifiers to increase volume. Sound recorded on discs still require double handling of subjects in the exchanges, double in- stallations and double handling in theaters, double shipments, addition- al storage space and are subject to breakage and warping. "In addition to this, sound syn- chronization on the disc system pre- sents difficulties in production which are overcome by the sound-on-film system. Not the least of these dif- ficulties is the matter of editing and cutting pictures. "Sound recorded on the film per- mits freedom of editing. Scenes and sound sequences may be eliminated or added at will. The picture may l)e lengthened or shortened and otherwise edited under the sound-on- film system and, as no friction needles are used in recording and reproducing by this system, the sound is entirely free from "scratch- ing." Sound recorded on discs cannot be changed once the record is made, h^liminations and additions are im- possible without re-making the rec- ord or injecting ugly flashes in the picture by inserting blank patches of film. "The importance of this matter of editing is intensified by the problem of censorship. Censorship of pictures is a wrong. But we have it in aggravated proportions as applied to the sound picture and disc recorded pic- tures are practically helpless when confronted by censorship rulings. "Similar difficulties confront the disc recorded picture in the matter of film break- age and their repair. Mutilated or destroyed portions of film replaced by blank patches the picture nor particularly noticeable in the value. "Sound-on-filra pictures may be patched in the same manner as silent pictures. A few frames taken out are not missed in the picture nor particularly noticeable in the sound, "The sound-on-film method is a system devised and developed especially for the needs of the synchronized sound picture and there- fore las many advantages not enjoyed by the di.sc system which is merely an adapta- tion of the talkint; machine to the motion picture camera and projector. "Summed up, the practical and economic advantages of sound-on-film for the producer, the distributor and the exhibitor alike, makes this system the logical and the ultimate standard for synchronized sound pictures." Harcol Expands Exchange Systems in the South Atlanta — Harcol M. P. Industries, Inc., whose home office is in New Orleans, will open a branch in At- lanta, states A. Harrison, Jr., presi- dent of the company. The company, established 13 years ago, is southern distributors for DeForest Phonofilm, which is handled by General Talking Pictures Corp., New York. A Char- lotte branch of the Harcol company has already been establisihed, as has one at Oklahoma City. Henry Har- rison in charge. Other branches are to be located in Memphis and Dal- las, it was announced. All the branches, in addition to sales of De Forest Phonofilm, will handle prod- ucts of the Harcol company. Castro, 'Frisco Gives Sound San Francisco — The Castro has been equipped with Western Electric sound system, and will open with "Show Folks." NEW PHOTOTONE TALKIE" Before you invest — investigate- P PHOTOTONE IS ESTABLISHED! HOTOTONE Synchronous Device is sold to you complete — installed. T^OR your own protection get full particulars as to price and know just what quality and equipment you get for your money before buying any synchron- ous machine. WATCH FOR SOUND ON FILM ANNOUNCEMENT SOON I I THE Sunday. February 17. 1929 J^^ DAILY GATES SETS SAIES fOR WONDER ELECTROGRAPH Quincy, III. — The Gates Radio and Supply Co., manufacturers of Won- der Klectrograph and Motio-Tone, synchronous and non-synchronous sound equipment, is rounding out its national distribution. The reproduc- ers arc now beinp handled by the following theater territorial agencies: Theater Advertising and Supply Co., Syracuse; Wonder Electrograph Sales Co., Minneapolis; Elliot Film Co., Minneapolis; La Dare's Attrac- tions, Santa Rosa, New Mexico; Wonder Electrograph Sales Co., Jackson. Miss.; Western Theater Supply Co., Wellsville, Utah; North- ern Theater Supply Co., Duluth; American Theater Supply Co., Sioux i alls; Movie Supply Co., Chicago; Western Theater Supply Co., Este- van, Saskatchewan; Perkins Electric Co., Montreal; Maine Theater Sup- ply Co., Portland; Southwest The- ater Equipment Co., Wichita and Tampa Photo and Theater Supply Co., Tampa. Sound For Big Circuits Sydney — Union Theaters, Ltd. and Hoyts Theaters here are both sign- ing talker contracts. While Union has secured Warner Vitaphonc pic- tures for its Lyceum, Hoyts, it is understood, have closed with Fox Movietone for features and a three year Movietone News contract for the Regent. Liberal marquee display devoted to the Mack Sennett talking comedy "The Lion's Roar" by the Strand, Cincinnati. This is the first of the series now being released through Educational. Talker for Denmark Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The first Danish talking picture will be shown in Co- penhagen soon, according to report to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. The picture was pro- duced by Dansk Tonefilm. Full Week Stand New Policy Cleveland — With the introduction of the all-sound policy at Loew's Park, the split-week policy has given way to full week stands. Morris With Pacent at Cleveland Cleveland — Ray Morris, for ten years affiliated with the local Para- mount exchange, but for the past three years associated with a rubber company, has been appointed sales representative in northern Ohio of the Pacent Reproducer. Installing Sound at Cleveland Cleveland — The Hilliard Square will open with all sound programs on Feb. 17. Vitaphone and Movie- tone equipment is being installed. India Talker Censors Washington llureau of Tllli lll.Sf DAILY Washington — With advent of talk- ers at Calcutta, the Beiigal Hoard of I'ilni Censors believe that a modifi- cation of the censor law is neces- sary, M. P. Section of the Dipt, of Conmierce is advised. When the new censor bill is introduced into the Im- perial Legislative Assembly next year, a clause governing the censor- ing of talking pictures will be intro- duced. Two German Firms Formed Berlin — Tolirag, talker advertising film company has been formed here with a capitalization of $24,000. Hermann Schmidt and Otto Newes are directors. Another company formed is Film Kredit Ltd. having a capital of $4,800. The company is formed to finance production, it is reported. Wiring Wisconsin Houses Milwaukee — Three more Wiscon- sin theaters will have talkers very soon. They are: the Capitol, Madi- son; Palace, Waupaca and the Grand at New London. Vitaphone will be installed at the Waupaca and Bristolphone at the Grand, mak- ing New London one of the smallest cities in the United States to have sound-producing motion pictures. Washington Feature in Fox News Reenactment of George Washing- ton's inaugural is a feature of Sat- urday's release of Fox Movietone News. Last week, a scene was re- enacted showing Lincoln leaving his home to assume the presidency. Voice and Orchestra selections are recorded with such fidelity and delicacy of tone with such SMreetness and clearness combined "with depth, as to make music and entertainment of an actual orchestra that is present. The human voice with every intonation, with every fine expression, with every heart throb, is reproduced lifelike through RACON EXPONENTIAL HORNS. The one piece construction, the patented, vibrationless, non-porous material and the lightness of weight, make RACON HORNS the recognized standard for musical and voice reproduction by the largest Amplifier Com- panies, Talking Picture Companies and Reproducer Companies throughout the world. Sizes of horns vary from 6" to 6' square bells, with air columns of from one foot to fifteen feet K' DYNAMIC UNITS THE NEW UNIT Write for C atalog FOR EXPONENTIAL HORNS MARK an advanced step in this day of remarkable talking picture achievement. The results obtained by the use of the Racon Air Column Units are to be a siu-prise even to the most critical listener. Your entertaining problems will be solved, the box office receipts will be increased, your patrons will be delighted by the reprodiKtion from RACON EXPONENTIAL HORNS AND DYNAMIC HORN UNITS. There wiU be no blasting, no tinniness, but perfect amplification combined with volume, depth and Consult Our Acoustical Engineers Specialists in Acoustic Chambers Factories: 18 to 24 Washington Place, New York, Telephone Spring 1120 Slough, Bucks. England, and 1C5 Sherbourne St., Toronto, Canada 10 DAILY Sunday. February 17, 1929 "The Broadway Melody" (All-Talker) M-G-M Length: 9372 ft. HAS EVERYTHING. SURE- FIRE MONEYMAKER THAT WILL DRAG 'EM IN EVERY- WHERE. Cast Bessie Love makes it her picture with a remarkably sympathe- tic performance. Charles King next as the song-writer. Anita Page scores on looks. Others in cast all good, include Jed Prouty, who does a fine character role, Kenneth Thom- son, Edward Dillon. Story and Production Comedy drama of Broadway show life. Cast your eye over the lineup of headlin- ers who made this box-office baby, and then you'll understand why you have a real showman's picture head- ed for your theater: Edmund Gould- ing wrote the story, and he knows his Broadway life. Up-to-the minute dialog by Norman Houston and James Gleason. Direction by Harry Beaumont, who turned out that pip- pin, "Our Dancing Daughters." And with the sister team of Bessie Love and Anita Page, both in love with the song writer Charles King, all do- ing their stuff to the tone of out- standing direction, and you have a picture to shout about Direction, Harry Beaumont, excel- lent; Author, Edmund Gouldmg; Scenario, Sarah Y. Mason; Editor, Sam Zimbalist; Titles, Not listed; Lyrics, Arthur Freed; Music, Nacio Herb Brown; Dialog, Norman Hous- ton, James Gleason; Photography, John Arnold, the best. Ramon Novarro in i-yy "The Flying Fleet (Synchronized) M-G-M Length: 9044 ft. MANAGES TO BE FAIRLY ENTERTAINING STORY OF ANNAPOLIS AND AIRPLANE ACTIVITIES OF THE NAVY BUT LACKS REAL STORY. Cast Ramon Novarro is one of six Annapolis buddies who saves his pal who crashes in the flight to Honolulu. Ralph Graves really makes it his picture with a better charac- terization. Anita Page the gal the two buddies scrap over, and she's there on looks. Others Edward Nu- gent, Carroll Nye, Sumner Getchell. Story and Production Drama of Annapolis graduates in the air service. Here is "Wings" story that has no war scenes. That probably is what is the matter with it. In fact it is principally a glorified bally- hoo for the Navy, showing what they do to turn out crack aviators for the flying branch of the Navy. There is too much test flying, and the de- tailed account of what the aspirants for flying berths have to go throug'h to get their wings savors strongly of the usual newsreel material. At that it will no doubt prove highly entertaining to the youngsters who are all air-crazy these days. Last reel is pepped up with dramatic flight. Direction, George Hill, satisfac- tory; Author, Lieut. -Commander Frank Wead; Scenario, Richard Sdhayer; Editor, Blanche Sewell; Titles, Joe Farnham; Photography, Ira Morgan, very good. "True Heaven" (Synchronized) Fox Length: Syn — 5531 ft. WEAK NUMBER HAS ME- CHANICAL WAR PLOT THAT FAILS TO IMPRESS. GEORGE O'BRIEN AND LOIS MORAN ENTERTAINING. Cast. .. .O'Brien as a British of- ficer was not happily cast, as he looks and acts like an American doughboy. Lois Moran as a Ger- man war spy is not suffilciently so- phisticated. Others Phillips Smalley, Oscar Apfel, Duke Martin, Andre Cheron, Donall MacKenzie. Story and Production Drama of the war. The story is at fault, being very unimpressive and uncon- vincing. The situations are artifici- ally brought about. O'Brien is a British army officer who becomes sweet on a girl he meets in Belgium, not knowing that she is actually a spy in the employ of the German army. Later he is sent on a dan- gerous mission into the German lines. Then we see him dressed in a German officer's uniform walking casually around the little town, talk- ing to German officers, and getting away with it. He again meets the German spy girl, who informs her superior officer. He is saved from a firing squad by the Armistice. This sappy ending is enouglh to kill any picture. Direction, James Tinling, poor; Author, C. E. Montague; Scenario, Dwight Cummings; Ekiitor, Not list- ed; Titles, Malcolm Stuart Boylan; Photography, Conrad Wells, good. "The Sideshow" (Silent) Columbia Length: 5999 ft. GOOD CIRCUS NUMBER CAR- RIES COLORFUL ATMOS- PHERE AND IS PEPPED UP WITH STRONG DRAMATIC SITUATIONS. WILL PLEASE Cast Marie Prevost lends the feminine atmosphere as the side-show gal. Ralph Graves scores heaviest as the gentleman barker. "Little Billy," the midget, very good as the show owner. Others Alan Roscoe, Pat Harmon, Texas Madeson, Mar- tha McGruger, Esteban Clemento. Janet Ford, Paul Dismute, Bert Price, Chester Morton, Jacques Ray. Story and Production Drama of the circus. The atmosphere is very realistic, a real tent show hav- ing been used to work up the real- ism. The side-show sequences are es- pecially good. The plot concerns the attempt of a rival show to wreck the Melrose circus by having one of their henchmen cause a lot of seri- ous accidents. This develops a good mystery element as to who is caus- ing the trouble. The climax is peppy with the heavy framing the girl in the sword basket trick so that she is almost killed by her sweetheart, the gentleman barker. With the circus season ready to start, this offering will be a safe booking for the thrill fans. Direction, Erie C. Kenton, satis- factory; Author, Howard J. Green; Scenario, the same; Editor, Not list- ed; Titles, Not listed; Photography, Joseph Walker, okay. Bill Cody in "Wolves of the City" (Silent) Universal Length: 4160 ft. FAST -) TEMPOED UNDiER- WORLD MELODRAMA WITH BILL CODY STEALING THE SHOW. CARRIES BIG POPU- LAR APPEAL WITH PEPPY ACTION AND THRILLS. Cast Bill Cody scores heavily in Wally Reid type of role. Sally Blaine passable as the femme sup- port. Others Al Ferguson, Monte Montague, Louise Carver, Charles Clary. Story and Production Melo- drama. This offering is chiefly no- table for the Cody acrobatics. This boy is travelling fast all the , way through the footage, and keeps the interest with his stunts and fast ac- tion. Cody falls hard for the gal, and finds himself involved in a plot to steal her father's famous jade. He penetrates into the underworld dive and recovers the jade by out- witting the gang. In the meanthne the girl is held for ransom. Bill res- cues her after a corking fight and chase sequence. Outstanding in this offering is Codv's fight stuff. A fair brand of comedy helps. It is the sort of material that is sure-fire at the popular houses, and the thrill fans will eat it up. Just an honest t'gawd good thriller. Direction, Leigh Jason, good; Au- thor, Val Cleveland; Scenario, the same; Editor, Harry Marker; Titles, Val Cleveland; Photography, Charles Stumar, satisfactory. "Broadway Fever" (Silent) Tiffany-Stahl Length: 5412 ft. REGISTERS NEATLY AS A POPULAR ATTRACTION WITH TWO ATTRACTIVE GIRLIES AND A GOOD LOVE STORY. SALLY O'NEIL DOES NICE WORK. Cast. . . .Sally O'Neil gets over with some good comedy bits, and makes a pleasing featured player. Roland Drew passable as the producer with whom Sally is in love. Corliss Pal- mer attractive as a show girl. Story and Production .... Comedy drama of show life. Sally comes to New York to go on the stage but is forced to take a job as a house maid. Her employer proves to be Byron, a well known producer. Corliss is heading the show Byron is about to bring to New York, but Sally dis- covers that she is just promoting him for what she can get out of him. The footage is mainly concerned with Sally's comedy attempts to show up Corliss as the girl she really is. She railroads Sally to the wrong town for the out-of-town opening, and steps in herself to play the lead in the new show. The love interest is rather weak, for it is not till the very end that the producer really wakes to the fact that he is in love with Sally. Direction, Edwart Cline, smooth; Author, Viola Brothers Shore, Scen- ario, Lois Leeson; Editor, Byron Robinson; Titles, Frederic and Fan- ny Hatton; Photography, John Boyle, fair. Bob Steele in "Come and Get It" (Silent) FBO Length: 5254 ft. GOOD OLD HOKE PILED ON THICK RESULTS IN A FAST ACTION FILM WITH BOB STEELE AS A PUG DOING HIS STUNTS. Cast.... Bob Steele works hard throughout the footage and will score strong with his following. Jimmy Quinn and Jay Morley do good work as the heavies. Betty Welsh the gal. Story and Production. .. .Melo- drama of the prize ring. This is a very meller story, with a lot of plot crowded in that keeps the pace live- ly. Bob has just received an honor- able discharge from the navy, where he has been the champ boxer. He owns a Buddha obtained in the Orient and there is a gang of crooks after the valuable relic. They keep mussing things up right through the story and have Bob hopping trying to straighten out the tangles. A murder element is worked in, with Bob's father accused. One of the gang offers to tell Bob who did it for a thousand dollars. To obtain the money he enters for a champ prize fight. Snappy climax with Bob kidnapped just before the fight, and getting away just in time to enter the ring and win the fight. Direction, Wallace Fox, good; Author, Frank Howard Clark; Scen- ario, the same; Editor, Delia King; Titles, Not listed; Photography, Vir- gil Miller, all right. Looping the Loop" (Silent) Ufa Length: 6676 ft GOOD PROGRAM NUMBER THIS IMPORTED FILM CAR- RIES THRILLS AND ENTER- TAINMENT WITH STORY OF CIRCUS LIFE. Cast Werner Kraus as the clown does a fine bit of work and dominates the picture throughout. Jenny Jugo an unusually interesting type, and far ahead of most of the girls seen in European productions. Warwick Ward. Story and Production Drama of the circus. The atmosphere is very well done, and the plot is logi- cal and well put together. Also the director has caught the Hollywood technique to a greater extent than most of the European directors, and this helps a lot. Add to this the good acting of the three principals, and here is an imported number that is a safe bet as a programmer. Kraus as the clown meets the gal and fear- ing that she will have no use for him if she knows his profession, poses as an engineer. Meanwhile she has met the polished heavy, and is in love with him. She catches him making love to another dame, and broken hearted accepts the love of Kraus. Later she teams with her false lover in a trapeze act. She learns to love the clown. Direction, Arthur Robinson, good; Authors, Arthur Robinson and Robt. Liebman; Scenario, Same; Editor, Not listed; Titles, Randolph Bartlett; Photography, Carl Hoffman, okay. I THE Sunday, February 17. 1929 ■Stl DAILV 11 Al W'lhon in "The Sky Skidder" (Silent) Universal Length: 4364 ft. MELLER OF AERONAUTICS PEPPED UP WITH SOME GOOD THRILL STUNTS BY THE STUNT FLYER WHICH WILL PLEASE THE CROWD. Cast. ...Al Wilson as the stunt flyer gives some Kood thrills, es- pecially in a parachute jump. Helen Foster the gal. Others Wilbur Mc- Gaugh, Pee Wee Holmes. Story and Production. .. .Melo- drama of the air. This is an out-and- out meller filled with the hoke the thrill fans like. It is pepped up with a parachute jump that carries a real punch, and because it was done by a real stunt flyer, carries all the ear- marks of the genuine article. Al has invented a new fuel for air use that will carry an airplane for a 1,000 miles on a pint. The heavy, who is after Al's gal, substitutes some or- dinary gas when Al makes his flight tor a record, and the aviator running uut of gas is forced to make his jump for life. An additional kick is in- jected by having the parachute "stall" and you see the aviator drop- ping as if to sure death. Very well handled, this. Another flight, and figlits with the heavy round out the film. Good fare for the average runs. Direction, Bruce Mitchell, satis- factory; Author, Val Cleveland: Scenario, the same; Editor, Harry .Marker; Titles, Gardner Bradford; Photography, William .\dams, good. "The Lash of the Czar" (Silent) Amkino Length: 6,290 ft. ANOTHER GLOOMY RUS- SIAN FILM THAT REELS OFF A LOT OF BOLSHEVIK PROP- AGANDA. NOT AMERICAN BOX-OFFICE STUFF. Cast.... All Russian cast consists of V. I. Kachalov, who plays the principal part as th.e governor of St. Petersburg in the days before the Revolution; V. E. Meyerhold, A. P. Petrovsky, Ivan Chuvelev, Anna Steim. Story and Production. .. .Drama of Russia before the Revolution. Produced by Mejrabpomfilm. Found- ed on the story "The Governor," by Andreyev. Knowing Andreyev's flair for horrors and misery in his writings, you know what to e.xpect from this adaptation. And you get it. The director did not have the touch of genius that the great Rus- sian writer possessed, so that the reels unwind just a flat, gloomy story of horror and despair. The only bright spots are certain sequences that are well handled from a cam- era angle. But the rest of the pic- ture is mired in a morass of sloppy direction, terrible continuity and a mass of detail. The Governor orders his troops to fire on the starving populace, and after a lot more agony is killed by a peasant. Direction, I. A. Protozanov, ama- teurish; Author, Andreyev; Scenario, Olga LeonidofI; Editor, Not listed; Titles; Shelly Hamilton; Photog- raphy, P. V. Ermolov, spotty. "Napoleon" (Silent) M-G-M Length: 7000 ft. CAN'T GIVE THIS IMPORT- ED FILM MUCH. PROBABLY ALL RIGHT FOR THE FRENCH BUT POOR ENTERTAINMENT OVER HERE. Cast. .. .Albert Dicudonne as Na- poleon conveys a good characteriza- tion as far as his face is concerned, but otherwise Iiis performance is or- dinary. Josephine is played by Gina Manes without distinction. Alexan- dre Koiibitzky as Danton is fair. Story and Production. . . .Drama of incidents in the life of Napoleon. Made by the Societe Generale de France. It holds little interest for the American audience. It is typical of French productions, being direct- ed with a slow tempo and a lack of proper continuity. The acting is just fair. The characterization of Napoleon is not particularly realis- tic, and fails to give you intimate and sympathetic glimpses of his life. W^e see the great general in glimpses of his childhood, and then the con- tinuity jumps jerkily to certain high- lights in his career until he finally becomes leader of the French army. There are innumerable war scenes, and these were done clumsily. The romance with Josephine is not suf- ficiently played up. Direction, Abel Gance, ragged; Author, Abel Gance; Scenario, Abel Gance; Editor, Lotta Woods; Titles, Lotta Woods; Photography, Not credited, poor. Conrad Veidt in "The Man Who Cheated Life" (Silent) Affiliated European Length: 6000 ft. IMPORTED NUMBER MADE SEVERAL YEARS AGO LOOKS IT. VEIDT IS CLEVER, AS USUAL, BUT DIRECTION AND STORY KILL IT FOR AMER- ICAN COMPETITION. Cast. .. .Conrad Veidt as the stu- dent who sells his soul to the devil for money gives a fine performance that even the heavy story cannot kill. Werner Kraus also good as the devil in modern clothes. Countess von Esterhazy plays a countess in- differently. Elizza La Porta attrac- tive as the ingenue. Story and Production. .. .Drama. Here is a weird production from the Berlin film studios, credited as a Sokal picture, made by Conrad Veidt before he came to Hollywood. It is outdated in technique. The direction is heavy handed and awkward. The >tory IS a peculiar mixture of mod- ernism and a sort of symbolic fan- tasy. Conrad Veidt as the poor stu- dent sells his soul to the devil for riches. He is infatuated with the countess, and his other self, or "shad- ow," kills the countess' fiance in a duel. Veidt goes mad, etc. Direction, Henrik Galeen, poor; Author, Hans Heinz Ewers; Scen- ario, Not listed; Editor, Not listed; Titles, Not listed; Photography, Not listed; spotty. Monte Blue in "Conquest" (All-Talker) Warners Length: 6729 ft. PROVES TO BE A WEAK FILM, WITH POOR STORY, JERKY CONTINUITY AND IN- DIFFERENT DIRECTION. SOUTH POLE SCENES UN- CONVINCING. Cast. ... Monte Blue gives a per- formance way aliead of the part he played. H. B. Warner acts well, but he drags out his dialog in slow-mo- tion sound waves. Lois Wilson pleasing. Others Tully Marshall, Story and Production. .Melodrama of a Soutli Pole flight. Here is a plot that is quite evidently a natural for a silent version, but trying to put it over as an all-talker licked it. It is primarily a story of action if naturally developed. But with the sequences forced to conform to talk- ing requirements, it proves to be un- convincing and the sequences too choppy. Monte Blue and Warner in love with the same girl are crashed in a South Pole flight, and Warner leaves his pal flat to die in the snow. Warner returns, marries the girls, and months later Blue turns up on their door- step very much alive. As far as the story enlightens you, he must have walked all the way back from the South Pole. Direction, Roy Del Ruth, uncon- vincing; Author, Mary Imlay Tay- lor; Scenario, ICve Unsell and Gra- ham Baker; Editor, Jack Killifer; Dialogue, Jackson Rose; Titles, Jos- eph Jackson; Photography, Barney McGill, spotty. "Noisy Neighbors" (Part-Talker) Pathe Length: 5735 ft. CAN'T GIVE THIS MUCH. FALLS DOWN WITH UNCON- VINCING STORY WITH POOR CONTINUITY. SPOKEN DIA- LOG ALSO WEAK. Cast. .. .Eddie Quillan as member of a vaude troupe shows nothing to talk about. Alberta Vaughn out- classes him. Theodore Roberts fine as a Southern colonel. Others are six members of the Quillan family, Ray Hallor, Russel Simpson. Story and Production. .. .Comedy drama. The plot is pretty much of a hodge podge, and very unconvincing. The Quillan family, a vauded troups, prove to be the Van Revels, come of an old Southern family that had a feud with the Carstairs. Eddie falls in love with the daughter of the Car- stairs next door. A mountaineer branch of the Carstairs start the feud all over again, and come to the house to shoot up Eddie and his family. Full of inconsistencies. Eddie's father, supposed to be of this old Southern family, talks broad Scotch. The Car- .Mairs, one of the oldest aristocratic southern families, turn out to be a lot of ignorant mountaineers. Maybe southern audiences can laugh this off — maybe. The shooting up scene is wild and unconvincing. Love interest good. Direction, Charles Reisner, poor; Author, F. Hugh Herbert; Scenario, W. Scott Darling; Editor, Anne Bauchens; Titles, John Krafft; Dia- logue, John Krafft; Photography, Dave Abell, fair. Short Subjects SOUND Timblin and Raymond in "A Pair of Aces" Vitaphone No. 2755 Good Laughti Type of production . Blackface comedy skit This is a number that scores with laughs of the slapstick variety, with Timblin using his old vaude jokes aplenty, but the audience didn't seem to mind — or though they were brand new. They sang two songs, "St. Louis Blues," and "I Don't Suppose It Will Happen .\gain." This lat- ter for a closing number sent them off with a ripple of laughs. They also put over a uke number, "Just Blues," that was fair. Voices register clear, and this looks like a safe num- ber for the average crowd. Time, 10 mins. "The Bam Dance"— Walt Disney Powers Cinephone Mouse Comics Type of production. .1 reel animated This is another of the adventure of Mickey Mouse and his sweetie. The villain cat tries to take the gal driving in his auto, which is wrecked. .So she goes to the barn dance ^yith Mickey who is driving his carriage drawn by the old plug. This horse is one of the funniest cartoon char- acters seen in the animateds. Later at the dance the cat shows up and tries to take the gal away again, but Mickey fools him. The sound effects are funny, and this number enhances the usual cartoon subject easily 100 per cent. SILENT "The Fatal Warning" — Mascot Series Punch and Thrills Type of production serial What happened to William Rogers and what were the circumstances surrounding the mystery? This is the cornerstone of the story of "The Fatal Warning." an interesting ser- ial thriller produced by Mascot Pic- tures. Based on what the first three epi- (.Continued on Pag* 12) Flo Lewis in "Give Us a Lift" Vitaphone No. 2708 Scores Type of production comedy act W^ith the personality of the com- edienne Flo Lewis, assisted by Leo Karlyn who plays straight, the hokum of her old vaudeville act goes over with plenty of laughs. She starts for a ride with Leo in his dinky little toy auto, and the fun consists in Flo's wisecracking and comedy antics as she tries to seat herself comfortably in the abbreviated car. Some of the cracks are off color, and might be resented in certain quarters. Certainly by family trade. The act was funny enough without the sug- i geslive remarks which she pulls a half dozen times. But otherwise it's there strong with some real novelty laughing gags. Time, 10 mins. THE 12 Jii .Trirtlll -:&^ DAILY Sunday, February 17, 1929 Short Subjects (Continued from Page 11) sodes divulge, this looks like red meat for serial lovers. The mystery ele- ment is well-sustained and the punch sequences terminating each episode are extremely well-handled. The early chapters plant the disappear- ance of Rogers and establish the characters. The bearing each one has on the plot is purposely made mystifying with the result that, by the end of the third episode, that you never quite know who the vil- lain is. Bearing in mind that most of America at some time or other has read mystery and detective stories, "The Fatal Warning" carries a sure- fire appeal for theaters that cater to serial hounds. Helene Costello and Ralph Graves, both of them well known through their work in many features, head the cast. Direction by Richard Thorpe who demon- strates he has a good grasp on the serial idea. "Parlor Pests" Mermaid — Educational Peppy Type of production. . . .2 reel comedy Vernon Dent and Monty Collins are a couple of radio men who de- liver a radio at the birthday party staged for dad by his ritzy family. Vernon and Monty are asked by the hostess to come dressed as guests so as to fool father. The fun con- sists in Dent and Collins picking on each other and dancing with the guests to the latter's discomfiture. The windup is funny, with a live wire hitting some water on the floor so that when the guests step on it they get a shock. The finish has them all sprawling on the floor. Pure slapstick but it carries the laughs. "The Fire Detective" Pathe Above Average Type of production. .10 chapter serial This starts off unusually good. If they maintain the pace shown in the first three instalments this shpuld prove sure fire with the fans who love their serials. It gets away from the usual routine with fire fighting as the background, and the murder mystery directly hooked up with the fire scenes in a very logical and thrilling plot. The hero is a special investigator for the fire department endeavoring to uncover the perpetra- tors of a scries of disastrous fires of incendiary origin. Evidence shows thai a band of criminals are setting the fires and a United States sena- tor and a criminal attorney are drawn into the proceedings, along with a convict and a chemist. The plot is so cleverly handled that it keeps you guessing as to just what part all these play in the proceed- ings. The fire scenes are very well done and altogether realistic. Gladys McConnell looks good as the lead, with Hugh Allan the hero. Others in a strong cast are Leo Maloney, John Cossar, Lawrence Steers and Frank Lackteen. Frank Leon Smith wrote the story and it was directed by Spencer Bennet and Tom S'torey. Looks like a safe bet so far as seen. "Wise Wimmin" Ideal — Educational Okay Type of production. ... 2 reel comedy Jerry Drew is assisted by Vernon Dent m one of his usual comedy mix- ups with the women. He steps out to a party after fooling the wife into believing that he is going to work late at the office. But through her television set she sees hubby at his office planning to go to the party with some chorus girls So when he gets to the party he is surprised to find his wife there, too. The fun comes when Drew starts a flirtation with the wife of iiis host, and winds up with both his wife and the other man chasing him all over the place. Drew succeeds in making this quite funny " Button My Back"— Sennett Pathe Funny Type of production. .. .2 reel comedy Billy Bevan is his usual comedy self in this number, that is made very attractive to the eye with Carmelita Geraghty in the support. Billy pos- ing as a rich man visits the home of a man who is trying to interest him in a business proposition. In order to impress Billy, the other has his wife pose as the servant. Billy gets a crush on the pretty maid, and starts to play around. The husband can do little without disclosing the fact that the girl is his wife. Finally Billy's wife arrives in time to catch him in a compromising situation with the girl. A bulldog relieves Billy of his pants, and adds to the fun. Snappy, with Bevan doing nice comedy work throughout. "Grandma's House" — Fables Pathe Mouse Antics Type of production. . 1 reel animated This is just a cartoon version of the Little Red Riding Hood fable with Little Rita the Mouse substituted for Red Riding Hood. The bad cat plays the part of the wolf and poses in bed as grandma when Riding Hood comes to the cabin in the woods. She is saved from the crafty cat by the arrival of her sweetie, Milt. Up to the standard. Akron House Open Akron, O. — Botzum Brothers have sold the Dreamland to W. R. and H. L. Malone, Botzums retain the Orpheum, Akron and the Strand and Alhambra, Canton. Gary House Changes Hands Cary, O. — Edward A. Capell has purchased the Strand from his brother, D. A. Capell. Gibbs Sells Toledo House Toledo, O. — Percy Gibbs has sold the Artcraft to A. L. Scott and E. Pennell. And That's That By PHIL M. DALY DEWEY D. Bloom is now en route to Hollywood and if there is any- thing in initials, this publicist who "general factotums" for Gertrude Lawrence, newest Fox Movietone star, is likely to earn a Doctor of Dialog degree. He has had the "D.D.'s" for some time, but insists his initials stand for Dewey David and not for Doctor of Divinity, or the more recent Doctor of Dialog. George Harvey, president of the Associated Motion Picture Adver- tisers, spoke about the AM PA Hol- lywood Masque Ball over Radio Sta- tion WPAP during the Movie Club period. The hustling AMPAS chief has arranged to continue ra- dio talks in behalf of the event right up to the evening of March 2, when the ball will be held at the Hotel Astor, Twenty-two prints of Pathe's "The King of Kings" were running day and date out of the Indianapolis ex- change last week. The Publix-In- diana Indianapolis, featured Pathe's "Show Folks," on the third anniver- sary program of the house. Deutsch Buys Rights Cleveland — Dick Deutsch, head of the Import Film Co. has acquired the Ohio distribution rights to "Bat- tles of the Champions," a 6-reel fea- ture showing various fights sponsored by Tex Rickard. Callinam Attrac- tions is handling the pictures for Im- port. Fire at Lisbon, C, House Lisbon, O. — Fire, said to have oc- curred from a short circuit, dam- aged the Fez here. No one was in- jured. fORGET" / ,^OUR WORRIES t • • Holljw MasQue Ball HOIll ASTOR M4R2 Week's Headlines Monday Prospects of independent producers and dis- tributors seen brijfht for 1929-30 season, due to sound development. Universal launching Movietone newsreel; In- ternational News may be released by War- ners is report. Tuesday Loe'v's and M-G-M are not for sale, Nicho- las M. Schenck declares, reiterating de- nial of deal with Warners, which Claude Ezell is reported to have announced on the Coast. R. F. Woodhull, M.P.T.O.A. president, pro- tests stand of the Hearst newspapers for national censorship of films. Wednseday United Artists-M-G-M merger .igain reported and again denied; reorganization and re- linancing of U. A. planned, is report. Claude Ezell denies stating Warner-M-G-M merger was pending. Thursday Charles Chaplin seen stumbling block in re- ported plan to merge United Artists and M-G-M; has consistently opposed merger; consent of Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford understood won. RKO reiterates denial of any deal with Para- mount or public. Friday Financial circles hear M-G-M deal with War- ners is near. Joseph M. Schenck characterizes report that Chaplin might prove stumbling block to reported United Artists-M-G-M merger as just another headline story. Saturday Warners plan new house on site of New York Strand. Quality film shortage fear is held unfounded. Unionizing of studios in East under way. E G G E R S INCORPORATED Photo Engraving Specialists to the Motion Picture Industry DAY AND NIGHT 250 West 54th Street NEW YORK Telephone: Columbui 4I4I-I-S A liiglier premium than ever before Today — in this new era of sound pictures — there is a hio;her premium than ever before on film uniformity. For sound quality is even more sensi- tive than screen quality to any variation in the film. If your ''talkie" prints are on Eastman film — famous for uniformity — your patrons are seeing and hearing the very best that this newest devel- opment in motion pictures has to offer. EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY ROCHESTER, N. Y. {ji ^m FOX MOVIETONE 100% DIALOG COMEDY with MUSIC Presented by William Fox ^m^^^^ Native Entertainers — Singers — Dancers — Actors ^L J^ ^Wf Musical Comedy Stars — augmented by BILLBREW CHORUS of OV Laughing Life on Levees — in Cotton Fields — in Dixieland! NEW! DIFFERENT! STRIKING! COMEDY! THRILLS! PATHOS! Has Everything - TALKS DOUGH! SINGS MONEY! PAUL SLOANE Production Slory and Dinlog by WALTER WEEMS u i^I=I=TiVI^KmG^^^i^a^I=SlNGmG^^^AL=I=^ Tiff any - Stahl Getting Set on Expansion Program oyFILMDOM ML THE NEWS ALL THE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 41 Monday, February 18, 1929 Price 5 Cents 1929-30 VIEWED from several an- gles this next amusement season will be memorable. Nineteen twenty-nine and thirty will pretty much determine where sound and the business at large are headed. Techni- cally, progress is rapid. Com- parison of the early sound pic- tures with the new indicates that the road to the promised land has been found. The public demand for sound is insatiable, it appears. To meet it, producers are turning their studios upside down, also inside out. Sound most assured- ly is the order of the day and those who demur unceremoni- ously are being brushed aside. In another year we look for this development to find its level. Sound Palpitations What that will be, nobody can foretell. If we knew we would spout fortunes instead of alleged editorials and probably spend three months in Europe every summer and a couple in Florida every winter. Today, the public is palpitating for sound. In big cities the novelty is about worn off, but in tnany cities and towns where sound is taking its bows, it must be remembered the appeal of the new, the innovation holds sway. Until the saturation point is ap- proached or reached, this condition will prevail. How rapidly this will come about depends entirely upon the rapidity with which sound re- producers reach theaters. It appears to us that by this time next year, or certainly by the end of the 1930 season, the settling process will have set in and the industry will have a real opportunity — its first, seriously — to sit back on its haunches and take inventory. Peering Ahead Our extreme youth occasionally influences us to indulge in wild guesses. We have! been told we should exercise a greater check on our enthusiasm and, after all, who are we to question older and, there- fore, wiser heads? However, at the risk of wide disagreement perhaps, we shall look into our own, very (.Continued on Page 2) LOEW DEAL IS HINTED IN JACK WARNER'S TRIP EAST IVcst Coast BHreau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Departure of Jack Warner, production chief of War- ners, for the East to confer with Harry M. Warner, has revived re- ports that the deal with Loew's is on. While Warner refused to com- ment on the nature of business which has caused him to go East, there are persistent reports that it con- cerns the oft-denied deal. RKO-PATHE MERGER TALK (S RENEWED ON COAST IVcst Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Talk of merging Radio Pictures and Pathe is being revived here, with executives of the two concerns on the Coast. Hiram Brown, RKO president, Joseph P. Kennedy, J. J. Murdock and Pat (.Continued on page 8) Pantages Reiterates His Denial of Deal for Chain West Coa!t Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Alexander Pantages reiterates denial of any deal on or proposed for sale of his circuit to Joseph P. Kennedy and J. J. Mur- dock. The latter two had been re- ported planning a national chain of (Continued on page 8) W. E. CUTTING PRICES OF THEATER SERVICING Awards for Merit Los Angeles — "Bests" of 1928, in various fields of pro- duction have been determined upon by the Academy of M. P. Arts and Sciences. The se- lections appear in the Holly- wood Wire Service, page 6. METZGERSEESSOUND-ON- FILM ESSENTIAL SYSTEM "This business of sound-on-disc is the most serious dangerous problem which has faced the industry in many years," declares Lou B. Mctzger. general sales manager of L'niversal, stating it is "high time the industry made up its mind whether it wants to sing tenor or bass in the matter of sound equipment. (Continued on page 8) Contempt Conviction on Trade Commission Order IVasluiuitmi Bureau of TIIF. FILM DAILY Washington — First time that any court has enforced an order of the Federal Trade Commission by pun- (Continued on page 8) Interest of Hoffman in T-S is Bought as Step in New Program West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los .Angeles— In what is declared to be forerunner of an extensive ex- pansion program planned by the com- pany, L. A. Young, president of Tif- fany-Stahl, has acquired interest in the company of M. H. Hoffman, its vice president and general manager. Young and Grant L. Cook, secretar>- and treasurer of the company, closed the deal here. No indication has been given as to whether other changes are planned. Cook some time ago having denied to THE FILM D.A.ILY report of a studio shake up. Tif^any-Stahl's expansion program, outlined by Cook at the Chicago meeting in December, called for ac- quisition of theaters in a number of key cities. In outlining the plans, he then said that the company in- tends to go it alone, and is not con- templating any merger with any other company. Recently, expansion program was launched in France and England, in the latter of which the first picture is in production, un- der title (.f "To What Red lU-Ii:-" Hoffman Soon to Make Known Future Plans Announcement that M. H. Hoff- man has sold his interests in Tiffany- Stahl was made at the company's home ofTice in New York .Saturday. In the statement, Hoffman is quoted as saying that tempting offer made him proved too much for him to re- sist. He adds that he does not in- tend to retire, but intends to take an extended vacation before announcing future plans. Reduction of Maintenance Charges Slated to Go Into Effect Feb. 23 Reduction in service charges on Western Electric sound projection equipment in theaters is to be made on Feb. 23. Announcement of the lower charges for maintenance of equipment is to be made by the company within a few days. Service charges are based on the individual installation, so that there are various scales of prices. How- ever, the reduction is to be approxi- mately 15 per cent on equipments which have been installed for six months, and a further 18 per cent cut after one year. FAMOUS pTaYERS BEGIN EASTERN CANADA INVASION Toronto — Famous Players Cana- dian Corp. operating 150 theaters from Montreal to Vancouver has invaded the Maritime Provinces of the Dom- inion, according to Clarence Robson, eastern supervisor of theaters for the corporation. A site has been pur- chased in Halifax, N. S., for a the- ater to be started soon. Other Fa- mous Players houses will follow in St. John, Fredericton, Moncton and other centers on the Atlantic Coast. Incidentallv, a theater is also under way in Quebec City. Severe Penalties Asked for Anti-Trust Violation Wa.ihington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Amendment of the anti-trust laws to provide drastic in- creases in penalties imposed for vio- lation is proposed in a bill introduced in the House by Rep. Larsen of Georgia. His bill would increase fine of $25,000, or imprisonment of from one to five years, and $100,000 for the second violation or imprison- ment of from three to ten years. Mogler Author of Bill to License Carnivals Jefferson City, Mo.— Licensing of carnivals by municipalities is pro- vided for in a bill introduced in the .Senate by Sen. Joseph Mogler. ^T$Bg^ DAILY Monday, February 18, 1929 M XLVII Ho. 41 Monday. Feb.l8, 1929 Prleo5Co«U JOHN W. UICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadvvay, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Fd^.-lTic. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act if March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3 00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: .Filmday New York. Hollywood, California-— -Ralph Wilk, 6425 HoUywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin— Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Financial The Broadway Parade THIS marks the last week for "The River" at the Gaiety and "The Bellamy Trial" at the Embassy. "Hearts in Dixie" will be opened by Fox next Monday at the Gaiety. Paramount will start "The Wolf Song" at the Embassy on Feb. 23. Picture Distributor Theater Opening Date "The Singing Fool" Warners Winter Garden Sept. 19 "The River" Fox Gaiety Dec. 22 "The Bellamy Trial" M-G-M Embassy Jan. "Weary River" First National. . . . Central Jan. "Redskin" Paramount Criterion Jan. "Wolf of Wall Street" . .Paramount Rialto Jan. "Broadway Melody" M-G-M Astor Feb. "The Redeeming Sin" . . Warners Warners Feb. 'Ned McCobb's Daughter"Pathe. . "The Iron Mask" United Artists. .Colony Feb. Rivoli Feb. 23 24 26 26 8 IS 16 21 The Industry* s Date Book STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am. Seat 33 32^4 32^ Con. Fm. Ind. pfd 26i4 2614 2654 East. Kodak 183^ 183 183 ♦do pfd ; ^28 First Nat. pfd....l06j4 106^ IO6/2 Fox Fm. "A".... S6H 85^ 8554 •do rts ••• 3 Keith AG 36 35M 36 do pfd 111/2 110 110 Loew's, Inc 73 Ji 72 Ji 73 do pfd 108 108 108 *M-G-M pfd • 255i M. P. Cap 16 15!4 15 J4 Para. F-L 61 60 61 Pathe Exch 11% 1154 n'A do "A" 24M 23/2 24/2 Radio K-AO .... 3S'A 34% 34'4 Stanley Co 38 37% 37% *Univ. Pict. pfd 9854 Warner Bros. ...126 1225/^ \ZS% do pfd 55 545/8 55 CURB MARKET &% 8J4 8" 81 . . 235^ 22^ 23 1: . . 2?,% 28 2454 24 28 24^ 36 26 9% 11 n% Acoustic Prod *Bal. & Katz .. Con. Fm. Ind. *Film Insp. . . Fox Thea. "A" Intern. Proj - ,. Loew do deb rts.. 36 36 Nat. Scr. Ser 26M 26 Nat. Thea. Sup. .. 9% 9'A Trans-Lux 11 1054 *Univ. Pict Warner Pet. Rts.. 4!4 4 BOND MARKET Keith A-0 6s 46.. 95 95 *Loew 6s 41 WW ♦do 6s 41 x-war.. .. Paramount 6s 47.. 100 Par. By. 554s51..102 ♦Pathe 7s37 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36.. 97 97 ♦Warner 65^s 28 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 30 33 do units 32 40 . . do com 4/2 554 .. Skouras Bros 50 54 . . ♦Technicolor 1454 .. United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com .... 2 do pfd 75 85 .. ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED 95 120 .... 9954 99% 100 102 102 7954 97 198 Sales 200 200 200 '166 3,100 '366 100 6,400 100 '206 9,400 1,300 1,000 4,100 100 4,bbb 300 4,800 3,466 7',666 500 100 500 100 300 i",666 5 1929 30 (Continued from Page 1) private crystal ball and see what it reveals: We see sound remaining as a per- manent adjunct to motion pictures. For thirty years or more, the screen has been emulating the Sphinx. Now science has unloosened its tongue. Like a prattling child which first discovers its capability for speech, motion pictures are babbling and talking beyond all reason. Occasion- ally they have something to say; more often they do not. Neverthe- less, talk they will. This first flush of enthusiasm will die as the novelty wears off and maturity sets in. How- ever, once having learned how to speak, it is unreasonable to expect motion pictures to remain forever quiet. This, we have pointed out be- fore. Too Much Talk What we believe will transpire is that when films have something to say they will talk and when they do not, they will hold their peace. Noth- ing can be so tiresome as a garrulous person; similarly with motion pic- tures. Also do we see sound carrying out its original function of bringing to the smaller cities and towns of America the boon of good music and entertainment in celluloid form_ such as the most visionary in this indus- try never conjured up. We remind you that back in the early days of 1926 when Vitaphone made its memorable debut and when the ensuing excitement ran high, it was the application of this epoch- making development to small towns wherein the greatest benefit was seen. The subsequent stampede did everi'thing but that. The result was that the de lu.xe theaters, fortified by producer-ownership and massed buy- ing power, captured the balm de- signed for the little man. Balancing Scales This balance is now slowlj' but steadily swinging the other way. An- other twelve months should find the scales on a more even and proper keel and the increased prosperity which sound has brought more equit- ably distributed. KANN Feb. 23 Opening of "The Wolf Song" at Embassy, New York. 2 AMPA Hollywood Masque Ball in New York. 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn< sylvania Exhibitor Unit. Mar. Apr. 1 2 New Series Planned By General Pictures In addition to a series of four ' Richard Talmadge pictures, Oscar • Price, president of General Picture \ Corp., announces a tentative sched- ule including a second series of four and a third group in which the pic- tures are unannounced. Two pic- tures of the second group are fin- ished. They are "Back from Shang- hai," starring Vera Reynolds and the second, "The Heroic Lover," star- ring Barbara Bedford. Pommer For Three Ufa Films Berlin — For the 1929-30 season Erich Pommer, producer, will make, three pictures for UFA. Two of the films will be directed by Joe May and one by Hanns Schwarz. Max Pfeiffer will remain as Pom- mer's assistant. Veidt Goes Abroad Conrad Veidt sailed Saturday for Berlin. While abroad he plans to make a picture in England and oat in Germany. He will return in fall r-~ EUROPE Experienced gentleman available either as exchange manager or for represen- tation abroad. Thorough knowledge of English, German and Polish. Valu- able connections, governmental and commercial. BOX A-112 c-o Film Daily 1650 Broadway N. Y. C. UNUSUAL PRAISE! w m lers \^=: It is an unusual thing for me to praise, but I am more than pleased to inform you that your trailer service is the finest both from an artistic as well as advertising point of view. BENJAMIN SHINDLER, VICTORIA THEATRE. Camden, N. J. SOUND STUDIO NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRODUCERS OF SOUND AND TALKING PICTURES COMPLETE SOUND STAGE INCLUDING THE FINEST LIGHTING AND RECORDING EQUIPMENT "SOUND STAGE BUILT BY JOHNS MANVILLE" JUST COMPLETED THE MUSICAL SCORE FOR "LINDA" FEATURE PRODUCTION NOW SCORING WITH MUSICAL EFFECTS "SIMBA" FEATURE PRODUCTIONS WE WILL RECORD SOUND AND TALKING PICTURES FOR RELIABLE PRODUCERS METROPOLITAN STUDIOS FT. LEE, NEW JERSEY TELEPHONES N. Y., LACKAWANNA 7511 N. J., FT. LEE 2611 NEW YORK OFFICE 1600 BROADWAY, N. Y. C DlALO€UE AND UNiqU€ sraiR €ff€CTS Starring ALICE DAY ARTHUR LUBIN Adapted from an Original By NORMAN HOUSTON Co-Author of "BROADWAY MELODY" I VERSIONS SILENT & SOUND Produced By SotKam Photoplays BUDD ROGERS Vice-Pres. 350 Broadway YIVID^ APPEALING TALE OF LOVE IH TIH PAN ALLEY WUERE AMEHICA^ POPULAR S0N6S AUE 50RN. B£Rr LYTELL Gertrude Olmstead Talking Picture Entertainment De Luxe! A CORKING GOOD MELODRAMA , produced with Tense Dramatic Di- alogue, Superb Musical Score and Sound Effects— BERT LYTELL -and others— talk in a brilliant melodrama crowded with Action, Thrills, Heart-Interest and Sur- prises! ^■% Latest and greatest of the "Lone Wolf* series — and a Crou^d-Pwlling, yioney-Get' ting Axtraction that will keep the fans coming and send them away satisfied! Adapted from the Story by LOUIS JOSEPH VANCE Directed by ALBERT S. ROGELL \)M^ ■T- wc\ 15 GR{AT STARS /;7C0LUM BIAS f IRSr 100% DIALOGUt PICTURE h I ^ewgteri^ J{AN H£RSHOLT Una BasQuette-RicardoCoi-fez Rex Lease A Great Cast In a Great Talkie! A POWERFUL BOX.OFHCE FEA- , TURE, with dialogue sequences and action that will hold any audience spell- bound! Perfectly harmonized with an entrancing musical score and effects. JEAN HERSHOLT-the "David War- field of the Talking Screen"— in a charac- terization that will live forever . . . Lina Basquette, Ricardo Cortez and Rex Lease are among the stars who talk and act as if inspired. ^J >'^il^l^ \ JtAN ft HtdSHOLT ^ T Adapted from FANNIE HURST'S cele- brated stage play— "It Is To Laugh." Directed by FRANK R. CAPRA, who directed the sensational box-office success, "Submarine." Ail Columbia Talking Pictures are recorded by the Western Electric System ■4. LINA BASQUETie vi mCARDO CORT-EZ THE m 6 I Short Shots from H New York Studios KSSSm^y ARTHUR W. EDDY ^^^ PIERRE COLLINGS, one of the screen's most expert adaptors and writers of originals, sailed Satur- day for a brief European trip, dur- ing which he will visit England and France. While inhaling Atlantic Ocean ozone he'll focus his type- writer on three originals. * * * Frank Heath and H. Emerson Yorke, Paramount's casting impre- sarios, are busy with "The Cocoa- nuts," now in early stages of produc- tion at the Long Island plant. Two additions to the roster of players are Cyril Ring and Basil Ruysdall, both known to theater-going audiences. * * * Merle Johnson has finished giving Johann Strauss' "The Gypsy Baron" talker version for production by E. Spitz. He's written the dialogue and continuity. * ♦ ♦ "Romance, Inc.," from the fast- clicking collaborating typewriters of H. H. Van Loan and Crane Wilbur, ivill be produced on Broadway im- mediately by A. H. Woods. It's a yarn of Hollyivood and. environs. Wilbur leaves Ttiesday for Oakland, Cal., to fulfill a stock engagement and will try out the play there and also "The State Trooper," oii which he also collaborated tvith Van Loan. When "Romance, Inc." reaches the Main Stem, Wilbur will play the male lead and his wife, Beatrice Blinn, probably ivill play opposite. * * * Thomas Holding, who works in pictures and shows with equal clever- ness, is now rehearsing in "The Sui- cide Club," based upon Robert Louis Stevenson's story. ^t^ch at the A.M.RA. HOLlYWoOD MASQUi Ball/ Hotel Astor Aiar.'Z CAILV Monday, February 18, 1929 Treats Patrons New Haven, Conn. — Appre- ciation week at a local house here was marked by free dis- tribution of candy and ginger ale to patrons. One thousand bottles of the beverage and 100 pounds of candy a day were distributed. Columbia Sales Trio on Tour of Exchanges With its talking program of both features and shorts launched, Colum- bia's trio of sales executives is on a tour of exchanges. \N. J. Morgan, after a brief stay in New York, has returned to the recently acquired southern territory to visit newly-annexed Columbia branches in New Orleans, Memphis, Dallas, Charlotte, Atlanta and Okla- homa City. Cecil E. Maberry is covering the Middle West. His itinerary includes Omaha, Des Moines, Chicago, De- troit, St. Louis and Milwaukee. Joe Goldberg, West Coast head, has left his headquarters in Los Angeles for the survey of the Columbia branches in San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Salt Lake City and Butte. Whitehall Cancels Contract London — Whitehall Pictures, which some months ago entered a contract with W. & F. Films whereby the latter distributed all Whitehall prod- uct in Great Britain, has cancelled its contract, it is reported. White- hall is now completing "The In- separables," its latest picture. "Dixie" Opening Feb. 25 "Hearts of Dixie" opens Feb. 25 at the Gaiety, New York, and not tonight as previously reported. Teufel Manager at Eugene, Ore. Eugene, Ore. — Fred Teufel of Portland, has been placed in charge of the Rex, according to Russell Brown, manager of the McDonald. Both houses are owned and operated by Universal. Waterman Gets R. I. House Providence, R. I. — The Uptown has been bought by Henry E. Wat- erman of East Providence at a pub- lic sale here for $51,000, it is re- ported. James C. Collins of Tilling- hast & Collins represented Water- man. S. F. Granada Renovated San Francisco — Sam Katz, presi- dent of Publix, has ordered a num- ber of improvements for the Granada here. Alterations are to be made without interrupting the show. Brownell with RKO John Brownell, playwright, scen- arist and novelist, has been added to the Radio Pictures writing staff. He was for five years with fhiiversal and se\eral years with Robertson- Cole and FBO. Coast Wire Service Academy Merit Awards CITATION fOR BEST WORK or '28 MADE Merit awards for work on pic- tures during the past year have been made by the Academy of Motion Pic- ture Arts and Sciences. The awards embrace the v.'ork of stars, directors, authors and adaptors. Among the male players, Emil Jannings is first and Richard Bar- thelmess is given honorable mention. Among feminine players Janet Gay- nor is first, with Gloria Swanson and Louise Dresser receiving honorable mention. In the field of dramatic directors Frank Borzage is chosen nrst for "7th Heaven." Herbert Brenon gets honorable mention for "Sorrell and Son." Lewis Milestone receives a first for comedy direction of "Two Arabian Knights." Ted Wilde gets honorable mention for directing "Speedy." For original stories Ben Hecht lands a first award for his "Underworld." Lajos Biro receives honorable mention for "The Last Command." Among adaptors Benjamin Gkazer is first for his work on "7th Heaven. ' Alfred Cohen gets honorable mention for adapting "The Jazz Singer," and Anthony Coldeway honorable men- tion for adapting "Glorious Betsy." Among title writers Joseph Farnliani wins the award for his titles, with George Marion, Jr., and Gerald Duf- fy receiving honorable mention. Among cinematographers, Charles Rosher and Karl Struss jointly re- ceive first awards for their camera work on "Sunrise." George Barns gets the honorable mention for his camera work on "Sadie Thompson,'' "The Devil Dancer" and "Magic Flame." For art direction William Manzies gets the award and Rochus Gliese and Harry Oliver receive hon- orable mention. In the department of engineering effects, Roy Pomeroy won first for his work on "Wings," and Ralph Hammeras and Nugent Slaughter get honorable mention. Award for the most unique and artistic picture went to Fox for "Sunrise," Paramount received hon- orable mention for "Chang," and M- G-M for "The Crowd." A special award for producing "the pioneer out- standing talker which revolutionized the industry" was given to Warners for "The Jazz Singer." A special award was given to Charlie Chaplin for writing, directing and producing "The Circus." A Little from if Lots >f By RALPH WILK Hollywood GLIMPSES at the Wampas din- ner: Arthur Caesar's comments causing gales of laughter, and queries regarding his past and work; Con Conrad's parodies winning' applause. Earl Wingart proving an excellent master of ceremonies; President Bar- rett Kiesling busy with the gavel; Keith Weeks being introduced to the Wampas; President Karl Bickel of the United Artists refusing to "work for you tonight by making a speech"; Arthur Kay informing another Ar- thur— Caesar— that the latter had put him in "high-sterics"; Eddie Leonard, king of minstrelsy, forced to give five numbers; two Fox prin- cesses of pulchritude — Dixie Lee and Dorothy Jordaai — proving pleasing eyefuls and full of talent. * * * Al De Gaetano, long Harry Lang- don's film editor, is editing "The King of the Kyhber Rifles," which John Ford is directing, with Victor McLaglen m the stamping role. John Stone wrote the dialogue for the picture. * * * Al Ray is busy at Tiffany- Stahl, where he is directing "The Midway," which stars Joe E. Brown. Helen Foster and Wal'ace MacDonald are among the principals. Jackson Rose is handling the camera. * * * Pierre Gendron, Pathe dialogue writer, has had his play, "The Count- ess Wanta You," accepted for produc- tion in London. Pierre was the co- author of "Cold Feet," which was pro- duced in London and New York. He also wrote "Kept," which played in I New York. Denial Made of Report Rothacker with RKO Report that Watterson R. Roth- acker is joining RKO Prod., is de- nied by officials of the latter. Rooney Subject Under Way Entitled "Love Birds," the latest of the series of six Movietone com- edies being made by the Rooney family for Universal has just started production, with Ben Holmes direct- ing. The story is by Edgar Allen Wolfe, who writes all the Rooney's stage and screen material. Gleason's Director Chosen Arvid E. Gillstrom is director as- signed to make "Meet the Missus," starring James and Lucille Webster GJceason for Christie. Back in F. N. Cast Maurice Black has been signed by First National for "Broadway Ba- bies," starring Alice White. Butler On O'Brien Film David Butler is busy at the Fox studio on "A Son of Anak," by Ben Ames Williams. George O'Brien is the star. THE Monday, February 18, 1929 ^TT ^^^ ~ DAILV i^m Can you ansuver these questions? Who directed "The Red Dance?" Who photographed "Docks of New York?" How many pictures were released in 1928? Who are the Wampas "Baby Stars" for 1929? How many houses are in the Publix circuit? Where can you buy equipment accessories? Who released "A Single Man?" How many studios are there and where are they located? What is a good exploitation "stunt" to use for a comedy, a drama, etc.? How many short subjects were released during 1928? What agencies are booking acts for moving picture theatres? Is it more profitable to build a new theatre or to reconstruct your present house? What are the names of the Synchronous sound devices? Non-synchron- ous? What are the financial structures of the leading companies in this in- dustry? What pictures were released in 1928 with dialogue? With synchroniza- tion? In what foreign countries do quota laws exist? How many features were imported into the U. S. in 1928? What is the text of the Standard Exhibition Contract? What Directors are active in the Short Subject field? What Players? What is the entire history of sound picures? Which companies manufacture equipment used in the sound field? Which state has the most number of theatres? What are the most important legal-legislative decisions, or laws, affect- ing production, distribution and exhibition? The ans^irers are all in the 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK ^^Ask the man ^who orwtks one!'' [with apologies] THE -:&^ 1 DAILV Monday, February 18, 1929 On Broadway Astor — "Broadway Melody" Cameo — "The Lash of the Czar" Capitol — "The Flying Fleet" Central — ^"Weary River" Colony — "Ned McCobb's Daughter" Criterion — "Redskin" Embassy — "The Bellamy Trial" Gaiety — "The River" Hippodrome- — "Interference" Locw's New York — Monday, "Abie's Irish Rose:" Tuesday, "Hardboilcd" and "The MiKion Dollar Collar;" Wednesday, "The Home To.vners;" Thursday, "The Little Wildcat;" Friday, "The Case of Lena Smith;" Saturday, "A Lady of Chance;" Sunday, "Naughty Baby" Mark Strand — "The Barker" Paramount — "Strange Cargo" Rialto— "Wolf of Wall Street" Rivoli — "The Iron Mask" Roxy— "The Ghost Talks" Warners — 'The Redeeming Sin" Winter Garden — "The Singing Fool" Film Boards of Trade Report Additional Theater Changes Metzger Sees Sound- on-Film Essential (.Continued from Page 1) "Anyone who thinks that the screen can hang on to both systems simultaneously, is kidding himself," he says. "Right now, there are a lot of manufacturers, producers and ex- hibitors kidding themselves in this way. "F"ortunately, the leading compa- nies in the industry have made up their minds to stick to sound-on-film. Universal has been convinced from the first that this is the superior method. "Even should the disc method become as popular and as generally used as the sound- on film method, it will only serve to compli- cate matters. It will mean that producers will have to make not one, but three styles of prints, one sound-on-iilm, one silent, and one disc set. This, of course, will add great- ly to the expense of production. If there is any exhibitor who thinks this added expense will not mean higher film rentals, he doesn't know the history of this business. "The sane solution of the sound problem is for the various factors of the industry to get together and decide upon one system for all — and there is no question but that the system should be the sound-on-film method. "There are many reasons why the film sound track method is best. Principal among them is the great advantage in cutting and editing pictures. Also, there is the simplicity in distribution, with no bulky and fragile discs to ship and handle. Then there is the great advantage to exhibitors of simplicity in synchronization in case of breaks during projection. There are many other advantages, all of which combine to make this method the logical one for the industry to adopt exclusively. "Unless the industry buckles right down and solves this problem, another six months or so will bring chaos. Increased overhead in production, increased overhead in distribu- tion, and a general working at cross purpose^ will sooner or later result in irreparable damage to the progress of the industry. And who pays? Why the exhibitor, of course, increased rentals will have to come. "Scientifically, artistically and commercial- ly, soundon-the-film is the sane answer to the problem. It's a case of 'Shoot! Luke! Or give up the gun!" INDIANA New Theaters Spencer — Tivoli. Re- Openings Oakland City — Amuzu. Changes in Ownership E^ton — Princess, sold to Lloyd Myers by L. J. Legros ; Indianapolis — Colonial, sold to Comnuinity Photoplay Houses, Inc., by Capitol Amuse. Co. ; Eastland, sold to Hib- berj & Braun by Hibbert & Hollander; Lafayette — Lyric, sold to Fourth Ave. Amuse. Co. by F. E. and D. L. Hammer ; New Albany — Elks, sold to Harry Herle by O. Bansbach ; Oaktown — Star, sold to Smock & Pfeiffer by W. W.. Sullenger; South Bend — Honeymoon, sold to L. H. Lerner. Closings Bicknell — Grand ; Indianapolis — Columbia ; Lawrenceburg — Gem; Madison — Grand; Mars Hill— Mars Hill and Olympic; Nobles- ville — ^Opera House; PennviUe — Colonial. IOWA Openings Larchwood — Movie ; Sidney— Liberty. Changes in Ownership Alton — Opera House, sold to B. G. Hoxe- meier by Homan & Hoxemeier ; Arlington — Opera House, sold lo J. Peters by C. C. Rocquet; Boone — Strand, sold to A. W. Fairchild by H. R. Frankle ; Cedar Rapids — Isis, sold to Kile R. Martin by Victor R. Smith; Colonial, sold to L. S. Stedman by S. C Beebe; Clearfield— Art, sold to E. A. Brand & Son by E. D. Bremer; Clear Lake — Palm, sold to Lou Levy by C. E. Carriger; Park, sold to Levy & Melcher by C. E. Carriger; Uptown, sold to Lou Levy by H. A. Dearmin; Creston — Crest, sold to Lacey & Henry by R. A. Erdman; Durant — Opera House, sold to Geo. Heims by Geo. Suelms; Exira — Opera House, sold to Alex Jensen by L. Z. Henry ; Palace, sold to Alice R. Jones by L. S. Henry ; Fairbanks — Polly, sold to John B. Damge by C. J. Grantham; Far- ragut — Unique, sold to C. J. Miller by C. G. Wilcoxson ; Lone Tree — Gem, sold to Frank Line, Jr., by F. J. Ulrich ; Lowden — Liberty, sold to Karena & Wiese by J. S. Ballinger; Lynnville — 'Isis, sold to C. F. Savage by E. Woods ; Merrill — Palace, sold to Earl Rice by Geo. S. Corner ; Modale — lOpera House, sold to Lobe Alexander by S. C. Beebe; Seymour — Lyric, sold to Kile R. Martin by Victor R. Smith ; Sioux Rapids^ — Star, sold to C. D. Hoon by F. H. Remillard; Waterloo — Plaza, sold to W. T. Waugh by Plaza Syndicate Co.; Webb — ^Gem, sold to John A. Wilson by O. A. Campbell. Closings Cedar Rapids — Isis; Elliott — Palm; Jessup — Grand ; Leeds — Leeds ; Wayland — Opera House. KANSAS New Theaters Arkansas City^Masonic ; Kanorado— Best ; McLouth — Opera House. Re-Openings Kansas City — Dunbar. Closings Agenda — Ryman ; Bennington — Belt ; Burden — Royal; Horton — Colonial; Leonardville — Star ; Longford — Airdome ; Neosho Rapids — Star ; Paixico — Legion ; Portis — Best. Changes in Ownership Cunningham — Pastime, sold to Rex Shelman by Roy Ratlief; Topeka — Novelty, sold to Kansas Amuse. Co. by G. J. Schober; Waldo— The Waldo, sold to Luder & Mul- lender by Newman & Loreg. India Co. Formed Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Kinema Prod\ ctions, Ltd. India, has been formed at Cal- cutta with a capital of about $109,- 125. according to advices to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. The company will produce, manu- facture and deal in color pictures. Ofifices are located at the Allahabad Bank Building, India. DAILY TIPS WHICH MEAN DOLLARS FOR SMOWMEN "Lonesome" (Universal) Despite the fact that there is noth- ing even faintly religious about pic- ture "Lonesome," secured coopera- tion of Dr. J. Archer Grav in Lex- ington, Ky. in publicizing the picture. The theater ran a trailer on its screen announcing that Dr. Gray would preach a sermon to lonesome people on the following Sunday morning at the theater. The same announce- ment ran in the church notices- — Ben Ali, Lexington, Ky. "Two Lovers" (United Artists) "The Atlanta Constitution" in co- operation with the theater announced through the newspaper that they were searching for Atlanta's longest lov- ers; a couple who had been married longer than any other Atlanta pair, and these fortunate two — to receive their choice of a number of nice things. — Couples who had been mar- ried 50 years or over were eligible to enter their names for the honor. There was no other condition. This broke in the paper one week in ad- vance of opening of picture, being followed daily by photographs of the entrants as well as copy about the stunt, picture, theater and playdates. — Robert Hicks, Howard, Atlanta, Ga. "The Strange Case of Capt. Ramper" (First National) Used a questionnaire on Command- er Byrd's trip to the North Pole, Amundsen's and Lincoln Ellsworth's flight in a dirigible, across the pole, Gen. Mobile's disastrous expedition, and_ other matters of Polar history as a newspaper exploitation feature for the showing. Tickets to see the picture were offered those who scored bighest in answering the questions. — Jefferson, Jefferson, Mo. "The Shopworn Angel" (Paramount) Photos of Miss Carroll were cut into three separate parts; the upper part being sent to one section of town the middle part to another section and the lower part to another section. The photographs were attached to a letter which gave a brief description of the picture. The last paragraph of the letter asked the recipients to inquire among their friends and see if they couldn't match the three por- tions of the picture to make a com- plete photograph of the feminine star. To all persons bringing an en- tire photo, to the box office were awarded with a pair of tickets which were good for Friday only — the sec- ond day showing of picture. — Alfred F. Weiss, Jr., Florida, Jacksonville, Fla. ARTHUR KNORR STAGES KNOCKOUT CAPITOL SHOW "Miami Nights," a holdover show, proved to be fine entertainment at the Capitol, for it had everything in the way of settings, color, girlies and comedy. And the stage band under Dave Schooler was in fine form, so that all told the audience got some real show for their coin. Arthur Knorr produced it and deserves a lot of credit for a show 'way above the average, even at this house where the standard is consistently high. Three acts were all outstanding. Stone and Vernon adagio four — three men and a girl — were nothing short of sensational. Billed as such, for once this adjective was truthfully employed. The way the boy friends whirled this girl about their heads and slung her perilously near the floor, mixed with some dizzy ankle and arm holds for the swings, had the customers gasping all over the shop . Next on the list were the Runaway Four, who scored plenty of laughs with their acrobatic non- sense, and could have stayed on in- definitely. Then came Evelyn Wil- son, a clever male impersonator who got a big hand. Add to this the Chester Hale Girls with their usual peppy routines and gorgeous cos- tumes, and the show was in a mile and lots to spare at that. . RKO-Pathe Merger Talk Is Renewed (Continued from Page 1) Casey are regarded as here for that purpose, as well as a reported deal sought with Alexander Pantages. RKO, it is said, owns 14 per cent of Pathe stock as does Keith-Albee- Orpheum. There have been previous reports of a contemplated merger, all of which have been denied. Pantages Reiterates His Denial of Deal for Chain (Continued from Page 1) combination houses, seeking the Pan- tages group as a unit of the chain. "I've never set a price on my cir- cuit for anybody," said the head of the chain, which numbers about 70 houses. i Contempt Conviction on Trade Commission Order' (Continued from Page 1) ishment for disobedience, after entry of decree of affirmance by the court, is reported by the Federal Trade Commission. The case involved Louis Leavitt, who was fined $500 for contempt of the affirmance decree in the Circuit Court of Appeals. Lea- vitt had advertised a product as white lead, which contained less than one per cent of that substance. Lambrigger Sells O. House Orville, O.— Gus Lambrigger, who operated the Grand for 17 years, has sold his house to Lyric Theaters of Wooster. Nothing to Warner-Loew Reports, H. Warner Says iTHE o/'FILMDOM JILL THE NEWS ALL THE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 42 Tuesday, February 19, 1929 Price 5 Cents As We Live! L\ I'E is getting sweller by the minute. W^asn't so long ago that Western Electric trimmed its installation price scale. Xow that servicing charge, about \\ liich exhibitors at large say many tilings, most of them unprintable, !-> to feel the sharp edge of the l)runing knife. Interchangeability, as an issue, I- rapidly becoming moss-covered. Sound reproducers are actually Ljctting into smaller towns, and the many arc about to share in the prosperity of the few. It looks like a golden era of brotherly love. Pullman Stuff Up from the South and the bahu of Florida skies comes Harry Warner. Nothing unusual in that except that we understand he cut his Miami visit >hort because of matters of moment ill New York. From out the West this morning comes Jack Warner. .•\be has been on the ground right along. Why? Babbling Hollywood It's not so, jet Hollywood in its stubborn manner persists in talking about it. This chatter about RKO and Pathe is just that. The facto- . tums who should know say so. But do you think that puts an end to the v'ossip? You don't know your film usiness as well as we do if you take iiat stand. Mergers Again Paramount and RKO. Linked like Siamese twins. Denied? Of course. In the ten years that we have been on the job in the film industry, we cannot quite recall any one period when denials played sucli large part in the chronicles of the day's news. You will pardon us, we hope, if we pull the ancient bromide about smoke and fire. As Usual At 10:30 yesterday morning, the line at the Strand was expectantly draped around the box-office, down Broadway to the corner of 47th Street and along the latter thorough- fare for a goodly distance. The pic- ture is "The Barker," a rattling: good attraction. Merely more evidence that the public is not so dense as many would have you believe. Good pictures are known by their merits and the fan, as always, manages to smell them. It always works, dear reader. K A N N Block Booking Hit Harrisburg, Pa. — Compul- sory block booking is made illegal in a bill introduced in the House, and favorably re- ported by the judiciary local committee. The bill also is aimed against compulsory arbi- tration. W. E. MAKES PUBLIC SEitViCE CHARGE CUTS Keadjustnient of service charge schedules was made public yester- day by Western Electric, following announcement in yesterday's THE FILM DAILY that reduction in charges is slated to become effec- tive Feb. 23. Schedule of prices changed by the (.Continued on Page 11) U. S. INTERCHANGEABILITY PROBE PLANNED AT ONCE H.M. WARNER REITERATES DENIAL OF LOEW DEAL "Absolutely nothing to it" is the manner in which H. M. Warner yes- terday disposed of the oft-repeated and as often denied report that a deal was under way or being con- sidered for purchase of Locw's and M-G-M. "Our company is doing well, and {Continued on Paije 11) Cold Spell Wallops Film Houses Throughout Europe Berlin — Protracted cold spell has delivered a body blow to theaters of Germany and other European coun- tries, now experiencing the most severe cold in years. The industry is joining other amusements through- out Germany in asking 30 day sus- pension of taxes, to prevent closing of a number of houses. William Russell Dies on Coast of Pneumonia West Coast Bureau. THE fILM P.-IILY Los .Angeles — William Russell died in a local hospital yesterday after (.Continued on Page 11) Hollander Heads Sales of Amplitone Synchronizer Elmer Hollander has resigned from the Educational sales force to take charge of sales of the Royal Ampli- tone, disc synchronizer, claimed in- terchangeable with other systems. The Royal Amplitone Corp., New York, which is liandling the device, now is working on a sound-on-film reproducing attachiiient. Business Fails to Jump Under New Sound Policy Detroit — Opening of Movietone and Vitaphone at the Blackstone was not attended by the business jump ex- pected to justify the increased nut, despite a five cent boost of admission prices. Whether this public indif- ference may be taken as a sign of the times is a subject of discussion. t I REX ««' IWCRAWS THREE PASSIONS 'Jl JIBISTIES mLL-TALRIKB COHBIf I'THEJELANCHOLY OAHE-B'B^S^gSlir United Artists Theatre BROADWAY Attorney General's Aide Confers on Complaint of Biophone Agency Philadelphia — Immediate investiga- tion of complaints on interchangeabil- ity will be made by the Dept. of Jus- tice, "The Exhibitor," local regional, quotes William R. Benham, special assistant to the attorney general, who was here conferring with William Bethell, franchise holder for Bio- phone, and his attorney, Owen J. Roberts. Benham was closeted with Roberts and Bethell for several hours, and after inspecting the Biophone in- stalled at the Grant here, returned to Washington, promising that the government would immediately con- duct a searching inquiry into the Warner attitude on interuse of Vita- phone discs the publication says. PATRONSl™ DISCS, ALfRED WEISS BELIEVES How to make a PARAMOUNT-CHRISTIE tickets at the Box- Office — Advt. TALKING PLAY seU This is one of a series of ar- ticles by leaders of the sound picture field, as to the respec- tive merits of sound-on-film and sound-on-disc recording. Watch for other articles on the subject. Theater patrons enjoy tonal qual- ity of disc reproduction better than sound-on-tilm reproduction, his ob- servations and experience ha-- i him. declares Alfred Weiss, i of Biophone Corp. "The public was 'always' the su- preme judge of pictures, and I find that the public today is supreme in the criticism of tone qualit>." he savs. "I recorded records on wax (Continued on Page 11) 25 Ticket Tax Opposed by Governor of Michigan Detroit — Proposed state tax on admissions is opposed by Gov. Fred Green, who points out that the Fed- eral government has abolished the ticket tax as a "nuisance" measure, and that he sees no reason why the state should adopt it. THE Tuesday. February 19, 1929 Mf^^ilLTHE NEWS Val. XLVII No. 42 Tuesday, Feb.19, 1929 Price 5 Cints JOHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California— Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolflsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Sales Am. Seat 33 ii 33 300 Con. Fm Ind. pfd. 27 26;^ 27 1,500 East. Kodak 183J4 181 183"^ 1,800 ♦do pfd 128 ♦First Nat. pfd 106^ Fox Fm. "A" ... 88 85 K 88 7,800 *do rts 3 Keith A-O 36 35 36 700 do pfd Ill no 110 1,200 Loew's Inc 76^ 73"^ 75fi 23,700 Mo pfd 108 ♦M-G-M pfd 25^ M. P. Cap 185i 17 18Ji 2,900 Para. F-L 61% 60 61% 13,200 Pathe Exch 12H UH Uyi 21,000 do "A" 26^ 23^ 25% 2,100 Radio K-A-O 35 34^ 34% 14.000 Stanley Co 37J4 37K 37j4 200 ♦Univ. Pict. pfd 98J4 Warner Bros. ...128i^ 124 128% 15,400 do pfd Seyi 55 56^ 500 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 9 8% 8% 6,600 ♦Bal. & Katz 81 Con. Fm. Ind. .. 24 21^ 225^ 4,000 ♦Film Insp 1% .... Fox Thea. "A" ..30 28 29% 10,400 ♦Intern. Proj 24^ Loew do deb. rts.. 39% 38 38 200 Nat. Scr. Ser. ..26 26 26 100 Nat. Thea. Sup. . . 9% 9 9 500 Trans- Lux 10% 10!^ 10% 3,200 ♦Univ. Pict 18% Warner Pet. Rts.. 4^ 4% 4^ 10,700 BOND MARKET Keith A-iO 6s 46.. 95}4 95 95J^ IS Loew 6s 41ww ..118 118 118 2 do 6s 41 x-war.. 99^ 98J4 98J4 7 Paramount 6s 47 ..100 99 J4 lOO 10 Par. Bj. 5'As 51.101 101 101 5 Path -z 37 79J4 79^ 79^ 1 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 .. 97 97 97 2 ♦Warner 6 /2 s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 31'A 33"^ .. do units 32 35 do com Ayi S'A Skouras Bros. ...... SO 54 Technicolor 15^ 16^ United Art 8 12 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2 do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED FOR RENT COURT STREET THEATRE. Buf- falo, seating capacity 2389 — well lo- cated. Ideal for stock purposes. Will consider propositions. Communicate with Theo. C. Young, 1501 Broadway. Telephone Chickering 7050. Mass Meetings Held to Halt "Blue" Law Change in Pa. Pittsburgh — Mass meetings to pre- vent change of "blue" laws of Penn- sylvania vifere held here Sunday. Ten thousand persons, representing 19 Protestant churches, enlisted in the campaign. Fifty speakers addressed meetings. Churches Fight Sunday Shows Jacksonville, Fla. — ■ Fight against Sunday movies was carried into all churches here, ministers preaching on one subject, the text being "Re- member the Sabbath Day to Keep it Holy." At the conclusion of ser- vices, petitions are presented urging the city commission to either call off the election which, if carried, would permit Sunday shows, or to postpone the straw balloting. South Pole Film Opening "At the South Pole," sponsored by the British Antarctic Expedition, will have its premiere Wednesday at the Lyric, New York. The picture tells the story of Capt. Frank Mal- colm Scott, and his short-lived suc- cess in reaching the South Pole. M-G-M Dividend Regular quarterly dividend of 47^ cents a share on the preferred pay- able March 15, has been declared by M-G-M. California Solons Reconvene Sacramento, Cal. — Second session of the California legislature opened yesterday. M. P. Club Bouts Planned Amateur boxing bouts are sched- uled Wednesday night at the M. P. Club of New York. Richman Film Again Postponed It will be May at least before Harry Richman's picture, "Say It with Music," for United Artists will be started. The star is continuing in "Scandals" in New York. Germans Plan U. S. Trip Berlin — Herr Grieving, Major Grau and Herr Hubert, Ufa directors, are going to America the latter part of this month to study sound produc- tion. Camp Hill House Reopening Camp Hill, Ala.— The Ritz, un- der direction of J. E. Reaves, which has been closed for the past two months, will reopen about March 15. Reaves is remodeling the house. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions Cor Picture Theatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3S80 Para. News Cameramen Filming Byrd Pole Drive Pictures are being made success- fully of the Byrd expedition's drive for the South Pole, Paramount News Cameramen Vanderveer and Rucker, reported to Editor Emanuel Cohen in wireless despatches. Paramount has exclusive motion picture rights for the expedition. Bower at Atlanta Atlanta — Jack Bower has become head of United Artists' branch in Atlanta, succeeding W. G. Car- michael, who has been transferred to Cincinnati, where ihe will have charge of the company's exchange there. Bower comes to Atlanta from Washington, where he was manager of United Artists' office. Radin with Franklyn Warner Matty Radin is now general man- ager of Franklyn Warner Prod, and Franklyn Warner Dist. Corp. The company has ready "The Great Power" an all-talker made via the Bristolphone method at Waterbury, Conn., and will shortly place it on the market. Renovated Coast House Opens Santa Barbara, Cal. — The Mission, closed for renovations, has been open- ed by the California Theater Co. Stebbins Back in N. Y. Arthur W. Stebbins, insurance broker, has returned to New York from the Coast. The Industry's Date Book Feb. 23 Opening of "The Wolf Song" at Embassy, New York. Mar. 2 AM PA Hollywood Masque Ball in New York. Apr. 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn- sylvania Exhibitor Unit. Correction In yesterday's issue, Lou Metzger was erroneously referred to as gen- eral sales manager. Metzger is gen- eral manager of the company and M. Van Praag, general sales manager. Hoffberg Closes CineTone Deal J. H. Hoffberg Co., New York, has been appointed exclusive agent for Europe and the Far East for sale and distribution of CineTone, according to an announcement made today by Harry Segal, president of S. & S. Enterprises, Boston. I Another Non- Synchronous Device Hastings, Neb.— W. M. Dutton & Sons is offering Q-Phone, non-syn- chronous disc turntable device. Standard VAUDEVILLE for Motion Picture Presentation The FALLY MARKUS VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Lackawanna 7876 1531 BROADWAY, NEW YORK CITY Wisconsin 1177-1178 The Marvel of the Industry . TALKING PICTURE MACHINE Complete Equipment as Lo^v as $I,000.00« Guaranteed to equal any other device on the market regardless of price. All electric operation. No batteries. Reproduction second to none. Can be installed in any size booth, any make of machine. Eighty perfect installations for reference. Immediate Installation. flk>und on Film Attachment if Desired. No Service Charge — Simple — Efficient — and Fool Proof On Demonstration Every Day at Our Studio: SAFRUS PICTURES CORPORATION SAM EFRUS, Pres. 220 West 42nd St. New York CALL WIRE PHONE WRITE I YOU HEAR IT EVERYWHERE! Abie^' Scores in St. Louis, Near Record St. Louis. — Few pictures in the show busi- ness history of St. Louis, Mo., have cjicked so well at box-office prices without extra shows or advanced rates as "Abie's Irisli Rose," the Paramount talkie special playing the Ambassa- dor and which lus established a new record for 4he year with $42,426. This is about 512,000 ^/^,,<. the previous weck'.s figures. The stayt M.R NEWS "ABIE" HIT NEW LONDON WATEIIUCRV in K. C. for 'Abie's Irish Rose Leader Last Wk. t VARIETY J "Abie," State, Syracuse, New Record of $18,000 Syracuse, N. T., Feb. 12. (Drawing Population, 220,000) Weather: Cold "Able'8 Irish Rose," at $18,000, set a new house record at Loew's State. AXNE NICHOLS' Jean Hersholt Charles Rogers Nancy Carroll Viclor Fleming Producti on BIE IRISH ROSE is one of the BIGGEST HITS of theYE AR! mother PARAMOUNT SOUND (..r...) SMASH ! -^) t V » Gold: Goid! Gold! ould you gamble with death for it? ould you sell your soul for it? ould you break your heart for it? A Tremendous Drama of a Modern Qold Rush Throbbing with the passions of men for glittering £old . . . for red lips and love! Thrilling with the tempests of Nature . . . the cruelties of desert heat . . . the terror of sand and wind I Fools and lovers chasing Phantom Cold to the end of the trail to the Rainbow I REGINALD BARKER SPECIAL PRODUCTION with Dorothy Sebastian — Lawrence Gray end a Splendid Supporting Cast By L. G. RIGBY Sychronization and Score by Joseph Littau "The Song of Gold," Theme Song, by Edgar Leslie and Jimmie Monaco Synchronized by RCA Photophone Tli:F^Ny-TflNL PRODUCTION INC ^^O DI^O^DV^V MEW YORK CITY ^;r^i ^^^^^M J TIFFANY^STAHL MONEY MAKERS GEORGE JESSEL m "LUCKY BOY —His first singinii and talkinfi feature. "My Mother's Eyes," theme son|{, by L. VSoKe Gilbert and Abel Baer. Musical score by HugJ Kiesenfeld. BELl-E BENNETT i-i MOLl.Y AND ME' with JOE E. BROWN, supported by Alberta \ aughn. "In the Land of Make- Believe," theme song, by I,. Wolfe (iilbert and Abel Baer. Dialogue and singing. Synchronization and score b> Hugo Riesenleld. BELLE BENNETT in "\n LAD'^ S PAST' «iih JOE E. BROWN supported by Alma Bennett. "A Kiss to Remember. " theme song, by Ben Bemie. Dialogue and singing. Synchronization and score by Hugo Riesenfeld. "MARRIAGE BY CONTRACT" fealurins P.\TSY RUTH MILLER and LAWRENCE CRAY. A John .M. Slahl Special Production. Theme song, "When the Right One Coities Along." S>nclironi/.ed musical score. •THE TOILERS' featuring JOBYNA RALSTON and DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS, JR. A Reginald Barker Special Production. Synchronization and sound eHecIs by Hugo Riesenfeld. THE CAVALIER' featuring RICHARD TALMADGE and BARBARA BEDFORD. Theme song. "My Cavalier." Synchron- ization and sound , effects by Hugo Riesenleld. Qoming "NEW ORLEANS " fealnrins WM. COLLIER. JR.. RICARDO CORTEZ and ALMA BENNETT. A Reginald Barker Special Production, with dialogue and synchronization. "WHISPERING WINDS" lealuring PATSY RUTH MILLER. MALCOL.M MacGREGOR and EVE SOUTHERN. With dialogue, singing and synchronization. "TWO MEN AND A MAID" featuring W M. COLLIER. JR.. and ALMA BENNETT, with EDDIE CRIBBON and GEORGIE STONE. With dialogue and synchronization. ■MIDSTREA.M" featuring RICARDO CORTEZ. CLAIRE WINDSOR and LARRY KENT. With dialogue and synchronization. All Synchronized by RCA Photophone c / JACK srwr\c.c TIFF/!lMy-^>TflNL P R O D U CTI O Nc/> INC l^^O BRO^IDV^X MEW YORK CITY ^^^- .. X.d DTi&iS^lori of Aiaenca^ Ibc — WUT K. U*n. PrtMnt i THE s^gg^ DAILV Tuesday, February 19, 1929 LOCAL OPTION ON BLUE LAW SOUGHT IN OHIO Columbus — Repeal of the ban on Sunday pictures in Ohio is asked in a bill introduced in the Legislature by Sen. L. L. Marshall of Cleveland. The bill would repeal the entire "blue" law, and substitute a new law on Sunday observance. Under the proposed law, theaters would be per- mitted to operate after I P. M. on Sunday, if the voters of the munici- pality so decide. Maryland Amendment Has Local Option Feature Baltimore — Mayor and city coun- cil here would be empowered to de- cide whether this city should have films on Sundays according to an amendment to the Sunday measure introduced in the House at Annapo- lis by John G. Callan, member of the House from Second District, Bal- timore, who recently introduced the Sunday measure in the House. If the power of deciding the issue is placed in the hands of the city government, it would eliminate much of the opposition which has been going to the legislature, Callan thinks. Much of that opposition is from people in the counties of the state who would not be afTected by the law. If opposition still persists against the new amendment Callan has another which he will offer to his Sunday bill which would restrict Sunday movies to the business sec- tion alone on Sundays. House Closed by "Flu" Reopens Opelika Ala. — D. P. Ponder, has reopened the Rainbow, which had been closed on account of the "flu" epidemic. iOOKOUt/ Win/ i* ■ ■ A.M.P.4. MASetUt B4II Hotel Astor Mar. 2 Film Boards of Trade Report Additional Theater Changes KENTUCKY New Theaters Prestomburg — Princess. Re-Openings Irving ton — Community, Changes in Ownership Bowling Green — American, sold to Toops & Bevel by W. F. Toops; Oakwood — Mary's, sold to Leland Daugherty by H. S. Pyle; Ft. Thomas — Ft. Thomas Movie, sold to Tom Morrow by C. B. Smitli ; Florence — Florence, sold to Albert Metzger by lii-ugh & Falls; Tomkinsville — ^Star, sold to Hagan & Moody by D. O. Hagen; Whitesburg — Karlton, sold to Eric Rierson by Blach M. Davis. Closings Drift— The Drift; Kavil— The Kavil ; Martin — The Martin; Paducah — Loop; Whites- burg— Karlton ; Wickliffe — Swan. MAINE Closings Jackman — Strand ; North Anson — Academy Hall; West SulUvan — Bijou. MARYl^AND Changes in Ownership Hagerstown — West End, sold to Sam C. Mil- ler by \V. C. McCauley ; Westminster — Romona, sold to R. W. Brown by C. A. Buell. Closings Maryland — Superba. MASSACHUSETTS Changes in Ownership East Bridgewater — Town, sold to J, Uston by J. Cerange ; Jamaica Plain — Supreme, sold to M. Spero by C. Morse; Somerville — Orpheum, sold to N. Hoffman by .P Mar- get ; Vianno's Broadway, sold to -Arthur V'iano by Phil Marget ; Springfield — Poll's, Mild to Fox. N. E. Theaters by S. Z. Poli ; Weymout— Markell's. sold to W. T. Mc- Laughlin by P. Markell ; Worcester- Fam- ily, sold to E .M. Ijoew by Allied Amuse. Co. ; Poll's Palace, Plaza and Khn Street, sold to Fox N. E. Theaters by S. Z. Poli. MICHIGAN New Theaters Grand Rapids — Our; Howell — The Howell. Changes in Ownership Bad Axe — Opera House, sold to Byron Wat- son by O. H. Schuckert; Bellevue — La Belle, sold to Herbert Swan by N. T. Casler ; Breitung — ^Capitol, sold to Theo. Sophie by R. E. Meek ; Calumet — Royal, sold to L .P. Sangregret by John Cud- dihy ; Detroit — Cozy, sold to Nat Kaufman by H. R. Lapham; Davison, sold to Nyer & Boblitz by J. Gamlnud ; Ritz, sold to Geo. Nicodem by Bernard Brooks; Howard City — Community, sold to Bert E. Maier by Vernon Robinson ; Oscoda — -State, sold to S. D. Ferguson by Miles Main ; Romu- lus— Family, sold t(i .Mrs. Stella Simmons by J. W. Porter; Tawas City — State, sold to S. D. Ferguson by Miles .Main; Vicks- burg — Garden, sold to Sears & Oatley by Wm. Koons. Closings Ann Arbor — Arcade ; Beaverton — Liberty ; Chassell — Pythian ; Deerfield — Deertield ; Eckerman — The Eckerman ; Fowlerville — Orpheum; Onsted — Star; Perry — Commun- ity ; Whitehall — Playhouse. ^^xffMi-0'G4am\\inn theaters: 'J'hree to Crescent \iniisenicnt Co., for the C"apifol, ( larkesvilks, Tciin., Princess, Cleve- l.md. Tenn., and the Princess, t'oluni- l)ia. Tenn.; one to H. A. Bootii F.iifer- prises for the Ho<)un(l lihn installations and plans in the terri- tory were reflected this week with announcement of appointment of a representative at Memphis by one company, news of one contemplated mstallation, and reports of projected installations in two principal houses we.st Tennessee. J. N. Talley is .Memphis agent for Pacent Repro- ducer Company. The Palace, at McCIeehee. Ark., will have DeForest Phonotilm eciuipment in the near fu- ture, according to Timothy A. Shea, manager and owner. The Clem, at jacksoii, Tenn.. and the Palace, at Covington, Tenn,. may have sound in the near future. First Powers Cinephone On Way to West Coast I'irst Powers ( inephone sound-on- fihn recording e(|uipment to be in- stalled on the coast and made avail- able to the western |)ro(lucing com- panies will reach Los .Xngeles the end of this week. The eciuipment is on its way west in charge of Walt Disney whose "Mickey Mouse" soimd cartoons are synchronized by the Powers Cine|)hone system. This installation is a portable ec|uipment w iiich may be used for location work as well as studio recording. It will be followed by several other outfits to be mounte of All- Talker Completion Today Today marks first anniversary of completion of "The Lights of New York," initial all-talking picture. Vote on Capital Increase M. P. Capital Corp., stockholders vote today on proposal to increase authorized common stock from 300,- 000 to 1,000,000 no par shares and creating an issue of 200,000 shares of authorized cumulative convertible second preferred. The board is nego- tiating sale of 50.000 shares of $2.50 cumulative convertible second pre- ferred stock and warrants entitling holders to subscribe for 200,000 shares of common at $10 a share. Wilson. With Nell Hamilton. Since *»* ^^^^^, ^„d M^^J^^^v., bai' Vatity {or ano*er _^:"po^tD^ r^;;^^tS "^^ .\even , 18000,000^";' ^» ^^ '^^ ^Get ready /f*',^,^ ,,,,,., '^\. Kisses^ ^ rrnoin t*^ i, & Sons- PablUbed by ia»o'** „aaga"««*- / ^^„e .«ng ^JicCot«>^^^/ rese nii FIRST NATIONAL Member y Motion Picture Pioducets ow Dl>Mll H.Hayt /W4«i( Production Cost $134,343,360 in '27, U.S. Reports rAcHVffSPkPllt y/'FILMDOM ALL THE NEWS ALLTHE TIME OL. XLVII No. 43 Wednesday, February 20, 1929 Price 5 Cents Isn 't It So ? rllE locale is the West. In one town, "The Trail of '98" (silent) outdraws riic Wolf of Wail Street" (dia- imR-). In another Western key, riie Shopworn Angel" (with two N of dialogue) runs merry 'cs around "The Doctor's Se- ll" (all-talker). From which the inclusions to be drawn are sev- al: 1 . That dialogue doesn't neces- rily mean cracking box-ofifice lords. That day, as we remind nt frequently, is gone. _'. That the public is searching ■r that which contains the most intertaihment value and that it lakes little difference whether said Murtainment talks or does not. Sentiment Still Lives It affords great pleasure to take ic recognition of the following: 1 he Plaza, neighborhood house hire a considerable percentage of <: Avenue and its boiled shirts ;Id drop in for film entertainment to be razed. The net proceeds for c last five days are to be appor- >ned among the veteran employes the theater. The idea is Leo icher's. It demonstrates fully the ct that all sentiment has not been iished by the economic pressure rough which the industry is passing id that Brecher, as we have long wn, is one regular guy. Epochal A year ago yesterday, the Warners lislied "Lights of New York," the >t all-talker. A memorable event id truly a date of historic impor- iice. What has happened since en is written in letters of fire in e annals of the industry. Mark it dl, Feb. 19, 1928. .\n epochal iai)ter began on that day. Justice Begins to Stretch Svi the Justice Department is to K' into the interchangeabiiity issue o-.ice, it seems. We didn't know |iy such issue existed any longer ^ 33J4 34^ Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 27K 27'A 27'A East. Kodak 184 18254 184 *do pfd 128 'First Nat. pfd 106i^ Fox Fm. "A" ... 89 86!^ 86% *do rts 3 Keith A-O 36 35?4 35^ do pfd 110^ 110 110 Loew's Inc 7714 7514 76^ do pfd 105^ lOS"^ lOS'A M-G-M pfd. M. P. Cap 22 nVi Para. F-L 63H 61 Ji Pathe Exch 13^ 12J4 do "A" 2754 26 Radio K-A-0 35^ 35 J4 Stanley Co 37 37 •Univ. Pict. pfd Warner Bros 130^4 128 do pfd 57H se'A CURB MARKET 25^ 20 J4 63 1354 26^8 35Ji 37 9&'A U&Vi 5654 im 23>i 36" 25 9 A 22M 29" 25 40 'k'A WA lOM 81 23 Wi 29A 25 40 26 SA 10% 18}^ 4^ 95 A Acoustic Prod. . *Bal. & Katz . Con. Fm. Ind. *Film Insp. . . Fox Thea. "A" Intern. Proj. . Loew do deb. rts.. 40 *Nat. Scr. Ser Nat. Thea. Sup. .. 8% Trans-Lux 10^ Univ. Pict Warner Pict. rts... 4% BOND MARKET •Keith AG 6s 45 Loew 6s 41ww ..119J4 118 1195i do 6s 41 x-war... 99 98J4 99 Paramount 6s 47 .. 99% 99J4 99J4 Par. By. S^^s 51.101 100% 101 Pathe 7s 37 80A 79 80'A CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 .. 97 97 97 •Warner 6Ms 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 33 35 do units 35 do com 4 A Skouras Bros 50 Technicolor 15J4 United Art 5 do pfd 76 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2 do pfd 75 Sales 700 100 800 2,300 '266 300 15,400 100 2',566 24,800 87,100 7,700 6,600 100 3o',666 2,600 9,700 '966 S',366 100 100 '166 3,200 26',766 38 SA 54 i6A 10 84 85" •LAST PRICE QUOTED UNUSUAL PRAISE! It is an unusual thing for me to praise, but I am more than pleased to inform you that your trailer service is the finest both from an artistic as well as advertising point of view. BENJAMIN SHINDLER, VCTORIA THEATRE. Camden, N. J. 'WE NEVER DISAPPOINT [powfilH ^^fiU'J^ rNCORPORATED 220 WEST 42^-° STREET fe: NEW vonk Phone: Wisconsin 6876 ALLAN A.LOWNES, CEN.MCR. Wednesday, February 20, 19291 LISTEN BROTHER! '*You Ain't Heard ISIothin' Yetr (AL JOLSON "The Singing Fool") UNTIL YOU'VE HEARD The Greatest of All Sound Devices SHOUTING- SINGING— SPEAKING— Instrumental or Human WHISPERING LUMBERING SHRIEKING CineX£5? Filters the tones to charm your audience with a voice — clear as crystal — lifelike — blending the mellow and the sonorous — providing a tonal color — unsur- passed in volume range — and — unexcelled in quality. Operation is so simple — it is amazing — it will transform into a temple of music The Largest Auditorium or the Smallest Theatre Just Plug It in Like a Radio. All Electric — All Steel 100 Per Cent Fireproof Yes, sir! "You Ain't Heard Nothin' Yet!" UNTIL YOU'VE HEARD $395 Complete TERRITORY IS STILL AVAIL- ABLE FOR LIVE, WIDE-AWAKE DISTRIBUTORS Wire — Write — ^Telephone Come and See It— Hear It and Be Convinced 8.&S.ENTERPRISES,INC. 46 Church St., Boston, Mass. NEW YORK OFFICES: 729 Seventh Avenue Suite 510. Phone Bryant 3951-0586 TH E TALK OF THE INDUSTRY Only those ivho have watched at the Astor Theatre, N. Y. or at Qrauman's Chinese Theatre, Los Angeles, can know the thrill of this greatest hit in the annals of stage or screen. Standees matinee and night. Advance sale mounting to amazing totals. Every existing record smashed in first week, *The Broadway Melody** is the biggest event in this industry in ten years! DAILV Wednesday, February 20, 1929 Sound Pictures iBy CHARLES F. HYNESi Over 800,000 Have Seen "Singing Fool" in England Over 800,000 patrons already have seen "The Singing Fool" in Eng- land, Warners state, in the few houses to which it has been pre-re- leased. At the Regal, Marble Arch, London, it so far has played to 377,- 000 patrons; at the Coliseum, Glas- gow, 293,000; at the New Oxford, Manchester, 68,000, while the re- mainder has been recorded at the Plaza, Southsea; Hippodrome, Croy- don; Carlton, Upton Park, and Hay- market, Norwich. The figures are claimed to set new records in Eng- land. Darmour to Make 26 Sound and Silent RKO Comedies Larry Darmour will produce 26 short subjects for RKO in sound and silent versions. H. C. Witwer has been signed to write 13 of the stor- ies, and the remaining 13 will be known as "Mickey McGuire" com- edies. This will be Darmour's third series of McGuire offerings based on the cartoon characters on Fontaine Fox. Sound For Ottawa House Ottawa, Can. — The Rex, one of the J. P. Nolan chain, has been equipped with Western Electric sound appar- atus. The first sound production shown was the "Patent Leather Kid." The Avalon, which opened last Dec. is also to be equipped for sound pic- tures, according to Nolan. To Wire Third Toronto House Toronto — Jules Bernstein, manager of Loew's, has returned from New York where he arranged for the im- mediate wiring of the house. The combination picture and vaudeville policy will be continued as before. This makes the third large theater in Toronto to be wired. The HOTEL Jefferson ON THE OCEAN END OF KENTUCKY AVE. ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. AN HOTEL WHOSE COMFORTS WILL ASSURE ONE OF FULL ENJOYMENT OF THIS GLO- RIOUS RESORT. Each Room has Bath — Strictly Fire- proof — Luxurious Lobbies — Sundeck Overlooking the Ocean. Golf Privilege* American Plan $7 up European Plan $4 up OWNERSHIP— MANAGEMENT FETTER & HOLLINGER Silent Films, Orchestras Preferred in Dallas Vote Dallas — Preference for silent dramas and orchestras was expressed by pictures-goers in a ballet recently completed by Dallas newspapers and theaters. The voting was light, and musicians and allied and sympathetic crafts are declared to have, played a large part in the balloting. All-talk- ers were opposed, and synchronized pictures, while faring better, failed to overcome lead of silent films and orchestras. Powers Cinephone Unit Designed for Exchanges Special Powers Cinephone outfit for exchanges now is being manu- factured. It consists of a single sound-on-film reproduction unit, with speakers and amplifier. One syn- chronous turntable is included in the installation where desired. RKO to Draw on Vaude. Players for Short Subjects RKO Prod., is planning production of one and two reel acts, drawing on talent from the Keith-Albee-Orph- eum circuit, which the parent com- pany, Radio-Keith-Orpheum owns. Two reelers will be made in the East utilizing vaudeville names, while the ones made in the West will feature picture stars. Sound At Foiu: Va. Cities Roanoke, Va. — Sound equipment recently has been installed at Char- lottesville, Staunton, Danville and Lynchburg. RCA Photophone equip- ment has been installed at the Roa- noake here while Movietone is fea- tured at the American with talkers expected at the Strand. In Danville sound is featured at the Rialto while the New Theater at Staunton also has sound pictures. Buys Two Pacents Cleveland — Paul Gusdanovic has purchased two Pacent machines for his Regent and LaSalle from Ray Morris, Ohio sales representative. Harry Horwitz bought a Pacent from Morris for the Olympia. U. S. Survey Shows Rise In Prod. Costs (Continued from Page 1) ever 1925, while expenditures on un- finished productions increased 78 per cent and expendHtures for labora- tory work increased 10.2 per cent, the bureau's figures show. Included in the 1927 figures of production cost were $92,593,732 expended on 1,347 theatrical negative films, $2,- 499,660 expended on news films, $617,466 on advertising films, $337, 159 on educational films and $615,262 on other films, a total of $96,663,279, against $64,036,805 for 1925. Expen- ditures on unfinished productions in 1927 totaled $13,267,338, against $7,- 451,652 in 1925, and laboratory work totaled $24,412,743, against $22,147,- 891. The report showed 7,598 salaried officers and employees were engaged in the industry in 1927, against 5,945 in 1925 an increase of 27.8 per cent, while the average number of wage earners was 8,415, against 5,573, an increase of 51 per cent. Salary pay- ments for 1927 aggregated $56,298,- 560, against $35,950,778 two years earlier, an increase of 56.6 per cent, and wage payments aggregated $18,- 637,005, against $13,065,756, an in- crease of 42.6 per cent. The cost of materials, supplies, fuel and pur- chased power in 1927 totaled $34,- 867,472, against $33,258,368 in 1925, an increase of 4.8 per cent, and the payments for contract work amount- ed to $15,476,548, against $5,368,593, an increase of 188.3 per cent. The latter item includes rentals of stu- dios, together with the necessary electric power, stage settings, labor and minor-role actors. Of the 142 establishments report- ing for 1927, California reported 76, New York 21, New Jersey and Ohio six each, Illinois five, Pennsylvania, four, Massachusetts and Michigan three each and the remaining 16 were in ten other states. The industry, as defined for cen- sus purposes, embraces all processes and activities connected with the pro- duction of motion pictures, such as the photography of scenes, the de- velopment of exposed films, the printing of projection films and" other studio ahd laboratory work neces- sary in connection with the prepara- tion of projection films for use. It does not, however, include distribu- tion and projection in theaters. Space Available ^ New Studio Day or Week 50 X 100 Feet Clear 24 Foot Height Complete Modern Incandescent Light Equipment Location — 3 Blocks from Bridge Plaza Long Island City CARAVEL FILMS 3S0 Madison Ave., N. Y. C. Tel. Vanderbilt 6198 I Short Shots from \\New York Studios IfaM-BiBBy ARTHUR fV. cnnv^ ^ TIALF of the old Tilford studio ■■-■• on West 44th Street, in recent years called Tec Art, has been leased for 10 years by American Sound Studios and given this new title. The firm plans production of 12 two- reel comedies and will rent space Work starts immediately on a 50x100 sound stage. E. B. Kohlenbeck is president of the organization and Al- fred Walker, well known in film circles both in the East and at the Coast, IS vice-president and general manager. * * ♦ The long-talked-about "Glorifying the American Girl" seems ready for Its screen debut, with Millard Webb doing the directing for Paramount. Some unknown femme will be "dis- covered" and featured. Webb last made "Gentlemen of the Press" for Paramount and from all reports, it's ffood. * + * The Downeys, Mort and his bride, Barbara Bennett, will leave for Flor- ida late this week on- a belated honey- moon after finishing work in "Mother's Boy," Pathe talker. Robert T. Kane, who produced the picture, and its director, Bradley Barker, already have gone Floridian, or whatever you call it when you vacation in that region. Amsterdam Made Head of Warner-Equity Chain Philadelphia— Bell Amsterdam ils directing head of the Warner-Equity Theaters, formed to take over the Equity chain in Philadelphia and sur- rounding territory. Warners has a 51 per cent interest with option to purchase the remaining 49 per cent within two years. Benefit for Employes of N. Y. House Before Closing Net proceeds of the last five days of operation of the Plaza, Madison Ave. and 59th St., New York, will comprise a benefit fund for employes. The house is being closed Feb. 28 and will be dismantled. Leo Brecher has for years operated the house, known throughout the country for its distinguished clientele. No Date on "Noah's Ark" No date has as yet been set for opening of "Noah's Ark" at the Win- ter Garden, New York, although paper is up announcing the film as an attraction soon to open at the house. "The Singing Fool," now current, is to be moved to some other house, probably the Harris, it is in- dicated. I I <*> Call WAFILMS, Inc. Walter A. Futter, Pres. for Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46th St.. New York Bryant 8181 THC Wednesday, February 20, 1929 ■s^mnk DAILV "SOUND PATENTS" A New Film Daily Feature SEVERAL months ago, The Film Daily arranged to present to the industry a series of articles dealing with the pat- ent history of synchronization and sound devices. The services of Mr. Benjamin T. Rauber, New York patent attorney, a former member of the staff of the United States Patent Office in Washington and, by appointment, a special assistant to the Attorney General of the United States, were engaged. While these articles may give some insight into the pat- ent situation, it is not their purpose to give any opinion or conclusion as to the value or strength of any existing patent, but only to bring to the attention of the industry what the various patents disclose. It is believed their publication will prove of value not only as a matter of historical interest, but as containing valuable suggestions for future improvements or develop- ments of the synchronization phase of the sound picture development. The first of these articles is now ready. Publication will begin in an early issue of THE FILM DAILY THE Wednesday, February 20, 1929 Coast Wire Service Hollywood Happenings RKO Music Department Planned by Le Baron Arrangements have been com- pleted for establishment of a musi- cal and orchestral department at the RKO studios, according to William Le Baron, vice president in charge of production. This department will handle synchronization of all Radio Pictures. Jacques Grunberg is en route to the Coast, with his assist- ant, librarian, arranger and other members of his staff to handle the new department. A building to house the department will be erected. A Little from it Lots >* RALPH WILK Dix Returns to Coast Richard Dix is en route to Holly- wood, having been in New York since before Christmas, engaged on his new all-talking farce, "Nothing But the Truth." He will begin pro- duction soon on his next Paramount picture, "The Wheel of Life," which will also be a dialogue production. The star was accompanied by John G. Bachman, Victor Schertzinger, the director, and Ned Sparks, feat- ured actor. Edward Cronjager, cam- eraman, is expected to follow the star westward in another week. MANY ■^"-■- be found in local studios. Gottschalk to Score "Rainbow Man" Louis F. Gottschalk, composer and conductor, has been signed by George W. Weeks, vice-president of Sono- Art Prod, to synchronize the music and conduct the symphony orchestra for the all-talking and singing pro- duction of "The Rainbow Man" star- ring Eddie Dowling. Gottschalk will work in collaboration with James Hanley, song writer, whose original compositions are being sung in the production by Dowling. La Plante Title Changed "Scandal" has been selected as the title of the latest Laura La Plante picture made by Universal. It form- erly was called "The Haunted Lady," having been adapted from the story of that name by Adela Rogers St. Johns. Wesley Ruggles directed a cast including: John Boles, Jane Win- ton, Huntley Gordon, Julia Swayne Gordon and Nancy Dever. "Lucky Boy" with GEORGE JESSEL Adaptation and Continuity by Isadore Bernstein Forthcoming All Talkie Feature "The Love Song" Story, Continuity and Dialogue by Isadore Bernstein 1337 North Sycamore Street Hollywood, California Hollywood human interest stories can We know of a man, who until a few weeks ago, had been an executive at a certain studio since its opening years ago. Receiving his dismissal, he swallowed his pride and went to work as an "extra" in the studio that has known him for so many years. Another new "extra" at the same studio is a scenarist, who is doing "atmosphere" until she re- ceives a new story assignment. * * * Our Passing Show: Jetta Goudal, Montagu Love, Fred- ric Sullivan, Em/mett Corri- gan, William J. Cowan, Len- ore Coffee, Romeo Romero, Lou Marangella and Philip Strange at the premiere of "The Ban-ens" at the Thea- ter Mart; the two Als — De Gaetano and Hill — chatting at the Fox studio. * * * Vivacious Lena Alalena, who went to Germany to learn English, is back in Hollywood. While abroad, Lena employed an English teacher. * * * Thirteen hundred Mole- Richardson incandescent lights are being used on the "Broad- way" set, said to be the larg- est interior that has ever been photogiaphed! on the Coas.tj. Tihe number of incandescent lights is larger than that used by all the other Coast studios combined, it is claimed. * * * Wid Gumming is simultaneously supervising the editing of "Hot Stuff," starring Alice White, and "Seven Footprints to Satan." Wid produced "Heart to Heart," directed by William Beaudine, a series of four Milton Sills vehicles; was as- sociated with the late George Loane Tucker in the production of "The Miracle Man," and edited Eric von Stroheini's "The Alerry Widow." Management Deal for RKO Houses in Can. (^Continued from Page 1) that the Radio-Keith-Orpheum the- aters in the Dominion are slated to become part of the Famous Players chain in Canada. These would in- clude B. F. Keith's Ottawa, and the new Orpheum, Vancouver. Famous Players, already controls a number of theaters in western Can- ada where Orpheum time is a regular feature and the corporation also oper- ates the Hippodrome, Toronto, which is the home of Keith vaudeville in that city. A significant fact is that Famous Players recently sold a big slice of its theatre site in Ottawa for $428,000 where a big theater was noted for months as "opposition" to the Keith house. Famous Players executives in Toronto were in New York for con- ferences and a R-K-O official has been in Toronto for a similar pur- pose. Windsor, Ont., House Acquired Windsor, Ont. — Famous Players Canadian Corp. has acquired the Capitol here for $292,500. The com- pany had been planning to build here. This is another of a series of articles by leaders of the sound picture field, as to the respec- tive merits of sound-on-film and sound-on-disc recording. Watch for other articles on the subject. 619 Theaters In Fox Chain, Company Says (Continued from Page 1) Roxy, New York, following which Wesco's and Midwesco's 250 houses were acquired, and the Poll chain in New England. First runs also have been built or acquired in Phila- delphia, Brooklyn, Detroit and St. Louis. Houses soon are to be com- pleted at San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Newark, while sites are being secured at Atlanta, Boston, Cleveland and Pittsburgh, and a 52-story the- ater and office building in New York. The most recent step in this ex- pansion has been the taking over by Fox of more than 200 theaters in the New York area, located in the metropolis and adjacent territory in New Jersey and New York state. The aggregate of 619 grew out of the savings of $1,666 which William Fox invested a quarter of a century ago in a Brooklyn store, show. Sound-On-Film Said to Meet RKO Needs (Continued from Page 1) Prod., which company favors the sound-on-film method of recording. "Our synthesis of sound to action is all that we would want in accu- racy, and certainly the exhibitor's projection and sound problem is, to our mind, a much simplified one with sound-on-film," he says. "I am not prepared to enter into any controversial discussion on the relative merits of sound-on-film and sound-on-disc." "Our experience however, with RCA Photophone has been so satis- factory that we have launched into a $5,000,000 sound-on-film construc- tion program in Hollywood." RKO Buying Cleveland House Cleveland — Radio-Keith-Orpheum interests is reported to have taken an option on the new Uptown, St. Clair Ave. and East 106th St., built by S'techer, Fine and Kramer. No verification could be obtained. Kamin Gets Cleveland Lease Cleveland — Edward Kamin has taken over the lease of the "Y" from Sam Schachtel. Stryker, C, House Sold Stryker, O.— W. E. Degroff has sold the Elite to E. L. Garber. "Glory" Sequel a Talker "The Cock-Eyed World," Laur- ence Stallings' sequel to "What Price Glory," is to be made as a Fox Movietone talker. "King of the Khyber Rifles," Victor McLaglen's new vehicle, is an all-dialogue pic- ture. Barthelmess Ending Vacation Richard Barthelmess is now on the last lap of his vacation. He recently arrived in Mexico City, by way of Vera Cruz, after spending some time in Havana, and is expected to return to Hollywood by March 1. Individual System is Instituted by Gallup Bruce Gallup, new advertising and pulilicity director of United Artists, has instituted a system of individual authority and responsibility, in the department under his general supervi- sion. Gallup intends to continue specializing in advertising and sales promotion, with Warren Nolan to continue handling publicity, Fred Schaefer, exploitation, and Edward Finney press sheets. M-G-M Signs Young Roland Young has been signed by M-G-M to play his original stage role in the screen version of "The Last of Mrs. Cheyney," and will leave for the Coast tomorrow. The all-talker will be directed by Sid- ney Franklin, with Norma Shearer in the title role. MASaUE BALL HOTtlASTOR. MAR..2 TICKETS AVAILABLE AT FILM DAILY OFFICE THE Wednesday, February 20, 1929 ■s^mk DAILY FILM DAILY YEAR BOOKS are going fast! Exhibitors, Executives, Newspaper Editors, Directors, Cameramen, Stock Brokers, Critics, Actors, Actresses, Studios, Casting Offices, Producers, Writers, Credit Bureaus, Architects, Construction Engineers, Libraries, Foreign Buyers, Foreign Producers, Tradepaper Editors,EquipmentManufacturers,Supply Dealers, Lawyers, Laboratories, in fact people representing every branch of the industry are receiving their year books and they are— TgBg^ THE DAILy Wednesday, February 20, 1929 -* SCOREDISC SOLVES SOUND PROBLEM FOR NON - SYNCHRONOUS MACHINES SCOREDISC SCOREDISC SCOREDISC SCOREDISC SCOREDISC RENDERS A PERFECT SYNCHRONIZED SOUND ACCOMPANI- MENT TO ANY SILENT FEATURE PICTURE ON A NONSYN- CHRONOUS MACHINE- SOUND ACCOMPANIMENTS ARE SYNCHRONIZED WITH THE WORLD'S BEST SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA RECORDINGS — THEY INCLUDE ALL THE LATEST MOTION PICTURE THEME NUMBERS- SUPPLIES A NEW SYNCHRONIZED SCORE FOR EACH FEATURE PICTURE- SERVICES SUPPLIED AT A COST WITHIN THE MEANS OF THE SMALLEST THEATRE RELEASED AFTER AUG. 1, 1928. IS SCORED READY TO PLAY NO LIBRARY OF RECORDS TO BUY- CUE SHEETS NECESSARY- CUEING TO BE DONE— T)e\nonstrations Given Daily at Our Office — Arrangements Made for Out of Town Demonstrations SCOREDISC SERVICE CORPORATION 701 8th Avenue, N. Y. C, Corner 44th Street Phone: CHIckering 0471-2 {Disc vs. Sound Track Systems Stir Coast Discussion :9f^ NEWSPAPER oyFILMDOM I ALL THE HEWS ALLTHE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 44 Thursday, February 21. 1929 Price 5 Cents In Work THE lines are out. Tlie reviewing staff is busy. Seeing silent ver- sions of sound pictures is the standin>i order of the day. It may interest you to know that Film Daily's announced plan to review current and future releases, sound and silent both, has occasioned widespread interest. The service, we believe, will be im- portant. It was conceived as an aid to that vast army of unwired the- aters which, while they may want sound, havent got it. For them there is only one way to stay in business and showing the silent picture is that way. Too long has this large and sigiiiticant group of exhibitors been given a somewhat distorted picture, hrom now on, he will at least know what is available by way of product. One worry should, therefore, be dis- sipated. "At the South Pole" Last night's opening an interest- ing film very loosely strung together and badly edited. Nevertheless of- ten engrossing. Based on Scott's dash to the South Pole with a few authentic scenes interspersed. Built up with maps and charts and many titles pertaining to present activities of Commander Byrd and Capt. Wil- kins. Therefore has possibilities for selected audiences. Advertised "with sound." M'^" leading. Non-synchronous device, Columbia Theaterphone, used. An early public demonstration of this equipment. Not so hot. This per- formance revealed poor amplification, mechanical reproduction and ordinary music. Sound Patents A long and arduous job. The lay- man couldn't hope to handle it. So an experienced and highly-regarded attorney was secured to trace the history of synchronization and sound patents. We have perused the text. Highly interesting and most inform- ative. The first installment appears in print in the Sunday edition. We toot our own horn long enough to suggest you watch out for it. Just another example of Film Daily's con- ception of constructive journaHsm and service to the industry. In Review Business of spiUing a secret — may- be. If Terry Ramsaye hasn't al- ready learned it, this is as good a way as any for him to find out that the sparkle and sophistication he has injected into Pathe Review, substan- tial little reel, that it is, have created a not inconsiderable amount of fav- orable comment — for the Review and for Ramsaye. K A N N DEPT. OF JUSTICE DECURED SCANNING FOX-LOEW REPORT mm m $wince l/nS OPFII[$SIVE LAWl Swinging of sentiment against op- pressive measures aimed at the indus- try, is noted in legislatures of a num- ber of states, although in others at- tempts still are being made to bring about passage of oppressive bills now pending. Proposed censorship has been killed in committee in Oregon and admission tax bills have been killed in committee in Colorado and Idaho, while the House in Kansas has (Continued on Page 15) Kennedy-Murdock Deal for Pantages is Declared On H\'st Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angele.s — Despite denials, re- port that a deal is under way for the Pantages circuit by Joseph P. Ken- nedy and J. J. Murdock, erstwhile heads of the Keith-Albee-Orpheum circuit, persist, with §12,000,000 the price declared demanded by Pantages for his holdings in the combination chain. NtW RCA TAie SYSTEM TO BE LAUNCHED SEPT. 1? St. Louis — RCA-Photophone now is developing a talking picture equip- ment, which it is claimed will be re- volutionary, Joseph Plunkett, gener- al manager of Radio-Keith-Orpheum, said during a recent visit here. He says the new equipment will be avail- able by Sept. 1. Joseph Plunkett declined yesterday in New York to amplify his St. Louis statement. St. Louis Overseated Joseph Plunkett Says St. Louis — This city is suffering from an acute attack of "overseatis,"' Joseph Plunkett, recently appointed general manager of the Radio-Keith- Orpheuni circuit, stated on his re- cent visit here. Plunkett inspected the St. Louis and Grand Opera House, and also looked into the Orpheum, third house which has been dark for many months. "St. Louis had entirely too many (Continued on Page 15) Most Studios Except Warner, F. N. Favor Sound-on- Film S. M. P. E. SPRING MEET IN NEW YORK MAY 6-9 Spring meeting of the Society of M. P. Engineers is to be held in New York May 6 to 9 inclusive, states President L. C. Porter. Sound pic- ture development is said to be respon- sible for the adoption of New York for the meeting place, members de- siring first hand study of the situa- tion The entire industry is expected to be represented at the sessions. W. C. Kunzinann of the National Carbon Co., is chairman of the convention committee. West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Sound-on-film record- ing is favored as the better system in studios of most major companies, with the exception of Warners and First National, it is indicated in an initial symposium of sentiment gath- ered by THE FILM DAILY. The latter two studios are definitely com- mitted to the disc system. The survey of sentiment through- out the industry began recently after it was learned that Paramount, M- G-M and United Artists, which had been using both systems, intended to join the ranks of producers con- centrating on use of the sound track system and has attracted widespread interest and comment on the Coast. A real tussle for first position, by (Continued on Page 12) Both Fox and Schenck Have Denied Any Deal In Progress Revival in New York of re- ports of a Fox-Loew-M-G-M deal yesterday brought the re- minder that both William Fox and Nicholas M. Schenck have emphatically and unqualifiedly denied that any such deal was in progress or planned. Schenck and H. M. Warner likewise have denied any deal between their companies is under way, despite persistent reports. Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Dept. of Justice offi- cials are understood to be scrutiniz- ing possibilities of a deal involving acquisition of Loews and M-G-M by Fox. Published reports that such a deal is being negotiated, are de- clared to have led the department to consider the proposition, to de- termine if any possible law violation may be involved. The Dept. of Justice policy is of silence in matters of this until formal action is taker course, it is pointed -^ .;. \\:\- in the RCA-L-A-a W. First National and Fox- Zukor Back Friday; Film Colony in Florida Grow? Miami — Changes in the social line- up: Adolph Zukor returns to New York on Friday. Nathan Burkan is here from New York. Robert T. Kane likewise has for- saken Northern cold spells for Florida sunshine. Lou B. Metzger, general manager (Continued on Page IS) NoPaper Tomorrow Friday, Feb. 22, being Wash- ington's Birthday and a legal holiday there will be no issue of THE FILM DAILY pub- lished. THE Thursday, February 21, 1929 Mf^^ULTHE MEWS Vol. XLVII No. 44 Thursday, Feb.21, 1929 Prict 5 Cuts JOHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York. N. Y., and copyright (J929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter, May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am. Seat 35 35 35 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 28^ 27J4 27J4 East. Kodak Ui'A 182i^ 183 J4 ♦do pfd 128 'First Nat. pfd 106^ Fox Fm. "A" S&Vi 86 88 •do rts 3 Keith A-O 36 35 J4 36 do pfd Ill 110!^ Ill Loew's Inc 76J4 75'A yS'A do pfd 107 106J4 10654 *M-G-M pfd ZSVs M. P. Cap 21]i4 20ys 21 Para. F-L 63K 6254 63?^ Pathe Exch 13H ^2'A 12% do "A" 26!^ 2554 2554 Radio K-A-O 35^ 35 35J4 Stanley Co 37 37 37 *Univ. Pict. pfd 98!4 Warner Bros 130Ji 12854 12854 do pfd 5754 5654 5754 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 12Ji 11 11^ *Bal. & Katz 81 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 23 51 23 23 *Filra Insp 1-54 Fox T' - "A" ... 29 285i 28% Inten. iVoj. . 25 25 25 Loew do deb. rts.. ■.' '9J4 40 Nat. Scr. Ser. ... 2754 2754 2754 Nat. Thea. Sup. ..854 8"4 854 Trans-Lux 10% 1054 10% ♦Univ. Pict 185^ Warner Pet. rts. ..4% 454 4J4 BOND MARKET Keith A-0 6s 46 . 96 95 3/4 96 Loew 6s 41ww ...119 119 119 do 6s 41 x-war. . 99 99 99 Paramount 6s 47 . . 99 J4 99 5i 995^ Par. By. 554s 51.101 101 101 •Pathe 7s 37 805^ CURB BONDS •Am. Seat. 6s 36 97 •Warner 654s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 33 35 do units 35 38 . . . . do com 454 554 .... Skouras Bros. ... 45 55 .... Technicolor 1554 16 .... United Art 5 10 do pfd 76 84 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2 do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 200 2,500 800 2,500 'ioo 200 5,600 200 i",s66 4,600 11,600 600 6,400 200 40,400 4,300 15,300 3',266 1,600 100 200 100 200 300 3', 700 16 1 5 14 1 Manager Made Receiver Wcstwood, N. J.— Adolph R. Kuehn, former manager of the West- wood, after being bonded for $10,000, was appointed receiver of the West- wood Theater and Realty Corp. with power to operate business for them. Copyright Bill Seen as Boosting Record Prices Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Passage of the so- called musical copyright bill will per- mit establishment of a monopoly by publishers, help increase price of rec- ords and destroy accessibility of popular songs, Representative Wol- verton (Rep.) of Camden, N. J., de- clared in opposing the measure be- fore the house committee on rules. The bill has been favorably reported by the committee on patents, and its sponsors declare that the legislation attempts to give a composed equal rights of bargaining for the price paid for its reproduction, and does not enlarge right of the copyright holder. Community Leases W. Bend House West Bend, Wis. — Plans are ex- pected to be ready by March 15 for the erection of a new theater and office building here by W. W. Oeflein, Milwaukee. The building will cost about $150,000 and will be leased by Community Theaters, the presi- dent of which is W. F. Pabst, Mil- waukee. Moberly House Closed Moberly, Mo. — The Grand, largest picture house here, operated by the Midland Circuit has closed for an indefinite period. Recently the man- agement and the stage employes union were said to have had a con- troversy arising from the discharge of a stagehand. Whether this had anything to do with the shut down has not been revealed. Voting on Sunday Shows Southbridge, Mass. — Fate of Sun- day shows here will be decided at the March 4 election. Regional Chain Theaters of New England, Boston, is waging a campaign for favorable action on the proposed liberal Sun- day ordinance. Milmar Managing at Kokomo Kokomo, Ind. — Charles Milmar has been appointed manager of the Sipe replacing E. Earle Stevens, who returns to his former position at Danville, III. with the Home The- ater Co. Brenon To Hollywood Herbert Brenon leaves today for Hollywood to start casting his next United Artists production, "Lum- mox," from the Fannie Hurst novel. Fire Destroys Ashland House Ashland, O. — Two lives were lost in fire which destroyed the Mansfield here. Property damage is estimated at $400,000. Fire At Robinson, 111. Robinson, 111. — Fire gutted the Strand here. The loss estimated at $75,000 was partly covered by insur- ance, it is stated. Fire At Tupelo, Miss. Tupelo, Miss. — Fire destroyed the State here, with estimated loss of $250,000. Van Alst House Opened Troup, Tex. — Gilbert Van Alst has opened his new Rex theater here. Gertrude Lawrence Deal with Fox Falls Through Deal practically closed with Ger- trude Lawrence, English musical comedy star and Fox, under terms of which Miss Lawrence would star in Fox Movietone Follies and three features to follow, is understood to have fallen through. Uniform Tariff Changes on Photo Material Sought Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Uniform recommen- nations on tariff changes will be sought by manufacturers of photo- graphic materials, under an agree- ment reached by Eastman Kodak and independent manufacturers. Warners Take Over First Run House at Boston? Boston — Warners have taken over the Majestic under a five year lease, it is reported. The house recently was wired. "Fioretta" Company at AMPA Ball Earl Carroll will bring his entire "Fioretta" company, headed by Fan- nie Brice, Leon Errol, Lionel Atwell, Dorothy Knapp and George Huston to entertain at "N.T.G.'s" midnight show at the AMPA Hollywood Masque Ball March 2 at the Hotel Astor, New York. Carroll will select the "Prettiest Girl Not in the Show Business." George Huston will sing his song hits accompanied by a chorus of voices. House Destroyed at Carterville Carterville, 111. —Fire of undeter- mined origin destroyed the Lyric with the loss estimated at $50,000. Discovered at 2 A. M., the fire ap- parently originated in the rear of the house. The flames spread rapidly and fire apparatus was called from Herrin, Marion and Carbondale. Exhibitor's Wife Hurst Oconto, Wis. — Mrs. A. L. Merritt, wife of the owner of the Princess here, was painfully cut and bruised when the taxi she was riding in was hit by a freight train. Mrs. Merritt was confined to the hospital for sev- eral days with her injuries. Will Entertain AMPAS James B. Carson, comedian, will attend the AMPA luncheon today at which Tony Sarg, cartoonist will be guest of honor. On Way to N. Y. Estelle Taylor and Lupe Velez are on their way to New York. Each plans a short vacation in the East, but Miss Taylor's will be ex- tended to include a visit to Miami. CaU WAFILMS, Inc. Walter A- Futter. for Pre*. Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46th St.. New York Bryant 8181 The Industty's Date Book Today: Openmg of "The Iron Mask" at Rivoli, New York. Feb. 23 Opening of "The Wolf Song" at Embassy, New York. Feb. 25 Opening of "Hearts of Dixie" at Gaiety, New York. Mar. 2 AMPA Hollywood Masque BaU in New York. Apr. 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn- sylvania Exhibitor Unit. Fairbanks Film Opening Tonight "The Iron Mask," first picture in which Douglas Fairbanks talks, will have its premiere tonight at the Rivoli, New York. It is not a dia- logue picture, Fairbanks' voice be- ing the only to be heard. Roxy Theaters Dividend Regular quarterly dividend on the Class "A" stock payable March 1 to stock of record Feb. 15 has been de- clared by Roxy Theater Corp. Of- ficers have been reelected. Chile House Razed Santiago, Chile — Fire, which start- ed before the house opened, destroy- ed the Alhambra here. Maton Lee Resigns Maton F. Lee has resigned as Eastern scenario editor for Samuel Goldwyn Prod. She intends taking a short vacation before announcing new plans. Projectionists Plan Benefit Benefit show is planned soon at the Colony, New York, by the pro- jectionists' local. Proceeds are to go to the sick and needy of the organi- zation. UNUSUAL PRAISE! limm. w ^(paii ers It is an unusual thing for me to praise, but I am more than pleased to inform you that your trailer service is the finest both from an artistic as well as advertising point of view. BENJAMIN SHINDLER. VCTORIA THEATRE, Camden, N. 1. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Theatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3580 o^^* yoV^ s<:x^^^ ^'^'V^^^VN^ *'t^^V!*cuo^: >^^ vto^^>-^^ vtx^ THE ■e&m PAILV Thursday, February 21, 1929 3S And Thafs That By PHIL M. DALY SPEAKING of merger reports and M-G-M. It would take some out- lay of dough to take over "The Broadway Melody" alone. VVihat box office music that baby is smg- ing running three shows Saturday and Sundays and a midnight Saturday show, but even then, the lines are in evidence. It looks good for a lingering stay at the house. The pictorial record being made by Paramount News cameraman of the Byrd expedition's dash to the South Pole should be epic, a real contribution! to entertainment and education. The exclusive is one of a number arranged by Editor Eman- uel Cohen, and while it will be a long time before the pictures are available, public anticipation is none-the-less keen. George Jessel visited the Film Building in Cleveland last week and met everyone in the lobby where they came in answer to a fire calL Jessel was playing at the Hanna in "The War Song." The play closes with week in Buffalo. Jessel then goes to Florida for a rest, and after that to the Coast to make two pictures. Earl Walker, cinematographer of Darmour-RKO, is buying three ele- phants on the installment plan. When payments are com,pleted they will be shipped to him from Siam. Earl figures on renting the animals out to producers. An elephant when working in Hollywood, earns $150 a day. Eddie Nugent, M-G-M player, has a new job. He's the big "cough and sneeze man" at the studios. Whene-'T coughs and sneezes are needed in sou^^'' pictures Eddie, who can imitate them perfectly, is called for. The new job is interesting, he says, but sometimes a strain on the tonsils. "Dynximite," which he is making for M-G-M as a talker, is Cecil B. De Mille's fifty-fifth picture. De Mille first was offered a directing contract by Lubin in 1911, but he couldn't "see" pictures at the time. Two years saw a radical change, and in 1913, with Jesse L. Lasky, he formed the Lasky Feature Play Co., on the back of a restaurant menu card. Film Boards of Trade Report Additional Theater Changes "Acoustic rain pipes" are the lat- est detail in the making of talkies. Rain pipes, made of iron treated with acoustic paint, and in waving lines so that the drip of water will create no vibration, have been in- stalled about the sound stages on which Lionel Barrymore is shortly to direct "Madame X" at M-G-M studios. MINNESOTA New Theaters Lonsdale — -Movies. Re-Openings Neilsville — 'Opera House. Changes in Ownership Gonvick — ^Woodman, sold to D. B. Green by John Drummond ; Hibbing — Garden, sold to Finkelstein & Ruben by Garden Theater Co. ; Madelia — ^Star, sold to Isabel Getter by L. F. Heitzig; Plainview — Gem, sold to W. J. Carter by Paul Huber; Seaforth— Star, sold to R. E. Patterson by Duncan & Ott; Wilmont — Gem, sold to Mrs. Ida Moser by Geo. Sievers ; Woodstock — Para- mount, sold to Herman Zemke by Hunstock Bros. Closings Adrian — -Princess; Duluth^Clubhouse; May- nard — Pavilion. MISSISSIPPI New Theaters Moorehead — Picture Theater ; Sumner — Pic- ture Theater. Changes in Ownership Calhoun City — Star, sold to E. L. Lamar by Ludwig State Corp. ; Holly Springs — Rex, sold to Mrs. T. McGuire by Geo. R. Childs; New Albany — Ritz, sold to F. L. Marshall by Tri State Theaters Corp. ; Tupelo — ^Ludwig State, sold to Marshall Shannon by Samuel Ludwig; Strand, sold to Marshall Shannon by Mr. Buchanan ; West Point — Star, sold to L. B. McEachin by Tri State Theater Corp. Closings Tchula — -Tchula. MISSOURI Re-Openings Bellview — ^Bellviewr ; liichmond — Gayety ; St. Louis — ^Colonial (formerly Wilson). Changes in Ownership Kansas City— Admiral, sold to C. H. Potter by W. O. Burkey; Bonaventure, sold to Geo. Costa by R. A. Griffith; Forty-fifth Street, sold to Margaret Thorstenberg by J. C. Michaels; Gayoso, sold to Jack Meyers by Mr. Ballard ; New State, sold to Regina Cohee by S. L. Forbstein; Laredo — Princess, sold to Joe Kelso by W. F. Jasper; Oregon — Martin, sold to S. J. Richardson by K. B. Marcum; Parma — Opera House, sold to E. V. Blackman by Bert Arnold ; St. Louis — Gem, sold to F. A. Wright by James Drake. Closings Belgrade — Belgrade; Bellflo-wer — Gem; Bland — Rodelia ; Callao — Strand ; Hatfield — San- ders; Milford — ^Idle Hour; Nashville — Ark; Ravenwood — Shunks Hall ; Richland — Gem ; Wright City — Evan. Church. MONTANA Changes in Ownership Missoula — Bluebird, sold to W. A. Simons by Henry Turner; Valier — Majestic, sold to A. J. Schuler by S. W. Forbragd. Closings Broadview — ^Broadview; Hardin — Liberty; Harrison — P & F; Melrose — Opera House; Troy — Princess ; Victor — Opera House ; Worden — Project. NEBRASKA Openings Albion — Legion Hall; Craig — Artwood; Plattsmouth — Ritz. Changes in Ownership Beaver Crossing — Liberty, sold to American Legion by M. Ross; Brunswick — Bruns- wick, sold to Geo. Grow by Paul Single- ton ; Dunning — The Dunning, sold to Mr. Mackey by C. F. Gravely ; Litchfield — Idylhour, sold to F. W. Robinson by J. C. Christensen ; Mitchell — Crystal, sold to Dr. C. G. Steen by H. A. Rodell ; Platts- mouth— Parmele, sold to W. J. Seydlitz by Cloidt & Moore; Seneca — Idylhour, sold to H. F. Taylor by C. L. Inman ; Shubert — ^Shubert, sold to Earle Beaker by O. R. Bennett. Closings Cotesfield — Opera House; Crab Orchard — Plaza; Dix — Pastime; Litchfield — -Idylhour; Maskell — Movie; Palmyra — Nash; Spring- field— Movie; Superior — Empress; Thed- ford — Audit; Verdon — ^Movie; Western — Rex ; York — Opera House. NEW HAMPSHIRE Changes in Ownership Manchester — Notre Dame, sold to Mrs. Tem- ple by J. Cloutier. NEW JERSEY Changes in Ownership Camden — Parkside, sold to I. Zatkin by Wm. Gershman; Hoboken — 'Manor, sold to Claire M. P., Inc., by J. Licursi; IS. Plainfield— Palace, sold to Rotato & Capute by C. Bernshine. Closings Carlstadt — City; Clifton — Clifton; Delair — New Hopess ; East Orange — Lyceum ; Elizabeth — Capitol and Victory; Hoboken — City ; Jersey City — ^Lyric ; Keansburg — Casino ; Lyndhurst — Star ; New Brunswick — Cozy Bijou and Opera House; Newark — Clinton Square, Columbia, Lewis, Lincoln, New Amsterdam, Olympia, Playhouse; South Plainfield — Palace. NEW MEXICO Openings Terrerro — The Terrorro. Changes in Ownership Central — -The Central, sold to Columbia Amuse Co. by C. Kunde; Grants — The Grants, sold to L. M. Fairchilds by Earl Fackler ; Magdalena — Casino, sold to Leo. M. Fay by Catalano & Alagi ; Santa Rosa — Santa Rosa, sold to R. L. Riddle by C. L. La Dare. NEVADA Re-Openings Minden — -The Minden. Changes in Ownership Goldefield — Lyric, sold to Wm. E. Davison by Mrs. A. J. Twilegar. NEW YORK New Theaters Brooklyn — ^Farrell; Flushing, L. I.^Keith Albee; New York City — Proctors; Rome — Capitol ; Ithaca — State. Changes in Ownership Brooklyn — Liberty, sold to D. Krassner by Morgan Lesser ; Brooklyn — Utica, sold to Mr. Berman ; Windsor, sold to B. Levine by Raydel Corp. ; Cataraugus — Palace, sold to Bert Hall by Geo. Straight; Cincinnatus —Town Hall, sold to Chas. .L. Hyde by Clayton Hawks; Central Park, L. I. — Cen- tral Park, sold to Kilgore by W. Haas ; Hasbrouck Heights — Strand, sold to Chas. Glasser by E. Rosen ; Marlboro — Advance, sold to Faust & Duryea by W. Seaman ; New Milford — Park, sold to F. L. Suger- man by P. Abattielle ; Closings Albany— Delaware ; Alexandria Bay — ^Weller ; Astoria, L. I. — Franklin ; Bedford Hills — - Community House; Bridgehampton, L. I. — Community ; Broad Channel, L. I. — Chan- nel ; Bronx — Prospect Palace, and West- chester ; Brooklyn — Amphion, Atlantic, Eagle. Elite, Evergreen, Fifth Avenue, Ful- ton. Huntington. Plaza. Whitney; Brushton — Community Hall; Cedarhurst, L. I. — Playhouse : Central Park, L. I. — Central Park ; Cochocton — Pictureland ; Corona, L. I. — Colonial ; East Quoque. L. I. — Atlantic Hall; Farmingdale, L. I. — Dale; Floral Park— Lilly; HicksviUe, L. I.— Hicksville ; High Falls — Fall View ; Huntington, L. I. — Palace ; Inlet — Gaiety ; Long Beach, L. I. — Long Beach; N§w York City — Arrow, Forsythe, Hollywood, Houston, Major, Mel- rose, New Strand, Novelty, Palace, Rose (W. 102nd St.), Rose (2nd Ave.), Royal, Savoy-Grant, Superior. Woolworth; Ossin- ing — Parthenon ; Pine Island — Pine ; Ron- konkoma, L. I. — Community; Rosendale — Bijou and Casino; South Beach, S. I. — Strand ; Syracuse — Capitol and Liberty ; Westbury, L. I. — Firemans Hall ; Willsboro — Maccabees ; Woodbridge — ■ Woodbridge ; Yonkers — Hamilton, Park and Riverdale. NORTH CAROLINA New Theaters Charlotte — University. Changes in Ownership Apex — Carolina, sold to Lassiter & Cash by Bell & Sloan; Bailey— Royal, sold to D. J. Hopkins by L. B. Brame; Bessenier City — -Palace, sold to E. B. Hollander by W. T. Greene; Burlington— Dixie, sold to A. Collins by J. R. Quails; Clayton — Strand, sold to Wm. McAuley by R. W. Sanders ; Franklinton — ^Palace, sold to Mrs. Mary House by G. W. Dickerson ; Sylva — .Sylvan, sold to H. E. Buchanon by J. S. Higdon ; Warsaw — Best, sold to Mrs. Jack Quinn by Mary G. Quinn; Wendell — Star, sold to G. H. Wright, Jr., by Will G. Nowell. Closings Crary — Star; Murphy — Bonita. ',_, Short Shots from New York Studios i^^By ARTHUR W. EDDY ^^^ AT the revised edition of the old •^Vitagraph studio, now titled the Vitaphone studio, there is much shooting going on on shorts. About SO have been made since the plant reopened in December. The high- geared Warner organization has rnade as many as three shorts in a smgle afternoon. Silence that, if you can. Paramount has signed Walter Huston for another picture, this be- ing a short, untitled as yet. Huston recently played the newspaper editor in "Gentlemen of the Press" and previously starred in two shorts, "The Bishop's Candlesticks" and "The Carnival Man." Incidentally, Katharine Francis, now working in "The Cocoanuts," appeared with him in his last legitimate show, "Elmer the Great." Clarence Elmer, now production manager for Bill Cody Prod., knows picture business from A to Z. Elmer, who was formerly casting director for Cosmopolitan when that outfit was working at the old plant up on Second Ave., worked as location manager with the Vilma Banky unit which made exteriors in New York a few months ago. The Gamby-Hale Girls are doing plenty of high kicking these days, with 11 units working over the Pub- lix time in various unit shows. Gamby is personally directing a unit being used in "The Cocoanuts" at the Astoria studio. Maurice Chevalier, Paramount star now is entertaining at the Ziegfeld Midnight Frolic on the Amsterdam theater roof, while awaiting his next assignment. Bob Florey of the Para- mount directorial staff, who was his pal m Paris several years ago, mega- phoned him in his initial American production, a short titled "Good Morning, New York." The short ran for five weeks at the Paramount in Paris, where Chevalier is a national idol. Publicity at the Vitaphone studio is in expert hands, the hands be- longing to Arline de Haas, who used to be a newspaper woman. While with the Warner outfit she has nov- elized five of their pictures, includ- ing "Noah's Ark." These noveliza- tions nm serially in 500 netvspa- papers throughout the land. , Credit for the recording of Vita- 1 phone pictures goes in a large share to Porter H. Evans, chief engineer of the Warners' eastern studios. Be- fore coming East to assume this post late last Fall Evans garnered a lot,, of intimate knowledge about sounds and their recording while at the Warner Coast plant. WE said "PATHE IS PREPARED*' (a forecast) "The motion picture is committed to neivness and the immediate Nott'. The Screen succeeds, not in yesterday's glory or tomorrow's hope, hut in the facts of Today. Pathe advances into the new season assured and pre- pared in terms of now'." (Pathe Announcement, May 26, 1928) PATHE DELIVERS (a fact) Months have elapsed — comes the dawn: It has become the custom of the motion picture industry to be flamboyant, to speak in large, loud words, hoping that some part of a whisper may be heard. Pathe does not have to resort to extraordinary en'£phasis to register the plain truth and facts. Pathe's record for the current season is sufficiently emphatic in the minds of the box-office minded. Let us now, however, reiterate what we said in that May announcement of 1928: "Pathe is a House of Honor, un- tainted of competition with its customers, rendering unswerving service and asking nothing beyond its proper due." Onward in these pages you will read the story of Pathe's box-office victories, the only victories in which the ex- hibitor can share. PATHE THEY say NED McCOBB'S DAUGHTER THE SPIELER '}' '.4^JV SAL OF SINGAPORE wti^ •* « ^ « September Photoplay chooses two Pathe features in its six best of the montli — "Craig's Wife" and "Power". Film Daily poll places "King of Kings" in ten best of year, "Chicago" and "Craig's Wife" in roll of honor. December Photoplay picks "The Spieler" as one of the six best of the month. Cincinnati Times-Star chooses "Craig's Wife" among ten best. Honorable mention — "Sky- scraper". Exhibitor's Daily Review puts "Ned McCobb's Daughter" in the "ten best" of the year. Washington Star puts "King of Kings" and "Chicago" in its " best of the season". "Skyscraper" in the select class of the Cincinnati Times-Star. "The Spieler" and "Craig's Wife" put in the "ten best" by Tamar Lane of the Film Mercury. Motion Picture News says, "'The Office Scandal' is the greatest newspaper story ever screened — and it goes double or redoubled." John S. Cohen, Jr. of the New York Sun, puts "King of Kings" in his list of the season's best. THE SHADY LADY Amusements, Minneapolis picks "King of Kings" as the best picture of the year. Carl B. Adams, of the Cincinnati Enquirer, heads the Ten Best of the Year with "Craig's Wife". Ex. Herald' World says — "^Geraldine' is one of the most entertaining and fascinating pictures this reviewer has seen for some time." "The Red Mark" barely misses being one of the ten best movies. — Regina Cannon, New York American. Detroit Free Press — " ^Craig's Wife' is one of the chosen pictures of the year, placed on more selected lists throughout the country than can be counted." Variety says: " 'Sal of Singapore' can play 'em big and small, silent or wired, and mean some- thing. It's first run material and a pip." Quinn Martin, in the Evening World — "Captain Swagger" is another picture out of the Pathe Studios, in which a noticeable rise in production merit has been going on for the last few months. The Check-up, Motion Picture News for Dec. 10th, reports from exhibitors, shows Pathe leads at the box-office. PATHE KING OF KINGS TUt OH 1^1. .^^ANDAL WE say now vi STRANGLE CARGO ALL TALKING SUPER SPECIAL with 14 Distinguished Stage Players. Written and Directed by Benjamin Glazer T/i^I^EATHERNECK starring WILLIAM BOYD with Alan Hale, Robert Armstrong, Fred Kohler, Diane Ellis* A Ralph Block Production Directed by Howard Higgin The OFFICE SCANDAL starring PHYLLIS HAVER with Raymond Hatton, Margaret Livingston A Ralph Block Production Directed by Paul L. Stein. the bis^est tal ^^*^ GODLENN GIRL. CECIL B. DeMILLE'S Road Show Special by Jeanie Macpherson. A super picture of a thousand thrills. MOTHER'S BOY tvith MORTON DOWNEY Broadway's Goldon Voiced Tenor. A Singing Talking Sensation from the story by Gene Markey ivith Helen Chandler, Barbara Bennett, Beryl Mercer, Osgood Perkins* Produced by Robert T. Kane Directed by Bradley Barker PATHE k hit§ of 19S9 and tt Jrom the Cross Road At the PARAMOUNT Beginning Feb. 16 Fathers ALL-TALKING Super 'Special STRANGE CARGO" with 14 Distinguished Stage Players Written and Directed by Benjamin Gl&zet says of the World to the Cathedral of the Motion Picture At ROXY beginning February 23 THE NPIELER" B.S.Moss COLONY Beginning Feb* 16 NED M*^COBB'S wi ith u Alan Hale, Renee Adoree, Fred Kohler, Clyde Cook A Ralph Block Production Directed by Toy Garneit H Sidney Howard's Theatre Guild Hit with Irene Rich, Robert Armstrong, Theodore Roberts Directed by William J. Cowen to be followed by The SHADY 1,ADY Starring PHYLLIS HAVER with Robert Armstrong, Louis Wolheiin (( Directed by Edward H. Griffith. Supervised b> Ralph Block GERAL.DINE 99 PATHE The Great Booth TarJcirxgton Story tvith Eddie Quillan, Marion Nixon Directed by Melville Brown Supervised by Paul Bern THE 12 Thursday, February 21, 1929 Studio Executives Cite Sound Views MOST, SAVE WARNER F.N. f AVOR SOUND-ON-riLM (Continued from Farje 1) rival producers using the different systems, is forecast for the new pro- duction season. Tonal quality, longer life, easier handling, simplification of produc- tion, ease of making repairs are among reasons cited in today's sym- l>osium for a preference for the sound-on-film system. While the preference of Coast executives who so far express their opinions is for sound-on-film, the vote is by no means conclusive, as the same argu- ments are being advanced in favor of the disc system, by its adherents. Recognizing the varied phases of the subject, and that both systems have their merits and forthcomings, THE FILM DAILY will continue this symposium, to give advocates of both systems opportunity to ex- press their views through these col- umns. Better Registry Claim for Sound-on-Film Recording \'oices register better and more distinctly by sound-on-film record- ing, which he says is the more prac- tical, according to J. Boyce Smith. "If the disc machine should fail to function properly during the show- ing of the dialogue or sound picture, the plot would be greatly damaged," he declares. Disc Method Better, More Practical, Del Ruth Holds Belief that the disc method even- tually will be adopted universally is expressed by Roy Del Ruth, direc- tor, who favors this system. He says the disc is less expensive and a more Ijractical method for the exhibitor "as it is much easier to replace rec- ords than film." Cummings Calls Sound-on- Film Outstanding Advance Sound-on-film is one of the "out- standing achievements of the age,' in the belief of Irving Cummings, I^^ox director, who says it has been proved by the Shuberts, Belasco "and several of the largest theatrical pro- ducers in the country, who are e(|uipping their theaters for this manner of reproduction." Longevity Cited While "all film wears out in time," phonographs or discs wear out more rapidly than sound track on film, declares Robert E. Welsh of Universal, who favors the sound-on-film. system. Zanuck Cites Disc Advantages Disc method of recording is "the only system which permits music to be synchronized beneath dialogue, thereby allowing the symphony orchestra to play a score throughout a picture," states Darryl Zanuck, associate producer of Warners, and pioneer in the sound picture field. "A more natural quality of reproduction insofar as the human voice is concerned, and a more accurate reproduction of sound ef- fects is secured by discs," he says. "The loud surface noises so apparent in other systems, are eliminated with discs. I favor the disc system because it is the only real commercial system for the cxhibitori as well as the producers and I sincerely believe that all companies will ultimately release their talking pictures on discs." Sound Track System More Convenient Says Laemmle, Jr. From the angle of distribution and convenience, the exhibitor having sound-on-film pictures has a better arrangement than he would have un- der a system of having the sound separate on a disc, Carl Laemmle, Jr., believes. With the sound track systems, he says, it is im])ossible for an exchange to ship the wrong sound for a picture. Sarecky Says Feasibility Recommends Sound-on-Film The sound-on-film method is bet- ter, "because it eliminates the needle rasp and provides truer reproduc- tion and better synchronization,'' states Louis A. Sarecky of RKO. "Conmiercially, it is more feasible, because the cost of shipping film is much less than that of shiijping rec- ords," he says. "In meeting censorship problems, sound-on-film is more practical. In "Gang \^'ar,' it was easy for a Maine exhibitor to eliminate the word, 'damn' in his Sunday showings, be- cause the sound was on the film. In Maine, you can use 'danm' in your week dav showings, but not on Sun- day." Sound-on-Film Declared More Practical, by Marty Cohen Sound-on-film is all in one com- pact unit, making it easier to handle and less complicated, states Marty Cohen, film editor of Tiffany-Stahl. "The exhibitor," he says, "is the first to be pleased, the tone then sells the audience, with nothing to break or go wrong. There is no jumping or screechy tones. A properly- lighted picture, properly photograph- ed, is all that is necessary to make a perfect reproduction." Smoother Tone, Easier Repair, Is Claimed for Sound Track Smoother tone is assured by sound- on-film recording, declares James Ryan of Fox. "Should the film break," he says, "it is easily repaired at very little expense or loss of time." Audience Appeal Decided T-S on Sound Track, Stahl Says There is as nuich difference be- tween the disc and sound-on-film methods as there is between the old phonograph and radio, states John M. Stahl of Tiffany-Stahl, who says "you cannot stop progress." "We did not decide on our proc- ess, but judged from the audience appeal," he says. Filming with Sound Track More Convenient, Says Fejos Filming of a picture with the sound-on-film method is more con- venient than with other systems, de- clares Paul Fejos, Universal director. Use of sound changes the proportion of the screen slightly, he says, add- ing that this change, however, is an improvement over the old style and gives greater flexibility. Best Results with Sound-on- Film, Charles Klein Says Charles Klein, Fox director, and one of Lee De Forest's assistants in Germany in 1921, when talking pic- tures were gaining headway, favors sound-on-film recording. "In the making of a good sound picture, the finest impulses must be brought out," he says. "The lisping, and the cor- rect diction must both be met with. The audience is always critical, and quality of tone is the one and only reason for dialogue or sound films. Sound on the film has more room for improvement than any of the other methods, yet now some of the best results -have been obtained from this svstem." Sound Track System Called Self-Contained by Reed Sound track system of recording is superior to the disc method be- cause the former is self-contained, states Luther Reed, director. "Synchronization in the sound- track system is fixed beyond the hu- man element," he says. "Indifferent projection, film breaks and the varia- ble factor of film and disc wear are entirely eliminated when both pic- ture and sound are placed on the single strip of film. Aside from these purely physical advantages the pes- REASON FOR PREFERENCE CITED BY EXECUTIVES sibilities of the sound track appear less limited in tonal quality and adap- tability. Disc recording, perfected by years of experience in the phono- graph field, has approached its per- fection. In its experimental stage the other system already gives indi- cations of an infinitely greater field." Needle Scraping Is Hit by Ray in Favoring Film Track "Nothing can be more annoying than the scraping of a needle on a record," declares Al Ray, Tiffany- Stahl director, in citing his prefer- ence for sound-on-film recording. "This is always heard when using the disc method of recording. With sound on the film, there is no need for adjustments, for as the film is run, so is the sound expelled," he says. "In my opinion, the voice is more natural, and has also truer tones." Production Easier with Sound on-Film, Furthman Believes Pictures are easier to make and can be assembled more quickly when the sound-on-film method is em- ployed, in the belief of Charles Furth- man, Paramount, who says he pre- fers this system for its "distinctive- ness." Cutting also can be done in shorter time, he says. While the ma- chines in general are expensive, they are more practical in the long run, he says. Sound-on-Film Method Held More Pleasing to Ear Sound-on-film has a better range, which is much more pleasant to the ear, declares Sidney Algiers, produc- tion manager. "The rasping of the needle, is avoided, and in the film method, the dialogue or sound can start without preparing the audience, by the clos- ing down of an orchestra," he says. Disc System Complicated, Is Raoul Walsh Contention Disc or record style is "much more complicated to the exhibitor," says Raoul Walsh, Fox director, in de- claring that sound-on-film affords perfect synchronization. Le Baron's View Elimination of surface noises, makes the tonal qualities of sound-on-film the most popu- lar and most practical, states William Le Baron, vice presi- dent of RKO Prod., in charge of production. Thursday, February 21, 1929 DAILV 13 Sound Pictures ,By CHARLES P. HYNESi Matthews Named Sales Manager for Scoredisc George I. Matthews, has been ap- pointed sales manaRer of the Score- disc Service Corp., New York, which manufacturers Scoredisc, the inven- tion of President Artluir J. Abrams. Scoredisc is an appliance for use in conjunction with non-synchronous sound reproduction machines, use of which obtains effect of a synchronized sound score for any feature picture. In addition to his duties as sales man- ager Matthews will serve as vce president. He will start a tour of the key cities soon to arrange for sales rep- resentatives and plan demonstration offices at which exhibitors can wit- ness projection of pictures with score- disc accompaniment. Griffith Calls Science Film Lectures Biggest Advance Scientific lectures, offered through talking pictures made by General Electric at Schenectady, mark the greatest single advance of pictures during his 21 years of association with films. D. W. Griffith, told The Woman Pays Club yesterday at a luncheon in New York. Pacent Equipment for Chippewa Fls. Chippewa Falls, Wis.— Pacent talk- ing equipment will be installed at the Rex here soon according to H. A. Schwahn, secretary of the Chippewa Theater Co., operators of the house. The equipment is expected to be ready by Easter Sunday with "In- terference" as the first picture sched- uled. Thomson Talking on Sound P. L. Thomson, director of pub- lic relations of Western Electric, will explain sound pictures and their de- velopment at a luncheon Tuesday by the Bronx Rotary Club, at the Grand Concourse Hotel, New York. Talkers For Marion House Marion, O. — Arrangements have been completed for the installation of Vitaphone at the Palace theater here, according to Albert Sindlinger, manager. The first sound program is expected early in March. Sound For Jamestown House Jamestown, N. Y. — Vitaphone and Movietone sound equipment is being installed at the Andrews here, with service to be completed by March 5. Plans are under way for redecorating and refurnishing the house, according to Manager W. L. Trass. W. E. Sound System Makes Bow Tonight in Germany I'irst showing in Germany of a Western Electric-recorded sound pic- ture takes place tonight at the Ufa- Palast, Berlin, according to a cable- gram received at the company office in New York from J. E. Otterson, president of Electrical Research iVoducts Co. "Times Square" Screened Via W. E. Sound Device "Times Square," first dialogue and sound picture recorded by Gotham by the Sonora-Bristolphone process, was screened yesterday via Western Elec- tric e(|uipment at Meyer & Schneid- er's Clinton, New York, to an audi- ence composed chiefly of exhibitors of New York, New Jersey and Penn- sylvania. Movie-Phone For E^st Liberty East Liberty, Pa. — Movie-Phone is now being installed at the Triangle here. 14 K. C. Theaters Secures Biophone Sound Device Kansas City — After a dcinonstra- tion at the Rockhill here, 14 theaters in this territory have ordered Bio- phone sound producing apparatus from Midwest Film Deliveries, which has the distribution franchise for the device in this territory. Two installa- tion crews arc being used by Midwest and it is estimated that complete in- stallation can be made in from 30 to 37 days after orders are received. Interchangeability of Biophone Demonstrated Atlanta — Biophone has made its debut at the Princess, Florence, Ala., showing "Interference" as the initial attraction. Synchronization Act Flora Le Breton, well known lead- ing woman of foreign and American motion pictures, musical comedies and plays, will open next Sunday at the R-K-O Riverside, Broadway and 96th St., New York, billed as "the Photophone Girl." She presents an act of her own invention in which she talks, sings and dances in synchroni- zation with her image on the screen. Exhibitors Daily Remindtr (heck sound pic- t u r e advertising. See that it is not misleading. Thursday, Feb. 21, 1929 RCA-Photophone For Warren Warren, Pa. — RCA-Photoi)hone is to be installed at the Columbia here, one of the Columbia Amusement Co. houses, according to Manager Wag- ner. 31 Biophone For St. Louis . . . . St. Louis — Biophone sound produc- ing equipment is being installed at the Melba here. Other independent theaters in this section are also nego- tiating for Biophone equipment. Sound Policy at Loew's, N. Y. Loew's New York is to start its sound policy Feb. 25, it is understood 1 iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii^^ mil' Everyivhere! FILM DAILY Subscribers FILM DAILY News Gatherers FILM DAILY Influence e THE 14 Coast Wire Service "U" Signs Ken Maynard WmH STAR UNDER 5 YEAR CONTRACT WITH 'U' Universal has signed Ken May- nard on a five year contract. The star will make six westerns for the company during the 1929-30 season. They will be styled "super-westerns" by the company. New Maynard Film Completed Ken Maynard, w;ho soon is to join Universal, has completed "The Royal Rider" for First National release. Oliver Hasbrouk plays opposite. A Little from **Lots** By RALPH WILK Peggy Wood at M-G-M Peggy Wood, stage player, has been selected by Clarence Brown for the feminine lead in "Wonder of Women," and is at the M-G-M stu- dio to begin work in this picture. Richmond in Our Gang Film Hal Roach has signed Warner Richmond for a featured role in the Our Gang comedy now in production. Robert McGowan is directing the un- titled comedy. Chaney in Railroad Film Lon Chaney will be seen as a rail- road engineer in his next M-G-M picture, "Thunder." This is an orig- inal by Byron Morgan. William Nigh will direct. "Great Divide" Bought by F. N. First National has acquired rights to "The Great Divide," play by Wil- liam Vaughn Moody, to be made in- to an all-talker. Rooneys Complete First "The Love Birds," Movietone short subject featuring the Rooney family, has been completed at Uni- versal. Pat Rooney, Marian Bent Rooney, and their son Pat III will next do "The Tree of Love." Ben Holmes is directing. Edgar Allen Wolff wrote the six stories in the series. Frances White Signed M-G-M has signed Frances White, vaudeville star, for talkers. Hollywood BP. SCHULBERG is back in • Hollywood from a vacation trip in Mexico, during which he did not see a single film exhibition. * * ♦ Our Passing Show. Lou Sarecky, Rod LaRocque, Hen- ry M. Hobart and Max Ree conferring at RKO; Ben Sil- vey prescribing a cold remedy for Joe Nadel; Sam W. B. Cohn, Roland Drew, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Keefe at "The Front Page." * * * Wells Root of the Paramount sce- nario staff, is a prolific writer. In addition to tossing of? original screen stories and scenarios, he found time to write "The Language of the Movies" for the February Bookman. * * « By the way, J. Walter Ruben and Root are writing "Racetrack," an original, for George Bancroft. * * * We believe that a Pathe dialogue writer could be fittingly described as z "Patheologist." * * • Joseph Franklin Poland, veteran super-visor and writer, has writteyi "Sailors' Holiday," which will star Alan Hale. It will be produced by William M. Conselman for release by Pathe. Hale is finishing an en- gagement in "The Sap," for War- ner Bros. * * * The eyes may have "it" in the si- lent drama, but the mouths are much more important in the talking picture, according to Clarence Brown, M-G- M director, who says that talking drama focuses the attention of the audience on the player's mouth rath- er than the eyes, as in the older films. And he's not referring to gabbiness, either. 297 HOUSES AT COST or $74,345,000 rOR 1929 Architects totalling 2,057 report to "The Architectural Forum" that they have drawn or will draw plans for 297 theaters to be built in the United States during 1929 at a cost of $74,- 345,000. The Middle States group which in- cludes Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Mich- igan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, South and North Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas lead the rest of the country with 93 projects to cost $33,651,000. Second comes the North Atlantic States which embrace New York, New Jersey, Pennsyl- vania, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. In this group, 80 houses are planned to cost $28,587,000. "The Architectural Forum," over a period of years, has developed an index figure which provides a basis for computing total construction throughout the United States. By this method, it is predicted that to- tal investment in new theaters for the entire year will reach $163,559,- 000. Actual work in architect's office, by states, follows: No. of State Theaters Cost Maine 1 New Hampshire 2 Vermont — Massachusetts 13 Rhode Island 1 Connecticut 4 $60,000 160,000 1,775,000 350,000 520,000 OJUiy TIPS WHICH MEAN OOUADS FOQ SUOWMEN "Abie's Irish Rose" (Paramount) Man made up to impersonate Cohen, the little lawyer in the pic- ture, walked the streets giving out heralds — talked to people in passing autos, street cars, directed traffic at the principal street corners and also made himself conspicuous in hotel lobbies, ten-cent stores and other crowded places, as well as visiting the stores in the residential section. — Warren Irvin, Carolina, Charlotte, N. C. "Alias Jimmy Valentine" (M-G-M) Trolley car was decorated with banners on both sides as well as front and rear together with cards carrying bold type announcing the title of picture, name of theater and play dates. All of the windows in the trolley had star heads or else figures cut from one and three-sheets pasted in them. — Dixon Williams, Jr., Imperial, Charlotte, N. C. "Lucky Boy" with GEORGE JESSEL Adaptation and Continuity by Isadore Bernstein Forthcoming All Talkie Feature "The Love Song" Story, Continuity and Dialogue by Isadore Bernstein 1337 North Sycamore Street Hollywood, California Fields Made Supervisor Leonard Fields, formerly Eastern story editor of Universal Pictures Corp. has been appointed production supervisor by Carl Laemmle. Fields' first picture will be "Companionate Troubles," which will star Reginald Denny under the direction of Wil- liam James Craft. Alice White's Next Following the completion of "Broadway Babies," Alice White will appear in "The Girl from Wool- worth," an original by Adele Coman- dini who has written many continui- ties as well as originals. It will be several weeks before Miss White is ready to start. Northeastern States .... 21 New York 50 New Jersey 10 Pennsylvania 13 Maryland 2 Dist. of Columbia 5 North Atlantic States.. 80 Virginia 11 North Carolina 2 South Carolina — Georgia 1 Florida 6 Southeastern States.... 20 Kentucky 1 West Virginia 1 Tennessee 2 Alabama 4 Mississippi 2 Louisiana 2 Texas 19 Oklahoma 4 Arkansas 2 Southwestern States. ... 37 Ohio 30 Indiana 7 Illinois 19 Michigan 9 Wisconsin 12 Minnesota 2 Iowa 2 Missouri 6 South Dakota . — • North Dakota 1 Nebraska 1 Kansas 4 Middle States 93 Montana — Nevada 1 Colorado 8 New Mexico ■ — Arizona 2 Utah 6 Idaho — Washington 7 Oregon 3 California 19 Western States 46 United States 297 $2,865,000 19,335,000 3,390,000 4,230,000 157,000 1,475,000 $28,587,000 863,000 95,000 400,000 345,000 $1,703,000 150,000 100,000 80,000 490,000 75,000 135,000 2,191.000 205,000 125,000 $3,551,000 3.776,000 2,110,000 20,045,000 2,572,000 2,360,000 55,000 750,000 1,405,000 225,000 10,000 343,000 "Companionate Marriage" (First National) Distributed trick marriage certifi cate, 5,000 of these were distributed in the local high schools arousing considerable interest. The get-up of the certificate was in every respect similar to Jhat of a genuine certifi- cate. The wording was changed, howeverj to make it a "certificate and record of 'companionate marriage,' the name and address of the theater bein£ inserted, also the date and time of the performance. The certificate was folded in a way that presented an announcement of the coming at- traction along with pictures of Betty Bronson and Alec B. Francis. — Fa- bian, Hoboken, N. J." I $33,651,000 40.000 770,000 550.000 290,000 280,000 225,000 1,883,000 $3,988,000 $74,345,000 "The Singing Fool" (Warners) Cut-out was taken from the 24- sheet and placed in front of a music store that also had its window deco- rated with sheet music and records on "Sonny Boy," the theme song. The Jolson cut-out had a mouth cut out with a large Penatrope back of it playing Al Jolson records. — L. S. Sowar, Queen, Galveston, Tex. "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (Universal) Used Old Troupers Night. So many companies have played the classic for so many years that al- most anywhere it is possible to find one or more people who have once acted a role. The local newspaper ran stories breaking the stunt with the result that several troupers ap- | peared as guests of the theater on the night specified. Personal ap- pearances on the stage with reminis- cences of the company in which the troupers played made lively enter- tainment.— State, Toledo, Ohio. I THE Thursday, February 21, 1929 -3^t^ DAILV 15 Opi inion Seen Swinging Vs. Oppressive Laws (Continued jrotn Page 1) 1(1 thumbs down on a similar isure. Seiitinn.-nt opposed to pro- |(i(sed adniissioii tax or censorship t)ills or l)oth is reported in Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, \Vest V'irfjinia, \'er- inont and Indiana. In Missouri, a bill prohibiting S.R.O. admission sales has been reported favorably to the House. Tax on censorship meas- ures or both also are pendiuR in Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania, with an anti-block booking and anti- i' compulsory arbitration measure in I the latter state. \ Strong fights are being made by proponents for passage of admission tax or censorship bills or both in Michigan, Tennessee, Mississippi and Coimecticut. St. Louis Overseated Joseph Plunkett Says iContin^ed from Page 1) theater seats before the New Fox theater added 6,000 more," Plunkett said. "There is just one remedy for that ailment — better entertain- ment. Vaudeville is going to meet the situation by booking the Broad- way stars who have been made avail- able by the closing of so many shows this season." Seville, O., House Reopens Seville, O. — F. O. Foster has re- opcmd the Home, closed for the last few months. Zukor Back Friday; Film Colony in Florida Grows (ConlinMrd from Page I) of I'niversal, stepped off the train yesterday. Harry Reichenbach completes the list of arrivals. Cleveland Zone Houses Close as Business Drops Cleveland — Due to lack of busi- ness, many houses in this territory have been closed, some temporarily, and some permanently. Among those reported closed temporarily are the Kinsman, Cleveland; Electric, Iron- dal; Stringer, Hopedale; Cameo; Brilliant; Ideal, Alliance; Dreamland, Cardington; Luna, Prairie Depot. Among those listed as closed perma- nently are the Tivoli, Cleveland, which has been converted into a garage; Gem, Barberton; and Strand, Ravenna. Lease on the Lakewood, Cleveland, will not be renewed by Variety Amusement Co., according to the Film Board of Trade. The King, Cleveland, is operating only two days a week, as is the American, Leetonia. Hollywood Pictures in Film Center Hollywood Pictures Corp., Co- lumbia's franchise holder in the New York and northern Jersey territory, have removed its offices to the sixth floor of the Film Center BIdg., New York. Victor Stockholders Urged to Back RCA Combine Camden, N. J. — Stockholders of Victor Talking Machine Co., are urged to exchange their stock for stock of RCA under the plan for absorption of Victor, which has been approved unanimously by the board of directors in a letter from E. K. Shumaker, X'ictor president. Under terms of the olTer, seven-eights of the outstanding common of Victor must be deposited by March 4. Shu- inaker's letter is enclosed in the an- nual report for the year ended Dec. ,11, which shows net income of §7,- 324,018.52 against $7,269,523.03 for 1927. Net sales for the year were $52,064,419.52. R. & R. Circuit Buys 19 Phototalkers for Texas Dallas — Robb & Rowley purchased 19 sets of Phototalker sound equip- ment for early installation. Tol Tee- ters, who operates houses in Okla- homa has purchased four for his houses and will plan a roadshow with the equipment. Barker Makes All-Talker "Mother's Boy," an all-talker for Pathe release, has been completed at Sound Studios, Inc., in New York by Bradley Barker. The cast com- posed of stage players, includes Helen Chandler, Barbara Bennett, Beryl Mercer, John T. Doyle and Morton Downey. PUIL DALY SEZ/ "Every time we try to walk past the Aitor the- ater, it's a new battle. The crowds januning the lobby and overflowing in- to the street make it tough for the pedestrian. It's all the fault of "The Broadway Melody.' " Survey in Canada Being Made for British Gov't Montreal — Cana^la's foui ^rade commissioners arc making a survi > of the situation in Canada, at the request of the home government. F. W. p-ield, senior trade commissioner, points out the importance attached by the British government to films for spreading national and trade propaganda. He admits producers of the United Kingdom have much to learn in making pictures for uni- versal consumption, but that aver- age of British films is improving steadily. NEW PHOTOTONE "TALKIE" Before you invest — investigate- PHOTOTONE IS ESTABLISHED! pHOTOTONE Synchronous Device is sold to you complete — installed. T^OR your own protection get full particulars as to price and know just what quality and equipment you get for your money before buying any synchron- ous machine. WATCH FOR SOUND ON FILM ANNOUNCEMENT SOON PHOTOTONE COMPANY North Vernon, Ind. Chicago, lU., 845 S. Wabash Ave. New York, N. Y., 1531 Broadway SufFolk, Va. Philadelphia, Pa., 1325 Vine St. Boston, Mass.. 28 Piedmont St. Atlanta, Ga., 125 Walton St. Offices: Oklahoma City. Okla.. 705 W. Grand St. Los Angeles. Calif.. 1936 So. Vermont St. Seattle, Wash., 2418 Second Ave. Minneapolis, Minn., 5332 Chicago Ave. Kansas City, Mo., 118 West 18th St. Dallas, Texas, 1805 Commerce St. fj PARTICVIAUY comxmed in those % 18,500 houses- "•Vy 'y.:Vo}'y, 'tf)''"' ^Z,*. Your own "little old paper'^ is perhaps the best proof, Mn Kann, that there is no neglect of silent pictures as far as the SHORT FEATURE LEADERS are concerned* Just check a few recent issues and note again what that Scotch reviewer of yours says about the current Educational Pictures releases* EDUCATIONAL FILM EXCHANGES, Inc. E. W. HAMMONS, President 'oIK'^^Mo' or -/ ^0 ^4V "■&. -^y^ ^0/>, '^<9/', Member, Motion Picture ProdueerB and Distribu- tors of America, Inc.; Will H. Hays, President (f &x£coc4 12^ 12J4 t r'\ /•; ^^'■^^ 25% 26 Radio K-A-O 3534 35% 35^^ Stanley Co lO'/i 36 36 'Univ. Pict. pfd ggi^^ Warner Bros 129J4 128 128"^ lks talk about HOOVER nt- elect who takes oath of office as Chief xecutive at his Inauguration, March 4th, in Washington, D. C. FOX MOVIETONE NEWS Presents actual home town atmosphere of West Branch, Iowa, birthplace of Mr. Hoover, in which people who knew him well discuss the next President of the United States. Exclusive human interest talks included in aJl 3 issues Released today No. 21 — Issues A, B and C. T70TE the STRAIGHT BOX-OFFICE MI^SV ^PROFIT-TAKING TICKET with 1^ wI^l ^rstandonlj Moving Pictures ever made inside submerged subma* rine show escape of crew of S'4 from depths of Gulf of Mexico! ll'lien they think of nezcs they say PATHE — There's u reason. PAT HE NEWS No. 19 C. K. Tranb, Pafhe Neics Cameraman, risks life inside sunken submarine to film deep sea test of new life saving device. SIX THRILLING SCENES OF UNDERSEA DRAMA! 1. Volunteer sailors, equipped with mechan- ical lung, enter motor room of S-4. 2. Room is flooded — men stand with water to their necks in 2 foot air space. 3. Putting on, and adjusting mechanical lung while water floods chamber. 4. In water to his neck, Lieut. Momsen calmly talks over phone. 5. Out through the motor room hatch on their perilous venture. 6. Up from the ocean's bottom to safety! (And the cameraman still under water!) Sunday, February 24. 1929 DAILV Olga Chekova in "Moulin Rouse" (Synchronized) World Wide Pictures L. iiyth : 9000 ft. TEDIOUS. DRAWN OUT IM- PORTED PRODUCTION MISS- ES WITH MUCH REPETI- TION AND SLOW TEMPO. Cast Olga Chekova as the star an effective emotional actress, but isn't much on screen appearance. Eve Gray is colorless. Jean Bradin lacks any screen fire to make him popular hero. Story and Production .... Drama of Parisian life produced by British International. E. .\. Dupont. the di- rector, also wrote the story, and the story is exactly what is wrong with this first imported feature of World Wide. Tells of the star of the Mou- lin Rouge who falls in love with her daughter's fiance. He also falls hard for the mother. So we are treated to long-drawn out scenes in which mother and the boy look yearningly at each other and tr>- hard to con- ceal from daughter the truth. The best sequence is a race of two speed- ing autos, one out of control. Cam- era work fine on this. Actual Moulin Rouge scenes of stage show are re- peated and drawn out to point of monotony. Entirely too long. Xeeds cutting, editing, and snappy titling. Direction, E. A. Dupont. ordinary; Author, the same: Scenario, Not listed; Editor, Harry Chandlee; Titles, Harry Chandlee: Photography, Werner Brandes. very good. Dolores Costello in "The Redeeming Sin" (Part-Talker) Wamera l.rnylh: 0921 ft. A VERY SAD AFFAIR. COS- TELLO IS GORGEOUS BUT NOT BEAUTIFUL ENOUGH TO OVERCOME BANAL STORY, STEREOTYPED DIRECTION AND AWFUL DIALOGUE. Cast. .. .Dolores, an eyeful in a part that doesn't fit. Silly yarn over- whelms cast which includes Conrad Xagel, Warner Richmond, Philippe De Lacey, Georgic Stone, Lionel Bel- more and Nina Quartaro. Story and Production. . . . Romance of Parisian underworld. A girl that flamed and flamed and sought ven- geance against the doctor who failed to save her brother's life; her plan to make the M. D. suffer through unrequited love; then the dawn that came and the turning of tables in the love game. Through bylanes and Parisian sewers the story travels un- steadily toward the inevitable clinch Stereotyped, mechanical, dramatic, falsettos and dialogue that bring laughs where rapt attention and per- haps tears were sought. Misses what- ever mark it had set for itself by n:iles and miles. Direction, Howard Bretherton, way. way orT; Author, L. V. Jef- ferson: Scenario, Harvey Gates: Dia- logue and Titles, Joc Jack-on: Edi- tor, Tommy Pratt; Photography, By- rnn Haskin, good. "The Ghost Talks" (All-Talker) For LriKjlh: 0."J98 ft. WEAK NUMBER FAILS TO IMPRESS WITH AMATEURISH DEVELOPMENT OF PLOT AND INDIFFERENT ACTING OF JUVENILE LEADS. FAIR COM- EDY. Cast. . . . Helen Twelvetrees, a stage recruit, here reveals nothing to talk about with voice, acting and appear- ance. Charles Eaton of the stage Eatons, overacts as amateur detective. Seasoned screen players like Stepin Fetchit in cast outdistance them. Others Carmel Myers, Earle P"ox, Henry Sedley. Joc Brown. Story and Production. .. .Comedy drama. Adapted from the stage play ■'Badges " by Max Marcin. The idea is outworn, being that of the youth- ful amateur detective in the small town who runs down the big city crooks when they pay his town a visit. First two reels are tedious with artificial dialog. The amateur detec- tive is the clerk in the hotel where the crooks come seeking the girl who has the secret to the hidden bonds. The detective's yawping about his ability and the exaggerted stunts he pulls grow wearisome. Pepped up in final reels with good comedy work of Stepin Fetchit from the comedy lots. This darky gets over big. Direction, Lew Seiler, ordinao'I Author, Max Marcin and Edward Hammond: Scenario, Frederick H. Brennan; Editor, Not listed; Titles, Xot listed; Dialog,. Frederick H. Brennan. Harlan Thompson; Photog- raphy. Geo. Meehan, fair. "Strange Cargo" (All-Talker) I'ntU, /,, „,itl, : 7(»J.T f7. FAIR PROGRAM NUMBER, WITH EXCELLENT CAST WHICH IS AHEAD OF UNCON- VINCING MYSTERY PLOT. DI- ALOG REPRODUCES AS AVER- AGE. Cast Stage players lend class to production. Lee Patrick impres- sive as the girl. George Barraud also good. Kyrle Bellew forceful as heavy. Others June Nash, Russell Gleason, Frank Reichcr, Claude King, N'ed Sparks, Josephine Brown, Charles Hamilton, Andre Beranger, Otto Matiesen, Harry Allen, W'arner Richmond. Story and Production. .. .Mystery drama. The scene takes place on board the yacht of a titled English- man who is a heller with the ladies. So when milord disappears with a yell in front of his guests as the lights go out in the cabin, all sorts of false clues crop up to im- plicate members of the party and crew. But the solving of the murder is unsatisfactory. An East Indian mystic is discovered as the real culprit, but it not satisfactorily explained ho%v the body could have been disposed of during short time lights went out. As talking mystery this is fair, with cast lending class. Direction, Benjamin Glazer, satis- factory; Authors, Benjamin Glazer, Melchoir Lengyel; Scenario, Horace Jackson; Dialogue, Benjamin Glazer; Editor, Paul Weatherwax; Titles, .Not listed; Photography, Arthur Miller, very good. "South of Panama" (Silent) Chesterfield Length: 6300 ft. POPULAR MELLER OF SCRAPS AND ROMANCE MIXED WITH A GUN-RUNNING GANG OPERATING IN A SOUTH AMERICAN REPUBLIC. GOOD ENTERTAINMENT. Cast . . . . Carmelita Geraghty looks good as the daughter of the presi- dent of the South .American republic. Edouardo Raquello and Lewis Sar- gent make a good team as buddies. Philo McCulIough the hea\'y. Others Marie Messinger. Henry Arras. Carl- ton Kin.g, Joe Burke. Fred Walton. Story and Production. . Melodrama of near-revolution in a South Ameri- can republic. The yarn carries a neat entertainment punch, being pepped up with all the good old hoke that the fans like. It concerns the es- capades of a comedy American news- paper reporter who lands in the re- public and meets another your.g man who has business wit'n the president of the republic. Developments show- that the youth is representing a gun- runner, and his mission is to salt a gold mine, cause trouble between two neighboring republics, and thus start a war so that his boss can sell his guns and ammunition. Works out some fast action, thrills, and tells a ver>- stirring yarn, with neat love interest. Direction, Charles J. Hunt; Author, L. A. Young: Scenario, .\rthur » Hoerl: Editor, James Sweeney; Titles, Arthur Hcerl. Lon Young:' Photog- raphy, M. A. Andersen, good. (( Dancing Vienna" (Silent) First Natio7ial Length: 5683 ft. IMPORTED NUMBER AVER- AGE. WITH VERY LITTLE ACTION AND A THIN STORY THAT HOLDS FAIR ENTER- TAINMENT. Cast.... Ben Lyon plays the part of a Broadway jazz boy in Vienna, land gives a neat performance. Lya Mara plays opposite, and makes a : personable appearance, although her I acting is weak. Others all Europeans, I include Julius Falkenstein, Olga Engel, Arnold Korft. George Burk- hardr. Alfred .\bel. Gustav Charle. Story and Production Drama. 1 .\ Dciu production made partly in j \ienna where the locale is laid. With German direction and foreign cast, this is done in the typical continental manner. That means that the tempo , is rather draggy, and the continuity j not as snappy as it could have been. I Hero is a Broadwaj- jazz boy whose father came from a well known \ienne5e family that had quarreled ^with another prominent family there. Ben Lyon as the jazz boy meets the daughter of this other family. Miui [ is a great dancer, and the big scene is one of those heavy Continental music hall settings with immense crowds and the girl doing a \'iennese prize waltz. Direction, Frederick Zelnik, heavy; Author, Not listed: Scenario, F. Carl- son. Willy Haas: Editor. N;t listed: Titles, Not listed: Photography. Frederik Fuglfang, fair. >(iU'l O'Seil i'a "Hardboiled" (Silent) F B O Length: 5940 ft. FAIR PROGRAM NUMBER PEPPED UP WITH BROAD- WAY ATMOSPHERE AND A LOT OF SEXY SITUATIONS THAT WILL PLEASE THE MOB. Cast. .. .Sally O'Neil is quite an eyeful as the hardboiled chorus gal who falls in love with the rich sucker after she marries him for his daddy's jack. Donald Reed adequate as the rich playboy. Lilyan Tashman looks verv alluring. Others Bob .'Sinclair. Ole M. Ness. Tom O'Grady. Story and Production. .. .Comedy drama of Broadway .-.ight life. As far as the story goes it is just a rehash of the well known formula of the gold-digging chorus gal who lands the son of a millionaire. Only in this case she falls in love with him after his dad cuts him off from the family fortune. The reels are pepped up with some ritzy and snappy scenes, and the pace is fast through- out. Ralph Ince directed with a knowing hand, and the work of Sally O'Neil and Lilyan Tashman put this safely in the listing of girl pictures with the sexy angle that the fans like. The finish is satisfactory, with dad relenting and loosening up on the coin when he realizes how much the former hardboiled chorine loves his boy. Direction. Ralph Ince. satisfactcr.;: Author, .\rthur Somers Roche; Edi- tor. Net listed: Titles, Not listed: Photography, Robt. Martin, good. Rin-Tin-Tin in "The Million Dollar Collar" (SUent) Warners Length: 5561 fi. THE DOG STAR IS UNUSUAL- LY GOOD IN ONE OF HIS MOST SPECTACULAR PIC- TURES. CARRIES A BIG THRILL WALLOP. Cast. . . .Rin-Tin-Tin holds the cen- tre of the stage throughout. His ad- mirers will sure enjoy this one. His support consists of Matty Kemp, Evelyn French, Tommy Dugan, Al- len Cavin. Grover Liggon. I Story and Production. .Melodrama. ' Rinty is starred throughout, and is given plenty of opportunities to do- I his stunts which are performed with 'almost human intelligence. The plot is unusually strong for a aog opus, I and is well knit together with a smooth continuity that holds the in- terest. Rinty is the property of a crook who secretes a diamond neck- lace which he has stolen in Rinty-s collar, and starts to make a getaway to the gang's hideout He drives the car into the river. Rinty is rescued by the hero and they become great friends. Later the hero is taken for I the crook by the gang, and learns of the necklace. Fast action and thrill I stuff is piled on thick, and there is also a neat love story. Rinty is fine all the way. Direction, Ross Lederman, very ij c; Author, Robert Lord; Scenario, the same; Editor, Wm. Zolmes; Titles, James A. Starr; Photography, , NeNon Laraby. smooth. THE ■e^m DAILY Sunday, February 24, 1929 ^^Sound Patents" Series Begins Its CULMINATION or LENGTHY AND DILIGENT RESEARCH In view of the widespread growth of sound pictures and the increasing interest in this de- velopment, THE FILM DAILY several months ago engaged Benjamin T. Rauber, patent at- torney, a former examiner on the staff of the United States Patent Office, and, by appoint- ment, a special assistant to the United States Attorney General, to write a series of articles on the development of sound ap- paratus as shown by research of United States and foreign patents. These articles, it is believed, will prove of interest to the in- dustry not only from an historical viewpoint, but as a possible source of suggestion for im- provement or development. Mr. Rauber points out the following important points : Inasmuch as the term of a United States patent is 17 years, all subject matter of patents is- sued prior to 1912 is free for public use, provided such use does not include mere improve- ments covered by later patents. Foreign patents are also of interest in this connection inas- much as their subject matter is also open to free use in the United States unless the foreign patentee or a prior American in- ventor has secured a corres- ponding patent in the United States. While the articles may give some insight into the patent situa- tion, it is not their purpose to give any opinion or conclusion as to the value or strength of any existing patent, but only to bring to the attention of readers what the various patents disclose. Mechanical Synchronization One of the earliest patents for the synchronization of a phonograph and a moving picture fihn is United States patent No. 576,542, granted to George W. Brown on Feb. 9, 1897. Fig. 1 of the patent, which is reproduced herewith, shows a verti- cal sectional view of the apparatus and illustrates its principle of opera- tion. In this apparatus, the pictures are not projected onto a screen but arc printed on an endless strij) (10) which is drawn over a drum (12) be- Sound'On-Disc Patents to be Discussed First; Film Later By BENJAMIN T. RAUBER Apparatus for the simultaneous and synchronous reproduction of sound and motion pictures falls into two general classes; One in which a pho- nograph record is rotated in a defi- nite relation to the passage of the film so as to time the sound with the pictures. The other in which the sound record is made directly on a film, or on a film or wire associated therewith. Inasmuch as these two methods of timing are radically dif- ferent and developed independently of each other, they will be discussed separately. In synchronizing a phonograph record with a motion picture projec- tion machine or camera, various mechanism are disclosed in various patents. In the synchronizing appar- atus shown in some groups of pat- ents the projection machine or cam- era has been geared or otherwise mechanically connected to the pho- nograph, while in the apparatus of other group of patents the projection machine has been driven from the phonograph or from a common driv- ing source through electrical connec- tions and timed either by various types of synchronized motors or by electrical escapements. In the apparatus of other types of patents the phonograph and the pro- jection machine are driven independ- ently of each other and mechanisms are provided for indicating their re- lative speeds so that the operator may bring them into synchronism. Various devices are also described for ensuring not only that the pho- nograph and the projection machine shall run at the proper relative speeds, but that they shall also be started at the proper times, relatively to each other, and to provide means whereby variations from the proper timing, due to breakages or other changes in the film, may be corrected by suitable adjustment of the phono- graph drive. Inasmuch as several hundred patents have been granted in this general field of synchroniza- tion and sound in the last few years, these various features are for con- venience, discussed separately. neath an eye piece (3) and lens (4) by means of drums (13), the strip be- ing suitably illuminated by means of a lamp (6) and reflector (8). The drum (13) is driven from a phono- graph within the box (26) shown at the upper right hand corner of the drawing, so as to quickly bring each picture in succession beneath the lens (4) and to permit it to rest there for a short time. To this end the drum (13) is driven from the phonograph- driving mechanism (26) by means of a belt (29) which rotates on eccentric (32) on which is mounted an arm (34) having a hook (36) that engages a ratchet wheel {i7) associated with the drum (13). As the phonograph- driving mechanism drives the record it gives the eccentric (32) a corres- ponding speed of rotation and ad- vances the picture strip (10) at a rate proportionate to the driving of the phonograph. In 1901 Gaumont & Cie secured a French patent No. 312,613 in which jTa 'M/1 Illustrating George W. Brown patent, U. S. No. 576,542 the projection machine was driven from a phonograph. This French patent was not published, however. A French Patent of Addition grant- ed to Gaumont in 1903 on the orig- inal patent introduces the improve- ment of placing the phonograph im- mediately adjacent the projection machine and provides a microphone and a telephone circuit ifroml the phonograph to loud speakers back of the screen. This Patent of Ad- dition also suggests that the loud speakers may be moved about back of the screen to follow the move- ments of the actors on the screen. On July 31, 1899, a German patent, No. 104,475, to L. A. Berthon, C. F. Dussaud and G. F. Jaubert dis- closed an apparatus in which a pro- jection machine C and a phonograph M were driven from a common driv- ing motor (A) through a pulley (A') on the motor and a belt to a pulley (B) on a common drive shaft (b) as indicated in Fig. (3) of this patent. The phonograph (M) was driven continuously from the shaft (b) by means of pulleys (G) and (G') and a connecting belt (F). The projection machine (C) was provided with a clutch (c) by which it could be coupled to a bevel gear (O') meshing with a bevel gear (O) on the shaft (b). In starting the apparatus the sound box (M) of the phonograph, shown in Fig. 2, was held out of en- gagement with the record by means of a latch (f) as shown in Fig. 6. When the clutch (c) was shifted into engagement by a shifting lever (h) an electric circuit was closed through a contact (p) on the lever (h) and a stationary contact (q), Fig. 4, and through electro-magnets (e) posi- tioned to attract the latch (f) and re- lease a supporting arm (m) of the sound box (M) and thus start the sound reproduction simultaneously with the starting of the projection machine. Thereafter, the phonograph and the projection machine would be driven uniformly at proportionate speeds through the common driving means. A spring (s) was provided between the bevel gear (O') and the clutch (c) to absorb shocks when the clutch (c) was connected. A tele- phone circuit led from the sound box of the phonograph, which in the patent, was called a microphono- graph, to individual earphones for the seats of the theater as indicated in Fig. 1. The projection machine was located back of a white transparent screen. A pair of phonographs and telephone circuits was provided when both orchestral and vocal sounds were desired. French patent No. 328,145 granted on Nov. 18, 1902, to Gaumont explains that, in the original patent, the pro- jection machine or cinematograph is driven from the phonograph and that it is necessary to clutch the cinema- tograph to a common driving means upon hearing a signal bell or whistle which is registered upon the cylinder of the phonograph some seconds be- fore the beginning of the selection. THE Sunday, February 24. 1929 -^^ DAILV International Review of Inventions To correct any imperfect synchron- ization due to the ckitching of the mechanism, various schemes are ar- ranged for shifting; the relative posi- tions of the phonograph and projec- tion machine driving meclianisnis. One of these arrangements is shown in the accompanying Fig. 1, in which tlic separate drive shaft (Y) and (Z) are connected by a differential gear mechanism formed of the bevel gears (I) and (J) and the planetary gears (a) and (b). When the planetary gears (a) and (b) are held from turning with the bevel gears (I) and (J) about the axis of the drive shafts (Y) and (Z), these shafts rotate in a fixed, definite relation to each other and the time relation of the pictures to the sound record remains un- changed. However, if it is desired to vary this relation in order to at- tain synchronism, this may be accom- plished by rotating the ring (Q) in one direction or the other which will, during its rotation, accelerate or re- tard one shaft relatively to the other, thus changing their relative posi- tions. In another mechanism, shown in Fig. 2, the separate drive shafts (U) are connected by means of a collar (E) which is slidably keyed to the right hand shaft and has a pin (h) working in a helical groove in the left hand shaft so that as the collar (E) is moved to the right or left by means of a hand lever (L) one shaft (U) is rotated relatively to the other. German patent No. 145,780 issued Nov. 6, 1903, to Messters Projection Co., discloses a device for coupling a projection apparatus to a phonograph upon a signal sounded by the latter. The drawings of the patent show a shaft (a) driven by the phonograph and a collar (e) slidably keyed on the shaft (a). The collar (e) may be shifted to the left by a lever and. as the collar rotates with the shaft a radially projecting pin (f) on the col- lar engages and rotates a pin (d) L A BERTHON. CH. F DUSSAl'D rsi> G F lAUBERT IN PARIS. Kuppdungtvorrlchtung (Dr zuummenwlrkanda Kinematographen und Phonograptwn. Fig. I. f-'if! .?■ Diagram showing joint operation of projector and phonograph. German patent No. 104,475 projecting sidewise from an arm (c) , fixed on a shaft (b) from which the projection apparatus is driven. Un- til the pin (d) is engaged by the pin (f), it is held in fixed position by a latch (g) retained in position against the action of a spring by a trip (h). When the shifting lever shifts the collar (e) to the left, a projection (i) on the shifting lever trips the trip (h), releasing the latch (g) and per- mitting the projection machine driv- ing shaft (b) to rotate. If it is de- sired to stop the phonograph in a definite relation to the projection ma- chine, the projection (i) is moved to the position shown in dotted lines, whereupon both shafts (a) and (b) are held upon the holding of the pin (d) by the latch (g). French patent No. 375,057 granted on June 29, 1907, to Georges Po- marede discloses the use of a flexible driving shaft between the projection machine and the phonograph. Fig. 2 of the patent shows an apparatus in which the projection machine (A) drives a flexible shaft (B) which in turn drives the plate (D) of a disc phonograph through suitable gear TX^a. -<<£^ ■JL^S 'l^^^J,^ An early French patent tynehronizing phono- graph and projector. So. 375,057 mechanism. The sound is conveyed from the phonograph through a speaking tube (G) to a plionograph horn placed immediately in front of, and below, the screen (i). Specific arrangements of flexible driving shafts for synchronously driven projection machines and phonographs are also shown in later United States patents to L. S. Stiles, No. 1,308,875, issued July 8, 1919, and to \V. H. Bristol, No. 1,431,628, issued Oct. 10, 1922. Apparatus using a speaking tube for conveying sound from a phono- graph to a horn positioned back of a screen is also shown in the United States patents to J. F. Osborn, No. 1,328,189, issued Jan. 13, 1920, and to J. G. Harris, No. 1,354,742, issued Oct. 5, 1920. This expedient is, of course, unnecessary when a telephone circuit and loud speaker is used, as suggested in the French Addition Patent to Gaumont, No. 936. Romantic development of sound- on-disc and sound-on-filtn synchroni- zation will be continued to be traced through patent history in subse- quent articles of the "Sound Pat- ents" series, to be published from time to time by THE FILM DAILY. Watch for succeeding articles in this i7iteresting series. FIG 2 No. 328,145 i rJ Early French patent granted Gaumont and Co., illustrating how projection machine, in this instance, is driven from the phonograph, thus securing synchronization THE DAILV Sunday, February 24, 1929 Theater Equipment By CHARLES F. HYNES RECO LINE LISTS BACK- STAGE COLOR LIGHTING Chicago — Backstage lighting in color, as well as exterior and in- terior theater color lighting is pro- vided in the Reco line of equipment, manufactured by the E. E. Rey- nolds Electric Co. _ These include Laco color hoods, which are made in a variety pf sizes with a spring holder for attaching to standard white lamps used in border lights, pt-oscenium lights, clusters, foots, etc. These hoods are furnished in six true colors: ruby, green, blue, day- light blue, amber and moonlight. They are made of blown glass. Spill shields are used to prevent leakage of white light back of the color hood. which is made in three sizes for use with various standard reflectors, spots and lamps. Another feature of the line for backstage is the Laco circle color plates made of special heat resisting glass and fitted for box lights, floods, olivets and spots. These are made in both round and rectangular shapes furnished in amber, green, blue and ruby. Reco hoods, furnished in a variety of colors, are adapted for use on switchboards, panelboards, elevator signals, cove lights, danger and exit lights. Carrier Operating Both Plants Newark, N. J.— Carrier Engineer- ing Corp., manufacturer of air condi- tioning systems, now is operating two plants here. The second plant, acquired in September of last year, was remodeled and now is being operated as Plant No. 1, while the former headquarters now is plant No. 2. The two structures are sep- arated by but one block. Credit Committee in Supply Field Philadelphia — Equipment dealers here have joined with poster ex- changes, printing houses, delivery houses and sign painting concerns in formation of a credit committee to protect them against bad accounts. -FOR SALE; Slightly used Stineman 35 mm. Printer, in absolutely perfect condition, $62.50; list $90.00. UIILLOaCHBYS ▼▼ 110 West 32«*St,NewyBrh.WV«^^ Phone Penna. 0330 Motion Picture Department U. S. and Canada Agents for Debrie The Stamp of Approval An endorsement of product and propositions, bestowed by The Film Daily, after investigation of qualifications and merit Many times during the year, the exhibitor, wishing to make an announcement, finds that he is unable to utilize the value of his screen, because he has not time to send to a slide manufacturer for a special slide. Averse to putting a crude message on the screen, he passes it up altogether, forced instead to spend a special news- paper or herald appropriation, to try to get across the message his screen so effectively could have sold. Such a situation can be circumvented by the use of Peerless Typewriter Slides, attractive, time-saving slides, which are ready for showing, as rapidly as the message can be typevmtten Because they are economical, efficient and effective, the Peerless Typewriter Slides have THE FILM DAILY STAMP OF APPROVAL. DA-LITE tlOW SELLING DIRECT TO EXHIBITORS Chicago — Da-Lite Screen Co., now is selling its Da-Lite Screens direct to exhibitors. The Da-Lite Da-Tone X (sound) Screen, the company says, is sold exclusively through Electrical Research Products, which handled the Western Electric systems' of sound recording and reproducing equipment. By means of the new arrangement on silent screens, prices have been reduced to one-third of the former scale, it is stated. All sizes of screens are included tear-proof and seamless up to 24' by 32'. ARCTIC NU-AIR FOR 1929 BOASTS NEW EEATORES Minneapolis — New features are in- corporated in the 1929 Arctic Nu-Air cooling system. These include a re- circulator, especially designed for winter use of the equipment, which originally was designed principally for cooling theaters. Timken bear- ings have been added for durability and quiet operation, together with remote control of the air volume, and varied speeds. The air volume also has been increased. Artie Nu-Air Corp., recently placed on the market the Kooler-er Aire cooling and ventilating system. A closeup of the Model "H" Motiograph De Luxe, shelving the horizontal cylindrical shutter feature, which is claimed to eliminate 62^4 per cent of the heat on the film. This, says Enterprise Optical Manufacturing Co., reduces buckling, warping and embossing of the fihn, which passes the aperture in a flat focal plane. TALKING SHOP Bringing Theater Carpet Service to High Point of Efficiency by National Supply Co. Special- ization qiHOUSANDS of yards of carpets A are held in stock for the selec- tion of the exhibitor, by National Theater Supply Co., which in one year has built up its floor covering department to a high standard of efficiency, under direction of R. F. Patheal. A wide variety of pat- terns and colors is embraced in this stock selection, which supplements the range of choice offered the exhib- itor, by the special weaves and ma- terials at the disposal of the depart- ment. Until the department was organ- ized, says Patheal, no carpet distribu- tor or dealer in the country made a specialty of theater fabrics. No such stocks were available for quick ship- ment and consequently, the exhibitor was dependent largely upon special mill runs and these were costly and consumed considerable time. The average dealer was unfamiliar with the theater's needs, so that this spe- cial field was grossly neglected. This resulted in high prices and unsatis- factory service. By specializing in the field, Nation- al quickly won response from exhibi- tors. Increased volume makes pos- sible the large stocks and varieties on hand. Close alliance with carpet mills has resulted in creation of a series of theater carpet patterns ex- clusively for National. For instance, the Mohawk Nathco carpet, woven exclusively for National in exclusive patterns, represents a substantial sav- ings per yard, as compared with other Saxony patterns. The field has presented many prob- lems. Theater carpets must be un- usually colorful, as well as harmonize with the decorative plan of the house. They must be of unusual quality to maintain attractive appearance despite the hard usage to which they are sub- jected. These difficulties have been met, because of specializatioin and because the system of operation has enabled National to meet the price factor of competition. Installation, too, presents problems, which can be met satisfactorily only by specialists in this work. The results achieved in one year of service are further tribute to National's showmanship and ser- vice. THE Sunday, February 24. 1929 ■aStl DAILV NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FAST GROWING FIELD OF SYN- CHRONIZATION SOUND TIPS ON EQUIPMENT AND VARIOUS DE. j VICES ARE NOW AVAILABLE By CHARLES F. HYNES TONE BEITER WITH DISC, ALFRED GOTIESMAN SAYS More even tone and quality is reproduced from discs than from sound-on-lilm, his experience in his four wired houses has shown him. states Alfred E. Gottesnian. operator of a chain of New England theaters and one of the pioneer users of Vita- phone. The even tone and quality is particularly noticeable when music and dialogue is registered and repro- duced at the same instant. "There seems to me to be a higher degree of natural vocal tone from disc reproduction than there is from tilni," he says. "In the sound-on-film pictures that we have played I find that there is a considerable amount of foreign noise in Movietone, often reachinj to a grating and scratching sound far more noticed than a surface noise of disc sound. The musical qualities reproduced by RCA seems to be clearest of all, but we have noted considerable outside noise also from -this make of sound film during talking sequences. While the soundon-film system appears to l)e the easiest to handle, it is in my opinion that sound-ondisc is both more serviceable and ij;ives generally better tone of reproduction." Photophone For Lewistown, Pa. Lewistown, Pa.— RCA Photophone has been installed at the Pastime. Favors Film System Sound-on-film recording is the more practical, and so fa- vored by United Artists, states Joseph M. Schenck. Gennett Effect Records for Non-Synchronous Use Kichniond, Ind. — Gennett Record Dicision of the Starr I'iano Co., now is stocking a library of Gennett ef- fect records for use with non-syn- chronous disc machines, (kiinett is interested in Gennett Hanaphone, but the effect records are supplied to a number of manufacturers of non-synchronous machines. Biophone At Masontown, Pa. Masontown, Pa.— Biophone has been installed at the Liberty here ac- cording to Charles A. Lofstead, man- ager. Sound For St. Paul House St. Paul, Minn. — Installation of V'itaphone is nearing completion at the Tower here according to A. S. Sunberg, manager. A closeup of the Meloione sytichrun- izer, showing chain drive from pro- jector to turntable, which assures synchronization of film and disc. Talkers At San Antonio San Antonio, Tex. — Sound pictures made their debut at the Plaza here recently with "Lilac Time." Qualitone Plant On Coast Established by Freedman Hrst Coast liurcau. 11111 I-II.M n.lil.Y Los Angeles — Plant for manufac- ture of Qualitone, disc synchroniza- tion device has been estal)lished here by S'amuel I-"recdman, president of the Qualitone Talking Picture Co. \ number of the machines are bciuK installed in this territory, it is stated. Sound At McKeesport McKeesport, Pa. — The \'ictory re- cently ojiened with V^itaphone and Movietone sound apparatus, and ac- cording to Dave Victor, owner and manager, it was the biggest week the house has had. Second Roseland Talker Starting With the return of Raymond I-'riedgen and James Samnion from Florida, Roseland Pictures is begin- ning work on the second of the ser- ies of 12 single disc talkers. Sound For Altus, Okla. .Mtus, Okla. — The New I-"mpirc here is being remodeled in prepara- tion for the installation of \'itai)hone and Movietone. NEW PHOTOTONE "TALKIE" Before you invest — investigate — PHOTOTONE IS ESTABLISHED! OHOTOTONE Synchronous Device is sold to you -■- complete — installed. FOR your own protection get full particulars as to price and know just what quality and equipment you get for your money before buying any synchron- ous machine. WATCH FOR SOUND ON FILM ANNOUNCEMENT SOON PHOTOTONE COMPANY North Vernon, Ind. Chicago, 111.. 845 S. Wabash Ave. New York, N. Y., 1531 Broadway Suffolk, Va. Philadelphia, Pa., 1325 Vine St. Boston, Mass., 28 Piedmont St. Atlanta, Ga., 125 Walton St. OFFICES: Oklahoma City, OkU.. 705 W. Grand St Los Angeles. CaUf., 1936 So. Vermont St. Seattle, Wash., 2418 Second Ave. Minneapolis, Minn.. 5332 Chicago Ave. Kansas City. Mo., 118 West 18th St. Dallas, Texas, 1805 Commerce St. OA I LY\ Sunday, Feb. 24, W29 iU}^l«>^^JaU>U» 1 All-Talkers on U. A. Program "Sign on Door", to be Made as "Locked Door", and Norma Talmadge Talker Added to Schedule with Six Part-Talkers Also Planned — Other Wired New8 of Happenings at West Coast Studios 3 STORIES CONSIDERED FOR TALMADGE TALKER Increasing to seven the number of all-talkers scheduled for release by United Artists, the company has de- termined to produce "The Sign on the Door" with a cast of Broadway stage players, while Norma Tal- madge, originally slated to make the picture, will decide on one of three stories she has under consideration as a talking picture. "The Sign on the Door" v/ill be produced and directed by George Fitzmaurice, and be released as "The Locked Door." C. Gardner Sullivan will prepare the Channing Pollock play, with George Scarborough as dialogue consultant. Miss Talmadge's talker will be determined upon next week. All talkers on the United Artists, in addition to the two just announced are: Mary Pickford's "Coquette," Ro- land West's "Alibi," Ronald Colman's "Bulldog Drummond," Herbert Bren- on's "Lummox," and Harry Rich- man's "Song of Broadway." Part- talking productions are Douglas Fair- bank's "The Iron Mask," Gloria Swanson's "Queen Kelly," Vilma Banky's "This Is Heaven," D. W. Griffith's "Lady of the Pavements," ■Henry King's "She Goes to War" and Howard Hughes' "Hells An- gels." Ann Pennington Signed Warners has signed Ann Penning- ton for talkers. "The Gold Diggers" may be her initial starring vehicle. M-G-M Buys One-Act Plays Three one-act plays by Martin A. Flavin have been purchased by M- G-M. They are: "Brains," "Emerg- ency" and "Casualties." Victor Lewis Cast Victor Lewis, brother of George Lewis, has been signed by Universal for the remainder of the Fourth "Collegians" series, in which his brother stars. Others in the cast are Dorothy Gulliver, leading lady, Eddie Phillips, Hayden Stevenson, Churchill Ross, Edna Marion and Sumner Getcheli. Direction by Nat Ross. F. N. Signs Nye Carroll Nye, who recently com- pleted his role as the leading juvenile in the First National-Vitaphone ver- sion of "The Squall," has been signed again by First National to play lead- ing masculine role in "The Girl in the Glass Cage." Bessie Love Is Cast for Gus Edward's Revue Bessie Love has been cast in the Gus Edwards' revue which Harry Rapf is producing for M-G-M. Marie Dressier, Polly Moran, Charles King and Cliff Edwards are among names to be included, Al Boasberg, Sid Silvers and Joe Goodwin are arrang- ing the dialogue, story and lyrics. "Zeppelin" Nearing Completion The Tiffany-Stahl production "Zep- pelin," a Reginald Barker special, is nearing completion. Conway Tearle, Claire Windsor and Larry Kent play the principal roles. "U" to Film Fabian's Next Novel Warner Fabian's next novel will be written for Universal for pro- duction as a talker. It is understood it will be a starring vehicle for Mary Nolan, who soon is to be starred by the company in "Come Across," di- rected by Ray Taylor. "The Quitter" Completed Joseph Henabery has completed "The Quitter" for Columbia. In the cast are: Ben Lyon, Dorothy Re- vier, Fred Kohler, Sherry Hall and Charlie McHugh. Universal Buys "Third Party" Universal has purchased "The Third Party," stage play by Mark Swan. Reginald Denny will star in the screen version, which is to be made after "Companionate Troub- les," his next picture. Writing Colleen Moore Script Tom J. Geraghty is writing sce- nario of Colleen Moore's new picture for First National. LON YOUNG The guy who puts the Chest on Chesterfield HARVEY GATES Writer WARNER BROTHERS "Sonny Boy" Hoyt in "Two Weeks Off" Arthur Hoyt has been added to cast of "Two Weeks Off," First Na- tional-Vitaphone picture co-starring Dorothy Mackaill and Jack Mulhall, In addition to the stars, Eddie Grib- bon, Jed Prouty and Kate Price are in the cast. William Beaudine is directing. Leila Hyams Cast Allan Dwan has chosen Leila Hyams for the leading feminine role opposite Charles Morton in Ihis forthcoming production for Fox en- titled "The Far Call," adapted by Walter Woods from a story by Edi- son Marshall. The cast includes Ulric Haupt, former stage actor of note, and Joe Brown, well-known character player in underworld stor- ies. Paramount to Make "Constant Wife" Ruth Chatterton is to be starred by Paramount in "The Constant Wife," W. Somerset Maugham play and former Ethel Barrymore stage vehicle. Robert Milton, erstwhile stage director, will direct. Florence Ryerson is to prepare the adaptation. New Laurel-Hardy Uinder Way Lew Foster is directing the new Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy com- edy for Hal Roach. Jean Harlow has the leading feminine role. RUBINEWS-6 "Pilgrim Papas" must be smart and refreshing be- cause our studio have smart fellas and not stupidvisors. BENNY RUBIN "Lucky Boy" with GEORGE JESSEL Adaptation and Continuity by Isadore Bernstein Forthcoming All Talkie Feature "The Love Song" Story, Continuity and Dialogue by Isadore Bernstein 1337 North Sycamore Street Hollywood, California Rubin Remaining 3 Weeks J. Robert Rubin, M-G-M vice president, intends to spend three weeks at the studios for conferences with Louis B. Mayer, Irving Thal- berg and associate producers. Owen Moore Featured Owen Moore is playing a featured role in "High Voltage," William Boyd starring vehicle now in produc- tion. GEORGE SCARBOROUGH Consulting Dramatist United Artists THE Doorway of Hospitality /NTER the doorway o* this popular hostelry and you feel at horn*. There's an atmosphere of cordial welcoma which marks the difference between tha Hollywood Plaza and ordinary hotels. Your room, too, has that added touch of distinction. Pictures on the wall, over* stuffed furniture, a floor lamp and reading lamp . . . these are but a few of the features that make you feel at home. Pig'n Whistle Dining Service Insures tha best of food. Therefore, when you are ne»t in Los Angeles be sure to investigate. THE HOLLYWOOD PLAZA HOTEL vine Street at Hollywood Boulevard HOIXYWOOD, CALIFORNIA Sunday, February 24. 1929 DAILY 11 A DIRECT NEWS SERVICE COVERING DEVELOPMENTS IN AMERICA'S IMPORTANT OVERSEAS MARKETS Foreign Markets FILM DAILY CORRESPON- DENTS IN WORLD CAPITALS PLASH OVERSEAS NEWS BY RADIO AND CABLE flv JAMES P. CUNNINGHAM AMERICAN REMOVAL FROM HUNGARY.CZECHO DENIED By KARL WOLFFSOHN Editor, "Lichtbildbueliiie" Berlin — The reported intention of American companies to close their exchanges in Hungary and Czecho- slovakia, has occasioned great sur- prise and much comment. The rea- son for this decision on the part of .American companies is said to be "kontingent" regulations issued in these countries. American represen- tatives declare that Hungary and Czecho never had a production in- dustry, so that the present "kon- tingeiit" regulations are only con- trived for the purpose of establishing native production which will have to be paid for by American companies. From information to hand, it would appear that America is of the opin- ion that it will be much cheaper to give up running their own exchanges there. Denial is made in New York that American companies now operating in Hungary and Czechoslovakia in- tended quitting those markets. German Campaign Against Taxes Steadily Growing Berlin — Agitation against theater taxes has reached its pinnacle in Ger- many. In an official report, the mayor of Berlin tried to make the tax de- pendant upon the financial policy of the government on the one hand, and on the reparation payments on the other hand, but this report did not meet with the approval of the public. Quite the contrary for following the report, an association was formed by all those interested in the theater ^ax question. The strength of this asso- ciation was very apparent at a recent meeting of the German Theater Di- rectors. Foreign Service Through the medium of Trade Papers International, a reciprocal news arrange- ment in which this publica- tion participates, spot news of all important foreign de- velopments ,i;s brought to the readers of THE FILM DAILY as rapidly as mod- ern news-gathering facili- ties permit. Trade Papers Interna- tional is represented in London by Ernest W. Fredman, editor of "The Daily Film Renter"; in Berlin by Karl Wolffsohn, editor of "Lichtbildbuehne" and in Paris by P. A. Harle, editor of "La Cine- matographie Francaise." 1,800 Suits Against German Exhibitors on Music Berlin — The fight of German the- aters against royalties demanded by the Association of Music Authors, continues. Over 1800 law suits have been started by the associations against motion picture theaters and other en- tertainment places. Sudfilm of Germany Secures B. I. P. Capital Wasliington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Upon his return from London, J. Goldschmidt, managing director of Sudfilm Co. of Germany, anounces British International Pic- tures would increase the capital of Sudfilm which it controls by $240,- 000, according to a report from the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Com- merce. British International, at pres- ent, has three pictures in work with three others to follow. Victor Var- coni, American actor, recently has been secured to make two pictures for B.I. P. The company is also active in acquiring theaters. Production Agreement for France and Germany Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — F. F. Film of Ger- many, of which Friedrich Feher is manager, has signed a joint produc- tion agreement with Cineromans of France, reports the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. The first picture to be produced is titled "The Medical Secret," from the scenario by M. Sarchi of Mejrabpom Film of Rus- sia, with Magda Sonja playing the starring role. The film is to be distributed in Germany by Derussa. Tobis Sound Device To Have English Office London — The Tobis sound system of Germany, intends to establish an agency in England. The price of the apparatus, including installation will be about $2,500 it is stated. The name of the British company is to be announced later. Films are to be made in England by the system and a company may be formed for pro- duction. BRITISH EXHIBITORS MOVE TO CUT TAX ON THEATERS By ERNEST W. FREDMAN Editw, "The Daily Film Renter" London — A big campaign is to be engineered by Scottish and Belfast exhibitors to obtain some relief from the entertainment tax. Belfast, which is under the Government of North- ern Ireland, pays on a larger scale than Great Britain, and is seeking to get the tax reduced to the British level at least. * * * New British Theater to Show Many English Films A new theater in North Kensing- ton (The Royalty) has opened. Her- bert Yapp, managing director, an- nounced that during this month and next the theater will put on 18 per cent of British films. ♦ ♦ ♦ Another Producing Unit Formed in Gt. Britain A new company, known as Twick- enham Film Studios Ltd., has been formed by Julius Hagen and has taken over the Alliance Studios. Henry Edwards, well known actor, is chair- man of the studio. The films will he directed by Leslie Hiscott and Edwin Greenwood. + + ♦ London Trade Enthused Over New Comedy Feature Those who maintained that the British studios could not produce com- edies are likely to revise their opin- ions after seeing "When Knights Were Bold," made by the British & Dominions Films Co. This adapta- tion of a theatrical classic was made in exactly the right spirit, the con- trast between the breezy methods of the modern knight (Nelson Keys) and his stiff "traditional" relatives creating much laughter. This com- edy went over big. * * * First British Demonstration of Photophone Held in London The first demonstration of the RCA Photophone system took place before a large audience at the Piiilharmonic Hall the other day. Making German Sound Film Berlin — Max Reichmann is produc- ing "Das Dirnenlied" in sound. Rich- ard Tauber, a popular tenor, appears in it. Start T-S English Pictvire Tiflfany-Stahl say filming is about to start on the English production entitled "To What Red Hell." from the play by Percy Robinson now playing in London. The title is taken from one of Oscar Wilde's stories. The picture will be made at the Alliance studios under direc- tion of Edwin Greenwood and will be personally supervised by Fred Bernhard, Managing director of Tif- fany-Stahl, Ltd., London. KEEN SOUND COMPETITION LOOMING NOW IN FRANCE By I'. A. HARLE lulitfir "La Cinenwtographic Francaise" Paris — Competition for installations of sound reproducers in France is growing. The Gaumont company is busy equipping its own theaters with its own device and has installed equipment in seven of the Aubert the- aters in Paris. On the other hand, Tobis of Ber- lin which represents a consolidation of five different German sound devices, and two other foreign companies are improving their apparatus, prepara- tory to introducing it in this market. Aubert, moreover, is understood to have made a deal with Western Elec- tric for recording equipment. French and Italian Film Companies to Co-Operate Waslnngton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Societe Generale de Films, of France, and Pittaluga of Italy, will co-operate in joint produc- tion of a picture to be produced by Carl Dreyer who recently completed "La Passion de Jeanne d'Arc," ad- vises the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. The title of the pic- ture is "Catacombs." It will mark the reopening of the Cines Studios in Rome. The cast will probably con- sist of Italian and French players. Entertainment Tax for Paris Shows Increase Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — During December 1928, entertainment tax in Paris amounted to $486,120, an increase of $44,120 as compared with the cor- responding month during 1927, ac- cording to a report to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. Richmount Picture! 723 7tli Avemia Inc. M«w Yoifc City D. J. HOUNTAN. Pn*. IPXCLUSIVE foreign representatives for Rayart Pictures Corporation and other leading independ- ent producersand distributors Cable Addreu: RICHPICSOC. Park CabU Addrcia: DEEJAY, t^adoa Cable Addreu: RICHPIC. N. T. Exporting only tlie best in Motion Pictures THE 12 i^^ DAILY Sunday, February 24, 1929 Presentations By HERBERT S. BERG\ 2 SPtCTACULAR NUMBERS CLICK BIG AT THE ROXY The Roxy caine through with two auspicious stage spectacles either one of which would have made the show outstanding — even for the Roxy. "A Quaint Bouquet" was an eye spec- tacle de luxe, featuring Patricia Bow- man heading the ballet ensemble and leading off with her toe dancing. The girls are grouped center to form an immense bouquet of old fashioned flowers. The effect is achieved by the girls holding their skirts before them, the effect being that of gor- geous colored flowers. The Roxy- ettes come on for some of their spec- tacular maneuvers after the bouquet is dissolved. The two groups par- ticipate in various formations giving beautiful flower effects. It's one of the best color spectacles that the Roxy has yet offered. The other production was "Gigo- lette," Apache bit staged with a lav- ish hand. The scene was a French underground cabaret, with the vari- ous characters grouped in colorful attire. Outstanding were King, King and King, appearing as French sailors and executing some buck and wing steps. Then the Kentucky Jubilee Singers dressed as French colonials executed a march number with spirit. Gautchi and Phelps were sensational with classy adagio. Of course the Roxyettes got a chance to step out< in costumes as old time soubrettes and did the old can-can step — and how. A novelty for the Roxy was a short bit with the organ interlude at the opening. Reine Val- erie, in white ballet costume, got the spot seated on the corner of the con- sole as it came up, singing "Me and the Man in the Moon." This- was a treat. Standard VAUDEVILLE for Motion Picture Presentation The FALLY MARKUS VAUDEVILLE AGENCY I.,ackawanna 7876 1531 BROADWAY, NEW YORK CITY AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Theatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Perm. 3580 SIDE SHOW Pfps yp THE nUMM] STAGE The show was "Carnival Cockta'l" at the Paramount, turned out very neatly by Charles Niggemeyer with the stage set a side show front and Charles Marsh as the snappy barker. He was good although his spiel was short and he did his best work with comedian Joe Besser. The latter was the comedy highlight, and his brand of hoke was well received. Ethel Dalton did a neat number with her soprano warbling. But the outstanding bit was the work of Frances Weil whose dancing acro- batics almost stopped the show. This gal looks to be at the top of her division anywhere. Ted Clair varied the master of ceremonies stuff with some stepping, which is quite a nov- elty at this house, coming from the stage leader. The program was rounded out with Donald Ogden Stew;art's comedy talking short, Jesse Crawford at the console, and Dave Rubinoff in the pit with a medley of Johann Straus waltzes. COLONY GETS STARTED WITH GOOD STAGE SHOW At last the Colony has given some thought to its neglected stage pres- entation. The show is good and runs a half hour with the audience showing appreciation throughout. Alex Hyde acts as master of cere- monies and got over with lots to spare. Eddie Moran supplied a lot of comedy with his goofy antics, and collected a nice batch of laughs. There are two stretches with Eddie work- ing with Hyde who feeds him. In the first bit they cross fire smartly, and later are on for a laughable skit in which the comedian is so anxious to boost his pal with his prospective father-in-law that he messes every- thing up by his comedy exaggera- tions. There were several good specialities that scored, Anne Wood sang "What I Wanted to Know," and ended with a neat tap. Another sang a variation on "St. Louis Blues," while a youth did an accen- tric acrobatic. Now that the Colony has started, we're rooting for them to keep up the good work. It can be done — even in this tough spot. Those week's show proves it. Sound Policy For Okla. House r^klahoma City — With complete in- stallation of Vitaphone and Movie- tone expected by March 1, the Em- press will offer its first sound pro- gram with "The Barker," according to manager Tom H. Boland. SOUND Three Brox Sisters in "At the Night Club"— Universal Movietone Neat Number Type of production Singing trio Set shows a night club, and the m. c. announces the Brox Sisters, who step out front and sing three numbers, "How About Me?" "High Up on the Hill Top" and "Round livening." The girls make a nice appearance, being very refined, and their songs are put over the same way. This is a good number that will please better type audiences. Time, 7 mins. The Neal Sisters in "Blondes That Gentlemen Prefer" Vitaphone No. 719 Not so hot Type of production. .Singing number This trio of vaudeville performers in three turns, singing and instru- mental. It is just fair. A "Gentle- men Prefer Blondes" novelty song number is the one on which the title is based. It will slide by, but that's about all. There is good musical ac- companiment, and the sisters try their hand at piano, violin and cello. Just so-so. Time, 6 mins. "The Life of the Party" Roseland Pictures — RLA Novelty Type of production. . .comedy sketch with music. James B. Carson, comedian, is the life of the party referred to in the title. Jimmy appears at a house party dressed in conventional tuxedo, and puts over his lines with a slight Hebrew accent. The idea is rather unique in the sound short field, be- ing an adaptation of the cabaret idea only in a private party setting. It gives the various members of the gathering a chance to do their stuff, with Carson puHing the wisecracks. Nancy Baker is the femme lead, and Arthur Campbell registers neatly with a pleasing baritone. Time, 7 mins. Donald Ogden Stewart in "Traffic Regulations" — Paramount Safe Number Type of production. .comedy monolog The humorous writer, Donald Ogden Stewart gives his impressions of the new traffic regulations in the New York theatrical district, and manages to spoof them with his own brand of humor to good effect. He tells of a boy who left home to go to a movie show and was found starved to death in a taxi in the midst of a traffic jam. Then on a chart he gives instructions how to go to a theater on 45th St. from a speakeasy on 46th Street. Surefire. Time, 11 mins. Johnson Leaves St. Louis House St. Louis — Julius Johnson has re- signed as organist of the St. Louis here to go to Hollywood for syn- chronization work. Week^s Headlines Monday Western Electric reducing prices on servic- ing of sound systems in theaters. Loew-Warner deal hinted in Jack Warner's trip East. RKO-Pathe merger talk is renewed on Coast. M. H. Hoffman sells interest in Tiffany- Stahl. Tuesday Dept. of Justice probe of interchangeability situation to begin at once. H. M. Warner reiterates denial of any deal for acquisition of Loew's. Wednesday .Management deal with Famous Players for R-K-O houses in Canada, reported under w ay ; move seen step in alleged Publix- R-K-O deal. Production costs $134,343,360 in 1927, bien- nial survey of Dept. of Commerce shows. Thursday Dept. of Justice declared scanning reports of impending Fox-Loew deal, repeatedly de- nied in New York. Opinion swinging against oppressive laws in number of states, survey shows. Most Coast studios, except Warner and First National, favor sound-on-film, first reports in survey indicate. Friday Washington's Birthday. Saturday RCA-Photophone and Spoor plan stereoscopic film. "Sound Patents" new series begins today. Portable synchronizer is offered in Traveltone. Simpson Buys Arthur, 111. House Arthur, 111. — Jimmie Simpson of Lovington, 111. has purchased the Photoplay here from Charles Fer- ris. Ferris has accepted a position as manager of a chain of theaters in Jacksonville, it is stated. EGGERS INCORPORATED Photo Engraving Specialists to the Motion Picture Industry DAY AND NIGHT 250 West 54th Street NEW YORK Telephone: Columbuf 4I4I'2'3 A higher premium than ever before Today — in this new era of sound pictures — there is a higher premium than ever before on film uniformity. For sound quahty is even more sensi- tive than screen quahty to any variation in the film. If your ''talkie" prints are on Eastman film — famous for uniformity — your patrons are seeing and hearing the very best that this newest devel- opment in motion pictures has to offer. EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY ROCHESTER, N. Y. WILLIAM FOX PRESENTS ARTS in /i v / fl ^ -1 ;(:'' u >S*--sC J^' .^\ ALL-TALKING ALL - SINGING ALL- COMEDY FOX MOVIETONE feature ftjH' m 111! C>r.< 1 m«E \ ■i\ \-^ <\ ■:bd'^ ^=\V^M^W7 ^ ^"^k? i^ \\ ^W I ^ =W' -»«v,_. .■^-;^ \i-r -1^. '-^ J' iU-^ >-^-> /> A^ /; O .^ "h- \,; T .:^, H a. :<:i <>'• y '% OPENS WEDNESDAY at gAIETY THEATRE, N Y, for Extenaea Run at $2 HE first autnentic audible screen record or Dixielana. A sing- ing, aancing comedy -witii music, -witn all tne actors speaking tneir parts. Negro spirituals are sung oy a magnificent chorus — stevedores and roust-abouts croon thrilling melodies as the "Nellie Bly pulls into wnarf — cake-walks, folk dances, native jazz orches- tras, the birtn of tne blues ... in a breathlessly, beautiful and realistic panorama of life along tne levees and in tne cotton fields with a cast of 200 NATIVE ENTERTAINERS auf;inented by Billbrew Chorus or 60 voices CROON A BOX-OFFICE TUNE ..it;, tii. ^IG-'BUSINSSS ^OON from Both Sound Systems Have Place, Quigley Says oyplLMDOM ML THE NEWS ALLTHE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 47 Tuesday, February 26, 1929 Price 5 Cents Figures \\\\S morning we seek leave I to project you into the mild rp. mathematical orgy which i shaking certain of the cinema palaces on the main stem. With- out further flourishes we begin with **The Iron Mask" Quivering coffers, what a business Doug's latest is doing! In three days of holiday prices, this box-oftico mag- net drew $35,902, more do-re-mi than many pictures gross at the Rivoli here in New York in a week. On Washington's Birthday, the receipts were §12,038 which is ?3,000 more than any other fihn has done in a single day there; Saturday it was $12,737 and Sunday, §11,126. An- other way of putting it, $35,902 in 24 shows. There's whoopee material for you. "Broadway Melody" You will admit "The Big Parade" was a showman's paradise. Yet "The Broadway Melody" slambanged to its first week's gross with §25,448 as against $19,863 for the "Parade." That's money, real greenbacks. Two a day policy, you know, with three shows on holidays and weekends and one midnight show on the first Satur- day to help matters along. Over at Metro, they're having fun counting the standees. You'll find some at every show. And over at the Central where "Weary River" is finding its way to pleasant seas twice a day and three times on Sat- urdays and Sundays, business is pyramiding a handsome profit. In 32 days, the Barthelmess opus has gathered in §91,177 and this in a the- ater, mind you, that seats exactly 910. Top asking price is §2.50 and the public is politely paying it, too. At the Rialto, "The Wolf of Wall Street" is in its fifth week. First week, $58,000, a house record by §7,000; second week, $44,000; third, §41,000; fourth, $38,000. That makes $181,- 000 in four weeks running. The walls of the theater are groaning under the strain. And Finally — Moe Mark didn't tell us, but "The Barker" at the Strand finished up on Friday night with §52.000 in the till. Fifty-two thousand — it looks more impressive spelt out and take it from us, that's real business. K A N N. Not Renewing West Coast Bur. THE FILM DAILY Universal City — Contract of Stern Film Co., with Universal will not be renewed, THE FILM DAILY learns. The Stems for years have supplied comedies for the Universal pro^ gram. New releases now is being negotiated. A new com- pany is being formed, it is understood, headed by Julius Stern with Abe Stern reported planning to retire from the pic- ture business. O.S. FILMS AGAIN FACE OPPOSITION IN FRANCE Paris — With the allotted importa- tion of American films used up and the Chambre Syndicale Francaise deadlocked in itsi negotiations for what is a virtual subsidy or French pictures by American producers, it looks like tough sledding for Amer- ican films in France. While the existing agreement does not expire until Sept. 1, the new season starts March 1, so that the truce arranged by Hays last year is about at an end. Pittsburgh Zone Showmen Back Block Booking Bill Pittsburgh— Bill to abolish block booking and compulsory arbitration in this state was introduced through effort of and has backing of the M. P.T.O. of Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. RETURN OF FOX RENEWS REPORT OF LOEW DEAL REVOLUTION PREDICTED BY 3RD DIMENSION FILM Introduction of the Spoor stereo- scopic pictures in sound by RCA- Photophone will revolutionize picture entertainment, declares E. E. Bucher, executive vice president of the com- pany, who plans to introduce the process to the industry in associa- tion with. George K. Spoor. The picture to be made will be in the nature of a selling talk, to show the industry and the public that the third dimension picture has arrived, says Bucher. Following this, addi- iContinued on Page 6) Warners and F. N. to Serve Talk-a-Phone in Minn. Cloquet, Minn. — Warners and First National have decided to serve Vita- phone films to the Leb here for show- ing via Talk-A-Phone. Montana Unit to Cast Lot with Allied, Canvas Shows Butte — Montana's exhibitor unit will cast its lot with Allied States Ass'n an unofficial canvas of the state indicates. A meeting is ex- pected to be held this week to vote on the proposal. Experience Won Vitaphone to Disc System, Quigley Declares Gathering of opinion on the relative merits of sound-on- (lisc and sound-on-film, recently undertaken by THE FILM DAILY, when it became apparent that there was to be a strug- gle for supremacy this year between the two systems, discloses wide difference f)f opinion on the subject. Today, George E. Quigley, vice president of Vitaphone, of- fers his views on the subject, stating each system has a distinct place in the industry. There should he "no semblance of controversy or partisanship" in con- nection with tile discussion of relative merits of disc and film recording, de- clares George K. Quigley, vice presi- dent of V'itaphone and pioneer in the sound film development. "The two systems have a distinct place in the industry and the advan- tages of each in its particular field are obvious," he says. "Thus, for such w< rk as newsreel work, the film recording system offers undoubted advantages. Where, however, great- er precision of recording is required (.Continued on Page 6) Banking Circles See Fox Deal More Likely Than Warner Buy Return of William Fox to New York from the Coast yesterday brought renewed reports that a deal for purchase of Loew's and M-G-M is under way. Both Warners and Fox are said to be dickering, although banking circles yesterday were inclined to the belief that the Fox deal is nearer consummation. M«an\vliile, all par- tics concerned have placed them.iclves on record in the most emphatic terms that no deal is in progress or planned. Sound Films at 5 and 15 Cents, Horwitz Innovation Houston — -Believed to be the low- est scaled sound house in the coun- try, the Iris is showing Vitaphone and Movietone programs at its estab- lished admissions of five and 15 cents. This is the scale which has obtained since Horwitz acquired the house a decade ago. Horwitz has another sound house here, the Texan, as well as a silent house. With "On Trial" as the initial talker, record-breaking business ushered in the sound policy. Berlin Hears of Ufa Deal with U. A. ; Unknown Here By KARL WOLFFSOIIN Editor, " Lichtbitdbuehne" Berlin (By Wireless) — It is re- ported Ufa is negotiating directly with Joseph M. Schenck regarding United Artists distribution in Ger- many. Ufa would arrange to secure the necessary "Kontingcnts" and U. A. product would be handled by Parufamct. Arthur W. Kelly, vice president in ciiarge of foreign distribution at U. A., yesterday denied any such deal was under way. It had been dis- cussed some time ago, he declared, and then dropped. Censor Bill, Option on Sunday Shows Up in N. D. Bismark. S. D. — Censorship bill has been introduced in the Senate, while in the house there is pending a bill providing local option on Sun- da v shows now banned in the state. THE DAIUf Tuesday, February 26, 1929 Vol.XlVIINo.47 Tuesdiy, Ftb.26, 1929 PricoSCints JOHN W. AllCOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidayi at 1650 Broadway, New York. N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Harle, La Cinematographie Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am. Seat 34/, 33 J^ 34/2 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 27% 27-54 27-5/8 East. Kodak 184 183 }4 184 ♦do pfd 128 ♦First Nat. pfd 106 "/^ Fox Fm. "A" SSVi 88 S&Vi *do Its 3 Keith A-O 35^4 35J4 iS'A do pfd 112% 112 112 Loew's Inc 76^ 75 75^ do pfd 107 106J4 107 *M-G-M pfd 25 5-8 M. P. Cap Zi'A 20M 23 Para. F-1 64 62J4 63 Pathe Exch 13J4 12!4 12^^ do "A" 27 25/j 25'A Radio K-A-O 36% 35 35% Stanley Co 36% 36 36% *Univ. Pict. pfd 98% Warner Bros 129M 124% 124% do pfd 56% 56% 56% Warner Pets rts... 4% 4% 4% CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 13% 10 10% ♦Bal. & Katz 81 Con. Fm. Ind. .. 24% 23% 2354 ♦Film Insp 1 ■% Fox Thea. "A" .. 29}i 29 29 Griffith, D.W. "A" 4% 4 4 Intern, Proj 26 25 25 ♦Loew do deb. rts 39 ♦Nait Scr. Ser 27% Nat. Thea. Sup. ..8% 8% 8% Trans-Lux 10% 10% 10% ♦Univ. Pict 18% BOND MARKET Keith A-O 6s 46.. 96 96 96 Loew 6s 41ww ..119 119 119 do 6s 41 x-war... 98M 98^ 98M Paran-ount 6s 47 .. 99% 99% 99% ♦Par. By. 5%s 51 101 Pathe 7s 37 79 78% 79 CURB BONDS ♦Am. Seat. 6s 36 97 •Warner 6%s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 31 33 do units 34 37 .... do com 4J4 5% .... Skouras Bros 48 54 Technicolor 15J4 16% .... United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED Salaa 300 700 500 1,100 '266 600 7,300 300 6,666 7,400 10,600 400 12,500 200 16',666 300 27,900 11,500 3',i66 4,166 500 800 200 1,900 American Seating Dividend Quarterly dividend of 75 cents on the common payable April 1 has been declared i)y Ainerican Seating Co. FORTIFIES FRISCO POSITION BY BUYING SITE San Francisco — Publix is fortify- ing itself in the local first run field by acquisition of a site adjoining the St. Francis. The firm also has the California and Granada here, which houses early this year reverted to Publix, following dissolution, at gov- ernment request, of the management deal with West Coast Theaters. Spirited competition since has been waged here and at Los Angeles, Seattle and Portland. Warner Coast Sales Heads Realigned by Morris Realignment in the Coast sales force of Warner Bros, has been made by Sam E. Morris, vice presi- dent. Its object has been to lighten the duties of Harry Lustig \vho up to this time has been filling the post of western division manager. Due to impaired health Lustig will re- linquish this work and will be placed in charge of the Los Angeles office.- Morgan Walsh, formerly San Fran- cisco manager, will be advanced into the position of western division man- ager working with J. V. Allan, west- ern sales manager and C. C. Ezell, general sales manager. In charge of San Francisco succeeding Walsh will be Mai Hulling, formerly Los Angeles manager Option on Sunday Shows Proved in Ohio Bill Columbus, O. — Local option on Sunday shows is provided for in a bill now pending in the Senate. Warner-First National- Stanley Frolic First social affair of the combined Warner-First National-Stanley or- ganisation will be given at the Com- moJc re, New York, April 6. Ben Bernie will be master of ceremonies. Albert Kaufman in New York Albert A. Kaufman, assistant to Jesse L. Lasky, first vice president in charge of production, is in New York. While in the East Kaufman will look over current Broadway stage attractions and plans a survey of theatrical conditions in general. He will remain about three weeks. P-F-L Scandinavian Head in N. Y. Carl P. York of Stockholm, gen- eral manager of the Paramount or- ganization for Sweden, Denmark and Norway, is in New York on his annual visit to confer with E. E. Shauer. Hays Report Garbled Reports declaring Will H. Hays had arrived in Budapest to fight Hun- gary's proposed "kontingent" of one domestic film for every 20 imported as reported by the "New York Times" are apparently correct in every detail except as they concern Hays who happens to be in New York. BUSINESS TREND UPWARD, 'U' SALES CHIEFS DECLARE General upward trend in the busi- ness is reported by M. Van Praag, general sales manager for Universal, and Ted Schlanger, assistant general sales manager, following their return to New York from sales trips. Van Praag visited Memphis, Atlanta, Charlotte and Washington, joining Carl Laemmle at Hot Springs, while Schlanger visited 20 branches in a cross-country trip. He says exhibi- tors feel that sound is the salvation of their business, and that they favor sound-on-film recording as "fool- proof," convenient and more efficient. Pictures with dialogue, not necessar- ily all-talkers, are the biggest cards, he says. Laemmle Donates Capital House for Inaugural Show l\'ashington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington -7- Carl Laemmle has donated the Rialto to the inaugural committee, light and heat free for use one, two or three nights during the inaugural period, March 2, 3 and 4. Colored views of Washington, will be supplemented by a concert at the house March 3. Sound Pictures Click in Debut at Bombay, India Sound pictures were received en- thusiastically at the Excelsior, Bom- bay, India, the second Indian house to be equipped, according to a cable received by Electrical Research Prod- ucts. Previously, they had made their bow at Calcutta. Two additional India theaters are being wired. "Sonny Boy" to Open Philly House World premiere of Davey Lee in "Sonny Boy," will take place on Wednesday evening, at the new Mastbaum in Philadelphia which opens its doors that night for the first time. Return to New York John Zanft of Fox Theaters, and Milton Cohen of Inter-Globe Export have returned to New York from Europe. Meanwhile, James R. Grainger, Fox sales manager, is back in New York from Miami, and Albert Warner sails Saturday for a vacation at Havana. "Noah's Ark" Party A "Noah's Ark Party" is sched- uled Thursday aboard the He De France at its New York pier. This is to celebrate planned installation of Vitaphone equipment aboard the liner. Pathe Arranges New Financing One hundred thousand shares of common have been sold by Pathe to provide additional working capital. RCA-Photophone Training School Training school for cameramen, re- cordists projectionists, technicians and acoustical workers is maintained as eastern service headquarters of RCA- Photophone. The Industry's Date Book Feb. 27 Opening of "Hearts of Dixie" at Gaiety, New York. Mar. 2 AMPA Hollywood Masque Ball in New York. March 17 Premiere of "Show Boat" at Cap- itol, Miami, and Paramount, Palm Beach. Apr. 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn- sylvania Exhibitor Unit at Pitts- burgh. May 6-9 Spnng meeting of Society of M.P. Engineers in New York. Short Shots from New York Studios ,By ARTHUR W. EDDY , OEEFSTEAKS took a terrible *^ licking tl-,e other night when the International Photographers of the M. P. Industry staged their second annual dinner at Cavanaugh's. The party was a wow from start to finish. Rmj Foster- officiated as vmster- of-ceremoyiies and came through ivith honors despite all the racket. Francis Ziesse, business manager of the local, and Ashley Abell also ex- perienced a crowded eveni7ig in guiding the program. A vaudeville bill was partly heard late in the affair. An outstanding feature was the appearance of Sir Joseph Ginzberg, who has been crowned many times and who was again crowned, this time king of cameramen. He appeared through the courtesy of Willie and Eugene Howard, An orchestra valiantly tried to make itself heard and sometimes succeeded. Representatives of the Paramount studio 7-eluctantly left early owing to a 9 o'clock call Sunday morning. Various branches of the industry were represented among the guests. From the Vitaphone plant in Brook- lyn came Director Bryan Foy; Mau- rice Leavison, production manager, and Edward Savin, comptroller. Ben- ny Berk of Manhattan Studios help- ed with the party, as did Toby Ca- denas and M. Haas of National Lamp Works. Others who attended in- cluded Henry Briggs of Du Pont, Sam Tulpin of H. E. R. Laboratories. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Tlieatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3580 The Seroen's Neiiv Wonder! !$ell-oiit at $2 top mi itiioAiiwAY, iv.Y., at EMBASSY TIIEATIUi: Victor Fleming Production of Harvey Fergusson's famous novel PARAMOUNT^ FLANINCSINCINC ROMANCE «;iMCARYC00PERlUPEVELEZwL0UI5W0LNEIN this littlejgm SHOWN IN 588 Theatres ON OR ABOUT MARCH 16th Millions are WAITING to SEE and HEAR Texas GUINAN in "Queen of the Night Clubs" They're WAITING to SEE and HEAR this wonderful romance of ''WINE, WOMEN and WRONG' a breath- taking picture that moves with dizzy speed along HEARTACHE LANE. They're WAITING to SEE New York in its NIGHT CLOTHES all dressed up and READY for THRILLS! They're WAITING to BUY tickets MILLIONS ARE WAITING HERE'S A BOX OF- FICE NATURAL! Story by Murray Roth and Addison Burkhart Directed by BRYAN FOY PLAY THIS 100% VITAPHONE lALKING PICTURE DAY AND DATE WITH ITS B'WAY RUN! ONE ^^ 0N£ WITH W^VWITHOUT NEOATIVESl ropi QHif picture ever made m BROS. Queen «^^^ Nightclubs THE DESERT SONG IsCominqAlon THE DAILY Tuesday, February 26, 1929 Revolution Predicted By 3rd Dimension Film (Continued from Page 1) tion of color will be the next step, he predicts. In shooting the first Spoor process pictures at the Gramercy Park studio in New York, both 70 mm film, re- quired for the process, and standard width film will be used. This will enable release of the picture to houses now wired for sound, with release of the stereoscopic picture held up until houses are equipped for showing it. Dr. Ives Sees Stereoscopic Films Impractical As Yet Third dimension pictures are im- practical for studios in the near fu- ture, Dr. Herbert E. Ives, of the Bell Telephone Laboratories, declared Sunday in demonstrating his stereo- scopic pictures. Experience Won Vitaphone to Disc System, Quigley Declares 558 Day and Date Run for Texas Guinan Film Texas Guinan in "Queen of the Night Club" will open on March 16 in 558 theaters throughout the United States, according to Sam E. Morris. That day constitutes the pre-release date. In New York it opens day- and-date at the Mark-Strand on Broadway and in Brooklyn. (Continued from Page 1) and better quality of reproduction is desired and cannot be covered up by tlie extraneous sounds which gen- erally accompany nevvsreel record- ing, the disc method in the present state of art, seems to be superior both from a standpoint of the facil- ity with which it can be used and the resulting quality. There is, of course, considerable discussion as between the major laboratories as to the relative merits of the two sys- tems of film recording, i.e., the vary- ing density and varying width. There is no such discussion with respect to the better procedure in connection with the disc recording. Disc re- cording is a standardized operation and has been for a number of years. There is nothing experimental about it and there is a great deal of past experience resulting in an absolute knowledge of the best methods of recording, processing and manufac- turing records, which can only be obtained in connection with film re- cording after time has elapsed. "One of tlie principal advantages, of conrse_ aside from the superior quality obtainable by tht di.«c method, is the fact that there is no compromise necessary in the development of the film and, hence, the phonograph is not sacrificed to the sound record, nor, again, is the sound record in any way sacrificed in order to obtain a good pictorial result. Until further experiments have been con- ducte.' from which can be finally determined that no such compromise is necessary and until a stock is developed for film sound tracks which has the necessary requisite of gn.-ater durability, there would seem to be no reason or excuse for its adoi>tion in con- nection with studio recoraing work. "The Vitaphone Corp. is licensed to em ploy either method and its adoption of the disc method and its adherence thereto is based upon choice resulting from experience. There are, of course, various other factors indicating the advantages of the disc method within tl;e field mentioned, such as greater ease of operation in the theater, the ability to replace the record at relatively small cost, thus insuring new records at suitable in- tervals, but within the scope of this article, it is manifestly impossible to do more than touch upon the major advantages and dis- advantages in the respective systems. "However, one of the principal advantages claimed for the film system, namely that in case of a film break synchronism is not lost, has been found in practice to be rather theoretical and academic as our experience has been that the numl>er of film breaks which occur, resulting in loss of synchronism, is an entirely negligible factor." Sonora Lab Now Available for Synchronizing Films Sonora Recording Laljoratories, New York, now are available for producers for synchronizing pictures via the disc system, states P. L. Deutsch, president of Acoustics Products Co., and Sonora Phono- graph Co. The company is prepared to supply symphony and dance or- chestras, instrumental and vocal soloists and the scoring and direct- ing services of Gustav Haenschen and Frank Black. Charles Ginsberg is director of sales and in charge of the business department at the lab- oratories. Two Gotham pictures, "Times Square" and "The River Woman" were synchronized at the laboratories. I I To Redecorate Okla. House Wewoka, Okla. — The Key here will be redecorated according to Cliarles Hanson and Joe Poole managers. Contracts of Musicians are Renewed at Minneapolis Minneapolis — Little difficulty was experienced here this year in renew- ing contracts with musicians. Pre- liminary negotiations are under way with operators and stagehands. Frank Keenan Dies After Attack of Pneumonia Funeral arrangements were being completed yesterday for Frank Kee- nan, veteran screen and stage star, who died following illness of a few days with pneumonia. He was 70 ■\'ears old. Johnston Goes to Coast To Map Season's Plans W. Ray Johnston, president of Rayart, is en route to California Saturday. He will spend some weeks in Hollywood on the production of the five pictures remaining on this season's program, in working out plans for the 1929-30 season and completing tie-ups for talking fea- tures for the new year. Johnston also is contemplating the production of a series of sound westerns. Wilson Recovers Frank R. Wilson, president of M. P. Capital Corp., has recovered from an operation underwent in New York last week and returned to his office. NEW PHOTOTONE "TALKIE" Before you invest — investigate — PHOTOTONE IS ESTABLISHED! P F HOTOTONE Synchronous Device is sold to you complete — installed. OR your own protection get full particulars as to price and know just what quality and equipment you get for your money before buying any synchron- ous machine. WATCH FOR SOUND ON FILM ANNOUNCEMENT SOON PHOTOTONE COMPANY North Vernon, Ind. Chicago, lU., 845 S. Wabash Ave. New York, N. Y., 1531 Broadway Suffolk, Va. Philadelphia, Pa., 1325 Vine St Boston, Mass., 28 Piedmont St Atlanta, Ga., 125 Walton St. OFFICES: Oklahoma City, OkU.. 705 W. Grand St. Los Angeles, Calif., 1936 So. Vermont St. Seattle, Wash., 2418 Second Ave. Minneapolis, Minn., 5332 Chicago Ave. Kansas City, Mo., 118 West 18th St. Dallas, Texas, 1805 Commerce St. \ With D o r o I h y Muckuill and Juck Mulhall. V John Francis Dillon pro- duct ion. Presen- ted by Richard A. Ro\vhin NEWSPAPER o/'FILMDOM ALL THE NEWS ALL THE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 48 Wednesday, February 27, 1929 Price 5 Cents Patents SINCE the days, not so long ago, when sound enveloped the industry, considerable speculation has been rife over the patent situation. Today that same conjecture prevails. Many express the opinion, on what grounds we do not know that, before sound .shakes youth from its lusty should- ers, a patent war comparable to the scrap that rocked the old patents trust years ago will ensue. Time will prove the best judge of it. However, because of the intense interest in the development of sound, The Film Daily has delved into the patent situation and today presents a second installment embracing like the first, a historical cross-section of American, English, German and French patents. There will be many more. The Purpose This research, extensive as it was, is designed to give to the industry a brief description of early devices. Questions of patent priority have no place in the series. Possible improve- ments for existing systems may be gleaned from the text. That is up to the reader to absorb, exactly as the legal status of any and all patents is a matter in which this publication can quite naturally take no part. As part of the historical foundation upon which sound today is largely reared, "Sound Patents," it is believed, will make an invaluable contribution. It has no other purpose. Verbal Spoutings Archdeacon Joseph Dodshon, ser- monizing from the pulpit of the Church of the Holy Communion in New York, points an accusing finger at the automobile, large apartment houses and the motion picture as the "greatest enemies of the American home" and as three of the dire in- fluences that cause divorce and lack of moral training. The archdeacon covers a lot of territory and speaks with a note of authority, the basis for which we, for one, should like to learn. Let him say what he will about motors and real estate, but when he drags motion pictures through the log of his ignorance, it riles us. Feel- ing that way and having said so, we lii'.d ourselves relieved. K A N N SCHOOL COMPETITION HIT BY PENDING UTAH BILL Salt Lake City — Theater interests of the state, who have protested against use of pictures in schools in competition with theaters, have been asked to draft amendments to the pending bill to define extra-curricular activities of schools. The state su- perintendent of schools has expressed a willingness to co-operate to prevent any but educational films in state schools. Kansas Bill Asks Local as Well as State Censors Topcka, Kan. — ^Not satisfied, ap- parently, with state censorship, Kan- sas has pending a bill to give cities right to establish local censorship in addition. Under the measure, the local board would consist of a min- ister, member of the W.C.T.U., mem- ber of the Parent-Teacher Ass'n and two others. Censor and Anti-S.R.O. Bills Killed in Missouri Jefferson City, Mo. — Proposed censorship bill and a measure to ban sale of S. R. O. admissions have been killed by the House committee on criminal jurisprudence. N. Y. STILL BUZZES WITH LOEW-FOX-WARNER DEAL Durant Active? [Vest Coast Bur. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — W. C. Durant, financier, is reported planning an investment trust company to handle picture stocks. He and his associates are said to have been accumulating stock of a leading company and plan to offer participating interests to the public. Durant is a director of Loew's and a heavy stockholder of Warners, it is reported. No statement was available yesterday on the Coast des- patch at New York offices of W. C. Durant. Fox West Coast Acquires Mayflower at Seattle Seattle — Fox West Coast has ac- quired the Mayflower, independent first run here, and will change name of the house to the Fox. Hammons Sees U. S. Trend to Sound-on- Film; Europe Discs Earl IV. Hammons. a leader of the short subject field, today ex- presses his views for the "Sound Symposium," being conducted by THE FILM DAILY, to sound sentiment of industry leaders on respective merits of the sound-on-disc versus souiid-on-film systems of recording. "The sound-on-film method only has been used so far in the produc- tion of Educational's talking come- dies, and this gives a fair indication of my opinion of which method will become more generally used," states E. W. Hammons of Educational. "I believe that in Europe the disc system will be popular for years to come," said Hammons, "and in the United States it is quite likely that a considerable number of disc ma- chines will continue to be installed, often, perhaps, because of a lower original cost to the exhibitor. The main trend as I see it, however, is toward the film track method in the United States. It is simpler and easier to handle in production and decidedly more clastic. Experience has already showed that many things can be done with the film track method of record- ing that are impossible with the disc. Sound-on-film is likewise easier and simpler to handle in distribution and in projection, and with the vast im- provements that have brought sound- on-film so near to perfection, it seems to me that the odds all favor it. "Educational, of course, has no in- terest in the development of one sys- tem over the other — in fact, we are now making a careful survey to in- dicate the possible demand for disc records in the near future, and if this survey should indicate a sufficient demand, we would be glad to furnish discs. Up until the present the film method only has been used in all Sen- nett and Coronet Talking Comedies which we have released, and will con- tinue." Fox Has Deal Set; No, Deal of Warners In Bag, Are Among Reports Catch-as-catch-can efforts to se- cure anything but more reports mark- ed yesterday's developments in the oft-mentioned deals involving sale of Loew's, Inc. Reports persisted that William Fox's negotiations for the company were progressing rapidly. The persistence with which they were circulated gave rise to the impression in some quarters that Fox was now outstepping the Warners in efforts to close the deal. Meanwhile, there were stories cur- rent that a 5 to 3 stock exchange has been agreed upon tentatively as ba- sis for a Warner-Loew deal, the lat- {.Continued on Page 9) Loew's, Fox, Warner, M.P. Capital Stocks Strong Loew's, Inc., with a net jump of 6^ points to 81 J4; M. P. Capital Corp., rising 4 points to 27; Warner Bros. Pictures, with a net of 2j^ points to 127j^, and Fox Film, which {Continued on Page 9) Quality Guarantee Part of Phonofilm Contract General Talking Pic jres is writ- ing contracts for De jrest Phono- film installations, in which it guaran- tees the quality of the sound in the installed theater "shall be equal, if not superior, to the quality of sound reproduction of any reproducing de- vice regardless of price." N. Y. Daylight Saving Ban Is Killed In Committee Albany — -Bill to repeal daylight saving law in the state has been killed in committee in the Assembly. "Sound Patents" Tracing the history of sound pictures, through an interna- tional illustrated survey of in- ventions, "Sound Patents" pre- sents another instalment on Pages 10 and 11 of today's is- sue. Follow this interesting and informative series of articles by Benjamin T. Rau- ber, patent attorney. THE DAILY Wednesday, February 27, 1929 lALLTHETWE V(l. XLVII No. 48 Wednesili]f,Feb.27,1929 Price 5 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York. N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 HoUywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour^les-Noues, 19. STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am. Seat 34i^ SA'A Ziyi Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 27 }4 27 J^ 27 J4 East. Kodak 185 183^ 184J4 •First Nat. pfd 106^ Fox Fm. "A" 91 5i 87 M 91^ ♦Keith A-O 3Sy2 do pfd 112^ 111 111 Loew's Inc 81 1^ 75 J4 81^ do pfd 108 1061/2 108 M. P. Cap 27yi 2AV2 27 Para. F-L MVt. 62J4 64 Ji Pathe Exch \2Ya. U'/g \2'A do "A- 25/2 25 25 Radio K-A-0 36M 3454 36^ Stanley Co 37 36% 36J^ *Univ. Pict. pfd 98J4 Warner Bros 127J4 124 127>4 do pfd 56 5554 55% Warner Pet. rts 454 ^Vi 4% CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... llJi lOS/i 10 •Bal. & Katz 81 Con. Fm. Ind. .. 23% 23^4 23J4 Fox Thea. "A" .. 29§i 29}^ 29J4 Griffith D.W. "A" .4 4 4 •Intern. Proj 25 Loew do deb. rts.. 45 39 }4 45 *Nat. Scr. Ser 27^^ Nat. Thea. Sup. . . S'A &li 8li Trans-Lux 1054 iO'A lO'A •Univ. Pict 18Ji BOND MARKET •Keith AG 6s 46 96 Loew 6s 41ww...l21% 120 121% do 6s 41 x-war.. 99 98^ 99 Paramount 6s 47 . . 99% 995^ 99^ Par. By. 5}4s 51.101% 101 101 Pathe 7s 37 7i'A 78 78 CURB BONDS •Am. Seat. 6s 36 . . 96!^ 96^4 96'4 •Warner 6^s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 31 33 .... do units 34 37 .... do com 454 S'A .... Skouras Bros 45 55 .... Technicolor 16J4 17 .... United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2' do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED CaU WAFILMS, Inc. Walter A- Putter, Prei. for Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46th St., New York Bryant 8181 Sales 100 900 500 4,266 '266 64,900 300 3,000 11,800 6,600 300 5,100 200 18,266 500 62,100 % 3,600 1,800 3,400 100 2",766 '266 1,300 41 20 6 3 3 Quick Work Averts Panic at Fox Capital House Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Quick thinking by Private Herbert Brown, of No. 13 Truck Company, assigned to duty at the Fox Theater, averted a panic among the audience of nearly 4,000 people Tuesday night, when one of the curtains in the wing of the the- ater suddenly burst into flames in the full view of the audience. Brown ordered the curtain down and an alarm turned in and called the house's sprinkler system into play, then cooly went on the stage and assured the audience it was all over. Effi,cacy of the theater's fire drill was proved when the 34 ushers and five orchestra players assigned for fire duty immediately rushed to their posts, prepared for an emergency. The orchestra promptly got under way and entertained the audience during the few minutes required to sweep the water and debris off the stage and resume the show. Most of the audience sat still, and there was no sign of panic. Ampas Will Honor Shapiro Victor M. Shapiro, past president of the Ampas, who is going to the Coast for Fox, will be the guest of honor at Thursday's luncheon of the AMPA. President George Harvey announces that Harry Reichenbach, Glendon Allvine and A. M. Botsford compose the committee in charge of special entertainment for Shapiro at this affair which will be exclusively for members. Columbia Sales Staff Increased Joe Brandt, president of Columbia Pictures, announces three more addi- tions to the sales force. J. M. Schwartz, for many years associated with First National and Fox, has been added to the Chicago sales de- partment. J. C. White, formerly with Pathe in Charlotte and Atlanta, has joined Columbia's Charlotte office. A. Berry, previously connected with the National Theatre Supply Co. has been appointed salesman at Atlanta. Fined for Censor Violations Houston, Tex. — Judge Lucien And- ler in corporation court here fined Mrs. Lillian Gammill, manager of the Palace, $25 on each of three charges for failing to make elimina- tions in "The Trial of Mary Du- gan," as ordered by City Censor Secretary Mrs. Thomas H. Eggert. Broadway Stars To Be At A.M.P.A. Ball Saturday Among the Broadway luminaries who will shine at the A.M.P.A. Hollywood Masque Ball at the Hotel Astor, Saturday evening, in addition to Earl Carrol's entire "Fioretta" company already announced are: Alice Brady of "A Most Immoral Lady"; Bert Lytell of "Brothers"; Lew Fields and stars of "Hello, Daddy"; Jack Pearl, Phil Baker, Aileen Stanley and Harold Stern and Orchestra of "Pleasure Bound"; Eddie Buzzell and Louise Brown of "Lady Fingers"; Lee Tracy of "Front Page"; Alex Carr from "Passion Preferred"; Janet Beecher of "Cour- age"; all the stars from "Good Boy" and delegations of girls from every musical show in the city. The "Fioretta" Company starring Leon Errol, Fannie Brice and Lionel Atwelland featuring Dorothy Knapp and George Huston will present a special entertainment at midnight. This stage presentation will be under the personal supervision of Bernard Loughmiller, technical advisor to Earl Carroll. C. C. Ezell (Back in N. Y. C. C. Ezell, general sales manager for Warners, is back at his desk in the New York office after a three weeks' trip to the " Coast. In San Francisco Ezell held a meeting of the Coast managers in Warner sales force and when this was brought to a close, he went to Los Angeles where he spent several days at War- ner studio in Hollywood. On his return trip east, Ezell stopped over at Salt Lake City and Denver to hold sales conferences. Brown Back from Coast Hiram S. Brown, president of Ra- dio-Keith-Orpheum, had no state- ment to make yesterday on his in- spection trip to the Coast, from which he has just returned to New York. Flader to Milwaukee Fred Flader, general manager of Universal Chain Theatrical Enter- prises, Inc., is on his way to Mil- waukee, on the second leg of his tour of inspection of the Universal Chain Theaters. RKO Canadian Subsidiary Named Toronto — Name of FBO Pictures Corp. of Canada, Ltd., has been changed to RKO Distributing Corp. of Canada, Ltd., states P. C Taylor, general manager Let JJs Solve Your Prohlems ! Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCORPORATED 1540 B'WAY N.Y.C. TELEPHONE BRYANT 3040 The Industry's Date Book Tonight: Opening of new Mastbaum Theater, Philadelphia; world premiere of **Sonny Boy" Opening of "Hearts of Dixie" at Gaiety, New York March 2 AMPA Hollywood Masque Ball in New York March 4 Premiere of "Times Square," first Gotham-Bristolphone picture at Metropolitan, Baltimore. March 12 Opening of "Noah's Ark" at Win- ter Garden, New York March 17 Premiere of "Show Boat" at Cap- itol, Miami, and Paramount, Palm Beach April 6 Warner - First National - Stanley Frolic at Commodore Hotel, New York April 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn- sylvanian Exhibitor Unit at Pitts- burgh. EXCELLENT and SNAPPY! icr lers Can assure you that your service is excellent and the trailers very snappy and to the point and an asset in all directions. CIRCLE PLAYHOUSE, Annapolis, Md. The HOTEL Jefferson ON THE OCEAN END OF KENTUCKY AVE. ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. AN HOTEL WHOSE COMFORTS WILL ASSURE ONE OF FULL ENJOYMENT OF THIS GLO- RIOUS RESORT. E.ach Room has Bath — Strictly Fire- proof — Luxurious Lobbies — Sundeck Overlooking the Ocean. Golf Privileges American Plan $7 up European Plan $4 up OWNERSHIP— MANAGEMENT FETTER & HOLLINGER "WE NEVER DISAPPOINT" [RO HLOW Fll ^Al mmm INCORPORATED 220 WEST 42^-° STREET NEW YORK Phone: Wisconsin 6876 ALLAN A.LOWNES. CEN.MCR. EVERYBODY'S JOINING IN THE CHORUS! NEW ERA IN FILMS! "The inception 0/ an cr\urc\-:j r\c\)c era in motion picture en- tertainment." — HLM DAILY ALL RECORDS SMASHED! "Every record in the history of this theatre smashed. Standees matinee and night. Tremendous advance sa!e at $2 scale." — GRAUMANS.CHINESE LOS ANGELES LINES ALL DAY LONG! "Even the amazing records of of 'Big Parade' have been smashed. Line at box-office all day buying in advance at $2 top. We put on extra Midnight Show Saturdays and have standing room just as at regu- lar matinee and night shou'S." — ASTOR THEATRE NtW YORK THE END OF LEGIT? "I say this talking film fore- shadows the end of legitimate show business as we know it today. Better than the Broad- way producers can give for $6.60." V PAILY NL\1.S CELEBRITIES PRAISE IT! "Biggest box-office jmash iince 'Big Parade'." -samgoldwyn "A great picture." — JOSEPH M. SCHENCK A wow. —IIAROLU U hRANk'LIN THE TOP IN SOUND! "It is the finest yet made in sound." -PETER VISCHER LXIIIBITORS HERALD "The one thing needed to as- sure the world in general that sound pictures arc no longer an experiment." - ARTHUR JAMES MOTION nCTURES TODAY "The best talkie ever made." —HARRISON CARROLL LOS ANOELES MLRALD STEALING $8.80 STUFF! "'News of the sensational suc- cessof 'Broadway Melody' has reached Miami. Many a mus- ical comedy producer sunning himself is worried. The movies are promising bigger and better song ar\d dancers. Audiences are gathering this from 'The Broadway Melody.' They're stealing the stuff that used to cost $8.80 to get a peek at." — RbOINA CANNON N. Y AMERICAN .V>'^?I*^ ^n tA^ <^^ o^ y^^^:.:v>^^^ o^ DAILY. Wed., Feb -^T^^^r^Z^ygBy''^^ Christie Speeds Talker Shorts Nine of Group Already Completed, with Contracts Closed for Number of Others — James Cruze Making a Series of Comedies Starring Gaston Glass — Other Coast News and Wilk's Paragraphs ■ 13 CHRISTIE SHORTS FOR EARLY RELEASE LISTED With 13 of the new series of Christie Talking Plays announced for release in the current group which Paramount is distributing, the Chris- tie organization is speeding pro- duction and has taken up options with players for additional pictures to be produced in the next three months. Christ-e has completed nine talk- ing films, including the first three of the Octavus Roy Cohen stories, and has delivered six to Paramount. Com- pleted are "The Melancholy Dame," "Music Hath Harms" and "The Framing of the Shrew," by Octavus Roy Cohen, with all-negro casts; "A Bird in the Hand" with Lois Wilson, Jason Robairds, and Roy D'Arcy; "Post Mortems" with Raymond Grif- fith; "A'leet the Missus" with James Gleason and Lucille Webster Glea- son; "When Caesar Ran a Newspa- per," with Raymond Hatton and Sam Hardy; "Jed's Vacation," with Char- lie Grapewin and Anna Chance; and "Dear Vivian" with Raymond Hat- ton and Sam Hardy. By contracts just completed, Glea- son, Griffith, and Lois Wilson will each be presented in at least one more of the talking plays; Louise Fazenda has been signed for two, and plans are being made to include some of the Christie comedy stars, such as Billy Dooley, Bobby Vernon, Jack Duffy, Frances Lee, and others, in the casts of several to be filmed. "Man I Love" Started William A. Wellman has started direction of "The Man I Love" at Paramount. In the cast are: Rich- ard Arlen, Mary Brian, Baclanova, Pat O'Malley, Leslie Fenton and Harry Green. Columbia Renews Kenton Contract Columbia has exercised its option on Erie C. Kenton's services, and signed the director to a long-run contract. It calls for the immediate production of three features. Sue Carol and] Norton Cast Sue Carol and Barry Norton are to have leading roles in James Tin- ling's new production, "The Ex- alted Flapper," which Fox is pre- paring to make from a story by Will Irwin. Working in "Careers" Billie Dove now is working in "Careers," her first all-dialogue pic- ture for First National. John Francis Dillion is directing-, i Ned Marin is the producer. A Little from *'Lots ^^.^ By RALPH WILK Hollywood HOLLYWOOD has 50 enthusi- astic boosters as a result of the "Coquette" party arranged by Mary Pickford, who played hostess to girls chosen in newspaper contests in 25 cities. Each girl was accom- panied by a chaperone, who was a representative of the newspaper con- ducting the contest. * * * Tuesday morning, the girls and their chaperones bid fare- well to Hollywood, after a week of parties and sight- seeing. Monday evening, the chaperones were guests of honor at a dinner, at which they were joined by Los An- geles trade and newspaper representatives. Arthur Zell- ner, the Pickford Boswell and Lou Smith of the Pickford New York office, kept things moving lively. * * * Tyler Brook, long a member of the Fox fold, celebrated his return from Europe by joining the cast of "Dy- namite," Cecil B. De Mille's produc- tion. He will furnish the comedy lelief. * * * Credit Ruper Julian with coining "canned tongue." In former years, Rupert would order a 1,000 foot test of a screen aspirant, but now he asks for 15 minutes "worth" of "canned tongue." Our Passing Show: Ernest Hilliard, Freeman Wood and Tyler Brook dining at M-G- M; the two Sams — Friedman and Cohn — busy at Tec-Art; the two Harrys — Drago and Lichtig — chatting in the War- ner Brothers Theater build- ing. * * * Fritz Feld, who was in "The Mira- cle" and who will play in "Squawk," was slightly injured when his car was struck by another and turned completely over. "It was a miracle," said Fritz, "but I can't squawk." * * * Bob Carr is back in Hollywood and is acting as story advisor on Ray Cannon's sto.ff at Fox. He will be introduced in "Joy Street" as "himself," Bob has written several magazine stories dealing with the younger generation. Cruze Making Series of Comedies with G. Glass James Cruze soon is to introduce a series of comedies starring Gaston Glass, on which he has been working for several months. King Added to Cast Claude King has been added to the cast of "King of the Khyber Rifles." With Earle Foxe and Fred- erick Sullivan he has just been in- cluded in the company supporting Victor McLaglen in his new vehicle, which John Ford is directing for Fox. M-G-M Casts Stone Lewis Stone has been given the male lead in Clarence Brown's M-G- M production, "Wonder of Women," part-dialogue picture. Peggy Wood will play feminine lead in the film, adapted from Hermann Sudermann's novel, "The Wife of Stephen Trom- holt." Cast in Fox Film Sharon Lynn, Maria Alba, Doug- las Gilmore, Ivan Lebedeff and Franccss Rosay have been cast in "The One Woman Idea," which is to be Berthold Viertel's first direc- torial effort for Fox. Hitherto he has been adapting stories for F. W. Murnau. F. N. Signs Littlefield Lucien Littlefield has been signed by First National for "The Girl in the Glass Cage." Ralph Dawson will direct. Carrol Nye is in the cast. Theme Song for "AUbi" A theme song, sung in the picture by Irma Harrison, has been publish- ed in connection with "Alibi," Ro- land West's all-talker for United Art- ists. The title is "I've Never Seen a Smile Like Yours," and the words and music are by Justin Johnson and Eddie Frazie.r. M. Witmark & Sons are publishers. F. N. Buys 'Little Johnny Jones" "Little Johnny Jones," George M. Cohan play, has been acquired by First National. Mervyn LeKoy will direct. Warners Sign Thompson Kenneth Thompson, stage player, has been signed for Al Jolson's new Warner picture. Signs Belle Bennett Belle Bennett has been signed for leading role in "The Woman Who Was Forgotten," which Merger Pic- tures will produce in cooperation with the National Education Ass'n. Richard Thomas will direct from a script by Bert Levino. PUIL DALY SEZ/ "It sure has been remarkable the way producers have snapped into the sound development. Lots of mistakes have been and will be made, but con- sidering the sudden- ness of the onrush of sound, great credit is due for the strides made. And, boy, what entertain- ment is in store for next season." VeiUer Leaves for East Following preview of "The Trial of Mary Dugan," with Norma Shear- er in the title role. Bayard VeiUer, author of the play, left the coast for New York, where he is scheduled to arrive today. After a brief stay in New York, he will sail for England for a vacation. New Masmard Film Completed Ken Maynard has completed "The Royal Rider" for First National. Lesley Mason is titling the picture, cast of which includes: Olive Has- brouck, Phillipe De Lacy, Theodore Lorch, Harry Semels, Joseph Burke and Bobby Dunn. Harry J. Brown directed. Phyllis Haver Opposite Chaney Phyllis Haver's first role under her new M-G-M contract will be lead in "Thunder," Lon Chaney's new vehicle. William Nigh will direct. George Duryea and Laddie Briggs are the only other selections to date. F. N. Sig^s New Beaudine Contract William Beaudine hasi signed a long term First National contract. Korda to Direct "Riviera" Alexander Korda will direct the Ferenc Molnar play, "Riviera." Korda has just completed "The Squall," a dialogue version of the stage play with a cast including Myrna Loy, Alice Joyce, Richard Tucker, Loretta Young and Carroll Nye. Chaplin 111 Charles Chaplin has been ordered to bed, following a collapse at the studio, with production of his new picture, "City Lights," postponed pending his recovery. Chaplin, suf- fered an attack of vertigo. He re- cently suffered an attack of ptomaine poisoning. e^ 0^ If) (A C 2 <: s 4> < H -So o ^ *^ o <1> >^ CO c« 2 S ^ 3 rt 0) g O a-- C3 a % > < Q Z o o ^ 3 O I THE -.%g^ DAILV And That's That By PHIL M. DALY ADDITIONS to the film colony at Miami include: Eugene Zu- kor, Aaron Jones, Moe Finkelstein, Mitchell May, Jr., and S. J. Kauf- man. Cupid, too, is active along the sands at Miami, Barney Balaban having been married there last Saturday. ■ A. H. Schwartz of the Century Circuit, New York, while sojourning at Palm Beach, took time off to go to Key West to catch a sailfish. It was seven feet four inches long and weighed 48 pounds, our correspon- dent informs, vouchsafing that this is no fish story. The Mickey McGuire kids, juve- nile members of the Darmour-RKO comedy company have formed a basketball team. Preliminary to playing the "Our Gang" outfit of Hal Roach, the Darmour youngsters will take on the Page Military Academy Midgets. Jacques Gruenberg, well-known in musical circles in New York arrived in Hollywood with his assistant, a librarian, arrangers and other mem- bers of his stafT to handle the syn- chronization of coming Radio Pic- tures. It's a tough life for Lon Chaney, al right. Not only will he have to fight a gorilla in his new picture, "East Is West," but he'll have to run the risk of being accused of doubling. Warner Bros. Vitaphone Hour on March 4 which was original- ly planned to introduce little Davey Lee to '.he radio audience, has been expanded. Its chief attraction will be of Al Jolson as master of cere- monies and not only Davey will ap- pear, but a number of Warner stars. Jolson promises to sing several of his biggest song hits. Davey Lee will recite and sing. Colleen Moore will talk and so will Monte Blue. Alice White will sing the new songs from "Broadway Babies," and Con- rad Nagel, Dorothy Mackaill and Jack Mtdhall will each have some- thing to scy. Earl Bur-vett's Bilt- ynore orchestra will constitute the musical portion of the program. Film Boards of Trade Report Additional Theater Changes NORTH DAKOTA Changes in Ownership Cando — ^Audit, sold to D. K. and L. D. Brightill by Robt. Henkel; Grenora — >Or- pheum, sold to J. G. Alkenboch by M. J. Knutson ; Hanks — Unique, sold to Sifred E. Shaflo by C. W. Johnson; Max— The Max, ;o]d to H. O. Hagen by C. H. Geil ; Minot — Arcade and Strand, sold to Finkel- stein & Ruben by Richard Bassen ; Rey- nolds— The Reynolds, sold to H. Faliede by O. J. Lebacken; Sharon — Joy, sold to Huber Halveson by E. N. Olson. Closings Bowden — Movies ; Braddock — Carroll ; Bux- ton— Buxton ; DriscoU — Carroll ; Harlow — Movies ; Kintyre — Carroll ; Moffitt — Carroll ; Oroemee — Movies ; Sterling — Carroll ; Tolna — Opera House. OHIO New Theaters Upper Sandusky — -Ohio. Openings Columbus — Vernon. Changes in Ownership Akron — Columbia, sold to Morris Venzer by Wm. Magrind ; Cincinnati — Cilfton, sold to J. F. Potts by Wm. Gervers; Coldewater — Columbia, sold to Thos. Broad by A. H. Giere ; Columbus — Hollywood, sold to J. J. Murphy by Fred Mason ; Coshocton — Utahna, sold to Floyd Mcintosh by Chacos Bros. ; Dayton — ^Midget, sold to H. A. Swisher by Mrs. L. Keller ; Delphos — Capitol, sold to E.. L. and P. F. Staup by F. H. Staup ; Dover — State, sold to Chas. and I. Weber by A. Thompson; Fort Re- covery— Royal, sold to Thos. Broad by B. Wanger; Hamilton — Lyric, sold to Cloyd & Callahan by Conrad Zost ; Lyons — 'Pastime, sold to G^iy Johnstown by Elmer E. Finney ; Mineral City — Opera House, sold to Merrick Amuse. Co. by F. A. Fergu- son; New Boston — Lyric, sold to Sam Davis by Louis Merrill ; Peebles — Peebles, sold to O. C. King by H. C. Wamsley ; Portsmouth — Westland, sold to Selma John- son by Sam Davis; 'Salem — -Royal, sold to Sheffield & Briggs by W. E. Wiberg; Washington — ^Colonial, sold to Jacob Peale by John Trvin ; West Lafayette — Grand, sold to Merrick Amuse. Co. by Henry & Sat- toria ; Worthington — Colonial, sold to Ed- ward Price by Fred Mason. Closings Clarksville — ^Opera House; New Madison — Strand; Piketon — The Piketon; Portsmouth — Dalmar. OKLAHOMA New Theaters Henryetta — Yale ; Oklahoma City — Circle. Changes in Ownership Billings — Royal, sold to Strouse & Showater by Jess Patteh ; Braman^ — Olympia, sold to A. B. Woodring by O. S. McKeen; Chey- enne— Princess, sold to Roy McCaughey by J. T. Davidson; Gracemont — Raynora, sold to P. W. Kum by A. W. Davidson; Helena — Palace, sold to Mrs. E. Newport by L. C. Moore; Locust Grove — Joy, sold to E. B. Rushard by O. T. Bradshaw ; Moreland — ^Star, sold to W. F. Cody by Mrs. C. M. Smith ; Salina — Salina, sold to W. S. Wainwright by S. S. Seibert; Sul- phur— Log Cabin and Rainbow, sold to Dubinsky & Gould by A. L. Crump ; Texola^Star, sold to Holland & Vernable by C. W. Summers; Tulsa — ^Dreamland, sold to S. L. James by W. M. Cherry. For this occasion the Vitaphone Jubilee Hour which is usually broad- cast from New York will originate in Hollywood through S^iation KFWB, but fans throughout the United States can pick up the pro- gram from 30 stations in principal cities from coast to coast. The hour will be from 6:30 to 7 P. M., Pacific coast time, and from 9:30 to 10 P. M. Eastern Standard Time. DAILY UPS WHICH MEAN DOLLARS FOR SHOWMEN "Interference" (Paramount) Had co-operative window displays with radio stores using such catch- lines as, "If you use a Crosley, At- wlater-Kent, Radiola, etc., you won't be bothered by interference. See how human 'Interference' nearly wrecks two people's happiness at the Merrimack Square." — David F. Per- kins, Merrimack Square, Lowell, Mass. "LUac Time" (First Natl) Two local drug stores permitted the theater to put in large window displays tying up with Colleen Moore toilet articles. This tie-up also resulted in the two stores run- ning display ads in the local papers playing up Colleen Moore. — Mars- line K. Moore, Joie, Fort Smith, Ark. "Our Dancing Daughters" (M-G-M) Shoe dealers furnished two pairs of shoes of a' very small size but still possible to be worn by women possessing small feet. These were given to the first women who could wear them. One shoe of each pair was effectively displayed in the store window — suitably backed by a large display card carrying copy about the picture. The other 'one of each' pair was on display in the theater lobby in a small show case backed by a similar display card such as in the store window. — W. E. Spragg, Stadi- um, Woonsocket, R. I. "The Red Dance" (Fox) To focus attention the ushers and doorman dressed in red sateen smocks. The smocks were lettered front and rear, "The Red Dance." These smocks were worn five days in ad- vance and during showing of the picture. — Irwin R. Waite, Arcade, West Palm Beach, Fla. "The Goodbye Kiss" (First National) Electric sign was spread over the front of the theater and marquee. Twenty-five of the army recruiting service boards were utilized. Two hundred special quarter-sheet cards were printed and distributed by the representatives of "Liberty Maga- zine" to every newsdealer in the city. Boys selling Liberty wore the card tied to their backs. The card read: "Read about 'The Goodbye Kiss' on Pag^ 39 in this week's Liberty Mag- azine, then see it at the New Em- pire beginning next Saturday."— Al- bert P. Kaufman, New Empire, Syracuse, N. Y. "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (Universal) Special train was arranged for to bring upper Arkansas valley resi- dents to the picture. The train left Salida at 8:30 A. M. on Sunday, stopping at interesting towns and arriving in Pueblo at noon. The round trip included admission at the Palm and stop-over privileges of one day. — Palm, Pueblo, Colo. Wednesday, Febriiary 27, 1929 Short Shots from New York Studios \Bj ARTHUR W. EDDY'^^ SUSAN CONROY, who has been making "Whoopee" for Flo Zieg- feld, is also working as a dentist's nurse, the latter job being for George Le Maire in his first Pathe comedy, "At the Dentist's," nearing coinple- tion at Sound Studios. Chief roles in the talking opus are occupied by Le Maire and Louis Simon. * * * First camera at the plant is E. B. dii Par, who turned the lense on such b. o. wows as "The Sing- ing Fool" and "The Jazz Singer." Du Par, a pioneer in the field of talkers and a leading figure in the development of incandescent light- ing, photographed the initial 100 per cent Vitaphone talking picture, "Lights of New York." Ray Foster, who also guides an experienced camera, is working with du Par. He's secretary of the local cameramen's organization, and an ac- tive one. Another member of the studio personnel well-known in the East is Bill Quinn, still man. Bill recently worked with the Vilma Banky unit when it made exteriors in and around Manhattan Island. * * * Bryan Foy, who has megaphoned Vitaphone pictures which have piled up tremendous grosses, is the major director. More directo7~ial talent is supplied by Murray Roth, who also knocks out stories for shorts, and Edmund Joseph is, another story- writing man of quality on the studio staff. * ♦ ♦ A pair of clever mutts are working in "The Cocoanuts," the reference being to two dogs named Rex and Moose and owned by Dr. E. Bier. Rex, the more sophisticated of the two as far as film matters go, ap- peared in "Running Wild," which Paramount made a few years back at its Astoria studio, and in "Stepping Along," Johnny Hines picture. Ow- ing to the advent of sound record- ing. Dr. Bier has found it necessary to instruct his dogs through motions rather than through spoken words. * * * A lot of light was thrown on the subject of studio lighting the other night when E. B. du Par, camera- man foil' Vitaphone and a pioneer in the sound photography field, spoke to Local 644, Intemation/d Photographers of the M. P. Indus- try. C. J. Cadenas, illuminating en- gineer of the National Lamp Works, also discussed the topic. * * * Hope Hampton, who used to work in pictures over at Fort Lee, is going to star in an operatic film for War- ner Bros. This will be the fourth act of "Manon." Miss Hampton abandoned the screen a few years ago to train for an operatic career. •» * « Monty Westmore, makeup expert at Vitaphone studio, comes of a fa-mily literally saturated with makeup atmosphere. Five of its members are makeup men. Wednesday. February 27, 1929 DAILV "U" and Variety Houses Separated at Cleveland Cleveland — Universal theaters and Variety theaters, here have been de- finitely separated following conclusion of a deal that has been pending for more than a month. Universal now has the Cedar-Lee, Milliard Square, New Broadway, Detroit and Oriental. James Carrier is Reneral manager of the chain. Carrier states that Vita- phone and Movietone installations will be made in all houses. The Hil- liard St|uare opened with sound last week. The Cedar-Lee opened Sunday with an all-sound program. Other installations will follow as quickly as possible. The Variety chain con- sists of the Variety, Kinsman, More- land, Homestead, and Imperial. No Universal Statement On Stern Contract Report No statement was forthcoming* from Universal yesterday on Coast report, published exclusively in THE FILM DAILY stating that contract of Stern Film Co., would not be re- newed. Central Ohio Menaced as Flood Waters are Rising Springfield ,0. — Flood waters here and in the vicinity have crippled busi- ness in this section of the state. The business district here is flooded and the water supply shut off. Correction By a typographical error it was recently stated that fire had damaged the Mid-West Exchange at Kansas City. The exchange where the fire occured is the Mid-West Oklahoma City. NOT A BIBLE! Bat it contains many a moral NOT A JOKE-BOOK But there's many a good laugh in it NOT AN ALBUM Bat many a fanny mug in it WHAT IS IT? Yoa'll see March 2nd at the A M P A Hollywood Masque Ball - Astor Hotel Arthur B. Poole Named Comptroller of Pathe Arthur B. I'oole has been appointed comptroller of Pathe Exchange and already has assumed his duties at the home office. Poole resigned as comp- troller of KAO to assume his Pathe position. Previously, he had been with FBO and while there did spe- cial statistical work for Pathe, under direction of Joseph P. Kennedy. Talkers to Sound Road Troupe Doom, Lasky Says ll'.-st Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — With perfecting of sound and color pictures the dramatic stage will be limited to Little Thea- ter movements confined to big cities, Jesse L. Lasky told the Wampas meeting here. He also believes that the future of musical comedies and vaudeville is endangered. u. S. Films Hit New Low In Germany In January Berlin — .American films hit a new low in January in percentage rating of films shown. Forty per cent of the films exhibited during the month were German, 38 per cent European and the balance American. The fig- ures reflect the effect of German agreements with European producers to offset American films. RCA-Photophone to Wire 150 in March, Says Bucher One hundred fifty RCA-Photo- phone installations will be made in March, according to E. E. Bucher, executive vice president of the com- pany. Greenwich House Leased by Mindlin Sidney Reynolds and George M. Garsson, New York theater brokers, have leased to Michael Mindlin and Henry S. Thorne, the Pickwick Playhouse, being erected at Green- wich, Conn. This Little Theater will be completed in June. It is one of a chain of 30 planned by Mindlin. One at Buffalo and one at Roches- ter are to be completed by July 1, it is stated. Charack with Paratone Portland, Wash. — Tommy Char- ack, northwest manager for Para- tone Talking Pictures Corp., is send- ing to smaller towns for roadshows, six singing and talking acts by screen and stage stars. A special truck transports the equipment from town to town. New Zealand W. E. Manager Sails J. H. Barker, Jr., sailed last week to fill his new post as New Zealand manager for Electrical Research Products of Australia and to super- vise the installation of Western Elec- tric sound systems in theaters of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedia. "Fire" Shout Causes Woman's Death East St. Louis, 111. — Police here are seeking the culprit who shouted, "Fire!" when a film became ignited at the Majestic, causing death by heart dilation of a 46-year old wom- an. The fire was quickly extinguished. Loevv-Fox-Warner Report Still Buzzing (Continued frirm Page 1) ter stockholders getting three War- ner shares for each five held. With Nicholas M. Schenck, Wil- liam Fox and M. M. Warner on rec- ord that no deal is in progress or has been planned, the trade continued trying to figure out a solution to what threatens to become a mystery as to source of the persistent reports, which refused to down in film or financial circles. Loew's, Fox, Warner, M.P. Capital Stocks Strong (Continued frmn Page I) advanced 3 points to 91J/2 were lead- ers among amusement stocks on the New York Stock Exchange yester- day. Persistent reports of negotia- tions under way by both Fox and Warners for Loew's was advanced in several quarters as reason for ad- vance of these issues. Screen to Help Not Hurt Legit., Otis Skinner Says Competition of pictures never can seriously hurt the legitimate stage as both forms of entertainment have much to learn from each other, Otis Skinner declared at the annual lunch- eon of the Magazine Club in New York. Good actors in good plays never can fail to draw audiences to theaters, he said. Mueller Named Eastern Continental Sales Head F. Walter Mueller has been named eastern sales manager for Continen- tal Lithograph Co., New York of- fices are to be moved after March 1 to the Paran:ount Building. "Times Square" Premiere Budd Roger, vice president of Gotham Photoplays, announces that "Times Square," the company's first talking picture, will have its premiere March 4 at the Metropolitan, Balti- more, a Stanley-Warner house, where the picture has been booked in for a week. M-G-M Signs Happiness Boys The Happiness Boys, radio enter- tainers, have been signed for M-G-M Movietone work, and will make one or more recordings at Eastern studio, under supervision of Louis K. Sid- ney and Major Edward Bowes. Sunday Shows For Taunton Taunton, Mass. — Ernest L. White, owner of the .Mansfield will be al- lowed to run Sunday shows, accord- ing to a vote taken by the Board of Selectmen here. One restriction was made as to the admission price which must not exceed those paid on week- days and that the house must not open before 1 o'clock. Fire Destroys Texas House San Saba, Tex. — Fire razed the Palace. W. C. Dofflemeyer. owner, estimated the loss at $20,000, it is stated. Griffith Chain Seeks 100 Oklahoma Houses Oklaiionia City dual of GriHith Amusement Co., Universal ally in Oklahoma is 100 theaters. The firm now has 68 houses, with options on seven more. In addition, remodeling of most houses for sound is planned. In the last 30 days the company has installed Vitaphone and Movie- tone sound equipment in the Lyric at Bartlesville, Rex at Seminole, New Sooner at Norman, Aztec at Enid, Rig at Borger, Tex., Rex at Pampa. Tex., New Empire at Altus, Palace at Duncan, Aggie at Stillwater and New Rivoli at Blackwell. Ten other in- stallations are to be completed with- in sixty days. Remodeling Kermit House Kermit, Tex. — Remodeling is under way at the Palace here. ANSON I A BROADWAY AT 75 ST. NLVi YOI?K Patrons of Prominence Choose the Ansonia! 1400 Large Homelike Rooms Comfortable Furni.shinps Soundproof Walls Rates will surely please! Rooms with private bp.th from $3 per day For two from $5 per day Parlor, bedroom and bath from $6 per day Booklet on Request Wire at our expense for Reservations 10 —JXI^. DAILV Wednesday, February 27, 1929 (( Sound Patents", Second Instalment EARLY SYNCHRONIZATION SYSTEMS, U.8.-P0REIGN In presenting "Sound Pa- terats," THE FILM DAILY desires to make the following clear: "While the articles may give some insight into the patent situation, it is not their purpose to give any opinion or conclu- sion as to the value or strength of any existing patent, but only to bring to the attentions of its readers what the various patents disclose. Continuing the discussion of various sound patents launched in the issue of Feb. 24, 1929, today's instaHment, the second, carries further the description of devices which are placed in a general clas- sification of Mechanical Synchroni- zation by Benjamin T. Rauber, patent attorney engaged by THE FILM DAILY to prepare this series. I On June 21, 1904, a United States patent No. 762,948 was issued to F. Schaefer for a combined phonograph and production machine the arrange- ment of which, as shown in Fig. 2, is as follows: In this arrangement the phonograph cylinder (G) is rotated by means of a sprocket chain direct- ly from a cog wheel of the projec- tion apparatus, the phonograph being placed immediately in front of the projection machine and with its horn surrounding the lens (25). On March IS, 1907, a German pat- ent, No. 182,413, was granted to Al- bert Koltzow for a device for coup- ling a projection machine to a phono- graph. In this device the shaft (b) of the phonograph (A) is placed in alignment with the shaft (e) of the projection machine (B). A rod (c) is mounted on the rotating plate of the phonograph in such a manner as to circle about the shafts (b) and (c) Fig' 3' / No, 762,948. PATENTED JOKE 21, l904. F. SCHiEFta. &FPARATOS FOR RECORDING AND BEPAODDCINO SODNDS AND OPTICAL [UPBESSI0H8. 0 MCPtL imiatTioi riLtp au. t. i*m y/////////////,v///,v///M I iiiiTi-iiut a Coupling device uniting projector and phono- graph. Koltzow invention covered by German patent No. 182,413 Schaefer device for synchronising sound and film. V. S. Patent No. 762,948 as the phonograph disc is rotated and, at a point in its path of rotation to meet an arm (f) projecting radially from the shaft (e) and carry the arm (f) and shaft (e) about with it, thus rotating both shafts (b) and (f) at the same speed. This insures that the engagement of the shaft (e) shall occur at a definite place in the rota- tion of the phonograph. In a modi- fication of the apparatus shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings a spring is inserted between the shaft (b) and the arm (f) to absorb shocks and vibrations. Various other devices for coupling a projection machine to the disc or spindle of a phonograph are also shown in the later German patent to Paul Effing, No. 214,401, granted Oct. 13, 1909, and in United States patent to R. A. Whitehead,. No 1,179,591, issued April 18, 1916. A somewhat different type of syn- chronizing arrangement is shown in German patent No. 183,969, issued April 26, 1907, in which a sliding friction means, such as a belt or friction plate, is inserted between the driving crank and the driven mech- anism of the projection machine. The projection machine mechanism is also geared directly to a phono- graph which has a central speed regulator, the idea being that the crank will be rotated at a more rapid rate than that required for synchron- ism but, owing to the fact that the phonograph is geared directly to the driven elements of the projection ap- paratus, the latter will be prevented from rotating too rapidly, the excess motion of the crank being taken up in a sliding action between the fric- tionally engaged elements. A dia- grammatic arrangement is shown in Fig. 1 of the patent, in which the phonograph is represented at (a) and is connected through the gear wheels and shaft (c) to the projection ap- paratus. A driving crank (h) serves to supply the power for rotating the projection apparatus through a belt (k) which permits the crank to slip in the event that it is rotated too rapidly. This patent was issued to Theodor Herzberg. Further improvements on this gen- eral type of apparatus were later patented in French patent No. 456,- 598 issued Aug. 29, 1913, to Leopold Pigout. To deaden the vibrations inherent in these driving mechanisms, a French Patent of Addition No. 10,377 granted in 1909, provides an elastic drive between the phonograph and the projection machine. This elas- tic member comprises a spring con- nected directly to the plate of a disc phonograph and takes up in internal torsion the shocks and vibrations transmitted from the driving mech- anism. Instead of driving the projection machine from the phonograph, or vice versa, or from a common driv- ing source, British patent No. 3,512 applied for Feb. 12, 1910, and granted March 13, 1911, provides a separate drive for each of the mechanisms and insures synchronism by an arrange- ment that prevents one driving means , n^:/. V//^^////////>!{fy//y/////////M^^y^/y/yi [- An early German device for synchronisation. Developed by Theodor Hersberg. German ' patent No. 183,969 Illustrating Donisthorpe synchronization de- vice. British patent No. 3,512 rotating faster than the other. In one form of the invention shown in Fig. 1 of the patent, a shaft (c) con- nected to the driving mechanism of the phonograph is connected to a plate (a) having a projection (a'), while the shaft (d) connected to the projection machine drives a plate (b) mounted co-axially with, and slight- ly spaced from the plate (a) and having a projection (b') which is en- gaged by the projection (a') in the event that one plate should turn fast- er than the other, in which event the more rapidly moving plate will be retarded and forced to proceed at the same rate of speed as the slower one. This patent was issued to Edmund Seal Donisthorpe. On March 27, 1912, a French pat- ent No. 438,935 was issued to Char- les Georges Williams for an appar- atus in which the phonograph and projection machine are driven from a common driving source through planetary gears the rotation of which can be retarded by suitable brakes Wednesday. February 27, 1929 DAILY 11 Diagram shmving friction disc mechanism bet-ween driving mechanism of pro]'ect»r and phonograph. British patent No. 19,593 SO as to control the transmission of speed and adjust the machines to attain perfect synchronism. The driving mechanism drives a pulley which transmits its motion through planetary gears fo the gear wheel which drives the projection machine. The gear case of the planetary gears may be held stationary by means of a brake controlled by a lever and hand wheel, or may be permitted to rotate to a desired degree. When held stationary, the gear is driven in a fixed relation to the pulley and when the gear box is permitted to rotate, its driving relation is varied to a greater or less degree. The pul- ley drives the shaft of the phono- graph through an appropriate gear mechanism. An adjustable centrif- ugal regulator is provided for the phonograph connection, British patent No. 13,701 applied for June 11, 1912, by Raoul Philippe of Paris and issued April 10, 1913, and No. 19,593 applied for Aug. 27, 1912, by Henri Portier, Gaston Schaible and Frederic Darragon all of Paris and accepted and issued Aug. 27, 1913, provide a friction disc mech- s * anism between the driving mechan- ism of the phonograpii and projec- tion ni:u-hi'ie. The general arrange- nuiil of patent No. 19,593 of 1912 is >ho\vn in I'ig. 5, in which the elec- tric motor (A) is directly connected by ine;ins of a belt (e) to the driv- ing pulley (k). The pulley (k) is mounted on a shaft (j) which is geared through the gears (1-n) to a centrifugal speed indicator (q) acting on a pointer (v). Other gears di- rectly drive the phonograph. The sluitter (g) of the projection ma- chine is rotated through a flexible shaft (h) from a friction wheel (b') pressing against the disc of the pul- ley (k), and wliich may be moved towards or from the shaft (j) to vary the relative speed of the pulley and of the flexible shaft (h) and shutter (g). The position of the friction wheel (b') and, accordingly, the rela- tive speed of the projection machine shutter arc indicated by the indi- cator (j') of Fig. 1. Another installment on "Sound Pa- tents" vnll appear m an early editio7i. Vitaphone Service from K. C. Kansas City — Vitaphone Exhib- itors here and in the St. Louis, Den- ver ai:d Omaha territories who for- merly were serviced from Chicago will receive service after March 2 from a service station to be opend here. A stock of 62,000 records as well as accessories on both Warner and First National product will be available. Scored isc Production Is Started for Feature Films Scoredisc Service Corp., which nianufacturcs Scorcdiscs, the latist innovation in sound reproduction ap- pliances, has started active production at its New York factory. Kach feature picture released after Aug. 1, 1928, will be Scoredisc-treatcd supplying exhibitors using a non- synchronous sound reproduction de- vice, with synchronized sound scores for features, the company says. The comi)any is headed by Arthur J. Abrams, inventor of the Scoredisc and president of the corporation. George I. Matthews, is vice president and sales manager. Distribution of Score- disc is to be started late in March. Consolidated Bristolphone Formation Is Completed Consolidatcd-Bristolphone Corp., is the name under which the combined Gotham-Bristolphone and the Warn- er-Lesser interests will operate, states Charles R. Rogers, president of the former, who has concluded the deal for amalgamation with Sol Lesser. The latter is returning to the Coast. White Gets Talk-A-Phone Livingston, Mont. — E. P. White, owner of a de luxe house here and president of the state exhibitors' unit, has secured a contract for the distribution rights to Talk-A-Phone, a synchronous device, for the state of Montana. British patent No. 19,593 iilustiating disc mechanism between projector and phonograph. Similar to British patent No. 13,701 SCOREDISC SOLVES SOUND PROBLEM FOR NON-SYNCHRONOUS MACHINES NO LIBRARY OF RECORDS TO BUY- CUE SHEETS NECESSARY- CUEING TO BE DONE— Demonstrations Given Daily at Our Office — Arrangements Made for Out of Town Demonstrations SCOREDISC SERVICE CORPORATION 701 8th Avenue, N. Y. C, Cor. 44th St. Phone: CHIckering 0471-X PERFORMANCES OF COPYRIGHTED MUSIC By Mechanical Devices, "VITAPHONE," "MOVIETONE," "PHOTOPHONE," "BRISTOLPHONE" PHONOGRAPHS, MECHANICAL ORGANS, PIANOS, ETC. In the rapid development and increase in the use of mechanical means of performing music, some exhibitors have received the impression that such renditions, in public perform- ances, are not subject to license of the copyright owner. The impression is entirely erroneous. License must be secured from the copyright owner, in respect of a public performance by means of any mechanical device just the same as if the performance were by a human orchestra. The Copyright Law makes no distinction as regards the means used for accomplishing the rendition of copyrighted music; if it occurs in a public performance for purposes of profit, license of the copyright owner must be secured or an infringement of the copyright is committed. Renditions by means of "Vitaphone," "Movietone," "Photophone," "Bristolphone," or any of the various synchronizing devices, or by means of phonographs, mechanical or- gans, or any sort of contrivance which will mechanically reproduce music, are subject to exactly the same conditions as regards Hcense from copyright owners, as renditions by human players. » Exhibitors and others are therefore cautioned regarding the necessity of securing, or continuing in effect if they already have it, the license of this Society before effecting ren- ditions by the above means or otherwise, of compositions copyrighted by our members. In- fringements of these copyrights will be prosecuted. Existing agreements between E. C. Mills, as Agent & Trustee of various copyright owners, and Electrical Research Products, Inc., and R. C. A. Photophone, Inc., stipulate that renditions of copyrighted musical works by means of the latters' synchronizing appa- ratus shall occur only in theatres having license of this Society. Such license is available, in respect of such renditions, under the same conditions as if renditions are by human means. This Society is not a principal party to such agreements. In all fairness this notice is inserted in publications of general circulation amongst exhibitors, to the end that they may avoid the commission of infringements through unli- censed illegal public performances of copyrighted musical works by means of any type of mechanical device, and thus become liable to the penalties provided by the law. If you have a license from- the Society, and intend to include compositions copyright- ed by our members in your programs, you should be careful to continue the license in effect, regardless of the manner in which such renditions are effected, mechanical or other- wise. If you do not have such license, and desire to use such works in your programs, you should immediately apply for license, and thus avoid the hazard of suits for infringement of copyrights. « Further information, list of members, and address of our oflSce nearest to you will be mailed promptly upon request. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF COMPOSERS, AUTHORS AND PUBLISHERS 1501 Broadway New York Biggest Deal in Industry's History ^losed by Fox :!^€> NEWSPAPER o/'FILMDOM ALL THE NEWS ALLTHE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 49 Thursday, February 28. 1929 Price 5 Cents FOX BUYS LOEW VM-G-M LOEW, M-G-M CONTINUE AS INDIVIDUAL UNITS to Fox Control Expected Bring Consolidation Later, However I'urcliase of the control ot Locw'.s Inc. and M-Ci-M by William Fox presages no ininiediate change in the present operations of botli of the ac- quired corporations. It is understood inanagenient of Lt)e\v's, Inc. and M-G-M will con- tinue to be vested in Xicholas M. Schcnck with Louis B. Mayer han- flling production; David Bernstein, finances and .Arthur M. Loew, for- eign. However, in view uf the fact that Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer parallels Fo.\ Film Corp. in every major depart- ment from studios to cxclian.ges and foreign offices, the belief is held b.\- insiders that it is merely a question of time before a consolidation is ef- {Continued on Page 30) William Fox Parallel Exchange Systems Except Butte and Canada Huttc is the only key city of the I'nited States where M-G-M has an exchange and Fox has not, it is shown in a review of the distributing sys- tems of the two firms, as contained in THF 1929 FIL^[ D.\ILY YFAR i'.QOK. Exchanges of the two rms are maintained at: Albany, At- inta, Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dal- (Coiitiiiucd on Page 30) Pathe Chain? IVfsl Coast Bur. Tllll FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Development of a chain of theaters by Pathe is reported here as behind the declared dickering of Joseph P. Kennedy and J. J. Murdock for the Pantages circuit as nucleus of a national chain of combination houses. Head oj Pox enterprises control of Loew's, Inc., Ill filmdom's history. •ivlio, by acquirinij :loses biggest deal PAYS $125 A SHARE FOR CONTROLLING INTEREST, EDGING OUT WARNERS' STRONG COMPETITION 175 Loew Houses in 21 States Swell Fox Holdings Up to 800 MONOPOLY IN BRITAIN IS FEftRED DU[ TO SOUND London — Charge that a "solid monopoly" of British theaters for seven American distributors, is threatened by the operations in this country of an American electric com- pany controlling a recording and re- Itroducing system, is made by cor- respondent of "The Daily Express." Western Electric is regarded as the object of his attack. The operations, it is alleged, threaten to defeat the (.Continued oti Page 2) The higge.st deal in motion picture history has l)een clo.sed. Wil- liam Fox has purchased a controllin<( interest in Loew's, Inc. which carries with it complete ownership of Metro-doldwyn-Mayer. The deal, first launched several months ago, came to a successful culmina- tion on Monday and initial payments for the controlling.? hlocks of .stock were made late Tuesday night. Fox paid $125 a share for the slock held by Xicholas M. Schenck, ])resident of Loew's, Inc.; Mrs. Carrie Loew, widow of Marcus Loew who founded the company ; Arthur M. Loew, vice-jiresident ; David M. Loew, director of the company; David Bernstein, vice-president and treasurer ; Louis B. Mayer, vice- president of M-G-M in charge of production and others. Previously, F(jx had purchasetl in the open market a large block of Loew common of which 1,400,- 000 shares are outstanding and in which voting jjower is vested. In open market buying, the Fox re- presentatives made an investment alone of .several million dollars. As late as Monday afternoon, it apiK>ared that the oflfer made by Goldman, Sachs and Co. bankers for the Warners might prove at- tractive enough to swerve the deal from Fox, ])ut it is understood a promise made by Schenck person- ally to Fox some weeks ago was a determining factor in bringing about consummation of this gigan- tic merger. TOTAL fOX ASSETS NOW fN $225,000,000 CLASS .\lmost $225,000,000 in assets are represented in the combined Fox en- terprises, the three major units of wiiich are Fox Film Corp., Fox The- aters Corp. and now Loew's, Inc. .\ balance sheet as of June 30, 1928 places assets of Fox Film Corp., tile parent organization for all Fox activities at $56,483,643, but this fig- ure has increased a|)preciablj- since (Continued on Page 31) The latest list of Loew theater holdings, representing theaters either controlled or in which Loew's, Inc. iiolds a financial interest appears in THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK. With the 619 houses operat- ing, in construction or planned by the Fox organization, the combined holdings now controlled under the Fox banner total about 800. The Loew holdings are as follows: .\L.-\RAMA, Birmingham: Loew's Hippo- drome. Lyric, Newlon .tikI H'nz. C.\F.IF()RNIA, Fresno: Hippodron>e; Los Angeles: St.iti ; Oakland: .State; San Diego: Hippodrome: San Francisco: Casino, Hippodrome and Wartieid ; San Jose: Hip- podrome: Stockton: Hippodrome and State. C.WADA. Hamilton, Ont.: King St.; (Continued on Page 31) Drop "Indie" Deal? Fox may drop negotiations for the 200 or more independ- ently owned houses in Greater New York, for which he has been dickering since last Oc- tober, it was reported last night, in view of consumma- tion of the Loew deal, which adds the 69 Greater New York Loew houses to the Fox ch-' .8. THE Thursday, February 28, 192' Mff^^ULTIIE MEWS AILTHE TIME Vol. XLVII Ns. 49 Tbursdai, Feb. 28, 1929 Prica 5 Cents JQHN W. AllCOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Fried richstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographii: Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am. Seat 35 34 ;4 35 Cxjn. Fm. Ind. pfd. 27"^ 27^ 27H East. Kodak ISSJi 184 185^ *do pfd 128 •First Nat. pfd 106/, Fox Fm. "A" ... 97/j 94 SeVs *do rts 3 Keith A-O 36 35 >4 36 do pfd 114Ji 112/, 114?^ Loew's Inc 84/2 81J4 83 do pfd 109 107M 107?4 *M-G-M pfd 2'5.54 M. P. Cap 28 27!4 27 K Para. F-L 65 M 64i^ 65 Pathe Exch 12/^ 12^ 12J4 do "A" 26 25^ 2S'A Radio K-A-O 36M 35?4 36J4 ♦Stanley Co 36i!4 ♦I'niv. Pict. pfd 9S'A Warner Bros 128 125'4 125.5^ do pfd 56?^ 56 56 Warner Pet. rts... 4J4 4K- '^'A CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 11 lO'A WYt ♦Bal. & Katz 81 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 23M 23Ji 23/^ ♦Film Insp 15/^ Fox Thea. "A" .. 32 30 31 Griffith, D.W. "A" 4 4 4 Intern. Pro] 25 24^2 25 I.oew do deb. rts.. 49^ 44}4 48 •Nat. -Scr. Ser 27J^ Nat. Thea. Sup. . . i'A ^'A ^A Trans-Lux II WVi 11 Univ. Pict 17J^ 17 7/8 17/8 BOND MARKET Keith A-O 6s 46. 95 /^ 95 /^ 95 }4 Loew 6s 41VVW...124 122 122 do 6s 41 x-war... 99 98 M 99 Paramount 6s 47 .. 99.)^ 99/^ 99/2 •Par. By. S-^s 51 101 Pathe 7s 37 79 /&'/» ?»% CURB BONDS •Am. Seat. 6s 36 97 •Warner 6/2S 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 31 33 do units 34 37 .... do com 4M S'/i Skouraa Bros 50 54 Technicolor 17^ 18 United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. .. 2 do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 400 700 600 46,200 l',666 500 74,700 500 3',266 38,600 3,000 600 15,900 51,500 1,800 39,400 2,600 2,866 49,966 100 200 1,200 '266 4,400 100 1 15 12 8 Vlarch 7 Opening for "The Letter" "The Letter" i.s to have its pre- ••— March 7 at the Criterion, New CIVE FAREWELL PARTY FOR JOE HORNSTEUJ As a farewell tribute to Joe Honi- steiiii, who has resigned as vice- president of National Theater Sup- ply Co. and manager of its New York branch, eniplo3-es of the firm tendered him a dinner last night at the Cla- ridge. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a watch and gold plaque to Hornstein, the gift being presented by William Gluck, assistant manager of the New York office. Walter E. Green, general man- ager, officiated as toastmaster. Hornstein has been in the theater ef|uipnient for the past 26 years, pre- viously having been an exhibitor at Hoboken. He started with the Ed- wards M. P. Supply Co. on 14th St. and later was manager of United The- ater Supply Co. About 10 years ago he formed Howells Cine Equipment Co., later acquiring the concern. He became an executive with National Theater Supply Co., about two years and one half ago. Hornstein's fu- ture plans have not yet been an- nounced. Alexander Frank, Iowa Chain Operator, Dead Ale.xander Frank, veteran Water- loo, la., showman, was found dead in his garage there, according to a wire received in New York by Frank R. Wilson, president of M. P. Capital Corp. Frank's former circuit, Frank Anmsement Co., which operated a chain of Iowa houses, was a unit of North American Theaters, which Wilson controlled up to the time of its sale to West Coast Theaters. Mayer at New Orleans Louis B. Mayer, vice president of M-G-M is in New Orleans en route to Washington, where he will attend the inaugural ceremonies for Presi- dent Hoover. Mayer arrives in Washington tomorrow, and will be the guest of the National Press Club at a luncheon given in his honor. After the inauguration the film exe- cutive will proceed to New York, discussing production plans with Nicholas M. Schenck. "Sonny Boy" Dated in N. Y. "Sonny Boy," Davey Lee's initial starring vehicle, is to open March 8 at the Warner, New York. The pic- ture had its premiere last night at the new Mastbauni, Piiiladelphia. St. Leo to be Featured in 4 Leonard St. Leo, featured in "Back from Shanghai," which stars Vera Reynolds, is to have the leading role in at least four jMCtures of the new series being made by Oscar Price, president of General Pictures. Consolidated Gets 2 Houses Durango, Colo. — Consolidated The- aters has acquired the Kiva, former- ly owned by Ed Buck and the Gem here. The Gem is a smaller house and was formerly operated by H & M Amusement Co. Monopoly In Britain Is Feared Due To Sound {Continued fiom Page 1) working of the film quota, because British theaters cannot do without films of the seven companies con- cerned, to get which they must wire their houses at a price the electrical company fixes and must pay a salary to the man the company names to keep the apparatus in order. The wired house is not permitted to show firitish, German or other rival sound pictures over the equipment, it is claimed. Clainx that monopoly of British theaters for a "seven leading Ameri- can companies" is threatened in Eng- land, because of the activities of an electrical company, is scouted in New York. Most sound pictures also are made in silent versions, which will be available to English theaters, it is pointed out, so that the supply will not be cut off, any more than will releases to unwired American the- aters. Western Electric, up to Feb. 1 had wired about 12 theaters in the British Isles. All-Educational Shows Planned in K. C. Zone First of a group of 15 all-Educa- tional pictures programs booked for different theaters in the, territory of the Kansas City exchange will be played at the Palace theater, Anthony, Kan., on March 6 and 7. This novel idea, called a "film vaudeville pro- gram," was planned and arranged by R. C. Borg, Kansas City branch man- ager. Borg already has 15 of these programs booked for March. Amusements a Necessity ; Wisconsin Tax Is Killed Madison, Wis. — Because, it was ar- gued, amusements are a necessity, the proposed five per cent tax bill has been killed in committee. Lupe Velez Coming East Lupe V'elez will arrive in New York Tuesday. WMien "Lady of the Pavements" has its premiere at the Rialto Alarch 9, she will sing and dance on the stage at each show. Zukor and Starr Get Boxes Atlolph Zukor, of Paramount, and Herman Starr, of First National, are the latest executives to purchase boxes for the AM PA Hollywood Masque Ball at the Astor Saturday. A Million Feet of Everything FILM LIBRARY SCENES Stone Film Library 220 W. 42nd St. Room 2002 Phone Wisconsin 2141 EXPLOITATION MAN who writes practical exploitation ma- terial for press books wanted by ma- jor company. Salary $75.00. Box No. A-113 c/o Film Daily, 1650 B'way., N. Y. C. The Industry's Date Book March 2 AM PA Hollywood Masque Ball i New York March 3 Masquers Revel at Hollywood March 4 Premiere of "Times Square," fir.i Gotham-Bristolphone picture Metropolitan, Baltimore. March 9 Premiere of "Lady of the Pav ments" at Rialto, New York March 12 Opening of "Noah's Ark" at Wii ter Garden, New York AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Theatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3580 WANTED MAN WHO CAN DESIGN AND BUILD SETS This fine studio, which makes photographs for na- tional advertising, needs a man who can design and build sets. He will work directly with Lejaren a Hiller, a noted artist, and will have every facility to work with for quick and economical handling of background settings. Only young men of good char- acter and proved experi- ence between twenty-five and thirty-five years of age will be considered. Salary arrangements will be thor- oughly satisfactory to the man selected. Apply by letter as quickly as possible to Ben sf). Jennings, Vice President Underwood & Underwood 242 West 55th Street New York /- r CAXAKY" HAXIpS UP isi:roiti»s! '^THE CANARY MURDER CASE." Another one of PARAMOUNT'S 31 Quality All-Talking Hits released Jan.-Aug., 1929. With William Powell, James Hall, Louise Brooks, and Jean Arthur. Malcolm St. Clair Production of S. S. Van Dine's mystery thriller with 1,000,000 readers. THE ■^&»^ DAILY Thursday, February 28, 19 NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FAST GROWING FIELD OF SYN- CHRONIZATION SOUND TIPS ON EQUIPMENT AND VARIOUS DE- VICES ARE NOW AVAILABLE By CHARLES F. HYNES DEFOREST GUARANTEE OE SOUND QUALITY NOT NEW Guarantee of General Talking Pic- tures that quality of sound in thea- ters equipped with De Forest Phono- film "shall be equal, if not superior to the quality of sound reproduction of any reproducing device, regardless of price," is not new, for it has been part of all contracts to date, when requested by the exhibitor, the com- panys says. It will continue to be inserted in contracts when requested, it is promised. Sound for Monroe House Monroe, Wis. — Sound pictures soon are to be introduced at the Monroe here according to Chester J. Goetz, one of the owners of the house. G. L. Redman is partner and manager. Movie-phone at Wis. House Kaukauma, Wis. — Movie-phone sound apparatus has been installed at the Vaudette here, according to Wm. Van Dyke, manager. Orchestrola in Connecticut New Britain, Conn.- — The Rialto has leopened after redecorations and overhauling. Orchestrola sound equip- ment has been installed. UUman Representing Cinephone S. George Ullman, former business manager for Rudolph Valentino, has been appointed West Coast represen- tative for Powers Cinephone with head*>^^ President and Chairman Board Directors. UNITED ARTISTS CORPORATION. HARY PICKF NOW BOOKING 2 PRINTS SILENT AND 100% TALKIE Musical Synchronization by Hugo Reisenfeld BIG PUBLICITY! BIG ADVERTISING! rnr? jr;-ii. -»aw INC lOO%JalkieJ Mary Pickford's Voice on the Screen! That's Big Business News for any Theatre "Hear Mary Pickford! See Mary Pickford!" What a line that is going to be for advertising copy and your lights! And when you also tell them that Mary Pick- ford will appear in that sensational stage suc- cess— "Coquette," a story that is ideally suited for the making of a lOO^o Talking Pic- ture— — That here is a new Mary, modern, grown- up, in the greatest role of her whole career. — That Irving Berlin wrote the special theme song "Coquette' And when you tie up your showing with the "Coquette" Caravan Newspaper exploitation stunt — Your theatre won't be big enough to hold the crowds you will attract. UNITED ARTISTS PICTUR For A Great BOX-OFFICE PICTURE Another Outstanding Attraction for You GLORIA SWANSON— Heard and Seen ERIC VON STROHEIM— Direction "QUEEN KELLY"— Box-office Title A picture combination that can mean but one thing — Big Business for Theatres Anywhere! 4 Directed by ERIC VON STROHEIM QUEEK I K E L LY GREATER BOX-OFFICE ATTRAC ^ TALKING MiuL SINCIHC Ml i.sS>~i) NOW BOOKING with SOUND or SILENT m .% ^ Millions will be charmed when they hear Gloria Swanson speaking from the screen. Millions will applaud her in the singing sequences. As a convent girl and her love affair with a Prince of a mythical kingdom in central Europe, — as "Queen Kelly," boss of a no- torious resort called The Swamp located in what was once known as German East Africa — Miss Swanson captures all by her inspired performance. "Queen Kelly" is a great Swanson produc- tion and a tremendous box-office attraction. UNITED ARTISTS PICTUR: TION THAN ^'SADIE THOMPSON DOOCLAS (( Douglas Fairbanks Scores Hit!" "Another Robin Hood "Mammoth sets — sweeping mob effects — eye- filling beauty — breath-taking action — and a smashing appealing conclusion. What a pic- ture 'The Iron Mask' is! Not a moment's let down of interest — not a break in the smooth continuity — not the slightest lagging in tem- po! It's a film you'll see and see again. "It presents Douglas Fairbanks as the screen has not seen him since 'Robin Hood'- youthful bubbling F'airbanks so spontaneous- ly lively that you feel you want to jump from your seat and cheer him. "Fairbanks is the life of the film and its most brilliant actor. His sword play — his armor — his flashing spirit won plaudit after plaudit from the enthusiastic audience that packed the seats and overflowed into the lobby. NOW BREAKING ALL RECORDS— Rivoli, United Artists, N. Y. Hollywood Filmograph EAR DOUGl Musical Synchronization by Hugo Reisenfeld EE DOUG!" OANKS jvill ialk XHi Acteen u k *THE THREE HUlKETEERf J* ■> .S' ."\ .Xf^ m V. r ^irec^ec^isy ALLAN DWAN ACTION, ACTION, ACTION — MORE ACTION. THAT TELL$ THE STORY. IT If IMACINATIYE. IT If RESPLENDENT SETS ARE MARVELOUS, CROWDS CIYE CREAT MASS MOVEMENT. THERE IS THE CHARACTERISTIC FAIRBANKS BREADTH, SWEEP & STUNTS. HIS BEST JOB OF STORY-TELLING. DON'T MISS IT" % 1 A I R B A N K S' \ oicc on the screen I A I K B A N K S as your patrons like to see him FAIRBANKS in another story of "The Three Musketeers" FAIRBANKS in the fastest moving picture he has ever made. FAIRBANKS in his greatest picture. Advertising values that will be worth millions in ticket sales for theatres every- where. NOW PLAYING TO TREMENDOUS BUSINESS AT RIVOLI - UNITED ARTISTS, N. Y. NOW BOOKING with SOUND or SILENT UNITED ARTISTS PICTURE I That Line Will Line 'Em Up Everywherej OHK i II America s most distinguished actor. ETERHAL CAH I LLA JOHN BARRYMORE follows his record breakin 'Tempest" with the most at- tractive role of his screen career. A daredevil fascinating vagabond of the Alps, a romance of terrific passion and strong loves, a tempestuous heart drama with America's most distinguished actor at his romantic best. The romancer the world loves — living the romance the world loves. A picture for all types of theatres and all types of audiences. 4 # JOSEPH H. ICHENCK UANS KRALY JOUN>YCOHIIDINE MV ERNiT Jzraductio4v II LOVE UORN.am^ uiniit ODART DO|>YOIITH VICTOR YARCONI ^ DODIL ROiINO A ROMANCE OF TIIK ALPS, intense, thrillin<<. The natural beauty of the scenic backgrounds aj^ainst which the story is laid is something never to be forgotten. Harrymore-Lubitsch-"Kternal Love." An- other United Artists Picture whose ticket selling assets promise Big Business for all theatres. Musical synchronization by Hugo Reisen- feld. Theme song — "Eternal Love" written especially for the picture and published by Irving Berlin. UNITED ARTISTS PICTURE "Wl With SOUND or SILENT PAYB "IS PACKING THEM IN!" "D. W. Griffith has the best box-office production he has turned out in many years. "It is packing them in at the United Artists Theatre in Los Angeles. In point of story and direction D. W. has mastered S. R. O. "It will send them out talking and send I in more. >» WILLIAM DOY JETTA COUDAL LUPE YELEZ GEORGE FAWCETT ALBERT COHTI Motion Picture News Held over for the 3rd week at the United Artists Theatre, Detroit. 4 < i \ 4 Going Big at United Artists Theatre, Chi- cago. Opening soon at the RIALTO, New York TITLE -- STORY -SONG HIT- RADIO TIE NiEHTS //. TiTfii Jty fftiHiy jDerluuib JtU LUPE VELEZ SINGS Irving Berlin's song — "Where Is The Song of Songs for Me?" — three times; "At the Dance" twice and "Nena" once. NOW BOOKING SILENT or with SOUND UNITED ARTISTS PICTURE TbHuLudioft with Dialogue UP and Lupe Felez - That's BOX-OFFICE' Herbert Brenon whose picture "Sorrell and Son" was voted as one of the 10 best for the year 1928 by 326 news- papers throughout the country through the Film Daily. "LUMMOX" One can confidently predict, that such a story, in the hands of such a director and pro- duced as a 1(K)% Talking Pic- ture—Will Be One Of The Outstanding Box-Office At- tractions Of The Year. NOW BOOKING A GREAT NOVEL // (ZrontjthcjiovcLJw FAHKIE UUIIST 1 lerbert Hrcnoii produced for tlic entertain- ment of millions one of the greatest docu- ments of human emotions ever made — "Sorrel I and Son." In "The Rescue" his latest picture, starring Ronald Colman, Mr. I^renon produced from Joseph (Conrad's popular novel a pic- ture about which the Detroit Press said: "Mr. Hrenon will probably carry off an- other gold medal with this one." In "Lummox," Fannie Hurst's best seller, Mr. Brenon has a story that presents the opportunity of creating one of the most fas- cinating, heart-gripping and intensely in- teresting characters the screen has ever seen. Scenario by Elizabeth Meehan fftnedenied My JOSEPH H. ICHENCK Fannie Hurst, Author of "Lummox' UNITED ARTISTS PICTURE TER AS A MOTION PICTURE low OOKING Facts Worth Knowing "SHE Goes To War," by Rupert Hughes, was published in Red Book Magazine. Henry King director of "SHE Goes To War" directed "Tol'able David"— "The White Sister"— "Stella Dallas." Musical synchronization by Modest Alt- shuler, former director of Russian Sym- phony Orchestra. Theme song "Joan" written by Harry Askt. "There Is a Happy Land" also by Askt, is sung by Alma Rubens. Titles by John Monk Saunders. (Author of "Wings.") ^^S^y SitMented My INSPIRATION PICTURES .Hc. tfV. FRED DE CREIAC jrofn the .noveUji/ RUPERT HUGHES "SHE Goes to War" ^^ for Biggest TO WAR WITH DIALOGUE and SINGING A startling, surging document of woman's part in the great war photographically registered, as never before, by a master director — with the reverent bigness it so rightfully deserves. "SHE GOES TO WAR" is Big! Big in spectacle! Big in thrills and soul gripping suspense — with a powerful romance so ten- der, so magnificently portrayed no heart will escape the strength of its appeal. "SHE GOES TO WAR" is the greatest achievement of Inspiration Pictures who gave you "Resurrection" and "Ramona." UNITED ARTISTS PICTURE Business and New Theatre Records A Thriller of Thrillers ! A melodrama that surpasses for dramatic tenseness any- thing that the screen has mir- rored for many months. cPj'ederded My JOSEPH H. ICHENCK Adapted from the stage suc- cess "Nightstick," written by John Wray, J. G. Nugent and Elaine Sterne Carrington. "Alibi" is a sure-shot for ex- ceptional box-office business. Musical Synchronization by Hugo Reisenfeld "I've Never Seen a Smile Like Yours" published by Witmark — sung by one of cast FHE DIRECTOR OF ^'THE BAT' MiejunderworUL'" "NICUTITICK" ROLAND WEST offers his greatest achievement — a 1()0% Talking, Sin^in^, Dancing dramatic thriller that estabHshes a new hi^h mark in the use of Sound. As entertainment, this gripping story of the underworld, that spreads its web through the theatre and the night clubs, can be placed at once on the preferred list of posi- tive money makers. Everybody loves a thriller. Everybody will say THIS IS one of the very best. NOW BOOKING SILENT or as lOO/c. TALKIE UNITED ARTISTS PICTURE T HIS THRILL MAKING BEST REX IHGRAMS t i God, Gold and Woxntn A mighty drama of the forces that rule saint and sinner; rich and poor; society and under- world. Passion's playground set in fashion's background. An International hit by the director of "The Four Horsemen of The Apocalypse." Say the London Critics: Daily Telegraph: "From the opening scene, the spectators' attention is taken captive and it is never for a moment released until the end." Today's Cinema'. "Powerfully dramatic tale developed in brilliant manner. Vivid cli- maxes, moments of suspense, and %^^i.. thrills. Rex In- gram's best film." ^ CO) MO HAMILTON ALASTAIR MACKINTOSH #; W[ '^:| K* f 7^ .f '^Sm }] Musical Synchronization hy Hugo Riesenfeld Now Booking! ) Ik UNITED ARTISTS M Wte "ifhn^a^A UlAMOnA lYAN TROYITCH cuuL AYLE CARDHER. Los Angeles Examiner: "Holds interest. Cast is effective. Powerful scenes which are highly interesting." Los Angeles Record: "Lavish film. Settings gorgeous — type distinctive." Los Angeles Times: "Intrigues the specta- tor. Admirers of Ingram will find this satisfactory fare. Alice Terry looks more satisfactory than ever." PICTURE With SOUND or SILENT I' \: Warm, human Romance. Subways — alarm clocks — walk-up flats, New York's teeming life as millions live it. Musical Synchronization by Hugo Riesenfeld ill J4V THIS SAHUEL COLDWYI JNITED ARTISTS PICTURE "This IS Heaven jOit Mie Mreeit U EAVE N MHth JAHEJ UALL ILFDED SAKTELL cBtociactioiv Vilma Banky has captured the hearts and emotions of millions by her screen art and her beauty. "THIS IS HEAVEN" will increase their admiration for "the loveliest woman in the world" — a picture that enables her to make her first appearance as a modern American girl and her voice to be heard on the screen for the first time. THIS IS HEAVEN" is a heart-tug wow — bigger than anything since Samuel Gold- wyn gave you "Stella Dallas." NOW BOOKING with SOUND or SILENT box-office business ROKALD An F. RICHARD JONES pro- duction with Joan Bennett and Montague Love in support of Mr. Golman. •<^f JzteAeniecL Jw SAMUEL COLDWYN y-T .Bs , • V %■ ^ mr~ t fi\ liV «i^^«« /. You'll learn about JJt 0% TALKI ¥ £r^ai xrw>k Mielacbxuna Juf "SAPPER" UNITED ARTISTS PICTURE Samuel (j()ld\v>n clicks aj>ain with his box-office showmanship. From the cashier's window, "Bulldog Drummond" looks like Big Money every- where. Ronald (dolman's voice heard on the screen for the first time — and how they're going to flock to hear that. Ronald Colman as the hero "Bulldog" Drummond, in the greatest crook melo- drama of the generation. J^erfect! The type of picture everybody loves — with the star that everybody loves. Spine- chilling — hair-curling in its drama — full of chuckles and good laughs in its lightness and a love story that tops anything Colman has ever done. . R. from this one d OUT OF UNITED ARTISTS PICTURES SELECTED AS 1928's BEST That's stepping some ! That's an achievement to be real proud of. 326 newspapers throughout the country, voting in the Film Daily BEST PICTURE poll, placed THREE United Artists Pictures in 10 BEST for 1928— "THE CIRCUS " "SORRELL AND SON" "SADIE THOMPSON" And these FIVE:— "The Gaucho"—"Ramona"— "Tem- pest"— "Drums of Love" — and "Two Lovers" were placed in the list of 48 for Honorable Mention. A great year! BUT — there is a greater one coming. We have shown you 11 new^ candidates for the "Year's Best" — there are more to come — More Big Business Builders that will make the seasons 1929-1930 the Great- est in the History of UNITED ARTISTS DATE THESE NEW WINNERS- NOW! £)/^|LY Thursday. Feb. 28. 1929 ■iLi3!f»^bfU/tJaOuUA "U" Has 42 Ready to Start Work Vehicles Await Assigning of Directors Prior to Start of Production- New Western Electric Portable Sound Equipment Being Used at Metropolitan Free Lancing Privilege Under Mary A stor Contract LAEMMLEJR. SAYS NEW PROGRAM STARTING SOON I'nivorsal lias 42 fully completed MTceii stories which arc awaiting the assiKiiiiiK <^'f directors to start pro- duction, according to Kdward J. Montague, scenarit) editor-in-chief. Within a very siiort time both "Show Boat" and "Broadway" will lie re- leased, and innnediately following the company will start on the new production program, says Carl Laem- mlc, Jr., associate producer for Uni- versal. Stuart Working in Three Nick Stuart is working in three Fox pictures. They arc: "Joy Street," in which he appears with Lois Moran under direction of Raymond Cannon; "Girls Gone Wild," being directed by Lew Seiler, and is conferring with Director David Butler on final scenes of "Chasing Through Europe." Bela Lugosi in "Prisoners" I'.ela Liigosi, well known for liis stage portrayal of "Dracula" api)ears in pictures f(»r the first time in "Prisoners," Corinnc Griffith's latest I'irst National. Gibson Unit on Location Hoot (iibson is on location with his "Points West" company, last (iibson feature on the present sea- son's schedule. Alberta X'aughn ap- pears opposite the star. New Columbia Talker Krle C. Kenton has been assigned direction of "I-'ather Love." Colum- bia talker. Jack Holt and Dorotiiy Revier head the cast which includes Helenc Chad wick and Micky Mc- Bann. Baggot to Direct Denny King Baggot has returned to the I'niversal fold and will direct Regi- nald Denny's next picture. "Let Me Kxplain." also known under work- ing title "Believe It or Not." Shoot- ing will start in a few days. It will be a talking feature. Preparing "The Great Divide" I'irst National has signed Montv Katterjohn to write adaptation of tlic forthcoming screen version of Wil- liam N'aughn Moody's play. "The tjreat Divide." whicji is scheduled to i)e an all-talker. Developing Non-Flam Film Norman Neville, associate idm ed- itor of the Darniour-RKO studios, is developing non-inflanmiable film for home projectors. Mary Astor Signed Mary Astor's new Fox con- tract calls for four pictures a year, leaving her free to free- lance between pictures. This is a reversal of the usual plan for farming out players. $250,000 ADDITIONAL TOR AT New buildings to liouse the nui>ic department as well as wardrobe and l)roperty units has led to a $25(1,000 additional appropriation for construc- tion at tlie RKO Prod, studio, rais- ing tile total budget to $500,000. Directing Dancing Numbers Larry Caballos. revue producer on the West Coast, is directing the big dancing chorus for Alice White's present vehicle, "Broadway Babies.'' a First National-Vitaphone picture with singing, talking and dancing. Ceballos is originating a number of stage presentations and dancing numbers for the picture in which Miss White will sing four songs. The cast of this musical comedy in- cludes Marion Byron, Sally Eilers, Charles Delaney, Fred Kohler, Tom Dugan, and Louis Natheaux. Mer- vyn LeRoy is directing. Sono Art Using New W. E. Portable Equipment Sono-Art. Prod, producing "The Rainbow Man," at the Metropolitan studio?-, Los Angeles, is tiie first company to use the ncw^ type of portable recording e(|uipment manu- factured by Western Electric. Use of the new equipment makes possible the filming and dialogue recording of many outdoor scenes heretofore impossible because of lack of selectivity in the apparatus now generally in use by producers using Western Electric systems, Sono-Art says. Ruth Taylor Free-Lancing Contract of Ruth Taylor has not been renewed by Paramount and she will free lance. Cast in Gilbert Film Both Eleanor Boardman and Renee Adoree will be seen in the John Gilbert's new vehicle, "Redemption." Abbott to Direct Moran & Mack George Abbott, stage director of "Broadway," "Coquette" and "Gen- tlemen of the Press" who recently went to Hollywood to direct talk- ing pictures for Paramount, will have charge of the first audible film of Moran and Mack. He also is slated to direct a talking picture film adaptation of Edith Wharton's latest novel, "The Children." Preparing Radio Film William J. Cow'aii is preparing production of "Help Yourself to Happiness" for Radio Pictures. Beaumont to Make "Ballyhoo" "Ballyhoo," adaptation with music of Beth Brown's story, is new M-G- M directorial vehicle for Harry Beau- mont. It will star Norma Shearer, and get under way as soon as Miss Shearer completes work in "The Last of Mrs. Cheynej'." Paramount Signs Skelly Hal Skelly, who appeared in the stage play, has been signed by Para- mount for "Burlesque," all-talker soon to go into production. Eraser, a Bank Director William R. Eraser, general man- ager of the Harold Lloyd Corp., has been named a vice president of the California National Bank, Beverlv Hills. A Little from ''Lots'' By RALPH WILK M-G-M Casts Loder John Loder. has been given the leading role in M G-M's picturization of Ben Hecht's "The Green Ghost," soon to go into production with Rup- ert Julian directing. The cast will include Edward Martindel, Lionel Belmore, John Miljan, Philip Strange and Richard Travers. Completing "Fox Follies" Latest word from the West Coast studios is that "Fox Movietone Fol- lies" will be completed soon. Robert Benchley Returns Robert Benchley. has returned to New York from Hollywood, during which he finished his latest Fox Movietone comedy, "Stewed. Fried and Boiled." "Far Call" Started Production has started on "The Far Call," which Allan Dwan is di- rectiiiK for l"ox. The cast includes Charles Morton, Leila Hyams, Ul- rich Haupt, Tiny Sanford, Charles Middleton. Pat Hartigan, Arthur Stone. Warren Hymer and Ivan Linow. R-K-O Tour for Gilda Gray Gilda (iray has signed for a 20 week tour of the R-K-O circuit. She opens at the B. E. Keith Memorial, Boston, March 11 and will close the tour at Los Angeles. Hollywood MR. and Mrs. "Doug" llodKc- arc the proud parents of .Ann Isa- bel, who arrived last week. Ann is their first-born and tips the beams at eight pounds. "Doug" is a famil- iar fiyure around Coast studios and is a product of Indiana. * * * Buron Fitts, city prosecutor, has placed his stamp of ap- proval on the courtroom scenes in "Through Different Eyes." which was directed by J. G. Blystone. Jack Francis, vet- eran New York police reporter, acted as technical director of the production. * * ♦ /jiicieii Little field, kiiowti rhicfly fvr hin chu facte rizntiovn of old men, in playing a "ftheik" in "The Girl in the GldKx Cage,". Ralph Pawitnii'x initial directorial effort for Fimt Xatio)ial. Ijiiciev in in his early thirties, hut has played aged char- acters for so many years that even acquaintances believe he is about fifty. * * ♦ .Speaking of former New York re- porters, (ieor.gc Rogan and his col- laborator, Norman L. Spcr, have joined the Pathc scenario staff. (George was a "star" reporter on the "New 'S'ork World." George and Norman arc the authors of "The Minstrel Show," which will be a Uni- versal special, starring I-Iddie Leon- ard. * tf * Andy Rice, in describing a friend, said, "He does not have to rehearse to be ignorant." « » « Our Passing Show: Hob Montgomery and Eddie \n- geiit chatting at M-d-M; Felix Feist watching "Poison Joe" Sheridan tronnce Eddie Gill at the Hollywood Legion ring; Wilbur Morse, Jr., pre- paring for a busy season on the tennis courts; smiling Joe Boyle busy at M-G-M. * * * The "J's" have it. In this case, the "J's" arc John. James and Joe t)f Warner Bros, studio. John i- John .\dolh. who is directing "Head- lines." and James is James Starr, author of the original story. Joe i^ Joe Jackson, who prepared the arlap- tion. And we also add another "J " for Jack L. Warner, who preside^ over the production destinies of the Warner and First National studios. 30 DAILV Thursday, February 28, 1929 Fox's Deal for Loew's Climaxes Career CAREER STARTED ON WAY WITH CAPITAL OF $1,666 B.V MAURICE KANN William Fox, head of the vast and rapidiy-expandinp enterprises which bears his name and "lone ea^le of the industry," again has startled the industry and financial world by his gigantic and dramatic stroke in ac- (|niring Loew's and M-G-M. An independent always, from the day 25 years ago when he was pro- jected into the business in a little store show in Brooklyn through the hectic days when he became a pro- ducer, only to find the patents com- pany octopus threatening him with extinction, down to the present, Fox has played a lone hand. Fearless and courageous — his struggle with the patents trust finally culminated in the wrecking of that menace, under auspices of the United States gov- ernment— ; foresighted and progres- sive— to his credit may be charged many of the revolutionary develop- ments of the industry — William Fox today stands at the pinnacle of suc- cess, occupying a position which now seems well-nigh impregnable. Invested in Penny Arcade Fox's entry into the business was characteristic. After aggressively winning success in a lower East Side business, he was induced to invest in a penny arcade, in what proved to be a bad deal, for the lad in his early twenties, proved unschooled in the tactics p^revalent at that day. However, by dint of hard work and perseverance, he put over the project, and then branched out and took over two similar ventures. Them he turned attention to theaters, acquiring a store show seating 700, in Brooklyn, and later the Dewey and Gotham in New York, in what then was con- sidered a big theatrical coup. Formed N. Y. Film Rental Co. Later, he entered distribution, with his Greater New York Film Rental Co. This enterprise prospered, and under his guiding hand, the firm branched out with exchanges in east- ern cities. The one and two reel subjects available for distribution, were unsatisfactory to Fox, so he formed the Box Office Attraction Co., to produce. At that early date, he recognized the need for a distribution system, so before making a foot of film, he developed a selling organi- zation in 22 of the nation's key cities. The first picture for the young pro- ducer was directed by the late J. Gordon Edwards at the Eclair studio. Fort Lee, N. J. Later pictures were made at Scott's farm on Staten Island and at a Jersey City studio. Fox spent most of 1914 preparing his pro- ducing program, and after a few films had been made, decided that a larger scale operation was necessary, so Fox Film Corp. was formed and al)Sorbcd the Box Office Attraction Co. History of Fox-Loew-M-G-M Deal Nov. 22, 1928— THE FILM DAILY gives first intimation of Loew sale in editorial tipoff that a deal involving $100,000,000 was under way. Dec. 7 — Nicholas M. Schenck in Los Angeles charges that published report of impending Fox-Loew deal is "unfair report, maliciously created possibly with the idea of a stock manipulation." Dec. 10— THE FILM DAILY reports that deal of Fox for Loew's and M-G-M is under way, despite denial of Nicholas M. Schenck. Dec. 11 — "I have no interest in acquiring the chain, I don't want to buy it," William Fox told THE FILM DAILY in denying report of deal for Loew's and M-G-M, which he brands as lie. Dec. 11— THE FILM DAILY respectfully declines to apologize for Fox-Loew-M-G-M story or to divulge the name of its informant. Jan. 18, 1929 — Nicholas M. Schenck again denies any deal for sale of Loew's and M-G-M to Fox, stating he had not seen William Fox in about a year. New York film circles buzz with report deal is on. Feb. 12 — "Loew's and M-G-M are not for sale. You can't make the denial too strong," Nicholas M. Schenck declares in denying any deal is under way; Warners reported dickering, as Coast report credits Claude Ezell with stating deal is on. Feb. 12 — Louis B. Mayer emphatic in denying on Coast that any deal for sale of Loew's and M-G-M is under way; Ezell denies stating negotiations were pending. Feb. 15 — Strength of Loew stock regarded in financial circles as presaging closing of deal for sale to Fox or Warners. Feb. 19 — H. M. Warner denies that any deal of his company is pending for acquisition of Loew's and M-G-M. Feb. 21 — Dept. of Justice scanning reports of Fox deal for pur- chase of Loew's and M-G-M, says Washington report. Feb. 25 — Deal for sale of Loew's and M-G-M to either Fox or Warner to come to head within week, THE FILM DAILY ex- clusively reports. "There is no more truth to reports of a deal for sale of Loew's and M-G-M than there was when I unequivocally denied such reports several days ago," Nicholas M. Schenck states. Feb. 26 — Return of William Fox to New York renews reports of deal for purchase of Loew's and M-G-M; THE FILM DAILY says that banking circles incline to belief that Fox deal is more likely than Warner. Feb. 27 — New York still buzzing with report of sale of Loew's and M-G-M; Fox has deal set is one report while another says Warner deal is in the bag, with THE FILM DAILY again report- ing the belief the Fox deal was near consummation. Feb. 28 — Fox deal closed for purchase of control of Loew's and M-G-M. Fox purchased the Eclair studio, organized new stars and new units, serving notice that he was in the procluction field with both feet, and intended to remain. When one studio proved insufficient, he bought others formed new units and new companies. Takes Aggressive Production Bow Expansion continued to mark activ- ities of the rising magnate, who had met and overcome the threat of the patents trust. He entered the labor- atory field in 1915 with a film print- ing plant at Fort Lee. The crowded home office quarters were enlarged, new offices were established in Amer- ican keys; Canada was invaded and in turn. South America, Aus- tralia, New Zealand and Cuba. Then came 1916 and Fox speeded up production, opening his studio in Hollywood. In addition, he estab- lished agencies throughout Europe, India, China, Japan and other points of the Far East. His films were proving box office-cards, because they were made with the applied show- manship knowledge of Fox, the the- ater owner. Next year, production was doubled. The following year found the company traveling at a rapid pace, increasing its studios and laboratories. Centralizes Various Projects The progress being made by Fox was reflected in 1919 when he built a $2,500,000 home office building and studio in New York. This building was constructed to house the administration offices, the eastern studios, and a modern lab- oratory. It included room for many producing units to work simultan- eously in the studios, as well. This centralized the extensive busi- ness of Fox Film Corp. in two plants — one in New York and one in Hollywood. Today there are twenty- nine Fox branches in the United States, six in Canada, and seventy- five in other parts of the world. Steady expansion marked Fox's progress during the ensuing years. New theaters were built to assure outlets for his product, others were acquired, and two years ago. Fox, who had formed Fox Theater Corp., to acquire and operate theaters. m GROWTH IN 2 YEARS HAS BEEN PHENOMENAL startled the industry by calmly an- nouncing purchase of the Roxy the- ater, New York. Sheehan Goes West The expansion program that fol- lowed was paralelled by a revolution- ary change in the standards of Fox liroduct. Winfield Sheehan was sent West. Almost overnight, the Fox stu- dios were assuming a connnanding position in the entertainment field, by a series of definite box office succes- ses, which speeded the Fox expan- sion. It was slightly over a year ago, that Fox closed a deal for con- trol of Wesco, operating the West Coast chain of around 250 theaters on the Coast, and controlling Mid- wesco, with 50 Wisconsin theaters. Key city theater expansion con- tinued, as did the forward strides of the producing company. Fox, with uncanny foresight, had been quick to recognize the potentialities of sound and had pioneered in develop- ing Movietone, which continued on its forward course and with Vita- phone brought about a revolution in the entertainment field. By the en- ergy and resourcefulness of Fox, the penny arcade purchased twenty-five years ago has expanded into two corporations — Fox Film Corp., the producing and distributing company, and Fox Theaters Corp. The former today climaxes its phenomenal his- tory with acquisition of Loew's and M-G-M. LOEW, ViU CONTINUE AS INDPUAL UNITS iContiiiued from Page 1) fected. Generally, Metro exchanges are to be found in all cities where Fox now operates. The foreign of- fices of both companies are split up somewhat differently. However, now that both organiza- tions are identically controlled, the impression prevails that it would be good business policy to combine of- fices where feasible in an effort to cut overhead. Parallel Exchange Systems Except Butte and Canada (Continued from Page 1) las, Denver, Des Moines, Detroit, In- dianapolis, Kansas City, Los Ang- eles, Memphis, Minneapolis, Milwau- kee, New Haven, New Orleans, New York, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Phil- adelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland, St. Louis, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington. In Canada, M-G-M product is dis- tributed through Regal, while Fox maintains its own offices at Calgary, Montreal, St. John, Toronto, Van- couver and Winnipeg. THE Thursday, February 28, 1929 i^mk OAILV Huge Consolidation, Industry's Largest TOTAL fOX ASSETS NOW IN $225,000,000 CLASS It y'l'i'i"'"'' frum l\i ; Indian- apolis : I'alacf. KKNTUCKV, Louisville: Loew's and .■^tatf. I,()U[.'^I.\N'.\. New Orleans: Crescent. .M.\KVI..\\1). Baltimore: Century, Park- way. Stanley and \'alcncia. .\I.\SS.\( HUSKTTS. Boston: CoUinihia, Globe, Orphcuni and Stale; Worcester: I'ly- nioutli. MICHIC.A.V, Flint: Capitol; Kalamazoo: State: Saginaw: Capitol. MISSOl'Ul. Kansas City: Knipn'ss, Gar- lien, Lilierty and .Midlanil; St. Louis, Gar- rick aiul State. .NICW JICKSKY, Hoboken: Lyric; Jersey City: Jersey; Newark: State. .\K\\' YORK, Astoria: .\storia ; Brooklyn: .Mpine. Avalon. Hay Ridge, Bedford, Bijou. l!oro-Park, itrevoort, Broadway, Coney Is- land. Forty-sixth St., Fulton, Gates, Kameo, Manor, Melba, Metropolitan. Oriental, Pal- ace. Piccadilly, Pitkin Ave.. Premier and Warwick: Corona: Corona and Plaza; Floral Park: .\lpine: Flushing: Prospect ; Jamaica: Hillside, Valencia and WiUard; Mt. Vernon: Gi, nil. It. Ill ,111.1 .Ml. \iiii..ii, New Kochelle: Loews; New York City: .\nierican. Asior. .Avenue B, Itoulev;ird. Bnrland, Burnside, Capiiol, Circle, Commodore, Concourse, I)e- lancy, Kightythird St. ; Kighly-sixth St. ; Flsniere, Embassy, Fairnionnt, Freeman, Gr.'iiid. Grecly Sq., Inwood, Lexington, Lin- coln Sc)., Loew's 32nd St., National, .\e\ff ^'ork, 167tli St.. 116th., ()ri)lieum, Kio. .Sev- enth Ave-, Sheridan, Spooner, State, Vic- toria and Victory; Rochester: Regenl. Star and .State; Syracuse: Slate: White Plains: White Plains; Woodside: Woodside; Vonk- ers: Loew's Andrus. OH bo, Akron: Hippodrome and Loew's; Canton: Loew's; Cleveland: Alliambra. Al- len, ("ameo. Circle, IJoan, Kuclid Heights, (iranada. Liberty, Loew's, Mall, .Metropoli- tan. Park and .State; Columbus: liroadway and Ohio; Dayton: Loew's New Dayton. PKN.NSYLVANIA. Harrisburg: Loew's, Palace .and Regent; Pittsburgh: .Mdinc. C'o- loiiial. Liberty, Lyceum and I'enn. ; Reading: Colonial and Reading. RHODE I.SL.VND, Providence: Loew's State. TENNESSEE, Knoxville: Loew's; Mem- phis: Majestic, Palace, State and Strand; Nashville: Wiidonie. TI';X.\S. Dallas: Melba; Houston: Isis, .Majestic, Metropolitan. Queen and State. I'T.MI, Salt Lake City: Casino. \IKG1NIA, Norfolk: Colonial, Granby, .Vorva and State; Richmond: Colonial and Loew "s. W.XSHINGTO.N, Seattle: Palace Hippo- ihcinie and Seattle. tion pictures the upward trend of gross, net income after all charges and taxes, as well as surplus: Year Hinted Uross Net Auii. ,il Income Income Sur/^lns I92,S ...$99,260,303 $8,568,162 $14,833,171 1927 ... 79.597.030 6,737,205 13,647.450 1926 ... 62,209.579 6,388,200 10.623,080 1925 ... 56.294,746 4,708,631 6,376,050 1924 ... 42,937,269 2.949.053 3.788,979 1923 ... 19.634,355 2,415,489 2,961,486 1922 ... 19,608,302 2,267.871 545,997 1921 ... 18,906,102 1.800.550 100,413 These are some of the financial highlights of the company which was founded by Marcus Loew and which grew from a penny arcade in Cincin- nati not so many years ago to its present proportions. Control of Loew's carries with it complete ownership of Metro-Oold- wyn-Mayer Pictures Corp., for the entire coininon stock of this produc- ing and (listrii)uting company consist- ing of 620,000 shares of common at a liar value of $5 is owMied by Loew's while the $4,768,669 in cumulative 7 per cent preferred is listed on the Xew York Stock Exchange. This preferred is divided in 176.617 shares of $27 iKir value each. In its last fiscal year, M-G-M contributed a net profit after taxes of $5,396,717 to the $8,568,162 earned by the parent com- pany. In other words, $5,396,717 of the total profits were earned by the Ijroducing and distributing company and $3,171,445 by the Loew theaters. Two Near Memphis Closed Star City. Ark. — The New here and the Dixie at Como, Miss., are reported closed. Kilbourn Managing Two Slayton, Tex. — Paj'ne Kilbourn has been appointed manager of the Pal- ace and Custer here. FOX THEATER EXPANSION LAUNCHED 2 YEARS AGO An interesting conunenlary on the national importance of the Fox-Loew deal may be gleaned from the fact that the Fox holdings now total al- most 800 theaters. .\s of Feb. 20, William Fox had under lii^ (.-Dntrol 619 theaters built or soon to open in the I'nited States. The Loew cir- cuit, according to THF 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK, controls and, in most instances, owns major- ity interest in 175 theaters scattered in 21 states. The I'ox total cnihraces the 200 or more independently-operated theaters in the Greater New York zone which have yet to be acquired. The Fo.x expansion started about two years ago with the lightning- like acquisition of Roxy, New York, following which Wesco and Mid- wesco's 250 theaters on the Pacific Sloi)e and in Wisconsin were ac(|iiir- ed. First runs also have been built in Detroit, Brooklyn and St. Louis. Others are being completed in San Francisco, Los .Xngeles, .Si-attle, Newark and sites for future construc- tion have been acquired in Atlanta. Boston, Cleveland, F'ittsburgh and New York. Wiring Sixth Memphis House Memphis, Tenn. — The new Or- pheum will have sound pictures in about a month, making the new $1,- 500.000 house the sixth in Memphis' loop district to have sound film equipment. CAPITOL, ROXY'S CHIEF ■RIVAL, IN FOX'S HANDS With control of the Loew com- |jany assured by purchase of a con- trolling interest at $125 a share, the Fox organization now finds the chiei competition for its prize house, the Roxy, in its possession. The the ater is the Capitol, but a block re moved from the big 6,000 seat Roxy in New York. The deal also gives the Fox organi- zation Loew's State theater and build- ing at Broadway and 45th St., a valu- able theater i)roperty as well as lease- hold; the lease on the Astor when- Metro has been housing its long runs for several years past; the lease- on the iMtibassy and control over various nearby theaters in the Time-, Square district, such as Loew's New- York and New York Roof and Loew'- American on 42nd St. and 8th Ave. In addition to this. Fox plans a 52 story oftice building and 2,000 seat theater on the present site of the Central. This theater will be used for show window purposes and i^ being confined to an average capacity in ordt-r to avoid competition to the Roxy which is only a few blocks awaj-. In point of nunu-rical ])rowess. Paramount will be Fox's nearest competitor for (ir.st honors on Broadway, this organization control- ling the Paramount and Criterion and holding a fifty-fifty interest in the- Rialto and Rivoli with United Artists Theater Circuit, Inc. M-G-M to Handle "Great Power" Distribution Claimed as the first stage play l>< be directly transposed to the screen, cast, dialogue and action being the same as produced on the >tage, "The Great Power," all-talker made by Fraiiklyn Warner Prod., will be dis- Iributed by M-Ci-M, undtr a deal closed by Alatty Radin. general man- ager of the producing firm. Warner, Los Angeles financier, now is de- voting all time to production, and plans establishment of studios in New York and Hollywood, Radin states. The company plans four pic- tures a year, two of which will be produced at Hollywood and two in the East. Work on the next i)icturi- starts in the ICast in three weeks. Hartman Managing Fark Williamsport, Pa. — Harry A. Hart- man of Milton, Pa., has been ap- pointed manager of the Park here. Gregory M. Beck former manager of the Park is now managing the Keystone. The Park recently in- stalled \'itaphone and Movietone. Improving Billion House Billion, S. C— B. B. Benfield, man- ager of the Everybody, is renovating the house and installing sound equip- ment. 32 Thursday, February 28, 1929 8WIT0W SEES MERITS IN BOTHRECORDINGSYSTEMS Merits (111(1 (ira-ivbacks of soitiid- oii-disc and souud-on-fihn rccord- iiui arc discussed in the accom- panying article by S. J. Smitow, veteran Louisz'ille shoivnman, and one of the pioneer sound film shoivmcn. The article is one of a scries on the subject being con- ducted bv THE FILM DAILY, to ascertain sentiment of industry I(^aders as to respective merits of the two systems. Louisville, Ky. — Getting to the point and clecidinK which is the bet- ter system, fihn or disc recordniK, is one of the hardest problems fac- ing the industry at present with the matter to be decided only "by the distinctive mechanical merits and future perfections of each particular system. This is the opinion of S. J. Switow of M. Switow & Sons. Kentucky and Indiana chain opera- tor. The company's experience over a period of two years leaves much to be argued regarding proper pro- cedure for future recording, he says. "Experience has taught us that records so far have proven more sat- isfactory than film for the simple rea- son that new records are furnished and regardless of the condition of the print, as long as it is of the proper length the talking will remam in synchronism," he says. "The big- gest disadvantage to records which we have found so far is the fact that you cannot use over 1,000 feet to each machine, making a change-over necessary every ten minutes and m case you have a film break above the aperature plate, then your reel is completely out of synchronism with no chance of rethreading, even tiiough this break happens in the middle of this particular reel. It is then necessary either to omit the balance of the film on that reel or take the film off, patch it, rethrcad it and start from the beginning again, which is very undesirable as far as good showmanship goes. "The distinct advantage of film re- cording is the fact that no matter where your film breaks you can im- mediately rethread and your talking will be in synchronism and we have found in most cases that there is not enough dialogue lost to make any material dif^ference. The disadvan- tage of film recording being of course, the fact that unfortunately film will not stand up under hard usage and that due to the cost of film and printing, it is not practical at the present time for exchanges to furnish each account with a print in absolutely perfect condition and nat- urally wear and tear on film will cause distortion of sound. "Summing the above arguments up, which are not news to you _ as every practical showman will bring out that which I have outlined and getting down to the basic point I am of the firm belief that sound-on-film Short Shots from New York Studios ;ii^By ARTHUR W. EDDY mm,^^ FREDDIE FLECK is going places ranging from Carnegie Hall to Connecticut in making exterior shots for "The Greene Murder Case," which Paramount will make at the Coast. He has been directing shorts at the Astoria studio. * * * The "patter blender" is a term coined by Edmund Joseph, Warner dialogue writer pounding his type- writer at the Vitaphone plant. He defines the "blender" as a dialogue expert who writes the ad lib talk which leads an actor into his song. * * * The largest sets built at Para- mount's Astoria studio since it was reopened are now in use in the mak- ing of "The Cocoanuts." They are the work of William Saulter, the studio's art director. * * * H. M. Baldwin, secretary to Monta Bell at the Paramount plant, learned his brand of finished diplomacy through similar efforts in behalf of Ben Hecht, who recently turned screoi writer, and Alexander Wol- cott. * It 1^ Genie Fursa, one of the two Gam- by Hale units working in "The Co- coanuts," looks like good screen ma- terial, according to Paramount studio people. She somewhat reseniiiles Sue Carroll. * * * George Britt, who handles publi- city at Paramo^cnt's Long Island plant, finished an oration to a couple of newspapermen and then tacked on the alleged pun: " 'Gentlemen of the Press' this is 'Nothing But the Truth' ". He forgot to ring in "The Letter" and "The Hole in the Wall." * ♦ ♦ With the single sound proof stage in constant use, Warner Bros, will erect another at the Vitaphone stu- dio. Even with shooting in progress on two stages the studio will present a calm appearance compared with 1916, when 22 units were in produc- tion, if our information is correct. * * ♦ Bryan Foy recently directed J. C. Ntigent in a sketch which the w. k. stage player wrote himself. Foy, who made the first 100 per cent, talking picture, "Lights of New York," has charge of short talking subjects being made for Warners at the Vitajjhone studio on the other side of the East River. is the most practical and foolproof method of reproducing talking pic- tures. I fully believe that within a very short space of time, this film recording will have reached a point whereby the exchanges will be able to furnish each sound house with a good print and the various disadvan- tages of the square picture and the lack of color will have been over- GALA PREMIERE OPEING OF I'!iila(leli:^hia — Warners last night opened the newest link in their chain, the $5,()()(l,(10() .Mastbaum, erected by the Stanley Co.. as a monument to the late Jules Mastbaum, founder of the Stanley firm, 'J'he house seats 5,000. Many prominent figures of the film world were at the opening, wiiich marked premiere of "Sonny Boy." A special train was run from New York for the event. Addresses by Mayor Mackey and l)y H. M. Warner dedicated the house, which has a continuous policy with 75 cents week day top and 85 cents Saturday and holiday top. 350 Foreign Film Limit Being Sought In France Paris — Only 350 foreign films can be imported into France in the next year if a resolution passed by dis- tributors is adopted by the film con- trol commission. Last year, under the agreement negotiated with Will H. Hays, 500 importations were per- mitted. Vehicles Acquired for 40 of Warner, F. N. Program II est Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Forty of the 70 vehicles to be filmed for 1929-30 sea- son by ^\'arners and First National. already have been acquired, states Jack Warner. Six all-talkers have been completed, he says. New Opposition at St. Louis St. Louis — New and serious opposi- tion for the motion picture theaters of St. Louis and St. Louis county has developed with the formation of the Theater Society of St. Louis which has for its object the presentation of about 35 weeks of good dramatic productions annually. Fire at Milwaukee House Milwaukee — Fire destroyed the in- terior of the Pastime, neighborhood house. The loss was not estimated. Halverson at Elgin Elgin, la. — J. C. Halverson has taken over the management of the American Legion here. Improvements for Fonda House Fonda, la. — Ed. Recknagel, man- ager of the Muzu here plans several improvements at that house, it is re- ported. To Close Canova House Canova, S. D. — The Canova here will be closed due to poor patronage, states S. E. Lawver, manager. Bickley On the Job Dallas — Stokes Bickley, who was confined in a hospital here, is again handling the Heywood-Wakefield line of theater chairs. JERSEY VOTES TO JOIN AELIED STATES ASS'N New Jersey's exhibitor unit has cast its lot with Allied States .^.ss'n. headed by Abram F. Myers. Deci- sion to affiliate with Allied was made at a meeting in New York at- tended by about 30 members, repre- senting about 60 theaters of the state. At the meeting, Joseph M. Seider, president, announced that through efforts of the organization a 25 per cent reduction of fire insurance rates, and 20 per cent reduction of liability rates had l)een secured for members, as well as a ?>^ 1-3 per cent reduction from General Electric in price of lamps, under a co-operative buying basis, members, however, buying lamps direct. A roDort on legislative situation in tlic state also was made. Among members present at the meeting were: Leo Rosenblatt, sec- retary; E. Thornton Kelly, treasurer, and Jack Halperin, Pete Adams, Sid- ney '.Samuelson, M. Robinson, W. Ricardi, Dr. Stumpfig, Clinton Weir, Frank Gersten, I. M. Hirshblond. W. C. Hunt, Lou Gold, Jack Nelson, Jacob Fox and M. Warner. Sells Majestic, Okla. House Cherokee, Okla. — M. McDowell of Wellington, Kansas, has brought the l)uilding which houses the Majestic. Greeley Repealing Censor Law Greeley, Colo. — The City Council unanimously passed an ordinance re- pealing the old censor law here. The ordinance is scheduled to come up for another reading and should it be passed the repeal will become legally effective. Texas Mission Sold Mission, Tex. — R. N. Smith has sold the Mission here to his cousin, Ed. P. Smith. The house now be- comes a unit of the K. & H, circuit, owned by Oscar Korn. R. N. Smith is in Dallas where he has a theater interest. Wagner Buys Gary House Gary, Ind. — Charles Wagner, has purchased the Rex here which was formerly operated by Nick Paikos. Pirtie Buys At Jerseyville, 111. Jerseyville, 111. — The Bijou here has been sold by Percy Gladden, who op- erated the house for three years, tn S, E, Pirtie, Dovle Carter associated with Gladden will continue as man- ager of the house. Pirtie owns and controls houses at Beardstown, Mc- Leansboro, Macon, Mo. and Bush- nell. LeKander At Gevena, 111. Geneva, 111. — Adolph Sievers has been succeeded as manager of the Fargo here by Glenn LeKander of ^^''est Chicago. Hooper Leases Tex. House Moran, Tex. — Gene Hooper has leased the Moran here from J. C. Brooks. Buys Maysville House Maysville, Okla. — Sam Mankins has purchased the Folly here from the Brewer Amusement Co. Fox Prepares to Close for N. Y. "Indie" Houses iTHE y/FILMDOM ULTHE ALLTHE TIME 'OL. XLVII No. 50 Friday, March 1, 1929 Price 5 Cents That Deal TWO great companies are alxmt to unite. Formal an- nouncement will he made nomentarily of William Fox's icquisition of Loew's, Inc. which ■arries with it Metro-GoMwyn- vlayer. A most significant move, start- ing in its scope and amazing in ts potentialities. Fox, the "lone ■agle" of the industry and doer )f big things, and Nicholas M. Schenck, showman extraordinary IS his career has amply demon- strated, thus are found massing heir world-wide interests undei I single standard. Two Leaders Here is a powerful combina- ion of executive leadership. Fox, )ne of the pioneers, built up his ;remendous business on a paltry foundation of $1,666. A steady ind consistent, albeit cautious, growth has marked his endeavors until a bare two years ago when lightning-like moves such as the icquisition of the Roxy, Wesco, Midwesco, Poli and now Loew's ,eft their impress upon an industry accustomed to the unusual. Take Schenck. A toiler from his youth, steeped in the lore and fact of show business, Marcus Loew's able associate and successor to the founder of the Loew insti- tution when that founder passed on. Working assiduously through the years, sacrificing pleasure and ease for the grind of business, this still young man who occupies an unquestioned niche as one of the industry's leaders may be pointed to as the principal factor in the striking success of Loew's, as an exhibiting company and of Metro- Goldw^n-Mayer, as a force among producing organizations. Hands Joined Now Fox and Schenck are met on a common ground. Having in- dividually gone far, it becomes difficult to forecast what their joint efforts will bring forth for their companies and their industry. K A N N INDUSTRY AMAZED BY SUDDEN AND DRAMATIC FOX-LOEW COUP Fox Move Surprises Coast as Warners Were Believed Set PARAMOUNT RK-0 REPORT IS REVIVED ON COAST Hcst Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — While the film col- ony here is reeling from news that Fox has acquired Loew and M-G-M, hurried departure of William Le- Baron for New York led to revival of reports that the R-K-O Paramount deal is under way. Coast reports persist that the deal for management of R-K-O theaters by Publix has been consummated $1,064,278 Loss Shown by KAO and FBO in 8 Months Loss of $262,234 after interest, de- preciation, amortization and Federal taxes for the eight months ended Aug. 31, 1928 is reported by Keith-AIbee- Orpheum, FBO Prod., and subsidiar- ies. After dividend requirements on preferred, of K-A-O and Orpheum Circuit this is equal to net loss of $1,064,278. H'cst Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Closing of the Fox deal for acquisition of control of Loew's. which carries with it control of M-G-M astounded the film colony here, when the deal was made known Wednesday by THE FILM DAILY, prior to its publication in the East. This was due chiefly to the current belief that Warners had the lead in negotiations for control of Loew's. Deal Is Constructive Step, Declares Jesse L. Lasky IVest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Purchase of control in Loew's and M-G-M by Fox is a good move for the industry, states Jesse L. Lasky. Franklin Sees Move As Proper and Progressive H-Vrf Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Deal of Fox for Loew's is a constructive step which should benefit both companies and the industry, Harold B. Franklin, president and general manager of Fox West Coast Theaters said, when (Continued on Page 10) Fox Deal for N. Y. Independent Houses GoingThrough: No Hitch rOX NABBED CONTROL VIA OPEN NARKET,LOEW STOCK Accumulations of Loew common purchased in the open market by representatives for William Fox were added to the formidable blocks held by Nicholas M. Schenck, the Loew family. David Bernstein, Louis B. Mayer and others to swing control of the company to the Fox interests. There were 450,000 shares held by the major groups in Loew's, and it (Continued on Page 11) William Fox's deal for Greater New York independent theaters will be consunmiated on schedule. Reports in circulation Wednesday night that acquisition of the Loew company in- cluding its 69 theaters in New York and suburbs would perhaps terminate negotiations with the independents proved entirely false yesterday and were so branded by a Fox official who declared contracts had been signed. About 200 houses are embraced which, with the 69 New York theaters now operating under the Loew banner, will make the Fox the- ater line-up in the New York zone (Continued on Page 10) Gigantic Proportions of Biggest Deal Subject of Wide Discussion Acquisition of control by Fox of Loew's and M-G-M was the subject of all conversations in New York film circles yesterday. With formal announcement of the deal imminent, the trade was rocked perceptibly by the sudden and dramatic stroke by which Fo.x closed the deal, at the very time when a number of reports in the trade were to the effect that closing of a similar deal by Warners was impending. Throughout the negotiations begun last year, a veil of secrecy has been maintained. Fox, it is said, quietly began acquisition of stock in the open market, ascertained whether such a deal would be objectionable to the Department of Justice, and then stei)ped in with a high bid which brought a sale of controlling interests, thus clinching the biggest deal in film history. GREAT ARWFtAIENT UNITEDJY FOX DEAL Ifest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — An imposing array of talent executive, professional and technical, will be brought under one control as a result of Fox's acquisi- tion of Loew's and M-G-M. While the organization will function as separate units, the dual arrangement to result will make the position of the combined companies an extremely powerful one in the production field. Fox executives include Winfield R. Sheehan, general manager of Fox, who heads both the Fox and Movie- tone studios. General studio man- ager of both is Sol M. Wurtzel. M-G-M has Louis B. Mayer as its chief executive; M. E. Greenwood as general studio manager and the fol- lowing production supervisors: Irving ('•. 'Jhalberg, Harry Rapf, Hunt Stromberg, Bernard Hyman, Edward Mannix and Larry Weingarten. Players under contract to Fox are: Maria Alba, Frank Albertson, Mary (Continued on Page 2) THE Vol.XLVIINo.50 Friday, Mar. 1,1929 PrieoSCoots JOHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York. N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Ffiedrichstrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. GREAT ARRAY Of TALENT UNITED BY FOX DEAL STOCK MARKET High Low Close Sales Am. Seat 3454 34J4 34U 100 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 27Ji 27 27'^ 1,900 East. Kodak 184 J^ 184% 184% 800 *do pfd 128 *First Nat. pfd 106}^ Fox Fm. "A" ... 98 95H 9654 25,200 *do rts 3 Keith A-O 365^ 365^ 3654 100 do pfd 11354 113^4 11314 100 Loew's Inc 84% 81% 84 91,700 do pfd 108^ 108 108 J4 100 *M-G-M pfd 255i M., P. Cap 30 28H 30 5,200 Para. F-L 65!^ 64% 64M 13,900 Pathe Exch 12% 1214 125^ 8,700 do "A" 26 25J4 2S'A 300 Radio K-A-O 36J4 36 36% 12,800 Stanley Co 36 35 35 400 •Univ. Pict. pfd 9814 Warner Bros 125H 123 123% 28,600 do pfd 56 54% 56 2,200 Warner Pet. rts... 4% 4% 4J4 14,000 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 11% 10% 10J4 2,700 ♦Bal. & Katz 81 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 23% 23% 23% 3,100 Fox Thea. "A" ..32 30 31 K 47,500 ♦Griffith, D.W. "A" 4 Loew do deb. rts.. 49 47% 47% 500 *Nat. Scr. Ser 27^ Nat. Thea. Sup. ..8^ 8% 8^ 300 Trans-Lux 11}4 10 J4 11J4 6,200 *Univ. Pict 17% BOND MARKET •Keith A-0 6s 46 95 ^ Loew 6s 41ww ..123 122 J4 122% 14 do 6s 41 x-war... 99 98"/^ 98^ 21 Paramount 6s 47 . 99% 99% 99% 4 Par. By. 5%s 51.. 102' 101% 102 6 •Pathe 7s 37 78% CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36.. 96% 96;4 96% 5 ♦Warner 6%s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 31 33 do units 34 37 do com 4J4 5% Skouras Bros 50 54 Technicolor 17% 18 United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED CaU WAFILMS, Inc. Walter A. Futter, Pre*, for Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46th St., New York Bryant 8181 (.Continued from Page 1) Astor, Warner Baxter, Marjorie Bee- be, Rex Bell, Dorothy Burgess, George Bickel, Joe Brown, Sue Carol, Marguerite Churchill, Robert Clark, Elizabeth Collins, Sammy Cohen, June Collyer, Gino Conti, Antonio Cumellas, Clifford Dempsey, Louise Dresser,, Mary Duncan, Charles Eaton, Charles Farrell, Stepin Fet- chit, Sylvia Field, Earle Foxe, Janet Gaynor, Frederick Graham, (javin Gordon, Olympic Guilherme, Lums- den Hare, Warren Hymer, Dorothy Jordan, Florence Lake, Lola Lane, Allan Lane, Dixie Lee, Ivan Linow, Edmund Lowe, Arnold Lucy, Sharon Lynn, Delia Magana, Paul McCul- lough, Victor McLaglen, Farrell Mac- donald, Lois Moran, Charles Morton, Natalie Moorehead, Paul Muni, Barry Norton, George O'Brien, Paul Page, David Percy, Sally Phipps, David Rollins, Lola Salvi, Juan Sedillo, Sylvia Sidney, Arthur Stone, Nick Stuart, Don Terry, Lila Tora, Lupita Tovar, Helen Twelvetrees, Paul Vin- centi. Directors under contract to Fox are: John Blystone, William Beaudine, Frank Borzage, David Butler, Irv- ing Cummings, Raymond Cannon, Allan Dwan, A. F. Erickson, John Ford, Howard Hawks, W. K. How- ard, Charles Klein, Henry Lehrman, F. W. Murnau, Norman McLeod, Robert J. Flaherty, Lew Seller, George B. Seitz, Benjamin Stoloff, James Tinling, Norman Taurog, Mar- cel Silver, Harry Sweet, Paul Sloane, Edward Royce, Bernard Vierbel, James Parrott, Raoul Walsh, Eugene Walter, Alfred Werker. M-G-M players under contract are: Renee Adoree, George K. Arthur, Nils Asther, Lionel Barrymore, John Mack Brown, Lon Chaney, Joan Crawford, Jane Daly, Karl Dane, Marion Davies, Mary Doran, Jose- phine Dunn, Julia Faye, Greta Garbo, John Gilbert, Raymond Hackett, William Haines, Phyllis Haver, Leila Hyams, Dorothy Janis, Buster Kea- ton, Charles King, Gwen Lee. Bessie Love, Tim McCoy, Joel McCrea. Polly Moran, Robert Montgomery, Joyce Blanche Murray, Conrad Na- gel, Edward Nugent, Anita Page, Aileen Pringle, Dorothy Sebastian. Norma Shearer, Lewis Stone, Ernest Torrence, Racquel Torres, Fay Webb.. Directors under contract to M-G-M are: Harry Beaumont, Charles Brabin, Clarence Brown, Tod Browning, Jack Conway, James Cruze, Cecil B. De- Mille, William C. deMille, Jacques Feyder, Nick Grinde, George Hill, Lucien Hubbard, Rupert Julian. Rob- ert Z. Leonard, Fred Niblo, William Nigh, John S. Robertson. Erich Schoenfelder, Edward Sedgwick, Vic- tor Seastrom, W. S. Van Dyke, King Vidor, Sam Wood. "M. P. Record" Sold Seattle — R. H. Ring has purchased "M. P. Record" from Clyde Walker. Carl Mahne is new editor. Those Ampas i By JACK H ARROW ER = THEY gave a fare-thee-well party to Vic Shapiro at the AMPA luncheon yesterday. The white haired boy Harry Reichenbach was assigned the job of giving Vic the big sendoff. Harry started by say- ing "I knew him when he left the film business to join Sam Goldwyn." Then he launched into a very fine tribute to Vic, the general tenor of which was that a bird who could sell a screen star to the public all over again after she had been going for 20 years was holding out on himself by being so darned modest person- ally. * * * Harry sez: "Look at vie. What do I do? When I think they're going to give me the razzberry, I walk in and demand a 7-aise. And they fig- ure a guy with nerve like that must have something, after all." Now you know the big secret of Harry's success. * * * Vic chose for the subject of his valedictory address: "The Films Fifty Years from Now." Gosh, wot an imagination that bozo's got! He pictured you sitting in the audience getting all the real sensations that the star was experiencing on the screen. You could taste the cham- pagne he drank at the big whoopee party, and experience all. the sensa- tions he got when he was neck the heroine. Sounds good. But years from now we personally wc be able to experience those kind sensations. So that's out. * * * Well, gang, all that Glenn / vine, George Harvey, Bruce Gal and Harry Reichenbach said ah Vic Shapiro as a regular fellow square shooter and a brilliant p licity man was plenty. This was 1 ballyhoo that was 100 per cent tn backed by warm sentiment ti carne right from the heart. The c ing room was packed to the doc and the boys stood up when Vic c eluded and gave him an ovation ti should have been heard in Hot wood. Fire At Little Rock Little Rock, Ark. — Fire destroi the Gem here. EXCELLENT and SNAPPY! Age raiieis Ba Can assure you that your service is excellent and the trailers very snappy and to the point and an asset in all directions. CIRCLE PLAYHOUSE, Annapolis, Md. MX^/MP^^^^ The latest improvements in sound reproduc- ing devices . . . comparing favorably with equipment selling at ten times its price. . . . second to no other, the Royal Ampli- tone has been endorsed by some of the fore- most experts in the business. * * * A radical new step in engineering, built with the precision of a watch, synchronizing per- fectly with both film and disc. * * * When youi hear the Royal Amplitone com- pare it not with other machines within its price range, but with the finest equipment in the country. * * * IMMEDIATE INSTALLATION Prices and information on request. ROYAL AMPLITONE CORP 145 West 4Sth St., New York City S(JvNK: l)jjuv of a Ivaditi^ first run exliihitor. Enter Mr. Exhibi- tor, beaming and rliitclilinii. He has just tcitnessed a trade shoiiinii of Douglas Macl.ean''s talking comedy-thriller, '■'The i'.arnatiim Kid."' Mr. E. has the picture booked and he^s tickled to death, lie lights up a Corona-Corona and summons Iiis secretary: Take a letter to Doug MaeLean"" "Dear Doug: 1 just saw your talking picture, 'The Carnation Kid' and it's sure a knockout from every conceivable box-office angle. It's by far your best since "^The Hottentot' and it sweeps you right up in the front rank of the talking stars. The way 'The Carnation Kid' mixes the thrills with the laughs and the talk with the music is great. The story speeds along like a breeze. Every voice in the picture is A-1. Frances Lee is the cutest little trick I've seen in some time. And the scene where that big, beautiful blonde, Lorraine Eddy, tries to vamp you because she likes her men rough will start any audience roaring. Congratulations, Doug. A bow to Al Christie for giving you such a swell show. And another to Al Cohn for writing the story. What a break for you boys and Paramount! And for us smart fellows who have these great Paramount talking pictures coming week after week." AL CHRISTIE presents Douglas Maclean in "The Carxatiox Kid'' A Paramount Picture '-.4 •i n ▼r TU{ lOHiwoir/ DAUGHTER Melodrama Crowded with Action/ Thrills/ Surprises! Brilliant Dialogue Superb Music Score Great Love Song Big BoX'Office Cast Includes: BERT LYTELL GERTRUDE OLMSTEAD Charles Gerrard, Lilyan Tashman, Donald Keith Story by Louis Joseph Vance Directed by Albert S. RogeH Booked to Play the 1 Week of March 2 Bert Lytell in a "Lone Wolf" story can always be „depended upon to draw the crowds to your theatre! He TALKS in this One! •».';1 A TRULY GREAT • i Grippimi Dialogue Seqmn JEAN UERSUOLT LINA BASQUE ^ RDSAR0SAN0VA-MARMFRANKUN-JUUNN€JOHNSTON-JAa Adapted From FANNI{ HIRSTS Cel ■«*? AFRANKR.d DlflBCTOfl .* s W. :0^ 1 Li; JL ht ^^ir ^\ ^ ^^^^Lsmi&M^^ - 1 L • I Marvelous Musical Scmf IRIOVRDO CORTCZ RtX LEASE M-SYDN€Y CRDSSlfY-OTTO FRItS -JULIA SWAYNt CORDON fed Stage Play IT IS TO LAUGH" Xfl/A/€' -^Mt DONOVAN AFFAIR Coluvixhia^s Sensational All-Talking Picture ^ / ci Acclaimed hy Leading Showmen the Ace of Box-Office Attractions Featuring An All-Star 10(y/o Talking Cast of Popular Screen Favorites — JACK HOLT, DOROTHY REVIER WILLIAM COLLIER, Jr. AGNES AYRES, JOHN ROCHE FRED KELSEY, HANK MANN WHEELER OAKMAN VIRGINIA BROWN FAlRE ALPHONSE ETHIER EDWARD HEARN, ETHEL WALES JOHN WALLACE Screen Play Adapted from OWEN DAVIS' Famous Mystery Thriller Directed by FRANK R. CAPRA, Director of "Submarine", the Year's Greatest Record- Breaker aivd Money-Maker! REMEMBER/ This is a 100% Dialogue Production — and the Picture Your Patrons Are Waiting to See! \n SEE HEAR HfarnerlDroA. preAent WARNER BROS. MILLION DOLLAR KID HEAR HIM TALK! HEAR HIM SING! A Sensation 1 as the i INITIAL 1 FEATURE for the OPENING, FEBRUARY 27th of the Magnificent 1 MASTBAUM THEATRE Philadelphia OPENS March 8 Warner Bros. Theatre, N. Y. C. TWO-A-DAY 1 AT $2.50 (■ EVERETT ETTY BRONSON 5:eka.rio bv c. graham baker. tiRECTEO BY ARCHIE MAYO Davey Lee in a great Warner Bros. /itaphone extended run production 'Sonny Boy"! A talking and singing )icture that is proving a box office wonder t the Mastbaum Theatre in Philadelphia. 'Jail it at once! OAHS ARK 'J OHif picture ever made WhatWamerBros.PromiseWarner Bros. Deliver Woodfmll lifts Charge of M.P.T.O.- Hays 'ii-'-i>p Mystery 1-G-M-U.A. MERGER AS fore: RUNNER TO PARaMOONI DEAL' Loeto-M-G-M Sale Report Assailed by S. Schenck •/•FltMI>OM#'XWl**^^*l-!-™E TIME 9't 40 PHONOFILMS WEEKLY WH'H DISC SYSTEM ALSO PLANNED Mattce Charged by Schenck , Report ol M G M Fox sttnniisi'iB'- ftrttmH^fl It - nuiinmia In \ JsiS^St!: DffiiJWFiSf i sA on -it;,. v=ri Tiffany-Stahl Set on British, Frencli ■ Comff, A-' ,. .HERMAN STARR HEADS FIR Hi^li^NAT'L UNDER WARNH CON! On A^poftatf Loax^t-ii-C-U Dtat IrS^ittrasssMisSKSCBsiiiiisiiiim *" ' "r--;££r-*"i m will pswiii- 6BSGaii.(Mit™7M™ ■C^^Z^ZrM. . ' The'Ttmd-.'i JJuJ/ 0«y ! - ■- — l--i- -T,^ iM. V, X«T«ir ^»cW (twni n«»r •( ■rttl (!U *^> ftr linto w» «* "•* wa-™! Nothing to Wamer-lioew Reports, U. Warner Says Hi Ipl ALL fas MEWS Ialithe time ■u v^ I TJXLNTFRCHANGEABlUf Y PROBE PUNNED AT ONtE Z^ uwiiiioKiimm •Ml, UMUrViiiSsti*' (^ J __ — H. -M. ^.(l 0«r -JJJ^. Sound Track Systems Ssir Coast Dlicussiori ALLTM NEWS lAlLTHE TIMS ?DEPT. OF JUSTICE DECLARED I SCANNING FOX-LOEW REPORT V-**, I ^Qft»f<-I'j!'lK*Oiy CItarit SimaU'in Cutthig Fox N. Y. Sales Force ,XLTHE H£WS iALlTHE TiME 1 * ^ WARNER OR FOX DEAL FOR LOEW h'k^L READY SOON IS COAST BEUEF ^V* :» S«- 3S:: -ww-^ Atitotftaifc Bookings ttt \ Y to ??*^*' ^^r*!Z W^ ■, ^-^ jh« "S-^tK^ 4 » tint" I Both Sound Sys/cws liav^ Piace, Quigfey^^ Ftgures -a»~"i£- i)s.fiws«iafiff .*-?:?• -^^ Om)MllOiilllfl.ii AtmCm Maa^ |«r 'Shu {*^« JU^ RETURN OF FOX RENB REPORT OF LOEW » „xtS\ BTJIlillWiiSIONfll «„!"'■, - _'TiC^r«*"' "I Disc Systiitn, Quigli j Di . lor* > ^ ^ t'"j (^ *l^ » M HiMtl^ THE TALK OF ALL THE NEW ALL THE TIMI hiith Bo^ Say^-Ftu" Scare Passing \ .\'ew Bristolphonc :>Wu,o roiju'r Recording Co.usT iNO DEAL FOR SALE OF LOEW 1 TO WARNERS, SCHENCK SAYS ]iQan IM4 OiM«i T» ^;^^^;"-«<_«o*->r *r^*2^''" "^ ■ ~ •y:^':^ =^ J ■ >Wt«3«*«»««t^t* ■ iSiirA.y^.is,^'"" lMUf> t^i 1 t\*tn \;;"'?I^-'^Ei«fl DwUm Sloliilg M-G-lii- ' Ht^omer Merger waj Pending « ,™; ■ ■ . KBK no nmiEvSKr .^i'^Hi .4;mounTIOUi>0 i.ptian, Hollywood, Iris, La Mirada, Paramount and Vista ; Huntington Park : California, Huntington Park and Lyric; Inglewood: Granada and Inglewood ; Long Beach : Capitol , Egyptian, Imperial and West Coast; Los Angeles: Alvarado, Balboa, Boulevard, Carlton, Carthay Circle, Criter- ion, Crystal, De Luxe, Figueroa, Golden Gate, Highland, Jewel, Lincoln, Loew's State, Manchester, Mesa, Metropolitan, Million Dollar, Ritz, Rivoli, Royal, San Carlos, Starland, Sunbeam, Uptown, Ver- mont, West Adams, Westlake and Wil- shire; North Hollywood: El Portal and Lankershim; Oakland: American, Clare- mont. Grand Lake, Oakland, Senator and T & D; Ocean Park: Dome and Rose- mary; Ontario: Granada; Pasadena: Col- orado, Florence, Pasadena, Raymond and Strand; Pinoli: Oakland; Pomona: Cali- fornia; Redlands: Liberty, Loring, Majes tic and Redlands ; Redondo : Capitol and Redondo; Richmond: California and Rich- mond; Riverside: Mission, Regent and Riv- erside; Sacramento: Capitol, Hippodrome and Senator; Salinas: California and Strand; San Bernardino: New California, New Theater and West Coast E. St. ; San Diego; Cabrillo, California, Fairmount and North Park ; San Francisco : Califor- nia, Fox, Granada, Imperial, Loew's Warfield, Parkside, Portola and St. Fran- cis; San Jose: California and Mission; San Luis Obispo: Elmo and Monterey; San Peero : Cabrillo ; Santa Ana : West Coast- Walker ; Santa Monica: Criterion; (Santa Paula: Glen City; South Pasadena: Rialto ; Stockton : California and State ; Taft: Hippodrome and Sunshine; Tulare: Fox Deal for N. Y. Independent Houses GoingThrough;No Hitch (Continued from Page 1) by far the most formidable in the greater city. In practically all in- stances, the Loew houses are already wired with Western Electric sound equipment. Plans calls for immediate installation of "Erpi" devices in the independent houses about to be taken over. This will bring sound pictures to New York neighborhood houses, a step which is expected to increase their grosses at once and at the same time provide a vastly increased mar- ket for various types of Fox product in sound. It is estimated that 1,000 days will be added to Fox Movietone News accounts by this deal alone and that the revenue from the talking newsreels will swell the national weekly business of Fox Movietone News by many thousands of dollars per issue. As noted, the date on which the in- dependent houses will change hands is set for early in March. The oper- ating company, as outlined in the original plan, will be Fox Metropoli- tan Playhouses, Inc. Playhouse ; Venice : California and Nep- tune; Visalia: Visalia ; Watsonville: Ap- pleton and California ; Wilmington : Em- press and Granada. * * ♦ LOEW'S— -Los Angeles: State; Oakland: State; San Diego: Hippodrome; San Fran- cisco: Warfield; San Jose: Hippodrome. * * * CANADA FOX— None. LOEW'S — Hamilton, Ont. : King St.; Lon- don, Ont.: Loew's; Montreal, Que.: Loew's ; Toronto, Ont. : Loew's-Uptown and Yonge St. * + * COLORADO FOX — Denver: Isis and Plaza. LOEW'S— None. * ♦ * CONNECTICUT FiOX — Bridgeport: Lyric. Majestic. Palace and Poli; Hartford: Capitol and Palace; Meriden : Palace and Poli ; New Haven : Bijou, Fox-Poli and Hyperion; Waterbury: Palace. LOEW'S — Ansonia: Commodore and Hull. * * * DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA FOX— Washington: Fox. LOEW'S— Washington: Columbia and Pal- ace. * * * GEORGIA FOX— None. LOEWS — Atlanta: Capitol, Grand and Pal- ace. 4: * * ILLINOIS FOX — Chicago: Commercial, Frolic, Metro- politan, Monroe, Oakland and Sheridan Square. LOEW'S— None. * * * INDIANA FOX— None. LOEW'S — Evansville: Victory; Indianapolis: Palace. * * * KENTUCKY FOX — None. LOEW'S — Louisvlle: Loew's and State. * * * LOUISIANA FOX— None. LOEW'S — New Orleans: Crescent. * * * MASSACHUSETTS . FOX— Springfield: Palace and Sprmgfield; Worcester: Palace, Plaza and Poli-Elm St. LOEW'S— Boston: Columbia, Globe, Orph- cum and State; Worcester: Plymouth. + * * MARYLAND FOX— None. „ ,, , LOEW'S — Baltimore: Century, Parkway, Stanley and Valencia. * * * MICHIGAN FOX— Detroit: Fox, Fox-Washington. LOEW'S— None. MISSOURI FOX— St. Louis: Fox. LOEW'S — Kansas City: Empress, Garden, Liberty and Midland ; St. Louis, Garrick and State. * * * MONTANA FOX — Butte: American, Parkway and Rialto; Great Falls: Alcazar, Grand, Lib- erty and Rainbow; Lewistown: Judith. LOEW'S— None. * * * NEW JERSEY FOX — Elizabeth: Liberty; Englewood: Plaza; Newark: Terminal. LOEW'S— Hoboken: Lyric; Jersey City: Jersey ; Newark : State. NEW YORK FiOX — Brooklyn: Folly, Fox's Ridgewood and Savoy; Buffalo: Elmwood and Great Lakes; Jamaica: Jamaica; New York City: Academy of Music, Audubon, City, Cro- tona, Japanese-Gardens, Nemo, Roxy's, Roxy's Mansion and Star; Syracuse: Brighton. LOEW'S— Astoria: Astoria; Brooklyn: Al- pine, Avalon, Bay Ridge, Bedford, Bijou, Boro-Park, Brevoort, Broadway, Coney Is- land, Forty-sixth St., Fulton, Gates, Kameo, Manor, Melba, Metropolitan, Oriental, Pal- ace, Piccadilly, Pitkin Ave., Premier and Warwick ; Corona : Corona and Plaza ; Floral Park: Alpine; Flushing: Prospect; Jamaica : Hillside, Valencia and Willard ; Mt. Vernon: Gramatan and Mt. Vertlon; New Rochelle: Loew's; New York City: American, Astor, Avenue B, Boulevard, Burland, Burnside, Capitol, Circle, Com- modore, Concourse, Delancy, Eighty-third St. ; Eighty-sixth St. ; Elsmere, Embassy, Fairmount, Freeman, Grand, Greeley Sq., Inwood, Lexington, Lincoln Sq., Loew's 32nd St., National, New York, 167th St., 116th., Orpheum, Rio, Seventh Ave., Sheri- dan, Spooner, State, Victoria and Victory ; Rochester: Regent, Star and State; Syra- cuse: State; White Plains: White Plains; Woodside: Woodside ; Yonkers: Loew's -\ndrus. * * * OHIO FOX— None. LOEW'S — Akron: Hippodrome and Loew's; Canton: Loew's; Cleveland, Alhambra, Al- len, Cameo, Circle, Doan, Euclid Heights, Granada, Liberty, Loew's, Mall, Metropoli- tan, Park and State; Columbus: Broadway and Ohio; Dayton: Loew's New Dayton. * * * OREGON FOX- — Astoria: Astoria, Liberty and Riv- oli; Pendleton: Alta and Rivoli; Portland: Broadway, Highway, Hollywood, Liberty, People's Portland, Rivoli, State and United Artists. LOEW'S— None. * * * PENNSYLVANIA FOX — ^Philadelphia: Fox and Locust. LOEW'S — Harrisburg: Loew's. Palace and Regent; Pittsburgh: Aldine, Colonial, Lib- erty, Lyceum and Penn. ; Reading: Colon- ial and Reading. FAR-riUNG CHAIN NOW APPROACHES 800 MAP' RHODE ISLAND FOX— None. LOEW'S — Providence: Loew's Stale. * * ♦ TENNESSEE FOX— None. LOEW'S — Knoxville: Loew's; Memphis Majestic, Palace, State and Strand ; Nasl- villc : Vendome. * ♦ * TEXAS FOX— None. LOEW'S— Dallas: Melba; Houston: Isi; Majestic, Metropolitan, Queen and State * * * UTAH FOX— None. LOEW'S— Salt Lake City: Casino. * * * VIRGINIA FOX— None. UOEW'S — Norfolk: Colonial, Granby, Norv and State ; Richmond : Colonial an Loew's. * * * WASHINGTON I'OX — Bellingham: America, Dream and Ml Baker; Bremerton: Bluebird, Rex an. Rialto; Olympia: Capitol and Liberty Seattle: Coliseum, Fifth Avenue, Seattl and Liberty; Tacoma: Broadway, Colonia and Rialto; Wenatchee: Liberty and Rialto Yakima: Capitol, Liberty and Majestic. LOEW'S — Seattle: Palace-Hippodrome am Seattle. * * ♦ WISCONSIN FOX — Antigo: New Antigo and Palace Beloit: Majestic < Fond du Lac: Retlaw Green Bay: Colonia], Grand and Strand Janesville: Apollo and Jeffries; Kenosha Cameo, Gateway, Majestic, New Rhodi and Orpheum ; Madison : Capitol ; Mari nette: Marinette and Opera House; Mil waukee: Alhambra, Ambassador, Garfield Merrill, Miller, Mirth, Modjeska, Oriental Plaza, Princess, Savoy, Strand, Tivoli Tower, Uptown and Wisconsin; Oshkosh Majestic, Opera Hous e and Oshkosh Racine: State; Sparta: Bell; Steven; Point: Lyric and Majestic; Waukesha Auditorium and Park; Wauseau: Fox anc Wauseau. LOEW'S— None. Fox Move a Surprise to Coast Executives (.Continued from Page 1) informed by THE FILM DAILY that the transaction had been com- pleted. Franklin has left for New York for conferences at the home of- fice. Irving Thalberg of M-G-M, and Darryl Zanuck of Warners declined comment. Louis B. Mayer is in Washington. Roach Sees Move Favorable One for His Company West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — "If Fox operates M- G-M it will place us in a great posi- tion, as Fox does not make comedies," declared Hal Roach in commenting on the Fox deal for Loew's. Moves Being Closely Watched Carl Laemmle, Jr. Comment West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY I.os Angeles — "Very interesting," was comment of Carl Laemmle, Jr., on the Fox-Loew-M-G-M deal. "Every move is being closely watched by executives." Friday, March 1. 1929 DAILV 11 MYERS SAYS INDEPENDENTS HOLD BALANCE OF POWER nashi,igt(nt Bureau of THE lll.M DAILY Washington — Independent exhibi- tors still hold the balance of power in the industry, representing dif- ference to producers between profit nd loss, Abrani F. Myers, head of .Hied States Ass'n, declared in, an ntervicw here with "The National I'xhibitor." I'ointing out that Myers declines to talk about things he intends to do, before they are accomplished, the in- terviewer points out that the ex- iiibitor leader expressed the opinion it is possible for the industry "to get along without Federal supervision, provided that exhibitors and produc- ers, by certain concessions and re- forms, could arrive at open and above board methods of doing business, which would eliminate all suspicion of unfair dealings. "Politics and not business have heretofore characterized this indus- try," stated Myers, "and direct deal- ing has been practically unknown. That's one of the reasons why we have all been subjected to govern- ment inquiries and investigations, and we will be forced to continue to submit to these things until our busi- ness is transacted fairly, and on the surface. "This is the only industry where the manufacturer meddles into the affairs of the retailer, and it's a bad thing." Asked whether it would be the policy of the Allied Exhibitors or- ganization to secure changes in the standard exhibition contract and in the present arbitration system, Myers declared that nothing will be done until the case of the United States versus Paramount Pictures is settled, the publication states. The case is set for a hearing during the middle of March. AUied's stand in. favor of the Brookhart Bill, declares Myers, is a question of taking the lesser of two evils. While the organiz?.tii.>p does not wholly back the pie^e of legis- lation, its officers and members are of the opinion that what it advocates is preferable to the present system of selling film, states "The National Ex- hibitor." RCA Reclassification In Victor Deal Ratified Approval of reclassification of the "A" common stock into new common was given by stockholders of Radio Corp. of America at a special meet- ing. The new classification will al- low five shares of the new common for each share of "A" common. Stockholders also authorized issue of 813,365 shares of "B" preferred stock, to be issued in connection with ac- quisition of common stock of Victor Talking Machine Co. The corpora- tion's report just filed with the stock exchange shows record earnings for last vear, with gross totaling more than ?1 00,000,000. Cohn Denies w ,-.•> i^Mnn: :'}. VOL. XLVII No. 51 Sunday, March 3, 1929 Price 25 Cents f^.J]im^ \i/. CARUAENMLES CARLIAEHHIES SHOW BOAT. M : r«y. j ^w^ rWt w^ T^v/^^ ■^i THE FIRST COMPLETE HISTORY OF SOUND TOLD BY INTERNA- TIONAL SURVEY OF PATENTS ISSUED yU ?"-/( SEE! HEAR! UNIVERSALIS SINGING AND TALKING TRIUMPH — with the greatest array of stage and screen celebrities ever identified with one picture — combining a great novel with a great musical comedy sensation — CARL LAEMMLE FLORENZ ZIEGFELD EDNA FERBER HARRY POLLARD Helen Morgan Jules Bledsoe Aunt Jemima and Ziegfeld Plantation Singers Laura La Plante Joseph Schildkraut Otis Harlan Alma Rubens Emily Fitzroy Jane La Verne A Harry Pollard Production Directed, silent and Movietone, by Harry Pollard Accurate — reliable — complete ''SOUND PATENTS'' an exclusive Film Daily feature ILLUSTRATED OUT- LINE OF PATENTS GRANTED IN THE U.S., GERMANY, ENGLAND AND FRANCE ^i-i^'l and^ p .Al S^ a\ et^' A great reading for show ■Iwgplaying the Macl! fe^^Mw^omedies. Bui tV^e-^^lsa^; :^>v l->r:^-~e \tv^^^^,;H>ce -^ ^^^y '^^\\xere^ ^ 7* it lion t°° ^e s«^^ ^^X^ m\\V»o«^ •. *e out °\^t*t:t^aV ..^"be\^e^^^ -uc\.^ te; i»«i> sition beat tter no The ^^wm ^'j r ■a d^^^^ ";«g *^i:;d *\^° ^; ^v^'iv ;^^,vo« .■«i4' 15;^ t\xete ot^ /^. cV\at ,\^ goo- - d s^°;!, atvotv^:;-. .<■! "^"a m\ IV. I (K: -? ^V '^' S '•A '!*•■< ?(k^i ,./P^^'- ;• .ua--.:::^^^l-3^o.^ de. -\tv- /'FILMDOM AHDWEEKLY FILK DIGEST OL. XLVII No. 51 Sunday, March 3, 1929 Price 25 Cents rnCIAL STUDY BEGUN OF FRENCH SUBSIDY I'aris — Postponent of proposals to rther restrict importations of films France has been decided upon by 0 Cinema Control Commission, lal niednmi in the matter, to give 0 minister of public instruction ne to study the changes of the quota tour to one instead of the seven one in effect last year. The French I- seeking virtual subsidy of $1,000,- -ir more by American distributors ther with agreement to listribute he United States between 50 and jictures, about three-fourths of the n nch output. Jonovan, Industry Prober, Leaving U. S. Service ashington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Failure of President- lect Hoover to appoint him to the >st of attorney general, as had been nerally expected, will result in issing from the Dept. of Justice onday of Col. William P. Donovan, lO has directed all of the various obes conducted into activities of the m industry. The colonel intends to tire to private law practice. He ,s particularly active in the probes lich resulted in go^'crnment suits ainst distributors and Film Boards Trade, now pending in New York d scheduled to come to trial some ne this month. eduction of Pathe Assets and Surplus During 1928 Total assets of $12,530,070 as of ct. 27, 1928 comparing with $15,- 15,820 Dec. 31, 1927, while surplus nounted to $441,797 against $902,- 3, it is shown in statement of Pathe (Continued tm Page 2) Irst German Talker to Be Made in U. S. by Warners I'irst German talker to be made in I United States will be produced Warners at the Vitaphone studio. oklyn. It is an adaptation of the . "The Royal Box," and will star '>si, German actor. The adapta- n is being written by Murray Roth nl Edmund Joseph. Iron Mask" Gets $62,179 irst Week at Rivoli, N. Y. "The Iron Mask" grossed $62,179 Its first full week at the Rivoli, A York. This includes midnight uvs daily. The previous high was Id by "Speedy," with $49,000. STAGE SET FOR AMPA'S HOLLYWOOD MASQUE BALL With an impressive program of en- tertainment provided, the stage is set for the AM PA Hollywood Masque Ball Saturday night at the Hotel Astor, New York. The affair prom- ises to eclipse all previous functions of the organization in point of at- tendance and elaborate program pro- vided. Screen stars and Broadway celebrities are on the program, with Nils T. Granlund (N.T.G.) as master of ceremonies. In addition to the stars on the program, a number of others, as well as leading executives of the industry, will attend the all- night festivities and for the first time in years, the public has been invited. Paramount to Produce Sound Pictures in Europe? Berlin — A subsidiary of Paramount, it is reported here, plans to enter the Kuropean field with production of sound pictures. Gilbert Miller, the- atrical producer, will be in charge of European production for the com- pany, it is said. N. Y. Bill Would Ban Sale of S. R. 0. Admissions Albanj' — Prohibition of sale of S.R.O. at admissions is sought in a bill introduced in the Legislature by Assemblyman Edward J. Coughlin, of New York. The proposed legisla- tion would prohibit the sale of tickets above the seating capacity of the the- ater. FOX-LOEW DEAL SHOWS U. S. DID NOT OPPOSE IT Studio Changes? West Coast Bur. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Acquisition of control of Loew's and M-G-M by Fox, will lead to closing of the Fox Hollywood studio, it is believed, with production to be concentrated at the Fox Westwood and M-G-M stu- dios. FOX AND WARNERS HELD SEEKING SHUURT CHAIN Deal is under way by Fox and Warners for control of the 24 Shubert theaters in N. Y., and the 51 owned or leased throughout the country, according to Wall St. reports. Lee Shubert is in Palm Beach, so cculd not be reached for a statement Friday, nor could any official at Fox or Warners be reached. Three Subjects at Work at RCA-Photophone Studio Production of sound shorts has been started at the new Gramercy studio of RCA-Photophone, with three subjects now in work. Bombshell Extra! Extra! Fox buys control of Loew's, carrying ivith if con- trol of M-G-M. Incredible? Yon bet, but so nevertheless, and though there have been a lot of skeptics, following our Thursday scoop on the story, the deal is over and Fox has control. But to go back to the start of the zveek as is our custom : Monday : Hollywood senses something. It's Warners or Fox with something hot about to happen very soon. Here in New York, the stars in the heavens shine more brightly on Fox. We shall see. . . . Elsewhere this is happening : Forever forging links in a formidable chain, the Warners are to build two-a-day theaters in New York and in Los Angeles. Show windows for their long run specials. . . . Making sound equipment easier to procure. RCA-Photophone is reducing its initial payment from 25 per cent to 10. We told you a long time ago that, as sound became more widely used, those who have yet to take it on will find the going less rough .... (Continued on Page 12) Justice Dept., However, Silent On Attitude Toward Deal Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Dept. of Justice of- ficials, following their usual custom, refuse to comment on the Fox deal for acquisition of Loew's. However, they point out, in answer to query that the deal had been laid before them before purchase. In the light of this, they say the fact that the amalgamation has been carried out might be an indication that those con- cerned do not believe that their ac- tion runs counter to the Federal statutes. The department does not "okeh" mergers, it is explained, but inves- tigates them as a matter of routine, suggesting they be dropped if in- quiry indicates there will be a viola- tion of the anti-trust laws. In one or two instances where pos- sible violation of the law was seen by department investigators, mergers have been called off; the depart- ment's policy being to protect busi- ness against unintentional violations which might result in prosecutions. INDUSTRY BILLS TO BE KILLED IN CONGRESS Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Little likelihood ex- ists of passage of any of the various bills affecting the industry at this session of Congress, for there are but two more day's to go, Saturday and Monday. Headed by the Brook- hart bills and the Walsh resolution for a probe of the Dept. of Justice investigation of the industry, a num- ber of bills aimed against the indus- try were pending at the short session now drawing to a close. Sound Systems Colvin W. Brown, executive vice president of Pathe, today outlines his views in the sound- on-film versus sound-on-disc discussion. His statement ap- pears on page 4. Vol. XLVI1 Nft. 51 SPMiay, Mar. 3, 1929 Price 25 Ctnts lOHN W. ALICOATE Publisher Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y.. and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as seeond class matter, May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months. $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad way. New York, N. Y. Phone Cirde 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable addrMs: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Frjdman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichlbildbuehne, Friedriclistrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Harle, La Cinematographie Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues. 19. Financial STOCK MARKET (QUOTATIONS AS OF FRIDA High Low Close Am. Seat 35 35 35 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 27J| 27!4 27J^ East. Kodak 184^ 18354 184% *do pfd 128 ♦First Nat. pfd 106^ Fox Fm. "A" ... 98 965^ 97^^ *do rts 3 Keith A-0 38 36 38 do pfd 120 11414 120 Loew's Inc 83?i 81M 82J^ *do pfd WiVi ♦M-G-M pfd 255/i M. P. Cap 43 31 37 Para. F-L 65'/^ 64-5^ 65^ Pathe Exch 12^ 12}4 12^ do "A" 26 25}4 26 Radio K-A-O .... 39?^ 36 39}^ Stanley Co 35 35 35 *Univ. Pict. pfd 99.yz Warner Bros. ...12454 123'/4 124 do "A" 565^ 56!^ 5654 Warner Pet. rts... 4^4 ^Vi 454 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 11-4 1054 1054 *Bal. & Katz 81 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 23 "^ 2254 225^ *Film Insp lYs, Fox Thea. "A" . . . ii 32 33 ♦Griffith, D.W. "A" 4 ♦Intern. Proj 25 Loew do deb. rts.. 485^ 48 48 ♦Nat. Scr. Ser 275^, Nat. Thea. Sup... 8 "4 854 &V2 Trans-Lux 11% 11 11% ♦Univ. Pict 17% BOND MARKET Keith AG 6s 46. 95 95 95 Loew 6s 41ww ..12351 12154 12154 ♦do 6s 41 x-war 9854 Paramount 6s 47 .. 9954 995^ 9951 Par. By. 554s 51.10154 10154 10154 ♦Pathe 7s 37 785^ CURB BONDS ♦Am. Seat. 6s 36 9654 ♦Warner 654s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 31 33 do units 34 37 . . . . do com 454 Syi .... Skouras Bros 50 54 . . . . Technicolor 1754 1854 United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2' do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED Y) Sales 600 400 400 9,600 '366 400 20,600 7,300 11,800 6,800 300 33.500 200 11,660 600 17,900 4,000 4,500 28,166 "360 '266 15,300 1 24 THE INDEX BOMBSHELL, An Editorial by Maurice Kann 1 FINANCIAL 2 WEEK'S HEADLINES, Resume of the Netvs 2 SOUND PICTURES, by Charles F. Hyues 4 REVIEWS OF NEWEST RELEASES, by Jack Harrmver 6-7 HOLLYWOOD HAPPENINGS, Coast Netvs by Telegraph 8 •■A LITTLE FROM LOTS," by Ralph Wilk 8 THEATER EQUIPMENT, by Charles F. Hyncs 9 FOREIGN MARKETS, by James P. Cunningham 10 PRESENTATIONS, by Herbert S. Berg 10 "SOUND PATENTS," An International Survey 11 Tf T:\7T V!\\Tfi PAGE PAGt. AT SOUTH POLE ... 6 OBJECT—ALIMONY ... 6 CARNATION KID (Sound). ... 7 REWARD OF FAITH ....7 CARNATION KID (Silent). ...7 VAGABOND CUB ... 6 CHEYENNE ... 7 WILD BLOOD ... 6 CIRL ON BARGE ...6 IfOLF SONG ... 6 GRIT WINS ... 7 WOLF OF WALL STREET HEARTS IN DIXIE ... 6 (Silent) ... 7 INTERFERENCE (Silent) .. ... 7 KIDS CLEVER ... 6 SHORT SUBJECTS MUST WE MARRY f ... 7 SOUND . ..12 "Broadway Melody" to be Released in 30 Cities With "The Broadway Melody" playing $2 runs at the Astor, New York, and Grauman's Chinese, Ix)s Angeles, M-G-M plans simultaneous release of the picture March 30 in 30 additional cities. Although these theaters are one week stands, the picture will play extended engage- ments in each instance starting with an initial two weeks. At the Still- man, Cleveland, the picture opens a^ $2 run Saturday. Morhange Sailing March Marcel H. Morhange, Argentine distributor and founder of the New York Film Exchange of Buenos Aires, sails March 8 for that South American capital, as special sales representative for J. H. HofTberg Co. Wm. de Mille Signs New Contract West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Following comple- tion of the all-talker "White Collars," from Anne Nichols stage play, Wil- liam C. de Mille has signed a new long term contract with M-G-M. Reduction of Pathe Assets and Surplus During 1928 (Continued from Page 1) filed in connection with application to the New York Stock Exchange to list an additional 100,000 shares of common stock. The issue, ap- proved by the exchange, is being sold under contract to bankers at a minimum price of $11.50 a share net. The proceeds are to be used for ad- ditional working capital. Current assets of Oct. 6 totaled $8,161,444 and current liabilities $2,998,438, com- pared with $10,230,735 and $3,108,596 respectively Dec. 31, 1927. Correction In reporting death of Paul H. Cromehn, Feb. 25, THE FILM DAILY erroneously stated that he formerly was president of Interocean Forwarding Co. This should have read Inter-Ocean Film Co. M. Moran is president of Interocean Forwarding Co. The Industry's Date Book Tonight: AMPA Hollywood Masque Ball ii New York March 3 Masquers Revel at Hollywood March 4 Premiere of "Times Square," fir., Gotham-Bristolphone picture 3 Metropolitan, Baltimore. March 7 Opening of "The Letter" 3 Criterion, New York. March 8 Opening of "Sonny Boy" ; Warner, New York. March 9 Premiere of "Lady of the Pavi ments" at Rialto, New York March 12 Opening of "Noah's Ark" at Wii ter Garden, New York March 17 Premiere of "Show Boat" at Ca| itol, Miami, and Paramount, Pali Beach Week*s Headlines N. Y. House Sold Under Hammer The Lyric, 213 W. 42nd St., New York, brought $750,000 at an auction sale, S. & S. Lyric, Inc., plaintiff in the foreclosure action, purchasing the property. Roseland Changing Title Roseland is changing the title of its first one reel disc talker from "The Life of the Party" to "Join the Party," as the former title con- flicts with the Paramount release of the same name. Wampas May Hold Frolic West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Offer of the Elks to the Wampas for holding of the Wam- pas Frolic in July during the Elks' national convention is under con- sideration. Cantor Completes Short Eddie Cantor has finished the film- ing' of a short talker, "Ziegfeld's Midnight Frolic," for Paramount, and is soon to start work on his first full length all talking picture, a mu- sical comedy. M-G-M Quarterly Dividend Quarterly dividend of 47^ cents on M-G-M Pictures preferred has been declarexi,. pa..yable March 15. Thomson Talks on Talkers "Talking Pictures — The Talk of the Country" is the subject of a talk that P. L. Thomson, director of pub- lic relations for W^estern Electric, made Friday before 1,500 members and guests of the Whitehall Club, New York. His talk was followed by a demonstration of some of the most recent examples of talking pic- tures. Fox Movietone shorts com- prised the program. Monday Warners or Fox deal for Loew's to be cIos( soon is Coast belief. Tuesday Return of William Fox to New York r news report he is negotiating for conti of Loew's. U. S. Films again face antagonism in Franc Universal not to renew Stern Film Co. co tract. Wednesday New York still buzzes with report Fox Warners to acquire control of Loew's. W. C. Durant, financier, reported active film stocks, planning to offer issue- public. Thursday I*"ox acquires control of Loew's, obtainii 175 houses in 21 states in addition MG-M organizations; two companies remain intact for some time. Monopoly in Britain feared due to sou stand of Western Electric. Friday Industry amazed by sudden Fo.x coup securing control of Loew's. and M-G-M. Western Electric interchangeability sta same in England as in LTnited States. Saturday iMix and Warners reported bidding for SI bert chain. Bills aimed at industry to die in Congn Monday. Dept. of Justice silent on Fox-Loew deal, 1 point out principals apparently are c vinced no law violation is entailed. BROOKS THE NAME VOU GO BY WHEN YOU GO TO BUY IOTTdR OO-WNS AND UKIFORIMS 14.37 B'WAY NY. TEl.5560 PENN AL-iO 25.0OO COSTUMES TQ ocM-r — Let Us Solve Your Prohlems I Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCORPORATED 1540 B'WAY N.Y.C. TELEPHONE BRYANT 3040 QUALITONE The Voice of the Screen Exhibitors everywhere, who have seen and heard this marvelous sound reproduc- ing device are tremendously enthusiastic over its fidelity of tone, simplicity of operation and perfect synchronization IN LOS ANGELES IN HOLLYWOOD Ray M. Robbins, proprietor of the MERALTA Mark Hansen, president of the MARCAL The- Theatre, says: atre company says: "The fact that I am installing 'Qualitone' sys- "Best I have ever heard. My patrons are de- tems in my two theatres after investigating other lighted with the wonderful results we are getting leading sound projection devices, speaks for itself." with 'Qualitone.' " BOTH OF THESE THEATRES ARE NOW BEING SERVED! ■AND HERE'S THE BEST NEWSIi I SALE PRICE Ct^ O ^ f\ i\ ^^^^ ^^'^^^ DOWN I DELIVERED AND J^ ^ 1^ U vJ ^^^ ^^ ^^^^ PAYMENTS I INSTALLED T^ J ^^ ^^ OF $29.70 PER WEEK I (For Houses under 2000 capacity) HERE ARE SOME PERTINENT FACTS REGARDING "QUALITONE" QUALITONE is Interchangeable. QUALITONE is tone perfect. QUALITONE can be installed without loss of a single show. QUALITONE is simplicity itself. QUALITONE is interchangeable and accommodates the product of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, First National, Warner Bros., Para- mount, United Artists, Columbia and other companies now mak- ing sound pictures. Write or wire at once for further details Remember, we guarantee immediate installation! QuALiTONE Corporation Samuel Freedman, President 5360 Melrose Avenue Hollywood, Calif. THE NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FAST GROWING FIELD OF SYN- CHRONIZATION SOUND TIPS ON EQUIPMENT AND VARIOUS DE- VICES ARE NOW AVAILABLE By CHARLES P. HYNES 26 SALES BRANCHES IN NATIONAL PACENT CHAIN Pacent Reproducer Corp. of New York, has established a national sales organization of 26 branches extend- ing from Coast to Coast and from Chicago to New Orleans. A sales office has also been opened in Can- ada. Each of the offices in the United States and Canada is equipped with service facilities. Louis Gerard Pacent, president of the corporation, says production is being speeded and that installation dates were being met in all cases. The Pacent sales force has been completed rapidly since the machine was first introduced a few months ago. Since that time, the instrument has been approved for service of their sound pictures by a number of lead- ing distributors. Vitaphone for Miss. House Durant, Miss. — Vitaphone sound equipment costing approximately $13,000 will be installed at the Dixie laere, it is reported. Pathe 's Experience Proves Sound'On-Film Best, Brown Experience of Pathe in the sound picture field has convinced the company of superiority of the sound-on-film system of recording, de- clares Colvin IV. Brown, executive vice president, in today's article of the series on sound systems. The series is being conducted by THE FILM DAILY to ascertain sentiment of industry leaders as to respec- tive merits of the sound-on-film, and sound-on-disc systems. "Pathe's experience has established conclusively to the company the su- periority of film recording as com- pared with discs, states Colvin W. Brown, executive vice president. "The installation of disc machines may require the use of both methods tor the time being, but ultimately, re- cording and reproducing will be ex- clusively by the film method, he says. "Superiority of the film method lies not only in the fact that recording re- sults are better and simpler, but in the fact that the problem of physical distribution is much more satisfac- tory. "Our experience in sound repro- ducing covers a wide range, from March Release — Now Ready GENNETT UNSYNCHRONIZED RECORDS 0187 Western Scene — Animated Crowd Scenes — Fast Riding and Chas- nig — Cowboy Gatherings Orchestra 0188 Indian War Dance No. 1 Orchestra 0189 Indian War Dance No. 2 o ^^l""^ 0190 Chinese-Japanese • ■ Orchestra 0191 Rustic Allegro — Woodland Scenes — Carefree and Happy Orchestra 0192 Allegro Precipitoso — Pursuit — Intense Wranghng Orchestra 0193 Misterioso Alia Valse — Dramatic Suspense lOrchestra 0194 iStorm Music — Terrihc Storm on Land or Sea Orchestra 0195 Allegro Agitato — Excitement — Disputes — Desperate Action — Rage. .Orchestra 0196 Death of a Hero — Sad Situations— Funeral Music Orchestra 0197 Misterioso No. 4 — Suspense — Foreboding — Spooky Orchestra 0198 Drums for Marching — Church Chimes — Clock Strikes (12) — Knocking at Door 0199 Screams — Snores — Typewriters 0200 Motorcycle — (a) Start and Fade, (b) Contmuous Manufacturing Noises— (c) Planer, (d) Punch Press, (e) Automatic Hammer, (f) Anvil Regular Monthly Releases of Additional Selections WRITE FOR COMPLETE CATALOG Recordings by one of the greatest symphony orchestras from scores especially wrritten to fit your Motion Picture Situations. ON SALE IN ALL CITIES Place your order with your Theatre Supply House for your needs wrhether one record or a complete set. GENNETT RECORDS RICHMOND, IND. Woodside, L. I., New York 6010 38th Ave. Los Angeles, Calif. 1344 So. Flower St. volume of studio production to the photographing of thousands of feet of news pictures under the uncertain conditions that always confront news production. "We have been able to test severely the practicability of sound prints with 'The King of Kings,' which was our first sound release, and which has probably played in as many theaters as any sound picture produced." NACY EXPONENTIAL HORN USED FOR REPRODUCERS A number of manufacturers of sound equipment making installa- tions throughout the country are us- ing the Macy exponential horn, prod- uct of the Macy Mfg. Corp. It is a standard horn adaptable to any equipment, it is pointed out by the manufacturing firm, which was es- tablished in 1923. Model S 120 is equipped with spe- cial aluminum or fibre tone arm, suited for standard makes of dynamic air column units. Its air-column is' ten feet. The horn, which is portable, weighs 38 lbs., is 36 inches in depth and has a bell 40 x 40 inches. Macy also manufactures public address horns, used for lobby and exploita- tion purposes. Pa 12 is furnished with or without standard size adap- tors for all makes of units. Its bell is 22 inches round, with a length of 42 inches and a weight of three and one-half pounds. Pa 6 has a bell of 30 inches round, a length of six feet and weighs ten pounds. All F. N. Films in Coming Months to Have Dialogue All First National pictures to be released during coming months will contain dialogue, Ned E. Depinet, general sales manager states. A num- ber of talkers have been completed and are in production.. Photophone For Keith Boston Boston — RCA-Photophone sound equipment is being installed at the Keith Memorial, according to Tod Browning, manager. The sound policy is scheduled to begin about April 1. Research Budget Expenditure of $1,250,000 during 1929 for research work in sound recording and repro- duction is planned in behalf of Electrical Research Prod- ucts by the Bell Telephone Laboratories. WORLD-WIDE LINING UP « ALL-TALKER RELEASES With completion of sound stages at Brighton and Elstree in England in May, other all-talking pictures are expected from World Wide for re- lease in this country and Canada late in the summer and fall. In the mean- time Herbert Wilcox's all-talking pro- duction "Black Waters" made in Hollywood will be ready for release the middle of March. "Moulin Rouge" with synchronization, directed by E. A. Dupont, is now ready. In April will appear "Kitty" from Warwick Deeping's novel, produced at Henley under direction of Victor Saville, and "Week End Wives," made in Paris. The first will be part-talker and the latter synchronized. In May, World Wide will have ready E. A. Dupont's "Piccadilly," with Gilda Gray, which will be synchronized. Inaugural Ceremonies in Sound Arrangements have been made for a special edition of Fox Movietone News showing inauguration of the President in sight and sound. As soon as they are filmed scenes of Herbert Hoover becoming thirty-first president will be rushed to various sections of the country for exhibition. Sound for St Paul First Run St. Paul — The Palace-Orpheum and Tower theaters here are being equipped with sound apparatus RCA-Photophone is being installed at the Palace-Orpheum while Vita- phone and Movietone will be used at the Tower. All first run houses in the downtown section soon will be equipped with sound devices. Sound for McAllen House McAUen, Tex.— The Palace here and the National at Media, Texas, are soon to have sound equipmeni installed, it is reported. Farquhar with Marveltone Salt Lake City— Dave Farquhar is representing Marveltone talking pic- tures in this zone with a roadshow which includes six acts of vaudeville. Mayfield, Ky., House Wired Mayfield, Ky. — Vitaphone and Movietone have opened the new "sound policy" at the Princess. II over rhe 2(. Sales jiikI S«'rvire riiroii^iioiil I lie I iiiled Si a Us aiul ('anahia, Pa. COLONIAL, Pompton Lakes, N. J. CENTRAL. Washington, D. C, RIALTO, Westchester, Pa. TOWERS. Camden. N. J. GRAND, Titusville, Pa. GLOBE, Atlantic City, N. J. MONTCLAIR. Montclair, N. J. LINCOLN, Union City, N. J. GARDEN, Charleston. S. C. LEXINGTON, Lexington, N. C. CONCORD, Concord, N. C. CAPITOL. Lowell. Mass. PARAMOUNT, Chicago, III. DIXWELL, New Haven, Conn. ASTOR, Minneapolis, Minn. SCHENLEY, Pittsburgh, Pa. GOODWIN, Newark, N. J. UNITED STATES, Hoboken, N. J. CENTRAL. Jersey City. N. J. SANFORD, Irvington. N. J. OLYMPIC. Pittsburgh, Pa. LIBERTY, Sharon, Pa. AMBASSADOR, Philadelphia. Pa. VILLA. Philadelphia , Pa. GLOBE. Philadelphia, Pa. LAWNSDALE. Philadelphia, Pa. EMBASSY. Jcnkinstown, Pa. HOME, Washington. D. C. ALHAMISKA. Philadelphia, Pa. GARDEN, Paterson, N. J. ORPHEUM, Titusville. Pa. COLUMBIA. Br Mount. N. C. HARROWtiA TE. Philadel|)hia. Pa. RUBY, Philadelphia, Pa. PLAZA, Pilt.sburgh. Pa. LIBEBTY, Pittsburgh. Pa. DUNKIN, Gushing. Okla. YOBK. Washington. D. C. COLONY, Washington, D, C. CAPITOL. Alleiitown. Pa. HUDSON. Kearnv. N. J. BOOSEVELT. Ne«ark, N.J, 19th ST. TllEA'TRi;. AllcDlown, Pa. RITZ, Jersey Citv. N. J. SUN. Iloldrege. Nebr. GRAND. Kiiislon. N. C. FOREST, Cincinnati. Ohio COMET. St. l-.iuis. Mo. BROADWAY, Buffalo. N. Y. $2,500 for Complete, Synchronous, Double-Channel Equipment for House up lo 2,000 Seats — Larger Houses $.3, .500 — Outright Sale — • \o Weekly Service Charges PACENT REPRODUCER CORP. 250 west 39th street, new york, n. y. LOnS GERARD P.ACKNT. President Telephone. \l isronsin 1029. WM) in THE DAILV Sunday, March 3, 1929 "Hearts in Dixie" Fox Length: 6600 ft. (All-Talker) ALL-NEGRO CAST AND STORY GENUINE NOVELTY. UNUSUAL ENTERTAINMENT VALUES OFFSET SLIM STORY AND SLOW ACTION. Cast. . . . Stepin Fetchit gives a fine characterization of a lazy negro highlighted by great comedy work. Clarence Muse as old Nappus also delightful. Two pickaininnies, Eu- gene Jackson and Dorothy Morrison, unusually good. Story and Production. .. .Comedy drama of darky life in Dixie. Noth- ing like it has ever been done, so anyone trjnng to hand out a positive box-ofifice reaction on it is assuming he is a prophet. Every showman must judge it for himself. It is a musical comedy put over very effec- tively with all the production re- sources of the Fox studio. The sing- ing numbers are uniformly good, with some effective spirituals. Into the slim comedy story of the lazy nigger is woven a warm, touching story of the old granddad's love for the little pickaninny. This sure gets the women. Colorful bits of planta- tion life — cotton picking, dancing, "blues," river boats, wedding, voodoo doctor at work, etc. Direction, Paul Sloane, clever; Author, Walter Weems; Scenario, the same; Editor, not listed; Musi- cal Director, Howard Jackson; Stage Director, A. H. Van Buren; Dialogue, Walter Weems; Photog- raphy, Glen McWilliams, excellent. "Wolf Song" (Synch ronized) Paramount Length: 7021 ft. POOR FROM ALMOST EV- ERY ANGLE. WEAK STORY LACKS PUNCH. LOVE INTER- EST UNCONVINCING AND LUPE VELEZ SINGING IS A SIZZLE. PICTORIALLY BEAU- TIFUL. Cast.... Gary Cooper as Kentucky mountaineer in an artificial role. Lupe Velez attractive, but sings between her teeth and heaves her chest like a tirfd acrobat in "passionate" love scenes. Louis Wolheim best of lot. Others Constantine Romanof?, Mich- ael Vavitch, Ann Brody, Russell Co- lumbo. Story and Production Drama of pioneer days in New Me-xico. Not very effectively handled. Situations are stereotyped; direction, stilted and performances average. Never im- presses. Slim story tells of the Ken- tucky boy from them thar mountains eloping with a Mexican senorita of class, deserting her to go back to the hills, and returning again to his love. And just about as dramatic as that sounds. Lupe Velez grabs her mandolin and "sings" a half dozen times with little provoca- tion. When the film sags, Lupe sings — and the film sags more. Audi- ence laughed at her love making, with chest exercises. Direction, Victor Fleming, poor; Author, Harvey Fergusson; Scenario, John Farrow, Keene Thompson; Ed- itor, to come; Titles, Julian Johnson; Photography, Allen Seigler, fair. "At the South Pole" (Silent) Pole Pictures Corp. Length: 8000 ft. OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF SCOTT'S DASH TO THE SOUTH POLE O. K. SELECTED AUDIENCE. HAS TIMELY IN- TEREST ON ACCOUNT OF COMMANDER BYRD'S EXPE- DITION. Cast. . . .Capt. Scott and his crew who made the dash to the South Pole under the auspices of the Brit- ish Antarctic Expedition. Story and Production This is an authentic pictorial record of the expedition as photographed by Her- bert G. Ponting who was a member of the company. It builds up to the tragic death of Capt. Scott and his three companions who made the final dash to the Pole from their supply base. They never returned. The sur- vivors at the base ship later found the small tent containing the frozen bodies and Scott's diary. From the latter Ponting reconstructed some of the last tragic scenes. The film is loosely constructed and the editing amateurish. ^ Carries a kick with unique Antarctic shots never before filmed. Unusual scenes of icebergs, an interesting study of penguins and seals, and intimate flashes of the hardships of the expedition make it very entertaining in spots. Maps charts and titles hook it up with Byrd's present expedition. Edited and Titled, Vilhjalnnir Stefansson, the explorer; Assistant Editor, Robert Matthews; Photogra- phy, Herbert G. Ponting, very good. "The Girl on the Barge" (Part-Talker) • Universal Length: 6908 ft. OUTDATED MELLER IS AMATEURISH. TELLS SORDID STORY THAT IS DEPRESSING. TALKING SEQUENCES POOR Cast Jean Hersholt only one to click in strong characterization of barge captain. Sally Q'Neil licked when she opens her mouth audibly, and not so hot in other parts. Mal- colm MacGregor miscast as tough helper on tugboat. Others Morris Mcintosh, Nancy Kelly, George Offerman. Story and Production Melo- drama of life on an Erie canal barge. Rupert Hughes wrote the story, and should have known better. Only re- deeming feature are the beautiful canal shots which you can get in newsreels. Story drags terribly for four reels — as slow moving as the canal. Poor little heroine is mother- ing three kid sisters and brothers while her pa, the barge captain, reads the Bible between drinks. Hero on the tug takes best part of a reel teaching the ignnorant gal the alpha- bet. And you have to listen to this audibly from A to Z. Sally O'Neil's voice is bad. Pepped up at end with meller storm on the Hudson. Direction, Edward Sloman, poor; Author, Rupert Hughes; Scenario, Charles Kenyon, Nan Cochrane; Edi- tor, Edward Cahn; Dialogue Writer, Tom Reed; Titles, Tom Reed; Pho- tography, Jackson Rose, ragged. Buzz Barton in "Vagabond Cub" (Silent) FBO Length: 4717 ft. ONE OF THE BEST THE KID ACTOR HAS HAD. STRONG HUMAN INTEREST STORY THAT GETS OVER WITH PEPPY ACTION AND SUS- PENSE. Cast.... Buzz Barton as the vaga- bond kid gets a chance to do some good stunts that will please the juve- nile fans. Frank Rice again is his elder buddy. Others Sam Nelson, Al Ferguson, Bill Patton, Milbourne Morante, lone Holmes. Story and Production .... Western for the juveniles. This kid Buzz Bar- ton certainly can ride, and the way he handles a lasso is really astonish- ing. They have tied him up to an unusually good story in this one, and it carries more than the usual amount of human interest. Buzz and his old- er buddy stroll into the little mining town that was Hank's home for years. They grab Hank for the murder of a mine owner, the hero's father, who was killed the day Hank left town. Buzz picks up a clew which leads him to suspect that the murdered man's partner is the real criminal. Works up to a strong cli- max, with a very logical and stirring three-cornered battle in a deserted cabin. Safe bet. Direction, Louis King, good; Au- thor, Oliver Drake; Scenario, Oliver Drake; Editor, Jack Kitchen; Titles, Helen Gregg; Photography, Virgil Miller, smooth. "Object— Alimony" (Silent) Cohtmhid Length: 6266 ft. WILL GET BY WITH HUMAN INTEREST STUFF AND PLEAS- ING LOVE STORY. LOIS WIL- SON MAKES IT LOOK BETTER THAN IT REALLY IS. Cast.... Miss Wilson does good work as the girl trying to hold her young husband. Hugh Allan accept- able as the male lead. Others Ethel Gray Terry, Douglas Gilmore, Roscoe Karns, Carmelita Geraghty, Dickey Moore, Jane Keckley, Thomas Cur- ran. Story and Production. . . . Drama. This is a story of the shop girl who marries her employer's son and has a tough time due to opposition of the boy's mother to the match. It is directed by Scott Dunlap to make it appear better than the story warrants. Also Lois Wilson's work is ahead of the part she plays. Lois works in a department store, and marries the son of the woman who owns the establishment. Ma tries to poison the boy's mind against his wife, leading him to believe she is only after alimony. Placed in a com- promising situation by a scheming vouth, her hubby comes to believe his mother, and leaves wifey flat. The reconciliation is worked up with good heart interest and considerable punch. Direction, .Scott R. Dunlap. •-'OMtli; Author, Elmer Harris; Srenario, Sig Herzig; Editor, Ben Fivpr; T'tles, Not listed; Photog- raphy, Joscjih Walker. ok:iy. Glenn Try on in "The Kid's Clever" (Silent) Universal Length: 5729 ft. POPULAR NUMBER WELL BALANCED WITH COMEDY, ACTION AND PLEASING LOVE STORY. TRYON MAKES THIS CLICK WITH CLEVER WORK. Cast. ... Glenn Tryon smart alecks intelligently. His comedy is very good. Others: Kathryn Crawford, Russell Simpson, Lloyd Whitlock. Story and I*roduction. .. .Comedy. Has all the ingredients for popular audiences. Carries some very strong action scenes and comedy that is scattered generously over the foot- age. Director William J. Craft who knows how to handle Tryon, has pepped this up into a real entertain- ing light comedy-fast action number. And the story is unusual and filled with good twists that keep the sus- pense mounting. Glenn has invented a fuelless motor car that can also be used as a speed boat. The girl's dad is an auto manufacturer. The heavy is his secretarj', and is trying to sell him another type of motor. This sets the stage for some good plot, with the heavy putting hero's car on the bum for the public detn- onstration. Last reel sizzles with a chase that is well handled for thrills. Direction, William J. Craft, excel- lent; Author, Vin Moore; Scenario, Jack Foley; Editor, Charles Craft; Titles, Albert De Mond; Photogra- phy, .M Jones, fine. Rex in "Wild Blood" (Silent) Universal Length: 4497 ft. PANS OUT A FAIRLY INTER- 1 ESTING HORSE PICTURE, i WITH REX AND HIS WHITE ; MARE FEATURED IN CLEVER STUNTS. Cast.... Rex, the horse, is given a lot of footage, and is featured in some scenes with the white mare that will please all the lovers of horses. Jack Perrin is the hero, and Ethlyne Clair makes a very attractive girl. Others Theodore Lorch, Nelson Mc- Dowell, Starlight, the mare. Story and Production Melo- drama featuring Rex, the "wild" horse. Rex doesn't prove to be so wild, but he does a considerable num- ber of clever stunts that make the offering well worth while. The story is ordinary, built to give the horse a chance to do his stufT. Connor, head of the rustlers, is trying to capture Rex. He finally succeeds in captur- ing Starlight, the mare, and this arouses Rex's fury. Connor is in- fatuated with the girl whose father and the hero are working an old mine claim. Connor steals the old man's poke, and on the pretext of taking her for a ride, kidnaps her. Strong finish with Rex leading a stampede of wild horses that crush the fleeing villain. Direction, Henry MacRae. aclc quate; Author, George Morgan; Scenario, the same; Editor, Thomas Malloy; Titles, Gardner Bradford; Photography, George Robinson, clear. \\ THE Sunday, March 3, 1929 ■^tk DAILY "Interference" (Silent) Vuramoxnit Length: fiti43 ft. FIRST CLASS ATTRACTION. MELODRAMA MADE DISTINC- TIVE BY FINE ACTING, EX- CELLENT PRODUCTION VAL- UES AND FINE NOTE OF RE- STRAINT. Cast. .. .William Powell leads the rest, but all are very Rood including I Hve Brook, Kvelyn Brent, Doris Konyon, Brandon Hurst. Nice com- edy bit by Clyde Cook. Story and Production. .. .Melo- drama of the upper world this time. The story is not unusual, but dis- tinction is lent the production by the iieral excellence of the acting, fine i loduction values and the dignified handling. Story deals with efforts of ;m adventuress to blackmail the wife of Sir John Marlay, the former's suh«o(|uent murder and the chain of* circumstances which leads to the uniting of the doctor and his wife through a confession which amounts to sacrifice on the part of Philip \'oaze, first husband of Lady Mar- lay who believes Voaze had died in the war. Direction, Lothar Mendes. very good; Authors, Stage play by Ro- ' land Pertwee and Harold Deardem; Scenarist, Hope Loring; Editor, George Nichols, Jr.; Titles, Julian J >hnson; Photography, J. Roy Hunt, I arcilt Eduoard; beautiful. Sound version reviewed issue of- Xov. 18, 1928 Douglas MacLean in "The Carnation Kid" (Part-Talker) I'uruniouiit Leuqth: Soinid, ()2i)0 ft. FAIR COMEDY DRAMA WITH DOUG MacLEAN BETTER THAN HIS MATERIAL. SPOK- EN DIALOGUE IS WEAK AND STORY ONLY PASSABLE. Cast. . . .Douglas MacLean as type- writer salesman forced to i>ose as the Carnation Kid is annising and ahead of the rest of cast. Frances Lee so-so as the girl. Lorraine Eddy the aver- age vamp. Others William B. David- son, Charles Mailes, Francis Mc- Donald, Maurice Black, Bert Swor. Story and Production ..... Comedy drama of the underworld. This one is somewhat handicapped by the talk- ing sequences. MacLean's voice records well. In fact Douglas makes it look better than it really is. He is amusing in the earlier sequences before the story goes into the heavy meller. His feminine sui)port is weak. As a typewriter salesman he is forced to swap clothes with the Carnation Kid who is making a getaway. The gang pick the hero up as the man they have sent for to do a job of bumping off the district attorney the night he makes a speech to spill the lowdown on the head of the gang who is the cause of all the trouble. Direction, E. Mason Hopper, Leslie Pearse, satisfactory; Author, Alfred A. Cohn; Scenario, Henry Mc- Carthy; Editor, Grace Davey; Titles, Art Huffsmith; Dialogue, Alfred A. Cohn; Photography, Monte Stead- man. Alex Phillips, good. Douglas MacLean in "The Carnation Kid" (Silent) Paramount Length: 6290 ft. WILL GIVE AVERAGE SAT- ISFACTION. COMEDY DRAMA THAT NEVER HITS VERY HIGH SPOTS, BUT PROVES A PLEASING NUMBER. Cast. ... Douglas MacLean easily tops rest of cast. He displays a nice personality in a part that never calls for much strain on acting abilities. (Jthers h'lorence Lee, Lorraine Kddy, Carl Stockdale, William B. David- son, Charles H. Mailes, Francis Mc- Donald, Maurice Black, Bert Swor, Jr. Story and Production. .. .Comedy drama of a typewriter salesman who is mistaken for the Carnation Kid, tough Chicago bad man hired by the opposition to put a crimp in the district attorney's re-election canv- paign. The complications are plenty and, in the main, prove diverting al- though never uproariously funny. Doug comes out on top, of course, the D. A.'s life, politically and other- wise is saved, the underworld gang routed and the girl, who convenient- ly happens to be the daughter of the D. A., won. It will probably prove a pleasant hour or so for all. Pro- duction values, good. Direction, F,. Mason Hopper, sat- isfactory; Author, Alfred A. Cohn; Scenario, Henry McCarthy; Editor, Grace Davey; Titles, Art Huffsmith; Photography, Monte Steadman, Alex Phillips, good. (icorge fiancroft in "The Wolf of Wall Street" (Silent) Paramount Length: G'.iiiC, ft. TIMELY YARN OF WALL STREET AND SUCKERS. BAN- CROFT FINE, AS USUAL. STORY RATHER COMMON- PLACE BUT CARRIES POPU- LAR APPEAL. Cast. ... Bancroft is he-man. never doubt it. Does very good work. Baclanova, colorful; Paul Lukas, satisfactory. Nancy Carroll, easy to look at. Arthur Rankin, Brandon Hurst, Crauford Kent, pleasing. Story and Production. ... Melo- drama of Wall Street, "with a grave- yard at one end and the river at the other." Bancroft is the wolf who rises from the streets to become the cleverest, and also most ruthless, trader in the Street. Nobody has ever made a sucker of him, is his boast. That is, until Paul Lukas comes along and takes his wife away. But Bancroft finds out and locks himself and the other two in the wife's boudoir until the market closes, ruins Lukas and himself and after which Bancroft throws wife and lover out at one time. Shows how sucker bait is prepared and how op- erators in the Street gather in and then kill the lambs. Direction: Rowland V. Lee, good; Author, Doris Anderson; Scenario, Doris Anderson; Editor, Robert Bas- seler; Titles, Julian Johnson; Pho- tography, \'ictor Milner, very good. Sound version reviewed issue of Feb. 3, 1929. Ted Wells in "Grit Wins" (Silent) Universal Length: 4596 ft. PEPPY OFFERING STEAMED ;UP WITH FAST ACTION AND 'VERY GOOD CLIMAX STAGED IN BURNING RANCH. THE FANS WILL LIKE IT. Cast. . . .Ted Wells does more than I his share of fighting and riding, and keeps the interest up all the way. Others: Kathleen Collins, Al Fergu- son, Buck Conners, Nelson McDon- ell and Edwin Moulton. Story and Production. .. .Western. Follows more or less the usual for- mula, but is well directed and has a pip of a highlight at the end in a very realistic fire scene with the hero and heavy in a room upstairs stag- ing a rousing battle. Wells and the girl are in love while their dads are scrapping over the boundary line to their adjoining ranches. The heavy frames the girl's father for shooting the boy's father, and tries to get him to sign over his ranch as the price f his silence. Dad refuses, and the ang carry him and daughter off to ■ a hacienda. Here the hero follows, : and goes into a royal battle with the ! heavy. Meanwhile the hacienda catches on fire, and still they battle to the last thrill. Good stuflf for the ' pop houses. Direction, Joseph Levigard, good; Author, George H. Plympton; J^ce- ' nario, the same; Editor, Gene Hav- lick; Titles, Val Cleveland; Photog- • raphy, William Adams, very good. "The Reward of Faith" (Silent) Conquest Pictures Length: .5927 ft. GOOD FAMILY PICTURE. OLD FRENCH LEGEND TELL- ING OF CHILD'S FAITH CAR- RIES ENTERTAINING STORY. Cast. . . .Andre Carnege impressive as the skeptic. Marcel Charbrie also effective as the idealist. Pierette Lugand as the child of faith is sweet and natural. Others French stage artists and peasants. Story and Production Drama. Produced by Cinematographique Francaise. Filmed in Paris and the Pyrennes mountains. Here is a sub- ject that is good entertainment for neighborhood houses, especially for family trade. It is the sort of pic- ture that will receive the endorse- ment of church bodies because of its high moral tone and the lesson of faith that it carries. The theme is based on an old French legend of a little shepherdess whose faith re- sulted in the building of the famous shrine at Lourdes. In later years another child, hearing the story, is inspired to aid her crippled mother to go to the shrine and be cured. The story is well handled, working up to strong climax. Photography high grade, with beautiful mountain scenery. Direction, M. Simon, very good; Author, Not listed; Scenario, M. Pene; Editor, P. M. Arnaud; Titles, B. F. Murray; Photography, D. \ ignaud, clear. Pauline Gar on in "Must We Marry?" (Silent) Trinity Pictures Length: 5400 ft. CHEAP PRODUCTION PLAYS UP SEX ANGLES AND PROVES A FILLER FOR THE ONE-DAY STANDS. STORY VERY UN- CONVINCING. Cast Pauline Garon looks good as the gal trying to win her sweet- heart from the vamp. Loraine Eason an attractive vamp. Bud Shaw as the youthful hero shows nothing. Others Vivian Rich, Edward Brow- nell, Louise Carver, Charles Hall, Thomas A. Curran. Story and Production. .. .Comedy drama. The story is very loosely strung together and the direction doesn't help it any. Production is cheap, and the sex angles are crude- ly played up and arouse no particu- lar kick. The young hero with a fortune is the object of a scheming gal who tries to win him away from his sweetie by getting him in a compromising situation in a lonely cabin. He promises to marry her, but his sweetie steps in and pulls a trick herself and wins him back again. There are a lot of twists and turns to stretch out the artificial situation through the footage, and the suspense aimed at falls pretty flat. Direction, Frank S. Mattison. ordi- nary; Author, Rachel Barton Butler; Scenario, Cecil R. Hill; Editor, Min- nie Steppler; Titles, Rachel Barton Butler; Photography, Jules Cron- jager. good. Ken Maynard in "Cheyenne" (Silent) First Nationxd Length : 5944 ft. ONE OF KEN MAYNARD'S BEST. CARRIES A STRONG WALLOP WITH EXCELLENT RODEO SCENES AT CHEY- ENNE. ALSO HAS LAUGHS APLENTY. BREEZES OVER STRONG. Cast. .. .Maynard gets a fat part, and in his rodeo work he looks to be at the top of his class. He will make friends with this one. Others: Gladys McConnell, James Bradbury, Jr. Also Tarzan (the horse). Story and Production. .. .Western. Very much up-to-date with a long and interesting rodeo sequence ac- tually taken at the annual Cheyenne shindig. The story also is well knit together, with lots of comedy angles. Ken comes to town a stranger, and riding for a local outfit, wins the rodeo championship. The girl has her string entered, and Ken's victory puts her in a financial hole. Ken falls in love with her, and agrees to ride for her at Cheyenne. But the heavy frames him on a fake contract which calls for Ken riding for him. However, Ken pulls a fast one and appears at Cheyenne riding for the girl. He appears in all the events and his riding sure is top- notch. Carries a great kick. Direction, Arthur Rogell, first class; Author, Bennett Cohen; Scenar'o, the same; Editor, Fred Al- len; Titles, Don Ryan; Photography, Frank Good, very good. DAILY Sunday, March 3, 1929 'lUSif'^^ItMiMi I Writers' Unwritten Law Upheld Services of Writers Demanded as Long as Story Concerned is in Production, Academy Holds — DeMille Sees Day of Remote Control Direction — Wilk's Studio Personalities and Other Highlights PRECEDENT ESTABUSiD BY DECISION ON WRITERS Unwritten law among writers as well as producers, covering the story with services of the writers as long as the story concerned is in pro- duction was upheld by the concilia- tion committee of the Academy of M. P. Arts and Sciences in a case decided in favor of a producer against two writers. The latter had accepted full pay in advance for their story from two producers, and were moral- ly bound, it is pointed out in the ruling, to do the story to the best of their ability and were to write the continuity and assist in the pro- duction. The writers claimed they were paid a certain sum of money for the story and were also to be paid an addi- tional sum weekly upon starting of production. No certain date could be decided upon, but after a month's time the scribes were told the story, in its condition, was unsatisfactory. The writers offered to rewrite the story in the parts not satisfactory, on condition the producers would set a production date, so they would be on the weekly pay-roll. They were refused, thereby losing several weeks which they had spent in awaiting word. The producers cl.Tim they bouifht the story without reading or considering the box of- fice value. The story would be produced in the event the writers would make the neces- sary changes. The writers refused until they were given a starting date with the compensation they were promised for their services during production. The producers claimed this unfair as they were not sure of producing the s'tory even after the changes were made. The purchase and payment are not questioned, but as to when the employ- ment of the writers would again start work on the changes to be made, is the big point in the issue. The Academy after reading the contract .-ind statements received from both sides, ruled that both parties were at fault, but that the writers in framing the story should make the work the best as to their ability for the producers as well as to their own benefit. The producers delayed reading the story or informing the writers for over a period of a month that changes were desired. Summing the case up the Academy awarded the complainants four weeks' pay, on con- dition that the continuity was finished 30 days from the starting date. Caesar Writes Ainother Clark & McCullough are making "Nightie Knight," a Movietone short by Arthur Caesar. George Scarborough Consulting Dramatist United Artists Cahane Manager Leo Cahane is new man- ager of the Metropolitan studios, succeeding Phil Ryan, who resigned to go join a talk- er company. William S. Hol- man will handle financial mat- ters at the studio. Halsey Preparing F. N. "A Most Immoral Lady" Forrest Halsey, contract writer at First National - Yitaphone, has just been assigned the task of writing the adaptation and script for the former Alice Brady play, "A Most Immoral Lady,'' which is to be Cor- inne Griffith's forthcoming starring vehicle. Halsey recently completed "Careers," the Billie Dove picture now in production at the Burbank Studios. Chaplin Recovering from Ptomaine Poison Attack Charles Chaplin is recovering from the attack of ptomaine poisoning ag- gravated by an intestinal influenza condition which he recently suffered. A Little from « Lots ff By RALPH WILK Cast in "Dr. Fu Manchu" Warner Oland, Charles Stevenson, Claude King, Lawford Davidson, William Austin, Evelyn Selbie, O. P. Heggie and Jean Arthur are among players cast for "The Insidious Dr. Fu Manchu," by Sax Rohmer, which Paramount will make as a talker. Rowland V. Lee will direct. Gus Edwards' Novelty Started M-G-M has started a Movietone color novelty called "Mexicano," un- der direction of Gus Edwards, John T. Murray is to act as master of ceremonies. Davey Lee in "Skin Deep" Warners has cast Davey Lee in "Skin Deep," Monte Blue's new pic- ture. The child player also is in cast of Al Jolson's new picture, ten- tatively called "Little Pal." RUBINEWS'7 In "Red Riding Hood" my next EPIS, I will play a girl not a stranger but myself please don't misconstrue as I don't ride horseback sidesaddle. BENNY RUBIN Hollywood IT'S a great life. We know of sev- eraF trade and daily papers that continue to "fall" for material sent out by a certain free-lance press agent, who is not a member of the Wampas. In his "news letters" the press agent mentions his clients who are supposed to be working in "pic- tures" being made in Hollywood by a certain "producer." The "producer" has not been in Hollywood for months and has not made a picture in years. * >ii « Ernest Pagano is a Denver boy who has made good in Hollywood. Ernie adapted Lew Upton's origi- nal, "Spite Marriage" and also wrote gags fvr the comedy. Ernie's work was so well liked that he was re-engaged by M-G-M to write gags for "The Gob," starring Bill Haines. Ernie ivill also adapt "Lighter Than Air." * * * Gilbert Warrenton, ace cameraman, declares, that with voices doubling for faces, cameramen have less wor- ries than heretofore. * * ♦ Several of our old friends are continuing to accept wrrit- ' ing jobs in Hollywood studios. John Russell has deserted his Riverside Drive apartment to write originals and scenarios for RKO. John Brownell has also joined RKO. * * ♦ Through Holmes Walton, John Loder has been engaged for an im- portant role in "The Green Ghost, ' which Rupert Julian will direct for M-G-M. John will enact the role of an officer and he will be right at home, as he was an officer in the British Army during the World War. HARVEY GATES Writer WARNER BROTHERS "The Desert Song" Film Direction by Remote Control Seen by De Mille Direction by remote control has come into picture production with talkers, declares Cecil B. De Mille. Paramount-Pomeroy Settlement ' Roy J. Pomeroy has received a • settlement on his contract as director | of sound for Paramount, and is en route to New York from where he will sail for Europe for a vacation. "U" to Make "The Barnstormer" Harry Pollard will begin produc- tion in Movietone of his own story, "The Barnstormer," upon comple- tion of "The Minstrel Show" for Universal. The story is written around Pollard's experience as a trouper. THE Doorvray ol Hospitality 1(NTER the doorway o* thl* populan hoitelry and you feel at home. There'! an atmoiphere of cordial welcom* which mark* the difference between the Hollywood Plaxa and ordinary hoteU. Your room, too, hmt that added touch of diatincdon. Picture* on the wall, over- stuffed furniture, a floor lamp and reading lamp . . . these are but a few of the features that make you feel at home. Pig'n Whistle Dining Service insures ths best of food. Therefore, when you are nest in hot Angeles be sure to investigate. THE HOLLYWOOD PLAZA HOTEL Vine Street at Hollywood Boulevard HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA ^ iunday, March 3. 1929 z-^5^ DAILY Theater Equipment I fly CHARLES F. HYNES , m TENSION REEL IS PLACED UPON MARKET l-^specially clcsigiied for projection t' souiul-on-tiliii pictures, the Kveii \ nsiou Reel has been placed on tlie rket by Mackler & La- Via, New ,.rk. The tirni will manufacture iiul distribute the new reel. The reel is built for 2.000 ft. of ilni and, its sponsors claim, will • ^eitp of spokes, showing lock- / arrangement into the rim by Safe-T-Weld ake up the film evenly and smooth - \ without jar or vibration from be- :iing to end. Tested with a ^i-dometer, the reel does not vary I point, declare its manufacturers HI The Even Tension Reel, just an- nounced as ready for the market Scratching of the film in rewinding is declared prevented. Thus, say the manufacturers, if the rewinder stops the film short, the convolu- tions or folds will . not rub against one another. When used in the projector the Even Tension Reel takes up the film independently even though the projector tension gears are not in alignment, Mackler & La-Via say. The reel is made of Bessemer steel, and burnished with a copper solu- ^Just Around Regardless of the location of your theatre, NATIONAL Service is, to all practical pur- poses, "just around the cor- ner. No matter what equipment you need or what emergency arises, your nearest Branch is always ready to serve you promptly, expertly and eco- nomically. the corner 30 Service Branches completely stock- ed, are maintained by us for the con- venience and pro- t e c t i o n of the American Exhibi- tor. iSatiomd^iheabm Suppfy'^ompmtf (4258) NATIONAL Service is One-Source, One-Quality, One-Guarantee SERVICE! INGENIOUS OSE OF FOOTS ADDS COLOR TO TALKERS Toronto — Color for sound jiictures is tile innovation introduced at the L'ptown, I-'amous Players house here, througli ingenious use of foots. When the variety numbers of talking shorts are shown, the screen is flooded with cokirs from the foots, placed on the stage directly in front of the screen. With the screen framed in black, the colored rays do not show outside the picture. Solid colors of red, green and amber are changed with each succeeding act. The colors are not used strong enough to detract from the sharpness of the picture, so that the color photography effect is ob- tained. tion said to make it smooth and rust proof. The steel construction is de- clared to assure alignment. There arc no screws, the flanges Ijeing locked permanently by clamps. Friction Hut Bearing of Netv Eveyi Tension Reel Tiic spokes are designed to lock in- to the rim of the reel by a Safe-T- Weld, adding safety to permanency. The hul) is three-quarters of an inch in diameter. y^^^^^^S^^ VICTOR A. ^P RIGAUMONT ^P N. A. ARCHITECT \m DESIGNER OF M| THEATRES HQ Pittsburgh U] N<«York |f^|bXnAuO^Di Hlf!£i^^^fiVB\K) LOEW BUILDING 1540 BROADWAY TIMES SQUARE, NEW YORK LOEW BUILDING PENN AVENUE pmsBuncH TALKING StIOP "Joe" Hornstein Leaves National Theater Sup- ply Co.— A leader in Field — Co-operative Buying fVK Feb. 28, Joe Hornstein severed " his connection with National Theater Supi)ly Co., with which company he has been since 1926, di- recting destinies of the New York ofifice. Whether he is to retire from the supply field, to which he has devoted a number of the 25 years he has been in the industry, "Joe" has not yet made apparent, although he promises to make known his future connections in April. Since his start in the industry cranking a projector at a Coney I.s- land dance hall in 1904, through the pioneer supply days, when he ped- dled efjuipment up and down 14th St., New York, "Joe" has been a big factor in equipment business in the East. He sold their first projec- tion equipment to such pioneers as A(lol|)h Zukor, Marcus Loew and William Fox — to mention but a few — and kept pace with the field, while it was outgrowing its swaddling clothes. "Joe" has a fine record for ability and square shooting, an here's hoping he continues in the theater equipment field. TIIF value of organization is stress- ed in the contract just closed be- tween the General Klectric Co. and the New Jersey exhibitor unit, head- ed by Joseph M. Seider. The agree- ment calls for a ii 1/3 per cent cut for members on all electric lamps they buy. The co-operative deal en- tails no fuss or inconvenience. The member merely orders direct from G. E. If the number of lamps used during the life of the contract, reach a certain figure, a percentage of the price is turned over to the organi- zation. •FOR SALE- Slightly used Stineman 35 mm. Printer, in absolutely perfect condition, $62.50; list $90,00. U/ILLOCICHByS Phona Penna. 0330 Motion Picture Department U. S. and Canada Agents for Debris the: 10 Foreign Markets By JAMBS P. CUNNINGHAM NEW CEKSOR BODIES ARE APPOINTED IN mmm Washington Bureau, of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The Royal Commis- sion's recommendation for apoint- ment of a censorship board and a board of appeals has been accepted by the Prime Minister of Australia, advises the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. A censorship board has been appointed for one year, and a board of appeals for three years. The personnel of each board consists of two men and a woman of national, civic and literary importance. Both boards are now active. Comedy Producing Co. Is Formed in England London — Surelaugh Pictures is be- ing formed here to produce two reel slapstick comedies. The com- pany's schedule calls for six two reelers to be made at the Shepherd's Bush studio, under direction of En- rique Molina, who formerly pro- duced comedies for Universal at Hol- lywood. Officers are Philip Class, chairman, Jack Veronique, vice chairman and John Kano. Tobis Gets Injunction Against Klangfilm Co. Berl'n — Tonbild Syndikat (Tobis) sound system, has secured an injunc- tion against Klangfilm Co., subsidiary of A. E. G. and Siemens-Halske, which prevents that company from showing talking pictures. Tobis al- leged an infringement of patents. Tobis declares it embraces patents of Tri-Ergon, Kuchenmeister, Messter and Petersen Poulsen devices, while Klangfilm, or the other hand, claims to control patents of A. E. G., Sie- men-Iialske, Lignose and RCA Pho- tophone of America. Richmount Pictures 723 7th Avenue Inc. Hew York City D. J. MOUNTAN. Pre*. prXCLUSIVE foreign representatives for Rayart Pictures°Corporation , and other leading independ- ent producersanpl distributors Cable Address: RICHPICSOC, Parte Cable Addreu: DEEJAY, London Cable Addreit: RICHPIC. N. Y. Exporting only tlie best in Motion Pictures Censorship in Irish Free State Shows Increase H'ashiiuiton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — During 1928 films re- viewed by censors in the Irish Free State showed a slight increase over 1927, according to a report of the censors to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. Despite the fact that films brought into the Irish Free State invariably bear the certi- ficate of approval by the British cen- sors, the films are required by law to be examined by Irish censors be- fore exhibition. They examined 1,671 films in 1928, an increase of 21 films over 1927. Sound and Color Film Studio for Blattner London — Blattner Picture Corp.'s new studio at Elstree, especially con- structed for sound and colored pic- tures, will be opened on or about March 22. Emelka Building Houses Berlin — Additional theaters are being built for Emelka. One, seating 1,500 at Gelsenkirchen-Buer, is to be opened soon, while the Capitol at Cologne, seating 2,000 is nearing completion. Another house seating 3,000 is to be built at Hamburg and one here on Koepenicker Strasse which will seat 2,100. Building in Birmingham London — The Denman Construc- tion Co., Gaumont British subsidiary, plans to build a 3,000 seat house at Birmingham to cost approximately $250,000. "U" Starts at Berlin Studio Berlin — Josef Levigard has started production on Universal's "The House of Glass," starring June Mar- lowe. This picture will be followed by "Fallen Angels." Haik Honored Paris — Jacques Haik has been made a Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur by the President of the Republic. New Company in Spain Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Cinematografica Kspanola, S.A. of Madrid, is the name of a new company formed here With a capital of about $800,000, ad- vises a report to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. British Censored 778 in 1928 Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The total number of features censored in Great Britain during 1928 amounted to 778 accord- ing to figures published by the Brit- ish Board of Censors, advises the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Com- merce. Presentations By HERBERT S. BERG, CARNIVAL ATMOSPHERE COLORFUL COSTUME HIT CLICKS AT THE ROXV PEPS UP CAPITOL SHOW Three nicely contrasting stage pictures were presented liy tile Roxy, with the sets and color harmonies done with the lavish touch that only this house seems able to achieve. "Ballet De Nuit" featured Patricia Bowman in a fanciful dancing interlude that was as delicately beautiful as anything yet seen at this theater. Contrasting with this was "The Angelus" from "Scenes Pittoresque" by Massenet. The setting was old Dutch, with the Holland dwellings for a background as the choral en- semble in gay and colorful costumes went through a rather lifeless number. But the colors and settings with excellent costuming made a great eye-smash. The Roxyettes did a tap routine with the floor mat, a novelty for this aggregation, and they delivered with their usual snap and perfection. A preten- tious prologue to the feature, "The Spieler," was called "The Carnival Is Coming." Set 'howcd the outside of a side show with Hugh Cameron as the spieler. He was very good in the short bit that was given him. The show girls were here used as the mob of carnival pleasure seekers, appearing in their street costumes. The scene was intelligently staged to give a very natural appearance of a crowd surging liefore the I)allyhoo stand. Then a screen was lowered as the title ot tlie feature faded in, with the crowd and ballyhoo still shouting and laughing as the first scene flashed. Very effective. "HARVEST TIME" BRINCS HICK SHOW TO PARAMOUNT The Paramount show didn't show a thing this week, and was about the slimmest enter- tainment shown along the main stem for many weeks — as far as comparison can be made W'ith the competitive Capitol and Roxy houses. Dave Gould staged the affair, "Har- vest Time," and why this was pulled on the verge of spring is just another thing to wonder at. All hands were rigged up in hick costume, and the setting was evidently a barnyard with the vista of an orchard and hay field in the Ixickground. The special acts were all weak. Fauntel- roy and Van did their musical saw stunt with gagging, this act being a repeat at the Paramount. Ted Marks, whistling spe- cialist, pepped up the party considerably. But that's all he was allowed to do, with his usual vaude monologue eliminated. They called on Ted frequently to put the neces- sary paprika into the proceedings, resulting in too much whistle on an already flat pro- gram. Then the Varsity Four contributed several numijers, pulling their stuff straight, without any comedy. That was the main stjuawk on this bill — there was no comedy. And this hick atmosphere requires comedy more than anything. Two gals, the Stanley Twins, did an acrobatic routine without any distinction. The Dave Gould Girls copped what honors there were, for they had two goo<.l roiUines that went u'ell. Dave Rubinoff in the pit put the Iwys through "Assyrian Fantasy," which he handles in his usual peppy manner. Jesse Crawford, with the wife at the stage console, featured "Yo Te Amo," with Virginia Johnson, soprano, as- sisting. Standard VAUDEVILLE for Motion Picture Presentation Tlie FALLY MARKUS VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Lackawanna 7876 1531 BROADWAY, NEW YORK CITY Chester Hale staged a very effective cos- tume hit with "Versailles," showing the toys and girls in the ruffles and hooped skirts of yesterday. Emil Boreo was the outstand- ing artist, and caught the spirit of the ro- mantic period increasively both in costume and acting. Yvette Rugel did the prima donna stuff with her coloratura soprano, her voice regis- tering well in two numbers. The Rodin Trio, consisting of two petite girls and an athletic male support, did an adagio that was excellent for its grace and swiftness in the various leaps and holds. Worked up to a sensational finale. The stage band went through their paces under direction of the m. c, Dave Schooler. They did a comedy number that fell rather flat. Production an- gles were up to the Capitol standard, and the Chester Hale Girls were nothing less than gorgeous in some striking costumes. David Mendoza led the pit orchestra through a niedley of popular numbers, and this fur- nished nice contrast to the stage show. Hill with Publix-Saenger Atlanta — Montgomery S. Hill, for the past several years district man- ager of Publix, is resigning from the organization to become affiliated with Publix-Saenger Theaters of North Carolina. In the new connection Hill will serve as assistant to H. F. Kincey, general manager. Hill will establish his home in Greensboro, N. C, where the Publix-Saenger circuit maintains its executive headquarters. King at Emmis, Tex. Emmis, Tex. — W. B. King has been here supervising redecorating of the Grand here for John Sayeg, in get- ting the house ready for its opening soon. Sayeg, it is stated has spent over $12,000 for decorations. King is also remodeling the Palace at Mc- Alester, Okla. for Robb & Rowley. Managing Richmond House Richmond, Va. — Samuel Bend- heim, Jr., local business man, has succeeded Carroll S. Langue as manager of the Capitol. Langue left here to become identified with the Metropolitan of Baltimore. Walter Morris Transferred Jacksonville, Fla. — Walter Morris, for more than a year assistant man- ager of the Florida, has been trans- ferred to Miami as manager of the Community, Miami Beach. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Tlieatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3580 Sunday. March 3, 1929 DAILY 11 "Sound Patents with Early 9 f In connection with this series of articles dealing with the patent history of synchroniza- tion and sound devices and pre- sented under the general title of "Sound Patents." THE FILM DAILY draws particu- lar attention to the following, published with the first article of the series: While the articles may give some insight into the patent situation, it is not their purpose to give any opinion or conclu- sion as to the value or strength of any existing patent, but only to bring to the attentions of its readers what the various patents disclose. This is the third instalhnent of ".Souiul F'atents," an international historical survey of sound devices and what their patents reveal. This material which will appear from time to time in the columns of THE FILM DAILY is divided into several major divisions. I'nder discussion at this time is mechanical synchronization with which today's installment, as have the two previously published, deals. Apparatus of similar type is showi: in British patent Xo. 25.206, granted to William Edward Partridge on Dec. 31, 1914. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 of this patent, which are re- spectively an elevation and a plan xw, the cylinder (2) and record 1.5) of a cylindrical phonograph are rotated by a drive shaft (1) on which is also mounted a friction drum (5), from which the drive shaft (8) of Deal Further Synchronization the picture projection niachine. not shown, i.s driven through a friction wheel (14). friction disc (10) and lielt (9). The speed of rotation of the friction wheel (14) is always pro- portional to that of the drum (5) and accordingly to that of the cylinder (3). The speed of rotation of the disc (10) relative to the disc (14) is constant when the position of the wheel remains constant at a defi- nite distance from the axis of the disc (10) but may be varied by slid- ing the disc (14) horizontally. A screw (17) engaging a loosely mount- ed collar (20) on the shaft (12) of the disc (14) serves to slide the disc horizontally. Another form of synchronous drive is shown in United States pat- ent No. 1,062,324, to H. T. Crapo. on May 20, 1913, in which the projec- tion machine and the phonograpli are directly geared to the driving mechanism. A feature of this patent is a centrifugal regulating device for controlling the speed of the driving element and for adjusting the regu- lator to any desired speed. This regulator, as shown in Fig. 3 of the patent, is driven from a pulley (13) connected to the driving motor and which, in turn, drives a shaft (12) and a fly wheel (14). A friction plate (17) is slidably mounted on an inner shaft (10) and is pressed by means of springs (19) against the fly wheel (14) so as to be engaged and rotated by the latter. When the friction plate (17) engaees the fly wheel (14) the shaft (10) is ro- tated and this rotation is transmitted to the projection machine by means of a sprocket gear (43) mounted on the projecting end of the shaft. A number of weights (20) are mounted on the springs (19) so that when the speed of the fly wheel (14) and plate (17) becomes too great, the centrif- H. T. CRAPO. MOTIOH FIOTDBE AND VOICE BEFBODDCIRO MACHINE AFPLIOATIOH TILED JAI.IO, Itll 1,062,334. Patented May 20, 1913. 3 8H£ET»-8BEI;T 3 .\.I». I'JIJ .M.\Y 4. N« 25,20Cl? I'AUTKIIMIK'S CoMri.KTK .Spkcikicatiok. /J S»ECT) FIG 2 m^ Ah early j^merican patent in which synchrony bctzcecn projector and phoiwgraph is obtained by gearing both to a joint drii-ing mechanism. U. S. Patent Xo. 1,062,324 granted to H. T. Crapo May 20, 1913. IVilliam Edward Partridge's system of mechanical synchronisation, similar to other early patents granted in this country and abroad. British patent No. 23,206. ugal action will throw these weights (20) outwardly from the shaft (10) and thus draw the plate (17t away from the fly wheel (14), whereupon the plate (17) of the shaft (10) and the mechanisms driven thereby will be freed from the fly wheel (14) and will slow down, decreasing the cen- trifugal effect on the weights (20) and will permit the plate (17) to again engage the fly wheel (14). The opposite ends of the spring (19) are mounted on a rotating collar (18) and by moving this collar toward the fly wheel (14), a greater centrif- ugal force and correspondingly greater speeds are required to draw the plate (17) from contact with the fly wheel (14). The position of the collar (18) may be adjusted by means of a lever {i2), one end of which is fixed and the other end of which may be moved by means of a threaded shaft (31) and a crank (36). Amplitone Steps Up Output Royal Amplitone Corp., manufac-' turer of a disc device recently placed on the market, has enlarged its pro- duction output to meet immediate installation orders, states Elmer Hollander, company sales manager. The firm has moved to new offices at 145 W. 45th St., New York. THE 12 -:xii^ DAILV Sunday, March 3, 1929 Bombshell (Continued from Page 1) Back from the West Tuesday: This day's developments in that deal: William Fox landed back on ihe main stem from a hurried trip to California. Coincident with his return came a modest flood of reporf.s re- garding Loew. The most persistent of them all was that, mow that Fox was back, some action may be looked for.... Elsewhere, this is going on: California. The Sterns, long the short subject mainstay on the Uni- versal program, are about to part company with Uncle Carl. Now who would have thought such a thing could have happened! France. We now turn your atten- tion to La Belle France and Gay Paree where the native industry is determined to make it very tough for American companies. The quota regulations over there are being over- hauled and, if certain powerful mein- bers of the French trade have their own stubborn way, the sailing along Parisian boulevards will be less har- monious then ever before. . . . New York. Over at RCA, much excitement prevails. There, by ar- rangement with George K. Spoor who has spent much time and money developing a third dimension process, things are moving. By the fall, many RKO theaters will be equipped to show films made via the new de- velopment. Further, there will be pictures to show. We knew, of course, that dimension is certain to come, but not so fast, thought \ye. Incidentally, those who delight in in- dulging in forecasts may predict a similar move over at Fox. . . . Closing In Wednesday: Adding to the fast closing chapters of that colorful deal: This day brought more reports. Unusually insistent and persistent were they. Warners and Fox both angling, with our betting odds heav- ily placed on Fox. Yet, it is hard to tell. On the stock exchange, Loew's jumps 6 1-8 points and Fox Film, three. Significant? Some folks think so. Others continue to pooh pooh. But why do that when cer- tain important figures in the industry find enough of moment to engage their attentions until the early hours of the morning? Something is up, never fear. Explosion Thursday: In the bag. Closed. Signed. Also delivered. Fox suc- ceeds in nabbing Loew's. Zowie, what a deal? Easily the industry's largest. Think of it! Fox and Loew's one organization. No wonder the industry is rocked. Schenck, the Loew family, Dave Bernstein, Louis Mayer, and others have sold out at a very, very handsome profit. Open market accumulations of Loew com- mon round out the Fox holdings. Look what it does: Gives Fox about 800 combined theaters: a ter- rific array of talent, real estate, stu- dio facilities, foreign offices, Amer- ican exchanges, dominance on Broad- way and pretty much through Great- er New York. Combined assets now way over $200,000,000. The little old paper, the first and only in the field to carry the deal, sure hand^ out a surprise on this morning. And how ! Inside Stuff Friday : Tremors of excitement everywhere. New York is dum- founded. Hollywood worse. Noth- ing else talked about. How could there be? Here's some interesting stuff from the inside: Fox paid the major interests at Loew's |12S a share for their 450,000 shares. For control about 700,000 shares were required. These were bought in the open market. The present regime at Loew's is to stay. After all, Fox needs manpower and plenty of it. Of the future, it is dif- ficult to tell. In many directions, Fox and M-G-M, which goes along in the purchase, duplicate efforts. In all American key cities but one, ex- changes are identical. Abroad, both companies have about the same num- ber of offices — 88 to be exact — al- though not always in the same cities. On the coast, Fox has two studios; Metro, one. The duplication is con- siderable,, as you can see, and for much of it there is no real business reason. In the meantime and in the face of the biggest coup ever pulled in this industry, Bill Fox says nothing; Nick Schenck can be found neither at office nor home; the little old paper continues to tell the world exactly what went on while others fumble and guess. And everywhere, every- one wonders what to expect next. K A N N Houston Made Director West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Norman Houston, who, in collaboration with James Gleason, wrote the dialogue for "The Broadway Melody," has been ele- vated to the rank of director at M-G- M. His first assignment will be an all-talking short subject titled "Copy," written by Kendall Banning. Roscoe Karnes will have the leading role. Musical Comedy for Fox West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Following the "Fox Movietone Follies," Fox will produce a musical comedy for which B. G. De Sylva, Lew Brown and Ray Hen- derson are to provide the book as well as music and lyrics. M-G-M Signs Asther West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Nils Asther has sign- ed a new long term contract with M-G-M. Dismantling Mich. Lyric Mount Clemens, Mich. — The Lyric theater here is to be dismantled. Short Subjects SOUND Frank Orth and Co. in "Meet the Wife" Vitaphone No. 2710 Amusing, But Too Long Type of production. .. .comedy skit A rather goofy number, but furtny in many spots, nevertheless. The principal difficulty is twofold: The sketch is too long drawn out and occasionally the cast, headed by Frank Orth, is not any too sure of its lines. Which, of course means either poor memories or lack of re- hearsals. It's all about two old friends who meet at the club, where one tells the other about his bride. She lets hubby stay out to 4 A. M., dosen't object when he brings the friend home at that outlandish hour, offers to get up and serve refresh- ments and generally proves so out of the ordinary and so good, that Orth finally shoots her. Bryan Foy di- rected. Time, eight minutes. Dr. Sigmund Spaeth in "Old Tunes for New" Fox Movietone Novelty Type of production. .Piano selections This is a real novelty, with the musical authority. Dr. Spaeth illus- trating at the piano how many of the current popular song hits have been freely adapted from well known classical pieces of nmsic. Spaeth de- livers an explanatory talk as he il- lustrates which is very entertaining, enlightening and amusing. Ainy audi- ence will get a kick out of this, especially when he shows amusingly how "Yes, We Have No Bananas" was adapted from no less than three nmsical selections of by gone days. Time, 7 mins. Mai Hallett and Orchestra Vitaphone No. 729 Ordinary Type of production jazz band Neither very good nor very bad. Just another jazz band number of which Vitaphone has produced many. The boys, under Mai Hallett's baton, play "Doin' the Racoon," "Tin Pan Parade" and "We Love the College Girls" and do them well enough, but without particular distinction. The last number is lifted by a dance which two of the boys do with rag figures representing college girls. This is amusing. Time, six minutes. "If Men Played Cards As Women Do" Paramount Good Satire Type of production, .comedy sketch This is a clever takeofif on a wo- mens' afternoon card party, with four men saying and doing the things which the ladies are supposed to do when they get together for an af- fair of this kind. They play it straight, without nancing the lines or gestures, and it brings a lot of laughs. They discuss each other's clothes, talk scandal about their friends, and do everything but play cards. George Kaufman wrote the skit, a good satire. Time, 8 mins. "Friendship" Fox Movietone Holds Suspense Type of production. .Dramatic sketch This is a dramatic playlet written by Eugene Walter with an all-male cast consisting of Robert Edeson, Donald Gallaher, Paul Fung, Edward Earle, Joseph Striker and Carl Miller, all of the stage. It is very well built up to a strong climax, and holds the interest absorbed. The work of Ede- son is especially convincing. Scene opens at a private supper given by a stage star to his four cronies in ■ his apartment. He breaks the news that he is engaged to a notorious woman. They decide to save him from his fate, and the manager sends him to London to open a show. Then the other three play around with his fiancee to prove to him that she is not a fit woman for him. The punch comes on his return from London when they disclose the woman's in- fidelity, and he tells them dramati- cally that he married her the day he sailed. Strong drama well acted, with dialogue exceptionally good and all voices registering clear. Time, 18 mins. >i Ruth Etting Paramount Popular Number Type of production. . .popular songs Ruth Etting, the Columbia Record singer, under contract to Ziegfeld, does very well with three favorite ii current melodies which she gets over f| with a lot of snap. She makes a nice appearance, and knows how to sell the numbers. Her enunciation is above the average, and the melodies are the type that will register with any audience. Time, 8 mins. EGGERS INCORPORATED Photo Engraving Specialists to the Motion Picture Industry DAY AND NIGHT 250 West 54th Street NEW YORK Telephone: Coiumbut 4M1'1-J Announcing R EASTMAN EPROTONE NEGATIVE the proved sound film L ABORATORY measurement of its sound fidelity — actual use in the studios — Reprotone Negative has undergone these two tests and has emerged as the pre-eminent medium for the recording of sound with motion pictures. Developed through the joint efforts of the industry and the Eastman organiza- tion, it makes possible a hitherto unapproached standard of realistic, pleasing sound reproduction. EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY ROCHESTER, N. Y. I^EAI^TS^ DIXIE HERE THE BLUES BEGIN . . Way down yonder in the corn field— the cotton field— leveeland— land of song— where the blues and jazz were born — you'll hear the happy beat of HEARTS IN DIXIE FOX MOVIETONE J 00% Dialog Musical Drama and 200 NATIVE ENTERTAINERS Singers, Dancers, Actors Musical Comedy Stars with BILLBREW CHORUS of 60 voices THE first authentic audible screen record of the real South. All the happy-go-lucky joy of living, laughter and all-embracing gusto of plantation life below the Mason and Dixon hne has been re-created with thrilling realism. Southern melodies are sung by magnificent chorus — roustabouts and stevedores croon folk tunes as the "Nellie Bly" pulls into dock — cake walks, folk dances, native jazz orchestras crowd the action of this box-office bonanza from Dixieland. Now Playing GAIETY Theatre, N, Y,, Twice Daily at $2 to Record-Breaking Attendance Hits the RITI.I.'S EVF a^ain With Another Harris Cites Print 's Importance in Sound Symposium ^c NEWSPAPER >/'FILMDOM ALL THE ALLTHE TIME OL. XLVIl No. 52 Mcr.clay. March 4, 192^/ PiicL- 5 Ccnls iOWERfUL NEW COMPANY [ FORMED jN^ AUSTRALIA -vdiiey, Australia (By Cable) — n C. Jones, former managing di- ' bctor of First National lierc. has iunched a new company called reater Australasian l-"ilms, which IS taken complete control of Aus- alasian Films' distributing system, •ending through Australia and \'. Zealand. The move presages j rrong revival of the independent I n.irkct and the company is backed ''ig first runs and other exhibitors. A channels are opened to Amerl- tn producers by the company, to liich exhibitors are giving strong iipport. OASI EXECUTIVES NOT TO OPPOSE EQUITY ACTIVITY f Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY l.os Angeles — Studio executives [will not seriously oppose" activites It .Actors' Equity Ass'n into the film ■eld. The maiority of players ap- pearing in talkers are members oi iquity. offering a new wedge for Organizing the studios. FOX ANNOUNCES LOEW DEAL; FOX THEATERS CORP., BUYER A Clean Beat While reports and counter reports were confusing the issue, THE FILM DAILY last Thursday announced closing of the Fox deal for acquisition of Loew's and M-G-M. Up to yesterday, that an- nouncement was the only story stating definitely that the deal had been closed. The clean scoop scored by THE FILM DAILY climaxed a series of stories reporting progress of the deal, in the face of the denials. As early as Nov. 22. 1928, THE FILM DAILY tipped off the impending deal. On Saturday, reporls that it had been closed, were first picked up and sent over the financial ticker. fniversal Pictures Net for 1928 Is $1,004,644 Net earnings of the year ending Viivember 3, 1928, for Universal Pic- ts Company. Inc., after all charges !uding Federal income taxes, lountcd to $1,004,644 equivalent, ter provisions for dividend re- uirements on the first and second efcrred stocks, to $2.69 per share n 250.000 shares of no par value oinnion outstanding stock. First referred stock originally outstand- ng in the amount of $3,000,000 had leen reduced to $2,386,100 as at No- ember, 1928. Fox and M-G-M Foreign Offices Duplicate All Over the Globe '28 EOX FILM PROFITS TO REACH men PEAK lig Warner Broadcast Set Over 30 Stations Tonight Thirty stations will broadcast a special Warner program tonight. The highlights will be Davey Lee. giv- ing an imitation of Al Jolson sing- ing "Sonny Boy"; Jolson singing three new song numbers from fu- ture pictures: Colleen Aloore singing the theme song from "Why Be Crood?" and talks by Dorothy Mac- (Continued on Page 2) .\ forecast of Fox Film earnings for 1928 indicates that the company has just closed a record year. Net earnings will total somewhere be- tween $6 and $7 a share on the 920,- 660 comljincd shares of Class .^ and Class B common outstanding after deducting all charges and taxes. On this basis, the profits would range between $5,523,960 and $6,444,620. In each of the two preceding years ended Dec. 31 net profit totaled about $3,120,000. which were the highest (Continued on Page i) An almost identical parallel exists between the foreign sales organi- zations of Fox and M-Ci-M. Fox op- erates S7 ollFices ill ?t2 foreign coun- tries, exclusive of the United -Stales and Canada. Metro operates 82 of- fices in ?il countries, exclusive of the United States and Canada. Both sets of overseas branches, are not scattered through the same countries, however. In all major for?ign territories both companies, of cour^e, operate. On the otiier hand, Fo.x functions in six lands where Metro does not, these specifically be- ing Dutch P-ast Indies, Greece, Ko- rea. Latvia. Poland, and Sitraits Set- tlements. Similarly. Metro o])er- ates direct offices in Denmark, Guateuiala. Morocco. Norway, Portu- (Continued on Page 3) Filmdom's Biggest Combi- nation Now Officially Confirmed W illam Fox yesterday announced l"ox Theaters Corp. had i)urchased "a subsiantial block of the connnon stock of Loew's. Inc." The formal announcement. Iwief and from its construction savoring of a statc- irent prepared by lawyers, did not declare whether or not the "substan- tial block" carried control but a ref- erence appearing later gave official intimation that the transaction. i?> first definitelv announced in THF FILM DAILY on Thursday last, was for a majority interest. "Its (Loew's, Inc.) policies and personnel," read the statement, "in the domestic and foreign fields will be continued by Fox Theaters Corp." Newspa|)ermen present attenijited to ply Fox with questions. Confu- sion apparently existed in their nrnds over the difference between the corporate entities of I'ox Film Corp. and Fox Theaters Corp. Fox was careful to explain that the Loew (Continued on Page 3) // Print is Good Sound-on- Film Better, Harris States If prints arc in proper condition, sound-on- fiUn recording is the better of the fti'o systems, states John H. Harris, veteran Pittsburgh sli07i.'inan, in expressing his vieivs on the tzvo systems for the "Sound Symposium" being conducted by THE FILM DAILY. His article is one of a scries on the respective merits of the two systems. Pittsburgh — L'nder proiier condi- tions, meaning proper production of the picture, so that tonal (|uality equals that of discs, sound-on-film is the better method of recording, states John H. Harris of the Harris Amusement Co., chain operator. "Sound-on-film is less expensive to handle, and there is less chance of (Continued on Page 3) "SUBSTANTIAL BLOCK" OF LOEW COMMON ACQUIRED Text of William Fox's fot .<.. an- iiouiicetiient regnrdiny the acquixi- tion of Loew's, I tic, folloivs: "Fox Theaters Corp. has pur- chased a substantial block of the com- mon stock of Loew's, Inc. The trans- action was concluded by Mr. Fox, on behalf of Fox Theaters Corp., ac- quiring the shares held by the widow and family of the late ^farcus Loew and those of a group intimately asso- ciated with the management of Loew's, Inc., which owns also the Mctro-Coldwyn Pictures Corp. "It is the intention that Loew's. Inc.. shall operate as a separate unit in the amusement field. Nicholas M. Schenck will remain as president and David Bernstein as vice presi- dent and treasurer. The officials and executives of the Metro-Goldwyn- (Contlnued on Page 3) THE ;%g^ DAILY Mofiday, March 4, 19i aTHESlSil p/'FILHDOH J^T^4 .AILTHE MEWS ^ 1085^ 100 •M-G-M pfd 25-^ M. P. Cf.p ilVa, 36 36^ 1,200 Para. F-L 66i^ o55^ 66 8,200 Pathe Exch \2Vi, \2Vi, 12i^ 1,500 •do "A" 26 Radio K-A-0 .... 38'/ 37 37^ 13,000 Stanley Co 35J4 3554 35J4 100 •Univ. Pict. pfd 98 K- Warner Bros. .. 123J^ 122 123^8 400 •Warner Bro>. pfd 56^4 Warner Pet. Rts... A'A 4 4 1,400 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. .. 11 10I..4 i^Vs 400 •Bal. & Katz 81 Con. Fm. Ind.... 23 J4 22% 22 ->^ 1,700 •Film Insp 15i ■■•. Fox Thea. "A".. 33'A 33 33'A 14,600 (iririith, D. W. "A" 3*4 3M Hi 100 Intern. Proj 23 23 23 inn Loew do deb rts . . 47 47 47 100 •Nat. Scr. Ser 27^4 .... ♦Nat. Thea. Sup S'A Trars-I.ux 12 11 J^ 11 J^ 1.000 Univ. Pict 23 17 23 100 BOND MARKET ♦Keith A-O 6s 46 95 Ixiew 6s 41ww...l2'2 12n4 122 5 do 6s 41 x-war... 98?^ 98^i 987.^ Paramount 6s 47.. 99!^ 99'/^ 99'/2 far. By. 5'As Sl.lOl'X 101'/^ lOli^ 1 Pathe 7s37 • 795i 79 79 2 CURB BONDS •Am. Seat. 6s 36 96^ •Warner 6^4s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 31 33 do units 34 37 do com 4J4 ^'A Skouras Bros 50 54 •Technicolor 173^ 18-4 United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 83 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED To Secure Auditorium Brattleboro, Vt. — Arthur Sharby, owner of the Princess, which recent- ly was destroyed by fire, is arrang- ing to secure the Auditorium. Bristolphone at Pitman Approved by 4 Companies Pitman, N. J.— R. D. Wilkins, nian;;ser of the Broadway, which re- cently completed the installation of Sonora - Bristolphone equipinent, states that M-G-M, United Artists, Paramount and First National have approved his sound reproduction sys- tem for the playing of their pictures. .'\s a result he has booked in "Alias Jimmy Valent'ne," "The Barker," "The Bellamy Trial" and "Interfer- ence." Max Gordon Leaves R-K-0 to Produce Independently Max Gordon, formerly in charge of the vaudeville production depart- ment has resigned from Radio-Keith- Orpheum. He requested that lie be relieved of his contract, which has one year to run, that he might re- sume his former activities as a pro- ducer in the vaudeville, picture and legitimate fields. De Kruif in Charge at N. Y. National Supply Branch George De Kruif, general sales manager of National .Theater Sup- ply Co., now is at the New York of- fice in a supervisory capacity, fol- lowing retirement of Joe Hornstein as manager. William C. Click is con- tinuing as assistant manager of the branch. Witmark Plans Chain of 38 Music Branches Edwin Morris will establish im- mediately 3 8 branch offices from Coast to Coast for M. Witmark & ^"'ons, music pubhshers, as a result of the firm's recent affiliation with Warner Bros. Morris already has left new York to launch the chain. 15 Paramount Films to Be Under Way by April 15 (!>.v( Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Fifteen productions will be started between the present time aiu" .-Vpnl 15 by Paramount. .Kohn Leaves for England Ralph Kohn of Paramount sailed Frida}' for lingland. Wood Reopens Smithfield House Smithfield, O.— H. D. Wood has reopened the Strand, which has been closed since Christmas. INCREASE YOUR BUSINESS WITH— We have been well pleased with your service and believe they will increase any exhibitor's business. ISABELLE THEATRE, Stevenson, Ala. The War Is Over i^ By JACK HARROWER ^^ NOW that the battle staged by those AM PAS at the Astor Sat- urday night is over, we recline on our hospital cot and recall dimly that we were supposed to report the slaughter for the lil' old paper. Let's see. What really did happen? We know we Vi'crc there physically and mentally, ui5 to, let's say, 2 A. M. Then either Al Selig or Paul Benja- min told us that there was a .guy in Room 314 who had the finest bottle of film cement in a f|uart bottle that he had ever sampled, and that this bird was saving the last sample in the bottle for your correspondent. Well, we sampled the film cement. After that our poiver of assembling our thoughts in orderly sequence seemed to get all guymned up. So did our legs. We wore a hired white Cossack uniform. What is left of it hangs beside ?(s alongside our hos- pital cot. When ive get through paying the costiimer for that suit — in instalments — ive don't expect to groiv enthusiastic when anybody mentions those colorful Cossacks. No, sir. But about that Hollywood Masque Ball. That masque stuff was the applesauce. It was a Flask Ball. .\nd you can take it from us if you weren't there that the stuff in most of the flasks sliould have been masked instead of the guests. Let's see. It started with a grand tnarch. Then there was dancing — a half dozen bauds playing alter- nately— o lot of people dressed up as princes, countesses, film sales- m/'n, sound equipment, and others disguised in tuxedos. A strange gal came up to us and said as she lamped the Cossack layout: "Ain't yo'i the new doorman at the Para- mount f" Right there we went down to the basement and started to make a bum out of this Volstead law — which hitherto we have always re- spected. That's why your corre- The Industry's Date Book Today: Premiere of "Times Square," fi Gotham-Bristolphone picture Metropolitan, Baltimore. March 7 Openmg of "The Letter" Criterion, New York. March 8 Opening of "Sonny Boy" Warner, New York. March 9 Premiere of "Lady of the Pa- ments" at Rialto, New York March 12 Opening of "Noah's Ark" at W ter Garden, New York March 17 Premiere of "Show Boat" at C< itol, Miami, and Paramount, Pa Beach spondent's reporting on this hoi caust isn't so good as it should b Blame Russia and Paramount. When we came up for air, th( were awarding the prizes for ti cutest blondes, the curviest brunette and the gal with the most ooh-la lah. Personally we met two cuti Saturday night whom we are su had more ooh-lah-lah than the dan the judges picked. But then ti judges didn't have the advantage the inside dope we had. And the bathing beauties! A) the whoopee cuties from the nig, clubs! And a coupla hundred dam who were just nice gals out for c evening's eruption. And how soii of 'em did erupt! Well, if you wc there, and conscious part of fi time, you know as tnuch about thi as we do. All the worthwhile Broadw: night club and theatrical talent w: there — and how! From Leon Err and Tex Guinan up and down tl list. A riot — a howling success- dizzy, mad, glad, whooperup — win whnmin, song — a gen-uine blowo that will long be remembered. Ai the headache lingers on. But \vl cares? It won't happen for anotln year. That's time enough to r cuperate. Blumenthal Sailing Paris — Ben Blumenthal sails f< New York on the 6th. A RECORD TO BE PROUD OF Now showing on Broadway Roxy Capitol Embassy Astor Criterion The Spieler Lucky Boy Wolf Song Broadway Melody Redskin Strand Warner Winter Garden State Paramount All treated by The Barker The Redeeming Sin The Singing Fool Trail of '98 Strange Cargo which makes film scratch proof, oil proof, water proof, prevents buckling, and prolongs life of film considerably. 729 Seventh Ave., N. Y. C. BRYant 3108 15 YEARS' EXPERIENCE IN BACK OF THIS PROCESS. THE \>nday, March 4, 1929 ■Stl DAILV I! PRINT 18 GOOD SOOND- ON-PILM BEfTER, HARRIS l^t oil (III II HI \fum }'a\ otticials deleriuino to con- tinue the .M-ti-.M branches in tlie countries where the parent organi- zation has no direct representation such a step would give Fo.x operat- ing Lranches in 40 foreign countries. I'aramount functions in 38 via its own ofVices and is represented in five ot!;trs, h'inlaiul, Jugoslavia, Korea, Roumania and Switzerland by agents. First Natior.al is in 16 countries with its own ofiices, the remainder of that company's foreign business being handled b\' agencies; while L'nited .-Vrtists maintains offices of its own in 26 lands. \\ arner branches are to be found in six countries, but their control of First National gives them distributing facilities wherever this latter company operates. The duplication prevailing abroad is graphically demonstrated by the following data. comi)iled from THE 1929 FIL.M D.AIl.V VE.\R BOOK: ALGERIA I'ox iind M ("i-.M niuintain separate officer in .\lgicrs. ARGENTINA Foy -liiicii','; Aires, Kosario. M-G-M — IJahia Ulauca. bucnn? .Aires. Ro- sario. .Nai:ta Fe, Tiiciiman. AUSTRALIA Fox- .Adelaide, liriskme, Launccton, Mel- bourne. Perth, Sydney. M-G-M — Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Tertli, Syaney. AUSTRIA Fox and M-G-M maintain separate offices in Vienna. BELGIUM Fox and M-G-M maintain separate othces in Urnssels. BRAZIL Fox— Divinipolis, Jniz dc Fora. Porto .Alcsre, Rccilc, Ribeirao, Rio de Janeiro, Sao I'aulo. Sao Salvador. Uba. M-G-M — Hello Horizontc, Campos, Juiz de Fora. Porto Aiegre. Recife. Ribeirao, Kio dc laneiro, Sao P.iulo. CHILE Fox and M-G-II both maintain separate ofiices in Concepcion, Santiago and Val- paraiso. CHINA Fox — Shanghai. M-G-M— None. CUBA Fox — Havana, Santiago. M-G-M — Havana. CZECHOSLOVAKIA Fox — Prague. M-G-M — IJrucnn, Prague. DENMARK Fox — -N'one. M-G-M — Copenhagen. DUTCH EAST INDIES Fox — Soerabaia. Weltevrcdcn. M-G-M — None. EGYPT Fox and .M G-M maintain separate otttces in Alexandria. FRANCE Fox -Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseilles, Paris, Strasbourg. M-G-M— Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseil- les, Nancy, Nantes, Paris, Strasbourg, Tou- louse. GERMANY Fox and .M-Ci-.M m.iiniaiii .>,cparatc uflicc!> in Ijer.in, Ureslau, Uu»selil .rf, Frankfurt, Uanib.iTg, Leipzig, Munich. .tit'ttU'KjotUzvyn-Alayct opciatcs in Ger- many itiider a jartiienhip arrangement uiitli I'aijinuuHt and L/a and release:, as dues raramount, thruuQh J'aiujamel. GREECE Fox--.\thens. M-G-M- .\uiie GUATEMALA Fox — ^Nonc. tti-G-M — (juatcniala City. HOLLAND Fox and .M-G .\1 maintain separate ofiices in Amsterdam. HUNGARY Fox and M li .11 iii.iiiitam sei)aratt ofiices in JiuiJapcsi. ITALY Fox — Bologna, Floreiica, Genoa, .Milan, -Sapies, Palermo, Rome, 'Irieste, Turin, N'enice. m-ci-M — Bologna, Florence, Genoa, Milan, .Naples, lurin. JAPAN Fox — Fukuoka City, Osaka, I'okyo. fti-vj-M — lokyo. JUGOSLAVIA Fox and M-G-.\i maintain separate oliices in Zagreb. KOREA Fox — Seoul. M-U-M — None. LATVIA Fox — Riga. M-G-M — None. MEXICO Fo.\ and M-G-.M maintain scp.arate offices in Mexico City. MOROCCO Fox — None. M-G-M — Casablanca. IMiiW ZEALAND Fox — Auckland, W'elliiiglon. M-«j-M — Wellington. NORWAY Fox — None. ftl-kj-M — Oslo. PHILIPPINES Fox -Cebu, Mani.a, Pulupandan. M-G-M — Manila. POLAND Fox- I.cnibcrg, Warsaw. M-G-M — None. PORTO RICO Fox and M-G-.M main separate offices at San Juan. PORTUGAL Fox — None. M-G-M — Lisbon. ROUMANIA Fox — None. M-G-M — Bucharest. SPAIN Fox — Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid, Valen- cia. M-G-M — Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid, Murcia, Seville, \'aleneia. STRAITS SETTLEMENTS Fox — Singapore. M-G-M— None. SWEDEN Fox and MG-M maintain separate ofiices in Stockholm. SWITZERLAND Fox and M G -M maintain separate ofiices in Geneva. UNITED KINGDOM Fox — Birmingham, Cardiff, Dublin, Glas- gow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester. .\ewcastleon-Tyne. M-G-M — Birmingham, Cardiff, Dublin, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Man- chester, Newcastle-on-Tyne, Shefiield. Hartford House To Open Hartford, Conn. — The license com- mittee of the Common Council unanimously voted in favor of recom- mending that a license be granted the Rialto theater here. The house was placed into receivership more than a year ago. Lowell Strand Gets License Lowell, Mass. — John Glazier, rep- resenting the Olympia Operating Company, has been granted a license to operate the Strand which was re- cently taken over by that concern. The old license was cancelled. ANNOUNCEFOX-LOtWDEfll; fOXlHEAKRSCORMUYfR <.Lunl.iiueJ ji.-iii /'j./. 1; deal was on behalf of Fox Theaters an ! that I'ox I'ihn did not enter the traiisaelion in any way. When asked concerning the present theater hold- ings of Fox Theaters, he said, prior to the Loew actjuisilion whicli in- volves about 175 theaters, the com- pany nad been operating 65 houses, making a new total of 240. In about ten days. Fox said tie im- pending deal for acquisition of the Greater N'ew York independent thea- ters will be closed. Fox Metropolitan Playhouses will operate these thea- ters, the common stock of this com- pany to be wholly owned by Fox Theaters Corp. Formal announcement of the Loew purchase was made at the Roxy the- ater yesterday. Representing the I'ox interests were William l-'ox, Win- field Slieehan and John Zanft. Nich- olas M. Schenck and Uavid Bern- stein appeared for the Loew inter- eits. I'ox was spokesman for the grou]). Schenck, under stress of a heavy cold, made but one comment and that was that he expected to continue as president of Loew's, Inc., for many years. '28 foxImTrofits TO REACH men PFAK (Continued from Page 1) ever earned. Figured on the present 920,660 sliares of both classes of common outstanding, earnings in 1927 and 1926 were equal to $3.38 a share for each year. On the SOO.fKJU combined shares outstanding on Dec. 31, 1927, earnings equalccl $6.24 a share. For the nine months ended Sept. 29, 1928. Fo.x reported net income of $4,016,461 equivalent to $5.23 a share on the 767,216 shares of com- mon then outstanding, compared with $2,273,456 or $4.55 a share on the 500,000 combined common out- standing in the corresponding pe- riod of 1927. The Class A conmion stock was increased twice during 1928 and on each occasion stockholders were giv- en rights to subscribe to additional stock. The first was in January. 1928, when stockholders were given right to subscribe at $75 a share to 125,000 additional common in ratio of one new share for each four held. Proceeds were used for absorption of West Coast Theaters and W'esco Corp. In September, stockholders were offered rights to subscribe at $85 a share in ratio of one share for each five held to 153,444 addi- tional common. The purpose of the new financing, involving offering of rights to stock- holders in the last quarter of 1928, was to free the corporation by the end of the year from all of its fund- ed indebtedness and place it in a stronger position than it had obtained up to that time. *BY ALL ODDS THE SMART- EST SHORT TALKING COMEDY THAT HAS APPEARED FROM ANY SOURCE ll-ff'tf'ti "ASK DAD" JK Gives Edward Everett Horton a su- preme chance which he utilizes to the best advantage. This is by all odds the smartest short talking com- edy that has appeared from any source It is reminiscent of the Drew comedies at their very best, with *he added value of smart and clever dialogue. While the first Cor- onet Talking Comedy was good, this is ten times better. -ARTHUR JAMES in EXHIBITORS DAILY REVIEW and MOTION PICTURES TODAY A personal triumph for Edward Ev- erett Horton,who shows a high brand of artistry that marks this as just 'about the classiest comedy of the season. Joseph A. Jackson wrote the skit and the dialogue and did a re- markably fine job. The beauty of it is that it is not so classy as to be subtle. Even the ordinary crowd that feeds on pure slapstick can appre- ciate this, for Horton is so darn human and the spoken lines are simple and very understandable in the humor they carry with an awful wallop ... A "natural" that will score wherever folks enjoy fine comedy. -FILM DAILY "THE ELIGIBLE MR. BANGS" A distinctively different kind of comedy from the usual run. -CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER A smart society comedy with excellent lines. . . . Can readily be stamped with the trade mark: (juality . . . class — in the acting, dialogue, settings and all the other important things that can either make or break a picture. — MOTION PICTURE NEWS A smart comedy FILM DAILY Folks, it's bang-up comedy. It is a gem of a skit, with spark- ling dialogue well spoken. -Service Talks in EXHIBITORS HERALD- WORLD Head and shoulders above anything that we have yet seen and heard in the field of audible picture entertainment. It is smart and sophisticated and as funny as can be without the slightest hint at slapstick. A triumph for the talking short. - ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS .J^: V; ■'t -7 T W j\.< ^<->> /^' ■^J' }li -f'-i ii y 4^1 <5 / v^v> V vV^ HKINGING A NEW AND DISTINCl IVKLY DIFFERENT KIND OF CLASS COMEDY TO THE SCREENS OF SMART THEATRES / / rOI{()M:T TALKFNC; COMEDIKS are ojx'niii^i ii|> a whoir new field of humor, smart, sophis- ticated, eharmin*';. "THE KLI(;iBLK MI{.BAN(;S'^ is re- vealing to surprised and delighted audiences in America's smartest theatres a refreshing new type of comedy entertainment that has heretofore heen im[)os- sible except on the stage. And now 'ASK DAD" carri<\s this triumph of the talking comedy to still gr<^ater heights. It stamps the CORONETS as a series that will build up a following of eager patrons that will watch foi- them and come again and again. kj^^i^Mi^^^-'^'!^-*^ Presents "ASK DAD" />>■ Joseph A. Jackson with EDWARD EVERETT HORTON ^.cted by Hugh Faulcon Supervised by Sidney B. Brennecke THE SPICE OFTHE PROGRAM' ■ V > wi ni<:-*.-iK.< THE ■S&m DAILV Monday, March 4, 1929 "SOUNDPATENTS"THROWS LIGHI ON WRIY DEVICES This is the fourth instalhiient in ''Scniiid Patents," a series of arti- cles (leaHng with the patent history of sound and synchronization de- vices in the United States, Eng- land, France and Germany. The re- search entailed covers a period of several months and is the first to be directed toward early move- ments in the development of me- chanical synchronization. French Patent of Addition to No. 16,318 issued in 1913 to patent No. 443,167 held by Raoul Phihppe is directed to the provision of a resilient device between the driving mechan- ism of the phonograph and projec- tion machine in order to avoid the transmission of shocks in startin.e and stopping and during the opera- tion of the apparatus, thus filtering out the shocks and avoiding vibra tion of the sound and projecting ap- paratus. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 of the patent, the driving mechan- ism is connected to a hollow shaft (17) supported between gear wheels (3) and (4) which drive the projec- tion machine and phonograph respec- tively. The shaft (7) is provided with arms (8) which are connected to the gears (3) and (4) by mean:^ of springs or other resilient connect- ing device. It will be apparent thai although the shaft (7) may be sub- jected to shocks and torsional vi- brations, these vibrations are taken up very largely, if not entirely, by the springs (9). In British patent No. 22,459 issued to Charles Pasteur on Aug. 27, 1914, which corresponds to German patent No. 272,873, issued to Pasteur on April 14, 1914, separate driving ele- ments are provided for the phono- graph and projection machine, but the speed of movement of the latter J^iSr.t A British equipment designed to control speed III projects through attachment to phono- ijniph. British patent No. 22.4.';9 Important! While the "Sound Patent" series may give some insight into the patent situation, it is not their purpose to give any opinion or conclusion as to the value or strength of any exist- ing patent, but only to bring to the attention of readers what the various patents disclose. is controlled and limited by an es- capement mechanism controlled b> clie rotation of the phonograph. Aa shown in Fig. 2 of the patent the ro- tation of tne phonograph driving mechanism reciprocates a slide (l4> on which is mounted a three-arm escapement (16). i'he arms {,ib) are alternately held fast from rota- tion by means of oppositely opposed projections (,17) on the sliae (14; and as The slide reciprocates, one or uie other of these projections is re- leased and engaged, tnus permitting the supporting shaft of the escape- ment wheel to rotate at a speed gov- erned by the reciprocation ot the slide (14). in jjritish patent No. 15,683, is- sued to i^eonard Hugh Bonnard on June JO, 1915, Figs. 1 and 2 show a machine (a) driven by a crank shaft (A-1) and phonograph (B) driven trom shaft (A-1) by means ot a Hexible shaft (c), thus insuring a synchronism of the two machines, i he speed of the phonograph is con- trolled by a centrifugal regulator (B- 2) of the usual type to insure a steady and uniform rotation of the phono- graph. 1 he purpose of the Hexible shatt (C-1) is not only to enable the phonograph to be operated at a dis- tance from the projector but also to take up and regulate irregularities m the projection driving mechanism and enable the phonograph to be Illustrating a French synchronisation device designed to filter the shocks and avoid vibration iH starting and stopping the machine. French patent No. 443,167 driven uniformly in spite of such ir- regularities. F,-ench patent No. 471,712, issued to Ernest Costantini July 18, 1914, shows apparatus in which a phono- graph is driven directly from a drive shaft (1), Fig. 1, and the projection machine is driven from the shaft (1) through a coupling (2), shaft (3) and differential gear (5 and 13) the action of which is similar to that of the gears in French patent No. 438,935 issued to Charles Georges Williams on March 12, 1912. In the Costantini patent, a brake (13), controlled by a lever (15) and screw (14), controls the rotation of the gear casing (11), and thus controls the speed relation between the driving shaft (3) and the projection machine driving gear (7)- This Costantini patent also dis- closes a mechanism by which either of two alternate phonograph records may be driven alternately. For this purpose a cylindrical shaft (19) mounted on an inner shaft (20) at right angles to the drive shaft (1) is rotated from the latter by suitable gears. The shaft (19) carries clutches (23) at its opposite ends. When the shaft (19) is shifted longi- tudinally in one direction, the clutch A 14 year old synchronization system, two sketches of which illustrate the principle of the mechanism. Patented by Leonard Hugh Boniuurd on June 30, 1915 in England via patent 15,683 at one end engages a clutch plate (21) of one phonograph and is disengaged from the clutch plate of the other, and when shifted in the opposite di- rection the former clutch is disengaged and the latter engaged. The clutches (21) are loosely mounted on the shaft (20) and drive the phonograph rec- ord plates (46) through gears (22). The clutches (23) are shifted by a longitudinally sliding rod (45) hav- ing a projecting arm (34) slidr, ably engaging a groove (32) in. its' respective clutch (23). The rods (35) are shifted automatically by means of a cam (24), shown in Fig. 2, which is driven through suitable speed reduction gearing The Costantini system of synchronisation. Also illustrated on next page. French patent No. 471,712 from the shaft (1) and is so shaped as to shift the rods (35) at the proper time. The rods (35) also actuate brakes (45) for their respec- tive record discs promptly to stop the record when its clutch is disen- gaged. The brakes are actuated from their respective rods through springs (44) and levers (43). A German patent No. 282,895, granted to Thomas Graf on March 25, 1915, provides a regulating mechanism between a phonograph and a projection machine driven in- dependently of each other in which any tendency on the part of the pro- jection machine to run faster than the phonograph is counteracted by a br?king device and in which a man- ual control enables the relative po- sitions of the phonograph drive and the projection machine to be adjust- ed during the running of the ma- chines to correct any variation from their proper phase relations. In Figs. 1 and 2 of the patent, which i! Monday, March 4, 1929 DAILV Another diagram illustrating the Costantini system of obtaining synehronisation. French patent No. 471.712 re respectively an elevation and a jlan view, the shaft (4) is connected hrough a sprocket wheel (5) and hain to the projection machine, not >hovvn, and the shaft (16) which is ;Iidable longitudinally in its bearings, s connected through the sliding pin (51), slot (52), collar (53), shaft '50). dif?erential (38 and 33) and pul- i\- (32) to the phonograph, not shown. \ helical groove (15) on the shaft 4) engages a gear wheel (14) rigid- ly mounted on a transverse shaft (12), in which is also rigidly mounted a iear (13) meshing with a helical groove or worm (17) on the shaft If)). The gears (13) and (14) and he wortn grooves (15) and (17) are •o proportioned that, when the pro- cction machine and phonograph arc Iriven at their proper relative speeds, he shaft (12) is actuated in the same lirection and at the same speed by loth gears and worm connections. hi the event that the shaft (4) should otate faster than the shaft (16), the otation of the shaft (12) would be aster than the proportionate rate of otation of the shaft (16) and as a •esult the gear (13) would shift the ;haft (16) to the left against the arm 23) of a lever pivoted at (22) and f ;ause a brake (25) to bear against a brake drum (26) on a shaft (27) which is geared to the shaft (4) through gears (28) and (29). This braking action would slow up the projection machine drive until the brake is released by a slowing down of the projection machine until syn- chronism is attained. If, at any time, the machines are running at the same relative speeds but one machine is ahead of the other, and thus the machines are out of phase, their positions may be ad- justed by rotating; the differential gear (37) in one direction or the other about the axis of the shaft (31). It will be understood in this connection that, when the mounting of the gear wheel (37) is held in fixed position relative to the shaft (13) the gears (33) and (38) and the shafts (31) and (16) rotate at the same relative speeds but that when the position of the gear wheel is moved in one di- rection or the other about the axis of the shafts (31) and (16) one shaft or the other will rotate faster or slower than the other, depending on the direction of movement, and that when the gear (37) is again held sta- tionary the shafts (31) and (16) will again rotate at the same speeds. To enable the gear (37) to be rotated about the axis of the shaft (31), it is mounted on a gear wheel (35) cen- tered, on and loosely mounte). shaft (40), bevel gears (41) and (4J) and shaft (44) to a knurled hand wheel (45). Thus by turning tlu hand wheel (45) in one direction or the other the relative positions of the piojection machine drive and pho- nograpli drive may be adjusted through the movement of gear (37) and alst) while the wheel (45) i.^ stationary tiie relative rotation of the phonograph and i)rojection machine drives is undisturbed. A brake (48) acting on the shaft (44) serves to keep the latter from turning until moved by the wheel (45). Another instalment of "Sound Pat- ents" will appear in an early edi- tion of THE FILM DAILY. Interchangeability of Tobis Device Asserted Berlin — Interchangeability is claim- ed for Tonbild Syndicate (Tobis) sound device with Movietone, Vita- phone, Phonofilm, Cinephone and other American apparatuses. Tonbild Syndicate grants to all purchasers the right of showing any sound film on their device as long as permission is obtained from the company. In regard to showing any Tonbild sound films on other apparatus, the com- pany has no objections as long as the other device does not infringe, or has i)een licensed by Tonbild. British International to Use RCA-Photophone London (By Cable) — British In- ternational is installing RCA-Photo- phone recording equipment at the Klstrcss studios. Niblo Plans Silent Version First li'cst Cnast Bureau. THE FILM D.4ILY Hollywood — Fred Niblo will make silent version of "Redemption," first, after which the talker version will be made. The film stars John Gil- bert, marking the M-G-M star's first appearance in a talker. Life is Like That It was in one of the chain houses in Greater New York. Eddie Peabody was doing his stuff on the banjo, to a crowd- ed house, when suddenly the sound accompaniment ceased. The manager quickly signalled the operator to put on a new record, and for the balance of the reel, Eddie did his banjo strumming to saxaphone music. 5 Bills Affecting Industry Pending in New Jersey Five l)ills affecting the industry are jjcnding in the New Jersey legisla- ture, which has adjourned until Mar. 11, states Joseph AI. Seider, president of the state exhibitor unit. Two of the measures have passed the As- sembly and now are up in the Senate. They are: a bill to lower the age limit of minors permitted to attend theaters unaccompanied, from 16 to 14 years and a "padlock" measure to close theaters showing indecent pic- tures, as well as making violation a misdemeanor. The former is sup- ported and the latter opposed by the exhibitor unit. In addition there is a bill providing for a censor board of three members, similar to the New York law; a bill for Sunday shows, and one making compulsory installation of an auto- matic shutter in booths of the state. The latter bill is opposed bitterly by the state imit, which charges it is vicious and that passage would estab- lish a nionoi)oly. Photophone for Paris Paris — RC.\ Photophone will be (ieinoiistrated here early in March. according to E. O. Heyl, chief of RCA Photophone in England, who 's on a visit here. Momand Co. Plans Three Shawnee, Okla.— .\. B. Momands. president of the Momand Theat'-rs, states that the company plans to erect theaters at Maud, Wewoka and Clin- ton. The Wewoka theater will cost $125,000 and the Maud house $50,000. Thomas Graf {German) on March 25, 1915 patented a system for securing synchrony hel-ween a phonograph and a projector wherein identical speeds were obtained through a braking device, illustrated here. German patent No. 282,895 Exclusive shots of today's inaugural ceremony vs^ill be rushed to all accounts via AIR MAIL 30 Cameramen are covering Hoover's inauguration insuring complete reproduction of this historic event What a pity Abraham Lincoln couldn t be seen and heard as he made his speech of acceptance at this same impressive cere- mony. =rOX MOVIETONEWSE li Speaks for Itself- —this elaborate SOUND and SIGHT Scoop included in No. 22— Issues A-B-C at No Extra Charge A CAPITAL^ COIN -GRABBER from the CAPITOL and ALWAVS . trt tijc LEAD 3ills Aimed at Industry Die with Old Congress ;^<> NEWSPAPER oyFILMDOM I ^y ULTHE NEWS ALLTHE TIME \)L. XLVII No. 53 Tuesday, March 5, 1929 Price 5 Cents I S. INTERCHAN6EA6IIITY ROBE DECLARED PLANNED Minneapolis — Dept. of Justice iu- vuigators arc to be sent here and • •''(■ Milwaukee territory to invcs- practiccs concerning inter- ■iL;eability of various sound sys- ! ; -, according to information ob- liied by "Greater Amusements." A iniber of complaints arc said to l)een made, sonic of them to ail V. Myers, head of Allied .•\ss'n, and others direct to the icy general's office. M\ers re- appealed to the de))artnK-nt fo. junction in connection with in- angeability. IICENT TO DELIVER SOUND- ON-riLN DEVICE Ml Developineat of its sound-on-lihn ducer, to a point where it now ady for the market has been 'cted by the Pacent Reproducer Its president, Louis Cierard Fa- i It stated yesterday. The new at- I hnient, which is the result oi two II (Continued on Page 4) ]. & R. Signs Ten Year Contract With Warners Miniiesapolis — Northwest Theater (rciiit (Finkelstein & Ruben) has .';ned a ten year contract witli War- jrs. miladelphia Meeting To Hit Cost of Talkers Philadelphia — Sound pictures will I the topic of a special convention it be held here March 15 by the east- ei Pennsylvania, southern New Jrsey and Delaware exhibitor unit. }{hibitors of this territory, states (Continued on I'aric 4) Nezvsreel Race If",,.,/.. /,•»,. ,./ 7/7/; I-ILM UAII.Y Washington — Newsreels wrote new history here yester- day in covering the inaugural of President Hoover. Both silent and sound newsreels today are being rushed throughout the country, in the race to the na- tion's screens. FOX-LOEW DEAL SEEN SPEEDING F-P-L-R-K-0 NEGOTIATIONS New Moves Seen Forthcoming to Adjust Balance of Power I'urther mergers to readjust the balance of power in the industry arc forecast by "The Wall Street Jour- nal" as a direct result of the Fox ac- (piisition of Loew's, Inc. This pub- lication, which often reflects the opinions and connncnt of ^Vall .Street points out that the groups in the in- dustry are now reduced to five-Para- mount and l''ox as the two largest systems, with Warner and RKO coming next and Universal only remaining independent. The h'ox-Locw transaction (Continued on Paijc 10) as the is the m REPORTED BACKING WIS. BOOKING COMBINE Milwaukee — Etta Wiesner is or- ganizing a booking combine here, ostensibly with Fox backing. The move is seen as one to combat activi- ties in the state of L. K. Brin. While no official protest has been made, it is said, there is strong resentment •iga'nst the move. Weisner, located at Fox head- quarters here, refuses to confirm the report he is forming a booking com- bine, but admits there is something to it. Opinion here is that the pro- posed combine will be carried out. Stocks Off Fox Theaters and Loew's, Inc. stocks reflected downward movements yesterday in the face of formal announcement of the deal linking the two com- panies. Fox Theaters, which is traded in on the curb, reached a high of 33^, a low of 32 and a closing quotation of 33, which was a drop of 54 l>oints over Saturday's closing. The sales were 24,400. Loew's, Inc., a big board stock, reached a high of 78, a low of lSy% and a clos- ing figvure of 75^ or a drop of four points over Saturday. The turnover was 22,000 shares. U. S. Firms May Withdraw If French Quota Passes? Paris — Withdrawal of American distributors from the French is pre- saged by informal discussions between "a responsible official of the Amer- ican government informed the French minister of imblic struction that it probably will be impossible for the Amcrcaii firms continue to oi)erate in France, if the proposed 3 to 1 quota is adopted. The move was purely unofficial. The present rate is 7 to 1. Walsh Probe, Brookhart Bill Headed Measures Introduced was nothing for which the industry was clamoring. Senator Walsh's resolution for an investicHtion of the alleged failure of the Department of Justice to spank the motion picture industry; Senator Hrookhart's bill against blind book- iiiK. block booking and everythiiii; else, and similar bills introduced in the House by followers of the fiery Towan, and Representative Lank- ford's measure to close everything in the District of Columbia on Sun- day except the gas stations were (Continued on Page 4) Washington Bureau of THE PIJM DAILY Washington — No disappointment has yet been voiced by the film in- dustry over the failure of Congress to enact motion picture legislation during the short session which came to an end yesterday. So far as the picture trade is con- cerned, the failure of the bills which were pending in Congress was gain, not loss, for, with the possible ex- ception of the legislation to repeal the law prohibiting the interstate transportation of fight films, there N. Y. Theater Situation Seen Big Factor in Reported Moves Closing of the Fox deal for acquisi- tion of Loew's, carrying with it con- trol of M-(}-M, will give impetus to the deal of Paramount and Radio- Keith-Orpheum for management of R-K-O houses, it is widely believed in New York film circles. While deal for such an arrange- ment has been generally denied, those who insist that the transaction is under way point to the powerful affiliations secured by Fox as neces- sitating a new hook-up for Publix and Paramount, particularly in the Greater New York territory. Fox, by the Loew deal, assumes a donunating position in the New York territory, so far as theaters are conrcrned, where Paramount has only first runs in New York and Brooklyn. Fox dominates the sub- sequent run situation, and its posi- tion will be strengthened when in- dependent deals now set are shortly consummated. The R-K-O chain offers the biggest outlet, other than Fox, in the '"-reater New York ter- ritorj'. By the new deal. Fox's theater holdings become the largest of the nation, so that while, it is figured. Fox must trade time in certain key spots, its holdings in others amount to a sewing up of situations, with exception of the R-K-O outlets, which many believe would prove of value to Paramount if the R-K-O deal becomes fact. The reported deal is a five year percentage arrange- ment. A Wall St. Angle 'The Wall Street Journal," declared last night: "Interest will probably center around the course to be pursued by Radio-Keith-Albee, ^ *■ senting the interest r' Corp. in the amuser^trO* and Paramount. I' ably hasten the afF it is understood ' out between ' panics." THE Vol. XLVII Nt. 53 Tuesdq, Mar. 5,1929 Prlci5CBnts JOHN W. AUCOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holiday! at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer. Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 47J6- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph WUk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francalse, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. "Great Power" First Indie Sound Films Thru M-G-M Release of "The Great Power" by M-G-M, will mark the first time a Western Electric licensee has handled a sound picture made on other than Western Electric equipment. "The Great Power" was filmed at the Bris- tol plant at Waterbury, Conn., by the Sonora-Bristolphone process. The cast is the same as that of the stage play. It was produced by Franklyn Warner Prod. Matty Radin general manager of the producing firm, closed the deal with M-G-M. May Designated as Sam E. Morris Month by Warners Warners' sales force has designated May as Sam E. Morris month, and plans a drive for playdates for that month in tribute to the vice president, who heads the company's distribution system. This is the fourth consecu- tive year that such a drive has been conducted. STOCK MARKET High Low Close Sales Am. Seat 35 35 35 100 Con. Fm. Imi. pfd. 27^4 27 27 Yx 800 *East. Kodak 184% *do pfd 128 •First Nat. pfd 106;^ Fox Fm. "A" ... 97-5^ 95K 95S/^ 11,100 ♦do rts 3 Keith A-0 37 36i.^ UYz 200 do pfd lis 115 lis 100 I^ew's Inc 78 75^ 75 M 22,000 do pfd 10714 10754 107^ 100 *M-G-M pfd 25^ M. P. Cap 37 35J4 35^ 1,900 Para. F-L bSYs, 64M 65 21,300 Pathe Exch 12-5^ 12^ 12^ 6,400 do "A" 25^ 25 25 200 Radio K-A-O 37J^ 35!^ 36^4 23,000 Stanley Co 35"^ 35 35 300 •Univ. Pict. pfd 9854 Warner Bros 124^4 121^ \22Y2 12,200 do pfd 56 SSYi 56 400 Warner Pet. rts... 414 4 4 5,200 CURB MARKET Sound Films Here to Stay Roxy Says at Luncheon Sound pictures are here to stay, S. L. (Roxy) Rothafel declared at a luncheon at the National Democratic Clul). He emphasized the field which sound films have opened for talented musicians, predicting the day when leading composers will write directly for the screen. Paramount to Retire Bonds? Paramount is considering plan to retire its outstanding bonds. If this is undertaken, it is expected a new issue would be offered shareholders. Reissuing of "Birth" and Other Big Films Planned West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — "The Birth of a Na- tion," "Intolerance," "The Hunch- back of Notre Dame" and "The Phantom of the Opera," are among outstanding pictures which are to be reissued as synchronized films. The Industry's Date Book Three Warner Openings Three Warner Bros, pictures are scheduled to open on Broadway within a week. They are: "Sonny Boy," March 8, at the Warner; "Noah's Ark," March 12 at the Winter Garden; "Queen of the Night Clubs," March 16 at the Mark Strand. "The Singing Fool" transfers March 12 to the Sam H. Harris. Acoustic Prod ♦Bal. & Katz .. Con. Fm. Lid. *Film Insp Fox Thea. "A" Griffith, D.W. "A Intern. Proj. . . . Loew do deb. rts. . Nat. Sen Ser Nat. Thea. Sup. . Trans-Lux 12 Yz Univ. Pict 19 lOM 9Y2 9Vi 3,800 81 23 22^ 2'25/J 5,900 m .... 32 33 24,400 3 3 100 24Y» 25 200 40 40 300 27Y2 28 600 8Y2 8Y2 200 12 I2Y2 15,400 Starr Gets 5 Year Contract Martin J. Starr, executive editor in the Macfadden Publications, has been given a five vear contract. Starr's new duties, beside that of be- ing general manager of True Storv Pictures, will be to act in an ad- visorv capacity to both the com- pany's art editor, and its advertising manager. Price Returning to N. Y. Oscar A. Price, president of Gen- eral Pictures, returns to New York today from W^ashington, where he attended the inauguration yesterday of_ President Hoover. Price hasn't missed an inauguration since that of Grover Cleveland in 1885. 33 3 25 45 28 Yz l7Ys 17Ys BOND MARKET *Keith AG 6s 46 95 Loew 6s 41ww 11954 118 118^ do 6s 41 x-war.. 98Ys 98^^ 98}4 Paramount 6s 47 .. 9954 9954 9954 Par. By. 554s 51.. 102 102 102' Pathe 7s 37 80 79 54 80 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 . 9654 965^ 9654 •Warner 654s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Ro.xy "A" 32 34 do units 34 37 .... do com 4 5 .... .Skouras Bros. ... SO 54 .... Technicolor 18 1854 United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 7S 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED .. 500 4b 31 4 4 4 Schoedsack En Route to New York West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Ernest B. Schoed- sack, who, with Merian C. Cooper produced "Grass" and "Chang" ana recently concluded the final touches on Paramount's adventure film, "The Four Feathers," left here yesterday for New York. Reopening Europa Fabriken Office Europa Fabriken Cine will reopen an office in New York, with E. F. Kastner in charge. The company last May closed its American office, and attempted to do all business direct from Dresden, Germany, a plan which Kastner says proved unfeasible. March 7 Opening of "The Letter" j Criterion, New York. March 8 Opening of "Sonny Boy" ; Warner, New York. March 9 Premiere of "Lady of the Pav ments" at Rialto, New York. March 12 Opening of "Noah's Ark" at Wii ter Garden, New York. March 15 Convention of eastern Pennsy vania, southern New Jersey an Delaware unit at Philadelphia. March 17 Premiere of "Show Boat" at Caj itol. Miami, and Paramount, Pali Beach. April 6 Warner - First National - Stanle Frolic at Commodore Hotel Ne^ York. April 14-15-16 Convention of Western Peni sylvania Exhibitor Unit at Pitti burgh. May 6-9 Spring meeting of Society of M.I Engineers in New York. Jeanne Eagels Starts Film Jeanne Eagels, star of Paramount') all-talking picture, "The Letter," ha: begun "Jealousy," her second filn at the studio in Astoria. The pic ture will be directed by Jean de Li mur, who directed "The Letter" am the production will be under the gen eral charge of Monta Bell, produc tion executive of the studio. Alfrec; Gilks is cameraman. Warner Sails for Havana Talkers are turning the small towners into cosmopolitans, and be- fore long persons in all sections will be more alike in manners and cus- toms, Albert Warner declared on his departure from New York for a vaca- tion in Havana. Le Baron in N. Y. William Le Baron, production heat of RKO Prod., is in New York fron the Coast. Morrow Gets District Post Atlanta — Ralph Morrow has been appointed district manager of Tif- fany-Stahl. He will have supervi- sion over the Atlanta, Charlotte, Dal- las, Oklahoma City and New Or- leans branches. STUDIO FOR RENT 12,000 ft. clear, floor space in Times Square district. Box A-115 c/o Film Daily, 1650 B'way. New York City RCA Plans Television Broadcast West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Establishment of a television broadcasting station is planned here by RCA. N. D. Hill Escapes Tabling Bismarck, N. D. — Motion to table the bill providing county option on Sundav shows has been withdrawn. S. L. James At Eaton, O. Eaton, O. — S. L. James has become manager of the Star here. CO hen Buys Farm Cohen has just pur- ^ell Farm comprising on the east side of ers, near Lincoln- ounty. Schools, Churches and Clubs using Motion Pictures Should Subscribe for JHE EDUCATIONAL SCREEN and keep up-to-date with the new films and new equipment **1001 FILMS'' [Fifth EdMoni Complete reference booklet, listing nearly 3,000 educational films given at reduced rate with each subscription $1.50 per year - 5 South Wabash Ave., Chioago, III. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Theatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3S80 BUREAU OF COMMERCIAL ECONOMICS 1108 Sixteenth Street Washington, D. C. Co-operating with 42 Govern- ments and loaning films free and speakers throughout the world for the purpose of public instruction. from I HOOVER PROSPERITY! Guaranteed in the motion picture industry by ^*THE BROADWAY melody;* the Talking, Singing, Dancing Wonder Drama; WILLARD MACROS "THE VOICE OF THE CITY,^^ 100 per cent TALKING, also silent version; "THE DUKE STEPS OUT'' (Haines, Crawford) "THE FLYING FLEET'' (Novarro) "ALIAS JIMMY VALENTINE" William Haines' $2 Astor TALKING Hit; "THE BELLAMY TRIAL," The $2 Embassy TALKING Success; "WILD ORCHIDS" (Garbo) "A WOMAN OF AFFAIRS" (Gilbert-Garbo) and many more great Metro- Goldwyn'Mayer Pictures. z-^^ DAILV Tuesday, March 5, 192 1384 Wired Western Electric has wired 1.384 theaters of the United States for sound pictures, as of Feb. 23. During the week which closed on that date, 46 houses were wired, all of them for the dual system of film and disc sound reproduction. Walsh Probe, Brookhart Bill Headed Measures Introduced Sound-On-Film Device from Pacent June 1 {Continued from Page 1) years' experiment, will be ready for deliveries by June 1, he states. Ap- pearance of the new sound-on-film attachment will prove revolutionary, Pacent believes. Projectors will be equipped for $500 per machine over the cost of the sound-on-disc repro- ducer, which Pacent placed on the market some time ago. Philadelphia Meeting To Hit Cost of Talkers {Contimted from Page 1) 'The Exhibitor," are up in arms over what they term exorbitant prices be- ing asked for equipment and talking films. Abram F. Myers, head of Allied States Ass'n, is among the invited speakers. Repeal of "Blue" Laws Is Sought by Wisconsin Bill Madison, Wis. — Repeal of the state's "Blue" laws is sought in a bill introduced in the Assembly by Representative John W. Grobschmidt of Milwaukee. (Continued from Page 1) among the measures that failed. While the failure of Senators Brookhart and Walsh to go to bat for their measures may have been a great disappointment to the inter- national conference on motion pic- tures, which last fall was promised by both that prompt and energetic action would be taken as soon as Congress convened, the industry as a whole has not protested. However, there is too much at stake for the reformers to permit the legislation to go by the board and undoubtedly most of the bills will be rc-iiitroduced when Congress again meets. They will have to come in as new bills, though, thus losing any advantage which they may have gained through hearings or other consideration during the 70th Con- gress. During the past few years, the re- form organizations have coniplained that they did not get as much sym- paLhy from the White House as the-}- desired. Under the new administra- tion it is not anticipated that they will have occasion to change their view. But give the reformers cred- it; they will continue to fight for control of the film industry just as long as they can raise the money. Baum to State Right Two Reel Series in Sound Eighteen two reelers in sound will be state righted by Lou Baum who has engaged Harry Delf to write and direct them. Production starts on the first at the De Forest studio on Thursday and, while the pictures will be made via the sound-on-film system, Baum declares they also will be released with discs as well. Delf did considerable work with Fox Movietone having directed, among others, "The Family Picnic," first all-talker, outdoor comedy ever pro- duced. Joseph R. Miles, Pioneer Film Man, Died; Age 48 Funeral services will be held at CaniijbeH's at 11 A. M. tomorrow morning for Joseph R. Miles, one of the pioneers of the industry who met an accidental death on Sunday after- noon when he slipped on a polished floor at his apartment at 340 W. 87th St., struck his head on a radiator and pitched through a window. Miles and his brother, Herbert were among the earliest of theater and exchange operators, having been active in those two branches of the industry until 1910 when competition of the M. P. Patents Co. forced them out of business. Later, the deceased became president of the M. P. Sales Co. in which a number of independ- ents were banded together. His next enterprise was the Exclusive Supply Co. In 1914, Lloyds Film Storage Corp. was formed in New York. Since that time, the company has developed its business until at the time of Mile's death, it maintained New York offices at 130 W. 46th St., and two storage plants in Long Island City. Miles is survived by his widow, Mrs. Florence E. Miles and Herbert L. and Earl Miles, brothers. He was 48. Abe Berman Leaves Films To Deal In Securities A. C, Berman, for many years with United Artists, yesterday started busi- ness in New York as senior partner of Berman, Thomson and Co., a new firm specializing in bank, insurance and investment trust stocks. In 1921 and 1922, Berman organized Allied Artists, Ltd. English unit of United Artists, returning to this country as assistant to Hiram Abrams and then manager of the company's foreign de- partment. He resigned from U. A. to become assistant to F. J. Godsol, at that time president of Goldwyn Pic- tures, later returning to United Artists in charge of German distribution. Following a year in that post, Ber- man returned to New York and was instrumental in arranging the neces- .^ary finances for formation of First National's various German enter- prises, acting as liason officer between the German and American groups. Some months ago he arrived back in New York and arranged for launch- ing of his new enterprise which takes him completely out of the film indus- try. $8,931 Net Loss of Orpheum During 1928 Net loss of $8,931, after interest, depreciation etc., is reported by Orpheum Circuit for the year ended Dec. 31, 1928. This compares with net income of $1,121,469, equal after 8 per cent preferred dividends, to $1.13 a share (par $1) earned on 549,170 common shares outstanding in 1927. Balance sheet as of December 31 shows current assets of $1,046,487 and current liabilities of $724,023, against $1,609,506 and $1,368,930, re- "spect^-'ely, at end of the previous year. Profit and loss surplus amounted to $2,395,417, against $3,755,467. Dismantling Madison House Madison. Wis. — The Madison here is to be dismantled. "Broadway Melody" Plays to 17 Shows a Week in N. Y. S.R.O. business being done at the Astor, New York by "The Broadway Melody," has necessitated addition of a supper show Saturdays and Sun- days. This gives the picture 17 per- formances weekly. Cut Youngstown License Youngstown, O. — Finance commit- tee of the council here recommended a modification of license fee provided by ordinance for local theaters. The recommendation provides the reduc- ing of fees from $200 to $100 on the- aters seating 1,000 and from $120 to $75 for houses seating not less than 600 or more than 1,000. Kennedy Elected Business Agent Detroit, Mich. — Roger Kennedy has been elected business agent of the Detroit M. P. Operator's Union, succeeding Max Ruben^ who re- signed. Warner-Stanley Moves to Cut "Philly" Seat Surplus Philadelphia — Elimination of sur- plus seatage in Philadelphia is being undertaken by Warnt-r-Stanley, which plans sale of the Globe, for dismantl- ing. The next house to close will be the Arcadia and probably the Savoy and Princess. The company, with opening of the Mastbaum, is running that house and the Stanley and Karton as week stands .while the run houses are the Boyd, Aldine and Stanton. Balaban & Katz Fined Chicago — Judge Fairbanks in the Jury court here fined Balaban & Katz chain operators $683 and costs for violation of the child labor laws in connection with the appearance of children under 16 years of age on their stages during the Christmas season. De Croteau at Somerville Somerville, Mass. — William De Croteau now is manager of Viano's Broadway. PROJECTOR EKPOIiTS Si! BIG INCREASE IN 192 IVashiiuiton Bureau of THE FILM DAll Washington — Preliminary figur of projector exports of standard : millimeter and 16 millimeter hon projectors for 1928, show increase 2,911 over 1927. During 1928, J 953 projectors with a declared vali of $950,202 were exported to 71 di ferent countries throughout the wor as compared with 3,042 projecto valued at $641,461 exported in 192 These figures include both 35 ar 16 millimeter projectors and probab do not give as true a picture of stai dard projector exports as might 1 desired. However, this condition w no longer exist as a distinction b tween the different size projectors being made at the port of export tion in the new table of classific tions which become operative Jam ary 1, 1929. Kurope. best market for pictures is likewi leading projection market. During 19: there were exported to Europe 2,092 Amt ican projectors of both types valued at $34} 910 as compared with 991 projectors valu( at $241,859 in 1927. Closely following the Far East which imported 1,918 of oi projectors with a value of $330,732 durii 1928 as against 1,193 projectors valued $214,801 in 1927. Next comes Canada whii imported 1,257 projectors with a value $137,442 in 1928 as compared with 483 pr jectors valued at $91,059 in 1927. FoIIowii is Latin America, which imported 598 pr jectors with a declared value of $111,465 : against 300 projectors valued at $76,463 1927. Africa and the Near East import! the remaining 8S American projectors wil a value of $21,653 during 1928 as again 75 projectors valued at $17,279 in 1927. American projectors exports increased I all but two of the ten leading countrie Canada has supplanted Japan as leading pu chaser, importing during 1928, 1257 proje^ tors as against 483 in 1927, while the latti imported 1216 projectors, in 1928, compare with 641 in 1927. United Kingdom, thii leading market, increasing its 1927 irapor of 391 American projectors to 952 projei tors in 1928. Australia is next with a slig! increase over the preceding year. Durir 1928, 295 projectors were imported again: 243 in 1927. France, jumped from sevent position in 1927 to fifth for the year 1928, in porting during the year just closed 267 pr( jectors as compared with 102 in 1927. Spaii has for the first time come into the list ( the ten leading countries. During 1928 Spai imported 184 projectors as against 30 i 1927. Belgium, also secured a place as on of the ten by importing 180, as compare with five in 1927. Eighth is Germany whic shows a decrease, importing 131 America projectors as against the 188 imported i 1927. Switzerland, also shows a decrease, in- porting 122 in 1928 compared with 136 i 1927. Argentina decreased to 11 in 1928 a against 26 in 1927 and thus becoming ou tenth market. Close following, are Swedei Netherlands, Italy and Cuba each importin well over 55. Exports of stereopticans, magic lanterns an other projection apparatus during 1928 shoi decrease in 1928 being valued at $308,030 a dompared with $473,082 in 1927. Smallest Sound House? Aberdeen, N. C— Roy P. Rosser owner and manager of the Dixie an( the Carolina at Hamlet, N. C, claim the distinction of being the first ex hibitor to install complete sound am talking picture equipment in a towi of less than 1,500 inhabitants. Botl theaters "went sound" with "Alia Jimmy Valentine." I Where on Ihis larth (No* 624-— Straight from the Shoulder Talk by Carl Carl Laemmle Edna Ferber Joseph Schildkraut Jerome Kern WHERE ON THIS EARTH CAN YOU match this most amazing collection of box* office values in any one entertainment? FIRST, EDNA FERBER^S best* selling noveP^ow Boat*" (a) SECOND, FLORENZ ZIEGFELD^S MU* sical stage production of ^^Show Boat*" (b) THIRD, JEROME KERNES EXQUISITE music* FOURTH, OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN, 2^'s, heart-touching lyrics* (d) FIFTH, HARRY POLLARD^S DIREC tion* (e) (a) MISS FERBER IS ONE OF THE GREATEST LIVING AUTHORS. Every book she writes is a best-seller. "Show Boat" topped them all in sales and the royalties from it still pour in upon this gifted young woman. (b) FLORENZ ZIEGFELD IS EASILY THE WORLD'S greatest producer of brilliant musical shows. Paying as high as $25 per seat to see one of his productions is nothing startUng to New York. And now, for the first time, the cream of his best is sent out to the whole world to be enjoyed at popular prices within the reach of all. (c) MR. KERN IS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL LIVING composer of music for musical comedies. He is a multi'millionaire as the result of royalties from his world'known music hits. (d) MR. HAMMERSTEIN, A MEMBER OF ONE OF THE most illustrious stage families in America, adapted Miss Ferber's book for Mr. Ziegfeld, wrote the lyrics and produced the London engagement of "Show Boat." First the novel. Then the play. Now the Where on this earth Oscar Hamm< Harry Pollard Can You Match This? Laemmle, President of the Universal Pictures Corp.) SIXTH, A CAST HEADED BY LAURA LaPlante, Joseph Schildkraut, and Otis Harlan, (f) SEVENTH, HELEN MORGAN SING^ ing her famous songs, (g) EIGHTH, JULES BLEDSOE, SINGING ''OV Man River/' (h) NINTH, ZIEGFELD^S PLANTATION Singers, (i) NOW LOOK AT THE FOOT NOTES and see in more detail what box-office value has been packed into this master production of all'time. (e) MR. POLLARD DIRECTED THE "COHENS AND Kellys," "Uncle Tom's Cabi^," "Sporting Youth," "California Straight Ahead," and others which have fattened yourbankaccount. (/) THESE NAMES SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES. MISS LaPlante, Mr. Schildkraut and Mr. Harlan have always been associated with successful pictures. (g) MISS MORGAN IS THE GREATEST LIVING SINGER of crooning love songs. She has "it" and she puts it into her work. (h) MR. BLEDSOE IS THE GREATEST LIVING NEGRO singer. He is now singing in concerts. I don't suppose any one thing contributed more to the success of Mr. Ziegfeld's show than Bledsoe's rendition of "OP Man River." Florenz Ziegfeld Laura L41 Plante k ^ (i) THE PLANTATION SINGERS WILL DELIGHT YOU with their rich, mellow voices, such as are found only within the negro race. They are a terrific hit on the stage. They will sing for ycu in "Show Boat." picture combining the cream of both! can you match it? BOA Otis Harlan c»e screen wh. e .T Br^o^a^ry production « still running. •11 UVAR as well as Stii You will «E^" ^,d stars . . • ihe famous Z-'^^Jfj-^g "Bill" He/en Morgan -n£;,°f„^ Tha. t?*»/"'ji£fc.oe singing Won. V/ Riuer" . • • Aunt Folks." I Oti. Harlar», ^'"^^ i,« Kerne Tuesday. March 5, 1929 DAILY Coast Wire Service Columbia Speeds Films HIGH MARK OF ACTIVITY i IS BEING MAINTAINED ji High mark for production is he- inR maintained at the Columbia where three productions are in work, two have been completed, one is being synchronized and several others in preparation. R. William Neill has completed camera activities on "Behind Closed Doors," featuring \irginia Valli and Gaston Glass. Andre de Segurola, Torben Meyer, Otto Matiesen. Fan- nie Midgley and Broderick O'Farrell are in the cast. On one of the sound stages Frank R. Capra is in the fourth week of production on "The Donovan Affair," Columbia's initial all talker based on Owen Davis's stage play. Jack Holt, Dorothy Revier, and William Collier, Jr. head the cast which includes Ethel vVales, Fred Kelsey, Agnes Ayres and John Roche. Wheeler Oakman, Ed- ward Hearn, Hank Mann and Al- >!ionse Ethier. Earle C. Kenton recently signed to another long term contract has started a talker tentatively titled "Father Lrvc." which will star Jack Holt and Dorothy Revier. Wheeler Oakman, Helene Chadwick and Mickey McBann are the featured vers so far signed. I nit filming "The Eternal Woman," under lirection of John P. McCarthy, has left for ocation. Olive Borden, Ralph Graves, John Vliljan, Nina Quartaro, Ruth Clifford are n this party. Joseph Henabery and "The Quitter" com- )any have returned from location at Tia nana, Ben Lyon, Dorothy Revier and Fred iCohler are the featured members of the cast. Howard J. Green and Frank R. Capra lave completed adaptation and screen dialogue )f "Redemption," to go into immediate pro- luction under direction of Frank R. Capra. "Show Boat" Completed Work has been coniplcled at Uni- versal City on the dialogue sequences "or "Show Boat." The picture i> low in its final cutting and editing itages, with Harry Pollard, inter- polating the Movietoned highlights rem Ziegfeld's "Show Boat" and get- :ing the first print readv for an air rip to Miami and Palm Beach, where :he picture will have its world pre- mieres, day and date, on St. Pat- rick's Day. RKO Contract for Bebe Daniels? Bebe Daniels is joining Radio Pic- tures, it is reported. Seeks Damita Contract M-G-M is reported dickering with Samuel Goldwyn for contract of Lily Damita. New Contract for Gates Warners has signed a new contract with Harvey Gates, to write talkers. Academy of M. P. Arts and Sciences Honors Warners .■\ gold and brnn/i.- >latuitl(.- h.i> licen presented to Warner Bros, by the Academy of M. P. Arts and Sci- ences as one of the merit awards lor conspicuous achievements during 1*'28. The award is a special one given ior their N'itaplione acci)nii)lish- nients in general and their produc- lini! of "The Jazz .Singer" in particu- lar. It was made in recognition of the revolutioninzing effect of "The Jazz Singer" upon the industry as a whole. The trophy was received by J. L. Warner in behalf of his organization and will occupy a conspicuous place at the studio. Maynard Heads Own Unit Under Contract with 'U' Ken Maynard, western star just signed by Carl Lacmmle on a long term contract, will make "The Wagonmaster," a historical western, as his first Universal picture. It is by Marion Jackson and will be di- rected by Harry J. Brown. Maynard, will have his own producing unit and will make pictures under his own supervision, for Universal release. This puts him in the same category as Hoot Gibson, who now has his own producng unit, making pictures under a like arrangement. Cast Set for "The Midway" Tiffany-Stahl's cast of "The Mid- way" (tentative title) starring Joe E. Brown, includes Virginia Bradford and Helen Foster, the two leads, Wallace MacDonald, Wm. Davidson, Richard Tucker, Barton Hepburn, Joan Standing and Allan Cavan. It is being directed by Albert Ray. Signed for F. N. Film Loretta Young, Carroll Nye, Ralph Lewis and Julia Swayne Gordon have been engaged for principal roles in "The Girl in the Gilded Cage," which will be directed for First National by Ralph Dawson, formerly a film edi- tor for Warners. Ernest Haller will handle the photography. O'Brien Recovering George O'Brien is recovering from the fracture of a toe sustained during a fight in the making of "A Son of Anak." This is the second time that the Fox leading man has broken a toe, the first accident occurring while he was appearing in "Noah's Ark." Young in "Green Ghost" Roland Young has arrived from New York to play the male lead in M-G-M's "The Green Ghost," a Ben Hecht story which will be an all- talking film. Rupert Julian will di- rect. Cukor with Paramount Paramount has signed George Cukor to direct dialogue pictures. T-S Closing? Closing of the Tiffany-Suhl studios for an indefinite per- iod, is reported planned. The company is ahead of produc- tion schedule, it is pointed out. Ina Clare To Work In 3 At Pathe Studio l*"irst of the three ina Claire talk- ers for Pathe is to be made at the Hollywootl studios, instead of in the East as planned originally. The pic- ture will be "Paris Bound," stage play, and will be started about the middle of April. "Divorce Made Easy" Next MacLean Talker "Divorce Made Easy" is to be Douglas MacLean's next talker for Christie. Marie Prevost, Johnny Arthur, Jack Duffy, Frances Lee and Dot Farley have been signed for the picture. Alfred A. Cohn is doing the adaptation of the comedy by Wilson Collison. Either Walter (iraham or Raymond Kane will direct. Lupe Velez's Next Set Lupe Yelez will follow "Lady of the Pavements" with an all-talker, to be based on an original screen story by Jules Furthman, set in Ar- gentine locales, and under direction of Lewis Milestone. Story details are now being worked out in Holly- wood by Milestone, Furthman, and John W. Considine, Jr., production executive at the United Artists stu- dio. This means that "Take It Easy," announced for Milestone di- rection and for appearances of Miss N'elez, William Boyd and Louis Wol- heim, is temporarily deferred. Cast in Columbia Film Ruth Clifford is in cast of "The Eternal Woman," which John. P. McCarthy is directing for Columbia with Olive Borden, John Miljan and Ralph Graves featured. Lewis Retiu-ning to Screen First National has cast Ralph Lewis, who has been in retirement, for a role in "The Girl in the Glass Cage," which Ralph Dawson will direct with Carroll Nye and Loretta Young as leads. George Stone is in the cast. Not to Renew Horn Contract? Camilla Horn's contract with I'nited Artists will not be renewed when it expires next December, it is understood, with the player reported planning to return to Germany. Chaney on Location Lon Chaney has left the Metro- Goldwyn-Mayer studio for Manito- woc, \\'is., where he will make snow scenes for "Thunder." William Nigh, the director, has gone on in advance of Chaney, accompanied by a staff miit. Featured in F. N. Role Bodil Rosing is to be featured in "Broadway Babies," starring Alice White for First National. PUIL M. DALY SEZ/ "The exhibitora of the Philadelphia zone plan a pow wow March IS on sound, and they're not going to mince any words about what they claim is the exorbitant cost of sound equipment and sound films. It should be an interesting meeting." WARNER CASES AGAIN HEARD BY N.W.ARBITERS Minneapolis — Sale of Warner sound pictures to the Leb at Clo- quet, Minn., for showing via Talk- A-Phone, has removed the "preju- dice" against the company, and its cases again are being heard by the arbitration board. W. M. Miller, Leb owner, on Jan. 28 declined to sit on cases involving Warners, claiming personal prejudice, in that the company had declined to do business with him. When the two other arbitrators followed suit, War- ner cases were deadlocked, as no other exhibitors could be obtained to act on the board. Ward Leonard Completes Lighting for World's Fair Color lighting equipment costing SiSO.OOO and designed and built by the Ward Leonard Electric company, of Mount X'ernon, New York, is now being shipped to the World's Fair at Barcelona, Spain. The effect of the color lighting produced by the Ckiu'i^ ment has never before been ap- proached, it is claimed. The ap- paratus will run through a cycle of various colors, with each color re- maining for 12 minutes. The lighting equipment is secured by means of a motor driven \'itrohm dimmer bank, designed and built by the Ward Leon- ard Electric Co. In addition to this automatic equipment there is a West- inghouse 20 scene, pre-set, manu- ally operated board, said to be the largest of its type ever constructed. "U" Moving Slowly in Wis. Program of Expansion Milwaukee — Universal's expansion program in Wisconsin is being work- ed out slowly and cautiously, Fred Flader, general manager of the chain, said during his visit here for confer- ences with Fred S. Meyer, managing director of the Milwaukee Theater Circuit. Flader said that 55 houses of Universal's chain have been wired for sound. 10 DAILV Tuesday, March 5, 1929 Fox-Loew Deal May Mean More Mergers HOWFOXTHEATERS,LOEW OWNER, IS CONTROLLED Fox Theaters Corp., which has ac- quired a controlhog interest in Loew's Inc. and M-G-M operates under the identical management as Fox Film Corp. Fox Theaters was incorpo- rated on Nov. 5, 1925 as an operat- ing and holding company for various Fox enterprises in the exhibition field. The company has 800,000 shares of Class A common outstanding. This stock has no voting power. The Class B common totals _ 100,000 shares and carries the exclusive vot- ing power. This stock is all owned by William Fox and associates, while Fox also owns 300,000 shares of Class A. Officers of the theater company are WiUiam Fox, president; Saul Rogers, Aaron Fox and Milton Schwartz, vice-presidents; Jack G. Leo, treasurer and Charles S. Levin, secretary. The directors total 11 and are William Fox, Jack G. Leo, Mil- ton J. Schwartz, Saul E. Rogers, Charles S. Levin, Aaron Fox, Jack W. Loeb, Joe Leo, William Fried, Herman Leitstein and Felix A. Jen- kins. William Fox, Jack Leo, Aaron Fox, Rogers, Levin and Loeb are also directors of Fox Film. The high and low range of Fox Theaters stock which is traded in on the N. Y. Curb Market for the last four years follows: High Low 1925 32 2S 1926 34 19 1927 25 12 1928 32 17 The stock was quoted yesterday at 33 at which figure it closed. Sales for the day were 24,400. Higli for 1929 is 37% and low, 28. Fox Takes 21 Year Lease on Largest House in South Fox Theaters Corp., has taken a 21 year lease on the South's largest theater now being built in the Yaarab Temple in Atlanta. An issue of $1,- 500,000 6^4 per cent first mortgage bonds is planned. Chaney Unit in Wisconsin Manitowoc, Wis. — Fifteen mem- bers of Lon Chaney's unit headed by William Nigh, director, surprised this city in an effort to get a snow setting for Chaney's next picture. Chaney arrived Saturday to be fol- lowed later by Mary Nolan. At pres- ent Laddie Briggs, George Duryea and Gilbert Fones are at work on the picture which casts Chaney in the role of a railway engineer. M-G-M Signs Loder IVest Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — John Loder has been cast in "The Green Ghost," for M- G-M. Rupert Julian is directing. Approaching the Fox Goal By the end of 1929, there would be 1,000,000 seats in theaters of the Fox circuit, William Fox stated on Jan. 10 last, in announcing that he had practically completed deals for approximately 200 independent theaters in Greater New York. Those deals, which still are pending it was stated at the time increased total of seats in Fox's holdings to about 700,000. Acquisition of the Loew chain adds several hun- dred seats to the Fox chain. New Moves Seen Forthcoming to Adjust Balance of Power around $5,000,000, while earning power of Fox Theaters is around $2,- 000,000, without including certain new acquisitions. If the projected acqui- sition of 200 independent theaters in New York district is completed Fox- Theaters will have net of around $5,- 000,000. This transaction, however, may not be completed in view of the purchase of control of Loew's. "Loew's, Inc., has total assets as of August 31, 1928, of $108,626,630, of which $45,707,114 was represented by property account and $17,087,018 by investments. Net profit was $8,568,- 162, equal to $5.97 a share on 1,334,- 453 shares of no-par common stock. "Thus the combination of the two companies with Fox Theaters would give total assets of over $200,000,000 and an annual net earning power of from $15,000,000 to $20,000,000, ac- cording to the number of theaters that will actually be acquired by Fox Theaters. "Loew's has approximately 200 theaters, most of which are in Greater New York, while the Fox system comprises about 620 houses of varying sizes located all over the country." {Continued from Page 1) most important that has occurred in the industry in years, according to this source, its reasons for this view- point being that the deal combines two of the oldest and strongest groups in the field into one unit which it declares will be the largest in the industry. "Hitherto," declares the paper, "Paramount Famous Lasky has been predominant in the industry in point of size, but a com- bination of Fox and Loew's will ex- ceed Paramount in earnings, total assets and number of theaters." The "Journal" beheves the efifect of the new combination upon War- ner Bros, will be interesting, adding that it is not unlikely that the ar- rangement between them and the Shubert Theater Corp. may be re- vived in order to give the Warners additional theaters in the New York zone. The article continues: "Fox Film Corp. and Fox Theaters Corp. have combined total assets of considerably over $100,000,000, and net profit of Fox Film for 1928 was $106,050,000 Market Value of Loew's, Inc., Holdings On the basis of current market quotations, Loew's, Inc. was worth $106,050,000 at the close of the New York market yesterday. The common stock in which voting power is vested, closed at 75j4 a share. There are 1,- 400,000 shares outstanding. Torrence in "Green Ghost" West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Ernest Torrence is a new addition to the cast of "The Green Ghost," Ben Hecht's story of a murder in a British army camp, which will be produced by M-G-M. Roland Young, stage star, has the principal role in this all-talking film. Fox Not To Build Mass. House Springfield, Mass.— Herschel Stu- art, general manager of Fox New England Theaters, announced that the Fox interests have no program for the building of a theater on the Broadway and Vernon St. site here this year. Loew's Stock Up $6,712,- 855 in Feb.; Fox Also Up Book value of Loew's stock on the New York Stock Market advanced $6,712,855 during February, accord- ing to "The New York Sun." This advance was caused by heavy buying in the open market by Fox, which climaxed the action by acquiring con- trol of Loew's, carrying with it con- trol of M-G-M. Fox Film stock, meanwhile, advanced $1,230,205 dur- ing the month, while Paramount de- creased $1,653,504 and Warners dropped $5,146,174. Irene Rich with Sue Carol West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Irene Rich has been signed by Fox to play the role of Queen Charlotte in "The Exalted Flapper," Sue Caroll's new vehicle which James Tingling will direct. Robarge and Fox Building Merrill, Wis. — A. L. Robarge, vet- eran local exhibitor, plans a new house here in association with Fox. HEARST PUBLICITY FOR FOX SEEN AS ASSURED Fox IS expected to receive the bene- fit of national publicity in the Hearst chain of newspapers, as a re- sult of the deal for control of Loew's and M-G-M. Hearst for some timt- has been allied with M-G-M, pro- ducing pictures a.s Cosmopolitan Prod. The national pui)licity given M-G-M pictures by the Hearst papers has been a big factor in their suc- cess. "UNCLE LOU" REMY RESIOKS FOX POST Dallas — Lou B. (Uncle Lou) Remy, for 16 years a leading figure in distribution in the Southwest, is resigning as district manager of Fox. A mutual agreement has terminated Remy's contract, and his resignation is to become effective March 30. NO FOX OFFER TO LOEW MINORITY HOLDERS NOW Belief is prevalent in financial cir- cles that for the time being the Fox interests will make no ofTer to buy i up the minority shares in Loew's, ' Inc., although it is reported from , downtown circles that this is being ' planned after the mass of detail at- ; tendant upon the merger is cleared i away. This, it is declared, will take .' a number of months. Changes in Midwesco Forces ■ Milwaukee — Several changes have i lieen made in the Fox Midwesco staff here including the addition of David Flam and Lawrence S. Stein to the publicity staff. Stan Segel-j baum has been named the new man-j ager of the circuit's Oriental, while Clifford Lindblond has been_ named', manager of the Plaza succeeding Leoj Grossman who has been named man- ager of the Mojeska. Lyons at Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wis. — Al Lyons has ar-j rived from California as stage bandi leader at Fox's Wisconsin here, re- placing Al Belasco who has been at| the house for approximately sixj weeks. I Nairn Gets Capitol Post i Washington — Don Nairn, formerly' office manager at the Minneapolis Fox office, is here in a similar ca-l pacity. I 'uesday, March 5. 1929 DAILY 11 IMIIN EXHIBIIORS MEET B.C. 80L0NS FROWN ON i TO MODIFY PRESENT TAX Berlin — The Berlin Exhibitors' L'nion has proposed a nioetinp to pro- test aRainst the present entertainment ?ax. There has been considerable igitation throughout the country to nodify the tax and these meetings ire held to bring about a modifica- ion. Similar demonstrations are to ake place in other important German pities, it is believed. Cesors Upheld on "King of Kings" Deletion 1 Memphis. Tcnn. — I'ower of the i.\(cniphis board of censors received ts biggest boost in many months 'Saturday, with announcement of a >tate supreme court verdict in its favor, upholding its right to delete (he scourging scene in "The King of Kings." . Vincent J. Carlisle, manager of the Lyric, where "King of Kings" show- ?f the Texas district has been named director of all Class B theater man- igers in the country Buys Two Clarinda Houses Clarinda, la. — Herb Bluechel and fohn Philip Lannan have purchased :he Armory and Rialto theater here. 1. F. Van Tassel owned the Armory while the Rialto was in the posses- sion of F. B. Pennington, who will retain his interest in the building. Van Tassel is retiring, it is reported. Theater War in Richmond Richmond, N. Y. — A theater and office building to compete with the new theater being built for the Isle Theatrical Corp., will be erected on site of the old Vanderbilt estate for Charles and Louis Moses, it is re- ported. Lehnian "Simba" Sales Rep. Atlanta— W. H. (Ruddy) Leh- man has been appointed sales repre- sentative in Florida for "Simba," by James H. Thompson, district man- ager of the Martin Johnson African Expedition Corp., with headquarters here. Lehman was formerly con- nected with Fox, M-G-M and First National. Lowell House Gets License I Lowell, Mass. — The Capitol license ■has been renewed. The house is now Jwned by the Elangee Corp. ADVERTISING CENSORS Vancouver — Legislature of British Columbia has thrown cold water upon the bill of .^tty. Gen. Pooley which is intended to establish a strict form of censorship on picture thea- ter advertisements in newspapers of the Province. Members of the House have declined to consider the bill as drawn up, and there is a probability that the measure will be withdrawn. Publix Sells Atlanta^ House .\tianta — John .\. Comzy, of Chi- cago, lias acquired the Rialto here from Publix. Comzy reached here- late last week to meet Nicholas G. Weiss, special representative of Pub- lix, to conclude the negotiations. Op- eration of the Rialto passed to Comzy .'^aturday. Haynes Leaving Loew's Cleveland — William A. Haynes, who resigned last week as assistant general manager of Loew's Theaters, will sever his connection with the or- ganization, it is reported, to enter production. W. A. Finney, district manager will remain in Cleveland until Haynes' successor is appointed. Carrier With "U" at Cleveland Fred Flader, general manager of Universal Chain Theatrical Enter- prises, has announced the appoint- ment of James A. Carrier to the dis- trict managership of the Universal houses at Cleveland. Carrier already has taken up his new duties. Netoco Gets Waltham House Boston — Samuel Pinanski, presi- dent of the New England Theaters Operating Corp., has acquired the Embassy on Moody St., Waltham, and will take immediate possession. The house seats 2,200. EUchenlaub at Boston Boston — E. J. Eichenlaub, general press representative of the Martin Johnson African Expedition Corp., has been transferred here, head- quartering in the Rayart exchange. Ad Mat Service Incorporates Wilmington, Del. — Theater Ad Mat Service, which supplies adver- tising layouts and mats to theaters, has been incorporated here with 100,- 000 shares of common authorized. Rothschild Selling "Simba" JacI^ Rothschild, veteran Middle West exchangeman, now is handling sales of "Simba" in Greater New York. Gallagher Assets to be Sold Chicago — Bids now are being re- ceived on goods and chattels of the Gallagher Orchestra Equipment Co., bankrupt. The bidding ends Monday. Floyd To Manage Kirby Houston, Tex. — E. E. Collins, city manager for Publix, has appointed Manson Floyd, former manager of the Queen, as manager of the Kirby An average of two and sometimes four or five people read each copy of The Film Daily that is distrib- uted* ^^There Must Be a Reason^^ ANNOUNCINQ GENNETT SYNCHRONIZER SYSTEMS Developed, Manufactured and Backed, by the Entire Resources of THE STARR PIANO CORP. One of the World's Largest Builders of High Grade Pianos and Related Products Gennett Synchronizer Systems ^ Are Pledged to the same high standard of quality which has made possible the steady continuous growth of this organization over a period of more than sixty years and has achieved for it the position of outstanding leadership in its present field it holds today. Gennett Synchronizer Systems will sell at $2,500— and offers more value per dollar than any other equipment you can buy. Gennett Synchronizer Systems The Biggest Talking Picture Hits Will Be Served You by the Leading Producers, Because Gennett SYNCHRONIZER SYSTEMS WILL STAND THE TEST are guaranteed to stand the test by which every sound equipment must ultimately stand or faii-QUALITT REPRODUCTION PLUS DEPENDABLE UNINTERRUPTED PERFORMANCE WATCH THESE COLUMNS FOR MORE DETAILED ANNOUNCEMENTS Meantime Address II r GENERAL SOUND EQUIPMENT CORPORATION RICHMOND, INDIANA More Than 700,000 Square Feet of Factory Floor Space Equipped with Every Known Modern Device Ready to Meet the Demand for Gennett Synchronizer Systems in Any Quantity Sound-on- Film More Practical, B. Balaban Believes .^^ NEWSPAPER r/FILMDOM ALL THE NEWS ALL THE TIME DL. XLVII No. 54 Wednesday, March 6, 1929 Price 5 Cents CTION IN FRENCH CRISIS S [XPECTEDBY APRIL 15 Paris (By Cable) — Suggestions ' the French industry covering jports to be permitted next year, )W are under study by a French Wernment official for suitable rec- nmendations, when they are to be ferred to the commission for final ;tion, which is expected by April 15. iNo Q)ie of the local industry ex- fcts the trade's recommendations ; be entirely approved. Drastic \anges, however, are expected, as le trade feels that the present sys- jn is not practical and effective. le local industry is depressed, with otection sadly needed. American terests are to get special govern- ont consideration but the best hope Americans is revision of the ■ench demands to prevent complete ithdrawal of American films from ance. OF PURPOSE OF STOCK ISSUE Expansion of Columbia in the und and silent fields is the purpose first public issue of stock, to be fered Friday on the New York urb Exchange. The common, it stated, will be placed on the mar- it at $31 a share. Twenty-five thou- nd shares of no par preference and 0,000 shares of no par common, of hich 100,000 will be outstanding, ill be issued. Joe Brandt, Harry id Jack Cohn retain control of the impany. Issue of the stock marks 1 important milestone in progress the company. The issue will be -iiT * * Beth Brown, who has mothered many a corking screen story and set of titles, has won a song writing contest conducted by "Musical Amer- ica." Her lyric is being published by Carl Fisher. Miss Brown's entry, titled "With Love Along," was one of 35,000 submitted. The HOTEL Jefferson ON THE OCEAN END OF KENTUCKY AVE. ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. AN HOTEL WHOSE COMFORTS WILL ASSURE ONE OF FULL ENJOYMENT OF THIS GLO- RIOUS RESORT. Each Room has Bath — Strictly Fire- proof — Luxurious Lobbies — Sundeck Overlooking the Ocean. Golf Privilege! American Plan $7 up European Plan $4 up OWNERSHIP— MANAGEMENT FETTER & HOLLINGER sg^ DAILY Wednesday, March 6, 1929 Hoover to Continue U. S. Merger Views (.Continued from Page 1) sentations the Dept. of Justice ma- terially changed its view of such or- ganizations. The present policy of investigating proposed mergers as a routine mat- ter has been found by the Dept. of Justice to work out very well and it is likely that it will be continued. Hoover's opinion would lean toward this as he has held the view that it was better to step on illegal mergers before they were consummated than to wait until law had been violated and then resort to lengthy and ex- pensive litigation. W. E. Nets $22,023,282 On $287,931,000 1928 Gross (.Continued from Page 1) of business was 22 per cent greater, but lower prices caused the lower gross. Net for the year was $22,- 023,282 or 6.7 per cent on sales, com- pared with 6.9 per cent in 1927. In addition to its other widespread activ- ities, Western Electric manufactures the Movietone and sound disc repro- ducing equipment, and has already equipped 1,384 theaters of the United States, with the number slated to total more than 3,000 by the end of 1929. New Management at Morton Morton, Minn. — ■ Earl Daun and Amber Johnson have taken over management of the Gem here from Ed Fell and R. J. Schell. New Boston Company Boston — The Merchant Theater Co. has been incorporated here with a capital of 400 shares of no par stock. The incorporators are: Norman A. Walker of Braintree; Eleanor March and Josephine M. Cannata of this city. Bridgeport Globe Closed Bridgeport, Conn. — The Globe will be closed here for repairs, according to Matt L. Saunders. Villisca, la.. House Closed Villisca, la. — Dr. F. J. Liken, own- er of the Villisca here, has now closed the house due to the lack of interest and cooperation of citizens here and the town is now without a theater He recently tried unsuc- cessfully to secure permission to op- erate on Sundays. Johnson Buys at Anita, la. Anita, la. — Arthur Johnson has purchased the Rialto here from C. O. Lacey, who will devote his time to his other house at Creston, 111., the Creston. Buys Fischer-Paramount Bldg. Madison, Wis. — John Kelly, con- tractor, has purchased the Madison theater building from Fischer-Para- mount theater corporation for $125,- 000. The new owner contemplates remodeling the building for stores and apartment purposes at a cost of ap- proximately $50,000. Coast Wire Service Hamilton For Talkers LLOYD HAMILTON TALKING COMEDIES CO. fORMED Lloyd Hamilton, former Educa- tional star, and who recently played talking role in the British all-talking feature production, "Black Waters," has signed with Harry Donald Ed- wards as the star in a new company to make all talking two-reel come- dies. The new company will be known as Lloyd Hamilton Talking Comedies and will start in produc- tion immediately. The company has already signed William Watson, who was for many years an outstanding comedy director and editor with Mack Semiett, to direct the first of Hamilton's talkies; and Edwards has also signed Gilbert Pratt, forrner Paramount writer, to write the stories and assist in editorial supervision for Hamilton. Edwards, who heads the new Lloyd Hamilton producing organiza- tion, is a veteran production man- ager, and recently signed the Marquis Henry de La Falaise for pictures, the Marquis' pictures being post- poned to make a trip abroad. "Ham" Beal Elected New President of Wampas Harry Hammond Beal is new president of the Wampas. Other of- ficers are: Joseph Sherman, first vice president; Pat Dowling, second vice president; Hank Arnold, secre- tary; Edward Perkins, treasurer; George Brown, sergeant-at-arms, and George Alandy, Arch Reeve, Pete Smith, Ivan St. John, Charles West and Harry Wilson comprise the board of directors. Universal Signs Two Dorothy Mathews and Kay Bry- ant, both from the New York stage, have been signed by Universal to appear in "The Tree of Love," the next of the Movietone short subjects starring the Pat Rooney family. Pneumonia Fatal to Albert Russell Albert Russell, brother of William Russell, who recently succumbed to the same illness, died from pnumonia. He was a serial director in the early days of the industry. Would GiVie Police Charge of Schools Police here are considering pro- posal of the Association of M. P. Producers, which asks that so-called "movie" schools be placed uiider di- rection of the police commission. Completing Installation RCA-Photophone engineers have completed all preliminary work in- cidental to the installation of sound equipment in the Darmour-RKO stu- dios. Everything will be ready for the beginning of production of next season's program early in March. A Little from t( Lots By RALPH WILK a Hollywood, lyiAURICE REVNES is making ■^" elaborate plans for "Paris Bound," which he will produce for Pathe, with Ina Claire in the star- ring role. Miss Claire is due in Hol- lywood about March IS. * * * Seattle may be cold in the winter, but its picturegoers are very appre- ciative, according to Lina Basquette, who played a week's engagement there in a Fanchon and Marco unit. After each of her numbers, she was forced to take several curtain calls. She did five shows a day in the northern city and will play a return engagement at Loew's, Los Angeles, ayid is the first film star to play are- turn date at the local theater inn seven weeks. f * * * ' Our Passing Show : Ru- dolph and Joseph Schildkraut, Frayik Reicher, Sarah Padden, Rita Kissen, Guy Coburn, Karl Brown, at "The Graven Image"; Harold J. McCord and Jack Jarmuth chatting on Bronson Ave. * * * J. Farrell McDonald's fans arc; chiefly boys, girls and men. He, averages 70 fan letters a day and; his written "applause" comes from; various parts of the world. j * * ♦ Frank Gay, who worked on "Red Wine" and "Joy Street," is writing a play, "Empty Bot- tles." Frank is considering two offers to join studio scen- ario departments. "Rainbow Man" Sound on Film "The Rainbow Man," talker which Sono-Art Prod, is filming with Ed- die Dowling starring, will be released all on film. It is being filmed with Western Electric recording system; at the Metropolitan studios with three sound engineers, H. W. Berg- man, Robert Harper and Dodge Dunning, in charge of the recording, and with a staff of 14 sound tech- nicians at work on the picture in ad- dition to the regular picture staff, headed by Fred Newmeyer, who is directing. George Crone will edit. Cormack Signs Piara. Contract Bartlett Cormack, who wrote the stage play, "The Racket" and who has recently been on the Paramount writing staffs, has signed a new con- tract. He has just completed an adaptation of "The Greene Murder Case," which will go into production soon with William Powell again playing the lead. The wheels are humming WITH the introduction of the RCA Photophone the statement was made that "Superior facilities and su- perior resources automatically attract superior public support." Although but ten months have elapsed since the initial announcement of RCA Photophone, the correctness of this statement is attested today by a demand that is taxing the production resources of the world's largest electrical organ- izations. In this brief period, the RCA Photo- phone has become the standard by which the tonal quality and efficiency of sound reproduction are measured. Sound pic- tures made by the RCA Photophone sys- tem of recording are receiving universal public acclaim. The facilities of the plants of RCA, General Electric Company and Westing- house Electric and Manufacturing Company are constantly being expanded CHICAGO 100 U'. Monroe St. Room 1810 DENVER 817-17lh St. V. S. ^atI. Bank BIdg. SAN FRANCISCO 235 Montgomery St. Russ BIdg. to bridge the gap between date of order and date of installation. On the present basis, theatre owners may confidently anticipate a calibre of delivery service in keeping with the resources and production scope of these organizations. And they may confidently look forward also to an equipment that embodies all the advances of today, plus the assur- ance of such improvements as may de- velop tomorrow. Address all Inquiries to Commercial Department RCA PHOTOPHONE, IXC. 411 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK Subsidiary of the Radio Corporation of America S THE DAILV Wednesday, March 6, 1929 Chain First Run Holdings Compared WHAT THE LiNE-UP IN 32 m INDICATES The lines are tightening. Moves for dominance, already keen, be- come more so with the Fox-Loew deal. The situation in important key cities, as summed up by cor- respondents for THE FILM DAILY, follows: All Reported Peaceful in Albany; No Change There Albany — With Fox bucking its principal opposition, the Warners (via Stanley) through a first run out- let at the Leland, operated by Chris Buckley, no inkling is obtainable here regarding any switch in plans which might result in building of Fox's own first run. Stanley operates the Mark Strand, Mark Ritz and Regent. Fox vs. Publix Is Situation Now Prevailing in Atlanta Atlanta — Fox's acquisition of Loew's gives the former interest in two theaters in Atlanta, key city of the Southeast. These are the Cap- itol, built by Universal and now owned in part by Loew as well as operated by it, and Loew's Grand, a second run theater. Both are wired. Fox intends going ahead with the theater to be part of the Yaarab Temple, but it is figured here the theater cannot be ready for a year. Principal opposition is Publix which has two de luxe operations in the city, the Howard and Keith's Geor- gia. The latter is a partnership ar- rangement. Deal Places Fox in Strong Position at Baltimore Baltimore — Fox is projected into a strong position in the local first run field by closing of the deal for con- trol of Loew's. Fox previously had no theaters of his own here, although a house was declared planned. Whether this will be carried out in view of the overseated condition existing, is problematical. This overseating con- dition was emphasized by the deal between Stanley-Crandall and Loew's, for operation by the latter of the Stanley. I^oew's also has the Cen- tury, Valencia and Parkway here, the latter owned jointly with United Artists. The Rivoli is operated by Wilson Amusement Co., the New Garden by the Schanbergers, and playing- Radio-Keith-Orpheuni vaude- ville. Fox product has been played in the Whitehurst houses and has been get- ting plenty of breaks in neighborhood houses. Fox Now Completely Dominates Theater Situation in New York With an additional 175 theaters soon to be added to the rapidly ex- panding Fox chain in New York, Fox is in a commanding position in the Greater New York territory. Heading the list are the Roxy and Capitol, the ace houses of the Fox and Loew chain. Fox, by the Loew deal, also gets Loew's State, Loew's New York, the Astor and Embassy leases, Loew's Roof and Loew's American. In addi- tion, Fox is planning a 52 story office building on the present site of the Central. In the Broadway situation Publix-Paramount have the Para- mount, Rialto, Criterion and Rivoli. United Artists has a half interest in the Rialto and Rivoli. Warners has the Warner, Mark Strand and a lease on the Winter Garden. "U" has the Colony. In the Greater New York territory, Fox added to his holdings, the 69 the- aters of the Loew chain, getting a dominant position in the field, with Radio-Keith-Orpheum chief competi- tor throughout the city. Fox and Publix In Merry Tussle for Boston Trade Boston — By the spring of 1930, the new Fox theater to be built with a capacity of 5,000 or more on the site of the old Hotel Touraine will be making merry with the first run situation here. In the interval, the Loew deal gives Fox the State and the Orpheum to buck the stiff compe- tition offered by Publix via the Metropolitan, Fenway, Globe, Wash- ington, and Scollay Square and the bid for business made by RKO through the brand new E. F. Albee nnd the older B. F. Keith theaters. Buffalo Competition Keen With Publix-Fox Opposed Buffalo— William Fox and M. E. Comerford are fifty-fifty partners in the Great Lakes theater, which is first run for Fox product. Their principal — and toughest-competition is found in the Publix holdings which include the Buffalo and Hippodrome as well as several suburbans. Un- confirmed reports have it that Fox made his first suburban invasion re- cently when he acquired an unnamed theater. was one of the cities where Fox planned to build a first run. Through- out the territory, Balaban & Katz, with Great States Theaters and Mid- west Theaters, occupy a powerful position. B. & K. has downtown here the McVickers, Oriental, Chicago and Roosevelt. Fox has the Fox-Monroe. Warners, the Orpheum; Radio-Keith- Orpheum, the State-Lake and United Artists, the United Artists. Cincinnati Reported 0. K. Under Deal with Libson Cincinnati — While it is a fact that Fox has announced plans for a large first run here, there is some specula- tion about it in view of the pleasant business relations prevailing with Ike Libson whose town Cincinnati prac- tically is, theatrically speaking. James R. Grainger, Fox sales chief, has been selling Libson regularly for four years and the representation is under- stood to be satisfactory to William Fox. RKO is a partner with Lib- son here. podrome, Palace and Worth in Ft. Worth; Kirby, Metropolitan and Queen in Houston and the Empire, Princess, Rivoli and Texas in San Antonio. Publix, together with Saenger, each own's 25 per cent of the Dent theaters, a chain of 63 houses operating in Texas and New Mexico and is reported affiliated with Robb and Rowley, who operate 61 houses in Oklahoma and Texas. Wesco Theaters for Denver Again Considered Possible Denver — -Fox has no holdings here. Publix is very strong, operating the new Denver, Rialto and Victory, while Fox product has been playing the Victory and American, owned by Harry Hoffman. Fox is not in this territory, except for unconfirmed re- ports that the company, via Wesco, has bought two Denver suburbans. Wesco, at various tirnes, has been re- ported planning to build here and in other Colorado towns. Publix has theaters in Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Greeley. RKO has the Orpheum here. Fox with Strong Hold in Montana, Plans Expansion Butte — With three houses here, four at Great Falls and one at Lewis- ton, Fox, through Wesco, has a strong theater hold in Montana and recently announced plans to build in keys and semi-keys of the state. The Butte list includes American, Park- way and Rialto which represents practically dominance of the city. Fox Moves in Chicago Are Being Anticipated Chicago — Expected move of Fox in this territory is awaited with keen interest. Several times Fox has in- dicated intention to build here, where the situation is dominated in the loop and many outskirts by Balaban & Katz, Publix subsidiary. Fox is in- terested in Chicago in the Cooney and Ascher chain holdings. Recent- ly, it was announced that Chicago Loew Deal Gives Fox Plenty of Outlets in Cleveland Cleveland — Public announcement of a big Fox house here may never become fact. Before the Loew pur- chase, there was reason for a Fox show window here, but with the deal the Fox interests have the following theaters in their local roster: Alham- bra, Stillman, Allen, Loew's, Mall, Metropolitan, Park, State, Alhambra, Circle and Cameo. Principal opposition is two RKO houses, the Palace and the Hippo- drome. Publix Dominates Des Moines;^ No Theater for Fox There Des Moines — Fox has no theater here, where Publix controls a major- ity of first runs, including the Capitol, j Strand and Des Moines. In addition, ' Publix has a strong hold on the ter- ritory, by virtue of its deal with A. H. Blank. Radio-Keith-Orpheum has the Orpheum, split-week house here. In the territory, Universal owns houses, secured in the Hostettler deal. Fox product has been split between Publix and Orpheum. Hoblitzelle Franchise Gives Fox Outlet in the Southwest Dallas — Texas is pretty much Pub- lix's meat. Fox gets his outlets in Houston, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Dallas via a long term contract with Karl Hoblitzelle under a deal which has about a year to run. What will happen after that is anyone's guess. Publix's strength is best indicated by a list of its holdings which include the Melba and Palace in Dallas; Hip- Fox in Detroit Situation Now With Both Feet Detroit — Fox is in the local situa- tion here with both feet following recent opening of the new Fox, 5,000- seat house, largest in the city, a Kunsky-Publix stronghold. The Kun- sky firm has about a dozen houses in Detroit and suburbs. In addition to its hook-up with Kunsky, Publix is a part owner of the Butterfield cir- cuit with Butterfield and Radio-Keith- Orpheum. There are no Loew houses liere. RKO has the Temple and Uptown here, in addition to Keith's and Keith's Regent at Grand Rapids. The Butterfield chain has been play- ing Fox practically 100 per cent. Fox Chain Has No Houses In the Indianapolis Zone Indianapolis — Fox representation is secured through a franchise with Fred Dolle who operates the Apollo here and theaters in Kentucky. The first run situation is practically controlled by the Skouras-Warner interests which operate the former Lieber the- aters, including the Circle, Ohio and Indianapolis. Publix is a partner with Skouras-Warner. RKO operates Keith's here. I Vednesday, March 6, 1929 OAILV Fierce Competition Rages in Many Keys Fox Enters K. C. First Run b'leld by Deal With Loew Kansas Ciiy — I'ux is iiijccied iiUo lie nr»t run situaiiou licrc liirouyli losing ot tne Locw aeal, gainnig uie ity s uiggcst house, J-oc\v s Miaiand, i-aiu^g -tjuyO. i-oc\v s lornicriy opcr- itcd me iviewman and Royal here lor I uonx, but tnc latter lias resumed ipcration of these two houses. Uthcr irst runs are the Mamstreet, owned )y KrvU, tne Vantages and Globe, universal has a nuniuer ot suburbans icre and otner houses m the territory. Los Angeles Position Same Vviih rox in [Strong bpot li t-jf Coojt Bunau, t lit. 1-IL.\1 DAILY Los /\iigcies — l*oxs position re- na.iis uic same here loiiowmg clos- Mig 01 tne Qeai tor control oi i-oew s inU M-O-M. Ihis IS the key city ol the principal territory ol I'ox West Loaat i Heaters' operations. The (irni, whicn uominaies the southern Lamornia territory, aireaay had been operating tne Loew s btate, under terms oi a management deal. Mean- wime, there is spirited competition here between leral ars ago, kicked a lot of old ideas to the Pacific and elevated Fo.x pro- iction standards to hciglits never iChed before via a long list of not- le pictures beginning with "What •ice Glory?" His record of acconi- shinent is like an open book. Grainger Selling and its tremendous respon- bilities are vested securely in the mds of Jinniiy Grainger, the go- wtting Irishman who made the Pull- U" name a by-word in the film in- y. Everyone knows Grainger liis inexhaustible store of sales- -hip energy. The way he has in- -id the auditing expense at Fo.x fit subject for economic inves- gation. Leo You never hear much of him. Yet •T"': Leo, who has a string of vice- ilents trailing after his name, i.* Kc the cream in the Fo.x coffee. His bb is finances which means he has ty on his young mind the way is speeding along. Blumenthal j And then, a young man who never rashes the headlines. A. C. Blumen- hal is his name. He moves impres- wly through all of the big deals ^ox has negotiated beginning with he Roxy and Wesco purchases and :riding — for the present at least — vvith the Loew bombshell and the mpending New York independent 'heater buy. "Bluniy" gets them started, whips 'em into a frenzy and chen Fox finishes 'em off. What a r.vstein! K A N N NOTHING TO R-K-0 REPORT, ADOLPH ZUKOR DECLARES Loew Officers Re-elected; No Changes Foreseen by Schenck BIG nitsT RUN roR rox IN CHICAGO LOOP $[EN Chicago — It is an open secret that William i'ox is not satisfied with the representation his product has been getting in this city and sur- rounding territory. .\ big first run downtown is expected to be the re- sult. For the first time in Fox's history, {Continued on Page 8) UP-STATE BUILDING TO FOLLOW THE SCHINE BUY Buffalo — .-\cfiuisition of the .Sciiine circuit of up-state New York houses will be the opening shot in a build- ing campaign by the Fox interests, ii.xpansion in New York has i)een talked about for some time, but clos- ing of the Schine deal is expected (Continued on Page 8) Pt)inting to the re-election of the entire personnel of Loew's, Inc. at a meeting held on Tuesday as an indi- cation that the sale to Fo.x Theaters Corp. will not disturb present opera- tions, Nicholas M. Schenck told THE I'lLM D.MLY yesterday that it was his opinion the organizations of which he is president will continue as separate entities. "I e.xpccl to continue as president of Loew's, Inc. and to maintain the policies of this organization as I have in the past. We are functioning to- day as we have before the Fo.x trans- action was made and I have notified my heads of department to continue as they have formerly. '"Of course, Loew's, Inc. is now (Continued on Page 8) Hatrick Gets Hurry Call to Confer with Hearst in L. A. Edgar B. Hatrick. general repre- sentative for the William Randolph Hearsts' film interests leaves for California soon to confer with Hearst. The latter holds a contract with M-G-M for M-G-:M News, and Cosmopolitan Prod, while Marion Davies, long a star under the Hearst wing, is making a series for M-G-M. Advantages of Disc System Cited by Rockett of F. N. His reasons for preferring souud-on-disc recording arc cited in the accompanying article bv Al Rockett of First A'ational. The article is one of the series prepared by industry leaders for THE J'lLM D.IILY "Sound Symposium," outlining vie-ii.'s on the respective merits of sound-on-disc and sound-on-fihn systems of recording. West Coast Bureau. TUP. FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Al Rockett, First National executive, prefers sound on the disc "by all means." "Most of the theaters to date are equipped for the disc method, which makes the outlet from the industry in much demand," he says. "The public must be satisfied but in as much speed as possible," Rock- ett continues, "they not only demand good clear prints, but also plan in- teresting dialogue, or true tone to the sound. This is all to be found in disc recording. We have our portable truck, making it possible to shoot al- most impossil)lc scenes for exteriors and record the sound over remote control." No Foundation to Alleged Deal, Paramount Head Emphasizes "There is absolutely no foundation to such report." That was the em- phatic statement made j'esterday to THE FILM DAILY by Adolph Zukor, when his attention was di- rected to reports that a Paramount- Radio-Keith-Orpheum deal was pro- gressing. It was reported from the coast late last night that an option for purchase of Paramount is held by R-K-O. Previously all reports of a deal declared it was for a man- agement of R-K-O houses by I'uijlix. Tie-up between Paramount and R- K-O has been regarded in some circles as impending, the negotiations (Continued on Page 7) LASKY SEES SOUND SOON FINDING PROPER LEVEL irest Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Los .'\ngeles — "There is no need for excitement or h\sleria concerning future of the business despite the revolution caused by the introduc- tion of sound and talking pictures," said Jesse L. Lasky, just before leavirg Hollywood for New York on -Monday. "The future of the talking pictures is the future of the business itself. Sound pictures are here to stay but whether the talking jiicture or the combination of sound plus certain seciuences in which dialogue is heard (CoHiinucd on Page 7) Missouri Tax Bill Is Expected to be Killed St. Louis — With state cenrorship and anti-standing room sale bills dead latest advices from Jefferson City arc the ten per cent tax on amusements will probably die in the Educational Committee of the House. Governor Caulfield has sent word that he will not sign any tax increase measures, init instead will insist on strict econ- omy in all departments in an endeav- or to solve some of the state's finan- cial problems. THE Thursday. March 7, 192 Vol. XLVil No. 55 Thursday. Mar. 7. 1929 Prici 5 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) hy Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau. Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter, May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, IS. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am. Seat 35 34)^ 34^ Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 27 }4 27 27 East. Kodak 183 182^4 182}4 "do pfd 128 *First Nat. pfd lOeyi Fox Fm. "A" ... 94 89 90^+ ♦do rts 3 ♦Keith A-O 36H do pfd UO'A llO'A 110!4 Loew's Inc 735^ 72 72 do pfd 104 104 104 *M-C-M pfd 25 5/^ M. P. Cap 34JI 29 33 Para. F-1 65 63 6314 Pathe Exch 12^ 11% lU/^ do "A" 24^^ 24 24 Radio K-A-O 36f^ 34^ 34^ Stanley Co 35 35 35 *Univ. Pict. pfd 98^ Warner Bros 12'1J4 115^ 117% do "A" 54% 53 53 Warner Pet. rts... 3% 3 3Vs CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 9% 9 'A 9J4 ♦Bal. & Kat;. 81 Con. Fm. Ind. . . . 22J4 22 J^ 22% Film Insp 2 2 2 Fox Thea. "A" ... 32yi Sl'A 32 Griffith, D.W. "A" 3!^ 3% 3^ Intern. Proj 2S'A 25 25 J4 Loew do deb. rts.. 38V2 35 35 Nat. Scr. Ser. ... 28% 27j4 28% Nat. Thea. Sup. .. 8-% Syi &Vz Trans-Lux 13 12J4 UVi *Univ. Pict 17^i BOND MARKET Keith A-O 6s 46.. 95% 95% 95% Loew 6s 41ww . . .117 116 116 do 6s 41 x-war... 98-% 98 98 Paramount 6a 47 . 99}^ 99J4 99J4 Par. By. S-^s 51.. 102 101% 102 Pathe 7s 37 80^- SO^i 80;4 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 . 96J4 96"4 96^ ♦Warner 6^s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 32 33Vi do units 35 37 .... do com 4J/2 5 .... Skouras Bros. ... 50 54 .... Technicolor 18 1?,'A United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 75 85 *LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 500 700 200 9,600 100 14,600 100 3,966 20,600 14,800 1,000 21,500 100 24,606 1,300 17,500 2,400 3',966 100 21,600 200 100 1,200 200 200 10,900 2 24 5 10 14 7 New Eng. Corp. Gets Mass. House Waltham, Mass. — The Embassy, costing $250,000 has been purchased by the New England Theater Oper- ating Co. The Waldorf and Central Square here also are owned by the New England company. H. Judge and A. Cowley Join French Phototone London — Horace Judge, formerly director of advertising and publicity for First National-Pathe, is leaving' for Paris in an administrative capacity for French Phototone. Another addi- tion to the French firm's staff is A. F. Cowley, formerly recording manager for \'ocalion Co., and British Bruns- wick. Cowley will handle recording for the company in Paris. Tiffany Foreign Cast Set London — Tiffanj'-Stahl's first Bri- tish production, "To What Red Hell," adapted from the stage play b}' Perc\' Robinson, is now in its second week of production with a cast headed by Sybil Thorndike and in- cluding John Hamilton, Drusilla Wills, Arthur Pusey and JuUian Sande. Craff Joins Cinephone George Lewis Craff, former Vic- tor recording engineer, has been en- gaged for research and development work by Powers Cinephone and to serve in an advisory capacity on all pictures made in the East using the system. . Bronx, N. Y., House Opens Golden Stars Film Prod. Co. has opened the Bronx Opera House, New York, with F. Gallo as man- ager. "The Imperial Guard" was the initial attraction, under the com- bination policy. New Theater at Mt. Horeb, Wis. Mt. Horeb, Wis. — With the com- pletion of the Buechner building here, Mt. Horeb will have a new theater. The project is being carried out by the Buechner Investment Co. which will operate the theater. The com- pany has been capitalized at $22,500, members of the concern being J. B. and Christine M. Buechner and M. P. Schneider. The house will have a seating capacity of 500 and will be wired for talking pictures. Goebel Building at Bristol Bristol, Va. — Not only is C. A. Goebel, head of the Goebel theaters here, to equip his Cameo for talkers, but is planning to build a theater on the property occupied by the Isis and Eagle. Reilly With Stanley-Fabian Elizabeth, N. J.— Richard A. Reilly has been appointed manager of the Regent here. The house is one of the Stanley-Fabian chain. Finlay Theaters Incorporated Raleigh, N. C- — Finlay Theaters of Goldsboro have been incorporated here with authorized capital stock of $50,000. Incorporators are Ken- neth E. Finlay, Hugh Dortch and Wyatt E. Blake all of Goldsboro. Charter for War Theaters Charleston, W. Va. — War Theaters of War, W. Va., has been incor- porated here with capitalization of $5,000. Incorporators are: Hyman Banks, Louis Nannie, Jacob and Bel- man Shore. Hungary Reduces Import and Entertainment Taxes Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Entertainment taxes and imports on raw films taxes have been reduced by the Hungarian gov- ernment. The entertainment tax of 10 per cent has been cut to six for first run houses and five per cent for others, while the tax on import of raw film has been cut by 75 per cent. Braddock Appointed Booker Michigan City, Ind. — Fitzpatrick & McElroy, operators of the Tivoli, Starland and Willard houses here, has named George E. Braddock, for- mer manager of the Tivoli and Star- land, to the Chicago office where he will be engaged in the booking de- partment. Herbert A. Kaufman succeeds Braddock at the Tivoli and Starland. Emig Manager at Waterloo Waterloo, la. — R. F. Emig has been ajppointed manager of the Rivieria here succeeding Herbert Grove, who will become manager of the Capitol, Publix house, at Cedar Rapids. Taylor Theatrical Incorporated Roanoke, Va. — J. R. 'I'aylor of Big Stone Gap, Va., is president of the Taylor Theatrical Co., which has been incorporated here with a cap- ital of $50,000. Geller Heads N. W. Theaters Portland, Ore. — I. Geller has been named president of Northwest The- aters, succeeding W. W. Ely, re- signed. The company operates the Hippodrome here. Allan Cushman has been retained as house manager. Norma Homer West at Rochester Rochester, N. Y. • — Mrs. Norma Homer West, for years manager of the Superior in Brooklyn, will be manager of the Lyndhurst here. John H. W. Fenyvessy is owner. Publix Gets Worcester Capitol Worcester, Mass. — J. J. Fitzgib- bons, general manager of Publix New England Theaters, has completed ar- rangements whereby the Capitol here becomes a Publix house. Vitaphone and Movietone sound equipment has been installed. Lurie Buys Cleveland House Cleveland — Sam Luric, Pittsburgh and Cleveland showman, has pur- chased the Crown, East lOSth St. and Kempton Ave. from Louis Koro- bov. The house has been closed for the last month. After redecorating, Lurie reopened it recently. 2-Day Week Policy Lorain, O. — The Cozy, operated by George Shenker is now open onh- on Saturday and Sunday. Schwartz Bros. Buy Another Painesville, O. — Jules and Abe Schw.artz, owners and managers of the Utopia, have purchased the Park, formerly operated by J. S. Cagney and Herbert Ochs. The Industry's Date Book Today: Opening of "The Letter" Criterion, New York. March 8 Opening of "Sonny Bojr" Warner, New York. March 9 Premiere of "Lady of the Py ments" at Rialto, New York ' March 11 Premiere of "Times Squar. First Gotham-Bristolphone Picti at Metropolitan, Baltimore. March 12 Opening of "Noah's Ark" at W ter Garden, New York. March 15 Convention of eastern Peniu vania, southern New Jersey i Delaware unit at Philadelphia. March 17 Premiere of "Show Boat" at C itol, Miami, and Paramount, Pi Beach. April 6 Warner - First National - Stan Frolic at Commodore Hotel, N York. April 14-15-16 Convention of Western Pe sylvania Exhibitor Unit at Pi' burgh. May 6-9 Spring meeting of Society of M Engineers in New York. Fannie Hurst Going to Coast Fannie Hurst will leave New Yo for Hollywood next week, to wr dialogue for "Lummox," her sto which Herbert Brenon is bringing the screen as an all-talking pictu Elizabeth Meehan will write scenario. Lupe Velez Arriving Lupe Velez arrives in New Yc tomorrow from Hollywood to s and dance on the stage of the Ria Saturday and succeeding days of run of "Lady of the Pavement new D. W. Griffith film. Henry Daniell Signed Henry Daniell, now playing the stage in "Serena Blandish," been engaged by Paramount for part with Jeanne Eagels in "Je ousy," now in production at Long Island studio. Jean de Lin is directing. Rockaway Houses Sold The New Theater Bldg. and Rivoli, Rockaway have been sold Sherman and Jacobson to Davis Goldbaum. Adolph Sofferman ac as broker. Anna Patterson in N. Y. Anna Aiken Patterson, editor publisher of "The Weekly Film 1 view," well know.'n Southeast' regional is in New York at the P amount Hotel. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Tiieatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York Cit} Phone Penn. 3580 ^,. £^»,^s:-.-; ». * 'l^-.^-Vl.Ti.'l -^ 1 jr •*B*HT V / 4 ■"---^-.^ T. ^ if t ^j »*'-• •S^i^r'i .- ^ "v Kecreating the Broadway Stage Sixccess"FOG" I by John Willaivl,3uthor of "The Cat axtd the Canary ) ' '*<**eii »*► 'it *^*^ \ ^'^Z « .t:% "^^3 .^y. -• '?^e First Intcmitidna laii^f Kctufe . i^- and Dominions Fihns ltd. ;;^^^-^^ 'J5 ^ James Kirkwood as "Rev. Kelly" "I'm just a poor servant of the Lord— come to save souls." "Damn you all! I'm giving a party in Hell, and you're all coming with me, NOW!" Robert Ames as ]immy "I'm a reporter on the press. We'd been tipped to watch "Tiger" Laraby — and I managed to get aboard — but they got me and tied me up." Ben Hendricks as the watchman "That drummin' you hear? That's Laraby's blackbird — a cannibal 'e is, a Voodoo cannibal that does Laraby's dirty work. You better not go aboard that ship, young lady." Hallam Cooley as "Chester" "Hang on to me, Charlie, something's got me by the legs. Oh, damn it, pull! Help! Help! Bits of dialogue from ^^Black Waters^^ the ^ ^ Noble Johnson as the Cannibal His bare feet were as silent as his voiceless lips, his black face matched the darkness, only his eyes gleamed green as he fixed a poison dart in his infernal blow pipe — Frank Reicher as "Randall" "Mr. Laraby wasn't expecting me tonight. He always preferred my wife — until he got her!" Lloyd Hamilton as the Valet "M-nvm-m-m — (whistle) My G-God! Uh-uh-uh — Oh! th-th — (whistle) d-devil. John Loder as "Charlie" "Get behind me, Eunice. I've got the axe, I'll smash through that door to the deck." Mary Brian as Eunice "Oh my dear! I couldn't tell you why I came to this awful ship — but now, take me away, don't ever leave me." sensational melodrama in evening dress* l^^^^ V€tf %%t# _^.<^ ^Bk <^Nitt(p'^f^^'- -^^ :^^ Tkey don^t need eyes ! - the dialogue is that fpod- but the photo|raphy is ^reat too- ,^ ^^stern Electric Rccorffin^^^p ' ^ Both Film and Disc Z^^^^S^ .jm- Physical Distribution thru Educational Exchanges THE Thursday, March 7, 1929 iS&!^ DAILV Short Shots from New York Studios ^^By ARTHUR IV. EDDY ^^^ MORTON BLUMHXSTOCK, who . has riRlitly been credited with numerous excellent editiiiR and titl- ing jobs at the Coast, is now work- |ing on "The Hole in the Wall" at Paramount's Astoria studio. His initial litlinij job at the Lonv; Island [plant was "The Letter," which has its Xew York premiere this eve- ning. Arthur and Ray Cozin have re- \ tired from aviatiou, it seems. They \haye sold their flyinci field at Rhine- beck, N. Y., to the Government, \ which jcill nse it for military and leotnmercial purposes. Arthur is stage manager for Paramount, while Ray has been assistant to Robert Florey on "The Cocoanuts." Two Paramountites Rot away with pri/'.-s at the Anipas frolic the other evening. H. M. Baldwin, Monta Bell's assistant, wore a composite costume, the hat coming from "The Cocoanuts" and the cloak from "Say It Again," Richard Dix vehicle of a few years ago. Helena Turner, film cutter, the other Paramount prize winner, wore a costume which made you think she had a dual face. Much red-hot Harlem steppin' is due at Paramount's Astoria plant during the making of a short star- ring James Barton. Talent for the number was captured in nocturnal Harlem by Lari~y Kent, production manager for shorts; James Barton, Emerson Yorke and William, N. Saulter, all of the studio. They toured the Black Belt ivhoopee par- lors 'till came the daion. Paul C. Sprunck's name now ap- pears on the Paramount studio pay- roll. He's in charge of technical ef- fects. Sprunck has just returned from Europe after studying methods used there. He was with Cecil B. de Mille for three and a half years. With "The Cocoanuts" finished, the Paramount unit is scurrying in quest of vacations. Robert Florey has gone to Havana, tchere he tvill write his next story as ivell as rest. Mrs. Florey is with him. Joseph Santley, who co-directed with Florey, has checked in at Atlantic City. George Folsey, ivho did the first class camera job on the picture, has gone to Bermuda and you can draw your oivn conclusions. 74, Not Seven Phil Reisman, general sales man- ager of Pathe, placed Pathe sound News in 74 additional theaters on his recent cross-country trip, and not seven as reported yesterday through a typographical error. Organ for Tex. House Ralls, Tex. — A Robert Morton pipe organ has been installed at the Cry- stal. A. Zukor Declares No Truth to RRO Report (CoiitiniieJ from Fage 1) being speeded by closing of the Fox- Loew deal. R-K-O, it is said, is de- sirous of obtaining the Publix buying power and picture house operating exi)eriencc, while Paramount is de- clared to desire the outlets otTered by R-K-C) houses, particularly in the Greater New York territory, where Fox has a number of situations virtu- ally sewed up, except lor R-K-O houses. RKO-Paramount gossip gained im- petus yesterday witli return to New i Drk from Morida of Michael J. Median, Wall Street operator, who has been handling RCA stock. He is reported to be the prime figure in a pool pushing Radio to new high levels. Lasky Sees Sound Soon Finding Proper Level (Continued from Page 1) will prove most popular will have to be determined by the public, he said." There are no hard and fast rules for regulation of the type of sound pic- ture to be released. "As to the future of these persons engaged in the picture business. Common sense reas- oning will answer that the director who studies the new medium of expression has no future worries nor has the stage director who diligently applies himself to a study of motion picture technique. "Some stage players will have sensational success in the new field hut by no means will the stage player supplant the screen artist because of the peculiar demands of the new form of expression. Beauty is stdl an important part of screen entertain- ment. A melodious voice will never t:ii Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Announcement made by Fox some months ago of a plan dj to build de luxe theaters in various I vVashington suburbs will probably go through. As noted, the Fox in- terests now have three theaters here, ' the Fox and the Columbia and Pal- ace. The latter two were acquired from Loew. The Stanley-Crandall interests are strong all through the capital, two of their fine neighbor- hood houses being the Tivoli and Palace. First Casualty in St. Louis 'Battle' Reported St. Louis — First casualty of the big battle of the box office of St. Louis, which started when the new Fox opened on Jan. 31 has been reported. The new bulletin is this: The Midtown, Skouras-Warner house has closed. Official reason is the lack of sufficient high class sound pictures to attract the type of patrons that are needed to make it a success. Colton Goes to Coast . John Colton, author of Greta Gar- bo's latest, "Wild Orchids," as well as of "The Shanghai Gesture" and other stage productions, has left New York for the coast. He will do dia- logue and write original stories at the M-G-M studio. "Buddy" Stuart at Buffalo Buffalo — Laurence F. (Buddy) Stuart, veteran theater executive and exploiteer, is new manager of the Great Lakes, Fox-Comerford house. He succeeds H. M. Addison, recently named general representative of the Comerford circuit. Howard Roth with M-G-M ' Cleveland — Howard Roth has re- signed as Vitaphone booker to suc- ceed Carl Senning as local M-^i-M office manager. Arthur Ehrlich is! now head Vitaphone booker. ; Fox Signs Two More West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Ivan Lebedeff and Douglas Gilmore have been signed by Fox for "The One Woman Idea," in which Rod La Rocque and Mar- celine Day are featured. Granada to Have Sound Cleveland— The Granada, Loew's West Side house, is being equipped: with Vitaphone and Movietone ' Many Coast Workers Prefer Sound-on- Film System .^^ NEWSPAPER ^/'FILMDOM ULTHE NEWS ALL THE TIME OL. XLVII No. 56 Friday, March 8, 1929 Price 5 Cents Who Knows ? T]\\: iiidu.strys most iK-iplcx- in<; question : "W lio's merg- ing today?" Sometimes -kfd in jest. More often in full iriousness. Vou can't tell what morrow will bring. One thing is crtain. The era of concentration vhich is the order of the day in jill large .American industries, has jeen speeded up in this field by 'he Fox-Loew deal. There will be more mergers. Write that on your hatband. The balance of power will have to be adjusted and to accomplish this there is open but one course. Right vou are. Merge. Zukor The loKical spot to look for an interesting development is Para- I mount. \\'liat will come out of Zuk- ■ or's office remains to be seen. We recall however, how certain impor- tant operators identified with I'ublix came to New York some months ago. held some meetings and determined — or perhaps had determined for ih-.'m i — that their coiiniion good conld l)Ct- • ter be served if the Warners, rather '■ than Fox, controlled First Xational. We remember how Paramount, an , active bidder for the Stanley com- pany, strangely rested on its haunches wliije-— tlie Warners stepped in and JkJiight where Fox had almost beaten them to it. All of which may mean nothing, except that when Harry vWarner calls Adolph Zukor he gets Zukor on the telephone. \'ice versa as well. Radio In the picture, one day as a known and the next day as an unknown fac- tor is Radio. Where the tie-up will end likewise remains to be seen. We point out one most significant fact, however and this is it: The entire historj- of RCA, proves conclusively that when Radio enters a deal it is Radio that dominates. Re- member that. "The Letter" Love, not so true, in a Maia.\ Pen- insula setting. Most certainly not the sort of picture to take the kiddies to see, for "The Letter" is strong red meat — the kind they eat in big cities only. Generally a suspenseful drama that proves the female of the species continue more deadly tlian the male. Climaxed with a five min- utes at the close that will well nigh rock 'em from their seats, with Jeanne Eagels hurling said rocks. K A N N FOX TUSSLE WITH B. & K. IN / CHICAGO AND MID-WEST SEEN TEXtS SWDAV HIM UW NOW IIP 10 Mum -Austin. Tex. — B'll to legalize Sun- day pictures tliroughout Texas has heen passed by the Senate 21 to 2 and now goes to the governor for signature. Passage of the measure in the legislature climaxes a strong campaign for enactment waged by Col. H. A. Cole, president, and his aides of the Texas exhibitor unit. -Sunday shows are permitted in some towns of the state and prohibited in others. Hearings Next Week on Ohio 'Blue' Option Bill Columbus, O. — Hearings arc sched- uled in the Senate chamber March 13 at 7 P. ^L on the bill providing for local option on the question of Sun- day shows. All theater owners in closed communities are urged to at- tend the hearings. The measure is favored by Gov. Cooper. Los Angeles Building Orgy Seen in Prospect IVi-st Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Los -Aingeles — There is a veritable building orgy impending in the film (Continued on Page 11) An "In" via M-G-M Chicago — Funny how things tie up. For the first time, B. & K. this season are playing Fox pictures in the loop. Yet the Fox treasury will get am- ple money out of Chicago for some years to come since, by acquisition of Loew's, Inc. Fox inherits a ten year fran- chise for M-G-M product signed by B. & K. several years ago when Jimmy Grain- ger was sales manager for M- G-M and when Marcus Loew threatened to build in the Windy City. 6 COSMOPOLITANS LEFT ON CONTRACT WITH M-G-N ll.-'t Coast Bui can, TIIII I-II.M DAILY Los Angeles — With arrival here early in the week of Edgar B. Hat- rick, who handles all film matters for Wiliani Randolph Hearst, it is learned that two of the latter's various con- tracts with M-G-M, now Fox con- trolled, are in their last stages. Mar- ion Davies who holds a personal (Continued on Pane 11) Strong Sentiment for Film Track Shown in Symposium Sentiment of Coast zvorkers on respective merits of sound-on-film and sound-on-disc recording comprises the folhzving article on the subject. This is one of a series of articles gathered in the "Sound Symposium" being conducted by THE FILM DAILY. First Subject Completed at New Gramercy Studio RCA-Photophone has completed its first sound production at the new Gramercy studio. New York, for re- lease by RKO. It is a short subject number featuring Godfrey Ludlow and the first of a series to feature concert artists and musical organiza- tions. Richard Currier is production director at the new studio. ll'cst Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Strong sentiment fn favor of the sound-on-film system of recording is shown in the second in-italment of the Coast studio sur- vey. As previously reported, opin- ions at the Coast generally favors the film track method, except at the Warner and First Xational plriuts. which use disc recording exclusively. Following is a summary of view- (Continued en Page 10) Chicago First Run Looks Certain — May Invade Illinois Towns Chicago — Dark clouds arc gather- ing on the Chicago and Illinois hori- zons. This second most important territory in the United States may be the scene of a competitive the- ater warfare of extensive propor-l tions. Fox, long dissatisfied with the/ revenue he has been securing from! Chicago and surrounding territory^ is understood to be considering com- petition for B. & K. in the loop and in all Illinois towns where Great States Theaters, B. & K. subsidiary operates. A Fox first run in the loop, long talked of, probably will become fact. Several times surveys have been made of the spots in which Great States operate and now, it seem*, those surveys have been removed (Continued on Page 11) Fox Building on Broadway to House Executive Offices Theater and office building which Fox will erect on the present site of the Central will he 55 stories high and the tallest in the Times Square dis- trict. In addition to a 2,200 seat house, especially designed for sound (Continued on Page 11) Loew's Net $2,102,033 for 12 Weeks to Nov. 18 Net of $2,102,03.? for the 12 weeks ended Nov. 18, 1928, is reported by Loew's, which recently passed to control of Fox. Operating profit for the period is listed at $2,997,276 and depreciation and taxes at $895,243. Frank Brockliss Heads T-S Activity in France Paris — J. Frank Brockliss is direc- tor general of Tiflany-Stahl activities in France. The company is a link in the world expansion program re- cently undertaken by L. A. Young, president, and Grant L. Cook, sec- retary and treasurer, following their visit to Europe. The main office will be here with branches at Marseilles, Lyons, Bordeaux, Lille and Straus- bourg. THE^ V(l. XIVII Nt. 56 Fridaj, Mar. 8, 1929 Priei 5 Cants JOHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terras (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl WolfTsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am, Seat 34i/$ 34 34J4 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 27^ 26^ 27{4 East. Kodak I82ii do pfd 53 52.^ 52% Warner Pet. rts... 3J^ 3 354 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 9% 8-^ SVs *Bal. & Katz 81 Con. Fm. Ind. .. 225^ 22J4 22}/^ *Filni Insp 2 Fox Thea. "A" ... 31-^ 31 315^ Griffith, D.W. "A" SYi 3'A V/z Intern. Proj 28 2514 28 Loew do deb. rts. . 36 36 36 Nat. Scr. Ser. .. 2?>4 27'A 27^ *Nat. Thea. Sup 8^ Trans-Lux 12Ji HM 12 *Univ. Pict 171^ BOND MARKET •Keith A-O 6s 46 95 ^i Loew 6s 41ww ..116!^ 115.>i 115^ do 6s 41 x-war... 98!^^ 9S% 98^4 Paramount 6s 47 .. 99'4 99 9914 •Par. By. SyJs 51 102 Pathe 7s 37 80H 80^ 805^ CURB BONDS •Am. Seat. 6s 36 96^ "Warner 6'As 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 32 33^ do units 35 37 .... do com 4 1/2 5 .... Skouras Bros 50 54 .... Technicolor 18 18}4 .... United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2 .... do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 200 1,200 500 5,100 700 10,100 200 i',366 20,400 3,800 200 19,500 300 18,400 400 7,300 6,800 l",966 5',866 100 100 100 100 3,660 b 38 11 Gane Managing Park Williaiiisport, Pa. — William J. Gane, former manager of the Re- gent at Philadelphia, has assumed his duties as manager of the Park I'cre. Parents' Responsibility on Child Films Stressed St. Louis — Despite the efforts of the industry to arrange special chil- dren's programs, to consult with na- tional groups of special lists of pic- tures for children and generally to maintain a high moral standard in pictures produced, there always will remain a vital responsibility on the part of parents to select intelligently their children's entertainment fare, Carl E. Milliken, former governor of Maine and now secretary of the Hays association, told the Woman's Ex- position here last night. Signed for Jessel Talker Charles C. Wilson, stage director, has been engaged by Tiffany-Stahl to direct talking sequences in George Jessel's new talker. Rudolph Flothow will supervise synchronization and sound. The picture will be made at the RCA-Photophone studio in New York. Licenses Necessary in Montreal IVashUujton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington- — City authorities at Montreal require that anyone oper- ating a projection machine, either at home or in a theater must obtain a permit, state advices from the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. Operators of portable projectors must pass an examination and pay a small fee of $2 or $3 in order to obtain licenses. Purchases Corinth, N. Y. House Corinth, N. Y. — Vincent Dailey and S. E. Severance, Granville the- ater operators, have taken over the lease on the Star here from Ray- mond Eastman of Albany. Henley to Direct Paramount Film Hobart Henley has been engaged by Paramount to direct at the Long Island studio. He has been in New York for several weeks, since his re- turn from a vacation trip abroad. Doane For Kunsky in Detroit Brockton, Mass. — Shelton Doane, resident manager of the Colonial here, has resigned to join the Kunsky interests in Detroit. No successor at the Colonial has been appointed. Biggs Gets Another Memphis, Tenn. — The Ace, colored house, Mississippi and Walker, Mem- phis, has been taken over by William "Bill" Biggs, who will operate it along with his New theater, Holly- wood, Tenn. Moving to New Office at London London — Tififany Prod., Ltd., is moving to new offices at 167 War- dour St. C. F. Bernhard is manag- ing director of the firm. "The Letter" Opens "The "Letter." Paramount talker, opened last night at the Criterion, New York. Pittsburgh House Reopened Pittsburgh— The State, Rowland & Clark house, has been opened here after redecorations. R. P. Wheeler is manager. The house will feature straight pictures. Cruze Sales Head in N. Y. With Short Subjects J. Samuel Berkowitz, General Sales Manager for James Cruze Prod, is in New York with two prints, which are a part of a series of 13 one-reel novelties Cruze is mak- ing. The title of this series is: "What Would You Do in a Case Like This?" the action in each one- reel version ending in an unsolved dilemma, to which the public is asked to contribute a solution. Seven of this series will be talkers. The other six will be synchronized with music and sound effects. Among the stars featured arc Betty Compson, Gladys Brockwell, Charles Delaney, and Gaston Glass. Berkowitz says that eight are completed. Big Cantor Turnout Seen Over 2000 people of the social, poli- tical, theatrical, motion picture and literary world are expected to at- tend the dinner, entertainment and dance given Sunday by the Jewish Theatrical Guild of America to Eddie Cantor, at the Commodore, New York. Fox Expedition Returns After shooting scenes in the South Sea Islands, George Schneiderman with his party of cameramen and helpers, has returned to Fox studios. In the party were Dan Clark, Arthur Buchanan, Chester Larsen, Jack Dunn, Dave Flarity and Walter Scott. The scenes will be used in forthcoming Fox productions. Renovating Oregon House Pendleton, Ore. — The Alta here, one of the West Coast theaters, is being renovated with additional im- provements being made, according to Larry Goux, manager. Redecorates Barre, Vt., House Barre, Vt. — Lester Davie of Bos- ton will soon reopen the Magnet here. The house has been redeco- rated with a new screen and genera- tor installed. French Exhibitor Combine Paris — M. Brezilon, who already owns eight large theaters, is to at- tempt forming a combine. Some 67 theaters, it is believed, will join. Reubenson Here Reg Reubenson of the Seventh Ave. Film Co. Ltd., is here on a buy- ing trip from London. H. Rowson Leaves Ideal London — H. Rowson has resigned from Ideal Films to devote his time to exhibition. 3 Shows Sunday at Palace, N. Y. Three Sunday shows is new policy being put into effect at the Palace, New York, by Radio-Keith-Orpheum. r CaU WAFILMS, Inc. Walter A. Futter. Pr««. for Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46th St.. New York Bryant 8181 The Industry's Date Book Today: Opening of "Sonny Boy" at Warner, New York. March 9 Premiere of "Lady of the Pave- ments" at Rialto, New York. March 11 Premiere of "Times Square," First Gotham-Bristolphone Pictu'r' at Metropolitan, Baltimore. March 12 Opening of "Noah's Ark" at Win-i ter Garden, New York. March 15 Convention of eastern Pennsyl-i vania, southern New Jersey and Delaware unit at Philadelphia. March 17 Premiere ef "Show Boat" at Cap- itol, Miami, and Paramount, Palm Beach. April 6 Warner - First National - Stanley Frolic at Commodore Hotel, New York. April 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn- sylvania Exhibitor Unit at Pitts- burgh. May 6-9 Spring meeting of Society of M.P. Engineers in New York. World-Wide Adds 2 More World Wide Pictures, adds two more releases to its program this month in "The Doctor's Women" and "Berlin After Dark," both 'inported productions by Ufa. World Wide con- trols the release in this country and Canada for all territory with the ex- ception of New England, New York, New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware. Physical distribution is through Educational. Schwartzberg to New York Chelsea, Mass. — Henri .Schwartz berg, former manager of the Broad way here, has been promoted and leaves for New York where he will become an assistant instructor in the Pubii.x school to train future man agers. Sound for Newport Opera House Newport, R. I. — The Opera House here will be closed for remodeling which will cost approximately $60,- 000, according to Harry R. Horgai manager. Complete installation 01 Vitaphone and Movietone will be in- stalled. Santley Signs New Contract Joseph Santle\', stage actor and producer who has been co-directing with Robert Florey on the talking film, "The Cocoanuts," starring the Four Marx Brothers, just signed a year's contract as a director. Theater Burned Bradfordsville, Ky. — The Commun- ity here was destroyed by fire. INCREASE YOUR BUSINESS WITH— We have been well pleased with your service and believe they will increase any exhibitor's business. ISABELLE THEATRE, Stevenson, Ala. L i J UDrcradjmu^ xmd JiftLdh oStreetr OuieMiaA^ dimming. 0\iarchQwelflh, 8.^ VM- THE "SOUND PATENTS" SERIES; THE FlfTlljNSTALMENT This is the fifth instalhnent in "Sound Patents," a series of arti- cles dealing with the patent history of sound and synchronization de- vices in the United States, Eng- land, France and Germany. The research is the first to be directed toward early movements in the de- velopment of mechanical synchron- ization. A German patent No. 294,558, granted to Erich Gasch, Eduard Rit- ter von Mertens and Franz Oprendek, on Oct. 13, 1916, discloses a mechan- ism for automatically bringing cylin- drical records, in succession, in posi- tion for reproduction. In Figs. 1 and 2, which are respectively a side eleva- tion and a vertical section, four hori- zontal supporting shafts for the rec- ords (6) are mounted on a vertical gear wheel (4), loosely mounted on a shaft (1), which is driven from the projection machine mechanism (51 and 60), through sprocket wheels (55) and (56). A gear (11), rigidly mounted on the shaft (1) engages and rotates gears rigidly mounted on the shafts (5) and thus rotates the individual records on their respective shafts through a clutch (8 and 10). A screw shaft (13), driven at a slow speed from the gear (4) serves to move a tone arm (19) and sound box (20) ZZ- Short Shots from NewYork Studios m^By ARTHUR W. EDDY^^^__ "DROOKLYN and environs maj •" swelter with 1929 summer hea but the Vitaphone studio boys an' girls are going to keep cool. / Frigidaire system is to be installed Close, stuffy sound stages make ; supply of cool air necessarv. Having finished luith the syn chronizafioH of "Molly and Me,' Tiffany-Stahl picture with Bell Bennett and Joe E. Brown, Ah Meyer has joined the theatrical am film colony at Miami. A side elevation z'iav of German patent No. 294,558 for mechanism thai automatically brings cylindrical records into place for so'uid reproduction lengthwise of the records at the prop- er speed when the support (14) of the tone arm is lowered so that a half nut (18) at its lower end rests on the screw (13). At the end of its travel to the left the support (14) is lifted by means of a cam (42), Fig. 2 —n r-Zb Vertical section ef German patent No. 294,558 described above. freeing the half nut (18) from the screw (13) and bringing a half nut (17) at the upper end of the support (14) into engagement with an op- positely and rapidly rotating screw (12). At the same time a tappet (41) on the support (14) engages a shift rod (40) of the clutch (27) pushing it to the left to en- gage the gear (4) and rotate the records one quarter turn about the shaft (1) and thus bring a newl record into position beneath the tone bo.x (20). A tappet (36) on the support (14) also disengages the clutch (10) by means of a lever {33). Upon the return of the sup- port (14) to its right hand starting point a cam (45) on the shaft (13) engages an arm (46) on the support (14) to lower the latter into position to engage screw shaft (13). International Combine For Tonbild Syndicate Berlin — An international combine, consisting of American, French and a Dutch group, has acquired the for- eign patents for the Tonbild Syndi- cate (Tobis) sound device. It is proposed to establish national sub- sidiary companies in the different countries and, in order to guarantee successful co-operation and proper working of the device, a continued exchange of experience and informa- tion will be developed between all the companies. George Lane, who looks a lot likil i Harry Langdon, has been workinjlj in a short at Vitaphone studio. He' | from the vaudeville stage. Sessue Hayakawa is again work ing in front of the camera, thi time at the Vitaphone studio. Brya) . Foy is directing him in a tivo-ret drama adapted by Murray Roth any Edmund Joseph. The Japanese at tor has been playing in vaudevilU John D. Williams, stage directc who put on "Rain," in which Jeann Eagels starred, is working with Jea de Limur in making "Jealousy" fror the Broadway play. Al Gilkes, ac cameraman who recently returne from the Coast, will do the photog raphy end of the picture. Extra Girl Gets Role M-G-M has selected Edwina Booth, extra girl, for the feminine lead in "Trader Horn," which will be made on location in Africa. Voting on Sunday Shows Houston, Minn. — Voters here will decide the Sunday show question March 12. At Litchfield, the matter is to be voted upon April 2. Auburyi-haired Evelyn Hyde ha reached the stage via the Littl Carnegie Playhouse and throug the efforts of John Balaber, ass( dated with that little art theate She penetrated to Manhattan frw the wilds of Shamokin, Pa., and ferv days ago landed as a chorine i "Pleasure Bound." Ernest Maas, who is editorial su pervisor of shorts at the Paramoun Astor studio, has written an originj with the usual title (tentative) c "The Slums of Heaven." Another German Co. Formed Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAIL Washington — Trent Film Co. He been formed in Berlin with a pn liminary capital of $4,800, advises tl' M. P. Section of the Dept. of Con merce. The company is formed t undertake production and distributic of pictures. Carol Trent is managin director. Fect-A-Tone Firm Incorporates St. Paul — Fect-A-Tone has bee incorporated here to manufacture tl non-synchronous device of the san name, which has been on the ma' ket for about a year. R. T. Laatsci John H. Deeth, R. J. Rydeen and I E Burlinghame are incorporators Pire at Amityville House Amityville, N. Y. — The Star, lease by Jack Clifford, was damaged b fire with loss estimated at $2,00 Repairs will be made and the houi opened soon. Years is a Lot of Time Twenty years s a lot of time — particularly in this show game. So when a hard-headed Ch icago showman comes right out and says that "Weary River" is "THE BEST PICTURE MADE IN TWENTY YEARS" it makes you stop and think. It makes you think of "Abraham Lincoln" and "Shoulder Arms" — of "The Sea Hawk" and "Birth of a Nation" a bigger attraction than such box-office landmarks as these? That's hard to believe — but when you see this Barthelmess talker doing over 50% bigger business than any previous attraction at the Central on Broadway — breaking house records at the Melba, Dallas, and the Lafayette, Buffalo — holding over for THREE weeks at the Pantheon, Toledo, and FOUR at the Stillman, Cleveland — "lining them up for two or three blocks" at the Grand, Pittsburg, opening — and, in fact, breaking records in EVERY one of its runs to date — then it begins to look very much as though the gentleman from Chicago has hit the nail on the nozzle .... "Weary River" MUST be THE BIGGEST PICTURE IN TWENTY YEARS— And 20 years is all there is of Motion Picture history. . . there isn't any more! First National Is "Weary River" actually lVlTAW» mo^ CHARLES MOSKOWITZ JOE VOGEL FRED A. FLADER H. M. MESSITER SAM DEM BOW, JR. CHARLES MOSKOWITZ JOE VOGEL FRED A. FLADER H. M. MESSITER SAM DEMBOW. JR. BILL SAAL Dear Charlie and Joe: Last week at the Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, I fought my way through crowds to see BROADWAY MELODY, and how I enjoyed it and how I envied you. But listen, Charlie and Joe. Since I returned from the Coast we screened a picture, MOTHERS BOY, an All talking, all singing Melody Drama with Morton Downey that makes me hon- estly feel that we haye a better picture than "Broad way Melody. ' ' I feel certain that you are just as happy about this as we are, because being in the theatre busi- ess you want good pic- tures, and whether they bear the roaring lion or the crowing rooster is secondary. It's the re- sults at the box-office that count. Dear Fred and H. M. You men are extremely for- tunate in having as your guiding genius, Mr. Carl Laemmle, whose methods pf conveying ideas, not only to the trade but to the public, have been an in- spiration to all of us. "Straight from the shoul- er!" But here's another one straight from my shoulder. We have an ALL TALKING, ALL SINGING, PATHE Melody Drama titled MOTHER'S BOY, with Morton Downey, that will make more money for the Universal Theatres than either 'Show Boat' or "Broadway" and - we make this statement with the full realization that "Broadway" and "Show Boat" are two of the outstand- ing pictures produced dur- ing the current season. Dear Sam and Bill: I am sure that you took an intense pride in the fact that Paramount produced and released such a mar- velous picture as THE CAN- ARY MURDER CASE. I saw the picture and thought it was great, and I know that it is doing a trem- endous business in all of your theatres. But let me tell you some- thing, Sam and Bill. You haven't seen anything yet. MOTHER'S BOY the All- Talking and Singing PATHE picture, from a box-office standpoint starts where "The Canary Murder Case" leaves off, and I am sure you will share my enthus- iasm when you see it. Sincerely, Sincerely, Sincerely, *-i a^ a^ These letters are very personal, indeed BILL SAAL SPVROS SKOURAS ED. ALPEKSOX CHARLES S. LEVIN JACK SULLIVAN SPYROS SKOURAS ED ALPERSON CHARLES S. LEVIN JACK SULLIVAN Dear Spyros and Ed: Because of the perseverance and foresight of Warner Brothers, we have a new medium of expression in this business of ours; that is Talking Pictures. Two of the greatest talking pictures, THE JAZZ SINGER and THE SINGING FOOL were produced by your company, and when I say great I mean great — both from an artistic and box- office standpoint. These two pictures had a very re- juvenating effect on all of the theatres. They have been rejuven- ated just in time to appreciate a better picture than either one of them. It is MOTHER'S BOY, an All- Talking and Singing PATHE_ Melody Drama that will establish new mo- tion picture history. It looks like it's another pic- ture for the Hall of Fame. Sincerely, Dear Jack and Charlie: Mr. William Fox and Mr. Winnie Sheehan again demonstrated what a new idea was worth in the picture business by giving the public "IN OLD ARIZONA." And then to prove that it wasn't an accident, they repeated with HEARTS IN DIXIE." Both Mr. Fox and Mr. Sheehan un- doubtedly feel very gratified be- cause the results at the box-office substantiated their judgement. I sat spellbound through both of them. But let me tell you something. This business moves fast. Your company makes a big picture and then makes a bigger one — and now we make one that surpasses either of them. That picture is MOTHER'S BOY, a Singing, Talking Pathe Melody Drama with the golden voiced tenor Morton Downey, playing the lead- ing role. Sincerely, *^ a^ But as a special favor you may read the VI Mr. P a t h c S t r it t -v A g a i n YD ^^ MOTHER'S BOY PATHE ALL TALKING ALL SINGING PICTURE with Broadway's Golden Voiced Tenor MORTON DOWNEY HELEN CHANDLER, BERYL MERCER BARBARA BENNETT, OSGOOD PERKINS From Story by Gene Markey Directed by Bradley Barker Supervised by Robert T. Kane A Story of Romance and Sentiment Tunefully Told 10 DAILV I Friday, March 8, 1929 Sound- on- Film Advantages Claimed STRONG SENTIMENT fOR FILM TRACK IS SHOWN (Continued from Page 1) points, on preference of Coast work- ers, which supplements the previous list of Coast opinions: Sound-on-Filmed Called Advantage on Location Clarence Brown, director is an en- thusiastic believer in sound on the film "It's ease in editmg says Brown, "is one of the outstandmg features of this method of recording On location, filming scenes, which would be almost impossible to take in many instances, is a cinch com- pared to earlier methods. We have found it more practical, on account of there being only one unit and not sev- eral bulky packages to contend with. Where the camera is, so is the souiu apparatus, as the two are combined with sound on the film." Editing Advantage is Claimed for Sound-on-Film "There is no question in my opin- ion as to the desirability of sound-on- film as the better method of record- ing," states Jack White. ' So far he says "we have found it possible to conform and edit films and still re- tain the speed of tempo, so essential to our type of pictures. 1 his in itse It is an achievement regarding which there was a great question in the minds of all comedy producers. With this bogey eliminated, by actual dem- onstration, short pictures are on their way to greater strides than ever before attained." Sound-on-Film Declared Opening Big Possibilities "The novelty of talking and sound pictures has now passed," states Rup- ert Julian, director. "It has ceased to be something to be seen la the fault-finders mind. The pictures of sound are now accepted for their merit of the title, actors ail director- ial ability of the company producing. In sound on the film, the audience abandon the idea of looking for flaws and follow the trend of the story. They listen for every little sound in- cluding the swish of skirts, or any sound that would lend atmosphere to the scene. With disc recording, the audience has to prepare for the dialogue se- quences, but are forwarned by the lowering of the score and scratching of a needle on the record. Sound on the film will open new fields and prove greater possibilities to produc- Greater Mobility is Claimed for Sound-on-Film William J. Cowen, RKO director favors the souiid-on-film method of talking jjictures. "The system," Cow- en states, "of putting the sound on the Lining up Policies Opinions received to date in THE FILM DAILY Sound sym- posium, indicate a swing toward sound-on-film in production next year. Paramount, RKO, M-G-M and Fox will concentrate on sound- on-film recording, it is indicated. Some of the pictures, of course, will be available with discs, but these it appears, will be kept to a minimum. A number of other companies prefer the sound-on-film system and will specialize on pictures made by that process. On the other hand, Warners, pioneers of the talker field, insist that the disc system is the better, and will continue to use that process of recording. First National, it is indicated, also will use discs exclusively, as will a number of the independents. film only lends itself to greater mo- bility of the art." ".Since the sound is recorded on the film, the entire rendition is concen- trated in one medium," he says. "The sound track on the film siini)lifies the work of the cutters. Soinul and story alike are represented right before their eyes. They are not confronted with the awkward task of incessantly changing between two different media — one of which is cinematography and the other of which, in the case of the disc method, is nothing more than a phonograph. "It is quite possible that the time will come when the cutters will know just what each of the little marks in the sound tract means in the way of sound and words. All of this tends toward the greater simplicity and hence, the greater force _ of the art that is motion pictures." Sound-on-Film Better for Director, Gillstrom Says Arvid Gillstrom, Christie director says, "film recording is so much bet- ter adapted for the director's needs, there is apparently no comparison. By shooting our pictures on one film and our sound records on another film we are able to get the best in- dividual development in the labora- tories for the particular qualities needed in each," he declares. "The value of the disc should not be over- looked in furnishing an immediate playback of the scenes recorded, the chief value of this being that when we hear a disc playback we know that the sound is going through the sys- tem and being recorded on the film recorders lor permanent use in the picture aside from the playback discs, however, all the other advantages from the director's standpoint seem to us to be in favor of the film. With film you can do the same things you used to do with silent pictures, everything from a lap-dissolve to in- tricate double and triple exposures, and all the time your sound track is right with you." Christie Views Film Process Far Superior to Disc Al Christie, head of the producing organization making a large number of short plays for Paramount, is in favor of using film recording for all releases. "From our experience so far," he states, "the quality of tone is better on the film, it is a much quick- er process in getting pictures as- sembled for release and for getting out release prints. "In producing we can look at our finisiied results of picture and sound track together much (juicker just as it will be when released, and there is the further advantage of being able to use the (lortablc recording outfits which are designed for film recording for exterior work and all .-ilioniing awav from the main sound studios. This last feature is what is the chief aid in getting real motion picture treatment in our pictures. And per- hai)s most important of all the sound on the film has the human 'lote " Film Editor Says Sound-on- Film Method Is Timesaver Arthur Huffsmith, chief film editor at the Christie studios, declares that the film method of recording saves the cutter's an enormous amount of time which would have to be used with the dies methods. "When edit- ing a picture the film sound track is right in front of you while cutting so you can see with your eye where people start and stop talking. You do not need to go to the projection room constantly to find out. New developments have been made in cut- ting devices so that continuously you can unwind in front of you, always in synchronization, at least four dif- ferent sijools of film, one containing the sound track film which always remains the same sequence by se- quence, and additional reels contain- ing the main long shot of the picture, the additional camera shots and close ups. You can cut back and forth from one camera take to another, al- ways keeping the sound track perfect- ly abreast. This makes for free ac- tion in the pictures and a variety of angles and camera takes, where more than one camera has been used on the set. An enormous amount of time is also saved, once your sample cut- ting print is properly assembled, in getting out the negative cut and the final master prints." Sound-on-Film Developed Further, Levee Contends Both disc and sound track sys- tems have their respective values, but he believes that sound film re- cording is better, because it has been developed further and ofTers better reiiroduction, states M. C. Levee, i)usines> manager and in charge of sound stages at llnited .\rtists. Sound Track "One Way" M to Assure Synchronization Sound track system furnishes "the one and only method to date for per- fect synchronization," states (Jeorge Vohalein, asociate Paramount pro- ducer. " Possibdities of dialogue or sound not following the scenes of the pic- ture, is absolutely eliminated," he says. "With disc recording, I have Seen t!ie needle race ahead of the picture and the sound has dropped back and in either instance throw the picture out of balance. Long shots or close-ups have the same even tone and modulate to the high- est degree with sound film." More Natural Tones Secured by Sound Track, Says Milton Scratching, buzzing and jumpiiif,' of sounds are all eliminated in tiic sound-oii-filni s>steni, declares Rob- ert Milton, Paramount writer, wlm says sound-on-film has more appeal. and reproduces more natural tones. Lefholtz Representing Powers Harr>- Lefholtz has been appointed special representative for Power- Cinephone in the Nebraska and Iowa territory. Lefholtz was connected for a number of years with L'niver- sal as manager of the Omaha office and for the past two years has been manager of the Titifany-Stahl branch in Omaha. He will open an office for Powers Cinephone at the Up- town, Omaha. Miner Wiring House Rice Lake, Wis. — Vitaphone is be- ing installed at the Majestic here at a cost of $17,000, according to George Miner. The equipment wil be ready in three weeks. So. St. Paul House Redecorated So. St. Paul— The Ideal here ba- been redecorated and remodeled. K H. Eckberg is manager. Fire Destroys S D. House Toronto, S. D. — l'"ire coiiipletti.\ destroyed the building which liousci M. \\'. Thompson's Grand here. Sunday Shows For Naperville Naperville, 111. — Since tiie towi council held that the present ordi nance against Sunday shows, is in definite and iionenforcible the Graiu; iiere is playing Sunday show. Othe ; surrounding towns showing Sundajj pictures are Downers, Grove, Hins dale and Berwyn. ; Southport Co. Leases House 1 Chicago — Blaine Building Corn' has leased the 800-seat theater unde! construction in the Blaine buildiiiff for 15 years to the Southport Ainuse, ment Co. Jacob Lasker is president and Maurice Lasker secretary of th Southport Co. Completion of tli building is scheduled for Mav 1. j THE riday, March 8, 1929 jCu£Zlb£ DAILV 11 Coast Wire Service New Medium Forecast ERN SAYS DISCOVERY 10 BE BflOST TO SCREEN ' Discovery of a new niediiiin of raniatic expression wliicli combines 'picture wifii all tlie dramatic appeal f the screen plus the addition of dia- f)Kue and the power of personal ap- i-al of the voice so handled that tlie iaioRue does not slow up action of le picture is predicted hy Paul Bern, lathe studio executive. I "Could any stage prt)duction eepial lie beauty of emotional appeal of i>eventh Heaven?' Have you ever :en anythiiiR like the audience reac- on to The Big Parade' on the aRe?" .'"The screen, because of its capabil- y of moving right up at will to tic face and figures in the dramatic tion, Re!s fown to the fundan'.em il actions of the person in the audi- ice. The screen story well told in antoniime appeals to one and all. ow with the appeal of the voice Jded, there is not a doubt but that le dramatic and emotional appeal ill be stronger and more nro- junced. But the real and perfect lelding of the screen and stage tech- ique has not yet been accomplished "ir the way of working il out yet •nnd." itanford Memorial Bid to M. P. Arts Academy Ray Lyman Wilbur, president of tanford University, has issued an ivitation to the Academy of M. P. rts and Sciences to participate in ie Stanford-Muybridge memorial ex- 'cises to be held May 8 on the uni- :rsity campus. The event will be u' of the outstanding celebrations IT held at the school and will be ;tendcd by many notaliles. Edward Muybridge, scientist, who liotographed the first animal in ae- on, was in charge of photographic udio which w-as erected on one of ie founders race tracks iit Palo Ito. During this celebration photo- raphs, which were taken over 50 ears ago, will be on display as well 5 manv other articles. Jack Duffy Joins Talkers Add Jack Duffy to the growing St of comedy stars who are getting ito the talkers. He has been busy arring in the Sandy MacDuf? silent smedies for Paramount-Christie, but ext week will join the cast with >ouglas MacLean and Marie Pre- ost in the all-talking feature, "Di- orce Made Easy." Sue Carroll Free-Lancing Sue Carroll, recently declared in ourt as freed* from her contract ith Douglas MacLean, now is free- incing. A Little from it Lots tf By RALPH WILK Hollywood Tl/f 1;K\VX LeROV. First National ■^" director, gets a big kick out of his first sound i)icture. The story is another of the show girl tvue star- ring .Mice White, with Charles De- laiiey. Lou's Nalheuax. Fred Koliler. George Riley, and a large chorus trained by Larry Ceballos. * " * * Tliowas F. O'Neill, art director for "Broadway," which Paul Fejoi; is directing, han added new laurels hij his designs for this 100 percent dialogue production. O'Neill was re- sponsible for the art direction for "Eric the Great" and "Lonesome " both of which were directed by Fe- jos. * * * Harry Beaumont is all smiles these days, and why shouldn't he be? The veteran director has turned in one of the big- gest hits in some time in his "Broadway Melody," and has just returned from New York, where he witnessed the trium- phant premiere, and received the plaudits of the trade on his achievement. * * * Color used in decoration of sets gives players tempo before the cam- era, Cedric Gibbons, M-G-M art di- rector contends. Just so it doesn't make them see red, temperaments probably thrive on the color schemes used. * * ^ Dudley Early, who titled "Three Passions," the Rex Ingram production, is writing "The Belle of New Orleans," which will serve as a vehicle for Lupe Velez. New Columbia Sound Studio Ground has been broken for the new sound studio being built by Co- lumbia. The schedule calls for com- pletion in about six weeks. Berger to Direct Jannings Ludwig Berger, who has been in Europe for several months directing an L^fa film, has returned to the Paramount studio to resume work under his contract. He will direct Jannings in "The Concert." an adap- tation of Leo Ditrichstein's play. M-G-M Casts Natalie Moorhead Natalie Moorhead. stage actress, has been signed for Ben Hecht's "The Green Ghost," to be directed by Rupert Julian as an all-talker. The cast to date includes Roland Young, Ernest Torrence. John Loder, Lionel Belmore, Richard Tucker and John Miljan. Fox Tussle With B «S: K In Chi. and Mid-West (Continiiril from I'lU/c 1) from tlieir (iling cabinets and goiu over with niuwed interest. The scope of such a move may best l)e grnspid |)erhaps when it is pointed out that Great .*^tates has holdings in tlie following towns: Joliet. .\\i rora. I'"lgiii. (lalesburg. Decatur, Springfield. Iilooniington. HIne N- land Chicago Heights, Danville, Harvey, Joliet. Kankakee, La Salle, North Chicago, Ottawa, Peoria, yuinc\-, Rockford, .Spring \'alley. .^•■terling. Streeter and Waukegan. Thanks To the Editor, The Film Daily: I want to congratulate you as being the world's premier prognosticator in connection with the Fox-Loew deal. En- closed is a clipping from "The Columbus Despatch," and 1 call your attention to the nice reference to your publication. — P. J. Wood, Business Man- ager, M.P.T.O. of Ohio. Fox Building on Broadway to House Executive Offices a oiiliiiiird from I'aiir 1) and o])erated on a two-a-day policy at legitimate theater prices, it is nnder.stood the structure will house the executive headquarters of the combined Fox enterprises. Los Angeles Building Orgy Seen in Prospect {( oiiliiiiicit from I'aqi' 1) capital. Alexander Pantages alreadv has obtained permit for the $2,500,000 house to be erected on HolKwood Blvd., at Argyle St.. Hollywood. Wil- liam Fox now plans a $10,000,000 downtown theater, modeled after the Roxy, New York; and a house at Hollywood. and Radio-Keifh-Or- pheum is considering a Hollywood theater. 6 Cosmopolitans Left On M-G-M Contract (I unliinted from Patie I i agreement with M-G-M to star in .Vlarion Davies Prod, has three more |)ictnres to make which, it is under- stood, must he finished this year. Cosmopoltan Prod. likewise has three to make for delivery in a year. Reelected Officers of Loew's, Inc., Listed Headed by Nicholas M. Schenck, president. officers reelected by Loew's, Inc.. at the recent meeting are: \'ice President and treasurer, David Bernstein; vice presidents, David L. Lnew. .Arthur M. Loew, Edward A. Schiller; secretary, Leopold Fried- man; assistant secretary, J. T. Mills, Isidor Frey; assistant treasurers, Charles K. Stern, Charles C. Mosko- witz, and Lew Cohen. Ne'ws For news, real news and authen- tic news, there is no substitute for the publication that is capable of covering important stories with the degree of thoroughness and accuracy as can surely be done by- The Film Daily .^est Bulletin from New York showina ^Doug'las Fairbanks /nlhe Iron Masic IRON MASK' Business isJWeek Best Previous Business at RIVOLI UNITED ARTISTS NEW YORK MARCH 7^ -PULSE WON DE RFU L- APPETTITE ENORMOUS-GENERAL H EALTH Qreaty^ Another United Artists Offspring ooins top prize/ « rAeHi¥S?hPilt y/'FILMDOH AND WEEKLY FILMDIGEST VOL. XLVII No. 57 Sunuay, March 10, 1929 Price 25 Cents i^e^hoojyeev^th UniOemJ More than lOO FIRST-RUN BOOKINGS already set for week begin- ning St. Patrick's Day — March 17th. National "Cohens and Kellys Week" is going to sweep the country ^^ with a trail of broken rec- ^W Vm!*».'^JQIJ? THE PARADE m^ ^ 1^: -^f s. wit ;>:? COHENX'^ HELLY/^ ATLANTIC CITY i«««^W^ S8S Starring GEORGE SIDNEY with VERA GORDON, Kate Price. Mack Swain. Two negatives: 1 silent. 1 with hiiarious dialog. miliam James Craft Production I' '-StUnt or Sound- Carl laetnmle leads the Way/// SHORT SUBJECTS ARE COMING BACK INTO THEIR OWN THIS SEASON For Shorts or Features, Sound or Silent Film Daily Revieiw^s the recognized authority KEEP POSTED ON SHORTS THRU THE INDUSTRY'S LEADING MEDIUM Sales a nd Service throughout the country! THE sales and service branches of Pacent Reproducer Corporation extend from coast to coast, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Great Lakes, and into Canada ! 26 Sales and Service offices ready and eager to serve you. Every man in the Pacent organiza- tion knows that the idea behind each Pacent Reproducer installation is service, satisfaction and profit to the exhibitor. Type 2MDA Type 4MDA Pacent Reproducer System Pacent Reproducer System $2,500 $3,500 Synchronous — Double Channel Throughout Complete equipment for houses with seating capacity up to 2,000. All electric operation. No balleries of any kind. For disc method of reproduction, but reproduces by sound-on-liim method with Pacent Film Attach- ment, released soon. Synchronous — Double Channel Throughout Complete equipment for houses with seating capacity up to 4,000. All electric operation. No balleries of any kind. For disc method of reproduction, but reproduces by sound-on-film method with Pacent Film attach- ment, released soon. ,t • Pacent Reproducer Corporation Louis Gerard Pacent, President 250 West 39th St., New York, N. Y. Telephones, Wisconsin 1030, 1029 Pacent Reproducer Systems Bring Most Return on Each Dollar Spent 26 Sales and Service Branches ATLANTA, GA. KANGOR. MAIXIO BOSTON, MASS. BUFFAUi. X. Y. CHICAGO. II. I- CHARLOTTK, X. C. CINCINNATI, OHIO CLi;VIOLA-XD. OHIO DALLAS, TUXAS DICTUOIT, MICH. DlvS MOI.NKS, IOWA INDIANAPOLIS, IXD. KANSAS CITY, Mf). LOS ANGELES, CAL. MILWAUKEK, WIS. MIOMPHIS, TEXX. MINXIOAPOLIS, MINX. NEW HAVEN, CONX. XEW ORLEANS, LA. OMAHA, NEB. OKLAHOMA C'Y, OKLA. PHILADELPHIA, PA. PITTSBURGH, PA. PORTLAND, ORE. SAX FRANCISCO, CAL. SALT LAKE C'Y, UTAH SEATTLE, WASH. W. L. Brandenburc. 375 North Ave.. N. K. H. C. .lewell, 38 Division St. I'ldward Connolly, 44 Church St. Harold K. Huphes, :ill Grant St. .). .1. Day, 208 N. Wells St. C. L. Henrv. 1602 South Boulevard William McCabe. 3616 Mi.rris 1 lace Raj' Morris. 2108 Payne Ave. F. R. Hansen. 304 S. Harwood St. Chas. riarli. c/o Maie.stic Hotel K. W. Bo'id. Hotel Chamberlaii M. .7. Doodv, 436 N. Illinois St. .1. Mitchell. 3010 Harrl.son David Biedermann, 1819 So. Vermont St. E. W. Gavin, 1335 Wisconsin Ave. J. N. Tallev. 1199 Vance St. P. F. Talcott, 1909 Emerson Ave. Louis R. Tiernev. 134 Meadow St. .\. P. Dessommes. 4723 Carondelet St Carl R. Malm, 151 1 Chicago St. Al BartlPtt, 515 W. 20th St. .le.sse Levlne, 1237 Vine St, H. A Lande. 1023 Forbes St. A. West .Tohnson, 652 Overton St. W. C. Wh'-eler. Federal Hotel, Market St. C. .T. Hamnl. 1185 S. State St. L. V. Lamb. 2319 Second Ave. In Canada TORONTO, ONT. M. a. stein. 124 Glenview Road jJVew Instalment of "Sound Patents" on Pages 6, 7 iTHE y FILMDOM AHDWEEKLY FILK DIGEST VOL. XLVII No. 57 Sunday, March 10, 1929 Price 25 Cents 763 THEATERS IN fOX CHAIN OR BEING BOUGHT The Loew-Fox deal gives the com- bined Fox interests control of near- ly 763 theaters, according to revised figures. Previous reports placed now Fox holdings at between 700 and 800. In the line-up are included 225 houses of Wesco Holding Co., (com- prising West Coast, Midwesco, and other subsidiaries), and controlled by Fox Film Corp. Fox Theaters Corp., a Fox Film associate company, holds majority interest in the remaining 425, these including about 175 Loew houses; 16 in the Fox New England chain; 32 operated directly by Fox Theaters Corp., which is buying 113 more in deals for the Schine and Walter Reade Circuits; and 175 New York theaters to be purchased and operated by Fox Metropolitan Play- houses, Inc. Columbia Pictures Stock Goes On N. Y. Curb at 31 Common stock of Columbia Pic- I tures Friday was listed on the New York Curb Market, going on the board at 31. A turnover of 700 shares advanced the stock to 31^. Preference shares were offered Friday at $42.50. Each pireference share may be converted into one share of common on or before March 31, 1934. Columbia's net for the year ended June 30, 1928 was $249,931, equal to $1.75 a share on the common. Upon completion of the present financing, the first public offering, there will be outstanding 25,000 shares of prefer- ence stock and 100,000 shares of common. Daylight Saving Law for Baltimore Sought Baltimore — Bill providing daylight saving for Baltimore has been intro- duced in the Legislature by Delegate John W. Gray. Clocks would be ad- vanced one hour from 2 A. M. the first Sunday in April and continue until the last Sunday in September at 2 A. M. each year according to measure. One clergyman has writ- ten the governor opposing the bill claiming it would reduce church at- tendance and interfere with services. Publix School Emphasizes Sound Projection Training Special emphasis is to be placed on sound projection in the present course of the Publix Theater Managers' {Continued on Page 4) N. Y. Warner House Two-a-day theater planned in New York by Warners will be on 52nd St. and Broadway, it is understood. The house, it is said, will seat about 2,500. Entrances on both Broadway and 52nd St. are declared planned, the Broadway en- trance through a new building now under construction. This will give Warners three Broad- way houses, the Warner, and Mark Strand being the other two. Talker Vogue "Postpones" Max Reinhardt U. A. Film Proposed production of a picture by Max Reinhardt for United Ar- tists has been postponed indefinitely, with the German producer scheduled to sail Saturday from New York for Germany. Lillian Gish was to have starred in the production, tentatively titled "The Miracle Woman." Her next picture, it is said, will be made by Caddo Prod. Present widespread demand for talkers is understood to be the reason for postponement of the Reinhardt film. Spanish Government Plans Enactment of Quota Law Paris — Survey of the Spanish film industry, for the purpose of estab- lishing a quota law is under way by the government there, which is plan- ning to make pictures for propa- ganda and profit. SOUND FILM OVERHEAD IS SMALL HOUSE WORRY Grombacher in Control of All Spokane First Runs Spokane — Deal of Ray A. Grom- bacher, president of Spokane Theaters for purchase from Universal of the Clemmer here has been completed, giving him control of the first run situation. Name of the house is to be changed. Grombacher has closed a five-year deal for Universal product. RKO Planning to Build $3,500,000 Frisco House San Francisco — Radio-Keith-Or- pheum plans a new house here to cost $3,500,000. The firm recently sold its Orpheum, which is to be re- modeled and used for Klaw & Er- langer shows. Meanwhile, Fox is completing a 5,000 seater soon to open here, and a spirited competition is under way between Fox-West Coast and Publix in the first run field. Public Personalities in Talkers, Griffith View Special screen stories will be writ- ten for public personalities, such as statesmen and authors, who have proved their ability to attract and hold audiences, D. W. Griffith pre- dicts. Believe It, It 's So MONDAY : The preview of the Roxy is the scene. Newspaper men assembled. In walks Bill Fox, Winnie Sheehan, then Nick Schenck and Dave Bernstein. In the offing is John Zanft. Fox starts to talk. Then asks Truman Talley to read a single slip of paper. Not so many words thereon, but what significance they carry ! "Fox Theaters Corp. has purchased a substantial block of the common stock of Loew's, Inc.," reads Talley. Comes the end and some questions. The daily newspaper crowd had heard and read — where they read you should know if you scan the little oldpaper as diligently as you should — that Fox had bought control. But the statement didn't say that. So the boys whose business it is to pry, tried to do that very thing. That is, until Fox told them that the statement contained all there was to say. Now comes the announcement, formal and official. The Fox-Loew deal is acknowledged. Fox in control of Loew ! A year ago anybody who suggested such a combination of interests would have been committed to a padded cell or laughed down as a plain dam fool. Yet such is the changing complexion of this industry that what was held (Continued on Page 3) Business Increase Held Below Expectations in Many Instances Chicago — There are plenty of small town exhibitors in this and other ter- ritories of the nation who are viewing with genuine alarm the increased "nut" caused by the adoption of sound picture policies. The increased overhead in wired theaters runs from 60 to as high as 100 per cent, with receipts, in many cases, not advanced in proportion. Exhibitors who have wired their houses, find themselves in many in- stances sewed up on a ten year prop- osition for equipment which they do not own but only lease. While the public is flocking to see dialogue films, the increased "nut" is said to be causing many headaches in sound houses. In addition to the outlay for equipment, the exhibitor has the weekly service charge, increased wages for operators and doubled and even trebled film rentals to worry about. 11 Houses in Texas Chain Operated by Rubin Frels Dallas — With acquisition of the Grand and Queen at Yoakum, the Rubin Frels circuit now embraces 11 Texas houses. The towns included are: Victoria, Cuero, Yorkton, Gloiad, Columbus, Belllville and Sealy. Pathe News Issue Claimed As Largest Pathe News release today, contain- ing 39 pictorial news stories, is the largest regular newsreel ever issued, according to Ray L. Hall, editor. With the previous midweek release containing the pictures of the Hoover inaugural in most of its footage, to- day's issue carried more than double its usual portion of subjects. British Players Coming to N. Y. to Finish Talker For the first time since America has been stampeded to talking pic- tures, a company of English players is coming to the United States to complete the important dialogue se- quence in a production made on the (.Continued on Page 2) THE Sunday, March 10, 1929 M Xltll N(L 57 SiRdiT, Mar. 10. 1929 Pric» 25 Cmts lOHN «. UICOATE PuUisfaer Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway. New York, N. Y-, and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered at second class matter, May 21, 1918. at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Cirde 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable addrass : Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California— Ralph WiBc, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin— Karl WolflFsohn, Lichtblldbuehne, Friednchstrasse, 225. Paris-^P. A. Harle, La Cmematograpbie Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Joseph Dannenberg 1878-1926 INDEX BELIEVE IT, IT'S SO, An Editorial by Maurice Kann 1 FINANCIAL 2 PRESENTATIONS, by Herbert S. Berg 3 SOUND, by Charles F. Hynes "4 ••SHORT SHOTS FROM NEW YORK STUDIOS," by Arthur W. Eddy. . 4 HOLLYWOOD HAPPENINGS, Coast News by Telegraph 5 ••A LITTLE FROM LOTS," by Ralph Wilk 5 "SOUND PATENTS," A History of Sound 6-7 AND THAT'S THAT, by Phil M DALY 7 REVIEWS OF NEWEST RELEASES, by lack Harrower 8-9 THEATER EQUIPMENT, by Charles F. Hynes 10 REVIEWS OF SHORT SUBIBCTS.., SOUND AND SILENT 9-11-12 FOREIGN MARKETS, by lames P. Cunningham 12 THE WEEK'S HEADLINES, Resume of the News 12 REV PAGE 9 8 9 8 9 8 8 SHORT i 9-11 I E ^^^ S BLACK PEARL DREAM MELODY DUMMY, THE FAKER, THE GODLESS GIRL HEY, RUBE HIS CAPTIVE WOMAN. SOUND JAZZLAND LONE WOLF'S DAUGHTER. MARIE ANTOINETTE SAJENKO PAGR ... 8 ... 9 ... 9 . . . 9 SPIES g SPIRIT OF YOUTH UNDERGROUND SUBJECTS SILENT ... 8 ... 8 ...12 (.QUOTATIONS AS OP FRIDAY) STOCK MARKET High Low Close Sales Am. Seat 34^ 34ii 345^ 400 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 27 26M 26H 200 East. Kodak 181}4 180K 180K 1.000 *do pfd 128 ♦First Nat pfd 106J4 Fox Fm. "A" ... 93^ 90 J4 9154 4,700 «do rts 3 Keith A-0 37 36J4 37 200 *do pfd 110 Loew's Inc 74J4 73 74^ 9,500 ♦do pfd 104 *M-G-M pfd 25^ M. P. Cap 34% 33 34% 1,700 Para. F-L 65% 63% 64% 26,600 Pathe Excb 12^ HM ^iVi 7,100 do "A" 24% 24 24M 1,000 Radio K-A-0 38M 34fi 36'/4 26,000 Stanley Co 35 35 35 300 ♦Univ. Pict. pfd 98^ Warner Bros 118% 11654 118 8.300 do pfd 53 52J4 5254 900 Warner Pet. rts... 3^ 3 3% 8,500 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 9 7'4 8J4 24,700 ♦Bal. & Katz 81 Columbia Pict. ... 3154 31 3154 700 Con. Fm. Ind 2254 2254 2254 1,700 Fox Thea. "A" .. 3154 31 3154 9.300 Griffith. D.W. "A" 354 ... Intern. Proj 36 28 36 1,100 Loew do deb. rts.. 375i 37% 37% 100 Nat. Scr. Ser. ... 28% 28% 28% 100 Nat. Thea. Sup. ..854 854 854 100 Trans-Lux 12 11% 1154 1,300 ♦Univ. Pict 17% BOND MARKET ♦Keith AG 6s 46 95% Loew 6s 41ww ..116% 115J4 11654 10 do 6s 41 x-war .. 9854 9854 9854 18 Paramount 6s 47 . 9954 99 9954 6 Par. By. 554s 51 .102 102 102 5 ♦Patht 7s 37 8054 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 .. 96 9534 955^ 3 ♦Warner 6Hs 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 32'54 3354 do units 36 38 do com. 454 5 54 Skouras Bros. 40 45 Technicolor 18 1854 United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED British Players Coining to N. Y. to Finish Talker (Contimied from Page 1) Other side. Several of the principals appearing in "Kitty," directed by Vic- tor Saville from Warwick Deeping's story, will make the trip over within the next few weeks as the English sound stages will not be ready until May, and "Kitty" is soon to be re- leased here by World Wide Pictures. Estelle Brody, leading woman, is in New York, and Saville is preparing to leave England within two weeks bringing with him Dorothy Gum- ming, who plays the mother, John Stuart, who has the male lead, and several other players in the cast. To Rebuild Lubbock House Lubbock, Tex. — The Lindsey is to be rebuilt at a cost of about $40,000, it is reported. Sampson Construc- tion Co. has been awarded the con- tract. Carr Leases Beaumont House Beaumont, Tex. — Matt Carr of Tucson, Ariz, has signed a ten year lease on the Strand. The house seats 400 and will open soon according to George Tinkle, who will be manager. Fischer Recovered Cleveland — Meydr Fischer, presi- dent of the Fischer Film Exchange in Cleveland and Cincinnati, who has been ill for the past month, is back on duty. French Players Earn Small Fees, Go Abroad Paris — M. Jean Toulout, president of the French Film Artists' Union in an article in a French newspaper, stated that the reason for French players leaving France was due to the fact that earnings of French play- ers was insufficient. Most of the time players must obtain other work in order to make both ends meet, he says. D. E. Griffith with F. N. P. London — D. E. Griffith, formerly with Paramount and Fox in United States, has been appointed general sales manager for First National- Pathe here. be it the correct frame line or the proper density here is a lad who takes pains to see that everything is right offers no excuses but does it over until it is FILM LAD a little tribute from one who still bears the scars of other lads Sunday Shows For KendallvUle Kendallville, Ind. — Theater owners here paid the expense for a special election to repeal the city ordinance which banned Sunday showing. The theater owners won by a vote of 1,- 251 for Sunday shows and 405 aganst. The ordinance has been in effect for 16 years, it is stated. •WANTED FIRST CLASS MECHANIC, thoroughly experienced in all systems of talking machine re- producers. Write Box B-103 c-o Film Daily 1650 Broadway N. Y. C. The Industry's Date Book Today March March March March April April May Premiere of "Lady of the Pave- ji ments" at Rialto, New York. j 11 Premiere of "Times Square," First Gotham-Bristolphone Pictur* at Metropolitan, Baltimore. 12 Opening of "Noah's Ark" at Win- ter Garden, New York. 15 Convention of eastern Pennsyl- vania, southern New Jersey and Delaware unit at Philadelphia. 17 Premiere of "Show Boat" at Cap- itol. Miami, and Paramount, Palm Beach. 6 Warner - First National - Stanlty Frolic at Commodore Hotel, New York. 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn- sylvania Exhibitor Unit at Pitts- burgh. 6-9 Spring meeting of Society of M.P. Engineers in New York. Gets Collinsville Lease Collinsville, Okla.— P. J. Duffy, who has operated the Grand here for a number of years, has leased the house to M. R. Parks of Seminole. The new owner has changed the house name to the Roxy. Parks plan to install sound equipment. Sunday Shows For Big Springs Big Springs, Tex. — The Ritz here inaugurated its first Sunday show with "Lucky Boy" accompaniment with sound. Jewell Robb is man- ager. LeMaire Starts New Comedy George LeMaire has started film- ing the fourth of his series of 12 talk- ing comedies which he is to produce for Pathe. It is entitled "The Per- fect Day." Louis Simon and K. Mal- lory are the principals. BROOKS THE NAME VOU GO BY . NVHEN YOU GO TO BOY COSTUMES GOWNS APnU rrNIF-ORIMS TEL. 6580 PENN.II 1437 B' WAY, N.y ;al5o 22.000 cosTUMes To sent CLIENT WILL FINANCE FIRST CLASS UP TO DATE TALKING MACHINE. Write Box B-104 c-o Film Daily 1650 Broadway N. Y. C. Let JJs Solve Your Problems I Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCORPORATED 1540 B'WAY N.Y.C. TELEPHONE BRYANT 3040 THC -<^E^ DAILV Believe It, It's So (Continued from Page 1) idiculous a few short months ago is >\v definite, inescapable fact.... Adjustments Tuesday: All through these last -■w days we wished that this was the antastic period when genii and Alad- in's lamps held sway, for muchly did ft desire to transform ourselves into V blotter lodged on certain well ,nown desks. It would have been in- teresting indeed to respose there in iconsi)icuous security with one, or *etter, two ears cocked. There must lave been plenty to hear. I That the Fox-Loew deal will ignite •ther explosions, we have no doubt. The balance of power, jealously ;uarded by the big interests in this •usiness, is due for adjustment. No eer is required to fathom that out. Mready rumblings are to be heard. .'he underground is buzzing with this eport and that regarding Paramount nd Radio. You know, while many '>f the RKO theaters are not new, hey are strategically placed through- >ut the nation. As a matter of fact, his is the one chain which can lay mdisputed claims to being a national ircuit. Publix, under the Katz re- cime, has demonstrated its unques- ioned ability to operate theaters. Paramount can use the RKO theater )Ower; RKO can use the Publix nanagement. RKO represents a tidy um of money, available and poten- ial and every big business can find )laces for new funds. From this Hjint you figure it.... I The Fox deal and its repercussions lave shoved all other developments nto the background. Yet, Washing- on reports that the Justice Dep't is getting ready to probe the inter- :hangeability situation. A whole nest pf dynamite reposing there. . . . j Hooverism . Wednesday: A business engineer with a brilliant record behind him, the President elect, it is discovered today, has given generous indications in the past anent his attitude toward business concentrations. As matter 3f timely interest, we set the Wash- ngton Bureau of F. D. to work to see what it could discover. And interest- ing it proves itself to be. For example, it is learned on the best of authority that, in respect to mergers and amassing of buying power in industry. Hoover will follow in the path cleaved by Coolidge. Big business will not be penalized by Government interference. One of the stumbling blocks in the merger complex of this business has been the Government's attitude. When Keith-Albee finally whipped the Orpheum deal into shape, the gentlemen in Washington almost voted thumbs down. The Fox-Loew matter was subjected to careful scru- Itiny. Lawyers for both groups ! worked and did some mild sweating over this angle, but the fact that the combination went through would in- idicate, we assume, that the Depart- iment of Justice found no objections ' to it. With the Hoover administra- I tion leaning with favor toward bigger Presentations By HERBERT S. BERG, and better mergers, it appears to us that stumbling blocks will not be found strewn too obviously in the paths of business affiliations.... Eiaht Words Thursday: The telephone wire starts from ye editor's desk and ends in Adoiph Zukor's elegant office. The subject is RKO and Paramount. In eight words, Zukor disposes of the 3'arn. "There is absolutely no foun- dation to such report," is his cryptic dismissal of it. We sought for some- thing further, but A. Z. asked what else was there to say? We conceded the point and went back to the pant- ing typewriter. But, the trade, running true to form, persists in believing what it be- lieves and one of its beliefs hinges around Paramount and RKO. In- jecting themselves into Zukor's busi- ness, on many sides you will hear arguments why a working arrange- ment or a combination would be ad- vantageous. What these arguments are, we discussed under Wednesday's monicker. . . . We visited with Nick Schenck to- day. A long talk developed several interesting tidbits: L That on Tuesday the entire Loew executive personnel had been re-elected to office, thus in- dicating in what direction the wind bloweth. 2. That, in Schenck's opinion, Loew's and Metro will function in the future as in the past, de- spite the Fox control. Big things going on. Look these over: Chicago reports Fox will build a big first run in the loop. That won't set so well on Barney Balaban and Sam Katz. Buffalo believes Fox's acquisition of the Schine circuit will mean the launching of a building campaign in upper New York State. . . . The Land of Gats Friday: There is a country known far and wide for the careless- ness with which its citizenry flour- ishes gats. In geographies, it is called Chicago. The Windy City and its tributaries happen to constitute the second largest territory in the United States. There, Fox feels he has not been getting the break he and his product deserves. What to do, you say? Well, the answer might be several things, among them build. Which is exactly what it looks like. Not onlj- may you expect Fox to erect a whoopee of a theater in the loop, but in every one of the twenty-three towns wherein Great States Theaters Corp., healthy B and K subsidiary, operates. Imagine how B. Balaban and .S. Katz must feel about that! An interesting sidelight on the size of the business which Mr. Fox has iust acquired: The Loew company reports a net of $2,102,033 in 12 weeks. Divide by 12 to learn how formidable are those earnings per week. We refuse. Our experience in filmantics might lead us to add a couple of inadvertent ciphers. K A N N mmm puts on GOOD PARAMOUNT BILL Ted Claire is still emcccing at the Para- mount, and did very nicely with the help of a production by C. A. Niggemeyer called "lUibbling Over," which was as good a cogrnomen as any for a rather peppy show. Hoyd Scnter and his clarinet playing were the standout, and the applause called for an encore. Senter's first number was on the saxophone, but when he finished with his jazzy clarinet he fairly rocked the house. Markcll and Faun as comedy dancers sup- plied what little laughs there were on tlie stage end of the program. The Gamby-Hale Girls had a novelty number dressed in one of those reverse costumes which made them appear to be walking on their hands. This number would have been much stronger if more care had been employed in designing the heads and faces, which from the front rows spoiled the eflfect of the novelty cos- tumes. The Williams Sisters were rather neat in their songs, just missing being a heavy number by a lack of pep in their delivery. Other acts were Elaine Pring, soprano; Carl Byal, tenor; and Fynan and Doris as dancers. Dave Rubinoflf contributed a special, "Rubin- ofT Rhapsody," purporting to relate in har- mony the highlights of his career. It was well received, as was also Crawford's well balanced organ program of classic and popu- lar melodies. artistic interlude, with a group of dancers in old Chinese costume finishing their num- ber by grouping themselves on a set piece center stage to represent an enormous piece of antique jade. The Roxyettcs did a hand- drill seated in a long row that carried a novelty punch, done with their usual perfect precisioiu SMART STAGING AND EFfECTS AT THE ROXY Highlighted with colorful scenic staging, the Roxy bill held to standard with one repeat which could stand being shown regular- ly every two months indefinitely. That's how good this bit is, called "A Quaint Bouquet." It is all in the trick costumes of the ballet and the Roxyettes. The former appear grouped to form an immense bouquet, which is disclosed as they lift the front of their skirts above their heads, each costume rep- resenting a gorgeously colored flower. It is simply breath-taking in its loveliness. Then to top this the Roxyettes appear in a rain- bow number, and as the 32 girls sway in line the effect is dazzling. Patricia Dow- man heads this unit with what is probably the finest exhibition of toe work to be seen anywhere. She is grace personified. "Fosteriana" was a fine arrangement of compositions of Foster, with the superb symphony aggregation making it an event. A distinguished looking couple alongside this reviewer came in in evening dress just to catch the orchestra selection before going to a legit show, and went out audibly satisfied that they had got their $1.60 worth. Which is just a sidelight on how good Erno Rapee's outfit really is. Followed "Song of the Bayou," by Rube Bloom, which won the second prize of $5,000 in the Victor contest for an original composition. It was sketchy, being the lament of darkies which finishes on a note of gladness as the sun shines through the clouds. The stage set is an immense hall with a large window through which the sunshine pours after the clouds pass over. Very effective, with the singers as darkies making the composition sound bet- ter than it really was. "Jade" was another INDIAN PRESENTATION FOR "JIMMY VALENTINE" Rome & Gaut, whose turn might well be termed "The Long and Short of It," nosed out the remainder of the stage bill for first honors, the short part being the big shot of the act. The stage show was a heavy, run- ning into considerable time but containing a number of ingeniously staged bits. "Navajo" was the name of the presentation, with Dave Schooler and his gang of Capitolians dolled up in Indian fashion. They get oflF some good Indian burlesque in a mountain effect. Outstanding as usual were the Chester Hale girls, attired as cowgirls. Their stepping fur- nished real pep to the bill. Evelyn Wilson, in Indian costume, did a novelty song turn with Schooler, which proved a hit. There were in addition, Horton Spurr, who did some sensational dancing and tumbling; Lia Maris, and Amund Sjovick. All in all, a colorful and fast moving show, staged by Arthur Knorr. But why, an Indian show, with at- mospheric opportunities like those offered by "Alias Jimmy Valentine." Adams At Brockton, Mass. Brockton, Mass. — William W. Adams, has been appointed manager of the Colonial here succeeding Shel- ton Doane who has left for Detroit. Sarr Managing G-B Houses Springfield, Mass. — Fred J. Sarr has been appointed district manager of G-B Theaters Corp. houses here and at Westfield, Pittsfield and Wor- cester. Standard VAUDEVI LLE for Motion Picture Presentation The FALLY MARKUS VAUDEVILLE AGENCY I.Ackawani3a 7876 1531 BROADWAY. NEW YORK CITY Lang Gets House Milwaukee, Wis — Otto Lang, as- sistant booker at the Milwaukee Theater Circuit, Inc., has resigned to become manager of the Alcyon, Highland Park, III. He is succeeded by Miss Ellen Mueller. Lorenzo At Springfield Springfield, Mass. — U. J. Lorenzo, formerly with Fox's Poli will be manager of the Phillips here when the house is reopened. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Tlieatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3580 THE 4 ■3^^ DAILV Sunday, March 10, 1929 NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FAST GROWING FIELD OF SYN- CHRONIZATION SOUND TIPS ON EQUIPMENT AND VARIOUS DE- VICES ARE NOW AVAILABLE \By CHARLES F. HYNESi SCOREDISC SOON TO BE PLACED IN DISniTION Production plans are being speeded on Scoredisc, record guide manufac- tured for cueing of films on non-syn- chronous equipment, giving the effect of synchronized pictures, with the de- vice to be placed in distribution March 18. In making a scoredisc, states Ar- thur J. Abrams, president of Score- disc Service Corp., a print is secured and projected many times for the purpose of working out music and sound effects necessary for that pic- ture. After this is done selections are made from their library of rec- ords, those bearing the precise selec- tions and effects to be incorporated into the scoredisc. In this manner the exact number of bars of music and amount of sound effects are se- lected. A heavy cardboard disc is placed over the regular record select- ed and scored by cutting groves in- to the cardboard where the part of the records to be used are required. The groves thus formed on the scoredisc represent the portion of the record which will be reproduced. The various slots or groves on the score- disc are charted with numbers repre- senting each different part of the rec- ord which is to be played. The operator in the theater selects the records supplied by Scoredisc, those bearing the number on the scoredisc chart and runs them through on the turntable. The Scoredisc Service furnishes all records used in conjunction with the scoredisc and I also replaces records without charge. Scorediscs are not rented but are supplied to theaters using their ser- vice and can be thrown away when the picture for which they were intended for has completed its run at that theater. 288 Seater Wired Detroit — The Blackstone here is claimed as the world's smallest house wired with Western Electric sound equip- ment It is 84 by 17 feet in size and seats but 288. It oper- ates on a 24-hour basis, eight operators being required daily. Laugh Currency Boosts Talking Sennett Comedy Ten thousand specimens of Laugh Currency were distributed by Al W. Gillis of the Palace, Meriden, Conn., when he played "The Lion's Roar," the Educational-Mack Sennett all- talking comedy. He used three of the "ad" cuts furnished in Educa- tional's broadside and press sheet issued on this comedy. On one side, in addition to "The Lion's Roar," ad cut and usual line mat- ter similar to that found on cur- rency, the wording "1000 Laughs" was printed on opposite corners of the bill. On the reverse side, the lettering was: "Worth 1000 Laughs — You'll Roar as the LION ROARS when you hear and see Mack Sen- nett's Talking Comedy, etc." In ad- dition, Gillis used special banners, lobby cards and has the name of the comedy played up in lights on both sides of the stage for ten days in advance of the opening playdates. Traveltone Opens Offices Traveltone Corp., manufacturer of a portable disc synchronizer, has opened offices in New York at 729 Seventh Ave. The Traveltone is a double turntable synchronizer, all equipment for which is contained in six trunks. A resynchronizer, which speeds or slows the projector to re- gain synchrony is a feature of the device. Dr. Gromon Zuro's Aide Dr. Francis Gromon, musical di- rector of the Paramount-Publix the- aters for the 1926-1927 season, has become associated with the Pathe studios in New York as assistant to Josiah Zuro, director general of music. Soman Makes Sound Shorts for Showing in Homes Lester Soman, independent pro- ducer, is making a series of shorts in New York for showing via the De- Vry home sound projector. The 16 mm subjects are synchronized with stock records. Six so far have been completed. Soman selects a record, and then makes the film to fit. The DeVry sound film machine recently vvas placed on the machine. It con- sists of a projector and disc turntable attachment, both mounted on the same base, the turntable hooked up to the projector to assure synchrony. Soman's pictures are being handled by DeVry. Publix School Emphasizes Sound Projection Training (Continued from Page 1) Training School, which got under way Thursday in New York. The session lasts six months. This is the fifth session of the school, which was organized in 1925 by Jack Barry, who continues as director. Twenty-eight students, selected from a group of more than 1,000 applicants, comprise the present class. From previous classes, 74 graduates now are engaged in theater operation in various sec- tions of the country and abroad. The course in training includes: principles of management, poUcies of operation, community analysis, selec- tion and training of theater staff, equipment maintenance, projection, theater and stage lighting, stagecraft, public relations, advertising (copy, layout, media, rates, advertising ma- terials, mechanics of printing and en- graving, etc.), publicity, relations with newspapers, exploitation, selective merchandising, theater forms and ac- counting, insurance, fire and accident prevention, program arrangement and schedules, budges, etc. Short Shots from New York Studios] i^i^By ARTHUR W. EDDY, T ARRY WILLIAMS, who last ■■-^ focused a camera for Vocafilm is now chief cameraman at M-G-M's Eastern plant, just West of the East River. Larry's been in the business since the old Thanhauser days when New Rochelle was on the picture map. Ira Morgan, better known as Joe, IS being transferred to the Coast to continue for M-G-M. Nick Grinde, who capably bears all the directorial burdens of M-G- M's Eastern studio, finds that life is ]ust one short after another. Among his recent subjects have been the Happiness Boys, George Price and Tita Ruffo. David Mendoza, the chap who con- ducts at the Capitol theater, is busy synchronizing scores at the M-G-M plant. "The Duke Steps Out" has just been completed, with "Spite Mar- fH^^'" Buster Keaton feature, and The Pagan," Ramon Novarro vehicle, soon to get microphoned. Anna Cohen, who has been trans- planted from the Capitol, is Men- doza's assistant. Sound for Memphis Keith House Memphis — Arrangement for instal- lation of sound equipment is being completed at the Orpheum here. George Brown and J. W. Reeves are supervising the installation for Radio- Keith-Orpheum. Sound pictures are expected about the first of April. 3 More Tex. Sound Houses Houston — Three more houses here are soon to be equipped with sound apparatus, they are the Iris, owned lay Will Horowitz, the Queen, a Publix house and the Royal. This leaves only the Ritz, owned by Horowitz and several neighborhood houses, still unwired. Alfred Hall, announcer at Station WOV, has again been working close to a microphone, this time at the De Forest studios on East 48th St. He has been playing a part in "The Clock Struck 12," made by Jesse Goldburg for Sound Pictures, Inc. Niles Welch, who was formerly a screen favorite, and Maude Malcolm were also in the cast. Hayakawa in Talker Sessue Hayakawa is at work on his first talking picture at eastern Vita- phone studios, under direction of Bryan Foy. The sketch is a two- reeler and is titled "Dead Laughter." Murray Roth and Edmund Joseph have made the adaptation from a vaudeville sketch, "The Man Who Laughed," by Edgar Allen Woolf. Ruffo Makes Sound Short Titta Ruffo recently made the sec- ond of a series of sound recording at the M-G-M Movietone studio in New York. Bristolphone for Pocatello Pocatello, Ida. — Don Carruthers, manager of the Orpheum here an- nounces that Sonora-Bristolphone sound equipment is being installed at that house. The machine is dis- tributed by the Sheffield Exchange in the Salt Lake City and Denver, territories. Sound at Baltimore Keith's Baltimore — Keith's theater here, managed by J. L. Schanberger, starts it sound policy Monday, with "The Girl on the Barge." This is a com- bination house. The orchestra will be held and no change in policy ex- cept presentation of sound and talk- ing pictures will be made. RCA- Photophone system has been in- stalled. Sound for South Bend House South Bend, Ind. — The Tivoli here has been closed for the instal- lation of De Forest sound equipment. With the coming of Fairbank's latest film, "The Iron Mask," Larry Darmour thinks he might do the "Man in the Iron Cask," as a forth- coming RKO Larry Darmour com- edy. Larry says its no trick to get an iron cask or to tease a comedy star into it, but "what am I going to do with him when I get him in there." Lollier Heads Fox-W. C. Realty West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles— W. H. (Bud) Lol- lier, who has been in charge of bud- get and statistics, has been named head of the real estate department of Fox-West Coast Theaters, suc- ceeding Louis Cohen, who resigned to join Universal. Lower Prices At K. C. Kansas City— The Madrid, second run house, has reduced its prices from 40 to 30 cents, offering talking pic- tures at the lowest price in this city. Vitaphone sound equipment is used at the house. Orchestraphone For Texas House Goose Creek, Tex.— C. W. Griffin who will soon open his De Luxe house here, has bought complete equipment including seats, machines and an Orchestraphone sound appar- atus. ^ THE £>/^|LY Sund.iv. Mrch 10, 1929 iU(Jlf>^o^JaUfU^ Radio Pictures Lines Up Talent Company Signing Stars, Directors and Writers Under Changed Production Policy- Nazimova to Star in Talker for Columbia — Other Highlights of Studio News and Wilk's Personality Paragraphs mm OF NEW NAMES SIGNED BY RKO PROD. Talent tor Radio I'icliiros is beiiiK ddcil at the RKO studios. A luiin- ker of players, writers, directors, iiiu- >ical composers and technicians have leen signed to dale, with other con- racts still pcndin.ir. Sally Blanc, Betty Conipson and Olive Borden are the first trio of stars to be signed by the company, which recently changed its produc- tion policy to make special produc- tions. Ben Hecht and Charles McArthur ' head the list of writers signed to date. Hecht already has completed an original under the deal. Maude Fulton. John Russell. Jane Murfin, John Brownell and Samson Raphael- son are among writers who will con- tribute to the new program. Raphael- son's "My Boy" soon is to be placed in production. William Cowen and Bert Glen- non head the list of directors. The latter recently returned from New York where he produced "Syncopa- tion." The studio now is establishing a musical and orchestral department. Contributors of musical numbers al- ready signed include: Vincent You- mans, Dorothv Fields and James McHugh. Songs in "Broadway Babies" .\\ Bryan and George Meyer, song writers assigned to "Broadway Ba- bies," have completed two musical numbers and others are to follow. The finished numbers are "Broadway Baby Dolls" and "Jig, Jig, Jigaloo." "Broadway Babies" is adapted from Jay Gelzer's magazine story, "Broad- way Musketeers," and the cast in- cludes Marion Byron, Sally Filers, Tom Dugan. Charles Delaney, Bo- dil Rosing, Fred Kohler, Louis Nath- eau and others. Four Directors on Christie Talkers Production is moving along at such a clip on the Paramount-Chris- tie Talking Plays that four directors are being kept busy either in filming or preparatory work. Directors so far on the first eight of these short features are Arvid E. Gillstrom, A. Leslie Pearce, Walter Graham and Raymond Kane. Completes Synchronization Synchronization of "She Goes to War" has been completed. The story IS by Rupert Hughes. U. A. release. A Little from **Lots'' By RALPH WILK Hollywood HOWARD J. GREEN, for several years a member of the vaude- ville producing firm of Hockey and Green, has written "The Broadway Hoofer," which Edward Small will produce. Howard also has furnished the dialogue for the picture. * ♦ * Harry Cording is one of the busiest character actors on the Coast. He recently finished an important role in "The Squall." He gave a noteworthy per- formance in "The Patriot" and also appeared in "The Rescue." * * * Edward T. Lowe, Jr., veteran scenarist, adapted and wrote the screen play of "Broadway." He also fiwnished the dialogue arrangement for the production which is being directed by Paul Fejos. * ♦ » According to Harrison Car- roll, "There's merger in your dreamy eyes," has been sug- gested as a theme song, by Arthur Freed. * * * Paul Perez, title writer, is all en- thusiasm when he discusses dogs. His dog, "Firebrandr— Haywire" won seven ribbons at the Golden Gate show in Frisco — four blues, two specials and one purple. * * • Paul Weatherwax is busy at his first love — Fox. He is editing "Empty .Vrms," which was directed by Irvin Cummings. During his two years absence from the Fox lot, Paul has been at First National and Pathe. * * » Our Passing Show: Patsy Ruth Miller, Vera Reynolds, Bill Beaudine, John Waters, Malcolm St. Clair, B. F. Zeldman, Richard Wallace, Bob Ellis, Tay Garnett, Geof^ frey Shurlock, Bill Branch, at the world's premiere of John McDermott's farce-comedy, "Squawk" ; Roland Young, John Loder, Ernest Torrence and Clarence Locan chatting at M-G-M. Bill Danziger, for two years a field representative for Harold Lloyd, is pounding out publicity matter for Paramount. Bill is a veteran ex- ploiteer. * * * 'Tis a wise director, who knows the songs added to his pictures. * * * Paul Sloane is not superstitious. He bought 13 tickets for the Coast premiere of "Hearts in Dixie," which he directed. * * * Big Ben Silvey has transferred his activities to the Warner studio. Ben is acting as assistant to Howard Bretherton, who will direct "The Argyle Case," starring Thomas Meighan. M-G-M Casts Sarah Padden Sarah Padden. stage and vaudeville star, has been given a featured part in Clarence Brown's current M-G-M production, "Wonder of Women." The cast includes Lewis Stone and Peggy Wood. Gleason Writing Dialogue Dialogue of "High Voltage," star- ring W illiani Boyd for Pathe is be- ing written by James Gleason. How- ard Higgin directed this Elliott Clawson story. Four out of five — hits. The other one not so bad. LON YOUNG At Tec- Art— Hollywood Mary Nolan in Paramount Cast Mary Nolan has been signed by Paramount to play in the talking picture version of W. Somerset Maugham's play, "The Constant Wife." Ruth Chatterton will have the title role and Clive Brook and Pan! Lukas the principal male roles. Add Dialogue Sequence "The Lady from Hell," Mary As- tor's new vehicle for Fox, hitherto designed as a silent feature, is to have a dialogue sequence added. This is to be written by John Hun- ter Booth, one of the new group of Broadway playwrights recently en- gaged by F"ox. HARVEY GATES Writer WARNER BROTHERS 'The Desert Song" Nazimova to Star in Talker for Columbia Nazimova talkers will be made for Colmnbia, it is reported. The star recently was signed by Small and .'Xschcr. Warners Sign Tearle Conway Tearle has been signed by Warners. His first role is expected to be in "Gold Diggers," negotia- tions for which now arc in progress. George Scarborough Consulting Dramatist United Artists THE Doot^ray ol Hospitalltjr ^NTER tha doorwsT of thi* populmr hostelry aad you feel at horn*. There'* an atmotphere of cordial welcom* which marki the difference between th« Hollywood Plaxa and ordinary hotel*. Your room, too, ha* that added toach of di*tinction. Picture* on the wall, over- *tuffed furniture, a floor lamp and readlni lamp . . . theie are but a few of the featura* that make you feel at home. Pix'n Whittle Dining Service in*ure* tha be*t of food. Therefore, when you are next in Lo* Angele* be *ure to inve*tigate. THE HOLLYWOOD PLAZA HOTEL Vine Street at Hollywood Boulevard HOLLYWOOD. CALIFORNIA ^ DAILV Sunday, March 10, 1925 Further Insight Into the History o/ "SOUND PATENTS" SERIES; THE SIXTH INSTALMENT This is the sixth instaUment in "Sound Patents," a series of arti- cles deaUng with the patent history of sound and synchronization de- vices in the United States, Eng- land, France and Germany. In the preceding patents, mechan- ism is provided for insuring syn- chronous running of the projection machine and the phonograph, any shifting or adjustment being done manually. In U. S. patent No. 1,- 222,626, to H. Hess on April 17, 1917, an automatic variation of the running of the phonograph and the projection machine is provided to correct any slight variations from perfect syn- chronism that might be caused by inaccuracies in the phonograph rec- ord or film. As shown in Fig. 1 of the patent, the phonograph (1) is driven from a motor (3) through gear wheels (5) and (6) and a shaft (4), and the projection machine (2) is driven from the shaft (4) through bevel gears (10) and (11), shaft (12), bevel gears (14) and (15), shaft (16), bevel gears (19) and (20) and a sprocket (23) and chain (24) shown in elevation in Fig. 2. The gears (19) and (20) and the sprocket wheel {23) may be shifted as a unit longi- tudinally on the shaft (16) and there- by the chain (24) may be accelerated or retarded relatively to the sprocket The Series to Date Earlier instalments of "Sound Patents" appeared in THE FILM DAILY on Feb. 24, Feb. 27, March 3, March 4 and March 8. This series wnll be publish- ed at frequent intervals throughout the spring. wheel (23) and its associated driving elements. The elements (19 and 23) are shifted by means of a cylindrical cam (30), acting against a roller (38) and a sliding follower rod (31) con- nected to the elements (10 and 23). The cam (30) is rotated by means of a gear (35) secured on the shaft (12) meshing with a gear (31) keyed to the cam (30) and is moved longitud- inally by means of a screw (36) on which it is mounted so that the roller (36) traces a helical path around the surface of the cam. The surface of the cam is so shaped for its respec- tive record as to give the sprocket wheel (23) the sliding movement re- quired to speed up or retard the pro- jection machine to attain perfect syn- chronism with the phonograph record. U. S. patent No. 1,226,883, granted to D. Higham, May 22, 1917, is di- rected to insuring a correctly timed starting of the phonograph and pro- jection machine. In the general ar- rangement of the apparatus as shown in Fig. 4, a phonograph (48) posi- tioned back of a screen (A) is con- nected to the projection machine (47) Dy means of a cord (49) running jbout pulleys on the respective ma- chines. In taking the film and the pnonograpii record, a hammer (53) is -nnsed to strike a gone; (54) at the right of the range of vision, this ac- tion being recorded at the right in he- fihTi as shown in Fig. 5 and the sound being recorded on the phono- ^r^. graph record at the start of the selec- tion. In reproducing, the phonograph is run until the sound is heard and is then stopped and held by a suitable release mechanism. Then the film is started and when the operator sees the corresponding picture in the film the phonograph drive is released and the phonograph and film then run in synchronism. In U. S. patent No. 1,252,304, granted to D. O. Royster on Jan. 1, 1918, a projection machine shown at the left of Fig. 1, which is a plan view, is driven from a motor (46) through gears (48) and (44) and a manually controlled clutch (51), and a phoiiograph at the right of the fig- ure is similarly driven through i manually controlled clutch (51). Tht phonogrsph has a pair of record cyl- inders (X) and (Z) and tone boy moving screws (12) and when th« tone box (32) reaches the end of om cylinder it is automatically shifted tc the other by an arm rotated by thf phonograph drive, which engages : projection on the tone box, as the lat- ter reaches the end of its movement and lifts it from one record and car- ries it to the other. The second rec- ord is grooved reversely to the firs! and carries the tone box to the op- posite end of the phonograph. A telephone circuit and loud speakei are shown. H. HESS. APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING AUDIBLE MOVING PfCTURES APPLICATION FILED 1UNE20, 1913. 1,222,626. r^cy..^ Patented Apr. 17, 1917. 2 SHEETS-SHEET I. 33 ^JO,t kv«>»e<>: 5rt-K«^nio* The Hess system, U. S. Patent No. 1,222,626, which provides an automatic variation of the running of the phonograph and projector to correct variations caused by inaccuracies in cither reccrrd fr film II THE unday. March 10, 1929 ■«^^ DAILY Sound Development (^ 0" '^fi J^/Cf-^ A ^tHCral arrangement of system dciised by D. Higliam and outlined in U. S. Patent No. I 1,226, 88 J and designed to correctly time starting of phonoffraph and projector D. 0. ROYSTER. COMBINED ■MOTION PICTURE APPARATUS AND PHONOGRAPK APPUCATION riUO lUlY 13. I»I2. 1,252,304. t Patented Jan. 1, 1918. 5 SHEETSt^BHEET I. '■*^, D. O. Royster's synchronisation device. U. S. Patent No. 1,252,304 Mayor for Sunday Shows ("(jschocton, (). At a ricciit iiiict- iiiR of the city council here H.-ilph E. Reisinger, nianaKcr of the Sixtli St. theater, appeared to discuss tlie opening of local houses for Sund.iy shows. Mayor Jolinson Smith ex- pressed himself as in favor of tlie move while other members of the council were divided. Sunday Shows for Hastings Hastings, Nel). — - Ordinance pro- posed for the closing of theaters here on Sundays was defeated by a ma- jority of 289 votes at a special elec- tion recently held. Interest in this issue is reflected in the fact that the total presidential election vote in this city was 6,000 as com- pared with 4,795 for the "blue" is- sue. Quinn at Redonda Beach Redonda Beach, Cai. — Tom Quinn has been appointed resident manager of the Fox Redonda here which was recently opened. The house is one of the Fox West Coast chain. MacAllister Managing Mass. House Gardner, Mass. — N. H. MacAllis- ter has been appointed manager of the Orpheum here. Both the Or- pheum and Gardner are operated by George A. Giles Co. Joseph V. Shea will continue as manager of the Gardner. Patented May 22, 1917. 2 smcis-sniu 1. ^^^^ 4£_ V ^K C 3 C 3 C 3 C 3 C »*'^^ 3 C 3 V C 3 C QMOfi 3 C 3qua racing at Belmont Par bloodthirsty elamor of 20,000 fight fans Ski Madison Square Garde 'a^ You Hear and See this living spectacle of the ^'orld'S greatest metropolis in SPEAKEASY FOX MOVIETONE 100% DIALOG FEATURE >vith PAUL PAGE _ LOLA LANE _ HENRY B. WALTHALL Helen Ware — Sharon Lynn Benjamin Stoloflf Production ilazxiing night life — a real speakeasy in operation ?sSSi: — " PACKED WITH THE THRILL- ING, TEEMING GLAMOR OF A GREAT CITY — ACTl ALLY PHOTOGRAPHED IN NEW OPENED AT ROXY, N. Y* Yesterday— €elebratlng Anniversary Week YORK, THE CITY'S REAL SIGHTS AND SOUNDS ARE REPRODUCED FOR THE FIRST TIME ON THE SCREEN REST EASY— Th<> iliover from Jnderstanding Reached to Postpone Sales Meet iTHE ;/f<>HEWSPAPER ML THE NEWS ALL THE TIME i !DL. XL VII No. 58 Yell About It SPEAKEASY" is its name, but if you take the title literally, you're loco. We ive seen and we know whereof speak. It's a whoopee pic- 0, if ever we have laid optics ji one. Entertainment? Plenty. A irn that never lags, all in sound nloors and outdoors. Sport, nth, comedy, meller, smart acks and cracked jaws and a ip that gets you from the be- inning and keeps you sold right I the last clinch. It is a swell icture with an appeal that is road enough to embrace high- row, lowbrow and any other ind of brows that the diction- ry may list. Newcomers So much for its entertainment val- 1. In other respects, "Speakeasy" • interesting. It proves, for instance: Tliat the player should be fitted to u story, not the story to the play- rs Fox here took two unknowns, 'anl Page and Lola Lane, put them 1 the leads and gave a fat part to a oy named Stuart Erwin — he's new, i>(>. The experiment is immense, (It only for the picture but for Page, -aiie and Erwin who are definitely n the running from now oh. That the sound-out-of-doors cam- ra is iiivaluable as a technical Sa- naritan by which real movement nay be added to talking films, there- >y dealing a death blow to the agon- zing slowness which makes most iourKl films today an awful bore. "Sonny Boy" The millions who heard that prec- ous youngster, Davey Lee sing over :he radio the other night right then ind there made the success of "Sonny Boy" assured. The picture is worth the price of admission to hear that marvelous baby sing the title song. It is unfortunate the Warners did not give him a better vehicle. "Sonny Boy," even for a farce, is full of holes but what does it matter? In it is Davey Lee, blessed with the faculty of creeping into your heart and cud- dling there, talking some of his lines and singing. That's more than enough for the mob. K ANN Monday, March 11, 1929 Price 5 Cents TRIAL OF U. S. SUIT AGAINST DISTRIBUTORS STARTS TODAY Distributors Welcome U, S, Action Testing of the legality of arbitration, rules and regulations of Film Boards of Trade to enforce arbitration decisions and credit committees is welcomed by distributors, Cadwallader, Wickersham & Taft, defense attorneys in the government suit, stated April 28. when the two actions were filed in New York. The cases are against the Hays organisation, 32 Film Boards and ten distributors. The purpose of credit rules, the attorneys say, is "to obtain information regarding transfers of theaters in total disregard of existing con- tracts and to afford reasonable protection to distributors against fraudulent transfer of theaters." The industry has co-operated in the investigation which pre- ceded the suits, freely opening files to government investigators. LAEMMLE, JR., DENIES DEALONFORSfllEOFT Hest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILi Universal City — Denial that sale of Universal is contemplated is made by Uarl Laemmle, Jr. "Doug" and Mary to Co- star in a Talking Picture H'est Coojt Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford are to co-star in a dialogue picture, as 3'et untitled. ERLANGEIt HOUSES TO BE WIRED FOR ROAD SttOWS Wiring of al! Erlanger theaters, lo- cated in key cities of the nation, is reported planned. Pivot of the road- show film chain will be the Liberty, New York, which often has housed film roadshows. Houses include the Erlanger, Chicago; Erlanger, Buf- falo; American, St. Louis; Columbia and Erlanger, San Francisco; Bilt- more and Mason, Los .'\ngeles; Nix- on. Pittsburgh; Erlanger and Gar- (Continued oii Fagc 2) Year's Sales Conventions Not to Start Until June 1 5 French Showmen Protest Limiting U. S. Pictures Paris — Twenty-five hundred F'rench exhibitors have signed a petition to be presented to the government pro- testing proposed regulations urged by French producers which would result in a three-to-one quota on American pictures as against the seven-to-one quota now in operation. The producers claim that the latter has failed to help them, whereas the exhibitors claim their patronage has been built up on .\merican films. Selling for 1929-1930 will not get under way until June 15. The delay of antiual sales drives this year is occasioned by a desire on the part of distributors to get straightened out on sound, and clean up current product as well as a disinclination on the part of exhibitors to bay early. This has resulted in an understand- ing among major distributors to post- pone sales conventions until the mid- dle of June. Exhibitors, as pointed out some tiuie ago by THE FILM DAILY, in announcing the season was to be (Continued on Page 2) Federal Action Brought to Test Legality of Credit Committees Trial of the first of two Dept. of Justice suits in equity against the Hays organization, ten distributors and 32 Film Boards of Trade under the .Sherman anti-trust act, is sched- uled to get under. way in New York today in Federal District Court. Cadwallader, Wickersham & Taft will defend the action. The action concerns the opera- tion of credit committees, through- out the country and is a step to test the legality of the system now em- ployed by distributors in connection with granting of credit to exhibitors. Permanent injunction is sought by the government, alleging conspiracy and restraint of trade. The government's suits were filed in April of last year. The two ac- tions concern legality of arbitration, rules and regulations of Film Boards of Trade in enforcing arbitration de- cisions and operations of credit com- mittees. Distributor defendants are: M-G- M. Universal, United Artists, RKO (FBO), Fox, Pathe, First National, \^itagraph. Paramount and Educa- tional. Franklin Conferring on Fox West Coast Expansion Plans for the building of 50 new theaters are understood to be sub- jects of discussion in conferences (Continued on Page 2) The Defense Defense of the Hays org^ani- zation. Film Boards of Trade and ten distributors, against the government's action sched- uled to start today will be han- dled by George W. Wicker- sham and Eklwin P. Grosvenor. Wickersham formerly was at- torney general of the United States, while Grosvenor was for years a special assistant at- torney general in charge of cases involving the Sherman anti-trust law. THE Vtl. XIVII Nd 58 MoDdai. Mar. 11, 1929 rrict 5 Cuts JOHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and EMitor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months. $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Fried richstrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Financial (QUOTATIONS AS OF SATURDAY) STOCK MARKET High Low Close Sales Am. Seat Con. Fm Ind. pfd. East. Kodak ♦do pfd •First Nat. pfd. .. Fox Fm. "A" •do rts •Keith A-O do pfd Loews, Inc •do pfd, •M-G-M pfd M. P. Cap Para. F-L Pathe Exch do "A" Radio K-A-O Stanley Co •Univ. Pict. pfd. . . Warner Bros do pfd Warner Pet. rts. .. 34/2 34!^ 27 27 182 180H 92^ 91H 115 115 74H 72ii 35 34 65^ 64^2 12 11J4 245^ 23Ji 37/2 36 34 34 .118H 117 53>4 53>^ 3>i 3^ 34/2 27 181!4 128 10654 9m 3 37 lis 73 104 2SH 34 64 Ji im 24 36J4 34 98K % 118 53H 3J4 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. . . . 954 •Bal. & Katz Columbia Pict 31 54 Con. Fm. Ind 22 K *Film Insp Fox Thea. "A" 31% •Griffith, D.W. "A" Intern. Proj. .... 37}4 •Loew do deb. rts Nat. Scr. Ser. ... 26?4 •Nat. Thea. Sup Trans-Lux 12 •Univ. Pict. 3m 2254 jii" 26'H 9 81 3154 225^ 2 3154 37K 375i 2■6^ 1154 17H BOND MARKET •Keith A-0 6s 46 955i Loew 6s 41ww ..11654 ll''''/- m^'A do 6s 41 xwar .. 98>^ 9R5i 98V4 Paramount 6s 47. . 99K 99>4 9954 •Pv. By. SHsSl .... 102 Pathe 7S37 ; '80% 80% 80% .J^t^•l#^ ;,,,:PVRB BONDS,..,.; , Am.- Sfeat 6s 36.. S6 : 9i6 -96 •Warner 6143 28 .,..,.. .^J .. . 198 100 100 200 700 100 200 100 4,500 300 200 4,200 200 "sob 200 800 200 166 200 s66 266 166 266 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" ... 32-5^ 3354 ... do units 36 38 . . . do com. -. 454 3 54 •■• Skouras Bros 40 45 ... •Teclinicolor 18 18J4 . . . United Art S 10 do pfd. .. 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales Conventions to Start on June 15 (Continued from Page 1) late this year, are wary of sewing up playing time until they find out where they stand in connection with sound. The uncertainty of last year, when distributors ran into a buying strike in attempting to start sales campaigns May 1, still obtains in many instances. This is reflected in hand-to-mouth buying, throughout the country, a condition which is ex- pected to prevail until midsummer at least. Quebec Seeks to Halt Writs on Law Banning Children Quebec — Because the Quebec gov- ernment and the courts have been so tangled up with writs of prohibition and certiorari by exhibitors of Mont- real in test cases involving the law prohibiting the admission of children under 16 years of age and also the Sunday show issue that the Quebec Legislature has taken the first step in the adoption of legislation to re- strict such injunction proceedings. A measure now is pending. Theater Adds Aviation Meadville, Pa.— The Park Theater Corp. has donated the roof of the Park in the campaign of the Dept. of Commerce to secure air markings at prominent spots along recognized airways for the purpose of guding air pilots by day and night. The let- ters on the roof will be 12 ft. high, and the sign will be illuminated at night to guide aviators. Theater to Be Razed Wrightsville, Pa. — The Imperial, managed by David S. Witmer, will be torn down to make way for a new- bridge, lea\ ing this community with- out a theater. Seek Meadville Site Meadville, Pa. — A representative of a large eastern concern has been here to make arrangements with a local real estate concern to select a site for a proposed theater. Photophone at Denver House Denver — RCA-Photophone now is being installed at the Colorado. Hal Skelly in Hollywood IVest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood— Hal Skelly arrived here to bring his characterizat'ons in "Burlesque" to the talking picture which is going into production at Paramount. Rehearsals are now in progress under the direction of John i^romwell, who, in association with Edward Sutherland, will direct the film. Zuro at Pathe Studios West Coast Buieaii, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Josiah Zuro, director of music for Pathe, is here for confer- ences with Benjamin Glazer, in charge of sound production. While here, he will seek locations for scenes of the grand opera shorts he :s to make for Pathe. Erlanger Houses to Be Wired for Roadshows (Continued from Page 1) rick, Philadelphia; Tremont and Co- lonial, Boston. RCA-Photophone is to be installed, the schedule call- ing for completion of wiring by May 1. Other Erlanger-booked houses may be wired as well. British Anthem Sound House Problem in Canada Toronto — One more problem can be chalked up against the sound film programs in Canadian theaters and this is a patriotic one. A time-worn requirement calls for the playing of the national anthem either in open- ing or closing a performance. With sound pictures projection, the show comes to an end, of course, when the film "runs out." Then it suddenly occurs to the manager that there is no orchestra or organist to play the national anthem. The difficulty has been solved, however, by the secur- ing of phonograph discs of "God Save the King" and the projectionist has to switch to the non-synchron- ous system or Vitaphone equipment if necessary for the presentation of the official hymn. Incorporate Boston Concern Boston — The Embassy Realty Co. has been incorporated to own and manage theaters, with 1,000 shares no par stock. The incorporators are Samuel Pinanski, of the Netoco Co.; ' I^ourie and Edward Canter of Boston. New Fort Worth House Fort Worth, Tex.— The Jesse Jones interests of Houston are planning to build a theater at the southwest cor- ner of Sixth and Lamar Sts. Netoco Buys Theater Boston — The New England Thea- ters Corp. has purchased the Embas- sy in Moody St., Waltham, seating 2,200. F. N. Buys "FootUghts and Fools" West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — First National has bought filming and talking picture rights for "Footlights and Fools," Katherine Brush's College Humor story, as a starring vehicle for Col- leen Moore, to follow "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling." William A. S'eiter probably will direct. Virginia Sale Signs West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood^Fox has signed Vir- ginia Sale for "The Lucky Star," which Frank Borzage is directing. She is a sister of Chic Sale, who has been starred in a number of Movie- tone shorts. "U" Signs Jackson West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Howard Jackson has been engaged by Universal to ar- range the score and direct synchron- ization of "Broadway." He also will write score for the silent version. The Industry's Date Book Today: March March March April April 1 May Premiere of "Times Square," Fi Gotham-Bristolphone Picture Metropolitan, Baltimore. 12 Opening of "Noah's Ark" at W ter Garden, New York. 15 Convention of eastern Penna vania, southern New Jersey a Delaware unit at Philadelphia. 17 Premiere »f "Show Boat" at Ci itol, Miami, and Paramount. Pa.. Beach. 6 Warner - First National - SUnl Frolic at Commodore Hotel, N< York. 4-IS-16 Convention of Western Pea sylvania Exhibitor Unit at Pitt burgh. 6-9 Spring meeting of Society of M. Engineers in New York. Franklin Conferring on Fox West Coast Expansion (Continued from Page 1) now under way in New York be tween Harold B. Franklin, presiden of Fox-West-Coast Theaters, an' Fox officials. The outlay for house in Pacific Coast states is to be $15, 000,000. The building program em braces California, Washington, Ore gon, Montana and Nevada. Stevenson Heads Visuagraphic Sale Frederick F. Stevenson has beei named sales and advertising special ist of Visuagraphic Pictures, Inc. New Yi.rk, producer and distributoi of advertising and educational films John Gardiner has been named di rector of publicity. Fire in Ohio House East Palestine, O. — A fire back- stage in the Liberty caused a damage of $10,000. ANOTHER CIRCUIT Very Much Pleased! After screening your trailers we are very much pleased to enclose three yearly contracts for same. SAMUEL H. LEVIN THEATRES, San Francisco, Calif. I THE WILD HEART OF AFRICA M/NW/ RET INC I'l'^o m>n«n>ay/iv N r\i/ vn I* K ALL TALKIE Subjects RUNNING TIME ABOUT 20 MINUTES EACH^ personally written and personally directed mm\ DEir who has to his credit such late hits as The Family Picnic; Ladies Man with CHIC SALESI plus many others which added to his \ stage successes puts him right up front as writer and sound picture director. 1 "MEET THE FAMILY" FIRST OF THE SERIES Now Completed and Ready for Immediate Delivery To Be Followed by One Every Other Week FOR TERRITORY WRITE OR WIRE ELLBEE PICTURES CORP. LOUIS BAUM, Pres. 1650 Broadway New York City 'ialk Persists Publix-RKO Management Deal is on iTHE lf<* NEWSPAPER ^| CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ...9% 9 954 ♦Bal. & Katz 81 Columbia Pict 31 31 31 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 23 22K 22J4 ♦Film Insp 2 Fox Thea. "A" .. 32 ilji 3154 Griffith, D.W. "A" 234 2J4 2M ♦Intern. Proj 37;4 ♦Loew do deb. rts 37"^ Nat. Scr. Ser. .. 28Ji Zeyi 28^ Nat. Thea. Sup. . . S'A &y» 8/2 Trans-Lux 13^ 11 Ji 13 J4 Univ. Pict 19 19 19 BOND MARKET ♦Keith A-0 6s 46 95!^ ♦Loew Cs 41ww 1161/2 do 6s 41 x-war.. 98}4 98 98J4 Paramount 6s 47 ..100 995^ 995^ Para. By. 5Hs 51.1015^ 101J4 1015i Pathe 7s 37 80 80 80 CURB BONDS •Am. Seat. 6s 36 96 ♦Warner 6J^s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 32 34 do units 36 38 .... do com 4J4 5 . Skouras Bros 40 45 .... Technicolor 18 18H United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2 do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED 600 1,800 200 2,500 100 13,000 100 4,666 58,500 4,300 600 18,500 100 6,966 500 11,700 4,300 'ido 4,700 10',866 100 200 500 20,900 100 "U" Plans "Hollywood Melody" ]Vcst Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Universal City — Universal plans to make a talking and singing picture, to be entitled "The Hollywood Mel- ody." It is an original, written by Arthur Howard, and deals with Hol- lywood under the sound regime. Campaign for "Times Square" Baltimore — Gotham's "Times Square" opened at the Metropolitan yesterday following a campaign which included an airplane trip by Arthur Lubin, who is writing his im- pressions of Baltimore as seen from the sky, in a tieup with "The Sun." Lubin deluged the city with heralds while on the trip. Universal Gets Cameo, 'Frisco from Wagnon San Francisco — William B. Wag- non has leased the Cameo to Uni- versal at a rental involving $315,000 and covering a period of seven years. Wagnon will continue to operate the Embas:;y as well as his new house which he expects to open April 1. M-G-M Get Portable Device A portable automotive recording apparatus, was delivered to M-G-M Eastern studio yesterday by Elec- trical Research Corp. The new de- vice permits sound filming of out- door sequences and will be used for shooting atmospheric scenes in New York as well as for short subjects. The Industry's Date Book Freedman To New York West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Samuel Freedman, president of Qualitone, who recently disposed of his interest in the Fine Arts studio here, will shortly leave for New York to arrange for east- ern distribution of his device. It is claimed that Qualitone is interchange- able with other devices. Warner Buys Estate Albert Warner has purchased Cara- del Hall, country estate at Rye, N. Y., for a sum reported in real estate circles to exceed $2,000,000. "Divine Lady" for B'way "The Divine Lady," starring Corinne Griffith, will have its Broad- way premiere sometime this month. Arrangements are being made to secure a theater. St. Leo With General Pictures IV est Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Leonard St. Leo has been placed under contract by Oscar Price of General Pictures for a ser- ies of four to be made at Universal City under supervision of Richard Talmadge. Pomeroy In London London — Roy Pomeroy, who re- cently resigned from Paramount, is here. Today: Opening of "Noah's Ark" at W ter Garden, New York. March 15 Convention of eastern Penni vania, southern New Jersey i Delaware unit at Philadelphia. March 17 Premiere of "Show Boat" at C itol, Miami, and Paramount, Pj Beach. April 6 Warner - First National - Sttnl Frolic at Commodore Hotel, N York. April 14-15-16 Convention of Western Pa sylvania Exhibitor Unit at Pit burgh. May 6-9 Spring meeting of Society of H. Engineers in New York. Former Publix House Reopening Chattanooga — The York, whic' has been taken over from Publix h Independent Theaters, Inc., is bein completely remodeled, refurnishe and redecorated. The name has bee changed to the Cameo and it will H reopened about March IS. After Political Office Cleveland — Phil Selznick, brothe of L. J. Selznick, will be a candidal for election in the Shaker Height council. Phototone in Rolling Fork Rolling Fork, Miss. — Frank B. Sharbrough of the Royal, has bought a Phototone synchronous outfit. "Pola Negri With UFA Berlin — Pola Negri will make a picture for Ufa. Her German veh- icle, tentatively titled, "Golden Moth," will be directed by Paul Czinner. Greta Garbo Arrives March 19 Greta Garbo is aboard the Drott- ningholm, which is expected to ar- rive in New York March 19. Stallings And Younger Here Laurence Stallings and A. P. Younger have arrived in New York to work on a John Gilbert story, "Way For A Sailor." Kennedy Back Joseph P. Kennedy arrived back in New York yesterday from the Coast. Radin Sailing With a London premiere as his objective, Matty Radin, general man- ager for Franklyn Warner Prod., sails Friday night. Royal Quits RKO Cleveland — John F. Royal, genera manager of RKO theaters in th midwest district and manager c Keith's here for 11 years prior t that, has resigned, effective April 1. Otterson in France Paris — J. E. Otterson, presiden of Electrical Research Products o New York, is here. Lorain Theater Closes Down Lorain — The Cozy theater, oper- ated by George Shenker, is closed permanently. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Tlieatret Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3580 ii THE WILD HEART OF AFRICA METROPOLITAN STUDIOS NOW AVAILABLE SOUND STUDIO FOR PRODUCERS OF SOUND AND TALKING PICTURES COMPLETE SOUND STAGE INCLUDING THE FINEST LIGHTING AND RECORDING EQUIPMENT "SOUND STAGE BUILT BY JOHNS MANVILLE" WE WILL RECORD SOUND AND TALKING PICTURES FOR RELIABLE PRODUCERS NEW YORK OFFICE 1600 BROADWAY, N. Y. C. TELEPHONE^' LACKAWANNA 7511 ♦I ^hat Warner Bros. Promise Warner Bros. Deliver! Tonight's the Night! Tonight thousands will see and hear the Spectacle of the Ages — The Colossus of all pictures — The supreme achievement of the motion picture industry — Thousands will block Broadway — America's exclusive social reg- istrites will pay tribute to this mighty wonder — Milling crowds will gasp in amazement at the most colorful and spectacular opening in the history of show business — A riot of color on land and in the sky — All this will attest to the genius of the Warner Bros. — And will earn due praise. . . . But above all, nothing so gratifies Warner Bros. — nothing gives them that soul-satisfaction as the irrefut- able knowledge that What Warner Bros. Promised -^Warner Bros. Have Delivered! -TONIGHT: 830 P. M.— GALA PREMIERE' l! 11% The Spectacle of the Ages n^ Warner Bros* present LORES COSTELLO m "NOAH'S ARK" with George O^Brien B»l\lWW!?-'"' WINTER GARDEN Broadway at SOth Street New York Tickets for Premiere Beginning Tomorrow Performance— $11,00 Twice Daily — .;g^ DAILV Tuesday, March 12, 192 Newspaper Opinions "Lady of Chance" M-G-M Capitol, New York AMERICAN—* * * is the best Norma Shearer picture we've seen in many a movie moon. It is light and airy, well-dressed and expensive-looking. • • • DAILY MIRROR—* * * The picture is all Norma Shearer and she makes the most of her opportunities to provoke tears and giggles. "A Lady of Chance" is better entertainment than any of her recent vehicles. » * * DAILY NEWS—* * * Robert Z. Leonard wields the megaphone. And the man has a way with him. He, of all directors, has been most successful in bringing the talents of the lovely Miss Shearer to the fore. • » • EVENING JOURNAL—* * * The pic- ture's good fun, amusingly handled by Rob- ert Z. Leonard and well played by Miss Shearer, Lowell Sherman anl Gwen Lee. You'll like it. * * * EVENING WORLD—* * * is a pretty little story of crooks and crime handled in a pleasantly delicate manner. It is quite amusing and entertaining, and in spots Miss Shearer forgets her position and puts over some really fine comic touches. GRAPHIC—* * * It's a foolish little crook film. It makes no pretenses at being anything more than it is — just an hour's worth of light amusement. Lowell Sherman is the best and slickest he-crook we have seen in a long, long time. * • * HERALD-TRIBUNE—* * * even if "A Lady of Chance" is hardly epoch-making in its story, it manages to be almost con- sistenly entertaining. * * * POST — * * * None of this was particu- larly well acted, and none of it seemed very credible. Miss Shearer was occasionally amusing, but, on the whole, she lacked that sparkle and freshness which have so fre- quently been hers. * • * SUN — * * * A patterned mixture of com- edy and drama, "A Lady of Chance" has received a charming, handsomely-appointed production. Its sentimental bits are quite moving in a "pop" way, due to the sincerity of Miss Shearer, and to a greater degree, that of John Mack Brown. • » ♦ TELEGRAPH—* * * It is Lowell Sher- man who runs away with the picture. He has the role of a debonair crook whose suave methods are understood and thwarted by his pretty accomplice in the person of Miss Shearer. * • • TIMES — * * * Considering her luckless part. Miss Shearer does exceedingly well. As her type of beauty is essentially clas- sical, it cannot be said that she is suitably cast. * • » WORLD—* * * This one is a fairly happy farce concerning gold-diggers indulging in that form of separating rich men from their bankrolls known as the badger game. * * * Hitchcock in Vitaphone Subjects Raymond Hitchcock has just com- pleted a short talking picture at east- ern Vitaphone studios under direc- tion of Bryan Foy. The act is titled, "An Evening at Home with Hitchy," and is a monologue. THE WILD HEART OF AFRICA "Noah's Ark" Opens Here Tonight; Five Runs Set "Noah's Ark," will have its pre- miere tonight at the Winter Garden, New York, and has been definitely set for the following cities: Globe, Atlantic City, March 23; the Aldine, Philadelphia, April 1 ; Majestic, Bos- ton, April 15 and the Wood's, Chi- cago April 7. Detroit will see "Noah's Ark" beginning April 21 at the New Detroit. Floods Recede in Southeast ; Atlanta Reports Missouts Atlanta — With clear weather pre- vailing flood conditions in Georgia and Alabama gave evidence of im- provement. Both states looked for a recession of rivers and streams to normal spring stages. No theater closings have been reported although a few missouts had occurred as a result of disruption of train sched- ules. Discs and Film Tracks Used by Cinephone in N. Y. No interference has been made against showing of product of West- ern Electric and RCA licenses over Powers Cinephone device at Olym- pia theater, 107th St. and B'way. On the current bill with "The Jazz Sing- er," (on disc), appears a Pathenews, (sound-on-film). In addition to Warners, sound fea- tures and shorts of M-G-M, Pathe, First Nat'l, and Universal have been scicened via Cinephone at the Olym- pia, without protest by distributors. M. J. Korsman is managing the the- atei for Leo Brecher. Warners About to Take Over 2 Houses in Cleveland Cleveland — It is reported that a deal will soon be concluded whereby Warners will take over the Uptown and Variety. DAILY UPS WHICH MEAN DOLLARS FOR SUOWMEN "Lilac Time" (First National) Arranged a Model Airplane build- ing stunt with the newspaper, which has been promoting the making of miniature airplanes, capable of actual flight and a number of model air- plane meets. The paper played the meet up over double column head- lines for a week in advance — Ray C. Brown, Strand, Akron, O. "Revenge" (United Artists) Distributed playing cards advertis- ing the picture. There were five cards to a set including the Jack of Hearts (the bandit), the 10 of Hearts (the jealous hearted), the king of hearts (the bear tamer), the 2 of spades (the dreamer), of which 1000 each were printed and distributed. The fifth card making up the set was the Queen of Hearts (Dolores Del Rio) of which only 26 were printed and distributed. These cards were dis- tributed among storekeepers, in bar- ber shops and wherever a Bridge or Whist party was in progress. As ex- plained on the reverse side of the cards, every person was entitled to a free admission to see the picture by presenting a complete set of five cards at the box office window. Inasmuch as there were only 25 of the Queen of Hearts printed and distributed it was a rare instance when a patron could gather the en- tire set. However, it was excellent publicity for the picture and started a lot of talk. In addition to copy about the pic- ture, theater, star, and play dates ap- pearing on the backs of these cards, there was also a line, "Follow the Fortune Teller series in the Chelsea Record." The tie-up consisted of six installments on the Dolores Del Rio Fortune Teller series which was good for 120 inches of free space or 20 inches per day for six days prior to the showing of the picture. — H. Schwartzberg, Broadway, Chelsea, Mass. "The Flying Fleet" (M-G-M) Got two window displays on Boy Scout uniforms — tying that idea to the Scouts as America's future fliers for the Flying Fleet. In addition to Boy Scout uniforms in the window together with stills and window cards there was also a small airplane in one of the windows. The propel- ler on this plane was made to revolve by a hidden electric fan.- — A. M. Roy, Tampa, Tampa, Fla. "The Haunted House" (Paramount) Spooky looking house was built around the box office — made of beav- erboard and having three windows, one of w'hich opened for the box of- fice. The other two windows had crepe paper over them with a shad- ow of a ghost behind, with flashers behind this. To create some weird noises within the spooky booth, a bucket with a drum head tied over it and a siren were used. — Guy Bry- son, Egyptian, Greenville, S. C. "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (Universal) To sell the idea that a $2.00 road show was being offered for popu- lar prices, used a new telephone gag. He had two girls placed on the phones four hours a day. They would call up Mrs. John Schwartz. "We have your order for two seats for 'Uncle Tom's Cabin.' We must return your money. While this is the regular roadshow production, we are show- ing it here for popular prices and thus have no reserved seats." When Mrs. Schwartz protested that she had ordered no seats, the girl would inquire: "Isn't this Mrs. George Schwartz?" Of course, the answer would be negative, the girl's apology very cour- teous and sincere — State, Toledo. Neiv Theaters Robinson, 111.— Joe Hewitt plans to rebuil ■ the btrand which was recently destroyed hi tire. .> <• u I DeSoto, Mo.— Joseph Rosen's 700-seat hous IS nearing completion here. Ellis Kan.— The Crystal is being built her "' by L. C. Snyder of Oakley and W. H Snydei Clinton, Mo.— Lee J. Lenhart's Family th( ater recently opened here. Virgil, Kan.— A theater is to be housed i the new I.O.O.F. lodge building here. Hartford, Conn. — Negotiations are undc way for the construction of a theater here oi the site of the old Parson's theater now ownei by Shuberts. Youngstown, O.— A. H. McCelleland is t build an 800 seat house here, it is reported East Barnet, Vt. — The Lyric, seating 600 IS to be built here, it is reported. Tiajuana, Mex.— A new theater is plannei here by the Lower California Commercial Co Newcastle, Ind.— Cicero M. Bailey plan a 1,250-seat house here. Beatrice, Neb.— United Theaters has open ed the Ritz here. Waco, Tex.— A $350,000 theater is plat ned here by J. W. Colvin and T. J. Ahern it is reported. Philadelphia— The Parker has been open ed here. Natick, Mass. — Bids have been receivet for the erection of a theater for Harris The ater Corp. La Grange, lil. — A studio theater is un der construction here, according to Roher B. Harshe, director of the art institute. Meadville, Pa. — The Strand, seating 400 r. has opened here. ' Tunica, Miss.— J. C. Hester plans a the ater here. Anacortes, Wash.— The Paramount ha opened here, according to A. A. ilaley, genj eral manager. ] Glen Falls, N. Y.— Bolton Realty Corp! plans to erect a theater heie. Memphis, Tenn. — Construction of a the ater will soon start here, according to Alj bert J. Suzore. j Milwaukee, Wis. — A 700-seat house wil; be erected here by the West Bend Theater Co. Los Angeles — Excavation has started on i theater here for the Whittier Amusement Co West Chester, Del. — A theater is to b( erected here by Philip and Nathan Harrison Carrizo Springs, Tex. — Mrs. Mabel Whiti! of Big Wells, is financing construction ol; a $22,000 house here. Trinidad, Colo. — The West has reopened' here. Wheeling, W. Va. — Beech Bottom's Com- munity house has been opened. Southampton, N. Y. — Contract has beert' awarded for construction of a theater here; Pasadena, Cal.— Negotiations are being handled here by James C. Hersey for the erection of a theater. ! Delavan, Wis. — Construction of the new; Delavan is nearing completion. ] Manchester, N. H. — States Theaters, Inc. has secured site for a theater here. St. Paul, Neb. — The Legion Auditorium has been opened here. Hammond, Ind. — Calumet Cily Theater , Corp. plans to erect a 1,500 seat theater here. Battle Creek, Mich. — Camp Custer is to have a new theater in place of the Liberty,: according to the War Dept. Montreal, Can. — Construction of a theater is planned at St. Catherine and Stanley Sts. Dalhart, Ind.— G. A. Hart, owner of the City at Stratford, has issued a contract for the erection of a 500 seat house here. Ventura, Cal. — Richard Langdon has award- ed a contract for the construction of a $40,- 000 theater here, it is reported. Pueblo, Colo. — The Broadway has been opened here. Red Bluff, Cal.— The State is nearing com- pletion here. Santa Barbara, Cal. — Louis Kaplan will build a 1,800 seat house equipped with Vita- phone and Movietone. Billings, Mont. — West Coast Theaters plans a 1,500 seat theater here. Zeigler, 111.— The Reed, Yemm & Hays Theater corporation, plans to build a theater in the business district of Mt. Vernon, it is reported. Idaho Falls, Ida. — The American is near- ing completion and will open April 1, ac- cording to Joe George, owner. Middletown, O. — Work has been started on the new Strand, estimated to cost $320,000. Summer, Miss. — R. W. Tyson will soon open his Strand, seating 200 here. He also is building a new house at Moorehead, Miss. Fox First Again! Mexican Revolt! FOX NEWS — with REAL motion pictures THE biggest spot news story of recent months is the revolt in Mex- ico. Here is a story with life, color, romance. When the first flash came Fox News rushed experienced staff men from all available points to the zone of excitement to augment Fox News cameramen already on the job. I This gave Fox News first and exclusive scenes at the Battle of Juarez and the internment of the Federal troops in El Paso, as well as the seizure of Nogales and the first Catholic church services in three years. First to reach the screen, these pictures were sent airmail to accounts on Monday, March 11. The editorial policy of Fox News is identical with that of the highest- class American newspapers. Fox News presents only actual and authentic pictures with straightforward titles. '\ Fox News is predominantly first because its resources are greatest and its staff the most extensive and enterprising. The authenticity of Fox News alw^ays can be depended upon. FOX f , first again ^^^^-^^-^— NE^V^S — ^^-^^— ^ CLS always/ THE Competition in Film Industry Stressed BY RULES, IS DEFENSE {Continued from Page 1) distributors and by other distributors engaged in the motion picture busi- ness." Grosvenor said, quoting from the answer to the complaint. "At all such times the defendant distributors have been, and they are today, com- peting actively with each other, and with all other distributors, in the dis- tribution of their pictures through- out the United States." The Government's Stand On the other hand, C. Stanley Thompson, special assistant to the attorney general, who heads govern- ment counsel, says the government contends and the evidence will show a conspiracy to coerce or intimidate purchasers of theaters to assume con- tracts of the former owner. This, he says, is done through shutting off of service with the purchaser even deprived of his right of relief in court. A large number of Film Boards have exceeded even the rules of credit committees, he charged, pointing out that the existence of a system permitting such excesses, should result in granting of the re- lief sought by the government, which is a permanent injunction against the alleged practices listed in the com- plaint. Considerable secrecy had sur- rounded scheduled opening of the casCj a fact which cut down attend- ance, and it was not until THE FILM DAILY exclusively an- nounced yesterday that the action was to come up for trial, that the trade generally was aware of the scheduled opening. Delayed Until Afternoon An unfinished case precluded start of the action until 2:20 P. M., when Chief Counsel Thompson, of the government's legal forces, recited a brief outline of the case. He out- lined the two actions to be heard in the government's case against the Hays office, ten companies, and Film Boards of Trade. The action, he pointed out, alleges a conspiracy ex- ists in violation of the Sherman anti- Exhibit 1. Statement Showing foe 1927, Number OF (1) Theatres, (2) Transfers, (3) Purchasers Refusing to Assume Any Part of Contracts, (4) Purchasers Assuming All or Part of Contracts and (5) Amounts Involved Purchasers refusing to assume Purchasers assuming all or part any part of contracts of contracts Film Board Theatres Transfers N umber Amount Number Amount Albany 450 48 21 $16,141.00 27 $35,750.75 Atlanta 773 102 43 62.185.73 59 91,678.00 Boston U65 42 12 36,204.50 30 147.213.65 Buffalo S« 71 34 92,294.95 37 138,700.21 Butte 181 28 6 7,176.75 18 15,843.70 Charlotte 506 110 65 52,756.00 42 51,878.48 Chicago 1200 184 58 242,571.42 121 331,072.10 Cincinnati 1700 189 38 128,830.59 151 134,757.84 Cleveland 700 121 54 175,812.32 63 276.681.28 Dallas 1100 219 85 122,317.91 124 203,357.46 Denver 400 86 19 31,462.10 58 91,859.50 Dcs Moines «0 150 12 2,645.00 138 100,301.35 Detroit (.56 130 15 53,349.70 115 515.481.32 Indianapolis 100 J 107 36 96,068.10 71 224,035.70 Kansas City 875 285 109 113,298.27 176 223,128.29 Los Angeles 475 79 12 43,246.25 67 177,937.75 Milwaukee 0l2 81 31 43,837.43 50 120,693.02 Minneapolis No Records Available Memphis 657 104 57 41,628.64 H 52,801.75 New Haven 225 50 10 60,631.70 40 219,048,35 New Orleans 375 85 01 64,565.62 11 33,316.50 New York 1276 190 38 77.120.04 1.52 418,498.49 Oklahoma City 647 99 38 111,351.27 61 111,053.25 (a) Omaha 530 689 111 29,346.22 379 85,278.06 Pliiladelphia 825 153 23 38.229.00 121 554,083.00 Pitt^burph 903 125 81 84,596,55 44 188,099.18 Portland 257 55 23 No Record 17 No Record St. Louis 1358 114 27 72,820.05 83 205,530,50 Salt Lake City 535 48 7 11,479.60 41 102.346.25 San Francisco 525 88 61 34,253,00 27 121,529.25 Seattle . 431 54 27 85,55285 27 88,408.99 Washinston 000 64 23 74,775.30 41 124,262.28 Totals 22,133 3.950 1,237 $2,111,547.88 2,425 55.185,820.25 (a) Cases where there were no contracts to assume 199 EXCESSES SHOUID SYSTEM J. S. From the Bench The defense's assertion that no power is given to anyone by credit committee rules, under which an exhibitor could be in- jured, brought from the court the query: "Provided he's will- ing to assume a probable ridiculous contract?" The court was referring to a theoretic contract, and when defense counsel asserted that such was not the case, the court added: "Well, can't a man in the mov- ing picture business make a foolish contract?" trust laws. He explained the status of the three types of defendants, the Hays office. Film Boards and the ten distributors. Sixty per cent of films are distributed by the companies named, he said, while Film Boards' membership controls 98 per cent of films distributed in the United States. This forces an exhibitor, re- gardless of zone, to deal with at least one of the defendant companies, if he wants to keep open his theater, he added. Continuing, government counsel outlined the duties of an exchange manager, dwelt briefly on playdates, uniform contract, protection and bookings. He then read the various rules and regulations of credit com- mittees and said that their purpose is to "coerce or intimidate" the pur- chaser of a theater to assume out- standing film contracts. He said this is done through shutting off film ser- vice, in manner which even deprives the exhibitor of his right to seek re- lief in the courts. Detailed informa- tion of sale of a theater is demanded before they will sign contracts, Thompson continued, and if the re- port of the committee is unfavorable, service is refused tinless a cash de- posit, which he says is as high as $1,000, is posted to assure fulfillment of contracts. Understandings, which amount to a conspiracy exist, he contended, to refuse film service unless the purchaser of a theater as- sumes all uncompleted contracts, and to refuse even spot bookings until the credit committee's rating is fa- vorable, unless a deposit is posted. The ratings are CIR (Credit In- formation Refused) and FT (fraud- ulent transfer of a theater to avoid fulfillment of contracts). Injunctive Relief Sought The government, he said, asks an injunction against this alleged con- spiracy, contending the credit agree- ment is restraint of interstate trade and commerce. Its real purpose is to force assumption of contracts, it is charged. A "large number" of boards, he said, "have exceeded even these rules," declaring that the existence of a system which permits such ex- cesses, should convince the court that the government should have the relief sought. "It is easy to see," he said how the rules could intimidate the exhibitor who gets an FT or CIR rating. Operation of credit committees ap- Allied Leaders Will Testify in Second Government Action concerns operation of arbitration boards and methods of enforcing de- cisions. H. M. Richey, secretary of Allied, and general manager of the Michigan unit, was on hand at Fed- eral Court yesterday, with W. A. Steffes, Col. H. A. Cole and other leaders slated to arrive in New York today. A convention of Allied heads will be held during progress of the two cases. Leaders of the Allied States Ass'n are to testify in the second of the two government suits. The first case, which got under way yesterday, charges conspiracy in restraint of trade in the operation of credit com- mittees. The Hays office. Film Boards of Trade and ten distributors ' are defendants. The second action plies primarily to small theaters, he contended, declaring the government can show that some of the "little fellows" could not financially comply with credit committee demands, and couldn't make a deposit of more than $50. In opening his argument, Gros- venor called attention of the court to the fact that there has not been any word of monopoly or elimination of competition in connection with the action. Nearly all anti-trust cases are concerned with those factors, he said. The question, he said, is whether there is concert of action and whether this constitutes conspiracy and is it harmful to the individual against whom it was directed? ' The government, he said, must show that there is an obstruction of commerce, and whether this is inter- ference with the trade of others. There have been very few cases brought under the Sherman law, in which the government admits that competition exists, he says. Cities Fur Industry Case Decision of Federal Judge Bondy, made in the same courtroom, in the case of the government vs. the Fur Dressers' Ass'n, stands as a prece- dent for the demanding of security before performance was upheld by the court, Grosvenor pointed out. He says it is the only similar case and that the rules of credit committees in the film industry are not as drastic as was the decision of the fur asso- ciation to demand guarantees on con- tracts, together with credit ratings of customers which were supplied to members. The court held the action reasonable he continued, as its object was to prevent dishonesty. Grosvenor then cited Supreme Court Justice Brandeis, in a case against the Chicago Board of Trade, in a ruling that evidence should be based on effect of certain practices, and the peculiarities of the business concerned. Purpose should be the consideration, he argued, stating there is no business in which profits of a distributor depend so much upon the honor and credit of customers, as does the film industry. In the film business, he said, in The Line-up The government is repre- sented by C. Stanley Thomp- son and Ralstone R. Irvine, special assistant to the attorney general. Edwin P. Grosvenor, of Cadwalader, Wickersham and Taft, is leading counsel for the industry. Other counsel are Arthur L. Fisk, Jr., and Charles C. Pettijohn, general counsel, and Gabriel L. Hess, general attorney, for Film Boards. THE Tuesday. March 12, 1929 J^^ OAILV Present Credit System Called Essential )mmm point to fl 4600 CHANGES IN 1928 iiany cases if a contract is breached, here is a total loss to the distribu- ors, as the films cannot be resold. He liaid there are 25,000 theaters in the United States, and said that 4,600 louses changed hands last year, in- nlving some $9,000,000 in unfinished lUracts of which $4,000,000 was ->t. These figures are a part of De- fence Exhibit "I" reproduced oyi oage 6 of this issue. Some of the houses changed hands liree and four times he said, pointing 3Ut that tiie credit committee's func- tion is to prevent dishonesty and sup- ply d_istrii)utors with needed protec- 'ion in determining a prospective cus- iier's financial standing. The value . . tilms entrusted to an exhibitor's rare and subject to abuses including damaged print and bicycling, necessi- tate a guarantee to the distributor that his customer be entitled to credit he continued. I No Coercion in Rules, Claim A purchaser, he said, could assume ne or as many of the predecessor's contracts as he wishes, without post- ing a desposit, he said. Deposit demanded never is as high as $1,000, he insisted, usually being $50 or $100 except in large cities. "The rules are not to coerce, not to injure anyone," Grosvenor contin- ued, stating a purchaser could estab- \':>h his right to credit prior to time of sale, and no deposit would be required. In any event, he said, the 'exhibitor can spot book for ten days, until he establishes his financial reli- ability. The government then cited the manner of gathering its exhibits, said to total 38.000. Free access was given to files of all defendants, and photo- static copies made, with originals later determined upon and secured. The defense agreed to accept their intro- duction in bulk, without specification as to the particular point involved, but reserved right to question their admissibility as pertinent and to ques- tion witnesses. Rules of 21 boards were examined and show, the govern- ment contends, deviations from the rules and excesses which forced as- sumption of contracts. In considera- tion of this stipulation, the defense has been granted right to call Film Board secretaries to the stand. Questioned by the court as to whether the letters are to be taken as evidence, the defense stated that it would not agree that the statements contained in the letters are fact, stat- ing no desire to make any technical objections exists. Distributor letters are to be taken in evidence, the de- fense agreed, but pointed out there may be misstatements in exhibitor letters. These were obtained from the files, Thompson pointed out, and if it can be shown they are not as claimed, the government will with- draw tlKiii. After brief argument over stipulations and admissions, the (ielensc called its first witness, assist- ant to Gabriel L. Hess, who testified to preparation of Exhibit "A," after which court was adjourned until this morning. FILM BOARD SECRETARIES HERE FOft THE DEFENSE Twenty-five secretaries of Film Boards of Trade are in New York to testify in the credit committee and arbitration cases brought by the gov- ernment, the first of which went on trial in h'edoral Court yesterday. Last night a convention of secretaries was held by C. C. Pettijohn, head of Film Hoards of Trade. , LATEST STATE TO JOIN ALLIED ASS'N Livingston — Montana, by unani- mous vote, has joined Allied. With- drawing from the M.P.T.O.A., the state unit at the same time raised $1,500, its Allied quota. E. P. White, who was re-lected president, was also named delegate to Allied. By resolution, Abram F. Myers, Allied head, was condemned for in- troducing legislation affecting the in- dustry without first consulting exhibi- tors, but at the same time was given a vote of confidence. Another meet- ing is slated for Butte July 9-10. Sunday Option Bill Up In Ohio Senate Mar. 13 Columbus, O. — First meeting on the Sunday local option bill will be held before the Judiciary Committee in the Senate Chamber at the State House here Wednesday. The M.P. T.O. of Ohio is confident that the measure will pass the Senate if it can make a good showing in point of members at the hearing. Censorship Provided in New Wisconsin Measure Madison. Wis. — State censorship is provided in a bill now before the legislature and introduced by Frank L. Prescott, assemblyman from Mil- waukee. A tax bill introduced by S'cnator Teasdale and which called for a five per cent tax on all theaters and other places of amusement has just been killed. Churches Opposed Sunday Shows Greeley, Colo. — Minister associa- tions of the city here have proposed and adopted resolutions against the nullification of the state law which relates to the question of Sunday shows. Govt. Sidelights liy CIIARLP.S /■■. IIYXES On hand at yesterday sessions, in addition to the Film Board secre- taries and a few exhibitors, were Felix l-'eist, M-G-M sales manager; S. R. Kent of Paramount, and Xcd E. Depinet, First National. * * * C. C. Pettijohn is proud, as he should be, of his aggregation of Film Board secretaries. It's some job, though, he finds taking the gang out to lunch. As C.C.P. as he is af- fectionately known to his organiza- tion, remarked to a court attendant: "They don't look like a bunch of crooks, do they?" That the government cases may consume considerable time was indicated yesterday, in the maze of evidence to be introduced by the opposing counsel. While the government will have no witnesses in the first case, there are many sheafs of exhibits to be offered in evidence, and exhibitor witnesses are to be called in the second case. On the other hand, the defense has a long list of witnesses for both cases. If * * The delay in starting the cases yes- terday, enabled many of the visiting witnesses to "see New York," briefly at least. Of course, with the Wool- worth tower right there, it was quite natural that Dave Palfreyman, De- tr(jit secretary, should take it in. * • • Don Douglas, go-getting secretary from Dallas, arrived with copies of Tile 1929 lexas Theater Almanac. Don's been publishing the Almanac for the last five years, and his 1929 edition is a wow. It covers the field frf)in practically every angle, and is of trcniendoiis value in the informa- tion it gives on the territory Don knows so well. Madison Sq. Garden Plans Picture Policy (Continued from Page 1) big sports arena. The films will be projected simultaneously on four screens, hung in the center. There will be available 12,619 seats. The remainder of the 20,000 seats will not be sold. A 100 piece orchestra is planned, the music to be ampli- fied through loud speakers. Mechani- cal music also will be used. Singers may supplement the film programs. Use Seventh Arbitrator Cleveland — Common Pleas Judge Fred Walther acted as seventh arbi- trator in a case before the Board of Arbitration, concerning interpretation of a contract and made his award in favor of the exhibitor. Coverage When an advertiser makes an announcement in the Film Daily he not only knows he will reach everyone of importance in the pic- ture business but he knows his announcement will be seen and read and believed. Everyone reads the FILM DAILY "ECU.S PAT OFF First to recognize tlie need— first to produce the film required. Announcing t-nro ne-w^ films to im- prove the quality of recorded sound, each designed to fill a special re- quirement. VA [Variable Area Recording Type Film] Makes possible optimum sound track density with lower recording lamp amperage and without necessity of forcing development in laboratory. VD [Variable Density Recording Type Film] Char- acterized by high-resolving power — and low maximum contrast. This film made to con- form with specifications approved by leading sound engineers. A bulletin has been prepared, containing complete technical Information regarding these new sound films — A copy will be sent to you upon request. "THE DuPONT TRADE MARK HAS NEVER BEEN PLACED ON AN INFERIOR PRODUCT" DuPONT-PATHE FILM MFG. CORP. 35 W. 45th St. 1056 N. Cahuenga Ave. New York City Hollywood, Cal. Consolidation of Two Sound Devices Seen Near ;Sf^NEWSPAPEK •^/FILMDOM X XLLTHE Him ALL THE TIME •DL. XLVII No. 60 Wednesday, March 13, 1929 Price 5 Cents "Noah's Ark" '4 S a spectacle, "Noah's Ark" •\ lives up to many of the claims that its producers, the ,'arners, have made for it. As most eflforts of this type, the ory is often smothered under le weight of the spectacle. Like- ise does the narrative take liber- es in dramatic license. It is very apparent that there [as no stinting of money here, ong stretches of the picture are upendous in their scope and often .ve-inspiring in their effect. If e were to sum up "Noah's Ark" I a sentence, we should say that le sheer impressiveness of its )ectacle rates for it the roadshow itegory its producers declare it is. "hat, we ask you to remember, is Lying plenty for any picture. ' Impressive Spectacle Technically, in scenic investiture, omposition, photographic charm and i:hievement in the field of spectacle, Noah's Ark" is indeed noteworthy. lo much so indeed, that we predict 5r it a widespread word of mouth dvcrtising. The picture, from these ngles, properly deserves it. It appears to us, however, that in oint of story construction a more 'orkmanlike job could have been jrned out in order to give "Noah's irk" what every spectacle requires 0 make it more than a terrific eye isplay: a yarn, warm with human in- erest and down to earth characters, ot players used as unimportant mites gainst towering sets. The Story Wanders The war furnishes the canvass 'gainst which the modern portion of Noah's Ark" is drawn. Describ- ng the conflict as a deluge of blood, n analogy is drawn with the Biblical pisode and circumstances leading to he building of the ark, the rescue )f the faithful, the deluge and drown- ng of the unbelievers in the divinely- rreated flood. The moral is, of -ourse, that just as the flood of w^t- ;rs cleansed the world so the flood jf war blood has bathed and absolved ;he world of its desire to kill. Into this piece of story construc- tion move Dolores Costello and George O'Brien as the two prime characters. They do nice work in (he comparatively brief minutes they appear on the screen, but when the picture irises out, it is not the hu- {Continued on Page 2) TESTIMONY STIPULATION TO SPEED U. S. GOV'T CREDIT CASE "Salvaging" Contracts Purpose of credit committees is to "salvage" outstanding con- tracts, which represent great potential losses, but there is no coercion in trying to induce purchaser of a theater to take over unplayed con- tracts, Edwin P. Grosvenor, chief defense counsel emphasized yes- terday. AH of the three witnesses he was able to put on the stand during the day, backed up his assertions denying any agreements or uriderstandings existed to force assumption of contracts. Early Start for Arbitration Case Seen by Court 's Step BRISTOLPitOKE,PHONOFILM ACOUSTIC DEAL IS NEAR Following weeks of negotiation, a deal whereby Sonora-Bristolphone and General Talking Pictures Corp. will consolidate their sound devices as part of a tie-up with Acoustic Products is about to be signed. The details and actual signatures may be affixed to contracts today. Thereby Sonora - Bristolphone would secure a sound-on-film attach- ment since General Talking* markets (.Continued on page 8) DIPLOMATIC POST SEEN FOR MAYER AT CAPITAL Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Reports were cur- rent last night that Louis B. Mayer, an active adherent of the President in the recent campaign will be ap- pointed ambassador to Turkey. Mayer recently said he had no inten- tion of leaving the industry for dip- lomacy. This, however, was before Fo.x secured control of Loew's and M-G-M. Louis B. Mayer is under contract to M-G-M until 1933 and is now in New York conferring with officials of his company. Trial of the suit in equity of the United States versus Paramount, nine other distributors, the Hays organiza- tion and Film Boards of Trade, in a move testing arbitration system pro- cedure, is scheduled following com- pletion, probably today or tomorrow of the credit committee case. The speeding up of the latter case late yesterday by Judge Thatcher, came as a welcome step to prosecution and defense, witnesses for which were fac- ing a long wait in New York to testify. As noted yesterday, the government intends to call no witnesses in the credit committee suit, being content to depend on documentary evidence (Continued on Page 7) "NOAH'S ARK" PREMIERE SETS BROADWAY TALKING Tile Warners opened "Noah's Ark" at the Winter Garden last night a la Hollywood. A representative slice of Broadway stopped to take in the show for it was something new. Grouped atop the new building at Broadway and 51st and across from the Winter Garden was planted a battery of eight sunlight arcs each a different color and making an en- semble that embraced the full colors of the rainbow. It was diflferent and the public stopped to gape. The lights played in all directions, cen- tering largely on a stationary blimp reproduction of the ark w-hich floated (Continued on Page 6) Trial Continues Today After Court Moves to Prevent Delay Taking of testimony will be con- tinued in Federal Court, New York, at 10:30 A.M. today in the credit commit- tee case brought by the government against First National, nine distrib- utors. Film Boards of Trade and the Hays office, but it will be under a stipulation, presaging early end of the trial. The stipulation is to de- termine which additional evidence is salient in the case, and which may be considered as cumulative. The government is asking a per- manent injunction against alleged practices in operation of credit com- mittees, which practices are charged as conspiracy in restraint of trade. The case is the first of two, the other concerning arbitration. The speeding up of the trial, which, it had been expected, would consume at least two weeks, provided a dra- (Continued on Page 7) PUBLIXMAJilNTDEAL WITT! R-K-OWON'T DOWN It won't down. Reports piled up yesterday regarding the reported management deal between Publix and R-K-O Hiram S. Brown, president of the latter organization, adhered to his denial of Monday. Eflforts made to secure a statement from Publix proved unavailing. That the deal was set was reported in several Wall Street quarters yes- terday as well as generally through- out the film trade. The financial comnient in last (Continued on page 8) Wilmer and Vincent Sale to R-K-0 Reported, Denied It is reported in several quarters that Wilmer and Vincent, operating about 37 theaters in Pennsylvania and Virginia, are about to sell out to R-K-O. Walter Vincent dis- counted the report yesterday, declar- ing there was no truth in it. Maur- ice Goodman of R-K-O also entered an emphatic denial. THE Vol. XLVII No. SO Wednesday, Mar. 13, 1929 Prici 5 Coots JOHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographie Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. STOCK MARKET High Low Close Sales Am. Seat 34Vs 3454 345« 100 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd.. 27?^ 26% 27 1,200 East Kodak 180 179 J4 180 700 *do pfd 128 ♦First Nat. pfd 106J^ Fox Fm. "A" ... 91 89H 90 3,00U •Keith A-O 37 *do pfd 110 Loew's Inc 71}4 70Ji 705/^ 5,800 *do pfd 104?4 M. P. Cap 36 35 35 1,000 Para. F-L 66% 65% 65% 42,700 Pathe Exch 11% 11% 11% 3,700 do "A" 24 23% 24 300 Stanley Co 34 34 34 200 Radio K-A-0 .... 35% 34-% 35 6,700 •Univ. Pict. pfd 98% Warner Bros 116% 114% 114J4 8,800 do pfd 52% 52% 52% 300 Warner Pet. rts... 2% 25% 2% 33,500 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 10% 8% 9 21,400 •Bal. & Katz 81 Columbia Pict 31% 31% 31% 100 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 23 22^4 23 1,400 Fox Thea. "A" .. 31.% 31% 31% 4,000 •Griffith, D.W. "A" 2M •Loew do deb. rts 37% — . Nat. Scr. Ser. ... 28% 28% 28% 100 Nat. Thea. Sup. .8% 8% 8% 200 Trans-Lux 13^ 12fi 13 J4 18,700 •Univ. Pict 19 BOND MARKET •Keith A-0 6s 46 95% Loew 6s 41ww ..116% 116% 116% 2 do 6s 41 x-war... 98% 98 98% 5 Paramount 6s 47 .100 99^ 99^ 10 •Par. By. 5%s 51 lOl^i •Pathe 7s 37 80 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36.. 94% 94 94 4 •Warner 6%s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 32 34 do units 36 38 do com 4% 5 Skouras Bros. ... 44 Technicolor 18 18^ United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED '^Noah's Ark'' (Continued from Page 1) man equation that is remembered but the spectacle through which they move. Eyefuls Vast scenes, tremendously effec- tive and sweeping panoramas of spec- tacle are embraced. They have been produced on the most lavish of scales and directed with an appreciation of the colossal that reflects great credit on the director, Michael Curtiz, and the ambition of the Warners to achieve the worthwhile. The flood which climaxes the picture is a stir- ring sequence, magnified at the open- ing last night by the use of a wide screen. But sweeping as it was, this particular episode was but one of many that stamp "Noah's Ark" as a picture to talk about. Color, An Asset Particularly impressive was the judicious and highly dramatic use of hand coloring all through the unfold- ment. The application was confined to flames and lanterns and, rather than detract from the characters or the spectacle, this treatment defi- nitely enhanced the effect. Color, one of the future steps by which films will reach their maturity, has an un- disputed niche of its own when util- ized as Curtiz did in "Noah's Ark." KANN Partington Out, Halperin Handles Publix Production A shake-up in the production de- partment at Publix has resulted in the resignation of Jack Partington, for a number of years with the Rothschilds in San Francisco. I. M. Halperin, a relative of Sam Katz's has been placed in charge of unit show production. It is understood Murray Anderson is again producing units for the chain. Reprimand Meyers; Endorse Myers The Montana exhibitor organiza- tion passed a resolution condemning Harry Meyers, secretary of the Butte Film Board of Trade and not Abrani F. Myers, as reported yesterday. Meyers was instrumental, it is un- derstood, in bringing about enact- ment of a law making arbitration coinpulsory in Montana. This was the action frowned upon. Myers was endorsed by the unit which has just voted joining Allied. Mary Garden Sees Talkers Replacing Grand Opera San Francisco — Sound pictures will eventually replace grand opera, ac- cording to Mary Garden, star of the Chicago Opera Co. It is only a mat- ter of time, stated Miss Garden, who sees this situation developing in five years at the outside. Operas in French and Italian may survive in their present form in her opinion. First Canadian Vaude House Wixed Toronto — Loew's here is the first vaudeville-picture house in Canada to be wired, installations so far having been confined to straight picture the- aters. Manager Jules Bernstein de- cided against a raise in prices and will continue to make good use of the organ which was installed when the house was rebuilt. California Hits Lobbyists San Francisco — The legislature yesterday passed a bill requiring all lobbyists to register with the secre- tary of state and. to make a daily re- port of all money received by them, the purpose of these funds are and by whom such lobbyists are em- ployed. Sholtz with RCA-Photophone Bernard Sholtz now is associated with RCA-Photophone as commer- cial representative. Wallace in New York Richard Wallace arrived in New York yesterday for a visit, during which he will view the current plays and confer with Paramount. Greeley to Vote on Blue Law Greeley, Colo. — Ban on Sabbath shows may be lifted, if anti-blues are successful at the polls on April 2, when voters will decide the question. T.O.C.C. Party for Raives Sol Raives, president of N. Y. The- ater Owners Chamber of Commerce, will be tendered a beefsteak dinner at the Astor on March 20. New Fox-Wesco Division The Montana division is the sixth to be created by Harold Franklin, president of Fox-West Coast. Will Steege will manage, with headquar- tesr in Great Falls. The Industry's Date Book March 15 Convention of eastern Pennsj vania, southern New Jersey ai Delaware unit at Philadelphia. March 17 Premiere of "Show Boat" at Ca itol, Miami, and Paramoimt, Pal Beach. April 6 Warner - First National - Stanli Frolic at Commodore Hotel, Ne York. Frels Buys Texas Houses Yoakum, Tex. — Ruben Frels of Victoria has purchased the Grand and Queen houses here from R. C. Barbade. Call WAFILMS, Inc. Walter A. Futter, Pres. for Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46th St.. New York Bryant 8181 Let Us Solve Your Problems ! Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates mCORFORATED 1S40 B'WAY N.Y.C. telephone bryant 3040 ANOTHER CIRCUIT Very Much Pleased! ice" lersBg After screening your trailers we are very much pleased to enclose three yearly contracts for same. SAMUEL H. LEVIN THEATRES, San Francisco, Calif. THE WILD HEART OF AFRICA be it the correct frame line or the proper density here is a lab takes pains to see that everything is right offers no excuses but does it over imtil it is FILMLAB a little tribute from one who still bears the scars of other labs "WE NEVER DISAPPOINT" [POWFJIH £ABORAT0Ri& INCORPORATED ' 220 WEST 42^-° STREET NEW YOPK Phone: Wisconsin 6876 ALLAN A.LOWNES. CEN.MCR. ROARING LOUDER THAN EVER! ^ ^ \» * . s. \ "N THE BROADWAY MELODY Netf York! Los Angeles! A riot at $2. Making history ! And notv in Cleveland, Stillman scale advanced from pop prices to $2 Twice Daily, amazes show world by S.R.O. business! THE VOICE OF THE CITY Willard Mack's 100% Talking Melodrama {also silent version) is another sample of Young Blood in the Talking field ! It's a house- packer ! WILD ORCHIDS — Greta Garbo's romantic thriller is sensa- tional hit. San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, everywhere it tops the town. THE PAGAN -HEAR RAMON NOVARRO SING • Reams of publicity about his great operatic voice. Notv they'll hear him! THE DUKE STEPS ODT-wntiam Haines and Joan Crawford in a grand entertainment. Oh boy, how the hits roll in! 1/ a -> ^^ ^ PACEMAKER for the INDUSTRY talk ? en HEARTS WILLIAM FOX presenU DIXIE FOX movieton: 100% DIALOG FEATUR; ALL -TALKING ALL-SINGING ALL-DANCING Musical Drama of Dixieland with a Cast of 200 Smashes All Existing Records at United Artists Theatre, Los Angeles, Cal. ■"K\<'«'llent •>iit<'rtainm»>nl . . a fnutd dral (»• ilrrlin<; <'«>in«'dy. The flial<>j>;ii<- in tlii.>« prodiution is udniirahlc . . . d<'s«'rvinji ntainin^ ♦episodes as funny as anything I ha\e seen in a motion pieluro in years." — V. } . U i,rhl "Entertainment? Plenty! A yarn that never lags — sport, youth, comedy . . . and a zip that gets you from the begin- ning. It's a swell picture." -Film Dai ** it contains everything — thrills, action, suspense aplenty, the slickest entertainment in town." — N. Y. America "standing room was at a premium and a long line stood awaiting admission . . . one of the most pleasing pictures offered at the Roxy in the past few I months. ' _jy y. Morning Telegrapl "colorful and entertaining. It's good snappy — moving entertainment. It's a lulu ... a real breath-snatcher." — N. Y, Daily Mirrc N22 1 '48 BLUE FO HOLLYWOOD CALIF HEARTS IN DIXIE HERE BROKE EVERY HOUSE RECORD SUNDAY AND INTAKE ON WEEK BIGGER THAN ANY OTHER WEEK WITH EXCEPTION OF OPENING WEEK OF THEATRE BUSINESS WAS MORE THAN SIX THOUSAND DOLLARS YESTERDAY • mat' PACEMAKER for the INDUSTRY nmfif taking P^^*^^- talker. rs BREAK RECORDS Coast to Coast M^L PAGE - LOLA LANE ENRY B. WALTHALL ^^^"^ ^"* Sharon Lynir injamin Stoloff Production "a bet is hereby offered that Roxy will top theatre receipts for alJ time this week and next." — N. Y. Evening World IN OLD ARIZONA First ALL-TALKING Outdoor Screen Spectacle 'a good, rousing picture -N. Y. World "has lots of pep . . . thrilling." — N. Y. Daily News ROXY ZX $69,500 ast Saturday, Sunday and Monday break- ng every existing record for Sunday and PACKING 75,896 persons into the theatre to see this all - talking Fox Movietone smash! -VHial a troal >ou have in sloro "In Old Vri/ona." >o\* tluT«' i- :i £»i<-Liir«>. ll is «-vim\ I liinj;. I wisli I liJMliri svvi\ it >«» I rtmlcl sec il ayain for lh«> (irsl liinr." — Chira»a llvraUl ami Examiner ""'" EDMUND LOWE -WARNER BAXTER ' DORTHY BURGESS Breaks All Existing Records at McVickers Theatre, Chicago '•What a picture this is! Your eyes and cars arc glued to it until the final flicker is gone and the last whisper has died away. There's not a dull moment in it. One of THE pictures of 1929." — Chicago American '■' 'In Old Arizona" is one grand movie! Ucniark- ablc? I'll say so! It pcr<-olatcs with arlion and is tense with suspense. Direction, pholograpliy. syiK hroni/.ation, scenery are superb through- out.""— Chicago Tribune TALK MONEY "^ Every Box- Office City Council to Act On Atlanta Sunday Ordinance Atlanta — Anti-blues will make an attempt at next meeting of city coun- cil to legalize Sunday pictures and baseball. Councilman Cobb, Jr., will lead the fight, following success of our other councilman in legalizing Sunday collection of golf and tennis fees on municipal courses. A Record for Mae Murray Louisville — It is estimated that at- tendance at Keith's Rialto during Mae Murray's personal engagement is now the house record. Some esti- mates indicated over 20,000 people paid to see her act. Freemont House Closes Freemont — Paul Geyer has notified local exchanges that he has closed the Jewel. ..-J-- ANSON lA BROADWAY AT 73 ST NLW YOPK Patrons of Prominence Choose the Ansonia! 1400 Large Homelike Rooms Comfortable Furnishings Soundproof Walls Rates will surely please! Rooms with private bath from S3 per day For two from $5 per day Parlor, bedroom and bath from $6 per day Booklet on Request Wire at our expense for Reservations DAILV Wednesday, March 13, 1929 *Noah's Ark' Premiere Sets Broadway Talking (Cotdinued from Page 1) in the air high above the theater. As far down as 42nd St. the arcs with the gorgeous, effective lighting were visible. That was one kick. The second was a huge electric sign replica of the ark strung clear across the front of the theater with electrical rain- drops pouring over it. From the marquee, at intervals arose clouds of steam through which different col- ored lights played. While the pub- lic probably didn't get the significance of it, events later proved this to be indicative of the outpouring of the elements prior to the deluge and journey of the ark. The theater was thronged with well known figures in evening clothes. Following two short Vitaphone acts, the house darkened, a huge drop across full stage was lowered while two effect projectors off stage played cloud effects and then rain through which there was occasionally inter- spersed lightning flashes. As ac- companiment, the strains of the over- ture were heard while in the upper boxes, left and right, special sound effect machines added to the impres- siveness and realism of the symbolical prologue. Immediately prior to the main title and credits, a rainbow suf- fused the stage and was kept plaving there until the opening shot. The applause that burst forth from the audience was spontaneous. The outdoor ballyhoo and the pro- logue were arranged and handled bv Harry Charnas. A. P. Waxman and their staffs. The opinion appeared unanimous that they had put on something new and extremely effec- tive— even for Broadwav. Wisconsin Houses Changes Hands Milwaukee — The Comet, a Milwau- kee neighborhood house, formerlv op- erated by Moy Toy, is now being managed bv J. Honthauer. At She- boygan. Wis., the Lincoln, formerly operated by A. J. Schurrer, is now operated by Blask and Lennig. Coast Wire Service Jannings in Talkers GERMAN STAR'S FIRST WILL BE 1IIE COMCERr Emil Jannings will appear in talk- ers for Paramount. His first will be "The Concert," originally designed as a silent film. Ludwig Berger will direct. This may have an important bear- ing on Jannings' future relations with Paramount. His present con- tract runs out in a few months. So far there has been no renewal be- cause of the vogue for dialogue pic- tures and the German's meagre knowledge of English. Added to Columbia Cast Wheeler Oakman, Edward Hearn, Hank Mann and Alphone Ethier have been added to cast of "The Donovan Affair," Columbia talker. Jack Holt and Dorothy Revier head the list of players which include: William Collier, Jr., Agnes Ayres, Fred Kelsey, John Roche and Ethel Wales. Loughran Gets Screen Test Tommy Loughran, contender for the heavyweght championship, has just arranged to take a screen test for Fox following a visit to the West Coast studio. After an eastern trip which he is now pursuing Loughran will return to Hollywood in a few weeks for his test. Start "One Woman Idea" Rod La Rocque and Marceline Day have started production in "The One Woman Idea." It is adapted from a magazine story by Alan Wil- liams. Others in the cast are Fran- ces Rosay, Ivan Lebedeff, Gino Cor- rado, Joseph W. Girard, Sharon Lynn, Maria Alba and Arnold Lucy. Louise Fazenda Starts in Talker Louise Fazenda, Johnny Arthur, Walter Hiers, and Jimmie Harrison are starting work in "Hot Lemon- ade," for Christie. Arvid Gilstrom, who directed the Gleasons in "Meet the Missus" for Christie, will handle the all talker. Barbara Bedford Featured Barbara Bedford has the featured feminine role in "The Heroic Lover," an action comedy-drama produced by Oscar Price at the Universal Stu- dios in Hollywood under the per- sonal supervision of Richard Tal- madge for release through Generaf Pictures. Eugenie Besserer Cast Eugenie Besserer has been signed for George Bancroft's new all-talk- ing Paramount production, "Thun- derbolt." This is an original which will be directed by Josef von Stern- berg. A Little from u Lots tf By RALPH WILK Hollywood IF "Alibi" does not prove a sensa- tion at the boxofftce and one of the best talkers of the year, your correspondent can be classed as a poor prophet. "Alibi," produced and directed by Roland West, was trade- shown at Grauman's Chinese before an audience of trade and newspaper critics and members of the film col- ony. * * * "Alibi" is gripping from the start and well acted. Before next week rolls around, we expect some fat contracts will he tossed into the laps of Chester Morris and Regis Too- mey, newcomers to the screen. Ray June is responsible for the excel- lent photography, while Fanchon arranged the dance numbers. * * * Eddie Bowling, accompanied by James Hanley, scored heav- ily at the annual Wampas meeting. Eddie offered several songs he and Hanley had writ- ten. By the way, Hanley and Condon, former publicist, now a scenarist, held a re-union at the meeting. They were boy- hood friends in Chicago. * * * Charles Grapewin, stage veteran, who appeared in the first motion pic- ture comedy made in this country, in 1897 on a New York roof, enter- tained with an original song. Earl Goebel, described by Pat Dowling, "as an early day partner of the War- ner Brothers when they had one phonograph and one theater," was introduced, as was George Weeks. * * * Grapewin referred to Holly- wood as "the 'yes' and 'no' colony"! "Drag" Selected Next Barthelmess With the return of Richard Bar- thelmess to the First National Stu- dios, Burbank, it is announced that "Drag" a novel by William Dudley Pelley has been selected as his next picture. Warners Sign Marion Nixon Marion Nixon is the latest to be signed by J. L. Warner. During the next year she will appear in four pro- ductions. Gleason to Write Dialogue Dialogue for Wm. Boyd's new all- talker, "High Voltage," will be vvrit- ten by James Gleason. who has sign- ed with Pathe. Dialogue for "Queen Kelly" Completing her plans for the dia- logue version of "Queen Kelly,' Gloria Swanson has signed Paul L. Stein to direct. Wednesday, March 13. 1929 DAILV Credit System ^ ^ Dishonesty Safeguard*^ << TODAY IN CREDIT CASE {Continued from Page 1) I tic close to yesterday's procced- ^s, after Judpe Tliatclier had sug- ted that opposing counsel agree stipulation on evidence. The sug- ,'cstion was quickly agreed to, and ^-ourt adjourned at 4:30 P.M. after ,in all day session, to permit drawing iip of the stipulation. The court's interposition into the taking of testimony came after a desolutory day's proceedings, and proved the highlight of the session. The judge interrupted the testimony '•"« declare that much of it was waste time, and that an agreement could PC reached between counsel which would provide speedier disposition of the trial, after which and at a subse- quent date points of law could be argued by counsel. Don Douglas, secretary of the Dal- las board, was the first witness called by the defense when the trial was re- sumed yesterday morning. The W'it- ness, who was on the stand the larger part of the day, cited practices of the Dallas board in operation of its credit committee. Ninety papers from Dallas were included in the gov- ernment exhibit, and it was around these cases that Douglas' testimony revolved. All of them were intro- duced, government counsel said, to prove that agreements supplementary to the rules of credit committees, existed in the Dallas territory. Instances of overbuying, bicycling, fake closings, refused shipments, fraudulent sales, "bad boys" of the state and their effect on subsequent runs in certain situations, periodical sales of houses, figured in his testi- mony, covering a variety of cases. He cited instances where the new [uirchaser assumed but part of the c.intracts, and said that only in five • lit of 100 cases could suits be insti- tuted against defaulting former own- ers with hope of collecting. The im- provement in the situation showed tlie effectiveness and fairness of the credit committee, he said. The $50 deposits demanded in some instances. Issue is Clarified by Move of U. S. Court for Stipulation THE WILl> HEART OF AFRICA Move i>f Justice Thatcher in the credit committee case followed de- fense declaration that the purpose of the credit committee system is to safeguard against dishonesty. There is no dishemesty involved on the purchaser's part, if he declines to assume contracts, the court ruled. "We do not deny for a moment, that the purpose of the rules is to collect salvage," declared Edwin P. Grosvenor, chief of defense counsel, "but we deny any coercion." Is tlie government alleging some- thing else, the court queried, and turn- ing to government counsel, asked if the government claims any more than that the way the credit system is oper- ated is with the plan, purpose, intent and effect of persuasion to make new purchasers assume contracts. That is the general claim of the government, replied Assistant Attor- ney General Thompson, head of gov- ernment counsel, but said that in some instances, circumstances were differ- ent. A few instances do not make a condition general, the court declared, and turning to the defense, stated that unless a different line of testimony was to be introduced, to save repeti- tion and delay a stipulation with the government should be entered into. ' Tiic government hasn't shown a single conspiracy complaint so far, why do you go into it?" the court asked. With the government de- claring its willingness to stipulate on testimonj-, court was adjourned until 10:30 A.M. today, to permit considera- tion of the testimony to be heard or not heard, according to the stipula- tion. he said, covered $3,000 or $4,000 worth of contracts. Douglas was asked by the court if it is his understanding that board members follow his recommendations on credit committee cases as orders, or as recommendations, and replied that the latter was the case, although defense counsel stated that there is agreement on FT (Fraudulent Trans- fer) accounts. Douglas had prev- iously testified that contracts of dis- tributors who serve FT contracts would not be recognized in arbitra- tion. This rule never was used to penalize an exhibitor, he said, and was abolished two years ago. Mem- bers he said would be fined if they violated the rule. He outlined one instance, however, where two com- panies had violated this rule, and the contracts were fulfilled, pointing out that they were signed while investi- The HOTEL Jefferson ON THE OCEAN END OF KENTUCKY AVE. ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. AN HOTEL WHOSE COMFORTS WILL ASSURE ONE OF FULL ENJOYMENT OF THIS GLO- RIOUS RESORT. Each Room has Bath — Strictly Fire- proof — Luxurious Lobbies — Sundeck Overlooking the Ocean. Golf Privileges American Plan $7 up European Plan $4 up OWNERSHIP— MANAGEMENT FETTER & HOLLINGER gation of the status of the exhibitor was pending, and so had to be lived up to by distributors. Credit committees, said Douglas, have minimized fraudulent transfers, bred respect for contracts, and made (Continued on Page 8) ARBITRATION TRIAL TO GET UNDER WAY SOON (Continued from Page 1) and evidence brought out in cross-ex- amination. The defendants, on the other liaiul, had planned to call about 2.S secretaries of Film Boards in the lirst action. This number now will he released by the court's suggested stipulation, on principle of which counsel are agreed, and which will be anncunced in court this morning. 'J'hen, upon completion of testimony by a few more witnesses, immediate trir.1 of the second or arbitration suit will begin. Secretaries, in view of expected appearance in the two suits, were expecting to spend considerable time in New York in connection with the actions. As a number of them, prac- tice law in addition to their secretarial duties, this would have proved a hard- ship. A number of exhibitor wit- nesses scheduled to appear for the government in the arbitration suit already are in New York, so that the speeding up of the credit action was welcome news to them. Accurately- giving its' readers the im- portant news of the day, news of vital importance to a progressing indus- try which needs news when it is news — The Film Daily i THE DAILV Wednesday, March 13, 1929 TESTIMONY CONTINUES TODAY IN CREDIT CASE (Continued on Page 7) exhibitors more prudent businessmen. He denied the allegations in the com- plaint, that there are any dealings be- tween members outside the Film Board of Trade, or that there exists any agreement to refuse to serve the purchaser of a theater unless out- standing contracts are assumed. He also denied there is any agreement to keep new buyers, on a credit list, or that there is any agreement to re- fuse spot bookings to theater pur- chasers unless they assume contracts, or that there is any agreement to de- prive such purchasers of their right to relief in court for any alleged in- justice, growing out of operation of the credit committee. On cross-examination, Douglas said that established firms are not re- quired to fill out the credit question- naire, stating their credit rating is established. Pressed by C. Stanley Thompson, chief government counsel, he denied that credit committees op- erate only for small towns, and said that while accounts are listed as CIR, which he said stood for Credit In- formation Requested, or Credit Infor- mation Refused, the individual case decided the matter, so far as any de- mand for deposit was concerned. Credit information is given as a memorandum on the credit commit- tee report, and only when an ex- change requests more details is it given. Under the CIR rating, an ex- change serves an exhibitor at its own discretion, but in case of a FT rating is expected to refuse service, he ad- mitted. Exchanges, he said, check up and report violations, in certain instances. No members ever have been fined, however, he said. Dis- tributors are not required to recog- nize assignment of contract, he said, in answer to a question as to wheth- er the credit committee will clear the purchaser of a theater, obtained from an exhibitor whQ has defaulted an arbitration award. Questioned by the court as to whether members could spot book an exhibitor after the ten day period, Douglas said the board does not try to tell salesmen who to sell or not to sell, he said it is up to the man- ager to ascertain the account's status. He said exchanges do not get "his permission" on spot booking, but usually tell him when they are serv- ing an account on that basis. Doug- las identified ABCD markings, on a photostatic copy of one of his credit reports, stating they stood for de- posits of $50, $100, $150 and $200 re- spectively, and after verifying state- ments made in letters introduced, was excused. E. L. Cole, Atlanta secretary, was next witness. He testified to a num- ber of transfers yearly in the Atlanta territory, pointing out the loss sus- tained in contracts which were not assumed. He explained the FT list- ings which had been made in his ter- ritory, principally one concerning R. B. Wilby of Ensley, Ala., and Joe Steed. The two formed a corpora- tion and combined two theaters, he said, one house having outstanding $12,110 in unplayed contracts, cover- ing 404 features, 369 shorts, 64 news- reels and a serial, the other $18,581, covering 480 features, 391 shorts, 30 newsreels and three serials. Prom- ise was given the $12,110 contract would be fulfilled, but the other was a total loss, he said. The FT rating was applied, but periodically lifted, on representations made the agree- ment would be kept he said, but de- clared no security ever had been posted. Atlanta's board lives up to the credit committee rules and makes no side agreements, Cole said. He denied that there are dealings of exchange- men outside Film Boards, or that there was any agreement to refuse service to purchasers of theaters, un- less outstanding contracts are as- sumed. There is no agreement to re- fuse spot bookings to such owners, or to deprive them of their court rights, he said. He says a purchaser can a.<'.siime all or one or any part of existing contracts, as exchanges desire to "salvage what they can." Contracts of each company are con- sidered as one contract, he said on croos-examination, estimating the average exhibitor has contracts with from four to ten different companies. Financial standing is a big factor in establishing rating, although ability and willingness to pay are important, he said. Questioned what would be done in the case of a known "dead- beat" who assumed contracts, he said that service would be up to the com- mittee, but then said the distributor has no alternative if the contracts are assumed, and must serve such ex- hibitor, who has indicated by assump- tion of contracts his willingness to fulfill them. Asked by the court if he ever knew of a distributor refusing to do busi- ness with a purchaser of a theater, unless the latter assumed existing contracts. Cole replied in the negative. Rosemary Foley, Omaha secretary was the next witness, and the line of questioning by defense counsel was similar. She said that in the Omaha territory there were 328 theater trans- fers in 1928, of which 16 were placed on the FT list; with 140 cases of assumption of contracts, and 13 where assumption was refused. She said that distributors are per- mitted to rewrite contracts with new owners, but are not permitted to sell more than the number of pictures under contract, but in reply to a query by the court, said that, if the contracts are assumed, the exhibitor could buy all he wished, because the matter then is out of the credit com- mittee's nands, as the assumption is evidence of credit standing. No hardships had been worked upon exhibitors in getting films, and FT accounts could get films under outstanding contracts without a de- posit. A sumption of contracts is a big factor in credit rating, she testi- fied, adding that the question as to whether contractual relations will be observed is more important than the exhibitor's capital. It was at this juncture that the court interposed, to say that time was being wasted by same testimony and urged the stipulation. II 5/ior^ Shots from I New York Studios l^^mUBy ARTHUR W. BDDVSLm^^ HAROLD LEVEY, musical direc- tor for Vitaphone pictures being put together at Vitaphone studio, ac- quired his experience in the musical field through intensive training on the musical comedy stage. For a long period he was associated with Henry W. Savage as a composer and conductor. Metropolitan Studios, Fort Lee's active studio, has finished scoring "Simba," camera record of the Afri- can open spaces. Fifty-two cartoon shorts are now being scored. Details which Louis K. Sidney is too busy to handle receive effective performance through Dorothy Schiff- man, his secretary who has been transplanted from the Loew office to M-G-M's eastern studio. It may be the Four Marx Brothers on the stage but in the picture busi- ness, it's still the Fov.r McGuire Brothers. Frank is chief electrician at the Vitaphone plant in Brooklyn, Bill is with Pathe, Walter was for- merly on the payroll of Cosmopolitan Productions and Joe is an assistant director. Frank, by the way, re- members when what he believes to be the first talking picture was made at the old Edison studio about 18 years ago. It was titled "Chimes of Normandy." August Vimnera, who has seen considerable of the picture business since he started at Nice in 1911, has been appoit;ted art director for Amer- ican Sound Pictures Studio, which is the new title of the old Tilford studio on West 44th St. Vimnera, who is well known throughout Europe as an artist of distinction, was formerly with the old Sawyer-Lubin organiza- tion. Bristolphone, Acoustic/ Phonofilm Deal Near' (.Continued from Page 1) De Forest Phonofilm, while the latter i will add to its present sound track j system, the Bristolphone disc ar- rangement. Acoustic enters the deal , by virtue of its recording experience ' gained over a period of years as hold- mg company for Sonora talking ma- chines. M. A. Schlesinger of Gen- ; eral Talking Pictures yesterday de- nied any negotiations have been car- • ried on with Bristolphone. Officials of the latter company could not be reached. Roy Deutsch, president of Acoustic, maintained silence although asked for a statement. Publix Management of R-K-O Won't Down (Continued from Page 1) night's World included the follow- ing: "According to one report, the strength in Paramount Famous Lasky is not merely coincidental with the buoyancy in Radio but is reflect- ing the possibilities of a merger, or at least a joint managerial operating arrangement which will be mutually beneficial. The details of this plan are not yet available, however." K-A-O, Orpheum Dividends The board of directors of the Keith- Albee-Orpheum have declared, the regular quarterly dividend of lii per cent on the convertible preferred stock payable on April 1, 1929, to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 19. The board of directors of Orpheum Circuit, Inc., have declared the regu- lar quarterly dividend of two per cent on the preferred stock payable on April 1, 1929 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 19. THE WILL ANOTHER WHAT A AT THE ORLD ONDER AT ARNER WINNER OW! INTER GARDEN SHOWING NOW NOAH'S ARK treated with the MACKLER EVERWEAR PROCESS 630 9th Avenue, N. Y. C. Lack. 4834 IS YEARS' EXPERIENCE IN BACK OF The only process that has made good yew York Still Buzzes With Publix-R-K-O Deal i/FILMDOM / ALL THE NEWS ALLTHE TIME \)L. XLVII No. 61 Thursday, March 14, 1929 Price 5 Cents New York ^ AST side, west side and all 1 . around the town, the Fox pennant will soon fly. The bew deal gives W. F. about 70 t'aters, including a big chunk of loadway and a generous smatter- ij of strategically placed houses tfoughout the Greater New York n\t. ■When those 175 independently- ■vned theaters are annexed, as ley will be, Fox will be pretty luch the boss of the richest ter- i:ory in the United States. That something to think about, a situ- ;ion which the moguls in opposing ■ mps are far from overlooking. After First Place While the industry is narrowing )wn, it is a fact, nevertheless, that e competition for dominance con- lues to wage with fierce and unre- nting fury. If Paramount and War- !rs can help it. Fox will not have s own way in New York. If Fox .n help it, on the other hand, you in bank on his continued intention » crack the whip in the metropolitan rritory. How it will end is delving in fu- ires, usually a doubtful procedure, 'ne prediction seems safe to make id this is it: The gage of battle has been hurled. he actual tussle impends. Perhaps usiness diplomacy will result in forking agreements or mergers. This ;ems more than a mere probability. t may be that the each big group, ow on the outside, will go it alone. f this happens. New York will see frenzied building campaign. If we /ere to make a wager, we should say fforts will be made to counter the 'ox control first by mergers, then by Dint construction. In this connection, on't forget R-K-O. Legal Inspection And now, the arbitration system is o be scrutinized and passed upon by he Federal court. The government's est case gets under way today, and m interesting affair it promises to be. ^Vhisperings indicate the credit com- nittee case, so quickly disposed of, »vas but a preliminary to the legal ;otnbat in arbitration. It may be a long, drawn out affair, productive of :nany surprises and fireworks. On the other hand, it may prove a tame iffair. Either way, it's worth watch- ng. K A N N U. S. ARBITRATION SUIT GETS UNDER WAY IN N. Y. TODAY Stipulation Brings Quick Close to U. S. Credit Committee Trial Publix R-K-O? New York film circles con- tinued yesterday to buzz with reports of an impending Para- mount-Radio- Keith - Orpheum deal, calling for management by Publix of R-K-O houses. One report had it that con- summation of the reported ne- gotiations would be announced today. All parties have denied there is any deal under way. Paramount yesterday closed at 68, a new high for the year, sales totaled 53,500. Consolidated Industries Net Up 38 Per Cent in '28 Consolidated Film Industries re- port for 1928 an increase of 38 per cent in net income, bringing earnings available for dividends up to the high- est total in the company's history. Net for last year was $1,575,966 as compared with $1,141,484 in 1927. Earnings increased steadily from $351,344 in the first quarter to $455,- 546 in the last quarter, and this prog- ress continued during the first two months of 1929. Publix-Fox Race Seen as Looming in New England Boston — 'i'here is reported to be looming in New England a real race for theaters between Publix and I-'ox. Publix has been adding to its hold- ings steadily of late, and is reported seeking other houses in Fox-Poli strongholds. Meanwhile, Fox is said to be planning expansion. Stipulation of counsel, who agreed that the evidence introduced in ex- hibits secured from files of three Film Boards of Trade, and entered as evi- dence by the government as well as rebuttal testimony and cross-examina- tion of the three boards concerned is typical of existing practices, brought a quick conclusion yesterday to the credit committee case. The action was brought by the gov- ernment under the Sherman law, charging conspiracy in restraint o trade in operation of credit con. mitlees. The suit was brought against First National, nine other dis- tributors, the Hays organization and Film Boards of Trade as co-defend- ants. A permanent injunction against alleged illegal practices was sought. The sudden close of the case fol- lowed two days of testimony during which the government banked its case on some 38,000 exhibits obtained from files of the defendants. The latter (Continued on Page 5) Conn. Exhibitors To Fight New Tax BiU Hartford, Conn. — Theater owners are preparing to battle against the proposed two per cent state tax bill on all grosses, now pending. The measure was secretly drawn up in judiciary committee with aid of State (.Continued on page 8) Conspiracy Action Second of Two Actions Under Anti-Trust Laws Trial of the conspiracy suit brought by the government against Para- mount, nine other distributors, the Hays organization and Film Boards of Trade, is scheduled to open at 10:30 A.M., today in Federal Court, New Voile. The case will be heard before Judge Thatcher, presiding judge in the credit case, brought to a close yesterday following a stipula- tion between opposing counsel. Both sides in the case are prepared to call a number of witnesses, ma- jtjrity of whom are on hand for the action. The government plans to summon to the stand between ten and 15 exhibitors, to back up its contention that there is a conspiracy existing between defendants in con- nection with operation of the arbitra- tion system. A permanent order restraining the alleged conspiracy is sought by the government. C. Stanley Thompson is chief coun- sel for the government, assisted by Ralstone R. Irvine. The defense is represented by Edwin P. Grosvcnor of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, Arthur L. Fisk, Jr., Gabriel L. Hess and Charles C. Pettijohn will appear (Continued on Page 5) Technicolor Developing Three-Color Process Technicolor is developing a three- color process and has taken steps for installation of the initial laboratory unit for manufacture by the process, as well as building of equipment for production of color sound pictures, states William Travers Jerome, in a (Continued on page 8) Bill to Exempt Talkers from Censoring Protested Harrisburgh, Pa. — Bill to exemin talkers from censorship in Pennsyl- vania has been sent back to com- mittee for reconsideration, due to protests received from a number of religious leaders, who have asked Sen. Woodward to fight the measure. Baltimore Referendum on Sunday Shows Adopted Bahiiiiore — Bv a vote of 18 to one, the city council recently voted to carry the question of Sunday shows to the public. A referendum will be held on an undetermined date. Warn Cleveland Exhibitors to Stop Theater Lotteries Cleveland — Local exhibitors have been warned by assistant law direc- tor Ben Levine, at a meeting of the Cleveland M. P. Exhibitors' .\ss'n to stop all lotteries in their theaters. Numbers given out with admission tickets, followed by a prize drawing is illegal in Ohio, said Levine, and warrants will be issued for all ex- hibitors violating this law. George W. Erdmann, secretary of the asso- ciation had practically stamped out this practice. Nebraska Senate Kills Sunday Opening Bill Lincoln — Wilcox Sunday opening measure was defeated in the senate when a majority ruled on indefinite postponement. Several "trick" amend- ments, made by its author, killed all chances of passage. THE jg^ DAILV Thursday, March 114, 192! Mf^^ULTNE NEWS MXLVIINo.61 Thursday, Mar. 14, 1929 PriciSGents JOHN W. AUGOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California— Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Harle, La Cinematographie Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Nout«, 19. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am. Seat 35 34^ 35 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 27^4 27 27'A East. Kodak 184 180K ^^i'/i ♦do pfd 128 ♦First Nat. pfd 106^ Fox Fm. "A" ... 93 91 91 J4 *do rts 3 Keith A-0 35 34'A 34^ ♦do pfd 110 Loew's Inc 74 70'A 72^ do pfd 104 104 104 ♦M-G-M pfd 25^ M. P. Cap 36 35 35"^ Para. F-L 68 66;4 68 Pathe Exch 12^ Uyi UVt do "A" 26 24 25 Radio K-A-0 .... 35/2 34Ji 34^ Stanley Co ii 33 33 ♦Univ. Pict. pfd 98 J4 Warner Bros 116^ 114^ 115!4 do pfd 52y2 52/2 52-/2 Warner Pet. rts. . 3 2V» 3 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 9^ 9 9 •Bal. & Katz 81 Columbia Pet 31J4 3m ^Wi Con. Fm. Ind. ... 23 225/8 225/8 ♦Film Insp 2 Fox Thea. "A" ... 32 31 3154 ♦Griiruh, D.W. "A" 2J4 Intern. Proj 45 42 45 Loew do deb. rts.. 36 33^i 36 Nat. Scr. Ser. . . ZWi 27 28^ Nat. Thea. Sup. ..9 iVi 9 Trans-Lux 14^ 14 14}! ♦Univ. Pict 19 BOND MARKET Keith A-0 6s 46 . 94 94 94 Loew 6s 41ww ..116 115 116 do 6s 41 x-war... 98^ 97 97 Paramount 6s 47 ..100 99^ 99?i Par. By 5^4s 51.. 103 102"/^ 103 Pathe 7s 37 80!4 80^i 80'/4 CURB BONDS ♦Am. Seat. 6s 36 94 ♦Warner 6^s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 32 34 do units 36 38 . . . . do com 4J4 5 Skouras Bros. ... 40 45 Technicolor 18 18J4 United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com 2 . . . . do pfd 85 . . . , •LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 700 300 1,300 4',966 '566 12', 5 66 300 I'.ioo 53,500 25,000 2,100 6,600 300 s'ioo 600 10,800 5,000 "266 1,100 7,766 '600 300 300 400 17,300 4 27 13 9 4 1 Prominent Britishers Due in N. Y. from London Soon By ERNEST W. FREDMAN Editor, "The Daily Film Renter" London (By Cable) — Herbert Wil- cox, Victor Saville and John Stuart, all prominent in the British industry, are booked on the outgoing Aqui- tania for New York. John Maxwell, chairman of British International Pictures, sails on the Berengaria next week. Maxwell to Confer with World Wide Officials on 1929-1930 Details of a talking picture pro- gram for next season are to be dis- cussed by John Maxwell upon his arrival in New York March 26. Brit- ish Intern'l's plans are bemg held in abeyance pending the decisions arrived at following conferences with J. D. Williams and other executives of World-Wide Pictures which re- leases the B. I. P. product in the United States. The Aquitania, with Wilcox, Sa- ville and Stuart aboard, is due in New York March 19. Microphone Conquered, Jesse L. Lasky Believes Films have conquered the micro- phone, is the message brought back from Hollywood by Jesse L. Lasky, first vice president in charge of pro- duction of Paramount, who returned to his New York desk yesterday after spending several weeks in the Cali- fornia him capital. In an incredibly short time producers have solved the mechanical difficulties of making talking films, Lasky declares. Pic- tures which he saw before leaving Hollywood have eliminated the amateur staginess which marred the pioneer dialogue films and now com- bine that swift flow of movement which has always been characteristic of the cniema, with the best qualities of stage technique, he adds. Robson Recovers from Injuries Toronto — Clarence Robson, east- ern supervisor of theaters for the Famous Players Canadian Corp., has recovered from injuries received when he took a bad fall down the stairway of the Uptown here, key house of the big Famous Players' chain in the Dominion. Paula Gould Feted at Press Luncheon in N. Y. Paula Gould was honor guest yes- terday at a farewell press luncheon at Sardi's in New York, prior to her departure for the Coast. Radie Harris of Cosmo Syndicate and Vir- ginia Morris of Warners acted as hostesses. Guests included in addition to Miss Gould: Irene Thirer, "The Daily News;" Bland Johaneson, "The Mirror;" Betty Colfax, "The Gra- phic;" Eileen Creelman, "The Sun;" Marguerite Tazelaar, "The Herald- Tribune;" Delight Evans, "Screen- land;" Alma Talley, "Picture Play;" Ethel Rosemon, "M. P. Stories;" Eva Bernstein, "Screen Book" and Lenore Samuels. Berg Heads World Wide's Synchronization Dept. World Wide has formed a new musical department for synchroniza- tion, with S. A. Berg in charge. Berg was formerly with Sam Fox, music publisher. He is working out a development in sound and syn- chronization whereby sound in con- nection with pictures will not be con- fined merely to effects. Sugarman Columbia Salesman Pittsburgh — Benjamin Sugarman has been appointed salesman for Co- lumbia. He comes to Columbia from Paramount. Schwartz Back from Florida A. H. Schwartz, head of Century Circuit, is back in New York from Florida. The Sheepshead, at Sheeps- head Bay, is Century's newest. Referendum in Orlando Orlando, Fla. — A Sunday show ref- erendum is to be held here March 19. The other day 320 citizens registered with City Clerk J. Arthur Stinson to take part in the balloting. Leaves for "Show Boat" Premiere Helen Morgan left New York and her two Broadway shows yesterday for Florida where she is to appear Friday at opening of "Show Boat" at the Capitol, Miami, after which she will go to Palm Beach for the pre- miere at the Paramount. Cohens and Kellys Day "Cohens and Kellj' Dsy has been set aside for March 17 by Universal, in connection with national release of "The Cohens and Kellys in At- lantic City." M-G-M to Make Musical Revue Musical comedy and vaudeville headliners will appear in an all-talker revue to be made by M-G-M, tenta- tively titled "M-G-M's Revue of Re- vues." Fox Signs Richardson West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood ■ — ■ Frank Richardson, blackface minstrel, has been signed by Fox and will first sing several numbers for Fox Movietone Follies. Keith's Now Houses WCBM Baltimore — Studio of Station WCBM has been moved from Cha- teau Roof to Keith's roof, where programs will be broadcast from this R-K-O combination house. "U" vs. Veiller Suit Starts Bridgeport, Conn. — Two-year old suit of Universal against Bayard Veiller, playwright, started yesterday before Judge Carl Foster, in Supe- rior Court. Plaintiff claims Veiller defaulted on a contract by which he was to have written an original story for $10,000. The Industry's Date Book March IS Convention of eastern Pennsy vania, southern New Jersey an Delaware unit at Philadelphia. March 17 Premiere of "Show Boat" at Ca, itol, Miami, and Paramount, Pali Beach. April 6 Warner - First National - Stanle Frolic at Commodore Hotel, Ne\ York. Pathe News Cameraman Killed Charles R. Traub, veteran Path. News cameraman, was killed yester day when the triplex racing autc driven by Lee Bible in an attcmp to break the world's record, over turned and crashed into him at Day tona Beach, Florida. Bible also wa; killed. Traub had been with Ra) Hall Pathe News editor, since 1914 when the latter was editing tht Hearst-Selig Pictorial. Harris Gets New Fox Post John Zanft, of Fox Theaters Corp., has appointed Milton Harris, asso- ciate director of publicity, to act as traveling publicity director stopping a month or two in each city through the West and California in order to install the Fox system in each the- ater. Trop Closes Roseland Deals Five territorial deals for Rose- land's series of 12 one-reel talkers have been closed by Jack Trop, who sold them to Maurice Chase for Upper N. Y. ; Liberty for Eastern Pa. and No. N. J.; Celebrated Players' for Wise, Minn, and Dakotas; Sam- uel Ludwig for No. 111. and Ind.; and! Premier for Eastern Mo. \ AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Theatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3580 Fire At Colimibus, Mo. Columbus, Mo. — The Columbia here was destroyed by fire causing a loss of several thousand dollars, it is reported. A Million Feet oS Everything FILM LIBRARY SCENES Stone Film Library 220 W. 42nd St. Room 2002 Phone Wisconsin 2141 THE WILD HEART OF AFRICA f y^^^fomotifl/' ■'Jeanne Eagels in 'THE LETTER' gives one of the most gorgeous portrayals ever caught upon the silver sheet. A talking picture triumph." — I\ew York American "Intelligently produced and most compietently acted. True passages of life-like drama. Compellingly performed.'" — iVeit? I'orfc Times "THE LETTER' accomplishes still another step forward in the eye-opening development of the talking film. Miss Eagels gives a performance that holds the spectator from first to last with compelling intensity. Reginald Owen as the husband and O. P. Heggie are admirable. Herbert Marshall is his own engaging self." — i\'ew York Telegram t t.^" ^t.*^ t^^ lA^ e eV ^e ^^ i^ W^^ i^i e e^ V iV^^ iV^^ V^' 1f e^ ^e e^ A^' V^^ A ^^ .t* ^o'^^.u^ttv** T5cW ^tV Jjtl' 0 e Y^ Now playing at $2 Criterion Theatre, N.Y. ^^.^-.*; Jeanne Eag^el!^ m ff THE LETTER" With O. P. HEGGIE. From the play by W. SOMERSET MAUGHAM. Directed by JEAN de LIMUR. Another all-talking hit from PARAMOUNT. THE Thursday, March 14, 1929 J^^ DAILV Decks Cleared for Arbitration Action U.S. SEEKS INJUNCTION m ARBITRATION CASE (Continued from Page I) for the defense. I3oth staffs acted in similar capacity in the credit com- mittee case, which closed yesterday. On hand for defense witnesses are 29 secretaries of Film Boards of Track-, who are in New York to testify in the credit committee case. However, only three of their number were held, the court urRinR that testimony of the remainder he foregone by stipula- tion. STIPULftTliliCS CREDIT CJIS^TO CLOSE (Continued from Page 1) has subpoencd secretaries of 39 Film Boards for rebuttal. After three of the secretaries had been placed on the stand, the court interposed to say that the evidence apparently was cumulative, and that a stipulation of counsel on testimony was advisable. . This was agreed to readily by both sides on Tuesday, and overnight the stipulation was drawn up. The stipulation was read when court reconvened yesterday morning, with Edwin P. Grosvenor chief of defense counsel advising the court that it had been agreed that the Dal- las, Atlanta and Omaha exhibits are typical of the government exhibits obtained from the other 18 Film Boards and that the testimony of the secretaries of those three boards is typical of testimony which would be obtained from the other 29 secretaries. In view of this fact, it was agreed that the remainder of the exhibits would be withdrawn and the secretar- ies of the other 29 boards would not be called upon to testify. LENGTH flAL TO DEPEND MSTIMONY Attitude of the court toward testi- mony to be introduced is expected to be determining factor in length of the trial of the government's arbitration action against ten distributors, Film Boards of Trade and the Hays or- ganization. The government has be- tween ten and 15 witnesses to call in support of its contention that a con- spiracy in restraint of trade exists in connection with the conduct of arbitration. On the other hand, the defense has 29 Film Board secre- taries as witnesses. The court may suggest or insist upon stipulation on testimony in the arbitration case, as was done in the credit committee case, reducing estimated time of two weeks for trial, to but little more than two days. The Procedure Credit committee case of the government charging conspiracy in restraint of trade against First National, nine other distributors and the Hays organization, resolved itself, by points of stipulation on testimony, into points of law, which will be argued by counsel. The case was brought to a quick close, following agreement to the st'pulation between counsel. With the arbitration case now to be heard, a date will be set by the court for argument between counsel on the points of law involved. It is expected that briefs will be filed, covering points at issue, so that a decision may not be handed down for some time. Date of argument may be set to immediately follow disposition of the arbitration case. Exhibitors Arrive to Testify On Arbitration W. A. Stc*'i'es, Northwest unit lead- er; H. M. Richey and James Ritter of the Michigan unit; Col. H. A. Cole, Texas unit head, P. J. Wood, presi- dent of the Ohio unit, and George Erdmann of the Cleveland associa- tion, were among exhibitors who are in New York and expected to testify for the government in the arbitration suit which gets under way in Fed- eral Court at 10:30 A.M. today. Special Meeting of Allied Ass'n to Be Held in N. Y. Special meeting of Allied States Ass'n will be held in New York dur- ing or following completion of the government conspiracy case against ten distributors. Film Boards of Trade and the Hays association, which gets under way in Federal Court at 10:30 A. M. today. A num- ber of Allied leaders are to testify for the government in the action which concerns legality of workings of the arbitration system. Less Than An Hour Needed To Wind Up Credit Case Less than one hour was required yesterday to bring the credit com- mittee case to a close after counsel for the government and for ten dis- tributors, the Hays organization and Film Boards of Trade agreed to stip- ulation on testimony. Agreeing that the evidence was cumulative, both sides decided that exhibits covering activities of three boards, and testi- mony of secretaries of the three boards concerned, was sufficient on which to argue merits of the case. Accordingly, only Rosemary Foley, who was on the stand when court adjourned Tuesday, was called upon to testify. She offered rebuttal tes- timony to several cases cited in the government exhibit, explaining the credit committee stand in each in- stance. Of the 16 FT accounts list- ed during 1928, "all but two or three" were cleared by the end of the year, she said. She reiterated testi- mony of previous witnesses, denying there exists any conspiracy to refuse service to purchasers of theaters who do not assume outstanding contracts; denying any conspiracy exists to re- fuse such purchasers spot bookings or to deprive them of their rights in court, in matters growing out of op- erations of credit committees. Cross-examined Miss F"oley testi- fied that investigation determines when transfer of a theater is fraudu- lent and when it is not; that in the meantime the committee does what it thinks right, although it may be wrong on a number of cases. Ques- tioned as to why but two or three FT accounts remained at the close of the year, she said some had been cleared and others had gone out of business. Asked if an exhibitor on the credit list is notified he may spot book, she said he usually is inform- ed of the fact, and said that the pol- icy is for salesmen to call upon, ex- plain and attempt to make an ad- justment with exhibitors on the credit listing, principally for the conveni- ence of the exhibitor. Mrs. Theresa Drazin, assistant to Gabriel L. Hess, was recalled to the stand to explain the difference be- tween the system of arriving at to- tals in the national report of credit committees in 1928, as contrasted with 1927. The 1928 report, she said, represented the ultimate report, while the 1927 report was based on first listing, with no information available as to disposition of the case listed. Both plaintiff and defense passed further argument, with the case ad- journning at 11:10 A.M. Sidelights ^^ By CHARLES F. IIYNES ^ (icorge Erdmann, P. J. Wood, A! .Stcffes, Jim Ritter and Col. H. A. Cole were among exhibitors who have shinvn up for the government's arbitration case in New York. They came posthaste to testify in the gov- erimient arbitration action, joining H. M. Richey who was on the scene when the credit rase opened Monday. When it looked like a long seigc ahead before the arbitration case would be reached, the boys began sharpening their iiencils, figuring out they were dropping plenty of bucks a day on the government's allowance to witnesses. And that's without figuring the loss to their business at home. However, the court's action in speeding up the credit trial, so that it was brought to quick conclu- sion yesterday morning, caused smiles all around. * * * Film Board secretaries, resigned to a loTig stay, figured they could use yesterday afternoon's recess to catch various shows. However, a meeting precluded this, for the credo of the organization is hard work. * * * "Buck" Steffes was reminiscing yesterday on his previous jump to New York as a witness in a tractor case. After being kept in town about ten days, he was called to the stand, to answer five questions, and all his replies were: "I do not know." t * * Yesterday's gathering of Film Board secretaries, was augmented by Mrs. G. Moffet, Cleveland; A. L. Mermugh, Kansas City; Duke Duih- bar of Denver and James Fitzger- ald, Washington. Russian Film Screened Today The .\merican Society for Cultural Relations with Russia will show "10,- 000 Miles Thru Russia with a Camera," todav, at the Engineering Auditorium, 29 W. 39th St., New York. Film Guild Site Transferred Property housing the Film Guild Theater on West 8th St., New York, has been conveyed bv the 52 W. 8th St. Realty Co. to the M. & H. Oper- ating Corp., subject to a mortgage of $290,000. Ben Koenig, who besides being secretary of the Milwaukee Film Board, has an enviable "rep" in the Beer City as an attorney, is follow- ing the proceedings with a profes- sional interest. Ben is a brother of "Bill" Koenig, veteran production executive, who now does his stuff at Warners' Hollywood plant. « * * Charles Zears, secretary of the Oklaho^na Film. Board, runs out and grabs a paper bright and early each moi~ning, to see if any more gover- nors have been impeached back home. * * * Seems rather strange that Frank J. Rembusch, "stormy petrel of In- diana," is not in New York for the arbitration case. Rembusch is cred- ited with urging, if not actually in- vestigating, the two year govern- ment probe of arbitration, and has been a consistent foe of compulsory arbitration. « * * // the case lasts much longer, maybe a convention of secretaries won't be needed this year. 'Greatest Screeil ??-,^^ "BOUND TO GLEAN UP" PICTURE THAT IS BOUND TO clean up. Easy to forecast a box office sen- sation comparable to Jackie Coogan's early features. The youngster sings "Sonny Boy," after which the returns are all in and there's nothing to it. Will make 'em rave. Nothing could be sweeter on the box office side. — Yarkty. "SUCCESS ASSURED" THE MILLIONS WHO HEARD DAVEY Lee sing over the radio, right then and there made the success of "Sonny Boy" assured. Davey Lee is blessed with the faculty of creeping into your heart and cuddling there, talking some of his lines and singing. That's more than enough for the mob. — Film Daily. "DAVEY CLICKS" DAVEY LEE CLICKS. HE IS A MOVIE find. — Evening Graphic. VARNERl BROS. VlT^ntoi»] "SCREEN FIND" DAVEY LEE IS, WITHOUT A doubt, the greatest screen find of years. The Warner Bros, have reason to con- gratulate themselves. — New York Evening Journal. "ACTION FAST" "SONNY BOY" WILL BE A FAVOR- ite with all movie lovers. The action is fast, the story interesting and the playing excellent. — Morning Telegraph. "PACKED HOUSE" DAVEY LEE AN IN- fant prodigy that can keep a packed house hugging itself in glee. — Telegram. NOW! Warner Bros. Theatre ^^^S. TW/CE DA/LY At $2-^0 Top -and taming 'eman^ay ind of Years! // LAUGHTER" A MERRY FARCE COMEDY. Seldom have such gales of laughter eeted a talking picture. — New York Times. "SWELL BOY" )AVEY LEE IS A SWELL LIT- tie boy. Hundreds and thousands of I people will like to see the little fel- low. — Nevj York Evening Post. ^^ "BOX OFFICE DOLLARS" THE BOX OFFICE may burst with dollar bills at the Warner The- atre where Davey Lee made his starring debut. — Daily News. WARNER BROS. have a star of the first magnitude in Davey Lee. His performance is positively amazing. He brings the house down. — Evening World. KIP HEimS-Hf TAIKS-HE CHARMS EDWARD EVERETT NORTON BETTY BRONSON DiKectet/ 6y ARCHIE L.MAYO Sonny Bog NOAHS Aleui X/orks DESERT If Cnminq Along THE <^E^ ill OAiLV Thursday, March 14, 1929 *i Sound Pictures iSjf CHARLES P. HYNESi U.K. A nEAe SUBJECT By ERNEST W. F REDMAN Editor, "The Daily Film Renter" London — "Talkies" still continue to be the chief topic of conversation in the trade, the battle raging prin- cipally around the question of inter- changeability. Various councilatory statements have been made by E. O. Heyl, vice-president of RCA Photo- phone relative to the freedom which will be allowed exhibitors to play any sound films on RCA apparatus and RCA sound films on other types of equipment. Meanwhile, it is being urged by many in the trade that the "talkie" situation will re-act strongly against exhibitors if anything but the best and most effective systems are in- stalled. The allegation that America is trying to get round the Films Act by exercising its domination in the matter of sound installations is repudiated by Western Electric cham- pions who state that indifferent pro- jection of the new medium will do incalculable harm and that cheap ap- paratus will in the long run turn out to be expensive to exhibitors who in- stall it. So far, however, the main body of the trade is not impressed with these arguments. 1,456 Wired Western Electric has wired 1,456 theaters in the United States for sound projection by the dual system of film and disc as of March 9. 'Erpi' System for Erlanger Houses, Not Photophone Electrical Research Products holds a contract for wiring of all Erlanger theaters for sound, states C. W. Bunn, general sales manager of the West- ern Electric subsidiary. Previously it had been stated erroneously that RCA-Photophone equipment would be installed in the Erlanger chain of houses, for roadshowing of talkers. Chrest Organizes to Manufacture New Device Dover, O.— Capitalized at $100,000, the Chrest Sound Equipment Co. has received a charter to manufacture and market a sound device invented by George Chrest, of the Ohio thea- ter. Manufacture has already com- menced at the Walter Robb machine shops and first installation will be made tomorrow in Akron. Adding of Depth, Color and Sound Forecast by Milliken Springfield, Mass. — "Depth will soon be added to movement, color and sound to make pictures the greatest medium of expression in the history of the world and the most complex form of art that man has evolved," in the opinion of Carl Milliken, secretary of the Hays or- ganization, told the Women's Club of Springfield. Milliken stressed cul- tural advances already made by pic- tures. 23 Theaters in Canada Now Wired for Sound Toronto — Twenty-three theaters of Canada now are presenting sound programs on a permanent basis and practically all have Western Electric installation. There are two Canadian cities already boasting three wired theaters, these being Ottawa and Winnipeg. At Ottawa, the Regent, Avalon and Rex are wired and a fourth, the Imperial, is opening with sound pictures March 16. Winnipeg has the Metropolitan, Capitol and Garrick wired. The Capitol, King- stonj Ont., has opened with Western Electric equipment. Manager R. J. Harrison closed the Capitol, St. Cath- erines, Ont., early in March for reno- vation and for installation of sound fixtures. The smallest town in Canada to have a sound-film theater is Sherbrooke, Quebec, this being the Granada, recently opened by United Amusements, Montreal. The policy of this house is to play a synchronized program three days each week with a silent progrram for the other three days. The Prince Rupert, new house in Prince Rupert, is being wired. Incidentally, announcement has been made by the Northern Electric Co., Montreal, which controls Western Electric installations in Can- ada, that the Electrical Research Products, Inc., of Philadelphia, Pa., is looking after the wiring of seven picture theaters in Alaska. Pacent Debut in Cleveland Cleveland — The Regent, owned by Paul Gusdanovic has installed a Pa- cent Reproducer sound installation. This is the first of this make in op- eration in Cleveland. Coen to Handle New Sound Device in 7 N. W. States Minneapolis — Vitatone, newly per- fected sound device, will be distrib- uted in the Northwest by L. H. ("Mickey") Coen, who directed per- fection of the machine, under Strom patents. Installations will cost $1,500, which includes extra replacement • parts. It is planned to manufacture 25 ma- chines monthly. Ofh,ces have been opened at Film Exchange Bldg. Marketing "Noah's Ark" Songs Irving Berlin, Inc., has put on the market special Vitaphone editions of the two songs heard most frequently during the action of Warner Bros. Vitaphone spectacle, "Noah's Ark." They are "Heart 'O Mine" which is the theme melody, and "Old Timer," another number. The music publish- ers co-operate with exhibitors in ex- ploiting songs and pictures. Nebraska House Wired York, Neb. — The Sun, which is equipped with Vitaphone and Movie- tone, will open soon. Georgia House to Get Sound Moultrie, Ga. — The Grand Theater Co. will build a $75,000 house to seat 1,000. It will be equipped for sound. Massachusetts House Wired Greenfield, Mass. — Goldstein Bros, have opened the 2,000 seat Garden. It IS equipped with Vitaphone and Movietone. Films Via Television Are Promised Soon by Jenkins Motion pictures will broadcast over the radio via television in New York by about April 1, according to James W. Garside, president of the Jenkins Television Corp. A station to transmit the images is being erect- ed atop the new Jenkins' manufac- turing plant at 346 Claremont Ave., Jersey City. Portland (Ore.) Exhibs. Form Protective Ass'n Portland, Ore. — Portland Theatri- cal League has been formed by thea- ter owners, who seek protection and a means of cooperating on local problems. Bill Parker, of the U. A. Rivoli and Peoples theaters, is a member of the board. An adjust- ment of early morning prices will be taken immediately. It is understood the 25 cents opening-till-1 o'clock price will be abolished. Technicolor Developing Three-Color Process (Continued from Page 1) letter to stockholders. Meanwhile, the firm is doubling its capacity for manufacture of positives by the two- color process. All plants are on a 24- hour basis. The firm, Jerome says, has paid off its bank indebtedness of $500,000 and reduced materially loans made by several principal stockholders. Bank cash of $200,000 in excess of liabili- ties was on hand as of March 1, the company and subsidiaries report. Conn. Exhibitors To Fight New Tax Bill (Continued from Page 1) Tax Comm. Blodgett. Republican state organization is understood to be actively backing the bill. A censorship committee would be created by another measure now be- fore the legislature. It provides for a board of two men and a woman, at an annual salary of $4,500 each, which would be met by a tax of $2 per 1,000 ft. of film. Newspapers editorially oppose the measure. Publix Students to Visit Studio John Barry, head of the Publix Managerial School, and 28 of his students will visit the studios of Aesop's Film Fables this afternoon to study the making of animated car- toons. Paul Terry and his stafif will give demonstrations for the embryo managers. To Every Independent Exchange and Roadshow Man • • • The Opera ThrilloDrama La Tosca A Feature Production of Sardou's Great Story Synchronized with song and music for use on non-synchronous machines SEE — HEAR La Tosca A specially composed theme number "TOSCA WALTZ" For territorial rights bookings, etc. apply at once to PRIME PICTURES CORP. 729 Seventh Avenue New York City PORTABLE SOUND EQUIPMENT FURNISHED Zikor's Famous Players Canadian Holdings Sold »/filmdom ALL THE NEWS ALL THE TIME XLVII No. 62 Friday, March 15, 1929 Price 5 Cents The Family rVSHIONING public tastes is [^ a large order. Any indus- try which rises ^r falls in 0 as the man in the street ts it should watch its otep. lice is directed today to the i)f sophistication which is ^ its mark on the current pictures. ;ing films with a greater de- maturity is a splendid idea. 1 fluff has been turned out llywood in years past to ihe most exacting of Polly- Yet to attempt to swing ■astes into different channels r-i overnight is the wrong way ;i about it. If motion pictures e () be made from stories that e ock-ribbed in life and drama, change should be gradual. False Speed l_ii pears to us that producers are ipting to hurry along a move- which cannot be hurried solely ise the public must be gently d. The keystone of the indus- success is to be found in family . Lose that because of unsavory ;s or daring treatments and the ig situation will be well nigh rous. : stand foursquare behind any ment that makes for a sturdier n, but we do insist that bring- his about by upheavals border- n the violent will never accom- the purpose. Only i long, care- executed educative process will ve the desired result. Holly- and New York, take heed. Smashed! St Sunday, the Roxy ended a wind day witli $27,635 in its rs. A one day record for the ;er which means for the history >ition. What next? Reward le of the charming bits of the ih's Ark" program is an operat- itaphone number in which Hope ipton demonstrated that for the ful worker there is reward. Miss ipton sang several arias from non' and did them delightfully, happen to know how diligently has worked. Therefore this enition. K A N N ARBITRATION CONSPIRACY IS DENIED IN U. S. ACTION Compulsory Arbitration Under ''Unfair Contract, U.S. Target [The Gov't Rests With surprising suddenness, C. Stanley Thompson, chief of government counsel in the arbi- tration action being heard in Federal Court, New York, yes- terday announced that the gov- ernment rested its case. The move followed introduction of the government exhibits, with Thompson resting on documen- tary evidence, without calling any witnesses. However, wit- nesses are to be called by the government in rebuttal testi- mony. Charge that the uniform contract is one sided, imposing most liabilities on the exhibitor and is most advan- tageous to the di.slributor; and that arbitration system, practices im- pose restraint on interstate commerce in violation of law, is made by the Dept. of justice in its suit against Paramount, nine other distributors and Film Boards of Trade, in the second of two suits in equity, which opened in Federal Court New York yesterday. The government's position was out- lined by C. Stanley Thompson, spe- (Continued on Page 4) REPORTED INCLUDING RCA Berlin (By Cable) — It is under- stood here that RCA Photophone, .Acoustic Products, Sonora-Bristol- phone and De Forest Phonofilm are the American sound systems reported linked in a combination of French, German and English sound companies which will attempt to sew up the British and continental markets. The (Continued on Page 18) $5,957,218 EOR '28 PEAK EARNINGS EOR EOX FILM With net profits of $5,957,218 after all charges and taxes for the year ending Dec. 29, 1928, Fox Film Corp. reads a new high mark in its carn- in.us. The current profits are equiv- alent to $6.47 a share on the com- bined 920,660 shares of no par Class A and Class B outstanding. This compares with §3,120,556, or $6.24 a .'^hare on the 400,000 shares of Class A and the 100,000 shares of Class B outstanding as of Dec. 31, 1927. Exhibitor Agreements Are Basis of System, Is Defense Keynote Maintaining its denial that there is no conspiracy to coerce exhibitors in he oi)erations of the arbitration board and enforcement of awards. Para- mount, nine other distributors, the Hays organization and Film Boards of Trade will continue their defense against the government's conspiracy charge in Federal Court, New York, at 10:30 A.M. today. The govern- ment has rested its case. Operation of the arbitration sys- tem and enforcement of awards, the defense contends, through its chief counsel, Edwin P. Grosvenor of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, are conducted under agreements between the dcfcMuhnts and exhibitors. The {Continued on Page 4) Paramount Sells Interest in Famous Players Canadian Co. FOX GETS 27 HOUSES IN FOREIGN LANDS VIA LOEW London — The New Empire, recent- ly completed on the site of the fa- mous theater of the same name, be- comes Greater London first run for Fo.K as a result of the Loew deal. (Continued on Page 16) Paramount has disposed of "a sub- stantial interest" in Famous Players Canadian Corp., according to a form- al statement issued yesterday by Adolph Zukor. The holdings were bought by various unnamed Canadian interests, but understood to be the group until now holding control. There will be no changes in man- agement, Zukor contiiming as presi- dent of the Canadian chain, which operates 140 houses throughout the (Continued on Page 2) Interchangeability Status Change Pleases Exhibitors -Satisfaction is being expressed by exhibitors throughout the country over the improvement in the inter- changeability situation, according to .'\bram F. Myers, president of Allied States Ass'n. Letters backing up their views have been received at his Washington headquarters. He re- cently appealed to the Dept. of Jus- tice for an investigation of the situa- tion. Myers is in New York at- tending trial of the arbitration case. He may be called as a witness, it is understood. Publix Move to Offset Fox Under Way in N. E. Boston — Construed here as steps in a campaign to combat tlie Fox-Poli holdings in New England, Publix will build a 2,150-seat theater in Salem. It will be ready Labor Day. The chain has also leased a 1,400-seat house now being built in Newport, R. L Temporary Delay in Springfield Springfield, Mass. — Legal difficul- ties are reported to have temporarily delayed the purchase of the CapHol by Publix. Negotiations will be re- sumed later. THE Vtl.XLVIINo.82 Friday, Mar. 15, 1929 PriciSCiaU JOHN W. AIIC9ATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., »nd copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months. $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la CournJes-NouM, 19. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am. Seat 39 34% 39 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 27Ji 26% 27 East Kodak 184 182 184 *do pfd 128 ♦First Nat. pfd 106J4 Fox Fm. "A" ... 921i 90 J4 9254 *do rts 3 •Keith A-0 34'A •do pfd 110 Loew's Inc 72% 71% 72^ do pfd 104 103J4 103 J4 ♦M-G-M pfd 25 J4 M. P. Cap 38 35 38 Para. F. L 70J4 68^ 70i^ Pathe Exch 12J4 12 12!4 *do "A" 25 Radio K-A-O 36 3S'A 35-% Stanley Co 33 33 33 •Univ. Pict. pfd 9854 Warner Bros 121% 11554 12054 do pfd 5454 53 5454 Warner Pet. rts. . 3% 2J4 354 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 954 8% 9 Bal. & Katz 80 79?-^ 80 Columbia Pet. ... 3154 315^ 315^ Con. Fm. Ind. ... 2354 22% 23% •Film Insp 2 Fox Thea. "A" .. 31% 30J4 31 •Griffith, D.W. "A" 2J4 Inte.u. Pre; 595^ 45 59^^ Ixiew do deb. rts.. 36 36 36 Nat. Scr. Ser. ... 27^ 27J4 27J4 Nat. Thea. Sup. .. 11 J4 9!4 HM Trans-Lux 15% 14% 15 54 Univ. Pict 22 22 22 BOND MARKET Keith A-O 6s 46. 9354 9354 9354 Loew 6s 41ww ..115 115 115 do 6s 41 x-war .. 98 97% 97% Paramount 6s 47 ..10054 99% 99% •Par. By. S54s 51 103 Pathe 7s 37 80% 80 80% CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 .. 95 94 95 •Warner 654s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 32 34 do units 36 38 .... do com 454 S .... Skouras Bros. ... 40 44 .... Technicolor 18 1854 United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 13,400 1,500 400 4,200 4,500 300 4,s66 85,700 3.900 10,966 100 3o'666 900 17,300 3,400 700 300 5,600 Paramount Sells Interest in F-P Gana, (Continued from Page 1) Dominion, under active management of N, L. Nathanson, managing direc- tor. Paramount is understood to have controlled about 30 per cent of the Canadian company. Under a franchise arrangement which has a number of years to run, the Famous Players Canadian Corp. secures the full out- put of Paramount for the Dominion. Consolidated '28 Earnings Equal to $2.44 Per Share After allowing for the $2 cumula- tive dividend on 300,000 shares of preferred, Consolidated Film Indus- tries, in 1928, earned $2.44 a share on 400,000 shares of common. Cur- rent assets of $3,253,088 are listed on the balance sheet as of Dec. 31, 1928, with liabilities of $1,634,279. Cash and marketable securities total $850,772. Company's statement reveals that it extended its operations during 1928 into allied fields through acqui- sition of Combined Title Studios, Inc., of California; Elco Gelatine Publish- ing Co., Wyanoak Pub. Co. and Com- bined Photo Industries, Inc. % 6,000 45,000 400 100 3,000 11,800 100 5 1 2 30 '"7 4 Warner Assets Up to $17,181,446 as of Dec. 1 As of Dec. 1, 1928, Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. showed total assets of $17,181,446 compared with $15,785,- 801 on Aug. 31, 1928, and surplus $3,- 728,153 against $810,429. Current assets totaled $8,623,103 and current liabilities $5,610,937 as contrasted with $8,103,374 and $9,166,741 respec- tively on August 31, 1928. "U" Declares Quarterly Dividend A regular dividend of $2 on the first preferred was declared yester- day by Universal Pictures, payable on April 1 to stock of record March 25th. "Show Boat" Premiere Set for Sat. at Palm Beach Universal's "Show Boat" opens at the Paramount, Palm Beach, Satur- day night, with most of the leaders at the winter colony scheduled to at- tend the premiere. Box-holders include J. J. Raskob, E. T. Stotesbury, J. Leonard Replo- gle, Drexel Biddle, H. C. Phipps, E. F. Hutton, Jerome D. Kern, Helen Morgan, Mrs. G. F. Vanderbilt, J. S. Phipps, Florenz Ziegfeld, E. R. Bradley, Jules Bache, Frank Hut- ton, Gerald Dalil, Barclay Warbur- ton, John T. King, and others. The picture opens tonight at the Capitol, Miami. The Industry's Date Book Today: March 16 P; Convention of eastern P( ,). vania, southern New Jerse id Delaware unit at Philadelpl Premiere of "Show Boat" l ,,. April Du Pont to Market 2 New Types of Stock for Sound Du Pont-Pathe has developed two specialized sound recording nega- tives, to be known as "V.D." and "V.A.", former to be utilized for va- riable density recording, and "V.A." for variable area recording. Labora- tory technicians have been at work many months determining correct types of stock for sound production, embodying characteristics desired both by recording engineers and laboratory technicians. Thalberg Leaves for Coast Following Meeting in N. Y. Irving Thalberg, M-G-M produc- tion executive, left for the west coast yesterday following a series of con- ferences with ofificials of the com- pany in New York. Orlando "Blue" Election Orlando, Fla. — The Passage of the ordinance repealing the "blue" law here has been requested in a peti- tion signed by approximately 1,000 voters. A referendum is to be called soon. The city commission is against the proposed ordinance. Marmoulian to Direct Rouben Marmoulian, who staged "Porgy" and "Wings Over Europe" for the Theater Guild, has been signed as a director for Paramount. Baldwin at Detroit Sold Detroit— Mabel Baldwin has sold the Baldwin here to Louis and Wil- liam Kimmel. The deal involved $350,- 000, it is reported. The Royal, owned by Kimmels', was turned over to Miss Baldwin as part payment with the understanding that it is not to be used as a theater for 10 years. Chaplin Recovers IVea Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Charles Chaplin, hav- ing recovered from his recent illness, is expected to resume work on his unfinished picture next week. itol, Miami, and Paramount m Beach. Warner - First National - S ey Frolic at Commodore Hotel York. April 14-15-16 Convention of Western n- sylvania Exhibitor Unit at burgh. May 1 Annual meeting of Quebec i. itor unit, Montreal. May 6-9 Fpring meeting of Society of >. Engineers in New York. Alden to Make 104 Shoi Talkers for Sam Ef 3 Several series of short reel tal embracing 104 subjects, will be • duced by Alden Film for Safrus ■ ture Corp., headed by Sam F who is marketing Moviephone. entire group will be all-talking 1 made both for film and disc. } of the first series have already i delivered. Alden Miller heads a produc unit which leaves tomorrow Havana where the next four wil produced. Billie Rainsford is s ring. Jack Brown and Tom Br are cameramen. Three of the series are single reel detective stc and the fourth a two reel come Roach Here Today Hal Roach, arrives in New York today on a business visit. He will confer with M-G-M executives and arrange details of the forthcoming production schedule at the Roach studio. Morgan Leaves for Coast Having completed his task of or- ganizing the M-G-M eastern studio camera staff, Ira Morgan departed yesterday for the coast, leaving Harry Williams as chief cinematog- rapher. Leslie Jordan Dies Leslie Jordan, well known | licity man and lately press b writer for RKO, died at his horn 56 Lincoln Ave., Newark, Wed day evening. Funeral services expected to take place Saturday af noon. Johnson With Publix Fort Smith, Ark.— D. L. Jolir has succeeded Tom Schmidt as n ager of the New and Joie. Johr was formerly manager of the Ca[ at Oklahoma City. Smith has t transferred to Austin as managei the Queen. Wilcox Here Charles Wilcox of British Dominions Film Corp. Ltd. is in ^ York from London. His brot Herbert, arrives next week. White, Receiver for Toledo Co, Toledo, O. — Harry White, manager of the New Empire here, was ap- pointed receiver for the Toledo The- atrical Co. by Common Pleas Judge Gosline. The receivership was asked by the Commerce Guardian Trust & Savings Bank Co. to satisfy a judg- ment. Fire Damages St. Paul House St. Paul — Damage to the extent of approximately $5,000 was done by a fire at the Garrick here. The house is owned by F. & R. and seats 1,200. Buys Colbertson House Colbertson, Neb. — J. J. Book has purchased the American. Call WAFILMS, Inc. Walter A. Futter, Pres. for Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46th St.. New York Bryant 8181 I "Mons" at Cameo on Saturda American premiere of New Els British picture, "Mons", takes p)|: at the Cameo, New York on Satr day. ANOTHER CIRCUIT Very Much Pleased! After screening your trailers we are very much pleased to enclose three yearly contracts for same. SAMUEL H. LEVIN THEATRES, San Francisco, Calif. P'"'!jil:!!l^^L!!ri:^^!^l— ^^^^ ^7l7u^/i foreign ''East W^^^' A GREAT MOVIE wiih their worW upset Producers of Pi^t- J , J, '^,.,, for the best hv new inventions, are ^nopint, 'vav to make a talking mov^- ^ ,^,,, .^at if A recent «l>-'^-'f ^^^t^tl rful talkie the first vou want a recipe for a xxon r^ ^^ ^.r,to hing to do is to get feu" Jar^ > >1. ^j ^^, ^est tin dialogue. T;--ngag;U. o^o^ t ^^ ^.^^^^^^^^^ actors obtainable, giNe tnen and let them go to it. .^^ ^^^^ pon- At one lime the %% '^'V'\!^"tic critic. Moved by Uficalchairwasameredr m -u ^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^ some vagrant impube. he s ^^^^^^^,^ ^^^ into a picture the^t^'^f'u largest in New York '"'\he theater was one of thar^ ^^^.^^ ^^^^^^ City. It was ^-'-^''^J^X Gnnl^^l by what that the place was ^^^^V^^^t ushers, the visitor seemed an endless ^^ ^^^^ ^..tor to a lofty bal- found himself ^^^^^^^'t '" ,";;^ ra. far below, looked ,ony whence a P>'^7> ^^^f ^^t hardly seemed pos- like a company of "^*^"^- , ^^^,\,. ' n,le that one could ^-^^^^Ze and audible as Well, the show prosed as m ^^^^.^.^^^^ j^^^th it would, in days past, tromt ,ow on the aisle. ^ g^^ret, made by The picture was ^T^^ ^^^ ,^,.i,t Half an Hour for money. . . ^^ ..u vou are given the With no P-^>-\nd of dialogue. A young situation in the ^rst nv« d ^^„ away with man is Pl*^-^'"^' ^.^ ^^ foUows a scene between him to Egypt ^/^^"J^^\ „i,and domineering and SC^;:^i;fel..uent<^ertoj..^^^^^^ The wife, in ;^^;r^^=*'r,-;^tntly she joins him and she will go with him. Pre. n y ^^^ devoted lit- ,,,re is a XtXtf^^^^^ --'^ ^°°"^- tie slavey who has carea "^ rr,,, a taxicab and is killed by a man stops out to ga a I And this IS only \*^^ .j'^^^ i^ n.^kes tense. po.K'u- neednotbetoldinde Uul.but. tn ^^^^^^^^ .^ ^,^^ . ant drama. Every -H«f^^^^ ^^. ^^^^ ^^.j,,, .^ with «i^^"^^^''^".'^^'"He e you see the need of good adroit and telling. Heiejo artists in pictures. j .^.jfe Ruth '• For her charactenza on ot U^ ^^^.^.^^__j^.^,j, Chatterton ha. ^'^^'"XnTaTtJLs, but has not had praise. She is an -''^^^^'"^^f l,'„ost she seemed S,uch luck of late «" J^-f^^j" ^,, career. In this to be approaching the end ^ ^^.^.i^h her voice and p.cture she finds a med .m m vj^^^^ .^^^^^,,,„,, even the nuiver ot her e> of the highest artistry. perhaps, goes to H. One's greatest admnat on P ^^o^incer- B. Warner in the ""^l"^. f j^fhe played himself, ing husband, ^ou m^^h^^'-^^^^, \.,, this is the BO P--"->.^-^^',fKintot- Kings, played a corn- man who, in ThL Kin.- ^^^^rrondLTr^ie Robert Edeson offers a fine. suave performance ^ balcony, was far All this, from V;' -Srui it could have been „ore vivid and if f 'f^ ^u in the old days. U from any part of a P'"* .^"; ^i^j, under a micro- --;r:^nhlS^f^-neo.ly in other S,.a'ers all over the coun O • ^^.^^^ ^^, ,ve We speak "»'^««.«^^;^^'?: ,„ enormous advance believe this talking p. Uir^^^^ .^ , ,reat movie, in the art of ^-tert.unmuit .^^ ^^^^^^^^^^ ^.^^,^ ^,„. though it does, i";tt^;, j.,„. motion pictures trary to the usual foimu a ^^^.^v. Ko doubt some ot ou .r^ ^^^^ advert.s- wiU use this editorial to tt U ^^.^^ .j^,, in^r. We hope the P^^'*" " j^ said co>i nvrorr. l^n\ that. What '«X, Paramount produces iree gratis and or no Uu ;. ^^^, ^„, ,, may have bad pictures as wen a» h- ■ occasion to say so some cUv>. ^^,^ ^j^er our To Mr. Frederick Jam^^- ^^^^m. \\e apologies for .--"-f ;^^^Th D-tor's Secret but h'lven't read his review ot l ne ^^ ^^^ tiedon't see how i- -Jild d.aM e. ^^ ^^^.^^^^, ,, can find out about that . page PARA3IOUXT QlALITY TALKING PICTURES; The kind that national magazines witli 1,900,000 cir- enlation \\Tite fnll page editorials abont. 4 4 4 4 4 4- Defense Insists That U.S. Show Injury mm. OPENS DENYING (.Continued from Page 1) system, the defense insists, has prov- ed of great benefit to the entire in- dustry. Defense of the action, the second brought by the government against the same defendants, was started yes- terday, after the government sudden- ly rested its case without calling any witnesses. The case is an action in equity with a permanent injunction sought by the government against al- leged illegal features of the arbitra- tion system. Gabriel L. Hess, general attorney for the Hays organization and for Film Boards of Trade, was the first witness, testifying as to the history and adoption of the uniform contract of which the arbitration agreement is a part. The preceding case had a similar purpose and concerned operation of credit committees throughout the United S'tates. That action, was brought to a close by stipulation on testimony. It was started Monday afternoon, and taken under advise- ment by the court. Briefs are to be filed, with argument of counsel to follow. Thompson Reads Complaint The arbitration case opened yes- terday morning with reading of the complaint by Thompson, special as- sistant attorney general. The gov- ernment contends there exists be- tween the defendants conspiracy to coerce exhibitors to arbitrate, fore- going their right of going to court on claims arising under the contract, and to refuse them film service, un- less they post deposits, in case of failure to comply with an arbitration award. In addition, the government contends that side agreements be- tween exchange managers result in their exceeding rules or arbitration, without knowledge of the defendants, Government Loses a Round The government lost a round in the arbitration suit yesterday, in its contention that arbitration of bicycling cases is "going beyond" the powers vested in the board by the contract. The government contended that, as violation of the copyright act, such cases should be submitted only to the Federal Court. In answer to query from the court, the government counsel said, such procedure does not seem to be proper. The court could see no reason why a copyright law violation could not be compromised between the parties and arbitrated, and declared it could not exercise responsibility for what can and can- not be arbitrated. A Break p. J. Wood, business manager of the Ohio exhibitor unit; George Erdmann, business manager of the Cleveland asso- ciation and Nathan Yamins, Fall River, Mass., a member of the contract committee, yester- day were permitted by govern- ment counsel to return to their respective homes, but instructed to hold themselves in readiness for call as witnesses. Mean- while, Abram F. Myers, presi- dent of Allied, W. A. Steffes, president of the Northwest unit, H. M. Richey, business man- ager of the Michigan unit, and Col. H. A. Cole, head of the Texas unit, remain in New York under government sub- poena. whose different functions in the in- dustry be outlined. Like the credit committee action, the arbitration case is brought under the Sherman anti-trust law. As 60 per cent of films are distributed by the companies named, and 98 per cent by members of Film Boards of Trade, the exhibitor, it is alleged, is forced to comply with the demands the government contends are made by the defendants. Government counsel read the text of the uniform contract, including the arbitration agreement, and out- lined arbitration laws existing in some states. He said that in each Fihn Board there are about 15 dis- tributors, who are organized, while exhibitors are scattered in the vari- ous zones. The government, he said, is attacking the legality of the arbi- tration system and methods used to enforce it. It appears, government counsel said, that arbitration boards sliould have discretionary powers in fixing deposits to be demanded from ex- hibitors who do not comply with awards. The board does not fix the maximum, but the Film Board secre- tary does, he said. An arbitration information list is supplied members of each board, and sometimes ex- changed with other boards in cases of overlapping territories. What Gov't Contends Thompson then attacked the right of arbitration to hear bicycling cases, contending that as violations of the copyright law, they should be heard only in Federal Court, although the court declared he could see no reason why such disputes could not be ar- bitrated. The government contends evidence will show that boards have gone be- yond the powers vested in them by the contract, Thompson contended, using the arbitration system as a col- lection agency, for collection on open account shipments, bad checks, pay- ment for refused shipments, and for disputes and payments concerning advertising. The contract, said Thompson, is for licensing of film only and the ar- bitration of disputes not arising un- der the contract is illegal. The evidence will show, Thomp- son promised, that the agreements existing, implied if not expressed, re- sult in blacklisting of an exhibitor who does not comply with an award, unless he posts deposits with each exchange. The court then asked why the gov- ernment is concerned in the matter and how the public is interested, querying whether there is any op- pression, complaint or injury. Hundreds of exhibitors have com- plained that they do not feel they should be forced to accept the con- tract and compulsory arbitration, re- plied Thompson, and feel that they should be free to negotiate agree- ments on product they buy. Replying to declaration of the court that he had listened in vain for any claim of damage, Thompson said the alleged agreements existing re- strain interstate commerce in viola- tion of law. The most essential factor is the ef- fect, the court replied, asking if the $ EXHIBITS AND WITNESSES AGREED TO BYSTIPOLATION For the purpose of speeding up trial of the arbitration case, counsel have agreed to select tlie exhibits from files of eight Film Boards of Trade, stipulating that these are typ- ical ef exhibits gathered from all boards, whose files were examined by the government. It is planned to have only the secretaries of those eight boards testify, but more may be called and additional exhibits placed in evidence, if deemed neces- sary, under reservations to the stipu- lation. UNDER'iEAIRCONTRACr (Continued from Page 1) cial assistant attorney general and chief counsel for the government in the case. His statement was in reply to queries from the court as to why the government is interested in the workings of the arbitration system in the industry. "Why is the government con- cerned," asked the court, "how is the public interested?" addmg that throughout the reading of the com- plaint the bench had listened m vam for any claim of damage. EXCEED^ER, Clfll government's claim is that the power' of arbitration boards had been un-'! fairly used or overreached. ', The government contends the con- ' tract is one-sided, replied Thompson ; and as 98 per cent of films are dis-l' tnbuted by the defenants, exhibitors' are forced to sign it to operate their theaters. Grosvenor Opens Defense As in the credit case, no charge of monopoly or price agreements is niade by the government in the ar- bitration complaint, Edwin P. Gros- venor, defense counsel chief, declared in opening the defense. The govern- ment, he said, admits that competi- tion exists, declaring that exhibitors favor the system. He branded the government case an attack on com- mercial arbitration, to which Thomp- son replied that the attack is on com- pulsory arbitration. Grosvenor then cited the accord existing between distributors and ex- hibitors in arbitrating cases. Tlie government, he said, shouldn't come in with the theory that the system was wrong, but should prove that there was any injury to an individual or to the public. "After all, said Grosvenor," it is our industry, "adding that the gov- ernment must prove injury or the Sherman law was not involved. He cited the need for quick decisions and drew attention to an exhibitor request for arbitration of cases on 24 hours' notice." Tracing origin and development of the uniform contract, the defense called attention to the multiplicity of contracts prior to 1923 and told of the contract negotiations to date, which have resulted in adoption at various stages of seven different standard contracts. He also stated the contract was changed in August. 1926 to conform to the views of the Attorney General. He touched upon the Trade Practice Conference in 1927, at which he said the principle of arbitration was endorsed with but (Continued on Page 18) Long Trial? Indications were yesterday that the arbitration case would run into next week. Only one witness has been heard to date, Gabriel L. Hess of the Hays organization. With exhibits from eight Film Boards of Trade and testimony of eight secretaries to be introduced, several days' sessions seem like- ly. However, Judge Thatcher speeded up the credit case, by urging a stipulation, and may find a short cut for the present action. for the greatest "A L in th e wor Id THE PERFECT 100% TALKING-DANCING- THRILLING-GRIPPING MELODRAMA What A Spellbinder! Alibi is everything these folks who know their pictures have to say about it. Alibi |ust literally knocked them off their seats at a recent preview in Hollywood Stars, direc- tors, exhibitors and press just went wild with enthusiasm over this great production. Let their opinions be your guide. NORMA r^TALMADGE now at work on a 100% ^i^ talking picture ,-^ — • — ^-^^ . J i DOUGLAS ^ FAIRBANKS 'v^ose"lron Mask" is break -'ff ing records in New York HERBERT ^BRENON Director of "Sorrell & ^^ Son" and now making 100% talkie of "Lummox" HENRY 0 KING who has just finished^p'^ "She Goes to War," biggest picture of its kind, with dialogue and sound SAM ^r- TAYLOR Director of ^/ Mary Pickford's sensational 100% talkie "Coquette" Alibi is wonderful entertainment. Since seeing and hearing Roland West's triumph; have exhausted my supply of superlatives telling every- body how great it is." "'Alibi'thrilled me to death. I think it is a masterpiece and one of the finest box-office promises imagin- able. Everything about it is great and Roland West has sure given the world a classic talking produc- tion." "A magnificently directed picture that will bring magnificent revenue to box-offices." "It's a great show and that is what everybody wants to see. It will pack them in at the box-oPFice and is superior to anything in talking and sound yet released." "'Alibi'is the most surefire picture I have ever seen. Is perfect for every- body and will put them on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Its melodramatic situations are abso- lutely without equal." LEWIS ^^MILESTONE Preparing for ^^Jl^rl 00% Talkie starring Lupe Velez. GEORGE fll FITZMAURICE Directing "The Locked^^*(yDoor," 100% talking picture What a picture. It nfiakes me shud- der to think what I have to follow." Most thrilling melodrama ever produced on the screen. I predict tremendous box-office for it every- ere. JOSEF ^ VON STERNBERG ;j;r:;,\x:hl°.".tr:s Paramount direc ^P' tor of'Underworld," "The Drag Net, ing vehicle produced. I cannot i 'The Last Command" C GARDNER K SULLIVAN famous scenario creator LOUIS.' Popular screen WOLHEIM actor J. BOYCE t? SMITH Production Manager, (^BK^ Inspiration Pictures DOROTHY HERZOG well-known newspaper critic ective testtalk- gvehicleproduced.l cannotpraise it too much. I'm crazy about it." Alibi will be the greatest stimulant to the talking picture book that it could ever receive. It is a truly won- derful piece of work that will be rewarded by satisfying everybody who views it." 'Tm a tough critic but Alibi just went ahead and bowled me right out of my seat into the center aisle, and I have to say marvelous." "'Alibi is far in advance in any- thing of its kind. It held me spell- bound." "Thank God I You gave me the greatest picture I ever saw." Now from the heart of the ^™**fiTheatre-The Box-Office Here's a wire from A. H. Yeomans who trav- elled from Arizona to attend the preview — 'Made special trip from Arizona to see 'Alibi' and am sure glad I came. It is greatest talking picture I ever saw and held me spellbound — start to finish. Public wants entertainment and Alibi has more than any sound or talking picture I ever saw and have seen them all. Prophesy it will be 1929's biggest box-office success. 'Alibi' like a breeze from heaven to we theatre owners with talking equipment." I Wait a minute, there are more on the next page| ^ f f( ■J.^ D.E. RICE West Coast Circuit 1 FRED MILLER Carthay Circk Theatre RUSSELL ROGERS "XBi* Pacific Coast Theatres HAROLD HORNE United Artists Theatre "Biggest surprise of my life and words cannot express the greatness of this production. Most interesting thing I have ever seen and it's 100% perfect." Alibi' is better than 'Broadway Melody'and you can say I said so." "We attended the preview of Alllw and want to congratulate United Artists on producing what is the best crook melodrama ever made. Consider 'Alibi' both a fine contri- bution to the new art and a great box-office attraction." "From the standpoint of box-office 'Alibi' is greatest bet I have seen. Am aching for a release date." You v/ill need no alibis for booking "ALIBI" but you'll have to think up a good one if you don't. Get Happy with UNITED ARTISTS "Where the Great Big Good Ones Grow" 0/^ILY Friday, March IS. 1929 -HJS^fi^^JtMi^ Dialogue in All First Nationals Columbia Renews Two Picture Contract With Lois Wilson Gilbert at Work on "Redemption"^ — Esther Ralston, Dix's Lead— George Abbott Engaged for "Ringside" — Wilk's Pertinent Comment WILL USE VITAPHONE IN 18 PICTURES SCHEDULED All First National-Vitaphone sound features will have dialogue, following release of "The Barker" and "Weary River." Sound stages at Burbank have been completed and all equip- ment installed. Dialogue pictures either in pnxluction or scheduled to start .soon include the next Col- leen Moore picture as yet untitled; "Man and the Moment," an Elinor Glyn story starnns Billie Dove, with Rod l-aRocque; "His Captive Woman" starring Milton Sills and Dorothy Mackaill; "The Squall," with Alice Joyce, Myrna Loy and others: "Sat- urday's Children," starring Corinne Griffith; "Prisoners,"; "(lilies of the Field," also starring Corinne Griffith, two Barthelmess pictures, as yet untitled; "Careers," "Riv- iera," starring Billie Dove; "Dark Streets," starring Milton Sills and another with the same star: "The Girl in the Glass Cage"; "Two Weeks Off," with Dorothy Mackaill and Jack Mulhall; the Alice White pictures, "Hot Stuff" and "Broadway Babies" and a mystery story, "The House of Horror" with Chester Conklin, Louise Fazenda and Thelma Todd. Cast Opposite Dix Ksther Ralston, who has played opposite Richard Dix in a number of silent films, will be the star's lead- ing woman again in his second talk- ing picture, "The Wheel of Life," soon to go into production at the Paramount studio under the direction of Victor Schertzinger. O. P. Reg- gie and Arthur Hoyt have been signed for the cast. Eaton Cast by Fox Charles Eaton, who made his first screen appearance for Fox Films in the Movietone comedy, "The Ghost Talks," has been added to the cast of "Nightie Knight," Clark and Mc- Cullough talking vehicle now in pro- duction. Lucy Beaumont is another newcomer to the cast. M-G-M Starts Gilbert Picture John Gilbert's next for M-G-M, "Redemption," is in work. Support includes Conrad Nagel, Eleanor Boardman, Renee Adoree and Claire McDowell. Fred Niblo will direct both silent and sound versions. Carol Film Started Sue Carol has started on her new- est production for Fox, called "The Exalted Flapper." Miss Carol, who recently finished "Girls Gone Wild" with Nick Stuart, is being directed by James Tinling. A Little from ''Lots'' By RALPH IVILK Hollywood HARRY JOE BROWN, former associate producer with Charles Rogers, is now directing Ken May- nard in "The Wagon Master" for Universal. This is Ken's initial pro- duction for this company and inci- dentally his first dialogue and sound picture. Lesley Mason is writing the scenario and dialogue. * ^ * Edward Steveiison, costume di- recto-r and designer for First Na- tiorial Vitaphone productions, suc- ceeding Max Ree, is one of the busi- est men on the lot creating the ward- robe for three feature productions which will start within the next few days. * * * Harry McCoy, one of Mack Sennett's ace scenarists, is put- ting the dialogue to his orig- inal story, "Broadway Blues," which Mack Sennett is direct- ing with Harry Gribbon and Andy Clyde in the cast. * ♦ ♦ Howard J. Green of Columbia soon will complete his dialogue sequences for his original story, "The Broadway Hoofer." This will be the first pic- ture to be produced by Edward Small for Columbia. * * « Gene Towne is writing the dialogue and putting the com- edy vuiterial in Richard Bar- thelmess' next vehicle "Drag," He is also preparing the dia- logue for Billie Dove's next. The Most Immoral Lady," f'or First National. * ♦ * El-nest Torrence, Jr., will never be a chip off the old block, so far as character acting is concerned. No, young Torrence is going in for the writing game. He has been signed by RKO to write original stories and dialogue. Charles hurlluiian, production sup- ervisor for Paramount, will give you his right arm, but try and get a chance to borrow his new Ford town car. According to Furthman, he has to make many rush calls during the course of the day, but his driver can take him faster and park easier now than ever before. He also has two large cars but they are for evenings and Sunday only. * * 1* George Bancroft, Paramount star, was never interested in the stock market until he made his latest and incidentally his first talking picture, "The Wolf of Wall Street." Now he can be seen almost daily at the stock exchanges looking at the tape. George says there is something ex- tremely fascinating about the little ticker, especially when it means dollars on paper. * • « Try and find a talker, with dancing girls missing. * * * Alan Hale, who recently complet- ed a leading role in Pathe's "The Leatherneck," and Gretchen Hart- man, also in pictures, have been happily married since the old Bio- graph days. Hale proposed and was accepted during the filming of an actual love scene in the Biograph two-reeler, "The Cricket and the Hearth." * * * Diane Ellis who has a fea- tured role in "High Voltage," saw snow for the first time when she went on location. Diane was born in Los Ang- eles and never left southern California until she went into pictures. * * * A reward may soon be offered for the discovery of a dramatist, who has not been invited to write a talker. Original for Fetchit Stepin Fetchit, negro, being fea- tured by Fox, is having an original written for him by Walter Weems. The story, as yet is untitled. Mary Astor To Talk Mary Astor will be heard on the Movietone for the first time during "The Woman from Hell," her new Fox production, being directed by A F. Erickson. It has been de- cided by Sol. M. Wurtzel. in charge of the West Coast studios, to have exterior scenes between Miss As- tor, Dean Jagger and James Brad- bury, Sr., doing a talking sequence, comprising about 1,000 feet. Abbott in "Ringside" RKO yesterday engaged George Abbott to assist on production of "Ringside," co-authored by Hy Daab, Ted Paramore and Abbott. De Mille Engages Jack King Jack King, who comi)oscd "How Am I to Know?" therhe song for "Dynamite," has been signed by Cecil B. De Mille to appear in the picture. EOlS WILSON SIGNS WITH COEUMBIAEOR TWO MORE Lois Wilson will appear in two more for Columbia, option on her contract having been renewed. Kirkwood Talks for Trailer James Kirkwood is spokesman of the novelty Vitaphone trailer just completed at the Warner studio for "The Time, The Place and The Girl." In addition to Kirkwood, other mem- bers of the cast speak for the trailer, among them Grant Withers, Betty Compson, Gertrude Olmstead, Gret- chen Hartnian and Vivian Oakland. M-G-M Starting Casualties "Casualties," Little Theater play and one of three purchased recently by M-G-M from Martin Flavin, will be produced as an all-talker. Robert Ober, who had the principal rol': when this piece was presented by the Writers Club in Hollywood, will have the same part in the picture, which he will direct. Mary Doran will play the chief feminine part. Harry Myers in Cast Harry Myers his been signed by M-G-M for an important part in Clarence Brown's current production, "Wonder of Women." This film, which will have dialogue sequences, is an adaptation of Hermann Suder- mann's dramatic novel, "Stephen Tromholt's Wife." Lewis S^one and Peggy Wood have featured parts. Added to Fox Cast Further additions to the cast of "Cape Smoke," George B. Seitz's new production for Fox Films, in- clude Henry B. Walthall, who re- cently made his Movietone debut in "Speakeasy"; Fritz Feld, Earle Foxe, Marguerite Churchill, Dorothy Jor- dan, John Holland, Ivan Linow and Sheldon Lewis. Clark & McCuUough at Work "Nightie Knight,' with story and dialogue by Arthur Caesar, author of "Napoleon's Barber," has just gone into production at the Fox West Coast studios as Clark and McCul- lough's latest Movietone comedy. It is being directed by Harry Sweet. Maynard Lead for Edith Roberts Edith Robert.-) will return to Uni- versal after an absence of several years to play opposite Ken Maynard it] his first picturfe under his new con- tract with Universal, titled "The Wagon Master," an adaptation of the novel by Marian Jackson to be di- r^ted by Harry J. Brown. o ±2 (U ?-« 2 w « 2 °^S $ ♦ d ^ d ^ d .tt a -s o o « I d ^ M S ^ » (U c« ^^ ^ o Q— -. C O •-^ $ w e o W 5J W-i^ «S u ^ C S . •- p^ r 'S -« W w -« 'Z ^'^ ^ to _ i£ C •"• A, •a ■*■* 3 o : 5 5 ♦* « -^i^j^ «'s s i '^^ S-C «> g S» V U Q aQ «< C K ^ Q U C ■« <^ bfl St3 . i> &j -w ^'- 5 2 H « J< 5 ^ C O .. «W t *^ 'Tl 4) S •-■ c/D Z .S5 THE 12 NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FAST GROWING FIELD OF SYN- CHRONIZATION SOUND TIPS ON EQUIPMENT AND VARIOUS BE- VICES ARE NOW AVAILABLE By CHARLES F. HYNES Sound-on- Film or Sound-on- Disc, Which Shall It Be? Relative merit of the sound- on-disc and sound-on-film sys- tems of recording are dis- cussed in the accom,panying article by Merritt Crawford, veteran publicist and trade paper editor. Crawford's con- clusions are the result of sev- eral years of study of sound picture history and develop- ment. The views presented are his own, and not necessar- ily a reflection of the editorial viewpoint of THE FILM DAILY. By MERRITT CRAWFORD Recent announcement that certain important producers would in future confine their 'talker' production activ- ities to sound-on-film, to the exclusion of the disc system of sound recording and reproduction, brings sharply to the fore the question — hitherto, main- ly academic — of the relative merits of the two methods. The economic phases of the situa- ation created by this decision need not be enlarged upon here. Nevertheless, it should be borne in mind that it was sound-on-disc and not sound-on- film, which first developed and made possible the 'talker's' present vogue, for the reason that the phonographic system of sound recording and re- production was a highly developed and highly specialized art years be- fore sound-on-film had even emerged from the laboratory. Neither should it be forgotten that the disc, both "sync" and "non-sync," has proved the salvation of many a theater, since invasion of the indus- try by the 'talker' created a wide- spread popular demand for this new form of eye and ear entertainment. Had the 'talker's' popularity de- pended on sound-on-film alone for its development, it is not presuming too much to assert that the sound picture would not be much further advanced in public estimation, than it was in the years 1923-1926, when Dr. Lee De- Forest, dubiously felt the patient's fluttering pulse and justly wondered whether there still was life enough left to hope. Whether the announced decision of these producers, who propose to use the sound-on-film process exclusively, is based on strictly scientific reasons and the conviction that this system is the better of the two or whether the consideration is one of competi- tive business policy, is unimportant. It is sufficient to point out that such a policy limiting the industry to one system and that, sound-on-film should be based on the soundest economic reasons, if it is to be carried to its logical conclusions. It is sound quality, in the final analysis, which is going to deter- mine the 'talker's' future entertain- ment and box office value, and as yet, sound-on-film is certainly not superior to sound-on-disc in tone quality, while in photographic values it is, on the average, much inferior. In the newsreel field alone, sound-on-film's position is fully established, for here it has enjoyed an exclusive domain without cotnpeti- tion, because the wax system of recording sound has to date been limited to the studio. Probably sound-on-film would not have prog- ressed even as far as it has, but for this fact. Within recent months, however, a metallic disc has been developed, which is not sub- ject to changes of temperature like the wax disc, and which can be produced at a little of the cost of either sound-on-film or the present method of recording sound-on-disc. It may well be, therefore, that at some future time the sound-on-film newsreel may be challenged in the field it has hitherto regarded as exclusively its own by a sound newsreel made by the disc method. The ahief arguments against the disc are not based on its sound reproducing quality, but on the material of which the disc is made. All the difficulties of distribution and handling, breakage, warpage and lack of durability or wearing qualities, refer back to this material. They constitute the heaviest charge which can be laid against the disc as opposed to the sound-on-film talker. In actual dollars and cents, however, the extra costs for the disc system due to these disadvantages, are about oflset by the extra prints required for the sound-on-film. These objections to the disc system prob- ably will not continue indefinitely, for the reason that eventually there probably will be several other types of disc in use, which will not contain the weaknesses of the pres- ent standard type. The metallic disc mentioned above is one of these. There is also another recently seen by the writer, made of a specially proc- essed fiber, which, it is claimed, is practically unbreakable and many times as durable as the shellac disc now in general use. Certainly, it is much lighter and more compact in con- truction than the standard disc, and it has exceptionally good tone quality. Its manu- iacturing cost is said to be much less than those now in use. This indicates that many of the present physical disadvantages of the disc soon will be eliminated. When and if they are, it will surely then be difficult to make out a case, which would warrant limiting the in- dustry to a single sound system, much less that of the sound-on-film. The idea of this article is not to present a symposium of the opinions of the protagon- ists of either system. Rather it is designed to be an impartial, unbiased and authoritative in its conclusions, as it was possible to make it. For this purpose the writer consulted three men, all of them engineers and experts, whose experience in the development of the art of reproducing and recording sound and in the peculiar technique of the motion picture dates back for more than three dedades. The foregoing is a summary of their opin- ions, coupled with observations made by the writer, personally. From this point, however, the statement made shall be fared solely upon the expert opinions of these experts. WORK SPEEDED ON SOUND SHORTS BY VITAPHONE J. C. Nugent, actor-author, is at work on a new sketch at Warners' Eastern Vitaphone studios, under Bryan Foy's direction. Nugent heads the cast in his newest sketch, sup- ported by Natalie Schaffer, Kathryn Byron, Helen Carew and Percy Hel- ton. .\rthur and Morton Havel, vaudeville comedians, are featured in a new Vitaphone sketch, "Just a Minute." Harry Tate, English com- edian, is making a series of sketches at Vitaphone. Three numbers are sung by Clarence Tisdale, interpreter of negro spirituals, in a Vitaphone number just completed recently. Photophone for Tenn. House Memphis, Tenn. — RCA-Photo- phone sound equipment is expected to be ready at the Orpheum here within a month, according to L. R. Pierce, manager. This will make the sixth sound house in the loop dis- trict. Warners Over Talk-A-Phone Minneapolis — Warners has closed with the Palace, Mandan, N. D., to supply sound product for Talk-A- Phone. This follows a Warner con- tract with the Leb, Cloquet, Minn., which also uses Talk-A-Phone. Talkers for Cal. House Alhambra, Cal. — The Alhambra here will be used exclusively for talk- ing pictures. The house is owned by Principal Theaters and seats i,-tijU. Subsequent instalments of Craw- ford's interesting article will appear in early editions of THE FILM DAILY. Vitaphone for Detroit Family Detroit — Vitaphone and Movietone sound equipment is to be installed at the Family here. Admission prices wnl be increased from 20 to 25 cents when sound policy starts. W.E.SOONDCilMPillGN TO REACH 8, Western Electric's campaign to ac- quaint the public with facts con- cerning sound recording and repro- duction by the company's system will reach 8.000,000 readers of "Sat- evepost," "Liberty," "Collier's," Pho oplay," "M. P. Magazine," "M P. Classics," "Time," "Life," "Col- lege Humor," "New Yorker" and American Boy." Campaign commences with a dou- ble page spread in ".Satevepost" issue of April 6. Copy will be divided be- tween recording at the studio and re- production in the theater. Both disc and film methods will be featured in the advertisements, drawings for which were sketched from life at Paramount Astoria studio by Dela- vanye, of the Sunday "Times" maga- zine section. Enlargements of all ads, 22 by 28 have been prepared as lobby dis- plays for all Western Electric ac- counts. P. L. Thomson, of Western tlectric, prepared the campaign. More Sound for Memphis Memphis, Tenn.— Latest additions Z ®°T'^ houses in this territory are' the Princess at Columbus, Miss.', using both Vitaphone and Movietone 3nd the Lexington, Lexington, Miss. bound installations are expected at the I^ox, Louisville, Miss., owned by Frank Click and L. F. Haven's Im- pei;ial at Forrest City, Marianna and Bnnkley, Ark. Sound at Coschocton Coschocton, O. — Harris Amuse- ment Co. is installing Vitaphone and Movietone at the Sixth St. theater. Sound at Rice Lake Rice Lake. Wis. — Vitaphone and Movietone are being installed at the Majestic. Pacent Office at Memphis Memphis, Tenn. — J. N. Talley has been appointed representative in this territory for Pacent Electric Co. with office at 502 South Second Street. "Syncopation" First New Orleans — "Syncopation" will be the first sound picture to be pre- sented by the Keith-Orpheum the- ater. Sound for Wisconsin Theater Ashland, Wis.— A. I. Latts, opera- tor of the Royal, will install "Erpi" sound equipment. Voicephone At Marshfield Marshfield. Wis.— The Trio will be closed for a few days for the in- stallation of the Voicephone. Sound at Janesville Janesville, Wis.— Lyle Turner is installing Moviephone at the Beverly Sound at Minneapolis Minneapolis, Minn. — Photophone has been installed at the Orpheum. Open Minneapolis Office Minneapolis, Minn. — Elec-Tro- Fone Corp. will handle the Bruns- wick cue service here. New Stanley Policy at Pittsburgh Pittsburgh— The Stanley Co. has maugurated a new policy for the Grand. The house formerly featuring straight first run sound pictures, will now feature indefinite runs. Virginia House Being Wired Portsmouth, Va. — Tivoli reopens in en days with a sound policy. is on®. >ls»ho eTcOMPANY by CRmClSM AND SUGGESTION CONCERNING nSS^VKE laoiS WESTERN UNION M«WCOM York , mmI the time ol looeil* » >" •:^)t ' 'A5 ■a mi .toBTANDAaCTlMB. NB278 60DL=ALBANY NY 12 510P JAMES R GRAINGER^' FOX FILM CORP 850 TENTH AVE= THEATRE ON OPENING. ,,, ,,PATROHS PRAISING PICTURE VERY HIGHLY SANDS TUESDAYS MATINEE FAR EXCEEDS ANY HAU lu '^-" " rnurRATUl ATED FOR «,CORDS YOU ANOYOOR COMPANY ARE TO B^ CO^NG^RATU .^A ^^ ^^^^^^^ HAD TO TURN AWAY THOU ^Q YOU AND YOUR C OUT SUCH WONDERFUL T ALK I NG P IC TURE S K I N 1$ TU R N I NG BEGARDS = C H BUCKLY THE QUICKE?r. SUREST AND SAFEST WAY TO SEND MONEY IS BY TELEGRAPH OR CABLE WILLIAM FOX Presents HEARTS >N DIXIE ALL-TALKING, ALL-SINGING, ALL-DANCING Musical Drama of the Southland SMASHING RECORDS EVERYWHERE PACEMAKER for the INDUSTRY MONEY MAKING TALKERS 14 GERMAN DISTRIBUTORS FORM NEW TRADE ASS'N By KARL WOLFFSOHN Editor, " Lichtbildbuehne" Berlin — German distributors have organized a trade association, repre- senting 80 per cent of the field and including Ufa, Einelka, Parufamet, First National-Warner, German Uni- versal, D. L. S., Sudfilm and others. The new organization, known as the A. D. F., will operate on a national scale to enforce contracts and other- wise help to place the industry in Germany on a sound financial basis. First reaction already has been felt, bringing forth counter-action from the cr.mp of exhibitors, local branch of which is undergoing a shake-up. Fireworks are expected at the April meeting. Short Shots from New York Studios ,By ARTHUR W. EDDY, 18 German Societies Against Censor Revival Berlin — Dr. Carl Severing, Minis- ter of the Interior, acted as chairman at a meeting held here by 18 leading cultural societies against the rees- tablishment of censorship. It was carried unanimously. Gerhart Hauptmann, in a letter to the as- sembly protested against any cen- sorship, stating, "that the only free art is real art." GARRETT FORT, who is the big picture script m^an at the Para- mount Long Island plant, can sell plays as well as write 'em. He's just induced Crosby Gaige to pro- duce his "A Lady Descends," which will star Helen Hayes' next theat- rical season. Garrett did the scripts on "The Letter," first talker to be made at the studio, and "Jealousy," which has just entered production. Morton Downey, who is rating big time with Pathe, has brought his bride, Barbara Bennett, back from the much-advertised climate of Palm Beach and Havana and now is ready to start on his second all- dialogue feature for Pathe. Fred Allen, who recently wrote and played m "The Instalment Col- lector," Paramount short, has been cast for the "Little Show," stage pro- duction now in rehearsal. Davis Managing Gem and Kiva Durango, Col. — Dave Davis, for- mer manager of the Oriental at Den- ver, has arrived here to assume the management of the Gem and Kiva houses, owned by Consolidated The- aters, Inc. O. G. Brown will devote his time to the advertising end of the business. Wheyiever a cloud of dust arises at the Paramount studio it's Dave Sarecky hurrying around to justify the titte of the plant's busiest man. He manages to produce an efficient brand of wit and business. Walter Huston, who is rating high with Paramount after a series of ex- cellent performances at its Long Is- land plant, has just played a dual role, representing both General Grant and Abraham Lincoln in a two-reel drama, "Two Americans." John Meehan, w. k. to stage people, wrote and directed the picture with AI Gilkes as the cameraman. Supple- menting Huston in the cast was his son, John, who made his debut as an actor; Robert Barrat, Brian Dun- levy, George Probert, Seymour Taub and Sarah Edwards. Pittsburgh State Opened Pittsburgh— R. P. Wheeler has opened the State here after redec- orating and refurnishing. The house was formerly owned by Rowland & Clark. Honore At Fresno House Fresno, Cal. — George F. Sharp, resident manager of West Coast The- aters, has appointed Hal Honore as manager of the Wilson here. Capitol, Danbury Leased Danbury, Conn. — A group of Dan- bury business men have leased the Capitol here at an approximate ren- tal of $30,000 a year, according to Robert Walsh, of the Knight Realty Co. who negotiated the deal. The theater is part of the Sarah L. Tay- lor estate. Conroy at Conn. Globe Bridgeport, Conn.— Fox-Poli office here has appointed James Conroy manager of the Globe here. Conroy for years had been Saunder's assis- tant. British Actress With M-G-M Moon Carrol, British actress will make her film debut in "The Last of Mrs. Cheney," all-talking version of Frederick Lonsdale's play now in production under Sidney Franklin at M-G-M studios in Hollywood. Talking pictures continue to rake the speaking stage. Violet Singer, scheduled to appear in the forthcom- ing musical production, "Broadway Nights," and Danise Whiting, who recently appeared on the legit in Paris, are set to face microphones. After having inhaled Harlem at- mosphere for several days J. Kay Kaufman has finished a short star- ring James Barton, now current in the stage production of "Burlesque," and dealing with Harlem, night clubs and such. Elaine Arden, in addition to the star, was the only white person in the cast of this Paramount opus. Chief cutter at Paramount's As- toria is J. P. Sweeney, who, you may remember, worked on such once- famous serial as "The Perils of Pauline" and "The Exploits of Elaine." It's "Jealousy" that's causing all the talk at the Paramount studio. Jean De Limur, who nutde "The Let- ter," is again directing Jeanne Eagels in this all-dialogue version of the play in which Fay Bainter sta7~red on Broadway this season. Al Gilkes, who has photographed about 40 features for Paramount, including "Old Ironsides," is first camera. Pat Donahue, whom every- body knows, is script girl. She last worked on "Nothing But the Truth." The sets are the work of William Saulter. Costuming of the picture is in charge of A. M. K. Smith. Martin Hall, outside property man at the rejuvenated Vitagraph studio in Brooklyn, is mighty good when it comes to this "remember when" stuff. He had his first job at the studio, now known as Vitaphone studio, nine years ago. OfThand, he recalls production incidents on such once-popular pictures as "The Enemy of the King," starring E. H. South- ern; "The Battle Cry of Peace," "Womanhood," "Tale of Twt) Cities," "The Goddess," "The Girl PhilHppe," "Charge of the Light Brigade" and "A Million Bid." Alfred Hall, announcer at Station WOV, has again been working close to a microphone this time at the De Fo7'est studios on East 48th St. He has been playing a pa/rt in "The Clock Struck 12," made by Jesse Goldburg for Sound Pictures, Inc. Niles Welch, who was formerly a screen favorite, and Maude Mal- colm were also in the cast. Midwesco Changes Minneapolis, Minn. — David Flam and L. S. Stein have been added to the publicity staff of Fox's Mid- wesco. Stan Segelbaum is manag- ing the Oriental and Clifford Lind- blind has succeeded Leo Grossman as manager of the Plaza. Grossman has been transferred to the Mojeska. Roseland Starts Second Gulfport and Brown, colored com- edians, are featured in the second of a series of 12 one-reel talkers being produced at R.L.A. studios. New York, by Roseland Pictures. Ray Friedgen is directing. Alabama House Bums Atlanta— With a loss of $11,000, the Royal at Samson, Ala., was prac- tically destroyed by fire. The Royal was a comparatively new theater op- erated by G. S. Owen. "U" House Leased Cleveland — The Oriental, belong- ing to the local Universal chain has been leased by Universal to Sam Mil- ler, D. Corsillo and Tom Tomaselli. Deisler, Plymouth, C, Operating Plymouth — The Deisler, closed since the death of Ruben Deisler, has been taken over by M. C. Barck, who will operate. Exhibitors Daily Reminder Spring cleaning will be in order soon. Get ready. , Friday, March 15, 1929 Motion Picture Device Is Used as Smoke Inspector .St. Louis — A film device is being used to apprehend violators of St. Louis' anti-smoke ordinance. It was perfected in the research laboratory of the Citizens Smoke Abatement League, and was devised by Victor J. Azbe, chairman of the Research Committee, and L. R. Aldrew of the laboratory. It consists of a motion picture camera and an electric timing device which can be set to take pic- tures every 15 seconds or every min- ute. It will operate for four hours and ten minutes without attention and does the work of several smoke inspectors. Publix Mich. Changes Ann Arbor, Mich. — Richard Wat- son, former manager of the Wuerth, has left to join Publix in New York, and Ronald Ennis, former manager of the Michigan succeeds him. A. J. Stevens of the Arcade will be in charge at the Orpheum and Paul Seippel of the Michigan staff be- comes assistant to Gerald Hoag, manager at that house. Theater for East Gadsden Atlanta — Business men of East Gadsden, Ala., are financially inter- ested in the new theater now being constructed there. The house will be under management of E. L. Deyer. Buys Redfield Theater Redfield, N. D.— Ralph Blume has purchased F. G. Wentworth's inter- est in the Lyric. The Lyric The- ater Co. will operate the Lyric and the State. Improve Winona House Winona, Minn. — Improvements are now being made and the F. & R. State will reopen March 31. N. D. House Reopens Churches Ferry, N. D. — The Churches Ferry theater has been re- opened. NEVER NEVER BEFORE T AGAIN ^ First and only pictures of WILKINS TRIP TO THE ANTARCTIC Photographed personally by Captain Sir Hubert Wilkins, Commander of the Wilkins- Hearst Antarctic Expedition, are being shoifvn in the current issue [No. 22] of INTERNATIONAL NEWSREEL A thrilling visit to strange, weird lands never seen before by human eyes. 1? Y 0¥ f TCT V17 *y Hearst JZ#^V%^JU W9A ▼ JE# Organization and INTERNATIONAL 2 Each Week 104 a Year NEWSREEL Hearst Released Hearst Publicized Released only thru UNIVERSAL THE 16 E MOVE FOR TAX REDUCTION London — A last minute move is being made in Great Britain and Ire- land to secure, if possible, a reduc- tion in the Entertainments' Tax. Less than a month has now to elapse be- fore the introduction of the budget in the House of Commons and the Northern Ireland Parliament, and committees of the entertainment in- dustries are besieging the respective chancellors with petitions for, either abolition of the tax, or some sub- stantial alleviation. The Tax Abolition Committee, a body which is strongly supported by the Scottish Kinema exhibitors re- cently waited on Mr. Churchill. It is generally considered that the pros- pects of any reduction are not very great, while the possibility of total abolition at the present moment is confined to dreams of optimists. In Northern Ireland where the tax is on a higher level than it is in Eng- land, exhibitors have been promised more than once by the finance min- ister that he would endeavor to secure a cut. But recently he has refused to see any deputation and has publicly stated that he "doesn't care if every amusement house in Ulster is closed down." As a result of this, exhibitors have united their stand. They threaten that they will leave no stone unturned to see that he is defeated at the forthcoming general election. ISew Theaters fircen Bay, Wis. — The Green Bay Orpheum Co. will build a theater and office building here. Marinette, Wis. — A house to be known as the New York will be built on the site of the old Marinette. Sacramento, Cal. — Max Weiss has opened the Sutter on J street. Corona, Cal. — West Coast Theaters will build a house here. Burkburnett, Tex. — R. H. McFarlane is building a theater here. Karford. Cal.— West Coast Theaters will build a house here. Baltimore, Md. — The Lyndhurst Corp. will build a $35,000 house here. Natick. Mass. — Thomas F. Kirby will build a 1,500 seat house to cost $130,000. Waltham, Mass. — Boston interests are con- sidering building a theater here. Red Bluff, Cal.— The State will open this month. Rochester, N. Y. — A Little Cinema The- ater, to seat 300, will be built at 242 East Ave. El Paso, Tex." — Dent Theaters, Inc., are building a $500,000 house here. Austin, Minn. — F. & R. Theaters are build- ing a house here. Austin, Tex. — A syndicate of Austin and Houston men will erect a $250,000 house to be known as the Norwood. Floydada, Tex. — A $46,000 house to seat 800 will be built here. Mouessin, Pa. — A new theater will be built here. Boston — M. Pinanski has opened the Se- ville at E. Boston. Leominster, Mass. — The Metropolitan will open Easter Monday. Marion, N. C. — E. J. House will open his 700 seat house during April. Montecito, Cal. — A house will be built here. Visalia, Cal. — West Coast Theaters, Inc. has started work on a $250,000 house. PHIL DIVLY SEZ/ "Secret meetings. Mid- nite oil. Much overwork. What is all this business that's going on anyway? Another merger? Fox Gets 27 Foreign Houses Via Loew {Continued from Page 1) The house seats about 4,000 and is wired. 9 Theaters in France Pass from Loew to Fox Control Paris — -Leaseholds on four theaters in Paris and one each in eight French provincial cities revert to the Fox organization by virtue of the Loew purchase. The chain is the Gaumont string and passes to con- trol of Franco Films when the pres- ent agreement runs out in about six years. In Paris, the houses are the Gaumont Palace, seating 5,000; the Madeleine and two others. In Bor- deaux, Lyon, Toulouse, Toulon, Strasbourg, Lille, Havre and Rouen, there is one each. 5 Houses in Belgium Under Loew Management Go to Fox Brussels — Five theaters, now op- erated by the Loew organization, be- come Fox outlets in Belgium. Two are in Brussels, the others are in Charleroi, Liege and Ghent. 12 Brazilian Houses Under Loew Control Pass to Fox One theater in Sao Paulo and 11 in Rio de Janiero represent theater holdings, not wholly owned but con- trolled by the Loew organization in Brazil. These, it is understood, now revert to Fox in addition to the other theaters in London, France and Bel- gium. Denman at Loew's State, Tenn. Memphis, Tenn. — J. O. Denman, formerly with the Strand, has been named assistant manager of Loew's State here. He succeeds Robert E. Fowler, former assistant at the State, who now is manager of the Strand. Travis Publicizing Loew Houses Memphis, Tenn. — H. B. Travis, former ad manager at the Paramount exchange, is now doing publicity for th'e three Loew houses! here, the State, Palace and Strand. And That's That By PHIL M. DALY T'WO years ago, H. M. Addison -■■ went to Buffalo from Bingham- ton, to open the Great Lakes thea- ter and become its managing direc- tor. He knew not a person in Buf- ) (alo. Recently he left town to becomtr. general representative of- the Comer* ford chain and as a final honor for a, man who in two dozen short months had made a host of friendti in this town than any other man ever did before in so short a tinie/> he was mnde mayor of a city for a day by Mayor Frank X. Schwab, at a stag beefsteak dinner given by the theater men, the film, exchange mien and the officials of the city. Big smiles these days in the Van Beuren organization, and why shouldn't there be? The Orpheum circuit has booked Walter Putter's sound "Curiosities" over the entire circuit. The reel is a real program builder. Trial of the government's suits this week occasioned some surprise, as it had been expected that retire- ment of Col. W. J. (Wild Bill) Don- ovan from the Dept. of Justice, might cause some delay. Donovan, < who has retired to private life, was in charge of the various investiga- tions of the industry instituted by the department. S. Jay Kaufman is doing whatever megaphoning is necessary on a short recital of Harlem night life, in pro- duction at Paramount's Astoria plant, with James Barton featured. Joe Ruttenburg is the man in the camera r box. Agnes and Frederick James t ("Photoplay") Smith are receiving ij congratulations on the birth of a son, Frederick Anthony. James Brown, cinematographer for Darmour-RKO has started a taxi- plane company in Pasadena. This air -L service features short jumps at short i\ prices. Title writers must look to their laurels, for Premiere Mussolini of Italy is trying his hand at the craft, recently writing captions and edit- ing a newsreel made in Rome. Edwin Morris, son of Sam Morris of Warners, vrtll soon be married to Carlyn Nathan, of Parkersburg, West Va. He is a junior executive of M. Witmark & Sons, music publishers. Sells Pomeroy House Ponieroy, la. — L. Willis has sold the Royal to Margaret Francis. Remodeling Texas House San Antonio — The interior of the Palace at San Saba, which was re- cently destroyed by fire, is to be re- modeled according to Clinton De Wolfe, manager. C. W. DoiTlemeycr is owner of the house. now comer # ^hdhb talker FROM FiR/t NATIONAL If it were only HALF as good as the FIRST TWO, it would be GOOD ENOUGH ... So picture the profit possibilities when they find if s even BETTER than "Weary River'' or ''The Barker Sills and Mackaill Talking for all they're worth — and "The Barker" proved they're WORTH the higgest money you ever |)ai(l for a talking attraction! All-Talking courtroom scenes New York night life a "love nest" mur- der enacted hefore your eyes then to the seductive South Seas, with Dorothv in dazzling desert island decollete. Every kind of appeal that draws human heings to l)o\- offices. — DOUBLE YOUR PLAYING TIME ! The LAf T WORD in Talkinf Picture/ ! Umber < Motion IVtutc Ptoduco* mu DUtributon of AmericA bc->Wll llHan Jhitdnt \0 THE 18 DAILV Friday, March 15, 1929 Amateur Developes Device To Eliminate Vibration St. Louis — Vibration w'nich mars, (1 a more or less extent, the sound •ffects obtained with many devices low in use, is claimed to be com- pletely eliminated by* a new sound levice perfected by Robert Laugh- in, youne amateur experimenter, who ,vill market his apparatus for theater md home use. Laughlin uses the disc method of eproduction and to eliminate vibra- :ion he has placed the disc on a jedestal at some distance from the iiotor. St. Louis Showmen Arraigned St. Louis — James P. Brennan, for- iier manager, and Lawrence C. ■Ituever, former treasurer of the 3pera House were ordered held un- ler $1,000 bond each by Judge Gayer )f the Court of Criminal Correction ollowing a preliminary hearing of a :harge of embezzlement. They are illeged to have used $7,000 belonging o the theater. "Evangeline" Unit in Louisiana New Orleans — United Artists has sent a company, headed by Edwin 3arewe, to Lafayette to shoot scenes or "Evangeline." The decision to nake the trip from Hollywood, it is daimed, was inspired by an editorial n "The Times-Picayune" urging :hat film be made in its original Louisiana background. "Melody" Big in Cleveland Cleveland — "The Broadway Mel- )dy" playing at $2 top at the Still- Tan is completely selling out for ;very performance. Advance sale is ;o big that a special telephone switch )oard had to be installed to take care )f telephone reservations. 8 Stories for Orpheum Bldg. Green Bay, Wis. — The Green Bay Orpheum Co. has decided to erect m eight story office building and the- •ter instead of merely a theater as originally planned, it was announced >y Oppenhamer and Obel, architects. Milwaukee House Changes Hands Milwaukee — Herman Von Wolf- skeel has taken over the Paris, neighborhood house here, from Leo Behring. Norman Gets Racine Post Racine, Wis. — Thomas Norman, veteran Wisconsin exhibitor has tak- en over the management of the Capital. Norman at one time oper- ated the Rex. To Redecorate Fla. House Bonifay, Fla. — The Bonifay here is I) l)e redecorated and remodeled ac- "nling to L. C. Moore, manager. \\ iirk will be completed in about iliree weeks at a cost of approximate- iv $1,200. Evans at Griffin Griffin, Ga.-^W. G. ("Billy") livans, formerly with Loew's Capitol in Atlanta, is here to assume the managership of the Kincaid. He suc- ceeds M. Fuller, who has returned to Atlanta. ARBITRATION CONSPIRACY DENIED IN U. S. ACTION (.Continued on Page 4) one vote dissenting and a new con- tract called for. At the court's request he told of the manner of representation for ex- hibitors employed for the conference. He said he was reciting this history to prove that the matter had been "threshed out by the industry." The government, he pointed out, claims the defendants coerce exhibi- tors to surrender their right to go to court and coerce them to arbitration. Supplementary agreements of man- agers, also are alleged, he said, but even the petition admits these were without knowledge of and against instructions of the defendant distrib- utors. Cites Case Arbitrated Out of 25,000 cases arbitrated in 1928, the defense said only 134 re- sulted in court actions, 125 of which were for judgments confirming awards, while seven were litigated. The government then sought un- successfully to amend its petition in its charge that supplementary agree- ments existed in order to strike out the portion referring to agreements made without knowledge of distrib- utor defendants. A motion to bar as irrelevant the position of the Dept. of Justice on the contract in 1926 also was denied. The afternoon session opened with counsel announcing that a stipula- tion had been agreed upon to classify exhibits and testimony of secretar- ies from eight Film Boards as typical. With introduction of exhibits, the government rested on the documen- tary evidence presented. Grosvenor ex4)ressed surprise at this sudden move, but immediately placed on the stand Hess, who out- lined the situation existing prior to adoption of a standard contract identified a number of different forms and traced the history of the con- tract deliberations. Hess Takes Stand Exhibitors, Hess testified, offered the deposit system to make arbitra- tion awards enforceable. Effort to introduce the statement signed by e.x- hibitors at the Union League meet- ing, when the standard contract first was ratified, was blocked by govern- ment counsel on the ground that it was signed by only one party to the agreement. Hess then detailed some typical arbitration cases, outlining the manner in which awards are made against distributors and stress- ing the protection which arbitration offers the exhibitor. Gets Toronto Post Toronto — Howard Knevels, for- merly with several theaters in Mont- real, has succeeded to the manage- ment of the Pantages here, largest theater in Canada. This was the house which was opened and man- aged eight years by the late Ned Miller. Fireworks Expected at T.O.A. Meet Montreal — A battle among various functions of the Theater Owners' Ass'n of Quebec is expected when the organization meets in convention here on May 1. Although exhibitors have contributed heavily to fight im- pending legislative matters, they have been unsuccessful. European Sound Combine Reported Including RCA (.Continued from Page 1) move is believed to be aimed direct- ly at Western Electric. Milton Diamond, a New York lawyer now here, is reported to be the representative of Roy Deutsch, president of Acoustic Products. He refuses to divulge the identity of the American group for which he is act- ing. The European combine embraces about 500 patents held by the British Phototone, French Phototone, Sie- mens-Halske and General Electric representing Klangfilm and the Tobis syndikat which in itself is a pool of the Tri-Ergon, Kuchenmeister, Meis- ter, Petersen-Poulsen and other sys- tems. According to press dispatches re- ceived in New York last night, the European sound combination repre- sents grouped interests involving $100,000,000. Manufacturing will be taken over by Sieniens-Halske and General Electric, two of Germany's powerful electrical trusts and three models will be placed on the market. The first will cost $5,500, the second $3,750 and the third, $2,000. Tobis has a tie-up with the Deutsche Licht- spiel Syndikat, a German coopera- tive embracing about 700 theaters which are understood to be commit- ted to buy sound reproducers only from Tobis. The directorates and financial interests of both groups are, in some instances, cross-sectioned. Berlin reports Tobis claims inter- national rights of many patents. The Associated Press quotes an uniden- tified Tobis representative as saying that existing American contracts will be indirectly affected, adding that the exact bearing is premature to outline at this time. Oyens and Sons, fiscal agents for Tobis, are to handle financing. Com- pletion of the company is slated to take place in Amsterdam in a month. The "Times" stated yesterday pro- duction will be launched at once. The first will be Tchaikowsky's "1812" to be supervised by Clayton Hutton, an Englishman. Pathe Features Released In Silent, Sound Versions Majority of Pathe feature releases will be made available for both silent and sound markets. Commencing with "King of Kings," two versions of features have been offered, includ- ing: "Captam Swagger," "Show Folks," "Sal of Singapore," "Marked Money," "Annapolis," "Ned Mc- Cobb's Daughter," "The Spieler," "Shady Lady," "Geraldine," "Noisy Neighbors' 'and "Office Scandal." Forthcoming releases having sound and silent editions are: "The Leather- neck," "Sq;uare iShoulders," ''God- less Girl" and "Strange Cargo." Madison Firm Names Officers Madison, Wis. — Officers and direc- tors were elected as follows at a meeting of the East Side Theater Co.: H. J. Loftsgordon, president; A. P. Desormeaux, vice president; J. J. Jepertinger, secretary; O. J. Lunder, treasurer; directors, A. M. Toussaint, R. E. Armstrong, G. A. Benson, A. J. Stang, W. R. Lee, S. A. Rosen- dahl, Henry Vogts and G. W. Sau- thoff. The full amount of $50,000 capital stock has been subscribed, it was announced. Sewnig Back at Milwaukee Milwaukee — L. G. Sewnig has been recalled to manage the Riviera and Kosciuszko, neighborhood houses. For the past six months he has been managing the Sheboygan at Sheboy- gan and before that the Milwaukee Theater Circuit. All the houses are part of the Milwaukee Theater Cir- cuit chain. He is succeeded at She- boygan by A. Siefried. Opposer Sunday Shows Coshocton, O. — The City Federa- tion of Women's club recently held a meeting here and went on record as being opposed to Sunday pictures. Fire At Youngstown Liberty Youngstown, O. — Fire at the Lib- erty here resulted in loss of approxi- mately $20,000. A. Cohen owner and manager said the loss is covered by insurance. Starting Hanford, Cal. House Hanford, Cal.— F. E. Knight super- visor of construction for the Beller Construction Co. arrived here and is preparing for erection of the new Fox West Coast house on North Irwin and Lacey Blvd. Meeting Rooms in Theater Bldg. Corona, Cal. — Theater building be- ing constructed here for Jefferson Asher, of Los Angeles, will afford meeting rooms for fraternal organi- zations. The house will seat 1,150 and is expected to open about Aug. 1. Fire At Tacoma House Tacoma, Wash. — Fire gutted the Kent here with a loss estimated at $15,000. A new $10,000 pipe organ recently installed had been complete- ly destroyed. Pueblo House Reopened Pueblo, Colo.— M. L. Sanders has reopened the Majestic after altera- tions. CHAKLES R TRAUB DIED MARCH 1."^ 1929 A HERO OF THE CAMERA PATHE NEWS ANOTHER SMASHING NEWSREEL TRIUMPH FOR LEOOFM-G-M! The public wants 'News in their Newsreelsl And here^s the latest! FIRST AND ONLY PICTURES WILKINS ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION Personally photographed for the Hearst Neivsreel Service b}! CAPTAIN SIR HUBERT WILKINS Front page news everywhere! The public hails the discoverer who braved death to chart new lands at the bottom of the world. Just returned from South Polar regions with amazing scenes of weird, strange lands seen for the first time by human eyes! DANGER! Looking down from 8000 feet! Below them scores of cracks into which their machine could fall and leave no trace} THEY BRAVED DEATH! Sir Hubert Wilkins with Carl Ben Eilson. The public wants to see these heroes! They bring you thrill- ing scenes in M - G - M News ! IN THE CURRENT ISSUE (No. 62) -G-M NEWS Sf<> NEWSPAPER 9/ FILMDOM ANDWEEKLY riLKDIGEST "StUnl or Sound- Carl Laemtnle leads the Way/// INTERNATIONAL RE- VIEW OF SOUND HIS- TORY IN "sound PATENTS." AN EXCLU- SIVjE FEATURE Complete Coverage The credit committee and arbitration cases of the government covered in detail from every angle, again demonstrating that THE FILM DAILY is The Newspaper of Filmdom KEEP POSTED ON SOUND AND SILENT FEATURES, SHORTS THROUGH THE FILM DAILY REVIEWS o .^A .<*: MERMAID COM£VI£S EDUCATIONAL FILM EXCHANGES, Inc. E. W. MAMMONS, President WJm •THE SPICE OFTHE PROGRAM' iber. Motion I ir^ o/ America. R.CA May Figure in Internal Sound Patent Pact ,^€> NEWSPAPER >/FILMDOM AHDWEEKLY FILR DIGEST /OL. XLVII No. 53 Sunday, March 17, 1929 Price 25 Cents ML PATENT POOL I IS NEXT EURftPEAN MOVE By KARL liOLFFSOHX Editi^, ■■Lichtbildbuehne" Berlin (By Wireless) — An iiuerna- ■nal aRrecnient coverinpr excliance -.»und patents between the A. E.G., I' ihe General Electric of Germany bnd RCA in America is beinp con- 'i-red as the next step in the big nbination of sound manufactur- rs closed earlier in the week. Developments Friday indicate that there is no lonfjer speculation about the participation of RCA in the deal. David SarnofF, executive vice-presi- i 36J| •Stanley Co 33 *Univ. Pict. pfd 98 J^ Warner Bros 12354 119^ 120 do pfd 53?^ 53M Sm Warner Pet. rts. . 3J'8 3fi 3Ji CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 9 8}i 8?i *Bal. & Katz 80 Columbia Pet iiy^ 31 31 Con. Fm. Ind. .. 24-5i 23J4 24 *Filn) Insp 2 Fox Thea. "A" .. 31J^ 29.>^ 30"^ Griffith, D.W. "A" Z'/i 214 iYi Intern. Proj 60 59 59 Loew do deb. rts. 36 35 35 Nat. Scr. Ser. . . . 28^ 28 28 Nat. Thea. Sup. .13 11 13 Trans-Lux 16J4 15H 16 •Univ. Pict 2'2 BOND MARKET Keith A-O 6s 46. 93J^ 935^ 9354 Loew bs 41ww ..116 1155^ 116 do 6s 41 x-war... 98 97 ?i 98 Paramount 6s 47 .lOOH 100 100^ Par. By. 554s 51.102 102 102 Pathe 7s 37 81 80}^ 80^ CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 . 96 95 96 •Warner e^^s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 32 34 do units 33 36 .... do com 4 SYz .... Skouras Bros 40 45 .... Technicolor 18 18J4 .... United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2 do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED Y) Sales 14,700 800 400 5,366 '466 5',666 1,000 8.366 48,000 2,900 400 18,500 19,300 400 17,700 W» 9,200 '666 10,500 12,366 200 300 1,000 400 10,600 16,100 12 To Rebuild Pittsburgh House Pittsburgh, Pa. — The Cameo, which was destroyed by fire, will be rebuilt. INDEX PAGE DOWNTOWN, An Editorial by Maurice Kann ... 1 FINANCIAL 2 REVIEWS OF NEWEST RELEASES, by Jack Harrmver 4-5 HOLLYWOOD HAFPENINGS, Coast Nezus by Telegraph....'.'. 6 -A LITTLE FROM LOTS," by Ralph Wilk (, SOUND PICTURES, by Charles F. Hynes 7 •'SOUND PATENTS," Intern I Survey of Sound Devices... 10 THEATER EQUIPMENT, by Charles F. Hynes ■. . . . \r> SHORT SUBIECTS 12 fJ FOREIGN MARKETS, by James P. Cunningham ■.'.■.■. ]3 PRESENTATIONS, bv Herbert S. Berg is THE WEEK'S HEADLINES, Resume of the Ne-.cs. . .'.'.'.'.'. 16 SHORT SHOTS FROM N. Y. STUDIOS, by Arthur W. Eddy 16 REVIEWS CANARY MURDER CASE (.Sound) 5 CANARY MURDER CASE (Silent) 5 FANCY BAGGAGE 4 HIS LAST HAUL 5 LADY OF THE PAVEMENT.... 4 LETTER, THE 4 NOAH'S ARK 4 PAGE ONE MAN DOG 5 PASSION SONG 5 PEACOCK FAN 5 RAINBOW 4 SONNY BOY 4 SPEAKEASY "5 YOUNGER GENERATION 5 WARE CASE 4 WOMAN IN NIGHT 4 SHORT SUBJECTS 12-13 Film and Disc Methods for 3 Devices Promised (Continued from Page 1) film stated the Pacent reproducer will have a disc attachment. Mike Simmons of Sonora-Bristol- phonc made a hurried trip from New York to speak before the assembled exhibitors. Without divulging de- tail, he said Bristolphone, now a sound-on-disc system, will have a film track as well. R. F. Woodhull, president of the M.P.T.O. in an address urged exhibi- tors to hold ofif installing sound argu- ing that the longer they held out the cheaper the price would become. Benesh Plans New House Chicago — Elmer Benesh, who oper- ates the Bell, Liberty and Avon here, will close the Bell in about 30 days for the construction on that site of an 1,800 seat house. Doering Buys Texas House Mineola, Tex. — Gus A. Doering has purchased the Select here from R. T. Hooks who is moving to New Mexico in quest of another theater adventure. Move Tenn. House Chatanooga, Tenn. — The Liberty Amusement Co. will remodel the house at Lindsay and Ninth streets and open it in place of the Grand, colored house. Whaley Jr. Sells Pa. House Parkersburg, Pa. — Edward M. Whaley Jr. has sold the Opera House, seating 455, to L. W. Parks of Phil- adelphia for approximately $40,000. Whaley will announce future activi- ties soon. BROOKS THE NAME VCW 60 6V yyHEH YoQ -GoW Rt?v COSTUMES -■ AI.SO 25.«t$6 COSTUMES T« nciM-r ' -I Intern'l Patent Pool Next European Move (Continued from Page 1) tic Products with Klangfilm and Tobis and their English and French allies is recognized as far-reaching amalgamation of interests, embracing over 500 sound patents. The A. E. G. and Siemens-Halkse, two big electrical groups have an exclusive on manufacture of equip- ment for all of Europe. Tobis, which is a combination of several German sound devices, will take over production in Germany. F.B.L After British Data On Interchangeability By ERNEST W. FREDMAN Editor, "The Daily Film Renter" London (By Cable) — The Federa- tion of British Industries which played an important part in foster- ing and securing an enactment of the Films Act has stepped into the sound situation. A meeting of exhibitors and sound manufacturers held here under the wings of the F.B.L was called for the purpose of outlining the interchangeability situation which, as in the early days of sound in the States, is beclouding the situation in England. A questionnaire outlining the stand of each device has been dis- tributed with answers scheduled to be returned in a week. The Industry's Date Book Today: April Premiere of "Show Boat" at Cap- itol, Miami, and Paramount, Palm Beach. Warner - First National - Stanley Frolic at Commodore Hotel New York. April I4-I5-I6 Convention of Western Penn- sylvania Exhibitor Unit at Pitts- burgh. May 1 Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal, May 6-9 Fpring meeting o£ Society of M.P, Engineers in New York Laemmle Denies 'U' Is Involved In Mergers (Continued from Page 1) tend to follow the same policy to which I have adhered during twenty years of activity in motion pictures — that of independent producer. "The many new alignments en- tered into by motion picture pro- ducers recently only strengthens Universal. The outlook is bright for a big year for our company." Change in Tiffany Managers Los Angeles branch of Tiffany- Stahl will be managed by S. D. Per- kins, who succeeds J. W. MacFar- land. In Portland (Ore.), J. R. Beale is new manager, replacing L. A. Samuelson. Fox Seattle House Opens Soon Seattle — The Mayflowtr at 7th and Olive Way here has been renamed the Fox and will open about April 1, according to S. T. McDonald, as- sistant district manager of the West Coast chain. Bushell Signs With Paramount Anthony Bushell, selected for the lead opposite Jeanne Eagels in "Jealous}'," has signed a long term contract. To Remodel Harrisburg House Harrisburg, Pa. — The Victoria lob- by will be remodeled. Williamsport House Reopens Williamsport, Pa. — The City the- ater has been reopened. It will oper- ate evenings only for a time. Buys Milwaukee House Milwaukee, Wis. — J. Honthauer has taken over the Comet from Moy Toy. Let Us Solve Your Problems I Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCORPORATED 1540 B'WAY N. Y.C. TELEPHONE BRYANT 3040 "E5 U S PAT or' First to recognize tlie need—first to produce tlie film required. Announcing t^ro neiv films to im- prove the quality of recorded sound, each designed to fill a special re- quirement. VA [Variable Area Recording Type Film] Makes possible optimum sound track density with lower recording lamp amperage and without necessity of forcing development in laboratory. VD [Variable Density Recording Type Film] Char- acterized by high-resolving power — and low maximum contrast. This film made to con- form with specifications approved by leading sound engineers. A bulletin has been prepared, containing complete technical information regarding these new sound films — A copy will be sent to you upon request. "THE DuPONT TRADE MARK HAS NEVER BEEN PLACED ON AN INFERIOR PRODUCT" DuPONT-PATHE FILM MFG. CORP. 35 W. 45th St. 1056 N. Cahuenga Ave. New York City Hollywood, Cal. THE Dolores Costello in with George O'Brien "Noah's Ark" (Part-Talker) Warners Length: 9478 ft. IMPRESSIVE SPECTACLE OF ROAD SHOW CALIBRE. HANDLED IN A BIG WAY, BUT WEAKENED BY A STORY THAT ALMOST GETS LOST. Cast Miss Costello beautiful and pleasing; George O'Brien, effective. Spectacle almost buries them, how- ever, as it does others in cast, in- cluding Noah Beery, Louise Fazenda, Guinn Williams, Paul McAllister, Anders Randolf, Nigel de Brulier, Armand Kaliz, Myrna Low, Wm. V. Mong and Malcolm White. Story and Production. ...A modern melodrama with a war background tied in with an impressive spectacle highlighted by a realistic reproduc- tion of The Deluge. As a production achievement this unquestionably ranks with the best. As an effort through which a warm, human story moves, this slips. Dolores and George are the two lovers. An analogy is drawn between the flood of waters which in the Bible cleansed the world of sin and the flood of blood which the titles tell you will cleanse the wiorld of the desire for war. The conclu- sion is not convincing and borders on a preachment. Direction, Michael Curtiz, very ef- fective; Story, Darryl Francis Za- nuck; Scenario, Anthony Coldeway; Editor, Harold McCors; Title Writer, Harold McCors; Dialogue, B. Leon Anthony; Photography, Hal Mohr, Barney McGill, splendid. "Lady of the 'Pavements" (Singing) United Artists Length: 8329 ft. FINE WOMAN'S PICTURE. NICE LOVE INTEREST PLAYED AGAINST A COLOR- FUL BACKGROUND. A BEAU- TIFULLY MOUNTED PRODUC- TION. Cast....Lupe Velez rowdies her way through most of it ending on a note of restraint (for her) and con- sideraljle sympathy. William Boyd, satisfactory. Jetta Goudal, splendid George Fawcett, fine as usual. Cast includes Henry Armetta. Story and Production Period story of Second Empire in France from story, "La Paiva." The first half is merely average, because of overemphasized sequences and com- edy that doesn't click. The second builds up and puts the picture over with considerable to spare. Boyd, in love with the countess (Goudal) dis- covers she is unfaithful. Words lead to insults. The countess formulates her revenge in the form of Lupe Velez, cafe singer, who finally falls in love with Boyd. They marry and at the wedding dinner, the countess vrtaks her revenge. Finally comes reconciliation. Miss Velez sings sev- eral songs, among them "Where Is the Song of Songs for Me," an Irving Berlin number that carries the ear- marks of plenty of popularity. Direction, D. W. Griffith, very good on straight stuff, bad on com- edy; Author, Karl VoUmoeller; Scena- rio, Sam Taylor; Editor, Not listed; Titles, Not listed; Photography, Karl Struss, lovely. "Fancy Baggage" ivith Audrey Ferris, Myrna Lay, George Fawcett (Part-Talker) Warners Length: 6447 ft. HODGE-PODGE OF COMEDY, MELLER AND WHATNOT, STRUNG TOGETHER IN A WEAK STORY THAT FAILS TO GET OVER. TALKING SE- QUENCES POOR. Cast. .. .Audrey Ferris not much on acting here, but her baby face is cute. Myrna Loy shows little. George Fawcett and Edmund Breese as two old daddies razzing each other grow tiresome. Hallam Cooley good for laughs as a society souse. Others Burr Mcintosh, Wallace MacDonald, Eddie Gribbon, Virginia Sales. Story and Production. .. .Comedy drama. One of those dizzy love mix- ups, with the old grouchy fathers of the sweethearts ragging each other through the reels. The plot is uncon- vincing and was evidently designed to get the laughs, which are not any too heavy. The gal's dad gets mixed in a crooked stock deal to help out daughter's extravagance. His one- time partner .ind now bitter enemy plans to send him to jail. The action takes place on the latter's yacht. Daughter gets a job as his secretary to recover the incriminating evidence. Falls in love with his son, of course. Hijackers on the high seas, a chase, and all hands reconciled at end. Direction, John Adolfi, indifferent; Author, Jerome Kingston; Scenario, C. Graham Baker; Editor, Not listed; Titles, Not listed; Dialogue, James A. Starr; Photography, Bill Reiss, fair. "The Ware Case" ivith Stewart Rome, Betty Carter (Silent) First National Length: 6185 ft. BRITISH MADE SUBJECT TELLS MYSTERY MURDER IN HEAVY HANDED MANNER OVERBURDENED WITH DE- TAIL. Cast. ...All-British. Stewart Rome the best as profligate accused of crime. Betty Carter too old for American standards of a sweetheart. Others Ian Fleming, Wellington Briggs, Cynthia Murtagh, Patrick Stewart, Cameron Carr, Syd Ellery, Patrick Ludlow. Story and Production. . . . Murder mystery of London society life. The sets are handsome, showing a beauti- ful English country estate, with en- chanting views of the Thames. The atmosphere is good, especially the reproduction of the Old Bailey court in the murder trial. Principally in- teresting as showing the English court customs and procedure. But as a murder mystery it rates secondary. Directed in the British fashion of too much detail. Lacks snap. The coroner's investigation is too long Jrawn out. Too many titles. Story tells of murder of brother of wife, with her husband accused of crime. He proves an alibi. The kick comes in climax when he confesses to his wife that he really killed her brother. Direction, Manning Haynes, too heavy; Author, George Pleydell Ban- croft; Scenario, Lydia Hay ward; Edi- tor, Not listed; Titles, Not listed; Photography, Wm. Shenton and Paul Lambert, very good. Davey Lee in "Sonny Boy" (Part-Talker) Warners Length: 6010 ft. MARVELOUS BABY SENDS THIS IN. HIS ONE SONG ENOUGH FOR ANY AUDIENCE. STORY VERY WEAK EVEN FOR A FARCE. Cast. ... America will go into ecstasy over Davey Lee. He is precious beyond words. Supporting cast pleasing enough and includes Betty Bronson, Edward Everett Hor- ton, Gertrude Olmstead, John 'T;. Hamilton, Tommy Dugan, Lucy Beaumont, Edmund Breese, Jed Prouty. Story and Production .... A farce that often gets far more silly than vyould appear necessary. Davey is tlie pivot around which wife and hus- band wrangle. A divorce impends so mother gets sister to spirit Davey away. Landing in the apartment of the hubby's lawyer while the lat- ter is away, who should enter but lawyer's father and mother. Then the deception and the final clearing away of all misunderstanding. Davey speaks part of his lines and sings "Sonny Boy." Nothing short of sen- sational when the boy talks. When he's off the screen, the opus sags sadly. Concentrate on him. You can't possibly miss. He's all you can promise for him. Direction, Archie L. Mayo, aver- age; Author, Leon Zuardo; Scenarist, C. Graham Baker; Editor, Owen Marks; Dialogue, James A. Starr; Titles, same; Cameraman, Ben Rey- no'ds, O.K. Sunday, March 17, 1929 Jeanne Eagels in "The Letter" (All-Talker) Paramount Length: 5868 /( A RED-BLOODED DRAMA WITH A FINAL FIVE MINUTES THAT KNOCK YOU FOR PLEN- TY. MISS EAGELS EXCEL- LENT. FILM VERY DUBIOUS FOR FAMILY TRADE. Cast. .. .Jeanne Eagels first screen appearance, but by no means her last. She is excellent and dominates throughout. Others, all very good are O. P. Heggie, Reginald Owen, Herbert Marshall, Lady Tsen Mei, Tamaki Yoshiwara. Story and Production. .. .Drama of infidelity in the Malay Peninsula. Those who take their drama straight will find "The Letter" very much to their tastes. By no means, however, the type of picture which the heads of families will want their children to see it through. In it there is a murder, committed by a frenzied, passionate woman who finds her lover turned against her. An incrim- inating letter, fallen into the hands of the lover's Chinese 'mistress, and later purchased from her, is the key- note around which the trial and the ultimate acquittal revolves. The pic- ture ends on a note of tragedy and despair which dramatically ranks with the finest filmed, sound or silent. Direction, Jean de Limur, spotty, generally very good; Author, from stage play by W. Somerset Maug- ham; Scenarist, Garrett Fort; Edi- tors, Jean de Limur, Monta Bell; Dialogue, the same; Cameraman, George Folsey, variable. "A Woman in the Night" with Maria Corda, Jameson Booth (Silent) World-Wide Length: 7688 ft. HEAVY BRITISH PRODUC- TION TREATS A BROAD THEME THAT IS DUBIOUS FOR FAMILY TRADE. DIREC- TION AND STORY STILTED. Cast Maria Corda emotes heav- ily. Jameson Booth the best as a typical British business man. Paul Cavanaugh fair. Story and Production Drama. Produced by British International. This film gathered some laughs in the wrong places when shown at an arty house in New York where they are usually sympathetic toward for- eign productions. That was because of the naive situations which the di- rector tried to treat dramatically but only succeeded in making them in- effective. For instance, the stolid business man wants to marry to get a son to succeed him in his business, and the doc says: "But supposing you don't have a child; wouldn't that be a terrible shock?" At which tiie customers giggled. Then the Russian actress who also wants a child goes mooning around her room looking at babies' statues. This tale tells how they married, five years pass, and no children. She finds a solution to the matter, which puts the film out. Direction, Victor Saville, stilted; Author, from story "Tesch" by Coun- tess Barc\nska; Scenario, Not listed; Editor, Ed. Holland; Titles, Ed. Hol- land; Photography, Werner Brandes, spotty "The Rainbow" with Dorothy Sebastian, Lawrence Gray (Silent) Tiffany-Stahl Length: 61U ft. GOOD GOLD RUSH ATMOS- PHERE WORKED OUT WITH THRILLS AND SOME FAIR COMEDY CHARACTERIZA- TION. WILL PLEASE. Cast. .. .Dorothy Sebastian a good looker who handles her part well. Lawrence Gray ordinary. Sam Hardy the best as the crooked promoter of a gold rush racket. Others Harvey Clark, Paul Hurst, Gino Corrado, King Zany. Story and Production Drama. The story has an original plot and is highlighted with' some good atmos- phere of a gold rush town with well- handled mob scenes. In fact the at- mosphere is the best part of the show, together with some good com- edy contributed by Harvey Clark and Paul Hurst. Sam Hardy as the crook v\'iho plants a gold strike story and gets the stampede headed for the deserted mining town on the edge of Death Valley is convincing and swings the story. The love interest is weak. The hero is one of the suckers who comes seeking gold, and falls for the girl who is working with the racketeer. Works up to strong climax with the mob tracking the escaping gang of crooks to their doom in a sand storm. Direction, Reginald Barker, ade- quate; Author, L. C. Rigby; Scenario, the same; Editor, Robert Kern; Titles, Frederick and Fanny Hatton; Photography, Ernest Miller, okay. THE Sunday, March 17, 1929 ■^t!k DAILV "The Canary Murder Case" With W'illidm I'owell, Lmiinc Broolcs, JdDics Halt. .h(i)i Arthur (All-Talker) ruraiitoutit Lvnyth: 7171 ft. EFFECTIVE TALKING SE- QUENCES PUT OVER ORDIN- ARY MYSTERY MURDER FILM. WILLIAM POWELL'S VOICE AND ACTING STAND OUT. Cast William IVuvcll walks away with actiiiR iioiiors as criminal investigator. James Hall ordinary, also Louise Brooks as the Canary. Others Jean Arthur, Gustav von Seyffertitz, Charles Lane, Eugene Pallette, Lawrence Grant. Story and Production. . . . Mystery drama. Adapted from a Philo Vance detective story by S. S. \'an Dine. As an all-talker, it is far more effec- tive tlian the silent version, but still it does not rate more than program calibre. The story is at fault, being another instance of magazine mate- rial making indifferent film fare. The chief difficulty lies in the fact that the audience can anticipate the dis- closure of the murderer long before he is revealed. Then there is an anti-climax sequence tacked on to clear up a secondary murder. The outstanding work of Powell as the investigator holds the picture up. Good talkmg sequences. Direction, Malcolm St. Clair, ordi- nary; Author, S. S. Van Dine; Scen- ario, Florence Ryerson, Albert Le Vino; Editor, William Shea; Titles, H. J. Mankiewicz; Dialogue, S. S. Van Dine; Photography, Harry Fish- beck, very good. "The Canary Murder Case" (Silent) I'd ni »ii)i( )it LcHi/th: .")8I3 it. MYSTERY DRAMA THAT NEVER GETS VERY MYSTERI- OUS. A MILDLY INTERESTING PROGRAMMER, THAT'S ALL. SALES OF BOOK WILL HELP. Cast. .. .William Powell, effective as the detective. Good cast com- posed of Louise Brooks, who has little to do; James Hall, who inclines to overact; Lawrence Grant, Jean Ar- thur, Gustav von Seyffertitz, Charles Lane, Eugene Pallette, Ned Sparks, Louis John Bartels, K. H. Calvert. Story and Production. .. .Mystery drama. The Philo Vance detective series by S. S. Van Dine have a great popular vogue. Don't overlook this in your advertising. You'll probably need a substantial angle like this to help tide the picture over for the mystery in it never particularly im- presses. Neither is its development especially clever although the story maj' be responsible. The Canary, show girl, is murdered. Suspicion, as usual, fastens on several men. Powell as the detective, steps in and unravels the knot. Usually, the well- done mystery play keeps you guessing concerning the murderer, but here anyone with average deductive pow- ers can figure it out before the screen tells you about it. Direction, Malcolm St. Clair, aver- age; Author, S. S. Van Dine; Scen- arist, Florence Ryerson; Editor, Wm. Shea: Titles, Herman J. Mankiewicz; Cameraman, Harry Fishbeck, nice work. "The Passion Song" (Silent) Excellent Leiiijlh: 5080 ft. INTELLIGENT STORY WELL ACTED. NICELY PHOTO- GRAPHED WITH GOOD INTER- IOR SETS. Cast.... Noah Beery does a strong characterization as an Englishman v.ho goes back to the vcldt in South Africa. Gertrude Olmstcad very at- tractive, and does some good acting. Gordon Elliott competent as her sup- port. Story and Production. . . .Drama of life ill England and South Africa. Adapted from story, "Paid With l\-ars." The story is well presented, and works out with an unusual love angle. Hero and his pal, the hus- band of the girl, return from Africa. Hero learns that the girl he loved has been married to his friend, she thinking that he would never return. Some nice love scenes are worked in, with an African chief on a visit to his white friend, the married man, discovering the love between the hero and wife, and telling the husband. The latter horsewhips him and drives him from the house for slandering his wife and friend. The scene shifts from England to Africa, where the native chief wreaks his vengeance, and with the husband killed the two lovers are united at last. Direction, Harry O. Hoyt, good; Author, Frances Fenton; Scenario, Elizabeth Hayter; Editor, Leonard WMieeler; Titles, Camille Collins; Photography, Andre Barlatier, fair. "Speakeasy" (All-Talker) Fox Li'H!)th: r^lir^ ft. AN ENTERTAINMENT NIF- TY. FAST MOVING STORY, ALL SOUND INDOORS AND OUT, THAT NEVER LAGS. WHATEVER A GOOD PICTURE NEEDS, THIS HAS. Cast. ... Paul Page, Lola Lane, Stuart Erwin newcomers but this proves they are here to stay. Gcn- erallv fine cast rounded out by Henry R. Walthall, Helen Ware, Warren Hymcr and Sharon Lynn. Story and Production. . . . Melo- drama of New York, its night life. This is a corking good yarn of the big city. The central figure is a col- lege-made pug in the game for the dough. He loses his middleweight championship and is ready to quit. That is, until the newspaper reporter, comes along for her story. She gets it and also a dart from Cupid. How she instills the desire for a return match through her complete confi- dence in the boy's ability and his ul- timate success gives you the rest of the story But it is the dialogue, the comedy, the fine, real shots of Times Siquare, Park Row, the subway and Madison Square Garden, plus a tem- po that never lags that really make the picture what it is. Direction, Benjamin Stoloff, fine; Author, from stage play by Edward Knoblock and Geo. Rosner, Scen- arists, Edwin Burke, Fred. H. Bren- nan; Editor, J. Edwin Robbins; Dia- logue, Edwin Burke; Cameraman, Joseph Valentine, excellent. "The Younger Generation" with Je/^|LY Sunday, March 17, 1929 iLi0>f»^^ItMiMi Laemmle Preparing for 1929-30 Paramount Starts Work on "Fu Manchu"— Fitzmaurice Directing One for U. A.— "Russian Rhapsody" New Sound Musical Comedy from Fox Lot— Ralph Wilk's Comment on Notables MM CHANGES AT STUDIO SINCE"U"HEAD'S ABSENCE A busy season will start in a few' days now that Carl Laemmle has re- turned from New York. The Uni- versal lot has taken an altogether different aspect in the eyes of "Un- cle Carl" as many changes have been made in personnel since his depar- ture several weeks ago. He will start making arrangements for his 1929-30 productions at once. Plan "Russian Rhapsody" "Russian Rhapsody" has been ten- tatively decided upon as the first mu- sical production for Fox Movietone, to be done by DeSylva, Brown and Henderson. "Dr. Fu Manchu" Starts Sax Rohmer's story, "The Insidi- ous Dr. Fu Manchu" has gone into production as an all-talking picture at the Paramount Hollywood studio with a cast composed of Warner Oland, Neil Hamilton, O. P. Heg- gie, William Austin, Jean Arthur, Claude King, Charles Stevenson, Evelyn Selbie, Charles Gillyan, Law- ford Davidson, Noble Johnson, and Charles Stevens. A Little from "Lots" By RALPH WILK StolofT Starts "Protection" Benjamin Stoloff has started "Pro- tection" for Fox. It is based on a story by Frederick Hazlitt Brennan. In the cast are Robert Elliott, Dor- othy Burgess, Francis McDonald, Paul Page, Joe Brown, Dorothy Ward and Arthur Hoyt. Gets Lead in "Locked Door" Barbara Stanwyck will play the lead in "The Locked Door," an all- talker picturization of Channing Pol- lock's "The Sign on the Door." George Fitzmaurice is directing, C. Gardner Sullivan handling the scen- ario, and there will be dialogue by George Fitzmaurice. Olive Hasbrouk Signed James Cruze has signed Olive Has- brouk for the next talking featurette he is to produce at the Chadwick studios. O. P. Heggie Assigned O. P. Heggie, one of the best known actors of the Broadway stage who recently was signed to a long term contract by Paramount, will play in Richard Dix's new all-dia- logue, "The Wheel of Life." Dix will be directed again by Victor Schertzinger who handled him m "Redskin" and his recently completed all-dialogue film, "Nothing But the Truth." Hollywood SARAH Y. MASON, a Tucson, Ariz., girl, who made good in Hollywood, is writing the continuity of "Back to Harvard," the sequel to "Brown of Harvard." Miss Mason also wrote the continuities for "Broadway Melody" and "Alias Jim- my Valentine." * ♦ * Fritz Feld is crowding a lot of work into his days and nights. He is working in "Broadway," at Uni- versal, and in "Cape Smoke," at Fox. In addition, he has an impor- tant part in "Squawk," which is not a talker, but a play. * + * "Sandy," the most popular dog on the Fox lot, has been giving his own- er, J. Edwin Robbins, the film editor, much worry. Twice during one week, "Sandy" disappeared from his home. * i» * Paul Page, one of the leads in "Speakeasy;" Ben Stoloff, who di- rected it, and J. A. Valentine, who photographed it, will be re-united for "Protection," which will soon go into production at Fox. Page is a recruit from the stage. ♦ ♦ * Our Passing Show: Smiling Dave Epstein dodging traffic on Sunset Boulevard; Al Mannon making an analysis of production and distribu- tion problems; Adolphe Menjou, June Col'yer, Charles Rogers, Edmund Breese, Robert Edeson, Nick Stuart at "Hearts in Dixie." ♦ * * Stephen Fechit, who sprang into prominence in "The Ghost Walks" and "Hearts in Dixie," is rnaking a careful study of his performance in the latter production. Wednesday he sat through five performances of the picture at the United Artists' theater. ♦ * * George Melford, veteran director, is making his first picture at M-G-M. It is the silent version of "The Voice of the City." George was with Para- mount for several years and has also directed for Universal, FBO, Tif- fany-Stahl and other companies. George Scarborough Consulting Dramatist Uaitod Artdfita Kothryn Crawford, Universal con- tract player, is one of the few that has not given up horseback riding for aviation. In company with others, she can be seen daily astride of a spirited horse, off for a morn- ing gallop. Ike St. John, publicity director, has been teaching her the finer points. * * * When Douglas Shearer and a num- ber of aviation enthusiasts started their studio flying club, Jeanette Loff, Pathe's coming star, put in her ap- plication for membership. But she is plenty in the lead of the others, having been flying now for several months. She is now taking a course from Roy Wilson, stunt flyer of "Hell's Angels" which the Caddo company have been "years" making. She will be eligible for a pilot's li- cense after a few more trips in the air. * * ♦ Lon Chaney is now breaking into music. Karl Kramer, a new music master from New York is doing the orchestration for Gus Edwards' "M-G-M" Revue," a girl show which he is scheduled to direct in the near future. The title of the num,ber will be "Lon Chaney," shading the many disguises Chaney uses in his pic- tures. * * * George O'Brien, Fox star, has more trouble with his feet then Rex Bell has with his fan mail. Not that the feet are as large as Bell's mail, but never- the-less, O'Brien only recently recovered from an injury on the other foot which he re- ceived while he was working in "Noah's Ark." Now after a few days work in "The Son of Anak," he broke his right toe in a fight scene. Dave But- ler, the director, is taking out insurance on George during the balance of the production. ^ * « Many of James Hall's friends will be glad to learn that he has been chosen to play opposite Colleen Moore in her next production. HARVEY GATES Writer WARNER BROTHERS "The Desert Song'' Dorothy Revier Signed Dorothy Revier has been signed by Paramount for "Burlesque," adapted from the George Manker Watters- Arthur Hopkins stage play. Another player just engaged is James Farley. John Cromwell and Edward Suther- land, directorial team, will direct. Nancy Carroll and Hal Skelly are now rehearsing with other members of the cast. Patsy Miller Opposite Mulhall Patsy Ruth Miller has been signed by First National-Vitaphone to play opposite Jack Mulhall in "Twin Beds," to be directed by Alfred San- tell. THE Doorway of Hompitality >NTER the doorway of this popular hostelry and you feel at horn*. There's an atmosphere of cordial welcoma which marks the difference between tha HoUyrrood Plaxa and ordinary hotels. Your room, too, has that added touch of distinction. Pictures on the ivall, oveto stuffed furniture, a floor lamp and reading lamp . . . these are but a few of the features that make you feel at home. Pig'n Whistle Dining Service insures the best of food. Therefore, when you ara ne»l in Los Angeles be sure to investigate. THE HOLLYWOOD PLAZA HOTEL Vine Street at Hollywood Boulevard HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA *" DAULV NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FAST GROWING FIELD OF SYN- CHRONIZATION SOUND TIPS ON EQUIPMBMT AND VARIOUS DB- VICES ARE NOW AVAILABLE i By CHARLES F. HYNES SOyND-ON-FILM OR ON IHE DISC ^WHICH ONE? This is the second and condudmy portion of an intirestuicj article on sound recordiny by Merritt traiv- iord, former trade paper editor wlio, ior many months, has been conduct- iny extensive research into sound and its problems. None of these ihrce men is affiliated or otheiwise idenlitied with any of the big film conmanies or the electrics. At present all are engaged in independent research work in con- nection with various phases oi talker develop- ment It hardly is necessary to add that their knowledge oi the fundamentals and intricacies of tlie arts involved is highly specialized, il, indeed, it may not more properly be described as profound. . These men are: Eugene A. Lauste, pioneer inventor of sound-onhlm, whose original pa- tents, dating back to 1^06. form the basis lor the development of these processes today; Captain James H. White, research engineer and inventor associated with Ihomas A. tdi- son for nearly 20 years, from the earliest days of the motion picture and the phono- graph, and a recognized authority in both arts; and James L. Carlton, for many years diief engineer of the Gaumont Laboratories, Paris, producer and designer of numerous devices in connection with the motion picture and sound reproduction. Mr. Carlton was principally responsible for the Gaumont Chronophone, which successfully produced synchronized sound pictures commercially Zi years ago. Then collective opinion is that lor years to come, both sound-on-film and soundon- disc, will be generally in use in the industry. In fact, the healthy competition between the two is useful for the successful development of the sound picture as an art and as a satisfactory commercial product. Mr. Lauste speaks with enthusiasm of the future potentialities of soundon-tilra, yet he concedes that years of further research and experiment probably will be required to perfect it and reduce its fundamental processes to a set of definite, scientific formulae. On the other hand, neither Captain White nor Mr. Carlton are convinced that sound- on-film will ever surpass the disc as a means for recording and reproducing sound effects, if, indeed, it ever equals it. It is their stated conviction that the art of sound recording and reproducing is at its height in the wave cut disc record, which, as they point out, is the product of more than 40 years intensive research and development. Sound-on-film, in their view, is still very much in the laboratory or invention stage and can- not properly yet be deemed an art. In the case of the disc, to obtain what is practically a perfect result in sound recording and reproduction is mainly a matter of tech- nical skill. Each step in the process is fully and exactly understood by the expert, whose knowledge is based on the precedents estab- lished by years of experiment and the ex- perience of many other experts. With sound-on-film the reverse is true. While the photographic process for record- ing and reproducing sound has been known about and experimented with by scientific men for almost as long as he photographic system, it is only within the past four or five years, that it has become the subject of intensive research and experiment. Only very recently, indeed, has it become even com- mercially possible. Many steps in the intricate mechanical, electrical and scientific processes involved in the consistent successful recording and re- producing of sound photographically are not yet fully understood. It may well be that years of earnest and painstaking experiment by many trained minds will elapse before "Sound Patents" The seventh instalment of "Sound Patents" appears on page ten, this issue. This series discusses the interna- tional development of sound, as revealed by research into patents filed in Germany, Great Britain, France and the United States. these processes can be reduced to positive terms. To attempt to cite here all the highly tech- nical and mechanical problems, which have yet to be solved before the fundamentals of this system are as well understood as those which govern the disc, is mainfestly impossi- ble. Such, for example, as the combining suc- cessfully of the two sound variables, viz. the number of vibrations within a given period and their accompanying amplitudes, with the "linear velocity" of the film. In simpler terms, getting a true and instantaneous record of the sounds received within the limits of the length of film required for the action photographed. Or again, the experiments being made to control the curious — but exceedingly costly — affinity of the film emulsion for water, dirt, oil and grease, etc., a chemical peculiarity which for many years has puzzled and still baffles the ablest experts. It is a problem, which one day may make the cost of sound- on-film commercially prohibitive, provided some of the economies already forecast for the disc are realized. In printing sound-film there has as yet been devised no adequate system for combining the sound negative with the picture nega- tive. Photographic values, affecting either the sound record or the picture, must bo sacrificed. This is due principally to two reasons. One, is that the scene negative has to be printed through the clear or unexposed part of the sound negative, as both pass before the "window" of the printing machine. This unexposed film, although transparent to the eye, forms a sort of "veil' 'over the scene print, which definitely diminishes its defini- tion and photographic values. The second reason is that the sound nega- tive must be printed continuously, and this has necessitated printing the picture negative in the same maner. Many years ago, ex- perience proved to motion picture makers, that to maintain photographic values, action film must be printed step by step. Many thousand dollars worth of apparatus was dis- carded, when the discovery was made that to print a motion picture continuously meant the blurring or at least the loss of photo- graphic definition of the individual scene. The results of continuous printing, now necessitated by the addition of sound photog- raphy to the motion pictures, may be seen in the inferior photographic values (often at- tributed to bad studio lighting) apparent in "talkers' of the sound-on-film type. It is in the field of photography, itself, however, that the real problems of sound-on- film lie, and which make it seem probable that its ultimate perfection as a commercial art is still a considerable distance in the fu- ture. The colloid or gelatin, which forms the base of the film emulsion, holds in suspen- sion numberless molecules of silver salts, in which a chemical change takes place when exposed to light. This change in the silver molecules is what makes the photographic impression, whether of the images projected through the camera lense or the light waves superinduced by the sound energy trans- mitted. George Eastman has spent literally millions of dollars in an endeavor to discover just what happens, when light strikes these silver A/ucy exponental Itorn for sound reproducer. Model 5-120 Says Sound Censors Hit Free Speech Minneapolis — Beniidji (Minn.) 'I'ioneer," in denouncing sound cen- sorship, editorially states that "the (|uestion of free speech is directly involved," and power to regulate dialogue in pictures should not be vested in the hands of a censor board. WISCONSIN HOUSES COING IN FOR SOUND RAPIDLY M Iwaukec — "Xunierous installa- tions are being made in Wisconsin .md many more are scheduled to >\vitch to sound policy in a few weeks. Recent installations include the Monroe, at Monroe, which bought "Krpi." At Chippewa Falls, II. .A. Scliawahn is installing the Pa- cent device, showing its first sound pictures on Easter Sunday. Bristol- phone is being installed at the New London (irand. Biophone opened last week at (Jzaukee and \''an Dyke's \'audette, at Kaufman, is now op- erating with Movie-Phone. Sound at Frankfort Frankfort, Ky. — "Erpi" sound equipment will be installed in the Capitol while alterations are being made. molecules. To date it remains a mystery of science. Yet it must eventually be ascertaitied if the sound-on-film process is to attain its height as an art. Unless these molecules are completely oxi- dized by exposure to light they do not stay "fixed' 'and tend to "fade." This fading process may take place immediately or later. On the other hand, if they are over-exposed they undergo other changes equally dis- astrous. In the one case, the "fading" results in diminishing tha sound recorded to the vanish- ing point, in the other, distortion. Everyone who has seen and heard sound-on-film has observed some of these phenomena. _ ^^ The many imperfections of the "talker, as we know it today, which are common to both systems of sound reproducing and re- cording, in the opinions of the experts con suited by the writer, are due to the methods of synchronization and amplification now gen- erally in use. They believe that in the effort to amalgamate or combine the arts of sound recording and reproducing and the motion picture, into a single art, certain fundamentals in the technique of both arts have been disregarded or overlooked. The result has been to seriously handicap the commercial development of both sound-on- film and sound-on-disc recording. Once sound has been truly (and not merely mechanically) synchronized with the film, the problems of amplification will be greatly simplified, and the talking picture will become in all verity an art. j ci Then the relative merits of sound-on-hlm and sound-on-disc will be fully disclosed, and the commercial possibilities of each made ap- parent. . , It is the opinion of Messrs. White and Carlton that the wave cut disc record for the reasons already given, then will receive the major consideration. Mr. Lauste con- tents himself with the confidence that sound- on-film will also have its place m the sun, though he does not believe it will soon replace the disc, at least as a means of popular enter- tainment. Movie Phone in Wisconsin House Mt. Horeb, Wis.— The New Strand opened here recently under manage- ment of J. B. Buechner and A. P. Desormeaux. It has a capacity of 400 and is equipped with Movie Phone Holdridge Buys Han-A-Phone Shenandoah, la. — Han-.\-Phone has been installed at the fCmnrcss. own- ed by B. B. Holdridge, of Des Moines. Hamal Distributing Pacent Salt Lake City — C. J. Hamal is handling the Pacent equipment in this territory and already has lined up 16 installations including the L H. Har- ris circuit of five houses at Burley, Rupert and Buhl, Idaho, and Green- river and Evanston, Wyo . 3 Bristolphones for N. D. Dickinson, X. D. — Three Sonora- Bristolphone machines have been in- stalled in this territory, according to Frank Rubel of Talking Pictures Corp. The first is the Rialto here, owned by Mugridge and Johnson, another in Redfield at the Lyric, owned by Claude Johnson while equipment is being installed at the (irant in Brookings, S. D. Handling Oraphone in N.W. Minneapolis — Oraphone, a non-syn- chronous device, is being handled here by Talking Pictures Corp.. with an installation being made at the .'\merican here operated by Ben Friedman. THE ajlTVKp/tr EVENING POST ■^prll Sound Picturkj a /product of Hu y- / / y- ^ y- lA'a*iittfi prtntui t r* » 7i > (lie fXciuttirrlY th* tf .M lint i-JfTlrif' syntvnt o^ .. Ultti pivturvs : \ « M(M:H llf(^^^ ( »o\ I MM- 1 M- ItliJ l U tvJNi. VI .. D-^l |-\K »nMil M 1 \M'.l ■. ' S\ ■ Mt iKu i.oi na \ > MAi It I 1 MIU) MU1--I'' HH-l ^ IMONM I SHI il<\( H\l lltiK II dlttl'*'!!!' % t Oil viii\ ru II Mji HAftUtJD ll<»Vf> When it i* a Soumi Pu- litre, the director dis- cards hi* mf,fitii*hi\ ' 'the tfnsitiie micro- phoni' niu-^l m>tpirk tif pven ti u'liifjuT to /rt/t*r- j'iTf uiih ih« xountl in Ih^mfnw Western Electric, working with produc- ers and exhibitors, has made possible a new art of entertainment / < r f :ii>(tiiri>lti^. win.'r.ift Iff ti/hiXK Out 111 ,t lull I I ulili'^ "- r\|M|-niM I-. .ii;;!- ii«-tr» ill ill.' Ik'll Ti'l.j.limic l^iimraloii.-^ .>unil |)ic-turi-<. Tlli^. .-\-tiiii. wlii.ll iliil(r;ir-c» !,(.lh \ ila- jillom- .111.1 Mi.vi.-I,,n.-. jl:l- l..-,ll ;i.|,ij,l,.,| .1' ^Liu.i.ir.l i.v tin* .-.»tiuti\ '' 1. -a. lilt:; iti.i- \n.li'\(iii>il(if *iii lu.ii. liuiii h^.' iIi'mi-.mu' li.iM I'i.tiur |ir.).lii<.-r-. tliiMlii'^ lum- ^liimii .li.ir.i.iiTi-li.- f.c'.-i 1 111-.' I nil. 1 11. IT-. .Ill ih.'ir part. li.n.> lia.l lie-* t.i ■•i'r\.' lii.'ir jiiilirn'l.\ . i|iii|ijiiiii; (Inn ti. I ri-al.' II lit \> -tiidi.i li'rliitii|iii- til iiilr.i- !|(iiim-~ « illi lli.' Wi-liTii rii'rtfi.' '•" i"! ihirc .l.->iri' 1 e by Western Ellec- tric with the co- oper ation of progressive producers and exhibitors. nique and, with the help of Western Electric equipment, are making better and better Sound Pictures. Third, that exhibitors in more than two thousand theatres have shown characteristic eagerness to serve their patrons by equipping with the Western Electric Sound System. This is your advertising, sellingyour customers in millions of homes, month after month. It will give the nation a better understanding ami a greater appreciation of what Sound Pictures are and where they are going. Here is an authoritative interpretation of a great new art in which the moving picture industry is making a tremendous investment. Thus to its recopiized services as manufacturing pioneer and technical sponsor of Sound Pictures, Western Electric now adds the important role of interpreter. Electrica/ Research Products Inc. 250 WEST 57lh STREET, NEW YORK 10 —;xii^ DAILY Sunday, March 17, 1929 'SOUND PATENTS' SERIES THE SEVENTH INSTALMENT An apparatus by which a braking means is automatically applied to the projection machine driving means, wlienever tlie latter is driven more rapidly than the phonograph, is shown in United States patent No. 1,054,203, to D. Higham, applied for Nov. 10, 1908, and issued Feb. 25, 1913. An elevation of one form of embodiment of this apparatus is shown in Fig. 1 of the patent and the arrangement of the phonograph and projection machine for this form of the apparatus is shown in Fig. 5. D. BIOEAH. COHBIIilTIOH FBONOORAPB iHD HOVINO PICTDRE APPlHlTD^ tmicilioli IlLID 10, lu ,,u* 1,054.203. PaUDted Fell. 25, 1913 ,|8tlTl-lltET I # gear (14) and the relation of each worm to the gear remains unchanged. In the event that the shaft (24) should rotate faster than the shaft (12,) however, the teeth of the worm (18) would advance relatively faster than the teeth of the gear (14) and the worm (18) would thread its way to the left, carrying the shaft (24) in the same direction. This movement of the shaft (24) is transmitted to one arm of the bell crank lever (26) causing the upper arm of the lever and a brake shoe (10), suspended therefrom, to be pressed downward- ly against a brake drum (9) connect- ed through a shaft (8) and gears (6) and (7) to the shaft (2) of the pro- jection machine, thus retarding the rotation of the latter. The patent also shows mechanism for adjusting the speeds of the phonograph and projection machine relative to each other to atiain synchronism and also an electric apparatus that will be de- scribed later. Cinephone in Dallas Dallas — ■ Local headquarters for distribution of Powers Cinephone in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas will be opened here by the Leatherman- Branon Co., agents for this sound device in the 11 Southern states. fa^T?,W'.> As shown in the latter figure, a pul- ley {17) associated with the projec- tion machine is driven by a belt (30) from a pulley (31) of the phonograph. The shaft (12) of the pulley (27), as shown in Fig. 1, is provided with a worm (13) meshing with a gear (14), which also meshes with a worm (18) on a slidable shaft (24) diametrically opposite the worm (13). The shaft (24) is slidably connected to the drive shaft (2) of the projec- tion machine (1) and is thus rotated at the same speed as the shaft (2). When the shafts (12) and (24) are rotated at the same speeds by their respective driving apparatus, and in opposite directions, they ex- I ert the same rotative effect on the i Set in Washington Washington ■ — ■ Powers Cinephone has opened an office in the Mather Bldg. Mike Levinson, w)ho handles Pennsylvania and southern Jersey, will supervise. Cinephone in Tulsa House Tulsa — The Palace will have a Cinephone reproducer installed in about three weeks. Distributor for Phototalker Oklahoma City — Tol Teeters, local exhibitor, has taken over distribu- tion of Phototalker in Oklahoma. Phil Isley of Midwest Film Ex- change, is connected with Teeters in this venture. 9 Movie-Phones Placed Kansas City — Glen Dickinson has purchased Movie-Phone for his chain. Other installations ordered include the Sherman, Goodland, Kans.; the Gent Gauntier, Kansas City. Kans., and the Hubbell, Trenton, Mo. The Gene Gauntier will probably be the first house in this territory to get this type of sound equipment. 1,307,333. S. F. STEIN, MOTION PICTURE APPARATUS, APPLICATION FILED JULY !/, 1918. Patented June 17. 1919, ^/. \ /o /S [M [£-] l£-] {£-] [£] mm B a fc/B In United States patent No. 1,307,323, issued to Samuel F. Stein on June 17, 1919, a phonvgraph (12) is directly coupled to a projection machine (11) and immediately adjacent thereto and the sound is transmitted from the phonograph through a telephone trans- mitter (13) and a circuit (14) to individual ear phones 16) mounted on the seats (18) of the theater. (sr 05 — -4^'^ Illustrating the Higham system of synch ronization. U. S. patent No. 1,054,203 Sound for Holte's House Minneapolis — Second Vitaphone in- stallation in northern Minnesota has been made at H. Holte's Lyceum, Thief River Falls. Dynaphone, the Latest Kansas City — A reproducer known as the Synchronous Dynaphone is being used in the Delharco at Con- cordia, Kans. The house is under the management of the Delmar F. Harris Co., and seats 350. Gallaher Turns Author Donald Gallaher has been assigned to write an original for Fox Movie- tone following the completion of "Thru Different Eyes." Writing Dialogue for Walsh George Brooks, co-author of "Spread Eagle," is preparing the dialogue for Raoul Walsh's forth- coming production, "The Cock-Eyed World." California House Wired Napa, Cal. — Sam Gordon will in- stall sound equipment at the Hip- podrome. Improving Chillicothe House Chillicothe, Mo. — Construction starts soon on the general alterations to the Strand. Sound equipment will be installed. The house will be com- pletely redecorated and refurnished. Butte House Reopened Butte, Mont. — Jack Gavan has re- opened the Peoples on E. Park St. *,K-^ •v^ *v \^ \ can ■•• i^J^. .S>*^- '♦"^ ^ ^^ *V^. ...-s^ .1^* ,<.»^ il^' »-"' ..\^' «>• #>»^ %» ?&' ,».tf >*>=« C<^ z")^' ■M xi^ i^ -.1^ ,<^»- ^S^Jm b»^ •.•>^:r yO-; \»' (■^ 3^! ei» a*i *"!; UNION PACENT PEPfODUCER CORP- ^O- O ''" 2,0 .EST 39 ST. ^O^ . ^S K ^^ t>\. \*X.^' CO' ,«o^ v^5 ?? sv o**' Av^^: ^o»- khO Pi!|f.m Pacent Reproducer Systems ARE BEING SERVED By These Leading Producers: PARAMOUNT FIRST NATIONAL WARNER BROTHERS M-G-M (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) VITAPHONE UNITED ARTISTS and others s^ Endorsed and Praised By Scores of Exhibitors ! EXHIBITORS install sound equipment to make money. And they are making it with Pacent Reproducer Systems. Scores of telegrams from theatres, large and small, tell of the won- derful success of Pacent Reproducer installations. Not in one theatre, not in half a dozen, but in dozens of houses Pacent Reproducer Systems are giving the highest degree of per- formance and satisfaction. We take this opportunity to thank exhibitors throughout the country for their hearty words of praise and endorsement. The Pacent Reproducer Corp. is dedicated to the one idea of supply- ing better sound equipment at lower prices. Constant cooperation with the exhibitor after equipment is installed is an outstanding feature of Pacent Reproducer Corporation's service. Pacent Reproducer Corp. Louis Gerard Pacent, President 250 West 39th Street New York, N. Y. Telephones: Wisconsin 1029, 1030 SALES AND SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA. WRITE FOR LIST V^ THE 12 Theater Equipment By CHARLES F. HYNES TALKING SHOP Air Conditioning Devices Are Now Showing Signs of Improvement for Summer IMPROVEMENTS being made in cooling systems this year, presage a more general use of air condition- ing in theaters this summer. Hap- pily, the improvements are, in some instances, being accompanied by price reductions and modification of terms, to place the systems within the reach of all exhibitors. That's good news, for air condi- tioning cannot be overstressed as an important and essential feature of the theaters, regardless of size. In articles and editorials, we have for years been advocating installation of conditioning equipment, as a sound investment which would bring dol- lars to the box office. Engineers in the field have been wiorking hard to lower cost of equip- ment without impairment of effi- ciency. To their problems has been added that of the sound house, where absolute quiet of operation is essen- tial. This requirement, now is be- ing met, it is said. Your house will knock the sum- mer bugaboo for a goal, if you ob- tain proper air conditioning. If you haven't already installed a condi- tioner, sharpen your pencil and fig- ure out the system you can afford, and get set on an installation. Then, when summer rolls around, you'll be prepared, with a better-than-ever- chance to draw and keep patrons. Install Cooling System Kooler-Aire Engineering Corp. has installed its cooling and heating sys- tems in the Durfee, Nathan Yamins' house at Fall River. Mass. Both systems are also being installed at the Palace, Fort Worth, Texas. Double Spring Motor SEPT CAMERA Practically Brand New Condition $16 Complete with Case and 6 Magazines uiiuoa^HBys Who yu<"it 32«*sr_N«!«>bH«.Ny Lane turns out a superior comedy highlighted with some original gags ami his own in- imitable brand of acrobatic comedy ant cs with leaps, falls, slides and fine pantomime. The comedian goes to a nerve specialist, played by his brother, Wallace Lupino. The lat- ter takes him to his private hospital for special treatment, and has the nurses put him to bed. But Lupino gets mixed up with several other patients whom he tries to help, ami st>on has the ward in an uproar. It is really surprising the variety of gags the comedy specialist can ex- tract from simple situations. Good fun anywhere, and done with class. Directed by Henry W. George. Pathe Review No. 13 Gets Over Type of production..! reel magazine Starts off with a sequence that will please the girls, showing "Alice in Wonderland." a business girl view- ing the fine raiment in a fashion shop window. Then in a dream se- (|uence you see Alice getting into the finery and she is in the seventh heaven of bliss — then she \\"t;ikes up. Then "Romances of '49" shows Sut- ter's Fort, historic trading jjost in the west, as it is today and as it was in pioneer times. The reel ends with "Cock-Eyed World," showing some clever novelty camera tech- nique with a lot of jumbled scenes from the camera of a nutty news man. "Prodigal Pups" Novelty — Universal Good Subject Type of production ... 1 reel novelty The story is that of a pup that sneaks away from his ma to go on an adventure. He runs into a cider barrel, and gets pickled. The pup's actions in slow motion are well pho- tographed. In fact, the camera tech- nique is the chief point of interest in the offering. Finally a rich little' girl in a big car stops with her nurse and takes the pup to her home. The mother discovers the little tramp and has him thrown into the street. Sad- der and wiser, the pup wanders back to his ma in the pouring rain. Good novelty with strong appeal to the kids. Directed wSth intelligence by Jacques Rollens. "Kitty Kitty" Cameo — Educational Good Gags Tyi)e of production ... .2 reel comedy Billy Dale is the featured comed- ian, assisted by Estelle Bradley, in a number that gets a fair c|uota of laughs. Billy brings his wife home a big black cat. which immediately proceeds to ruin her nice new hat. She orders Billy to throw the feline outdoors, but the cat comes back. Billy in desperation carts it a mile away, and runs into a batch of stray cats in a crate. A cop makes him cart 'em home. Poor wifie faints at the spectacle of a cat-ridden home. Foreign Markets By JAMBS F. CUNNINGHAM fRENCH UNITS COMBINE TO DEVELOP THEATERS Paris — .\ deal has been closed be- tween Pathe Cinema and Societe Rapid Film for formation of a theater chain. .'\s a result of the merger, M. Xatan, of Rapid hilm, has been appointed managing director of Pathe Cinema. Societe Rapid Fdm has al- ready made arrangements for a num- ber of new theaters and has pur- chased sites and building in various sections while Pathe Cinema's pro- gram includes construction of thea- ters in principal cities in France. Berlin Studios Active; Theater Attendance Low IVasbington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The 23 studios of Berlin were active during Januac.v, 426 full studio days were used and 94 partly occupied out of 552 days available, with 32 studio days re- maining free, according to a report to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. Theater attendance, com- pared with the same month of 1928 was unsatisfactory due partly to nu- merous cases of "flu" and the number of unemployed. Quota for India Is Proposed in Legislature Wasluiiijton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — At the next session of the Imperial Legislative Assembly, a resolution urging the Government of India to give immediate effect to the reconnnendations of the Indian Cinematograph Committee for a quota will be brought up, according to a report to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. Sovkino Official in Berlin Berlin — K. Shvedahikow, president of Sovkino of Russia, is here with intentions of arranging distribution for his product in Germany. He also plans arrangements with Derussa for joint production. 2,300-Seater for Manchester Manchester — A London syndicate proposes to erect a 2,300-seat house in Hall's Crescent, Rochdale Road here. Architects have modeled their idaiis upon those of the Roxy in New York. Receiver App>ointed Nevada, la. — Charles I. Merrick has been appointed receiver for Cir- cle Amusements Co. Remodeling New London House New London, Conn. — The Lyceum is being remodeled and a new roof is being built. NORWAY GROSS REVENW snows LOSS IN I92S H'ashitiijlon Bureau of HIE FILM DAILY Washington — The combined gross reveime from theaters in Norway for 192« amounted to $3,251,546, accord- ing to advices to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. In 68 towjis, 106 municipal theaters earned $2,642,696, while 131 i>rivately owned houses in 128 different towns earned $608,850. This is a decrease of 2.2 per cent as compared with 1927. The attendance in Oslo theater totaled 2,726,000 as compared with 2,677,000 in 1927; therefore the loss in revenue of the year is not due to falling off in attendance but to reduction in ad- mission prices. New British Unit Formed To Take Over 7 Houses London — City and Suburban Cin- ema, Ltd., has been formed here with a capital of $1,697,500, to take over seven houses here and in the prov- inces. The houses are: Capitol, For- est Hill; Kingsland, Empire; Apol- lo, Stoke Newington, and .Amherst Hall; Plaza and Palace at Woking and the Tredegar Hall at Newport. Officers are M. Sampson, chairman; D. J. Jacobs, director, and E. Daven- port, secretary. Plans are being made to have Western Electric sound equipment installed in six of the houses. The Capitol already has talker equipment. Rejoins B. I. F. London — H. L. Adler, general manager of British International Film Distributors, Ltd., has been recalled by I. W. S-chlesinger to undertake duties in South Africa. British Films for Austria Vienna — M. Felce has bought the \'ita Studio here to establish a Brit- ish production unit. Richmount Pictures 723 7th Avenue be. Mew York Oty D. J. MOUNTAN, Ptm. r EXCLUSIVE foreign representatives for Rayart Pictures Corporation and other leading: independ- ent producersand distributors Cabte Addreu: RICHPICSOC. Parto Cable Addreu: DEEJAY, Loodoo Cable Addrcai: RICHPIC, N. Y. Exporting only tlie best in Motion Pictures THE 14 Sunday, March 17, 1929 Defense Wins Skirmish on U. S. Evidence U.S. NOT CHARGING INTENT TO COERCE INARBITAATION (Continued from Page 1) ever, the effect of the contract and arbitration agreement, it is contend- ed, is to restrain trade and it is along these Hnes that prosecution of the case by the government may be ex- pected to proceed. The government rested its case on Thursday, in a surprise move, follow- ing introduction by stipulation of government exhibits from files of eight Film Boards. Both sides agreed that these exhibits may be considered as typical, to expedite trial of the case. In resting its case, the government retains the right to call its witnesses in rebuttal. Four- teen so far are on call, and the num- ber may be increased. The defense plans to put on the stand a number of witnesses, including secretaries of the eight Film Boards whose exhibits comprise the government's case. Definition of the government's case by Thompson came in the course of his efforts to block defense action to introduce letters written by Former Assistant Attorney General William P. Donovan, to the effect that the Dept. of Justice had ap- proved the revised standard contract. Hess had testified that the govern- ment's investigation of the contract and its operation began in March 1925. and after a lengthy probe, a statement had been issued by the de- partment, announcing its approval of the contract, revised in line with sug- gestions made by department coun- sel. Thompson protected that this evi- dence was immaterial. The court wanted to know why the department issued such statements to newspa- pers, and refused to admit the mimeo- graphed statement. Defense counsel then offered correspondence betwieen Edwin P. Grosvenor, chief defense counsel and Donovan. When Thompson protested, the court asked him if he disputed Dono- van's signature, and Thompson, stat- ing he did not, said that the corres- pondence didn't indicate the govern- ment's view in its entirety. The court then asked if the gov- ernment believed that there was or is intent to violate the Sherman law, or that the defense, seeking to pro- vide certain rules for business pro- cedure, was violating the law l)^' ap- plication of these rules. When Thompson declared that no intent is charged, the court overruled the ob- jection and the correspondence was admitted. Testimony of Hess consumed all of Friday, the witness detailing the deliberations which led to and fol- lowed adoption of the various stand- ard forms of contract, and explain- ing clause by clause the contents of eacli form of agreement. He reviewed the first uniform con- 2 Years to Gather Twelve investigators from the Dept. of Justice assembled the estimated 38,000 exhibits secured from files of the de- fendants in the credit and arbi- tration cases. The investiga- tion covered two years. With Film Board Secretaries tract and stressed the situation vVhich ensued when distributors added clauses to the form of agreement. These, he explained, were made nec- es.sary by the different methods of doing business of the various firms, and their different needs. He cited the statute of limitations in arbitra- tion, the added clauses concerning roadshows, which permitted a dis- tributor to withdraw a given number of films each year for roadshow pur- poses. Tracing the changes made by the contract committee, he reviewed the various forms of agreement up to the present one. The Trade Practice Conference was outlined in considerable detail, and the contract committee meetings which followed it, outlining point by point the suggestions made at the contract committee meeting. He was on the stand when adjournment was taken. 'I'^ALENT and how!— and beauty, -■- too. A bevy of business-like secretaries, who know their onions when it comes to secretarial work which combines required legal knowl- edge with necessity for tact and understanding of problems of the i)usiness. Add a goodly sprinkling of legal talent, and you have it, the "it" l)eing the organization of Film r^oards of Trade secretaries. iPy CHARLES P. HYNESiL Lola Adams Gentry is on tap from Los Angeles. And she's mighty par- ticular of the order in which the last two names are used. Edna Pfister of Albany will have to catch up on sleep when she goes back home. Staying up nights to read government exhibits is the rea- son. Exhibitor Witnesses Under Gov't Subpoena (.Continued from Page 1) C. Ritter of the Michigan unit; Col. H. A. Cole, president of the Texas exhibitor unit, and one of the mem- bers of the committee which drew the contract. Nathan Yamins, contract commit- tee member, has been permitted to return to Fall River, Mass., under instructions to hold himself in read- iness for government call, and a simi- lar arrangement has been made with P. J. Wood, of Columbus, business manager of the Ohio unit, and George Erdmann, business manager of the Cleveland organization. The social side, is something else again. But the bunch hasn't had a chance to know it. So far as they are concerned, life this week is noth- ing but meetings after court ses- sions and court sessions after meet- ings. It's a case of join Film Boards and see New York — out of a court- room window. Knee deep in secretaries for a week, to find out their lives, habits and customs. What an assignment! Here's hoping there's a banquet or something so Mrs. Georgia Moffett, Cleveland, will get a chance to speak. Oratory is her middle name, they say. Dave Palfreyman, genial secre- tary in the Detroit sector, Friday issued a formal denial that he is responsible for the break of one of the court benches. Now there's Mrs. R. B. Lynch trekked across-country from Seattle to be on hand for the sessions. She recently was honored by exhibitors of her territory. The boys out West surely are strong for her. Welcome news was brought by Mrs. Lynch, and that is that her daughter Patricia, Portland secre- tary, is recovering from illness. Meanwhile, E. K. Oppenheimer, sec- retary counsel, who formerly was at Portland, is representing that territory. Fmma M. Ablanalp, is very much in evidence. She's the smiling and efficient secretary at Buffalo. Harry Meyers of Butte wore a smile when the court ruled on arbitra- tion action for bicycling. Harry took the lead in establishing the fact that bicycHng is a copyright violation, sub- ject to criminal prosecution in the Federal Courts. And then, there are the Irish. "Katie" Sullivan, New Haven, was all hot and bothered, wondering if she would get to see the St. Pat- rick's Day Parade. Added to this contingent, are the Foleys, Clare and Rosemary. Al- though both are from Omaha, they are not related. Edgerton Theaters Chartered Roanoke Rapids, N. C. — Edgerton Theaters have been incorporated here. Authorized capital stock is $50,000. Incorporators are C. G. Edgerton, H. D. Camp, R. P. Allen and others. Hamilton Co. Gets Two Houses Cincinnati — Henry Levy has sold the Park and Liberty. Frank W. Huss, head of Hamilton Amusement Co. takes over both houses. Krier Switches to Broadway Council Bluffs, la. — John N. Krier succeeds Herbert Chatkins as man- ager of the Broadway, following transfer of Chatkins to the Piccadilly at Rochester, N. Y. Krier was for- merly assistant at the Des Moines Capitol. Just say chuckles and you're pag- ing Secretary E. McNamee of Cin- cinnati. None of the wheezes about "Vos you ever in Zinzinyiati" go, either. Clare Foley now is San Francisco secretary. Despite her recent ill- ness, she made the long train jump without a murmur. Some of the Weisenheimers thought that D. T. Lane of Salt Lake City would come in disguised with a toupee, but he fooled them. Jack Greenberg of Philadelphia, Beau Brummel of the orgayiization, is lending some real class to the case. He will have a chance to talk some tiyne next week. James Fitzgerald, Washington sec- retary, is in evidence without the scars he's said to have incurred at last year's session at Los Angeles. Speaking of that pow-wow, Leone Matthews, Des Moiyies, was expect- ed to br-eeze in with the Sjxinish shaivl presented to her at the din- ner of the Academy of M. P. Arts and Sciences. And Rosemary Foley who suc- ceeded Clare in Omaha was a star witness in the credit case. She also is to be on the stand again in the arbitration action, but it doesn't seem to worry her. // only there were a piano around Mrs. Alma A. Walton of Memphis would be in her glory. Tickling the ivories is a hobby with her. Speaking of accomplishments. Sec- retary L. B. Schofield of St. Louis wields a mean tennis racket, and classifies as an amateur prima donna as well. Former Secretary A. L. Menaugh of Kansas City came to New York for the trials. Some Texas exhibitors, Don Doug- las testified in the credit committee case, welcome the credit committee system, for it helps them keep sales- men out of the town, in cases where the exhibitors are of the "can't refuse to buy" variety. iunday, March 17. 1929 DAILY 15 Boiivif Loxfi is the .'nrrrldii/, ii'lm \eplaced Miss MrCiilloiiyh at Inditiii- ipolis. That territonj's loss was Dallas' gain, fvr she fonm'rli/ sfcr- fd in that territorji with Don C. Douglas. \ Louis Xizcr, New York secretary, kvlio has done yeoman service in ielpin)4 to cure the hold-over evil, '•usied himself with drawings of leading figures in the two trials. Out Milwaukee way, ichcu you 'alk attorneys, the locals immedi- itely refer yon to Ben Koenif/, ■louthfnl solon, who has bronyht the Milwaukee secfctaryship itp to a high point of efficiency. The Kansas City post is being filled hy Marion McCullou,e;h. who used to 'do her stuf? at Indianapolis. Miss McCuUough is reported to he making 'eal hit in the Casey territory. Charles Zears is one of the long distance witnesses, having come to New York from Oklahoma City, where he is secretary of the Film Board. The arbitration case should be of real interest to Audrey Lytell, Pitts- i)urgh secretary. .Arbitration for some time has been halted in the Pittsburgh territory, due to a pend- ing court action, .\udrey incidental- ly is trying to get up courage enough to ride the subway. Duke Dunbar, watchdog of Den- ver, has a hard time from smoking his w.k. pipe in the court roo^ni. Duke captured a burglar last year, but he's not talking about that. Mrs. Mabel Dietz of Minneapolis probably is attending to keep an eye on .\\ StefTes. but disclaims the report Mrs. Julia B. Heine who hails from New Orleans hasn't picked out a career for her son, as yet, but it's probable that he will be a govern- ment investigator. Joe Abramson came clean from Chicago, without a machine gun. Joe is a shorthand and typewriting speed demon. E. L. (Atlanta) Cole is Joe's nemesis, by the way. They've been fighting the Civil War over again all week. Martha W. (Boston) Ferris blush- ed in court when she thought the hizzoner was looking at her. Mrs. Marion Wren of Charlotte typifies the cordiality of the South. Fire Destroys Canadian House Rossland, B. C. — -Fire completely razed the local theater and several other structures in a blaze which de- stroyed the downtown section. Another for T. & D. Santa Cruz, Cal. — Several sites for a new house are being considered by T. & D. Circuit, which operates a string of 70 California houses. Ellbeo To Release 18 Harry Delf Sound Shorts Series oi IS all talkin.g short.-., one every vvl-ek, will be made by Harry Delf, for states rights release through Kllbee Pictures. "Meet the Fam- ily," first in the scries, has been com- ])ieted. Delf is author of the stories and will direct. Three Openings In Little Theater Expansion Move Little theaters in Phihuklpiiia, Rochester and HutTalo will be spons- ored by Film Art Guild, headed b>' Symon Gould, as a nucleus for an expansion program covering key cities. Theaters open at Philadek phia and Buffalo today, followed by another at Rochester on Monday. The Philadelphia house, called Film Chi'ld Cinema, is located on Market St. The Delaware is the Buffalo house, while at Rochester, the Fast .-\yenue Playhouse has been taken over. No Hope for "Blue Law" Relief in Pennsylvania llarrisburg — .Ml action on meas- ures atTccting relief from "blue laws" has been indefinitely postponed by the legislature. This kills all hope for remedial measures this session. To Reopen la. State .Sioux City, la. — Olaf Nelson, own- er of the State here has agreed to make reasonable iniprovenients at the house, as ordered by the city council and will reopen the house soon. S. F. Orpheum to Close San Francisco — April 19 is the date set for the closing of the Orpheum here which will be remodeled and re- decorated and controlled by Klaw & Hrianger for legitimate shows. Radio- Kcith-Orpheum plans a new house here. New Sun Opens This Month York, Nebr. — Final construction work on the Sun is being rushed to meet the opening date, set for late this month. Leases Oklahoma House Cushing, Okla.— W. II. Howell has leased the Columbia and will re- model it before reopening as the Rialto. Straw Managing Palace, Calgary Calgary, Alta. — Charles Straw is new manager of the Palace. Sells Sheboygan House Sheboygan, Wis. — A. J. Schurer has sold the Lincoln to Blask & Lennig. Buys Mitchell House Mitchell, Neb.— Dr. C. G. Steen has taken over Harry Rodell's con- trolling interest in the Crystal. Reopen Madison House Madison, Wis.— Joe Buechner and A. P. Desormeaux have reopened the Beuchner. Presentations By HERBERT S. BERG, ROXY ANNIVERSARY 1$ A SPECTACULAR SMASH The second .-innlvcrsary g.ila ^huw nt the Roxy w.is a colorful eyeful hixhliKhted liy all the cntertainnient values that this house's exceptional prtxhiction s and the Roxyettcs. The choral troui)eers are called on to do their bit in one of those alleged comedy songs, the result is rather terrible. Musicians really should stick to their instruments, from all we have Standard y AUDE VI LLE for Motion Picture Presentalion The FALLY MARKUS VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Ijirkawaona 7R76 1531 BROADWAY. NEW YORK CITY been .able l„ ..Lmtvc. Iiri-na Ilcarh is a tealnred act. and a good one. She has her own style of acrobatic dancing consisting ol slow, graceful bends and turns, one especially where -he balances in a back l«nd and comes up slowly benig a pip. The girl has class, a good figure, and is big time calibre. Emily harlc ui songs is (lat. That wa.s almut all but O Krefe and Orena made it look l*t ler than it really was. TTI POP STAGE ENTERTAIMENT rhey stepped on it at the Paramount, and I. A. -NiKKemeyer turned out a pepi>y stage nIiow called "Happy Co Lucky." Bobby .\gnew from the films was featured, beinR uitroduced before the drop by Ted Claire, master of ceremonies. Hobby did little but lead the girls in a couple of numbers and stand around and look handsome in a riding suit. The 'Jlirce Swifts, comedy Indian club jugglers, were the best part of the fest, and pulled some sensational three-cornered jug- gling with plenty of laughs mixed in. One pl.iyed straight, another the Ikh.Ii, and the tliird came on as a stranger dragged in the last minute to sub. Al Norman rated .sec- ond with some eccentric stepping that go^ a generous hand, his weaving steps being the best thing of its kind caught in this burg for a long while. The Aubrey Sisters were good to look at, liut their dancing rated way down the list. The Foster (Jirls from the front row provea to be a mediocre aggregation, lacking looks, style and pep. They could stand a lot more drilling, for their precision stuff was notable for its absence. Wonder if the chap in charge of them ever steps down the line to look over the Chester Hale (iirls or the Roxyettes? If so. he is due for a large headache. These girls were helped out con- siderably with a pony number, six of the small white ponies being led out for a slim r.mtini- that clicked with its novelty. Clair and his stage band were soft pedalled, and did little. Rubinoflf in the pit is still .-• shownian. and led his gang through a fine weaving of "Italian Airs," with Dave con- tributing his usual violin interlude. Mrs. Crawford at the console pined with tremulo stops for hubby who beat it to Miami, and wondered when hc"ll come back again. The lyrics thrown on the screen were very blah. Hut the Paramount audience like this senti- mental gush, and applauded. New Unit Acquires Two iS'orfolk, Va.— Theaters at Ocean \'ie\v and \'irginia Beach, both sum- mer resorts, will be purchased by the recentb' incorporated Xew Ca- sino, Inc., capitalized at $100,000. and headed by Leigh D. Williams. Horton Starting Another Edward Kverett Horton is starting soon on the third subject in Educa- tional's Coronet talking comedy. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Theatres Standard Vaudeville Acts I 1600 Broadway, New York City J Phone Penn. 3SS0 THE 16 Sunday, March 17, 1929 Short Shots from New York Studios ^i^By ARTHUR W. EDDY ^^^ BUDDY FISHER has arrived from the Coast to work in talk- ers and do his rapid-fire master-of- ceremony stuff. He has been doing his antics in front of Coast cameras. Buddy a whole lot resembles Benny Rubin, who wowed 'em at the Colony, this town, a few months ago and now is making side-splitting com- edies for Universal. Downtown {Continued from Page I) They're Off Albert Gran, who trouped in pic- tures some years before drawing the knockout role of the old taxi driver in "Seventh Heaven," is New York- ing. He recently finished work with Dolores Costello in "Alimony An- Big p'ctures are commonplace for a pair of cutting room girls at Para- mount's studio in Astoria. Kitty Mc- Ivor, whose first talking picture, "The Letter." has just reached tbp screen, did the editing, among other pictures, of Douglas Fairbanks' "Robin Hood." Emma Hill, a team- mate in the cutting room with Miss Mclvor, is the cutter who put to- gether the prize-winning success, "Beau Geste." The projection staff at the Para- mount studio has just been joined by Michael Campbell, an old friend and teammate of Jack Winick, chief projectionist at the studio. The others of the crew include Max Berner, Rudy Kouback and Morris Katz. Eight projection machines are in operation at the studio now, and four more projection rooms will be equipped in the new building which is being added and is due for occupancy in April. Ed du Par and Ray Foster, stellar cameramen in the eastern Vitaphone firmament, are proud of a pocket German camera which has a capacity of 40 still pictures. Everybody around the studio seems to be a target for its shots. "Slums of Heaven" has found its tongue. In other words Frederica Sagor has completed the dialogue for this original, written by her husband, Ernest Maas, one of Para- mount's busy men. Jack Noble, recently directing shorts for M-G-M, has joined up with American Sound Studios. He'll act as supervising director for sound shells to be produced by American Sound Pictures and North American Sound Pictures at the 44th St. plant. In Osgood Perkins' dressing room back stage at "The Front Page," you'll find a director's chair labeled "Herbert Brenon." It is one of a group of "Famous" chairs he pur- chased when the Astoria studio was closed, when the production business migrated westward a few years ago. Tuesday: Many of our best known names lore-gathered in the tiny courtroom on this day to hear what the government had to say about credits in arbitration. Kent, Feist, Depinet were there. Also Hess, Pettijohn and most of the Film Board secretaries. Distributors deny coercion as the suit opens. They stress the fact competition does exist in the industry and that the credit system is essential in operation. Gov- ernment counsel turns to documen- tary evidence only and calls no wit- nesses. That's the first day. . . . The day's news budget of events elsewhere divulges the following: New York — Madison Square Gar- den goes into pictures May IS with four screens working simultaneously and a mere 12,000 seats for sale. What will happen to Broadway will prove interesting to watch. . . . Times Square hears that R-K-0 deal with Publix on management is about set. Hiram Brown denies; bam Katz can't be reached. That's that. . . . Joe Kennedy arrives back from the coast. The conjecture campaign takes a new spurt. . . . A big day for the Warners. "Noah's Ark" opens in New York and Spyros Skouras nabs two more theaters in Cleveland. . . . Butte advises Montana has joined Allied States. The quiet Mr. Myers thereby gets another adherent. . . . Quick Action Wednef-day: The advance dope proves all wet. No fireworks at all m the government case. A per- manent injunction against alleged practices in the operations of credit committees is sought, but why take up the court's time to delve into 38,- 000 exhibits the bench inquires? A stipulation therefore results which makes it possible to cut off about two weeks of arguments. . . . Elsewhere: A deal impends between Bristol- piione, Phonofilm and Acoustic Prod- ucts. Bristolphone would thereby secure a film attachment; Plionofilm, a disc reproducer while both would have made available the recording ex- perience cf Acoustic which, you know, is holding company for Sonora. 'Frisco hastens to advise that, in the eyes of Mary Garden, sound will replace grand opera. Five years is her deadline. Interesting. . . . Jannings is to talk. Thereby his contractual difficulties witli Para- mount may end. Dialogue and Jan- nings' German accent provided the trouble. . . . Another day of reports linking R-K-O and Publix together. Hiram Brown stands by his guns of denial. Sam Katz still elusive. . . . One Down Thursday: That credit case didn't take long. Stipulation of coun'isel brought an unexpectedly quick close. Now the arbitration suit follows in quick order. This, too, is a con- spiracy action filed under the anti- trust laws and aga'n the government argues for injunctive relief. . . . Paramount closes at 68, a new high for the year. Which may have noth- ing at all to do with the case, but nevertheless that persistent yarn about R-K-O hangs on like grim death. Remember, Zukor has denied it. . . . Dowin East, Publix and Fox are pitted against each other. A theater tussle, of course. It won't be the only spot. . . . The legislative flood continues. The bill to exempt talkers from censor- ship is running into stormy waters in Pennsylvania. In Nebraska, the Sunday opening bill is effectively slaughtered. A two per cent state tax on gross is worrying Connecti- cut exhibitors, it appears, while in Baltimore, an encouraging sign de- velops in a decision to carry the Sunday show question to the public a la referendum. . . . Denied Friday: It's on. The arbitration suit. The industry formally denies a conspiracy exists. Perfunctory and to be expected. The government, on the other hand, declares the uniform contract is one-sided, said side favor- ing distributors, and that arbitration under its provisions is unfair. So it goes. What is interesting is this: The government is doing little talking in court and plenty of listening. We wonder what's behind that. . . . Berlin comes through with a bear- cat. The systems that count in Eng- land, France and Germany have Dooled their sound patents. RCA has a hand in the deal. That means a tussle, merry no doubt, with West- ern Electric for dominance in the European market. New York and Mr. Zukor submit the second surprise of the day. Par- amount sells out its holdings in the Famous Players Canadian Corp., making that company wholly-Can- adian owned. However, Zukor holds a franchise that runs until 1939 or thereabouts. Which keeps Para- mount set up over the border. K A N N. N. J. House Named Warner Atlantic City, N. J. — The new the- ater under construction here has been renamed from the Embassj' to the W^arner. The project will cost approximately $1,500,000, with a seat- ing capacity of 4,500. The policy will be premiere presentation of mo- tion pictures. The house is expected to be complete in June. Meyers With Disney Cartoons Manny Meyers, formerly with Pathe, will be in charge of the New York exchange for Disney Cartoons. Carey For "Trader Horn" Harry Carey has been signed by M-G-M for the title role in "Trader Horn." Week's Headlines Monday U. S. (Jovernment lirings action against Havs organization. Film Boards and ten dis- tri mtors to te.st legality of credit com- mittees m arbitration. Sale of Universal denied. Tuesday Distributors deny coercion in credit system Diir> T,",",- ^'"'^^ "P'^''^ **"'' in New York KK.U-1 nhlix management deal reported again. Wednesday Bristolphone, Acoustics and De Forest Phono- tilm deal near. Louis B. Mayer reported slated for diplomatic post. Thursday Government ends credit case; arbitration ac- ton slated for trial today in New York fubJix-1-ox race looms in New England. Friday Distributors deny conspiracy prevails in ar- _ bitration as government suit opens. European sound combination may include KCA, Bristolphone and Phonofilm. Adolph Zukor sells minority interest in Fa- ^ mous Players Canadian Corp. Fox gets 27 foreign theaters as result of Loew purchase. Abram F. Myers reports exhibitors now sat- isfied with interchangeability situation. Saturday U. S. not charging intent to coerce in Arbi- tration Suit. International Patent Pool is next European move. Laemmie denies Universal is involved in any merger. Hartley At la. Sold Hartley, la. — Charles Sartorius has purchased the Capitol from M. Inman here. Mt. Vernon House Opened Mount Vernon, Wash. — The New Paramount, owned by A. A. Halej-, seating 550 has opened. EGGERS INCORPORATED Photo Engraving Specialists to the Motion Picture Industry DAY AND NIGHT 250 West 54th Street NEW YORK Telephone: Columbut 4I4I-J'3 Announcing R EASTMAN EPROTONE NEGATIVE the proved sound fdm L ABORATORY measure tnent of its sound fidelity — actual use in the studios — Reprotone Negative has vindergone these two tests and has emerged as the pre-eminent medium for the recording of sound with motion pictures. Developed through the joint efforts of the industry and the Eastman organiza- tion, it makes possible a hitherto unapproached standard of realistic, pleasing sound reproduction. EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY ROCHESTER, N. Y. YOU^ CITY nlMH^^'i ,A' f "^-' ■I ■.•>■ i" '■ 1 ' "fS'i ' V IN and ABOUT SPEAKEASY FOX MOVIETONE 100% Dialog Feature with Paul Page r Lola Lane f Henry B. Walthall HELEN WARE ^ SHARON LYNN BENJAMIN STOLOFF Production Actually photographed in New York the siglits and sounds of tlie world's greatest metrojX)lis are reproduced for the first time on the screen. You HEAR roaring subways, traffic and Grand Central Terminal — hustle and l)ustle of Times Square — Madison Square Garden — Empire Race Track — glittering night life — a real speakeasy in operation. |r^*«Ui(MHjr i. \ I ' ' K n I 0 r t a i n in e n t ? Plenty! A yarn that nsver lags — sport, youth, comedy . . . and a zip that gets you from the beginning. It's a swell picture." — Film Daily "Never have we seen such a stunning pro- gram— it contains every- thing — thrills, action, suspense aplenty, the slickest entertainment in town." — N. Y. American "standing room was at a premium and a long line stood awaiting admis- sion . . . one of the most pleasing pictures offered at the Roxy in the past few months." — N, Y. Morning Telegraph "colorful and entertain- ing. It's good snappy — moving entertainment. It's a lulu ... a real hreath-snatcher." — N. Y. Daily Mirror "a bet is hereby olfered that Roxy will top I heal re receipts for all time this week and next." — N. Y. Evening World "a good, ture . . ." rousmg pic- — N. Y. World "has lots of pep . . . thrill- ing." — N. Y. Dailv News YOU CAN'T MISS IHE BOX-OFFICE BULL'S EYE WITH yf , PROFIT-TAKING TALKERS; THEY I A L K M O N E Y «i>illlWiiil>|gllWII>*l*«W«IIWMM«li^|»WMll>MI^ IHMW— IW—W— WWPWWIIIIIII I III! I IWWWMWMWWiWIWWWWWiiBSPHPMWWWJM'Wi _ '; _ ^"1^ "^ _ .. Tox Chiccmo Drive Long Under Consideration .^^ NEWSPAPER »/FILMDOM ALL THE HEWS ALL THE TIME |0L. XLVII No. 64 Monday, March 18, 1929 Price 5 Cents MNTS A FOOT LEVY IS NEW TAX WRINKLE St. Paul — SonutliiiiK lu-w in the ne of taxation has been intTO(h:cccl I the Minnesota legislatnre. It is measure providing for a levy of ,\o cents per foot on film shown 1 theaters, the tax to be paid by the neater owner. Michigan Gag Is 5 Cents Tax on Every Admission Detroit — Miciiij;an's projHised ad- iiission tax, opposed by the fjover- lor, still is pending. The bill pro- .ides a levy of five cents per ticket. ;o that in the case of ten cent houses, he levy would constitute 50 per cent •f the adniis>ion fee. .\ number of .Iiedlers of llic Strtte will be forced .)ut of business if the bill becomes law. it is stated. Ohio Exhibitors Facing 5 Per Cent Admission Tax Columbus. O. — Ohio exhibitors are faced with a five per cent tax on ad- missions. P. J. Wood, summoned to New York as a witness in the government's arbitration case, has re- turned to watch the situation. Until 1939 Toronto — It is understood the franchise agreement be- tween Paramoun t Famous Lasky of New York and the Famous Players Canadian Corp. runs until 1939. The sale of Paramount's holdings in the Canadian company has no bear- ing on the franchise. Wisconsin, Tax Bill Dead, Considers Censor Measure Madison, Wis. — With the tax bill defeated. Wisconsin's legislature now will consider a censorship bill, just introduced. The projiosed tax meas- ure was killed, when it was pointed out that amusements are a necessity, not a luxury. SYNCHRONOUS DEVICE FOR ORCHESTRAPHONE Chicago — Orchestraphone has de- veloped a synchronous disc system. The device, distributed by National Theater Supply Co.. heretofore has been non-synchronous. The double turntable device is geared for .53'/. rpm. records. DEFENSE IN ARBITRATION CASE RESUMED TODAY 3- Invasion of East Is Plan of Talk-A-Phone Invasion of the East with Talk-.\- Phone. synchronization device is planned by W. A. StefTes, who is distributing the equipment. Talk-.\- Phone, now a disc synchronizer, is to have a sound-on-film attachment in the near future, states Steffes, who is in New York as a witness for the government in the arbitration case. To date, activities of Talk-.A- Phont.- have been centered in the Middle West and Xorthwi-st. UNDER SOUND COMBINE By KARL WOLFPSOHN l-.ditor, "Lichibildbuchnc" Berlin (By Wireless) — The work- ing arrangement between RC.'\ Photopiione, Tobis and Klangtilm calls f(;r innuediate production of sound pictures in Paris, London and New York. German productiim will be vested Solely in Tobis. Production else- where will be outlined, it is under- stood, by Ojens and Sons which will head the financing group at a m^ft- ing to be held in Amsterdam in about four weeks. U. S. Marking Time Until Rebuttal Testimony Will Be Heard With the government marking time, pending rebuttal testimony, and the defense fortified by the gov- ernment declaration that no intent is charged to coerce exhibitors to arbi- trate, the Dept. of Justice suit on arbitration will be continued at ll):30 .•\. M. todav in Federal Court \'«-w York. The acifon i:^ against Paramoui.t, niiTfe other distributors, the Hays or- ganization and Film Boards of Trade. The government last Thursday rested its case reserving right to call wit- nesses in rebuttal. The .Associated Press reported Saturday from Berlin that Tobis has already started production on a serie- of sound short subjects. Auspicious "Show Boat" Opening at Fla. Cities Miami, Fla. — Billed as Universal's most important picture to date, "Show Boat." talking and singing adaptation of the Florenz Ziegfield stage pl.ly, opened at $5 top Satur- day at the Capitol here, and the Paramount, Palm Beach. The event Universal states, was one of the most important social functions of the sea- son at the two winter resorts. Scheduled opening at the Capitol Friday was postponed by disappear- ance of the operators, with the sound reproducing equipment out of order. Harry Re chcnbach and Helen Mor- gan appeared on the stage, but pa- trons' money was refunded when showing of the film became impos- sible. Consolidated's 1928 Output About 75,000 Miles of Film More than 75.000 miles of film, or enough to encircle the earth three times, was processed last year by the Consolidated Film Industries, a statement from the corporation de- clares. Shapiro to Handle Studio Publicity for Fox in L. A. II est Coast Buieaii, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Karl Wingart has been ordered Fast. Fox studio pub- licity will be handled by Victor M. Shapiro, formerly director of pub- licity and exploitation for Cnited Artists, as his first assignment with Fox. Shapiro is due here in about two weeks. Fox Appoints Middleton Ifcst Coast Bnieaii, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood— George Middleton has been designated editor-in-cbief of dialogue for Fox. E OF SOUND IS CEAIMfD EOR DEVICE IVest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILV Hollywc)od — Invention of a fader on a sound mixer tal)Ie which will eliminate e.xtraneous noises on ex- teriors as well as interiors and make sound stages unnecessary is claimed by Byron \'ance. He also states that his invention can be focused directly on any sound desired. Fox Chicago Theater Invasion Has Been Planned Since 1926 Chicago — Invasion of this territory on an extensive scale by Fox, which is reported in the offing, will culmin- ate a plan of long standing, harbored bv the "lone eagle" of the industry. .•\s earlv as Februarv, 1926, THK FILM D.-MLY in New York re- ported that Fox planned an aggres- sive drive in the Chicago territory. That was following completion of the W esco deal, when national ex- pansion of the Fox holdings was get- ting under way. .\ tie-up with Janus Costen and the Cooneys was being proposed at the time. Now. Fox is preparing to build a first run house as forerunner of an expansion cam- paign embracing the entire Chicago territory, where Balaban & Katz. Publix subsidiary, virtually has con- trol. Griffith Planning Film with Molly Picon in N. Y. D. W. Griffith, now in New York following opening of his "Lady of the Pavements," is considering mak- ing a picture starring Molly Picon. Jewish actress. The story would deal with life in New York's Fast Side. Release would be through United Artists. RKO Signs Bebe Daniels for Four All-Talkers IVest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Bebe Daniels is gen- erally reported as having signed with RKO for four talking pictures, with the first scheduled to go into produc- tion at an earlv date. THE -:fimL DAILV Monday, March 18, 1929 laLXLVIINo.64 Monilaii.Mar.18.1929 PriciSCaiU JOHN «. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. \V. Alicoate. President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising- Manager. Entered as second class matter, May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Short Shots from New York Studios ^^By ARTHUR W. EDDY ^mm^ UP at M-G-M's Eastern plant, Bill Boettcher is the sound flaw i^lfHth, if you know what we mean. As chief test engineer he listens to every record to detect errors in re- cording. Boettcher was formerly with Radio Station WHN, which Loew operates. Barton Adams, who used to han- dle Chamberlin Brown's m. p. de- partment, is now associated with Max Hart's booking enterprise. Alice Weaver, who is soon to work in a M-G-M short, missed a nice lil' part in "The Broadway Melody" when she was at the Coast. An auto in which she was riding faw down and went wreckage, with Alice land- ing in a hospital. She's fully recov- ered now and is playing a featured part in "My Girl Friday," the stage show which the cops raided and then renegged. Nick Grinde, sound shorts impres- ario at M-G-M's plant, has finished d'rection on a subject with CecH Lean and Cleo Mayfield. Easter Greetings! We received your trailer for Easter and wish to thank you for it. We know of no other company sending holiday trailers without charge and wish you to know that we appre- ciate it. PARK THEATRE COMPANY. Spencer, Mass. The Broadway Parade WITH exception of "Singing Fool" switching from Winter Garden to the Harris, long-run lineup remains unchanged. Warners, following the "Noah's Ark" opening last Monday, is now in the lead with three Broadway shows. United Artists and Paramount have two, and First National, Fox and M-G-M each one. They include: Picture Distributor Theater Opening Date "Weary River" First National. . . Central Jan. 24 "Broadway Melody" .... M-G-M Astor Feb. 8 "The Iron Mask" United Artists .... Rivoli Feb. 2 1 "The Wolf Song" Paramount E^mbassy Feb. 23 "Hearts In Dixie" Fox Gaiety Feb. 27 "The Letter" Paramount Criterion Mar. 7 "Sonny Boy" Warners Warners Mar. 8 "Lady of the Pavements'^United Artists. . . Rialto Mar. 9 "Noah's Ark" Warners Winter Garden. . . Mar. 12 "Singing Fool" Warners Harris Mar. 12 {Cuiifiinialiuii of niii iK'hich started at Winter Garden mi Sept. 19) Union Theaters Ltd. to Form Australia Co. .Adelaide — Union Theaters Ltd ot Sydney, has i^urchased the holdings and assets of the Greater Wonder- graph Co. Ltd. of this city for $911.- 800, according to Stuart F. Doyle managing director of Union Theaters. Union Theaters, it is intended, will form a new companj' at South Au>- tralia, to be known as LInion The- aters of South Australia, Ltd., which will take over the purchased prop- erty and launch further developments here. This new company is to have a capital of $2,425,000. LInion The- aters now own or control five the- aters here, they are: West's Olympia, York, Wondergraph, Grand and Pavilion. W. E. sound equipment is expected to be installed at the Won- dergraph according to Stuart F. Doyle. Filming Building Construction .\ motion picture record of every stage of progress in the construction of the new 53-story Lincoln Building, New York, is now being made by Dwight P. Robinson & Co., Inc , builders. The pictures taken of this engineering feat will provide a refer- ence for future construction nrob- lems of similar nature, it is claimed. Ricker, Grinde Assistant Jack Ricker has been appointed as- sistant to Nick Grinde director, at the M-G-M eastern studio. R'cker was formerly an assistant to Major Bowes of the Capitol, New York. Henley Joins Paramount Hobart Henley has signed to di- rect another for Paramount. It will lie made in. the East. Cabanne to Direct West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Christy Cabanne will direct "M-G-M's Revue of Revues," a nnis'cal comedy in sound. Gus Edwards will do a number, Sammy Lee will arrange the dances and Nacio Herb Brown, who wrote the nnisic fur "The Broadway Melody." w'U write several numbers. C.E.A. for Increase in Admissions at Leeds London — .'\t the recent monthly meeting of the Leeds Cineniatograph- ers E.xiiibitors' -Ass'n Harry Hopkins, chairman, alluded to the practice of theaters in the city running 12 cent matinees. "It was high time," he said, "that exhibitors should start to sell their entertainment to the pub- I'c for what it was worth as none of them were getting, from their pa- trons, what they were entitled to." It was also pointed out that the British Gaumont Corp. was not re- sponsible for the 12 cent matinee as it was in vogue before they acquired the houses. M. Greenfield was of the opinion that the 12 cent matinees was not doing as much harm as some seemed to think as the trade was suffering from a general depression. Gaumont Co. Promotions Lf)ndon — W. J. Gell, joint manag- ing director of Gaumont Co., an- nounced the promotion of A. E. An- drews and R. L. Sheridan, to be joint sales managers for the company. Andrews has been with the company since 1912, while Sheridan joined the staff at Dublin about 15 years ago. Keith Richmond Ready The latest addition to the Radio- Keith-Orpheum chain in the metro- politan district is the B. F. Keith at Richmond Hill, seating 2,500, which opens Friday, Mar. 22. The house policy will be vaudeville and pictures. Bodine with Duograph H. O. Bodine, former eastern sales manager for Bell & Howell, has been appointed general sales man- ager of Duograph, Inc., manufac- turers of a 16 mm. home projector. Dowling Plans Another West Coast Buremi. THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Eddie Dowling has finished "The Rainbow Man" and will probably make "Honeymoon Lane" as his next. He starred in the stage version. Smith with M-G-M Studio Walter Smith, formerly chief editor at the Capitol, New York, now is chief editor at the M-G-M eastern studio. The Industry's Date Book =1 Today: Resumption of trial of U. S. ar bitration case in Federal Court New York. April 6 Warner - First National - Stanley Frolic at Commodore Hotel, New York. April 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn- sylvania Exhibitor Unit at Pitti- burgh. May 1 Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal. May 6-9 Spring meeting of Society of M.P. Engineers in New York. Financial STOCK MARKET (QUOTATIONS AS OF SATURDAY) High Low Close Sales Am. Seat 41^ 40^ 41^ 1,100 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 27 27 27 100 *East. Kodak 184 *du pfd 128 ] *First Nat. pfd 106^ Fox Fm. "A" 91% 91H 91'h 800 *(lo rts 3 Keith A-0 ii% 35 W 35 H 100 *do pfd 110 I.oeu's, Inc 72 71 71}^ 900 'lo pfd 102-5^ 102.^ \Q2% 100 *M-C;-M pfd 255^ M- P. Cap 435^ 41 43>i 4,700 Para. F-L 70J4 69>/. 69->8 2,200 Pathe Exch 12 11% 12 1,400 do "A" 24% 24% 24% 100 Radio K-A-() .... 37 36% 36^'4 1,900 .Stanley Co i2'/. 32% 32% 100 *Univ. Pict. pfd 98% Warner Bros 1207-^ 119^ 120H 1.300 do pfd 53 S3 53 200 Warner Pet. Kts. . . 3% 3% 3% 10,900 CUHB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 9 8J4 8J4 100 ri il. «; Katz 80 *Columbia Pet 31 Con. Fm. Ind. . . . 24J^ 24 24 1,000 "l-ilm insp 2 .... Fo.x Thea. "A"... 30^ 29-% 30^ 500 *(;riffith, I). \V. "A" 3% .... Intern. Proj 58 58 58 100 *Loew do deb rts 35 .... *.\at. Scr. Scr 28 Xat. Thea. Sup... 13^ 12 12 2,000 Trans-I.ux 18 16% 18 1,000 *Un.v. Pict 22 BOND MARKET •Keith A-O 6s 46 93% Loew 6s 41ww 115% 115% 115% 2 dn 6s 41 x-war 97% 97% 97% 7 Paramount 6s 47.. 100 100 100 2 Par. By. 5 %s51 . . . IOUj 101% 101% 3 Pathe 7s37 80%, 80}^ 80% 4 CURB BONDS *Am. .Seat 6s 36 96 .... •Warner 6%s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER K.>xy "A" 31 a do units ii 36 (Id com '\ 5 Skouras Bros 40 44 Techn color 18 18^ United Art 5 10 ilo pfd 75 85 L'riiv. Ch. com. .. 2 d<. pfd 75 85 *LAST PRICE QUOTED TALK and SOUND TRAILERS Thrill and Entertain as well as SELL Srachronized Attraction* To Patrons of "Wired" Tbeatret y^:JJj;HJAVMJ Columbia ScorejAqain! ^^^^ • A OREAHR BOX-OFFICE ^ PICTURE THAN , « HUMORESQUE TENSE DIALOGUE SEQUENCES MARVELOUS SYMPHONICSCORE GREAT FANNIE UIJRSrSTORir NOTABLE- CAST INCLUDING JtAN H€R5H0LT UNA BASQUtTTE Ricardo Coi+ez. Rex Lease AFRANKR.(APRA PRODUCTION Olft.6CTOR. Op'sUBMABJNE" ■*''4; ^eO ^V\^ AateC Sto^V \s \nvf „ Het^ iVo ^e»t^ cO.S^^^:S,Voi--Vork ftirt- eve- ^■'t";;i,.^»'^""...>e='";r. *e sW'T.nd » atv^ \ov ibX*- vtaV* ^l\^o^*^r.ov^v^^' a CO -Vai tV\e C'*^^?.lea\^ fe''" .AS?' a\ja\^^) veav* "" ^f oa' Goo A A-^^""' v\ov^- avtoo'- ,a\s av^* otUaV."- .vb\e^ i^»*^t \T\^\' 1' ,N«^^ ^,bcte- sVv^^^'^V .n\AaV^ce« ':: V\ets'^ >AM -Con*^ .Gazette: YaT^^^^ Vluts^- Svn^^ t\A> acve^^ 4*itl ties AA\^j • 0 Po'*'- ,fiexi: , Sort 8'""'::- o( '""jitaw A V auc ,boVog- A at^«^}; vaX^^e .ot G^eta' ,V\OT^ vaV ,M cvote- un^^"'?'- -^toat^ ^tes^. f,\ov^ n^ vi-seatc^^' ■^^^'"^^\^e ^^^'"^ ni.oatcH- l^V o^ ^'^r -k Di-^P A auA^' fAi^^ 4\o^ xcret * ^ea.^^^be^«^esV^ bV ^V^ltett^o' .SC-:l:^^^^^^^S^ '^^^^-'^tl.tavet^' ^^^'ui^s I^^,!:Brookiy' laV^^V' I^ciu A g^'^P^ ,\n6- HEAR, SEE AND COMPARE MORE VALUE PER DOLLAR INVESTED THAN IN ANY OTHER EQUIPMENT YOU CAN BUY dentil §YNCHROMZERC Now Being Served by Warner Brothers First National Vitaphone Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Columbia and Other Leading Producers MR. EXHIBITOR! If you are investing in Sound Equipment, would you rather have the finest equipment that money can buy NOW — or do you prefer to put out your good money for a lot of glowing promises for the FUTURE? Exhibitors will profit by analyzing the FACTS cited below, concerning Gennett Synchronizer Systems. SYNCHRONIZATION— Vibrationiess. The ut- GENNETT SYNCHRONIZER SYSTEMS most finesse and precision combined with a sturdiness that will outlast your theatre. Gears and bearings are of the finest material which insures you against the trouble and expense of frequent gear replacement, caused by excessive vibration. AMPLIFICATION. The finest that money plus the best enginep'-ing brains i" that field can create. FULL DOUBLE \:,fl[ANNEL amplification system (2 complete units) is the stand- ard equipment of all Gennett models. AH built into a compact rack and pane! combination — a feature typical of ONLY the highest price equipments, size 69x19x15 inches. REPRODUCTION— Without Distortion. GIANT DYNAMICS — cone type or enclosed type for air column horns — specially designed for and so perfectly matched with entire system as to reproduce naturally and with fidelity the entire range of frequencies — form the highest soprano to the lowest bass notes without distortion. are so designed that by a simple lever movement you can detach the synchronous equipment from your projectors. Thus: 1) You can switch from "talkie" to silent and run your projector on its own power at any speed to conform to time schedules; 2) Keeps current bill down; 3) Saves overtime payrolls. GENNETT SYNCHRONIZER SYSTEMS are all A-C 110 volt operated and are adaptable to any and all standard makes of projection machines. FILM ATTACHMENT. We expect to be ready in a very short time to offer exhibitors a film attachment which will conform both in price and quality to the standards of our present product. With this ir view present amplification is so designed as to handle such film attachment with but slight additions whenever such attachment is added to your equipment. PRICES DELIVERY MODEL GN 200 unDEr"40^^SEATS $1,750 with one cf the largest modern plants now at top speed we can guarantee delivery as follows: MODEL GN 202 uP°To'2"o?o''lfAls $2,500 mqdEL GN 202 15 to 30 Davs MODEL GN 301 sZ%%V^^IiZoo $3,500 ^qDEL GN 301 15 to 30 Days NOTE: MODEL GN 301 has power output equal to highest Tv/rrkr»T?T m< NEWSPAPER lypiLMDOM ULTHE NEWS ALL THE TIME V>L. XLVII No. 65 Tuesday. March 19, 1929 Price 5 Cents T They Stay UK midnight oil burned freely most of last week. The meetin{,'s were many. ^ Nohind closed, if not barricad- 'lors. The discussions hinged ly around a broad argumenta- (hesis which might be called, V That It Is, It Is. So Why .^i Work the Problem Out brnioniously?" n\ell, anyway, Irving Thalberg, ipued oflf The Chief yesterday. U:li his return to Hollywood, it „s announced — by inference — in :w York that Messrs. Mayer, ibin and Thalberg will continue the M-G-M production helms. Fifty That Talk \lso that M-G-M will continue on separate way as a producing unit d that 50 talkers will be produced )ct season, for eati. of which there II be a silent version. A most im- rtant announceinent, let it be real- Excitement It's nothing but "Show Boat" up Universal these spring-like days. lu Metzger kept Sidney Meyers ig enough on the telephone yes- fday to find out what was doing in ianii, one of two spots where the jrld premiere was held Saturday. n Meyers, true to the traditions of hibitordom, couldn't talk. He had 5 mind on the long lines waiting t front. Up at Palm Beach, so- :ty and the bloated rich turned out full regalia. It must have tjeen evening. Metzger, by the way. intends open- sf the picture at S5 top in all key ies. Universal is yelling out loud out this one. New Hunting Grounds In a few days, \'ic Shapiro leaves : the Fox studio on the Coast, lere he will handle publicity and ve considerable to do with build- f into pictures the important ele- ;nt of showmanship. Shapiro is one the men — we are inclined to be- ve there are too few — who has a al showmanship sense. Aggressive ri quick-thinking to a degree that ikcs him stand out in the field of iblicity and exploitation, we pre- :t for him with much confidence a ccessful Hollywood sojourn. K A N N MAYER, THALBERG, RUBIN STAY; 50 METRO TALKERS FOR 1930 Contract and Arbitration Held as Boon to Industry The Record Copies of eight editions of THE FILM DAILY year book, adorn the table of de- fense counsel in the govern- ment's arbitration action. The 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK has been quoted at length by the defense, as the standard authority and ency- clopedia of the industry. RICHARDS NOW PRESIDENT or SAENGER THEATERS \c\v Orleans — K. \'. Richards, Jr., lias ijeen elected president of the .Saenger Theaters, Inc., succeeding Julian H. Saenger, who has been made chairman of the board. With Juhan H. Saenger. .\. D Saenger, vice president, and L. M. .4.511, treasurer, Richards founded Saenger Theaters, Inc., serving after the organization was incorporated as vice president and general manager. (Continued on Paqc 9) Adoption of the standard form of contract containing rules and regu- lations of arbitration has stabilized the industry by making contracts valid and enforceable. This will be a highlight of the defense of ten dis- tributors, the Hays organization and l~ilm Boards of Trade, in testimony to be resumed at 10:30 A.M. today in l\'deral Court, New York. Tlie defense yesterday stressed the improved conditions declared brought about in the industry through adop- tion of the contract and the arbitra- tion agreement and summoned five witnesses to the stand in its behalf. These were: (jabriel L. Hess, who yesterday concluded testimony begun last week, Charles C. Pettijohn. S. R. Kent, general manager of Para- mount; Felix Feist, M-G-M sales head, and Jack Grecnlierg. secretary of the Philadelphia Film Board. Greenberg will resume testimony at the opening of today's sessions. The government's exhibits covering (Continued on Page 11) Publix Takes Over House in Conn. Fighting Fox? Hartford — PubHx has closed for a long term lease on the .'\llyn, a dc luxe operation. The deal was closed witii the Allyn Theater Corp., R. J. Allyn and Dorothy Bell Allyn Scy- moure. Sound equipment is being installed. The transfer takes place March 23. Fox-Poli operate the (.Capitol and Palace here. Franklyn Warner Starting Second of Four Talkers "Love Shadows," by Joel Wellnian second of a series of four talk- ers to be produced by Franklyn War- ner, goes into production in New {Continued on Page 9) WARNERS TO CLOSE MORE PHILADELPHIA THEATERS Philadelphia — In a further effort to stabiHze the tlieater situation in downtown Philadelphia, the Warners arc expected to close the Stanton, at 16th and Market. The Globe and Arcadia will be siiut down on Oct. 1. The new Mastbaum with its 4,700 seats is responsible. The realty on which the Stanton is I)uilt is rei)orted to be wortli close on to $1,800,000. Charnas, Waxman, Head Warner Roadshow Dept. Newly organized Warner roadshow department will be headed by Harry Charnas and A. P. Waxman. with latter in charge of "Noah's Ark" and other V'itaphone specials. They will open "Singing Fool" at Shubert's Majestic. Brooklyn, on April 7, fol- (Continued on Page 9) M-G-M Studio Continues As Separate Plant, Despite Fox Control Louis B. Mayer, J. Robert Rubin and Irving Thalberg will continue as producing chiefs of M-G-M, it was indicated in a statement released in New York yesterday coincident upon arrival in Hollywood of Thalberg. Fifty talking pictures, with a silent version of eachj will constitute the M-G-M program for 1929-1930. Speculation thus is brought to a close over the future activities of these three executives who are under contract to M-G-M for several years but regarding whose activities in the organization Hollywood and New York had commented upon in view of the Fox control. Thalberg declares the studio is to continue as "a progressive, separate organization. His statement, read, in part: "Nineteen twenty-nine and nineteen thirty will be our greatest picture (Continued on Page 9) Censorship Measure is Introduced in Minnesota St. Paul — Censorship of films is provided for in a bill introduced in the legislature here and added to Min- nesota's other anti-film bills, which include a proposed tax of two cents per foot on films, payable by the ex- liibitor. Plan Chain of Small Houses in Chicago Chicago — J. B. Koppel and Henry Kru^e have taken over the Clybourn from W. W. Okuni. According to Koppel, this will be the first of a string of smaller houses that he ■> •* Kruse expect to take over. I ' er was formerly general i; Louis Laemmle's ch.ii: Park. Sparks Closing His Florit Atlanta — It is undc E. J. Sparks, head c aters and P • houses in Flo- ■ aters in tha the O - at -i^ have You Major Segrave goes 4 miles a minute — first actual pictures of world-beat- ing dash, escaping tragedy at 231.36 miles an hour. Andrew Mellon Secretary of the Treasury and world's richest man, speaks of his cabinet work. FIRST TALKING PICTURES ever made East of Suez showing India's fakirs, snake charmers and bazaars. These PACEMAKER for the INDUSTRY FOX MOVIETONE NEWS sound-photography unit circling the globe after exploring India will take you to Ceylon, Java, Siam, China and Japan. First permanent newsreel unit now established in Orient brings East to West. No. 24 — Issues A, B and C Talking Nevfsreels have EVERYTHING HEARD such NEWSREELS as these jfe Chinese Maiden sings on the streets of old Peking and a wander- ing troupe performs on the streets of Shanghai. Peggy Joyce who just had her voice lifted, arrives in Monte Carlo to dazzle the millionaires. One of the Siamese Twins announces her wedding to Carlos Josefe of New York as her at- tached sister welcomes the new in-law. Meet Attorney-General W. D. Mitchell of the new Hoover Cabinet Trained Seals ^ Peggy Joyee^ See^y Mellon^ Siamese Twins ^ Jftajor Segrave^ Chorus Girls Kissing^ Attorney General Sneakinsr Ill „ CUB and Ik Sensati Savage ■ Jiomm FOa TERRITORIAL RIGHTS anc/ OTHER INFORMATION write or wire PARTHENON PICTURES, //ic. 1650 BROADWAY, NEW YORK OSCAR PRICE President CIRCLE 6131 MACK D. WEINBERGER General Manager THE! Tuesday, March 19, 1929 Short Shots from New York Studios iBy ARTHUR W. EDDYi SYLVIA SIDNEY has bag and baggaged to Manhattan after al- luringly port'raying a role in "Through Different Eyes," Fox opus. Broad- way critics last raved about her in "Gods of the Lightning." * * * Augmenting "Jealousy" Anthony Bushell, yoking English actor ivho played opposite Jeanne Eagels in "Her Cardboard Lover," has been cast for the Paramount picture star- ring Miss Eagels, says H. Emerson Yorke, studio casting director. Car- lotta Coerr, whom you may remem- ber as one of the pretenders in "Way Down East," has also been signed for a part. * ♦ * Returned from real-estated Florida and reinstated in health, Abe Meyer is getting set to handle the synchron- ization of music on the next Tif- fany-Stahl picture. Prior to a bat- tle with pneumonia Abe worked on "Molly and Me." Wolfe Gilbert and Abel Baer are writing special songs for the number, which goes into pro- duction shortly at the new Gramercy studio. * * * The gang at the Vitaphone studio are greatly interested in the open- ing of "Queen of the Night Clubs," Warner Bros, production in which Texas Guinan returns to the picture business. It broke into speech Fri- day night. Mar. 15, at a midnight press agents' show at the Strand. Bryan Foy, now directing talking shwts for Vitaphone and Edward du Par, his first camera, made the picture, which has been grossing big money on the Coast. * * * Having sworn off trying to do camera work on New York streets, Buddy Harris soon leaves for Water- bury, Conn., to photograph a series of 100 shorts for James Corbett at the Bristolphone plant. His camera work on a recent series at this studio Won him a return engagement. Working with Harris as second cam- eraman will be A. G. Penrod and Charles Harten, with Danny Cavelli, John Visconti and Ashley Abell as assistants. NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FAST GROWING FIELD OF SYN- CHRONIZATION SOUND TIPS ON EQUIPMENT AND VARIOUS DE- | VICES ARE NOW AVAILABLE iBy CHARLES F. HYNESi TOBIS, GEitNAN DEVICE, FORMS FRENCH COMPANY Paris — Tobis, German sound equip- ment, is to form a French company, known as Societe Francaise des Films Sonores Tobis. Dr. Henkel, a di- rector of Tobis while here stated the group of French, Dutch, Swiss and German capitalists, which has bought the 500 Tobis patents, is granting patent rights to the new company. Chrest Sound Co. Gets Factory, Speeds Product Dover, O. ■ — The Ciirest Sound Equipment Co. has secured a factory here for the purpose of speeding manufacture of its disc gynchronizer which, it is claimed, has sufficient amplification to furnish adequate vol- ume for houses seating 5,000. The device consists of a three-stage speech amplifier, not less than two dynamic speakers per installation as well as suitable meters and switches for easy operation and a steel record case to hold amplifiers. Installation of the' device is scheduled at the Ritz, Akron, O. The apparatus sells for $1500. A film attachment is expected to be ready for delivery early in the summer, it is claimed, with installa- tions promised in ten days to two weeks. Officers of the company, which recently was incorporated are, Arthur A. Hoopingarner. president; George Chrest, vice-president and Edward Schoelles, secretary-treas- urer. Wiring in Three Towns Burlington, Wis. — Community Theaters, Inc., are wiring their houses at Burlington, Lake Geneva and Delavan. The Orpheum here inaugurates sound today, while the other two Community Theater houses will complete installations shortly. NEARLY 1100 PAGES Not only handy but has come to be actually in- dispensable—just like a telephone book. CHARLES H. CHRISTIE FREE to Film Daily Subscribers Subscription $ 1 0.00 Foreign $ 1 5.00 "Hearts in Dixie" Praised by Critics in Los Angeles West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Local comment on "Hearts m Dixie" playing at the United Artists theater was praise- worthy. Critics say: EXAMINER— The resonant, musical qual- ity of the negro voice and the discriminating direction of Paul Sloane contribute toward making "Hearts ia Dixie" one of the few remarkable talking pictures. * * * Few pictures have ever been directed and cut with as much intelligent discrifhination * * ♦ EXPRESS—* • * is the sign-posted way to the talking picture's immediate fu- ture. ♦ * * really is notable and its direc- tor, Paul Sloane, is to be congratulated. HERALD—* * * should appeal to the average theatergoer through its novelty alone. Those interested in solving one of America's problems might find it engrossing. It has too narrow an appeal to be success- ful as regular motion picture fare, I'm afraid. RECORD — The picture is distinguished by the subtle and sure direction of Paul Sloane, who has made a film with an all-negro cast, without sentimentality on one extreme or cheap-derisive humor on the other. There is an uncompromising intellectuality, an under- standing tenderness, and a wholly delightful sense of genuinely humorous values in his direction of the story. TIMES — And without preamble or hesita- tion it may be remarked that here is a pic- ture which is like no other. • • • I don't know that there is much to be written about this film, except to say that it marks the arrival of further development in sound tech- nicque, and shows the new possibilities of this medium. WONDERPHONE,NEWDEVICE MAKES CLEVELAND DEBUT Cleveland — M. O. Mattlin and Don Canady have formed the Film Sound Corp. to market a new synchronous device known as Wonderphone. Originally designed to reproduce sound-on-disc, an attachment for sound-on-film is being provided. The company is not leasing the equip- ment, but selling it outright. Im- mediate deliveries are promised. I Ina Claire Leaves For Coast Ina Claire, stage star, left New York for Hollywood yesterday to make her first picture under her Pathe contract. All her pictures for Pathe will be all-talkers. Hotel Wired for Sound IVest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — The Roosevelt hotel has been wired for sound reproduc- tion. The installation is in the lounge on the mezzanine where the Academy of M. P. Arts and Sciences holds its meeting. March Release — Now Ready GENNETT UNSYNCHRONIZED RECORDS 0187 Western Scene — Animated Crowd Scenes — Fast Riding and Chas- ing— Cowboy Gatherings Orchestra 0188 Indian War Dance No. 1 Orchestra 0189 Indian War Dance No. 2 Orchestra 0190 Chinese- Japanese Orchestra 0191 Rustic Allegro — Woodland Scenes — Carefree and Happy Orchestra 0192 Allegro Precipitoso — Pursuit — Intense Wrangling Orchestra 0193 Misterioso Alia Valse — Dramatic Suspense lOrchestra 0194 iStorm Music — Terrific Storm on Land or Sea Orchestra 0195 Allegro Agitato — Excitement — Disputes — Desperate Action — Rage. .Orchestra 0196 Death of a Hero — Sad Situations — Funeral Music Orchestra 0197 Misterioso No. 4 — Suspense — Foreboding — Spooky Orchestra 0198 Drums for Marching — Church Chimes — Clock Strikes (12) — Knocking at Door 0199 Screams — Snores — Typewriters 0200 Motorcycle — (a) Start and Fade, (b) Continuous Manufacturing Noises — (c) Planer, (d) Punch Press, (e) Automatic Hammer, (f) Anvil Regular Monthly Releases of Additional Selections WRITE FOR COMPLETE CATALOG Recordings by one of the greatest symphony orchestras from scores especially written to fit your Motion Picture Situations. ON SALE IN ALL CITIES Place your order with your Theatre Supply House for your needs whether one record or a complete set. GENNETT RECORDS RICHMOND, IND. Woodside, L. L, New York 6010 38th Ave. Los Angeles, Calif. 1344 So. Flower St. Tuesday, March 19. 1929 Richards Is President of Saenger Theaters (Continued from Page I) It is understood that as pre.sidciU lie will continue in general cliarge of the company's business. Saenger The- aters, affiliated with the Publix, owns and operates more than 150 theaters in SO cities and 11 Southern states. It also has theaters in Panama, Havana and many inii'ortant Cen- tral .\nierican cities. DAILV Franklyn Warner Starting Second of Four Talkers {Continued from Page 1) York in a few days. All stage play- trs will constitute the cast. War- ner's first, "The Great Power" which has been taken for distribution by M-G-M, opens at the Capitol in New ; York on Satuiday. Wis. Censor Bill to Give Board Widespread Power \fadison, Wis. — The bill introduced into the legislature here which would place censorship in the hands of a state commission, consisting of three appointed by the governor, fixes the term of office at two years and siieci- fies an annual salary of $3,600. Full power is also given this commission to appoint any deputies needed and fix their salaries. Under the bill the conniiission is required to issue a license for showing a film "unless the film is obscene, indecent, immoral, in- human, sacreligious or of such a character that its exhibition might tend to corrupt public morals or in- cite to crime." Fees ranging from $2 to $3 per thousand feet of film would be charg- ed for inspection of films submitted for licensing and city and county of- ficials would be charged with re- sponsibility of prosecuting in cases where unlicensed films might be shown in Wisconsin. A license for showing a film might be revoked under the proposed law in case advertising for the film fell under the same ban as that applied to obscene or other improper films. Daylight Saving in N. Y. In 3rd Reading ; Is Doomed Albany — A measure to wipe out daylight saving in New York is now in its third reading before the legis- lature. The consensus of opinion is that it will be passed, largely as a result of the rural vote. "Chi" Houses Fighting Daylight Saving Change Chicago — Owners of Chicago the- aters are being backed by heads of other enterprises in fighting proposed change to advance date of daylight saving from April 28 to April 7, now before city council. Three Added to "Trader Horn" Cast Harry Carey, Duncan Rinaldo and Edwina Booth are new additions to cast of "Trader Horn," dialogue pic- ture to be made by W. S. VanDyke in Africa. VanDyke and an advance unit will sail from New York this week on the lie de France. Mayer, 'Phaiberg, and Rubin Stay At M-G-M (Continued from Page 1) season. After a conference with my associates Louis B. Mayer and J. Robert Rubin, in New York, we have completed our plans for 50 talking pictures with ct)mplete silent versions. Our plan of production in assembling t.ur pictures is to have the greatest cast, directors and stories that can be acquired. "Mr Mayer, Mr. Rubin and I wish to give assurance to the people in our studio that wc are to continue to be a progressive separate organization. Wc state unreservedly that the con- fidence that the theater going public of the world have shown in our prod- uct during the last five years will be more than justified in the com- ing season." Sparks Closing Part of His Florida Holdings (Continued from Page 1) Phillips at Orlando and the Princess at Sanford. This action was taken, it is under- stood, as a result of conditions, at- tendance being so small ttiat it was held inadvisable to keep the five open at this time. It is reported be- ginning about .'Vpril 15 the Sparks circuits will confine operations of some of their Class B houses to four days in seven-day towns and three days in si.x-day towns. This would include houses at St. Augustine, Or- lando, Gainesville, Bradenton and Sarastoa. There is a probability that some of the Sparks sound-equipped houses will either suspend operation after May 1, or be operated on a part-week schedule until the fall. Charnas, Waxman, Head Warner Roadshow Dept. (Continued from Page 1) lowed by others at the same house. New posts will not interfere with present duties of Waxman and Charnas, Charnas as managing di- rector of Warner's Broadway houses, and Wa.xman as publicitj- and adver- tising director. Memphis Headquarters for New Warner District? Memphis — Warners are expected to establish a branch here. A new Memphis district is anticipated. Such a step would include theaters now served from New Orleans, Dallas, St. Louis. Kansas City, Oklahoma City, and Atlanta. Price to Distribute Film of African Hunting Trip The Walker-Arbuthnot Hunting Expedition has closed with Oscar Price of Parthenon Pictures. Inc., to handle the film of its trip to Cen- tral Africa. "The Wild Heart of Af- rica" is the title. Covering over 3500 miles the expedition spent four months on the trail. Nevy Kenton Amuse. House Kenton, O. — Kenton Amusement Co. has completed plans for the erec- tion of a new theater building here which will cost approximately $75,- 000. TUNE IN ON WO R TONIGHT AND HEAR MR. PATHE- It's all in fun, but a million ears will hear a,ll about Pathe Sound News tonight. The folk of "Main Street", nationally popular feature of station WOR, have arranged with Pathe Sound News to make a sound and talking picture of their celebrated citizenry tonight at 8 o'clock. Hizzoner Mayor Luke Higgins and his board of Selectmen, together with all the other droll characters of this famous radio feature, will be there as the chief actors. Major Ross Whytock, of Pathe, will direct the clowning. Just another up-to-the-minute method of telling the world about Pathe Sound News for you. (It's Entertainment — Not Advertising) 0/^ILV Tuesday, March 19, 1929 ■Mipa^i^&hiSf^ "Birth of Nation" As a Talker? Columbia's Sound Stages Nearing Completion — Hersholt Released from "U" Contract — Paul Bern Resigns as Pathe Production Manager — Ralph Wilk Comments on Coast Doings GRIFFITH WOULD DIRECT FOR U. A. DISTRIBUTION There is a possibility that D. W. Griffith may remake "The Birth of a Nation" in sound, using many of the original cast. If the plan should go through, United Artists will re- lease the picture. Should the picture be re-made, a number of negro spirituals would be introduced as well as some dialogue and many battle effects. Jean Hersholt Quits 'U"; Contract Ends Amicably Universal has agreed to release Jean Hersholt from his contract efTective March 26. Hersholt has been on the Universal payroll for three years, during most of which time has been "farmed" to other producers. M-G-M's "Revue" Set Among those already signed for M-G-M's "Revue of Revues" are Bessie Love and Charles King, Gus Edw;ards, Marie Dressier, the Brox Sisters, Chi? Edwards, Conrad Nagel, Polly Moran, Albertina Rasch and troupe, the Rounders and Joyce Mur- ray. Jack Benny will act as master of ceremonies, with Christy Cabanne directing. Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown have contributed special song numbers, and Joe Goodwin has supplied the lyrics for Gus Edwards' music. Bern Quits Pathe Paul Bern, production chief for Pathe, has tendered his re- signation. His successor has not yet been named. Seven Resignations in Fox Story and Comedy Dep'ts Several changes have been made in the Fox scenario and comedy con- struction departments. Among the scenarists who have resigned are Marian Spitzer, Robert Horwood, Ray Doyle, W. Scott Darling, Ben Markson and Matt Taylor. Weed Dickinson and Ray McCarey have resigned from the comedy construc- tion department, which continues in charge of Andrew Bennison, with Henry Johnson and Lew Breslow as his assistants. COLUMBIA'SSOUNDSTAGES NOW nEARING COMPLETION Austin Co., Hollywood, is complet- ing construction on sound stages at Columbia. New system will allow several companies to shoot at one time without interference. The Western Electric recording system will be used. The main stage measures 92 x 140 ft. The monitor room measures 55 X 47 ft. and projection booth, 14 x 16 ft. The recording building, 51 x 72 ft., is of reinforced concrete and steel frame. A Little from **Lots" By RALPH WILK E. H. Griffith Signed E. H. Griffith has been signed to direct for Columbia. It is reported he will handle a dialogue picture, tentatively titled "The Broadway Melody." The title, of course, would be changed. Gilbert on First Talker Tully Marshall and Nigel de Brulier have been added to the cast of "Redemption," John Gilbert's first talking picture, now in production under Fred Niblo's direction. In the supporting cast are Renee Adoree, Eleanor Boardman, Conrad Nagel, Claire McDowell and Michael Va- vitch. Title For MackaiU Vehicle "Hard to Get" is the title of Dor- othy Mackaill's forthcoming F. N. vehicle soon to go into production. Edmund Burns will play the lead. Barthelmess Gets New Lead Richard Barthelmess has chosen Alice Dav to play opposite him in "Drag," from the novel by William Dudley Pelley. Tom Dugan has also been cast for a role. O'Brien Title Changed Final title selected for George O'Brien's latest production for Fox, in which he has been directed by David Butler, is "Masked Emo- tions." It is taken from a story by Ben Ames Williams called "A Son at Anak." Cohen Completes Black Crows' Story Octavus Roy Cohen has left Hol- lywood for his home in Birmingham, after spending two months at the Paramount studio writing an original story which will serve as the first talking film vehicle for Moran and Mack, the Two Black Crows. Tom Miranda To Title Tom Miranda will title two recent- ly completed pictures at the First National. One is "Two Weeks OfT," which stars Dorothy Mackaill and Jack Mulhall, and the other is "The House of Horror." Former Stage Director Cast Lloyd Ingraham, for years a stage and picture director, has been en- gaged to play one of the important character parts with Eddie Dowling in "Rainbow Man," the Sono-Art all-talking and musical production being filmed at the Metropolitan Sound Studios at Hollywood. The addition of Ingraham brings the cast up to include Dowling, Marian Nix- on, Frankie Darrow and Sam Hardy in the principal roles. Added to Carol Cast Sylvia Field, stage player, has been added to cast of "The Exalted Flap- per," in which Sue Carol is to ap- pear for Fox. Miss Field has lately been appearing with Robert Bench- ley in his latest Movietone comedy, "Stewed, Fried and Boiled." Filming Another Maugham Play "The Marriage Holiday," adapta- tion of a W. Somerset Maugham play, went into production at the Paramount studio yesterday with a cast including Ruth Chatterton, Clive Brook, Mary Nolan, Montague Love, Paul Lukas, Florence Eld- ridge, Juliette Crosby, Lorraine Eddy and Claude Allister. It is being di- rected by Robert Milton. Doris An- derson made the adaptation. An all- talker. Berry In Grey Story Zane Grey's new novel, ""Stairs of Sand" is to be filmed with Wallace Beery in the lead. Otto Brower, who directed Paramount's two most re- cent Grey films, "Avalanche" and "Sunset Pass," has been assigned to do this. De Sano With Paramount Marcel De Sano was signed yes- ter3ay to acontract as a Paramount director. His first assignment will be Maurice Chevalier's second pro- duction. Billie Dove in "Careers" Billie Dove will sing in her first dialogue picture, "Careers," which is now under way at First National- Vitaphone studios. A romantic duet is being written for the star and Antonio Moreno, her leading man, by Al Bryan and George W. Meyer. John Francis Dillon is directing, and the cast includes Noah Beery, Rob- ert Frazer, Thelma Todd and So- Jin. Completes Color Symphony "Melodic," a Tiffany Color Sym- phony, has been completed. Dorothy Nourse and Vadim Uranefif play featured roles, supported by John Reinhart and Carl Weigel. It was directed by Martin Justice from an original by Duncan Rinaldo. Cooper in Sennett Series Jack Cooper, it is stated, soon will be seen in a series of comedies under direction of Mack Sennett. Hollywood WILLIAM A. SEITER, who is now completing Corinne Grif- fith's current First National Vita- > phone picture, "Prisoners," has been ' awarded a two-year contract by that i producing organization. Incidentally, ' the story has leaked out that First ; National has placed a "joker" clause in the contract of each of the seven directors recently signed stipulating just how these men behind the mega- phone may receive screen credit for their directorial efforts. * * * Wade Werner, who has been transferred to the London office of the Associated Press, informed the Wampas, "I am departing for Lon- don, where I will have to buy my oivn dinners." * * * This provision reads, "Provided that you fully and completely keep, and observe all of the terms, cov- enants and conditions to be kept, performed, and observed by you hereunder, we agree to give you credit on the screen in connection with said photoplay." Wonder if this means "temperament?" The di- rectors recently signed who are ef- fected by this are William A. Seiter, George Fitzmaurice, John Griffith Wray, Reginald Barker, William Beaudine, John Francis Dillon, Mer- vyn LeRoy and Ralph E. Dawson. Nc * « Nine years ago William Boyd went to Truckee, Cat., as an extra boy on his first picture. Last week he returned to the same town as the star of Pathe's "High Voltage," a production being directed by How- ard Higgin. As "Power," another Boyd picture was showing at the little local theater, the town was treated to its first personal appear- ance. Higgin directed the other picture also. * ♦ ♦ Our Passing Show: Sarmnj/ Lee, erstwhile of Broadway, chatting with Harry Rapf at M-G-M; Paul Lukas and Dick Kline discussing athletics at Paramount; Ralph Block en- thusing over getting Siberia, on the radio ; Bill Boyd, Owen Moore and Phillips Snvalley displaying skill, in tossing parofin snowballs. New Contract for Hickox Syd Hickox, former eastern cam- eraman, who photographed eight First National pictures last year, has been signed to a new one-year con- tract. THE rueMay, March 19, 1929 ■;sti DAILY 11 Defense Cites Contract Betterment CONTRACT ItELD I '^pccrf/ng' up of U. S. Trial REAL BOONJO INDUSTRY (Continued from Page 1) ts Philadelphia probe, arc among he eight selected as typical. Hess On Stand Hess was on the stand as testi- nony was resumed yesterday morn- ng, outlining the meeting last year if the contract committee at Chi- cago. He outlined the proposed agreement to finance exhibitor or- ganizations and arbitration. This provided for payment by distributors of one per cent of film rentals, one- half of which was to go to the Hays organization and one-half to the M. P.T.O.A. This was to be used for payment of expenses of arbitration and the building up of exhibitor or- ganizations. It was a tentative ar- rangement, calling for a five year contract covering the points involved. The move was planned by exhibi- tors, said Hess, to "insure arbitra- tion," the importance of which he stressed at considerable length. The one per cent levy was to have l)een included in rules of arbitration but not made a part of the contract, he said. The plan still is an open ques- tion he said, but pointed out that it would be coercive so far for non- members of exhibitor units. In tracing various clauses of the contract, Hess called attention to the minimum admission fee clause, stating this was inserted to protect exhibitors against the danger of free show competition. The court then queried government counsel as to whether the government \vas making an issue of this price-fixing clause. but C. Stanley Thompson, chief of government counsel, said it was not. Hess then outlined the "new de- parture" in the contract as concerns block booking. This is the cancella- tion clause suggested at the Trade Practice Conference by .Abram F. Myers, then a trade commissioner who presided. Myers, who now is president and general counsel of the Allied States Ass'n of exhibitors, is present at the trial and is expected to be a witness for the government. Discusses Block Booking This clause permits cancellation of ten per cent of pictures bought in block, provided the exhibitor pays one-half the amount of the rental of pictures so cancelled. Exercise of this option generally by exhibitors would prove a serious handicap to distributors, Hess declared. The arbitration clause, he said was approved at the Chicago meetings to is Sought by Both Sides Further effort will be made to speed trial of the arbitration case, Federal Judge Thacher indicated yes- terday, when the court requested ad- vise as to just what point had been leached in the procedure. Edwin P. Grosvenor, chief of defense counsel, then expressed the hope that the eight exhibits might be covered by one situation, and hopes to estab- lish that the one concerned is typical of the others. 9,000 to 10,000 Between 9,000 and 10,000 ac- counts are served on the aver- age by Paramount, Sidney Kent testified yesterday in the gov- ernment's arbitration action. insure the future of arbitration, with subsequent meetings planned to dis- cuss modifications of the systcni to assure more equitable conditions. The contract then was drawn pursuant to the agreement on financing. The industry, said Hess on cross examination, has been getting better steadily since establishment of Film Boards of Trade. In reply to query of Thompson as to whether exhibi- tors are less honest than retailers in other lines of business, Hess said he had had no experience wnth retailers in other lines. The exceptional con- dition prevailing in the industry was cited by the witness in reply to ques- tioning.- Thompson then brought out that the government had started an in- vestigation of F.I.L.M. Clubs in 1925 and had recommended criminal and civil action in at least one instance. The department always has insisted that the Film Board system is illegal, it was brought out, and has sought to bring about promised changes. The delivery clause of the contract assures the exhibitor his right to a playdatc. Hess testified, declaring that an exhibitor can force delivery of a film under the advisability clause. The availability, he said, is fixed by the first run, and there is an implied agreement between the parties on availability. Kent, Next Witness Evils of the old system of doing business as contrasted with that brought about by adoption of the standard contract were outlined by Sidney R. Kent, general manager of Paramount and second witness for the defense. Kent testified that un- der the old system, Paramount col- lected advance deposits of from five to 25 per cent, and at one time had $1,200,000 of exhibitors' money. Playdates are the biggest factor of distribution in liquidating con- tracts. Kent testified. He cited the need for quick settlement of disputes, stating that the industry must move rapidlv to profit on pictures. He out- lined the machinery of distribution, stating that his company writes an estimated 125,000 contracts yearly. Actual playing of a picture is the goal of distributors, not only the rent- al involved, Kent declared. The distributor, he said, "lives on circula- tion," just as does a magazine. The problem in building trademarks or stars is to get the picture before the greatest possible number of people quickly. Adoption of the standard contract was cited in detail by Kent, who was a member of the original contract committee. On cross examination, Kent testi- fied as to the various unaffiliated chains stating that about 75 per cent are owned by ten or 12 national cir- cuits. Tiie situation in the industry. Kent said, is "100 times better" since adoption of the contract because of the time and nionej- saved, the rcsi)on- sibilily fixed and the elimination of "bad blood" between distributors and exhibitors. Feist Discusses Competition The film industry is "highly com- petitive," I-'elix Feist, M-G-M sales liead declared. He was followed on the stand by Karl Kirchwey, for- merly of Select, who was special counsel for distributors in drafting the original uniform contract. Kirch- wey drafted the arbitration rules and said that the $500 maximum was fixed, in order that the deposit fee should not be excessive. The fee was decided upon as a safeguard rather than a penalty, he said. He referred to the old Hoy system, de- claring it one-sided. Charles C. Pettijohn then outlined formation of Film Boards of Trade and arbitratioif boards. He cited his visits to the various key cities in con- nection with organization w^ork and was followed by Jack Greenberg, secretary of the Philadelphia Film Board, who outlined arbitration pro- cedure in his territory. ONLY 6 OR 7 WITNESSES TO BE CALLED BY GOV'T Only six or seven witnesses are to be called by the government in rebuttal testimonv in the arbitration case, C. Stanley Thompson, chief de- fense counsel slated yesterday. Four- teen exhibitors are under subpoena by the government, a check-up indi- cates. Some of them, however, have been permitted to go to their homes, instructed to hold themselves in readi- ness for the government's call. Sidelights ^ By CHARLES F. HYNES ^^ pABRIEL L. HESS, general at- " torney of the Hays office, finally concluded his testimony yesterday. Hess was on the stand so long that it began to look as though the case were the government versus Hess. In opening hin testimony, Charlie Pettijohn, said in answer to a ques- tion as to his occupation, that he ia "a lawyer." F"elix F"eist, M-G-M sales chief, pepped up yesterday's session with a hit of humor. Felix even had hiz- zoner wreathed in smiles. Opporttniities in the film busi- ness? And hmv. In 1917, Sidney Kent started with Paramount as a salesman. His rapid rise to the especially-created post of general manager of Paramount, was dwelt upon m his testimony. Colvin & Ahearns Expanding Austin — Three local theaters will shortly be under control of Colvin & Ahearns. who have acquired the Han- cock O. H. and will operate Majestic and Queen when lease of present management expires. Raives Banquet Tomorrow T.O.C.C. beefsteak dinner in honor of Sol Raives will be tendered to- morrow night at the Astor, New York. No Issue Little possibility that the gov- ernment would make a point of issue of the minimum admis- sion fee clause in the standard contract was seen yesterday by C. Stanley Thompson, chief of government counsel in the arbitration case. His position was outlined in response to a query from the court, as to whether the government is con- tending that the clause is illegal. We're hoping that Bonnie Long, Indianapolis secretary, won't hold us accountable for the typographic er- ror, which crept into the chatter of the Sunday issue. Anyway, our in- tentions were right. And while we're on the subject, we're not forgetting the fact that Roivena Foley, sister of Clare, has been holding down the San Fran- cisco post during Clare's illness. As we dope it out, tlie defense is one up on stipulations. At the Woolworth building they fell time by stipulations. When stipulation two comes around, it's time to eat, etc. Carl Kirchwey 7vas a star ivitness of yesterday, reciting the many times the contract and arbitration agreement had been written and re- written. Plenty of midnight oil was burned whipping into shape the standard agreement. Feist, by the way, saw to it that he got his full quota of drinking wlater, which he rated, as a witness. We Predicted SHOWBOAT BROADWAY THE MINSTREL MAN would be the outstanding pictures of the year. SHOWBOAT has been completed. Wonderfully directed by Harry Pollard. The verdict of the society premiere at Miami and Palm Beach will be the verdict of the world. In SHOWBOAT, Carl Laemmle has the greatest talking and singing picture ever made. Of course we had something to do with it or we wouldn't be paying for this ad. No. 2 is BROADWAY. Prepare to rave over Carl Laemmle Jr's. production of this greatest of all Broadway stories. Then ask us how we can possibly top these two with THE MINSTREL MAN, but we are doing it. EDWARD J. MONTAGNE Editor in chief— Universal Pictures No Change in M-G-M Personnel, Feist Tells Force iTHE :9f<> NEWSPAPER oypiLMDOM ALL THE HEWS ALLTHE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 66 Wednesday, March 20, 1929 Price 5 Cents Dying A DURESS IXti a secret ses- sion of the Actors' Equity Ass'n, William .\. Hrady, once of and for motion pictures, remarks : "The legitimate stage has but three years to Hve." The blame, he argues, must I)e afttributed to films, talkative and silent and the advantages, such as Sunday performances, which they enjoy where the legitimate play does not. Mr. Brady is so naive about the whole matter that we in- cline to wonder whether he wants to be taken seriously. Some of the Truth It is generally known, and recog- j nized, that the decadence which ; has come upon the American stage is entirely due to its own misguided I propensities. The theater, acknowl- edging as it did the growth of mo- tion pictures as a mass entertain- ment, came to the unhappy con- clusion that the propulsion of dirt onto its stages might be one way to I bring in the American public. So l*into the slime it delved and there ' it remained just a w-ee bit too 'long. For, before its s])onsors ex- 'ercised enough good sense to drag it out, disintegration had set in. Really very simple. The Film On the other hand, what do you find? Motion pictures, keyed to a price scale well within the pockets of the average theatergoer, cleverly con- cocted an entertainment that grew grander as the years went by. Whether you realize it or not, the regular run of de luxe show sold at an average price of seventy-five cents is the greatest entertainment bargain ever presented to the buying public. When you further realize that this celluloid medium keeps its skirts gen- erally clear of the gutter and treads on high, dry ground the argument of healthful motion pictures vs. a dying stage reduces itself to no argu- ment at all, K A N N NO BIAS IN ARBITRATION CASES CHARGED, U. S. COUNSEL SAYS No Bias -Charged No contention that bias exists in functioning of arbitration boards is made by the Dept. of Justice, C. Stanley Thompson, chief counsel for the government, admitted at yesterday's hearing in Federal Court, New York. There ir. a natural inclination on the part of distributors to work more closely together than do exhibitors, but admitted that is inherent with the system. The department's attack is on the entire arbitration system, and with distributors' good faith conceded the case now is purely a question of law. BRI$TOLPHONE,PHON0nLM TflLRING TGJIttJNSWICK Pcxssibilities of a three-cornered tie- up between Bristolphone, De Forest Phonofilm and Brunswick-Balke-Col- lender arc to be discussed at a meet- ing to be held in Chicago beginning today. The Brunswick group, it is understood, may replace Acoustic Products and Sonora in a combination of sound niterests. negotiations for which have been under way for a number of weeks. It is understood a number of meet- (.Continucd on Page 4) 15 Nations to Attend June Paris Congress llasltliifiton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Fifteen nations have promised their collaboration in the nternat onal Cinema Congress, which will be held in Paris, in June, ac- cording to advices to the M. P. Sec- (Contiiiucd on Page 4) DISCOUNT PlLIX-R-K-0 DEftL; TRMOTHfRWISE In the face of persistent reports in the trade that a deal between R-K-O and Paramount, or its the- ater subsidiary, Publix is impending, the "Wall Street News" last night quoted "interests close to Paramount' as declaring no negotiations have been, or are at present, under contem- (Cotttinued on Page 4) Fox Forming Stock Co's as Source of Sound Talent By way of innovation and exiJcri- ment, Fo.x is establishing a number of slock companies throughout the U:iitcd Sta^ iS'A iS'A Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 26% 25"^ 25 M East. Kodak 181 181 181 •do pfd 128 ♦First Nat. pfd 108 Fox Fm. "A- ... 96J4 92yk 95^ *do rts 3 Keith A-O 35-5^ 35^ 355i do pfd 111% UO'A UO'/z Loew's Inc 72 70J4 72 do pfd 102 J4 98 99yi M-GM pfd 26^1 26'A 26^ M. P. Cap 41 -^ 39y; 40!^ Para. FL 70-/8 69J^ 7O/2 Pathe Exch 11% li'A 1154 do "A" 24/2 23/2 24 Radio K-A-O 36/ 3554 36 .Stanley Co 35 32/ 35 •Univ. Pict. pfd 98/ Warner Bros 120% 1I8M 1195^ do pfd 54 53/ 54 Warner Pet. rts... 35^ 3 3/ CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 9/ 9^ 9/ •Bal. & Katz 80 Columbia Pet 31/ 31/ 31/ Con. Fm. Ind 24 23/ 2354 Kox Thea. "A" .. 3054 29% 30/ •Griffith. D.W. "A" 3/ Nat. Thea.. Sup. .. 135^^ 11 13/ Trans-Lux 21 18/ 19/ Univ. Pict 23 22/ 23 BOND MARKET •Keith A-O 6s 46 93/ I.oew 6s 41WW...115/ 115/ 115/ do 6s 41 x-war.. 98 98 98 Paramount 6s 47 .100 99/ 99 •Par. By. 5/s 51 101/ Pathe 7s 37 80 79% 79/ CURB BONDS Am. Scat. 6s 36 .. 96/ 96/ 96/ •Warner 6/s 28 . 198 OVER THE COUNTER Koxy "A" .n 33 do units 34 36 .... do com 3 5 .... .Skouras Bros 40 44 .... Technicolor 1854 19 United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 I niv. Ch. com. . . 2' do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 2,200 3,800 200 17,966 'ioo 200 4,600 1,000 lOU 1,400 33,300 1,600 1,100 5,800 300 7,866 200 17,800 4,400 'i66 2^,600 4,500 8,366 11,400 200 Call WAFILMS, Inc. Walter A. Putter, Pres. for Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46th St.. New York Bryant 8181 AHUSEMENTflELD UNITES TO FOSTER N.V.A. FOND The entire amusement industry, al- lied with vaudeville, yesterday en- dorsed the National Vaudeville Ar- tists' activities and formed a com- mittee with vaudeville and motion pictures represented, to organize and further that club's sick and benevol- ent fund. The various executives were as- sembled yesterday by Pat Casey, at the offices of the Vaudeville Man- agers' Protective Ass'n and a per- manent N.V.A. campaign committee formed. The committee consists of Harry Warner and Spyros Skouras of Warner Brothers-First National; Sam Katz and Milton Feld of the Paramount-Publix group; William Fox, Harold B. Franklin and Charles Levin of Fox theaters; Hiram S. Brown, Joseph Plunkett and L. E. Thompson of the Radio-Keith-Or- pheum, and Nicholas Schenck, Charles C. Moskowitz and E. A. Schiller of the Loew'-Metro organi- zation. Because of the fund required to carry on the program of relief work now in operation, a national drive will be organized during the week of April 14 in every vaudeville and pic- ture theater in the United States and Canada, and concluding with an all- star show at the Metropolitan O. H. in New York April 21. The press relations and exploita- tion committee selected with one rep- resentative of each of the principal organizations and circuits represent- ed, includes Tom Gorman, V.M.P.A. ; A. M. Botsford, Publix; Frank Selt- zer, Fox; Terry Turner, Loew; A. P. Waxman, Warner Bros., and Mark A. Luescher, Radio-Keith-Orpheum. This committee w'U meet today to formulate plans for national exploi- tation. The N.V.A. Relief Fund has long been known for its charities and bene- volent activities. Last year nearly $550,000 wias expended among the aged, ill and unfortunate members of the vaudeville fraternity. Aside from its charities in New York and through- out the country, hospital v^fards are maintained in large cities and in Ari- zona and Colorado. In addition a large sanitarium is now being built at Saranac. Fox Buys George Jessel's Contract from T-S George Jessel's contract with Tif- fany-Stahl has been bought by William Fox, who intends to make four dia- logue pictures with the star. A di- rector and cast had been engaged for Jessell's next TifFany-Stahl pic- ture but the Fox offer led to abroga- tion of the agreement. Little Hope Held for Mabel Normand Recovery Ifcst Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Little chance of re- covery is held out for Mabel Nor- mand, who is declared suffering from advanced tuberculosis. Death is not imminent, however, unless hemof- rages occur, it is stated. World Wide Sales Staff Completed Sales orgar.ization of World Wide was completed this week with the appointment of two new managers by Joseph Skirboll. S. B. Taube is in charge of the Toronto office, head- quarters of World Wide in Canada. (Chicago office starts operation with appointment of W. W. Bramberg formerly with Columbia. Grist Joins Publix Greenville, S. C. — Willis Grist, Jr., is now city manager for Publix here. Grist, for the past two years, has been with Universal in Indianapolis and Detroit. Simril at "U" Atlanta Exchange Atlanta — R. M. Simril, for some time at the Universal Jacksonville office, has been transferred here. Ruben Brenner, formerly with FBO, is now with Universal. G-B Mass. House Opened Greenfield, Mass. — The Colonial Garden, seating 1,900, a G-B house costing approximately $450,000 has opened here. The house is wired with Western Electric equipment. "Dugan" Succeeds "Wolf Song" "The Trial of Mary Dugan" opens at the Embassy the middle of next week. "The Wolf Song" closes there tomorrow night. Hart on Arbitration Board Auburn, Ind. — H. E. Hart, man- ager of the Court and Embassy, has i)een named as a member of the In- diana arbitration board. Meetings are held twice a month at Indianapolis. Let Us Solve Your Problems ! Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCORPORATED 1540 B'WAY N.Y.C. TELEPHONE BRYANT 3040 The Industry's Date Book Today: Resumption of trial of U. S. ar- bitration case in Federal Court, New "ork. April 6 Warner - First National - Stanley Frolic at Commodore Hotel, New York. April 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn- sylvania Exhibitor Unit at Pitts- burgh. May 1 Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal. May 6-9 Fpring meeting of Society of M.P. Engineers in New York. McCormick Signed by Warners Theater front and inside displays and decorations on future "Noah's Ark" openings will be handled by Langdon McCormick, who has been signed by Warners, following suc- cess with electrical and scenic effects on the Winter Garden front. Heads Warner Exploitation Louis R. Brager has been appoint- ed chief of Warner exploitation, by A. P. Waxman, who has lined up a force consisting of Eddie Bonns, Mrs. Isabel Turner, Herbert Cope- land and John Curran. T. & D. After Cal. House Santa Cruz, Cal. — Frank Macauley, owner of the Unique here has re- turned from San Francisco where he was negotiating with the T. & D. Jr. Enterprises, Inc. in connection for sale of the house. Chevalier and Wallace to Coast Maurice Chevalier and Richard Wallace, who directed him in "In- nocents of Paris," have left New York for Hollywood. Easter Greetings! :?§■ lersB?? We received your trailer for Easter and wish to thank you for it. We know of no other company sending holiday trailers without charge and wish you to know that we appre- ciate it. PARK THEATRE COMPANY, Spencer, Mass. 'WE NEVER DISAPPOINT' CaBORATOrI^ < INCORPORATED 220 WEST 421° STREET NEW YORK Phone: Wisconsin 6876 ALLAN A.LOWNES.CEN.MCR. The M'G'M salesman is on the way to see you with the big news! (VICTOR RECORDING) Get out the pen» There's no time to lose! Book- ing now starting! HAL ROACH'S ALL-TALKING COMEDIES ARE NOW READY! Wired Hoiises Attention! BOOK THESE TODAY! Act quick! You must get for your house the funniest cleverest ALL-DIALOGUE pictiires that can he had! Imagine! These stars in Talking Pictures! OUR GANG in "SMALL TALK" and Two More LAUREL-HARDY in "THEIR LAST WORD" and Two More CHARLIE CHASE in "THE BIG SQUAWK" and Two More ROACH'S ALL-STARS in "NOISY NEIGHBORS" and Two More Starting IVIAY 4th ONE A WEEK -G- The TALK of the Industry.' tHE DAILY Wednesday, March 20, 1929 Coast Wire Service 12 Talkers from Roach NEW SERIES IN TO 40 ALREADY Twelve all-talking comedies are to be produced by Hal Roach at once for M-G-M release. The first four are now in work and will be released one a week beginning May 4. The twelve will include three each from the Our Gang, Laurel and Hardy. Charley Chase and Roach's All Star units. Roach leaves New York for the coast today to supervise the series which are an addition to the 40 on the M-G-M schedule. Burr Plans Series of Sound Shorts for "Indie" Market Series of all-talker shorts will be produced independently by C. C. Burr, who will distribute on the states rights market. "Bachelor Girl," Columbia's Latest Jacqueline Logan's first Columbia production under her new contract is "The Bachelor Girl," an all-talker, scheduled for immediate production. William Collier, Jr.. and Edward Hearn are the only other featured members of the cast selected so far. Taurog Starts Another Clark & McCullough's sound short is in production at Fox. Norman Taurog will direct instead of Harry Sweet. In the cast are Dixie Lee, Carol Hines, Charles Eaton, Gavin Gordon and Clifford Dempsey. Maynard Starts First Ken MayiVard, western star re- cently signed by Carl Laemmle has started work on his first picture, which is to be a talking western. It is "The Wagon Master." Harry J. Brown is directing. The HOTEL Jefferson ON THE OCEAN END OF KENTUCKY AVE. ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. AN HOTEL WHOSE COMFORTS WILL ASSURE ONE OF FULL ENJOYMENT OF THIS GLO- RIOUS RESORT. Each Room has Bath — Strictly Fire- proof — Luxurious Lobbies — Sundeck Overlooking the Ocean. Golf Privileeet American Plan $7 up European Plan $4 up OWNERSHIP— MANAGEMENT FETTER & HOLLINGER Christie Studio Preparing for Talking Pictures Plans are in preparation for re- conditioning Christie studios for talkers, operating with Western Elec- tric system. During a temporary lull in pi eduction at the plant, due to al- terations, production is going for- ward at Metropolitan sound studios on the MacLean feature, "Divorce Made Easy," and an Octavus Roy Cohen story. Christie studios to date have been used only in filming silent comedies, and they will soon be ready for the talkers, with arrangements being made to make full recordings by re- mote control from the recording plant at Metropolitan. Two stages will be used at Christie. Ten of the new Christie "Talking Plays" for Paramount have already beeii completed, with the finishing this week of "Hot Lemonade," feat- uring Louise Fazenda, with Johnny Arthur and Walter Hiers. Lane Picks Leading Woman Charlene Burt, who has been ap- pearing in Ideal Comedies in support of Jerry Drew, has been selected by Lupino Lane for his leading lady in his first talking comedy now in pro- duction at Educational. Wallace Lupino is playing opposite his broth- er, Lupino Lane, in this picture. "Exalted Flapper" in Work Sue Carol has started work in "The Exalted Flapper," which James Tinling is directing for Fox from his story. In the cast are Barry Norton and Irene Rich. Green in Moran and Mack Film Harry Green, vaudeville pla3'er has been cast m one of the leads in the first all-dialogue picture which Moran and Mack, will make for Paramount. Dwan Ahead of Schedule Allan Dwan has completed "The Far Call," with Charles Morton and Leila Hyams, ten days ahead of schedule. Discount Publix R-K-O Deal ; Trade Otherwise (Continued from Page 1) plation. The strong position enjoyed by Paramount does not make it nec- essary for it to seek further amalga- mations at present, this financial pub- lication further quotes its informants. In the interim, many quarters in the trade beheve a working agreement between Publix and R-K-O has been effected, but that, in view of the fact that it would become operative next season, announcement has been with- held for the time being. Paramount has denied any such deal, as has R-K-O. No statement has l)een obtainable from Publix officials, despite several efforts made in that direction. Predicts First Quarter Record for Paramount This Season "The Wall Street News" said last night operations of Paramount so far in the current year have been show- ing increases over the corresponding periods in previous years, and pres- ent prospects are that the corporation will enjoy the best first quarter's prof- its in its history eclipsing peak earn- ings of $2,264,149 for such period, re- ported for the three months ended March 31, 1928. Butler on Fox Follies David Butler has been assigned his first talking picture, in the form of a short musical comedy to appear in "Fox Movietone Follies." Chatterton Opposite Jannings Rutli Ciiatterton will play tlie lead in lunil Jannings' next picture, "The Concert." "College Spirit" Started at "U" C^arl Lacnnnle, Jr., started produc- tion of "College Spiiit." It will have sound and dialogue. George Lewis and Dorotiiy Gulliver will iilay tiie lead with other members of tiie "Col- legians" series including Eddie Phillips, Churchill Ross and Hayden Stevenson. Bristolphone In On 3-Gornered Tie-up? (.Continued from Page 1) ings were held in New York in the last ten days with Brunswick officials and their attorneys. At the same time, the deliberations with Roy Deutsch and Acoustic were under way. Sam Sax, Charles and Budd Rogers of Bristolphone arrive in Chicago this morning to represent their end of the proposed combine. The Schlesinger sound interests centered in General Talking Pictures Corp. were under- stood last night to have already ar- rived there or were on their way. If the deal is closed, it is reported Brunswick will enter the group with $1,000,000 or more in cash. 15 Nations to Attend June Paris Congress (Continued from Page 1) tion of the Dept. of Commerce. The French C.E.A. has given its official authorization while Belgium has promised to send at least 200 mem- bers of the industry. The meeting, originally scheduled June 3 to 6 may be advanced on motion of British ex- hibitors, due to the June elections. Musicians In Protest Parade Against Talkers (Continued from Page 1) out the nation and 6,000 virtually penniless in New York. These fig- ures were issued by the Musical Mutual Protective Union. The American Federation of Musicians sets unemployed musicians of the United States and Canada at 3,000 and in New York at 200. Foreign Markets ^Zj Another for the Coopers Chicago — Cooper Bros, who oper- ate the Twentieth Century on Roose- velt Road, will take over the Gold in September. New Film Co. Being Formed in Australia Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Elston-Helmet Pic- tures and Distributing Co. is the name of a new company being form- ed at Adelaide with a capital of $485,- 000, according to a report to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Com- merce. The company is formed for the production of Australian films witJi German stars and technicians. The program is to consist of six com- edies to cost approximately $97,000. Herr Max Mack is to be appointed film director and the Australian man- ager is J. J. Politzer, who states that their films have been guaranteed a market in Europe and will be distrib- uted throughout Germany and Bal- kan countries. Pro Patria's '29 Output Secured by Madan Ltd. London — Steve Slinger, head of Pro Patria Films, has completed ar- rangements for the distribution of its 1929 output for India to Madan The- aters Ltd. Among the features in- cluded are "A Throw of Dice," "Sin," "God's Guest," "The Burning Heart," "A Cottage on Dartmoor" and "The Living Corpse." 50 First Runs Organize Berlin Protective Ass'n U'asUiniiton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Fifty first run the- aters in Berlin have formed a union for economic protection, the M. P. Section of the Dept, of Commerce is advised. The new union will sup- plement the Berlin Exhibitors' Ass'n. Prometheus to Assist Mleschrabpon iVasliington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Meschrabpon-Russ has determined to increase its Ger- man production with the assistance of Prometheus, the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce is advised. The first picture under this policy is to be a version of Tolstoy's "The Liv- ing Corpse," with Poudowkin play- ing the lead opposite Maria Jacobini. Otiiers to follow' are, "The Volga Song," an adaptation of Tolstoy's "War and Peace," and Zola's "Ger- minal." 83 Censored In Great Britain Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — During Jan., 1929, there were 83 feature productions of 3,000 feet or more censored in Great Britain, according to statistics sup- plied by the British censor board to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. Ufa To Enlarge Scientific Films Berlin — Scientific and instructional department of UFA productions, which produced the short subject, "Killing The Killer," is to expand short subject program for 1929-1930. Oscar Price PCtCSENTS i X u?~. Aini The biggest bet in the independent market Richard Talmadge in "THE BACHELORS CLUB "-a fast moving comedy - drama — no such opportunity to make monfe^has been offered exhibitors for months. ^ \ \ The Movietone method of synchronization has been employed- in the production of this picture — for sound, mu;^ic and song — by MR. ERNO RAPEE, famous composer and director; with his ROXY Theatre orchestra. Immediate^ Delivery on all prints, lithograph's and advertising accessories. For territorial rights and further information communicate by letter, wire or telephone with — OSCAR PRICE MACK D. WEINBERGER President Qeneral Manager GENERAL PICTURES CORP. 1650 Broadway NEW YORK Telephone Circle 6131 Wednesday. March 20. 1929 THE jgE^ DAILV Short Shots from New York Studios i^^iBy ARTHUR W. EDDYmmmm CHARLES BUTTERWORlll Ins been recruited by raramouiit from the IlaMiniorstein show, "Ck> ul Boy" for a venture in the short sub- ject field. He'll be directed by l-'red Allen, who writes, directs, acts and helps keep the Astoria studio aiiuii in good spirits. Barney Rogan is an expert citt-<(p at the Paramount studio. In other words he is a crack film cutter and the chap who worked on "The Co- coo.nuts," Marx Brothers' vehicle re- cently completed. Rogun, who works tinder the jurisdictioit. of James Cowan, started with Paru mount in 1920. Feminine scenery in "The Cocoa- nuts" is provided by Dolores Del Fina, who is working in Paramount pictures. She was one of the charm- ers in "Honeymoon Lane" a couple of vears back. Irving Rapper, who is director at the new sound studio opened by Publix, is busy looking for stuff suitable for Mother's Day and Me- morial Oay shorts. Chiei ongiiieer at .■\mcrican Sound Pcture Studios, rejuvenated West 44th St. studio, is Roljert J. Marshall. He's credited with several important developments in the talking picture. Bari-y Macollum, who scored a notable sticcess in the Theater Guild production, "John Ferguson," some time ago, is .scheduled to next ap- pear in "Who's Your Father?" Broad^vay stage show. His last pic- ture tvork was in "The Hole in the WaU," which Paramount made at its Astoria plant. The man who suffers from jeal- ousy in the picture based on that subject will be Anthony Bushell, cast by Paramount to play opposite Jeanne Eagels. He played with Miss Eagels in "Her Cardboard Lover" and was last seen on the stage in "The Sacred Flame." "Buckaroo" will soon start its an- tics on Broadway. In case you don't know it is a play written by Charles Beahan, Fox story editor, and A. W. and E. L. Barker. PUIL DALY SEZ/ "That certain big deal is very much on. Don't .Tiir.d the denials; they're ir.erely perfunctory. Our b g picture companies cer- ,a;nly are going in for this bigger and better stuff." Sound Pictures Bv CHARLES F. HYNES Visugraphic Sending Unit to South America Soon The foreign department of Visu- graphic Pictures, Inc.. producer and distributor of advertising and educa- tional films, will send a unit to South America next month. The company leaves New York April 20 and will cover Brazil, Uruguay and the Argen- tine, with the probability of the tour being extended to include Venezuela and the West Indies. Last year Visu- graphic visited the west coast of South America, making pictures for the Grace Line, Inc., and the Re- public of Chile. This year's tour is sponsored by the Munson Steamship Line. In Buenos Aires a Visugraphic production will be made for "La Xacion," and large industrial corpora- tions of the east coast. Canadian Distribution for Columbia Theaterphone Set Winnipeg — CoiumbiaTheatcrplione, record library, cueing service and Colmnbia Publix Address S>'Stem, will i)e sold in the Dominion by Ra- dio Industries of Canada, Ltd., with hcadfjuarters in the Birks Bldg. Ra- dio Industries handles Capehart Or- chestrope, also a non-synchronous device. Border Houses Battle for Sound Svarnia, Ont. — Canadian border towns are rushing to install sound because of competition offered by theaters in U. S. towns nearby. The Imperial, operated by John Meyers. is the latest with a sound policy and follows installation at the Algoma at Sault Ste. Marie. Brown Gets Dubuque House Dubuque, la. — A. M. Brown form- er manager of the Avon here, has taken over the Star and changed the name to the Rialto. The house re- cently was decorated and remodeled. Walter Scott, who photographed 'Melody of Love," Universal's initial 100 per cent talker, in record time at the Coast, is in Manhattan on a va- cation. He's now with Fox. Casanave Books Ohio Houses Cleveland — Charles L. Casanave of .Associated Theaters, Chicago, was here last week-end, booking for his Ohio houses. Herman's New House Opens Walker theater, at 64th and 18th Ave., Brooklyn, has opened with a sound policy, operating with the Pa- cent system. Sam Berman operates. Judge to Open Fla. House Titusville, Fla. — Johnnie Judge, former manager of the Aladdin here, has taken over and soon will open the Magnolia. Sound at Belfonte, Pa. Bcllonte, Pa. — Sound reproducing equipment has been installed at the Cathaum here. Columbia Majestic Opened Columbia, S. C. — The Majestic, on the site formerly occupied by the Rialto, has been opened here with H. L. Dobson, manager. Sound ap- paratus has been installed. Talkers for Anderson, S. C. Anderson, S. C. — A. M. Pinkston manager of the Garden, upon his re- turn from Charlotte has announced the purchase of talking film apparatus for ilat house. 40 F. P. Canadian Houses to Be Wired This Year Toronto — Sound equipment will be installed in forty Famous Players Canadian houses, by January, 1930. Twenty already show sound pictures. The chain operates about 130. Sound for Griffin House (jriffin, Ga. — Sound equipment for both on film and on disc will be installed at the Imperial here accord- ing to James T. Freeman, manager. Installation is expected the end of March. Buys Movie-Phone Device Rittman, O. — J. A. Goffinet has purchased a Movie-Phone sound equipment for the Goffinet from Ed- w)ard Casanave, district sales man- ager. Sound For Glynne House Patchogue, N. Y. — Michael Glynne who operates a Long Island chain has contracted for installation of Vitaphone at the Patchogue here. Cover the World through CinemaTrade Papers International THE FILM DAILY New York — Jack Alicoate, Publisher DAILY FILM RENTER London — Ernest Fredman, Publisher LICHT-BILD-BUEHNE Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Publisher CINEMATOGRAPHIE FRANCAISE Paris — P. A. Harle, Publisher LA Pioneers in Trade Paper Journalism Prestige — Stability — Coverage— Independence An alliance of front rank motion picture trade publications of the world for the betterment of service to their readers. Springfield House Wired Springfield, Mass. — The Bijou has installed De Forest Phonofilm. Raymond House Wired Raymond, Wash. — Bernard Mulli- gan has reopened the South Bend Tokay after wiring it for Phototone. n d r, I- te :r s. le II :r :o s, Ic J- ly I- •d n- c- n- ANSON I A BROADWAV AT 75 ST. NLVc VOPK Patrons of Prominence Choose the Ansonia! 1400 Large Homelike Rooms Comfortable Furnishings Soundproof WaUi Rates will surely please! Rooms with private bath from $3 per day For two from $5 per day Parlor, bedroom and bath from }6 per day Booklet on Request Wire at our expense for Reservations THE ■sm^ DAILV Wednesday, March 20, 1929 Sixteen Cases Will be Listed as Typical gro$venor¥r defense NO BIAS IN ARBITRATION CASES CnARGED,SAY$U.S. {Continued from Page 1) ernment the admission that no bias is charged against the defendants in operation of arbitration boards. To Offer 16 Cases The 16 types of cases covered in ex- hibits to be offered by the govern- ment today will embrace various kinds of actions, it is indicated, in- cluding bicycling, miss-outs, blow-ups, damaged prints, violation of run agreements and other forms of con- tract breaches, with which arbitration boards have been concerned, since the system was adopted. A number of these cases, the government alleges, should not have been heard by arbi- tration boards, which are claimed to have overreached their power in sev- eral instances. In addition, a general file will be offered in the government's exhibit, in an effort to support its contention of supplementary agreements, alleged to exist, the affect of which is to violate the Sherman law, under which the action is brought. Greenberg Takes Stand Yesterday morning's session opened with Jack Greenberg, secretary of the Still Going; End Not in Sight General expectation that the government's arbitration case wbuld be brought to a close late tcday seems unfounded in the light of yesterday's developments. A number of Film Board secretaries are to be called today, it is indicated, for the purpose of testifjdng in connection writh the 16 typical cases to be introduced by stipula- tion. C. Stanley Thompson, head of government defense counsel, also plans to call six exhibitor witnesses for rebuttal testimony on the contract, but said yesterday there is little likelihood they will reach the stand today. However, the court may seek another short cut to speed the case to a close. Philadelphia Film Board continuing on the stand. He testified that the amount of film used by an exhibitor depended on the policy of the partic- ular house and said that cases heard by the arbitration board in his ter- ritory only are cases brought under the uniform contract. There had been exception, by agreement of the par- ties, but the rule is to hear only cases arising out of the contract. Greenberg outlined the various types of cases brought by distributors against exhibitors and by exhibitors againstj distributors and saiid; that most of them were uncontested. Only three heard last year required a sev- enth arbitrator, and no court cases, to his knowledge, had been brought to set aside awards in his territory, Greenberg declared. Some were brought to confirm awards, he added. It was at this point that a clarifica- tion of the government's position was sought by the court. Thompson said that the validity of the contract is at issue, although he admitted there is no charge of bias made by the gov- ernment. He questioned Greenberg as to whether the board would not hear any case filed, and the defense pointed to the witness' assertion that cases are heard only under the con- tract. The situation of the parties is such that there is a natural inclination on the part of distributors to "stick to- gether," Thompson said, but the court sug- gested that this is inherent in the system. The arbitration system, the court suggested, seemed attempts to adjudicate disputes fairly and queried Grosvenor, as to what he was trying to disprove, when there is no charge of bias. Grosvenor called the court's attention to desire of the defense to have the records exhibited to show SEEKS GOV'T STIIHIUITION how fair the arbitration system really is. With the good faith of the defend- ants conceded, the matter now re- solves itself into a question of law, the court stated. Seek Stipulation Grosvenor then asked the govern- ment attorney to make a stipulation that there is no conspiracy or coercion in the arbitration system, to which Thompson replied the government is attacking the legality of the entire system Grosvenor wanted an admis- sion from governmental counsel that certain cases are typical and the gov- ernment countered with declaration that all its exhibits are typical of existing practices. Greenberg then concluded his brief testimony and the attorneys went into conference at the court's request to see if they could not agree on a stipulation to shorten testiriiony. The stipulation was arrived at dur- ing the recess, the two attorneys agreeing to sift the government ex- hibits and to select the evidence claimed as typical of cases alleged to support the government's charge. Wisconsin Bill Seeks to Make Dog Races Illegal Madison, Wis. — Theater owners who have felt their business drop off during the summer because of dog racing, may secure relief. E. G. Davies of Waukesha, Wis., has in- troduced a bill in the legislature which brands dog racing as gambl- ing and would consequently make it illegal in Waukesha county. Yost New District Manager Edward Yost, recently director of the Yost Broadway theaters, Santa Ana, Gal., has been appointed divi- sion manager of the Universal Cali- fornia Circuit. Universal houses in California include two in Fullerton and two in Whittier. They are all sound equipped. Tennessee Theater Sold Humboldt, Tenn. — Sharp's has been sold by J. P. Sharp to J. F. Low- rance owner of the Princess, Hum- boldt, and the Gem, Trenton, and will be changed to the Capitol. Vaughn Building in Hartselle Hartselle, Ala. — Work has started on a theater to cost $30,000. The house is being built by the Vaughn interests and has been rented to Ray M. Howell. Clccu-water Gets Sunday Shows Clearwater, Fla. — Sunday shows I have won out here, the vote being I 565 for and 301 against. Sidelights iBy CHARLES F. HYNESi THE trial has been a tough break all-around for Nathan Yamins, Fall River, showman, and a member of the contract committee named at the Trade Practice Conference. Nate was permitted to go home last week, instructed to hold himself subject to call by the government. He got to Pinehurst, N. C, Sun- day morning for a round of golf, only to he handed a telegram, in- structing him to beat it hack to New York. With just 15 minutes to grah a train, Nate in his speed grabbed a pair of trousers, which didn't match the coat and vest he was wearing. Arrived in New York, Nate learned that he wouldn't be called Tuesday, with little likelihood seen that he'll be called today. Rosemary Foley, Omaha's secre- tary, is sporting a new pair of shoes, which she bought betiveen meetings of secretaries. Joe Seider was back yesterday, but wasn't called as a witness. Joe's been up to his neck in work opening his new theater. Lola Adams Gentry of Los An- geles has a possession she greatly cherishes. It's the diamond ring presented to her at the convention of Film Boards of Trade secretaries last year. Jack Greenberg of Philadelphia was making a big squawk the other morn- ing about bum service in a restaurant, when he failed to get a menu. How- ever, he soon discovered that he was in a cafeteria. Hearing on Ohio Local Option Bill Put Off Columbus, O. — Hearing of the Mar- shall bill, which provides for local option on the Sunday show question, scheduled for last Wednesday, has been postponed until further notice. A postponement was asked by P. J. Wood, secretary of the M.P.T.O. of Ohio, because he had to be in New York to attend the government ar- bitration suit. Gabriel L. Hess had a real rest yesterday and ivasn't even called to the stand. However, Hess did some real pinch hitting in helping to clarify the situation leading up to adoption of the new stipulation. Defense Counsel Grosvenor drew a laugh Monday when he said he was pul.ing Jack Greenberg on the stand, because of the eight cases concerned in the stipulation, exhibits in the Philadelphia investigation are the smallest, numbering "only 225." "U" Slant on Veiller Universal stated yesterday that, while it was a fact that its action against Baynard Veiller, playwright, had been settled out of court in Bridgeport, Conn., Veiller returned to the company the $1,000 paid as a retainer to insure writing of the orig- inal story contracted for and Univer- sal did not pay Veiller $500 as re- ported. Park, Louisville, Sold Louisville — The Park and adjoin- ing property at 41st and Market, has been sold for $120,000. Bogalusa House Opens Bogalusa, La. — The State has for- mally opened. It is owned and oper- ated by Elias and M. A. Berenson. Baxley Rejoins Pathe Dallas — L. C. Baxley will again sell for Pathe, traveling out of Dallas. Wednesday, March 20, 1929 DAILV Newspaper Opinions "Noah's Ark" — Warners Winter Garden, New York AMERICAN— The Biblical cpis.xle of the picture has been done on a truly gigantic scale. * • • There is a rather stunning trench scene between O'Brien ami Williams, reminiscent of "The Big Parade." And the beginning of the picture features a breath taking train wreck, too. These two bits were more vital and thrilling to us than any part of the spectacle. • • • You really should put "Noah's Ark" on your "pictures to see" list, for it's been so much heralded that you'll want to know what it's all about. DAILY MIRROR— "Noah's Ark" is a good spectacle. The dazzling biblical drama which Warners' put out "to top any picture ever made" may fall somewhat short of that ambitious dream, but on the enlarged screen of the Winter Garden the spectacular set tings, the tremendous .sound etTects are thril- ling enough to excuse the maudlin elements in the story. • • • DAILY NEWS— The result of a great labor was this : A modern story which is only fair film stuff. A biblical sequence which surpasses everything of its kind ever given to the cinema — silent or audible — Ijefore. • ♦ • The fire on earth, the great flood — torrents, avalanches of water, water, water submerging the world * * * is depicted powerfully, im- pressively, tremendously, * ♦ • But of the modern story, with which the movie starts out, we must admit that there is too much of it and that in several places it actually smacks of incongruity hardly befitting a film which reaches the gigantic proportions "Noah's Ark" does in its breathrtakjng spectacle sequences. EVENING JOURNAL— Considering the fact that the picture was produced on such a large and lavish scale, it is regrettable that the story that threads its way through quite a few effective backgrounds should be so weak and hackneyed; furthermore, the in- tended analogy between the war and the flood IS neither clearly defined nor convincing. EVENING WORLD— Devisers of this spectacle apparently overlooked one little de- tail, however. They appear to have forgoi ten about a story. They have attempted to set up a parallel between the flood and the late war, the one washing away sins of the world with water and the other carrying out a similar mission with blood. * * • There isn't a doubt that, with all this lavish out- lay, "Noah's Ark" could have been made into a tremendous spectacle, but, as it is, it falls far short of what the Warners planned for it. HERALD-TRIBUNE—* ♦ • some of the most stirring episodes in the annals of screen spectacles were, with much imagination and ingenuity, devised by the producers. A ti- tanic chaos of water; huge, crashing blocks of masonry; the mad, despairing terror of doomed fugitives from the wrath of Jehovah. a tumult of sound — all were allied in bring ing about an enormously effective assault on the emotions of the embattled spectator. * * * The trouble with "Noah's Ark" is, among other things, that the modern and the ancient episodes really possess no significant rela- tionship. GRAPHIC — Remarkable mechanical effects and sets of gigantic proportions, such as might have been worthy of a great film epic, gave "Noah's Ark" * * * its super- special classification. Certainly, neither the mediocre plot, jerking its thread of story from biblical allusion to modern marital drama of cheaply sentimental nature, nor the characterizations, warranted the extrava gant treatment. "Noah's Ark" presents eye-filling moments of imposing and breath-taking spectacle which have seldom been equaled on the screen. MORNING TELEGRAPH — The flood scenes are not only marvelously directed but ingeniously photographed and become awe in- spiring, convincing and compelling, display- ing an adeptness for the direction of mob scenes that will take their place among the finest ever presented kaleidoscopically. » • * It is, however, of sincere regret that with such a stupendous outlay in the production of Biblical scenes — and such an acute value of the spectacular — the producers had not concentrated upon a more workman-like story. POST — * * * scenes, while never particu- larly convincing, are certainly spectacular, and will probably keep crowds of visitors in the Winter Garden for weeks to come. • * • My chief quarrel with "Noah's Ark" is that ,it Ic i.st half of It is a gocxl, solid bore, being a very second rate war story in which every- thing from "The Big Parade" to date has fiet*M slKil'Itily copied. SUN — * * ■ it is a large, long, excessively elalx>rate old-fashioned movie spectacle. • * • And as a matter of fact it is excessively or- dinary • • • until that final episode when all the waters of southern California reser- voirs were turned loose in their fury * * * I he result was one of the finest examples of spectacle that the cinema has ever offered. It was the flood at the very end of the film, howtver, that lifted "Noah's Ark" in more ways than one. ■TELEGRA.M — There are sequences which, from the point of view of studio props, un- doubtedly justify some descriptive superla- tives. Considered in its modern scenes, aside from its Biblical analogies, the narrative is so trashy that it is doubtful whether it would have made the grade as a one-week program picture. * • * Sequences of the great flood represent an accomplishment for the direc- tor, Michael Curtiz. TIMES — The audience last night applauded the first glimpse of the animals scurrying to safety aboard the Ark. They also clapped when the flood came, for they had evidently expected this climax long before. * • • There is also quantity about the biblical scenes, which are impressive chiefly because of the numerical strength of the persons in- volvene studios. Campbell and Saville may make another talker from an original, before returning to England. Thunder Bay Films Active Fort WilHam, Ont.— Regal Films, Ltd., will distribute first feature made l)y Thunder Bay Films, a new pro- duction unit, which will immediately start on another, "Spirit of the Wil- derness." "Interference" Banned in Quebec Quebec — The only Canadian board banning "Interference," Quebec cen- sors have refused to license the pic- ture because it depicts marital in- fidelity. Shorts- Sound and Silent Covered carefully and intelligently! in the next — SHORT SOBJKT Ml of THE FILM DAILY I OUT MARCH 31 ANOTHER BIG KILLING IN CHICAGO! >lv :#►■ Cecil B. DeMille's The GODLESS GIRL Sensational melodrama by Jeanie Macpherson Breaks all records Sunday and Monday at the great STATE - LAKE the Loop's dominant theatre PATHE Moves to Fasten Adverse Legislation Piling Up iTHE o/'FILMDOM ULTHE MEWS ALLTHE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 67 Thursday, March 21, 1929 Price 5 Cents ''Syncopation" TH ICV cut a sizeal)le slice out of Broadway and its wise- cracks, built in plenty of nit^ht dub atmosphere, nabbed Martin Downey to croon in that plaintive tenor of his with Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians supplying music such as is a de- light to hear. When Radio Pic- tures finished the assembly job, the result was "Syncopation." Story not so much. Acting over which nobody would get excited. What the picture has, however, is the spirit of the main artery and its Tin Pan Alleys, several songs that are sure-fire hits and plenty of the Pennsylvanians. Recom- mended for the mob. It's in. Once Again Don't yawn. The argument is old, but never faihng. Anniversary week at the Roxy, extra advertising and a gorgeous show— all these are factors, but the picture, as usual, proved the pivot around which business revolv- ed. The big house did $136,000 with "Speakeasy." The week before it just about made the $90,000 mark. There's a whole book of lessons in that. Chicago Much ado in Chicago. Bristol- phone and Phonofilm are sales argu- ing with Brunswick. Out of it may come an important new factor in sound. You know how these deals are, however. The ink on the dotted line alone tells the story. Sixes and Threes It's close. A big male star who should be a wow in sound is about to pocket a handsome contract. Not ready to break yet, but the fellow has six letters in his name and he is signing with a company that has three. Front Page Stuff Aware of our weakness for head- lines, a chap responsible for many in the last year tantalizes to the ex- tent of tipping us off that more are on the way. His, plus some others we happen to know about, indicate the Spring will be far from dull. KANN BERLIN Hf ARS PARAMOUNT fi-K-O REPORT; DENIED By KARL IVOLFFSOIIN Editor "Lichtbildbuehne" Berlin (By Wireless) — It is report- ed here R-K-O has secured an op- tion on purchase of Paramount. FOX SET TO TAKE OVER N. Y. INDTTS APRIL 1 "Ridiculous and absurd" was the cryptic manner in which one Para- mount official yesterday dismissed the above report. TEXAS SUNDAY MEASURE IK GOVERNOR'S HANDS Dallas — No action has as yet been taken by the governor on the bill repealing Sunday shows, recently passed by both houses of the legis- lature. The measure has been be- fore the governor two weeks, as of today. If the governor does not veto the measure by next Wednesday, it automatically becomes law, as there is no pocket veto in Texas. The Texas measure is more than (.Continued on Page 2) Bill to Censor Talkers in Ohio Killed Unanimously Columbus, O. — Bill to extend pow- ers of censors to include jurisdiction over talking films and to increase inspection fees of censors, has been killed unanimously by the Senate committee on education. Proposal to abolish all forms of film censor- ship in the state also was killed. MERGER GOSSIP LINKING TIEFANif-STAHLRIDICUlZD West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Grant L. Cook of Tiffany-Stahl brands as ridiculous reports linking his organization in a merger. New York reports tied in T-S with a combination involving Bristolphone and Phonofilm. British Orders for W. E. Wiring Over Opposition London — Despite the agitation here over alleged domineering attitude on the part of Western Electric, in con- nection with interchangeability, the company is understood obtaining orders at a rapid pace. One report has it that between 175 and 200 W. E. equipments will have been in- stalled by the end of the year. Sound Film Protest March Forbidden by N. Y. Police Protest parade of unemployed New York musicians against sound pic- tures, which they claim have thrown them out of work, was forbidden yesterday by the police, who refused to grant a permit to the Musical Mutual Protective Union. Only Existing Contracts Held Affected by Deposit Demand Lazarus Returns to U.A. as Sales Promotion M'g'r Paul N. Lazarus will resume his former post of sales promotion man- ager of United Artists on Monday. Announcement was made yesterday by Al Lichtman, sales head of the company, that Lazarus will continue an association with United Artists that was begun in April of 1919, when the company was organized. During his 13 years in the business, Lazarus has worked for only two companies. Vitagraph and United Artists. After (Continued on Page 2) Distributors, under Film Board rules, are not prevented from taking contracts or serving without deposit any exhibitor who has defaulted on an arbitration award, if such contracts are taken sujjscquent to the time the exhibitor is placed on the arbitration list. Deposits are required from such exhibitors, only on contracts existing at the time the award is defaulted. This was pointed out in testimony yesterday of Don C. Douglas, secre- tary of the Dallas Film Board in testifying for the defense in the gov- ernment's arbitration case against ten (Continued on Page 11) Kutinsky and Brandt Get Payments — Finances Arranged Following delays due to rearrange- ment in financial structures as a di- rect outcome of the Fox Theaters Corp. acquisition of Loew's, Inc., April 1 has been set for final day on which Fox Metropolitan Play- houses, Inc. will take over 175 or more independent theaters in the Greater New York zone. Yesterday Morris Kutinsky who operates a string in Jersey City and other towns in that section as well as William Brandt who operates about 11 in various neighborhoods in Brooklyn received first remittances agreed upon when the original con- tracts were signed. These are under- (Continued on Page 2) Warners Control 67 Of the 200 in Phila. Philadelphia — The Warners own or are affiliated with 67 of the 200 licensed theaters in Philadelphia, ac- cording to a survey made by "The Exhibitor." The group of 67 includes 15 houses of the Equity chain in (Continued on Page 2) Efforts to Kill Daylight Saving in N. Y. Defeated Albany — .Assemblyman Cuvillier's bill to abolish daylight saving in New York was killed in the Assembly yesterday when by a vote of 78 to 64 the bill was re-committed to the rules committee. Cuvillier argued daylight saving time in some cities and standard time in others led to confusion, but New York city legis- lators, as well as those from other large cities, joined in opposition and the measure went down to defeat. Appeal in Dallas Damage Suit Under Advisement Dallas — Appeal of Paramount et al from the decision awarding $337,000 damages to the late Si Charninsky and his partner, Roy Stinnett of the Capitol here, for alleged unfair com- petition, is under advisement by the Fifth Court of Civil Appeals. Oral argument in the appeal recently was heard. DAILV Thursday, March 21, 1929 MXLVnNo.67 Thursday, Mar. 21, 1929 Price 5 Cents JOHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographie Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Sales Am. Seat Sm i&Vs IS'A 1,500 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 25 J4 25^ 25 M 800 East. Kodak 181 181 181 200 *do pfd 128 ♦First Nat. pfd 108 Fox Fm. "A" ... 96^ 93 94^ 9,900 *do rts 3 ♦Keith A-O 3554 do pfd 110 no 110 200 Loew's Inc 72}^ 7054 71 4,600 do pfd lOlH 100J4 101 400 M-G-M pfd 26'A 2554 2554 400 M. P. Cap 4\Vi S&Vs 3854 1,700 Para. F-L 70^ 6954 70 29,800 Pathe Exch 11^ ll'/z 1154 5,800 do "A" 24 235i 24 300 Radio K-A-0 ....' 36^ ^SVi 3554 8,300 Stanley Co 3VA 33 33 300 •Univ. Pict. pfd 9814 Warner Bros 12454 11854 123^ 66,800 do pfd 55% 5314 55% 1,300 ♦Warner Pet. rts 3 J4 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 9J4 9 9 3,800 ♦Bal. & Katz 80 ♦Columbia Pet 31% Con. Fm. Ind. ... 2354 2'3i4 23'A 1,200 Film Insp 2% 2% 2% 100 Fox Thea. "A" .. 31 29'A 30 5,000 ♦Griffith, D.W. "A" 3% Intern. Proj 57% 55 55 500 ♦Loew do deb. rts 35 .... ♦Nat. Scr. Ser. .' 2654 ♦Nat. Thea. Sup 13% Trans-Lux 22^4 20 20J4 17,000 Univ. Pict 235^ 23 23-4 700 BOND MARKET Keith AG 6s 46. 93}4 93!/^ 93'A 1 Loew 6s 41 ww. .115^1 114^ IH-^ 2 do 6s 41 x-war.. 98^ 98 98^ 17 Paramount 6s 47 ..100 99'/} 99% 8 ♦Par. By. 5^s 51 lOi'A ■■■■ Pathe 7s 37 80^4 80 80% 12 CURB BONDS •Am. Seat. 6s 36 96% •Warner 6%s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 32% 34% do units 34% 36 do com 3% 5 Skouras Bros 40 44 Technicolor 18J4 19 United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. ... Z do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED Lean And Mayfield With M-G-M The comedy team of Cecil Lean and Cleo Mayfield made their first Movietone record yesterday at the M-G-M Eastern studio. Texas Sunday Measure In Governor's Hands (Continued from Page 1) a local option bill, in that it repeals the state "blue" statute. MunicipaH- ties are given local option in the mat- ter, but only througih enactment of Sunday closing measures. If the bill becomes law, Texas will be the sec- ond state in the nation's history which has repealed its "blue" law. Passage of the measure in the legislature cul- minated a long campaign on the part of the Texas exhibitor unit, headed by Col. H. A. Cole. Sunday Option Bill and Censorship Killed in N. D. Bismark, N. D. — Proposed local option on Sunday pictures through- out the state has been defeated in the North Dakota legislature, as has the censorship measure. Ten Per Cent Admission Tax Bill Fails in S. D. Pierre, S. D. — Ten per cent admis- sion tax bill was killed in committee in the Senate. Charles Lee Hyde, local theater owner, who now is a senator, was among leading oppon- ents of the measure. Drive on Obscene Films Drive against obscene (stag) reels is under way in New York. John D. Carmack, said to be a salesman of such films, has waived hearing and is being held for the Court of Spe- cial Sessions, in bail of $500, which was continued. Garbo Remaining Week in East Greta Garbo, who has just returned from Sweden, is to remain in New York about a week, before returning to the M-G-M Coast studio. Her next picture is expected to be "Tiger Skin" by Elinor Glyn and is design- ed as a talker. Hedley Smith Dead Hedley Smith, one time chairman of the board of Pathe Freres Cinema of England is dead, according to pri- vate advices received in New York from London yesterday. Ruben Back Al G. Ruben, well known insur- ance broker, has returned to New York following nine weeks spent in Hollywood. Corinne Griffith Sails Corinne Griffith, and her husband, Walter Morosco, sailed on the Levia- than for a two-months' stay in Europe. Cleveland Policy Change Cleveland — Loew's Heights has changed its policy from three changes a wteek to two changes a week. FOR RENT COURT STREET THEATRE, Buf- falo, seating capacity 2389 — well lo- cated. Ideal for stock purposes. Will consider propositions. Communicate with Theo. C. Young, 1501 Broadway. Telephone Chickering 7050. Fox Set to Take Over N. Y. Ind'p'ts April 1 (Continued from Page 1) Stood to be the first two circuits to be so dealt with, the others to fol- low in short order. Fox Metropolitan Playhouses, Inc., the proposed holding company, will be controlled 100 per cent by Fox Theaters Corp. Fox Dividends Declared A regular quarterly dividend of $1 has been declared on Class A and Class B stock of Fox Film, both pay- able April 15 to stockholders of re- cord at the close of business on March 30. Warners Control 67 Of the 200 in Phila. (Continued from Page 1) which the Warners bought an inter- est. Contrary to a prevailing impres- sion, declares the regional, the War- ners do not control the city. There are seven groups operating independ- ently of these interests. The largest is the Freihofer group of 15, which the Warners have been negotiating for, but which deal is now declared definitely off. Other inde- pendents outside the fold are: William Fox, with two downtown theaters and a building program, which in- cludes four additional de luxe houses; Morris Wax, with Fays, the Royal and the Keystone; Jay Eman- uel and his associates, with four; George Gravenstine, with the Car- man and the Galard; Mike Stiefel, with the Roxy, the Roxboro, and shortly the Empress, and the Iris and Lafayette, on which the Warners still have a one-year lease, and Mor- ris Gerson, with five. The strength of the Warner-Stan- ley circuit is downtow'n. In the neighborhoods Warner-Stanley have competition at every point. Evans Joins British Gaumont London — Will Evans has been elec- ted to the board of British Gau- mont Corp. He will also serve as joint managing director with R. C. Bromhead. Marmont on Way to N. Y. Percy Marmont is en route to New York from England. The Industry's Date Book Today: Resumption of trial of U. S. ar- bitration case in Federal Court, New "ork. April 6 Warner - First National - Stanly Frolic at Commodore Hotel, N«w York. April 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn- sylvania Exhibitor Unit at PittJ- burgh. May 1 Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal. Lazarus Returns to U.A. as Sales Promotion M'g'r (Continued from Page 1) a period of affiliation with the Hearst magazines, he became associated with Vitagraph, remaining with them for three years, until United Artists was organized. Managing 3 at Burlington Burlington, la. — Harold Barnes, veteran Middle West showman, who for several years has managed the Rialto here for Central States The- ater Corp., has been named director of all of the firm's houses here, in- cluding the Palace and Grand recent- ly acquired. Seeks Talking Films Isidore Zack, Winnipeg exchange- man, is in New York negotiaitng for some talking features for releases in western Canada. European Deal Closed Weiss Bros. Artclass Pictures Corp. has closed with Hoffberg- Cornfeld Co. for distribution by the latter of 100 subjects in Central Eu- rope. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Tiieatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Perm. 3580 WlLYoza YEARBOOIC 1929 ^^^ II FILMDOM'S ENCYCLOPEDIA The excellently compiled and invaluable Film Daily Year Book carries . . . WELFORD BEATON (From a recent anicle in the Film Spectator) FREE to Film Daily Subscribers Subscription $10.00 Foreign $15.00 I\^ 7 tooi^ CA^NTOf^ J I MIDNI^HI lJB¥1 V MOST D AMW^« NIGHT SHOW The show all P^ew York flocks to. Now your patrons can en- :oy it in two dazzling, dancmg, ilging, talking reels P- auced with all the g amour and class of the orxg.nal. Beautiful girls, the newest songs and dances. EDHIE CANTOH MIDNIGHT FHOEIC" A paramount Sound Short Feature THE ■^^m «t DAILV Thursday, March 21, 1929 Coast Wire ^^xvic^ = M-G-M Re-signs Chaney ti ff UNDEft OLD CONTRACT Loii Chaney has renewed his con- tract with M-G-M. He is now en route from Greenbay, Wis., to Cali- fornia, making snow scenes for "Thunder," in which he has the part of a raihoad engineer. Milestone to Make Talmadge Film Norma Talmadge's first all-talking picture will be directed by Lewis Milestone, who has just completed Emil .Tannings' new film and who directed "The Racket" and "Two Arabian Knights." Jules Furthman, scenarist of "Underworld," is work- ing on the script with Milestone, and the picture will be put into pro- duction at the United Artists studio within a few weeks. "Dialoguing "New Orleans" Dialogue and sound sequences are now being made for the TifTany- Stahl Reginald Barker production, "New Orleans." The principal roles are played by Buster Collier, Ricardo Cortez and Alma Bennett. Dialogue sequences were written by Frederic and Fanny Hatton. Breeden in Fox Follies John Breeden, has been signed on a long-term contract by Fox. He has been cast to play the juvenile lead opposite Lola Lane in the story being introduced into "Fox Movie- tone Follies" under direction of David Butler. Theme Song for "Twin Beds" Al Bryan and George W. Meyers have composed a song titled "Twin Beds," which will be the theme song of the forthcoming picture of the same name which is now in produc- tion starring Jack Mulhall. Al San- tell is directing "Twin Beds" and Patsy Ruth Miller is playing opposite. Tully Marshall Signed Tully Marshall was engaged yes- terday by Paramount for a support- ing role in George Bancroft's new all-talker, "Thunderbolt." Richard Arlen and Fay Wray will play the juvenile leads in "Thunderbolt," w'hich is to be directed by Joseph von Sternberg. Cast Additions to "Hard to Get" Louise Fazenda and Jack Oakic has been added to the cast of Doro- thy Mackaill's new First National starring vehicle, "Hard to Get," which is being started soon. Others already assigned are Charles Dclaney, Edmund Burns and James Finlayson. Two Vehicles Bought by RKO Radio Pictures has acquired "High River," by Gwendolyn Ranger Wormser, and "Tanned Legs," by George Hull. A Little from "Lots*' By RALPH WILK Hollywood TREMENDOUS demand on the Coast for the Gleasons, Jimriiie and Lucille Webster. Jimmie is an all-around star performer, as player, playwright, dialogue writer, director apd producer, and his wife is a tal- ented player. They've been working at top speed since coming to the Coast, in feature and short comedy work. Now, they've been signed for a series of four two reel comedies by Pathe, and the forthcoming se- ries is being awaited with keen in- terest. * * * Aubrey M. Kennedy, at one time general manager of Uni- versal City and a well known playwright, is writing the sce- nario for "Snake-Bite," which Edwin Carewe will direct and produce. Bebe Daniel's vnsh that her for- mer dressing room at Param-ount be assigned to Richard Dix has been carried out, and the genial Richard is happy in his new surroundings. Bebe spent $4,000 in decorating the dressing room,. * * * Walton Butterfield, who has been successful in re-writing pictures into stage plays, has joined Paramount. His ver- tions of "The Canary Murder Case" and other pictures are being used by stock companies. He is now collaborating on stories and later will direct dialogue. * * V Sound and dialogue will be added to "Satanesque" which was voted the second most unusual picture of 1928 by "The Los Angeles Record." "Satanesque" was produced and di- rected by John Reinhardt. Cody Also Seriously 111 While Mabel Normand is critically ill of tuberculosis here, from which it is doubtful whether she will re- cover, her husband. Lew Cody is in a resort near San Bernardino, seri- ously ill from nervous breakdown. Cody became ill on a recent trip to New York and was summoned West on account of his wife's illness. Fox Renews Bell's Contract Rex Bell was signed yesterday to a long-term Fox contract as a re- sult of his work in "Whoopee," a Raymond Cannon production with Sue Carol. "The Midway" in Production Work is well under way on Tif- fany-Stahl's production, "The Mid- way," starring Joe E. Brown. CLEANER ADDS TO LIFE OF NADZA STUDIO LAMPS The efficiency of Mazda lamps, used widely for lighting in studios East and West is claimed to have been increased through develop- ment of a mechanical cleaner by means of which bulb blackening caused by evaporated tungsten may be easily and economically removed. This innovation is now available with 5,000 and 10,000 watt lamps. A small quantity of specially-pre- pared coarse tungsten powder is used within the bulb. When the bulb be- comes blackened, it may be removed from its socket and held base up be- tween the two hands and revolved so that the powder scours the inside of the bulb and removes the blacken- ing. According to F. J. Cadenas, il- luminating engineer who serves as contract between the National Lamp Works and executives of studios in New York, the use of the new cleaner will add to the life of the lamps because higher efficiency means a more than proportional in- crease in brilliancy of the filament and this greater brilliancy means, in turn, a beam of higher intensity and greater effectiveness, particularly in photographing dark sets such as black velvet drops, black tuxedo suits, etc. New style lamps will be available after April 1 at no price increase, states Cadenas. Real "Sour Sabbath" for Lakewood if Shows Close Lakewood, N. J. — If this town wants "blue" Sunday, it will get it with a vengeance, it is indicated with announcement that all "blue" laws are to be enforced. Under the law, it is said to be illegal for Sunday trains to go through the village, or automobiles to be operated. It all started, when effort was made to dis- criminate and close the Palace on Sunday. This led to gathering of evidence against other violators. Bar- ney Ferber, Palace manager, says the house will operate next Sunday, despite fact that he is awaiting grand jury action on previous Sunday shows. R-K-0 House Opens in Richmond Hill Tomorrow Keith's Theater, latest in the R-K- O string, opens at Hillside and Myr- tle Aves., Richmond Hill, L. I. to- morrow night under a vaudeville and picture policy. Two showfe a day will be given and continuous per- formances on Saturdays and Sun- days. The opening picture is "Strange Cargo." The new house seats 2,500 and is midway between Loew's Hillside and Loew's Willard. This section of Queens is amply provided with seats and, in the opinion of some local op- erators is already overseated. I Short Shots from I New York Studios iBy ARTHUR W. EDDi DUNCAN RINALDO bag and baggages into Manhattan late this week preliminary to going to Africa with M-G-M's "Trader Horn" unit, in charge of Director W. S. Van Dvke. Duncan's excellent work in "The Bridge of San Luis Rey" re- sulted in his trip abroad to play the role of Little Peru. t Merle Johnson is working on a se- ries of special productions for Wal- ter Flitter, whose "Curiosities" help make the RKO program interesting. The M. P. Laboratory workers have organized the M. P. Laboratory Technicians. Meetings will be held every Tuesday evening at 8 o'clock at the rooms of the Scenic Artists, 161 West 44th St. John Hans of 961 Second Ave., Astoria, is business agent of the new union. A similar organization soon will be formed at the Coast. George Folsey, who last photo- graphed "The Cocoanuts" in which the four Marx brothers make merry, has returned to Manhattan after in- haling Atlantic City ozone and sit- ting on sun porches. His address is Paramount's Long Island studio. Ralph Dietrich, film editor with Fox Movietone, has started railroad- ing back to the Coast. When there's research work to be done on shorts at Paramount, it's P^99y Quis who starts digging into history and other sources of infor- mation. Close Evansville House Evansville, Ind. — Radio-Keith- Orpheum has closed the New Grand for an indefinite period. Move S. C. House Charleston, S. C. — H. Kirby will move the Kirby to the first floor of the Thompson Bldg. to meet the re- quirements of his Vitaphone contract. Acquires Southern House Earle, Ark. — Mary Elizabeth Max- well, who owns the Princess, has ac- quired the Empress, Haiti Mo. Floor boss is what they're calling I William McGuire at Pathe's eastern studio. He's been in the picture for 14 years, nine of them being spent j at the old Cosmopolitan plant. Equity Election to Be Held Late in May or Early June Annual election of Actors' Equity Ass'n will be held the last week in May or the first week in June, un- der arrangements made at a general meeting in New York. The agency controversy will be appealed to Fed- eral Court in April. This is the Equity ruling seeking to limit the amount an agent may charge a member as fee. A test case is being made as to le- gality of the ruling. again LEADER e MARY PICK o^' .o\ev ^ON'f^^' once 09°'*' -^^e P\av)^^- t -o\^^ ■-^"■:;.c. \s VAeOf be \>eor a \^ ° mo \\on P^ ,\c\ore t lOOO cerf^' ,V>ea^ve evev ^ \\>e ACtove sVxv \V^o^ \s 9 o\T>9 \o -°'^ to'teV ^M\V^oV^^ ove v^ o\V*^9 P^ oP^^^- ''^y^e ope^^^^ oof^ ov)0 ceTO eo^^ ,v^o \cK\o9 ^ov pen AOQ^ vvv \V .\<^ o^ ^^"'^;catt^P«■^^^ A^' V\\\ons \ne 1 t .1-V' A SAM TAYLOR Production NITED ARTISTS presents to you a new Mary Pickford, a modern, grown-up, marvelous, bobbed- hair Mary Pickford — in the most sensational box-office picture of her whole screen career or of any exhibitor's booking career ^y^ »•* •* NOW READY MARY ICKFORD in her first % 100 talking picture COQUETTE Adapted From Tremen- " dous Stage Success by George Abbott and N. Ann Preston Bridgers. // The greatest "line-'em-up" picture released in years fimm' Theme song"Coquette' written by IRVING BERLIN Theatres who have already set their dates for "Coquette/' lucky boys, are looking forward to what they know will be the biggest business •" ^^e history of their house, AND THEY'LL GET IT. UNITED ARTISTS 'where the BIG ones ore mode" congratulates the industry j in being able to book a [ f 100% Talking picture of such tremendous THE Thursday, March 21, 1929 ■c^m^ DAILY Eighth Instalment, Soui^d Patent Series RESEARCH COVERS U.S., FRANCE, GERMANY, U. K. This is the eighth installment in "Sound Patents," a series of articles dealing with the patent history of sound and synchroni- zation devices in the United States, England, France and Germany. An apparatus for automatically shifting from one to the other of two disc records is shown in U. S. patent No. 1,331,049, granted to A. Cortella on Feb. 17, 1920. In this ap- paratus, of which Fig. 1 is a view in elevation, a pair of turntables (15) for the phonograph records (16) are con- tinuously driven by a motor (12a) through a pulley (12), shaft (11), worms and gears (13 and 14) and vertical hollow shafts (9), on which the turntables are mounted. The shaft (11) also serves to drive the projection machine, which is not il- lustrated in the drawings. When a record is to be rotated it is permit- X'^ 1.331.049. i^lcolnl FpU 171 1'J.'U Non-iolaling shaft used in Cortella system, U. S. Patent No. 1.331,049. ted to rest on its respective turnta- ble, but when it is not operated, it is lifted out of contact with its turn- table by means of a non-rotating shaft (17), shown in detail in Fig. 7. The shafts (17) are lifted and low- ered by means of a lever (24), shown in detail in Figs. 3 and 4. The lever (24) is pivoted at (25) between the shafts (17) so that when one shaft, with its respective record is lowered, the other is necessarily lifted, thus insuring that but one can rest on its turntable at a time. When tilted in either direction, the lever (24) is held in its tilted position by means' of one or the other of a pair of spring pressed latches (27), which engage lugs (28) on the lever (24). The latches are released and the lever tilted by vertical rods (30) carried by the respective tone arms (49) on the phonograph, which, when the phonograph reaches the end of a rec- ord, rides over, and depresses, a cam surface (29) on one of the latches (27), as shown in Fig. 3, thus re- leasing the lever. At the same time, the rod (30) engages and displaces to the left a pivoted lever (39), car- rying with it a connecting rod (40) secured at one end to the lever (39) and at its other end to a swinging arm (34) mounted on the lever (24) to bring this arm in position to be depressed by a pin (41) on a disc (42) mounted on the rotating shaft (11). The arrangement is such that the post (39) engaged and moved by the tone arm at the right, swings the arm (34) at the left, thus tilting the left am ^ the lever downward as the lately ^^^ the right is released. /^ccordingly, the left hand record is lowered as the right hand record reaches the end of its second groove. .Similarly v.hen the left hand record reaches the end of its sound groove the lever (24) is tilted to lift it and lower the right hand record. In U. S. patent No. 1,341,933 to J. G. Saltzman, issued June 1, 1920, an elaborate apparatus is disclosed whereby either of two records may be automatically stopped and started at any predetermined points in the I I. ik.I^UtN. ■ OTiga riciuil t. •>•» «I*I«IB «(< t ••■• 1,341.933 r>iaiudJiiii> I. imi. The Saltzman system of disc attd projection synch, onization, U. S. Patent No. 1,341,933. length of a film. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings accompany- ing the patent, the projection ma- chine (P) is driven from a motor (M) through a friction disc drive (18 and 19), a vertical shaft (20), spiral gears (24) (and shaft (25), e3* £3 e3»S3<»£>3<: Illustrating the Cortella method of automatically shifting from one disc to another. U. S. Patent No. 1,331,049. '"0- — <^i£^ Detailed drawing sluKving working of Saltsman method covered in U. S. Patent No. 1.341,933. Another detailed diagram of Saltzman device, U. S. Patent No. 1.341,933. shown in Fig. 3, and spiral gear§ (26) and shaft (17), which has an exten- sion (17') to the projection machine (P) as shown in Fig. 1. A pair of records (R) as in Fig. 1, are also driven from the shaft (25) through spiral gears (27), a common shaft (28) and a pair of worm gears (34). one at each end of the shaft (28), which drive vertical supporting shafts (32) on which the records (R) are mounted. Interposed between the shaft (28) and the worm gears (34) are clutches (36 and 37), respective- ly, by means of wliich the worm gears may be connected to or discon- nected from the shaft (28). The clutches are biased towards engage- ment by springs (46), but when a record is to be held from rotating, its respective clutch is held out of engagement by a notch on a tiltable lever (46') in which an arm (47) oi the clutch shifter is engaged. Al appropriate intervals in the length oi the film one or the other of the clutches is released by tilting the lever (46'). The tilting of the levei (46') is actuated by a drum (59) lotated in synchronism with the pro- jection machine by means of a shaf1 (69) driven from the shaft (17) b> gearing shown in Fig. 3 and geared to the drum through a worm gear The drum (59) has a helical groove (60) marked at intervals to corre- spond with the length of the film anc in this groove may be inserted pegs (63) or (64) adapted to lift one oi the other of levers (65) or (66), re- spectively as the pegs come beneatl the ends of the levers. One of th< levers (65) or (66) is adapted tc lift one end of the latch (46') througl connecting leverages shown in Fig 2 and the other to lift the oppo site end to release their respective clutches. Mechanisma are alsc shown to stop the rotation of the rec ord.-; and to disengage one clutcl when the other is released and tc shift the position of the drum rela tively to the projection machine driv ing mechanism in the event that th( film should slip from its proper po sition. An apparatus for shifting from on< record to another at predetermine( film intervals which may be adjustec for any desired conditions is als( shown in U. S. patent No. 1,418,181 issued to W. P. Stunz and L. R. Gil bert issued May 30, 1922, but whicl crnnot adequately be described ii the space available in the present ar tides 10 Sound Pictur By CHARLES F. HYNES DAILY Thursday, March 21, 1929 Traveltone Adds Sound- on-Film Attachment Traveltone, portable disc synchron- izer, recently placed on the market in New York by the Cinesonore Co., has just closed a contract for a- sound-on-film system, states Maurice Livingston, sales manager. The ma- chines now are in production, with the first lot to be ready by April 1, he says. Price for the dual instal- lation is $2,950, regardless of the size of the theater. Twenty roadshow companies will begin operation dur- ing April, he declared. Pacent Bought in South Memphis — Pacent sound reproduc- ers in seven tri-state houses have been contracted by J. M. Talley, Pa- cent representative. Four Arkansas Amusement Enterprises houses and three Sudekum houses in west Ten- nessee are on the list, which includes the Conway, Conway, Ark.; Rialto, Camden, Ark.; Majestic, Stuttgart, Ark.; Capitol, Newport, Ark.; Capi- tol, Dyersburg, Tenn.; Capitol, Paris, Tenn., and Capitol, Union City, Tenn. On Tour for Bristolphone M. Millen, Consolidated Bristol- phone supervising engineer, is on a tour of the country to inspect instal- lations. Movie-Phone Adds Sound- on-Film to Equipment Chicago — Sound-on-film attachment now is available for Movie-Phone, heretofore a disc synchronizer, states L. E. Goetz, national distributor of the equipment. The disc device here- tofore sold for $1,000, and the sound- film-attachment is $1,000, making $2,000 the cost of the dual system. Sound At Riverhead, N. Y. Riverhead, N. Y.— The Capitol here has been equipped with Vita- phone and Movietone, according to Robert Bertschy, manager. Approxi- mately $15,000 has been spent for the installation. Gusdanovic Installs Pacent Cleveland — The LaSalle, owned by Paul Gusdanovic, opened on Sunday with sound pictures reproduced with the Pacent machine. Gusdanovic also has a Pacent in his Regent. Exhibitors Daily Reminder First day of Spring. Give a thought to general houseclean- ing. Thur., March 21, 1929 Phonofilm at Painesville Painesville, O. — The Utopia, own- ed by Jules and Abe Schwartz, has installed a DeForest Phonofilm. Bristolphone in Wisconsin Prairie du Chien, Wis. — George Banka, manager of the Metropolitan, has installed Bristolphone. Have You Any SOUND Equipment to Sell? THE EXHIBITORS IN THE WORLD'S BEST MARKET WANT TO KNOW WHAT TO BUY HOW TO BUY WHEN TO BUY Tell Them Your Story in the SOUND NUMBER of THE NEW YORK vSTATE WBIBIToR ^'^^^'BKM^fTy Supplement Out April lO—Forms Close April 3 Barrist-Goodwin Publications 219-23 N. Broad St. Philadelphia FOR GEiEH DEVICE General Sound Equipment Corp., has been formed in New York to market the Gennett Synchronizer. The device is a 33 1/3 rmp sound- on-disc method, but a sound-on-film attachment soon is to be made avail- able. Establishment of a national distribution system, embracing 26 key cities is to be undertaken at once, ac- cording to J. L. Stern, sales head. The Gennett instrument will be manufactured in three models, selling respectively at $1,750, $2,500 and $3,- 500 and designed for theaters under 400 seats, up to 2,000 and over 2 000. All models will have a double chan- nel amplification system, Stern points out. A deferred payment plan will be offered through a financing company. In from 15 to 30 days, deliveries in any number of machines are assured, he says. Interchangeability of the new syn- chronizer has been demonstrated at the Tivoli, Omaha, which Stern states, is being served by Warners. All models of the instrument are adaptable to any standard-make pro- jector, Stern declares. The synchron- izer is manufactured by the Gennett record division of the Starr Piano Co. The firm for years has manufactured Gennett record and mantains a disc library for synchronous and non-syn- chronous machines. Theme Song Ready "One Stolen Night," will have as its theme song a composition called "My Cario Love," just pubHshed by the Sam Fox Publishing Co. Orpheum, Memphis, Going Sound Memphis — Sound at the Orpheum gets under way April 1, with "The Barker." K. C. Office for Vitaphone Kansas City — Vitaphone will open an office here shortly. Ed Solig will manage. -AND THAT'S THAT By PHIL M. DALY * * * "DILL BRADY solemnly says the -'-' legitimate stage has but three years to live. Probably being talked to death by pictures. No sales conventions this year un- til after June 15, says General Hays. Well, after all, May is the best month for golf. Wonder what has become of that fellow Myers? Twfinkle twinkle little star Know you what it's all about. Can you talk and can you sing If you can't you'll soon go out. * * + THE FILM SALESMAN To the sales manager he looks like: To his wife he looks like: To himself he looks like: To the exhibitor he looks like: No matter how high Fox stock may get it will always he Loew. Famous Film Conversations: "No, we are not merging today.' THE Thursday, March 21, 1929 -s^mi DAILV 11 Policy on Deposits is Outlined in Trial F.E.T. MEMBER EXPELLED FOR RULE VIOLATION (C(»ttinucd from Page 1) distributors, the Hays organization and Film Boards of Trade. The case continues at lOuiO A.M. today in Federal Court, New York. Douplas' testimony was in connec- tion with a defaulted arbitration award against tlie Alamo, San An- tonio, and the point of rules was made clear after M-G-M had taken contracts from and had served the house without deposit, after otiier exchanges had demanded deposits on existing contracts. M-G-M's con- tracts were taken subsequent to the placing of the account on the arbitra- tion list, and so did not violate any of the Film Board rules, it was stated. The Dallas board had been dis- posed to treat the M-G-M action as a violation, but had been set right by Gabriel L. Hess of the Hays or- ganization and Film Boards of Trade after a special meeting had postponed any action concerning M-G-M's move. Since, the board has been guided by Hess' instruction in the matter, Douglas testified. The San Antonio decision resulted in expulsion of Warners from the Dallas board for 30 days for serv- ing the theater pictures under a contract existing at the time the ac- count went on a deposit basis. War- ners, it was pointed out, contended that its percentage contracts were different from flat rental contracts and served the pictures upon ad- vice of a Dallas attorney. This brought about expulsion from the board, a protest to A. L. Warner for the infraction of the rules, and a letter to all sales managers in New York asking their co-operation in see- ing that rules were obeyed. Cites San Antonio Case Douglas, who was on the stand yesterday when recess was taken until All Week at Least? Continuance of the conspir- acy tn:il throughout the current week at least, wlas stien fore- cast by yesterday's proceed- ings. Four secretaries were placed on the stand by the de- fense, one of whom Don Doug- las of Dallas has not yet con- cluded testimony. Under the plan in the stipulation, 16 ex- hibits to be considered as typical are to be introduced. FoUowing testimony on these by secretaries, the government plans to call six or seven ex- hibitors as rebuttal witnesses. However, as the case has been marked by speeding up of pro- ceedings by the court on sev- eral instances, there is possi- bility that further time-saving steps may be forthcoming. Exhibits Have a Dual Purpose Exhibits offered by the government are placed in evidence for either or both of two purposes (1) those typical of cases heard by arbitration boards, and (2) those supporting the government's petition alleging supplementary agreements. Both purposes are to support the goverrunent charge of an existing conspiracy and coercion in operation of the arbitration sys- tem, legality of which is under fire. Intent is not charged by the government, but rather that the system has the effect charged in the petition. this morning, testified that the Alamo case originally had involved $2,100 in rentals on an unplayed contract, which amount was reduced to $1,500 by the arbitration board with a com- promise settlement of $1,000 subse- quently made after long deliberations and threats of an injunction suit against distributors. Previously, he had identified a copy of an arbitra- tion list, sent to Film Board members weekly, advising of exhibitors in de- fault on awards, and those to whom service is suspended. There is no intent to prevent any exhibitor from securing service, but the list is only to remind Film Board members of exhibitors in default on arbitration decisions, he added. In no case, he said, had any house been darkened because of an award, but said that some had been closed voluntarily be- fore service had been suspended. The Dallas board, declared Doug- las, never fixed maximum amounts on deposits to be demanded, but left that up to distributors. Deposits, he said, were fixed by the latter on the basis of print costs plus average film rental, but not more than $500, even though the rental equalled that amount. An arbitration chart prepared by Gabriel Hess' assistant was identified at the opening of the proceedings yesterday afternoon. Following this, Mrs. R. B. Lynch, Seattle board sec- retary, vi'as placed on the stand. She said the Seattle arbitration board ad- heres to the rules of arbitration, ex- cept in cases of the thee day notice provision, letting circumstances de- termine tile individual case. Seventy per cent of 380 theaters in the terri- tory are embraced in membership of the exhibitor association, she esti- mated. How Seattle Operates No rule exists for out-of-court set- tlements in arbitration, she testified, stating that this was a matter for agreement between the parties. The board, she says, encourages settle- ments Ijoth prior to and after awards. No suits to set aside awards had been instituted in the territory, she testi- fied, stating a few had been introduced to confirm awards. In only one case, she said, had deposits been asked. That was at Lake Stevens, Wash., where maximum deposits of $100 were asked and the exhibitor obtained films. The board sets the maximum, she said. On a case involving assumption of contract by the playing of pictures, she said that Educational had won an action against the Rivoli, Port- land, Ore., which refu.sed shipment of a newsreel direct from New York. A booking arrangement the house had with Pacific-Nothwest Theaters figured in the case. C. Stanley Thompson, chief of government counsel, asked why the exhibitor, whose headquarters was in Portland, was required to have the case heard in Seattle, which the wit- ness said was necessary because Edu- cational has no Portland oflfice, and serves that territory out of Seattle. Alaska exhibitors, she replied to a question, are given "plenty of time" to appear for hearing of their cases. The secretary of the exhibitor unit represents a majority of cases, she said, and testified that exhibitors and distributors are allowed to compro- mise bicycling cases. Palfreyman Testifies Dave Palfreyman, Detroit secre- tary, was the next witness. He tes- tified that usually unanimous decision was rendered in the 427 claims heard last year, with only three cases re- quiring a seventh arbitrator. Rules of arbitration and I-'ilin Boards are observed literally, he said. He cited an instance of deposit de- manded from the Merrill theater, Merrill, Mich., against which a levy of $120 was asked for a damaged Fox print. The exhibitor deposited $200 on a contract with Pathe, played that out, and then made a similar de- posit with Fox. Of Hie amount, $120 was applied to fulfill the award and the exhibitor cleared, Palfreyman said. Case of Charles Carlisle of the Mecca-Palace, Sagniaw, w'ho brought action against M-G-M to force de- livery of "The Big Parade" was cited. The exhibitor, he said, had sold the house, but demanded a play- date on the picture before relinquish- ing possession. The distributor con- tended the picture was a roadshow and had not been released to film houses, and the case went to a sev- enth arbitrator who found for the distributor. This resulted in withdrawal of the Michigan exhibitor unit from arbitra- tion, which was at a standstill for three months. Asked by the court how arbitration was resumed, Pal- freyman said that he made a trip to New York with H. M. Richey and, after a conference with Hess and C. C. Pettijohn, agreed to resume. The exhibitor objection, he said in reply to query of the court, was that the contract was followed too literally. Palfreyman, si)eaking as a former exhibitor and exchangenian. said that arbitration had been "exceedingly i)eneficial" to the industry in Michi- gan where it has stabilized the busi- ness. Palfreyman was not cross-exam- ined, nor was Rosemary Foley, Omaha secretary, who was next on the stand. She testified similarly to ])receding witnesses on general ques- tions and then explained several cases included in the government's exhibits. Omaha Next One concerned Victor Newton, who, she said was a theater broker, and who took over the Garden, Omaha in 1926. An award against him was not compiled with, and nine distributors demanded deposits of $250 with service suspended in Janu- ary because the deposits were not posted. The house later was closed and sold, she said, pointing out the theater since has changed four times, and now is dark. Other cases for fulfillment of contract against New- ton were instituted in connection with the Lyric, Pacific Junction, la., and awards made and deposits de- manded. Newton asked a rehearing in one case, but later claimed to have sold the house. Miss F'oley testified. When it became apparent that New- ton stili operated the house, deposits were demanded. The rehearing was granted and previous award sustained. Another default case where service was suspened was the Community at Havens, Neb. The house subsequent- ly was sold. Letters between the Omaha board and other boards were cited, some asking the procedure in service to houses on the arbitration list. One instance was outlined where an ex- hibitor defaulted and opened another house and where the award was en- forceable at any theater he might op- erate. These were introduced on the allegation of supplementary agree- ments existing, to which the witness replied on direct questioning that none exist so far as the Omaha board is concerned. Counsel Have Tilt Skirmish between opposing counsel on the question of typical cases marked yester- day's session. Edwin P. Gros- venor, chief of defense coun- sel, during the testimony sought in each case to have C. Stanley Thompson, head of government counsel, stipulate just what class of case each exhibit introduced was typical of. Thompson insisted that all are typical of cases heard by arbitration boards, and was sustained by the court, which declined to be restricted, as to the purpose for which each ex- hibit is offered. 5UUK.M INUW-WHILt M^ HUl/ Sam Sax Norman Houston PATRONS ARE REQUESTED TO FAVOR THE COMPANY BY CRITIOSM AND SUGGESTION CONCERNING ITS SERVICE 1201. This is a full-rate Telegram or Cable- gram unless its de- ferred character is in- dicated by a suitable sign above or preced- ing the address. WESTERN UNION SIGNS DL = Day Lett« NM = Night Message NL =^ Night Letter LCO = Deferred Cable CLT = Cable Letter NEWCOMB CARLTON. PI»«ID(NT J. C. WILLEVCR. rilHT VICI-PliaaiOINT WLT = Week-End Utter ^ ( The filing time as showti in the date line on full-rate telegrama and day letters, and the time of receipt at destination aa ahown on all measagea, ia STANDARD TIME, *^^*=^^^^^^' 1929 MAR 15 PM 1 1 1 3 BRB1251 26 ML 3 EXTRA=BALT I MORE MD 15 SAM SAX=GOTHAM PRODUCTION INC 1650 BROADWAY NEWYORK NY= TIMES SQUARE WENT OVER BIG ALL NEWSPAPER CRITICS IN ACCORD ITS EXCELLENT AUDIENCE APPEAL AUDIENCE EATING IT UP AND RECEIPTS SPLENDID CONGRATULAT I ONS= CARROLL S LANGUE MGR METROPOLITAN THEATRE. THE QUICKEST SUREST AND SAFEST WAY TO SEND MONEY iS BY TELEGRAPH OR CABLE BnghtaqMsjWarmtove. in Oieneanofumenca'sSonaland featoriorf ice ntthuf> ILttbiti J[ TAIKING PICTURE SENSATION of rai SEASON / m^Z DISTRTBUTED BY . GOTUAIA PHOTOPLAYS COKP. BUDD kOQERS \nr Z. nnircinrvrT' Reports of R-K-O- Paramount Merger Persist oyFILMDOM ML THE NEWS a THE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 68 Friday, March 22, 1929 Price 5 Cents WARNER-U. A. MERGER ON COAST HEARS PflRAMOUNT R-K-0 MERGER IS SET II est Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — In many quarters of the film colony, it is taken for granted that R-K-O's deal for control of Paramount has been closed and that formal announcement will be made next week. Paramount and R-K-O are on re- cord with official denials that negotia- tions of any nature are under way be- tween the two organizations. VITAVOX, LATEST SOUND DEVICE, READY IN L. A. irest Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Vitavox, a new sound-on-film recording and repro- ducing device, is the latest to make its debut. Walter Ford Tilford is general manager of Vitavox Co.. which controls the device. Sound is photographed on the side of the film on a variable area tract, and is interchangeable with all repro- ducing devices using the sound-on- film, its sponsors claim. Having done away with all reflecting mirrors, the Vitavox optical system is claimed to be so constructed that it records a variable sound record at high fre- quency with no fuzz or overlapping densities. The results reproduced are (Continued on Page 14) Industry Scores a Double Victory in Ohio Assembly CcUimbus. O. — With the death in committee of the bill to censor talk- ing films, it appeared yesterday that prospects are bright tor passage of an impending measure which would give Ohio exhibitors local option on Sunday. This bill was reported favorably by a senate committee and now goes to the entire body for ac- tion. Senators leading the fight con- tend they have taken a poll of the upper house which would indicate passage there. STATE DEP'T STEPS INTO FRENCH QUOTA PROBLEM IVashiiigton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Officials of the State Dep't here are without accurate in- formation regarding the French quota situation to which their attention w'as called a few days ago by American producers. The entire negotiations are being conducted in Paris where representatives of the industry are in conference with officials of the French government following receipt of in- formation from the domestic produc- ers that a move was on foot to re- duce the quota. The department has instructed Ambassador Herrick at Paris to as- sist the industry in its representations to French officials to the fullest pos- sible extent. "U" WILL REPLACE STERN COMEDIESJTH(TSOWN West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Gap left in Universal's short subject release schedule by with- drawal of the Stern Bros, unit will be filled by a group of SO two-reel comedies which Universal will make. One series will star Arthur Lake. Sig Newfeld will supervise. Future Buys "Of course Warner Bros, will not stand stilL We have some important projects under consideration which cannot be divulged at the moment but which will be startling when the proper time comes for pub- lic announcement." Harry M. Warner, in a statement to "The Wall Street Journal" prior to his departure for Europe. WARNERS TO MAKE SOUND FILMS IN U.K., GERMANY V/arner Bros, have closed for a license with Electrical Research Prod- ucts, Inc. to produce via the West- ern Electric system in the British Isles and in Germany. Sailing yes- terday of H. Warner and George Quigley for Europe is reported on connection with production plans under the new agreement. Harry Warner Predicts Earnings of $18,000,000 "Warner Bros, should show net of $18,000,000 to $20,000,000, before in- terest, taxes, amortization and depre- ciation, for fiscal year ending Aug- ust 31, 1929," according to Harry ^I. Warner, who predicted, before sail- ing on an European trip, that cur- rent year's earnings would top pre- vious year's by more than $8,000,000. Service Without Deposit and Compromising Awards, Issues Okla. Exhibitors to Fight Passage of Briggs Bill Oklahoma City — Passage of the Briggs House Bill No. 397, which seeks to make valid written provis- ions of agreements for arbitration of disputes, will be fought by Okla- homa theater owners, through the M.P.T.O., which claims it would be operative against exhibitors. The (.Continued on Page 14) Service without deposit under new contracts to exhibitors on arbitration lists and the right of both parties to settle disputes after an award has been made are looming as two of the big issues in trial of the government's arbitration suit against ten distribu- tors, the Hays organization and Film Boards of Trade, which resumes at 10:30 A. M. today in Federal Court, New York. The government con- (Continued on Page 4) Means Control to Warners If Closed-Deal Is Being Discussed Warner Bros, may succeed in pur- chasing a controlling interest in the United Artists Corp. Negotiations have been carried on for a number of weeks and are now reported to have advanced to the point where the deal, which would rank second in im- portance to the Fox-Loew amalgama- tion and among the most far-reach- ing in filmdom's history, is no longer remote. It is understood the refinancing and r( (irganizaton plani on which Joseph M. Schenck, president of United, has been at work for some time, is prac- tically arranged. Pooling of assets and the revamping of the United Artists structure to make the organi- zation both a pjoducing and distribut- ing company are provided. The United Artists Theater Circuit, Inc. Att Cinema Corp. which finances niany of the pictures now made by the independently-operated units pro- ducing for U. A., it is understood, are to be moulded into the one corpo- rate entity with Wall Street financing and a large block of stock to be offered to the public. This would place U. A. on a basis where an ex- change of stock on whatever terms :'re determined upon is easily possible. I'he Warner deal would give that gmnp a majority interest in the re- organized U. A. corporation and, pro- vided ali of the present owner-mem- l^ers are embraced, unite under the Warner banner such personalities and groups as Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin, Gloria Swanson, D. W. Griffith, Caddo Prod., Joseph M. Schenck Prod, which includes Norma Talmadge and Sam- uel Goldwyn Prod, which takes fea- tures starring Banky and Colman. Schenck yesterday admitted serious discussions with the Warners had been held, althcugh he denied flatly that any deal had been consummated. EfTorts made to reach Albert War- ner and Sam Morris for comment from Warner angle proved unavailing. Schenck leaves for Hollywood Sun- (iny, in company with his brother, Nichola.-: M.. president of Loew's Inc. Dennis F. O'Brien, a director of U. A. and attorney for Pickford and Fairbanks. THE ■aStk PAILV Friday, March 22, 1929 M. XlVn No. 68 Friday, Mar. 22. 192S Prici 5 Ciits JOHN W. ALICOATE PUSIISHER Published daiJy except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. T. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; ilaurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terras (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Oible address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wjlk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 66D7, London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am. Seat 39^ 38^ Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 26 2'5J4 East. Kodak 180?^ 180% •do pfd •First Nat. pfd Fox Fm. "A" .-. . 94 92"^ *do Its Keith A-O 35 35 do pfd 109Ji 109M Loew's Inc 71i4 69^ Jo pfd 101 101 •M-G-M pfd. ..' M. P. Cap 39Ji 38^^ Para. F-L 69^ 68^ Pathe Exch 11 J^ ll}^ do "A" 24 23;^ Radio K-AO 35-^ 35 Stanley Co 33 33 *Univ. Pict. pfd Warner Bros 124J4 120^ do pfd. 54 Ji S4?i •vVarner Pet. rts Acoustic Prod •Bal. & Katz Columbia Pet. Con. Fm. Ind. "Film Insp. Fox Thea. "A Griffith, D.W. Intern. Proj. Loew do deb. rts Nat. Scr. Sen . Nat. Thea. Sup CURB MARKET 38^ 26 180J^ 128 108 92 K 3 35 109M 70J4 101 2554 39 68 J^ ll"^ 23'4 35 33 98 K 120J4 54% 3/8 Sales 1,200 800 200 3,600 "ibb 100 16,700 600 '266 12,800 1,400 400 8,100 100 li.ibb 200 ... 8% '.'.'. z\" ...24 ".'. 36" 'A" ly^ . 60 . 34 8/8 80 31 31 23J4 24 .... 2V» 29yz 29K 2J4 2'A 50 55 33 33 2654 12% Uy^ 12J4 Trans-Lux 2\ys 20 J4 20}^ Univ. Pict 22J4 22^4 22/ BOND MARKET Keith AG 6s 46 . 93/ 03 93 Ixww 6s 41wvv ..114J^ 114}^ 114;^ do 6s 41 x-war... 98/ 98/ 98/ Paramount 6s 47 .. 99/ 99 995/ •Par. By. 5/s 51 101/ •Pathe 7s 37 80/ CURB BONDS •Am. Seat. 6s 36 •Warner 6/s 28 '. OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 32/ 34/ do units 34/ 36 do com 3'/^ 5 Skouras Bros 40 44 Technicolor 18/ 19/ I'nited Art S 10 <1" pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED 8/ 5,900 '366 1,100 4,000 100 800 500 1,400 2,500 200 96/ 198 Cromwell Signs Paramount Contract John Cromwell, Broadway stage actor and director, has signed a new contract with Paramount. New Sound Producer to Start Work in N. Y. Soon American Sound Pictures has been formed with E. B. Kohlenbeck, New Jersey real estate operator, as presi- dent. The corporation controls Amer- ican Sound Studios, which has just leased and will operate the old Til- ford studio on West 44th Street; and the American Sound Theaters Syn- dicate which, it is promised, will en- ter the exhibition field on a national scale. In a few days production starts on a series of 12 short sub- jects, witii dialogue and sound ef- fects. Jack Noble, formerly with M-G-M at its Eastern studio, will supervise and direct. A series of roadshow productions is also sched- uled. August Vimnera immediately starts production of a series of 50 short musical comedies. Work of constructing sound stages is fast progressing and is expected to be complete in about a week. The studio and building are now being altered to provide more stage space and executive offices. Assembly Kills State Censorship Repeal Bill Albany, N. Y.— Measure for repeal of censorship in New York was de- feated yesterday when Assembly re- fused to support a motion by minor- ity leader Maurice Bloch to discharge Bules Committee from further con- sideration of the Steingut repealer. Corinth Stays "Blue" Corinth, N. Y.— By a .vote of 190 to 124, Corinth has defeated a propo- sition to permit motion pictures in the village on Sundays. M-G-M Building L. A. Exchange 11 est Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Plans Ihave been made for a two-story, $50,000 con- crete and brick exchange building at Vermont Ave. and Cordova St for M-G-M. "Dugan" Opens March 28 "The Trial of Mary Dugan" will open at the Embassy, New York, on March 28. Lourie Buys Brighton Bldg. Brighton, Mass.— Jack Lourie, of Netoco, is understood to have pur- chased the Brighton theater property following expiration of lease of M". Scott. House has been dark since Feb. 28. Belle Baker Starts Film May 1 Eph Asher and Edward Small who have signed Belle Baker, vaude- ville star, for three talking pictures announce that the first will go into production in New York about May 1. They point out, incidentallv, that in the Coast to Coast RKO" popu- larity selection. Miss Baker is lead- ing the radio ballet by considerable margin. CaU WAFILMS, Inc. Walter A. Futter, Pres. for Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46th St.. New York Bryant 8181 Gillmore Answers Brady Statement on Destruction William A. Brady's "record as a prophet is not such as to lead inevit- ably to the conclusion that the legi- timate theater is doomed because he has said it is," declared Frank Gill- more, Equity president yesterday, in answering the producer's prediction, made before an Equity meeting, that "in three years, the legitimate the- ater will be nearly of? the map." Spitz Declares He Has Bought Vocafilm Control Vocafilm sound device and studio, at 122 Fifth Ave., New York, have been' purchased by Eugene Spitz ac- cording to the latter. He will im- mediately commence production of talking shorts. Lily Damita Borrowed IVest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Lily Damita will play the feminine lead in "The Cock- Eyed World," having been borrowed from Samuel Goldwyn. Raoul Walsh will again direct. Kingsmore to Cleveland Baltimore — Howard Price Kings- more, at present city manager for Loew's Baltimore theaters, has been appointed general manager in charge of the Loew Cleveland theaters, a group of fourteen. He leaves for the new post April 6. Buys "Pointed Heels" "•.Pointed HeelsJ" by Chai^les Brackett, has been purchased by Paramount. Mary Eaton, Ziegfeld player, will be featured. Ludwig Berger will direct it in Hollywood as an all-talker and singing production. Griffith Opening Tonight "The Divine Lady," starring Co- rinne Griffith, opens at the Warner, New York tonight. Acoustic to Increase Common Stockholders of Acoustic Products Co. will meet on March 29 to vote on a proposal to increase authorized common of no par to 1,300,000 from 1,000,000. Schwartz Quits Radio Post West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Harold Schwartz Ihas resigned as production supervisor for Radio Pictures. The Industry's Date Book April Today: Resumption of trial of U. iS. ar- bitration case in Federal Court, New York. Warner - First National - Stanley Frolic at Commodore Hotel, New York. April 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn- sylvania Exhibitor Unit at Pitts- burgh. May 1 Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal. May 6-9 Spring meeting of Society of M.P. Engineers in New York. Storm Plans Sound Series H est Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood— Series of sound shorts will be produced and directed by Jerome Storm, for the states rights market. "Show Boat" on B'way April 16 "Show Boat" will have its Broad- way premiere, April 16 in the Globe, which Universal has engaged for a term of months. Paul Whiteman and his orchestra, in person, will play as one of the features of the opening. Green Changes Name to "Ohio" Erwin, N. C— The old Baron now operates as the Ohio. C. E. Green closed the .house for several weeks to remodel. Favorite to Handle "Linda" Detroit — Distribution rights to Linda" have been purchased by Favorite Film. Gelsey Joins Paramount IV est Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood— Edwin Gelsey will act as Eastern story contact at the Para- mount studio here. Easter Greetings! We received your trailer for Easter and wish to thank you for it. We know of no other company sending holiday trailers vvithout charge and wish you to know that we appre- ciate it. PARK THEATRE COMPANY, Spencer, Mass. YEARBooit 1929 NOW BEING DISTRIBUTED The Film Daily Year Book is certainly bigger and better every year. It is certainly a great job. R. H. COCHRANE FREE to Film Daily Subscribers Subscription $ 1 0.00 Foreign $ 1 5.00 ■— ^1 THIS MEANS J*OU! " 'T/ie Letter^ should cause everyone in the business to stop, look and, above all tilings^ listen. This picture, now visible and audible at the Criterion Theatre, New York, is more than a milestone in motion picture history. It is the herald of of a new order. It is as far removed from the standard con- ception of a sweet, sloppy, sentimental movie as 'The Wild Duck' is from 'Pollyanna.' And it will make considerable sums of money." — Robert E. Sherwood {Bell Syndicate) in !\. Y. Evening Post and other leading newspapers <$Mt^ Why does a keen and experienced motion picture writer like Mr. Sherwood make a statement about "The Letter" like the above? Why do the five leading New York news- paper critics call "The Letter" the greatest talking picture yet made? Why is all New York discussing this picture? Why is the Criterion Theatre sold out weeks in advance at $2 admission? Why is every film man of any importance pulling every wire to get a look at "The Letter" as soon as possible? Because "The Letter" is a history maker. Because it tosses overboard 25 years of motion picture tradition and leaps to something far greater than anyone has ever seen and heard before! Because with "The Letter" the talking pic- ture officially comes of age and proves itself the world's greatest entertainment on stage or screen. Because Jeanne Eagels, with her soaring talent, magnifi- cent voice, gives a performance of such gripping power and savage intensity as the screen as never hitherto known. Because the fame of "The Letter" is already sweeping the country and will sweep theatre grosses to new high figures. Because now more than ever PARAMOUNT'S supremacy in the talking picture field is proved beyond question. JEANXE EAGELS in THE LETTER " With O. P. Heggie; Play by W. Somerset Maugham Directed by Jean de Limur THE -a^!Si DAILV Friday, March 22, 1929 Service Without Deposit a Big Issue URGED BY ALL BOARDS CContintied from Page 1) tends that the entire arbitration sys- tem is illegal. The government has rested its prima facie case on documentary evi- dence covering 27 Film Boards. Tes- timony covering 12 of these exhibits already has been taken. The gov- ernment plans to call six or seven exhibitor witnesses in rebuttal. All witnesses to date have stressed the point that deposits are demanded from ex- hibitors on arbitration lists only on existing contracts, declaring that exhibitors are free to make new contracts without paying de- posits. In addition, they have emphasized that Film Boards permit and urge settlement of disputes prior to and after arbitration awards have been made. Secretaries of the Philadelphia, Washing- ton, Milwaukee, Buffalo, Minneapolis, Char- lotte and New York boards testified yesterday. Several skirmishes between counsel marked yesterday's proceedings. Can Hold Deposits Until Contracts are Fulfilled Distributors who receive deposits on exist- ing contracts from exhibitors who have not complied with arbitration decisions are not required to return such deposits until the contracts are completed, according to testi- mony of Jack Greenberg, Philadelphia secre- tary. He outlined this position in explaining a case concerning the Strand, Easton, Pa., which placed deposits when an award was not complied with. The deposits finally were re- turned, however, he said. Trade Term Held Applies To Working of Board Rule Omission of the words, "without security" from correspondence between the Atlanta and Charlotte Film Boards, relative to serving on an uncompleted contract an account on an arbitration list was the point at issue in the government exhibit from files of the Char- lotte board. Mrs. Marian Wrenn, secretary in Charlotte, said even though the words were not in the- letter, the phrase used was a trade term and under the rules she knew its meaning and the "without deposit" was implied. She explained another case in which an ex- hibitor claimed expenses for appearing at a hearing on a complaint which had been with- drawn. The board disallowed the expense voucher, but, on appeal to Pettijohn, the ex- penses were paid. Citing the fact that Charlotte has two ar- bitration Iwards, one including members and one non-members of the North Carolina ex- hibitor unit, she said in reply to a query from the court that non-members are selected by the Chamber of Commerce from a list of 25 to 50 names she supplies. These are of exhibitors within a 50 mile radius of the city. She makes no recommendations in suh- mitting names, she said. The exhibitor as- sociation represents members, but non-mem- bers must appear or their cases are decided without representation, although all evidence at hand is considered. There was no litiga- tion in connection with arbitration during 1928, she testified. Censure Denied in Sale to House on Arbitration List Inclusion in the minutes of the Washing- 2 Carolina Boards Charlotte has two arbitration boards, one including exhibitor members of the North Carolina association, the other non- members. This action was caused by refusal of the asso- ciation to act on cases involv- ing non-members. No Deposits Required to Sell Theaters on Arbitration List Exhibitors on an arbitration list can, under /Film Board rules, be sold with or without a deposit, Gabriel L. Hess advised secretaries of the organization at its annual convention at French Licks Springs in May 1927, Ben Koenig, secretary of the Milwaukee board, testified yesterday. Hess advised secretaries to so advise members, Koenig said. Previously, in 1926, in the Milwaukee ter- ritory there had existed an erroneous im- pression that no new service could be sold an account on the arbitration list without securing a deposit. Koenig, who has been secretary of the Milwaukee board for seven years, said that rules are followed to the letter. He declared the board permits and encourages settle- ments of disputes before or after arbitra- tion hearings and awards. He cited the case of the Rex, Sheboygan, Wis., which recently place deposit of $96 with Educational and of $150 with FBO and has bought films from M-G-M and World-Wide without de- posit. The account still is on the arbitration list. He also outlined the case of L. C. Flynn, the Auditorium, Cuba City, Wis., who asked allocation of his playdates be- cause he couldn't nay deposits asked. This was done and when United Artists sold new product to the account, the fact was brought to that firm's attention, he said, because United Artists had been a party to the alloca- tion understanding. Distributors, he said, had given the exhibitor new films in place of old and had cut prices, with the under- standing no new contracts were to be made until those in the agreement were fulfilled. In response to query of the court as to whether there is anything in the rules on allocation, Koenig pointed out, allocation only was undertaken with approval of all distribu- tors involved, and the consent (usually the request) of the exhibitor. New contracts he said could be taken unless an agreement to the contrary had been made. United Artists, he said, had taken it for granted the allocation agreement had been fulfilled. Gov't Again Rests With agreement on the new stipulation which called for in^ trodiiction of 22 exhibits and a general file by the govern- ment, the Dept. of Justice yes- terday again rested its prima facie case against ten distribu- tors, the Hays organization and Film Boards of Trade. Right of rebuttal is reserved, as in the previous instance, when the government rested on the pre- vious stipulation after introduc- ing exhibits which stipulation is superseded by the new agree- ment of counsel. leading the court to query whether United Artists, as a party to the agreement, didn't know more than was contained in the letter. This was denied by Koenig. Explaining the government's exhibit in- volving the Eau Claire Theater Co., which sold its Eau Claire houses to Finkelstein & Ruben, but retained its Chippewa Falls houses, he said awards had been made in favor of four Milwaukee independentj. National dis- tributors, which served the account out of Minneapolis, were advised and two of them obtained deposits, Koenig explaining that an erroneous impression existed at the time to the effect that no new contracts could be taken without deposits. Why should two secretaries be under the misapprehension on selling new contracts without deposits, to accounts on the arbira- tion list? queried the court, referring to tes- timony of the Charlotte and Milwaukee sec- retaries. ATFILIATEDEXIIIBITDRAS ARBITRATOR AHACKED Service of an affiliated exhibitor on an arbitration board was under fire yesterday, the government training its guns on A. Julian Brylawski, president of the District of Co- lumbia exhibitor unit, who, with James P. Fitzgerald, secretary of the Washington Film Board, had been serving as an arbitrator. Chief Defense Counsel Thompson asked if Brylawski served in the Stanley Co. of Amer- ica real estate department in addition to op- erating his theaters, and then demanded to know whether Stanley wasn't controlled by Warners, which in turn controls First Na- tional. Receiving affirmative answers, he wanted to know if permitting Brylawski to serve was in accordance with rules of arbi- tration. Fitzgerald replied that Brylawski had been "certified" by the exhibitor unit, because of his national prominence in ex- hibitor affairs and his knowledge of the con- tract. This was stricken out as secondary evidence when Thompson objected, and the court then took over questioning of the wit- ness, who testified that at a meeting such statements had been made by Louis Rome of the Maryland unit and Herman Ruben of the District of Columbia association. The court pressed questions on these statements, which Fitzgerald reiterated, and then de- clared in reply to query of Thompson that affiliated exhibitors belong to the Washington unit, pointing out that Brylawski had offered to resign, but was retained on the board when "certified" by the exhibitors. CASE NOW CERTAIN TO INTO NEXT WEEK ton Film Board of a reference to taking by FBO of a contract from a Langley, Va., the- ater on the arbitration list was stressed by Chief Government Counsel Thompson in tes- timony of James P. Fitzgerald, Washington secretary, with the government pressing for an admission that the minutes constituted criticism of FBO for taking the contract. Fitzgerald said the minutes were made out by his assistant, while he was in the hos- pital, but that the reference was on account of reported sale of the house and concerned living up to credit rules. Isn't the reference in there because of the contract, and is it your claim that this has nothing to do with the fact that the theater is on the arbitration list, Thompson demand- ed, to which the witness replied he saw no reason for its inclusion in the minutes. Efforts of defense counsel to secure ex- planation as to why the reference was in the minutes were blocked by Thompson, who in- sisted that such evidence would be hearsay. Fitzgerald explained the case of an ex- hibitor who practiced giving day and date bookings to a number of exchanges, tieing up several prints when only one could be used. He said this led distributors to com- pare dates on this account to prevent print tie-ups. a practice he said was approved by Gabriel L. Hess as being within the law. Thompson objected and Grosvenor asked the court for the right to explain and amplify, stating in view of the fact that the files had been turned over voluntarily to the govern- ment and that the exhibits are isolated and incomplete, the government "in fairness," shouhl grant that right. The court then instructed Fitzgerald to jirocecd with facts, but warned him from of- fering conclusions, halting testimony soon af- ter to explain, that it was the court's func- tion to draw conclusions from facts pre- sented. A case of a violated protection agreement was awarded in favor of the exhibitor but the latter's request for cancellation of con- tract refused, the board holding that a breach on one picture doesn't breach the entire con- tract, which Fitzgerald said is a regular rule. Only cases brought under the arbitration clause in the contract are heard by the board Fitzgerald said, reciting the procedure in two bicycling cases, including the Dalke case which attracted widespread attention when it was prosecuted by the Copyright Protection Bureau, and an award of $4,553 made against William Dalke, who operates a Virginia chain. Workings of N. Y. Board are Outlined by Lewis Nizer Of the 8,000 arbitration claims filed in New York in 1928, 5,000 were settled prior to submission to arbitration, only 202 actual- ly were tried, and 23 notices of security demands were made, in none of which was money posted and all cases have been com- plied with, Lewis Nizer, secretary of the New York Film Board testified yesterday. Ninety-nine per cent of decisions made were unanimous and in only several cases was a seventh arbitrator required, in each case the seventh being a noted jurist, he said. There were 2,700 defaults, many of which really were "no defense" pleas he asserted. Nizer explained the arbitration procedure in New York in great detail. He said that exhibitors who declined to post requested de- posits did not suffer dark houses, because they purchased films from non-members, or made contracts with members of the Film Board, with whom they had no existing agree- ments. The board Nizer testified, encourages set- tlement of cases prior and subsequent to arbitration hearings and awards. This is done as a policy of good business, he de- clared. Special cases often are heard on from ten to 24 hours' notice in emergency cases, Nizer said. Arbitration in New York, said Nizer, has provided a beneficial and economical way of settling disputes and has bettered relations Indication are that the government's arbi- tration case will continue until Tuesday of next week, at least. Edwin P. Grosvenor, chief of defense counsel, had expected to com- plete his case by tonight, but that seems un- likely. The court will not convene tomorrow, so that means the defense testimony goes over until Monday. There are some dozen or more files of exhibits to be introduced, on which testimony of secretaries will be heard as well as a general file. C. Stanley Thomp- son, chief of government couiisel, then will present rebuttal, and tentatively iias scheduled calling of the first of the six or seven exhibitor witnesses by Tuesday morning. between exhibitors and distributors. Often, parties to contracts over which the board might not have had jurisdiction, had asked the board to act in determining their dis- putes, he said. A skirmish between counsel resulted m barring of testimony to the effect that Film Board members do not advise exhibitors as to contracts they have with exhibitors, or exchange similar information. Service Without Deposit in Minneapolis Zone Cited Distributors in a number of instances have sold films without deposit, to exhibitors on the arbitration list, and right of the ter- ritory's arbitration board to allocate play- dates with the consent of both parties, never has been questioned Mrs. Mabel Dietz, sec- retary of the Minneapolis Film Board, testi- fied on dross-examination yesterday. The witness outlined a number of iti- stances where distributors had served exhibi- tors who were on the arbitration list and said these had been brought to her atten- tion, as they were referred to the Film Board. She cited a number of cases of allocation of product for exhibitors who had overbought, stating the whole purpose of allocation is to "help out exhibitors." Among cases she explained was one in which she said the arbitration board in- structed distributors to refuse to sell an ex- iContinued on Page 14) At last ! — Broadway roadshow premiere of "The Most Beautiful Thing in the World." With H. B. Warner, Victor Varconi, Ian Keith,Marie Dressier. Produced by Frank Lloyd, who made "The Sea Hawk." Pre. sented by Richard A. Rowland. Theme Song "Lady Divine" Published by M. Witmark & Sons ^^m^^''!^^0^^^^^^^" \t v.. .rXt^ti^^ ^y^tt*^ t)*A/fii/<^re m.^ niatrihittrtrc Af Xm^rirA tn/«A««M/111 H Have 2X»a/^Mi# MghtClDbs Out Front at the Box Office -Inside On the Screen NOW PLAYING THEATRES NEW YORK and BROOKLYN A hundred million ticket buyers are waiting to see and hear the Princess of Good Cheer in this action- picture of New York's Main Stem — Broadway! Get your dates set now! Directed by BRYAN FOY COLUMBIA 1 \ •Ti 7 JACK HOLT DOROTHY REVIER WILLIAM COLLIERi'' AN D AN ALL STAR. TA LKI N G CAST - - m STAGE L m ^ 7 ■^ :1 ^1 A FRAN K R. CAPRA "PRODUCTION DIRECTOR. o/^SUBMARINi THE 10 ■s&al DAILY Friday, March 22, 1929 Real Acts! Big Acts! Drama, Comedy, Opera, Musical, Humor, Pathos ALL discussed and covered carefully In the March 3lst Issue of THE FILM DAILY ALL about Shorts^ Sound or Silent Sound Pictures By CHARLES F. HYNES "Master" Reproducer is Approved by Warners Philadelphia — The Warner ex- change will service the Lorraine the- ater which is equipped with a Master Talking Picture reproducer. The de- vice is controlled by Gene and Harry Marcus and is a development of Han-A-Phone. Albany, Ga. — The Warners have placed a stamp of approval on the Phototone equipment now in use at the Albany theater. Chicago — Movie-Phone, installed at the Chateau, has been approved by the local Warner office. Sold in 8 Ohio Towns Cleveland — Pacent sound reproduc- ers to be installed during March include the LaSalle, Olympia, Com- modore, West Park, Lyric and Euclid, Cleveland; Park, Barberton; Temple, Bryan; McKinley, Canton; Royal, Findlay; Opera House, New Philadelphia; Bexley, Dover, and Liberty, Wellsville. Split Policies Florence, Ala. — The Majestic after complete remodeling has been open- ed here with Louis Rosenbaum as manager. The policy of the house will be silent pictures, while talkers will be featured at the Princess. Muscle Shoals Theaters, Inc., con- trol both. Grand Buys Sound Device Lenoir City, N. C. — Sound is new policy at the Grand, which is now operating with Orchestraphone. M. Patterson will install sound ecuiipment at the Best' in Palaski. Palace, Danbury, Goes Sound New Haven — Two Connecticut the- aters have reopened with sound, the Palace, Danbury, and Fox-Poli the- ater. New Haven. Both are using Wi'stern Electric system. Remodeling Salt Lake Granada Salt Lake, U. — Remodeling of the Granada will cost more than $100.- 000. When completed the house will feature sound pictures. Electrophone for Minn. House Minneapolis — The Alhambra, a suburban house, will open March 25 with an Electrophone, non-synchron- ous sound reproducer. W. E. Sound Device in S. D. Rapid City, S. Dak. — The Elks here will soon have "Erpi" sound equipment installed, according to Leo Peterson, nvanager. Remodeling Fargo, N. D., House Fargo, S. D. — The State here has been closed for remodeling and will reopen iii May with complete '"Erpt" sound e(iuipnient installed. Six S. W. Houses Install Phototalker Sound Device Dallas — Six theaters in Texas and Oklahoma were wired for Phototalk- er during the week. These include the Rialto, Wellington; Normana, Cuero; and Princess, Victoria; all Texas; Gem, Ryan; Aldridge, Okla- homa City; and Chickasha, at Chick- asha, in Oklahoma. Six Intermountain Houses to Install RCA Equipment Butte — RCA sound equipment will be installed in six theaters in this territory, including the Broadway, Butte; Liberty, Kalispell; Antlqrs, Helena; Ellen, Bozeman; all Mon- tana, and the Egyptian, Boise, Ida. Moviephone for Dallas Dallas — Frank A. Salisbury has been appointed manager of the Au- dien Distributing Co., distributors of Moviephone in this territory. Movie- phone is made by the Goetz Co. of Chicago and can be had in sizes suitable for any theater, it is said. Hartso Buys "Erpi" Newton, N. C. — North Newton theater has changed to sound policy, "Erpi" equipment having been pur- chased by G. Otto Hartso. This house is the only sound theater be- tween Asheville and Charlotte. Hartford House Wired Hartford — The Schuman-Dolgiii interests have reopened the Lenox after wiring it for sound. Two others, the Lyric and Rialto, will be wired by Easter Sunday. Momand Houses Have Sound Oklahoma City — Three theaters of the Momand chain, at Wewoka, Pawhuska and Holdenville, are op- erating with Western Electric repro- ducers. Vitaphone Branch at Boston Boston — New England territory will be served by Vitaphone from a new ofifice to be opened at 7 Isabelle St. RCA-Photophone for Bellingham Bellingham, Wash. — The Grand here will be equipped with RCA- Photophone. The sound policy will be inaugurated in April. Soimd for Cincinnati House Cincinnati — The Nordland here re- cently inaugurated its sound program with the Vitaphone feature, "The Singing Fool." Cozy Installs Movie-Phone Wagner, S. D. — Movie-Phone sound system has been installed at the Cozy. State, Dallas, Installs Pacent Dallas — Pacent Reproducer has been installed at the State. International Photo Play Distributors, Inc. Announce "THE BEST SOUND IN TOWN" PICTURES [DE FOREST PHONOFILM SYSTEM] LICENSED BY GENERAL TALKING PICTURES CORPORATION One and Two Reel I ^0^^ Available Immediately to 100%Talking and Sound Pictures I ^^^^k Responsible Territorial Buyers "THE MARIONETTES" No. 1 Greatest 1 Reel lOOCc Talking and Singing Novelty Produced. A Sure Fire Firat Run "WHEN THE CLOCK STRUCK TWELVE" All Dialogue — 2 Reels of Comedy-Drama With Niles Welch and Maude Malcomb. "CLUB ALABAM"— New York's Great Colored Revue The Complete Show of a Night Club. 2 Reels. With Abbie Mitchell and Her Crowd. "THE MARIONETTES" No. 2 One Reel Novelty — A Treat for Any Audience. "THE MEAL HOUND" All Dialogue — 2 Reel Comedy, With Broadways' Favorites "The Nugents." "CLYDE DOERR AND HIS SAXOPHONE SEXTETTE" In 1 Reel — And How They Can Play! "HOAK" All Dialogue — 1 Reel Comedy Novelty, With Frawley and Smith. "RADIO FRANKS" and "THE FOUR BATCHELORS" Songs in Harmony and Wise Cracks — 1 Reel. "THE MISER" All Dialogue. 1 Reel from Charles Dickens "Bleak House" With Bransby Williams. "A TRIP TO THE ZOO" ! Reel. A more realistic animal picture than you have ever seen. AND OTHERS NOW BEING CUT AND EDITED International Photo Play Distributors, Inc. Head Offices and 218 West 42nd Street NEW YORK EXCHANGE New York 12 DAILV Friday, March 22, 1929 Electrically • Actuated Patents Studied "SOUND PATENTS" eiES THE NINTH INSTALLMENT This is the ninth installment ; in "Sound Patents," a series of j articles dealing with the patent i history of sound and synchroni- zation devices in the United ; States, England, France and Germany. j In addition to the patents previ- ously described for mechanically connecting the driving elements of a phonograph and of a projection apparatus a number of patents have been granted apparatus f-or con- necting a phonograph positioned in back of the screen to a projection machine. As such apparatus is usu- ally rendered unnecessary when a telej)hone circuit is used between a phonograph, which is positioned adjacent to the projection machine and a loud speaker in back of the screen, these patents will be men- tioned only briefly. In U. S. patent No. 925,933, issued to J. G. Meredith on June 22, 1909, and in U. S. patent No. 1,182,897, is- sued to Thomas A. Edison on May 16, 1916, the phonograph and projec- tion machine are connected by shaft- ing passing beneath the floor of the theater. In French patent No. 438,- 937 issued to Fritz Hildebrand on May 31, 1912, the machines are con- nected by means of pistons and a connecting water pipe. In U. S. pat- ent No. 1,031,315, issued to A. D. Adamopouios on July 2, 1912, and in British patent No. 191,059, issued to Emilio Zeppieri on Dec. 20, 1923, the moving elements of the phono- graph and projection machine are connected by means of wires. Important! While the "Sound Patent" series may give some insight into the patent situation, it is not their purpose to give any opinion or conclusion as to the value or streng^th of any exist- ing patent, but only to bring to the attention of readers what the various patents disclose. In U. S. patents No. 1,210,665, is- sued to F. W. Matthewson on Jan. 2, 1917, and Nos. 1,408,620 and 1,408,- 621, issued to F. V. Madaler on March 7, 1922, the projection machine is placed adjacent to the screen and thus close to the phonograph and the pictures are projected onto a mirror in front of the screen and are re- flected on the screen, while in U. S. patent No. 1,312,103, issued to C. J. Coleman on Aug. 5, 1919, both the projection machine and phonograph are positioned back of the screen, a transparent screen being used through which the pictures projected ftom the rear may be seen. During the development of the patent art of mechanically coupling a phonograph and a projection ma- chine in synchronous relation to each other, a number of patents were granted for electrically actu- ated devices and apparatus for start- ing one element of the combination in a definite relation to the other, these devices being of a type some- what similar to the electrically op- erated sound box release of the early German patent No. 104,475 described in a preceding article published Feb. 24. An early example of such apparatus is shown in a French patent No. 375,869, granted to Oswaldo de Faria on July 25, 1907, in which, as shown in the accompanying Fig. 1 of the drawings a projection machina (C) and a phonograph (Ph) are driven from a common driving motor (M). The film and phonograph record are placed in properly synchronizing po- sitions in their respective apparatus and the motor is started. A tacho- meter (Ta), driven by the motor (M), is provided with a fixed con- tact, adjustable on the scale as shown in Fig. 4 and a contact on the mov- ing pointer so that, upon the com- pletion of a number of rotations of the motor these contacts close a cir- cuit from a battery (P) through the electro-magnet of a switch (D). When the electro-magnet is energized by the closing of the circuit from the battery (P) a circuit is closed from the microphone (Mi) of the phono- graph through the loud speakers (T) Figs. 1 and 4 of electricallyactualcd synchronizer dez'ised by Os7valdo de Faria under French Patent No. 375.869. Figs. 2 and was used i 7 illustrating how electric current n early Gaumont system. French Patent No. 378,146. and a second circuit is closed from the power mains through the arc light (L) of the projection machine and through an electro-magnet (O) to lift a shade from the lens of the projection machine. Another early apparatus is shown in a French patent No. 378,146, grant- ed to Gaumont and Co. on Sept. 25, 1907, in which an electric circuit is closed when the needle of a phono- graph reaches the end of the record and the closing of this electric cir- cuit is used to start a second phono- graph. One of the many devices for this purpose illustrated in the draw- ings of the patent is shown in the accompanying Figs. 2 and 7. As shown in Fig. 2, one pole of a bat- tery (C) is connected through an electro-magnet (D) to a metallic plate (a) centrally located on a phonograph record (A) while the other pole is connected to the tone box and needle (b) of the phono- graph. When the needle (b) reaches the end of the record it is carried by the groove (c) into the plate (a) thus completing the circuit from the battery (C) through the electro-mag- net (D). As shown in Fig. 7 the electro-magnet (D) when energized, attracts one arm of a shifting lever (F) of a clutch (gg) to connect a motor (E) to a second phonograph (G). In a French patent No. 380,777, granted to Henri Hantz on Dec. 17, 1907, a somewhat similar electric cir- cuit is used to start a projection ma- chine at a fixed point in the phono- graph record. In one of the embodi- ments of the invention shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings, one side of an electric battery is connected to a contact on the phonograph record at its starting point and the other is connected through an electro-magnet (E) to the sound box and needle of the phonograph so that a circuit is n&.2. Hants system similar to Gaumont. French Patent No. 380,777. closed ihrough the electro-magnet (E) as the needle passes over the contact on the record. When the electro-magnet (E) is energized, it attracts one end of an armature lever (y) on the other end of which is a latch (g) which is thereby lifted to release a slide (t) to which the clutch plate (o) is connected. The clutch is thus released and is moved into engagement with the projection machine drive shaft (C) by means of a spring (r) thus connecting the shaft (C) to the phonograph shaft through the mechanism (Ac). AN AUDIENCE OF 92.000.000 for MORTON DOWNEY in Pathe's all singing— all talking picture MOTHER'S BOY 33 STATIONS TO BROADCAST GOLDEN VOICE OF MORTON DOWNEY IN GIGANTIC NATION- AL COAST-TO-COAST HOOK-UP More than 92,000,000 fans will tune in tonight to hear Morton Downey the Star of "Mother's Boy" sing "Fll Always Be Mother s Boy", by Bud Green and Sam Stept, the featured song in this great production. Here's just an appetizer to whet the appetite of the fans who will storm your doors to see and hear this new screen idol in "Mother s Boy", the most sensational all singing talking picture to date. PATHE PATHE PATHE lONIGHT BETWEEN 10:00-10:30 Eastern Standard Time over the following stations: WJZ New York WBZ Springfield WBZA Boston WBAL Baltimore WHAM Rochester WRVA Richmond WDKA Pittsburgh WLW Cincinnati WJR Detroit KVW Chicago KWK St. Louis WREN Kansas City KVOO Tulsa WFAA Dallas KPRC Houston WOAI San Antonio WHAS Louisville WSB Atlanta WBl" t:harlotte WT.MJ Milwaukee KOA Denver KSL Salt Lake City KPO-KGO San Francisco KO.MO Seattle KHQ Spokane KGW Portland KFl Los Angeles KSTP St. Paul WEBC Duluth W.MC Memphis WJAX Jacksonville WIOD Miami Beach WKY Oklahoma City THE 14 ^E2 DAILV Friday, March 22, 1929 —AND THATS THAT By PHIL M. DALY * ♦ ♦ SAM GOLDWYN announces that he is going to take the thirty best critics for a ride. Well, thirty critics less don't mean anything anyway. + * * Jack Cohn (To exhibitor who had just sold out to Fox): "Why don't you go to California?" Exhib: "Where is it?" Jack: "Go out there and you'll find it." + * * Looks like fewer and louder pictures for nineteen twenty- nine. Service Without Compromising (Continued from Page 4) hibitor new product, at his own request, until such time as tlie pictures on allocated con- tracts had been played up. Distributors usually lose revenue on allocation, she said. U. S. Enters Buffalo Award on $2.10 Advertising Claim Hearing by the Buffalo arbitration board of a claim of $2.10 on advertising accessories, was the highlight of testimony of Emma M. Ablanalp, secretary of the Buffalo Film Board. The exhibitor refused to comply with the award and notice of deposit demands were sent out, but before suspension the exhibitor settled, paying the claim with 210 pennies, she testified. The case concerned a spot Deposit and Awards, Issues booking, the exhibitor having ordered the pic ture and advertising, stating contract on the film wouM be made out later. Because of the circumstances, the board found for the exchange considering the case a breach of faith. When members of the exhibitor unit of the Buffalo zone, "walked out" on arbitration the Chamber of Commerce there appointed a board of non-members of the exhibitor unit, which heard cases and made awards which were compiled with during the few weeks the exhibitor unit kept its members off the board, she testified. Memphis Shows Memphis, Tenn. — Innovation in local theater publicity has been made by the "Evening Appeal," which devotes full page to current attractions at neighborhood houses. Loop theaters are played up in Sat- urday editions. Lola Adams Gentry, Los Angeles secretary, testified briefly as to conditions she found in that office on assumption of the secretary- ship last year. Sidelights i8y CHARLES P. HYNESi The above is a picture of a group of New York exhibitors snapped yesterday by THE FILM DAILY stafif sound photographer just after they had heard that Fox is ready for the payofT. * * + While no official confirmation has been made, we know Harry Reichen- bach is back in town by the noise we hear while passing the M. P. Club. * * * Daily Poem Violets are blue Roses are red He doubled three Clubs Now he's dead. Clarence Brown says that mouths are more important than eyes. Of course. Who ever heard of a direc- tor telling his boss how it should be done with his eyes. To the left is a composite photo- graph of six thou- sand k o o - k o o birds, sometimes called executive assistants, assist- ant directors, as- sistant producers, assistant whatnots and yesmen. Hab- itat: principally Southern Califor- nia. Sometimes found in the East near Times Sq. * * ♦ Famous Film Conversations "Sorry, he is in conference." WORK and nothing else but for government and defense coun- sel and Film Board secretaries. Tuesday's afternoon recess, didn't mean a thing so far as rest was con- cerned, deliberations between attor- neys running until 2 A.M. Wednesday morning. And the secretaries had to be on hand to find out wlhether exhibits concerning them wfere typical. George P. Aarons, busi7iess man- ager of the Philadelphia zone ex- hibitor unit, joined the exhibitor coyitingent at Wednesday's court ses- sions. Meanwhile, Al Steffes was fretting over the tax bills, which are being introduced with a vengeance in the Minnesota legislature during his ab- sence. Col. H. A. Cole, head of the Texas exhibitor unit, whose organization has succeeded in getting a Sunday opening bill passed by the legisla- ture, also is away at a time when matters in his state demand atten- tion. Sydney S. Cohen, former president of the M.P.T.O.A., made his appear- ance at the trial yesterday. Oddly, he took a seat next to W. A. Steffes, Northwest unit head, who led the op- position in the Chicago split of the M.P.T.O.A. Government counsel has been aug- mented by William. R. Benham, who arrived from Washington on Wed- nesday. Meanwhile, the evening pep meet- ings are being continued between opposing counsel, secretaries and government agents, to sift the ex- hibits which are being produced. OREGON LIGISIMIIRE KILLS CENSORSHIP BILL Portland, Ore. — A bill for censor- ship of talkers has been reported back to the house "unfavorably" by the committee, which means that the bill will not be brought up again at this legislature. A tent show bill, introduced by Senator Upton for H. W. Poole, the- ater owner of Klamath Falls, was passed without dissenting vote. The measure provides that a tent show operating just outside city limits is under jurisdiction of the county clerk and compelled to pay a license fee ranging from $10 to $15. Heretofore a tent show or dramatic stock com- pany operated on a $10 fee for six months. How long will it last is the ques- tion of the hour and every hour of the trial. The witnesses are really tired of their long courtroom vigil but one guess is as good as another, as to when the end will come. Fred Herrington of the Pitts- burgh zone exhibitor unit got a break yesterday, being permitted to return hom,e, as it is unlikely that Fred will be called by the govern- ment. He plans to save tip his am- munition for the impending Pitts- burgh arbitration suit. Fred prom- ises some surprises when that case is called for trial. With the proceedings livened up considerably yesterday by arguinents between counsel, it began to look as though a box scorer would be requir- ed to chalk up each* time either side won a point. Okla. Exhibitors to Fight Passage of Briggs Bill (Continued from Page 1) proposed measure would throw dis- puted matters and controversies into which the arbitration element enter- ed into established courts at the dis- cretion of the aggrieved party and the court would be empowered to appoint an arbitrator, or arbitrators, wlhose findings could be enforced like judgments in regular court actions. Back in Hollywood West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Clara Bow, Mrs. Clar- ence Badger. Maurice Chevalier and Richard Wallace, the director, all of whom have been vacationing in New York, returned yesterday. Mich. Exhibitors Move to Boost Monday Trade Detroit — Patrons of Michigan the- aters will be urged to "Go-to-a-Movie on Monday," through a campaign to be conducted by all state M.P.T.O. members, who will attempt to point out to fans that there are days when seats at picture houses can be had without waiting and with most con- venience. Theaters will flash the suggestion on screens at all shows. Lina Basquette with "U" IVest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Lina Basquette has been placed under contract by Uni- versal to appear in "Come Across." Ray Taylor will direct. Vitavox, Latest Sound Device, Ready in L.A. (Continued from Page 1) clear cut with an even role and voice distinction, it is asserted. The process is declared to employ a synchronism system which is not mechanical, thereby giving freedom of cameras from sound machines, but which permits the starting and stop- ping of any one or number of cam- eras at any time during recording, according to Tilford, who says this feature permits the cutting in or out of a camera for closeups, semi-close- ups and angle shots. It is announced plans include man- ufacture of reproducing attachments which will fit on any standard pro- jector. Tilford also states that his factory is turning out a portable re- cording device, suitable for news cameramen and directors for record- ing on location, because its bulk and weight consist of about that of the ordinary camera equipment. . "Another feature of the recordmg devices, both permanent and portable, is the mechani- cal driving head," he says "Th.s mechanism is a simple arrangement of gears and sprock- ets which is practically perfect m smoothness, even though it drives the film at the standard speed of 90 ft. a minute, it does so without the usual wobble which is noticeable m most sound recording especially in music record- ""rhe Vitavox Co. is organized for $10,000,- 000 under laws of California. It has among its ofT.cers and board of directors: Charles b. Tones vice president and treasurer of the Rio Grande Oil Co. ; R. A. Broomfield, presi- dent of Bamsdall Oil Co.; Wm. Foretime capitalist; L. E. Lockhart, vice president of the Rio Grande Oil Co.; Lyman J. Gage, president of the Precision Electrical Manufac- turing Corp.; J. A. Miller, radio engineer, and Walter Ford Tilford. Central States Buy Two Burlington, la.— Palace and Grand have been acquired by Central States. FOX MOVIETONE NEWS THE King of Sweden, Gustaf V and the King of Denmark, Chris- tian X, are heard and seen in this issue of FOX MOVIETONE NEWS - the former playing tennis and the latter piloting his own boat in the Cannes Regatta. First pictures ever made inside, a Mohammedan place of worship are also presented, showing and reproduc- ing in sound a strange ceremony in the Juma Masjid Mosque, Bombay, India. A swift panorama of events takes you from one end of the earth to the other — Monte Carlo, Tia Juana, Shanghai, Ceylon, the Mexican Border, Vienna — all pass before youreyes in this great- est of all newsreels. From all over the world // It Speaks for Itself No. 25 — Issues A, B and C has the profit - taking talkers B at the ROXy WILLIAM FOX Presents SPEAKEASY FOX MOVIETONE with Walthall 100% Talking Feature Paul Page Lola Lane Henry B. Helen Ware Sharon Lynn BENJAMIN STOLOFF Production Another indication of quality and box-office success in Fox talking pictures. once but .tve--^^^: e but Tbete tbat. RflVX at your own box-office sensational draw of talkers from I 11 Ml nil iiiM 1IIIII iiiiiii FACEMAKEK /or the INDUSTRTi :8feNEWSPAPEI of FILMDOI VOL. XLVII No. 69 ANDWEEKLY FILM DIGEST ^jlijlh ndlC'Tow "'s^^H ^B ^^1 ^H d m *•* > -■: kS^ ■>i Glenn Tryon, Evelyn Brent, Merna Kennedy, *T. E. Jackson, Otis Harlan, Robert Ellis, 'i^Paul Porvrasi, Leslie Fenton,. George \ ' from JED HARRIS- STAGE PRODUCTION of the play by GEO. ABBOT and PHILIP DUNNING A PAUL FEJOS Production 0 Associate Producer, CARL LAEMMLE Jr. Two Negatives One SILENT, one with DIALOG Color Scenes Photographed by Technicolor Process ' * of the original play cast J ^ ^ ! 1 ( I ! \ , ; . k. i mi ') v^ ,^-.' iif*M^-f^ mi UNIVERSAL has if/ FIRST IN THE Expert analysis of the synchronization field COMPLETE COV- FIELD TO GIVE SOUND FILMS DUE SOUND ERAGE OF NEWS AND TECHNICAL RECOGNITION timely, concise, thorough IMPROVEMENTS Type 2MDA $2,500 SYNCHRONOUS Full Double Channel— for houses up to 2000 seats Type 4MDA $3,500 SYNCHRONOUS Full Double Channel^rfor f houses 2000 to 4000 seats Greatest Values IN SYNCHRONOUS SOUND EQUIPMENT Bear This in Mind when buying Sound Equipment ! The Installation of PACENT REPRODUCER SYSTEMS Assures you of SERVICE by these leading producers: PARAMOUNT FIRST NATIONAL WARNER BROTHERS M-G-M (Metro-Gold wyn-Mayer) VITAPHONE UNITED ARTISTS THE high standard of performance estabhshed by Pacent Reproducer Systems in actual service has been the final proof for exhibitors that Pacent Systems rep- resent the greatest value in synchronized sound apparatus today! Quality — consistently high performance — low price — no service charge; these factors have made Pacent Repro- ducer Systems the outstanding success of the industry. The nearest Pacent representative will gladly explain the merits and advantages of our equipment in your theatre. His name will be supplied on request. Film Attachment Available The Pacent Film Attachment, which is equally as efficient as Pacent Systems themselves, is the result of exhaustive research and will be available for installation on June 1st. It fits right on the present disc reproducer equip- ment, and gives the exhibitor both disc and sound-on-film re- production in compact, trouble free form. Price $500 per attachment. Two required with each com- plete Pacent Reproducer System. Pacent Reproducer Corporation ^ Louis Gerard Pacent, President Now in FILM CENTER BUILDING 9th Avenue and 44th Street New York, N. Y. Sales and Service Representatives Throughout U. S. and in Canada Albert Warner Denies Any Deal Is On With U. A. :^c NEWSPAPER o/' FILMDOM AHDWEEKLY FILH DIGEST VOL. XLVII No. 69 Sunday, March 24, 1929 Price 25 Cents PLAKS m TO ORGANIZE m METROPOLITAN UNIT Indicating further tliat plans have been completed to take over 175 or more independent theaters in the Greater New York zone, A. C. Blu- menthal who negotiated the deals on behalf of William Fox, declared Fri- day steps in the formation of Fox Metropolitan Playhouses, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fox Theaters Corp. have been completed with the process of taking titles to theaters involved. Preliminary announcement of the formation of this company, which will operate or control theaters in the New York metropolitan area and in New Jersey and Connecticut, and {Continued on Page 2) fRENCH TRADE SPLIT OVER ANSWER TO QUOTA ISSUE Paris (By Cable) — Ambassador Herrick, upon advices from the State Department at Washington, is assist- ing representatives of the American industry in the quota problem which continues vexatious. The situation may split into two distinct phases. The producing end of the industry which has Jean Sa- pene, publisher of "Le Matin" and titular leader of the domestic busi- ness as leading factor, is seeking some sort of financial assistance from the American industry. Just what form this might take is not clearly defined in Paris. The other side of the picture finds French exhibitors protesting vigorous- ly against curtailment of American importations. Almost 2,000 have signed petitions urging the govern- ment not to regulate against Amer- ican films. The Chambre Syndicale meets Tuesday to formulate its final stand. Powers Cinephone Holds Interchangeability Test Powers Cinephone on Friday held a demonstration at Brecher's Olym- pia. New York, to prove the device can reproduce Vitaphone, Alovietone and RCA films, according to E. J. Smith, general manager. The pro- gram consisted of subjects from War- ners, Fox, Pathe and Educational Exhibitors from the metropolitan area, were present. CHAPLIN STATES HE WILL QUIT U. A. IN EVENT OF ANY MERGER Exhibitors Did Not Ratify Contract, U. S. Contending A. H. BLANK Houses NOW IN TOTO BY P-E-L A. H. Blank has sold his fifty per cent interest in the Mid-West circuit bearing his name to Paramount, it was announced in New York Friday. About 25 theaters are involved. For some time. Blank and Publix have been equal partners in this cir- cuit. As far back as July 1, 1928 re- (Continued on Page 2) F. P. Canadian Offers New Stock at $51 Per Share Voting trust certificates for 165,- 375 shares of common stock will be sold for $51 by Famous Players Canadian Corp., which operates 153 theaters in the Dominion. Applica- tion will be made immediately to list the issue on Montreal and Toronto (Continued on Page 2) Contending that exhibitors general- ly never ratified the standard con- tract, accepting it by usage as the best they could get, the government has begun its rebuttal in the arbi- tration case brought against ten dis- tributors, the Hays organization and Film Boards of Trade. The rebuttal began Friday will be continued in Federal Court, New York, at 10:30 A. M. Monday. The government contends that the contract and arbitration system were not accepted voluntarily by exhibi- tors, declaring that all exhibitors were not a party to nor were represented in negotiations on the contract and that there is an evident lack of mutu- ality in the contract. Case of the defense was completed with surprising suddenness Friday, (Continued on Page 10) R-K-O's Cameo Switching To Long Runs on Mar. 30 R-K-O's Cameo will feature long runs after Saturday, March 30, when it opens with "Godless Girl." A Few Close-Ups MONDAY : Berlin is much excited over that sound combination. The factors are these: Tobis, which represents a merger of four or five Continental sound systems ; Klangfilm, which has the backing of the A. E. G., or General Electric of Germany, and the Siemens-Halske electrical group, and RCA Photophone of New York. The first two are tied in by agreements with British and French Photo- tone and, in toto, the cables advise about 500 sound patents are em- braced. It appears that the step is akin to thrusting a mailed fist under the nose of Western Electric insofar as sound markets in England and the Continent are concerned. There will be joint production. RCA nabs itself what at this early stage in the manouevres looks like a significant affiliation. Tobis and Klangfilm secure an American ally. Such is the picture. That is, except for the bland statement made by J. E. Otterson in London that "Erpi" considers the step a constructive one. Well, these guns are evidently trained on him and if Otterson feels calmly about it who are we to get disturbed? . . . Charlie Petti John has enough of immediate concern on his hands what with those 25 Film Board secretaries in New York, night meet- (Continued cm Page 11) Would Hold Amalgamation Automatic Cancellation of His Contract West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Charles Chaplin, through his representatives, told THK FILM DAILY Friday that if United Artists is merged, he would consider such a step an automatic cancellation of his contract which calls for three more pictures. Chaplin's consistent opposition to any amalgamation involving United Artists is unchanged, his representa- tives assert. In the event that the deal now under way with the War- ners is consummated, it is stated on his behalf that Chaplin would prob- ably place his pictures in the market to be sold to the highest bidder in open competition. Abe Warner Denies Deal Is on for U. A. Purchase "I deny any such deal is under way," was the statement made Friday bv Abe Warner commenting on nego- tiations pending between the War- ners and United Artists for the form- er's control of the latter organization. Samuel Goldwyn refuses to make comment on the proposed Warner deal. Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks are not in town. LONDON REPORTS SALE or RAYART TO PEARSON London — G. W. Pearson, of British Screen Prod, is understood to have acquired control of Rayart Film Co. of America. W. Ray Johnson, Rayart president is now in Hollywood and other of- ficers of the company on Friday re- fused to discuss the reported sale. Gross Tax, Advertising Levy Sought in Minnesota Minneapolis — Two more tax bills have been introduced to the growing list of anti-film legislation in the Min- nesota legislature. One provides a (Continued on Page 2) THE ■S^l DAILV Sunday, March 24, 1929 Vol XUI1 Ntt. 69 Saoday. Mar. 24, 1829 Priti 25 Cnts lOHN W. ALICOATE PoUiskcr Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph WiUc, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographie Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. The Industry's Date Book Monday: Resumption of trial of U. S. ar- bitration case in Federal Court, New York. April 6 Warner - First National - Stanley Frolic at Commodore Hotel, New York. April 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn- sylvania Exhibitor Unit at Pitts- burgh. May 1 Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal. May 6-9 Spring meeting of Society of M.P. Engineers in New York. F. P. Canadian Offers New Stock at $51 Per Share (Continued from Page 1) exchanges. Royal Securities Corp. is the fiscal-agent. The company re- ports net of 1710,291, after all charges, depreciation, taxes, etc., for six months ended Feb. 23, 1929, as com- pared with a net of $482,070 for the entire 12 months of 1928. First six months gross totaled $5,097,000. Eisenstein Not Coming to America Projected trip to America of S. M. Eisenstein, Russain director, re- sponsible for "Potemkin" and "Ten Days That Shook the World," will not materialize, according to informa- tion received by the Film Guild Cin- ema. INDEX PAGE A FEW CLOSE-UPS, An Editorial by Maurice Kann 1 FINANCIAL 2 REVIEWS OF NEWEST RELEASES, by Jack Narrower 4-5 SOUND, b-v Charles F. Hynes 6 SHORT SHOTS FROM N. Y. STUDIOS, by A. E. Eddy 6 HOLLYWOOD HAPPENINGS, Coast News by Telegraph 7 "A LITTLE FROM LOTS," by Ralph Wilk 7 THEATER EQUIPMENT, bv Charles F. Hynes 8 FOREIGN MARKETS, by James P. Cunningham 9 "AND THAT'S THAT," by Phil M. Daly 9 PRESENTATIONS, by Heibert S. Berg 11 THE WEEK'S HEADLINES. Resume of the News 12 REVIEWS PAGE CLEANUP, THE 4 COHENS AND KELLY S IN ATLANTC CITY 5 CONFESSIONS OF A WIFE ... 5 DAUGHTER OF TWO FATHERS 4 DEVIL'S APPLE TREE 4 FUGITIVES S IRON MASK 4 LIFE OF BEETHOVEN 4 QUEEN OF NIGHT CLUBS .... 5 PAGE OVERLAND TELEGRAPH 4 SILENT TRAIL 5 SIN SISTER 4 SUNSET PASS 5 SYNCOPATION 4 THAT MURDER IN BERLIN .. 5 TIDE OF EMPIRE 5 SHORT SUBJECTS SOUND 12 SILENT 12 Plans Set to Organize Fox Metropolitan Unit (Continued from Page 1) which is expected to yield annual earnings of $4,000,000 to Fox The- aters, was made in January. Financ- ing in connection with deal will be handled by Halsey, Stuart & Co. Halsey, Stuart Financing Fox N. Y. Theater Deals Financing of Fox-Metropolitan Playhouses, wholly-owned subsidiary of Fox) Theateirs Corp., is to be handled by Halsey, Stuart & Co. The company soon will acquire title to be- tween 175 and 200 houses in Greater New York, New Jersey and Connec- ticut. Mrs. Strauss Off for Coast With "U" Story Line-Up With 100 stories reported to be valued $750,000 in her possession, Mrs. Florence Strauss, scenario edi- tor for Universal, is en route to the Coast for a conferenece with Carl Laemmle and his son, Carl, Jr., and Robert E. Welsh at which time the scripts will be sifted and options ex- ercised on the material picked. Completing Ithaca House Ithaca, N. Y. — Work of redeco- rating the Strand, a Cornell Theaters, Inc.. house, is nearing completion. Let Us Solve Your Problems ! Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCORPORATED 1540 B'WAY N.Y.C. telephone bryant 3040 H. Blank Houses Now Owned by P.F.L (Continued from Page 1) ports were current that Blank was dickering to sell the remaining in- terest, but it was apparently not until Iriday that the negotiations ended. Blank declares he has no plans for the future, but intends taking a long rest. Gross Tax, Advertising Levy Sought in Minnesota (Continued from Page 1) five per cent admission tax bills on all amusements, while the other seeks to place a tax on film advertising. Previously there had been introduced a bill providing two cents per foot on film shown, payable by the ex- hibitor, and the usual censorship mea- sure. W. A. Steffes, head of the Northwest exhibitor unit who usually handles legislative matters, is in New York as a government witness in the arbitration case. Pathe Places Marshall Neilan Under Contract West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Marshall Neilan has been signed to a Pathe contract. He will be associated with the produc- tion staff at Culver City. Financial STOCK MARKET High (QUOTATIONS AS Am. Seat 39 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 27 East. Kodak 18054 *do pfd 'First Nat. pfd Fox Fm. "A" 93 *do rts Keith AO 35 do pfd 110J4 Loew's Inc 69J^ do pfd 92 *MG-M pfd M. P. Cap 39 Para. F-L 68?i Pathe Exch 11^ do "A" 23 J^ Radio K-A-0 35>| Stanley Co 33 *Univ. Pict. pfd Warner Bros 12'2 J^ do pfd 54 *Warner Pet. rts Low Close OF FRIDA 38 38 26^ 26^ 179^^ 179^ 128 108 90% 91Ji 3 34^ 35 108^ 10854 66 68Ji 92 92 .... 25J4 37 37 66H 67K 11^ 11% 23 23 3454 3454 3254 3254 .... 985^ 1175^ 118>4 5354 53^ .... 3% Sales Y) 500 3,000 600 e'eoo "366 300 8,700 100 I'.SOO 33,100 9,800 800 1,300 200 21,366 700 Acoustic Prod. *BaI. & Katz Columbia Pet. Con. Fm. Ind. *Film Insp. . Fox Thea. "A" .. Griffith, D.W. "A" Intern. Proj. CURB MARKET S'A 854 31 2554 29Ji 2% 54 Loew do deb. rts.. 3254 " " " 2554 2054 2'2 54 31 245^ 29" 254 50 305^ 25J4 nVa 18 2254 854 80 31 2554 2Ji 29 254 54 20'A 25J4 1154 19 2254 93 113 9854 9954 10154 80 54 9554 198 4,700 'ioo 17,900 s'.eoo 100 200 100 100 1,200 10,600 200 11 4 7 1 3 12 Nat. Scr. Ser. Nat. Thea. Sup. Trans-Lux .... Univ. Pict. BOND MARKET •Keith AC 6s 46 Loew 6s 41ww ..114 113 do 6s 41 x-war... 985^ 98^ Paramount 6s 47 . . 99J^ 995^ Par. By. 554s 51.101!^ 10154 Pathe 7s 37 805/^ 8054 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 .. 96 95 54 *Warner 654s 28 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 30 33 do units 31 35 do com 354 454 Skouras Bros 40 44 Technicolor 1854 1954 United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ Ch. com. ... 2 .... do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED BROOKS The NAME VOU 60 BY _WHEN YOU GP ^ BUY COSTUMES OOVkTMS AND UNIFORMS 14-37 B'WAY. U,Y TEl.5SeO PENN- I ..AUSO iS.dOO COSfVMES Irt) Upmt ' I ^WllyiaiE, YEARBOOlt 1929 AN INVALUABLE BOOK A great help to me in more ways than one. E. F. ALBEE FREE to Film Daily Subscribers Subscription $ 1 0.00 Foreign $ 1 5.00 The 'word ofi a gentleman and a scholar concerning ''PICCADILLY" UVEV WILTON A. BARRETT. Exicurivt Skckitary ®l|p Natinual Bnarh of Smtrtn nf IHnttnu ]ptrlurpfi ESTABLISHED BY THE PEOPLES INSTITUTE 70 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK, N. Y. Telephone Alsonquin 8344 March 21, 1929 Mr. J. D. Williams World Wide Pictures, Inc. 150 T/est 46tii Street New York City lify dear Mr. Williams » This is to acquaint you with the fact that the World Wide production "Piccadilly", reviewed by our Committee on Exceptional Photoplays on Llarch 20th, was selected by that group for major mention in the National Board's exceptional photoplays list. It was the consensus of opinion of the Committee tliat this film is the finest picture yet imported from England and one of the finest pictizres, for that matter, to re£U3h this country from anywhere else. They considered its production quality all that American standards and American picture taste demand and particularly commented on the consistency of its story, the truthfulness of its characters, the very high level of acting on the part of the entire cast and, last but not least, the great distiiKJtion of Mr. Ihapont's direction which holds the plot at a point of continuous interest. film. With best wishes for the success of this very fine Sincerely yours. \7ABjHAC Executive SocrGtary ^dyi^P"^ Physical Distribution Thru Educational THE j2E2 DAILY Sunday, March 24, 1929 Fred Waring' s Pennsylvanians in "Syncopation" (All-Talker) Radio Pictures Length: 7626 ft. UNUSUALLY GOOD JAZZ BAND, MARTIN DOWNEY'S SINGING, SEVERAL CORKING GOOD SONG NUMBERS AND NIGHT LIFE ATMOSPHERE SEND THIS IN. VERY GOOD ENTERTAINMENT. Cast All stage players. Barbara Bennett, as lead, calls for no cheers. Bobby Watson, out of musical com- edy, satisfactory; Martin Do\yney sings and that's plenty; he clicks; Osgood Perkins, fine as the agent; others, Ian Hunter, Veree Teasdale, Dorothy Lee. Waring's musicians are the highlight. Story and Production. . . . Comedy drama adapted from Gene Markey's novel, "Stepping High." The main stem and its lure once again do yoe- man's service. Story not so good. All about a hoofer and his wife try- ing to make the electric bulbs on Broadway. The rounder, wealthy as usual, falls and opens a night club for the girl. Then the girl goes so- ciety, breaks with husband, learns the backer means no good by her and re- turns, properly chastened, to hoofer- hubby. Into this not-so-hot yarn has been injected night club atmosphere, plenty of music. That's enough. Direction, Bert Glennon, satisfac- tory; Author, Gene Markey; Scenario, Frances Agnew; Dialogue, Gene Markey; Editor, Edward Psitzen- neier; Titles, Paul S. Haschke; Pho^ tography, Dal Clawson, Geo. Weher, Frank Landi, good. "The Sin Sister" with Nancy Carroll, Lawrence Gray (Synchronized) Fox Length: 6072 ft. NEAT NUMBER CARRIES GOOD SUSPENSE AND ENTER- TAINING STORY. NANCY CAR- ROLL ADDS SEXY STUFF THAT GIVES IT A WALLOP. Cast. .. .Nancy Carroll has a good role that gives her a chance to play up the sex angle. Lawrence Gray adequate support. Others Josephine Dunn, Myrtle Stedman, Anders Ran- dolf, Richard Alexander. Story and Direction. .. .Drama. Director Charles Klein made a very entertaining programmer out of this one. He was helped greatly by an unusually intelligent story that gave a chance for some strong character- ization. Klein worked up some scenes with the principals marooned in an Alaskan cabin that are noteworthy because of the sense of realism which he has created. Seldom does a pic- ture bring out character exposition as well as in this mstance. You see the little hoofer who is supposed to have a loose sense of morals proving to be the decent girl, while the psalm- singing evangelist and the daughter of the rich man are willing to do al- most anything for their own safety and comfort. The Alaskan scenes are realistic, and action gripping. Direction, Charles Klein, very good; Authors, Frederick H. Bren- nan, Becky Gardiner; Scenario, Harry Behn; Editor, Not listed; Titles, Wm. Kernel!; Photography, Charles Clark and Geo. Eastman, okay. Tim McCoy in "The Overland Telegraph" (Silent) M-G-M Length: 4815 ft. COLORFUL FILM WILL PLEASE THE KIDS WITH IN- DIANS ATTACKING PIONEERS AND LOTS OF FIGHTS AND ACTION. Cast. . . .Tim McCoy does his usual heroics as a captain of the Federals during Civil War, and keeps the pic- ture humming. Dorothy Janis a pleas- ing ingenue. Others Frank Rice, Lawford Davidson. Clarence Geldert. Story and Production. .. .Western of pioneer days. Made to order for the kids who will eat up the fights between the Indians and the TJ. S. cavalry. Tim is commissioned by no less than Abe Lincoln to go out single handed and persuade the Indians with whom he is friendly to quit bumping off the men who are building the tele- graph line to connect Washington with Utah and California. The whole fate of the war depends on Tim. If he fails, these two states will be lost to the Union. "I'm depending on you," says Abe, and Tim says "All right, Abe," or words to that effect. Then he starts a whirlwind campaign and successfully fights treachery, spy- ing, and the dumbness of the fort commander. The telegraph line goes through on time. Good love story. Direction, John Waters, satisfac- tory; Author, Ward Wing; Scenario, Edward Meagher, George C. Hull; Editor, William Le Vanway; Titles, Harry Sinclair Drago; Photography, Arthur Reed, good. Douglas Fairbanks in "The Iron Mask" (Part-Talker) United Artists Length: 8855 ft. DOUG PUTS ANOTHER OVER. FAST MOVING, ZIPPY ADVENTURE WITH FAIR- BANKS TALKING IN PRO- LOGUE AND EPILOGUE AS IM- PORTANT ADVERTISING AN- GLE. Cast. . . .Fairbanks heads the list as per usual. Others, all pleasing, in- clude Belle Bennett, Marguerite de la Motte, Dorothy Revier, Rolfe Sedan, William Bakewell, Gordon Thorpe, Nigel de Brulier, Ulrich Haupt, Lon Pofi and Leon Bary. Story and Production. . .Adventure melodrama based on Dumas' "Three Musketeers" and "Man in Iron Mask." This is the end of the cycle, for it terminates in the death, for France, of the three musketeers. Story hinges around a conspiracy to remove the king and place his twin brother on the throne. The ruler is captured, placed in an iron mask to keep his identity secret. Fairbanks and his companions after many tight squeezes come to the rescue. With this broadly expressed theme as the basis, Doug has built up a meller that never stops moving. Intrigue and plot cross swords with exciting ad- venture. Doug, as D'Artagnan, nat- urally comes out the winner. A divert- in gaffair for grownups and kids. Direction^ Allan Dwan, very good; Author, Elton Thomas; Scenario, Ldtta Woods; Editor, William Nolan; Photography, Henry Sharp, fine; Dialogue, Elton Thomas. "The Life of Beethoven" with Fritz Kortner (Silent) Film Art Guild Length: 7000 ft. SLOW MOVING IMPORTED NUMBER HOLDS LITTLE IN- TEREST EXCEPT FOR MUSIC LOVERS. POORLY DIRECTED AND LOOSE CONTINUITY. Cast. .. .Fritz Kortner as Beet- hoven gives a painstaking reproduc- tion of the composer's life but the characterization is too heavy and sombre to please theater audiences. German cast includes Ernst Bau- meister, and Lilian Gray. Story and Production. .. .Drama founded on the life of Beethoven the famous composer. This is nothing but a detailed biography of the com- poser's life, and the detail is so faith- fully set forth that it runs into a lot of unnecessary footage and becomes very tedious and draggy. It is only the faithful cliaracterization of the great composer by Kortner that holds the interest in any way. The scenes are more or less authentic, being taken in the locales where the incidents in the life of the composer transpired, mostly at Bonne and Vienna. Then he is discovered by the master Haydn, who introduces him to Prince Liclinovsky, who makes him his protege. His loves, trials and death follow. Direction, Dr. Hans Otto, stilted- Author, Not listed; Scenario; Rob- ert West; Editor, (krald Mack; Titles,, Same; Photography, John Hoffman, spotty. "The Cleanup" with Charles Delaney (Silent) Excellent Length: 5660 ft. MELLER FILM OF UNDER- WORLD REHASHES ALL THE OLD STUFF AND GETS NO- WHERE WITH POOR STORY AND DIRECTION. Cast. .. .Charles Delaney is always ahead of the story and the indifferent part he is given to play. Betty Blake just the average girl. Others Lewis Sargent, Harry Myers, J. P. McGow- an, Charles Hickman, Bruce Gordon. Story and Production. . Melodrama of the underworld. This has been done so many times before, and much better, that the offering rates as a number for the daily changes. The worn out situation of the newspaper editor and the chief of police out to clean up the bootleggers and racke- teers starts it off, and from there on all sorts of wild and meller situations are thrown in regardless. The girl is the sister of the police chief, engaged to the hero newspaper editor. The gangsters try to bump the editor and chief off with a machine gun, but they escape miraculously. Then a couple of ambushes are staged, and one results in the death of the chief and his men. Finally the hero has the usual finish fight with the gang leader, and everything is jake. Direction, Bernard McEveety, poor; Author, Isadorc Bernstein; Scenario, Cannclita Sweeney; Editor, Betty Davis; Titles, Isadore Bernstein; Photography, William J. Miller, Wal- ter Hess, spotty. "A Daughter of Two Fathers" (Silent) Shockiichi (Japan) Length: 6200 ft. FOR ARTY HOUSES ONLY. JAPANESE FILM A NOVELTY SHOWING NATIVE LIFE AND CUSTOMS BUT HOLDS LITTLE APPEAL FOR AMERICAN SCREENS. Cast. . . .Omitsu, touted as Japan's best screen actress, takes the name part, and may be good according to Japanese standards, but means little here. All-Japanese cast includes Mas- so Inouye, Hideo Fujino. Story and F*roduction Love drama of Jap(anese life. This is claimed to be a new departure in Japanese screen technique. The act- ing is done in the modern realistic manner, discarding the usual panto- mime of the traditional Japanese stage. It is as an interesting novelty, of in- terest only to arty theatergoers and students of Japanese life. The story is told simply and with a lot of naive touches that require an understanding of the Japanese temperament to ap- preciate. It tells of a girl abandoned as a baby, adopted and brought up by her foster father in a village to the age of eighteen. Then her real father appears on the scene. There is a pretty little love story. Direction, Heinosuke Gosho, good, from his standards; Author, Heza- buro Tamura; Scenario, Kobo Noda; Editor Upton Close; Titles, Upton Close; Photography, Not listed; beautiful in spots. "The Devil's Apple Tree" with Dorothy Sebastian, Larry Kent (Silent) Tiffany-Stahl Length: 6430 ft. COLORFUL MELLER WITH TROPICAL ISLAND ATMOS- PHERE CARRIES KICK WITH SEXY SITUATIONS THAT WILL PLEASE THE MOB. Cast. Dorothy Sebastian gets over nicely in sexy part that gives her plenty of opportunities. Larry Kent the usual male lead. Others Edward Martindel, Ruth Clifford, George Cooper, Cosmo Kyrle Bellew. Story and Production. .Melodrama of the South Seas. This is good pop- ular fare for daily change houses. Nothing about the story or direction to rave about, but the atmospheric stuff is there, and the meller and sexy situations make it hoorah entertain- ment that the mob likes. Dorothy is on a vessel going to a tropic isle to marry a man she has never met. She arrives to find him a bum, and takes the name of another girl whose father is a rich planter. She falls in love with his son, is kidnapped by drunken natives, and about to be offered as a sacrifice on a fire. The boy friend rescues her in the nick of time. There is a battle with the no-good guy, who tries to run off with her and alto- gether there is enough excitement to satisfy the crowd. Direction, Elmer Clifton, satisfac- tory; Author, Lillian Ducey; Scen- ario, the same; Editor, Frank Sul- livan; Titles, Frederic and Fanny Photography, Henry Sharp, fine; Di- alogue, Elton Thomas. THE Sunday, March 24, 1929 ■e^H DAILV I Texas Guinan in "Queen of the Night Clubs" (All-Talker) Warners l.,-,u/th: 5424 ft. DULL AND UNINTERESTING EXPOSE OF NIGHT CLUB STUl-F MECHANICALLY ACT- ED AND DIRECTED. TEX GUINAN SKIDS IN ACTING AND TALKING. Cast Icxas Guinan only proves tliat she should stick to night clubs, for she shows nothing here. Eddie Foy, Jr., and Lila Lee are better than their mechanical parts. Others Jack Norworth, John Davidson, John Miljan and Arthur Housman. Story and Production Drama of night club lite in New York. This film was built solely to give Te.x Guinan a chance to show how she runs her Broadway night club, but it has been done so often and so much better in other films of night club life that it carries no kick. The plot is unconvincing, the characters fail to build any sympathy, and what is supposed to be a sweet love interest falls down hard for lack of clarity and any semblance of genuine human in- terest. The drama is far-fetched, and they drag in the frapped situation of the nice boy being held for the night club murder on circumstantial evi- dence. Then the trial scene, with a phoney climax. Licked by its arti- hciality. Talking good in spots. Direction, Bryan Foy, poor; Au- thors, Addison Burkhart, Murray Roth; Scenario, Same; Editor, Not credited; Dialogue, Addison Burkhart, Murray Roth; Photography, Eddie Du Par, good. Renee Adoree in "Tide of Empire" (Silent) M-G-M Length: 6552 /(. NICELY DIRECTED STORY OF OLD CALIFORNIA IN THE DAYS OF '49 CARRIES STRONG ACTION. Cast. .. .Renee Adoree as a Span- ish scnorita screens beautifully and handles her part well. George Duryea strong male lead, looks like a comer. George Fawcett and Fred Kohler in good character parts, also William Collier, Jr., Jas. Bradbury, Sr., Henry Gribbon, Paul Hurst. Story and Production. . . . Drama of early California. Peter B. Kyne's story proved to be full of good screen material. Director Allan Dwan did a painstaking job and succeeded in catching the spirit of the gold rush of '49 admirably. Money was spent rather freely and the mob scenes are especially well handled. The hero is among the gold seekers and on his way runs into the Spanish Don and his daughter. The life of the hacienda, the fiesta and other events are color- fully portrayed and are unusual. Later the scene switches to the frontier mining town and the events surrounding the first historic gold shipment by VVtlis Fargo express. The climax is filled with suspense and through it all is woven a nice love theme. Strong program number. Direction, Allan Dwan, showman- ship; Author, Peter B. Kyne; Scena- rio, Waldemar Young; Editor, Blanche Sewell; Titles, John Colton; Photography, Merritt B. Gerstad, very good. Jack Holt in "Sunset Pass" (Silent) Paramount Length: 5862 ft. ZANE GREY STORY WITH JACK HOLT HAS THE KICK FOR THE CROWD, FEATURING A LOT OF SNAPPY ACTION. Cast.... Holt docs his usual big hero stufiE as a Zane Grey hero and makes the film interesting. Nora Lane appealmg. Chester Conklin adds the comedy relief, along with Pee Wee Holmes. Others John Loder, Christian J. Frank, Pat Harmon, Al- fred Allen, Guy Oliver. Story and Production. .. .Western. Treats of cattle rustling days in the west. Enlivened with a cattle drive in .Arizona with an immense milling herd. It is a typical Zane Grey story and the natural scenery of Arizona makes this an attractive outdoor offering. Jack Holt as a U. S. mar- shall serves a term in a penitentiary to get the lowdown on a gang of rustlers. The trail leads to the leader who is the brother of the girl the hero loves. Jack is torn between love and duty when his girl is trapped in a forest fire which her brother has set in order to successfully pull off a big cattle raid. The climax comes when the cattlemen and the rustlers fight a pitched battle. The action moves swiftly and there is plenty of suspense. As a Zane Grey story featuring Holt this one is safely in. Direction, Otto Brower, expert; Author, Zane Grey; Scenario, J. Wal- ter Ruben, Ray Harris; Eklitor, Jane Loring; Titles, Ray Harris; Photography, Roy Clark, clear. Helena Chadimck in "Confessions of a Wife" (Silent) Excellent Length: 6047 ft. GETS OVER NICELY AS AN INTERESTING PROGRAM NUMBER. Cast. . . .Helcne Chadwick screens well and does some intelligent acting with emotional highlights. Others Arthur Clayton, Ethel Grey Terry, Walter McGrail, Carl Gerard, Claris- sa Selwynne, Sam Lufkin, Dc bacia Mooers, Suzanne Rhoads. Story and Production Society drama. From the stage play by Owen Davis. This gets over nicely w'th some good theatrical effects which the playwright knows so well how to create. The story is of unusual in- terest to women, especially those who are fond of bridge, and their name is legion. This should be borne in mind in booking the picture. The j.;<.od and virtuous wife has one weak- ness. That is playing bridge for high stakes. She is taken plenty. She does not know it, but there is a shrewd gang of crooks in back of the manipulation. The time comes when she has to settle. Her husband refuses to advance any more checks. Then to square herself she is forced to deal where she acts as a decoy to get the gang into a swell society function so that they can rob the guests of their jewels. Has the stuff. Direction, Albert Kelly, satisfac- tory; Author, Owen Davis; Ekiitor, Betty Davis; Titles, L Bernstein; Photography, Not credited, okay. "Fugitives" tvith Madge Bellamy, Don Terry (Synchronized) Fox Length: 5356 /t. WEAK NUMBER RATES JUST AVERAGE PROGRAM FARE. Cast Madge Bellamy looks at- tractive but does little acting worth mentioning. Don Terry registers light as her support. Others Arthur Stone, Earle Foxe, Matthew Betz, Lumsden Hare, Hap Ward, Edith Yorke. Jean Laverty. Story and Production Drama. Based on the story "Exiles" by Rich- ard Harding Davis. It was very freely adapted, with a lot of under- world stulf worked in to modernize it. The story is unconvincingly pre- sented and the love interest is too thin to arouse any real interest in the principal characters. It is the tale of the good little girl working in the night club who goes straight home to mother after the show. The owner of the club is shot by the gang, and circumstantial evidence pins the crime on the girl, Madge Bellamy. The district attorney se- cures a conviction, she escapes on the way to prison, with the help of a loyal underworld admirer, and they escape to a refuge town for criminals in the Orient. District attorney learns of her innocence, follows, and into the usual clinch. Direction, William Beaudine, ordi- nary; Author, Richard Harding Davis; Scenario, John Stone: Editor, Not listed; Titles, Mai. S. Boylan; Photography, Chet Lyons, fair. "That Murder in Berlin" tvith Magda Sonja (Silent) Big 3 Prod. Length: 6800 ft. AVERAGE IMPORTED NUM- BER, WITH THE MURDER TRIAL IDEA PRESENTED WITH SOME NOVELTY. Cast.... Carl Goetz as the aged husband of the woman does a good character bit. Magda Sonja as the wife is too heavy to meet American standards of a heroine. German cast includes Anton Pointner, Gustav Diesel, Karl Ettinger, Gustav Riekelt. Storj' and Production Drama. This is founded on a notorious recent Berlin murder case which the police were unable to solve. The producers have treated this in a rather novel manner, having the prosecuting at- torney and the lawyer for the defense suggest in their handling of the case two widely different and hypothetical solutions. It is contrary to all the accepted American legal procedure, but as pure screen entertainment, registers a novel kick. The old hus- band has been shot, and the prosecu- tor seeks to prove the wife did it in order to prevent her husband from casting her off because of a love affair with a former sweetheart. The defense attorney , who has fallen in love with the woman, presents the idea that the old man killed himself. Direction, Frederick Feber, inter- esting; Author, Not listed; Scenario, Not listed; E^tor, Donald Weston Bartlett; Titles, the same; Photog- raphy, Not listed; ingenious. George Sidney in "The Cohens and Kellys in Atlantic City" (Part-Talker) Univerftal Length: 7400 /(. TIRESOME. HAS A LITTLE OF EVERYTHING THROWN INTO A SLAPSTICK COMEDY STORY THAT DOESN'T RATE FEATURE LENGTH. Cast. .. .George Sidney and Mack Swain both grow wearisome long be- fore the last reel with their slapstick browbeating of each other as the partners. Vera Gordon and Kate Price as their wives rate the same. Others Cornelius Keefe, Nora Lane, X'irginia Sale, Tom Kennedy. Story and Production. .. .Comedy. Another in the Cohen and Kelly series, this time with the two partners manufacturing bathing suits and mixed up in a lot of wild and hectic proceedings at Atlantic City. The best part of the film are the scenes where thf girls parade. They at least are interesting and a generous eye- ful. The story is blah, and at points childish. The son of Kelly and the daughter of Cohen start to put their fathers' business on its feet by staging a prize bathing beauty contest at At- lantic City. .^11 kinds of wild do- ings are worked in for the laughs. Talking sequences poor. Direction, William Craft, poor; Author, Jack Townley; Scenario, Earl Snell; Editor, Chas. Craft; Titles, Al- bert De Mond; Dialogue, Albert De Mond; Photography, Al Jones, spotty. Bob Custer in "The Silent Trail" (Silent) Syndicate Pictures Length: 4315 ft. LOOSELY CONSTRUCTED STORY WITH A LOT OF FAR FETCHED SITUATIONS CAR- RIES MODERATE AMOUNT OF THRILLS AND FAIR ACTION. Cast. . . .Bob Custer gets over nice- ly with pleasing personality. Peggy Montgomery the average girl. J. P. McGowan tries to do a George Ban- croft smiling villain, but is not so hot. Others Jack V. Wright, Nancy A. Lee, Jack Ponder, John Lowell. Story and Production. .. .Western. This apparently was made for small town consumption and, as sudh, it rates just average. The story is far- fetched and presents a conception of the west which the big producers discarded in their productions long ago. Custer horns in on a fight in a saloon and helps a young fellow whose gal had been insulted by the head of a gang. They are chased out of town, and another gang of rustlers headed by Tiger, stnrts a gun battle and save the two fugitives. Tiger takes them to his secret camp. Later Custer rescues Peggy, daughter of a judge. He marries her to save her from the unwelcome attentions of the Tiger. Fights and double crossing to the happy ending. Direction, J. P. McGowan, ordi- nary; Author, Brysis Coleman; Seen* ario, the same; Editor, Not listed; Titles, Not listed; Photography, Paul Allen, fair. ^^ggg^ DAILV Sunday, March 24, 1929 NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FAST GROWING FIELD OF SYN- CHRONIZATION SOUND TIPS ON EQUIPMENT AND VARIOUS DE- VICES ARE NOW AVAILABLE ;By CHARLES F. HYNESi nmm, new device, SPONSORED BY STERN IVest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Walter Stern, busi- ness manager for Universal for the past three years, who has resigned and will go into business for himself will devote his time to developing Paratone, a new talking picture de- vice, and to the manufacturing of a stereoscopic camera. Wiley With Atlanta Company Atlanta — George H. Wiley will rep- resent Talking Picture Equipment Co. in tliis territory, with headquart- ers in the Baker Hotel. Amateur Develops Sound Device Kansas City — Robert Laughlin, local amateur, is developing a disc synchronizer, and has applied for pat- ents on his device. Kaley in Sound Film Chicago — According to Coast dis- patches, Al Kaley will make a sound film. He is master of ceremonies for the Marks Bros. Magnaphone in California House San Francisco — The Majestic in the Mission district has installed a Magnaphone sound reproducer. Witmarks in K. C. Kansas City — M. Witmark and Sons, music publishing firm now owned by the Warners, will open an office here to exploit sheet music, par- ticularly theme songs for various Warner pictures. Schlossman Installs RCA Muskegon, Mich. — First exhibitor in this state to install RCA equip- men; is Paul Schlossman, who is wiring the Majestic. Completing Pathe Seattle Office Seattle — The new Pathe exchange building here will be ready for oc- cupancy by the first of June. A pro- jection room equipped with RCA- Photophone sound equipment will be one of the features. Handling "Jealousy" Dialogue John D. Williams, Broadway stage producer is now making his picture debut at the Paramount studio in Astoria, in the production of "Jeal- ousy," Jeanne Eagels' second talking picture. , March Release — Now Ready GENNETT UNSYNCHRONIZED RECORDS 0187 Western Scene — Animated Crowd Scenes — Fast Riding and Clias- ing — Cowboy Gatherings Orchestra 0188 Indian War Dance No. 1 Orchestra 0189 Indian War Dance No. 2 Orchestra 0190 Chinese-Japanese Orchestra 0191 Rustic Allegro — Woodland Scenes— Carefree and Happy Orchestra 0192 AUegro Precipitoso — Pursuit — Intense Wranglinjr Orchestra 0193 Misterioso Alia Valse — Dranoatic Suspense (Orchestra 0194 iStorm Music — Terrific Storm on Land or Sea Orcliestra 0195 Allegro Agitato — Excitement — Disputes — Desperate Action — Rage. .Orchestra 0196 Death of a Hero — Sad Situations — Funeral Music Orchestra 0197 Misterioso No. 4 — Suspense — Foreboding — Spooky Orchestra 0198 Drums for Marching — Church Chimes — Clock Strikes (12) — Knocking at Door 0199 Screams — Snores — Typewriters 0200 Motorcycle — (a) Start and Fade, (b) Continuous Manufacturing Noises — (c) Planer, (d) Punch Press, (e) Automatic Hammer, (f) Anvil Regular Monthly Releases of Additional Selections WRITE FOR COMPLETE CATALOG Recordings by one of the greatest symphony orchestras from scores especially written to fit your Motion Picture Situations. ON SALE IN ALL CITIES Place your order with your Theatre Supply House for your needs whether one record or a complete set. GENNETT RECORDS RICHMOND, IND. Woodside, L. I., New York 6O10 38th Ave. Los Angeles, Calif. 1344 So. Flower St. CASEY AND LEE READY TO MARKET CINCROW SYSTEM Cincrow Corp., following a few test installations, will immediately Ijegin marketing a new synchronous disc device, to which a sound-on-film attachment will be added in June. The company, with headquarters in New York, is headed by Pat Casey, prominent in the vaudeville field, and Arthur Lee, of Artlee Pictures, with sales in the Metropolitan territory handled by Joseph Patridge and Harry Lyons. Cincrow equipment consists of two turn-tables running on ball bearings synchronized by a universal joint di- rectly from the main shaft of the pro- jector head. Turntable bolts on to the projector head, eliminating bulky stands. Apparatus is heavily insu- lated against vibration. Stromberg-Carlson magnetic pick- ups are used and the fader box is of special design. Amplification is sup- plied by double amplifiers with a one turn switch, permitting an im- mediate turnover from one amplifier to the other. Speakers are sup- plied in series with a switch arrange- ment, permitting the hooking-up of numerous speakers, according to house requirements. Short Shots from New York Studios ^^^By ARTHUR IV. EDDY^m^ T>OY OVERBAUGH, crack cam- -■■*' eraman who has been in Eng- land for several years, is back in New York, renewing friendships at the various studios. Joh)i. Meehan, who has been dia- logue directing for Paramount and more recently honeymooning, has re- turned to the Astoria plant, ready to work on "The Lady Lies" with Hobart Henley. He wrote the play, as a matter of record. Under Larry Kent's watchful eye. Paramount has just finished another talking short, this being with Leo Donnelly and Dolph Singer. Fred Allen handled the directing end of the opus. Next short to be cam- eraed will co-feature Joseph Santley and his wife. Ivy Sawyer. Joe will be the megaphone man as well as the featured male. Photocolor is about to resume production of shorts at its plant at I rvington-OTi-the -Hudson. Ollie Leach is first camera at the studio. Tiff any-Stahl Plans 10 Two-Reelers in Sound West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Josephine Quirk, scen- arist, has I :en engaged by Tififany- Stahl to produce ten two reel sub- jects. These are to be all-talking pic- tures. George Mcintosh has been engaged to play the leading male role. Industrial Sound Shorts Planned at St. Louis St. Louis — National Film Publicity Corp., 311 South Sarah St., St. Louis, Mo., has acquired patent rights and recording equipment of the Warner Recording Co. of Kansas City for making industrial and educational sound shorts. J. F. Warner, inven- tor of the Kansas City company's method for sound reproduction, has been retained as consulting engineer for National. Heretofore the company has produced only silent advertising and commercial films. The company also plans to produce unbreakable I)lionograph records. Kitty Mclvor, who is justly known as a high-calibre wielder of the shears (or whatever they're using nowadays) is now busy with the sil- ent version of "Gentlemen of the Press." She's the lady who cut "The Letter." General Motors is reported seek- ing a studio site at Huntington, L. I., with object of making commer- cial shorts. Sound shorts are being produced at the Recording Laboratories of America, on East 38th St., with Charles Levine and Fred Chaston as cameramen. Jess Smith is making them. Finishes Synchronization Synchronization on Columbia's newest, "Trial Marriage," has been completed at the Victor studios in Camden, N. J. David H. Brockman composed the score, which is played by the Victor symphony orchestra. Spike Hamilton wrote the music and Gus Kahn the lyrics. A certain fan magazine started something when it published a photo of Nick Grinde, director of shorts at M-G-M's eastern studio, and labeled him the industry's "most eligible bachelor-director." Then from Hav- ana Nick received the applications of six senoritas with matrimonial inclina- tions. They (meaning the applica- tions, not the torrid mamas) all ar- rived in one mail. Oddly enough Bob Florey, who directs for Para- mount, was vacationing in Havana at the time all this happened. Second of a series of 18 talking shoi'ts goes hito production at the De Forest studio on East 48th St. next week, under direction of Harry Delf, who also wrote the stories. The new subject is titled "At the Photog- rapher's" and follows "Meet the Family," which Delf also made. Harry inspected approximately 150 school children the other p. m. in an effort to find a girl suitable for an important part in the new film. DAILY Sunday, March 24, 1929 ■J^gggyt'^ftttccXtyuig Montagne,"U"Story Editor, Resigns Ann Pennington to Star in "The Gold Diggers" for Vitaphone— Craven Engaged by Lloyd To Write Dialogue — Eugene Walter Joins Radio — Wilk's Observations on Coast Notables fiwy 0" EXECUTIVE WITH LAEMMLE HANY YEARS More clianges under way at Uni- versal. Edward J. Montague, for some years chief of the story depart- ment at Universal City, has resigned. No successor has as yet been named. Montagne has nothing to say about his future plans. Warners Sign Ann Pennington for Sound Ann reniiington is in Los Angeles to make her debut in talking pic- tures. She has signed a contract with Warner Bros, and will have for her initial Vitaphone picture "The Gold Diggers." Walter Joins Radio Eugene Walter has been signed by Radio Pictures to write stories for talkers. He may adapt "Rio Rita" and "Hit the Deck" as his first two assignments. Fabian Novel Goes to "U" The film and dialogue rights to Warner Fabian's ne.xt novel, "Flam- ing Daughters," have been purchased bv Universal. Mack's Next by Mrs. Mack Willard Mack will next direct "Cold Supper," a vaudeville playlet, for M-G-M. Mrs. Mack is the au- thor. "Casualties," AU Talker M-G-M will produce "Casualties" with all dialogue. This is one of three properties purchased from Mar- tin Flavin, to be directed by Richard Ober. Hall Opposite Colleen Moore James Hall will play the leading masculine role opposite Colleen Moore in "When Irish Eyes are Smiling." William A. Seitcr has been signed to direct. "Behind That Curtain" Starts Soon "Behind That Curtain," is now in the final stages of preparation at the Fox studio. The first scene will be ihot this month under direction of Irving Cummings. Warner Baxter will play "Colonel Beetham." Sarah Padden Cast Sarah Padden, stage and vaudeville player, has been signed by M-G-M for a part in "Wonder of Women," cast of which is headed by Lewis Stone and Peggy Wood. A Little from "Lots" By RALPH WILK Hollyivood MARY DUNCAN, a Luttrelville, V'a., girl, who made good in Hollywood, is enjoying her first va- cation in several months. She will spend most of her holiday visiting in New York and attending the the- ater. Before joining Fox, Miss Dun- can made a sensational hit in "Shang- hai Gesture." She recently finished work in "Through Different Eyes," her first talker. Her "Our Daily Bread" is also yet to be released. * * * Anton F. Grot is one of' the busi- est of art directors. He is design- ing acts for the neiv Colleen Moore picture, "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," at First National, and for "Hearts in Exile," which Michael Curtiz will direct at Warner Bros. * + * Our Passing Show: B. F. Schul- berg, Sam JafTe, Dave S'clznick, Lothar Mendes and Bill Wellman visiting United Artists; George Faw- cett, Jetta Goudal, Frederic Sullivan, Crauford Kent. Horace E. Hand Joseph Zigmond at "The Old Shoe"; Jack Hawks and Robert F. Hill din- ing . at Universal. , * * * Fred Newmeyer celebrated the completion of "The Ra'nbow Man," which he directed, by rushing off to Sonora, where he is part owner of a gold mine. His partners are Wil- liam LeBaron, Gregory La Cava and Reginald Denny. Fred made "The Rainbow Man," his first talker, at the Metropolitan studio, at which he has also directed several with Harold Lloyd. By the way, "The Rainbow Man," which stars Eddie Dowling, will open at the George M. Cohan, New York, April 11. * * * "Camera Eye" Charlie Abrams is the latest to join the ranks of the beret wearers. Charlie, who is a veteran contact and location man, is a member of Harold Lloyd's produc- tion staff and is one of Malcolm St. Clair's assistants on "T. N. T." * * * Ludwig Berger, who directed "Sins of the Father" and "The Waltz George Scarborough Consulting Dramatist Uohed Ardsts Dream," is making elaborate plans for the first talker he tvill make for Paramount. He recently returned from Germany, ivhere he produced and directed "The Burning Heart." * * * Excellent reports filter in on "She Goes to War," which has been pre- viewed on the Coast. One critic has compared it favorably with "The Big Parade." Henry King directed "She Goes to War," the screen play of w'lhich was written by Howard Esta- brook. Madame Fred de Gresac wrote the adaptation, while Tony Gaudio handled the photography. * * * G. W. Gibson, president of Fash- ion Feature Studios, has gone to New York for the Easter week. He will be gone about three weeks. It is rumored that he is making nego- tiations for sound to his fashion features having stars of the screen speak to the audience. * * * Marian Nixon is planning to ful- fill a long-cherished ambition, a trip to New York. She is leaving for the East in about a week. * * * Columbia and Ralph Graves are happy over the new contract signed by the star, who first will appear in "The Flying Marines" to be directed by Frank Capra. The hit Graves scored in "Submarine," nw.de him much sought after as a player. * * * J. M. Strauss, veteran newspaper man. now is on Universal's publicity staf?, under direction of Ike St. John. Strauss formerly was associated with the "Denver Express," but more re- cently connected with "The Times" and Universal Service. His wide ac- quaintance will prove valuable in his new connection. HARVEY GATES Writer WARNER BROTHERS 'The Desert Song" Craven to Write Dialogue for Harold Lloyd's Latest Iriiiik C ravin, well known stage >tar and director, has been signed by Harold Lloyd to \\Tite the dialogue and work on titles for the comedian's forthcoming picture. Lloyd is still at work on the silent version under direction of Mai St. Clair. The sound version will not be started until the silent film is finished and previewed. Preparing Barthelmess Film Director F.ank Lloyd is rapidly completing preparations for Richard Barthelmess' First National picture, "Drag." from the novel by William Dudley Pclley. Lila Lee, Lucian Lit- tlefieki and .^lice Day will be in the cast. THE Doorvray ol Hoapltalitjr l/NTER di« iloorwmr •< this popular hostelry and you feci at hon>«. There's an atmoipherc of cordial welcoaaa which marks the difference between tha Hollywood Plaxa and ordinary hotels. Tour room, too, has that added touch of distinction. Pictures on the wall, over- stuffed furniture, a floor lamp and readlas lamp . . . these are but a few of the features that make you feel at home. Pic's Whistle Dining Service Insures tha bast of food. Therefore, when you are nasi in Los Anceles be sure to investigate. THE HOLLYWOOD PLAZA HOTEL Vine Stract at Hollywood Boulevard HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA THE DAILV Sunday, March 24, 1929 Theater Equipment By CHARLES F. HYNES MORE LIGHT PROVIDED BY NEW TRANSVERIER Cleveland — To provide more cur- rent in the arc at the projector and in order to meet increased light de- mands, particularly in connection with sound transmitting screens, as compared with the reflecting type of screen, the new C. P. type Trans- verter has been placed on the mar- ket by the Hertner Electric Co. Na- tional Theater Supply Co. is handling distribution. The new Transverter delivers with- in three per cent of the rated voltage under all conditions and loads within the rating of the generator, it is claimed. Voltage, it is said, is not affected by varying loads outside the booth, eliminating need for manipu- lating the field regulator throughout a performance. iMBER OF FEATURES ARE CLAIMEDFORNEWSUPREME St. Louis — A number of new feat- ures are claimed for the 1929 model Supreme Cooling System, recently developed by the Supreme Heater & Ventilating Co. The system, it is said, changes the air from 20 to 40 times "per hour and is regulated by the turn of an electric switch. Other features claimed for the new system are: six foot blower, which operates quietly at all speeds: all-steel, electrically-welded integral blower, 45 inches in diameter; Tim- ken roller bearings; new type belt declared to be stretch proof and needs no tightener; adjustable air diffuser regulating the flow of cool air at the will of the operator; three- speed motor and all enclosed and ball-gearing. Kilgen Net $107,237 in '28 St. Louis — Net earnings of $107,- 237 for 1928 compared with $52,967 in 1927 is reported by George Kil- gen & Sons, organ builders. Double Spring Motor SEPT CAMERA Practically Brand New Condition $16 Complete with Case and 6 Magazines ▼▼no West 52''St.NewMorK.NLV^ Phone Pcnna. OSSO Motion Picture Department U. S. and Canada Agents (or DcbrU The Stamp of Approval An endorsement of product and propositions, bestowed by The Film Daily, after investigation of qualifications and merit ATMOSPHERE in a theater is one of its biggest selling points. Whether a house is of the so-called atmospheric tjTse, designed to create a certain effect and define a certain mood, or whether it depends upon its lighting and floral decorations to obtain the in- viting effect sought. A specialist in the field of floral decorations, valances, floor mats, plateau feet, fiber roping, tinsel curtains and similar decora- tions and displays is G. Reising & Co. The firm works from plans and blue prints furnished by the architect, treating each house differently according to its individual needs. In addition, the company stands ready to aid wjth suggested decorations and displays, and maintains an art department to make plans and sketches. The new Toledo Paramount is the latest house which the firm has supplied. Because of its standing in the field, based upon performance and reliability, G. Reising & Co. has THE FILM DAILY STAMP OF APPROVAL. KOOL-ER-AIRE INSTALS MID-WEST EQUIPKENTS Kansas City — Installation of the new Kool-er-Aire system of cooling, heat- ing and ventilating is being made in the Warwick here. A number of other installations in this territory are scheduled. The Kooler-er-Aire has been devel- oped by the Arctic Nu-Air Corp., and noiseless operation is claimed for the system. Special low-speed action, working out of which is said to be an exclusive feature, achieves this re- sult, it is claimed. More general dis- tribution of the air throughout a the- ater, in manner to aid projection of sound waves, also is claimed. This is termed positive directional control of air delivery. PLANS UNDER WAY FOR EQUIPMENT EPSITION Chicago — Plans are going forward for the first annual American Thea- ter Equipment Exposition, to be held here at the Coliseum, June 1 to 9. Boiled down, the convention here means a national exhibition of sound equipment, for everything pertaining to sound is expected to be shown. Members of the local industry antici- pate that the event will be big from several angles. The public is to be invited to the exhibits All-Aluminiun Sound Reels San Francisco — Quick reaction to the new all aluminum sound film reels is reported by the Freddy Co. ^^^Hj ;>1A:D! I 3191 .1:01 , >i-;^:y-:^-.iT-Tj.,-;-,]Ti .j]5T M" |'L- . A view of the FA Major System pilot svntchboard install- ed at the New Pal- ace, Marion, O. This is one of more than 5 0 0 installations made by the Frank Adam, Electric Co. ODD ill 1 1 II TALKING SHOP A Discussion on What Con- stitutes Proper Equip- ment for Booth and Stage WTHAT constitutes proper booth, '" stage and permanent equipment? There have been many factors con- tributing to this problem. Probably the greatest factor is the develop- ment of such equipment to meet present day requirements in theaters. In the hope that the complexity of the problem of proper booth, stage and permanent equipment will be minimized, the following sugges- tions are ofifered by the Chicago Cin- ema Equipment Co. Booth Equipment Picture Machines — Double Dissolvers Rewinds, Enclosed and Open Speed Indicators — Rewind Tables — Generator Sets — Ammeters — Volt- meters Metal Color Frames — Color Wheels — Color Frame Holders — Spot Lamps, Large Arc — Picture Lenses — Waste Cans — Tools — Carbon Cans — Trailer Cabinets — F i 1 m Cabinets — Patching Machines — Operators' Stools — Extra Reels Stage Equipment Olivettes or Bunchlights — Prosceni- um Spots Color Frames for Olivettes or Bunch- lights Color Frames for Proscenium Spots Nitrogen Spots — Sitriplights — Porta- ble Olivettes Hanging Spots, Barrel or Suspen- sion Spots Pin Spots — Plugs — Slip Connectors Towers, Wall Bracket Arms, Pipe Hangers Stage Cable Music Stands Permanent Equipment Stage Switchboard — Floor Pockets Footlights — Aisle Lights — Border Lights Spots for Organ Grilles Spots for Balcony Rails Spots for Orchestra Lighting Cleaner Stands or Worklights Wall Pockets Cove Lighting In the decoration of theaters to- day, the use of plastic paint opens up a new field of expression to the architect and decorator. It is not only applicable in many striking and unusual texture effects to walls and ceilings, and in remarkably beautiful blended color combinations — but it is also adaptable to many unique, original and conventional treatments. It reproduces Travertine and Caen stone, can be used in panels and fres- coes, in graffito and relief work. THE Sunday, March 24, 1929 •S^Hk DAILV -AND THATS THAT By PHIL M. DALY IX proposing to a society gal at Miami, a big producer tlirough force of habit expressed it this way: "Won't you merge with me?" And she slapped his face. * * * OUR FIRST READER Oh. see the little doggie. He is hot on the scent. He thinks he smells a lot of baloney. He's right, dear children. He's V' following a stu- ' dio efficiency ex- pert. Picture of a producer joyf-uUy running to con- gratulate another producer who has gone over big with his latest special. EXHIBITOR'S TELEGRAM JAKE HOOSCH, SOCKEM PICTURES: "CRAZY DAMES" A RIOT. AUDI- ENCE WENT NUTS OVER IT. THEY TORE UP THE SEATS AND THREW THEM AT THE SCREEN. MIKE GLUTZ, MGR. OF WHAT'S LEFT OF THE OOMPAH THEATER. * :|: * These all-talkers are certainly tough on the dames ivho like to read titles out loud. * * ^ Daily Poem Roses are red N'iolets are blue Book Blah Pictures You'll be blue, too. * * * Our Own Sound Patent U. S. patent No. 411-44. A simple sound device. Re- move cork, inhale contents for one minute, and you'll talk back to your mother-in-law. * * Exhibitors' Daily Reminder The suckers are now biting down at the old creek, even if they have quit at your box- office. Famous Film Conversations: "Say, I've got a hot tip on Sockem Pictures stock. It's touted to go to " And so far into the night. A DIRECT NEWS SERVICE COVERING DEVELOPMENTS IN AMERICA'S IMPORTANT OVERSEAS MARKETS ANGLO-ITALIAN ALLIANCE By BR\Ei'T W. FREDMAN Editor, "Tlie Daily Film Renter" London — An Anglo-Italian alli- ance is in the ofling. The Film Group of the Federation of British Indus- tries which had considerable to do with fostering the Films Act is dis- cussing an alliance with the Ente Xazionalc Cineniatografica, a semi- official organization, to become effec- tive the end of this year. The step is a direct result of the visit to Lon- don of Signor Bisi who is endeavor- ing to revive production in Italy. Demonstrate New Color Process by Early May London — The W'olff-Heide color process which has been acquired for 'lie world by the United Film Indus- tries, Inc., of New York will begin demonstrations by May. Regular cameras are used while the coloring is done via a secret chemical process. United Film) Industries, Inc., is operating from Irvington-on-the- Hudson in the plant formerly owned and occupied by Charles Urban and the Urban M. P. Industries, Inc. Supremacy Film Issue London — Supremacy Films, Ltd., is to issue $970,000 worth of stock divided into 800,000 shares of which 700,000 will be issued. CoUinsw'ood Hughes is managing director of the company, which recently secured rights to the film of the first Croy- don-to-Karachi flight. Lars Hanson for B.I. P. London — Lars Hanson has been signed by British Instructional Pic- tures to play the male lead opposite Lya de Putti in "The Informer," which Arthur Robison is producing for that company. German Sound Film for London London — Alpha Film Corp. will distribute the first German sound pic- ture, "Lost Illusions". The picture, it is stated, is synchronized with sound effects. Hill with British Sound Co. London — Sinclair Hill, former man- aging director of Stoll, has been signed by British Sound Films to make three sound shorts. The first is "Peace and Quiet" and will be produced at Wembley. British Co. Issues Bonds London — Provincial Cinematograph Theaters is issuing to stockholders 1,250,000 shares of 6 per cent first mortgage debentures at $94 per share to finance new theaters in construc- tion and contemplated. Foreign Markets ^ By JAMES P. CUNNINGHAM Foreign Service Tlirough the medium of Trade Papers International, a reciprocal news arrangement in which this publication partici- pates, spot news of all impor- tant foreign developments is brought to the readers of THE FILM DAILY as rapidly as modern news-gathering facili- ties permit. Trade Papers International is represented in London by Ernest W. Fredman, editor of "The Daily Film Renter"; in Berlin by Karl Wolffsohn, edi- tor of "Lichtbildbuehne," and in Paris by P. A. Harle, editor of "La Cinematographic Fran- cais." PARIS CINEMA CONGRESS TO BE HELD MAY 27-30 By P. A. HARLE Editor "La Cincmatographie Francaise" Paris — The International Cinema Congress organized by the Interna- tional Federation of Exhibitors, has been definitely set to take place here on May 27-30. The date has been set back in order to accommodate the British delegations, whi.;h have their general elections the first week in June. Smith Secures Sound Device for Australia Sj'dney — Joynton Smith, publisher and racetrack owner, has secured an option on Australian rights of Brit- ish Phototone. English experts are now conducting tests as a result of which Smith may enter the talking picture field. British Phototone is a link in the new German and French combine and works in alliance with Tobis and Klangfilm of Germany. U. K. Non-Synchronous Device Sydney — Harrington, Ltd., has se- cured distribution on a non-synchron- ous sound reproducer. The equip- ment, it is claimed, will enable ex- hibitors to install standard sound de- vices which will cue silent films with proper music and effects. Eichberg Completes B.I. P. Film London — Richard Eichberg, former Ufa producer, has completed "Pave- ment Butterfly," for British Interna- tional Pictures. Anna May Wong heads the cast supported by Louis Lerch, Gaston Jacquet and Tilla Garden. Gainsborough Deal with Franco Paris — Franco-Films have secured the Gainsborough Production, "The First Born," for distribution here. FILM DAILY CORRESPON- DENTS IN WORLD CAPITALS FLASH OVERSEAS NEWS BY RADIO AND CABLE NO TAX RELIEF SEEN FOR GERMAN THEATERS By KARL liOLFlSOU.X Editor "Lichtbildbuehne" lierlin — No relief from existing en- tertainment tax is to be allowed Ger- man exhibitors, it is reported. Certain houses are to receive privileged treat- ment and respites will be made in emergency cases, it is claimed. While theater conditions here have suffered due to cold weather, efforts are being made by exhibitors to obtain relief from the tax. New Era in U. K. Field With Non-Synch. Device London — New Era has entered the talking picture field and soon will have available a portable non-syn- chronous device, consisting of a small turntable attachment coupled to a dy- namo-projector with a cable connect- ed to a loud speaker. The machine will be offered on an instalment plan and can be installed within a few hours, it is claimed. A manufacuring company is at present busy construct- ing parts and the company will be able to supply machines at the rate of 100 a month, it is said. "Refuge" First Color, Sound Blattner Film London — The first film for the Blattner Pictures Corp. containing color and sound will shortly go into production at the Elstree studio. The picture is "Refuge," and will be photographed by Carl Freund, noted German cameraman. To Reissue "The Wheel" Paris — .Abel Gance intends reissu- ing "The Wheel" which first made its appearance in 1923, possibly in sound. Richmount Pictures 723 7tli Avenue Idc. Hew Yort Oty O. J. HOUNTAN. Pre*. PXCLUSIVE foreign '-^ representatives for Rayart Pictures Corporation and other leading independ- ent producersand distributors Cable Addreu: RICHPICSOC. Pari* Cable Addreu: DEEJAY, Loodoo Cable Addreaa: RICHPIC. N. Y. Exporting only tlie best in Motion Pictures THE 10 <&^. DAILV Sunday, March 24, 1929 Legal Phase Blocked Arbitration ^ Scrap' MOTUALITY OF CONTRACT UNDER COHENTiriRE ^Continued from Page 1) SO quickly that it found the govern- ment unprepared with all its_ wit- nesses, but testimony was continued after the court declined motion for recess. Nizer Back on Stand The session opened with Louis Nizer, secretary of the New York board on the stand, continuing his outline of procedure of the New York arbitration board. He cited the value of arbitration in relieving court con- gestion and outlined the methods of allocating product in New York for exhibitors who have overbought. Testimony that deposits are requir- ed only on existing contracts, that aWards can be settled between the parties and that rules are observed was adduced from other witnesses among them: Joe Abramson, Chicago; Schofield, St. Louis; Clare Foley. San Francisco; Mrs. Welsh, former Kan- sas City secretary; Georgia Mof?ett, Cleveland; Marion McCulloch, Kan- sas City; Charles Zears, Oklahoma City; Harry Meyers, Butte; Alma Walton, Memphis. The Trade Practice Conference was called by the Federal Trade Commission to correct certain alleged unfair clauses of the contract, to designate unfair practices and to bring about drafting of a new contract, Abram F. Myers, president of Allied States Ass'n testified. Myers, then a trade commissioner, presided at the conference. He testified that the system of rep- resentation for unaffiliated exhibitors at the conference was considered fair, and identified a statement he made at the conference to the effect that the government's policy is in favor of ar- bitration. Effort to introduce testimony to the effect that Allied was formed because of objection to the contract was blocked. ' I ■*! W. A. Steffes told of the various negotiations on the several standard contracts which have been used in the industry. There was agitation among exhibitors in 1921 for a standard form of contract, he said. Question as to why Allied was formed brought a skirmish between counsel, the gov- ernment contending it was seeking to show that all exhibitors were not a party to the contract agreement and that it lacks mutuality. The court reminded that the government Winding up End of the arbitration suit by Monday is expected. There are but a few' additional gov- ernment witnesses remaining to be heard, and these are ex- pected to consume but a por- tion of the day. Contract Committee Sought to ''Junk'' Arbitration, Cole Says Exhibitor members of the contract committee which drafted the present standard contract sought to "throw out" the arbitration system, as the first step in the deliberations at Chi- cago, but were prevented from doing so by endorsement of the system by the Federal Trade Practice Parley, Col. H. A. Cole, an alternate on the committee, testified Friday in the ar- bitration suit. The endorsement was part of the resolution authorizing the new contract, he pointed out, and the committee was advised by counsel that it had no right to do away with the system. Cole outlined exhibitor efforts to secure a financing plan for exhibitor units, as a "balance wheel" for the arbitration system. He said that the recess taken by the committee was for the purpose of working out the plan, and, said the meeting scheduled last June was not held. He cited his efforts to bring about a meeting, and declared it finally was held in October at which session, he was "under the gun" as blocking progress, in insist- ing that the financing agreement be met. had rested on a "paper case" and had shown no complaints on the arbitration system, al- though contending that thousands had been received. Steffes said that there were about 15 reg ular exhibitor units in the country, the rest being "paper organizations." Objection to this brought reminder that testimony of Film Board secretaries on exhibitor organization strength had not been questioned. Steffes then told of the many meetings on the first uniform contract, original copy of which was produced from his files. Steffes' Testimony The arbitration plan, said Steffes, first was proposed in 1922 and suggested by Will H. Hays. He said exhibitors approved the prin- ciple, but said that adverse action was taken on the specific plan presented in 1923, al- though it had been accepted by the contract committee of which he was a member. The Northwest unit, he said, continued the voluntary arbitration plan it had been a party to for several years, but in 1923 was forced to accept the distributor plan, after a suspension because exchangemen refused to act under any system. Added clauses to the uniform contract, inserted by distributors, made the situation as bad as before adoption of the contract, he testified. Hays designated the contract committee which drafted the con- tract, Steffes declared. He served as an in- dividual, Steffes declared, receiving permis- sion from his organization to do so, al- though he said the contract was not binding upon any exhibitor units. Although a continuing committee was named to improve the contract, he said that exhibitors tried two or three years to get distributors to meet with them to negotiate changes. The Northwest unit, said Steffes, has "quit arbitration several times" because of exchangemen's insistence that the board adhere to the letter of the contract. This prevented exhibitors from getting equity and justice, he said and then outlined side agree- ments and other trade practices to explain the point. He signed the contract agreement, because he was convinced it was a "step in the right direction," said Steffes, and because exhibitors were told "it was as much as we could get." Calling of the meeting two years ago at Battle Creek, Mich., at which a number of states withdrew from arbitration, until given assurances by C. C. Pettijohn that equity was to govern all cases was cited in detail. "Contract Not Ratified"— Steffes The contract committee never ratified the added clauses to the contract, said Steffes, who reiterated he never had been given au- thority by any group to represent it in the deliberations. The first contract was to have been ratified by exhibitor units, he said, but declared it was put into effect without ratifi- cation. The standard contract now in force, he declared, hasn't been approved by any ex- hibitor organization. He said that exhibitors tried to convey their wishes to the contract committee at Chicago and held a meeting pointing out al- leged iniquities of the 1926 contract. Dis- tributors, he said, protested they had authority to act on the contract and insisted that the exhibitor committee exercise the same right to save time. He said exhibitors haven't ratified but must use the standard contract, pointing out it was the only one in use. On cross examination, Steffes said that his organization uses a standard contract in con- nection with films it distributes in the North- west. He testified concerning members of the original contract committee and about or- ganization of Allied States Ass'n. In answer to query of the court as to whether collec- tive bargaining in the industry has been strengthened, he said it will be when Allied becomes stronger and added that generally speaking the industry is better off today than before adoption of the arbitration system. This he attributed to a "better class of ex- hibitors" and "what are left" of distributors. Cole on Stand Col. H. A. Cole, head of the Texas unit, followed Steffes on the stand, testifying that he signed the uniform contract agreement because he felt it was the best form of agree- ment exhibitors could get at the time. He said it was an improvement. He outlined ar- bitration in Texas, stating arbitrators there often "tear up the contract" and make awards on the basis of equity alone. His work as an alternate on the contract committee was detailed by the witness, following which court adjourned. Allied Considers It is Only National Ass'n, Steffes Says No regional exhibitor unit is asked by Allied States Ass'n, to withdraw from the M.P.T.O.A. and join Allied ranks, the latter unit taking the posi- tion that it is the only national or- ganization in existence at the pres- ent time, W. A. Steffes, Northwest unit president, and one of the leaders of Allied testified Friday in the gov- ernment arbitration suit. Steffes outline of the organization's policy was on cross examination of Edwin P. Grosvenor, chief of de- fense counsel. In answer to a query by the court as to whether Allied is representative generally of exhibitors of the nation, he stated it is not as yet, as organization work was started but recently. He says Allied em- braces "the strongest state units with exception of two others." No mention of the M.P.T.O.A. is made by Allied in its work of organi- zation throughout the country, Steffes declared. t Sidelights By CHARLES F. HYNES W. A. "Buck" STEFFES, or "Fighting Al," as he is better known, was as happy as a schoolboy late yesterday. He had finished his testimony and was hurrying to catch a train back to Minneapolis. Speaking of the Mill City, C. Stan- ley Thompson, chief of defense coun- sel, also is a native of Minneapolis. Steffes drew some laughs when asked to identify signatories to the uniform contract agreement drawn up at the Union League Club in New York. Al blushed when Grosvenor asked him if he were not the guiding head of the Northwest exhibitor unit, in- sisting that he is only the president. He has been for 14 years. Frank J. Rembusch, he said, rep- resented himself mostly although he called himself president of the In- diana exhibitor unit at the time. He said he didn't know who Jules Mich- aels represented. Questioned as to A. Julian Brylawski's organization, he said he didn't believe he had any, although he admitted that Brylawski at one time was chairman of the administrative committee of the M. P.T.O.A. R. F. Woodhull, Steffes identified as a Dover, N. J., exhibitor, and in reply to a question said he believes Woodhull is president of the M.P. T.O.A. Some of the secretaries were wreathed in smiles Friday, when told they could go home. How good it's going to look to them after their long court sessions. Charlie Zears of Oklahoma City was so tickled to get his testimony over with, that he shook hands with Chief Defense Counsel Grosvenor. "Just like an arbitration meeting," remarked one wisecracker. The defense showed such speed yesterday that the government seem- ingly was at a loss, ivith some of its witnesses absent. Request for a re- cess was denied by the court, how- ever, and testimony continued. New York arbitrators always are sworn and witnesses usually, accord- ing to Louis Nizer, secretary of the New York Film Board. Nizer, by the way, was one of the real star witnesses for the defense. The able secretary of the New York Film Board outlined in detail the arbitration system, in what NEWSPAPER o/'FILMDOM ULTHE NEWS ALLTHE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 70 Monday, March 25, 1929 Price 5 Cents Sound Only AR.\I)K"AL departure. Win- nie Slieehan announced yes- terday Fox will make sound pictures only. Silent versions are out. An interesting commentary on trends in the industry and a vital decision which emphasizes more heavily than ever that the ex- hibitor future is dark unless his house is wired, no matter what the type of equipment may be. Yet the problem is most serious. Optimists place sound installations at between 4,000 and 5,000 by September. A high figure and as- suming it is met what about the thousands unwired? If the Fox departure becomes general, what ai^e these exhibitors to do? Many jre groping for an answer. V "The Divine Lady" .\n intelligently-produced and en- tertaining film based on one of the most famous romances of history: the love between Lady Hamilton and Lord Nelson. "The Divine Lady" is a story of the late 18th and early 19th century made by a sympatiictic hand, with fine iiroduction vahics, marked with studied direction and uniformly excellent performances. Corinne Griffith is starred. She docs very well. Tne same may be said for a sterl- ing supporting cast embracing H. B. Warnei, Victor Varconi and Ian Keitn. All through it is found the experienced directorial influence of Frank Lloyd. We place "The Di- vine Lady" in tiie listing of pictures that should be seen. The Doughty Colonel Down Texas way. the tussle for junday shows has waged long and •itterly. Both legislative houses have »assed the bill. Now it's up before Governor Moody. If he uses the veto before Wednesday, the fight is lost. If he sky gazes until then, the fight is won. Regardless of the out- come, H. A. Cole, president of the Texas M.P.T.O. and colonel from Marshall, has waged a splendid bat- tle. He deserves credit. Which is what we are hereby fastening upon him for his sturdy efforts. Selling Sound Commendable indeed is Western Electric's national advertising cam- paign to carry directly to the pub- lic the entertaining merits of sound pictures. Constructive stuff. K A N N MOVIETONE FILMS ONLY FROM FOX; SILENT PRODUCT DROPPED II. s. wimtiioN m. Wm EMCUD lODiV Wind-up of the government's arbi- tration case is anticipated today, with testimony of several exhibitors to be taken at the session, which gets under way in Federal Court at 10:30 A. M. Following completion of the rebuttal testimony, the court may hand down a decision, or may ask that briefs be submitted, with a sub- sc'iuent date to be set for argu- ment of Cdunsel on points of law in- volved. The action is against Paramount, nine other distributors, the Hays or- ganization and Film Boards of Trade. The government is attack- ing legality of the entire system of arbitration, charging consirpacy to compel exhibitors to arbitrate. No intent to coerce is charged, however. 1,505 Theaters in U. S. Wired by W.E. to Mar. 16 Theaters wired for Western Elec- tric sound reproducing now total 1.505, as of March 16. Three Groups Embraced in Blank Chain Publix Bought Three groups are embraced in tin- cha':i of 25 A. H. Blank theaters, complete ownership of which has passed to Publix. They are: A. li. (Continued on Page 2) Will Rogers Signed Fox has signed a two year contract with Will Rogers to appear in Movietone features. The nationally-known humor- ist is now appearing in "Three Cheers" on Broadway and, fol- lowing its closing in a few weeks, will leave for the Coast to start work for Fox. SAY BRISTOLPIIONE MAY MERGE WITH ACOUSTICS Waterbury, Conn. — Bristolphone expects to merge with Acoustic Prod- ucts of New York, according to Wil- liam H. Bristol, president of the Bristol Talking Machine Co. and in- ventor of Bristolphone. His company announces that S'am Sax and Budd Rogers only hold syn- chronization and selling rights (Continued on Page 2) Meyer Schine in N. Y. to Close Chain Deal with Fox Ironing out of details incidental to taking over the Schine chain of 98 upstate New York and Ohio theaters is scheduled in conference in New York today between Meyer Schine an 1 A. C. Blumenthal. head of the Fox realty department. Negotiations Reported on for Pantages and Interstate Houses Gaumont British Seeking Klangfilm for U. K. TQse By ERXEST W. FREDMAN Editor, "The Daily Film Renter" London — Gaumont British is ne- gotiating with Klangfilm of Berlin to secure this sound recording de- vice for its producing units and its reproducing system for the P.C.T. theaters. Reginald Bromhead, C. M. W'oolf and Simeon Rovvson and other officials are now in Berlin. IVest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Radio-Keith-Orph- eum is negotiating for the Pantages circuit, it is understood here. Just how far the reported deal has pro- gressed is not apparent. Recently, it was reported that Joseph P. Ken- nedy and J. J. Mindock were dick- ering for the Pantages chain of com- bination houses, but this was em- phatically denied to THE FILM D.\ILY bv Alexander Pantages, who (Continued on Page 2) Drastic Change of Policy Goes Into Effect Today, W. R. Sheehan States Beginning today, Fox will produce only talking and musical Movietone films, abandoing the making of si- lent pictures. Announcement of the step, one of the most radical in the industry's history, was made yester- day by Winfield Sheehan, vice presi- dent and general manager in charge of production. Present plans call for production ot one feature talkmg or musical pro- duction a week. At Fox Movietone City, 25 recording units are in opera- tion, and the Hollywood studios have been revised to meet the new pro- duction requirements with addition of a $500,000 laboratory and new Movietone projection room. Owen Davis now is at work on the first talker to star Will Rogers. Oscar Strauss has completed score and book for "Married in Holly- wood." Leo Fall's operetta, "The Dollar Princess," is to be made as a musical feature. Four original mu- (Continued on Page 2) Johnston Denies Sale of Rayart Is Under Way West Coast Bureau. TIIE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — W. Ray Johnston, president of Rayart Film Co., denies that any sale of the company is under way. or planned, as had been re- ported. Silent Films Not Doomed by Talkers — Reinhardt Berlin — While the American pub- lic is "clamoring" for sound jjictures this does not mean the end of sil- ent films. Max Reinhardt stated on liis return here from New York. He said he intends to return to .Amer- ica to be connected with the film in- {'ustry. His scheJ Pathe Exch HH 1054 H 400 do "A" 2354 2254 2354 300 Radio K-A-0 .... i4Vs 3454 3454 500 •Stanley Co 32;^ *Univ. Pict. pfd 9854 Warner Bros 1185^8 115 1155^ 2,300 do pfd 53S/8 52/2 52/2 •Warner Pet. rts 3 54 CURB MARKET 85^ 85^8 8 54 80 31 25/ 274 29 254 54 305'8 305^ 3054 2554 1154 11 115-4 300 400 25 54 25 /s 2954 29" 1,500 I'ooo 200 '206 900 200 Acoustic Prod. •Bal. & Katz *Colum1iia Pict. . . •Cen. Fm. Ind *Film Insp Fox Thea. "A" . . . •Griffith, D.W. "A" •Intern. Proj Loew do deb rts. . . •Nat. See. Ser. . . Nat. Thea. Sup , - .. Trans-Lux 185^ 1654 16^^ Univ. Pict 22/ 22/ 22/ BOND MARKET •Keith AG 6s 46 ; .^^,, Loew 6s 41ww ....113 lUVi 11.' do 6s 41 x-war.. 98/ 98/ 98 '/i Paramount 6s 47.. 99/ 99/ 9954 Par By. 5/s51.. 10254 102/ 10254 •Pathe 7s37 80/ CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36.. 96 96 96 •Warner 6/s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Rx«y "A" 30 .^.? do units ■^i •'-' , do com 3/ 4/ .. Skouras Bros 40 45 . . ♦Technicolor 19/ ■• United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ Ch. com. ... 2 .... . . do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED M-G-M Signs Ruffo Titta RnfTo, baritone, has resigned from the Metropohtan Opera Co. to apucar in ten M-G-M Movietone shorts, he said prior to sailing from New York for Italy. Deal Reported on for Pantages, Interstate (Continued from Page 1) said tiie circuit is not for sale. Pan- tages is in practically every key city of the West and has 26 theaters, and plans several others, including a big Hollywood house. Negotiations are under way by Ra- dio-keith-Orpheum for the Inter- state chain in Dallas, it is understood. The circuit, headed by Karl Hoblit- zelle has the Majestic, Dallas; Ma- jestic, Houston; Majestic and Pal- ace, Fort Worth; Majestic, San An- tonio; Lyric, Ritz and Trianon, Bir- mir.gham; Majestic, Little Rock. Bristolphone May Merge with Acoustics? (Continued from Page 1) through Gotham-Bristolphonciand are unauthorized to enter into or use the name of the Bristol Talking Ma- chine Co. in any merger. It is understood Acoustic Products has called a meeting of stockholders in New York for March 29 at which time thev will be asked to vote on the issuance of 300,000 additional shares of stock and on a merger with Bristolphone. Sam Sax, Charles R. Rogers and Budd Rogers have returned from Chicago where, it is understood, meetings looking toward a merger of Bristolphone, Phononlm and Bruns\v)ick - Balke - CoUender were held. Efforts to reach them Satur- day for comment regarding the state- ment made by Bristol m vVaterbury proved unavailing. Three Groups Embraced in Blank Chain Publix Bought (Continued from Page 1) Blank Theaters, Central States The- aters and Commonwealth Theaters. The chain includes de luxe houses at Des Moines, Omaha, Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Waterloo, Iowa, and Rock Island, 111. U. S. Film Showings Increase in Austria for '28 IVaslnnt/ton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Increase of American picture showings in Austria during 1928 is shown in the report of George R. Canty, Trade Commissioner at Paris, who states that the United States and Germany suppHed 88 per cent of all films shown. The Ameri- can share of the total was 240 or 47 per cent and the German 210 or 41 per cent. Pinanski Convalescing Atlantic City — Samuel Pinanski, president of the New England The- aters Operating Co., is here for a few days' rest. He is recovering from a slight illness. FOR RENT COURT STftEET THEATRE, Buf- falo, seating capacity 2389 — well lo- cated. Ideal for stock purposes. Will consider propositions. Communicate with Theo. C. Young, 1501 Broadway. Telephone Chickering 7050. Sound Films Only; Silent to Be Dropped {Continued from Page 1) sical comedies will be produced with words and music by De Sylva, Brown and Henderson. Dave Stam- per has completed a musical comedy. Fox Movietone Follies is finished, the first of an annual series of mu- sical reviews. Words and music are by Con Conrad, Archie Goettler and Sidney Mitchell, the book by Billy K. Wells and direction by David Butler and Edward Royce. George Jessel leaves for California next month to make his first picture for Fox. Other sciicduled pictures announced by Shethan are: "Cameo Kirby," by Booth Tarkington and Harry Leon Wilson; "The Passing of the Third Floor Back," by Jerome K. Jerome; "Behind That Curtain," by Earl Der Biggers, which Irving Cum- mings will direct; "The Cock-Eyed World," which Raoul Walsh will di- rect from an original by Laurence Stallings and Maxwell Anderson; "King of the Khyber • Rilles," star- ring Victor McLaglen, under direc- tion of John Ford; "The Man Who Came Back," by John Fleming Wil- son; "Conquistador," "The Mad Song" and "Frozen Justice." Brulatour-Eastman "Lab" Building in Hollywood (Continued from Page 1) E. Brulatour, Inc., is building the tructure which will house a staff of the Eastman Kodak organization and a theater equipped for sound and capable of seating fifty. It is intend- ed to keep the laboratory open with- out charge to accredited technicians and studio executives. "Joan of Arc" Opening "The Passion of Joan of Arc," French film, will have its premiere at the Little Carnegie Playhouse Thursday sponsored by the Societe Geiierale des Films of France, the producer. Maberry on Sales Tri Cecil E. Maberry, general sales manager of Columbia, is in Chicago on a s-j-lcs trip to Middle West ex- changes. Tyler to Make Eight Talkers [Vest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Trein Carr has signed Tom Tyler for eight talkers. An Asset To Any Theatre! ■SgA'qiailersW I can truthfully say that your song film trailers are an asset to any the- atre, regardless how large or small the house may be. COULD EN THEATRES CORP. By Louis B. Goulden, Prcs. Indianapolis, Ind. Monday, March 25, 1929 The Industry's Date Book Today: Resumption of trial of U. S. ar- bitration case in Federal Court, New York. April 6 Warner - First National - Stanley Frolic at Commodore Hotel, New York. April 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn- sylvania Exhibitor Unit at Pitta- burgh. May 1 Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal. May 6-9 Spring meeting of Society of M.P. Engineers in New York. Soviet Planning to Make 130 Films for Next Year Orie hundred thirty films are to be made by the Soviet during the coming year, according to Constan- tine SchwetchikofF, director of the Soviet industry, who is here for a study o*" the export of the pictures. Fiftv of the pictures will be exported to European countries and 15 of the number are scheduled to be sent to A the United .States. ^ ''BUDDY'* HARRIS now photographing talking comedy shorts for Harry Delf. De Forest Studio FOR SALE PROJECTION MACHINES employed in SimbaRoad Shows Qood as New FRANK R. WILSON 51 E. 42nd Street New York City Room 1202 AN OPPORTUNITY is available with a major distributing organization for a man who can act as Combination Secretary and Ass't to House Organ Editor Must have full knowledge of film distribution, ability and ex- perience in writing publicity and selling talk, arranging make-up, knack of handling de- tails and records systematically and A-1 stenographer. 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Division 0/ ARCTIC NU-AIR CORPORATION 1911 PARAMOUNT BUILDING ■:- NEW YORK CITY Sales Offices in Principal Cities KOOLER-AIRE ENGINEERING CORP., t^ame 1911 Paramount Bldg.,New York City. c "j 1 If Theatre Send engineering data and information on KOOLER-AIRE Year-Around System for my Address theatre feet long, feet wide, high,- -balconv?- . seating. -people. Ctty. -State. A Great: BOOST for a Great BOX-OFFICE PICTURE "-^'AVO,™^,^^^^ 6N FLW 94 DL WESTERN UNION CO~C«K«Cms«v,« '"~»^^^dS5ii— ^ ••wmio ^OE BR/lumbia Pets. . . . Con. Fm. Ind. . . . ♦Film Insp Fox Thea. "A" .. Griffith, D.W. "A" Intern. Proj ♦Loew do deb. rts. ♦Nat. Scr. Ser. .. Nat. Thea. Sup. .. Trans-Lux *Univ. Pict 854 7J4 754 5,800 80 31 24% 2% 29 1% 5554 305^ 25J4 1054 1454 2254 31 26 2954 m 5554 11 1654 31 24 28-5^ m 5554 105^ 1454 400 8,900 19,666 100 200 500 10,400 BOND MARKET ♦Keith A-O 6s 46 93 Loew 6s 41ww ..II254 11254 1125i do 6s 41 x-war.. 98 98 98 Paramount 6s 47 ..100 9954 100 ♦Par. By. 554s 51 1025i Pathe 7s 37 SO'A 80 80 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36. 96 96 96 ♦Warner 654s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 30 33 do units 31 35 do com 354 454 ... Skouras Bros 40 44 ,... Technicolor 1854 \9% ... United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED 2 2 4 "16 1 Short Back at Howard Atlanta, Ga. — Al Short returrned to the Howard theater yesterday as director of the stage band and as master of ceremonies. Goetz, Thomas, Start on Feature in Teachers* Tieup IVest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — "Woman Who Was Forgotten" has been placed in work at Sennett studios by Richard Thom- as and Charles Goetz, who will dis- tribute as a roadshow, in a tieup with various educational interests. Twenty-five per cent of the gross will be turned over to Nat'l Educa- tional Ass'n to help build a home for the aged of the teaching profes- sion, according to Goetz. Belle Ben- nett and Jobyna Ralston are feat- ured in the production. Hays Urges Aid for Teachers "The U. S. owes old age pensions to the nation's school teachers," stated Will Hays in Sunday's New* York "American," in a lengthy article which pointed out necessity for the country providing for the teaching profession. "Every tax- payer," stated Hays, "should be pri- marily interested in the teacher, be- cause the teacher is the most im- portant servant of the government." Arrested Over "Show Boat" Affair Miami — Paul Robertson and W. L. Haggard, operators who were sched- uled to project "Show Boat" at its world premiere at the Capitol, have been arrested on charges of malicious mischief and destruction of private property in conjunction with the al- leged theft of projection machine parts that forced postponement of the premiere. It is understood that the Capitol has been operating non-union for the past several months. "Great Power" PuUed Off After one Day at Capitol Declaring the difficulty was^caused by amplification, "The Great Pow- er," an all-talker made by Franklyn Warner Prod, and distributed by M- G-M, was taken off the current show at the Capitol and "The Spite Mar- riage" with Buster Keaton put in. "The Great Power" ran for a full day and up until two o'clock on Sun- day. H. C. Farley lU Baltimore — H. C. Farley, city manager for Publix in Montgomery, Ala., is here to undergo treatment at Kelly Hospital. Farley has been ill for several months with a serious af- fection of the throat. Dorothy Farnum Here Dorothy Farnum, M-G-M scenario writer, arrives in New York today and on Friday will sail for Europe on the He de France for a vacation. Publix to Build at Peekskill Peekskill, N. Y. — Publix has pur- chased property here on which will be erected a 1,500-seat theater, on Brown St., near Division. "Noah's Ark" Opens with Pacent Sound Device Atlantic City— "Noah's Ark," War- ner production is being shown via Pacent reproducer at the Globe here, at $2 top. Allvine, Shapiro Leave for Coast Glen Allvine, director of publicity and advertising for Fox and Victor M. Shapiro, who will take over stu- dio publicity, left for the Coast last night. Allvine's objective is to se- cure data on the 1929-1930 program. Shapiro's stay in Hollywood is per- manent. "Met" Drops Sound Policy Atlanta — Straight sound policy at the Metropolitan was yesterday dis- continued, after a year, in favor of a band-show policy. Charlie White's "Jolly Jazzers" will be featured. White serving as leader and m.c. Colvin Brown Due Home Colvin W. Brown, Pathe execu- tive vice-president, returns to New York on the "Berengaria" today, after a month's trip visiting Pathe branches in London, Paris and Ber- lin. Miss Cochrane Engaged R. H. Cochrane, vice-president of Universal, and Mrs. Cochrane, an- nounce the engagement of their daughter, Betty, to John Howard Laeri of the National City Bank. Columbia Sig^ns Graves IVest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Columbia Pictures has renewed its option on services of Ralph Graves for five more years. Boleslavsky, Claire's Director IVest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Richard Boleslavsky Will direct Ina Claire, stage star, in a talker original for Pathe. ANSWERS ALL QUESTIONS A very valuable book. E. W. HAMMONS FREE to Film Daily Subscribers Subscription $10.00 Foreign $15.00 The Industry's Date Book April 6 Warner - First National - Stanley Frolic at Commodore Hotel, New Yoric. April 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn- sylvania Exhibitor Unit at Pitts- burgh. May 1 Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal. May 6-9 Spring meeting of Society of M.P. Engineers in New York. Lindeman Leaves Griffith Force E. L. Lindeman has resigned as eastern representative of D. W. Grif- fith, to accept a proposition he is to announce on his return to New York in two weeks from a vacation at French Lick Springs, Ind. Six Vitaphones on B'way Broadway is housing six Vitaphone films this week. "Noah's Ark" is playing the Winter Garden; "The Singing Fool" is at the Harris; "Weary River" at the Central; "Sonny Boy" at the Strand; "My Man" at the Hippodrome and "The Divine Lady" at the Warner. ''BUDDY'* HARRIS now photographing calkins comedy shorts for Harry Delf. De Forest Studio AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Theatres Standard Vaudeville AcU 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3S80 AN OPPORTUNITY is available with a major distributing organi2ation for a man wlio can act as Combination (Secretary and Ass't to House Organ Editor Must have full knowledge of film distribution, ability and ex- perience in v(rriting publicity and selling talk, arranging make-up, knack of handling de- tails and records systematically and A-1 stenographer. Give complete details including edu- cation, business record, age, salary expected. BOX A-114 c-o Film Daily 1650 Broadway N. Y. C. Thank God Fve Got It ! y^'^'^WjOR thirteen years now, I have been handling cluck pictures for I JL every firm in the industry. Some of the cuckoos I have publicized ^*^ I were enough to drive myself and the audiences to drink. For thir- I teen years now I've waited and hoped and prayed that some day, K^^ in some way, I would be entrusted with the handling of THE BEST PICTURE ON EARTH. THANK GOD I'VE GOT IT! I've seen it. I've watched it through eight shows before eight widely varying audiences, and it had the same effect on each audience. At Palm Beach I watched the richest and most exclusive audience in all the world laugh and cry, cheer and applaud. At Miami I saw an audience made up of society folk, industrial leaders, commercial geniuses, sit for three hours, barely moving in their seats ; and at the finish, wipe away their tears and applaud until their white gloves cracked. I saw Florenz Ziegfeld wipe away a tear, and Billy Burke, that charm- ing woman of the stage, so impressed that it took her a full twenty minutes before she could tell me it was one of the greatest entertainments she had ever experienced. I saw E. J. Sparks, the noted Southern exhibitor, sit entranced through the picture, and watched him as he wrote a five hundred word telegram to Carl Laemmle. And what a telegram ! Yes, I've got it! A Press Agent's prayer is answered. After thirteen years of broadcasting about the ordinary pictures it has been my misfortune to guide, I have — THE BEST PICTURE ON EARTH. "SHOW BOAT." "SHOW BOAT." / COULD SCREAM IT FROM THE HOUSETOPS. THE ANSWER TO THE SHOWMAN'S PRAYER. JUST PAINT THE NAME ON THE FRONT OF THE THEATRE, PUT THE TICKETS IN THE RACK AND WATCH THEM POUR IN, AND KNOW THAT WHEN THEY DO GO IN THEY WILL COME OUT ENRAPTURED. THERE CAN NEVER BE A KNOCK. IT'S THAT KIND OF A PIC- TURE. A PERFECT PICTURE. ITS THE GLORIOUS ADVENTURE OF THE THEATRE— AND rVE GOT IT! Harry Reichenbach {I'm Paying for this myself) THE ■ / 4 ■ i^^ PAILV Tuesday, March 26, 1929 9fe Contract "Trade" Is Outlined by Yamins (Continued from Page 1) be worked out in the recess until June 11. In June, Yamins met R. F. 'Woodhull, M.P.T.O.A president, and R. H. Cochrane, respectively chairmen of the unaffiliated and dis- tributor committees. He said it was agreed that the two chairmen were to work out individual plans to be submitted by Aug. 1 and heard by the committee Aug. 20. This latter meeting was not called. Yanuns testi- fied, who said that he had received several demands from exhibitors that the meeting be held. It finally was on Oct. 4. At this meeting, he said, it was stressed to committee members that the best that could be done was to get enough affiliated ex- hibitors to join the M.P.T.O.A. to bolster finances, through the dues they would pay. Under the plan, affiliated exhibitors were not t(J have any voting power. Hays agreed, Yamins testified, to appoint, with the approval of the contract committee, a contact man to see to it that affiliated exhibitors joined the organization and be the point of contact be- tween unaffiliated exhibitors and the distrib- utors. Nothing was done on this, he said. Two plans of financing were offered by exhibitors, said Yamins. One was to add either half percent or one percent to film rentals, the other to establish a fee system in connection with filing arbitration cases. Injection of C. C. Pettijohn into the New York meeting, said Yamins, prevented either plan from being drafted. He said he had no knowledge that H. M. Richey was of- fered the post of contact man. Report of Consolidated Sale Denied by Yates (Continued from Page 1) head by leading film interests. The report has been circulated in the financial district. "Consolidated," Yates said, "controls one of the most efficient patents for the reproduc- tion of sound film. This has resulted in a large increase in our earnings during the past six months and we plan to take full advantage of this condition and the direc- tors have no intention of disposing of this process." Net earnings of Consolidated for the first quarter of 1929 will approxi- mate, according to company esti- mates, about $600,000 or the equiva- lent of an annual rate of about $4 per share on the common. Drive for New York Civic Cinema Launched Under leadership of Anne Morgan, an organization of prominent New Yorkers j-esterday launched a drive to secure funds for 1,000 holders of $100 stock certificates in a civic cin- ema which will be the city's first non- commercial picture house, scheduled for fall opening. First Bow Talker Set in at Rialto, N. Y., for Run Paramount is trying an innovation with Clara Bow's first talker, "The Wild Party," setting it in at the Rialto, New York, where it opens Saturday for a run. Bow films pre- viously have played the Paramount on one week stands. Two other Paramount players make their screen talking debut Saturday. They are Florence Vidor and Wallace Beery, who open at ■ the Paramount in "Chinatown Nights." U. S. Position Is Muddled as Arbitration Case Closer House Ditches Bill to Lift Balto. Sunday Show Ban (Continued from Page 1) gation was passed without its advo- cates objecting. Referendum amend- ment is claimed unconstitutional for Maryland but redrafting of bill is ex- pected to be made to make it conform with a Court of Appeals decision be- fore it is brought up in House again. Stanley Net, $1,120,293 The Stanley Co. of America re- ports net earnings, after interest, de- preciation and minority interests of $1,120,293, equivalent to earnings of $1.23 per share on the common. Joseph Laemmle Dies IVest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Funeral services were held yesterday for Joseph Laemmle, father of Edward and Beth Laemmle, and brother of Carl Laemmle. Silent Films Will Remain Shown by Latest Survey (Continued from Page 1) Will be available with silent prints." Universal will market silent ver- sions for its talking pictures, accord- ing to R. H. Cochrane who predicted the company's decision on the fact that to date less than 2,000 theaters of the nation's 20,000 are wired for sound. Pathe has been buying story ma- terial with talking pictures in mind. All of next year's output will be in sound. However, .officials of that organization declare they have not overlooked the large number of un- wired theaters and say, therefore, their product will be available in silent form as well as sound. Joe Brandt of Columbia stated his company would continue to offer sil- ent versions for all sound pictures. "And the silent versions will be good, too," lie added. In the absence of Grant Cook on the Coast, Oscar Hansen, general sales manager for TifiEany-Stahl, had no comment to make. Paramount officials, likewise, were silent, as were First National. For World-Wide, J. D. Williams said there would be silent pictures on his schedule after the fall. The all- talkers will be available in sound only, but the company likewise will have a number of silent films, these being of the type "which do not lend themselves to sound." Budd Rogers of Gotham, de- clared: "With part of the nations theaters wired, the need for silent pictures continues. Therefore, while we will make dialogue pictures only for each there will be a silent ver- sion. This policy will be continued as long as there is an exhibitor re- quirement for silent prints. Natur- ally, some day we hope to find our- selves in a position where it will be necessary to make one version of each picture only, that version in sound." (Continued from Page 1) action on the contract is lawful, then so is concerted action on arbitration. The government counsel replied that the contract is attacked as coercive. The defense, on the other hand, contended that the contract was adopted by industry leaders to bring the business out of chaos and con- tends that the arbitration clause is the only protection a distributor has that contracts will be fulfilled. Joseph M. Seider, president of the New Jersey unit, was yesterday's first witness, outlining his work in con- nection with the various contract de- liberations. He defined the instruc- tion given at the Trade Practice Con- ference to exhibitor members of the committee at a caucu sof unaffiliated exhibitors. These were, he said, (1) to vote only as a unit, and (2) not to agree on a final draft until the pro- posed contract had been referred to each delegate. Seider denied that the instructions were secret. Efforts of the government to have Nathan Yamins' testimony concerning the unit vote, were blocked by defense objections. Yamins outlined details of the so-called trade made by exhibitor members of the contract com- mittee, stating that exhibitor objections to parts of the conract were wihdrawn on dis- tributors' promise to work out means of financing exhibitor organization. The government then called C. C. Petti- john of the Hays organization, who identi- fied minutes of a speech on the contract he had made at the Los Angeles convention of tht M.P.T.O.A. in 1926. He said he ex- plained to the convention that there was to be no new contract deliberations at the time, and that the contract, then in force was to continue, as was being demanded. Exhibi- tors, he said, had been threatening to strike out clauses not approved by the contract committee. H. M. Richey, business manager of the Michigan unit, then was called by the defense to testify that Will H. Hays had offered him the position of contact man in the pro- posed bringing of affiliated exhibitors into the M.P.T.O.A. to bolster financing, under the contract "trade" made at Chicago. In summation Thompson declared that the Sherman law is violated by the compulsory arbitration clause, which he said is coercive. Both Decisions Expected to Be Made Same Time Decisions in both the credit and arbitration committee cases will be handed down at the same time, it is imderstood. Briefs in both cases are scheduled to be filed by April 22. H. M. Richey "Discussed" Post with Will Hays H. M. Richey discussed the post of contact man between unaffiliated exhibitors and the distributors, he ad- mitted on the stand yesterday. To THE FILM DAILY he later de- clared that he had asked for further particulars, concernhig the position, and the matter has gone no further. R. R. Biechele also was offered the post, it is understood. Probing Milwaukee "Vandalism Milwaukee — Police are holding a motion picture machine operator in connection with the dynamiting of the White House theater in the heart of the city. Damage was slight. The theater has been picketed for many months, but this was the first sign of violence. He said the right to contract is guaranteed by the constitution which protects against re straints. One distributor, he said, can con tract as he sees fit and impose restraints but when it is done in concert it become un lawful. He said the government wants an injunction against agreements between dis tributors said to force signing of contracts containing the arbitration clause and against methods of enforcing awards. Does the government contend an associa- tion cannot limit the personal action of its members, the court asked, to which govern- ment counsel replied that such limitation may not be done by agreement. The Binderup case then was cited by government counsel, who alleged that the reported agreements made in that case by Omaha exchangemen were similar to alleged supplementary agreements on arbitration and the circulation of arbitra- tion lists. Does the government want to go back to "the old days" in the industry, queried the court, to which counsel replied in the nega- tive, stating that the enjoining of arbitration lists is desired. In his summation, Edwin P. Grosvenor, chief of defense counsel, said that only the question of whether concert of action is il- legal per se, is involved, and that in the 500,000 contracts made yearly, no cause of complaint or evidence of coercion had been shown. Why didn't thi government bring in Binderup, he wanted to know. The standard of rule and reason — which is common sense — should apply in this action, he said. "There has been no injury shown, and the govern- ment case fails if it can't show injury or unreasonable restraint, he insisted, pointing out that it was only through concert of action that a contract could be arrived at. He cited the keen competition in the industry, pointed to the speed accomplished by arbitration and reiterated that exhibitors on arbitration lists always can buy new contracts. The government then, pressed by the court, as to its position, said that compulsory arbi- tration is the point at issue. Does the gov- ernment, asked the court, contend that noth- ing new can be adopted in the industry by agreement, no matter how beneficial? ANNOUNCING the First Annual American Theatre Equipment Exposition and Exhibitors Institute to be held in The Coliseum, Chicago June 1 to 9, 1929 The leading manufacturers of theatre equipment — including the latest developments in the art of sound reproduction, both synchronized and non-synchron- ized— will show their products to thousands of motion picture theatre exhibitors from all parts of the country. This project is soundly con- ceived and amply financed by a group of responsible Chicago business men experienced in the successful management of sim- ilar enterprises. Complete information regard- ing exhibition spaces, rates, terms, reservations, and gener- al information may be secured by writing. American Theatre Exposition Corporation W. G. Newbould, Manager Headquarters Fourth Floor Hotel Stevens, Chicago Concern is Felt at Studios Over Swing to Talkers :9f<> NEWSPAPER o/'FILMDOM ALL THE NEWS ALL THE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 72 Wednesday, March 27, 1929 Price 5 Cents 348 TALKERS THIS YEAR I Film Boards T was a fine impression that the Film Board secretaries made in the government suits which came to an end in New York the other day. Well-edu- cated— most of them have uni- versity degrees — tactful, ground- ed in a knowledge and sympa- thetic understanding of the busi- ness, this group is representa- tively characteristic of the high- er type personnel constantly being brought into the industry. The secretaries function often under handicaps. That they have held rigorously to their sense of fair play without sacri- fice of their sense of humor be- speaks well for their mental make-up. A Task Well Done Instances such as these, you will admit, would try the most indulgent: One secretary fell mighty hard for the wailings of an exhibitor — an un- scrupulous cuss he proved himself to be — who sought a reduction be- cause business was bad. Miss Sec- retary strained every point to meet his request, although it was not within her province to do so. Then it was learned this exhibitor was do- ing a whale of business but disguis- ing the truth via a double set of books. When the facts were un- earthed, the reduction demands were dropped and so the matter ended. Week in and week out, the secre- taries do all in their power to main- tain the entente cordiale between buyer and seller. :\nd a splendid job they are doing, despite the many ob- stacles that strew* the path. Their song of praise is unsung, but noth- ing is detracted from their merits thereby. Solace While Charlie Pettijohn may turn occasionally morose because of legis- lative lambastings which fall on his head from the four quarters of the land, there should be enough com- fort for him in knowing, as he must, that the organization he has devel- oped is a sufficient source of pride to counter the rebuffs which may pile upon him from other directions. KANN Salary Slash Feared Ifcst Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Considerable concern is felt at Coast studios over the talker development, which was climaxed by the Fox move aban- doning silent production. This is due to the fact that the whole de- velopment is expected to be used as a lever to cut salaries. Free lance directors, finding silent production waning, are accepting talker assignments at substantially lower salaries. SERVICEWIIHOUTDEPOSir 200 AFFECTED 6YfOX HIGHLI0liTOFU.S.TRIAL Empliasis on the fact, iieretofore not generally understood by exhibi- tors, that placing of an account on the arbitration list, does not prevent him from obtaining pictures on new contracts, is one of the important de- velopments of the government's ar- bitration case, which was brought to a close Monday. The case, which with the credit action, dragged along for two weeks, had entered its tliird week Monday, when apparent weakness of the gov- ernment's position brought the tes- timony to a quick close, the court indicating that the government had failed to establish a strong case. Briefs in both action are to be filed next month. The defense, throughout the ac- (Continued on Page 4) $1,000,000 South Africa Issue for Expansion By ERNEST W. FREDMAN Editor. ■'The Daily Film Renter" London (By Cable) — Issue of $1,- 000,000 of Kinemas, Ltd., was quick- (Coittinued on Page 4) POLICY or ALL SOUND West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — About 200 Fox peo- ple, including 42 contract actors, 26 actresses and 16 ballet girls are af- fected by the new policy, under which the companj- has abandoned iiroduc- tiiin of silent films. Former silent casting department has been consoli- dated with the Movietone casting de- partment. Contract people expect to be trans- ferred to Movietone production, while other changes await arrival Friday of Winfield Sheehan, production chief. Fox will convert seven silent stages into sound stages. The com- pany's move was rather anticipated at the studio, where not much alarm has been created. Warners O. K. On Seattle Masterphone Installation Seattle — Warner Bros, will serve Hal Cawthorne's Grand which is wired with a De Luxe Masterphone. "The Terror" will be the first pic- ture shown under the arrangement. Fox Seen at Grips With B. & K. as Former Seeks Marks Houses Pathe Sound News Being Issued Twice Weekly Pathe Sound News will be issued twice weekly beginning .A.pril 6. The reel, which made its debut last Sep- tember, has been issued on a once Weekly basis. New equipment re- ceived has enabled stepping up the schedule. Increase to three a week is expected at an early date. Chicago — William Fox's wholesale invasion of Chicago, B. & K. strong- iiold, is about to get under way. Startling in its scope, the plan is re- ported to embrace the following: A deal for control of the Marbro and Granada, two of the finest the- aters in the United States operated by the Marks Bros, who are under- stood to be conferring with Fox in (.Continued on Page 4) Silent Versions of Some To Be Made— 41 Talker Units Working By RALPH WILK West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Three hundred forty- eight talkers will comprise tiie out- put of Coast studios during the year, according to present schedules. Many will be available as silents. Production is prooeeding at a rapid pace, with 41 feature units shooting or rehearsing. T-S Plans 24 Talkers but Silent Policy Indefinite West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Policy of TifTany- Stahl on silent pictures is indefinite. The company plans to make 24 talk- ers, also four color features and 12 two-reel talkers. Columbia Making 36 as Talkers and Silents West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILV Los Angeles — Columbia will make 36 talkers, it is stated, all of which will be available also in silent form. Warners Spending $150,000 Converting Sound Stages West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Warners is spend- ing $150,000 rebuilding the Vitagraph plant's interior stages for sound pro- duction. 23 Theaters Launched in East During February Representing investment of $870,- 800, F. W. Dodge Corp. reports con- tracts were awarded for 23 picture theaters in February in 27 eastern states. Contracts were also awarded for 11 "legit" and mixed policy houses. Filling Gap ? West Coast Bur. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — M-G-M is ex- pected to fill the gap on the Fox program, so far as silent films are concerned. The com- pany plans 50 talkers, 30 of which wrill be available in sil- ent form. THE Vol. XLVII IIiT2 Utimitj, Mar. 27, 1929 Prici 5 Cuts JOHN w. kumn PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter, May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Fnedrichstrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Harle, La Cinematographie Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am. Seat . 36'4 3Sii 3514 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 26^ 25 25 East. Kodak .177 172 172 Fox Fm. "A" . . 89^ 84 8554 Keith A-O . 29J4 26J4 26'/, do pfd . 98 98 98 Loew's Inc . 63Ji 6054 615^ do pfd . 98 98 98 M-GM pfd . 26 26 26 M. P. Cap . 34 33 33 Para. F-L . 63H 59/p 61A Pa the Exch . 10 7 A 854 do "A" . 21 13A 19 28% Radio K-A-O ... . 3054 Stanley Cx) . 321/2 30 30 *Univ. Pict. pfd.. .... 98 H Warner Bros 109J4 97 10254 do pfd . 51 45 45 "Warner Pet. rts. 3A CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. . . . 7Vi y/n 7A Bal. & Katz . ?454 7454 7454 Columbia Pet. . 31'A 30'/, 31% Con. Fm. Ind. . . 24% 23 24 5i Fox Thea. "A" . . . 29-4 29 29J^ Griffith, D.W. "A ' 2 154 2 Intern. Proj . 54 50 50 *Loew do deb. rts. 30% Nat. Scr. Ser. . . 25^ 25 25 Nat. Thea. Sup. . . 10 7 9 A Trans-Lux . 15% 145^ 14% Univ. Pict . 2m 21% 21% BOND MARKET Keith AG 6s 46. . 92}4 92 A 92'/, Loew 6s 41 ww.. AU 112 110J4 do 6s 41 x-war.. ■ 9&'A 97/, 97A Paramount 6s 47. . ■ 99^ 99 99 Par. By. S^s 51 .102^ 102 102 Pathe 7s 37 . 80 79 79 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 . . 96 95 95 ♦Warner 6^s 28 • • . > .... 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" . 30 33 do units . 31 35 . 3'A 40 4 A 44 Skouras Bros. Technicolor . la'A 19 United Art . 5 10 do pfd . 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2 do pfd . 75 85 Sales 1,200 2,900 600 12,900 1,000 600 14,500 100 200 5,000 50,600 29,600 2,300 54,000 900 54',766 2,700 9,600 200 300 6,200 51,400 300 400 "300 700 10,300 100 2 5 21 57 5 2 PLANS FOR TRAVELTONE MARKETING OOTLINED Plans for marketing Traveltone were outlined yesterday confirming exclusive announcement in THE FILM DAILY yesterday that Tra- veltone Cinesonore Co., Inc., had se- scured rights of the Nakken patents to manufacture sound-on-film equip- ment, under photo-electric cell sys- tem of Theodore Nakken. Machines will be sold outright to exhibitors for $2,950, plus a royalty fee of $5 per week for 14 years to the Nakken - Lumophone interests, which control the 70 Nakken pat- ents. This fee, according to Maurice Livingston, general manager of Tra- veltone, will not be collected while a theater is dark or when a machine fails to function. No installation or service fee will be levied. Present plans call for first deliv- eries about April 15. The machine is a synchronous and non-synchrom- ous disc and sound-on-film device and will be manufactured for portable and regular theater use. It can be re-synchronized, while in operation, or by remote control. Recording equipment will be manu- factured for sale to licensed pro- ducers. Woodhull Making Talks With censorship once again being proposed in New Jersey. R. F. Wood- hull, president of the M.P.T.O.A., is making a series of talks throughout the state. Yesterday he addressed the Continental Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution at a meeting in Plainfield, N. J. COL. COOPER REELECTED CANADIAN ASS'N HEAD Toronto — Three hundred sixty- nine arbitration cases involving $111,326 were filed in Canada last year, 100 of which were settled prior to hearing. Col. John Cooper, who was reelected president, reported at the fourth annual meeting yesterday of the M. P. Distributors and Ex- hibitors Ass'n of Canada. Satisfac- tory progress of the organ-zation, increase in the number of theaters and film rentals in the Dominion dur- ing the year, were shown in the re- port. Cooper has been president since inception of the organization. Directors reelected are: Henry Xathanson, (Regal Films) ; James Travis (Canadian Educational); P C. Taylor (RKO); Morris Milligan (Famous Lasky Film Service); R S. Bell (First National); Claire Hague (Canadian Universal) ; J. P. O'Loghhn (Fox); B. F. Lyon (Vita- graph); Jack Arthur (Famous Play- ers). Previewing Banky Talker "This Is Heaven," Vilma Banky's first dialogue picture for Samuel Goldwyn, will be previewed at the Astor, New York, tomorrow morn- ing to an invited audience. •LAST PRICE QUOTED >---" CaU WAFILMS, Inc. Walter A. Putter, Pres. for Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46th St.. New York Bryant 8181 Conte With World Wide Eugene Conte, musical director, has been engaged by World-Wide Pic- tures, as an assistant to S. M. Berg head of World Wide music synchron- izing department. Brown Returning Today Colvin W. Brown, executive vice president of Pathe, returns to New York today from Europe. B.I.P. Head Arriving John Maxwell, managing director of British International Pictures, ar- rives in New York today from Lon- don. Dorothy Famum Sailing Dorothy Farnum, Al-G-M scenario writer, who did the script of Ramon Novarro's new film, "The Pagan," is in New York and sails Friday for a vacation abroad. Fox Follies on Wide Screen Fox Movietone Follies are to in- troduce the wide screen sponsored by Fox. The musical film is being shot with an oversize film. Van Dyke at AMPA Meeting W. S. Van Dyke will be guest at tomorrow's meeting of the AMPA. ''BUDDY'' HARRIS now photographing talking comedy shorts for Harry Delf. De Forest Studio Let Us Solve Your Problems ! Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCORPORATED 1540 B'WAY N.Y.C. TELEPHONE BRYANT 3040 The Industry's Date Book March 28 Opening of "The Trial of Mary A •, . Dugan," at Embassy, New York. April 5 Opening of "Coquette" at Rivoli- U. A., New York. April 6 Warner - First National - Stanley Frolic at Commodore Hotel, New York. April 8 Opening of "Alibi" at 44th Street New York. April 8 Opening "The Desert Song" at War- ner, Los Angeles. April 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn- sylvania Exhibitor Unit at Pitts- burgh. April 16 Opening of "Show Boat" at Globe New York. ' May 1 Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal. REQUIRED Two good Film Salesmen for New York Territory. Preference given to men with Independent Exchange Ex- perience. Write stating experience, salary, commission expected. Box care Film Daily, 1650 B'way, N.Y.C. An Asset To Any Theatre! I can truthfully say that your song film trailers are an asset to any the- atre, regardless how large or small the house may be. GOULDEN THEATRES CORP. By Louis B. Goulden, Pres. Indianapolis, Ind. Columbia Pictures CORPORATION Announces that it has in course of production "FLIGHT" and "AVIATION" Copyrighted and AU Rights Reserved "WE NEVER DISAPPOINT" mmm £ABORAT0RiE? INCORPORATED - 220 WEST 42^-° STREET NEW YORK Phone: WlSconiOn 6876 ALLAN A.LOWNES.CEN.MCR. THE Greatest HAS Ever BEEN M^O^ THe ....Uayet presents Trial ot the P^*^ Better than Directed to VEll-^'t^ LEFT: The opening gun in one of the biggest news- paper campaigns ever put behind a great picture. B Ish^v -LEWI* sto«t .l3RSD^^ EW u^^^^ 28 /~ 7 ttt IT'S ON BROADWAY AT $2- You Can Book It NOW! All New York awaits the second great AlU Talking MetrO'Qoldivyn'Mayer Picture! Coni' ing right after "The Broadway Melody/' "The Trial of MaryDugan*' establishes -firmly in the public mind the supremacy of M-Q-M in the entire field of TALKINQ pictures. Watch for more Big Ones to Come! •¥1 yjt V- £ i^Y^ r^ W THE Echoes of U. S. Suit ijBy CHARLES F. HYNESi MAYBE H. M. Richey didn't see red Monday. After having spent the major portion of two weeks waiting to be called, Richey went back to Detroit Thursday, but was sum- moned again Sunday. And, he wasn't even called. However, Edwin P. Grosvenor, de- fense counsel, summoned Richey to the stand, to answer that he had been asked by Will H. Hays to becoTne contact man in the organization, under the proposed plan to bring unaffiliated exhibitors without vote into the M.P.T.O.A. It was, as Abraham F. Myers, presi- dent and general counsel of Allied States Ass'n., remarked, a case of many are called but few are chosen. The list of excused government wit- nesses includes: Sydney S. Cohen, Sidney Samuelson, Fred Herrington, Steve Bauer, Otto Lehr, E. P. Smith and James Ritter. Nathan Yamins finally ivas placed on the stand Monday, after cooling his heels for a week, following a summons from, Pinehurst, N. C. And, who, Grosvenor queried, is H. M. Richey? "That fellow there in the front row," was Nate's quick rejoinder. It looked as though counsel had made a trade; Grosvenor calling Richey and the government placing C. C. Pettijohn on the stand. Pettijohn had a long face during the suit. Here he's gone all through the trial wlthoi.it a chance to talk. The government came to his aid and placed him on the stand, getting his speech at the Los Angeles conven- tion into the record. Costly Suit of the government against distributors, the Hays organization and Film Boards of Trade is understood to have cost the Dept. of Justice in the neighborhood of $300,000. The department's probe was begun two years ago. On the other hand, the defendants are said to have spent around $100,000 on the case. The government subpoenaed a num- ber of the records of Sydney S. Cohen. To him it was just a single reeler with no sound or effects. KNOW YOUR SHORTS Know who is making sound shorts- Know what they are — Know how good they are — What system is used — And how good they sound — Know who is making silent shorts — (there are a great many un wired houses) Know what they are — How good they are — Know the studios, directors, producers. Stars, players and what part they are Playing in building shorts, sound or silent. Everything pertaining to shorts, will be cov- ered carefully in the next SHORT SUBJECT QUARTERLY OF THE FILM DAILY OUT MARCH 31st Service, No Deposit Highlight of Trial (.Continued from Page 1) tion, questioned a number of its wit- nesses, to corroborate the conten- tion that exhibitors on arbitration lists could be and are served films on new contracts. Deposits are and can be demanded only on contracts existing at the time the award was defaulted, it was emphasized by de- fense testimony. There had been some misunderstanding of this rule, until it was clarified by Gabriel L. Hess at the Film Boards of Trade convention in May 1927, the evidence brought out. Daylight Saving Bill Defeated in California Sacramento, Cal. — Daylight saving bill, strongly supported by stock brokers, oil companies and broad- casters, has been defeated in the legis- lature, through efforts of film inter- ests. Vote for tabling the measure was 11 to 2. Opposition was led by W. H. Lollier and Major A. C. Wy- man of Fox West Coast, and Thomas D. Van Osten, secretary of Allied Amusement Industries. Wednesday, March 27, 1929 Fox at Grips With Balaban and Katz (.Continued from Page 1) New York. A new house in the loop which, re- ports declare, is designed to be the finest in the world. A big theater on the South Side across the street from B. & K.'s Tivoli. The site is understood to have been acquired. Acquisition of the National Play- house groups, formerly operated by the Cooney Bros. This includes the Capitol and Avalon, two de luxe houses on the South Side and ten other neighborhood theaters. Negotiations are also reported on with Jimmy Costen of the Costen booking circuit which buys films for a considerable number of houses throughout the city. As understood here, if these vari-, ous ends are tied into one big deal, the Marks Bros, would operate. Fox then would have a monster house downtown and five de luxe houses in various neighborhoods to give B. & K. plenty to think about. Columbia Net Estimated Net of the Columbia Picture Corp. of Hollywood for complete fiscal year ending June 30 next, after charges and provision for Federal tax, will approximate $400,000, equal to $16 a share on the 25,000 shares of no par value preferred stock or $3.25 a share on 100,000 shares of common, officials of company an- nounce to "The Wall St. News." This is against $249,931 or $10 a share on preferred or $1.75 on com mon for previous fiscal year. B. & K. Gets Delay for Filing U. S. Suit Answer Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington— Instruction has been given the district attorney at Chicago, to arrange for an extension of time until April 1 for filing of answer to the Dept. of Justice conspiracy case against Balaban & Katz and sub- sidiaries, and 13 distributors, charging restraint of trade and monopoly. The restraint was practiced through lim- iting product available to independ- ent exhibitors through long term ex- clusive contracts and long protection agreements. $1,000,000 South Africa Issue for Expansion (Continued from Page 1) ly oversubscribed state advices from Johannesburg, South Africa. The in- creased capitalization was the largest issue floated in South Africa, in re- cent years. Its purpose is to finance expansion program now under way by the company, which is adding rapidly to its chain of 60 South Af- rica houses. "Alibi" Opening April 8 "Alibi," all-talking underworld pic- ture, has its premiere at the 44th Street, New York, on Monday, April 8, instead of on Sunday, April 7. As the Marx Brothers do not close at the theater until midnight Saturday, the Western Electric engineers can- not move in to set about their wiring of this legitimate theater until the early hours of Sunday morning. Pickford Premiere April 5 "Coquette," Mary Pickford's all- talking screen production of the Broadway play success, will open at the Rivoli-United Artists, April 5, at a special $3. top reserved. Kusiel Going to India Sigwart Kusiel, who has been sales manager in Northern New Jersey for Universal's New York exchange, will sail Friday to take up the duties of sales supervisor for Universal in India. He will make his headquar- ters at Bombay, proceeding to India by way of Europe, stopping over in Stuttgart, Germany, for a brief stay with his family. Davis Heads Portland Film Boards Portland — Les Davis, veteran First National branch manager, is new president of the Film Board here. Davis replaces R. C. Hill, Warner manager, who was transfer- red to Seattle to fill vacancy caused by death of Carl Stearn. A. H. Huot is new Warner manager at Portland. BROADWAYS^ PHOTOPHONE PUBLIC recognition of the tonal superiority of RCA Photophone is in direct proportion to the showings of the pictures recorded by it. Nowhere is this truer than on Broadway — the testing ground of all things theatrical. Characteristic of the enthusiasm with which Photophone has been received on this famous thoroughfare, is the comment of Sime Silverman, editor of "Variety" upon the occasion of the showing of "Lucky Boy," starring George Jessel, at the Capitol Theatre, New York. Similar acclaim w as accorded ^'^ The Spieler," shown at the Roxy the same week, and "Strange Cargo" at the Paramount the preceding week, both Photophone-recorded. Mr. Silverman's comment on "Lucky Boy "follows: "If you want to accept this Photophone sounding, heard for the first time by this reviewer in a theatre {previously heard in the projection room of Photophone) as indicative of the possibilities of sound pictures, then Photophone seems to have it considerably over the others. ''Clear, without a blur or whirr, you must hear Jessel talk and sing to know how far ahead Photophone appears to be as a sound recorder and reproducer. In one number, 'My Real Sweet- heart,' which Jessel sings, he is supposed to be on the rear end of an observation car on a trans- continental train, //'s the actual sameness, as though Jessel were singing himself in 'one,' near the apron." Praise from such source is praise indeed, but the truest test of Photophone superlative qualities is to let it speak for itself in your theatre. It will give your audiences a new conception of the entertainment value of sound pictures— and your box office a new index of their popularity. Address all Inquiries to Commercial Department RCA PHOTOPHONE, INC Subsidiary of the Radio Corporation of America 411 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK I DENVER aiT-17Ui St., U. S. INatl. Bank Bldg. SAN FRANCISCO 235 Montgomery St., Ru^» Bldg. CHICAGO 100 W. Monroe St., Room 1810 TIFFAN/'/TAHL ANNOUNCED TO BE RELE^^ED IN T^I-IL PRODUCTIONc/^ INC l^^O BRO/DDV ANOTHER BOX-OFFICE XEN/ATION BEHKETT J"CREEN FAVORITE DAILV Wednesday, March 27, 1929 —AND THAT'S THAT By PHIL M. DALY * * * IMAGINE our embarrassment when David Belasco stopped us on Broadway the other day and greeted us by saying: "Hello, Ben Turpin!" A nifty blonde had just passed us on the righ-t as a redhead brushed past our left shoulder. And trying to look two ways at once — you know how it is. * * * EXHIBITORS' GOLDEN RULE Blessed are the meek, for they shall take it on the chin from the producers and get socked on the jaw by the dear public. * * * FINANCIAL Palooka Pictures common experi- enced a sharp decline when Wall Street bears heard they had taken over a cheese fac- tory as an experi- ment. But the bulls are not wor- ried. They know that Palooka Pic- tures have been cheese specialists all the time. r^L<^>'H.< Latest Song Hit My castle in Spain Is a shack in the lane /?!|V; Since bookingH ^ your pictures My theater's the same. Advice to the Lovelorn "A film salesman has been keep- ing company with me for two months, and all I get from him are passes to palooka picture houses. Do you think he really loves me?" — Anxious Gertie. Answer — If a film salesman gives you as much as a last weeks' news- paper, he must think a lot of you. But if he gives you theater passes, Gertie, he's just crazy about you. — Editor. * * * Sunday School Lesson The Lord made heaven and earth and saw that they were very good. Then the devil came along and *^\ made censors and ref o r m e r s, and now heaven and earth are not so good. That's why a lotta film folks S^are going to hell. Famous Film Conversations "How about a pass for tonight." Coast Wire Service "Bit" Casting Active 1,000 CALLS AHSWERED SINCE START ON TEB.IO More than 4,000 players have been registered and 1,000 studio calls for players answered by the "bit and part" department of the Ass'n of M. P. Producers since its inception Feb. 10, reports Mable Johnson, manager. The department is a separate or- ganization from the Central Casting Office, being organized at the re- quest of the actors to elini'nate crooked agents. The call comes from the studio casting office to Miss Johnson, who in turn looks in the files to see if said person or persons are available for certain date. The office then makes out a call sheet m triplicate mailing one to the actor's manager, one to the actor and re- tains one for its files. In this man- ner, a complete record can be Jiad at any time as to where an actor or actress is working and when he is available. Daily Showing of Films for Women's Clubs Plan Daily showings of pictures will be held at the Academy of M. P. Arts and Sciences for Coast reviewers of national women's organizations. Thir- ty or more organizations, with an estimated membership of nearly 10,- 000,000 will be represented. At present reviewers attend vari- ous previews and, in the majority of instances, do not see the picture in its final form. The pictures shown at the Academy will be the final ver- sions, and it is believed the new ar- rangement will result in more pic- tures being indorsed by the various clubs than heretofore. Among organizations which will be represented at the regular screen- ings will be the Federation of Wo- men's Clubs, D. A. R., the Interna- tional Ass'n of Policewomen, and the Parents'-Teachers' Ass'n. Starting Leonard Talker Eddie Leonard will start his first picture "Harmony Lane" in two weeks. Robert Hill will direct. With the aid of J. G. Hawks, he is making the adaptation from story. Jane La Verne, child player, will also ap- pear in this 100 per cent dialogue story. Mulhall Replaces Sills Jack Mulhall will play the star- ring role in "Pat and Mike," which was originally assigned to Milton Sills, who is ill in the East. Frank Lloyd will direct. Contract For Ian Keith First National has signed Ian Keith to a contract calling for three pictures in 1929. "U" Denies Report that Robert E. Welsh is leaving Universal is denied emphatically. Duties of the business manager are being handled jointly by Martin Murphy, production manager, and Sam Wiesenthal, assistant to Welsh. Patrons Demand, "Happy Ending," Is Bern's View The "happy ending" is provoking much interest at lectures being given in the "Introduction to Photoplay" course sponsored by the University of Southern California and the Acad- emy of M. P. Arts and Sciences. Motion picture "fans" desire the happy ending, according to Paul Bern, who was one of the lecturers. He declared spectators identify them- selves with the characters on the screen and seek happiness, "What I think they require is a happy end- ing that they can understand or an unhappy ending that they can understand," said Irv- ing; Thalberg, in his lecture, in referring to picture audiences. He cited the difference in the taste of New York audiences and audiences of smaller communities, giving the ending to "Love"' as an example. In New York, the unhappy ending was used and the picture was successful. When the picture reached the smaller communities, the specta- tors did not understand the unhappy ending, and the producers had to supply a happy ending. Margaret Livingston to Star in 6 for Columbia Columbia has signed Margaret Liv- ingston to star in six pictures. Cinephone Equipment on Coast Arrival of the first Powers Cine- phone recording apparatus at the Disney studios also marked the oc- casion of the first sound recording by this method of the initial subject of the Silly Symphonies series titled "The Skeleton Dance," Colleen Moore Schedule Set "Footlights and Fools" will fol- low "Smiling Irish Eyes" as a star- ring vehicle for Colleen Moore. The picture will be an all-dialogue pro- duction. "U" Assigrns Crauford Kent Crauford Kent has been added to cast of "Come Across," Ray Tay- lor's next directorial effort for Uni- versal, Lina Basquette and Reed Howes play the leading roles. Cla- rissa Selwynne also has an impor- tant role. Warners Add to Cast Nancy Welford and Nick Lucas have been added to the cast of "The Gold Diggers of Broadway." which will be made in color by Warners. A Little from it Lots ff By RALPH WILK Demond, Tec-Art Vice President Maurice Demond has been named vice president of the Tec-Art studios. Hollywood ■piRST NATIONAL is reported *- planning to remake "The Mar- riage Circle" as a talker. The orig- inal, directed by Ernst Lubitsch for Warners, was one of the screen's outstanding sophisticated comedy dramas. It will be interesting to see what is done with the new version. * * * Everyone will undoubtedly agree that Lupe Velez' work in "A Lady of the Pavements" entitled her to stardom, which is being awarded the Mexican actress by United Artists. * * * "Good •morning, friends. We en- joyed working with you." This was a message that F. Richard Jones and his assistant, Paul Jones, found in their office t'other morning. It was signed by I. W. Sindler, repre- senting "the gang." "The gang" omprised the men working on "Bull- dog Drummond," which Jones di- rected. * * * Neil Hamilton, imchallenged ma- gician king of the Paramount stu- dio, has serious competition in the person of Harry Green, the comed- ian. Neil visited "The Close Har- mony" set and found Green pulling a cigar from his ear and lighting it with a match. Later, he learned that he and Green are fellow members of a national magician's society. 1^ * * Larry Darmour is keeping in shape for his heavy produc- tion duties by starting each day with a tussle with a medicine baU. * * * Purnell Pratt, long a familiar fig- ure at the Lamb's Club, New York, is keeping busy on the Coast. After a long engagement in "Alibi" he was signed for an important role in "On With the Show," being produced by the Warners. * * * Hank Arnold, demon statistician of Santa Monica Boulevard, has un- earthed the fact that precisely 189,- 954 ft. of sound track were filmed during the mxiking of "Bulldog Drumw.ond." We wish to toss a bouquet in the direction of "Hank" for being the first press agent to submit an article on the amount of sound track footage used for a talker. * + * By the way, just to keep his sta- tistical record intact. Hank also un- covered the fact that approximately three and one-half miles of music were used by Hugo Riesenfeld in scoring "This Is Heaven." Hank de- clares Hugo had to supply separate sheets for each of his 45 musicians and the numerous sound experts, and that the total number of selections used exceeded 16,000 sheets of mu- sic. twice-a-week beginning with April 6 PAT HE SOUND NEWS -""""'"'''mill,,. MR. PATHE STRUTS AGAIN! Harry Reichenhach says ^^ Thank God for S/iow Boat'' BUT YOU CAN THANK PAT HE FOR MOTHER'S BOY We ivi/l excuse Mr. KeichenbacJi s extraordinary enthusiasm about the picture he is promoting, because, after all he has not seen our our ^^ Mother s Boy.'' Phil Reisman says, ''Let him be happy — // wouJd be cruel to show him Mother s Boy now." ''Mothers Boy" presents Morton Downey, Broadway s Golden Voiced tenor, with a cast which includes Helen Chandler, Beryl Mercer, Bar- bara Bennett and Osgood Perkins. The story was written by Gene Mar key. The picture was directed by Bradley Barker, and the production was supervised by Robert T. Kane. PATHE ALL TALKING ALL SINGING PICTURE SOUND ON FILM AND DISC IMMEDIATE DELIVERY Exhibitors Permanent Installations Also Road Showing at Your Theatre IrMveltone Licensed and Protected NAKKEN Patent No. 16,870 Producers Ask for Our Road Showing Proposition We Cover the Country $2,950 COMPLETE ON BOTH FILM & DISC NO INSTALLATION CHARGES ONLY $785 CASH REQUIRED. BALANCE IN SMALL PAYMENTS NO SERVICE CHARGES "Traveltone" has the new Heller Automatic Re-synchronizer. If the picture is "out of step" with the sound, either your operator or you can press a simple button and immediately put the picture "in step." These re-synchronizer buttons can be conveniently placed either in your office or in the theatre, so that you can quickly adjust any mistake or defect in the record. k Each "Traveltone" has two amplifiers, powerful enough for any theatre, eliminating all distortion and dead spots. "Traveltone" patents are non-infringing and carry complete protection. "Traveltone" can be at- tached to any make of pro- jector. PRODUCERS now ready to — We are license pro- ducers for making sound on film pictures under protected and controlled patents. Our equipment is available im- mediately. MANUFACTURERS— We are prepared to license you to manufacture sound on film reproducers under the Nakken Patents. Order today to secure Prompt Installation Orders Are Coming in Faster than Production Schedule Iraveltone General Offices: 729 Seventh Avenue, Ne^ir York, N. Y< Long Distance Phone: Bryant 2691 R-K-O Deal for Pantages Again Reported in L. A. :9f^ NEWSPAPER o/'FILMDOM ULTHE NEWS ALLTHE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 73 Thursday, March 28, 1929 Price 5 Cents 348 FORTV-ONI-: imit.s out Holly- wood way are busy making talkers. For next season early compilations place the num- ber at 348. For a trifle more than half there will be silent versions. The difference will be made up of dialogue and singing pictures, sans silent prints. The industry unquestionably is concentrating the full force of its efforts on sound. Arguments to the contrary are not sui)ported by the facts. This is, of course, a reflec- tion of public demand and, if so as we have no doubt it is, the con- clusion is that the big money will continue to be found in sound films. Closing In As the days shp by and the now selHnj; seasons approaches, it grows more apparent that the unwired ex- hibitor is finding himself in a tight spot. The flow of silent product, fea- ture and short, may prove inadequate to meet the requirements of unwired houses. The exhibitor then will either have to nab an ec|uipmcnt, comb out unplayed, available pictures from re- lease lists or do considerably more worrying. Rejuvenation John Maxwell, who ranks high in the British industry, speaking: "Sound means a rebirth to the indus- try, in America and abroiid. The process of rejuvenation is complete. The spec- tacle of several powerful companies, self- satisfied with their position and their power sitting back contented with their progress is being eliminated. Sound is proving a great leveller." All opinion to which many in the industry subscribe. On differences in colloquialisms and language idioms. Maxwell foresees no radical difficul- ties. It is his opinion well-made American talkers will prove accept- able in all English-speaking countries. Here we are prone to disagree. There are figures of speech tliat fit too smugly into the American mould to be understood in England or her colonies exactly as the English spok- en in Britain often falls on unfamiliar ears in this country. KANN STORM AGAINST W.E. IN ENGLAND GATHERS FORCE By ERNIiST W. FREDMAN Editor, "The Daily Film Renter" London — Storm against Western Electric is rapidly gathering force among British exhibitors. At the annual meeting of the C.E.A.. Vic- tor Davis, the retiring president, said that it was "monstrous" that interchangeability should not be per- mitted. It was not impossible that the government might be induced to step in to protect the interests of the British industry and prevent the objects of the Films Act from being flouted. This attitude Was sui)portcd at a meeting of the London and home counties branch whicli, however, dc- l)lored the inaction of the association on the matter hitherto. F. H. Cooper, new president of the C.E.A. {Continued on Parte 7) ENGLAND SOLD ON SOUND SAYS BROWN ON RETURN The big topic of the day in England is talking pictures, according to Col- vin Brown, executive vice-president of Pathe. who arrived in New York vesterday on the Berem'aria. "They have had a taste, just that, of talking pictures in England and arc -eady for more. Sound is the talk of the trade there as it is here. "In France, there are three installa- tions and all of them are in boulevard theaters in Paris. Widespread lean- ings toward sound have not developed there as thev have across the channel in England." Brown was away Irom New York for a month. He spent all of his time ill England and France on company business. SCHENCK ON COAST FOR WARNER DEAL ANSWER? Talkers and Silent West Coast Bur. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — First Nation- al, Pathe and Warners intend to continue with silent product next year, their production plans show. First National will make 35 talkers, all of which will be made as silents; Pathe will make from 24 to 30 talkers, all of which will have silent versions and War- ners plans 35 talkers, 30 of which also will be silents. N.Y. ARBITRATORS BEAR DOWN ON FILNHOLDOVEItS Holding over prints is getting to be expensive in the New York territory, for arbitrators are bearing down on violators. This was emphasized again yesterday when three awards for $250 each were made in favor of Warners, R-K-O and Universal against the Maple, JefTersonville, N. Y., for one holdover in each case brought. Louis Nizer ajipearcd for the plaintiffs in the cases brought under the copyright law. Lower Insurance Rates in N. Y. Zone are Secured Reduction in insurance rates for theaters in the New York City divi- sion has l)een secured through eflforts of the M.P.T.O.A. auxiliary depart- (CovtiuHcd on Paye 6) Goodman Coast Visit Revives Report of R-K-O- Pantages Deal Pathe Audio Review to Make Bow on Screen Pathe Audio Review is being launched by Pathe, and prints of the first issues are on the way to ex- changes. Terry Ramsaye, editor of Pathe Review, edits the Audio Re- view, production of which has been (.Continued on Page 6) ;i,-.<( Coa.^ 101J4 Pathe 7s 37 79^ 79 79J4 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36.. 96 93 "^ 96 •Warner b'As 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Koxy "A" 30 ii do units 31 35 .... do com 3y2 4yi Skouras Bros 40 44 .... Technicolor 18 18J4 United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. ("h com. . . 2 do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 1,000 700 3O0 7,300 '266 300 5,900 100 300 2,200 300 20,700 3,100 31,200 1,000 33,360 1,100 5,400 '166 6,000 6,166 500 8,700 300 Another F. N. Opening "His Captive Woman," will have its premiere at the Central, New York, April 2, succeeding "Weary River." Union Dispute Settled Birmingham — Difficulties between operators' union and the Rialto and Princess were settled with the sign- ing of a contract by the twb thea- ters. Demands of the musicians have been withdrawn. It is also said that the union will take into mem- bership one of the operators employ- ed at the Rialto during the strike. "Desert Song" Premiere IVest Cuast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — "The Desert Song" will have its world premiere at the Warner theater April 8. A $5 top will be Ciiarged for the opening showing, but starting April 9 the picture will be shown continuously at popular prices. Synchronizing "Piccadilly" World Wide will synchronize "Pic- cadilly," introducing songs, dances and effects, and will release it in a month, sinuiltaneous with the Broad- way showing, which the company says is scheduled. Otterson Returns to N. Y. J. E. Otterson, president of Elec- trical Research Products, which mar- kets Western Electric sound projec- tion equipment, returned to New York yesterday from Europe. Loew's Books Lupe Velez Lupe Velez, will make personal appearances with "The Lady of The Pavements" at Loew's Penn, Pitts- burgh, the week of April I, and Loew's Stanle)', Baltimore, the week of April 15. Sovkino Film Opens Saturday "Revolt on the Volga," new Sov- kino production, will have its Ameri- can premiere at the Film Guild Cin- ema, New York, on Saturday. Films Dropped at N. Y. House Combination policy is being aban- doned at the Riverside, R-K-O house at Broadway and 96th St., and the theater is reverting to straight vaude- ville. Portland Walk Out Settled Portland, Ore. — Musicians and stage hands' organizations have re- turned to the Hippodrome. The house will use fewer musicians and stage hands. Dowling Premiere Set World premiere of Eddie Dowling's first starring all-talking musical com- edy "The Rainbow Man" will be April 16 at the Selwyn, New York, it is announced by O. E. Goebel and George W. Weeks who will present the stage star in his first Sono-Art production. "Mother's Boy" on Discs "Motiier's Boy," with Morton Downey will be synchronized on discs as well as by the RCA-Pho- phone sound-on-film method. Bradley Barker directed the picture from the story by Gene Markey at the New York studio. RKO Signs Two Radio Pictures has signed Ann Greenway, vaudeville headliner, for featured roles in "Rio Rita" and "Hit the Deck." Pearl Eaton is en route to Hollywood to start producing tlie dance numbers for the two pictures. Van Dyke Unit Sails Friday W. S. Van Dyke is in New York. Edw/ina Booth, who will have the feminine lead in "Trader Horn," is also here. The company unit will sail for Europe on the He de France Friday, bound for Mombasa, Africa. Le Maire Selecting Beauties George Le Maire will select live girls for the "Pathe Pretties," the beauty group in the Pathe-Le Maire talicing comedies, at the Elephant Fund Ball in Brooklyn to-day. Le Maire will have B. A. Rolfe, Rudy Vallee and Paul Ash as asso- ciate headliners. Snyder to Edit for Cameramen Si Snyder, for several years editor of "The American Cinematographer,'' has resigned to edit the new month- ly publication established by the Cameramen's Union. Local 659. Flal R. Hall succeeded him on the camera- men's paper. Secures "Bachelor Club" Rights Frank Bates, of Paris, has closed with Oscar Price of General Pic- tures for distribution of "The Bach- elors' Club" in Germany, Scandinavia and Belgium. Named Educ'l Comptroller Dario L. Faralla has been appointed comptroller of Educational, to suc- ceed Charles Van Zandt, recently re- signed. YEARBOOIt 1929 ^^^ i EVERYBODY USES IT I am certain this book will prove to be of interest to me— the same as it has for many years past. HERMAN STARR Pres. First hlational Pictures FREE to Film Daily Subscribers Subscription $10.00 Foreign $15.00 m The Industry's Date Book Today: Opening of "The Trial of Mary Dugan," at Embassy, New York. April 5 Opening of "Coquette" at Rivoli- U. A., New York. April 6 Warner - First National - Stanley Frolic at Commodore Hotel, New York. April 8 Opening of "Alibi" at 44th Street New York. April 8 Opening "The Desert Song" at War- ner, Los Angeles. April 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn- sylvania Exhibitor Unit at Pitts- burgh. April 16 Opening of "Show Boat" at Globe, New York. May 1 Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal. May 6-9 Spring Meeting of Society of M.P. Engineers in New York. Film Pioneer to Talk San Francisco — John D. Isaacs, re- tired consulting engineer of the Southern Pacific, will be a principal speaker at the Stanford University memorial celebration, honoring Ed- ward Muybridge, who is credited with being the first to make pictures of moving objects. Isaacs, who is 90 years old, also has many sup- porters, who declare he was the first to make pictures of objects in mo- tion. One of his strongest supporters is Terry Ramsaye. Muybridge was a professional pho- tographer, who was engaged by President Leland Stanford to photo- graph a horse race 30 years ago. Isaacs also set up a row of cameras to photograph the race. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Theatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3580 The HOTEL Jefferson ON THE OCEAN END OF KENTUCKY AVE. ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. AN HOTEL WHOSE COMFORTS WILL ASSURE ONE OF FULL ENJOYMENT OF THIS GLO- RIOUS RESORT. Each Room has Bath — Strictly Fire- proof — Luxurious Lobbies — Sundeck Overlooking the Ocean. Golf Privilege* American Plan $7 up European Plan $4 up OWNERSHIP— MANAGEMENT FETTER & HOLLINGER TALKING OF B. O. RECORDS ! You don't know the half of It" until you HEAR as well as SEE Her First Paramount All-Talking Picture. By the author of "Flam- ing Youth." Directed by Dorothy Arzner. Adaptation and Dialogue by E. Lloyd Sheldon. Also available silent. Yor Ml ST Choose! Rifiht nowyoii must choose I Be- tween ordinary talking pielures — and super talking attractions like Clara «ow in "THE Will) PAKTY" (PARAMOUNT). Be- PARAM THE ONE LEAHER tween uncertanity as to your future in sound — and guaranteed talking hits week after week, like Jeanne Eagels in "THE LETTER", Maurice ( hevalier in "IINISO- CEN TS OF PARIS", Richard Dix in' NOTHING BLTTHETRITH'% "CLOSE HARMONY"' and 15 more from PARAMOL NT before Aug. 1. CHOOSE — between the back seat — and the golden profits that reward exhibitors who book UNT IN SOUND ! MR. PATHE STRUTS AGAIN! twice-a-week beginning with April 6 PAT HE SOUND NEWS THE Pathe Audio Review to Make Bow on Screen (Continued from Page 1) in progress for three months at the Pathe sound studios in New York, under direction of T. J. Ryan-Ho- gan and in Culver City under direc- tion of Donn McElwaine. Special film stock by Pathe-DuPont will per- mit tint and tone treatments said to be unique. Prints for the first eight issues are in the laboratories. Technicolor Closes Deal For Tremont Laboratory Technicolor has purchased the Tre- mont film laboratory, in which it will install its own equipment. The com- pany's present plant will be contin- ued, as well as the Boston release laboratories. ANSON lA BROADWAY AT 75 ST. NLW YOPK Patrons of Prominence Choose the Ansonia! 1400 Large Homelike Rooms Comfortable Fumishingg Soundproof Walla Rates will surely please! Rooms with private bath from $3 per day For two from $S per day Parlor, bedroom and bath from $6 per day Booklet on Request Wire at our expense for Reservations Dipson Expanding Into West Virginia Territory Wheeling, W. Va. — Nikitas Dip- son, head of Theatrical Utilities Corp., which has a chain of New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio houses, has leased the Capitol here, and will take over the house May 1. Famous Players Planning Canada's 2 Biggest Houses Toronto — Plans of new theater to be erected by Famous Players Canadian Corp., in the heart of Toronto show that it will have 5,000 seats, making it the largest in Canada. The present largest Canadian house is the Toronto Pantages with 3,700 seats. The the- ater will have frontages on Yonge, Hayter and Gerrard Sts. The struc- ture will be eight stories high and the offices will accommodate the head- quarters of the Canadian corporation. Arrangements are also well under way for the erection of a theater in Montreal by Famous Players, to seat 4,500. This, too, will have an office tower. Lower Insurance Rates in N. Y. Zone are Secured (Continued from Page 1) mcnt, the exhibitor organization an- nounced yesterday. Lower rates have been brought about on sound repro- duction equipment, it is stated Re- duction of rates, in line with the New York arrangements are to be extended to other sections, it is de- clared. Seeks Injunction Brockton, Mass. — I. Manuel Ru- bin, representing Morris Pearstein, has asked for a permanent injunction against the Musicians' Stage Employ- ers' and Moving Picture Operators' Union, restraining them from operat- ing against the Majestic theater. Damages are also sought. Press Sheet Issued for Theaters Wired by W. E. Press sheet on Western Electric sound systems now is being issued by Electrical Research Products. The campaign book contains advertising layouts, press stories and illustra- tions. Mats and cuts are furnished free. The sheet contains copies of the first advertisement in national advertising campaign the company now is conducting. Enlargements are being mailed to all wired houses and reprints of subsequent adver- tisements are to be available for all wired houses without charge. Claudert Colbert Signed Claudert Colbert, appearing in the stage show, "Dynamo," has been signed for sound pictures by Para- mount, through the Edward Small Play Co. First appearance will be in "Lady Lies" at the Long Island studio. Renews Rathbone's Contract Option on contract of Basil Rath- bone has been exercised by M-G-M. Thursday, March 28, 1929 Flood and Rain Paralyze All Business in Alabama Montgomery, Ala. — With large areas in the state inundated, and heavy rainfall continuing, a new flood crisis has been precipitated. Thou- sands are homeless, roads washed out, traffic almost paralyzed in cer- tain sections, and general demorali- zation has resulted. Business is virtually at a stand- still in the stricken areas, the work of rescue and relief being the one imperative consideration. In other sections where rising waters offered no great menace the torrential rains have slowed up everything. Even after the waters subside it will take weeks to restore property damage and make evacuated areas habitable. Bad Weather and Roads Cause Hardships in Tenn. Memphis — General business condi- tions in Tennessee are bad. Contin- ued bad weather and bad roads have seriously hampered traffic to say nothing of the fact that building con- struction and farm work are at a standstill. Theaters in small towns here have been the worst sufferers. World's Best Market FOR SOUND EQUIPMENT IS FULLY COVERED ONLY BY g^ THE NEW YORK xSTATE mj^IBIToR ^'^'^BR^rfty ^VPPLEMtNf TELL THEM YOUR STORY IN THE SOUND NUMBER OUT APRIL STH Barrist-Good'win Publications 219-23 N. Broad St. Philadelphia Battk Over Sunday Opening Chickasha, Okla. — Opening on Sunday of a local theater has resulted in an impending battle. Although no ordinance against Sabbath shows exist, no performances have been given in many years. Ministers have banded to insist upon passage of an ordinance making Sunday shows il- legal. Seek New Vote on "Blue" Law Chicago — Petition bearing 400 signatures has been presented to Gib- son City Council, asking for a second referendum of Sunday pictures at the forthcoming April election. At a spe- cial election in July, 1928, a "blue" law was enacted by majority of 19. "Blues" Win in Orlando Fight Orlando, Fla. — Voters have de- cided by a margin of 150, not to re- peal an existing city ordinance which prohibits showing of pictures on Sunday. Daylight Saving Protested ^Vest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Film executives, players and directors have protested against enactment of the daylight saving bill introduced in the state senate. Montreal Goes Daylight Montreal — Without objection, city council voted on daylight saving, commencing April 28, and ending Sept. 29. Voters approved the meas- ure in a referendum last summer. Club Attacks Crime in Films Madison, Wis. — Stickers attacking newspapers and theaters for publica- tion and showing of articles and plays featuring gun play, violence, crime and weak morals, have been distributed by the Common Sense Club. THE Thursday, March 28, 1929 -.gg^ DAILY -AND THATS THAT By PHIL M. DALY TO-UAV'S Gcriuaii tihn (iiiota is set at 210. When it gets a lit- tle hinhor why not split it three for one and put it on a dividend hasis. * * * Have you a Httle merger in your office? * * * TO-DAY'S BRIDGE STORY By .-Irthui Lociy.' First Deaf Bidder: "I'll hid two ''<-*=*''ts. ,„, , . , Second Deaf Bidder: "1 U hid one spade. Third Deaf Bidder: •Til hid one club. ,.,, Fourth Deaf Bidder: '111 pass, too." * * * Ode to a Silent Star Little Boy Blue Come blow your drum These new talk- ing pictures Have made nie a bum. DIRT A young lady jui^t told us that a man had just phoned to tell her that he had just heard it from his brother-in-law who got it straight from a cavteraman that a director who is married was seen out in Hollywood one evening last week with an extra girl. A Film Tragedy Here is a photo- graph of an exhibitor who has not had anything to eat for eleven weeks. He re- fused to put in s o u n d equipment and his patronage has dwindled to his liead usher and his ticket cliopper. STOCK MARKET NOTE .Since the stock market explosion an accurate check-up by Phil M. Daly of Motion Picture Chili nieni- bers reveals the startling informa- tion that 16 are missing, 11 are in the insane asylum, three started swimming to Europe and seven are in jail for beating their wives. The Club House is deserted. FAMOUS FILM CONVERSA- TIONS "The Report is Ridiculous" British Intern'l Set on All-Talker Program {CLiiiliitueii from I'mjc 1) muiihI wiili RCA recortUnu (-(iiiip- nunt. \'eliicles will include straight dialoguers, t)peratic, singing and danc- ing stories as the current market max dictate. Maxwell, a prominent figure in the British industry, is of the opinion tliat this is very much the day of sound picture. "I first formulated this opin- ion when I was in New York in Au- gust," he told THF. hlLM DAILY \esterday," and since then events have strengthened the conviction. The production plans for British Interna- tional offer proof of our opinion on talking pictures." Maxwell said that to date there are 150 theaters in England wired for sound and that, Ijy the end of the year, he anticipates the figure will reach between 600 and 700. Of the present total, he imagined there were about 25 Western Electric reproduc- ers in operation, a few RCA-Photo- phones and the remainder English- made devices. Asked about the quota, he declared the passage of the Films Act had ac- complished a purpose in definitely focussing the attention of the public on the production situation to the end that finances were more easily obtain- able. Maxwell will remain in New York two or three weeks and may go to the Coast to study the talker situation. Storm Against W. E. in England Gains Force (.Continued from Page 1) expressed the opinion the day before that many exhibitors would rue the day on which they had signed con- tracts for equipment, and he advised members not to buy a "pig in a poke" which would turn round and "squeal at patrons with a nasal twang." Meanwhile the question is being taken up by the Federation of Brit- ish Industries. At a recent meeting it was decided to take steps to insure that exhibitors shall have full free- dom to install any equipment, and to use it for the exhibition of any pic- tures. In view of the urgency of the mat- ter it was agreed to set up a special coniniittec to consider the problem in detail, and decide upon some line of concerted action. IN '•=.< r" Franco-Film to Outline U. S. Releasing Plans American releasing plans of Fr.in- co- Film are to be announced at a 'press gathering in Xew York today by Herbert Hurcl. executive director of the French company. A number of pictures are slated to be released by the company. Hurel, who sails for France Friday, has named M. Ed- ward Sullivan American representa- tive of the F'rench company. He formerly was managing director of the Little Carnegie Plavhouse, New York. ADVERTISING THERE i; NO SUBSTITUTE FOR GOOD RES ULTS During the past few months we persuaded several of our adver- tisers to "key" their ads. And the coupon returns were more than gratifying — in fact one advertiser declared the results to be amaz- ing. Another firm, formerly oper- ating in a strictly local field has expanded into a national business after satisfactory tests in our papers. You Want RESULTS — You Get Them Thru Associated Publications National in Scope — Local in Service THEc DAILY Thursday, March 28, 1929 Short Shots from New York Studios ^i^By ARTHUR W. EDDi A TRAIN from the West has landed Anthony Moreno and Duncan Rinaldo in New York. The former sails Friday for a Spanish vacation, the latter joins the W. S. Van Dyke unit which embarks Friday for Africa to make exter- iors for "Trader Horn." The unit, by the way, includes Harry Carey, who plays the trader himself; Ed- winna Booth, recruited from the ranks of extras; George Kann, busi- ness manager; Clyde de Vinne, first camera; George Nogle, second cam- era, and Robert Roberts, still man. After shooting on "Jealousy" is finished each week end, Jeanne Eagels, its star, retires to her new Italian villa at Aubum-on-the-Hud- son. Kay Francis, who does a wicked piece of vamping in "Gentlemen of the Press" (the Paramount studio gang is mighty enthusiastic about this one), soon departs Coastward with a Paramount contract. She last worked in "The Cocoanuts," also a Paramount film. It looks like Robert Florey, recent arrival from Havayia, and Joseph Santley, will co-direct on a talking version of "Kid Boots," with Eddie Cantor doing the comics. Para- mount made this speechlessly a few years ago. James R. Cowan of the Para- mount studio is seeking rest and quiet at White Sulphur Springs, Va., leaving his secretary, Helen Straus, to carry on. Johnnie Butler of the same outfit has resumed activities at the plant following an Atlantic City vacation. Syd Newman, his secre- tarial aide, represented him during his absence. The Paramount studio force is proud of the prowess of George Folsey, ace cameraman, on the ping pong court as well as behind a pic- ture-taking apparatus. During the noon-hour skirmishes he has shown championship form, with William Mills, William Saulter, Frank Tours as keen competition. With the personnel of the Para- mount studio constantly expanding since its reopening, the duties of Bill Clark, head of its accounting depart- ment, have been considerable multi- plied. S. C. Chapman, superintendent of sound for Paramount, is the inventor of an adjustable camera support for use in a sound proof booth. It elim- inates the cumbersome tripod. Ernest Maas will make Para- mount's initial exteriors with its newly-acquainted Movietone truck, Iirobably the first of a sound-record- ing fleet. The subject will be golf course excitement, Coast Wire Service Hollywood Happenings Academy Plans Dinner For Making Merit Award Ways and Means Committee of the Academy of M. P. Arts and Sciences is making plans for the first annual awards dinner, which will be held on or about May 1 and at which time the awards of merit will be presented. Next year, the awards will not be made public until the day of the dinner. The Ways Committee com- prises Harry Rapf, chairman; Con- rad Nagel, Jane Murfin, Fred Niblo, Fred Pelton. The dinner will be held at the Hotel Roosevelt, with Doug- las Fairbanks presenting the awards. Bern Returns to M-G-M As Associate Producer Paul Bern has rejoined M-G-M as an associate producer under Irving Thalberg. Tully Marshall in "Fu Manchu" TuUy Marshall has been signed for "The Insidious Dr. Fu Manchu", film adaptation of Sax Rohmer's story now being made with a cast headed by Warner Oland, O. P. Heg- gie, Neil Hamilton, Jean Arthur and William Austin. It is being directed by Rowland V. Lee. Zane Grey Story Started Zane Grey's "Stairs of Sand," is in production at Paramount with the following cast: Wallace Beery, Jean Arthur, Fred Kohler, Chester Conk- lin, John Darrow, Guy Oliver and Leone Lane. Otto Brower is di- rectinpf. Two Directors Sign Contract of Albert S. Rogell has been renewed by Columbia. He di- rected "The Lone Wolf's Daughter" for the company. Frank Strayer also has signed a contract to direct for Columbia. Theme Song for Costello Film "My Madonna" is the title given to the theme melody for Dolores Costello's next Vitaphone produc- tion, "Madonna of Avenue A." The words are by Billy Rose and the music is the work of Fred Fisher and Louis Silvers. Max Laemmle, Wyler Appointed Max Laemmic has been appointed a supervisor and Robert Wyler has been named a director at Universal. "Hurricane" To Be Made by Ince Ralph Ince is to direct "Hurricane" for Columbia, with Hobart Bosworth starred. Camille Horn Report Denied Denial is again made of report that Camilla Horn is leaving United Artists. Her contract does not ex- pire until September. Names Hovey as Aide Carl Hovey has been named assist- ant to Benjamin Glazer at Pathe. Warners Spends $750,000 Remodeling Vita. Plant Rebuilding of the old Vitagraph studio at "Talmadge and Prospect Sts., is to cost $750,000, and not $150,000, as previously stated. Two sound stages have been completed and a third is under way. Montague Named Scenario Editor at Para. Studio Edward J. Montague has been named scenario editor at Paramount, succeeding Geoffrey Shurlock, who has been appointed an editorial su- pervisor on production. Heads Scientific Research Department for Fox Ralph Hanuneras has left First National to head the scientific research department at Fox. Cast Additions to "Diversion" Wilfred Noy, Wilson Benge and Ilka Chase have been added to the cast of "Diversion," First Na- tional's adaptation of the stage play by John Van Druten which John Griffith Wray is directing. Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., is playing the leading role and other parts have been as- signed to Carniel Myers, Holmes Herbert and Kenneth Thompson. New Academy Members Membership of the Academy of M. P. Arts and Sciences has been raised to 378 by the enrollment of Harry Warner, Albert Warner, Hal Wallis and Carl Laemmle, Jr., for the pro- ducers' branch and Sidney Lazarus for the writers branch. Membership is by invitation only. Leading Woman for Barthelmess Richard Barthelmess is to have two leading women for his First Nation- al-Vitaphone picture, "Drag", they are Alice Day and Lila Lee. Recent cast additions include: Katherine Ward, Margaret Fielding and Lucien Little- field. Frank Lloyd is directing. Garbo in "Anna Christie" Anna Christie is to be remade as a talker, this time by M-G-M. Gre'ta Garljo will be starred under Clarence Brown's direction. The Eugene O'Neill play was made sev- eral years ago by Thomas H. Ince, with Blanche Sweet in the title role. Cruze Selects Vehicles James Cruze is to make "The Soul of the Tango" as a talker starring Gaston Glass and also plans to pro- duce "The Roadshow." Newman Loses Foot Kurt Newman, Universal director, injured recently in an auto accident has had his left foot amputated. A Little from **Lots** By RALPH WILK Hollywood PDDIK BYRNES, who hobnobbed '-^ witli Euroijean royalty when he ac- companied D. W. Griffith a few years ago, is en route to New York. Eddie spent a year on the Coast, but is anxious to re-enter eastern produc- tion. * * * Jules White, director of Cam,eo Comedies for Educational, is anx- iously waiting the closing dawn of the studio, so that he can take his annual fishing trip to Oregon. The studio is expected to close around the first of April for several weeks. Oh, by the way, Line Quarberg has given orders to his secretary to tell all who ask, that the Caddo Com- pany is nearing the completion of "Hell's Angel's." Miss Benham is some sec. She will tell 'em, and how. * * * As one of the wise crackers on Universal said the other day, when he was again seen on the lot after being fired several days ago, "They merely fired a blank, I was stunned, that was all." Now is the Time to Reserve Exhibition Space in the First Annual American Theatre Equipment Exposition to be held in The Coliseum, Chicago June 1 to 9, 1929 Wise manufacturers are making early reservations — and thus se-- curing the choicest spaces. The exhibitors will be given every facility for the demonstration of their products under actual theatre conditions. Owners and managers of mo- tion picture theatres in all sec- tions of the country are plan- ning to attend. For complete information — in- cluding chart of spaces and ren- tals— address American Theatre Exposition Corporation W. G. Newbould, Manager Headquarters Fourth Floor Hotel Stevens, Chicago "Come to Chicago in June" Rush to Sound Is Reflected in Short Subject Field iTHE o/'FILMDOM ML THE HEWS ALL THE TIME VOL. XLVII No. 74 Friday, March 29, 1929 Price 5 Cents ''Mary Dugan" THE best mystery-court room picture since films learned to talk. "The Trial of Mary Dugan" is like that rare offspring of the the- ater : good drama. It is excel- lent in plot construction, devel- oped with expert craftsmanship, permeated with suspense, made notable by splendid perform- ances from H. B. Warner, Nor- ma Shearer, Raymond Hackett — he's new to us, but most prom- ising— and Lewis Stone and di- rected by Bayard Veiller, who wrote the stage play, with a sure and deft hand. Destined to click at the box- office with triphammer precis- ion. A distinctive production that merits the success it will achieve. "This Is Heaven" A delightful picture is this, Vilma Banky's latest. The Hungarian beauty speaks in a few scattered se- quences. Just why Sam Goldwyn experienced cold shivers before de- ciding whether \'i!ma should talk or not, we fail to see. Miss Banky has a lovely voice and an accent that is positively entrancing. Always cliarni- ing, the Banky personality in this effort takes on a further hold and will, we are certain, annex new- friends. "The Spite Marriage" Transporting the dear reader bodily into the editorial room, we reverse a rule of many years' standing and give j'ou an advance headline from the review of Keaton's latest: FUNNIEST FILM RELEASED IN MONTHS. BUSTER AND DOR- OTHY SEBASTIAN PUT OVER THREE BIG LAUGH SEQUENCES. SUREFIRE. DON'T MISS IT. Good news is too good to hold. Which explains this proceedings. "Zip Boom Bang" Another good comedy from Educa- tional. Jack White's first of a series of six, "Zip Boom Bang" is an amus- ing two-reeler in dialogue and sound. You have all seen animals escaping at the circus and the general mix-up that ensues. That's antique. In this comedy, however, vou get it in sound without sacrifice of the action. That's the difference in treatment — and en- tertainment. K A N N WARNERS SEEK HALF INTEREST IN U. A., SCHENCK DECLARES niltl TO MM DEUS fl Willi production tie-ups on talkers completed in England and France, Joe Brandt, president of Columbia sails today for Europe to make hook- ujjs ill Germany and other foreign- uinguage countries. He will stay abroad three or four months. In England, Columbia has an affiliation with I'.B.O., Ltd., and in France with {Continued on Page 6) 52 From Fox Fifty-two talkers are called for in the Fox schedule for the coming year. Only talk- ing pictures will be made, un- der the new policy. 3 to 1 Quota in France Seen Going Into Effect in April By f. A. IIARLB Editor "La Cinematografhie Francaise" Paris — Barring unforeseen incident or representations by the American government, the French quota of 3 {Continued oh Page 6) Small Towns Hard Hit By Talker Competition West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Small town theaters are being hard hit by talker compe- tition, it is indicated by reports reacli- (.Contimied on Page 0) Fox Buys Chain of Ten Far Northwest Theaters West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Fo,\ West Coast has acquired the Dolan circuit of ten theaters in Washington. Three Fox First Runs to Be Built at Los Angeles West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Three first run Fox houses, one of which is to cost $10- OOO.OOO, are to be built Jiere, according to Harold B. Franklin, president and general manager of Fox West Coast Theaters. The largest house is to seat 5,200. St. Louis Unions Oppose Daylight Saving Measure St. Louis — Union labor here is en- listed in the fight against daylight saving. $20,000,000 Price Quoted in Deal — U. A. Forming New Company West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Warners are seeking a 50 per cent interest in United Ar- tists, valuation of which interest is set at $20,000,000, Joseph M. Schenck announced yesterday. United Artists Consolidated Corp., is to be formed, the assets of mem- ber-owners of United .'\rtists pooled and $20,000,000 of preferred stock to be issued to stockholders. Blair & Co.. New York, may be bankers in the transaction. If the Warner deal is closed, it will be only for physical distribution of product, with United Artists main- taining its own sales force. Con- solidated United .Artists is to make 13 talkers, nine of them with silent versions for 1929-30 release. Drastic Reduction in Silent Shorts Expected This Year MORE STRESS ON HLMS UNDER NEW R-K-0 POLICY Radio-KeithOrpheum is "going after" big pictures, under policy of Joseph Plunkett, general manager of the company. The new policy is re- flected in the switch at the State- Lake, Chicago, which started of? last week with "The Godless Girl," hanging up a record for the house. The Cameo, New York, is changing to a long run policy Saturday, with the same picture. The Hippodrome also is to change to a similar pol- icy, it is understood. By RALPH WILK West Coast Bur. THE FILM DAILY Los .\ngeles — Drastic reduction in the number of silent shorts to In- produced for next season is noted in production schedules now in process of formation. p-eature production rapidly is be- ing whipped into shape, so that the companies know about where they stand in that field, as concerns sound and silent output. The rush to sound is being reflected in the short field, to an even greater extent than the feature field, a check-up shows. A complete outline of the short subject field, sound and silent, will appear in the Short Subject Quar- terly of THE FILM DAILY, out tomorrow. Joseph M. Schenck, prior to leav- ing New York admitted to THE FILM DAILY that the deal with Warners was on, although Albert Warner next day said that no nego- tiations were in progress. Several weeks ago inquiries at Blair & Co., concerning the reported United Ar- tists stock issue, brought reply that nothing was known of any issue by the company. The "assets" referred to by Schenck in California yesterday included the United Artists studio, the United .Artists theaters in key cities where partnership arrangements largely with I'liblix and Loew's prevail and the Art Cinema Corp. Va. Unit Votes M,P.T.O.A. Loyalty at Convention Ricliniond — X'irginia's exhibitor unit will remain in the M.P.T-O.A., it was decided by unanimous vote at the convention here. I. Weinberg, president, is affiliated with Universal. M.P.T.O.A, Directors Called to N. Y. Meeting April 1-2 Directors of the M.P.T.O..\. will meet in New York April 1 and 2. Members of the board are: Colvin W. Brown. M. E. Comerford, Harry Crandall, Samuel Dembow, Fred Desberg. Harold Franklin, Fred Wehrenberg, Jack Miller, and J. W. Walsh. THE ■c&mi DAILV Friday, March 29, 1929 fol.XlVHNo.74 Friday, Mar. 29, 1929 PriGoSCiots JOHN W. AIICMTE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage freej United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am. Seat 36^ 36 36M Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 26}^ 2554 26Ji East. Kodak 179 179 179 ♦do pfd 128 ♦First Nat. pfd 108 Fox Fm. "A" ... 89^ 87^ 89 ♦do rts 3 ♦Keith A-O 28^ do pfd 98 98 98 Loew's Inc 6554 63"^ 64M do pfd 99 99 99 M-G-M pfd 26 26 26 M. P. Cap 381/5 37 37 Para. F-L 66^ 63% 66 Pathe Exch 10-^ 10^ 10^ do "A" 2154 19/2 20 Radio KA-O 30 28!4 30 Stanley Co 30 30 30 Univ. Pict. pfd 98^ Warner Bros 109 J4 105!-^ 109 do pfd 50M 49/2 49^5 ♦Warner Pet. rts 3J/i CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod Wf, ^Vi 7Ji ♦Bal. & Katz 7454 Columbia Pet i\Y% 31 315i Con. Fm. Ind. ... 26 25 25 H ♦Film Insp 2 Fox Thea. "A" ... 29J4 28-^^ 29 Griffith, D.W. "A" 2 2 2 Intern. Proj 51 ^^ 50 50 ♦Loew do deh. rts 30 "4 ♦Nat. Scr. Ser 25 Nat. Thea. Sup... 11 1054 H Trans-Lux 18?/J 18^ IS-J^ Univ. Pict 22.54 2'2.5^ 2254 BOND MARKET Keith AG 6s 46. 93 92^ 93 Loew 6s 41ww ...112 110^^ 110!^ do 6s 41 x-war.. 97^ 97 97 Paramoufnt 6s 47 . . 991^ 99 99j^ Par. By. 5J4s 51 .IOI54 101 101 Pathe 7s 37 79 J4 79^4 79J4 CURB BONDS ♦Am. Seat. 6s 36 96 ♦Warner 6Ks 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 30 31 do units 31 32 . . . . do com 3J/2 AYi .... Skouras Bros 40 44 . . . . Technicolor 19 20 United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2 do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 300 2,000 300 Vi 9,300 100 4,900 100 500 1,800 42,400 10,500 2,500 25,800 200 26,560 900 i 3,800 "ioo 5,400 5,666 200 100 200 7,400 100 6 60 10 7 9 1 $3 Top for "Show Boat" Plan for N. Y. Showing When "Show Boat" opens its New York run at the Globe on April 17, the opening price will be $3. That figure will be maintained throughout the run. The picture has been held over for a third wbek at the Capitol, Miami, understood to be' a record for that city. Harry Reichenbach stated business yesterday was $1200 above normal. Contract for Katharine Francis Katharine Francis, a newcomer has been signed for Paramount talk- ers. She appears in "Gentlemen of the Press." Newsreels in Race to Get Foch Funeral Film to N.Y. Newsreels now arc engaged in a race to New York with films of the Foch funeral ceremonies in Paris, one of the most impressive events of history. The steamer Paris has a 24 hour start on other ships, it is stated. Morse with Radio Pictures Wilbur Morse, Jr., former Eastern publicity man, who has been doing free-lance work on the Coast, has joined the Radio Pictures publicity department. He succeeds Marc Bow- man, who has returned to Seattle where he will handle publicity at the Fox-Mayflower. Gromon to Assist Zuro Dr. Francis Gromon has been ap- pointed assistant to Josiah Zuro, direc- tor of music for Pathe. Both are in California and are due back in New York City ne.xt month. Gromon was formerly a music director for Publix houses. William Raynor Promoted Rochester, N. Y.— William H. Ray- nor, former managing director of the Lafayette in Bufifalo, has been made general manager of the Greater Roch- ester Properties, which owns and operates the Lafayette and Rochester, combination houses. H. M. Addi- son will manage the Rochester. Ad- dison formerly was at the Great Lakes, Bufifalo. Fire at Capitol, Nashville Nashville, Tenn. — Fire practically destroyed the Capitol. The house was owned and operated by Crescent Amusement Co. Damage was esti- mated at about $400,000. Nobile Rescue in Films Amkino will roadshow "Krassin," showing the rescue by the ice-break- er of the stranded members of the Nobile expedition in the Arctic. Fox Managers Switched Racine, Wis. — H. W. Foerste, man- ager of Fox's Oshkosh, has been transferred to the State here. He succeeds Nat Blank, who has been switched to Oshkosh. Long Beach House Burned Long Beach. Cal. — Fire caused damage estimated at $20,000 to the Liberty. CaU WAFILMS, Walter A. Futter, for Inc. Pres. Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46th St.. New York Bryant 8181 Atlantic City Auditorium Seating 40,000 is Wiring Atlantic City — Western Electric equipment is to be installed in the new municipal auditorium here. Two systems are planned, one in the ball- room, which accommodates 6,000, and one for the main auditorium, which seats 40,000. McKain to Open Columbia Branch in Australia Seattle — Columbia is opening a branch in Australia. C. Mclvain, ex- change supervisor was here recently en route to Vancouver, from where he booked passage to Australia. Ziegfeld Asks Injunction Injunction to restrain Seymour Felix, director of "Whoopee," from carrying out a contract with Fox, on the ground that it interferes with a contract with him, is being sought by Florenz Ziegfeld. Felix was as- signed to direct Ziegfeld's next show, no time for production of which was specified. Meanwhile, Felix signed a six months contract with Fox. Siegel with "U" at Seattle Seattle — Sam Siegel, formerly di- rector of publicity for Sterling Chain Theaters, Inc.. will handle advertis- ing and publicity for the Columbia and Winter Garden theaters here, ac- cording to K. L. Burk, northwest di- vision manager for Universal. Joins Columbia Sales Force Samuel E. Fried and David W. Hunt are the latest additions to the Columbia sales staff. Fried has joined the company's Washington exchange while Hunt will work out of the Memphis office. New Tiffany Exchange Salt Lake City — Tiffany-Stahl's new exchange will be opened here at 205 E. First South St., according to M. A. Brown, western division supervisor. Perkins at T-S Los Angeles Los Angeles — Seth Perkins has re- placed J. McFarland as Tiffany-Stahl branch manager here. Pennsylvania House Burned Wilkes-Barre, Pa. — The Gaiety has been destroyed by fire. The Industry's Date Book April April April April April April April April May 2 Opening of "His Captive Woman" at the Central, New York. 5 Opening of "Coquette" at Rivoli- U. A., New York. 6 Warner - First National - Stanley Frolic at Commodore Hotel, New York. 8 Opening of "Alibi" at 44th Street New York. 8 Opening "The Desert Song" at War- ner, Los Angeles. 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn- sylvania Exhibitor Unit at Pitts- burgh. 16 Opening of "The Rainbow Man," at the Selwyn, New York. 17 Opening of "Show Boat" at Globe, New York. Opening of "The Rainbow Man" at Selwyn, New York. 1 Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal. Seeking Broadway House Negotiations are under way for a Broadway theater for "The Wild Heart of Africa" which Parthenon is to distribute states Mack D. Wein- berger, general manager. Kenneth R. Walker of the Walker-Arbuthnot hunting expedition, which made the film, brought the print to New York. D. W's Next "Cradle of Deep" D. W. Griffith's next picture will be "The Cradle of the Deep," by Joan Lowell, able seamen for 7 of her 24 years. The author, who has played extra roles, will appear in the lead. Hays Westbound Will H. Hays left New York yes- terday for Hollywood. An Asset To Any Theatre! * %gAqraiiefsyg I can truthfully say that your song film trailers are an asset to any the- atre, regardless how large or small the house may be. GOULD EM THEATRES CORP. By Louis B. Goulden, Pres. Indianapolis, Ind. ON EVERY DESK A ready book of reference for those interested, i in the motion picture industry and its manifoldj ^^''^^''''- NATHAN BURKAnI FREE to Film Daily Subscribers Subscription $10.00 Foreign $15.00 D/^ILY Friday, March 29, 1929 :^fe^«j»fWc^<£^ Find Writers' Position Improving Free Lancing on Dialogue Writing Seen Ideal Arrangements — Salary Increases Seen With Film Writers Qualifying for Talker Work — Other Wired News — Ralph Wilk's Personals TALKER PROGRESS NOT HURTING EILM WRITERS Dialogue writing and the writing of original plays for the screen are improving the position of the writers in the studios, say studio executives. Many dialogue writers complain that they are being rushed and are expected to produce good dialogue- in a much shorter time than play Wrights devote to their stage opuses. 'I'hey point out that they are, at times, required to furnish dialogue for period pictures and are. of necessity, forced to do much research work. Observers believe that the ideal arrangement will be freelance dia- logue writing, with larger sums to be paid the better writers for impor- tant assignments. Despite the Fo.x announcement that the talkers will center attention on playwrights, many observers con- tend that film writers still are need- ed. In one studio, the veteran scen- arists are writing the scenarios, with the imported writers furnishing the dialogue. The scenarists incorpo- rate far more titles than in the si- lent scripts and the dialogue writers amplify the titles to supply dialogue. For the last six months, a major studio has kept its old staff practi- cally intact, despite the importation of some playwrights. Although "gag men," or comedy constructionists, have practically dis appeared from several of our larger studios, it is believed that they will be used on some talkers. In fact, their supporters contend that they should be on the set. At the Hal Roach studio, if present plans are carried out, the directors and writers will ad lib on the set, and will not start a picture with complete dia- logue. It is predicted that within a year, many of the leaders among talker writers will ask for royalties, in ad dition to their weekly salaries. The majority of the talker authors are succesful playwrights, who are ac- customed to reaping large royalties from their Broadway hits. At pres- ent, they are willing to accept week- ly salaries, as the screen is a new medium, to them. Dance Director Signed Earl Lindsay, director of dance ensembles for New York stage productions, has been retained by Paramount to direct choruses for "Burlesque." He also is instructing Nancy Carroll, featured in the cast with Ilal Skelly, in a number of spe- cial dances for the production, which John Cromwell and Edward Suther- land are directing. A Little from li Lots ff By RALPH WILK Hollyivood WHEN Diane Ellis started work in a feature role in "High Voltage," William Boyd's next starring picture for Pathe, she could not tell the wardrobe man the size of her stock- ings. She has not worn stockings for so long that she had forgotten her size. But she hustled to find out when she learned that the com- pany was to go to the High Sierras, where the thermometer was hitting zero, and the snow almost fathoms deep. * * * Since Russell Gleason seems des- tined to follow in the footsteps of his famous father, James Gleason, it seems significant that the young Pathe player's first stage appear- ance was in the title role of "The Heir to the Hurrah." * * * Frank Reicher temporarily has droi)ped his make-up case and his megaphone, and has taken to a long ruler and blackboard instead. He is getting great results in teaching Pathe's junior stock company how to be good little talking picture stars. » * * Every day the veteran Reicher gives Marilyn Morgan, Lew Ayres, Dorothy Ward and Jiw.my Aldine lesso7is 171 the talkie A. B. C.'s, and many a time the more experienced players like Jeanette Loff, Stanley Smith, Diane Ellis and Carol Lom- bard come into class, also, when they are not working before the camera. Coiy Greatly Improved Both Lew Cody and Mabel Nor- mand are reported as considerably improved, the former out of danger. The latter, however, still is seriously ill suffering with tuberculosis. Paramount Buys "Magnolia" Booth Tarkington's play, "Mag- nolia," has been acquired by Para- mount to serve as a starring vehicle for Charles Rogers, with Mary Brian playing opposite. Rooneys Coming E^st Having completed his sixth talking and singing short for Universal, Pat Rooney and his family plan a trip to New York before entering into nego- tiations for further picture work. Work Rushed on New Paramount Sound Stages \\ hile plasterers and roofers are completing its exterior, technicians are working night and day installing ap- I)aratus in the four new sound stages at the Paramount studios in Holly- wood. The new stages, which are housed under one roof, are scheduled to be ready for operation in the next few weeks, at which time "sets" will be moved in and actual filming of talking pictures will commence. This e(|uipinent will give Paramount 14 stages for dialogue films. Weeks Place in Charge of Sound Maintenance at Fox Keith Weeks, Fox Movietone pro- duction manager, has been placed in charge of sound maintenance. Ed- ward Butcher, Fox studio manager. is assuming Weeks' former duties under supervision of Sol Wurtzel. "U" Cutting "Broadway" "Broadway," Universal talker, now is in the cutting room. Teaching Diction Alice Kelly, Fox dramatic coach, is teaching diction to the company's contract play- ers. It is believed that con- tracts of beauty winners of seven foreign countries will not be renewed. War Vets Claim Producers Favoring Foreign Players Claiming that producers are dis- criminating in favor of foreign ac- tors. Disabled War Veterans of America, has appealed to the Acad- emy of M. P. Arts and Sciences for assistance and will seek an inquiry by the United States Senate. Helene Chadwick Signed Helene Chadwick has been signed by Paramount to play a leading role in "The Greene Murder Case." Contract for Sally O'Neil Sally O'Neil has signed a long term contract with Pathe. Pathe Signs Newmeyer Fred Newmeyer is to direct for Pathe. PBlTTffEIWMEE ayner LAUNCH ^.^A- I * W-:::^:::^. Ui ft Ml »• What Warner Bros. Promised ^ Warner Bros. Have Delivered • The deluge is here! Wherever "The iSpectacle of The Ages'' onens a torrent of gold sweeps down upon the box office A tidal wave of popularity roUing up miraculous grosses! Records swept away in the go^en flood ! Get ready to ride the flood tide of prosperity with "NOAH S ARK! NOW PLAYING NEW YORK WINTER GARDEN TWO- AT) AY AT $3 TOP NOW PLAYING Atlantic City - Globe Theatre * * * Opening April 1st Philadelphia - Aldine Theatre * * * Opening April 7th Chicago - - - Wood's Theatre * * * Opening April 15th Boston - - - - Majestic Theatre * * * Opening April 21st Detroit — Shubert Detroit Opera House This Is Exploitation It Is Being Done For You, Mr. Exhibitor ! !!^MVil «* «• DOLORES COSTELLO'^NOAHS ^v. *^^^ ^RKT'^'^^Oeor^e O'Brien />/wc^^^michaelcurtiz Short Shots from New York Studios ^^By ARTHUR W. EDDYmm^m, LOUISE DuPRE, who doubled for Mary Pickford in "Pollyanna" and divers others opuses, has gone matrimony with Major A. B. Good- win, New York City engineer. The couple have left for Europe where Miss DuPre will work in English pictures under the name of Bates Goodwin. Later she intends to re- sume activities before American cam- eras. THE 3 to 1 Quota in Fiance Seen Going Into Eff»t in April [Continued from Ungc 1) to 1 will be adopted in^oril. it is be lieved here. Meanw'^^, ways and means to retain the 7A o 1 ratio arc being discussed by U nerican film men here. There is ^T*ile likelihood that American producO^ will accede to the French demanB for virtual subsidy of French proWction. It's William Mills' business to know what's going on at Paramount' s Long Island studio and where to find it. He is the receptionist, whose duties require him to escort invited visitors on tours of inspection. At Paramount's Astoria plant, Bill Lally is the man who puts the ideas of William Saulter, art director into set form. In other words Bill is superintendent of construction. Francis X. Bushman has gone vacationing in Havana after a suc- cessful season in vaudeville. After returning to New York in a few weeks he'll railroad to the Coast to resume picture work. Jane Jennings, who is one of the screen's better mothers, has been working for Visugraphic Pictures in and around Manhattan. Franco-Film Has Produced 16 Films, Hurel Declares Sixteen pictures have been made by Franco-Film, French companj', since organization of the company, Robert Hurel, executive director, stated at a press gathering in New York yesterday. The company, which controls a chain in France is undertaking release of its product in the United States, with M. Edward Sullivan as American representative. Md. Senate to Vote on Baltimore Sunday Bill Annapolis, Md. — The House of De- legates here has passed the Sunday amusements and Sports bill by vote of 65 to 51, which will give the mayor and city council of Baltimore power to act during 30 days beginning June 1 when "Blue Laws" affecting the city will be repealed, for that period. No restrictions will apply to Balti- more during that time but ordinances must be passed during that time to continue the effectiveness of measure. LEGITIMATE Manufacturers and Distributors of SOUND EQUIPMENT are invited to use the ONE medium that fully covers the WORLD'S BEST MARKET m THE NEW YORK xSTATE WBIBIToR ^i'K "Bfj^Vyyy Supplement OTHERS CANNOT! SOUND NUMBER Out April 10— Forms Close April 3 Barrist-GoodMTin Publications 219-23 N. Broad St. PhUadelphia Brandt to Make Deals for Production Abroad (Continued from Page 1) Aubert Film and Jacques Haik. The German plans are practically com- pleted. While abroad, Brandt will make plans for American distribu- tion of the talkers to be made abroad. Brandt believes that American pro- ducers have neglected to give suffi- cient attention to the foreign market, and the problem it presents on talk- ers. The 40 per cent of the gross, realized from the foreign field, as well as supremacy of American films abroad are threatened by the talker advent, which European producers are preparing to take advantage of, he says. Supertone Synchronizer Sponsored by Sanford West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Frank M. Sanford, in- dependent producer, has placed on the market Supertone, disc syn- chronization device. A sound-on- film reproducing attachment is to be added he said. Sanford says he will start quantity production immedia- tely. He has been developing the instrument several years. Sanford plans production of talking films. Small Towns Hard Hit By Talker Competition (.Continued from Page 1) ing local independent producers. One producer reports that his records showed that, in two weeks, 313 sitiall theaters has been forced to close. Good roads, enabling farmers and others to go to cities to attend sound theaters, are among the factors in- juring the small town. 3,000 Musicians Out of Work Due to Sound Films About 3,000 musicians of the 158,- 000 membership in the United States and Canada have been thrown out of work by the synchronization de- velopment during the last year, ac- cording to Joseph N. Weber president of the American Federation of Musi- cians. Of the number, 400 are lo- cated in New York. Form Washington Corp. Olympia, Wash. — Pacific Belling- ham Theaters, Inc., has been formed to operate theaters throughout the state. Innovations at Frisco Granada San Francisco — Latest innovations at the Granada are a special chil- dren's matinee and a "whoopee night" held every Monday. Tryouts and novel entertainment are featured. Desormeaux Incorporates Madison, Wis. — The Desormeaux Theater Co. has been incorporated, capital $15,000, with A. P. Desor- meaux, J. Wegener and L. Weinand as incorporators. California House Closed Riverside, Cal. — The Regent has closed and will be sold. AND THAT'S THAT By PHIL M. DALY TT used to be that if you talked too -'• much in Hollywood they gave you the gate. Now if you can't talk you're out quicker than that. * * * Kindergarten Note Bill Fox will grab you if you don't watch out. * * * Ordinarily when they want to fire a guy they give him a blue envelope. In pictures they send him to Europe. * * * Daily Poem There once was an extra named May Who worked in a picture one day Along came a mug Who fell hook, line and jug Now she has a Rolls Royce, they say * * * A Hoboken ex- hibitor cancelled " SPEAKEASY" on account of lo- cal cond i t i o n s. Says it is impos- sible for any pic- ture to compete 1 with thousands of ^ the real thing. * * * Lou Metzger tried to open his door with a cigar the other night. Says he must have smoked his key during THAT bridge game. * * * Who's Looney Now A year ago they all said young Phil M. Daly was nuts in advocating talk i n g pictures. If that's the case the industry's a big insane asylum now for there are three hundred and fifty feature talk- ers on the fire. * * * Famous Film Conversations "I'll bid five spades." Blue and Livingston Join Jack Blue, dance instructor who has a number of musical comedies to his credit, and Jack Livingston, who has had considerable experience in booking, have formed Blue, Liv- ingston, Inc., an agency to devote particular attention to booking talent for sound pictures. Hartford Rental $1,000,000 Hartford, Conn. — Acquisition of the AUyn by Paramount through Olympia Theaters, Inc., a subsidiary involves $1,000,000. This is based on an annual rental of $52,000 for 20 years. Sells Oregon House Bend, Ore. — Claude H. Smith has sold the Liberty to O. M. Whitting- ton and is leaving for Tillamook to take over the Coliseum. THE Friday. March 29, 1929 ■c^^ ^m^ Talkers Hit Variety House l-last St. Louis, 111. — X'oluntary pe- tition ill bankruptcy has l)ci'u tiled in ist St. Louis by the Krco .\iiiusc- nit Co., which had presented vaude- \'lle in the Lyric. Assets w'liere : .ted at $476,648 and Iiai)ilities at 42,586. Failure of the show was ...tributcd to the competition of talk- iiiij pictures in other F'ast St. Louis tlieatcrs. Evans Managing Georgia House CirilTin, (ia. — W. (i. l-"vans, wiio formerly operated the Delray, Del- ray, Fla., is now inanaRcr of the Kin- caid at Experiment, Ga., near here. The house is owned by Thomas and Copcland, who recently installed Movie-Phone. "Broadway Melody" on Bristolphone Atlantic City — P. Mortimer Lewis, owner of the Strand here, states he has booked M-G-M's '"Broadway Melody" for showing on Sonora- Bristoiphone reproducinp; equipment. Brin to Handle Masterphone Seattle — L. K. Brin, Milwaukee chain operator, is contemplating a sales organization to handle Master- phone in this territory. Griffith Buys Fairfax, Okla. — Griffith Amuse. Co., of Oklahoma City, has purchas- ed "Erpi" equipment for the Tall Chief theater. Sound Pictures By CHARLES F. HYNES Handling Sound Equipment Toronto — Two more of llie theater houses here liave announced arrange- ments for the Canadian sale of film repro NEWSPAPER of FILMDO ANDWEEKLY FILR DIGEST ^•liAiB: VOL. XLVII No. 75 Sunday, March 31. 1929 Price 25 Cents Thefe'sonj^ne" ar grane it in the industry today Irs In The Air/ It's Everywhere J UMVERSAl// SHORT SUBJECT QUARTERLY Complete Survey oS the Short Subject Field Embracing Sound and Silent Product. Outline oS Product Available. The Trend oS Shorts and a Manual oS Exploitation on Short Product. Forecast of Developments and Resume oS Present Situation. t»A. "^^^e""* ^we*'.* .er •" 1j?«»^. ^\»^ \,o* EDUCATIONAL FILM EXCHANGES, Inc. E. W. MAMMONS, President Mnmbf r. Uotion Picture Froducera and Dlatributora of Amerlc*, Inc. Will U. H«yi, Praident Warner Deal Hinging on Unanimous U.A. Action iTHE :^^ NEWSPAPER o/* FILMDOM AHDWEEKLY FILH DIGEST VOL. XLVII No. 75 Sunday, March 31, 1929 Price 25 Cents The Trend THE upheaval unloosened upon the industry hy sound is leaving its impress on the short subject market. This de- velopment, as impossible to check as a Niagara, was a trifle slow in coming perhaps, but arrived it has. The condition being what it is, the facts might better be faced square- ly and with as little squirming as possible. Signposts There will be a curtailment in pro- duction of silent shorts. The slash- ings will be generous and widespread, present indications have it. The rea- sons are several. Firstly, rentals have jumped. Just how much, in many in- stances, would prove astonishing. One release for which the distributor was satisfied with SI. 25 a day silent is now getting $25 and this, only be- cause it is in dialogue. Secondly, the list of wired houses is growing ap- preciably week by week. Distributors will swing where the most money is to be found. You can't blame them. If they did otherwise, they would be rotten business men. The Unwired You will W'Onder about the unwired houses? For the spring and sum- mer, current schedules will meet mar- ket needs. When the drift toward sound becomes more pronounced in the fall, as it is inevitable that it will, you will find distributors en- deavoring to focus the unwired ex- hibitor's attention on the hundreds of short subjects which he has never played. Those who make it their business to nose out these things are of the opinion that there are enough silent comedies and other types of short subjects in exchanges to meet the needs of the unwired houses for two years. Others are prone to ex- tend the- estimate to something be- yond that. Styles After all, it appears to us that com- edy fashions as of 1928 and 1927 are not materially different from the mode of today. If the quality is there, why should the exhibitor hesi- tate to show this product? Even if he should file protest, it won't make much difference for he will have no way to turn. The business has gone sound, irrevocably and com- pletely. Nothing can be done about it except recognize the trend — and get sound equipment as rapidly as it can be arranged. K A N N FLOOD OF TALKER SHORTS WITH FEWER SILENTS IN PROSPECT What Short Subject Survey Shows More shorts than ever before to be made the majority of them in sound. Drastic reduction of silent short production, the unwired houses to great extent to be forced to rely during the coming year on prod- uct already released. Abundance of sUent product on hand for unwired houses. Tremendous demand for sound shorts from first runs through- out country, turning the market, long stagnant, upside down. Heavy exploitation campaigns being given sound shorts, in many instances top billing over the feature. Sensational advance in use of advertising accessories for selling sound shorts. R-K-0-PANTAGES HERGER REPORTED PROGRESSING San Francisco — Further progress in the reported deal between Radio- Keith-Orpheum and Pantages is re- ported here. Final papers are said to have been sent to Alexander Pan- tages and to Maurice Goodman of R-K-0, who is on his way back to New York. The deal is in the na- ture of a merger, it is said, with Pantages to retain an interest in the merged circuits. Between $15,000,- 000 and $20,000 000 is involved, it is stated. The Pantages here would be changed to the Orpheum and the new Pantages in Hollywood would not be included. (Continued on Page 29) Repeal of "Blue" Law Is Under Way in Minnesota St. Paul — Minnesota is following the lead of Texas in seeking to erase its state "hlue" law from the statute books. The bill has passed the Sen- ate. Sunday shows and sports are permitted in many towns throughout the state, but prohibited in others, under the state law. The new bill would permit Sunday shows unless forbidden by ordinance. Michigan Bill Would Tax Advertising Slides 50% Lansing, Mich. — Something new in taxes is provided for in a measure which has been added to the bills pending in the legislature. The lat- est is a tax of 50 per cent on revenue obtained from advertising slides. The- aters would be prohibited from rais- (Continued on Page 29) T^o opposition to Warner Deal Anticipated by Joe Schenck U.A. to Remain Intact, Schenck Tells Lichtman United Artists is to continue as a separate organization, its sales per- sonnel is to be maintained intact, and Joseph M. Schenck will continue to head the company, regardless of outcome of any negotiations. The.se statements were made by Schenck in a telegram to Al Lichtman, sales head, in New York. They supplement remarks made by Schenck in an inter- view upon his arrival in Hollywood. No Opposition Hollywood — "Absolute con- fidence" in Joseph M. Schenck is expressed by Mary Pickford. IV est Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — While he anticipates no opposition from members of Unit- ed Artists, Joseph M. Schenck inti- mates that unless their action is unan- imous, proposed sale of 50 per cent interest in the company to Warners {Continued on Page 29) Field Turned Upside Down by Sound Craze — Meet First Run Favor More short sutjjccts than ever be- fore on the market is the prospect for next year, the majority of them sound shorts. With practically every company in the business of making features rounding out their programs hy producing sound shorts, as well as silent in some instances, a record output will result. Despite the ambitious plans in the sound field, a drastic curtailment is to be made in silent shorts. Few of the sound shorts will be made in silent version and schedules are be- ing shaved as concerns straight silent comedies and novelties. The short subject field is under- going the greatest upheaval of its history. The transition to sound is more marked in the field of shorts than in features, for the reason that the sound and silent combination won't mix in short subjects. That is to say that unlike the feature and because of its earning potentialities the short subject can't often be made in both sound and silent form. Because of this situation, the short subject field, according to indications and opinion, is to witness an inter- esting experiment, due to production curtailment. It is argued exhibitors will be forced to depend on siletit product already released for their short subject needs. This catching u-^ process is looked upon as a real benefit to the field by distributors. Fox's step in abandoning all silent production is being followed to great extent by short subject producers. Paramount, with the Christie talkers and the many sound shorts being made at the Long Island studio which will number 100 within a few months, only has the Krazy Kat cartoons de- cided upon for silent product next vear, while RKO's three series, the Mickey McGuires. Curiosities and H. C. Witwers, are all to be sound. Fox is making only sound films, as is Warners, to mention but a few pro- ducers, which will make sound shorts exclusively. Practically every distributor han- dling shorts has an abundance of prod- uct on hand, which has not begun to plav out sales possibilities. Many (Continued on Page 3) THE -;!&^ DAILY Sunday, March 31, 1929 •/"FUHDOH i ,AHD WEEKLY •■JM*"^ f lUA DIGEST VaL XLTI1 Nil. 75 \vta\, M". 31. 1929 Priei 25 (Hats JOHN W. ILICtlATE PnUisliir Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I Berlin — Karl Wolflfsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. INDEX Short Subject Section, covering developments m the sound and silent field, featured in this edition. pacb THE TREND, An Editorial by Maurice Kann 1 FINANCIAL 2 SOUND REVIVES SHORT SUBJECT PRESTIGE, by Jack Harrower . . 4 MEETING THE PROBLEM OF A DUAL MARKET 6-8 TALKING COMEDIES WIN FIRST RUNS' FAVOR 11 PRODUCTION OF SHORTS HINGING ON SOUND 14 SHORT SUBJECT REVIEWS— SOUND AND SILENT 15, 18, 19 IVHAT THE FIELD HAS TO OFFEER IN SHORTS 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 SOUND PICTURES, by Charles F. Hynes 27 REVIEWS OF NEWEST RELEASES, by Jack Harrower 28-29 AND THAT'S THAT, by Phil M. Daly 29 HOLLYWOOD HAPPENINGS, Coast News by Telegraph 30 ■■A LITTLE FROM LOTS," by Ralph Wilk 30 THEATER EQUIPMENT, by Cliarlcs F. Hyncs 31 FOREIGN MARKETS, bv James P. Cunningham 32 PRESENTATIONS, by Herbert S. Berg 32 REVIEWS PAGE BATTLE OF MONS 28 DIVINE LADY 29 LAWLESS LEGION 29 LINDA 29 LIVINGSTONE IN AFRICA.... 2S SHIPS OF THE NIGHT 28 SHIRAZ 28 PAGE SMILIN' GUNS 28 SPITE MARRIAGE 28 THIS IS HEAVEN 29 TRIAL OF MARY DUGAN 28 WHIRL OF LIFE 28 SHORT SUBJECTS SOUND IS SILENT 18 The Industry's Date Book ii. April April April April April April April April April April May 1-2 M.P.T.O.A. Directors' Meeting in New York. 2 Opening of "His Captive Woman" at the Central, New York. 5 Opening of "Coquette" at Rivoli- U. A., New York. 6 Warner - First National - Stanley Frolic at Commodore Hotel, New York. 8 Opening of "Alibi" at 44th Street New York. 8 Opening "The Desert Song" at War- ner, Los Angeles. 9 Meeting of Michigan M.P.T.O.A. at Detroit. 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn- sylvania Exhibitor Unit at Pitts- burgh. 16 Opening of "The Rainbow Man," at the Selwyn, New York. 17 Opening of "Show Boat" at Globe, New York. 1 Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal. Kimmell Bros. Buy Third Detroit — The Baldwin, at Royal Oak, is the third house to be added to the two operated by Kimmel Bros. Ferndale and West End are other propeit'ts. Following purchase of the Baldwin, Kimmell Bros, closed their Royal, at Royal Oak, leaving two houses in the town, Kunsky's house and the Baldwin. New Haven House Reopens New Haven, Conn. — The Hyperion has been reopened by Fox-Poli. Fox Seattle Ready Soon Seattle — The Fox theater at Sev- enth and Olive will open here April 15, according to Harold B. Franklin. The house will feature sound as well as silent pictures. Lou Golden, of Loew's Warfield at San Francisco, will be manager. Bank to Buy Theater Property Richmond, Va. — Academy of Mu- sic, destroyed by fire recently, will not be rebuilt. Federal Reserve Bank is dickering for the property. Ruschmeier at Prove Provo, Utah — S. C. Ruschmeier has resigned as manager of the OrpheurO at Milford and will manage the Bonita. Lincoln, Sheboygan, Sold Sheboygan, Wis. — G. N. Blask and Reuben Nennig, who took over the Lincoln and after completely redeco- rating, are operating it jointly. Elect Officers Auburn, Ind. — W. H. Schaab has been elected president, I. M. Zent, vice president, and Donald C. Schaab, secretary and treasurer of the Court Theater Co. Theater Planned for Brenien Bremen, Ga. — Unnamed interests are negotiating with citizens for con- struction of a theater. Let Us Solve Your Problems ! Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCX>BP»BATSD 1540 KWAY N.Y.C. TELEPHONE BRYANT 3O40 Butler Names Steiner Chief Walter C. Steiner, second camera- man at the Paramount Long Island studio, was promoted yesterday by John W. Butler, studio executive manager, to be chief cameraman and assigned to work with Director Ho- bart Henley on the new talking drama, "The Lady Lies." Film Center Increase Leases Fourteen new leases have been signed for space in the Film Center Bldg., according to Abe N. Adelson, president of Film Center. New les- sees are: Amusement Supply Co., Aywon, Aacony Studios, Capitol Ex- change, Color Life Motion Pictures, Goodart Pictures, Film Inspection Machine, Jawitz Pictures, Industrial Film, Progressive Poster Exchange, Jack Mahmarian, Newark Film De- livery and Reeland Publishing. Buys Theater Lease Huntington Park, Cal. — Charles Rowland and C. C. Allen have taken over lease on the site occupied by the Park theater from Paul Callow and Frank C. Osgood. Buy Wilmington House Wilmington, Del. — The Parkway Co., Inc., took over remaining inter- est in the Parkway at public auction. The firm now owns the theater 100 per cent. Financial (QUOTATIONS AS OF THURSDAY) STOCK MARKET High Low Close Sales Am. Seat 36^ 36 36J4 300 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 26J4 25^ 26^ 2,000 East. Kodak 179 179 179 300 *do pfd 128 *First Nat. pfd 108 Fox Fm. "A" ... 89% 87J4 89>| 9,300 *do rts 3 . . . , •Keith AO 28% do pfd 98 98 98 100 Loew's Inc 65 J^ GSyi MVi 4,900 lio pfd 99 99 99 100 M-GM pfd 26 26 26 500 M. P. Cap 38^ 37 37 1,800 Para. F-L 66% 63% 66 42,400 Pathe Exch 10-^ WA 10% 10,500 do "A" 21 J4 19 J4 20 2,500 Radio KAO 30 28J4 30 25,800 Stanley Co 30 30 30 200 Univ. Pict. pfd 98"/^ Warner Bros 109J4 105% 109 26,500 do pfd 50J4 4954 49H 900 •Warner Pet. rts 3% CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 8% 7% 7% 3,800 •Bal. & Katz 74 Ji Columbia Pet 31% 31 31% 100 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 26 25 25% 5,400 •Film Insp 2 Fox Thea. "A" ... 2914 28% 29 5,000 Griffith, D.W. "A" 2 2 2 200 Intern. Proj 51}4 50 50 100 •Loew do deb. rts 30% .... •Nat. Scr. Ser 25 Nat. Thea. Sup... 11 10^ 11 200 Trans-Lux 18% 18% 18% 7,400 Univ. Pict 22% 22% 22% 100 BOND MARKET Keith A-0 6s 46. 93 92% 93 6 Loew 6s 41ww ...112 110% 110% 60 do 6s 41 x-war.. 97% 97 97 10 Paramoufnt 6s 47 . . 99% 99 99% 7 Par. By. 5%s 51 .lOlJ^ 101 101 9 Pathe 7s 37 79J4 79J4 79% 1 CURB BONDS •Am. Seat. 6s 36 96 •Warner 6%s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 30 31 .... do units 31 32 do com 3% 4% Skouras Bros 40 44 Technicolor 19 20 United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. .. 2 do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED BROOKS The NAME VOU GO &Y JVHEN YOU GO TO BUY COSTUMES OOW^NS .AND IJNtFORIMS ■KU5586 PENN.I . Tti ttPN-r ' Ir4.37 bWay, K ■ ALSO es.< COSTVMES TO Rent METROPOLITAN STUDIOS NOW AVAILABLE SOUND STUDIO FOR PRODUCERS OF SOUND AND TALKING PICTURES COMPLETE SOUND STAGE INCLUDING THE FINEST LIGHTING AND RECORDING EQUIPMENT "SOUND STAGE BUILT BY JOHNS MANVILLE" WE WILL RECORD SOUND AND TALKING PICTURES FOR RELIABLE PRODUCERS NEW YORK OFFICE 1600 BROADWAY, N. Y. C. TELEPHONE LACKAWANNA 7511 THE Sunday, March 31, 1929 'a^mk DAILY Unplayed Shorts, Silent House Mainstay SALES POSSIBILITIES TOR SOUNDSnOIITSNEftRI.OOO {Continued from Page 1) of the pictures haw just scratched the surface, so far as playdates are concerned, and it is to these that the unwired houses must turn for product, if present indications are borne out by developments. As one distributor, remarked: "If no comedies and novelties are pro- duced for the next two years, there still would be plenty of silent prod- uct on hand to fill the demand." Another distributor reasons that by next fall, tlie wired houses will be developed to a point where he can afford to forget the silent houses so far as new product is available, get- ting his revenue out of the sound houses exclusively. The cost of pro- duction and distribution in providing silent versions of his product, makes such a course unwise, he believes. This unusual situation will not work a hardship upon the silent houses, it is argued because a great many of those which are not wired by the time the fall selling season rolls around, are from six to 18 months behind release schedule so that it will be a year before they will be affected by the revolutionary change now an- ticipated. It is not a case of neglecting the silent houses, for distributors intend to be guided by the developments in the situation feeling that both wired and unwired houses must be given due consideration. In line with that policy, some of them, notably Pathe, Universal, Educational and Hal Roach will continue production of silent product. No announcement has been forthcoming as to Christie's silent plans, but the company is speeding production of talking com- edies. Wired houses, for the most part, have lost interest in silent shorts, except for outstanding pictures which may come along from time to time. At present, it is figured on features that there are between 800 and 900 sales possibilities on sound product, while the short subject possibilities run considerably above that, due to ability to sell the same shorts, on occasion, to competing houses. So far as sound comedies are con- cerned, the short subject field has been turned upside down in recent months. Reports show talking com- edies have gone over "like a house Selling Short Subjects Sound shorts are getting a break in advertising through- out the country. Top billing in newspaper advertising, marquee and lobby displays are among the means being used, and testify to shovi^men's appreciation of the changed situation. This is reflected in accessory sales, which have mounted at a rapid pace. Educational, for instance, notes an increase of 1,000 per cent on 8 by 10 stills and a 500 per cent increase on standing orders for publicity and advertis- ing mats, as well as tremendous increase on posters. Other companies have noted big increases on talker shorts. afire" everywhere throughout tlie country. Where for about two years, the short subject was an "orphan," so far as getting a break was con- cerned, there is heavy demand for talkers and practically every key city has come back into the fold with a rush. This has been brought about in a comparatively few months and was due to the intelligent treatment sup- phcd by short subject producers. Quality of sound shorts has been given real consideration and the prod- uct is going forward by leaps and bounds, observers agree. Where two years or even one year ago, the short subject was consid- ered almost as a thing of the past, in first run houses, today it is no un- common thing to see them given top billing over the feature, so effectively has their comeback been staged. For the first time in years, first runs have reverted to the all short subject show. With the variety of sound shorts increasing rapidly, ; steady increase in the all-short show may be looked for next year. Producers Combing the Nation to Secure Sound Talker Talent Silent Sales Up In spite of the sound trend, the Darmour company, which makes comedies for RKO, re- ports that sales are rumiing ahead of last year on its silent product, which is all that has been made by the firm to date. Darmour is switching to sound, however. West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — In an effort to pro- vide excellent entertainment in sound short subjects, producers have scour- ed the country in order to sign the best talent available. Their repre- sentatives have been busy for months, with the result there has been a veri- table influx of comedians, play- wrights, dialogue and song writers from Broadway. Established screen artists, such as Lionel Barrymore and Lowell Sher- man, have turned their attentions to the directing of short subjects. Eu- gene Walters, the playwright, wrote and directed a short subject for Fox. Fox also had John Ford, one of its ace feature directors, direct "Napol- eon's Barber," from the pen of Ar- thur Caesar. Clark and McCullough head the list of Broadway comedians, who are working in sound short subjects. At the Fox Westwood studio, they are being directed alternately by Norman Taurog, Harry Sweet and James Parrott. Robert Benchley, the hu- morist, has attracted favorable at- tention in his starring comedies, which he writes and directs. Marcel Silver has directed several Fox Movietone subjects, including "Marching On," starring "Chic" Sale. A Leslie Pearce, the stage di- rector, is another importation. He has directed many light comedy sub- jects for Educational and the Chris- ties. Ben Holmes, a graduate of the legitimate stage, is busy at Univer- sal, where he has directed a series of six Pat Rooney and Marion Bent comedies. Benny Rubin is also ap- pearing in a series of comedies for Universal. Carlo de Angelo, erst- while of New York, has been di- recting at M-G-M and Univeral. Warner Bros, have filmed in- numerable Broadway acts for Vita- phone, but recently have been doing the major portion of their short pro- duction, in the East. Gus Edwards, brought here from New York, was so successful in the direction of a short subject for M- G-M, that he was assigned to di- rect a revue. James Cruze, veteran feature direc- tor, has found the sound short field so interesting that he is directing a series of shorts. Herschmann Joins Acme Film Max Herschmann, manager of Loew's Circle, and formerly a mem- ber of the home office staff, has re- signed to join Acme Film Co., pro- ducers of trailers. Marks Managing at Charlotte Charlotte, N. C. — J. Marks is tem- porarily managing the local Tiffany- Stahl branch. Third for Buchanan Asheville, N. C— M. Buchanan has acquired the Ritz, Elizabethtown, Tenn. He now has three houses, controlling the West Asheville, in Asheville, and Strand at Canton. Buy Santa Clara House Santa Clara, Cal.— T. & D., Jr., Theaters has taken over the Casa Grande from Peter Kyprious. UNWIRED HOUSES BEHIND RELEASE ON COMEDIES H'est Caast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Although production schedules at the major comedy stu- dios are still incomplete, the number of silent comedies for next year will l)e much less than that of last year. The lone producer who is definitely conmiitted to a policy of making some silent versions of sound com- edy shorts is Larry Darmour. The producers who have as yet to map out a definite program for the year are Educational, Christies, Weiss Prod, and Larry Darmour, but with the exception of Darmour, all have decided not to make any si- lent versions of their comedy shorts. The decided drop in the number of silent comedies for this year is due to the poor market, according to the producers. It is likely that some old comedies will be re-issued. The plans of Stern Brothers, pio- neer producers of comedies, are very indefinite. Universal has not renew- ed with the Sterns, but will make its own comedy subjects to fill out its program. At present, space at Stern Bros, studio is being leased to inde- pendent producers. Weiss Bros, have seven more pic- tures to make on their old program, which calls for 30 pictures. They will enter the sound field, but have not decided upon a recording system. Twenty First Runs Set on "Times Square" "Times Square," Gotham's first dia- logue picture, has been set for 20 first run dates, starting April 6 in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, San Fran- cisco, Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Boston, Rochester, Buffalo, Albany, Dallas, Salt Lake City, St. Louis, New Orleans, Seattle, Portland, Washington, Richmond, Cleveland, Pittsburgh. Dumond Goes to St Louis Cleveland — George Dumond, man- ager of Loew's State, has been trans- ferred to Loew's State in St. Louis. Sanford Farkus of Syracuse. N. Y., succeeds Dumond at the Cleveland house. R. L. Jones, assistant man- ager at the Stillman has been ap- pointed manager of Loew's Akron, which will open April 20, and Jac- ques Denarde, service chief of the State, succeeds Jones at the Stillman. Reviewers Ailing In the rebirth of shorts, due to sound, the reviewers are playing an important part, focussing attention on sound comedies. National magazines are giving space to the short subject and newspapers are giving space to short review- ers, news and stills. THE -.agg^ DAILV Sunday, March 31, 1929 Sound Revives Short Subject Prestige TACTS THAT DEMONSTRATE AfiEMARKABL[COME-BACK By JACK H ARROW ER PROBABLY never in the history of the industry has there been such a remarkable development along so many different lines as in the case of the sound shorts subjects being released this season. The possibili- ties of sound in this field are prac- tically limitless and the instant ap- peal to the general public which has greeted several new^ developments proves that sound short subjects are an entertainment factor to contend with. The audience reaction in the Broadway theaters is a pretty fair barometer to go by. The novelty of the new medium is still sufficient to arouse audible comment. If any pro- ducer is in doubt as to whether he is on the right track, all he needs do is pass some hours in the Roxy, Capitol, Strand and Paramount, and he will get an earfuU of valuable criticism from the source that criti- cism counts — the public who must be pleased. General Trend The following article will endeavor to show the general trend of sound short development in the last few months. Comments are primarily based on the general audience reac- tions in each picture used as an illustration of the particular angle in question. Comedies are by long odds the most popular. A good comedy, be it slapstick or grade stuff, creates an instantaneous reaction in the av- erage Broadway audience. Regard- less of the reviewer's personal re- actions, the. audience's reception of the offering is unmistakable — and that is the only criterion to go by. Mack Sennett has come through with three pips, released by Educa- tional. They are "The Lion's Roar," "The Bride's Relations," and "Whirls and Girls." These three comedies are all hallmarked with the touch of original treatment, capably acted and directed and getting over a very con- cise plot in the space of two reels. They all carry two or three big laugh sequences and finish on a strong gag that leaves 'em laughing. For consistent policy in comedy short production, Sennett has got something on the ball that is unmis- takable to the close observer. A New Field Fox Movietone is pursuing more a policy of featuring vaudeville head- liners and either building them a skit to order, or revamping one of the headliner's vaude sketches to meet the special requirements of the talk- ing short. Incidentally here is a tre- mendous new field for the develop- ment of short themes, for the vaude- ville comedy acts lend themselves naturally to the new treatment. The wealth of material tapped is one of New Faces Fifty-five directors are regu- larly concentrating their activi- ties in the production of cur- rent short subject product, in which approximately 140 play- ers are being featured. This is revealed in a survey conducted by the 1929 "FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK," which em- braced home offices and East and West coast production sources. The numerous direc- tors and players who only occa- sionally work on short sub- jects are not included in the compilation. New players are being re- cruited daily from legit and vaudeville to appear in sound shorts, which opened an entire- ly new field for talent. Stage directors, new to films, are be- ing constantly signed for this tjrpe of product. the most promising things that augurs a splendid future for comedy shorts for an indefinite period. To return to Fox Movietone. Qark & McCullough's "The Bath Between" is one of the shining examples of a popular laugh-producer employing vaudeville headline names. Here the two comedians have a subject built to order. Their expert training in timing laughs is perhaps the big se- cret. That is something the screen players have yet to master. Then there is Will Mahoney in "Mammy Songs." one of the funniest single acts that has yet been put over in the short sound department. Chic Sale's "Marching On" is a comedy characterization classic. It might well serve as a model for all future themes of this type. Another gem from the Fox Movietone gallery is the exterior sound picture "The Fam- ily Picnic" which probably will stand for some time as perhaps the finest example of a comedy taken with most of the shots outdoors — and perfect recording. Wide Choice The Vitaphone catalogue of sound short subjects is by far the most complete in the industry. It em- braces over 600 numbers, covering every recognized form of dramatic and entertainment expression. Vita- phone seems to favor vaudeville names, as instanced by the recent Phil Baker offering of "A Bad Boy from a Good Family." This is a na- tural that will click anywhere. Baker has a pleasing, easy personality, and gets his stuff over with a naturalness that is refreshing. He is good in all departments. , Paramount has a good example of a popular comedy in "The False Alarm Fire Company," while Pathe clicks strong with George Le Maire in "At the Dentists" that is guaran- teed to knock 'em for a row of guf- faws in the most hard boiled audience. Novelty shorts probably hold the second most popular public appeal. Here we cite only a few of many outstanding examples merely to illus- trate our point. Christie produced "Melancholy Dame," an all-negro cast that de- livered a genuine novelty, based on a story by Octavus Roy Cohen, who knows his colored South. To those who are familiar with the darky, this will prove a genuine treat and a real novelty. Paramount have contributed "Two Little Chinese Maids," featuring Anna Chang in a Chinatown setting with Chinese players. The novelty gets over strong with a very pretty love story, and the cute singing of the little star. An unusual monologue is that of the humorist, Donald Ogden Stewart, called "Traffic Regulations," a neat satire on the Broadway traffic prob- lem which is broad enough in its appeal to be appreciated anywhere. Fox Movietone made "Old Tunes for New," in which the musical authority Dr. Sigmund Spaeth at the piano shows how the popular song hits of the hour have been cribbed from an- cient classics and t(he songs \that grandmother used to sing. Joseph Santley from the fund of his vast stage experience kicks in with "Now and Then," (Paramount) a very pleasing offering carrying a genuine novelty kick. Late Releases Last-minute releases include some pips from Tiffany-Stahl, RKO, Pathe, and Van Beuren Enterprises. Just caught are a few that are outstanding and a pleasant indication that the technicians now know where they are going and are on the way. Tiffany- Stahl has "Melody," a Technicolor gem that carries a' wide popular ap- peal with a fine love story and a musical atmosphere that will prove generally diverting anywhere. Walter Putter's "Curiosities" has added to its appeal with "Follies of Fashion," a brand new development in which shots are shown from the days when the pictures were still nickelodeons, showing the difference in traffic con- ditions on New York thoroughfares, and the startling fashion changes in milady's hats and gowns. The shots are made screamingly funny by an unseen monologist who comments on every one. Whoever wrote the lines should be given a five year's contract at his own figure. "Topics of the Day" has also been rejuvenated and put on a bigger and better plane of popularity than ever, The device employed is simple but effective. A dozen good gags are selected that under the old method would have been presented simply as reprinted jokes from the dailies and weeklies. But here each is dressed up as a tabloid skit, with the two people involved in the gag dressed in character. They appear before a black drop as if on a vaude stage, de- liver their lines, and the skit imme- diately fades into another skit with the actors in character. It has snap and novelty, with the laugh surefire on the hand-picked gags. Last but by no means least is a new idea in Grantland Rice's "Sportlights." Rice himself appears and talks intimately of three outstanding champions in the sport world. The late Tex Rickard is shown in his only talking picture shots. In the field of musical shorts, there is a wide diversity that carries an ap- peal to a variety of picture patrons. The vocal artists are undoubtedly the most popular and where these employ pop songs mixed with patter and comedy gags, their offerings usually get over decidedly. Some of the best recently caught are Ruth Etting on a Paramount release singing three popular songs with a pleasant voice and oodles of personality. The Ken- tucky Jubilee Singers are a classy negro aggregation that Fox Movie- tone should have no trouble in book- ing indefinitely. Then there is that new light among colored artists, George Dewey Washington, who Metro Movietones to rounds of ap- plause in his fine characterization work with three popular song hits. He looks like an Al Jolson among colored artists. Opera has been well represented. Here of course the appeal is limited to class audiences who can appre- ciate this type of entertainment. Fox Movietone has given us Richard Bonelli in "Pagliacci," and Vitaphone kicks in with a wide selection includ- ing Beniamino Gigli in "La Giacon- da"; Giovanni Martinelli in "Vesta La Guibba"; and Marion Talley in "Ri- goletto" and many more impossible to adequately outline here. It would be possible to list many band and orchestra aggregations who have been featured in sound shorts. But the sad story is that this class of entertainment seems very definitely on the wane. It is about time the producers awoke to the self-evident fact. That little trip to the theaters previously proposed would convince any optimistic exponent of this class of entertainment that they are far from popular. Class Offerings There have been a select list of class offerings appearing in the short field. Amone these, for illustration, can be mentioned Edward Everett Horton's clever work in "Ask, Dad," a fine Educational comedy that will delight any high grade audience, and at the same time carries a wide pop- ular appeal. Eddie Cantor in "A Ziegfeld Midnight Frolic" and "That Party in Person" contributes two numbers from the Paramount studios that will go over strong anywhere. Probably one of the finest shorts vet produced with the help of the synchronizers is Fox Movietone's "Napoleon's Barber," which excels in all departments of production. The story is finely moulded, the acting superior, and the sets and costuming of feature calibre. Then there are specials, which make up in quality for their lack of numbers. "Forget Me Not," a Fox (Ceittinued on Page 8) 1^ of the .TVie CVi'^^*''tv.er producers moii^'^ FEATURE* If! SttORt a» d^«S .1 St DAILV Sunday, March 31, 1929 I Meeting the Problem of a Dual Market DISTRIBOTORS READY FOR SOUND, SILENT MATERS For the first time in the his- tory of the business, producers and distributors are faced with a dual market. Houses wired for sound have dispensed with silent short subjects, as they have with silent features. Yet numerically, the unwired theaters are in the majority. The problem then is to meet the double requirement. What distrib- utors are doing this Spring and for the remainder of the 1928-1929 season to combat an unprecedented situation, is outlined in the follow- ing survey of the short subject field : 3,000 Subjects Three thousand sound and silent short subjects of all t5rpes are available for the 1928 29 season, according to the 1929 "FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK." The survey covered schedules of 35 distributors and embraces sound acts, serials, comedies, dramas, cartoons, novelties, newsreels, etc. Bray For available playdates, Bray has one subject, "Little Friends of All the World," sound and silent. It is in one reel and the sound version was made via RCA-Photophone. Castle Films No sound product from Castle. Silent releases include six Color Novelties, available one every other week beginning Jan. 1, of this year. Columbia Short subjects from Columbia will be available in sound only. By con- tract with the Victor Talking Ma- chine Corp., Columbia has a call on Victor recording artists who will be used for a series of 26 sound subjects to be known as Columbia Gems. "Screen Snapshots," now in its ninth year, likewise is being made only with dialogue and sound effects. Twenty- six are on the company's schedule for the present season. . Educational With three series of dialogue two- reelers already under way, and an- other X.0 be started shortly, Educa- tional's silent releases continue to outnumber the talking variety. Pres- ent indications are that they will continue at least to equal dialogue pictures in quantity through the rest of the spring. The sound and silent subjects are entirely different groups, there being no silent versions of the comedies released as dialoguers. This is in keeping with the policy announced by E. W. Hammons, who .stated Educational's silent short sub- ject product would be curtailed only as the wiring of houses curtailed the exhibitor's need for these pictures. Up to and including the month of March, Educational this year has re- leased 14 two-reel silent comedies, embracing the Lupino Lane, "Big Boy," Mermaid, Tuxedo, Ideal, Doro- thy Devore and Russ Farrell series. Of the one-reelers, there have been six Cameos, three of the Our World Today series, and three of the Hodge- Podge. For April, May and June, there are scheduled ten silent two- reelers, while the Cameo Comedies will be released, every other week, and Our World Today and Hodge- Podge once a month. Kinograms, continues to be issued twice a week. In sound, a Mack Sennett will be released every two or three weeks. Coronet Talking Comedies, of which "The Eligible Mr. Bangs" and "Ask Dad" have been released, have four more to go. Jack White Talking Com- edies, have completed two of the new series, Lupino Lane has com- pleted the first of his new series of all-talking comedies. In addition negotiations are now being made for one more talking comedy series. times a week and which will be in- creased to an edition a day by Sep- tember of this year, according to company plans. Silent product includes two issues weekly of Fox News and Fox Varie- ties. Of the latter series, 17 as of today have been released and nine are scheduled between April 1 and Aug. 4. International Photoplay Distributors State righting 15 one and two reel all-talkers, produced via the De For- est Phonofilm system. Nine are now ready, the titles including "The Mari- onettes," "When the Clock Struck Twelve," "The Meal Hound," "Hoak" and "The Miser" Mascot "The Fatal Warning," 10 episode serial, silent, now in distribution. Ralph Graves and Helene Costello featured. Paramount j In sound, Paramount is releasing currently four two reel acts and five in one reel, five Christie comedies in dialogue, eight one reel acts with personalities such as Eddie Cantor and Ruth Etting, two song cartoons and two of the Fitz Patrick Famous Composer series. Silent product embraces Christie comedies starring Bobby Vernon, Billy Dooley, the Chorus Girl series and the Mac Duff series. Paramount News, Krazy Kat cartoons and Ink- well Imps. EUbee Exclusively sound. A series of 18 two reel domestic comedies produced by Harry Delf. The first is "Meet the Family" and the second, "At the Photographers." Produced via the De Forest Phonofilm system and de- signed for the state rights market. First Consolidated Film West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — A series of 12 two- reelers is planned by First Consoli- dated Pictures, Inc. They will be grouped under the general heading of "The Varsitans." Fox The bulk of Fox's short subject product is in sound. Some time ago the company abandoned production of silent comedies in favor of Movie- tone releases. Since last July, 57 sound subjects have been released, including songs, vaudeville sketches, orchestras, humorous lectures, play- lets and two and three-reel all-dia- logue comedies, the principal group in this latter classification being the Clark and McCullough series of which 11 have been made. One of the highlights of this com- pany's sound program is Fox Movie- tone News which is released three Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer The dual market problem now con- fronting the industry has been fully recognized at M-G-M, officials there declare. They point to the balance struck in the company's releasing program as proof of their contention. In sound, Metro Movietone Acts have formed the backbone of the company's service to wired theaters. Fifty-two have already been released in one and two reels. The third se- ries which has just been announced for immediate release brings 26 more of these subjects, varied in type as were the first 52 with dramas, solo- ists, musical numbers, dancing, or- chestral renditions, operatic and mu- sical revue numbers also. In addition a group of 12 Hal Roach all-talking comedies is now in production. In the field of silent shorts with which M-G-M entered short sub- ject distribution, the company has continued each of its various classi- fications of product, thus assuring the unwired houes the same volume they have been accustomed to expect from this source. Whatever sound product is now available from M-G- M is in addition to its schedule of silent product. Seven varied series of short feat- ures comprise the current releasing schedule. Four are comprised of Hal Roach comedies as follows: ten star- ring Stan Laurel and Hardy; ten starring Our Gang; ten starring Charley Chase, and ten featuring the Hal Roach All Stars. M-G-M News, silent, is being is- sued twice each week as per sched- ule. The Great Events series of two reel Technicolor productions depict- ing high spots of romances of his- tory consists of six releases. The M-G-M program of silent shorts is brought to completion with the se- ries of Ufa "Oddities," 26 in all, w^hich are in one reel and released one every other week. Pathe Pathe declares it is paying equal attention to the supplying of first class sound and silent short features, in full realization that there are many thousands of unwired houses that re- quire good short product to balance their programs. In meeting the newer demand for sound subjects, Pathe has attempted to maintain a sense of balance and diversity. Pathe Sound News was inaugurated to provide a reel for Pathe News' customers whose houses have been wired. Meanwhile, the two weekly issues of Pathe News (silent) have been uninterrupted. As an example of the service given cus- tomers of the silent reels. Issue No. 22 had the greatest number of "lo- cals" in history — 39 subjects were prepared for the national releases with regional added matter. Pathe Sound News holds its chief coup to date to be the reproduction in pic- ture and sound of the inauguratioa of President Hoover. Pathe is offering Mack Sennett and the Smitty series as silent com- edies. To balance this product in sound, George LeMaire was signed to produce a series of two reel talk- ing comedies. Aesop's Film Fables, Topics of the Day and Grantland Rice S'portlights continue to supply the unwired houses, while Aesop's Sound Fables, Topics of the Day Talkies and Sound Sportlights meet wired demands. Pathe Review, which is now functioning under ed- itorship of Terry Ramsaye, will soon have its sound counterpart in Pathe Audio-Review. Perfect Talking Co. ■! West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAIL^i Hollywood — Anthony J. Xydias, well known in the state right field and now head of Perfect Talking Pictures Co., declares his company will produce a series of one reel acts in sound via Perfect's own process. RKO Pictures Current schedule composed of all silent shorts, with exception of "Cur- iosities," releases of which in sound was begun a few weeks ago. Silent series include the Mickey McGuire comedies, Toots and Caspers and the Barney Googles. iiiimiminnminnmiiiiiiniin ■■■■■■■■■■■■•■■■■■■■■■■■■■I ■ ■■■■■■■■■■^■■■■■■i ■■■■■■■■■ ■'■■iini HERE IS ACTUAL PROOF! immM POSTAL TELEGRAPH - COMMERCIAL CABLES SYNCHRONIZER 52 3 EX A liLUK OM OMAHA NEBR MAR 3 J L STEIN SOUND EQUIP CORPN ON BROADWAY LTD EN- ROUTE TO NEW YORK LEFT CHGO 1240 PM PITTS- BURGH. PEXNA. CARE GTC. OPEN TODAY WITH WARNER BROTHERS VITAPHONE PICTURE ON TRIAL ON YOUR GENNETT SYNCHRON- IZER SYSTEM STOP YOU ARE CERTAINLY FORTUN- ATE IN HAVING SUCH WONDERFUL EQUIPMENT AND I AM MORE THAN PLEASED WITH THE CHOICE I MADE IN SECURING SAME STOP YOUR MACHINE HAS WONDERFUL TONE AND THE SYNCHRONIZA- TION IS PERFECT. TIVOLI THEATRE WEINBERG AND HOWER WESTE UNION AM NCWCOMB CARLTON. PRESIDENT GEORGE W. E. ATKINS. FIIIST VICE-PRESIDEMT Qet in touch with our nearest representative Milton Simon. 1650 B'way.. N. Y. C. — Greater New York Tony Luchese, 1339 Vine St., Philadelphia Mike Siegel, 805 Mather Bldg., Washington, D. C. Elmer E. Cromingshield, Albany and Buffalo, N. Y. •C. F. Bessenbocher, 1818 Wyandotte, Kansas City. W. L. Stein, 1508 Davenport, Omaha, Neb. A. E. Nolder, 1344 So. Flower, Los Angeles Charles Saule, 15th and Kearney, Portland, Ore. SOS CO 45 3 EXTRA NL M 11 Shenandoah, Iowa, Feb. 27, 1929 Stern Bros. Sound Equipment Corp. Film Bldg., Omaha, Nebr. Opened today with SUBMARINE COLUMBIA FEATURE and METRO GOLDWYN SHORT on your Gennett Synchronizer stop Everybody pro- nounced it a GREAT SUCCESS and I congratulate you on your wonderful machine stop Tone quality synchronization and reproduction has not been excelled by any machine. EMPRESS THEATRE B B HOLDRIDGE If no representative is listed here for your city write or wire General Sound Equipment Corp. 1650 Broadway New York City BUY THE ACID TEST OF QUALITY PERFORMANCE "More value per dollar invested than in any other equipment you can buy." IMMEDIATE DELIVERY DEFERRED PAYMENTS to responsible exhibitors *G. *G. Prices Models* N. 200 $1,750 N. 202 2,500 N. 301 3,500 K7m .> *■ *■ * ° Actual Photograph of synchronous part of- G. S. S. Actual photo of dou- ble channel amplifier, stand 60 x 19 inches. THEf^ DAILY Sunday. March 31, 1929 Current Shorts Sufficient for Deman Radiotone All sound schedule. The program includes one and two-reel featurettes and novelties for release of one a week. Roseland Plans call for a series of 12 one- reel sound shorts to be made on discs. These will not be available in silent form. Silent product includes a series of 26 Bonzo cartoon shon^ts released twice a month. Safrus Pictures Alden Pictures is making for this company a series of 52 sound short subjects on discs, the first scheduled for release in April. The first in the group are "Ticket Please," "Vaudevillia," "This and That," "The Party" and "Varieties." No silent product. Tiffany-Stahl Plans include 10 sound shorts in one-reel and made on discs which Tiffany-Stahl states can be repro- duced over all devices geared for records at 33 rpm. The sound series will be released at the rate of one every other week. Silent product embraces a series of IS subjects all in Technicolor, like- wise available one every second week. Ufa Eastern Distributors, Inc. A series, silent, of Ufa one-reelers. Releases every other week. Group includes "Peculiar Households," "We Parents" and "Salt Water Millinery." Universal The bulk of Universal's short sub- ject program for the spring and re- mainder of the 1928-1929 season is silent. Comedy series include the Snookums, Let George Do It, Keep- ing up With the Joneses, Mike and Ike, and the Buster Browns. The westerns include The Forest Rangers, Stunt Cowboy Westerns, a series of reissues with Art Acord and Jack Hoxie, and another with Bob Chand- ler. Also Laemmle Novelties (one reelers), Snappy Comedies, Oswald cartoons. International New and ser- ials. . Sound releases to date total eight. Four are Oswalds and the others are Movietone Acts, two of the latter with the Brox Sisters. The Col- legians in sound begin release April 1. Sound Cartoon at Cameo Pathe has booked the Aesop sound cartoon "Presto Change" on the bill with "The Godless Girl" opening to- night at the Cameo under the new sound policy of the house. Thursday Change Policy West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — -Thursday change is the new policy at the Fox Boulevard, sound house. £i ouvER HARDY UBERTY One-sheet fefared by M-G-M for "Liberty" Roach comedy. Bright blue sky with brilliant red beam, plus actionful figures of Laurel and Hardy, result in a colorful piece of paper. Vitaphone Catering obviously to the require- ments of the wired theater alone, Vitaphone, wholly owned subsidiary of tJhe Warners, has produced over 600 acts and short subjects in the three years of its production exist- ence. With practically an unlimited field to draw from, Vitaphone re- leases which constitute the largest line-up of sound short subjects in the industry, have embraced the stars of the operatic, musical comedy, variety, concert and legitimate stages, and, in addition, have presented the well-known jazz bands of the coun- try. Leading players of the legiti- mate theater and of motion pictures have appeared in one and two reel playlets, many of which were writ- ten by prominent playwrights. When Vitaphone moved to Holly- wood Bryan Foy began his experi- ment with picture stars. Original playlets were used to introduce them in short talking productions. Irene Rich was given the leading role in "The Beast;" Hobart Bosworth ap- peared in the title role of "A Man of Peace;" Mitchell Lewis and Ja- son Robards had the leading roles in "The Death Ship;" Gladys Brock- well made her talking picture debut in "Hollywood Bound;" Lois Wilson and. Edward Everett Horton starred in "Miss Information;" and May McAvoy bowed before the micro- phones in "Sunny California." Late- ly Sessue Hayakawa was signed to appear in a Vitaphone playlet and Kenneth Harlan was given an im- portant part in "The Alibi." The one and two reel playlets have been used also to introduce stars of the legitimate theater. Sarah Pad- den, dramatic actress; Leo Carrillo, Elsie Janis, Hugh Herbert, Richard Carle, and Charles Middleton entered talking pictures in these vehicles. J. C. Nugent, author-actor, is now en- gaged in writing two original play- lets for Vitaphone production. He will have the leading role in each. It is from the variety stage, how- ever, that Vitaphone has drawn large- ly for the personnel of its 600 pro- ductions. From that field, names like Willie and Eugene Howard, Fleeson and Baxter, Eddie Conrad, Benny Rubin, Sissle and Blake, Jack Benny, Jimmy Clemons, The Brox Sisters, Whiting and Burt, Miss Marcelle, Cunningham and Bennett, Fred Ardath, Stella Mayhew, Jay Velie, Pat West, Dorothy and Ro- setta Ryan, Joe Lewis, Bobby Fol- som, Hope Vernon, Xhe Neal Sis- ters, McKay and Ardine, Jim and Betty Morgan, Codec and Orth, Ed- die Lambert, Val Harris, Florence Brady and Karyl Norman have been added. And musical comedy has given its share of performers. In the Vitaphone array are Van and Schenck, Julia Sanderson and Frank Crumit, Phil Baker, Janet Adair, Raymond Hitchcock, Frances Shel- ley, Donald Brian, Jack Norworth, Trixie Friganza, Irene Franklin, Irene Stone, Shaw and Lee, Joseph E. Howard, Winnie Lightner, Joe E. Brown and Val and Ernie Stanton. Among the jazz orchestras whose music is available for picture houses are Vincent Lopez's Orchestra, Rog- er Wolfe Kahn's Orchestra, Abe Ly- man and His Band, Earl Burtnett and His Biltmore Orchestra, Tal Henry and His North Carolinians Mai Hallett's Orchestra, Roy Fox's Band, Dave Bernie's Orchestra, Gus Arnheim's Cottage Grove Orchestra, Waring's Pennsylvanians and Rudy Vallee's Connecticut Yankees. In- cluded in the group of orchestras are five feminine bands among which are Green's Flapperettes, the Fay- detts, Ned Wayman's Debutantes and The Ingenues. Finally, there is the tabloid drama. Short farces, comedies, burlesques and revues have been produced. Lar- ry Ceballos has prepared five short revues, the cast of each of which contains about 40 chorus girls and Broadway stars. "Tuning in," "Pa- pa's Vacation" and "The Movie Man" come under the group heading tabloid drama, and of this type, Vita- phone has produced a dozen. FRISCO HOUSE REPLACES FEATURES WITH COMEDIES West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY San Francisco — Two talking com- edies took the place of the usual feature at the Pantages recently. The two comedies, "The Bride's Rela- tions" and "Ask Dad" (Educational) were played up in advertising as "the outstanding attractions of the all- talking picture program." Approxi- mately half as much space was de- voted to these comedies as was given the headliners on the vaudeville pro- gram and more than twice as much as was used in advertising the re- mainder of the vaudeville bill. Spe- cial ad cuts were employed, each comedy being billed as "all-talking." SOU! REVIVE8PRESTIGE IN SHORT SUBJECT FIELD {Continued from Page 4) Movietone Christmas special that can be shown advantageously the year round, is a gem. George Bernard Shaw was induced by Movietone to appear before the camera and talk right out loud in his characteristic way. As the great writer refuses to come to America this is probably the only chance that most of his legions of admirers will ever get to see and hear the Irish wit. Fox Movietone News has persuaded a long list of world notables to appear and talk for American audiences. Pathe turned out a notable ofTering in "Lincoln's Gettysburg Address," with George Billings impersonating the Emanci- pator in a most impressive fashion. Here is a genuine contribution to the field of sound shorts that carries tremendous popular appeal as well as a definite historical value. Van Beuren Enterprises has just shown to the reviewers a little classic called "The Swan," done in colors and beau- tifully synchronized by RCA with compositions from Saint Saens. A musical novelty that will delight the most critical. Series of Talker Shorts With Supertone Planned West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Production of a series of talker shorts is planned by Frank M. Sanford, who has just placed on the market Supertone, disc syn- chronization device. Sanford, for sev- eral years an independent producer, also plans a series of talking fea- tures. Melotone OK.'d by Warner at Bijou, Trenton, N. J. Trenton, N. J. — Installation of Melotone at the Bijou here has been okehed by Warners. "The Home Towner" is the first picture approved for service via the disc device. The Bijou is a Hildinger house. Three other local theaters of the chain are to be wired for Melotone. 35 Qualitones Ordered West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Qualitone synchron- izers are to be installed in the new Junior West Coast house at Redlands and the Granada, Ontario, Cal., states Samuel Freedman, head of Qualitone Corp. This brings to 35 the number of installations contracted for, Freed- man says. IF ITS TALKING SHOUTS- Columbia Screen Snapshots sow Tff£YTALKf Filmdom's Favorite Fare, for Nine Years no'wr lets you HEAR as well as , See Great Stars at Work k and Play " COLUMBIA GEMS Snappy, Scintillating, Sound Subjects, Featur- Ing the World's Greatest Recording, Musical Comedy, Vaudeville and Dramatic Artists in these Columbia -Victor Shorts int» >»ft *^*fo. **»ci 'ov* He A ^n '<»« '*, •Ojfc «»te *>t / '^n. '«ll. ^e ^lr$ ^h ««i«i "•f 'e«r. '«« ^i ■ea, ««f O/tt ^t '**hi, »*. •art Of W **cfc **» •*a ^f,e SCREEN ^S'l >3M^ croi?^ THE Sunday, March 31, 1929 ■SSifk DAILV 11 Talking Comedies Win First Runs' Favor BIG HOUSES AGAIN TURN TO QUALITnHORT STUFF Smnid has done much to rei'ivp the intefest of leading theaters in short subjects. This is generally recognized among observers of the present trend in the business. The following are the conclusio)is drawn by Educational based upon its own experience, but may be held to apply generally to the situatioyis as it stands today: Convincing"; evidence that exhib- itors everywhere are getting behind all-dialogue short features with ex- ploitation effort tliat far exceeds any- thing the industry has ever experi- «nced comes from Educational's ac- cessory department, whicli reports up- wards of twenty times as manv mat' cuts and other forms of advertising matter are being distributed nation ally on current dialogue releases a? went out on silent subjects in recent years. Educational states there has, as well, been a noticeable increase in the demand for st'lls for lobby dis- play purposes while leading thea- ters are dressing up the front of their houses wiith display matter to an extent formerly unheard of. Many, first-run houses for the first time are now devoting considerable space in the marquee lights to the short feature attractions. The most revolutionary develop- ment, however, is the general and liberal use of paid newspaper "ad" copy devoted. In many instances the space devoted to the short dia- logue attraction is above and ex- ceeds in size that allotted to the long silent or dialogue feature. One im- portant western theater, the Pan- tages at San Francisco, for the first time, so far as is known, substituted two all-dialogue subjects — "The Bride's Relations" and "Ask Dad" — in place of the usual long feature. Western theaters have been pio- neering the way where it concerns 24-sheeting the short dialogue feat- ure. Entire displays of this size have been used by the Fifth Avenue the- ater of Seattle and the Hillstreet the- ater in Los Angeles. Others to use similar methods of exploitation are Loew's State and the Carthay Circle in Los Angeles. Leigh Jason to Direct Quirk Sound Films for T-S IVesi Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Josephine Quirk, who is now producing her own pictures under the Tiffany-Stahl banner, has selected most of the cast which will appear in her series of all-talking short subjects. In the cast are George Macintosh, leading man, John Alden, Marie Quillan and J. J. Clark, the heavy, who will also have charge of voice culture. Leigh Ja- son, who recently completed his con- tract with Universal, will direct. A Yell From the Marquee Hoiv Itvo tvisc Kansas City shozv- men took adz'on- tage of their mar- quees to advertise in lights two sound all-talking comed- ies. They report no regrets, it is in- teresting to report. ISIS PORTABLE SOUND DEVIGE FOR "CANNED" VAUDE "Canned" vaudeville shows of five to six acts with portable sound equip- ment are now made available for one night stands only to small town exhibitors who cannot afford to have their theaters wired. Sidney W. Korthcote is sponsoring the idea. He is now operating in Pennsyl- vania and New York State. He books regular picture houses, sending men out into the field with acts and sound equipment, who come in with the road show, in the same manner in which one-night-stand vaudeville shows have been playing in the past. Each act averages about 200 ft. and runs about seven minutes. The run of the show is apprioximattly 35 minutes. Northcote books on a per- centage basis and is planning to de- velop a route of theaters. PUBLiX TRAINING SCHOOL A BOOSTER FOR SHORTS The importance of the short sub- ject in the well-rounded iprogram and how short subjects should be used to balance the show are includ- ed in the carriculum of the Publix Theater Managers' School. There are 28 students in this year's class. John Barry, director of the school, is a firm believer in the place of the short subject, sound and silent, in the theater. He holds the quality short subject to be an integral and important part of the entertainment formula and will impart this thought to the student body in the spring. SECOND EILBEE SOUND COMEDY NOW IN WORK "At the Photographers," second in a series of 18 two reel domestic com- edies in sound to be made by Ellbee Pictures, is now in work at the De Forest studio in New York. Harry Delf, who produced "The Family Picnic," first outdoor sound comedy for Fox Movietone, is writing and directing the series the first of which is "Meet the Family." The stories will deal with domes- tic tangles in the average family. Future titles include "At the Beach," "When the Stork Arrived," "At Johnnie's Graduation Exercise," "At May's Wedding," "On the Wrong Day." "In the Easter Parade," "At the Christmas Reunion," and "Buy- ing a New Car." They will be re- leased one every second week on the state rights market. , PATHE AUDIO REVIEW TO BE EDITED BY RAMSAYE Terry Ranisaye, editor of Pathe Re- view, will in addition act as editor of the new Pathe Audit) Review firsi issues of which are being delivered t> exchanges. Production of the talking se(|uences has been in orogress at the Pathe sound studio in New York for three months under direction of T. J. Ryan- Hogan and on the coast under direc- tion of Donn McEIwaine and a spe- cial sound staff. There will be important representa- tion of European material in the .'Xudio Review. FOX MOVIETONE NEWS EXPANSION RAPID I'ox Movietone News, which has been "speaking for itself" for more than 15 months, has established a record for expansion. This new method of presenting news events in sound has taken on such impor- tance that many theater managers liave given Fox Movietone News e(|ual billing with the feature attrac- tions. To meet this demand Fox Movie- tone News units have been stationed in all the key centers of the United States. European capitals, including England, France. Germany, Austria, Italy and Spain and in the Far East. These units furnish material for the three weekly issues which are now being shown in nearly 1000 theaters and which are to be increased to four weekly at an early date. Interesting sights, sounds and conversation have been filmed in 35 foreign countries; kings, presidents, diplomats and business leaders have spoken before the Movietone cam- era; important news events like the inauguration of President Hoover have been shown 24 hours after hap- pening in New York and Wash'--^- ton and 48 hours later on the West Coast. This development of a new style of journalism followed the first show- ing of sound news reel subjects at the Roxy Oct. 28. 1927 and the re- lease of the first weekly issue on Dec. 3. 1927. Courtland Smith, head of the F"ox Case Corp. which controls Fox Movietone News, started bi- weekly issues on Oct. 6, 1928 and tri- weekly issues on Dec. 3, 1928. Recently highlights for these is- sues have been furnished by a unit rounding the world on the Canadian Pacific Liner Emi)ress of Austra- lia. This began at Madeira, Gibral- tar, Algiers, Naples and Egypt and will continue for some time. An- other unit stationed at Shanghai has contributed a number of subjects. Silent Fox News Continues Bi-Weekly Issues Fox News (silent) will continue to issue twice Weekly, according to James E. Darst, director in chief There will be no curtailment of the activities of its camera staff in all parts of the world. Instead of fall- ing off. the circulation of Fox News is actually increasing, he says. Song for Dooley Comedies "Dooley-Dooley-Do," a theme song for Billy Dooley comedies, made by Christie and released via Paramount, has been published by Sherman, Clay and Co. THE GLOBE On The Boardwalk^ Atlantic City Opened In Sound MARCH 23, 1929 Playing Noah's Ark At Two Dollars and Usini PACENt 4MDA REPRODUCER SYSTEM Playing "Noah's Ark" at $2.00 as the first production in sound, the Globe on the Board- walk, Atlantic City, New Jersey, had a highly successful opening last Saturday. Everything 100 percent, including box office receipts. Just as in the case of over 200 other Pacent Reproducer System openings, Pacent Engi- neers supervised the installation. PACENT REPRODUCER CORP. FILM CENTER BUILDING, NEW YORK, N. Y. Chickering 7950-48-49-51-52 LOUIS GERARD PACENT, President THE GLOBE, BRILLIANT SPOT OF LIGHT ON THE BOARDWALK, NOW PLAYING "NOAH'S ARK" IN SOUND ON PACENT REPRODUCER SYSTEM TYPE 4 M D A Cornel JJfhe ... PacenI Filni AllachmenI The Finest Sound-On-Film "Device 8ver "T^uilt Over six months ago, Pacent engineers started a survey of all avail- able sound-on-film devices. These devices were thoroughly examined and subjected to rigorous test and were found wanting. It was thereupon decided by Pacent Reproducer Corporation to de- vote whatever time was necessary to the development of a sound-on-film device which would set new standards in the quality of sound-on-film reproduction. With the assistance of six additional consulting engineers, the Pa- cent Sound-on-Film Device has been developed with no saving of time or expense. We can say, without fear of contradiction, that the Pacent Sound-on- Film device, resulting from the combined labors of Pacent engineers and consultants, is the finest and most efficient ever built. It is just around the corner! *T>eUvertes Start JMay ist The Pacent Film Attachment is already in strong demand. Dozens of orders are now in our hands. Deliveries on the remarkable new at- tachment which fits right on the present Pacent Reproducer machine will start May Ist. Substantial production of the device be- gins within ten days. Orders will be filled in order of receipt. The price is $500 per attachment, the lowest price ever placed on a quality film attachment. Two attachments required with each Pacent Reproducer System. PACENT REPRODUCER CORPORATION FILM CENTER BUILDING New York, N. Y. Louis Gerard Pacent, President Chickering 7950-48-49-5X-52 Sales and Service Representatives Throughout U. S. and in Canada— Write for List THE 14 DAILY Sunday, March 31, 1929 Production of Shorts Hinging on Sound PARANOONT BUSY ON LIST or 100 SHORTS IN SOUND Approximately 100 sound short subjects in one and two reels will be produced at the Paramount studio in Long^ Island City this season. The 32 dialogue comedies the Christies are making on the Coast rounds out the company sound short program. In the East, production are touch- ing a wide list of subjects, rang- ing from serious dramatic sketches, vaudeville skits and musical numbers to broad comedies. The use of music is growing in the material now in work. Short production got under way ahead of the big feature-length pic- tures when Paramount re-opened its studio in Astoria. Monta Bell had an active hand in directing some of the earlier shorts. James R. Cowan, now production manager, was at first general manager of short subject pro- duction. The first of this year he was succeeded in that position, by Larry Kent. Many of Broadway's leading stage actors have appeared in these pic- tures. Eddie Cantor, James Barton, Walter Huston, Fred Allen, Lynne Overman-, Donald Ogden Stewart, Ruth Etting, Charles Butterworth and others made their debut in talking pictures at the Long Island studio, Paramount has made little attempt at development of entirely new material. Most of the productions have used sketches which were thoroughly tried as vaudeville and revue playlets. An idea of the range of product is indicated by analysis of typical pic- tures. Walter Huston made "The Bishop's Candlesticks," "Carnival Man," and "Two Americans." Smith and Dale and their Avon Comedy Four made three roughouse comedy pictures, all using vaudeville material. They were "Dear Teacher," "The False Alarm Fire Company" and "Knights in Venice." James Barton went into his vaudeville repertoire for "Moonshine," "It Happened to Him" and "After Seben." Borrah Minevitch brought over his troupe of boy harmonica players from the Broadway show, "Good Boy." "Now and Then" written and directed by Joseph Santley, contrasts a musical evening in the seventies with a mod- ern wild party. Eddie Cantor's "Zieg- feld Midnight Frolic" is a reproduc- tion of the entertainment scene on top of the New Amsterdam theater in New York. About fifty short features in all have been produced at the Long Island studio since it was opened last fall. The immediate outlook is for more music in the shorts. Lillian Roth, of the Ziegfeld roof show is to come over with an orchestra for songs and dances. Joseph Santley and Ivy Sawyer are to do a romantic fantasy with music and dancing called "Booklovers." Top Billing LAST TIMES TODAY "THE LION'S ROAR" AND- JOHN GILBERT with GRETA GARBO ''A Woman ol Affairs'' ALL m SOUND The Palace, Meriden, Conn., tlumght so much of this comedy that fop billing zvas given to it. And over Gilbert and Garbo at that! ROACH'S FOUR UNITS NOW West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Each of the four units making Roach comedies will do three talkers in the 12 that are to be released one a week beginning Mav 4 as a special group via M-G-M. The first four, now in work include: "Our Gang" in "Small Talk"; Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy in "Their Last Word"; Charley Chase in "The Big Squawk," and the All Star troupe in "Noisy Neighbors." The new series of 12 bears no re- lation to the current group of 40 now being released and likewise has no bearing on the Roach output for 1929-1930. It is a distinct series de- signed to meet the market demand for all-talkers. Sound recording will be super- vised by technicians of the Victor Co. with which Hal Roach has a contract covering this phase of pro- ' duction. "MOVIE VAUDEVILLE" IS LATEST MID-WEST IDEA Kansas City — The first of a group of 15 all-Educational programs book- ed for different theaters in the ter- ritory was played at the Palace, An- thony, Kans., recently. This idea, called a "Movie Vaudeville Pro- gram," was arranged by R. C. Borg. The Palace billed the "movie vaudeville" program as "something new under the sun" and "the latest screen sensation. Movie Vaudeville." The community of Anthony was well covered with 6 by 18 inch handbills, devoted entirely to this program. The first picture on the prograin was "Carter De Haven in Character Studies." This was followed by Big Boy in "Follow Teacher." An aviation subject, "The Cloud Patrol," starring Reed Howes was next. "New York's Sweetheart," a Curiosities re- lease depicting Manhattan of 20 and 30 years ago and today followed. To add variety "The Call of the Sea," with Hope Hampton w*as placed in ne.xt to closing position. The con- cluding subject was "Companionate Service,"' the two reel comedy star- ring Dorothy Devore. CHRISTIE PLACES STORY, ACTION BEFORE SPEECH West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — That story value and freedom of movement, with typical picture action, should be the chief requisites of the talking short sub- jects, with the actual dialogue itself ranking third in importance, is the belief of Al Christie. These require- ments are governing the selection of material and the production plans which Christie has entered into cov- ering the season which will include 32 comedies. Christie is also of the opinion that talking short subjects are spelling the deathknell of slapstick comedy. Sound, he believes, lightens the bur- den of pantomime and makes less necessary dependence on mechanical gags, chases, spills and the other or- dinary methods of securing laughs which have been done to death. He says in talking short comedies, according to audience tests, it has been found that there is not so much boisterous laughter from the juvenile element, but much more genuine en- tertainment for the majority of the audience. And Christie's angle on the audience is that it is far better to get chuckles and real enjoyment from 90 per cent of the house, than to please the few kids in the front rows and run the chance of having the adults disgusted or bored with the comedy. METRO LISTS 26 ACTS IN NEW MOVIETONE LINE-UP M-G-M has prepared its release scheduled for a new series of 26 Movietone acts. These will be avail- able at the rate of two weekly, be- ginning April 6, and include: April 6— Al Wholman: (a) "What You Gonna Do Do Now," (b) "Pull- man Porter Parade," "The Spell of the Blues." Bernard & Henrie: (a) "Blackbirds Are Bluebirds Now," (b) "He's Wonderful," "Happy Go Lucky Lane." April 13— The Revellers: (a) "Comin' Home," (b) "Evenin'," (c) "I Know That You Know." April 20— Carl Emmy's Pets. Phil Spitalny Band Revue: "Ship Ahoy" featuring Al Wholman. Hale Girls, Ponce Sisters, and Peggy O'Neil. April 27— Van & Schenck: (a) "Broadway's Not a Bad Place After All, (b) "Real Estate Papa," (c) "Chloe." Metro Movietone Revue No. 4, featuring George Dewey Washington, Ponce Sisters, Ella Shields, Joseph Regan with Jack Pepper, as master of ceremonies. May 4— Ukelele Ike: (a) "Half Way to Heaven," (b) "Good Little Bad Little You." Bernardo DePace: (a) "Caprice Viennois," (b) "It Goes Like This," (c) "Bridal Rose Over." May 11 — The Man Higher Up. Jan Garber's Band: (a) "Washington and Lee Swings," (b) "Oh, Baby," (c) "That's My Weakness Now." May 18— Eight Victor Artists, "At the Club." Titta Rufifo: "Figaro" from "The Barber of Seville." May 25— llobert Chisholm: (a) "When the Sergeant Major's on Pa- rade," (b) "When Summer Is Gone," (c) "The Two Grenadiers." Happi- ness Boys: (a) "How d'ya Do," (b) "Who's That Pretty Baby," (c) "I Love to Dunk a Hunk of Sponge Cake," (d) "I'm Wild About Horns on Automobiles that go Ta Ta Ta." June 1 — Craig Campbell: (a) "There'll Never Be Another One Like You," (b) "Iris," (c) "You, Just You Dear and I." Irving Aaron- son's Commanders: (a) "Oh, You Sweet Old Whatchama Call It," (b) "Low Down," (c) "Woably Walk." June 8 — Fuzzy Knight: (a) "My Cincinnati Ohio Home," (b) "Buck- wheat Cakes." Raymond Hitchcock: "Sardines A La Carte." June 15— Yvette Rugel: (a) "Gia- ninna Mia" from "Firefly," (b) "Way Down Upon the Swanee River," (c) "Rose of Yesterday." Biltomore Trio. June 22 — Gilbert and Sullivan Male Ensemble. Emil Boreo: (a) "Sur les Baum, Sur les Bee," (b) "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers," (c) "Na- poleon's Big Parade." June 29 — Ed and Lou Miller: (a) "Auf Wieidersehen," (b) "Rigoletto," (c) "High Up on the Hilltop." Bob Nelson: (a) "That's a Drop in the Bucket Compared to My Love for You," - -*•) THE Sunday, March 31. 1929 IS Short Subject Reviews— Sound and Silent SOUND "Melody" Tiffany- Stahl Surefire for CUtss Type of production Musical novelty in Technicolor This production has been excep- tionally well directed and authenti- cally built up in costuming and gen- eral old world atmosphere of the period in question. It treats of in- cidents in the life of Bachmann, the great musical teacher and violin maker. He is shown instructing one of his favorite pupils, a hunchback, vA\o is a musical genius. A musical concert is to be given for his pupils and the favorite student is to play a new composition. He is in love with the daughter of his teacher, but be- lieves that she favors his rival, an- other student. So after his rival per- forms, he sacrifices himself by mak- ing a mess of his selection. The great Bachmann is mortified and broken- hearted, but then the girl discovers the student later praying in the church before the altar and makes him confess that he sacrificed him- self for the rival. She tells him that it is he that she had always loved. Neat sentimental bit nicely combined with classic melodies, costumes and color. Time, 11 mins. "The Swan" Van Beuren Class Type of production. . Musical novelty Here is a little gem that will grace any screen. It is an idyllic treat- ment of a composition of Saint Saens, and the swan theme is beautifully presented in delicate colors showing two graceful white swans swimming back and forth on the still surface of a pond set amid a background of trees. It makes a fine interlude for any prograni that needs a classy nov- elty to round it out. Here it is. Look no further. The recording is done handsomely, and the tonal qualities of the orchestration are of the high grade symphony calibre. Time, 10 mins. "Follies of Fashion" Curiosities— R-K-O Novelty Comedy Type of production. . . .Novelty shots Walter Putter did himself proud on this "Curiosities" release. He dug up one of the finest assortments of ancient film shots we have ever seen and gagged the offering with a mono- logue accompaniment that goes over with a succession of laughs. The highlights are some shots taken 25 years ago, showing the traffic "prob- lem" on Fifth Ave. with the horse drawn vehicles and a stray auto chug- chugging along laboriously, with ev- erybody staring at it as a novelty. Then there are views of the women's fashions on the Avenue, in the bou- doir and at the bathing beach. And the way the monologist comments on them is nobody's business. A sure- fire laugh getter. Time, about 9 mins. "Zip Boom Bang" Jack White — Educational Enterhiinxng Type of production Comedy A promising start for the Jack White series of talking comedies which Educational will release. "Zip Boom Bang" carries little that is new in comedy construction. The gag about the animals breaking loose and chasing the players all over the lot certainly has been done many times before. This time, however, sound is used and here it is that the difference is noted. As an all- talker, you hear the animals roar and the characters gasp. Raymond McKee plays the lead, and sap hus- band burdened down with a wife and three kids, two of them mischievous and the third, too young to be that way. They visit the circus where plenty happens to keep father out of temper and wind. The kids get lost, a clever monkey lets the ani- mals free and general pandemonium holds sway. It's an entertaining comedy worth a play. Directed by Jack White. Time, about 15 mins. Jay Velie in "Songs of Love" Vitaphone No. 713 Class Type of production. . . .Male songster Jay Velie has an unusually pleas- ing baritone, and his songs are of the classical-popular variety that carry a wide appeal. He opens with "You Gave Your Heart to Me," at the piano, and then is assisted by a wo- man nianist for his two remaining numbers. These are "Tommy Lad," a very pleasing ballad, followed by the favorite, "Mother Machree." which is his best selection. Tonal qualities way above the average. Time, 9 mini;. "Fishing Fools" Oswald Novelty — Universal Clever Antics Type of production...! reel cartoon This is a fish story, with Oswald as the fisherman who falls asleep, what ensues is a fish dream. The fish relish his bait but not his hook so finally he uses a stork for a fish- catching device. Later he tries to lure the innocent fish through phono- graph music and nearly lands a small member of the family when along comes papa (or maybe, mama) fish and ruins his plans. Finally when he does catch a fish, a thief steals it for the fadeout. This is a fine piece of cartoonist ingenuity, with the sound effects helping a lot. Phil Baker in "A Bad Boy from a Good Family" Vitaphone No. 734 Nifty Type of production Song and chatter This boy, Phil Baker, sure has a personality that gets over without a struggle. He does his stuff with an easy naturalness that is refreshing to watch. He comes out with an ac- cordion and begins a line of patter that is clever and makes the laughs ripple from the start. He has a lot of new gags that click. He mixes the chatter with four numbers on his accordion, accompanying with a very pleasing voice. The numbers are "Baker Blues," "Big Butter and Egg Man from W'est," "How .'\bout Me?" and "I'll Get By." Phil has enough and to spare. Time, 9 mins. Fred Ardath in "The Corner Store" Vitaphone No. 720 Good Slapstick Type of production. .Comedy sketch This is a neat offering of the old country store variety that gets over easily with the clever slapstick of Fred Ardath as the storekeeper. He starts out with a girl customer who gyps him out of two sides of bacon by returning a ham as a fair swap. The gag conies with Fred trying to figure out whether she owes him money for the ham she hadn't paid for, finally deciding that it's okay. Then the skit goes into a slai)stick painting job, with two rubes assist- ing him, finishing with the two rubes all mussed up and the painting job still unfinished. Directed by Murray Koth with o^igina1it^' "Topical Hits" Topics of the Day — Pathe Snappy Type of production Series of comedy skits They have hit on a pip of an idea for the "Topics," and it looks as if the new treatment if followed up will make this popular series one of the highlights of the short sound field. Every gag is played up indi- vidually as a separate skit. The two players putting over the gag appear in character before a black curtain and the skits follow one another in a snappy manner and with a laugh coming on each one. It has class and is strictly in line with the latest trend in sound comedy development. Recommended without any reserva- tions. Directed by Charles McDon- ald. Time, 11 mins. of the reel. Robert Ober and his wiUc have a problem on their hands with wife's sister who has camped at their flat along with her lazy hus- band who is out of a job. Finally Ober gets the goods on his brother- in-law, who has pawned his wife's watch. He makes him admit that he has received an offer of a job, but is too lazy to grab it. The outcome is that the lazy chap is forced to take the job and get busy with his wife to do the housework and earn their board. Shows nothing worth talking about. Time, 12 mins. Hope Hampton in "Manon" Vitaphone No. 740 Charming, but Long Type of production Operatic Hope Hampton proves that she has a pleasant voice, nicely modu- lated yet indicative of considerable vocal power. Her rendition of one of the arias from the fourth act of "Manon" is sympathetically done. Of course, this is the type of sound short subjects which appeals only to music lovers. Exactly how far you can get with operatic stuff depends upon the requirements of the individual theater. Where it appeals, this is a safe number by a comfortable mar- gin. The principal difficulty is the length. Time, about 12 mins. "Presto Chango" Aesop— Pathe Type of production Animated comedy Paul Terry and Frank Moser com- bined their cartoon talents in turning out a clever animated that is placed definitely in the real laugh numbers by tlie comedy sound effects. Hero Cat takes his gal for an auto ride, and finally lands up in a Chinese joint. Here the chinks get busy and kidnap the gal, and after some hair- raising adventures the hero succeeds in vanquishing the horde of pig-tail- ed villains smgle handed. A good laugh number for grown-ups as well as the kids. Time, 8 mins. Robert Ober in Four in a Flat" Van Beuren Fair Type of production. .Comedy sketch 'J'his one takes too much footage in developing the comedy, which only gets going in the last quarter "Three Aces" Grantland Rice — Pathe Type of production. .. ."Sportlight" No less a personage that Grantland Rice himself acts as master of cere- monies in introducing some real stars of the sport world. He has a neat little monologue that runs through- out the interspersed shots showing the various aces in action in their particular field. The champions pre- sented are Glenna Collett in golf, Tommy Hitchcock in polo, and Gene Tunney in boxing. Miss Collett exhibits her various strokes. Next is shown Hitchcock, captain of the U. S. "big four," and while he exhibits some fast play individually and in actual team work. Tunney is introduced, but first Rice springs a surprise by presenting the late Tex Rickard, sports promoter, which co"- stitutes the only talking pictures of Rickard in existence. Also Jimmy Bronson. Tunney's second and ad- viser, and the two discuss Gene's ca- reer. Then follow scenes of Tunney in his brilliant career from his A.E.F. victory in France down to the pres- ent. A real treat for sport lovers that will go over big. Time. 12 mins. "King of the Campus" Universal Snappy Entertainment Type of production. . . .2 reel comedy The initial number in the fourth series of Collegians brings the stu- dents back to school, with plenty of cheering and racket. On the eve of the inter-class push ball game (George Lewis has reached the junior stage) the seniors stage a fake fire in the dormitories and run the juniors Presents ZIP! BOOM! BANG! with RAYMOND MCKEE directed by JACK WHITE recorded by RCA Photophone i Z-^' THE SPICE OFTHE PROGRAM' Member. Motion Picture Produt-ers and Distribu- tors of Amerira Inr • WiM. H Hays Pr^Midnit ^ THE 18 •e&m DAILY Sunday, March 31, 1929 MONTE BRICE SHORTS PATHE into a furniture moving van. The outfit is moved out into the country, with the juniors being held prisoners to weaken their class at the big tus- sle the following day. A hunter finally releases the boys and via a motorcycle-ladder vehicle, they man- age to get to the athletic field in time to push the rubber balloon to vic- tory. The picture, thanks largely to the use of sound effects, is snappy en- tertainment. There's nothing sensa- tionally clever about the dialogue. Altogether it's a good piece of enter- tainment which Nat Ross directed. Paul Tremaine and His Jazz Band Vitaphone No. 742 Indi^ event Type of production Jazz band Apparently one of the fixtures in sound acts is the jazz band number. Paul Tremaine is just another. Neith- er very good nor very bad, it hits it off as one of the great in betweens. And while you never get very ex- cited about it, neither do you get particularly bored. Time, about 7 mins. Eleanor Painter Vitaphone No. 746 Very Good Type of production. .Song selections The noted lyric soprano delivers a selection of three numbers that are nicely diversified. Miss Painter has a beautiful tonal qualitj' in her lyri- cal voice, and she can act. Hep vivacitj^ makes this offering a real worthwhile number that carries a wide popular appeal. First she sings "Love Is Best of All," then follows with "Habanera" from "Carmen." She finishes with Irving Berlin's "How About Me?", and probably this popular song has seldom been sung to the accompaniment of such clever acting. Time, 8 mins. Rudy Vallee and His Connecticut Yankees Vitaphone No. 771 Very Pleasing Type of production Jazz band Rudy Vallee, college boy turned jazz band leader, first created his vogue over the radio. Then came his engagement at the Palace in New York. This Vitaphone number gives a very definite insight into the ways and wherefores of his charm. Val- lee's stuff is decidedly different. He has a repose that marks him as apart from the rank and file of jazz band iiounds. This restraint seems to have been imparted to his boys with the result the offering carries the •^tanip of the different. Vallee himself has an extremely pleasing voice of the crooning variety. From the mo- ment he begins to sing, the audience belongs to him. Recommended ev- erywhere. Time, about 10 mins. Johnny Burke in "Broadway Blues" Sennett — Educational Blue, Like Its Title Type of production Comedy Following on the heels of "The Lion's Roar," "The Bride's Rela- tions" and "Whirling Girls," this lat- est Sennett talker proves sad more often than funny. Even comedies, it appears to us, should have some sort of a story thread, even if that thread is spun from silk. But in "Broadway Blues." they wrote in dialogue even if it wasn't funny and meandered through the footage until enough w*as shot to call it a day. The affair deals with a couple of vaude flops who try to crash in big time, eventually meeting the musical comedy producer at the home of the girl's country folks and finally get- ting over just in time to buy off the mortgage so that ma and pa can remain in the old homestead. If the quips had been clever, the proceed- ings wouldn't have been so dull. Di- rected by Mack Sennett. Time, about 15 mins. Robert Emmett Keane in "Gossip" Vitaphone No. 2849-50 Mildly Amusing Type of production. .Comedy sketch "Gossip" rambles on and on with- out ever learning when to stop. This is what's wrong. Stringing out the laughs judiciously over a period of 15 minutes or so is no easy matter, as builders of comedy sketches in vaudeville can well testify to their sorrow. This story is predicated on a discussion between Claire Whitney, once a familiar figure in pictures, and John Miljan over the respective gos- sip inclinations of male and female. Claire insists men, contrary to preva- lent opinion, are worse offenders, Miljan scoffs at the idea. Then en- ters Keane, friend of Miljan, who starts the gentle verbal process of tearing all and sundry into shreds. Wifey thereupon chuckles unmerci- fully in the general direction of hub- by. Later, when hubby leaves for a few minutes, Keane gets in his dirty w(ork which is plenty. Then the situation reverses itself and Miljan hears plenty about his wife. Both of them take Keane to task who then admits the mischief, but insists he meant no harm. Comes a promise to drop it, when the phone rings and. lo and behold, the male talking machine is at it again as the pic- ture fades out. Humorous in spots, but woefully long. The few laughs aren't enough recompenses for the draggy minutes in between. Di- rected by Byron Foj'. Time, from 15 to 18 mins. SILENT Pathe Review No. 14 Entertaining Type of production. . 1 reel magazine Opens with views from the activi- ties of Coolidge while pursuing his social vacationing at various times while President. This is followed by a Pathecolor series of views of flow- ers photographed by Dr. Arthur Pills- bury. Finishes with "Siamese Cav- alry." showing the native troops do- ing some fine horsemanship. "The Cop's Bride"— Fables Pathe Peppy Type of production. . 1 reel animated In this one Al Falfa and Waffles, the demon motorcycle cop, cooperate to rescue little Kitty from the bold bandits. Then follows a running bat- tle with the gangsters, with Waffles mixing it up in the stvle of the hero Sunday, March 31, 1929 DAILV 19 in the big iiiulcrworld Icaiiircs. Imod burlesque, witli the comedy slants plentiful. Winds up with a fiKJit in Al Falfa's cellar, endiuK with the house being blown up. Pathe Review No. 12 Entertaining Type of production .. 1 reel magazine Divided into tiiree interestiiig se qnences, the first showing impartial- ly just what has transpired in tlu rum industry since prohibition. Raids, and spilling of good liquor in the gutters will make some of the boys feel rather sad. Then follows "Cos- tumes for Sea and See." The seeing is worth any man's attention, and the girls will enjoy the sporty new mod- els. Finishes with shots of "Moor- ish Rug Makers of .A.lbacyn," show- ing how the ancient art still survives among the Moors in Spain. "Magic" Stern Bros. — Universal Pretty Poor Stuff Type of production. . . .2 reel comedy A lot of hash is served in this number of the Buster Brown series. Most of it is too inane to record and is pretty flat with moth-bitten gags using the baby, Mary Jane and Tige. The better part of the picture starts when a magician gives a show at Buster's house. Tige's curiosity leads to the gunmiing up of most of his tricks, all of which are familiar. Rab- bits run loose, chickens lose their feathers and there is much excite- ment without an equivalent in enter- ta nment. Tige gives the best per- formance, with Buster and ^lary Jane doing a couple of typical of stage or movie kids. "Bridle Byways" Grantland Rice Good Action Type of production..! reel Sportlight An interesting collection of various shots of high-blooded horses in ac- tion in various outdoor sports. The racetrack, bridle path and fast step- pers in the various equine sports are all shown going through their paces. Will please lovers of horses. "Howling Hollywood" Mermaid — Educational Ordinary Type of production. . . .2 reel comedy This is a take-off on the Holly- wood studios, with shots of the di- rector at a preview of a picture. The scene is laid in a haunted house, with the usual mixups and some good comedy wiprk by George Davis and Vernon Dent. The titles are pretty blah and fail to get the laughs. Di- rected by James Jones without show- ing anything worth talking about. Pathe Review No 15 Oddities Type of production..! reel magazine Some novelty shots are presented under the general title "What They W'ill Do to Get Into the News- papers." The notoriety seekers in- clude "Shipwreck" Kelly, the flag- pole sitter, doing his stuff; "Cold Cash" Pyle promoting his coast-to- coast marathon; and a few of our Washington oltKial> doing some goofy stunts for the flickers and newspapermen. Then follows a i'athechrome subject, the famous Al- cazar of Seville, one of the most resplendent architectural creations in the world, and it is beautiful. Con- cludes with "Birds and Beasts of the Jungle," showing some unusual pictures of odd animals of the Ama- zon that are seldom photographed. "Red Romance" Universal The Old Story Type of production. .2 reel western (ieorge Chandler, playing a teiuier- fi)ot artist, lands in the great open spaces to paint the old West, now past tense. The cowpunchers stage a cloud of Wild Bill atmosphere to entertain the Kasterner, who in the meantime seems to be falling in love with the sheriff's daughter. The sheriff is made prisoner by an es- caped bandit but the tenderfoot, be- lieving the episode to be a framcup. refuses to aid the girl in liberating her dad. However, he finally sees the light and licks the villain, frees poor father, saves the girl and regis- ters love in the last near shot. Very weak from the standpoint of enter- tainment. W^alter Fabian is director. "The Night Watch" Horace in Hollywood — Universal Passable Type of production. . . .2 reel comedy In this one Horace acts as the as- sistant janitor and gets very excited w-atching the director shoot scenes on a medieval set showing a tavern with the knights making merry. He plays up to the ingenue, and falls asleep dreaming about his new love. He imagines himself the hero knight way back in ye olden days, wakes up to discover he has wrecked the set in his sleep and the director is ready to murder him. Directed by Doran Cox. "A Rider of the Sierras" Western Featurette — Universal Blah Type of production . .2 reel western Edmund Cobb is the brave ranger doing the usual daily dozen special- ized in this series with little variation. The eastern banker is vacationing out west with daughter, who is rescued from a runaway by the ranger. Later a bandit raids the camp, tries to ab- duct the girl, but the ranger inter- venes in time. Flat as a punctured tire, and just as exciting. Directed by Ray Taylor. "Dogging It" Grantland Rice — Pathe P*PPV A.ction TvjJe of production....! reel Sport- light The lovers of dogs will get a real kick from this one. It shows the part the canines play in lending pep to various outdoor sports. A nice sequence of a whippet race carries plenty of action, and then the marsh scenes with the dogs pointing for the quail is an art study in beautiful ani- mal posing. DONT BUY "TALKIE" MACHINES YOU MAY USE OURS FREE! You can't play talking and singing pictures unless you have machines to play them. Some theatres have machines but cannot procure reasonable priced film — We give you both — Machines and Pictures. RECORDINGS AND MACHINES MANUFACTURED BY PATHE PHONQano RADIO CORPORATION DISTRIBUTED WITH PICTURES RELEASED BY RADIOTONE PICTURES CORPORATION 1600 BROADWAY, NEW YORK CITY w-^, r^^^.^» ^ with our SYNCHRONOUS MACHINES EVERY THEATRRcAN play our talking and MUSICAL Vaudeville Pictures and 2 Reel Dramas If you Haven't Got an installation we offer you ABSOLUTELY FREE USE of a Complete Patented and Protected Synchronous "TALKIE" Equip- ment— Interchangeable with Vitaphone and Other Systems WITH EVERY FILM CONTRACT CONSISTING OF 6— FILM — Vaudeville Acts and 2 Reel Dramas —EVERY WEEK— 52 weeks per year (ENOUGH TALKIE FOR ANY THEATRE) This Gives You a Guarantee of at Least 312 Vaudeville and "Talkie" Shorts per Year At the Lowest Film-Rental Prices in Talking Picture History: FILM RENTAL FOR THEATRES with 600 SEATS— 8100 FOR 6 SHORTS WEEKLY FILM RENTAL FOR THEATRES up to 1000 Seats— S125 FOR 6 SHORTS WEEKLY FILM RENTAL FOR THEATRES over 1000 SEATS— $150 FOR 6 SHORTS WEEKLY And you get Xhe FREE USE of our TALKER EQUIPMENT— Inter- changeable with Vitaphone and Others YOU AS A SHOWMAN CAN REALIZE WHAT THESE VAUDE- VILLE-FILM ATTRACTIONS WILL MEAN IN CREATING NEW LIFE AND INTEREST AT YOUR BOX-OFFICE AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO PURCHASE A TALKER EQUIPMENT USE OURS FREE— AND SAVE YOUR MONEY AT^A/RUnPTCC SINGING— DANCING— MUSICAL COMEDY I^U V nrv 1 iCiC . And aU kinds of Talking Pictures— And Cash In— The Greatest Booking Offer in Show Business Today THE ONLY OFFICES FOR THIS PROPOSITION RADIOTONE PICTURES CORPORATION 1600 BROADWAY, NEW YORK, N. Y. First Come — First Served — He Who Hesitates Is Lost NOTE: If you desire to purchase the Talker Equipment without contracting for the film shorts — you may purchase the Tnachinea for $2,000 on terms to suit. THC 20 -.55^ DAILV Sunday, March 31, 1929 I SLUMS OF HEAVEN oej?^p^i-s>c f Story by ERNEST MAAS Paramount Long Island Studio Continuily and Dialogue by FREDERICA SAGOR »C)'«^()«H»C)« CURTIS F. NAGEL HOWARD C. BROWN COLORART PICTURES, INC. Producers of Tiffany -Stahl Color Symphonies One-Reel Masterpieces in Sound and Technicolor What the Field Has RELEASES EOR EIRST THREE MONTHS OF '28 'C'VERY type of short subject, sound and silent, may be found in the following tabulation. The list is comprehensive enough to meet requirements of all types of theaters. (Sound) 'Little Friends of All the World," one reel (Silent) "Little Friends of All the World," one reel Castle Films Release Date "Down Hawaii Way" Jan. 1 "60 Minutes from Bway" Jan. 15 "Flaming Canyons" Feb. 1 "Trailing the Western Sun" Feb. 15 "Sunshine" Mar. 1 "Kids and Pets" Mar. IS Columbia (Sound) Screen Snapshots, each in one reel, 26 in the series. Released alternate weeks with Columbia Gems, series of 26 acts in sound. Three of the Screen Snapshots have been released up to April 1. Educational »i>4i»i)«i»H 1■^m^■o^^tt^l^^^■^m■(t^^^im^^i^ (Sound) CORONET TALKING COMEDIES (2 Reels) Release Date "The Eligrible Mr. Bangs (Edward Everett Horton) Jan. 13 "Ask Dad" (Edward Everett Horton) Feb. 17 SENNETT TALKING COMEDIES (2 Reels) Release Date "The Bride's Relations" (Johnny Burke) Jan. 13 "The 0:d Barn" (Johnny Burke) .. .Feb. 3 "Whirls and Girls" (Harry Gribbon and Andy Clyde). Feb. 17 "Broadway Blues" (Johnny Burke) .. Mar. 10 * * * (Silent) NEWSREEL Released twice weekly (Kinograms), begin- nmg with No. 5,463, to No. 5,488. DOROTHY DEVORE COMEDY (2 Reels) Release Date "Auntie's Mistake" Feb. 17 RUSS FARRELL, AVIATOR SERIES (2 Reels) Release Date "The Air Derby" (Reed Howes) ... .Jan. 6 "The Cloud Patrol" (Reed Howes). Feb. 24 IDEAL COMEDIES (2 Reels) Release Date "Beauties Beware" (Jerry Drew) ... .Jan. 27 "Wise Wimmin" (Jerry Drew) ....Mar. 31 "BIG BOY-JUVENILE COMEDIES (2 Reels) Release Date "The Fixers" Feb. 3 "Ginger Snaps" Mar. 24 LUPINO LANE COMEDIES (2 Reels) Releaso Date Only Me" Jan. 20 "Summer Saps" Mar. 17 MERMAID COMEDIES (2 Reels) . Release Date Gomg Places" (George Davis) Jan. 13 "Whoopee Boys" (Monty Collins) .. Feb. 10 "Smart Steppers" (Al St. John).. Mar. 3 "Parlor Pests" (Collins-Dent) Mar. 24 TUXEDO COMEDIES (2 Reels) „,^, , Release Date Husbands Must Play" (Wallace Lupino) Jan. * CAMEO COMEDIES (1 Reel) Release Date "What a Trip" (Vernon Dent) Jan. 13 "Dumb — And How" (Thatcher- Young- Allen) Jan. 27 "Served Hot" (Cliff Bowes) Feb. 10 "Pep Up" (Cliff Bowes) Feb. 24 "Her Big Ben" (Gene Stone) Mar. 10 "Time to Expire" (Gene Stone) ... .Mar. 24 HODGE PODGE aNOVELTY) (1 Reel) Release Date "Question Marks" Jan. 20 "A Dominion of Diversity" Feb. 24 "A Moving Movie Show" Mar. 31 SPECIAL (1 Reel) Release Date "Lewis-Sonnenberg Wrestling Match. Jan. 13 OUR WORLD TODAY (MAGAZINE) (1 Reel) Release Date "Walking Fish" Jan. 13 "The Best Dressed Woman in the World" Feb. 17 "Jungle Kings and Queens of the Screen" Mar. 24 Fox Film (Sound) FOX MOVIETONE NEWS Release Dates Not Designated MOVIETONE ACTS (1 and 2 Reels) Release Dates Not Designated "On the Beach at Atlantic City," re- vue with Anatole Friedman "Stewed, Fried and Boiled," with Rob- ert Benchley; two reels of doings of amateur suburban gardener "Furnace Trouble," with Robert Bench- ley; comedy dealing with suburban dweller who wrecks bridge game ar- ranged by his wife Sketch with Pat Rooney, Marion Bent and Pat Rooney III, in songs, dances "Waltzing Around," two-reel comedy in which Clark & McCullough, as tramps, crash into the fight game.. "In Holland," with Clark & McCullough; they destroy tulip bed of a man who befriends them and seek out the Edelweiss flower in the Alps to atone for their mistake "Beneath the Law," two-reel comedy with Clark & McCullough, who act as lawyers for the defense of a night club dancer; dancing, music, dia- logue "The Music Fiends," Clark & McCul- lough two reel comedy with the pair portraying musicians "The Medicine Man," Clark & McCul- lough comedy in two reels; deals with adventures of pair of patent medicine sellers "Knights Out," outdoor comedy with Clark & McCullough wearing medi- aeval armor "The Belle of Samoa," two-reel tab- loid musical comedy with Lois Mo- ran and Clark & McCullough as prin- cipals; dancing, singing and dialogue Richard Bonnelli and Ruby Keeler; Bonelli sings prologue to "Pagliacci," Keeler does a tap dance Miller & Farrell, in song and instru- mental numbers; (a) "For Crying Out Loud"; (b) "My Ohio Home", (c) "It's a Hard, Hard World" "Why Be Serious?" with Will Ma- honey; jokes and songs; (a) "Yawn- ing," (h) two "mammy" songs; (c) "Brokenhearted" THE Sunday, March 31, 1929 ■s^mi DAILV To Offer in Shorts "Schubert's Serenade," playlet with music "Mind Your Own Business," two-reel dialogue comedy with Herbert & Bard "Napoleon's Barber," three-reeler "Sound Your A," three-reel comedy centering alx>ut an old cornet player .... "Forget Me Not," story of Christ- mas in a German village in 1754, with musical effects; three reels "Friendship." two-reel drama with Donald Gallagher, Robert Edeson, Edward Earle, Carl Miller, Joseph Striker and Paul Fung "Happy Birthday," domestic farce re- volving around lady's wrist watch which nearly wrecks two homes "Royal Hawaiian Singers" in (a) "South Seas, (b) "Across the Seas," songs and dances "Old Tunes for New," in which Dr. Signiund Spaeth e.xposes origin of jazz "The Knife." dramatic sketch starring Lionel Atwill • • • (Silent) FOX NEWS Released twice weekly. FOX VARIETIES (1 Reel) Release Date "The Harvest" Jan. 6 "Ends of the Earth" Jan. 20 "North of the Battery" Feb. 3 "King Cotton" Feb. 1 7 "An Alpine Pastoral" Mar. 3 "Details on Dogs" Mar. 17 "Historic Hungary" Mar. 31 Internat'l Photo Play Dist. (Sound) ONE REEL ACTS "The Marionettes," No. 1, talking and singing "The Marionettes," No. 2, talking and singing "Clyde Doerr and His Saxophone Sex- tette" "Hoak," comedy with Frawley & Smith "Radio Franks and the Four Bachelors" "The Miser," sketch with Bransy Wil- liams, from Dickens' "Bleak House" "A Trip to the Zoo," animal sound film TWO REEL ACTS "\Vhen the Clock Struck 12," com- edy-drama with Niles Welch and Maude Malcomb "Club Alabam," New York colored re- vue with Abbie Mitchell and Her Crowd "The Meal Hound," comedy sketch with the Nugents Mascot (Silent) "The Fatal Warning" serial in 10 episodes. First episode released March 1. (Sound) CHASE COMEDIES (2 Reels) Release Date "Ruby Lips" Tan. 19 LAUREI^HARDY COMEDIES (2 Reels) Release Date "Liberty" Jan. 26 "Wrong Again" Feb. 23 "That's My Wife" Mar. 23 OUR GANG COMEDIES (2 Reels) Release Date "Noisy Noises" Feb. 9 "The Holy Terror" Mar. 9 METRO MOVIETONE ACTS SECOKD EDITION Release Date "Ukelele Ike" (1 reel on film)— Cliff Edwards singing, playing and story telling; songs: (a) "What a Night for Spooning," (b) "Oh, Baby, Don't We (iet Along" Jan. 5 "Gus Edwards Song Revue" (1 reel on disc) — Tabloid revue in Techni- color; singers and dancers Jan. 5 Bernardo De Pace (1 reel on disc) — mandolin solos; (a) "Thais." (b) "Ramona," (c) "Morning, Noon ana Night" Jan. 12 "Confession" (2 reel on disc) — one act drama dealing with tragedy of the War; cast: Kol)ert Ames, Car- roll Nye, Christianne Yves, Yvonne Stark Jan. 12 Van and Schenck (1 reel on film) — songs: (a) "Pasta Vazoola," (b) "Hungry Women" Jan. 19 "Nearly Divorced" (2 reels on film) — one act comedy concerning domestic troubles of a British peer and his extravagant wife; cast: Lowell Sher- man, Cyril Chadwick, Betty Fran- cisco Jan. 19 "Metro Movietone Revue," No. 3 (2 reels on film) — Jack Pepper, ra.c. ; cast: Frances White, Ponce Sisters, Reynolds Sisters, Joe Regan, Jack Pepper; musical numbers: (a) "Mon- key in the Zoo," song; (b) dance number, (c) sentimental ballad, (d) monologue and songs Jan. 26 Marion Harris (1 reel on film) — songs: (a) "He's All Mine," (b) "Ten Little Miles from Town" Jan. 26 "Song of the Roses" (1 reel on disc) — song and dance revue, by Gus Edwards, done in Technicolor ....Feb. 2 George Dewey Washington (1 reel on disc) — baritone; songs: (a) "Lonely Little Bluebird," (b) "There's a Rainbow Round My Shoulder," (c) "Sonny Boy" Feb. 2 George Lyons (1 reel on disc) — sing- ing harpist; (a) "Mother of Mine," (b) "Bouquet of Memories," (c) "King for a Day," (d) "Happy. Days, Lonely Nights" Feb. 9 Jan Garber's Band (1 reel on disc) — band members each play solos; song numbers: (a) "Blue Shadows," (b) "Memories of France," (c) "Tiger Rag" Feb. 9 Vincent Lopez (1 reel on disc) — Lopez renders piano solos; band plays: (a) "Flapperette," (b) "Twelfth St. Rag," (c) "Canadian Capers" Feb. 1 6 "Jimtown Cabaret" (2 reels on film) — comedy with Flourney Miller and Aubrey Lyles, with jazz orchestra, singing, dancing Feb. 16 William O'Neal (1 reel on disc) — songs: (a) "Lolita," (b) "Duna," (c) "Until" Feb. 23 Duci de Kerekjarto (1 reel on disc) — violin solos; (a) "Andalusian Ro- mance," (b) "Spanish Dance" ....Feb. 23 "The Revellers" (1 reel on disc) — composer-pianist and male quartet; songs: (a) "I'm in Love Again," (b) "De Gaspel Train," (c) "Nola".Mar. 2 Gordon and Squires (1 reel on disc) — comedy program in dialogue and song; songs: (a) "Faust," (b) "Soothing Serenade," (c) "If You Were a Dreamer" Mar. 2 \^an and Schenck (1 reel on film) — singing; (a) "Chinese Firecracker," (b) "Way Down South in Heaven". Mar. 9 Eight Victor Artists (1 reel on film) — includes: Henry Burr, Monroe Silver, Billy Murray, Frank Banta, James Stanley, Carl Mathieu, Stan- ley Baugham; Sam Herman; pre- sents "Rube Minstrels"; (a) ensemble sings "Hail, Hail, the Gang's All Here"; quartet sings: (b) "Farmer Took Another Load Away"; (c) xylo- phone solo; dialogue throughout . .Mar. 9 Bob Nelson (1 reel on film) — comedy singing act; songs: (a) "Everything I Do, I Do for You," (b) "Berlin Melody," (c) "She's Got a Great Big Army of Friends" Mar. 16 Phil Spitalny's Band (2 reels on disc) — with the Penn Trio, Paul Sisters, 8 Chester Hale Girls, Al Wohlman as m.c; musical numbers: (a) "Jumping Jack," (b) "Hungarian Rhapsody" (jazz) ; (c) "Among My r? Ti Zi=^ JT inis In amflltoini Lfojd HsimnliLoini TaBkiinig Pn€itiuiBr©§ Produced by siinry Do Edwardlg LARRY WILLIAMS Chief Cinematographer f i METRO-GOLD WYN-MAYER'S Eastern Studio 22 DAILV Sunday, March 31, 1929 JACQUES ROLLENS Directing for Universal Series of 13 "LAEMMLE NOVELTIES" "HOUSE CLEANING" "^^ote and Directed Dialogue (With Charles Grapewin — Anna Chance) Two-Reel All Talkie Comedy Version of 'THE CHARLATAN" >.■».■#■■»•■♦•»»••«•»»»•»» •:^^*^^*^>%^.^..%*^^*m^•^*^^"•••**•*-•'*^"^"0••^"•••^•^^*^^^•^ FRED A, FLECK directing talking shorts at Paramount's Long Island Studio •*•«•••»•••«•• Souvenirs," (d) "There's a Rain- bow Round My Shoulder"; (cj "(liggling Gertie," (f) "Keep Smil- ing," (g) "One Step to Heaven" . Mar. 16 George Dewey Washington (1 reel on disc) — songs: (a) "Lonely Vaga- bond," (1j) "Sun Is Shining at My Window," (c) "Curtain Comes Down" Mar. 23 Ersi and Ayers (1 reel on film) — songs: (a) "She Was Wonderful," (b) "When You Belong to Me".. Mar. 23 Keller Sisters and Lynch (I reel on disc) — harmony trio, introduced by a dance act; (a) "Where Did You Get Those Eyes?" (b) "Oh. What a Night for Spooning," (c) "Rac- coon" Mar. 30 "Stepping Along" (1 reel on disc) — "Sunshine Sammy" and brothers, fea- turing songs and a buck dance; songs; (a) "Half Way to Heaven," (b) "Way Down Upon the Swanee River" Mar. 30 (Silent) M-G-M NEWS Released twice weekly. ODDITIES (1 Reel) Release Date "Napoltou's Homeland" Jan. 5 "Uphill and Down" Jan. 19 "Dying Jungle" Feb. 2 "Secret Boozehounds" Feb. 16 "An Ancient Art" Mar. 2 "Allah 'i Allah" Mar. 16 "Jungle Orphans" Mar. 30 GREAT EVENTS (1 Reel) Release Date "Manchu Love" Ian. 12 Untitled Mar. 9 ALL-STAR COMEDIES (i Reels) Release Date "Going Ga Ga" Jan. 5 "Pair of Tights" Feb. 2 "When Money Comes" Mar. 2 "Why Is a Plumber?" Mar. 30 OUR GANG COMEDIElS (2' Reels) Release Date "Election Day" Ian. 12 "Noisy Noises" JFeb. 1 "The Holy Terror" Mar. 9 CHASE COMEDIES (i Reels) Release Date "Ruby Lips" Jan. 19 "Off to Buffalo" Feb. 16 "Loud Soup" Mar, 16 laukEl-hardy comedies (2 Reels) Release Date "Liberty" Jan. 26 "Wrong Again" Feb. 23 "That's My Wife" Mar. 23 Paramount Famous- Lasky (Sound) SINGLE UNIT SOUND SHORTS Release Date 'That Party in Person (Eddie Cantor) Jan. 5 'Blue Songs" (Ruth Ettinger) Jan. 5 "Just One Word" (Comedy Sketch). Jan. 26 "Rnvhond Days" (Bor'-ah Minevitcb J . Jan. 26 "Bishop's Candlesticks" Ovaucr hustun) Kcb. 23 "His College Chums" (Eddie Peabody) Mar. 16 "Crooning Melodies" (Giersdorf Sisters) Mar. 16 TWO REEL ACTS Release Date 'Kis.ses" Feb. 2 'Carnival Man" (Walter Huston) .. Feb. 2'3 "Apartment Hunting" Mar. 9 "Now and Then" Mar. 23 ONE REEL ACTS Release Date 'Two Little Chinese Maids" Feb. 9 ■'What Is It?" (Elinor Glyn ) Feb. 16 'False Alarm Fire Comjiauy" Mar. 9 'Favorite Melodies" (Ruth Etiitiger) . Mar. 16 'Knights in Venice" Mar. 23 CHRISTIE COMEDIES (2 Reels) Release Date 'Melancholy Dame" Feb. 2 'Bird in the Hand" Feb. 16 'Post Mortems" Mar. 2 'Music Hath Charms" Mar. 16 'Meet the Missus" (Gleason) Mar. 30 FAMOUS COMPOSERS (1 Reel) c u , , ^ Release Date Schubert s Songs Feb. 23 Schubert's Inspiration .Mar! 30 SC. SONGS (1 Reel) ..CI 1. r », Release Date Sidewalks of New York" Feb. 2 "A Yankee Doodle Boy" Mar 2 • * * (Silent) PARAMOUNT NEWS Kelcascd twice weekly. VERNON COMEDIES (2 Reels) .,„,, ,. .,, Release Date Why Gordlas Leave Home" Jan. 12 '|His Angel Child" Feb. 16 "Turn Him Loose" Mar. 16 DOOLEY COMEDIES (2 Reels) Release Date Happy Heels Jan. 19 "Off the Deck" Feb. 23 "Crazy Doings" Mar. 23 MAC DUFF COMEDIES (2 Reels) Release Date "Papa Spank" Feb. 2 "Are Scotchmen Tight ?" Mar. 2 "Single Bliss" Mar. 30 CHORUS GIRL iSERIES (2 Reels) Release Date "Footlight Fanny" Feb. 9 "Tight Places" Mar. 9 KRAZY KAT CARTOONS (1 Reel) Release Date "Cow Belles" Jan. 5 "Hospitalities" Jan. 19 "Reduced Weights" ; Feb. 2 "Flying Yeast' Feb. 16 "Vanishing Screams'' Mar.. .2 "A Joint Affair" Mar. 16 "Sheepskiinied" Mar. 30 INKWELL IMP CARTOONS (1 Reel) Release Date "No Eyes Today" Jan. 12 "Noise Annoys Koko" Jan. 26 "Koko Beats Time" Feb. 9 "Koko's Reward" Feb. 23 "Koko's Hot Ink" . . .- Mar. 9 "Koko's Crib" Mar. 23 SOUND PATHE SOUND NEWS Released weekly, beginning with No. 5 ou 1,11,. I) til No. 15, on Mar. 31, LINCOLN SPECIAL U-cb. 10—1 Reel) "AT THE DENTIST'S" (A/(ir. 24—2 Reels) Silent PATHE NEWS Released twice weekly, beginning with Nos. 6 and 7, week of Jan. 6. to Nos. 30 and 31, for week of March 31. SERIALS (2 Reels) Release Date "The Tiger's Shadow," beginning with Nu. 3 on Ian. 6, and released one each week to Xo. 10, ou Feb. 24. "The Fire Detective," beginning with No. I on Mar. 3, and released one each week, to Xo. 5, on Mar. 31. AESOP'S FILM FABLES (Tzvo-thirds of a Reel) "Land o' Cotton" Jan. 6 "A White Elephant" Jan. 13 "Snapping the Whip" Jan. 20 "The Break of Day" Jan. 27 "Sweet Adeline" Feb. 3 "Wooden Money" Feb. 10 "The Queen Bee" Feb. 17 "'-randma's Honse" Feb. 24 "Back to the Soil" Mar. 3 "A Lad and His Lamp" Mar. 10 "Tlie Black Duck" war. 1/ "The Big Burg" Mar. 24 " 1 lie Under Dog" Mar. 31 GRANTLAND RICE SPORTLIGHTS (1 Reel) Release Date "Kniiwing the Ropes" Jan. 6 "Players at Play" Jan. 20 "Mild or Mighty" Feb. 3 "Girls Will Be Boys" Feb. 17 "Close Figuring" Mar. 3 "Dogging It" Mar. 17 "Bridle Byways" Mar. 31 Sunday, March 31, 1929 DAILY 23 SENNETT-HANDY ANDY SERIES (2 Hci-h) Release Date "Cliiiikrd on tlic Corner" (Johnny Burke) Jan. 6 "Ladies Must Eat" (Johnny Burke) Mar. 3 PATHEEDUCATIONAL SERIES ( 1 A,-.-/ ) Release Date "The Masai" Jan. 6 "The Forest People of Central Africa" Jan. 20 "The Cycle of Erosion" Jan. 20 "Head Hunters of the Solomon Islands" '. I'"e1>. •' "Glaciers" Keli. 10 PATHE-EDUCATIONAL-SCIENCE SERIES (1 Reel) Release Date "Shore Lines and Shore Developments" Mar. j "The Great Ice Age of North Anxrica" Mar. 24 "SMITTY" SERIES (2 Uccis) Release Date "No Vacation" Jan. 1.! "Circus Time" Feb. 10 "No Children" Mar. 10 SENNETT-SMITH COMEDIES (J Kctis) Release Date •Haby's Birthday" Jan. 10 SENNETT-DE LUXE COMEDIES (2 Reels) Release Date "Uncle Tom" Jan. 27 "The Rodeo" Mar. 24 SENNETT COMEDIES (STRAIGHT) (2 Reels) Release Date "Calling Hubby's BlutT" Feb. 3 "Foolish Husbands" Mar. 17 CHARLIE CHAPLIN COMEDY (REISSUE) (2 Reels) Release Date •.\ Day's Pleasure" Feb. 10 SENNETT-DAN THE TAXI MAN SERIES (2 Reels) Release Date "Taxi Spooks" (Jack Cooper) Feb. 17 SENNETT-TIRED BUSINESS MAN SERIES (2 Reels) Release Date Button My Back" (Billy Bevan) . Feb. 2-4 SENNETT-GIRL COMEDY • (2 Reels) Release Date ".Matchniakiny .Mama" .Mar. 31 PATHE REVIEW (1 Reel) Released weekly, beginning with No. 2 on Jan. 6. to No. 14 lor Mar. 31. TOPICS OF THE DAY (Oiietlniil Reel) Released weekly, beginning with No. 2 on Jan. 6 to No. 14 on Mar. 31. RKO Pictures (Silent) MICKEY McGUIRE COMEDIES (2 Reels) Release Date 'Mickey's (Ireat Idea" J-'n. 30 'Mickey's Fxplorers" Feb. 17 '.Mickey's MenaRcrie" Mar. 17 TOOTS AND CASPER COMEDIES (2 Reels) Release Date Smile Buttercup Smile" Jan. 6 "Bit; Hearted Toots" Feb. 3 •Casper's Niwht Out" Mar. 3 "Tools' Bin Idea" .Mar. 31 BARNEY GOOGLE COMEDIES (J Reel>) Release Date KuniiiuThru the Kye" Jan. 27 ".Sunshine's Dark Moment" Feb. 2-1 •Neigh, Neigh, Spark I'lun' Mar. 24 CURIOSITIES (1 Reel) Release Date ".SeeinKS Believing " Jan. 2 "I'ot I'ourri" Jan. 17 ■.\ctualities" Jan. 30 Birds and Beasts" Feb. 13 ■ .Novelties"' Feb. 27 •Orienta"" .Mar. 13 •"Faces" Mar. 27 Radiotone Pictures Corp. || (Sound) ACTS. FEATURETTES & NOVELTIES Released one each week Roseland Pictures (Sound) SOUND SHORT SERIES I I Reel) Release Date ■Join the Party" Mar. 1 ••.\sleep at the .Switch" Mar. 15 (Silent) BONZO SERIES (1 Reel) Release Date '•Bfjnzcbna'* Jan. 1 ".Madd'n Bonzo"" "Jan. 1.5 "I'dld Bciiizo'" Feb. 1 ■"Spook Boiizu"' Feb. 15 ""Detective Bon/d^" Mar. 1 ""Booster Bnti/(." M.Tr 1 5 LIBERTY BOYS OF "76 (2 Reels) .Series o! six. Safrus Prod. (Sound) SOUND SERIES (1 Reel) "Ticket Please" "X'auc'evillia" ■Thi- and Th.it" ■■The Parly^' ■\ ar. dies'" TiflFany-Stahl (Sound) SOUND SHORTS (Technicolor) ( 1 A'<-.-/ ) Release Date ■'In a Persian Market" Jan. 1 "The Tov .Shop"" Jan. l.i ■Ila«aii Love Call"" .Mar. 1 (Silent) TECHNICOLOR SERIES (1 Reel) Release Date '■|. overs' Paradise" J-oi. IS ■'Little Vagabond" Feb. 1 "Tinkle Toes" Mar. 1 i UFA Eastern Dist. (Silent) UFA SHORTS SERIES (1 Reel) Release Date 'Peculiar Households" Jan. 1 "Natuies Tiny Trahedies" Jan. 15 "Love's Witchcraft" Feb. 1 "We Parents"' Feb. 15 "Tally Ho" Mar. 1 "Salt Water .Millinery" Mar. 15 Universal i (Sound) MOVIETONE-VAUDE ACTS (1 .Reel) Release Date ■Three Brox Sisters in Hawaii" Jan. 14 "Bailey and Barnum"" Jan. 21 "Zimmerman anrl Gran\ille" Jan. 28 ■■At the Night Club" ( Brox Sisters) Mar. 25 OSWALD CARTOONS (1 Reel) ■Hen Fruit" Feb. 4 •Sick Cvlinders"" Feb. 18 ATTENTION! INDEPENDENT EXCHANGES When in the Market for 100% Talking One Reel Subjects Wire or Write to PERFECT TALKING PICTURES CO. ANTHONY J. XYDIAS, President 4376 Sunset Drive Hollywood, Calif. Now Producing One-Reel Talking Pictures Eight Pictures Already Completed Exhibitors Wire Us for the Name of Your Nearest Exchange ROSELAND OFFERS For State-Right Release 12 One Reel AU-Talking-Pictures hirst T-iVO Completed "JOIN THE PARTY" With A Stellar Cast of 17 Broadway Players "ASLEEP AT THE SWITCH' Featuring the Famous Colored Comed'ans GULFPORT and BROWN In A Rollicking Railroad Comedy H^ill Flay on Any 33 1-3 Disc Machine 26 One Reel "BONZO" CARTOONS 25,000,000 people are reading this famous comic strip daily in the Hearst Newspapers. "Liberty Boys of '76" Faithfully adapted from the famous stories that every American boy has read. ROSELAND PICTURES CORPORATION 1697 Broadway New York THE 24 '^&^ DAiLV Sunday, March 31, 1929 "Hold 'em Ozzie" Mar. 4 "Suicide Slieiks" Mar. 18 (Silent) NEWS REEL Released twice weekly. (nternational News- reel). SERIALS (2 Reels) "Mystery Rider," beginning with No. 7 on Jan. 7, and released one each week, to No. 10 on Jan. 28. "Diamond Master," beginning with No. 1 on Feb. 4. and released one each week to No. 8 on Mar. 25. OSWALD CARTOONS (1 Reel) Release Date "Homeless Homer" Jan. 7 "Yankee Clippers" Jan. 21 "Hen Fruit" Feb. 4 "Sick Cylinders" Feb. 18 "Hold 'em Ozzie" Mar. 4 "Suicide Sheiks" Mar. 18 COLLEGIANS (2 Reels) Release Date "Speeding Youth" Jan. 7 "Winning Point" Jan. 21 "Farewell" Feb. 4 STERN-BUSTER BROWN COMEDIES (2 Reels) Release Date "Out at Home" Jan. 9 "Have Patience" Feb. 6 "Knockout Buster" Mar. 6 WESTERN FEATURETTES (2 Reels) Release Date "Range of Fear" Jan. 12 "Clair Jumper" Jan. 19 "Men in the Raw" (Reissue) Jan. 26 SAM ROSEN Pianist Formerly with Joseph Knecht at Waldorf-Astor- ia and with Hugo Riesen- feld at the Colony Thea- ter, now Assistant to Frank Tours Paramount's Long Island Studio. (Thanks to Larry Kent, Joe Finston, Morris Press, Phil Cohan and Frank Tours.) "A Daring Dude" Feb. 2 "Range Wolf" Feb. 9 "Phantom Riders" Feb. 16 "In Line of Duty" Feb. 23 "Two-Gun Morgan" Feb. 28 "Ridgeway of Montana" (Reissue) Mar. 9 "Kidnapped" Mar. 16 "Beyond the Smoke" Mar. 23 'Fair Fighting" (Reissue) Mar. 30 LAEMMLE NOVELTIES (1 Reel) Release Date "Shadows" Jan. 14 "Rag Doll" Feb. 9 "Just Monkeys'' Mar. 1 1 STERN-MIKE AND IKE COMEDIES (2 Reels) Release Date "Hold Your Horses" Jan. 16 "Take Your Pick" Feb. 13 "She's a Pippin" Mar. 13 JR. JEWEL-NEWLYWED COMEDIES (2 Reels) Release Date "Newlyweds' Headache" Jan. 23 "Newly wed's Visit" Feb. 20 "Newlywed's Holiday" Mar. 20 HORACE IN HOLLYWOOD COMEDIES (2 Reels) Release Date "Whose Baby?" Jan. 28 "At the Front" Feb. 25 "Love and Sand" Mar. 25 STERN-GEORGE DO IT COMEDIES (2 Reels) Release Date "Crushed Hats" Jan. 30 "Television George" Feb. 27 "Seeing Sights" Mar. 27 Vitaphone (Sound) VITAPHONE ACTS (All Aets Are In Oiie Reel, Except Those With Double Release Numbers) Release Date "America's Foremost Concert Pianist" introduces Eddie Lambert in comedy skit in which he mispronounces words and plays classic airs in modern style, including: (a) "Two Guitars," (b) Prelude in C Minor," (c) "So You're Tired of Me," (d) "Doing the Raccoon" 702 "The Surprising Fiddler," Frank Whitman, who plays violin with a card, a bottle, and a bow as small as a match stick; numbers: (a) "Irish Wash Woman," (b) "Oh Katherina," (c) "We Won't Get Home Until Morning," (d) "I'd Love to Live in Loveland With a Girl Like You" 'The Ace of Spades," with Jack Gol- die, talking and singing act in black- face; .songs: (a) "How About Me?" (b) "II Bacia," (c) Lonely Little Bluebird" 'National Mexican Orchestra," the Mex. Tipica Orch., (all string), playing (a) Mexican Rhapsody, (b) "La Paloma," (c) "Jarabe Tapatio" 703 704 707 Now In Production i "THE VARSITANS" | A Series of | Twelve Two-Reel Varsity | Stories of Pep and Punch First Consolidated Pictures, Inc. p. O. Box 562 Hollywood, Calif. "The Girl With the Guitar." Frances Shelley sings and plays: (a) "She*! Funny That Way, (.b) I'll oet By" 713 "Meet the Wife," one-act sketch fea- turing Frank Orth 2710 "Musical Melange," with Al Lyons and His Four Horsemen, playing and singing, aided by singing and danc- ing of Edith Murray; musical num- bers; (a) "Some of These Days," (b) "Normandie," (c) Waltz Cas- tini," (d) "African Can," (e) "Oh, Mariel" (f) "Lotta Notes," (g) "Casta-Lyons Blues," (h) "Da Da Go" 2789 Jan Rubini, violinist, assisted by Ver- non Richard, tenor, and Mona Con- tent; numbers: (a) "Zigeunerwei- sen," (b) "I Love You Truly," sung by Rickard; (c) "I Hear You Calling Me" 2790 "Stranded in Paris," comedy sketch with Codec and Orth 2798 "Tin Pan Alley," with Dave Dreyer in songs, assisted by Nora Schiller; (a) "What a Night for Spooning," (b) Medley of Hits, (c) "I'm Crazy for You" 2889 "Songs As You Like Them," sung by Jim and Betty Morgan; (a) "And Then I Forget," (b) "Just a Lit- tle Bit, Not Just Right," (c) "That's All I Wanted to Know" 712 (^us Arnheim & His Cocoanut Orches- tra, jazz band, playing: (a) "Who's You, That's You," (b) "Sing Me a Baby Song," (c.) "Flapperette". 2136 "Here Comes the Bridesmaid," star- ring Janet Adair, who relates story in narrative songs: (a) "Brides- maid," (b) "No One's Fool," (c) It's Right Here for You" 2629 "The Country Gentlemen," Born & Lawrence, comedy skit with songs: (a) "Sleepy Time Gal," (b) "Silver Threads Among the Gold," (c) "Down Home Rag" 2885 "After the Round-Up," with The Rangers, a cowboy carnival with male quartet; musical: (a) "Cheyenne," (b) "San Antonio," (c) "West of the Great Divide," (d) "Rose of Mon- terey," (e) "Pony Boy" 2900 "Back From Abroad," comedy sketch with McKay & Ardine; song: (a) "You Will Like Fun" 708 "Green's Flapperettes," girl jazz band playing: (a) "St. Laui3 Blues," (b) "Mother Goose Parade, (c) "That Redhead Gal" 711 "The Original Hillbillies," "North Car. Jazz_ Band," under direction of Al Hopkins, playing: (a) "Carry Me Back to Old Virgjnny, (b) "Echoes of the Chimes," (c) "The Frank Wilson Rage," (d) Wasn't She a Dandy?", (e) "Chicken Reel" 715 "Songs of Love," sung by Jay Velie, tenor; (a) "You Gave Your Heart to Me," (b) "Tommy Lad," (c) "Mother Machree" 718 "Blondes That Gentlemen Prefer," with Neal Sisters, who sing: (a) "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," (b) "Doin" the Raccoon," (c) "Boola Boola" 719 "Ain't It the Truth," two-reel com- edy by Ralph Spence; cast: Wm. Davidson, Grace Valentine, Dot Far- ley, Patricia Caron, James T. Mack, Walter Rodgers 2648-49 "A Musical Melange," with Kjerulf's Mayfair Quintette, three harpists, violinist and vocalist; musical num- " hers: (a) "Neapolitan Nights,'" (b) Sextette from "Lucia," (c) "Lonely Little Bluebird" 2650 Hope Vernon, four songs and imitation of violin; (a) "Beloved," (b) "Arms of Love," (c) "I Loved You Then," (d) "There's a Rainbow Round My Shoulder" "The Whispering Cornetist," Roy Fox and His Montmartre Orchestra; (a) "My Melancholy Baby," (b) "Sally of My Dreams," (c) "My Window _ of Dreams,"' (d) "Louisiana" "The Fall Guy," with Ray Hughes and Pam in dialogue, funny stories . . . "Syncopated Breezes,"" Bobby Gillette, banjoist, assisted by Doris Walker; (a) "Happy Days and Lonely Nights,"" (b) "The Rosary," (c) "St. Louis Blues,'" (d) "Ida, Sweet As Applie Cider" "A Modern Priscilla," with Bobby- Folsom, song: (a), "Priscilla of the "Puritan Days" "A Bad Boy from a Good Family," Phil Baker, and accordion ; plays (a) "Baker Blues," (b) "Big Butter and Egg Man from the West," (c) "How About Me?", (d) "I'll Get by" "Mirth and Melody," with Dorothy and Rosetta Ryan; (a) "I Love You Sweetheart of All My Dreams," (b) "Scups of Coffee," (c) "Just Like a Melody" "The Aristocrats," Born & Lawrence in pantomime stunts done in accom- paniment to songs ; (a) "I Wonder What's Become of Sally?'" (b) "Down by the Old Mill Stream," (c) "Wobaly Walk"' "Red Hot Harmony," The Serenaders, double quartet of male voices; (a) "It Goes Like This," (b) "Stars and Stripes Forever," (c) "You Tell Me Your Dream," (d) "Every Sunday Afternoon" "Artistic Mimicry," by Bruce Bowers in imitations "Ship Ahoy," with Arthur Pat West in song-comedy ; (a) "La Paloma," (b) "She's My Sweet Dumb, Dumb Dora," (c) "Sweet Senorita" "The Night Club Favorite,"' Joe West, as m.c. of typical N. Y. night club ; songs: (a) "Chicago," (b) "Oh, Gus- sie," (c) "Sonny Boy," (d) original selection "The Flaming Youth," Little Billie, midget, sings originals and does tap dance; (a) "Wonderful Wife," (b) "Down on 33rd and 3rd," (c) "Sweet Georgia Brown," (d) "Anything You Say" "In the Tropics," atmospheric presen- tation featuring The Paragons, quar- tet, assisted by Doris Walker ; songs : (a) "Happy Days and Lonely Nights," (b) "Come On Baby!", (c) "Winter Song," (d) "Kentucky Babe," (e) "Happy, My Baby Just Said Yes" 'Pigskin Troubles,'" sketch with Born & Lawrence, who sing: (a) "Me and My Shadow," (b) "Dirty Hands. Dirty Face" 'Lerdo's Mexican Orchestra," string, playing: (a) "Celito Lindo," (b) "Rancho Grande," (c) "Patria Mia" 'A Few Absurd Moments," featuring Stanley & Ginger, song and dance team; musical numbers: (a) "That's My Weakness Now," (b) "Just Like a Melody Out of the Sky" 'A Journey of Songs," sung by Jay Velie; (a) "Vienna Maid." (h) "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," (c) "Italy" 'In .Spain," Phil Baker, in sketch.... 'The One Man Glee Club," Frank Crumit, singing his own composi- 2815 2819 2837 2838 2839 724 726 2640 2814 2870 2919 2868 2869 2883 2940 70S 714 717 725 FRED ALLEN Acting in and Directing "SHORTS" PARAMOUNT'S LONG ISLAND STUDIO Sunday, March 31, 1929 fs^^ DAILY 25 tions: (a) "Songr of the Pnint," (b) "I Miss You Lizc." (c) "Little Annie Rooney," (d) "In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree." (e) "A Bird in a Gilded Cage." (f) "Be- delia," (g) "She Was Happy 'Till She Met You." (h) "The Preacher and the Bear." 727 "The Hallelujah Lady," Stella Mayhew. singing darky songs: (a) "Comfort." (b) "Judgment Day," (c) "Feet".. 728 Mai Hallett & Orchestra, featuring, ta) "Doin' the Raccoon," (b) "Tin Pan Alley." (c) "Bugle Call." (d) "Yankee Doodle." (e) "Harvar- diana." (f) "Come Let's Take a Stroll," (g) "We Love the College Girls" 729 "Musical Moment." with Four Synco- Pets, in semi-classical instrumental offering; (a) "Indian Dawn." (b) "Neapolitan Nights." (c) "Sweet Mystery of Life." (d) "The Fortune Teller." (e) "I'll Never Ask for More" 731 "What Price Burlesque?", with Sam- my Cohen, doing imit.itions and songs; (a) "Me and My Shadow," (b) "Sleep," (c) "My Mammy".. 2800 Ben Bard in comedy sketch in which Bard teaches Bobby Callaghan how to play golf 2910 "The Side Show," comedy featuring Born & Lawrence; (a) "Dear Old Girl," (b) "Humoresque" 2920 "Tajados Tipica Orchestra." all string, playing; (a) "Dansa Tipica," (b) "Anapola del Caraino," (c) "Gao Monter" 706 "The Corner Store," comedy with Fred Ardath; songs: (a) "Sipping Cider Through a Straw." rative Life Insurance Co., who took it over from the Golden brothers. Leases Iowa House Burlington, la. — Central States Theater Corp. has taken over the lease on the Grand from the Jacobs' interests. It has ten years to run. Raynor Promoted in Rochester Rochester, N. Y. — Wm. R. Raynor, manager of the Lafayette, is now general manager of Greater Ro- chester Properties, Inc., operating the Lafayette and new Rochester. Ho£Fman House Opens Easter Waterbury, Conn. — Julia Smith, now managing Strand, will manage the new State, opening soon, and operated by Hoffman Bros. Spoehr at Bridgeton Bridgeton. N. J. — Stanley Spoehr has been appointed manager of the Stanley, succeeding Louis J. Allen- mann, who has returned to Atlantic City. —AND THA TS THAT By PHIL M. DALY ll^ILL II. II.AY.S is championing "^ an old age pension for the na- tion's teachers. This will be cheer- ing news to all the veteran camera- men in Hollywood whose real job is to teach the new sound directors w*hat it's all about. * * * CABLE NEWS Vladimir Drubilovsky, our Mos- cow correspondent, cables as fol- loivs: "Niibzik ka blub izky itch mop zug kerflop?" Which being freely translated means: "Audiences here don't object to sound pictures be- cause everybody talks in the the- aters anyway, so why shouldn't the screen actors?" * * * You are probably wondering why this pretty bow-wow has appeared several times in the column. He is really an under- cover guy from the Hearst newspapers look- ing the column over for some- thing worth while. But we'll fool him the same as we're doing you. * * * Exhibitors' Daily Reminder Today is Annual Neck-Washing Day. Hold a neck-tvashing contest in your lobby. And don't forget that you have a neck, too. TOMBSTONE TITLES Lack of dough licked show- man Snouse He ran a hon- ky-tonk He couldn't pay for a wired house So took it on the conk. « * * This device is knowr. as a motion picture projection machine. By lay- ing out pictures on the screen it pro- vides the wherewithal for directors to lay out heavy jack for Hollywood bungalow parties and exhibitors to lay out the dough to pay for the directors. What dough is left, the producers take to Wall Street, and get laid out plenty. ♦ * * Spring Love Mr. Paramount is still reported to be singing to Miss RKO: "I'll Get By, If I Have You." * * * Famous Film Conversations "Can you cash a check?" 0/^1 LY Sunday, March 31, "E^l^ffjf^bfMdsmdss. 24 Hour Schedule on Sound Shorts New Faces in Sound Short Subjects Making New Starring Material — Norma's First Talker is "Tin Pan Alley" — Ruggles Joins Radio — Milton Directing Paramount Talker — Wilk's Comment WIRED STAGES IN DEMAND BYHOLEYWOODPitODOCERS Coast sound stages have been in use night and day for the production of short subjects. The MetropoHtan stages have been in heavy demand, while much work is also being done on the new stages at Educational. Larry Darmour is having sound stages installed at the Cal-Art studio, while Tec-Art will also install stages for talkers. Warner Bros, have pioneered in sound production, while Fox is al- ready represented by a large list of comedies and other types of short subjects. THE Doorway of Hospitality ./NTER the doorway of thli popular bottelry •m'l you feel at horn*. There'* an atmosphere of cordial welcome which marki the difference between the Hollywood Plaxa and ordinary hoteli. Your room, too, ha* that added touch of dittinctlon. Picture* on the wall, ovci^ (tuffed furniture, a floor lamp and readinf lamp . . , the*e are but a few of the feature* that make you feel at home. Pig'n Whl*tle Dining Service in«urea the be*t of food. Therefore, when you are next in Lo* Angele* be *ure to inve*ti8atc. THE HOLLYWOOD PLAZA HOTEL Vine Street at Hollywood Boulevard HOLLYWOOD, CALlFOR^aA ' A Little from ''Lots'' By RALPH WILK Hollyzvood GEORGE" MANKER WATERS, co-author of "Burlesque," also wrote the adaptation and dialogue for the screen version, which is now in production at Paramount. * * * "We used to be noisy in making silent pictures, now we're silent in tnaking noisy pictures," says our good friend, Gilbert Warrenton. * * * Although Sammy Cantor is a na- tive of Russia, he specializes in tap dancing. He will appear in a danc- ing specialty in the new M-G-M re- vue. Our Passing Show: Jason C. Joy, Hallam Cooley, Paul Perry at "The House of' Womeri" ; Charles G. Clarke hurrying at Fox; Norman I. Sper and George Rogan, scenarists, showing ingenuity in designing "Gleason hats." * * * Charles "Buddy" Rogers is wor- ried. In "Close Harmony," he plays five instruments, but he fears that audiences will think the playing is faked. He worked his way through college, playing trombone and drums in a jazz band and since has prac- ticed constantly to master other in- struments. * * * It is interesting to note that t'other day, the general manager of a major studio assembled 12 of his directors and escorted them to the LON YOUNG Supervising — and how* Now working on 'BELOW THE DEADLINE" Tec-Art Studios Hollywood, Calif. HARVEY GATES Writer WARNER BROTHERS "The Desert Song" United Artists studio, where they attended a special showing of "Alibi." * * * It's great fun watching talkers, in which one or two voices have been doubled. As a rule, the "doubling" has been so well done, that it is dif- ficult to detect it. * * * One paper — the St. Louis Star — found that the "playing up" of stu- dio news won it 22,000 new readers, so it rushed dapper Harry Brundage, one of its ace reporters, back to Hollywood for more special articles. Harry was here for several weeks last year and the Star used most of his stuff on its front page. Kasper Monohan, Denver newspaper man, also found much excellent material for his newspapers, as did "Ace" Goodman of Kansas City. * * * We feel like doing some hand- springs and throwing somersaults now that our good friend, Schuyler Grey, has returned to the Coast. He will act as contact man for the Fo.x studio. * * * Robert Wilber, character heavy, never gets the opportunity to dress as a gentleman. No sooner does he shave off his whiskers, than he is called for another bearded role. He is at present working with Fred Niblo, in John Gilbert's latest, "Re- demption." Wilber's portrayal as a crook in "Stool Pigeon" won many favorable comments from the critics. * * * Jacques Rollens, Universal direc- tor and writer, is finishing a story based on the hfe of Rip Van Win- kle, but with a modern angle. This is Rollens' meat, as he portrayed the role of "Heinrich" in the play with Joseph Jefferson for many seasons. He will also direct the picture with dialogue and sound. He recently wrote "The Charlatan" dialogue se- quences, which he also directed. * * * Robert J. Flaherty, Fox director who is Tnaking an Indian picture in Arizona, was a recent visitor to the studio for a couple of days. He re- ported production going nicely. George Scarborough Consulting Dramatist Uultod Artists rUTURE STARS SEEN AS DEVELOPHENT Of SOUND Whether sound shirt subjects -ivill rival the old comedy days, which produced Gloria Swanson, Marie Pre- vost, Phyllis Haver, Bebe Daniels and numerous other screen satellites, is a question of much speculation. The comedy shorts are proving a field for many new faces and i tis believed will yield some future stars. The new type of short subjects calls for more diversified talent than the comedies of the early days. Hyams in Brown's Next Leila Hyams has been given a featured part in "Wonder of Wo- men," Clarence Brown's new produc- tion now under way at M-G-M. The completed cast includes George Faw- cett, Harry Myers, Sarah Padden. Mack Swain, Wally Albright, Car- mencita Johnston and Dietrich Haupt, with Lewis Stone and Peggy Wood. Ruggles with Radio Wesley Ruggles has signed a con- tract with William Le Baron to di- rect Betty Compson's first Radio pic- ture, "The Viennese Charmer." Boyd's Next Two in Dialogue "High Voltage" and "The Flying Fool" William Boyd's next pictures for Pathe, will be all dialogue. Si- lent versions will also be produced. "High Voltage" is nearly completed. "U" Signs Birinski Leo Birinski has been signed to write the adaptation and continuity of Universal's "A Bargain in the Kremlin" in collaboration with J. G. Hawks. The story by Sir Philip Gibbs. Paul Leni will direct and Joseph Schildkraut will play the lead- ing role. Assigned by M-G-M William Haines, Gwen Lee, Karl Dane and George K. Arthur have been added to cast already assembled for M-G-M's "Revue of Revues," an all-musical production now in produc- tion. William Powfell Cast Paramount has added William Powell to cast of "The Marriage Holiday," W. Somerset Maugham story which Robert Milton is direct- ing as a talker. In the cast are Ruth Chatterton, Florence Eldridge, Clive Brook, Mary Nolan, Montagu Love, Juliette Crosby, Lorraine Eddy and Claude Allister. THE Sunday, March 31, 1929 ■s^m PAILV 31 Theater Equipment By CHARLES F. HYNES TALKING SHOP Largest Meeting of S. M. P. E. Expected at Spring Gathering in New York — Theaters Lead the Way OF great interest to the equipment field is forthcoming meeting in New York May 6 to 9 of the Society of M. P. Engineers. The meetings always develop something worthwhile and of benefit to theaters generally. This year's meeting is the first held in New York and gives promise of being the largest ever held by the society. While it is true that there has be^n a gradual growth of interest in the technical departments of the indus- try the introduction of sound has undoubtedly greatly increased the realization of their importance. It is too early yet to announce even the tentative plans of the spring meet- ing, but the personnel of the conven- tion committee conveys an idea of the preparations being made. W. C. Kunzmann, National Carbon Co. is chairman of the convention committee which is as follows: re- ception. W. C. Hubbard, H. T. Cow- ling, M. W. Palmer, \V. C. Kunz- mann; registration: Kenneth Hick- man, W. C. Kunzmann; Hostess: Mrs. L. C. Porter, (assisted by Mrs. Palmer); banquet: W. C. Hubbard; master of ceremonies at banquet: J. 1. Crabtree; sound equipment: R. V. Terry, Bell Telephone Laboratories; projection; Harry Rubin, Publix the- aters; entertainment and amuse- ments: M. W. Palmer; bulletins and transportation: A. N. Goldsmith; press: P. A. McGuire; official pho- tographers: H. T. Cowling, Irl Gor- don; announcements: C. E. Milliken. J. \V. Coffman, chairman of the papers committee, in the near future will issue a preliminary list of papers to be read at the spring meeting. Theater ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration has been a subject that has been exhaustively studied, particularly during the past two or three years. Ventilation in winter and the cooling or refrigeration sys- tem used in summer, in the theater. is, nine time out of ten, superior to any other type of public building, whether it be church, restaurant, of- fice or even home. Now, the Typhoon Fan Co., sne- cialist in theater ventilation for 15 years is being called on to give the same type of cooling and refrie^era- tion to such prominent buildings, thus emphasizing the fact that The- aters lead the way in this important field of public comfort and health. The L-29, 2b0-watt, L-30, SOO-watt, and L-31, IQQO-watt {left to right) floodlighting projectors just placed on the market by General Electric. 3 New Types of Floodlights Placed on Market by G. E. Schenectady, N. Y. — Three types are embraced in the new line of floodlighting projectors for use in floodlighting theaters and other build- ings or objects, which has just been placed on the market by the General Electric Co. The projectors have non-ferrous, and hence non-rusting, casings, are light in weight and the glass reflectors and lamps are totally enclosed so that dust and dirt cannot enter. Ease and accuracy in focusing are claimed through special universal focusing mechanisms. The projector is mounted on a small three- point base design. The projectors are built with a formed, single-piece sheet copper casing and a single- piece door of the same material. The rear of the casing is hemispherical, and is pro- vided with a clearance hole for the socket- holder rod of bronze which is part of the focusing mechanism. The lens is held loose- ly within the door by means of four punched clips, in accordance with automobile head- light practice. The reflectors are supported by means of punched supports and screw clamps, fitted with asbestos cushions to pre- vent breakage. The focusing mechanism is universally adjustable, consisting of a clamp- ing chuck or collett similar to that used on lathes. Two sizes of lenses are available, the clear leisfi with plain, liehtly stippled, heavily stippled and spreadligbt distribution. The colored lenses are supplied with plain or heavily stippled distribution. All lenses are of heat-resisting glass. For projectors equip- ped with clear lenses, color plates of red, amber, blue or green are available. Where projectors are mounted close to the base of the surface to be illuminated, most efficient illuminations afforded by the combination of a new asymmetric reflector and spreadligbt lens. The reflectors are of silver-plated glass, projected by copper backing. Reflectors of the same size are interchangeable in any of the projectors. The Type L-29 projector, designed primar- ily for use with a 250-watt floodlighting lamp, is small in size and is particularly adopted for mounting in places where the available space is limited. It is equipped with a med- ium-angle parabolic reflector, and is suitable for working distances of from 85 to 200 feet. The paraboloidal reflector is 10 7-16 inches in diameter and gives a medium-angle beam of approximately 12 degrees; the asymmetrical reflector produces a wide-angle beam. The lens diameter is 11 1-4 inches. A universally- adjustable swivel crow-foot fase of cast bronze is employed. The Type L-30 projector is designed pri- marily for use with a 500-watt floodlighting lamp. For it there are three reflectors, one giving a medium-angle beam for a working distance up to 400 feet, one of sectional glass construction giving a wide beam for a working distance up to 100 feet, and one of special construction that gives an asym- metric distribution when used with a spread- light lens These three reflectors, with the various lenses available, afford the desired distribution of light. The Type L-31 projector is designed pri- marily for use with a 1000-watt lamp. One reflector is of comiJosite type, but of a single piece, for general service with 1000-, 750-, 500 or 300-watt PS lamps. It gives a wide beam and is suitable for mounting distances up to 175 feet. Another type of reflector is designed for use with a 1000- or 500-watt G 40 floodlighting lamp. It gives a medium- mgle beam and is suitable for working dis- tances up to 400 feet. There is also avail- able a combination of asymmetric reflector and spreadligbt lens for use with both the 1000-watt general service lamp and the 1000 watt floodlighting lamp. Types L-30 and L-31 are supported on a swivel trunnion bracket of bronze, with a bronze crow-foot base that permits universal adjustment of the beam. Their lenses are 15 3-4 inches in iliameter. Sirocco Claims Noiseless Operation as a Feature Detroit — Noiseless operation is a feature claimed by the new ventilat- ing fans of the American Blower Co., marketed under the name of Siroccos. The fans are distributed through Na- tional Theater Supply Co. They are especially designed for sound houses FOR sale: DEBRIE "L" Camera Latest Model, Complete with 4 Lenses, 6 Extra Magazines and Case, Akeley Tnpod, Guaranteed New Condition, $1100.00 uiiaoatsHsys ▼▼no UJest W^St. N<^ XotK.MV •▼ Pbona Penna. 0330 Motion Picture Department V. S. and Canada Agents (or Debrla DeVry Co. Mergers Q.R.S. Motion Picture Activities Chicago — DeVry Corp., manufac- turer of cameras, portable projectors and 16 mm cameras and projections, has merged with Q.R.S. The DeVry Corp., for 15 years has been spe- cializing in the field of mot'on pic- ture equipment, while Q.R.S. is a recent entry, having formerly been in the music roll and radio business, before entering the field. All of the motion picture activities of Q.R.S. will be transferred to the DeVry fac- tory, under management of H. A. DeVry. The DeVry portable is used widely by theater owners who also use the cameras for local newsreels. Neon Patents Upheld in France Paris — Claude Neon companies, France, have been victorious in pat- ent suits against English, French and German firms, said to have been infringing. The Claude Neon firm controls patents for manufacture of neon tube I'ghts for theater and com- mercial aviation lighting, it is stated. S & N To Build Another Floydada, Tex. — Simpson & Nel- son will add another to their string of small town theaters, with open- ing of a new $40,000 house here. "A Nine Days' Wonder!" Chicago Replaces Holh wood as Capitol of Motion Picture Industry, as All Roads Lead to the First Annual American Theatre Equipment Exposition to be held in The Coliseum, Chicago June 1 to 9, 1929 This exposition offers an un- paralleled opportunity to enter- prising manufacturers of mo- tion picture theatre equipment to show, to demonstrate, and to sell their products to the hundreds of theatre owners and managers who wnll attend ev- ery day. Exhibition spaces are being leased rapidly, but there are still a number of desirable spaces available. For further information — in- cluding chart of spaces and schedule of rentals — address American Theatre Exposition Corporation W. G. Newbould, Manager Headquarters Fourth Floor Hotel Stevens, Chicago "Come to Chicago in June" THE 32 Foreign Markets By JAMBS P. CUtfNINGHAM JAPAN PRODUCED 800 FEATURES DURING I Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — During 1928 there were 800 features produced in Japan, according to a report to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. There are approximately 122 film pa- pers and magazines published in that country, according to the report. Lardenorff Is UFA Rep. Sydney — Walter Lardenorff has ar- rived here to replace Baron Gronfica as representative for Ufa. Gronica has been transferred to Vienna. Allied Artists Changes Name London — Allied Artists Corp., Ltd., has changed its name to United Art- ists Corp., Ltd., and is now located at Film House, Wardour St. Gainsborough Talker Started London — Denison Clift, upon the completion of "The City of Play," will start production on the first 100 per cent talker to be produced in England for Gainsborough Pictures. Sound Devices Given Free In U.K. For Advertising Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — General Film Prod., Ltd., of Kingsway, England, accord- ing to a statement of Edward Cook, managing director, will offer exhib- itors in Great Britain free talking de- vices, the Dept. of Commerce is ad- vised. The company is engaged in producing advertising films and will supply sound reproducing sets cost- ing approximately $1,700 to about 200 theaters where its product will be shown, it is claimed. Presentations By HERBERT S. BERG: BORIS PETROFF STAGES I ARTHUR KNORR'8 CAPITOL Ufa Gets Pommer For 6 Berlin — Erich Pommer, producer, has been signed for six more UFA productions. Joe May and Hans Schwarz. directors, again will be con- nected with the Pommer unit. Cutting T-S "Red Hell" London — The Strand Film Co.'s production, "To What Red Hell," first British film for Tiffany-Stahl is being edited and cut. Edwin Greenwood directed the film with Sybil Thorndike in the leading role. Jones Now Operating Australasian Film Ltd Sydney — Australasian Film Ltd. now is operating as Greater Aus- tralasian Film Ltd. with John C. Jones heading the new company. The organization now is one of the strong- est distributing companies in Aus- tralia operating entirely separate from Union Theaters Ltd. It has been for several months reported that Australian Film Ltd. would sus- pend distribution on account of huge theater-building program now in op- eration by Union Theaters. New Producing Co. Formed Perth — Westralian Film Produc- tions Ltd., with a capital of $48,500, is issuing 20,000 shares of stock of which 9,000 are offered to the public. The directors of the company are: Clifford M. Clarke, Quintin Whyte, Ernest A. Evans. H. H. Field Martel and Harry Southwell, producer. The first production planned is "Modern Chariots." Associated Cinema Dividends London — Associated British Cine- mas Ltd. showed profit of more than $48,500 for the year ending and have declared to pay a dividend of 10 per cent. Richmount Pictures 723 7th Avenue Inc. !**« ^'^ ^*» D. J. MOUNTAN, Pre*. EXCLUSIVE ^foreign representatives for Rayart Pictures Corporation and other leading independ- ent producersand distributors C«ble Address: RICHPICSOC, Parii Cable Addreu: DEEJAY, London Cable Addreii: RICH PIC. N. Y. , Exporting only tlie best in Motion Pictures U. T. Ltd. Building Unit Houses Sydney — Union Theaters, Ltd. has completed the first two of a number of unit houses which are to be built in the capital city of each state in Australia. The State at Melbourne opened last month, while the State here will have its premiere with Par- amount's "The Fleet's In." The house seats 3,500. Provincial Theater's Profits London — Provincial Cinematograph Theaters, Ltd. has yielded a profit of $1,379,411 for the year and has de- clared a 15 per cent dividend on or- dinary shares of stock. The company is to issue an appeal for $6,062,500 of 6 per cent first mortgage deben- ture stock. SLICK PARAMOUNT SHOW The Paramount show was light and breezy, carrying a good seasonal idea with the golf motif featured. Boris Petroff staged the show called "Fore I" He did a good job. Ted Claire, the usual m.c, was here used as the comedy, dressed in a goofy golf rig with wide trousers. He clowned acceptably throughout the show and collected a nice quota of laughs, developing a surprising fa- cility as an eccentric stepper with some tumbles and turns that drew a big hand. Stage set showed the front of a country club to the left, with the fairway and a vista of trees in the background. There was a tee to the right, from which Alex Morrison, golf specialist, pulled some nifty shots with the comedy uppermost as Claire laid against the green and Morrison clicked the pellets right off his dome. A musical comedy idea was worked throughout, with Brian Macdonald, tenor, acting as the leading man in love with the star, Alina Fay, and his rival being the new golf professional, Alex Morrison. Miss Fay was not so hot on her lines, but when she went into her acrobatic contortions with Russian steps thrown in, she was more than passable. The Albertina Rasch girls lent plenty of color and their costumes were nifty. First they appeared in novelty sport costumes wearing pantalettes, and later in summer frocks. Cliff Crane also got a break in his blackface and handling a warm number on his clarinet. He had a knockout pantomime, parodying Al Jolson in "Mammy," with all the body movements and exaggerated facial expressions, but without uttering a word. It was a scream, and with the help of the band accompaniment went over strong. The finale was neat, with the Rasch Girls in blue satin nifties building a toy house with blocks for the lovers to spend their honeymoon. IS THERE WEAK STAGE PRODUCTION ELIWERS AT THE COLONY German Ass'n Disbands Berlin — Affairs of the Central Ass'n of German Film Distributors are beng liquidated. The dissolution of the organization, formed 12 years ago, was decided upon at a recent session of the Berlin Chamber of Commerce. Rudolph Firmenich, sec- retary, is liquidator. Bentley with B. I. P. London — Thomas Bentley has been engaged by British International Pic- tures to produce Eden Philpott's story, "The American Prisoner," at the Elstree studio. I The Colony stage show is still in the economy era of the days before the big stage presentations hit the Broadway picture houses. Maybe the attendance at this house doesn't warrant blowing the bankroll, then maybe again the slim shows account for the slim attendance. In any event, Walter O'Keefe as the effervescent m.c. does yeo- man service, and his stuff is good enough to entertain in a much better patronized house. Again Walter steps out on the run- way masking the darkened pit, and with his little mandolin-guitar, strums silly little ditties to which he singsongs topical stuff that carries oodles of laughs. He is the l)rig;ht spot on a very so-so program. Sammy Kahn leads his 10 stage band boys through some commonplace harmonizing that leaves no impression. Two gals, the Stewart Sisters, dressed in Hawaiian grass, did a conven- tional kooch that was not outstanding. An- other little girl named Sally Sweet tried a cooing number with the band leader, and played straight to O'Keefe's kidding, and was neutral in both. Just another offering that fails to rate the big time classification. A very classy show was staged by Arthur Knorr__ under the title of "Black and Gold Blues with the stage decorations carrying out the color motif. Opened with the drapes parting to reveal Dave Schooler at the piano, doing a solo number. Then into the full stage, with the Chester Hale Girls appearing m one of the most eye-appealing costumes seen on Broadway in a long while. They were in black and gold silk, tight fitting costumes, with number one girl all gold, including slippers, and the costumes graduating along the line until the center girl was in all-black then tapering to the left of the line till the last girl was all in gold. They went through a variety of maneuvers and the effect from out front with the various color combina- tions was immense. Ziegfeld could have been proud of this number. Johnny Burke was the highlight, giving his old time variety monologue about the dopey doughboy caught in the draft, and his experiences till he was finally shot at the front. Old as the gags were, they clicked as if the customers had never heard them before, and most of them probably hadn't. Evelyn Wilson did a Helen Kane, and put over her baby songs and a souse number with the aid of the m.c. She went over like a flash bomb. Benny and Western doing their pre- cision stepping, were just fair, showing noth- ing that hasn't been seen in these parts many times before. Phil Spitalny has been drafted from the Pennsylvania hotel dance orchestra as leader of the orchestra, and he met with a warm reception. He handled the band of 80 pieces like a veteran. Nice pro- gram from all angles, especially strong on costumes and settings. W. B. Fulton' Promoted Atlanta — W. B. Fulton, southern division sales manager for Vitaphone, has been appointed special represen- tative, with headquarters in New York. He is now on final tour of the South. Fulton has appointed J. W. Greenleaf sales representative in Atlanta territory and E. W. Whaley in Memphis. Keese Gets New Post Birmingham — Alex Keese, south- ern musical supervisor for Publix, has been assigned to the Alabama theater as "personality" leader. Standard VAUDEVILLE for Motion Picture Presentation Tlie FALLY MARKU8 VAUDEVILLE AGENCY LackawanDa 7876 1531 BROADWAY, NEW YORK CITY Rose M. C. at St. Louis St. Louis — Harry Rose has been selected to serve as master of cere- monies at the Missouri succeeding Eddie Peabody, who moved to the Warfield, San Francisco, recently. r Saperstein Appointed Treasurer Chicago — Aaron Saperstein, owner of the Lexington and Garfield, has been appointed treasurer of the local exhibitors' association. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions Sor Picture Tlieatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3580 Announcing R EASTMAN EPROTONE NEGATIVE the proved sound film L ABORATORY measure nient of its sound fidelity — actual use in the studios — Reprotone Negative has undergone these two tests and has emerged as the pre-eminent medium for the recording of sound with motion pictures. Developed through the joint efforts of the industry and the Eastman organiza- tion, it makes possible a hitherto unapproached standard of realistic, pleasing sound reproduction. EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY ROCHESTER, N. Y. fTRECORDS RECORDS RECORDS ^4 IN OLD ARIZONA" FOX MOVIETONE OUT-DOOR ALL-TALKING SMASH with Edmund Lowe— Warner Baxter— Dorothy Burgess Raoul Walsh and Irving Cummings Production BROKE ALL EXISTING RECORDS McVICKERS THEATRE, CHICAGO With 3 Weeks of Turnaway Business — It's Miles Ahead of Anything That Ever Played There "HEAR TS IN DIXIE" FOX movietone ALL-TALKING, ALL-SINGING, ALL-DANCING Musical Drama of the South * Paul Sloane Production MAKING BOX-OFFICE HISTORY WHEREVER IT PLAYS! FIRST SUNDAY GROSS AT. UNITED ARTISTS THEATRE, LOS ANGELES, BIGGEST IN HISTORY OF THAT HOUSE. First week's business exceeded gross of a-ny picture in that theatre | since introduction of sound policy. Broke all existing house records at Leland Theatre, Albany, and played j to terrific business at Hippodrome, Cleveland. J 4< SPEAKEAS Y yy FOX MOVIETONE ALL-TALKING FEATURE with Paul Page — Lola Lane — Henry B. Walthall Helen Ware — Sharon Lynn Benjamin Stoloff Production HELD FOR 3RD WEEK AT THE ROXY — IT BROKE ALL EXISTING 1-DAY RECORDS IN THE HISTORY OF THE INDUSTRY FIRST SUNDAY IT PLAYED Only 3 other pictures held over for 3rd week at Roxy in past 2 years! •'What Price Glory' "Street Angel" "F our 3ons has the record - wrecking money - talking talker S Brunswick Plans to Enter Industry on Big Scale (THE rAeHi¥S?hPUt 9/'f\lMDOH ML THE NEWS ALLTHE TIWE ^OL. XLVIII No. 1 Monday, April 1, 1929 Price 5 Cents Step Carefully REMEMBER the family. Three words that prochicers might well adopt as a per- lanent slogan and with them as a asis select their story material ■ith discretion. The backbone of leater attendance and, conse- uently, the prosperity of the en- ire business is family trade. The ensibilities of the mob may be outed, but the industry cannot get way with it forever. Impressionable minds must be uarded and carefully moulded, 'he head of every family will tell ou this. If the tendency in mo- ion pictures, for instance, is to roduce entertainment in the guise f questionable themes, there can e but one out for motion pictures. Sound and the possibilities it has pened up via the dialogue route ;nd to do this. Sophistication is eing heaped on films at too rapid gait. For proof, you need but jrn to a number of current talk- ig pictures. And so we again urge lat the family be borne in mind. There is something to this indus- ry's structure aside from the New f^orks and the Chicagos. Merger Time Spring fever is identical with mer- er fever. Medical science may xplode the theory higher than a kite, t is a fact, however, that spring days re also merger days. Take the Jnited Artists-Warner situation, by .'ay of example. Joe Schenck de- lares there w-ill be no deal unless all J. A. members concur. Chaplin de- lares he will kick over the traces, 'erhaps he will, but if Hollywood esearch and New York investigation lean anything, that deal is set to go. "Meet the Family" Harry Delf, who earned much ommendation by his early work with •"o.x Movietone — we have "The Fani- ly Picnic" particularly in mind — is usy on a series of talking comedieii' or Ellbee. "Meet the Family" is he first. It is down-to-earth and a iiverting cross-section of average amily life in America. Humorous, latural and close to home. K A N K Paramount' s Plans West Coast Bur. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Twenty-eight talkers, 13 of which will have silent versions, and one silent picture are provided for in plans of Paramount for the first six months of the current year. T STATE ARBITRATION LAW? Oklahoma City — Exhibitors of the state, through their organization, are reported mobilizing against the pro- posed arbitration law, now pending in the legislature. The bill seeks to make arbitration agreements and de- cisions valid and enforceable. $8,713,063 Net Reported by Paramount for 1928 Net of $8,713,063 for the year and $2,737,318 for the three months ended Dec. 29 last after charges and re- serves is reported by Paramount. This compares with $8,057,000 for the year and $2,407,000 for the cor- responding period of 1927. The 1928 net equals $4.22 per share {Continued on Page 8) Fox Picking a Site for Oklahoma City House Oklahoma City — Negotiations for a site for a Fox house in the busi- ness district here were being con- ducted last week with local interests by representatives from the compa- ny's home office. It is planned to start construction in the near future. U. A. TO CARRY OUT ALL LOEW, P-F-L CONTRACTS W. E. INTERCHANGEABILITY POLICY aANEIN ENGLAND London (By Cable) — Interchange- ability policy of Western Electric is the same in England as in America, based entirely upon quality of repro- duction, the company has assured the Federation of British Industries. The circumstances require that the West- ern Electric policy be considered as "reasonable," the British trade body asserts, holding that it is not directed against British reproducing systems. 32 TALKERS TRON "U" PIANNEDJOR 1929-30 IVest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Universal will pro- duce 32 all-talkers for 1929-1930. Six of these are designed to fit into the super special class. Silent versions for each are planned. 10 Original Musical Films Included in RKO's Plans H'est Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollyw^^od — Eight to ten musical talkers, written directly for the screen, are embraced in Radio Pic- ture's plans for next season. The company now owns "Rio Rita" and "Hit the Deck," Brunswick Unsuccessful in Negotiations for Pathe Control Myers to Address Michigan Convention on April 9 Detroit — Abram F. Myers, presi- dent and general counsel of the Al- lied States Ass'n, will be principal speaker at a meeting here April 9 of the Michigan exhibitor unit. The state organization is a unit of Al- lied. At the session, H. M. Richey will outline the recent government credit and arbitration suits in New York. West Coast Burtau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Brunswick-Balke- Collender intends to enter the syn- chronization field on a big scale, it is understood here. That is why lit- tle surprise occasioned by the re- ported deal being negotiated for Son- era Bristolphone. Two months ago, it is stated, Brunswick was interested in acquiring Pathe, but the reported deal did not materialize. Chicago — Brunswick-Balke-Collen- der has taken over the Bremer Tully Co., radio firm. Warner Deal Would Not Affect Existing Franchises West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — United Artists' will carry out existing agreement with Loew's and Paramount, in event the deal with \\'arners is consummated. There are 24 houses in the United Artists chain w'hich, according to Schenck made $540,000 last year. United Artists holds long-term franchises with both organizations which give the former automatic bookings of its product over both chains. Schenck Reverses Position and Now Favors Talkers West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Joseph M. Schenck has reversed his former antagonistic position toward talkers. He says talkers can be made at a lesser cost than silent pictures. The latter, he believes in future will be made pri- marily to hold the foreign market. No United Artists Stock To Be Issued To Public If Warners sec e the one-half in- terest sought in United Artists, $40,- 000,000 in common stock will be is- sued, one-half of which Warners will buy for cash. No stock will be placed on the market. Goldwyn Denies Report He Is to Get U. A. Post West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Samuel Goldwyn denies report that he is to become vice president and general manager of United Artists Consolidated. Mae Murray Signed for ' Tiffany-Stahl Talkers Tiffany-Stahl has signed Mae Mur- ray to a long term contract. All- talking and singing pictures she will make for the company are "Peacock Alley," "Broadwiay Rose" and "Fas- cination." Production of "Peacock Alley" is to be started by July 1. THE maoa ■JXl^ DAILV Monday, April 1, 1929 Mf^^ALLTHE NDtfS Vol. XLVIII No. 1 Monday, April 1, 1929 Price 5 Cents JOHN W. ALIOMTE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredraan, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl WolfFsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Financial (QUOTATIONS AS OF THURSDAY) STOCK MARKET High Low Close Sales Am. Seat 36J4 36 36H 300 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 26}^ 25^ 26^ 2,000 East. Kodak 179 179 179 300 •do pfd 128 •First Nat. pfd 108 Fox Fm. "A" ... 89^ 87J4 89^ 9,300 •do rts 3 •Keith A-0 28^ do pfd 98 98 98 100 Loew's Inc 65 J4 63^ 64^ 4,900 do pfd 99 99 99 100 M-G-M pfd 26 26 26 500 M. P. Cap 38"^ 37 37 1,800 Para. F-L 66^ 63>i 66 42,400 Pathe Exch 105/^ lOJ^ lO'A 10,500 do "A" 21M 19^4 20 2,500 Radio K-A-0 30 28^4 30 25,800 Stanley Co 30 30 30 200 Univ. Pict. pfd 981/2 Warner Bros 109>4 105^ 109 26,500 do pfd SOYi 49^ 491/^ 900 •Warner Pet. rts 3^ CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 8H 7% 7% 3,800 •Bal. & KatE 74J4 Columbia Pet 31 Ji 31 31^ 100 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 26 25 25 "^ 5,400 •Film Insp 2 .... Fox Thea. "A" ... 29J4 285/J 29 5,000 Griffith, D.W. "A" 2 2 2 200 Intern. Proj 51}4 SO 50 100 •Loew do deb. rts 30 J^ .... •Nat. Scr. Ser 25 Nat. Thea. Sup... 11 lOH H 200 Trans-Lux 18^ 185^ 185^ 7,400 Univ. Pict 225i 22fi 225^ 100 BOND MARKET Keith A-0 6s 46. 93 92^^ 93 6 Loew 6s 41ww ...112 110^ 110^ 60 do 6s 41 x-war.. 97J4 97 97 10 Paramoufnt 6s 47 . . 99^ 99 99}^ 7 Par. By. S'As 51 .10134 101 101 9 Pathe 73 37 7954 79^4 79J4 1 CURB BONDS •Am. Seat. 6s 36 96 •Warner 6^^s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 30 31 do units 31 32 do com S'/z 4K Skouras Bros .... 40 44 Technicolor 19 20 United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2 do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED Kalberer at Terre Haute Terre Haute — A. J. Kalberer is managing the Indiana. He was for- merly at Fort Wayne. The Broadway Parade THE spring drive for the big Broadway money is in full swing, with fcmr new shows hitting the big street this week. "Weary River," "Hearts in Dixie," and "Lady of the Pavements" fade from the lineup. Two each for M-G-M, United, Paramount, Warners and First National. Picture Distributor Theater Opening Date "Broadway Melody" .... M-G-M Astor Feib. 8 "The Iron Mask" United Artists Rivoli Feb. 21 "The I^etter" Paramount Criterion Mar. 7 "Noah's Ark" Warners Winter Garden Mar. 12 "Singing Fool" Warners Harris Mar. 12 "The Divine Lady" First National, . . Warners Mar. 22 "Trial of Mary Dugan" . . . M-G-M Embassy Mar. 28 "Christina" Fox Gaiety Mar. 30 "The Wild Party" Paramount Rialto Mar. 30 "His Captive Woman" .. First National. .. Central Apr. 2 "Coquette" United Artists. . . Rivoli Apr. 5 Blocked Anti-Censorship Bill in Pennsylvania Harrisburg, Pa. — Opposition effec- tually blocked the bill of Senator Max Aron, which called for exemp- tion from censorship of all newsreels, films synchronized with sound or dialogue and reels showing local shots. The Senate adopted a motion to send it back to committee, which means that it probably will remain there. Backer Co. Handling Phonofilm Seattle — James J. Backer has been appointed distributor of DeForest Phonofilm in Oregon, Washington and northern Idaho by General Talk- ing Pictures Corp. The company, which is already in the electrical business, will handle the installation of the equipment in its territory. Binghamton House Reopened Binghamton, N. Y. — The Regus here seating 744 and owned by An- thony Lalley has been reopened after redecorations and the installation of a Link organ. Hendel Theaters to Build Monessen, Pa. — Hendel Theaters Corp., Pittsburgh, will invest $70,000 in a theater building here. Hendel operates a string in Pittsburgihi and suburbs and recently opened the new Roosevelt, Pittsburgh. Jungert With Tri-State Theaters Lewiston, Ida. — • George Jungert, former Oregon exhibitor, has pur- chased a 50 per cent interest in the Tri-State Theaters, here. The com- pany was reorganized last fall by Eddie Rivers, who operates the Rex and Granada. Alger Secures Illinois House Morrison, 111. — E. E. Alger, who operates several houses in the middle section of this state, has acquired the Capitol, formerly operated by L. J. Burkitt. Alger recently acquired the Park at Champaign, 111. Elinor O'Reilly with Fox Elinor O'Reilly has resigned from National Artists Service to join cast- ing staff of Fox, and will leave for Hollywood tomorrow. Tri-State Meeting planned by Va., D. C. and Md. Units Richmond — Tri-state meeting with the Maryland and District of Colum- bia exhibitor units, is being arranged by the Virginia association, as de- cided upon at the recent convention. Issac Weinberg is president; Chas A. Somma, vice president and H. Rubin, secretary-treasurer. On the board in addition to officers are: E. B. Ross, Joel A. Levy, Walter Coul- ter, Morton Thalhimer, C. E. Geog- hegan, B. T. Pitts, J. L. Fray, E. D. Heins, F. W. Twyman and H. W. Robertson. Clary at Public Auditorium Cleveland — Fred H. Clary, man- ager of Loew's Allen for the last year and manager of the Stillman for four preceding years, has been ap- pointed assistant manager of the Cleveland Public Auditorium. The Public Auditorium contains a con- vention hall that seats 15,000 and two complete theaters. The Industry's Date Book April April April April 2-3 M.P.T.O.A. Directors' Meeting in New York. 2 Opening of "His Captive Woman" at the Central, New York. 5 Opening of "Coquette" at Rivoli- U. A., New York. 6 Warner - First National - Stanley Frolic at Commodore Hotel, New York. April 8 Opening of "Alibi" at 44th Street New York. April 8 Opening "The Desert Song" at War- ner, Los Angeles. April 9 Meeting of Michigan M.P.T.O.A. at Detroit. April 14-15-16 Convention of Western Penn- sylvania Exhibitor Unit at Pitts- burgh. April 16 Opening of "The Rainbow Man," at the Selwyn, New York. April 17 Opening of "Show Boat" at Globe, New York. May 1 Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal. Guinan Coast Trial May 3 West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — May 3 is date set for trial of the Texas Guinan suit against Fox West Coast. She asks $25,000 in connection with her engagement at Loew's State last October. A $1,500 counter claim has been enter- ed by the theater firm. Rebuilding Mansfield House Mansfield, O. — The Madison, own- ed by W. N. and H. R. Skirboll, which was completely destroyed by fire a month ago is being rebuilt. The new house will have 1,850 seats. West Arriving Tomorrow Roland West, producer and direc- tor of "Alibi," will arrive in New York tomorrow to attend premiere April 8 of his all-talker at the 44th Street. Full Week at Columbus Columbus — The Keith-Albee Pal- ace, for the first time in its history, is now a full week stand, a new vaudeville bill opening each Sunday in addition to sound pictures which will also be introduced on the same date. Manager Burns O'SulIivan al- ways has been in favor of week stands and was a prime mover for the nistallation of talker equipment. Best and Most Entertaining ! "I consider your TRAILER SER- VICE the best and most entertaining method for advertising my programs. Yours for the greatest success." GEM THEATRE, Amery, Wis. COMPLETE THEATER LIST We checked four hundred names taken at randonn on the theater list with our own con- tracts and the score was 100% C. C. BURR FREE to Film Daily Subscribers Subscription $ 1 0.00 Foreign $ 1 5.00 "BROADWAY MELODY'* Box Office Smash! Strand Theatre, Atlantic City, N. J. "THE SINGING FOOU* Colossal Sell-Out ! Midland Theatre, Newark, Ohio "INTERFERENCE" Nation-wide Hit! "THE BARKER" Capacity Audiences! Broadway Theatre, Pitman, N. J. And Many Other Outstanding Successes ALL PLAYED OVER THE BRISTOLPHONE SYSTEM Sold With Guarantees of Sound-on-Film-Attachment AND FREEDOM OF INFR IN GEM ENTS OF ANY^ KIND! WIRE, PHONE OR WRITE TO 1650 BROADWAY, NEW YORK CITY EXTRACTS from UNWRITTEN LETTERS WE never RECEIVED TERRY RAMSAYE Editor Pathe Audio Review New York SIR: — Ajter viewing one issue of your reel 1 will never use the word 'guts" in an ad again. HOWARD DIETZ DEAR SIR:— I have never seen or heard an issue of Pathe Audio Review — and I hope I never do. COURTLAND SMITH DEAR MR. EDITOR:— I have not seen Pathe Audio Review and I do not like it. EMANUEL COHEN DEAR OLD PAL:— After screening Pathe Audio Review I have decided to discontinue my presentations. SID GRAUMAN DEAR MR. EDITOR:— Pathe Audio is the first release in the history of the industry I have not had to re-edit for my public. HAROLD B. FRANKLIN DEAR EDITOR:— We tvould rather see and hear Pathe Audio Review than travel. THOS. COOK & SONS DEAR MR. RAMSAYE:— After seeing and hearing Pathe Audio Re- view I am without words to express my emotions NOAH WEBSTER PATH E h Co.) 674-49 St. Brooklyn. N, Y. Kate Smith at Do'wling Show Kate Smith, "blue" singer who scored first in EdcUe ]3ovvling's "Honeymoon Lane," will appear at Ihe Selwyn as an added attraction to IJow ling's talking picture "The Rain- bow Ivlan," tomorrow night. Goodlander Joins Pathe Akron, O. — O. L. (loodlanck-r has resigned as manager of the Falls and Alhambra at Cuyahoga I-'alls and is succeeded by H. J. Graybill, formerly with Interstate circuit. Goodlandt-r will sell for Pathe out of Indiarapolis. Katherine Francis on Way West Katherine Francis, Broadway stage actress recently signed to a Para- mount contract, is en route to Holly- wood to start work. Stanley Changes Stage Route Pittsburgh — The Stanley changed its presentation policy yesterday. play- ing all shows direct from the Mast- baum, Philadelphia. Lynn Theaters Under Scrutiny Lynn, Mass. — Theaters here are under scrutiny by the city fire depart- menl following complaint that the state fire marshal's office has winked at alle.ged violations. The mayor a so is ont after iietting jiarties in theaters. Imperial Has Two at Oil City Oil City, Pa. — Imperial Chain Thc- at^is, i'utsburgh, has taken ovei both the Latonia and L\ric here. Clarence L. Payne of the Latonia anu ritrman L, Stahl, of the L>ric, continue as resident managers. Wenatchee House Names Changed Weuatchee, Wash. — Fox-Libert\- i; new name of the local Fox West Coast house operated by H. B. So- bottka. Winchester Firm Remodeling Springficlfl, Mass. — Winchester Amusement Co., is remodeling the Phillips here. The firm also operates tl^e Strand, JefTerson, Garden and Libert\-, The Phillips is being wired for sound pictures. Spence Gets New R. & R. Post Sherman. Tex, — Local R, & R, houses will be managed by George W. Spence, transferred from Clare- more, Okla. J. F, Jones is shifted from Sherman to Palestine, Tex. Burknurnett House Remodeled Burknuructt, Tex. — The Palace has been remodeled (( A GREAT WORK** A great piece of work and I know that I shall refer to it often. CHARLES E. McCarthy FREE to Film Daily Subscribers Subscription $10.00 Foreign $ 1 5.00 The Industry's Date Book Today: Convention of Western Pennsylvania Exhibitor Unit at Pittsburgh. April 16 Opening of "The Rainbow Man," at the Selwyn, New York. April 16 Testimonial dinner to Carl Laem- mle, M.P. Club, New York. April 17 Opening of "Show Boat" at Globe New York. April 20 Opening of "Innocents of Paris" at the Criterion, New York. April 24 Opening of "Madame X" at the Harris, New York, May 1 Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal. May 2 Opening of "Bulldog Drummond" at the Apollo, New York, May 6 Opening of "Mother's Boy" at Cohan, New York. May 6-7 Convention of Texas exhibitor unit Dallas. Unfailing Service and Courtesy! At this time I wish to thank you for your unfailing service and courtesy and the trailers you furnish sell more seats than any other medium I use. More power to you. I'LAYIIOVSIL THEATRE, Faiihofc. Ala. "He was received with tremendous applause, many of those at the club having heard him in Paris, lie sang in English and Fi-ench, repeated two favorites of those who had seen hiin ahroad, and created such a riot that finally his piano had to be rolled off the floor so the rest of the show might continue." ;-^^. T. Morning Telegraph €OI»IIIV« IT¥ AIV AM.- TAI^KIiVf^ PICTURE iheTIIM HECHT swings a mean pen for RADIO PICTURES "FMONT PAGE" AUTHOR WRITES "UPPEMWORLD" BEN HECHT IS THE GREATEST WRITER OF PUNCH DIALOGUE IN THE WORLD TODAY! . . ♦ . Ben Hecht gave you the sensa* tional "UNDERWORLD." Now he has written "UPPER- WORLD" for Radio Pictures Radio's hard 'hitting young aggregation of showmen invited Mr. Hecht to join its roster of great authors because he is A BOX-OFFICE SHARPSHOOTER as well as a literary genius •«••«• HE CAMMES A TEMMIFIC MONEY SMASH IN HIS ,^PENl FIRST, LAST AND ALL THE TIME i •*THE PLAY'S THE THING" and RADIO'S Master Showmen are Prepared to Prove It!* «•«•#• PICTURES The Qolden Voice of the SlUfir Screen mCO DISTMIBUTIHG CORPOHAllOH Pacb Prsss, Inc., N.Y.C Sound Pictures Wiring St. Louis "Legit" House St. Louis— The American. leRiti- aate house, is iiistallinp sound equip- nent. The installation will be made I his summer. The St. Louis, operated by the Radio - Keitii - Orpheum circuit has .•one on a talking picture-vaudeville basis via the RCA-Photophone. In the Photophone arrangement at the St. Louis sixteen sound units in which the "Fan Beam" system of sound dis- tribution is employed. DA|LV Retaliation Hinted by United States on Quotas Abroad (Conlinut-J jrum I'^ge 1) McKean Making Installations St Louis— Tom McKean, president of Progressive Pictures, distributors in this territory tor the Goodall re- producers, has sold equipment to the Orpheum. Vandalia. 111.: Royal. Roy- alton, 111.; Curtiex' Lawson house in Mount Olive, 111.; Idle Hour, Festus, Mo.; the Wellston. Wellston, Mo., and the Barth. Carbondale, 111. tlireatcn the investment of .-\merican producers in those markets which it is declared "are often so subject to arbitrary and unpredictable change that they introduce an element of commercial uncertainty and indus- trial instability to which American motion picture producers and dis- tributors find it (litTicult or impossible to adjust themselves. "This government," it was declared "does not intend to question such measures as may be imposed by any country for the purpose of protect- ing through censorship the national traditions or public morals but this government has adopted no restric- tive regulations similar in any %yay to those enforced in certain foreign countries. It believes firmly that the interests of the motion picture in- dustrv in all countries are best pro- moted by the freest possible inter- Gets Amplitone in Canada Toronto — Perkins Electric Co., Ltd.. Toronto. Montreal and Winni- peg, has secured the Canadian agency for the Amplitone sound equipment. Amplitone outfits are being sold in Canada as low as $550 F. O. B. Tor- onto. change of films based solely on the quality of the product. "Tlie deijartmeiit has observed with sympathetic interest the increas- ing number of foreign tilms whcli have entered the United States in re- cent years on a free ct)mpetitive basis and that the .Xmerican motion pic- ture industry has always shown a willingness to collaborate in the most friendly way with representatives of I lie industry abroad for the unre- stricted importation of liliiis. "it is therefore the earnest liop' of the Government of the United Stales that the governments to w boii it is mak ng representations will havi aiijiropriate steps taken to avoid t.i serious injury to which .\iiuricar motion picture producers are subject by restrictive regulations and wh.cb it feels must eventually prove a hindrance to international develop- ment of the motion picture indu>- try." LinLE CHANCE OF PASSAGE OF FILM BILLS IN CONGRESS (Conlinued from Page 1) plan to appoint no committees, other than those required to handle agri- cultural and tariff matters, until the regular session convenes in Decem- ber. By taking this action, it is hoped to keep to a minimum the work of the special session and per- mit its adjournment by July. In the Senate, however, which is a continuing body, the committees are already in existence and some pres- sure may be brought to bear upon them to consider general legislation, in an effort to get a head start on the regular session It is not likely that these efforts will get very far, as administration leaders are pretty well agreed on their program. Western Headquarters for Good-All San Francisco— M. M. Kravetz who recently sold his Lincoln and other theater interests at Cheyenne, is establishing western headquarters here for Good-All Electric Manufac- turing Co., which makes the Good- All reproducer. Bridgeport Firm Formed BridKcport, Conn. — Capital Amuse- ment Corp., has been formed here to operate the Capital and install sound equipment in the theater. In- corporators are: William E. Burton, Isabel Dombrowski and Abraham Lew. Nat'l Installing Sound Chicago— Latest in the National Playhouses chain to install sound is the Stratford, now being wired, and to be followed by the Grove and Highland. The company's Capital, Avalon and Jeffrey are wired. Texas Houses Wired Victoria, Te.x.— Rubin Frels has in- stalled Phototalker equipment at the Victoria and at the Mornama at Curio Phototalker has also been in- stalled at the Rochester at Rochester and the Grand at Mineral Wells. Seattle Chain Makes Changes Seattle— Syd Schuback of the Ma- drono Gardens. Herb Royster of the Portola and Melvin Winstock of the Columbia have resigned from) the Universal Chain Theaters. Chauncey Smith has been transferred from the Cheerio to the Winter (harden and Art Bishell from the Mission at Georgetown to the Cheerio. A. M. Dunlop will manage the Portola in addition to the Granada. Other re- placements have not been announced. Leveridge at Fort Worth Fort Worth, Tex.— John F. Leve- ridge is now managing the Majestic, succeeding Chic Shytles who was re- cently killed in an accident. New Company in Carolina Coluuibia. S. C— Charter has been granted to Southern Amusement Co., Inc., of Sumter, headed by Geo. Hendrickson. The company w;ill operate an exchange and sell equip- ment. Repairing Coast Theater Chicago. Cal.— The Broadway, Na- tional Theater Syndicate house, will be repaired. The theater recently suffered damage of §5,000 in fire, which broke out twice within four hour.s. L. R. 'Crook is president of the theater company. National "Alibi" Broadcast with Members of Film Cast ((.'ontinucd from Pane 1) ing svstem. Warren Nolan of the United Artists publicity staff planned and engineered the deal. Chester Morris and Eleanor Grif- fith will act the roles they iday in the film. Roland West, director, not only is directing the radio version, with Wendell Hall, but he will act the role portrayed in the film by Pgt O'Malley. Jewel Carmen will pi ly Dart of Daisy Thomas, acted by Mac Busch in the picture. Chain Gets Hartford House Hartford. Conn.— Theater Opera- tors. Inc.. has taken over operation of the Colonial. A. M. Schuman continues as general manager. Other local houses of the chain are: Lenox. Rialto and Lyric. Continuing Pa. "Blue" Fight Pittsburgh— Despite defeat in the legislature of a bill to modify the "blue" laws a group sponsorinc the measure plans formation of a state- wide org-anization to continue the fight. Werner at Century Bah more — Harry Werner, who was associated with the Keith inter- ests for a long period, is now man- aging the Century. El Dorado Houses Wired El Dorado, Ark.— Arkansas Amuse- ment 'Enterprises is installing Pacent sound equipment at the Majestic Stuttgard: Capitol. Newport; Rialto, Comdeii; and at Conway. Citzens Approve Sound Hammond, I nd.— Patrons of the Parthenon voted approval of sound policy of the house. Sound at Opelousas House Opelousas, La.— Sound policy has been launched at the Princess, man- aged b> H. C. Chandler. Milwaukee House Changes Hands Milwaukee— The Radio theater, a neighborhood house, has been taken over by Leon Lee from B. H. Fry. McCormick at Cleveland Cleveland— S. Barrett McCormick is opening the week here doing ad- vance public'ty work for "The Iron Mask." which plays next week at 'he Allen theater. McCormick was the first manager of the Allen thea- er when it was opened by Jules and I. J. Allen Buy Cleveland Houses Cleveland— Joseph and Isaac Sil- verman have taken over the Uptown and Varietv theaters from Meyer r-ne. A Dram r a- H. Stec er '■■■' Weiss w 11 man^ , the Uptow- d ' "'' Bt!? ■■ the ' ri tv Sound Selectivity is Claimed for New Device, Aid to Directors mar has adapted his device for use on telephone, telegraph, radio or talk- ing pictures. Another feature of the attachment pointed out by the inventor is its use in a production featuring a star who has a double in voice. Many important players without good re- producing voices are now compelled to turn their faces aside from the camera, while a voice-double speaks the lines. Lamar claims his device will allow these players to directly face the camera and talk, and the sound will not be recorded, his device selecting only the voice of the double. Two methods can be used in elim- inating the unwanted sounds, he as- erts. F TsX t can be used by any (Cuittiiiticd from Page 1) number of companies, with each com- pany having a certain combination, different from others, to be used in production of its pictures, the latter furnishing its combination to author- ized theaters. When the device is placed on reproducing apparatus of the authorized theater, the undesircd noises will be elinrnated If the sound picture is projected by an un- authorized theater, which has no au- dio-selectivity attachment, the foreign noises w ill reproduce along with voices of the cast. A second method claimed by Lamar is complete elimination of foreign noises directly at the studio, enabling producers to distribute clear sound pictures to the exhibitor without his attachment on the projector. THE ■a^!Si DAILV Monday, April 15, 1929 Coast Wire Service Cutting Stock Players COMEDY PRODUCERS TAKE ON TALENT AS NEEDED Due to the concentration on talkers, most of the short subject studios have reduced their stock companies to a minimum. Christies will not renew their contracts with Billy Dooley, Bobby Vernon, Jack Duffy and other stars who have been on their roster for several years. Educational also has made whole- sale slashes in its stock company, but Lupino Lane and Monte Collins are among the comedians expected to be retained. Larry Darmour is carry- ing few stock players, as is Mack Sen- nett. Hal Roach still has several players on his payroll. Weiss Brothers have few players imder contract. Short subject producers find it is more feasible to engage' free lance players when they are needed than to retain large companies of players. W. stern Again Business Manager of Universal City Walter Stern has resumed his old position as business manager of Universal City . To Attend Memorial Louis B. Mayer, Cecil B. De Mille and John Considine, Jr., who is a graduate of Stanford University, are among the members of the Academy of M. P. Arts and Sciences, who will attend the memorial celebration of the Muybridge experiments at Stan- ford May 8. Edward Muybridge is credited with having been the first to photograph an object in motion. Fox Buys English Drama "Scent of Sweet Almonds" is the tentative title of a new picture to be started soon by Fox. It is by Monck- ton Hofife, English dramatist. The cast will include Lelia Hyams, Earle Foxe, Dorothy Burgess and Douglas Gilmore. It will be directed by Don- ald Gallaher. Pictorial direction will be in charge of Charles Klein. Paramount Signs June CoUyer June Collyer has been signed by Paramount for "Magnolia," Booth Tarkington's romance of the Missis- sippi. "Buddy" Rogers will have the principle role and Mary Brian the chief feminine role. Walter McGrail and Anderson Lawlor also are in the cast. Richard Wallace will direct. Goldwyn Signs Sidney Howard Sanuiel (Jokhvyn has signed Sid- ney Howard to write originals and adaptations. Anthony With Paramount Stuart Anthony, scenarist, formerly with Columbia, has joined Paramount. A Little from u Lots f* By RALPH WILK Hollywood NOW that "The Collegians" are on again at Universal, we are wond- ering when Nat Ross, the director, will have the 'Junior' prom. (Get it). * * * Much "whoopee" is being made by airplane com.panies since aviation pictures went into vogue. They are selling many of the stars p^'ivate ships after they have worked long enough in a picture to gain some knowledge as to the operation. Sue 'Carol Fox star, is the latest to suc- cumb to the windy way. She is buying a plane for her ovmsome, and v/ill be a licensed pilot by the time of its delivery. She was made a convert when she was co-starred in "The Air Circus." * * * Dorothy Gowen, ingenue, now playing an important role Al Santell's Vitaphone produc- tion "Twin Beds" at First Na- tional, has warned all of her friends regarding pranks or practical jokes. She was fright- fully scared once when a child by an April fool gag, and even now fights shy of all acquaint- ances on this day. :|: :!-. ij! Nat Rothstein, hard-hitting, two- fisted, go-getting publicity director for Columbia is putting punch into the exchanges. He is selling pictures by his sound trailers. This new angle will save running the entire film for the small exhibitor, but will show the highlights and create the interest. Money and time saved to both the exhibitor and producer will be used for other purposes. * * * Lester Kline, commercial artist and cartoonist, has been added to the staff of "Oswald, the Lucky Rabbit," according to Walter Lantz, produc- tion supervisor. The first of the series entitled "Ozzie of the Circus," in complete sound is ready for release, and work on the second, "The Per- manent Wave" has already started. Muni's Next "Frozen Justix^e" Paul Muni has just finished "The \'aliant," his first talking picture for Fox. His next appearance is in "Frozen Justice," which Allan Dwan is to direct. Lester Lonergan will stage this dialogue film under his new Fox contract. Katzman Making "Voice of Love" Sam Katzman is to produce and direct "The Voice of Love," a talker. Denny Leaving? Reginald Denny is reported leaving Universal in June. Three Pictures Completed at Fox's Hollywood Plant Three productions have just been finished at the Fox studio. One of them "The One Woman Idea," in which Berthold Viertel, makes his debut as a director for Fox. Rod La Rocque and Marceline Day have the leading roles. The story is adapted from a magazine story by Alan Williams. Another picture is "Black Magic," George B. Seitz's first for Fox, with a cast including Josephine Dunn, John Holland, Henry B. Walt- hall and Sheldon Lewis. It is by Beulah Marie Dix from a play by Walter Archer Frost and Paul Dickey. The third is the newest Clark and McCullough short Movietone comedy, now called "Nerve," after having been previously called "The Turkish Bath." Preview Suggestions of Women's Clubs Valuable Producers are receiving valuable suggestions from representatives of various women's organizations who are attending the previews at the Academy of M. P. Arts and Sciences. Among the organizations that are represented at the showings are the Daughters of the American Revolu- tion, the American Library Ass'n, the International Federation of Cath- olic Alumnae, P'ederal Council of Churches, National Congress of Pa- rents and Teachers, General Federa- tion of Women's Clubs and the American Association of University Women. Each organization is per- mitted to have five representatives at the various showings. Among the pictures that have been previewed are "Coquette," "Alibi" and "She Goes to W^ar." Archainbaud Making Four Direction of four talkers are call- ed for in George Archainbaud's con- tract with Columbia. Taylor for Mary and Doug Film .Sam Taylor is to direct "The Taming of the .Shrew," which is to co-star Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. The picture will be a talker in color. Cast for "Lunmiox" Lead Winifred Westover is to play the title role in "Lummox," by Fannie Hurst, whch Herbert Brenon is mak- ing. Creelman to Write Talker James Alshmore Creelman is to write a story of the nineties in New York as an RKO talker and musical production. On Broadway Astor — "Broadway Melody" Cameo- -"Tlie Godless Girl" Capitol — "Tlie Duke Steps Out" Central — "His Captive Woman" Colony — "The Charlatan" Criterion — ^"The Letter" Embassy — "Trial of Mary Dugan" Forty-fourth — ^" Alibi" Gaiety — "Christina" Globe — "Show Boat" Harris — "Singing Fool" Hippodrome — "Syncopation" Loew's New York — Monday, "The Iron Mask ;" Tuesday. "The Red Sword" and "The ISig Diamond Kobbery ;" Wednesday, '.My .Man:" Thursday, "New Year's Eve;" Friday, "The Quitter" and "The Voice of the Storm;" Saturday, "The Wolf Song;" Sunday, "Children of the Ritz" Mark Strand — "Weary River" Paramount — "The Hole in the Wall" Rialto— "The Wild Party" Rivoli — "Coquette" Roxy — "Thni Different Eyes" Selwyn — "The Rainbow Man" Warners — "The Divine Lady" Winter Garden — ".\oah's Ark" Short Shots from New York Studios ^^By ARTHUR W. EDDY t FOURTH of a series of shorts us- ing colored casts is in production at the Recording Laboratory of .A.merica, East 38th St., under direc- tion of Jess Smith. Charles Levine, chief cinematographer at the studio, and Buddy Harris are grinding on the opus, with Benny Wetzler and Danny Cavelli as assistants. James Hanley is chief electrician. Sam Friedman is making the stills. Talent from Club Casaruyva is lib- erally represented in the initial pic- ture of its proprietor, Morton Dow- ney, whose "Mother's Boy" will be released by Pathe May 12. In the \night club sequence of the p^-oduc- tion, ivhich 2vas made at Sound Studios, appear Downey himself pre- siding as master-of-ceremonies, De- Leon and Bebe, tango dancers; Ruth Mayor, acrobatic dancer and Mildred Hunt, vocalist. Mark Sandrich starts directing "The Talk of Hollywood," talking feature, about the middle of next week for Sam Zierler. He wrote the yarn in collaboration with Nat Carr, who will be featured. Rowland V. Lee, Paramount di- rector ivho last made "The Wo')nan Who Needed Killing" and "The In- sidious Dr. Fu Manchu," is out an the bounding wet en route for a Europeayi holiday, during which he'll visit Switzerland, Germany, France and Italy. Mrs. Lee is with him. Helen Kane has been signed to play opposite Eddie Cantor in "Kid Boots," which is scheduled for a talk- ative version at the Paramount Long Island studio. Clara Bow played this role in the silent picture, made several years ago. Clearance Case Against West Coast Is Postponed iTHE rAeHl¥S?kPilt o/'FILMDOM ML THE NEWS ALLTHE TIME VOL. XLViri No. 14 Tuesday, April 16, 1929 Price 5 Cents On the Family PERHAPS it is spring fever that has turned us so rabid on the pressing problem of safeguarding motion pictures for family trade. Fair-minded as we attempt to be always, we deter- mined to give voice to other opin- ions on the mooted question. From Hollywood where they make 'cm. one of the first comments to reach this desk is that of George Scar- borough, playwright and now coast dialoguer. High intelligence stalks through his observation : The far-sighted prcxiucer will turn to subjects such as "Torable David" and "T'jrn t" the Right," '-lean, wholesoirt- vehicles. To have the universal appeal of silent pictures, the talker* must be kept who'esome. It will be d tficult to slip an>-thing over the censors, in the inatter of dialogue. The censors realize that youngsters who would miss infer- ences in subtitles and deft action, would "get" inferences in dialogue — so wc must be more cautious than ever. Scarborough and the writer are affinities in this thought. The sit- uation calls for diligence in scru- tiny and care in execution. Laemmle Tonight at the Motion Picture Club in New York, the hosts vvill gather to take formal note of Uncle Carl's twenty-third year in the bus- iness and his twentieth as a producer. You know Laemmle is one leader in this industry for whom adherents of all camps readily conclave in order to pay their respects. While else- where this fact might mean nothing, in this business of jealoiisly-guarded prerogatives and reputations, it be- speaks much for the regard in which they hold the Universal chief. So it is that the capacity figure of 225 plates was reached very shortly after the dinner was announced and Uni- versal is by no means the purchaser of all of them. About Face First, talkers were out. Then, recognizing the public's eagerness. Joe Schenck bowed to the demand and committed United Artists to a generous sound policy. Now, silents are to be crushed in toto by talkers. Thus, the cycle of Schenck's opinion veers from silent to sound films. There should be no surprise. It was inevitable that this should happen. K A N N Conferences Slated Paris — Conferences to seek a solution of the problem raised by the French quota proposals are planned by the under-secretary of state for fine arts, at which American and French representatives are to air their views. This decision followed a conference with the commercial attache of the American embassy, who pre- sented the American govern- ment's memorandum on the subject. London Hears RCA Seeks to Buy B.I.P. Control liv EKXIiST H'. f^'ir.mi.'IX Editor, "The Daily Film Renttr" London (By Cable) — RC.-\ Photo- phone is reported dickering for a con- trolling interest in British Interna- tional Pictures. John Maxwell, managing director of British International, is at pres- ent Europe-bound. Efforts to secure a statement by wireless, preceded by several attempts to communicate witli him prior to sailing late last week, have proved unavailing. 923 New Total of Films to Be Available Next Year Total of pictures to be available for 1^29-30 will be swelled to 923 by the 16 pictures to be released by (Continued on Page 4) Sterns Preparing to Make Sound Features and Shorts .\l>e and Julius .Stern arc rounding out plans for production of features and short subjects in sound, main- taining units both in New York and (Continued on Page 4) PUBLIX EXTENDING ALL- FILM POLICY IN SOUTH RECORD TURNOUT SEEN FOR S.N. P. E. MEETING Tentative program of the S. M.P.E. meeting and papers slated to be read at the ses- sions, appear on page 7. Record turnout for the "sound con- vention" of the Society of M. P. En- i^ineers, to be held in New York May 6 to 9, is predicted by the com- mittee in charge of arrangements. Every effort is to be made, the com- mittee states, to assure attendance at one or more sessions, by leaders in the field. P. A. McGuire of In- ternational Projector, is chairman of the i)ublicity committee. U.A. Officials to Leave for New York April 20 Joseph M. Schenck's trip to New York has been postponed until April 20. The purpoje of the trip is to complete plans for United Artists Consolidated, which proposed sale of (.Continued on Page 4) Michigan Bill Seeks to Abolish Screen Advertising Lansing, Mich. — Proposed ta.x on screen advertising has for its pur- pose the discouraging of such adver- tising, rather than as a revenue pro- ducing law, according to Rep. James (Continued on Page 4) U. S. Action for Writ Held up Due to Grand Jury Probe Mixed Opinions on "The Desert Song" by Critics West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY MV.rf Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los -Angeles — Due to the Federal grand jiirv probe of alleijed "frf^'f- out" of independent exhibitors by Fox West Coast Theaters and nine dif Los Angeles — Mixed opinions . tributors, the clearance action bronc''« marked reception by local critics of "The Desert Song," first comic operetta to be brought to the talking screen. Excerpts of their reviews of the picture, now playing the War- ner, follow: EXAMINER—* * * Another milestone in the progress of sound is marked by "The (Continued on Page 4) •ly the Dept. of Justice, has been posti)oned until May 22. This is an action in equity, with an injunction nought by the eovernment. Mean- while, John H. Amen, special as- sistant attorney general, is pressing his request for an indictment before the grand jury. Stage Presentations Being Dropped at 10 Houses of the Nation Atlanta — Publix will discontinue stage shows and presentation acts in favor of a 100 per cent sound policy in seven of its Southeastern theaters. The houses are the Howard, Atlanta; Alabama, Birmingham; Olympia, Miami; Florida, Jackson\nlle; Flor- ida, Tampa; Tivoli, Chattanooga, and Tennessee, Knoxville. The last two have been using Keith/ vaudeville three days a week. The decision was announced at the convention of Publix division and dis- trict managers held in New York last week. Returning to Atlanta Willard C. Patterson, district man- ager in charge of Publix operations in .Atlanta and Birmingham, announc- ed that the Howard and .-Mabama would return to the sound picture policy April 29. Elimination of stage shows and presentation acts is in line with the policy announced by Sam Katz for Publix; theaters in San Francisco, Portland and Seattle. The move is regarded as experimental. If it proves successful it may be extended nationally. The points chosen for the experiment on the Pacific Coast are highly competitive, where Publix (Continued on Page 4) Bennett *Lab' Head Denies Consolidated Deal Closed IVest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — -•Mthough announced in New York by Consolidated as having been closed, deal lor sale of the Bennett l-'ilni Laboratory to Consolidated Film Industries has not been consummated, according to President H. T. James of Bennett. He admits, however, that the deal is being negotiated. Paramount Will Vote on Stock Issue to Employes Proposal to issue 250,000 shares of the unissued capital stock to employes at not less than S50 a share will be voted upon today by stockholders of Paramount. Five directors are to be elected at the meeting, which is the annual one. Market closing of the stock yesterday was M%. THC^ DAILV Tuesday, April 16, 1929 Mf^^ULTOE HEWS Vol. XIVIII No.1 4 Tuesday, Apr. IB. 1329 Price 5 Cents JOHN w. humn PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Foll<, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Pulilisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter, May 21, 1918, at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00: 3 months. $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood. California— Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. 10,682 Playdates Already Set for Sam Morris Month Tabulation of business attained for Sam E. Morris Month, set by the Warner staflf for May, has already reached 10,682 plajdates. This fore- casts that May bookings will far eclipse any sales record ever before attempted by the Warner organiza- tion inasmuch as the drive has eight weeks to go. Financial STOCK MARKET Hieh Low Close Sales Am. Seat 35 35 35 100 Con. Fm. Inrl. pfd. 27 26 26;^ 5.500 East. Kodak 171 170 171 1.100 •do pfd 12S •First Nat. pfd 108 Fox Fm. "A" ... S6H 86 86 1,700 *do rts 3 •Keith A-0 28 •do pfd 94;^ .... Loew's Inc 63 61'/ 61'/ 1,800 do pfd lOOJi lOOH 100^ 100 ♦M-G-M pfd 25-^ .... M. P. Cap 38 37^-4 375^ 200 Para. F-L (A7A 63'A 64'/^ 6,300 Pathe Fxch 11!/ 10 J^ 11 10.400 do "A" 23'/ 22' 22 1.200 Radio K-A-O 2S% 2754 27?^ 7,700 ♦Stanley Co 30 •Univ. Pict. pfd 98'/; Warner Bros 104^ 102-5^ 102-5^ 3,500 ♦do pfd 47M CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 7 6J4 6->4 2,100 •Bal. & K.11Z 74H ♦Columbia Pet 30/ Con. Fm. Ind. ... 25 24H 24W 2,400 ♦Film Insp \Ji Fox Thea. "A" .. 28 27^^ 28 600 •Griffith, D.W. "A" 2^ .... •Intern. Proj 53/ *Loew do deb. rts 30 .... ♦Nat. Scr. Ser 25^ Nat. Thea. Sup. ... 12H \2^ 12J4 700 Trans-Lux 155^ 14J^ 14^ 2,100 Univ. Pict 28^ 28 28 1.200 do pfd 2 2 2 200 BOND MARKET •Keith A-O 6s 46 93 Loew 6s 41ww . AU'A 112 112^ 2 do 6s 41 x-war... 98/ 98 98^.^ 3 Paramount 6s 47 . 98?4 98/ 98M 4 ♦Par. By. 5/s 51 101/ Pathe 7s 37 79i/| 79;^ 79Ji 3 CURB BONDS •Am. Seat. 6s 36 94 ♦Warner 6'/s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 27 29 do units 29 31 do com 4 5 Skouras Bros 30 40 Technicolor 36!4 37 United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2 do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED Dan Fish Here Dan W. Fish, is in New York from London to study the talker situation. It is understood he will handle mar- keting of "The Living Corpse," Rus- sian film, here for AI Woods. 225 to Attend Laemmle Dinner in N. Y. Tonight The Motion Picture Club of New York will be taxed to capacity to- night at a testimonial dinner to be given in honor of Carl Laemmle at which 225 will attend. Harry L. Reichenbach will be toastmaster and speakers so far definitely set include Al Lichtman, Harry Hershficid, Charles L. O'Reilly and Nathan Bur- kan. Helen Morgan, one of the leads in the stage version of "Show Boat" will sing two songs which she sings in the picture which opens at the Globe tomorrow night. "Show Boat" Tops $5,000 in 2 Days at Omaha "Show Boat" grossed "well over $5,000' on Friday and Saturday at- thc World, Omaha, Universal states. Carl Laemmle Arrives Carl Laemmle, president of Lhii- versal, arrived in New York yester- day from Universal City, to attend the Broadway opening of "Show Boat," scheduled for tomorrow night at the Globe. He was accompanied by his brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Siegfried Laemmle, and by his secretary, Jack Ross and Mrs. Florence Strauss, scenario editor for "U" in the East. On the way to New York, the party stopped over in Kansas City for a day and in Chi- cago for two days, visiting Universal exchanges. The Industry's Date Book Today: April 17 AprU 20 April 24 May 1 May 2 May May 5-11 6 May 6-7 May 6-9 May 20 Convention of Western Pennsylvania Exhibitor Unit at Pittsburgh. Opening of "The Rainbow Man," at the Selwyn, New York. Testimonial dinner to Carl Laem- mle, M.P. Club, New York. Opening of "Show Boat" at Globe, New York. Opening of "Innocents of Paris" at the Criterion, New York. Opening of "Madame X" at the Harris, New York. Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal. Opening of "Bulldog Drummond" at the Apollo, New York. National Music Week. Opening of "Mother's Boy" at Cohan, New York. Convention of Texas exhibitor unit, Dallas. Spring meeting of Society of M.P. Engineers in New York. Annual Convention of American Federation of Musicians at Den- ver. No Film Board Convention Is Scheduled This Year There will be no convention of Film Boards of Trade this year. The meetings held in New York during trial of the credit committee and ar- bitration cases took the place of the annual get-together. This means that this year the secretaries will have va- cations to spend as they choose. Clive Brook in N. Y. Thursday Clive Brook, who has just com- pleted work in "The Marriage Holi- day," a Paramount talking picture adapted from a play by W. Somer- set Maugham, arrives in New York Thursday. After spending several days here, he will sail for London. Maine House Sold Portland, Me. — -The Gem at Peaks Island has been sold to Jack Agger and Mitchell Goffin. "Singing Fool" Closes AprQ 21 On April 21 "The Sinking Fool" will terminate its run of 30 weeks on Broadway. The greater part of its New York engagement took place at the Winter Garden but it moved from there to the Harris several v/eeks ago to make room for "Noah's Ark." Brecher to Rebuild Plaza Leo Brecher will erect a Plaza the- ater at 42-44 East 58th St., New York. His former Plaza at Madi- son Ave. and 59th St., was razed to make way for a commercial structure. EDITOR available soon, 4 years with Inter- national MUTOSCOPE Reel Co., Inc. N. Y. C, experienced creating 50 ft. length (Mutoscope) subjects. Neatest and most exhaustive editing in the world. I'm tired of this short tripe. Give me that job. We'll get along. MIKE ROBACH 917 Park Ave., Hoboken James A. FitzPatrick's "TRAVELTALKS'^ "The Talk of the World" M.C I "The very personable and entertaining visitor was welcomed by a roof-lifting ovation, and when the affec- tionate reception subsided he delivered his routine of lively numbers in what appeared to be the Al Jolson manner . . . His debut was unquestionably a smash hit. Every number was received with fervent hand -clapping, and some of the spectators forgot that they were in starched shirts and placed their lingers in their mouths to whistle in the good old-fashioned manner." — New York Evening Graphic COMIXG IN AN ALL-TALKING PICTIJIIE "7^ DONOVAN AFFAI RT THE GREATE$r A1LIUJ(IN6 MY$IERir DRAMA' CRASHING THRU All OPPOSITION 7 THe DAILV Tuesday, April 16, 1929 Short Shots from New York Studios ^i^By ARTHUR W- EDDi DIRECTOR Charles McDonald is likely to be known as the "Heinz of the Talkies" from now on. Work- ing at the RCA studio on Fifth Ave. the other day, he shot 57 gags for Topics of the Day and all in one day. The gags required changes in sets and players. The precision and smoothness with which the McDonald unit worked was certainly the topic of the day. J. Maxwell Joice, who has put much pep into picture exploitation and publicity, is now general press representative for "Conflict," cur- rent at the Fulton theater. Joseph Santley, who is helping Paramount make bigger and better talkers, has been selected to serve as "collie" at the Lamb's All-Star Gam- bol to be staged at the Metropolitan O. H. April 27. Joe last directed "The Cocoanuts" for Paramount, working in association with Robert Florey. Publix Extending All Film Policy in South {Continued from Page 1) is battling against Fox West Coast theaters. Atlanta and Birmingham also are keenly competitive situations. More- over, the experiment has been tried before in the Howard and Alabama. These houses switched to a straight sound picture policy in October 1928 and maintained it four months, after which stage band shows were re-in- stated, but not the full Publix unit shows which had formerly prevailed. Sound pictures had not then at- tained their present development, nor wlas the volume of diversified short subjects adequate to meet demands. However it was the opinion of Katz at that time that the trend fore- shadowed the elimination of stage shows. As Katz now summarizes the situ- ation, with producers going in for musical comedy and grand opera, with sound shorts embodying virtual- ly all the features sought in stage shows and presentation acts, there will be no place on the stage for similar acts. Fox West Coast Managers Meet San Francisco — Division and house managers of Fox West Coast met here yesterday in "the first of a series of three similar meetings. The others will be at Seattle, Thursday, and at Los Angeles next Tuesday. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Theatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3580 U.A. Officials to Leave for New York April 20 (Continued from Page 1) 50 per cent interest to Warners. It is expected that Schenck will be ac- companied by Mary Pickford, Doug- las Fairbanks, Sarnuel Goldwyn and Gloria Swanson^ D. W. Griffith is in New York.~ Charles Chaplin is continuing to remain aloof from the proposed deal. 923 New Total of Films to Be Available Next Year (Continued from Page 1) Franco-Film. Some of the pictures will be synchronized. As noted yes- terday, THE FILM DAILY survey showed that 504 talkers and 403 silent films already had been lined up by 20 companies^ with several in- dependents still to indicate their pro- posed output. Buy Publix Atlanta House Atlanta — John A. Conzy and Ar- thur R. Johnson have purchased the Rialto here from Publix. YEARBOOK 1929 i^fe l^" INFORMATIVE It will come in very handy for information during the coming year on the motion pic- ture industry. PETER J. BRADY FREE to FUm DaUy Subscribers Subscription $ 1 0.00 Foreign $ 1 5.00 Michigan Bill Seeks to Abolish Screen Advertising (Continued from Page 1) F. Thompson, its sponsor. He says that he feels as do others that pa- trons should not be compelled to sit through advertising in the theater, stating he believes the place for ad- vertising is in the newspapers. Speak- er Fred Ming, author of an admis- sion tax bill earlier in the session, is an advocate of the new bill. Gov. Green, who is strongly op- posed to aay admission tax, favors elimination of screen advertising, but doubts whether the proposed nuisance tax will accomplish the purpose. Sterns Preparing to Make Sound Features and Shorts (Continued from Page 1) Hollywood. The studio in Holly- wood is being sound-proofed and will operate as the National Sound Rec- ording Studio. Stern Enterprises, Inc. and the Stern Picture and Finance Corp., have been formed for these various purposes. Mixed Opinions on "The Desert Song" by Critics (Continued from Page 1) Desert Song." * * *The latter portion of "The Desert Song" is a vast improvement over its first half. It shows what should have been done with the entire production. The interest is maintained at first only be- cause of the singing by John Boles and Carlotta King. ♦ • » HERALD—* » * Vitaphone is tonally perfect in its reproduction of Sigraund Rom- berg's melodies for "The Desert Song. . . . The first half of "The Desert Song" is over- long and dramatic values are consistently muffed. Not a single one of the characters are established as human Iieings. Another weak factor in the film is the comedy relief. • ♦ * RECORD — * * * It opens new horizons in technical achievement, and may be re- garded as one of the important growing pains of the new medium. For, impressive as the production is, there are some rather oppressive faults. » » * However, balanced against the tremendous achievement of recording immense choruses, and catching some of the spirit of the music that made tlie operetta popular over half of the world, the faults fade into a place of minor significance. • * * TIMES—* * * Unquestionably, "The Des- ert Song" will be a hit. Its music assures that. Also the attention directed to the in- teresting experiment of bringing a comic opera to the screen is bound to be unusual. The later scenes in the filming especially show marked dramatic potency, and decided pictorial beauty. ♦ * * Smith Named Production Head for Columbia Shorts Basil Smith has been named pro- duction manager for Columbia at the Victor studios, Camden, N. J., In addition to his supervisory capacities, Smith wil direct the series of 26 Vic- tor Gems, talking and singing shorts to be produced by Columbia in as- sociation with Victor. Smith former- ly was a stage manager for Broad- way plays, later serving as stage di- rector at the Roxy. He has been as- sociated with Fox, RKO and Pathe as director of sound on eastern pro- ductions. Sunday Shows Lose at Greeley Greeley, Colo. — Sunday shows were defeated in a referendum here. AND THAT'S THAT By PHIL M. DALY RALPH F. STITT of PubHx pub- licity announced a party for red- heads to see Clara Bow in "The Wild Party" at a midnight Rialto showi Here, sez we to ourselves, is a real news item. So we hung around till midnight to clock 'em and get an eyeful. And the first redhead to come along was a gal from Washington Heights we useter know. But when we trailed around with her she was a blonde. Isn't anything on the level any more? ^1 * * AN AUTHORITY // a lotta producers would fol- loiv the policy of our best boot- leggers and cut their stuff, there would be better pictures on the market. Give Ar- thur Wilson Ed- dy a great big hand for this one. "Percentage" Harry Harry Hirschman, press agent for Erno Rapee and Harry Hirschman, dashed into our office all out of breath. "Got a great story for the colyum, Phil. All about a big star." "Fine. Shoot." "But there's no use spilling it un- less I can sign him up." And he dashed right out again. It's things like this tliat makes criminals out of colyumnists. * * * SONG HIT "// we never should meet again That'll be soon enough for me," Sang the broken hearted director To his star who went f'loo-ey. * * ♦ Anything Goes in Brooklyn A Brooklyn neighborhood house is advertising Emil Jannings in "Othello" as "The Best Picture of the Season." But they didn't men- tion it was the season of 1923. * ♦ ♦ THEME SONG "Alibi. Who Shot That Bull?" rM.^>m.i Famous Film Conversations "Going to the opening game?" entire puhlix theatre circuit hooks PATHE SOUND NEWS ^0 The Great Publix Theatre Circuit has now been added to the roster of Big Circuits that have swung to Pathe Sound hJews, including Pantages, Balaban & Katt, Butterfield, Saenger. Radio ' Keith Orpheum, Dipson- Zimmerman, T. & D., Libson, Nflthanson. TWO - A -WEEK |)A|LY\ Tuesday, April ^nrjit^yggyi'^^;^ Serial Production Being Trimmed Only One Chapter Play in Work at Present, Due to Sound Development — Three Pathe Units Working C.D.White Made Production Manager for Radio Pictures — Other Wired News and Wilk's Paragraphs BENNET SERIAL IN DIRECTING ONLY Only one serial is in production on the Coast. It is "The Black Bag," which Spencer Bennet is di- recting for Pathe. Universal, which has always been a considerable producer of the chap- ter pictures, is doing little in the way of serial production. Mascot Pro- ductions, has completed two serials for the state-right field. Most of the former serial direc- tors are concentrating on features. Ray Taylor is busy with a Universal talker, while Richard Thorpe, who directed the two Mascot serials, is directing a talker for Columbia. J. P. McGowan recently completed a feature for Chesterfield. A Little from (( Lots ff By RALPH WILK Christie Supervisor Heads Screen Writers' Guild Alfred A. Cohn, editorial supervisor of the Christie Talking Plays, has been elected president of the Screen Writers' Guild of Hollywood, the writers' organization afifi-liated with the Authors' Leaeue of America. Other new officers elected are: Winifred Dunn, vice president; John F. Goodrich, secretary; Harold Shu- mate, treasurer; and the following di- rectors: Grant Carpenter, Viola Brothers Shore, Louise Long, Vernon Smith, Julia Josephson, W. Scott Darling, and Sonya Levien. Henry B. Walthall Signed Henry B. Walthall has been signed for "Magnolia." "Buddy" Rogers will play the principal role with Mary Brian as his heroine. June Collyer also has a prominent part. Richard Wallace will direct. May Boley, Joyce Compton Added May Boley, who has just finished work in Paramount's film of "Bur- lesque" has been engaged for an- other role in "Dangerous Curves," the circus story by Lester Cohen, which will be Clara Bow's next. Joyce Compton also has been added to the cast, which includes Richard Arlen and David Newell, former leading man for Ethel Barrymore. Lothar Mendes will direct. FRANCES AGNEW Writer "SYNCOPATION"— R. K. O. Now at Hippodrome, N. Y. Next at Criterion, L. A. Hollywood HERBERT BRENON, who blazed new trials in bringing "Beau Geste" and "Sorrell and Son" to the screen has given tests to more than 30 stage and screen actresses who are seeking the title role in "Lunmiox," his next production. Each test re- quired a full day's work. Winifred Westover won the part. * * * Our Passing Show. Doug- las Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, Al Jolson, Joe Schenck at the world pre-miere of "The Des- ert Song" at Warner Bros, theater; Hal Home extolling the virtues of Noah Beery's trout club. * * * The pest who read subtitles to his fellow spectators is now humming songs. * * * "You can get what you want if you go after it" said Nat Ross, direc- tor of "The Collegians," now in pro- duction at Universal studios. Ross thought of the idea of having the University of Los Angeles schoC)l songs injected into the picture, and after taking the matter into closer observance decided he could go a little better and have the University Glee Club sing, well this is what he is doing. "Oh, How We Love Our College," a comedy number, and "it's You," a love song composed by Dave Silverstein and Lee Zahler, also will be sung for the film. * ♦ * Montague Love will be married after completing the final retakes on "Bulldog Drummond," the Sam- uel Goldivyn picture in which he ap- pears in a prominent character role supporting Ronald Caiman as star. His bride will be Mnrjorie Hollis, non-professional. + ♦ * Jack Benny, the dry, wisecracking humorist, and poi^ular Orpheum star, has been signed by M-G-M to do some of his strif? in pictures. He will be cast for his initial role in the "M-G-M Revue of Revues," an all musical extravanganza now in pro- duction. * * * More Passing Show: Tod Brown- ing and Bob {"Hvppy") Hopkins chatting at M-G-M; smiling Monte Brice greeting friends at Pathe; George O'Hara and Allen McNeil attending a pre-view of "Coquette." Gets RKO Post C. D. White has been named production manager for Radio Pictures. Operetta to Be Written for Lubitsch's Direction The first original operetta written especially for the vocal picture screen will be filmed by Paramount, directed by Ernst Lubits^ch, and is to have a libretto by Guy IBolton, author of "Sally." This announcement was made today by B. P. Schulberg, gen- eral manager of Paramount West Coast production, following the sign- ing of Bolton and simultaneously with the departure of Lubitsch for New York. Lubitsch will meet Bol- ton in New York on the composer's arrival from Europe Tuesday and they will work out together the pre- liminary plans for this production. Santell Signed by Fox Following F.N. Contract Alfred Santell has been signed by Fox to direct five pictures in two years. Werker Gets Fox Assignment Alfred E. Werker, former RKO director, who made "Blue Skies" for Fox, will direct "Chasing Through Europe," as his first all talker. Euro- pean sequences of this picture, which features Nick Stuart, were taken abroad some weeks ago. Jeff Lazarus will act as supervisor. Richman To Write Claire Vehicle A play written by Arthur Rich- man, playwright, will be the vehicle for Ina Claire's first talking picture under her Pathe contract. Richman is en route to the Coast together with Richard Boleslavsky, who will direct. Cast For "Behind That Curtain" Warner Baxter, Claude King, Gil- bert Emery and Philip Strange have been cast for "Behind That Curtain," Fox Movietone version of Earl Derr Bigger's story. Gleason Family on Pathe Lot With the signing of Russell Glea- son for a part in William Boyd's next talker, "The Flying Fool," and Mr. and Mrs. James Gleason working in a talker series, the entire Gleason family now is working under one roof. Hale Back at Pathe Alan Hale has returned to the Pathe studio after a brief vacation at Palm Springs. TWO TALKERS AND SERIAL UNDER WAY BY PATHE Three companies are at work on Pathe productions, in addition to the Gloria Swanson unit which is also making use of the studio. Half a dozen pictures are in preparation. William Boyd's latest "The Flying Fool," all talker, is under way with Marie Prevost in the lead and Rus- sell Gleason in the cast. Producer Maurice Revnes has started "Paris Bound," with Ann Harding, stage star, in the lead. In the cast are Frederic March, Char- lotte Walker, Carmelita Geraghty, Herbert Clark, New York stage play- er; Hallam Cooley, George Irving, Ilka Chase and Juliette Crosby. "Paris Bound" is from the stage play by Philip Barry, and is being direct- ed by Edward H. Griffith. Frank Reicher will direct the dialogue. The third in work is the new ser- ial titled "The Black Book," which again brings to the screen Allene Ray J and Walter Miller. Spence Bennet 1 is handling the megaphone. Robert Wyler Made Director Robert Wyler has joined his brother, William Wyler, as a Uni- versal director. He has acted as su- l)ervisor of "Buck Privates," which Mel Brown directed, "Has Anybody Here Seen Kelly," and "The Shake- down" which were directed by his brother, who is soon to direct Laura La Plante in "Evidence." Lois Wilson Assigned Lois Wilson again will be featured in a Christie Talking Play, with pro- duction started on Florence Ryer- son's farce, "Advice to Husbands," and with Harrison Ford playing op- posite Miss Wilson. Other players are Nina Romano and Wanda Haw- le\-. A. Leslie Pearce will direct. "The Climax" Under Way Production of the dialogue pic- ture "The Climax," adapted from Ed- ward Locke's stage play, is well un- der way at Universal City under di- rection of Renaud Hoffman. In the lead roles are Jean Hersholt, Kathryn Crawford, John Reinhardt and Henry Armatta. FRANCES AGNEW Writer "RAINBOW MAN"— Sono-Art Starring Eddie Dowling Tonight at Selwyn Theatre Address: CHATEAU ELYSEE Hollywood HO-2171 Tuesday, April 16, 1929 DAIUI No Interchangeabilityf Montreal — Northern Electric Co., Ltd., announces only licensed exhibitors of Western Electric or Northern Electric sound equipment in Canada are privileged to play the nroduc- tions of U. S. producers li- censed by the Western Electric Co. The names of 11 licensed producers are listed. No Closed Market to Good Pictures, Cohn Declares Declaring that a closed hooking system never can c.\i.st as long as there arc good pictures. Jack Cohn of Columbia Pictures declares tliat the producer of good pictures have nothing to fear from mergers and combines. "It is l>ecominK a popular conception that the exhibitor-producer in his eflfort to freeze out his competitor who has no theater af- filiations, would rather present some of his own mediocre product, than give the good pic- tures of the outsider a chance, he says, de- claring his company now is writing its biggest volume of business. "Now as in the past, it's the product and not the trademark that counts," he says. "The producer of good features has nothing else to fear. Offer the exhibitor an outstand ing vehicle and he will not only book it into any theater, but he will also rearrange his .schedule so as to give it an immediate show- ing. In many cases he will shelve a picture for which he has already paid money, in order to make room for a good feature." B.I.F. Gets Distribution of Russian Films in U.K. London — H. Bruce Woolf of Bri- tish Instructional Films has closed with the Russian Government for dis- tribution of all Russian-made films in f-2ngland as well as securing an op- tion on players and directors for films contemplated by British Instruction- al. B.I.I"", thus secures films of Pudov- kin, who directed "The End of St. Petersburg," "The Mother," and "Storm Over Asia", F^isenstein, Trau- berg and Kosintzoff. Distribution will be handled through Pro Patria Ltd. a subsidiary of B.I.F. Woolf is soon to leave for Moscow to arrange for distribution of English films in Russia. British Educator Hails Film's Triumphant March Vancouver — "We might as well try to stop the printing press as to attempt to impede the triumphant march of the film." Sir .•\ubrey Sy- monds, K.C.B., permanent secretary of the British board of education, de- clared at the closing session of the National Council of Education's fourth triennial conference. His en- thusiasm was so frank as to startle the international audience. Disc for "The Bachelor's Club" SfV'nchronization of "The Bach- elor's Club," Richard Talmadge starring vehicle, is to be available on discs as well as sound-on-film, states General Pictures Corp., New York. Erno Rapee wrote the score which was recorded by Fox-Case. Record Turnout Seen for Society of M. P. E. Meeting Tentative program of the spring meeting of the Society of M.P. En- gineers, to be held in New York May 6 to 9, follows: MONDAY. MAY 6 10;(X) A. M. — Organization meeting. Park Central. Committee reports. Convention business. I;00-2:00 I'. M. — Luncheon, Park Cen- tral. 2 :00-5 ;Oft -Program — papers of general in- terest, not rcresident Bell Telephone Laboratories, will demonstrate the possibilities, humorous and otherwise, of inverted speech transmission and reception. Dancing afterward to music from Park Central orchestra. THURSDAY. MAY 9 9:30 A. M. — Busses leave Park Central for Paramount-Famous Lasky Studios. Astoria, L. I. 10:15 A. M. — P. F. L. Projection room — program devoted to papers and demonstra tions dealing with production problems. 1:00-2:00 — Luncheon— P. F. L. Cafeteria. 2:00-3:00 — Interesting points from papers presented by absentees. Round table discus- sion of motion picture engineering problems. 3:30-4:30 — Open forum — general business. 4:30-5 :30^Inspection of P. F. L. Studios. 5:30 — Busses leave studios for Park Cen- tral. 8:30 — Bell Lalwratories Auditorium. Pop- ular program of newly-organized Acoustic Society of America. Adjournment, sine die. Papers tentatively scheduled for reading at the spring meeting of the Society of M.P. Enpjneers, to be held in New York May 6 to 9 are: 1. The Universal-base Sound-film Projec- tor—Mr. H. Pfaunetistiehl, of Bell La- boratories, Inc. 2. Some Propcrtif> of Fixing H.'iths -J. I. Cralitrec. 3. A New .Screen for Sound Film Presen- tation— "Ua Tone" Screen Co. 4. Need for Improvement in Projection E<|uipment and .Maintenance — F. H. Richardson. 5. A New Wax- Recorder for Souiiil film Projection — L. A. KImer, Bell LalKira- lorics : 6. Re-recording — Its Importance and Its Problem"! — K. F. Morgan, Electrical Re- search Products, Inc., IIollywoo/. Radio K-A-iO 28 27^ ZlVz Stanley Co 28 28 28 ♦Univ. pfd 30 Warner Bros 103M 102 10354 ♦do pfd 47J^ CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 6J4 6/, 654 Bal. & Katz 72 72 72 Columbia Pets. ... 30 30 30 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 24>i 24^ 24!^ Fox Thea. "A"... 27fi 275^ 275^ ♦Griffith, D.W. "A" 234 ♦Loew do deb. rts 30 .... Nat. .Scr. Sen ... 25 25 25 200 Nr.l. Thea. Sup. .. MYn, Uy^ 125^ 500 Trans-Lux 15^ 14^1 15'4 800 ♦Univ. Pict 28 BOND MARKET ♦Keith A-O 6s 46 93 ♦Loew 6s 41ww 11254 .... do 6s 41 x-war 985i 98J^ 985^ 1 ♦Paramount 6s 47 9854 •••■ Par. By. 5'^s51 .. 10154 10154 10154 3 Pathe 7s37 79 79 79 7 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36.. 92 92 92 1 ♦Warner 6!/2S 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 27 29 do units 29 31 do com 4 5 Skouras Bros. ... 30 35 Technicolor liy^ 38 United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2 do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 100 1,300 200 300 2,200 100 800 700 8,300 1,800 100 3,400 200 2,i66 2,000 100 100 1,000 1,200 ^■m~. Call WAFILMS, Inc Walter A. Putter, Pres. for Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46th St.. New York Bryant 8181 >«— 4 Fox Signs Norma Terris, Musical Comedy Star Norma I'erris, star of musical com- edies who has been playing in Zieg- feld's stage production of "Sliow Boat," signed a long-term contract to make Fo.x Movietone pictures. After she joins the colony of Broad- way names alreadj' in Hollywood on June 10, present indications are that Miss Terris will sing, dance and act in a production of Oscar Strauss's newest operetta, "Married in Holly- wood," recently acquired by Fo.x from the composer of "The Chocolate .Soldier." In this screen version Miss Terris is expected to have J. Harold Murra}', star of Ziegfeld's "Rio Rita," playing opposite. Her second veiiicle, according to present plans, will probal^ly be a musical version of "Cameo Kirby," erstwliile stage success. Small Office Signs Two Henry Daniell, stage player, has been signed to appear opposite Ina Claire in her first talker, "The Aw- ful Truth," by Arthur Richman. He left last night for the Pathe studio on the Coast. Daniell was signed through the Edward Small office, which recently signed J. Kern Bren- nan, who is en route to the Coast to write special material for "Is Every- body Happy?", Ted Lewis' forth- coming Vitaphone picture. "Show Boat" Opening Tonight "Show Boat" will have its New York premiere tonight at the Globe. Carl Laemmle, Universal president, came to New York from the Coast for the event. A river boat calliope, mounted on the marquee will be a feature of the exploitation. Returning F. N. Preferred First National directors have voted to return the outstanding eight per cent participating first preferred stock July 1, at $115 a share and accrued dividends. Funds for the retirement will be derived from earnings. Arrested For Sunday Shows Portsmouth, O. — Francis Mack, Robert Risley and Carl Bennett, managers of three local houses, were arrested for operating on Sunday. A case developing from Sunday shows is still pending in court here await- ing a retrial. Eddie Bowling Roadshow Talker Opens in N. Y. Marking picture debut of Eddie Dowling, stage star, and making a bid as the first talker roadsiiow, "The Rainl)0W Man," talking-singing pic- ture, Sono-Art's first, opened last night at the Selwyn, New York. Fox Seattle House Opens Soon Seattle — Lew Golden, managing di- rector is handling the advance cam- paign for the opening of the new Fox house which opens here in about two weeks. Al Brake, formerly with the West Coast's Colonial, Tacoma, has been appointed assistant man- ager. Printing Firms Merge Savoy Printing and Publishing Co. and Reelaiul Publishing Co. have consolidated under the new firm name of Savoy-Reeland Printing Co., witii heads ally, send in his name for the Or- 5- der. (Daily Pome) (Dedicated to studio officials) Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the waj' Oh what fun it is to ride In a swivel chair all day. Today's Menu Cream of Asparagus Soup: Mix some film cement in a film can, add a few scraps from the cutting room floor. Scrape in half a bunch of as- paragus. Strain ofif the juice, add w^hippcd cream, and you turn the soup into a nice dessert. Your guests probably wouldn't like the soup, any- way. * * * Famous Film Conversations "I've got a proposition," EDDIE DOWLING a Kainhow Man'' By Kann WMl'.X thi> loluinii liii- i>lu's H'llin*; the rxhil)- tor uurkl \vhal\ coming along the hlood will rush to a lot of keen Imsiness heads. Hold everything, fellows. "The Rain- bow Man" will I)e hitting your city after a time, hut not until fall. laddie Dowling takes his how via this, his first picture, in a numher of key spots at road show prices. In the Bag This is what is in store : A musical comedy in talking and singing celluloid with the usual girl stuff replaced by a minstrel show. First time in sound pictures. .\ new name for the Intlhs in ICddie Dowling, known to Xew York and many of the provinces for his musical comedy en- deavors, lie can sing, and — it is a high com])]iment to him — wise- crack without getting smutty. The Dowling personalitv will click. l-'rankie Darro. a child player familiar to picture audiences, in a talking ])art that is immense. -And for Marian Nixon, who has been largely submerged in the Hollywood maze, a real chance to demonstrate how capa- able she is. Mark her down for potential starring honors. She'll get them. Frank Xewmeyer directed and did a grand job. '"The Rainbow Man" slides over the plate by the widest of margins. It reeks (jf big money. CLICKED with brilliant audience at the Selvvyn The- atre last ni^ht when the stage star with a record of never having been associated with a "flop" play gave to the motion pic- ture theatre audiences of the world his first all-sound, all-dialogue, all-singing motion ^picture, produced by Sono-Art Produc- tions from an original story by Eddie Dow- ling, adapted for the screen by Frances Agnew, directed by Fred Newmeyer and presented under the title of (( The Rainbo'W Man** A DV.ANGE reviews of this picture, re- produced on this page, were written by two of the ablest motion picture trade paper editors in the business. Their opin- ions are borne out in the acclaim with which the picture was greeted at its pre- miere showing. One of the Greatest By Arthur James ''npHl-: R.\i\TU)\\ MAX" -^ had its world premiere last night at the Selwyn Theatre, and all that was predicted for this picture was exceeded. Its reception was nothing less than tremendous, and in F-ddie Dow- ling a new great star has been added to the screen. Mr. Dow- ling has demonstrated the draw- ing i)ower of his jjer.sonalily on the legitimate stage, and now the screen has him, and the screen is lucky. T T F2 can sing, he can make *■ -* kne. he can wear clothes, he can move you to laughter and to tears, and he can send you away with the convicti(jn that you have found a new friend. Tl 1 IC picture deals with vaudeville and minstrel life backstage surrounded by such excellent players as Sam Hardy. Marian Xixon and the wonder- ful child actor. F'rankie Darro; a simple and very moving story full of heart throbs, attuned to sweet music and song. The pic- .ure reaches into the hearts of the auditors and makes it thor- oughly satisfying and refreshing. ^'npHl-: KAIXP.OW MAX" -*■ is due for a long run. and we have no doubt that it will be sought after by every major releasing: ness. j, company in the busi- o I'k congratulations to Mr. (). E. (ioebel and Mr. (k'orge \\. Weeks on this, their initial dialogue jjicture, as it is a triumph which certainly is greater than they could ever have i reamed. A SONO-ART PRODUCTION Presented by O. E. Goebel and George W. Weeks THE Coast Wire Service Many Stage Names at Coast £ACH MAJOR STUDIO HAS REPRESENTATION OF NAMES With Hollywood dopoiuilatiiitr [Broadway, each major studio is well -eprcseiited by stars of the vaude- ville and legitimate stages. '^'ip two-a-day and musical coir edy have furnished Warner Bros, with several luminaries, including Al Jolson, Fannie Brice, Sophie Tucker. Ted Lewis, Ann Pennington and others. First National will soon in- itiate Irene Bordoni and Marilyn Miller into the mysteries of the screen. Warner Bros, are also us- ■ng the services of George Arliss. w*ho is not exactly a stranger to the silent drama. However, the English star is being used in a talker, "The Green Goddess." M-G-M's roster contains a healthy list of stage favorites, including Ba- sil Rathbone. Roland Young. Peggy Wood, Charles King, Robert Mont- gomery, Oscar Shaw, while Fox numbers Clark and McCullough, Syl- via Fields, Paul Muni, Lumsden Hare, Arnold Lucy, Clark Silvernail, Paul Page, Leoto Lane, Warren Hy- mer, Margaret Churchill, William Collier and many others. United Artists is drafting many familiar Broadway "names," includ- ing Barbara Stanwyck, Harry Rich- man, Chester Morris, Harry Stubbs, while at Paramount, Moran and Mack, Ruth Chatterton, Harry Green, Frederick March, Maurice Chevalier, Hal Skelly and David Newell have exchanged the footlights for the "klieg lights." Universal is starring Eddie Leon- ard and also has Hiarry Jolson and Paul Whitenian on its list. Pathe will introduce Ina Claire and Ann Harding to the talkers, as well as Herbert Clark. Edward Small and Columbia will install Belle Baker in front of a microphone. Educational Now Has 5 Talking, Comedy Series LupiiU) Lane Talking Comedies now are ready for the market. They are the latest addition to Education- al's line-up of talking coincdies. which now include Mack Sennetl, Llo\d Hamilton, Jack White and Coronet Talking Comedies, in addi- tion to the Lane series. There will be six in the series, first of which is "Ship Mates." Assembling "Great Divide Cast" h'irst National is completing prepa- rations for the Vitaphone version of William Vaughn Moody's play, "The Great Divide," starring Dorothy Mac- kaill, and the picture will go into production as soon as Miss Mackaill completes her current vehicle, "Hard to Get." Myrna Loy, George Faw- cett and Lucien Littlefield have been added to the cast of players which already includes Ian Keith and Creighton Hale. Reginald Barker will direct. Columbia Sound Dept. Post for Blanchard Harry Lester Blanchard has been signed as sound mixer and head of the control room under the super- vision of John Paul Livadary, head of Columbia sound activit es on the Coast. Blanchard was associated with Warner Bros, as mixer, and with Paramount as specialist on mu- sical i)rodnction, before joining Co- lumbia. A Little from **Lots** By RALPH W/; K Laurel-Hardy Film Finished First of the four Laurel-Hardy all- talking comedies included in the group of 12 which Hal Roach is now producing for M-G-M distribution, has been completed. It is "Unac- customed As We Are." Charley Chase is busily engaged in complet- ing his initial all-talking comedy to be known as "The Big Scpiawk." Hamilton Working on Second Lloyd Hamilton already is at work on his second talking comedy which will be called "Don't Be Nervous." The series of six Hamilton comedies are being released by Educational. These are being made at the Metro- I)olitan Sound Studios under the supervision of Harry D. Edwards. The recording is being done by the Western Electric System. Home Handling Beery Activities Hal Home, who recently resigned as manager of the United Artists here, is devoting his full time to his duties as general manager of the Noah Beery Enterprises. May Make "Honeymoon Lane" After "Fare, Lady," his next pro- duction, Eddie Dowling may do "Honeymoon Lane," his musical com- edy of a few seasons ago. Columbia Signs Ralph Ince Ralph Ince has been added to Co- lumbia's staff of directors. Kelsey in Colleen Moore Film Fred Kelsey has been added to cast of "Smiling Irish Eyes," new Colleen Moore starring vehicle. W^il- liam A. Seiter is directing a cast in- cluding: Claude Gillingwater, Aggie Herring, Robert Emniett O'Connor, Tom O'Brien, Julanne Johnston. Robert Homans, and l--dward F^arle. "Girl from Woolworths" Production starts this week at the First National studios on Alice White's next starring vehicle, "The Girl from Woolworths." which will precede "No, No, Nanette" on the jiroduction schedule. Charles De- laney, who played opposite Miss White in "Broadway Babies." which recently was completed, will play the leading masculine role oi)p<)site the star in the new picture. W'illiam Beandine is directing. Valuable Reference Book I am sure during all of 1929 jl will have occasion to refer to this most valuable book. GABRIEL I,. HESS Finishing "Come Across" Work on the sound and dialogue version of "Come .A.cross" is under way at Universal City under the di- rection of Ray Taylor, the director. Taylor finished the silent version several days ago. The cast includes Lina Bascpiette, Gustave von SeyfTer- titz. Flora Finch, Craufurd Kent and Clarissa Selwynne. Peter M'lne adai)ted from a story by William Dudley Pellev. Holl\zi.'aod\ lUONTE BRICE is as busy "as the' ^^^ proverbial beaver. He will pro- duce several series of coniedv shorts for Pathe. His background as song writer and scenarist is very helpful to bin, in his new work. In his first series. Buck and Bubbles famous vaudeville team, are feat- ured. * * * Sam Wood is emulating Christopher Columbus. He "discovered" Anita Page and "St her for "TelUng the World." Now he has chosen Sally Starr for a college pic- ture, in which Sam has sur- rounded her with several un- knowns. Sam also guided "Red" Grange in "One Minute to Play," which was the foot- ball star's first screen effort * * * Our Pass hi ff Shoiv: Hans Winter and Frederick Zelnik chatting at the Roosevelt ho- tel; Al Bryan and Ghs Ed- wards discussing the prob- lems of so)ig writers. * * * Mary Pickford was so well pleased with Karl Struss' photography on Coquette" that she has engaged him for "Taming of the Shrew," in which she will co-star with Douglas Fair- banks. * * * r;e;-,(V .7. Lloyd, the New York- Hollywood scenarist commuter, is now preparing a treatment of "The Cradle of the Deep," which D. W. Griffith will produce and direct. <iituri-s and the ques- tion of tiistalliiig sound cquipiiient should he settled by three outstaudiny facts. First, the increased attendance at Sound Theatres. Second and more important, the fact that few silent pictures are beinf/ made and without product the silent theatre cannot carry on. Third and most important, Sound lifts the small Ih- atre to a place of heen competition leitli the bitjf/esi theahts in town. The Theatre's Voice V, r Sound equipment is the voice of the theatre. That voice should be clear, distinct and pleasing. It should be capable of reproducing all notes of all musical instruments, and every delicate inflection of the human voice, in full, rich, undistorted volume. If the voice of the theatre fails to meet requirements it can- not succeed in competition any more than weak-voiced un- trained amateur performers can compete with high-class pro- fessional talent. In giving the theatre a voice, give it the best there is — One that will be permanent, efficient and pleasing to the sound- critical public. Give the theatre a voice of quality that can and will compete with the biggest and strongest competitors. Reasonably Priced Quality The most reasonably priced high-class sound equipment is the Powers Cinephone. This equipment is the triumphant result of years of experimental work by technical engineers and acoustical experts. It will reproduce with perfect tonal quaHty and undistorted volume, all synchronized sound pic- tures produced by any and all standard systems either on film or on discs. Powers V^pVlESi COMPLETE d>^ ^/-\/-\ DISC Equipment A "^ ( )( 1 5000. SOUND-ON-FILM (i. COMPLETE ^ For Both Disc and t^ ^ r\ ^ r-^ Sound-on-Film c|) 6 0 0 0 . For Theatres Up to l.')00 Seating Capacity Send for Descriptive Booklet FD4 Powers Cinephone Equipment Corporation POWERS BUILDING 72.3 7th AVENUE NEW YORK CITY, N. Y. THE DAILY Wednesday, April 17, 1929 13th Instalment, 'Sound Patent' Series ARTICLES SCHEDULED TO RUN WELMNTO SUMNER This is the thirteenth instalment in "Sound Patents," a series of articles dealing with the patent history of sound and synchroniza- tion devices in the United States, England, France and Germany. Instead of positively coupling the projection machine and the phono- graph so that they are driven at the same relative speeds at all tim,es, the inventions of certain patents have relied on the operator of one machine, usually the projection ma- chine, to run the machine at the speed of the other, usually the phonograph, which should in any event he run at a constant speed. In such arrangements, the driving means for each machine is entirely independent of the driving m,eans of the other but the speed or prog- ress of the machbie that sets the pace is signaled to the operator of the other so that he nmy speed up or retar'd the machine under his control to synchronize it with the former. An early example of this type of apparatus is shown in Fig. 1 of a British patent No. 413 to Oskar Mes- ster, issued Sept. 21, 1905. In this apparatus, a contact (f) on a gear (d) of the phonograp!; driving mech- anism, located back of the screen, contacts with a fixed contact (g) at each rotation of the gear (d) and temporarily closes a circuit through yz^<^ a bell or gong (h) located adjacent the projection machine(b). The gear (d) is so proportioned that the bell (h) is struck once for each revolution of tlie projection machine crank and preferably when the crank completes its down stroke. By turning the projection crank in time with the bell, it will be run at the same rela- tive speed as the phonograph and synchronism between the phonograph and projection machine will be main- tained. A later British patent. No. 16,728, issued to Oskar Messter on May 27, 1909, disclosed improvements on this apparatus, one in which the con- tact making device was located di- rectly on the record and another in which it was driven directly from the record carrying spindle. In the form of the improvement shown in Figs. 1 and 2 of this patent, a sta- tionary contact (j) is carried on an arm (g) extending to the center of a disc record and bears on an in- sulating plate (b) on the disc which carries a contact strip (d) so that the electric circuit is closed each MKSSTKICS Om^LKTK > ^i^/. rg^ //^^. Illustrating mechanism of Messter device, British Patent No. 413. Mcsxtey's improved synchronizina system. British Patent No. 16,728. time the strip (d) passes under the contact (j). In the form shown in Fig. 3, a rotatable contact (p) is ro- tated from the record spindle by means of bevel gears (k) and (m) and the shaft (o) and contacts with a stationary contact (i) at each ro- tation of the shaft (o). U .S. patent No. 939,337. issued to P. Seiler on Nov. 9, 1909, dis- closes an electric circuit, closed by the starting of the projection ma- chine, to start the phonograph and thus to insure a simultaneous start- ing of the phonograph and prcjjec- tion machine. As shown in the draw- ing of the patent, a phonograph disc t SEIltft BTnOUOHmBO PETICt roB nCTPRr HACBIKES »FD PBOHOO&irU IFtLlDttlPII mil' bcl 1. IMI 939,337. PsIeuUid Not. 0. ItM) Seller dct'ice for synchronising sound and film. U. S. Patent No. 939,337. (I) is driven from a motor (2) which is in an electric circuit through a pair of contacts (21) and (22) which may be bridged by a contact on a lever (17) to close the circuit and start the motor (2). The lever is held in raised position by a sup- port (18), which rests on a disc (19) geared to the projection machine crank (8) through gears (5) and (6) so that when the crank (8) is turned the disc (19) is rotated, carrying the support (18) to the position sliown in dotted lines and permitting the lever (17) to drop and bridge the contacts (21) and (22). A branch circuit through an electro-magnetic ticker (7) is closed momentarily at each revolution of a rotating contact (II) driven from the record disc (1) through gears (9) and (10). thus causing a periodic sound, timed in accordance with the speed of the phonograph. A British patent No. 24,091, issued to Frank Donisthorpe on Oct. 17. 1912. also discloses a timing device on the crank of the projection ma- chine to sound simultaneously with the phonograph timing device when the phonograph and projection ma- chine are in synchronism. In British patent No, 26,522, is- sued to Alfred J. Boult on Sept. 6, 1906, which is for the same invention as U. S. patent No. 839,152, issued to H. Joly on Dec. 25. 1906. a dial is rotated by the projection machine and a hand in front of the dial is ro- tated by the phonograjdi in such a manner that when the phonograph and projection machine are run at their proper speeds relative to each other, the dial and hand rotate at the same speed and the hand points to a mark on the dial. In the ap- paratus of Figs. 1 and 2 of the pat- ent, the dial (q) having a mark (s) is driven from a projection machine (b) by means of a flexible shaft (c) and a worm and gear (v and u). The pointer (r) mounted on a shaft (o) rotatably extending through the dial is driven by an electric escapement, shown in Figs. 3 and 4., comprising a pivoted lever (i) positioned to be intermittently rocked by the periodic energizing and de-energizing of elec- tro-magnets (g). Such escapements are common or standard devices for advancing a hand a definite angle with each making and breaking of a circuit through the electro-magnets or solenoids. The circuit through the solenoids (g) is opened and closed by a cam (e) on the shaft of the phonograph between a pair of contacts (d) of a circuit through the solenoids, thus insuring an opening and closing, or making and breaking of the solenoid circuit with each half revolution of the phonograph shaft. An electric starting or releasing device for the phonograph under the control of the operator is provided adjacent the projection machine. Controlling synchron\ via dial is a feature of Bimlt's apparatus. British Patent No. 26,522. Photophone For Denver Orpheum Denver — The Orpheum has been equipped with RCA-Photophone sound equipment and inaugurated its first sound program yesterd ly with "Love in the Desert." Springfield House Wired Springfield, 111. — RCA Photophone ec|uipment has been installed at the Orpheum. Port Jefferson House Wired Port Jefferson, N. Y. — Western Electric equipment has been installed at the Huntington. THE Wednesday, April 17, 1929 ■cM^ PAILV SOUND PROGRESS CITED BY BELL, OE PARAMOyNT Greater pictorial quality, more ac- tion, a wider sweep of sets, increas- ed emphasis upon music, iniprcned facility in the joint handling of cam- era and microphone — these probably are the outstanding developments of talking pictures during the last six month, according to Monta Hell, pro- ducer in charge of Paramount's Long Island studio. "The pictures being turned out to- day differ from their predecessors chiefly in being better to look at," Bell says. "We are finding, just as this studio believed si.\ months ago, that the product first of all nnist please the eye. It must be first a moving picture, then a reproduction of dialogue. We intend to continue this theory in our production. "Such a policy will mean the breaking up of dialogue with more action, the bringing of freer movement into the scenes. This will increase naturalness while it promotes interest. Talking pictures are getting more vigorous and sprightly all the time. "It has already been proved that talking pictures can be made successfully out of iloors. That is an important discovery, for six months ago the prevailing belief was that you needed a soundproof room like a radio liroadcastinR station. This studio now has added to its equipment a location truck for making pictures in the open, anywhere. Other companies and studio are working along the same lines. Within the next few months, I believe there will be a great increase in Sound Pictures B\ CHARLES F. HYNES ENTHUSIASM EOR SOUND EILMATBRAZ llic number of outdoor scenes in talking pictures. "Music, of course, is one of the most pleas- ing uses to which sound pictures can be put. \\ c have made already a biK musical com fily "The Cocoanuts', starring the Four Marx Hrothers. It presented difficulties for which there was no guiding precedent. It was the first attempt to put a first class musical show from the stage, preserving the nuisical comedy technique, into talking pic- tures. We learned much from the expcri- nient, and in some ways it represents our most difficult accomplishment. We are plan- ning for more musical productions." Hell has been assisted in his task of build ing up the studio as a producing center by James R. Cowan, who began as general man- ager of short feature production and was promoted to be production manager. Short subjects now are in charge of I.arry Kent. Virtually all productions of the studio have been made with actors drawn not from the H()ll>W()oil tradition l)Ut from the speaking statje of Broadway. These have come to Astoria originally for one picture only ; some have been retained for longer engagements. Contracts for continuance with Paramount have been signed with Jeanne Eagels. Walter Huston, O. P. Heggie. David Newell. James liarton, Anthony Bushell, Katherine Francis and others. Claudetfe Colbert, Charles Uuggles. Betty Lawford and other stage stars after one appearance in a talking pic- ture have come back for a .second. No attempt has been made to build up a group of studio stars such as was custom- ary in the old days of the silent pictures, especially in Hollywood. Rather the whole resources of Broadway have been considered as available for the studio. More than 2,000 tests of prospective actors have been given. The studio at the edge of the legitimate stage capital has gone along developing in its own I w'ay. RCA-Photophone License for British International RC.\-l'hotophone recording li- cenes have been e.vectited with the British International Pictures, Lon- don, and a contract has been closed with the same company for 20 the- ater e(|uipments. Suburban Super Cinema, Ltd., Km- press Electric Theaters, and other exhibitors have placed orders for the- ater installations. To date arrange- ments have been made for RC.\-Pho- tophone for reproducing efpiipment in Italy, Spain, China, Japan, .\us- tralia and Canada. Dozen Pacents Installed Weekly in Southeast .\tlanta — .\veragc of from ten to 12 installations of Paceiit sound de- vices are being made weekly in the Southern territory, according to W. L. Bradenburg, sales representative of the Pacent Reproducer Corp.. in the .Atlanta territory. A force of si.\ installation men is kept busy all the time, he stated. Grand Closed for Sound Bellingham. W'asli. — Loren Wahl has darkened the Grand for installa- tion of sound equipment. Two thotisand citizens of Sao Paulo, Brazil, participated in the for- mal opening of the first soimd equip- ped theater in South .America last Saturday, when the new Paramount opened with "The Patriot." Cables received by E. E. Shauer, general manager of Paramount's foreign dc- l)artment, states sound was received with enthusiasm. The theater, which will he oper- ated by the Paramount Brazilian or- ganization, seats approximately 2,0(KI. Melville A. Shauer. special foreign representative of Paramount, and Mrs. Shauer, attended the premiere. Round-World Movietone Unit Back in N. Y. With a sound and sight film record from many strange places and cities, the Fox Movietone News crew which has been traveling around the world has returned to New York. This is the first time in the swift develop- ment of sound pictures that such an expedition lias been attempted. Memphis House Wired Mempiiis, Tenn — RCA-Photophoiie has been installed at the Orpheum, combination house. DE FOREST PHONOFILM STUDIOS Licensed By General Talking Pictures Corporation AN EFFICIENT AND HIQHLY CAPABLE ORQANIZATION IS NOW AVAILABLE TO ALL PRODUCERS DESIRING COMPLETE STUDIO and EXTERIOR RECORDING FACILITIES For the Production of TALKIES including A DEPARTMENT FOR THE SYNCHRONIZATION OF SILENT PICTURES Address All Inquiries to WEISS BROTHERS DE FOREST PHONOFILM STUDIOS 318 East 48th Street Phone VANderbilt 7340 New York (In Production — A Craig Kennedy Story By Arthur B. Reeve — Starring Robert Warwick— Direction by Edgar Lewis) THE 10 -<&!S1 DAILV Wednesday, April 17, 1929 Court Denies Writ on Equity-Agent Ruling (Continued from Paijc 1) don. booking agent. The court held it was without jurisdiction. He ask- ed a writ restraining any boycott against him. France Duo-Phone Latest Synchronization Device Detroit — France Duo-Phone, syn- chronizer, has been placed on the market here. Installations are being made at the East End, Kunsky's De Luxe, the Grande, Lancaster, West End, Baldwin, Del-The, Maxine. Flamingo, Grosse Points Parks and Your theater. 7 Per Cent Domestic, 10 Foreign P-F-L Gain (Continued from Paiie 1) ed new offices at Lima. Pern; La Coruna, Spain; Budapest. Hungary; Riga, Latvia; Warsaw and Lemberg, Poland; Prague, Czechoslovakia; \'ienna, Austria, and Zagreb, Jugo- slavia. Stockholders approved plan to per- mit employees to subscribe to capital stock not exceeding 250,000 shares at not less than $.S0 a share, at terms to be determined later. Fischer Buys "Linda" Cleveland — Fischer Film Exchange will distribulte in Ohio and Ken- tucky, "Linda," Willie Kent produc- tion directed by Mrs. \Vallace Reid, Publix Adds Another at Toledo Toledo — Publix has taken over the Princess and will operate it as a sec- ond run house. Overhaul Tex. House San Saba, Tex.— W. C. Doffle- meyer is overhauling the Palace re- cently damaged by fire. $114,215 Voted for Upkeep on Trenton, Ont., Studio Toronto — The Ontario government has voted $114,215 for maintenance and expenditures of the Ontario stu- dio at Trenton, while $25,125 has been voted for the expenses of the Ontario censor board for the next fiscal year. Guild Meeting Sunday To commemorate its fifth year of existence, the Jewish Theatrical Guild of America will hold an open meeting at the Jolson, New York, (instead of the Bijou, as is custom- ary) ne.xt Sunday afternoon, April 21, at three o'clock. Mayor James J. Walker will make the principal address. Ambler House Reopened Ambler, Pa. — The Ambler Opera House has been reopened. Judgment Cleveland — Last week the Ohio censor board ordered a cut in "The Wild Party," the latest Clara Bow starring ve- hicle playing at the Allen thea- ter. Because the synchroniza- tion was the disc type, the char- acters talked on while the screen went blank during the eliminated section. The Ohio censor board may censor films but not dialogue. Buys Waterloo House Waterloo, la. — Hageman Bros, of Waverly, has taken over the Grand from E. A. Boss. Portland, Me., House Soon to Open Portland, Me. — The State will be opened in July, according to John W. Hill, who represents the owners. Nolan Gets Akron Post Akron, O. — David Nolan, former assistant manager at Keith's Palace, Cleveland, has been appointed man- ager of the new Loew house to open here .April 20 with "The Voice of the City." Lefkowitz Darkens House Cleveland — The Bronx, operated by Max Lefkowitz as associate, is permanently closed since acquisition of the Orpheum. 225 Attend Dinner for Laemmle at MP. Club (Continued from I'luie I) Charles L. O'Reilly, "Bugs" Baer, Al Lichtman, Nathan Hurkan and Harry Hcrshfield. Helen Morgan who sings several "Show Boat" songs in the prologue of the picture which opens at the Globe tonight failed to appear, although scheduled. Paul Whiteman. who will star in "The King of Jazz" for Universal, made a hurried appear- ance between shows and then a quick exit with Paul Fejos, who will direct the picture. Fejos, who has just com- pleted "Broadway," arrived in New York yesterday from Hollywood, hav- ing made the trip by aeroplane. He will be here about four days. Reichenbach, during the course of the dinner, introduced a number of the Universal executives including R. H. and P. D. Cochrane, Lou Metzger, Paul Gulick, M. Van Praag, Ted Schlanger, Sydney Singernian, and Siegfried Hartmann. Jimmy Caruso's band supplied the music for the dancing that followed. Troy, Ala. House Sold Troy, Ala. — J. Glenn Crouch has sold the Princess to W^ D. Patrick. Reopen Toms River House Toms River. N. J. — The Traco. re- cently damaged by fire, has been re- opened. Sound equipment will be installed. FRED NEWMEYER DIRECTOR (( »» The Rainbo^wr Man 100% Talking Picture Starring Eddie Dowling Playing at the Selwyn Theatre, New York City The Motion Picture Club Fetes Carl Laemmle Abie VfAe/BBit amo ^iT PAPA- /^ARRV AJl/^SMFiE^l-D. 4oVvx"^A\. OT^EnmHS in 0«^.:.30i3* e^ctJ^Teftics P^^^Vk^s^ fs" ^^^ '' tos KVAoet^^ e)^cH ...^^^^^°^"e..c^---"'l.ou. ^nGt \tAC -\^o , B^ON^^ ukT^^ nC^ '^ \Te \0H ^i\GV^'^ ^WIVAOHS 0 pOH fTe^ \T oPO^^ :\H1SHS£ '^===^0^ BOS^--- _ 3^0? ^^ ^\0T \0H ?\ CtV3^^^ nss ,..t^T^°^' of nev^ P^'^^ w K^H^ ^A of .^^i^f^ir^--'''^ ^es^ CON^ JAEK WMITE TALKING COMEDIES EDUCATIONAL FILM EXCHANGES, Inc. E. W. Mammons, President R-K-O Deal With Pantages Slated in Two Weeks iTHE :Sf^NEWSPAPEK o/'FILMDOM ALL THE MEWS ALL THE TIME VOL. XLVIII No. 16 Thursday, April 18, 1929 Price 5 Cents "Show Boat" AN exploitation picture with possibilities that are as plentiful as the ingenuity of a live showman can supply. To begin with, "Show Boat" is based on a best seller by Edna Ferber. How many editions the novel has gone to is information not available as this is written. There have been many — more than enough to have made the story familiar to the country's millions. Secondly, the name of Flo Zieg- feld, wizard of musical comedy, is linked with it. Thirdly, the tremendously popular songs of the stage version sung by the original stage performers in a prologue and used thereafter in the story proper. Th^ exhibitor who can't pu*. the picture over with this material is slandering the profession. The Prologue The production is divided into two parts. The prologue which runs 1,800 ft., reveals Otis Harlan as mas- ter of ceremonies, introducing Carl Laemmle first, Ziegfeld next. Both ?.peak: briefly. T hen two numbers by Helen Morgan, who appears in the stage play. She sings "Bill" and "I Can't Help Loving Thai Man," most charmingly, but photographically Miss Morgan is poor. It may be the lighting. The highlight is Jules Bledsoe and chorus singing "Old Man River." It is a pip. The Picture Then the picture. It ran 12,400 ft., an orgy in footage which, it is under- stood. I'niversal will cut for general exhibition. This is vitally essential. Practically every major sequence is drawn out and made unnecessarily repititious to the point of fatigue. Harry Pollard put plenty of produc- tion into the film and was successful in injecting color and charm into the atmosphere of the late 19th century. Likewise did he insert teary and overdone sentimentality and huge ap- plications of hokum. Several se- (luences, on the other hand, are splen- did and the ending, beautiful — made so largely by a crooning song number called "The Lonesome Road." Pollard had an opportunity to make a memorable picture, but he didn't. "Show Boat" is box-office, but it might easily have been outstanding box-office. The lost chance was the director's. K A N N COLOR AND SOUND ON SINOLE STRIP OF FILM West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Los .Angeles — Natural colors and voices now can be recorded on a single strip of film, it is announced here. This development follows a series of e.xperiments by Dr. Leonard T. Troland of Boston and J. Arthur Ball, Technicolor reserve engineers. Troland is in Boston, while Bell is here. Technicolor Stock Hits New High Over Counter Technicolor continued its advance in over the counter trading in New York yesierday, the stock reaching $42. Fifteen months ago it was sell- ing for $1. Wall St. reports that various companies are negotiating for control oJ Technicolor, are denied by Judge Williams Travers Jerome, al- though he admits there have been discussion with one large company. In May the stock is to be listed on the N. Y. Curb, it is stated. At the beginning of the year. Technicolor owed $750,000. Today it is clear of debt, has cash on hand, and bills re- ceivable are 3 to 1 to bills payable. Murnau and Flaherty to Make Talkers Abroad Hest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — F. W. Murnau, noted German director, is through with Fox. He and Robert J. Flah- erty, producer of "Nanook" and "Moana" plan a company to pro- duce talking pictures in foreign lands. The first is expected to be made in the South Seas. NATIONAL CENSOR DRIVE SECRETLY UNDER WAY John Woody It is a matter of deep re- gret to report the death of John Woody. For years, Jack Woody had traveled the roads leading into the four comers of the United States. Where he was known — and that meant all over the land — Woody was admired for the sterling attri- butes in his character. A fair man and a well-liked man, it is indeed unfortunate that at the early age of forty he should be removed from this worldy sphere. KANN JOHNS. WOODY DIES AT 40; LONG IN THE INDUSTRY Following an illness that grew steadily worse during the last two months, John S. Woody, died Tues- day night from tumor of the brain. The funeral will be held from Camp- (Coiitinucd on I'agc 6) Lyric, Indianapolis, Goes to Dolle; Chain Expanding Indianapolis — The Lyric has been secured by Fred Dolle as one step in a series of expansion moves of (Continued on Fage 6) Option Held by R-K-O to Buy 14 Houses of Pantages Chain HVrf Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Los .\ngeles— Deal of Radio-Keith- Orpheum for purchase of the Pan- tages chain probably will be com- pleted in two or three weeks, states .\lexander Pantages. R-K-O two weeks ago took a 30 day option on the chain, it was stated, in a deal said to involve $14,000,000. One re- port current here stated that the deal already has been closed. Deal Not Yet Closed, Maurice Goodman Says Radio- Keith-Orpheum representa- tives are on the Coast in connection with the deal for purchase of Pan- tages theaters, Maurice Goodman, vice president of Radio-Keith-Orph- eum, states. However, the purchase is not yet complete, with the option having about two weeks to go be- fore e.xpiration. Fourteen houses are involved, he says. "Reformers" Planning to Back Bills at Next Congress Session St. Louis — Scheme to force nation- al censorship is being <|uictly work- ed out by the same forces that put across national prohibition it is dis- covered, and it is certain that within the next few months effort will be made to put across the initial steps of the campaign. Not only is it planned to censor pictures on the ba- sis "morals" but the "reformers" want to determine what political and social copy could be used for mo- tion picture script. The whole plot was let out of the bag at the annual luncheon of the Civic Union of .St. Louis by Mrs. Rob- bins Gilman of Minneapolis, presi- dent of the Federal M. P. Council of America. In the forenoon of the same day she spoke at the Harris (Continued on Page 6) Garbutt Retires as P.F.-L. Director; Others Reelected Four directors, whose terlM^ were expiring, were reelected at the Para- mount stockholders meeting. Frank A. Garbutt retired from the board. Members of the directorate are: (Continued on Fage 6) Bob Custer and Tom Tyler Making 16 for Syndicate West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Los .Angeles — Harry H. Thomas, head of Syndicate Pictures Corp. has signed Bob Custer and Tom Tyler, both former I-'BO western .^tars, to appear in eight pictures each during (Continued on Fayt 6) French Insist Paris — The French M. P. Producers Ass'n, is standing by its guns in demand for a 3 to 1 ratio, despite the agita- tion against the restrictive pro- gram which may lead to Amer- ican writhdrawal from the French market. Enforcement of the ratio, however, has been postponed pending out- come of representations by both sides. — :gEg»!; DAILY Thursday, April 18, 1929 Vol. XIVIII No.16 Thursday, Apr. 18, 1929 Price 5 Cents JOHN W. ALIC0ATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographie Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. STOCK MARKET High Low Close Sales Am. Seat 35 34^ 35 1.200 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 27 26'A 26'A 1,400 East. Kodak ....177 175 176^8 400 ♦do pfd 128 »First Nat. pfd 108 Fox Fm. "A" ... 88K' 86% 87!4 4,100 *do rts 3 .... ♦Keith A-O 28 *do pfd 941^ I^w's Inc 63^ 62 62 2,600 •do pfd 92 ♦M-G-M pfd 25 5^ M. P. Cap 39'A 38/2 39/8 700 Para. F-L 66 64 K 65^23,000 Pathe Exch 11 10.>i \OVs 3,800 do "A" 21/2 21/2 21/2 200 Radio K-A-O .... 28% 27^8 28 15,500 .Stanley Co 30 28/8 28/8 700 ♦Univ. Pict. pfd 98/ Warner Bros 106 102J4 105 10,300 do pfd 48 47/2 48 700 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 6H (>'A 6'A 2,800 'Hal. & Katz 72 Columbia Pets. ..29 29 29 100 Con. Fm. Ind. .. 24}^ 23j| 24fi 900 Film Insp IVs IVs IVs 200 Fox Thea. "A" . . 28% 275^ 28% 5,000 ♦Griffith, D.W. "A'' 2?4 Intern. Proj 52 45 52 300 Locw do deb. rts.. 29/2 29'A 29/2 100 Nat. Scr. Ser. .. 22M 22^ 22Ji 20C Nat. Thea. Sup. .. 12-% 12Ji 12J4 800 Trans-Lux I5/2 15 15/ 300 ♦Univ. Pict 28 ♦do pfd 2 .... BOND MARKET ♦Keith AG 6s 46 93 Loew 6s 41ww ...112 111/ 112 27 do 6s 41 x-war... 98J4 98'/i 983/! 9 Paramount 6s 47 .. 99 98-5^ 98% 6 Par. By. 5/5 Sl.lOm 101 101 8 Pathe 7s 37 .... 79-^ 79/8 79^ 1 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36. 92/ 92/ 92/ 1 *VVai-ner 6/s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 29 31 do units 30 Z2 do com Syi 4/ Skouras Bros 30 40 Technicolor 40/ 41/ United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 ITniv. Ch. com. ... 2 (to pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED T-S Branch at Film Center Tiffany-Stahl's New York exchange has moved into the new Film Center Building at 630 Ninth Ave. Phil Meyer is manager. $700,000 For Houses Built by Warners at Youngstown Young.stmvu, O. — Warners will spend $700,000 on the iiouses to be built here, seating between 3,000 and 3,500, states D. M. Robbiiis, man- ager of Warners Dome here. It will be a duplicate of Warners' Los Ang- eles house. Work starts in fall. Detroiters Indicted Anderson, Ind. — Harry Goldberg and Joseph Cosco of Detroit, are charged vvith obtaining money under false pretenses in an indictment re- turned by the grand jury here investi- gating the promotion of the proposed Crystal-Capitol Co.'s new |175,O0O theater. Work on the house stopped several months ago following dispute between the promoters. Grind Policy Resumed Memphis — Continuous policy with only the mezzanine reserved again has been adopted by the new Orph- eum following a not too enthusiastic reception of the two-a-day, reserved seat policy, inaugurated coincidental- ly with the beginning of sound films and a price reduction from 60 to 50 cents. Danbury Co. Seeks Opposition House Danbury, Conn. — Danbury Thea- ters, owner of the Empress and Palace are negotiating for the Capitol here, it is reported. This would give the company control in city here. Jack White In Town Jack White, producer of Educa- tional comedies, has arrived in New York for a vacation. He recently completed the third of his new ser- ies. White will remain about two weeks. Shipments Held Up Ottawa — A bad storm in Ontario, accompanied by two train wrecks, so disrupted railway service to Ottawa that three of the principal theaters had to do without regular pictures for two days. Thomas Recovered Toronto — H. M. Thomas, western division manager of Famous Players has recover from a serious illness. Clarence Robson, eastern division manager, is on a holiday cruise through the West Indies. George Senger Dies South Bend, Ind. — George Senger, former theater owner, died recently from heart trouble. Woodland, Cal., House Burned Woodland, Cal. — The Elite was re- cently destroyed by fire. EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY Motion Picture Exchange and Com- pany registered in New York for dis- posal. Has sole United States rights, two exceptional features. Operating business, equipped offices, substantial bookings, fine prospects. Further particulars upon written application. Box A-122 c/o Film Daily. 1650 B'way.. N. Y. C. "Show Boat" Premiere at Globe Launches N. Y. Run With a half hour's jazz recital by Paul Whiteman and his band as an opener. Universal launched "Show Boat" at the Globe, New York last night. The picture engagement will be handled on a two-a-day basis at a scale topped at $2.50. The usual quota of film notables and what ap- peared to be a representative slice of Park Ave. added tone to the pre- miere. Vitaphone Gets More Radio Time Warner Bros.' production activi- ties as well as their presentation on Broadway are the subject of five minute broadcasts which now take place three times a day from Sta- tion WGBS in New York. These programs are in addition to weekly coast-to-coast broadcast over the Columbia Chain which is known as the Vitaphone Jubilee. Repeal of R. I. Daylight Fails Providence, R. I. — Local exhibitors lost another attempt to repeal day- light saving time recently when the State Legislature refused to place a ban on the idea by overwhelming vote. This is the third attempt voted down by legislators. Northwest Unit to Meet Plans for the annual convention o'' the Northwest exhibitor u.nit, are be- ing mapped by W. A. Steffes. The meeting is expected to be called late in May but may be held over until June after the equipment exposition at Chicago. "Grainger Week" June 16-22 The Fox sales force has designated the week beginning June 16 as "Jimmy Grainger Week" as a tes- timonial to the company's general sales manager. The drive is national. Ottawa Studio Ready in July Ottawa — The Canadian government studio is to occupy its new plant in July, according to F. C. Badgley. This bureau is now also doing the aerial motion piclur-e photography for the government. The Industry* s Date Book April 20 April 24 May 1 May 2 May 5-11 May 6 May 6-7 May 6-9 May 20 June 1-9 Opening of "Innocents of Paris" at the Criterion, New York. Opening of "Madame X" at the Harris. New York. Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal. Opening of "Bulldog Drummond" at the Apollo, New York. National Music Week. Opening of "Mother's Boy" at Cohan, New York. Convention of Texas exhibitor unit, Dallas. Spring meeting of Society of M.P. Engineers in New York. Annual Convention of American Federation of Musicians at Den- ver. American Theater Equipment Ex- position and Exhibitors Institute at Chicago. Hollander Going to Chicago Harry Hollander of the Publix production department leaves New York today for a brief trip to Chi- cago. "Bob" Welsh in N. Y. Robert E. Welsh, general manager of Universal City, arrived in New York yesterday accompanied by Mrs. Welsh, for a brief vacation. His trip to New York was scheduled at this time so he could attend the Broad- way premiere of "Show Boat." New Device in Texas Colorado, Tex. — Ross Dixon, local exhibitor, has developed a sound de- vice he calls the Cinevox. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Tlieatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3S80 i EXECUTIVES NEED IT Valuable book— I have it under my elbow for a constant and ready guide. BUDD ROQERS FREE to FUm DaUy Subscribers Subscription $ 1 0.00 Foreign $ 1 5.00 INSURED SUCCESS CHicKCAiNo ees» ALBERT G.RUBEN Y, Jj /fjf/ffl/tr^y 2002 PARAMOUNT BUILDING NEW YORK, N. Y. April 17, 1929 Vt . Eddie Dowling Sam Harris Theatre Building New York, N. Y. Dear Eddie : I was with you all during the time you were making "The Rainbow Man;" I heard the comments about it; I read the reports of the critics of the Trade Papers; so, I knew you had a good picture. But, before telling you what I, personally, thot of it, I wanted to see it myself. This I did at the opening last night. And, I not only insure your suc- cess as one of the leading male stars of the talkies but, if your future pictures are half as good as "The Rainbow Mem" you, George Weeks and Earl Goebel will have found the "end of the rainbow." Eddie, it is not only a good picture, but a great picture I Very sincerely yours. AGR:ET ALBERT G. RUBEN A SONO-ART PRODUCTION Presented by O. £• Goebel and George W. Weeks •w ■?, '■• ■ ... v-^--^^ I. »#, *,;. .« •■ U i;e4^ ^ARNERl BROS. The belle of the box office rings the bell AGAIN! See and hear the golden lady, Dolores Costello — never more beautiful, never more fascinating, never more chic! A gorgeously mounted production — scin- tillating dialogue — delightful story — haunting melodies! "The Glad Rag Doll" is sure to make your box office happy ! Story by Harvey Qates Scenario by Qraham Baker Directed by MICHAEL CURTJZ iPHWKfl^S Glad la DoM ops OMii picture ever made Member of Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, Inc. Will H. Hays, President. DAILY Thursday, April 18, 1929 Short Shots from New York Studios m^^By ARTHUR W. BDD YLmm^ ALICE D. G. MILLER is the latest acquisition to the person- nel of the Paramount studio. She'll be doing originals and adaptations. Miss Miller worked on "The Devil Dancer,"' "Two Lovers," "Four Walls," "The Bridge of San Luis Rey" and other noteworthy scripts. George Orth has switched from Metropolitan studios at Fort Lee to the De Forest plant on East 48th St., Manhattan, becoming studio manager. Weiss Bros, start produc- tion on a mystery feature, xvith dia- logue, at the studio Monday. After a brief excursion into the French production field, Dorothy Bond is back in Manhattan and has just played a part in "The Lady Lies" at Paramount. In France she worked in "Mr. and Mrs. on the Loose." Soon she'll invest in a re- turn ticket for the other side. Monaer Lindley, just returned from, a Miami vacation, made her screen debut in "Booklovers," Para- mount short which Joe Santley di- rected. She recently played in stock in the Middle West. Believe it or not, as Ripley would say, Paramount intends to start pro- duction on "Glorifying the American Girl" about the middle of next week, with Millard Webb directing. Exte- riors come first on the schedule. Abe Maas is heading the newly- organized scenario department at the Vitaphone studio, Brooklyn. As- sisting hirm is Anne Maxwell, who fca-s been with First National for the past six years, working with Maas. Only short subjects scripts will be handled. Texas Small Towns Set on Double Turntables Dallas— Within the last eight months about 200 double turntable devices have been sold in Texas, em- bracing a variety of instruments, states "M. P. Journal." This is de- clared to give the small towns a break with the larger towns, in play- ing sound pictures, due to the syn- chronous attachments being made. Fox Detroit Policy Change Detroit — The new policy at the Fox includes five acts of vaudeville with each bill in addition to the regular Stebbins stage presentations. Three shows will be given daily with four on Saturdays and Sunday. Admission prices remain the same. Seville House Closed Seville, O. — Fred Foster has closed the Home. Buys Wellsville Interest Wellsvilk, O. — C. J. Vogel has bought W. B. Urling's interest in the Liberty. J. S. Woody Dies at 40; Long in the Industry (Continued from Page 1) bell's Funeral Parlors on Saturday after which the body will be removed for burial in California. Friends of the deceased may view the body be- ginning late today. His widow, Lil- lian Woody, survives. Jack Sichelman, assistant general sales manager, and John Nolan, Fox district manager for Bufifalo, Albany and Boston, were with Woody when he died. Woody enjoyed a wide reputation in the selling end of the industry. At the time of his death. Woody was a special assistant to James R. Grainger, general sales manager for Fox. His first connection with amuse- ments was in the legitimate field. In the early days, he was theater owner, advance man and road show manager respectively. His first important post perhaps in the film industry was with Select where he served for two years as vice-president and general man- ager. When Adolph Zukor and Lewis J. Selznick came to the part- ing of the ways about ten years ago, Woody was selected with Arthur S. Kane to organize Realart for Zukor. He remained with that organization for three years as general manager. Then came the formation of Asso- ciated Exhibitors and at a still later date Woody's incumbency with that company as president in which post he served for three years. Later he became personal representative for Samuel Goldwvn and Hal Roach. Garbutt Retires as P.F.-L. Director; Others Reelected (Continued from Page 1) Adolph Zukor, Frank Bailey, Jules E. Brulatour, William H. English, Daniel Frohman, John Cecil Graham, Felix E. Kahn, Gilbert W. Kahn, Sam Katz, Albert A. Kaufman, Sid- ney R. Kent, Ralph A. Kohn, Jesse L. Lasky, EIek John Ludvigh, Emil E. Shauer, Casimir I. Straleni, Sir William Wiseman, Herman Wobber, Eugene J. Zukor. Ticket Tax Would Hit St. Louis Patrons Hard Jefferson City, Mo. — Picture the- aters of St. Louis will be forced to compel their patrons to pay $1,500,- 000 more annually to see their shows if a bill presented to the Missouri House at Jefferson City levying a tax of ten per cent on theater tickets is enacted into law. The dangerous section of the bill is that it provides that the special tax shall be collected by the county clerks outside of St. Louis and by the license collector in St. Louis, and these officials would be paid ten per cent for collecting such taxes. Clare Foley Resigns San Francisco — Clare Foley has re- signed as secretary of the Film Board due to ill health. She is returning to her home at Omaha. Rowena Foley, her sister, has taken over the secre- taryship of the board. National Censor Drive Secretly Under Way (.Continued from Page 1) Teachers' College and also at a con- ference of young women social workers. "Motion pictures have betrayed the wo- manhood and childhood of this country so many times in their many broken promises'' she said, and she outlined what she termed the successive reformations and backsliding of the industry. "We are not 'anti' in any sense of the word" she continued. "We have a construc- tive campaign to develop motion pictures to their highest potential, and to make them affect character as we in America want character to be affected." She stated that a house to house survey in Minneapolis revealed that mothers con- sidered motion pictures the chief cause of trouble with their children. She charged that modern films are made up of scenes con- sidered objectionable such as law-breaking, martial infidelity, etc. Her organization, Mrs. Gilman added, had concluded that city and state censorship would not eliminate those scenes nearly so well as some means of preventing their in- clusion in the picture when produced. She then outlined two international schemes for censoring the production of pictures, one of which will be submitted at the next regular meeting of Congress. Under her plan the Dep't of Commerce would approve pictures for export and make a notation of the de- partment's findings and reasons for not ap- proving a picture sent abroad. The other scheme calls for a special committee of the League of Nations to censor pictures at the port of entry, and in the producer's studios Iiy a representative of that nation. Bob Custer and Tom Tyler Making 16 for Syndicate (Continued from Page 1) 1929-30 to be released by Syndicate through independent exchanges. Thomas also has purchased from FBO the horse, "Black Beauty," used in the Bob Steele westerns. This horse will be used in all the Custer series, while a horse named "Prince" has been purchased for the Tom Tyler unit. J. P. McGowan Prod. Inc. will produce the series, under direction of J. P. himself. Lyric, Indianapolis, Goes to Dolle ; Chain Expanding (Continued from Page 1) the 4th Ave. Amusicment Co. through- out Ohio and Indiana. The Lyric is now being wired with Western Electric Equipment and will reopen Maj^ 4 as a sound first run. The Apollo, about a block removed from the Lyric, is also operated by Dolle and will probably continue as a first run house while the Lyric changes shows weekly. Dolle has just opened the new Indiana at Marion, O., his fifth theater in that town which he incidentally controls. Sound Supplements for All F. N. Press Sheets With press sheets now in prepara- tion. First National Pictures is pre- paring special Vitaphone supplements with a view to giving exhibitors ex- ploitation angles in putting over sound pictures. St. Paul House Remodeled St. Paul, Minn. — The Uptown is new name of the former Oxford which has been remodeled and re- opened. —AND THAT'S THAT By PHIL M. DALY PODIE DOWLING has inaugu- -'-^ rated a new technique among film stars. It consists in giving ev- erybody in the cast a break, and not trying to hog the picture. The result is that all the players in "The Rain- bow Man" gave the best they had — and made it A PICTURE. Holly- wood stars, please copy. Sunkist Film Review (From the Los Angeles "Blowcmup") We are overcome! Adjectives fail us. What a picture! Los Angeles did itself proud at the gala perform- ance of "Gushing Gussie." It was almost a 100 per cent Los Angeles night. There were at least six na- tive sons and daughters of Los An- geles directly connected with the pic- ture— two extras, a stage carpenter, the studio night wiatchman, the ward- robe woman and a film cutter. And the star was practically a Los An- geles product, for her grandmother was born only 17 miles from our fair city. REMEMBER WHEN- Some of these execu tives you can never see use- ter park in the b e ane r y every day ivith the boys for coffee, and in those days they were daiified glad to see the waiter. Teddy Pitts of the Capitol theater staff has an idea for a theme song that will fit a coupla sound pictures we know. "You May Be a Feature to Your Mother, But You're Only a Short Subject to Me." ALIBIS The Director: "They're trying to make a plumb- er out of a cre- ative genius." Daily Pome Ding dong bell The cat's in the well Another merger on the way Oh, what the hell. Famous Film Conversations 'Give me the lowdoum." THE Thursday, April 18, 1929 ■c&ak DAILY Coast Wire Service M-G-M Silent Policy Cited riLNS TO BE MADE AS 8ILENT8 WHEN PRACTICAL In each case where a story, pro- duced as a talker, lends itself to silent treatment, a silent version will he made, states Irving CI. Thalhcrg. M- G-M executive. This supplements statement made in THK I'TLM D.AILV survey that of the 50 talkers on the 192V .\i-G-M program, 35 are to he made in silent form. Certain stories and voices arc ideal for talking picture treatment and cannot he translated into the med- ium of the silent picture without greatly weakening the product, he says and these will be produced only in sound. Present plans, however, indicate that a decided majority of our talking pictures will have com- plete versions, he declares. Stock Chorus Planned One hundred girls are to comprise a stock chorus to appear in Radio Pictures. This is an innovation. Mary Duncan Hurt Mary Duncan of Fox was injured seriously in an automobile accident. A Little from i* Lots t> By RALPH fVILK HoUyivood THE Thalians recently won the chami)ionship of tlie Los .\ngeles Commercial Basketball League. The players on the winning team included George O'Brien, Rex Bell, Victor Lewis, Kdmund Grainger, "Buddy"' Rogers and Charles Bohny, brother of Billie Dove. * * ♦ Julian Josephson is one of the busiest writers on the Coast. He recently adapted "The Green Goddess," which will star George Arliss, and is now at work on "Disraeli," which will also star Arliss. * « * Allan Dawn, who complet- ed "The Far Call" ten days ahead of schedule, will direct "Frozen Justice." * * » "What has become of the emo- tional actress, who had to have side- line m.usic," asks Gilbert Warren- ton, who is photographing talkers. Luc'ien Hubbard Is Made Supervisor at Warners Lucien Hubbard has been made a |iroduction supervisor for Warners. Jason Robards Signed First National has signed Jason Robards for a picture which Irvin Willat will direct. McCarey to Direct for Pathe Leo McCarcy, former Hal Roach executive, is to direct "Joe College" for Pathe. Laemmle, Jr., in Charge Carl Laemmle, jr., will be in charge of the production of "The King of Jazz," which will bring Paul Whiteman and his orchestra to the screen. Bernstein Again With "U" Isadore Bernstein has returned to I'niversal to write an original for Harry Jolson. Bernstein was the first general manager of Universal City and later departed from the exe- cutive field to write for the screen. Jolson was recently placed under contract and will leave the New York stage as soon as the picture, in which he will star, is ready. TALKERS HAVE PEPPED UP INDUSTRY, SAYS CHRISTIE Talking pictures have done more "to pep up and put new blood into the motion picture studios than any- thing which has happened in the last fifteen years," according to Al Christie, who has just produced one of the first feature all-talking farce comedies for the screen, in "Divorce .Made Easy." Christie points out that pictures just before the coming of talkers were in a sluggish condition. Stars were riding on the crest of the waves. A false set of entertainment values were sometimes handicapping the producers in their selection of players and material to be produced, he says. In some quarters there was a growing lack of interest in pictures, and audiences were staying away and listening to radio entertainments, taking automobile rides, etc. "The talking pictures have changed all that over night," he declares. "They have made it possible for the producers to seek and find much better material for their pictures, to cast them more intelligently and to get financial returns which enable them to take ail kinds of forward and progressive steps. The actors have had new pep installed into them. They all have to be on their toes, no more just walking through scenes and registering just one expreseion. M. C. "Before an audience of New York's social and professional elite, who expected to be shown, the 'Idol of Paris' stepped from behind the silver mesh curtains and in less than a minute demonstrated his ability as an entertainer of more than usual merit ... A charming personality, a delightful voice and a dynamic quality reminiscent of Al Jolson at his electric best, are the attributes which will undoubtedly keep M. C. packing them in at the Midnight Frolic." — New York Evening Post COMING m AN ALL-TALKING PICTURE (See tomorrow's Film Daily) pf A^ 'te ^ Fearlessly exposing the kind of younger generation stuff that's been whispered about but never before pictured — with a timely, convincing moral back of it all . . . Presented by John McCormick A William A. Seiter production By Carey Wilson With Neil Hamilton Wonderful Vitaphone jazz score and theme sona;. "I'M THIKSTY FOR KISSES — HVNCHY FOK LOVE" pubtiahed by M. Wllmark & Sons i^' The biggest Question" before this industry to- day.— And the only Answer is — "Grablt!"-Bring back the good old days of "Flaming Youth" crowds — 'Tlaming Youth" comment— "Flam- ing Youth" coin! "i^'^to^-^ .oi-i / Griffiths and Momands in Oklahoma Theater Race :9f€> NEWSPAPER o/'FILMDOM ULTHE NEWS ALLTHE TIME VOL. XLVIII No. 17 Friday, April 19, 1929 Price 5 Cents Those Kids nr lllC Xew \c)rk State lulu- I cation I)ci)artin<.'nt devcl- o])ecl the questionnaire iirs^e recentl\- and asked the 65,- 000 working boys attending con- tinuation school what they did ill their leisure time. Pictures and the theater headed the list w ith 83 per cent. ICIsewhere, the i)ercentage will vary, of course, but no argument that we have ever heard has successfully battered down the statement that young boys and girls make up a very consider- able portion of theater at- tendance all over the United States. As a matter of business policy then, this audience rates attention which it should be, but is not getting. Forget Them Not Everybody is talking about talk- ers. The staff statistical hounds compute over five hundred for next season. Westerns, youngsters' de- lights, are to be scraped to the bone. Few silent features, as such, \\\\\ be available, although of silent versions, of talkers, there will be no dearth. Many exhibitors have experienced a loss of juvenile patronage because of sound. The dialogue is usually found too sophisticated and difficult for the young mind to absorb. In the fondly pleasaiU days of the silent picture, the action told the story, as is proper in motion pictures, and titles were large- ly unnecessary. All that is gone, however, and the question worth cogitating over now is whether kid patronage is not disappearing as the silent him slips into nothingness. Dual Commodities Talkers are the vogue and this in- dustry to succeed must watch chang- ing fashions. Yet, if a substantial slice of its patronage should be found waning as some evidence indicates to be the case insofar as juveniles arc concerned, a definite percentage of production could be diverted to meet that demand. Why not? The consumer controls production in every other business. Deals and Things In ten days, something of great significance may happen. Yes, an- other merger. The flirtation is get- ting outrageous. No need to tell you at this time what it is; you prob- ablv won't believe anyway. K A N X OPERATING DEAL REPORTED ON BETWEEN PUBUX AND WARNERS PAKLEy ON niOICH WIA IS nEDUlD SATUtDAy Paris — With both sides standing pat on the issue, a conference on the French crisis is slated for Saturday. Leaders of the French and American industries and representatives of both governments will attend. Upon the outcome of the conference depends whether the proposed 3 to 1 quota demanded by the French, will be put into effect. If it is. .\merican distrib- utors are exi^ected to withdraw from the French market. Full text of the note of the Amer- ican government, protecting against "arbitrary restrictions" on Amer- ican films in. France and six other countries, appears on page 10. Mix Quits Films Toledo — Tom Mix, veteran bread and butter ace of the screen, has ended his long ca- reer, he announced here. The former western star has signed a long term contract with the Combined Sells Floto-Hagen- back Wallace Circus, which calls for his services for the re- mainder of his career, at $15,- 000 a week. British, German and U. S. Combine Planned London — Preliminary steps in the forming of a combine of British, American and German organizations were outlined by George W. Pear- son, director of British Screen Prod., in a letter to stockholders. A com- l)any tentatively titled International Screen Productions, Ltd., is to bo holding company for the combine, which plans to seek reciprocal releas- ing arrangements in the three coun- tries concerned. Pearson stated that British Screen Prod, would synchron- ize via discs "Master and Man" and "Cupid in Oover." PARAMOUNT 50 PER CENT NET INCREASE IS SEEN With Paraniount's first (piarter business running con ilerably ahead of last year, net of 5 SO a share is expected to be showh un tin- 2.062.- 857 shares of capital s 'ck during the (|uarter, states the "^ /all St. Jour- nal." The managem nt api)arently is aiming at a net foi the vear of from $12.000.()()() to $13,00().0()() it is {Continued on Page II) One Story, Publix Is to Manage — Other, Deal on Booking Planned Negotiations are repf)rted under way between Paramount and War- ners for an operating arrangement on Warner theaters. One report is that Publix is to assume management of the Warner chain, while another is that a booking deal is to be made between the two circuits. Position of Fox in the theater field, is said to have motivated the discussions. Spyros Skouras, head of the War- ner chain, denies that any deal for i)l)erations of the circuit by Publix is under way. A plan has been dis- cussed for routing of Publix stage shows into the following Warner iiouses: .'^tanley, Philadelphia; Stan- ley. Jersej' City, and Bradford. New- ark. Reinhardt to Mai German Talkers with W. E. System Hcri'n — Ma.x Reinhart't is planning production of talkers for Terra Film •i'o.. subsidiary of the German dye trust and an ally of ITnited ■\rtists. Western Electric recording is plann- ed. .\ number of plays and originals lare scheduled. Oklahoma Witnesses Race of Griffith and Momand Chains Nine "Legit" Producers Plan Talking Film Firm Nine legitimate producers are join- ing in plans for a talking picture combine, discussion of which is scheduled Monday in New York. Those in the group are: Arthur Hop- kins. Sam H. Harris. Arthur Ham- merstein. George White, Lawrence (Continued on Page 11) Oklahoma City — This territory is witnessing what promises to be a s|)irited race for theaters between the Griffith Bros, and Momand Theater"; chains. The Griffith firm, which is allied with Universal. Ins been ex- panding at a rajiid pace, building and taking over houses. Recently. Okla- homa holdings of the Robb & Row- ley circuit v.crc taken over. This (Continued on Page 11) Censorship Bill Pending in Michigan Legislature Lansing, Mich. — Censorship has been added to bills against the indus- try now i)ending in the legislature. The new measure is backed by De- troit women's organizations. The l)ill makes it unlawful to produce, advertise or show any obscene, in- decent, immoral or impure drama, play, picture or other entertainment, which would tend to corrupt the (Continued im page 11) R-K-0 Pantages Deal Seen Closed on SarnoflP Return Deal of Radio-Keith-Orpheum for purchase of 14 theaters of the Pan- tages circuit is expected to be com- pleted upon return to New York from F.urope of David SarnofF, chair- man of the R-K-O board. This will he in about two or three weeks. Allied Affiliation Not Up at Pittsburgh Meet Pittsburgh — Proposed affiliation with .-Mlied States -Ass'n, which was slated for discussion at the Pitts- burgh sessions, was not brought up at the convention. .M)ram F. Myers, Allied president, was unable to at- tend the sessions, due to illness. DAILV Friday, April 19, 1929 Vol. XLVIII No.17 Friday. Apr. 19. 1929 Price 5 Cents JOHN W. AIIC0ATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate. President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau. Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered aa second class matter. May 21, 1918. at the post-office at New York. N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months. $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolflfsohn, Lichtbildbuehne. Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Harle. La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noue«, 19. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Sales Am. Seat 34^ 34^4 34^ 300 Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 267/^ 26"^ 26^^ 800 East. Kodak 177^4 176 176J4 500 ♦First Nat. pfd 108 Fox Fm. "A" . . . 9054 88i^ 89J^ 10,700 *Keith A-O 28 Loew's Inc 64 61^ 63i^ 4,400 do pfd lOO^J 99ya 100^ 200 *M-G-M pfd 25SA M. P. Cap 39'A 38 39 1,200 Para. F-L 66yJ 65H 66 17,300 Pathe Exch 11^^ 10^4 lOM 7„^nn do "A" 23H 211/2 2314 600 Radio K-A-O 2954 28J4 29J^ 4,900 Stanley Co 30 30 30 100 *Uiuv. Plot, pfd 98 J4 Warner Bros IW'A 106-^^ 109i4 27,000 do pfd 49'4 4S14 49yi 400 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 0?^ 6 6% 11,300 *Bal. & Katz 72 ♦Columbia Pets 2'9 Con. Fm. Ind. .. 24j4 24 24 800 Fox Thea. "A"' . 29'/4 28 29 8,200 •Griffith, D.W. "A" 254 *Loew do deb. rts 29"/^ Nat. Scr. .Ser 22^ 22'4 22'/z 300 Nat. Thea. Sup. ..12 12 12 100 Trans-Lux 16^ 15 16^4 2,700 Univ. Pict 26!^ 25;-^ 25^ 500 do pfd 2 2 2 400 BOND MARKET ♦Keith AC 6s 46 93 r,oew 6s 41 WW. .112 11154 112 6 do 6s 41 x-war.. 98K> 98;/ 98^^ 1 Paramount 6s 47 .. 99 99 99 1 Par. By. 5'/2S 51.101 101 101 2 ♦Pathe 7s 37 79}^ CURB BONDS ♦Am. Seat. 6s 36 92J4 ♦Warner 6Ks 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 29 31 do units 33 36 ... do com 4 5 ... Skouras Bros 30 40 ... Technicolor 4(5 48 United Art ^ 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED CaU WAFILMS, Inc. Walter A. Futtsr, Pre«. for Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46th St.. New York Bryant 8181 ^*< ■----4 First Battle Scenes in Sound Obtained For the first time in the brief his- tory of Fox Movietone News one of its sound units has gone under fire to get war pictures, this in spite of the fact that the men must transport 1,000 pounds of batteries and camera equipment. They secured sound and sight pictures of the fighting between the Mexicans and Federals in the trenches across the border from Naco, Ariz. Thompson Gets Sparta House Sparta, Wis. — Neil T. Thompson, Fort Atkinson, has taken over the lease on the Classic here from Jack Draginis. Thompson has been in the business for nine years. Dragini.s has gone to Racine as manager of the Capitol. Midwesco Building at Appleton Appleton, Wis. — Contract has been let for the erection of the new Mid- wesco theater here on the site of the old Bijou. Tiie building will cost ap- proximately $400,000. Two Wisconsin Houses Reopen Burlington, Wis. — Two houses which have been dark here during the winter months opened recently. One, the Plaza, a $75,000 theater closed by Community Theaters, has been re-opened while the Crystal, formerly operated by Community Theaters, but dark for several months, has been re-opened by Ken- neth Uglow, formerly manager of the firm's Strand at Whitewater. 10 Pathe Audio Reviews Ready Ten issues of Pathe Audio Re- view, Pathe's sound and talk topical reel, already produced, and first re- leases are already being shown in wired houses throughout the coun- try. Sound edition is released con- currently with the silent version. National Screen Outing An outing will be held Saturday for the employees of the National Screen Service, with dinner and danc- ing at Krafts near White Plains fol- lowing a bus ride through Westches- ter county. Buy Brownsville House Brownsville, Pa. — Frank Pishion- ery and Larry Pugli have taken over the Eclipse from Charles F. Silveus. William M. Anderson will manage the house when it is wired for sound. Annoyance of Hunters Brings Mo. "Blue" Bill St. Louis — Because, it is said, hunters frequently disturbed and an- noyed him on Sundays, Representa- tive F. E. Dubois of Texas County, a minister, has presented to the Mis- souri general assembly a bill to pro- hibit Sunday motion pictures, ball games, shooting or work of any kind. The bill was presented on the last day for introducing new measures and would make violations a mis- demeanor punishable by a fine of up to $50. Daylight Saving for St. Louis St. Louis — In vote conducted by the Real Estate Exchange, sentiment was three to one in favor of day- light saving. The Chamber of Com- merce here plans to conduct a more comprehensive referendum on the question, issuing special ballots to all city voters. Care is to be taken to prevent duplication of votes. Mer- chants expressed themselves in favor of daylight saving. Officials See "Wild Hearts" West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Frank C. Jordani, Secretary of State, and Governor and Mrs. C. C. Young were given a pri- vate showing of "The Wild Heart of Africa" in the council chamber at Sacramento. "Wild Heart of Africa" is being released by Parthenon Pic- tures Corp. The Industry's Date Book April 20 April 24 May I May 2 May 5-11 May 6 May 6-7 May 6-9 May 20 June 1-9 Opening of "Innocents of Paris" at the Criterion, New York. Opening of "Madame X" at the Harris. New York. Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal. Opening of "Bulldog Drummond" at the Apollo, New York. National Music Week. Opening of "Mother's Boy" at Cohan, New York. Convention of Texas exhibitor unit, Dallas. Spring meeting of Society of M.P. Engineers in New York. Annual Convention of American Federation of Musicians at Den- ver. American Theater Equipment Ex- position and Exhibitors Institute at Chicago. Lasky Sailing Tonight Jesse L. Lasky sails for Europe tonight. The Paramount production head will spend several weeks abroad looking over the current plays and players. EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY Motion Picture Exchange and Com- pany registered in New York for dis- posal. Has sole United States rights, two exceptional features. Operating business, equipped offices, substantial bookings, fine prospects. Further particulars upon written application. Box A-122 c/o Film Daily, 1650 B'way., N. Y. C. At this time I wish to thank you for your unfailing service and courtesy and the trailers you furnish sell more seats than any other medium I use. More power to you. PLAYHOUSE THEATRE, Fairhope, Ala. TWO OLD FIRMS NOW A BIGGER NEW ONE! SAVOY PRINTING & PUBLISHING CO. of 729 Seventh Avenue and REELAND PUBLISHING COMPANY of 630 Ninth Avenue HAVE JUST CONSOLIDATED TO CONTINUE THEIR UNEXCELLED SERVICE TO THEATRES IN A BIGGER WAY Under the new Firm Name of SAVOY-REELAND PRINTING CORP. under personal management of JACK COHEN and LOUIS G. WILSON with headquarters at FILM CENTER BUILDING, 630 Ninth Avenue, 44th to 45th St., New York, N. Y., Suite 412. Please Use Phone, Pennsylvania 3960-1-2 ALL PUBLICITY NEEDS FROM A THROW A WAY TO A 24 SHEET in type, block and lithography. RECEPTION AND OPEN HOUSE— Monday and Tues- day, April 29th and 30th at our new quarters. ALL EXHIBITORS and ALL CONNECTED with the Motion Picture Industry are most cordially invited. 50,000 square feet of floor space with the most modern machinery and equipment. Bfthisy ■^^m ■•:',■ ■ ■ • '-.'.1 ■.i!-;V •'•'••:' 1 •• /"■ ^'^: 70% SOLD Seventy percent of the territory sold or prom- ised in advance of this announcement. The STORM AND STRIFE series are made for First Run Houses. Among the first group of comedians and stage stars who will appear in STORM AND STRIFE SERIES of talking comedies are: Rosemary Theby, Shannon Day, Virginia Sale, Ray McKee, Tom Dugan, Tom Wilson, Hurry Myers, Del Henderson. Among the authors are: GEORGE AREISS, JOHN STOKES, and ROLLIE ASHER. Among tlie titles arc: "The Monkey Squawks," "Friend Husband," "Signed, Seal and Delivered." Sound installations are increasing; the vogue for two reelers is spreading; the rentals are several times as great as ive ever received on pictures before, because the entertainment and attraction value is there ; they are worth it. YOUR TERRITORY may still be open. Write or wire today. ' '•.^•■. : 5»> <««i^ •i '••■:■■■'.■•/•'•■ ■• ^.•:v* ;•.••.••■ ■.:.-r- ■»•.. J, 'Ot: Mm 'r!:yi'ji.\f.'::'rT< i <:'.>A- v^♦w..■•■■^■■. '.CV^-' :•'•■■•■ ■ •vr.-*,:-:..: • ...»>. ■■. ;xwyi: r.■^^S«:^, i I IJRICE M. t. . tV~l i> nW "**^' TALKING SINGING DANCING MTic. "Before an JMMlu-nof of Xt-iv York'!- «ocia! ;ind professional elile, who e\|ifclc{i lo \tv -hinvti. t!ie 'Ih eiirtaiiix and in U'.h^ than a fuinute liemonsl rated his a!>iliiy us an entertainer of utorc than usual merit ... A rharinin^ personality, a delightful voice and a dynamic <{ualily reruiniscrnt of Al Jol»ou at his electric best, are l!»e attributes which will uudoublcdiy keep M. C. paeking them in at the Miduight Froiir." — Veie >«trA- Evt'tiing Pout <:f»MING IN AN ALL-TALKING PICTURE [See tomorroiv'a Film Daily) Kjk.Jk., i HWALIEB Straight from the gay boulevards and the famous Folies Bergere he comes to you — the man whom millions have hailed as the world's greatest entertainer ! ^New York raved about him recently when he dazzled packed houses at the Ziegfeld Midnight Frolic. "Chevalier is the greatest entertainer the public has ever seen! Charming personality, delightful voice and a dynamic quality like Jolson at his most electric best!" said the New York Evening Post. ^Now through the magic of the talking screen and the showman- ship of Paramount, Chevalier comes to you! Your public will rave about him too in his first singing, dancing, talking picture — "Innocents of Paris." q They'll HEAR him sing "Louise"— especially written for Chevalier and already a popular song hit. And four other big hit song numbers. They'll HEAR him make love and talk — in English. They'll SEE him dance. ^The great Chevalier in a spec- tacular romantic drama of a nobody of theParisian streets who becomes the stage idol of the world. ^ Destined now to become the idol of America with his first Paramount Picture. ff INNOCENTS OF PARIS With Sylvia Beecher, George Fawcett and all-star cast. A Richard Wallace Production (director of "The Shopworn Angel"). Photoplay and dialog by Ernest Vajda. From the story by C. E. Andrews. Adapted by Ethel Doherty. B. P. Schul- berg. Gen. Mgr. West Coast Productions. ^9 PARAMOUNT Here's one ANY THEATRE MARY PICKFORD'S first100% TALK predicted, one of the greatest Big Busi show the line-up at the Detroit and New York, Syracuse, St. Paul, San Diego Sam Taylor Producfion from the ^J N I T E D ipV RT I S T S stage success by George Abbott and Ann Preston Bridaers. that ^ill take OUT OF THE RED ING picture ''COQUETTE'' is, as we ness naturals ever produced. Photos Minneapolis showings — Los Angeles, —and others report the same— "BIG! PiCTURE-Yes Sir! Yes, Sir! f^g2£ DAILY Friday, April 19, 1929 14th Instalment, ^ Sound Patent^ Series THREE FOREIGN DEVICES EXPlAINEDJLLUSTRAe This is the fourteenth instalment in "Sound Patents," a series of articles dealing with the patent history of sound and synchroniza- tion devices in the United States, England, France and Germany. In British patent No. 2,157, issued to Oskar Messter on July 26, 1906, and in the corresponding French ad- dition patent No. 7,121, issued to Leon Gaumont on May 23, 1907, two align- ed gears (a) and (b) of a differen- tial gear apparatus are driven at equal speeds in opposite directions by a phonograph (A) and a projec- tion machine (C) respectively, when the phonograph and projection ma- chine are run at the same relative speeds. Under these conditions as is shown in Fig. 1, the planetary gears (d) and the housing (e) and dial (f) carrying the planetary gears remain stationary. If, however, the phonograph or the projection ma- chine runs at a faster speed than its speed relative to the other, one of the gears, (a) or (b) as the case may be will rotate faster than the other and the planetary gears (d) and the dial (f) will rotate in one and will thus indicate to the opera- tor whether he is running the pro- jection machine too fast or too slow- ly. The dial (f) may be used to control resistances for the driving motor of the projection machine, in case it is motor driven, or may op- erate a brake or other device for controlling the speed of the projec- tion machine. The patent also dis- lUusirating British patent No. 2,157, issued to Oskar Messter. closes, in Figs. 2 and 3, an alterna- tive mechanism in which a dial (E) is rotated by a motor (D) running synchronously with a phonograph through bevel gears (h) and (i) and gear wheels (j, k, 1, m, n, and o) the latter being secured to a hollow shaft on which the dial is mounted A hand or pointer (F) mounted on a shaft extending through, and ro- tatable independently of, the dial carrying shaft is rotated by a gear train (q, w, w', t, u, v and y) from the projection machine, which is not shown in the drawings but which may be arranged to drive the gear wheel (q). When the projection ma- chine is running at the proper speed relatively to the phonograph, the hand (F) and dial (E) rotate at the same rate and the hand points to a mark fixed on the dial. Any varia- tion from the correct speed is indi- cated by movement to one side or the other of the mark on the dial and the operator may vary the speed of the projection machine to bring it to its proper relative speed and position. The patent also shows an arrangement of synchronously-driven motors for running a projection ma- chine motor (D) at a desired speed relative to the speed of the phono- graph. An arrangement of motors or dynamos for synchronous running is also shown in French patent No. 379,351, issued to Louis-Nestor La- fay on Nov. 6, 1907. 1\ Pulley used to control synchronism in Duskcs device. French patent No. 381,655. issued to Alfred Duskes on Jan. 17, 1908, published in 1908, synchronism or lack of synchronism is indicated by a weight (o) suspended from a cord (f) which passes over pulleys (g, g' and g^) from a drum (e) driven from a phonograph, (a) through the flexible shaft (b) to a drum (h) sim- ilarly driven from the crank (n) of a projection machine through the flex- ible shaft (1) and worm (k). The drums are so arranged that they ro- tate at equal speeds when the phono- graph and projection run at the same relative speed and the cord (f) is then wound on the drum (h) as fast as it is unwound from the drum (e). In the event that the drum (h) should run at a faster speed than the drum (e) the slack in the cord (f) above the weight (o) would be taken up thus lifting the weight (o) above a position at which a pointer (q) on the weight is level with a stationary pointer (r) while if the drum (h) should run at a slower rate than the drum (e) the slack would increase and lower the weight below the pointer (r). .4 Circenbanm patent. Britisli patent No. 7,426. Britisli patent No. 7,426, issued to Jules Greenbaum on July 1, 1909, discloses an apparatus in which a gear (a) of a differential gear train is driven from a projection machine (B) through a flexible shaft (b) while another gear (c) is driven from the phonograph (T) through a flex- ible shaft (d). In a French patent No. 381,655, Catskill House Wired Catskill, N. Y. — Sound equipment has been installed at the Community theater. W. E. System in Nashville House Nashville — The Belmont ihas re- opened with sound, using Western Electric system. Q-Phone at Curtis, Neb. Curtis, Neb.- — Q-Phone has been in- stalled at the Electric here. Sound at Long Island House Huntington, L. I. — Western Elec- tric system has been installed at the Huntington. Wiring Uniontown House Uniontown, Pa. — The Penn-State Amusement Co. has closed the Penn. While alterations are being made Phonofilm equipment will be installed. Ultraphane Synchronizer Is Made in Twin Cities Minneapolis — Carpenter Engineer- ing Works is manufacturing Ultra- phone, new synchronous device. The instrument has been installed in the American here and six other instal- lations are being made in Twin City houses. Markell for Movie-Phone Sales New Haven, Conn. — Ernie Markell of the Synchrophone Co. is taking over sales of Movie-Phone equipment in the territory. The device is made for both sound-on-disc and sound-on- film production. De Forest Device for R. I. House Olneyville, Conn. — Jacob Conn has decided to equip his Olympia with De Forest Phonofilm sound equipment. Conn signed a contract with J. K. Adams. New England distributor for General Talking Pictures Corp. Sound for Manchester House Manchester, N. H. — The Palace has been equipped with Western Electric enuipment. W. E. Equipment at Arlington, Mass. •Arlington, Mass. — Western Electric equipment has been installed at Locatelli's Capitol. Sound for Lynn, Mass Lynn, Mass. — The Waldorf re- cently opened with Western Electric sound equipment. Cjilifomia House Wired Santa Paula, Cal. — Sound equip- ment has been installed while the Fox Glen City was closed for reno- vation. Sound for Casey House Lynchburg, Va. — The Academy, one of the Casey chain houses, has been reconstructed and opened with sound pictures. THC Friday. April 19, 1929 ■c&m DAILV —AND THA TS THAT S.V PllU. M. DAl.Y ^ ager of Coliinibia. i)ri>vcs that all the good talkers arc not on the screen. He has talked the F. & R. t. ircuit into hookinj.; his company's i-oniplete lineup in tirst-run hou.scs of 26 cities. It takes sound talent in the sales organization to sell sound on the screen. Sport Note on Soccer Mike Gliitz, ivell known manager of the Oompah theater, booked a picture advertised as "The Box Of- fice Sock of the Century." After playing it, Mike ivriten in: "They were right. It'.'i the worst sock 1 ever got." THEME SONG "Captive Wo- man. Why Did I (iral) \'ou"'" LOST— In Hotel .\stor lobhy. a gent's wallet containing laundry hill, pawn ticket and Strand theater pro- gram. Reward for return of Strand program.— Bo.\ 7. Film Daily. Editor's Note: Just so the Strand m a n age m e n t won't get a swell- ed head, the above advertiser only wants the program for u nifty c o c k ta i I recipe he sci-ib- bled on it. FAIRY STORY .•\ large delegation of Paramount officials shouting themselves hoarse at a showing of Metro's "Broadway Melodv.'' Daily Pome .\ diller. a dollar A ten-o'clock scholar I What makes you come so soon: "I heard you were hiring t A sales manager Just for the afternoon." DEFINITIONS Xut: What drives a theater owner oflf his. * * * Famous Film Conversations "Aw, that guy's a lens louse." Coast Wire Service Testing Scenario Tax TO AMOUNT PAID Wiictiier scenarios constitute tang- ible assets is the i)oint at issue in action brought here by Universal to recover $1.IJ9 in Los .Angeles county taxes paid under protest in 1924. This is bel;eved to be the first court pro- cedure in the United States to de- termine the taxability of scenarios. Universal contends that scenarios are intangible assets, ta.xable only at the company's home office. Garbo Film Started Production has >tarted at M-G-M on "The Single Standard," Greta (iarbo's first vehicle following her return from Sweden. John Robert- son IS directing the film, adapted from Adela Rogers St. John's story. John Mack Brown has a featured role and the cast includes Mahlon Hamil- ton, Joel McCrea, Dorothy S'ebas- tian, Robert Castle, Kathlyn Wil- liams, Lane Chandler and Prince Yucca Troubetskoi. Signed for Moore Cast P)etty F'rancisco and Oscar Apfel have been signed for Colleen Moore's latest. "Smiling Irish Eyes." Wil- liam .A. Seiter is directing. James Hall is playing the lead and the cast includes Tom O'Brien. Claude Gil- lingwater, Robert Knimett O'Connor, Julanne Johnston, Aggie Herring. I'red Kelsey, Robert Homans, Dan Crinnnins and Kdward Earle. Fred Kley Assigned Business management of "The Taming of the Shrew," color talker which is to co-feature Mary Pick- ford and Douglas Fairbanks, has been assigned to Fred Kley. The team- ing arrangement is for one picture only. .After its completion. Miss Pickford expects to make a talker of a play, while l'"airl)anks has two stor- ies under consideration for his next. Moran and Mack Title Chosen "Backstage Blues," announced by Paramount as title for the first talk- ing picture to be made by Moran and Mack. The story is an original by Octavus Roy Cohen. George Ab- bott, Broadway stage director, is in Hollvwood and will direct. Long Contract for Sally Starr Sally Starr, screen newcomer who has the feminine lead in "College Days," has signed a long term con- tract with M-G-M. Columbia Signs Melick Weldon Melick, 20-year-old news- paper man, has signed a three year contract as a title writer for Colum- bia. A Little from "Lots" By RALPH WILK fc( HoUyivood KING" a while collie dog, has the distinction of being one of the animal pioneers in talkers. He is playing in "The Ins dious Dr. Fu Manchu" and is forced to act without audible directions from his trainer. He has to start and stop barking on cue, make entrances and exits, por- tray excitement, terror and other emotions. In an exhaustive test, he demonstrated that he could play the most difficult scenes demanded of him. entirely in silent cues, after a brief period of rehearsal. Dorothy Fa)-num, scenario writer, is on a three month leave of absence from. M-G-M studio for a vacation in Europe. While she is visiting France, Swedeii, Spain and Germany she will be gathering data for fu- ture stories. * * * "The Scent of Sweet Almonds" ought to be good. Not onlj' because Mary Astor is playing the lead, and not only because it is a Fox picture but for the simple reason Charles Klein, the director, is writing the adaptation. * * * George O'Hara, writer and actor, is assisting Mai St. Clair on "49th Street," the latter's first Radio production. This is the 18th assignment that O'Hara has filled since first starting with St. Clair. * * * Dietrich Haupt is following in the footsteps of his father, Ullrich Haupt. Dietrich, who is three years old, is playing in Clarence Brown's production of "Wonder of Women" at the M-G-M studio. His father has attracted much attention by his work in "The Iron Mask," "The Far Call" and "Madame X." 25 STARS, 16 DIRECTORS ON PATHE CONTRACT LIST Twenty-five stars and featured players. If) directors and five writers are under contract to Pathc and en- gaged in producing the 1929-.?0 prod- ucts. Among the players are: Ina Claire, Ann Harding, William Boyd, Robert .Armstrong, .-Man Hale. Kddic Quil- lan, Jeanettc LofT. Carol Lombard. Diane Ellis, Stanley Smith. Lew Ayres, Junior Coghlan, Marilyn Mor- gan, Dorothy Ward, Jinnny .Aldine, Russell Gleason, Herbert Clark, James Gleason, Lucille Webster Gleason, Sally O'Neill, George Ban- nister and "Buck and Bubbles." In New York, are Morton Downey and Constance Bennett. The directorial stafT includes How- ard Higgin, Paul Stein, Tay Gar- nett. Edward H. Griffith. .Spencer Bcnnet. Richard Boleslavsky, Mar- shall Neilan, Frank Reicher. An- thony Brown, Paul Powell, Gregory La Cava. Fred Newmeyer. Willis Cioldbeck and Carl Harbaugh with Kenneth W'ebb and Bradley Barker in New York. .Among the playwrights are Kcn- yon Nicholson. .A. .A. Kline, .\rthur Richman and I-Vancis Faragoh. John Krafft is chief title writer. William Sistrom is general man- ager of the studio, and Benjamin Glazer is producer of sound produc- tion, with Ralph Block, Maurice Revncs and William Conselman as producers and Monte Brice as com- e— Palace. COLORADO Openings Cripple Creek — Star; Eureka — Sunnyside Club ; Louviers — Louviers Club ; Victor — Isis. Changes in Ownership Colorado Springs — Isis sold to A. E. Judd by R. Chamberlain; Denver — Electric, sold to D. D. Carson by Curtis Bros.; Highlands, sold to Sheffield & .^shworth by High- lands Amuse. Co.; Mission, sold to Mis- sion Theaters, Inc., by Cons. Theaters, Inc ; Durango — Gem, sold to Cons. The- aters Inc., by H. & M. Theaters; Kiva, sold to Con. Theaters by Ed Bluck ; Rialto, sold to Cons. Theaters by E. VV. Mullen; Gunnison — Unique, sold to Eilbrecht & Snyder by Des Combes & Pittser ; Paonia — Paonia. sold to L. E. Stewart by Dr. W. E. Haley: Sanford— Star, sold to Oias. Ausmus by Oliver Bros. Closings Boulder — Rialto ; Saguache— Saguache ; Silt — America. CONNECTICUT Closings , W. Hartford — Central; Devon — Devon. Oklahoma Sees Race of Griffith and Momand {Continued from Page 1) gives the Griffiths about 100 houses. hut the Moniaiul interests are step- ping too, and it is understood will have 500 houses within two months. Censorship Bill Pending in Michigan Legislature (Continued from Page 1) morals of youth or others. Viola- tion would be a misdemeanor pun- ishable by fine of not more than $100 or 90 days in jail or both. Burton at Oklahoma City Oklahoma City, Okla.— Carl Bur- ton has been appointed local booker for RKO. Change Theater Name Oakland, Cal.— The Fox Oakland is the new name of the Oakland, Fox West Coast House. P-F-L 50 Per Cent Net Increase is Seen {Continued from Page 1) Stated, the anticipated 50 per cent in- crease to be the cumulative result of the five year expansion program and tlic talker development. Nine "Legit" Producers Plan Talking Film Firm {Continued from Page 1) Weber, John Golden, Arch Selwyn. Crosby Gaigc and Winthrop Ames. Lee Shubert is not in the proposed combine. Use of RCA-Photophone for recording is contemplated. Tully at Brockton House Brockton, Mass. — Wilfred Tully has been named assistant manager of the Brockton under J. ,T. Cahill, man- ager. Tully replaces John N. Mad- den who resigned due to illness. Solomon at Eastman Rochester— S. S. Solomon now is managing the Eastman here, operated by Publix. Buy Publix Atlanta House .\tlanta — John A. Comzy and Ar- thur R. Johnson have purchased the Rialto here from Publix. Remodeling Edna House Edna, Tex.— The Marion is being remodeled. ONLY 2 MORE TO BE MADE ON YEAR'S PEL PROGRAM Paramount feature and short fea- ture releases for the balance of the current season are now practically finished, there being but two featui^cs still to be completed which are in- cluded in this final group for this sea- son. Of 13 feature pictures scheduled for May, June and July, 11 are all- talkers. One, the ICmil Jannings pic- ture, "Betrayal," will be released with a synchronized score, "Stairs of Sand," will he marketed in silent form. The 11 all-talkers are: "Gentlemen of the Press," "A Dangerous Wo- man," "Innocents of Paris," "The Man I Love," "The Studio Murder Mystery," "Thunderbolt," "The Wheel of Life," "Magnolia," "Di- vorce Made Easy," "Dangerous Curves," and "Grounds for Divorce." During the next three months Paramount will release 13 all-talking two-reel shorts and a like number of one-reel subjects, of which eight arc in the all-talking classification and five will have synchronized scores. There will be the semi-weekly is- sues of Paramount News in silent form and the 13 one reel silent car- toons, seven "Inkwccl Imps" and five of the "Krazy Kat" series. PHIL SEZ/ "Spending dough to get dough is a good policy, usually, but at times it gives us a headache, try- ing to figure out how distributors get that way on some so- called $2 pictures. The public can't be kidded for long, so it's about time some of the turkeys that have been palmed off as two buck specials were put into the grind houses where they belong." Kentucky Houses Close Dixon, Ky. — The Rex, has closed, also the Dreamland, Providence, Ky. The Gem at Mount Olivet is closed due to a smallpox epidemic. Remodeling Mo. House Joplin, Mo.— W. D. and R. F. Fife have taken over the Gem and are remodeling it before opening about May 1. Remodehng at Waynesburg Waynesburg, Pa. — The Eclipse is being remodeled with a new front being built. ; ' The Only Regional Covering The World's Biggest Market THE NEW YORK vSTATE ^JlOOBIToR wuK •gjjf.yyyy $i)ppLtA*t«T THREE FILM ZONES 2000 THEATRES ANNOUNMNO TALKAFILM A PLATTER PHOTOTONE PRODUCT Talkaf ilm is the latest product of the Platter Phototone Laboratories— a complete syn- chronous device reproducing sound from disc and film. In line ivith our policy of releasing only proved devices, Talkafilm ivas announced only after ive ivere sure that in it ^i^e ivere offering the best at a low^er cost than is asked for any device of equal merit. Shipments start in May. Already scores of orders are on our books. Get your reservation in at once. Mail the coupon for details and name of our nearest distributor. THE PHOTOTONE CO., NORTH VERNON, IND. THE PHOTOTOXE CO. North Vernon, Indiana Give me full particulars concerning your new Talkafilm devicet including disc and sound-on-film attachments. , NAME OF THEATER STREET AND ADDRESS. CITY AND STATE. SIGNED BY i^smmsi^WS :!^e NEWSPAPER o/' FILMDOM VOL. XLVIII No. 18 NDWEEKLY ILRDIGEST Sunday. April 21, 1929 Price 25 Cents The Master Showman Qives New York Its Biggest Thrill — CARL^ I LAEMMLE, 1 producer of \ "SHOW BOAT" ^ and ^'BROADWAY" — the $11 top premiere of Universal's Talking and Singing Triumph at the Globe Theatre on Wednesday, April 17. And what a thrill it was! Records fall wherever "Show Boat" plays. In New York; at the Capitol, Miami; Par- amount, Palm Beach; Capitol, Dallas; World, Omaha; Granada, Salt Lake City; Princess, Hot Springs — and soon it will be breaking records IN EVERY CITY AND TOWN IN THE COUNTRY! EDNA FERBER'S novel portrayed by a brilliant Universal cast headed by Laura La Plante, Joseph Schildkraut, Otis Harlan, Alma Rubens, Emily FitzToy, Jane La Verne. ZIEGFELD start singing Ziegfeld hits — Helen Morgan, Jules Bledsoe, Aunt Jemima and the Ziegfeld Plantation Singers. Directed, silent and movietone, by Harry Pollard. Synchronized score by Joseph Chemiavsky. A HARRY POLLARD PRODUCTION --^^*^- ^-^- THE FIRST COMPLETE HISTORY OF SOUND TOLD BY INTERNA- TIONAL SURVEY OF PATENTS ISSUED 44 Accurate— reliable- complete SOUND PATENTS 11 and exclusive Film Daily feature ILLUSTRATED OUT- LINE OF PATENTS GRANTED IN THE U.S.. GERMANY. ENGLAND AND FRANCE 25% DOWN One Quarter Prioc of INl a <• li i n <• , Plus Finance C hargtcs Any Pacent Representative will gladly give full details of New and Liberal Time Payment Sales Plan 5.!!1£ Hi AND ACCESSORIES GUARANTEE To Exhibitors The sales contract of the Pacent Reproducer Corporation guarantees to protect and defend the exhibitor against any and all actions and suits which might bo brought against the exhibitor for alleged infringe- ment of patents through the use of Pacent Systems. Any Pacent representative will gladly show you a copy of the contract, and explain Clause 10 which guarantees this protection. THE PACENT REPRODUCER CORPORATION announces a new and generous time-payment plan whereby the exhibitor can pay for his machine as it produces profit. Our records show that many exhibitors have made in two weeks, as a direct result of a Pacent Reproducer installa- tion, the full price of the machine. Under the new time-payment plan, no theatre, large or small, has any excuse for further delaying the installation of a Pacent System, with its sure, steady drawing power at the box office. 10 Months to Pay The new time-payment system introduced by Pacent with this an- nouncement, allows the exliibitor ten months to pay the balance of the purchase price. Finance and interest charges are extremely generous. They are mvich lower than is usually the case in time- payment selling. For full details of the time-payment plan on Pacent Reproducer Systems get in touch with the nearest Pacent representative or with the New York Office. PACENT REPRODUCER CORP. LOUIS GERARD PACENT, President FILM CENTER BUILDING, NEW YORK, N. Y. Sales and Service Representatives Throughoii! ihe United States £^ Chickering 7950-48-49-51-52 Department of Justice Silent on Credit Complaint ;^<> NEWSPAPER Ojf FILMDOM AHDWEEKLY FILM DIGEST VOL. XLVIII No. 18 Sunday, April 21, 1929 Price 25 Cents G0LD8T0NE DISPOSES OF IE TO A. WEISS Phil Gold^tonc has sold to Alfnd Weiss his interest in Biophone and the Metropolitan studio at Fort Lee. N. J. This gives Weiss conipleti ownership of the company. Gold stone, wiio owns the National Sound Recording Studio at Hollywood plans production of eight dialogut films at that plant. The S-tern Film Co., also is to produce shorts at the stud o, which will be available to other independent producers. One stage already has been sound-proofed Goldstone says. "Legit" Must Meet New Situation, Woods Warns Erlanger and Shulxrt kgit niat< circuits may be wiped out in a shor time unless these operators meet the changed situation in show business caused by the talker development savs a warning issued by A. H Woods, legit inate producer. '"The talkie-i have the ediie because they cin under ell us to the pubic." the Woods ■■tatement said. "The reason they are al>le to do th.s is because of the seatioR capacity of the'r theaters. Some time ago they fisured that hou-es seating between L.SOO and 2.500 (.Continued on Pane 12) Industry Responsibility Realized, Milliken Says IVashiiifiton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Wash ngton — "Xo med um of ex pression in the history of the world has had a higher sense of its own attitude-fornnng power than the mo- tion picture," delegates to the annual congress of the Daughters of the Amer'can Revolution were told by Carl E. Milliken, in presenting to the organization a print of "The King of Kings," wOiich will be the first pic- ture placed in the film repository to be maintained for the preservation of mofon pictures of historical or edu- cational worth. "This is a God-fearing nation," (Continued on Parte 12) Harry D. Goldberg Not One in Detroit "Jam" What's in a name? Plenty, de- clares Harry D. Goldberg. New York, particularly when your name happens to be the same as that of a man under indictment in Detroit in con- nection with an alleged promotion swindle. The New York Harry is Harrv D. Goldberg, former Paramount and Universal theater executive. Coming for Deal Joseph M. Schenck and the United Artists group, and Jack Warner leave for New York Monday in connection with the deal for bringing the pronosed United Artists Consolidated into an affiliation with Warners. In New York they will wi-)rk out details, pending return from Europe of Harry M. Warner the first week in May. Conspiracy Denied in B. & K. Suit Answer Chicago- -Protection of 53 week.> for certain houses in 23 towns is tgainst only opposition houses in hose towns, with protection of 14 lays over theaters adjacent to these owns. Halaban & Katz, Publi.x, and 2 distributors declare in their an- wer denying restra'nt of trade barges by the Dept. of justice. There is no conspiracy to violate the anti-trust law. the answer filed in Federal Court, sets forth. German Sound Films to Be Free from Taxation Berlin — Suggestions are made here to allow talkers and sound pictures to be shown free of the entertain- ment tax or pay only such taxes as are paid by theatrical performances. Otherwise it is believed, the Ger- I ;an sound films will enter the world's market at a great disadvantage due to poor home returns and domestic taxation. CREDIT SYSTEM AGAIN UNDER U. S. SCRUTINY NO COMMENT AT DEPT. OF JUSTICE ON COMPLAINT It uil.nititon Bureau of THE FILM DAILY V\'ashington — No comment on anti- trust charges reported filed with the Dept. of Justice bv Momaiul The- aters of Shawnee, Okla.. against the Oklahoma Citv hilm Board and the Hays organization, charging con- spiracy to cut off service from Mo- mand houses, is available at offices of the department. In the absence of a successor to Col. William A. (Wild Bill) Dono- van, as head of the anti-trust divi- sion the department has adopted a policy of silence with respect to its (CotUinued on Page 12) Cook Mapping Program of T-S Films for New Year Tiffany-Stahl's program of 26 talkers for next year is being worked out in New York by Grant L. Cook, vice president and treasurer. Silent versions of the talkers are planned. Cook recently returned from the Coast, where a number of changes in personnel were made. He also closed contracts bringing Mae Mur- ray and Leo Carrillo under the com- pany banner. For Cry in' Out Loud M()Xn.A"S': The addinj^ machines were oiled up for the si)rinfi and demandins? to he kei>t hiisier. Hollywood was flashecl and Xew York coml)?d. When the data was pieced toj^ether, it appeared that 504 talkers will he produced for next season. The in- dustry hasn't gone sound much, has it? Three hundred and sixty of the dialoguers will have silent versions to take care of the fellows who haven't as yet been jjiven the wires. Of silents in their forelorn and pure form, there will I e hut 43 at this time, althoujih all fii:;ures are subject to rather considerable chaiii;e. Part-talkers are falling out of favor. Naturally so. .After all, this type of talking film is nothing more than the historic silent picture partially re-made with dialogue in order to give it a marketable llavor. What you can count on for next season is this: the picture that starts to talk will gab all the way. In betweens are out. The silents are to be designed with a double thought : to meet the needs of the unwired houses of which there will still be many and to round out product for foreign distribution .... (Continued on Page 3) Okla. Chain Complains to Department of Justice Charging Boycott Hu.t/.ii.,;/o»i Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — With action on the government's credit case against ten distributors, the Hays organization and Film Boards of Trade expected next week a new complaint involv- ing the credit system in the industry is understood to have been filed by Momand Theaters of Shawnee, Okla. The theater firm, it is said, claims that a conspiracy exists between the Oklahoma City Film Board and the Hays organization to cut off film ser- vice to Momand houses. This alleged boycott, it is said, followed refusal of the theater firm to furnish its financial rating, and persisted, it is claimed, even though A. M. Momand, president of the chain, was willing that films be sent C.O.D. Momand Chain Is Second Largest Okla. Operator Shawnee, Okla. — The Momand chain is the second largest in Okla- homa and now is engaged in an ex- pansion program, which in the next few months is slated to faise to SO the number the company operates in the state. The Griffith chain, allied with Universal, now has about 100 houses, and also is expanding in Oklahoma. Warners Seek Remaining 14 Per Cent of Stanley Warner liros.. which owns 86 per cent is seeking to take over the re- maining 14 per cent interest in Stan- ley Co., and is offering minority stockholders of Stanley opportunity to exchange their stock for Warner stock on the basis of three shares of -tanley common for one of Warner. The latter was quoted at 111 Friday while Stanley closed at 37^. 31 Houses in 37 States of East Launched in Mar. Th rtv-one theater projects, involv- "T C2 617 700. wfre launched in ^7 eastern states during March, accord- ing to the F. W. Dodge Corp.^Of the number. 22. involving $622,700, are to be exclusive picture houses. DAILY Sunday, April 21, 1929 ¥»L XLTI1I N». 18 Siiiay. Apr. 21. 1929 friei 25CmU JOHN I. UieOATE PibKsliir Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter, May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California— Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl WolfFsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Courdes-Noues, 19. Financial STOCK MARKET QUOTATIONS AS OF FRIDAY Am. Seat 35 J4 35 35 M Con. Fm, Ind. pfd. 26J4 26^ 2'6'/2 ♦East Kodak 176M ♦do pfd 128 ♦First Nat. pfd 108 Fox Fm. "A" 9n/i 89'4 89% ♦do rts 3 Keith A-O 31 29% 31 do pfd 103 99V2 103 Loew's Inc 64 63 ;4 635^ do pfd lOOK' 100J4 100"/2 ♦M-G-M pfd 25^ M. P. Cap 40 39 40 Para. F-L 67!^ 65!^ 66% Pathe Exch UVi WVa, 1034 do "A" 22fi 22J^ 22% Radio K-A-0 31% 28^ 31% .Stanley Co 37J4 35 37'/- ♦Univ. Pict. pfd 985^ Warner Bros 111% 108^ 111 do pfd 50% 49 49^j CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 6% 6 6 ♦Hal. & Katz 72 ♦Columbia Pets 29 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 24% 23 23% ♦Film Insp 1% Fox Thea. "A" . . 30 28% 28 J4 Griffith, D.W. "A" 2M 2^4 2J4 Intern. Proj 70 62 70 ♦Loew do deb. rts 29^^ Nat. Scr. Ser 23 2'254 23 Nat. Thea. Sup... 12 12 12 Trans-Lux 16% 15% 15% Univ. Pict 26% 26% 26% ♦do pfd 2 BOND MARKET ♦Keith A-O 6s 46 93 Loew 6s 41ww...ll2^ 112% 11254 do 6s 41 x-war... 99 98'/; 9854 Paramount 6s 47 . 99% 99% 99% Par. By. 5%s 51.101% 101^ 101% Pathe 7s 37 79 79 79 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 .. 94^4 94 94 ♦Warner 6%s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 29 31 do units 33 36 .... do cc-m 4 5 .... .Skouras Bros 30 40 .... Technicolor 44% 46% .... United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2 do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED INDEX PAGE FOR CRYIN' OUT LOUD, An Editorial by Maurice Kami 1 FINANCIAL 2 PRESENTATIONS, by Herbert S. Berg 3 HOLLYWOOD HAPPENINGS. Coast Neivs by Telegraph 4 ■■A LITTLE FROM LOTS," by Ralph IVilk 4 SOUND, by Charles F. Hynes 6-7 REVIEWS OF NEWEST RELEASES, by Jack Harrower 8-9 FOREIGN MARKETS, by James P. Cunningham 9 PRODUCTION IN THE EAST, by A. E. Eddy 10 THEATER EQUIPMENT, by Charles F. Hynes H SHORT SUBJECTS ^2 THE WEEK'S HEADLINES, Resume of the News 12 REVIEWS BIG DIAMOND ROBBERY 8 BORDER WILDCAT 8 CHARLATAN, THE 8 DUKE STEPS OUT 8 HOLE IN THE WALL 8 HOT STUFF 9 PACE KRASSIN, THE RESCUE SHIP 9 PRISONERS OF SEA 8 RED SWORD, THE 8 TOMMY ATKINS 8 SHORT SUBJECTS 12 SOUND 12 The Industry's Date Book 1,500 600 13,800 I'.ioo 400 4,800 100 'soo 28,100 2,100 100 38,200 5,000 30,666 1,500 5,400 1,100 5,166 100 5,700 i',i6c 100 1,700 100 2 4 1 21 1 Officers of Stanley Co. Re-elected at Meeting Irving D. Rossheim has been re- elected president of Stanley with H. M. Warner chairman of the board. Other ofificers are Abe Sablosky, S. H. Fabian and Albert Warner, vice presidents; Morris Wolf, secretary; J. Sloane, assistant secretary; J. J. Newman, treasurer; J. M. Brennan, assistant treasurer, and Samuel Carl- isle, comptroller. Appointed to the finance committee were Waddill CatchinRS, chairman: I. D. Rossheim, ex-officio, and H. M. Warner. "Alibi" Broadcast Sunday Sunday night at 9 P.M., "Alibi" will be acted over 47 radio stations from coast to coast, with Chester Morris and Eleanor Grififith playing for the radio version the roles which they act in the picture. Roland West, director of the film, and Jewel Car- men, also will play parts for the radio The hook-up was arranged by Warren Nolan of the United Ar- tists publicity department. W. E. and RCA Devices for Scottish Circuit London — Scottish Cinema and X'ariety Theaters Ltd. have contract- ed for Western Electric apparatus for theaters in the following cities; Glasgow, Kirkcaldy, Kilmarnock, Dundee, Clydebank and Greenock. While RC.'\ equipment has been secured for their theaters in Ar- boath, Montrose, Dumbarton, Wi- shaw, Springburn, Govan and Edwin- burgh. April 24 May 1 May 2 May 5-11 May 6 May 6-7 May 6-9 May 20 June 1-9 Opening of "Madame X" at the Harris, New York. Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal. Opening of "Bulldog Drummond" at the Apollo, New York. National Music Week. Opening of "Mother's Boy" at Cohan, New York. Convention of Texas exhibitor unit, DaUas. Spring meeting of Society of M.P. Engineers in New York. Annual Convention of American Federation of Musicians at Den- ver. American Theater Equipment Ex- position and Exhibitors Institute at Chicago. Clive Brook To England Clive Brook, Paramount featured player, is en route to England for a three week vacation. He recently completed "The Marriage Holiday," from W. Somerset Maughan's play. Gallup Heads Service Committee Bruce Gallup has accepted the chairmanship of the service commit- tee of the AM PA, succeeding Wal- ter Eberhardt, who has resigned be- cause his present duties with Elec- trical Research takes him away from the film district. This committee is the point of contact between the ex- ploitation, publicity, advertising men, artists and others and the film com- panies and theater organizations re- quiring manpower in promotional work. BROOKS THE NAME VDU GO 6Y .WHEN VOU GO TD BUY COSTUMES OOW^NS AND UNIF-ORIMS I 1437 BWAY. N.Y. TC1.5SB0 PENN. I ALSO U.0OO COSTVMeS 'yO BENT Allen in New York E. H. Allen, studio manager of Educational, is in New York from the Coast. Grainger Coming East West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — James R. Grainger, Eox general sales manager, returns here Saturday and leaves the latter part of next week for the East. Pinanski House Opened North Attleboro, Mass. — Samuel Pinanski's new Netoco house, the Community, seating 1,500, has been opened, George Hanscomb is man- ager. Feinman On Own Again Al Feinman has resigned as spe- cial assistant to Harry L. Reichen- bach who is exploiting "Show Boat" and will resume his own publicity bureau. Lubitsch in New York Ernst Lubitsch is in New York from Hollywood. Kohn Returns Following a six week trip to Eu- rope, Ralph Kohn of Paramount is back in New York. James A, FitzPatrick^s "TRAVELTALKS" u The Talk of the World f> Let Us Solve Your Problems I Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCORPORATED 1540 B'WAY N.Y.C. telephone bryant 3040 DAILY More Experiments Tuesday: With tlircc Pacific keys set as experimental stations, Sam Katz has extended liis research of the tastes of the American puhlic into seven Puhhx houses in tlie Southeast. In tliese tlicaters, all sound shows will be introduced in an etTort to see it the buyers of entertainment will take them to their ample bosoms. If I they do, stage shows and jazz bands will be eliminated in the flesh and the overhead cut considerably thereby. An interestinja: innovation and one which theater operators at large will scrutinize with great care. . . . New York will soon be graced by the presence of several of the il- lustrious United Artists group. Sam Goldwyn is already in the big town. Joe Schenck, Mary Pickford and Doug Fairbanks are coming later. Harry Warner returns from abroad the first week in May at which time that deal will be settled — or dropped. The former will probably prevail.... The legal byways through which competent lawyers meander make it possible to stave od until May 22 the Federal grand jury probe of West Coast Theaters and its alleged "freezeout" policy. Merely a tem- porary delay of the fireworks. . . . It's Sound Wednesday: Conclaving in Pitts- burgh, the exhibitor organization that embraces Western Pennsvlvania and West Virginia, mountains and all, comes to the conclusion that theaters should install sound equipment as rapidly as possible. That's sound advice, but who ever thought any other course was possible? Like it or not as the case may be, it is never- theless a fact that all exhibitors — large or small — have no alternative. The smaller house takes on an added heavy expense when it takes on sound, it is true, but without talking pictures the outlook would be that much darker. A rather tou.gh situa- tion. ... The gentlemen who pull the legis- lative strings in Washington are sit- ting again. Many of the bills which died at the last session are slated to make a re-appearance, in newer dress perhaps. This business of taking a crack at dear old motion pictures is rapidly assuming a national pastime. Ask Charlie Pettijohn; he knows. It would be a grand day indeed when the lawmakers turned their atten- tions to the nation's affairs and per- mitted this industry to advance un- trammeled like other businesses. . . . At It Again Thursday: It's no longer amusing. The Federal M. P. Council is conniv- ing again. The old bugaboo of na- tional censorship is still a quirk in the sour minds of this professional re- form group and in a few months, its leaders, fortified by their hypo- critical righteousness, will swoop down in Washington with a measure for Federal control. It took a lunch- eon at St. Louis and an observant reporter to dig out the plans. . . . Isn't it killing? . . . K-K-(> becomes the big gun in vaudeville. The i'aniages deal is in the bag, but it will take two or three weeks before the detail — §14,- 00(),tKX) in cash is reported involved — is cleared away. If you would turn analytical for the nonce, take the Year Bi>ok, for instance, and spot the Pan houses into the R-K-O list. It will prove interesting and, per- haps, enlightening. . . . Links? Friday: They all say no, but don't they always? Apjiertainine to the well-defined report that Publix and Warners arc about' to entwine via a management deal vesting Warner operation with Publix or a joint booking arrangement. Publix has been buying half interests in several L). .•\. theaters right in the face of the Warner negotiations for those very houses with nary a muttering from the Warner legions. Of course, all this may carry no significance, but we cannot shake ourselves of the hunch that it does. . . . Max Reinhardt, whose name is mentioned with awe on the Contin- ent, will produce talkers in Germany. It wasn't so long ago that the profes- sor was in Hollywood. A picture was on tap — -a silent picture. Then the inevitable in the form of dialogue muddled the horizon. Reinhardt re- turned to Berlin to do there what he could and should have done here. Ah well, it was ever thus. . . . K A K N Blank at Oshkosh Oshkosh, Wis. — Nat Blank is new manager of the local Fox Midwesco house. Reopen Superior House Superior, Wis. — The Princess has been reopened by Frank Buckley. Cal. House Bombed Chico, Cal.— Gas bomb explosion at the Senator was attributed to the wage dispute between union labor and T. & D., Jr., enterprises, owners of the house. Presentations By HBRBEKT S. BBRG , George Closes American Idaho Falls, Ida. — Joe George has closed his American here and ex- pects to open his new house, the Broadway, on May 1. Three for Favorite Exchange Detroit — Favorite Exchange has three sound pictures available for re- lease. They are "Times Square," "The River 'Woman" and "Linda." All are available in silent versions. ROXY FEATURES NATIONAL SPORT SILK WEEK The Roxy featured a "National ST)orts Silk Week" presentation, the idea being carried out lavishly in three parts, h'irst "The Silk Worm."' with the ballet, then "Silks of Japan," with Patricia Bowman and the femme chorus, and finally "Silk and Sport," showing a country club .setting and a fairway. This gave Joe Kirkwood, the golf professional, a chance to show his trick shots, and this fea- ture of the program was received with enthusiasm. The silk motif was done gorgeously, with lavish silk cos- tumes, drapes, and prints being fea- tured throughout. Two contrasting divertissements led off the program. The first was used with Rachmaninoff's prelude. Tin- set showed a bleak hillsitle with only a gnarled trunk of a tree appearing in the ghostly night. The gaunt fig- ures of the singers moved across this landscape. Followed the contrast- ing ""I'rench Fan," witii the fan spread across stage and the male female dancers in old French court costumes showing through a trans- parency doing a minuet. Patricia Bowman did her usual fine solo work. The Roxyettes followed in striking costumes of yellow and black, white and silver. They wore beautiful feathered head pieces, and did a neat precision. CAPITOL RUNS A LIGHT SHOW WITH "CRYSTALS" Weaver at Mart, Tex. Mart, Tex.— J. E. Weaver now is managing the Queen. Arthur Knorr handled the produc- tion "Crystals," at the Capitol. The setting was very good and gave promise of a good show which was not quite fulfilled. The talent was rather light this week, with N'ick Long, Jr., from the musical legit field doing a good dance number. There was a pretty good comedv skit worked between Dave Schooler, m.c, and Evelyn W'ilson. Miss Wil- son comes up on a pit elevator rep- resenting a miniature dressing room set. The gag is that she is stranded out in the suburbs, and can't get in for the show. Schooler gags on the phone, and rides in on a comic auto. Standard VAUDE VI LLE for MotioD Picture Pre«eat«tioii The FALLY MARKU8 VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Lackawanna 7876 tUl EHOAOWAT, NBW YORK CITY ."^Iiss Wilson sang effectively, with -Schooler at his small piano. Bob, I'>()b and Bobbie, two jugglers with their dog, were a good number for the kids. Nayan Pearce led the Chester Hale Girls with her high kick waltz and some good acrobatic bits. Rather light production, and not quite up to the Capitol standard FRANK CAMBRIA STAGES CLASSY PARAMOUNT SHOW Frank Cambria did himself proud with "Pearls of Bagdad," which was handsomely stagefl with more of a splash than is usually given to set- tings at the Paramount. They must have allowed Cambria to spend some real dough, and the oriental setting with its mosque, and merchants stalls and rich trappings, gave us the mo- mentary impression that we had wandered into the wrong theater. The problem now arises as to how they are going to revert to the tinsel and gaudy stuff of the usual settings after this really handsome splurge. Jac(|ues Cartier was featured as the interpretative dancer, and nothing but praise can be given this artist. Walzcr and Dyer did some good comedy work with their stepping, and Idrena tied herself in knots and proved a novelty of the first water. The Publix Singing P2nsemble added a^ lot of class to the show, led by Carl Bitterl. Arch Cannon and Gladys St. John did some nice vocal- izing. Altogether, the Oriental show- was well worth while, and Rubinoff ill the pit had a good feature with his national variations on "I Wanna Be Loved By \'ou," finishing with a comedy takeoff on Chicago with popping guns and the clang of the l)atrol wagon. Stock At Portland Hipp Portland, (he. Ww stock policy has been inaugurated at the Hippo- drome with Ted I lowland director ( f the stage show he brought from San Francisco. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Theatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York Citj Phone Penn. 3S80 0/^|LY\ Sunday, AprU 21, 1929 •iL,B(i»^^ItMie» Rank of Directors Being Swelled Talker Developments Brings Number of New Faces in Directorial Field Due to Promotions from Ranks and Influx of Stage Directors — Rapf Denies He's Joining Warners — Tierney and LeBaron Doing Operetta ARE GIVEN ASSIGNMENTS Ranks of directors are being swell- ed daily, due to the talker develop- ment. Promotions from the ranks and influx of stage directors are the two sources of new directorial ma- terial. At United Artists, Thornton Free- land, formerly an assistant director, is being given his initial opportunity w'ith "Three Live Ghosts." Howard J. Green, veteran writer, who has staged several vaudeville sketches, will make his directorial bow on "The Squawk," while Otto Brower, formerly an assistant, has two Paramount westerns to his cred- it. George Abbott, John Cromwell, Edwin Knopf, George Cukor, Wal- ton Butterfield and Robert Milton are among the recruits from the stage now under contract to Para- mount as directors. Ralph Dawson, former film editor, has completed the direction of his first picture, "The Girl in the Glass Cage," which he made for First Na- tional. William J. Cowen, who di- rected "Ned McCobb's Daughter," is directing "Companionate" for RKO. A. E. Erickson "clicked" with his initial picture, "The Lady from Hell," for Fox, and was immediately as- signed to direct dialogue for "Four Devils." Berthold Viertel, imported from Germany, has made "The One Woman Idea," for Fox. Ray Can- non has directed two pictures at Fox Norman Houston, the playwright has been directing dramatic sketches for M-G-M. Gus Edwards, Willard Mack and Edgar Selwyn are among the other recruits from stage direct- ing at M-G-M. Ray Taylor, former serial director, directed "Come Across" at Universal. Lewis Foster is a new director at Hal Roach's. Russel J. Birdwell, former newspaperman, has attracted much attention with "Street Corner," a "quickie." Davey Lee in "Frozen River" Davey Lee will be seen with Rin Tin Tin in "Frozen River," which was directed by Harmon Weight for Warners. Title Change "The Careless Age" is new title of "Diversion," John Griffith Wray is directing from John Van Druten's play. Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., has the leading role and Carmel Myers, Holmes Herbert, Kenneth Thomp- son, Wilfred Noy, Ilka Chase, Nelson Benge, Raymond Laurence and Doris Lloyd are in the cast. A Little from "Lots" By RALPH fVILK PAUL LENL Universal director, feels right at home in the talkers. He has been an actor and playwright and for several years he owned and operated "Die Gondel," famous Ber- lin theater. He now designs sets for his own pictures. He has in- troduced several innovations in di- rection and on "The Cat and the Canary" used a huge metal gong, with which to induce tempo and in- fluence his actors in various situa- tions. * * * Gregory LaCava, former Para- mount director who has been signed by Pathe, announced today the ac- quiring of Paxil Jones as his assist- ant. Jones recently assisted F. Richard Jozies on "So This Is Heav- en" for United Artists, but for sev- eral years was also with Paramount. * * ♦ Looks like Frank Lloyd, First Na- tional director, has the "Drag," (par- don the pun) for he is scheduled to start work on "Dark Street" as soon as he completes his present picture starring Richard Barthelmess with Lila Lee. This popular leading lady will also play opposite Jack Mulhall for Lloyd's future vehicle. * * if Our Passing Show: Jack Wa7-ner showing Col. Fred Levy and Sol Lesser poitits of interest at First National; Jirnmy Grainger hurry- ing to the Fox projection room. * + * B. P. Schulberg and Robert Mil- ton are believed to be the only two men in Hollywood who attended the premiere of the first full-length fea- ture ever shown in America. The picture was "Queen Elizabeth," pre- sented at a special invitation matinee at the New York Lyceum on July 12, 1912. Schulberg, at the time, was publicity director for Adolpli Zukor, who imported the picture; Milton was then a New York assistant stage director. Milton secured his ticket through Richard Mansfield, who had been mvited, but who had to appear in a conflicting matinee. GeM-ge Scarborough Consulting Dramatist Unitad AitiMa Rapf Denies Harry Rapf denies report he will leave M-G-M to join War- ners. Ned Marin, producer of First National productions, is making preparations to start "The Isle of Lost Ships," an all-talker Vitaphone picture, under the direction of Irvin Willat. The cast to date are: Virginia Valli, Noah Beery and Robert M. O'Connor. Alexander Korda will start on a Billie Dove feature as yet untitled, about April 26. Frank Lloyd, director of "Weary River," wrill have his story and cast ready to start April 29, entitled "Dark Streets." * + * Genial Gene Towne, First National title and dialogue writer, has sold "The Beggars Parade," a play, to a local producer. Following its stag- ing in Hollywood, it will be pro- duced in New York in the fall. It is a tragic comedy and has received novel treatment. * * * "We are placing the stage on the screen in talking and sound pic- tures," says Joseph L Schnitzer. Radio Pictures, of which he is the president, is planning at least eight musical comedy productions, among which are "Rio Rita" and "Hit the Deck." Ten will be roadshows. * * * Count Phil de Esco, for several years employed at United Artists, has returned from an eight months' visit abroad. He has made arrangements to produce a talker in Roumania. his native country, and will soon return to Europe. HARVEY GATES Writer WARNER BROTHERS "The Desert Song" Tierney and Le Baron to Write Operetta for RKO Harry Tierney, who wrote music for a number of Ziegfeld shows, is to write an operetta for production by RKO. William LeBaron, com- pany production chief, will do the book and lyrics. Nathan Plans State Right Series of Talker Shorts Al Nathan plans production of a series of two reel talkers for the state right market. Fox Renews Sprague Contract Chandler Sprague, Fox scenario editor, has renewed his contract THE Doorviray of Hoapltallty liNTER tha doorway ml thb popular hoftcirr and you feci at hoaaa. TItera'a an atanoapbera of cordial wclcoaaa wUch nuwlu tha diffcrcnca bctwacn tha Hollywood Plasa and ordinary hotcla. Tour room, too, has that added touch of diatinction. Picture* on the waU. vrmt- ■tuffad furniture, a floor lamp and rending lamp ... thaac arc but a feiv of the feature* that make you feel at home. Pis'n Whistle Dialng Service inaurea tha ba*t of food. Therefore, when you are nam in Lo* Angela* be enre to Investigata. THE HOLLYWOOD PLAZA HOTEL Vine Street at Hollywood Boulevard HOLLYWOOD, CALIFOWrtA ' The EXCLAMATION POINT of Sound Kqnipment Value RCA PHOTOPHONE IN THREE NEW MODELS At Record Low Prices for Standard Sound Apparatus The introduction by RCA Photophone, Inc. of a new type of sound reproducing equipment for theatres with a seating capacity of 750 or less, marks another milestone in the progress of sound pictures. New Type "F" Models Combination Sound-on-Film And Sound-on-Disc . . . Sound-on-Film Only . . Sound-on-Disc Only . . ^3930 «4750 $3430 TERMS: 10% Down . . . 1S% On In*talUlioB . . . Balaoce in 12 Equal InstallmenU Possessing all the life-like tonal quality of Photophone^s standard equipment for larger theatres, these new models, known as Type "F," bring to houses of limited capacity the farthest advances in the field of sound reproduction and synchronization. The new equipment, which is available in combination of sound-on-film and sound-on> disc, or sound-on-film alone, or sound-on-disc alone sets new low price records for sound apparatus. Only the great research and manu- facturing facilities of RCA, General Electric and Westinghouse, jointly responsible for its per- fection, make possible these prices. Photophone, of course, will continue to market its present type of sound picture apparatus, in- cluding its type P-2 sound picture projector, which combines sound and picture mechanism in one machine, and the sound head attach- ment, designed for mounting on standard projectors. DELIVERIES FOR TYPE "F' MODELS START JULY 1ST Orders to be Filled in Order of Receipt Address All Inquiries to Commercial Department RCA PHOTOPHOXE, INC Subsidiary of Radio Corporation of ^Vmcrica 411 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK DEN\ER 8I7-17UiSlreel U. S. National Bank Building SAN FRANaSCO 235 Montgomery Stre«t Kuss Building CHICAGO lOO W. Monroe Street Koom 1810 KANSAS aTY, MO. Dairidaon Building THE i^^ DAILV Sunday, April 21, 1929 NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FAST GROWING FIELD OF SYN- CHRONIZATION SOUND TIPS ON EQUIPMENT AND VARIOUS DE5- VICES ARE NOW AVAILABLE \By CHARLES F. HYNESi m TRAVELTONE UNITS SHOW COLUMBIA HLMS Ten Traveltone units are operat- ing in eight exchange zones, showing Cohimbia pictures in unwired houses. Territories where they are operating are: Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Washing- ton, Cleveland, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis and Omaha. Pictures being shown with the portable equip- ment include: "Submarine," "The Younger Generation," "Trial Mar- riage" and "The Lone Wolf's Daugh- ter." The units are booked up for ten weeks in advance, and negotiations are now on between Columbia and Traveltone for 40 additional units. Each Traveltone unit consists of a complete organization, including operator and assistant, chaufTeur and treasurer. Named N. Y. Representative Friedman-Snyder Co., New York, has been appointed representatives in the metropolitan area of the Caswell- Runyan Co., of Huntington, Ind., manufacturer of sound reproducing equipment. Warner Films Via Masterphone Seattle — The local Warner ex- change has granted sound product to the Grand to be shown via De Luxe Masterphone reproducing de- vice. The device is handled by the Great Western Theater Supply Co. Davis with M. P. Synchronization J. Charles Davis, 2nd, of the J. Charles Davis Prod., Hollywood, has been named Coast agent for M. P. Synchronization Service, New York, states Maurice A. Chase. The com- pany has signed the Yost circuit in New York for its service. Bristolphones in 6 Kentucky Houses Budd Rogers, sales manager of Bristolphone, says that six Bristol- phone installations are being com- pleted in Kunsky's Detroit theaters. These are: Columbia, Strand, Alham- bria, Linwood-LaSalle, Avalon and Grenada. Sound Hurting Vaudeville Providence, R. I. — Vaudeville house managers are behind a bill in the legislature which would modify Sun- day vaudeville laws. They claim pa- trons would rather see a talking pic- ture than a cut stage show. Denver House Wired Denver, Colo. — Western Electric «quipment has been installed at the Granada. Martins Ferry House Wired Martins Ferry, W. Va. — RCA- Photophone equipment has been in- stalled at the Fenray. CREAM PUT ON MARKET BY DECA DISC COMPANY Waynesboro, Pa. — Deca Disc Phonograph Co., has placed on the market the Fulamatic Creatone, disc synchronizer. The instrument has dual amplification and can be at- tached to a Power's or Sunolex pro- jector. It can be detached with slight effort, to enable playing of non-syn- chronous discs. The cost is $1,650 with terms if desired. A number of exclusive features are claimed and immediate delivery promised. The Deca Disc firm, which has been in the phonograph business for a number of years, is experimenting with a sound-on-film attachment for the machine. The disc device is interchangeable with other 33 1 /3 rmp systems, it has been demonstrated at the Arcade here, which has played Warner, Paramount and M-G-M sound films. Magnaphone for S. F. House San Francisco — Magnaphone sound equipment has been installed at the Majestic, Lux and Gaiety theaters here. Canton Houses Wired Canton, O. — Western Electric equipment has been installed at the Palace and Movie-Phone has been installed at A. H. Abram's Mozart. Kinophone New Canadian Device Vancouver — Kinophone, synchron- ous and non-synchronous device is being marketed here by Kinophone Sales of Canada. W. A. Barnes is general sales manager. Sound at N. O. Orpheum New Orleans — The Orpheum the- ater initiated its sound policy last Saturday by showing the talking- singing picture, "Syncopation," and vaudeville. Waynesburg House Wired Waynesburg, Pa. — The Waynes- burg O. H. has been wired with Western Electric equipment. Pacent Device For Granada, Portland Portland — Pacent sound equipment has been installed at the Granada here. Baltimore House Wired Baltimore, Md. — Western Electric equipment has been installed at the Ritz. Sound for Meadville Academy Meadville, Pa. — Western Electric engineers are wiring the Academy. Wiring Nashville House Nashville, Tenn. — Western Electric equipment is being installed at the Fifth Avenue. To Distribute De Forest Device Seattle— James J. Backer Co. have been authorized to distribute the De Forest Phonofilm sound reproducer in Oregon, Washington and north- ern Idaho by General Talking Picture Corp., New York. The Backer com- pany established headquarters here. Gets Pacent Agency Cleveland — M. A. Lebensburger has secured distribution rights for Pacent sound device for Ohio and Michigan. A. C. Lebensburger and Ray Morris are sales representatives in northern Ohio with headquarters here and William McKabe representa- tive for southern Ohio with head- quarters at Cincinnati. Chrest Device Speeding Installations Dover, O. — Chrest Sound Equip- ment Co., manufacturers of the Chrest Synchronizer will produce 30 units during April the company says. Installations already have been made at the Ritz, Akron: Palace. Hunt- ington, W. Va., and State, Wester- ville, O. Photophone For Portland House Portland — The Circle is being equipped with a special RCA Photo- phone device costing approximately $28,000. First sound showing is scheduled for May S with "In Old Arizona," a Fox production. Movie-Phone Office For S. F. San Francisco — Movie-Phone Corp. has opened a western division branch at 209 Golden Gate Ave. with M. Se- bastian, manager. The device is avail- able for both discs and film. The Haight here is equipped with the ap- paratus. Movie-Phone for Ohio House Cincinnati — Movie-Phone, sound- on-disc, apparatus has been installed at the Lincoln, according to Edwin J. Casanave, who directed the instal- lation. Seven Ottawa Houses \A^red Ottawa — The Princess, is the fifth in the Canadian capital to have sound installed. B. F. Keith's theater and the Centre are also being wired, mak- ing seven Ottawa houses to be wired. Wiring Richmond House Richmond, Va. — RCA-Photo- phone is being installed at the Na- tional. Two Pacent Devices Installed San Francisco — Pacent synchron- izers have been installed at the New Lyceum here and the State, Oroville. Akron House Wired Akron, O. — C. W. Brill has wired the Miles-Royal with Movie-Phone equipment. SOUND SERVICE CHARGE IS HIT BY P. A. POWERS Properly designed and constructed sound reproducing equipment does not require constant servicing and the weekly or monthly service charge called for in sound equipment con- tracts is unnecessary and really is an addition to quoted price of the equipment. This is the stand of P. A. Powers, head of Powers Cine- phone, in commenting on prices of reproducing equipment. "A service charge averaging only $50 per month and covering the usual ten year license period, actually adds $6,000 to the listed price of an equip- ment," says Powers, "whereas really required service in that period may not total one tenth that amount. "Well designed reproducers require only ordinary care to keep them in perfect condition once they are prop- erly installed and set in correct run- ning order. I am so thoroughly con- vinced on this point," declares Pow- ers, "that no fixed service charge is called for in Powers Cinephone con- tracts. "The Powers Cinephone is serviced only when service is called for by the exhibitor, and is charged for on an actual time and cost basis. This reduces the price to the actual figure quoted for the installation without any extras in the form of service charges, which must be paid even while the equipment is in satisfactory operation. "When a Powers Cinephone is installed, we impress upon the projectionist, the im- portance of three points in the operating in- structions. These are — • first: Keep the bat teries fully charged ; second : keep the optical system perfectly clean ; third : keep the ex- citer lamp set to draw exactly four amperes of electricity. And if these salient points are taken care of little if anything will hap- pen to re<|uire expert service." Pacent Office Moves Cleveland — Pacent Reproducing Co. has moved to a permanent office at 216 Film Building. McAIester House Wired McAlester, Okla. — Sound equip- ment has been installed and the Pal- ace reopened. Wiring Portland House Portland — The Circle is installing RCA-Photophone equipment and will open on May 5 with "Strange Cargo," Pathe's first all-talker, as the fea- ture. Wiring Chicago Houses Chicago — Sound equipment is be- ing installed at the Stratford, Grove and Highland theaters. Long Island House Wired Rockville Center, N. Y. — Powers Cinephone equipment has been in- stalled at the Atlantic. THE Sunday, April 21. 1929 N. Y. Critics Differ on "Thru Different Eyes ," "Rainbow Man" "Thru Dififerent Eyes" Fox Roxy, New York AMKRIC'AN — • • • has the distinction of novelty * * " is, with a single exception, the best progrnmme talkie we've yet witnessed, the exception being "The Doctor's Secret." DAILY MIKKOR— (..Mary Duncan) gives a tine pirlornuiiuc. and you'll like her. • • • an amusing novelty * * * a Rood picture. DAILY NEWS—* * * has a new idea which is given rather interesting directorial treatment by John BIystone. And although it leaves a good deal to the imagination it is, nevertheless, absorbing program fare, which packs a surprise right at the conclusion. EVENING JOURNAL— It has a good idea and an element of suspense, but, one regrets to report, the picture lacks both di- rectorial and vocal smoothness. EVENING WORLD— • • • the medium of Mary Duncan's debut into the talkies. And it is hereby reported that this is where the young woman belongs. • • • she is superb. • • • GRAPHIC— John BIystone * * * tried to do something dilferent, and almost succeeded. The reason he failed, to a certain extcnj, was the fault of the talkies. • • * The dia- logue is unbelievable rotten. The acting is of the old school, where actors strut about the stage and gesticulate. • • * Mary Dun- can is good. And so is little Sylvia Sidney — when she isn't permitted to do too much of that stage sobbing which she loves so well. HERALD-TRIBUNE— • * * resolves it- self into talking picturization of three one- act plays. * • * As a matter of fact, none of the versions is tremendously believable or dramatic or particularly striking. Yet there is still enough of novelty in the idea and of liveliness in the presentation of at least the first two of them to make "Through Dif- ferent Eyes" an entertaining, if hardly ex- ceptional or brilliant, example of the new drama. MORNING TELEGRAPH— All in all, a cracking good picture, swift-moving, intensely interesting, and a triumph for Mary Dun- can. POST — * ♦ * differs from the usual mur- der trial talkie, in that no fewer than three different conceptions of what actually occur- red are aaed out before you. • * • Above average. ., „ SUN — * * * it is competently, if affected- ly acted by the passion-swept Mary Duncan, Sylvia Sydney, 'Warner Baxter and Edmund X^we. * • • while it hardly represents a fine spinning of words, it is at least acted and put together well enough to make you believe a good deal of it. TELEGRAM— Director John BIystone has taken a makeshift and inconsistent scenario and projected it in quite an interesting man- ner. « • * The plot of "Thru Dfferent Eyes" doesn't convince at all. • * • TIMES — An ingeniously conceived murder trial story, * • » Its shining opportunities for original treatment, pictorially and audibly, have been seized upon most adroitly by John BIystone. * * * , , ■ ^, WORLD — • * • a different and highly dramatic court room picture, * * * is played in its principal parts by Warner Baxter, Mary Duncan and E^draund Lowe, • • * each of these perform with skill and under- standing. * * * "The Rainbow Man" Sono-Art Selwyn, New York AMERICAN — It's one of those "come and bring the children" sort of entertainments that ought to rake in cash in the hinterlands, where audiences prefer good, clean fun to the goofy sex stuff that has been doled out in such profusion lately. * * * Mr. Dowl- ing's, like his picture, is a nice performance. Frankie Darro, a precocious child, walks off with first acting honors, for the boy's emo- tional moments are truly excellent. DAILY MIRROR— If you like your sen- timent straight, Eddie Dowling has inade just the movie for you. It's a sweet little story ♦ • • with the usual struggles, "smile ' philosophy and interpolated songs which go to make up the average musical comedy. The songs and dialogue are good. • * • Frankie Darro, the little boy, comes off with first acting honors. DAILY NEWS—* * * ought to color the box-office with gold — and howl It is whole- some movie stuff with lots of laughs, plenty of heart-throbs, some snappy singing and a number of right good performances. EVENING JOURNAI.— It's a guileless little piece, and, to audiences partial to mild plots of the every cloudhasasilvcr lining type, "The Rainbow Man" oflfers gently in- nocuous sentiiiicntality. • • • Marion Nixon is very api>e.iling as the girl, and Frankie Uarro emotes the part of the youngster with a precocious camera-sense. Sam Hardy is effective. EVENING WORLD— • * • a conglomera tion of all the glad, sunny, Pollyanna stuff which has ever been staged, a conglomeration which he calls "The Rainbow Man." Like all such conglomerations, it is sure-lire stuff for universal appeal. • • • DowIing himself hasn't what you might call sex appeal, but there isn't a doubt that he will be an excel- lent talking picture subject. • • • Frankie Darro * " * is superb, and you may now look for great things for him in the talkies. Sam Hardy has a prominent part too. Mar- ion Nixon is the girl, and she is the personi- fica,tion of charm. GRAPHIC— Little Frankie Darro pulled the picture way over the top. What a little trouper that kid is.. * * • If Dowling never does another thing, he has won his gold medal for giving Frankie his real chance. * " * And then, of course, there was Eddie Dowling. He can tell the oldest gag out of Joe Miller's joke book and make people laugh. Marion Nixon has a surprisingly fine talkie personality and her voice registers remark- ably well. * • • Simplicity is the keynote • * * anil yet there are moments of stark beauty and rare pathos, interwoven with comedy and three good songs. • * • There are times when the picture moves slowly. It drags in spots. But after it's all over you've forgotten those little things * * * HERALD-TRIBUNE— For its undeniable virtues the work of a small but entirely pleasant cast is almost completely responsi- ble. • * * There is nothing very dramatic or original about the narrative, and it is so shameless in its appeal to your tears that it frequently becomes embarrassing, but for most of its distance it has certain virtues. MORNING TELEGRAPH—* * * an ap- pealingly sentimental and delightfully in- nocuous offering. It will strike a responsive chord on the heartstrings of the most hard- ened moviegoer on account of its neat re- pression in its individual portrayals, on ac- count of its heart interest and the amusing infectious comedy, moments in which the film abounds. * • * Young Darro in this film certainly comes into his own. * * ♦ The se- lection of Miss Nixon • * • was a happy one. POST — Seldom has the screen seen and heard a more successful blending of the wet- eyed sentimentalities and relentlessly cheer- ful platitudes which make a smashing box- office success * * * 1 think you are going to hear a lot about Frankie Darro, who has already been seen frequently wi,thout much being said about him. SUN — Perhaps, however, Mr. Dowling's shamrocked personality, his sly humor, and the ingenuous charm of Marion Nixon-;— to say nothing of the proven abilities of little Frankie Darro and Sam Hardy — are enough to atone for the obtrusive lack of freshness and distinction. Indeed, whatever success ■"The Rainbow Man" aphieves will be due almost entirely to its perfwmers. ♦ • • The songs are of the malted milk variety, pleasant enough, hut lacking in tang. The dialogue — it IS all in dialogue, incidentally — serves its purpose, as it is simple, but that is about all tliat it is, and the story moves over its familiar paths with sufficient balance. TELEGRAM—* * * the kindest thing one can say about "The Rainbow Man" is that it is very, very naive. * • * The plot devel- ops as deliberately as an all-day sucker and as uneventfully. There is a terrible lot of talking and veiy little oi it to the point. • * • The story is backgrounded with minstrel- troupe atmosphere, but the picture is nearly all Eddie Dowling. TIMES^* * • an ingenuous stream of slow music and tears, with occasiinal inter- ludes of more or less effective comedy. • • * The conspicuous attraction in this venture is Marion Nixon, whose voice is soft and charming. WORLD — • • • Dowling's first audible film, a minstrel yam entitled "The Rainbow Man" * * * is a long way wide * * * Dowl- ing's personal performance is in every way promising of brilliant success in the talking and singing films. He will get you. Give him a story with a shaft of iron in it, a strain of the genuine stuff of life, a draft of the thing which you can believe. Then see him go. ReelPhone Non-Sydironous Sound Devm At a Popular Price for Every Theatre Owner To Install 50 tpZ79«— and Complete, Ready to Operate F. O. B. Hazelton, Pa. COMPAREWim OTHERS AND riNDMDirrERENCE 1 Webster 3-Stage Amplifier. 1 Racon Speaker 60x60x32 inches. 1 Walnut Table with the follow- ing: 2 Electric Turntables, 2 Webster Electric Pick' ups, Cue Sheet Holder, Lamp and the Scientific Control Board that makes it simple to operate. Save the Middleman's Profit and Buy Direct from the Manufacturer Write for More Particulars, Terms, Etc. STANDARD RADIO SALES CO. P. 0. Box 23 Reel-Phon€ Dept. W. HAZELTON, PENNA. Don't Buy Until You Look Over Our Line! DAILY Sunday, April 21, 1929 William Haines in "The Duke Steps Out" with Joan Crawford, Karl Dane (Synch ronized) M-G-M Length: Synch., 6236 ft. Silent, 6201 /(. GETS OVER NICELY AS FROTHY ENTERTAINMENT, WITH HAINES AS A MILLION- AIRE PUG DOING HIS SMART ALECK STUFF. FAIR RING BATTLE. Cemedy-drama of college life, with a prize ring angle. Director James Cruze made the most of a very frothy story, and with William Haines toned down on his smart aleck stuf? the offering registers neatly as one of the advance crop of light summer showings. Joan Crawford gets few opportunities to show the quaHty of work she did in "Dancing Daugh- ters" and she was not always photo- graphed to the best advantage. But it was Haines' picture and all the play was made to favor him. He takes the part of a professional fighter un- der the name of the "Duke" to con- ceal his identity as the son of a mil- lionaire. He meets Joan, a co-ed re- turning from a football game. So Haines enters her college, makes love in his original wise-crack style, wins the championship in 'Frisco, and so into a surprise climax. Cast: William Haines, Joan Crawford, Karl Dane, Tenen Holtz, Eddie Nugent. Jack Roper, Delmar Daves, Luke Cosgrave, Her- bert Prior. Director, James Cruze; Author, Lucian Cary ; Adaptors, Raymond Schrock, Dale Van Every; Scenarists, Raymond Schrock, Dale Van Every ; Editor, George Hively ; Titter, Joe Farnum ; Cameraman, Ira Morgan. "The Charlatan" with Holmes Herbert, Rockliffe Fel- lowes, Margaret Livingston (Part-Talker) Synch, 6506 ft. Universal Length: Silent, 5972 ft. STRONG MURDER MYSTERY WORKS UP A LOT OF SUS- PENSE AND HOLDS INTEREST EASILY. ONE OF THE BEST OF ITS CLASS. Murder mystery. Adapted from stage play. This one easily takes its place as a strong number that com- pares favorably with the best films of this type. Director George Melford has handled it expertly, built up some gripping suspense, and kept the ac- tion nicely paced throughout. The original play has been followed close- ly, and the plot is clever and keeps you guessing right to t^e final dis- closure. Holmes Herbert as the charlatan, who unravels the mys- tery, creates a fine characterization, and does a slick piece of makeup in impersonating the district attorney. Rockliffe Fellowes and Margaret Livingston lend splendid support, and the rest of the cast is commendable. Herbert as the district attorney un- covers the criminal in a very drama- tic manner. But the director takes the big credit for the dramatic de- velopment of a very original story. Cast: Holmes Herbert, Rockliffe Fellowes. .Margaret Livingston, Fred Jlackayc, Philo 'McCu Hough, Anita Garvin, Craufiird Kent, Rose Tapley, Dorothy Gould. Director, George Melford ; Authors, Ernest Pascal, Leonard Praskins; Adaptor, Robert N. Lee; Scenarist, J. G. Hawks; Dialoguer, Jack Rollins, Tom Reed; Editor, Robert Jahns; Titler, Tom Reed; Cameraman, George Robinson. "The Red Sword" with Marion Nixon, William Collier, Jr., Carmel Myers (Silent) FBO Length: 6243 ft. COLORFUL STORY OF RUS- SIA MAKES FAIR PROGRAM NUMBER WITH REVENGE THEME AND GOOD SUSPENSE. HARDLY A FAMILY PICTURE. Drama of Russia before the Revo- lution. The direction of Robert Vig- nola is the main attraction of this film. He has. worked in a lot of col- orful Russian atmosphere and has paced his action nicely till it reaches a strong climax. Carmel Myers does good work, first as the wife of the innkeeper who dies after being at tacked by a Russian officer of the czar, and then as the actress who be- friends the dead woman's daughter. The Cossack general is participating in a revel years later, when a gypsy forecasts his death within three days at the hands of an unknown woman. Meanwhile he has come to the inn, the scene of his crime, and the inn- keeper's daughter sets out to kill him. Works up to strong surprise climax and neat love story. Allan Roscoe as the general gives best performance. Carmel good as the innkeeper's wife. Attack scene too strong for kids to see. Cast: William Collier, Jr., Marion Nixon, Carmel Myers, Demetrios Alexis, Allan Ros- coe, Charles Darvas, Frankie Darro, Barbara Bozoky. Direotor, Robert Vignola; Author, S. E. V. Taylor ; Scenarist, Windom Gittens ; Editor, Ann McKnight ; Titler, Randolph Bartlett ; Cameraman, Nick Musuraca. "The Hole in the WaU" with Claudette Colbert, Edward G. Robinson (All-Talker) P-F-L Length: Sound, 5850 ft. No silent version RATES JUST FAIR PROGRAM. CONTINUITY IS RAGGED AND STORY DISJOINTED. GOOD CAST AND CAMERA EFFECTS. Mystery melodrama. Adapted from the stage play by Fred Jackson. Di- rector Robert Florey seemed more concerned with atmospheric camera effects than with a concise and clear development of the story. The pic- ture proved to be very jumpy in spots and some of the action is not prop- erly explained, thus probably confus- ing the minds of the average observ- er. Cbudette Colbert as the fake medium, and Edward G. Robinson as the chief crook are immense, their vocies register beautifully. In every way they are far superior to their vehicle and make it look better than it really is. The rest of the cast is also commendable. Story concerns a girl who becomes a fake medium to revenge herself on a woman who sent her to prison unjustly. The ac- tion takes place in a weird under- ground apartment with mysterious doors and sinister atmosphere. Cast: Claudette Colbert Edward G. Robin- son, Nelly Savage, Donald Meek, Alan Brooks, Louise Closser Hale, Katherine Emmet, Mar- cia Kagno, Barry MacoUum, George McQuar- rie, Helen Crane. Director, Robert Florey ; Author, Fred Jackson; Adaptor, Pierre Collings ; Scenarist, the same; Dialoguer, the same; Editor, Mor- ton Blumenstock; Titler, Fred Jackson; Cam* eraman, George Folsey. Tom Mix in "Big Diamond Robbery" (Silent) FBO Length: 6079 ft. A FAIR WESTERN, WITH TOM MIX DOING SOME GOOD STUNTS IN A RATHER FAR- FETCHED STORY. ACTION STUFF GETS IT BY. Director Eugene Ford made the best of a rather indifferent story and succeeds in holding the interest and pepping it up with some good action shots. Mix as foreman of the ranch visits the owner in fhe East, and bumps into a plot to steal a famous diamond that the boss has given to his daughter. Tom's rival for the girl's interest is at the head of the gang, but only the audience is let in on the secret. Tom succeeds in recovering the jewel, and escaping from the gang's hideout. Arriving at the ranch, with the girl, Tom has the boys stage an Indian attack while he holds up the stage as the masked bandit, in order to satisfy the girl's craving for excitement. The big scene is the attempt of the gang to recover the diamond and fasten the guilt on Tom. But he turns the tables in a whirlwind finish fight. Cast: Tom Mix, Kathryn McGuire, Frank Beal, Martha Mattox, Ernest Hilliard, Barney Fury, and Ethan Laidaw. Director, Eugene Ford ; Author, the same ; Scenarist, John Stuart Twist ; Editor, Henry Webber; Titler, Randolph Battlett; Camera- man, Norman Davol. Ted Wells in '"The Border Wildcat" with Kathryn McGuire (Silent) Universal Length: 4259 ft. NICE NUMBER PEPPED UP WITH LOTS OF THRILLS WITH TED WELLS DOING PLENTY OF STUNT RIDING AND FIGHTING. Western. Director Ray Taylor handles the usual formula material with some originality, and manages to give a new slant to some of the old true and tried western situa- tions. Wells is always dependaljle for some heavy action stuff, and does not disappoint in this one. As the sheriff, he is out to close up a gambl- ing joint run by Tom London, who is selling bootleg. The job is made tough for Ted by the fact that his girl's father is mixed up with the gang through an obligation, and they use him as a tool. Several good fight and chase sequences occur, and then suspense is injected when the sheriff captures a truck of rum to find the girl's father has been forced to drive it. Then the old man shoots the heavy for cheating at cards, and after some fast work and fighting, Wells suc- ceeds in cleaning up the gang. Will please the fans. Cast: Ted Wells, Kathryn McGuire, Tom London, William Malon. Director, Ray Taylor; Authors, Carl Kru- sada, Vin Moore; Scenarists, the same; Editor, Gene Hadlick; Titler, Val Cleveland; Cameraman, Joseph Brotherton, "Prisoners of the Sea" (Silent) Amklno Length: 7000 ft. RUSSIAN FILM MADE AS SISTER PICTURE TO "POTEM- KIN" IS WEAK OFFERING WITH ONLY A SUBMARINE SEQUENCE WORTH WHILE. This shapes up as a mediocre offer- ing that has such poor continuity that the story interest, which is very slight at best, becomes lost in the footage. It looks like propaganda for the Rus- sian navy, for it contains innumerable shots of the ships and crews engaged in various activities. It takes a long time for the story to get going, in- volves a sailor who has been double crossed by another, and gradually works into the one good sequence of the film. This shows the sinking of a submarine. The shots of the men in the submerged craft are well done, and the acting very commendable. The camera work in this sequence is the best part of the picture, but what precedes and follows it makes it a rather aimless effort. The players are quite competent, although none of them is listed by name on the film. It holds little entertainment for American audiences. Here is a film that with a little intelligent build- ing of the story could have been made into real entertainment, for all the ingredients are there, and the submarine sequence would have put it over strong for a smash climax. Cast : Russian players, mostly sailors. Director, M. Werner; Author, S. A. Yer- molinsky ; Scenario, the same ; Editor, not listed; Titler, Shelley Hamilton; Cameraman, Edward Flavinski, "Tommy Atkins" with Walter Byron (Silent) World Wide Length : 6803 ft. NICE NUMBER FOR THE SMALLER HOUSES, CARRYING GOOD ATMOSPHERE OF THE BRITISH SOUDAN AND FIGHTS BETWEEN BRITISH AND ARABS. This is an imported film, which was produced by British Internation- al in Egypt and England, the fight- ing scenes having been made with the cooperation of the British Army Council. Actual British regiments are employed, so that the military stuff is good and carries a real kick. The story is typically British, and is too inyolvcd. It concerns the son of a British captain killed in the Sou- dan with his garrison. The son is brought to England, and the boy is swindled out of an earldom by an uncle who substitutes another boy as the heir. Then in later years it works out into a love theme, with both boys loving the same girl, and the climax coming with both young men in the army in Egypt fighting side by side as friends. Winds up in a spectacular fight with tribesmen, with the bogus earl confessing to his friend, and the latter returning to claim the girl. Nice entertainment. Cast: All-English, Walter Byron, Jerrold Robertshaw, Lillian Hall-Davis, Henry Vic- tor, Shayle Gardner, Alfred Leonard, Pat Courtney, Leslie Thompson. Director, Norman Walker; Authors, Ben Landeck, Arthur Shirley, from stage play; Scenarist, Not listed: Editor, El'iott Stan- nard ; Titler, Not listed ; Cameraman, Not Ksted. Sunday, April 21. 1929 DAILV Alice White in "Hot Stuff" (Part-Talker) Fir.tt S'at'l Liiujth: Soiiud. 6725 ft. Sih'ut, OXil ft. FROTHY INCONSEQUENTIAL COLLEGE LIFE YARN SUITA- BLE FOR FLAPPER CONSUMP- TION. NOT AS HOT AS ITS TITLE. Comedy, witli a very slight dash of drama thrown in. Based on "Bluf- fers," magazine story by Robert S. Carr. Alice White gets a hotsy totsy rule that takes her from disliing out gas at service station to college, via cash which auntie receives as an ac- cident settlement. Parties and par- ties follow. Alice tries to live up to the hot stuff reputation which has been fastened on her and almost rides into a jam with William Bakewell when both take shelter from a storm in a deserted cabin. Bakewell, in his wisdom, knows Alice is playing a part and finally weakens the posture long enough for her to accept his frat pin. The demands on Miss White are never heavy; she fills them. Bakewell, nondescript as the lead. Louise Fazenda is clever in a comedy character role, but is made to put it on pretty thickly. Dialogue sequences, very average. \,a-i : Alice White, Louise Fazenda, Wil- Laiii Itaivewcll, Doiis Uawison, lien Hall, Charles Sellon, Uuddy Messinger, Andy lie- vine, Larry Banthini. i^uecior. Aier\yn l,t Koy, Author, Robert S. Ca:r; Scenario, Louis Stevens; Editor, Le Uoy Sto'c: Diaopuer. Hi mplirev Pearson; it!er. Not listed; Cameraman, Sid Hickox. "Krassin (The Rescue Ship)" (Silent) Amkiiio Length: 6000 ft. OFFICIAL RUSSIAN FILM OF EXPEDITION THAT SAVED NOBILE'S CREW OF ITALIA MAKES REAL ENTERTAIN- MENT. This is the official motion picture of the Russian expedition that saved Nobile's crew of the Italia, and it is so complete and well constructed that it forms a very dramatic tale carrying a big entertainment punch. In fact, it ranks easily among the best of the Arctic films yet produced. The photography throughout is su- perior, with original camera angles that are so characteristic of the Rus- sian technique. The film covers the initial efforts of the icebreakers "Per- seus" and "Malyghin" to reach the stranded men, and when they failed the successful efforts of the "Kras- sin." The innumerable shots of the gigantic icebreaker crashing through ice ten feet thick is a thrill in itself. Then the unlimbering of a giant tri- motored Fokker plane from the "Krassin" when the ice finally closed around her. The final rescue scenes are very dramatic. Real program number carrying punch and realism. Cast: Russian sailors forming the crews of the three rescue shios, along with the scientists and official obser\ers. Editorial Supervisor, Vilhjalmur Stefanson, the Arctic explorer ; Titler, Shelley Hamil- ton. The cameramen on board the three rescue ships really made this picture. They are Ignati Valentey, Wilhelm Bluvstein, Eu- gene Borgorov. A DIRBCT NEWS SBKVICB COVERING DEVELOPMENTS IN AMERICA'S IMPORTANT OVERSEAS MARKETS Foreign Markets FILM DAILY CORRESPON- DENTS IN WORLD CAPITALS FLASH OVERSEAS NEWS BY RADIO AND CABLE — fly JAMBS P. CUNNINGHAU — BRITISH INTERN! STARTS E By LliSESr »'. FRliUMAS Editor, "The Daily Film Renter" London — British Internat'onal has completed sound studios at Elstree and shooting is now under way. The first film is "The Blackmailer." Var- ious experimental tests are also being carried out in preparation for fur- ther work in sound. « * • Interchangeability Issue Near Settlement in U.K. An agreement is likely to be reach- ed between Federated British Indus- tries and Western Electric over the question of interchangeability. A good deal of correspondence has taken place between the two groups, the upshot of which is that W. E. have been induced to agree that they have no objection to their films be- ing reproduced upon any apparatus providing it operates "properly, re- liably and etticiently." The whole point now to determine is what con- stitutes in the opinion of the W. E. a system which would meet these re- quirements. In this respect the trade view is that there is likely to be a great difference of opinion. * ♦ * English Trade Shows Veer Toward Pictures in Sound Several trade shows are shortly to be announced of films which will be ipresented with "sound" orchestral accompaniments. The first is "The Wrecker." a screen adaptation of a railroad play of that name. The second is "Balaclava" in which there will be a number of military effects. A tie-up has also been completed be- tween Gainsborough and Fellner and Sonilo of Berlin by which sound films will be produced in conjunction with that organization. The first is "Bride No. 68," a story of Austra- lia in the '90s featuring Conrad Veidt, Elga Brink and Clifford McLaglen. The picture will be directed by Car- mine Gallone. ♦ » * Gainsborough Revamping Studios for Sound Use British talkie preparations are go- ■ng ahead. The latest company, as noted, to switch over is Gainsbor- ough. Future activities will be con- fined to synchronized and talking features, and to meet these require- ments the company's studios are be- ing rapidly converted. Gainsborough has in prospect an all-talker directed by Denison Clift, while negotiations are on to send a unit to America in order to make a full dialogue feature there. Overseas Trade Papers International, a reciprocal news arrangement in which th s publication par- ticipates, brings sp>ot news of all important foreign develop- ments to the readers of THE FILM DAILY as rapidly as news-gathering facil.ties per- mit. Trade Papers International is represented in London by Ernest W. Fredman, editor of "The DaUy Film Renter"; in Berlin by Karl Wolffsohn, edi- tor of "Lichtbildbuehne," and in Paris by P. A. Harle, editor of "La Cinematographic Fran- caise." National of Berlin Now in Control of Warners By KAJria Cable Addreu: DEEJAY. Loodoa Cablr Addruf: RICHPIC. N. Y. Exporting only tlie best in Motion Pictures 10 — .gBg^ PAILV Sunday, April 21, 1929 PRODUCTION IN THE EAST WHO'S WHO AND WHAT'S WHAT IN GREATER NEW YORK STUDIOS EASTERN PRODUCTION NOW AT RECORD PEAK Never since the inception of pic- ture business has there been such an amount of short subject production in the East as at the present time. Concentration of this work is due entirely to the advent of the talking or synchronized picture. Every unit working in New York and environs is making sound pictures, with not a single company producing all-silent films here. At least 11 studios are in operation. These are Paramount, M-G-M, Vita- phone, Sound, De Forest, RCA's Gramercy, Power's Cinephone, Rec- ording Laboratory of America, Met- ropolitan, Victor and Stanley. Two more will soon be used by producing units, these studios being the Chro- motone and American Sound studios. The former is the old Vocafilm plant at 122 Fifth Ave. and the latter is the old Tilford studio on West 44th St. Webb Is Again Directing; Making Talker For Pathe Kenneth Webb, who has been con- cerned with the theater the past few years, has returned to direction in connection with"My Lady's Man," Pathe talking feature which has just gone into production at Sound Stu- dios. Bradley Barker, who directed "Mother's Boy" for Pathe, is pro- duction manager, and James Seymour is supervising dialogue. Betty Law- ford, who makes her screen debut in "Gentlemen of the Press," plays op- posite the star, Morton Downey. Co- lin Keith-Johnston, current in the stage play, "Journey's End" plays the heavy. Meyer Starting Synchronizing Abe Meyer next week starts syn- chronizing "New Orleans," the first of seven Tiffany-Stahl features to be so handled under his supervision. Cast of this dialogue feature includes Buster Collier, Jr., Ricardo Cortez and Alma Bennett. "Pals Forever" has been written by Hugo Riesen- feld, John Raphael and Ted Shapiro as the theme song. Meyer will fin- ish synchronizing "My Lady's Past" for Tiffany-Stahl late this week. Some of the seven pictures will be synchronized here, while others will receive this treatment at the Coast. Brendel In Vitaphone Talker Ed Brendel will return to the screen in a talking short which has just been made at the Vitaphone stu- dio in Brooklyn under direction of Bryan Foy. Assisting Brendel, is Flo Bert, his partner and E. Fred- erick Hawley. Short Shots from Eastern Studios '.By ARTHUR W. BODY \ WHEN Walter Huston, who is the talk of the Paramount studio, finishes his work in "The Lady Lies," he's going to the Coast to star for Paramount in a talker version of his stage success, "Elmer the Great." Kay Francis, who appeared with him in the show and now is at the Coast via a Paramount contract, will prob- ably work in the opus. Olive Shea, the attractive miss with the personality who won a jyi'ize for beauty and costume at the Ampas' frolic a few weeks back, has been signed by Paramount for "Glorifying the American Girl." She plays the role next in impor- ayice to Mary Eaton. Miss Shea \wo.rked in "Booklovers," and, tA B'lorida Nightmare," two Paramount shorts. Writing of this glorifying picture, Dan Healy and Edward Crandall have been engaged for important parts. Production starts Monday under direction of Millard Webb. Bobby Folsom, musical comedy and vaudeville illuminary, has com- pleted a talking short a la Vitaphone which Bryan Foy directed. She made her initial Broadway appearance in "Make It Snappy" with Eddie Can- tor and later appeared for three years in Earl Carroll's "Vanities." Aleta Edwards, who has done considerable work in studios in New York and thereabouts, is appearing in the stage "Sea Gull" at the Com- edy theater. Numerous picture peo- ple remember her efforts in "The Vagabond King." Murray Roth, who works with both a typewriter and megaphone, recent- ly directed Bur Harris and Frank Radcliffe, colored comedians, in a Vitaphone short. Another example of Roth's direction will be found in 'The Family Ford," comedy sketch with Hope Eden, Marie Dolan, Joe Kavanagh and Harry Lester, made at the Brooklyn plant the other day. When there is any "no casting to- day" to be said at RCA's Gramercy studio, it's Elizabeth North who says it. She is the casting director at this plant. Charles Giegerich, whose typewrit- ter knows much about writing for the picture business, has done a screen adaptation of "The Criminal Ghost," which Artclass will produce. Elliott Lester, playwright has joined the Fox staff of writers. He ivill write the dialogue to "Our Daily Bread" recently completed by F. W. Murnau, director. The picture is taken from Lester's original story, "The Mud Turtle." He is also put- ting the dialogue to "Frozen Jus- tice" based on Mikkelson's novel, which will go into production soon. Lester has written numerous plays among which are, "Take My Advice." "The Star Muk^r" his most recent, will be staged in New York in Sep- tember, by Jones and Green. Joe Knecht, very much associated with the Silvertown Cord orchestra, got an earful and an eyeful of ac- tivities at the Paramount Astoria studio the other afternoon as guest of Sam Rosen, assistant to Frank Tours, musical director. Rosen, by the way, is becoming master of cere- monies at the Patio, Brooklyn, and installing a 16-piece orchestra there, supplementing his studio work. Charles Ruggles, who is telling New York and environs that "Spring Is Here" via that musical show, is playing an important role in "The Lady Lies," which Hobart Henley has started at Paramount. In "Gen- tlemen of the Press" Ruggles does a news-detector who has been visiting alcoholic places and doing alcoholic things. Wilfred Rothschild is doing manu- script-inspection work for the Para- mount short subject department searching for material suitable for filming and microphoning. Emily Newman is providing secretarial as- sistance. New sound stages will soo7i be available at the Gramercy Studios of RCA, East 24th St. The new studio, adjacent to the present plant, ivill occupy two stories and measures 75 X 40. The addition ivill include the RCA Photophone music depart- ment, cutting room, electrical depart- ment, dressing and camera rooms. RELEASED THIS WEEK "The Try-out" Sound and talking short ALDEN MOTION PICTURE CORP. 220 West 42(1 Street New York City M-G-M'SEASrtRN SHORTS NOW TOTALl 17 SUBJECTS M-G-M has made 117 shorts in the East since the resumption of pro- duction here last Fall. Of this total 37 were made at the Fox plant on 10th Ave. prior to the opening of the old Cosmopolitan studio, now M-G- M's eastern studio. These pictures are being released in series of 26. The fourth group will be released about July 1. Monday the Happiness Boys are scheduled to work in another subject under direction of Nick Grinde. The Revelers, Van and Schenck and the Happiness Boys, considered best sellers on the M-G-M short pro- gram, were directed by Grinde at the eastern plant. Another subject scheduled for next week is Charles Irwin's revue, with Alice Weaver in- cluded in the cast. Paramount Makes Another Starring James Barton Under supervision of Larry Kent the Paramount short subject depart- ment is completing another subject starring James Barton. S. J. Kauf- man is directing. Barton wrote the short in collaboration with William Lemuel, who also works in the pic- ture. Thursday Tito Schipa, opera- tic tenor, made a short. "Glorifying the American Girl" is scheduled to go into production this coming week under direction of Mil- lard Webb. George Folsey will prob- ably photograph the picture, an all- talker, and Ralph Austrian will have charge of sound. Noifir Delivering! Sound on film and disc devices. Traveltone Sales Corp. 729 Sevenlh Aye. Tel. BRYant 2690 "THEME SONG CHARLIE" WEINBERG Writer of "ONLY FOR YOU" theme song of "The Leatherneck" Pathe picture current at Cameo. N. Y. THE Sunday, April 21. 1929 -s^m DAILY 11 Theater Equipment fly CHARLES F. HYNES Theater Lighting to be Feature NWN TUBE LIGHTING IS of Permanent Display in N. Y.i ADOPTED BY FLEXLUME Theater liKliting — including high tensity and mobile color demonstra- tions, sign lighting, flood ligliting, color and atmospheric I'ghting of the auditorium walls and ceiling, stage and proscenium lighting — will be among features of tiie Westing- house Lighting Institute to i)e open- ed at the Grand Central Palace, New York, late in May. This permanent institute for the advancement of the art of modern lighting will be conducted under the auspices of the Westingiiouse Lamp Co. The opening of the institute will be coincident with the opening of the convention of the National Electric Light Ass'n in Atlantic City and the inauguration of Light's Golden Jubi- lee. The mark of differentiation of this insti- tute of applied lighting from that of an ordi- nary exhibit is that it is a permanent institu- tion that will be an ever-changing demonstra- tion of modem practices of artificial illumi- nation. Likewise the changing conditions that may l>e observed as time progresses will be the re- sult, not only of the work of the founders, but of the profession of lighting engineers throughout the country. It is a permanent experimental laboratory open to scientists, engineers, architects, designers and all others of every branch of industry seeking the so- lution of lighting problems. In this in'^titute, the industrial engineer may present his plans for the ereaion of a manufacturing nlant. receive advice, and check his own lighting specifications, verify- ing his calculations by actual measurement and observation. Here the architect may study and visualize throuwh scaled models the floodlighting of prospective buildings and monuments. It will !«; a meeting place for students of technical schools and colleges, lighting engineers from the public utilities, designers of lighting fixtures, editors of technical and business magazines, merchan- ilising managers of central stations, and «I>tU Clean Up Nozv This is the time of year to clean-up and paint-up your theater. Spring housecleaning will do much to boost business, and prepare you for the annual fight against summer. Extend the process to every part of your theater, making sure that equip- ment is in first class shape. Re- place old equipment your the- ater has outgrown, it pays. ORCHESTROPE USED FOR LOBBY AND OUT FRONT Huntington. Ind. — Capehart Auto- matic Orcliestrope, commercial mod- el, now is being used as a lobby en- tertainer in a number of theaters, and in some instances with loud speakers out front, to attract passers- by. The instrument plays 28 rec- ords on both sides, changing and turning them automatically, making a total of 56 selections without repe- tition or attention. The Orchestrope is housed in a walnut cabinet w'ith inlays and overlays of marquetry and Vermillion woods. The park or auditorium model is equipped with a twin dynamic auxiliary speaker. Stunt Boosts Des Moines Theaters Pop Corn Machine Des Moines — Pop corn nights arc being featured by Park Robuck of the Ideal here, to sell the pop corn machine which is a part of his equip- ment and revenue. On these nights purchase of a bag of pop corn en- titles a patron to a free admission. This boosts his National Peerless machine and side sales during the re- mainder of the week. National Sales Manufactufing Co. markets a spe- cial theater pop corn machine, through National Theater Supply Co. Sirocco Canadian Firm Formed Windsor, Ont. — Canadian Sirocco Co., Ltd., has been organized under a Canadian government charter with a capital of $50,000 for the purpose of manufacturing theater ventilators and other equipment in the Domin- ion. Buffalo — Neon tube lighting has been added to the Fiexlume line. Tlu- signs are built complete in the plant of the Fiexlume Corp., here. The company claims to have devel- Dped revolutionary electrodes based on a new principle. Electric connec- tions are automatic, high voltage wires not touched and terminals weatherproof, the company declares. Designs include illumination with exposed lamps, neon tubes, glass letters and combinations of these ef- fects. The signs also are furnished with interchangeable glass letters. Company Incorporated to Stage Equipment Exhibit Chicago — American Theater Ex- pos tion Corp., has been organized to hold expositions and exhibitions of vaudeville and theatrical equipment etc. The company is to stage the equipment exposition scheduled here June 1 to 9. Incorporators are: Tohn J. McManus, G. W. Pearson, Mar- garet Ncwl)old and Charles Pierce. The affair is being promoted by W. G. Newbold. Corozone Co. Formed To Handle Ozone Device Corozone Co. has been formed to distribute Corozone, device for de- odorizing theaters, etc. The firm is handling the product in Greater New- York, New Jersey north of Trenton, Long Island and Westchester County. Coroz.one is in a case measuring 5x4x8 inches. It is electrically op- erated by plugging into any AC light socket and turning on the switch. An electric pack, with the aid of ordinary electric current, turns part of the air in the room or audi- torium into ozone. Emergency Lighting Unit Added to National Line Chicago — National Theater .Supply Co. has added the Enslen hydro- electric emergency lighting unit to its line. The unit is a low^ pressure water wheel driven electric genera- tor which automatically cuts into service, when outside current fails. Typhoon Fans for South Africa Max Schlesinger has purchased from Typhoon Fan Co., New York, three 12-foot, four 4-foot and four .3-foot fans, with a capacity of 500,- 000 cubic feet of air per minute for the Alhambra, Cape Town, South Africa. TALKING SHOP Talker Development Causes Revolutionary Ventilating Changes— Help the S.M.P.E. INSTALLATION of sound equip- ment in theaters throughout the country has brought about sweeping changes in the field of theater cool- ing and vent'lations. Sound houses require quiet operation of fans and other methods of cooling, so that many houses are finding that they must itistall new ventilating equip- ment to make their sound picture showings successful. This has resulted in the bringing out of a number of new model cool- ing systems by leaders in the field. These new models represent consid- erable improvement over old systems, and indicate that the cooling and ventilat'ng field is prepared to do its bit in keeping pace with equipment progress. If you are wiring your house or contemplate doing so, make a care- ful study of your cooling and ventilat- ing system. Call in an expert, all the various companies have them, and have him study your individual prob- lem. Such a course will save you considerable grief and expense later on. AN event which promises to be the year's most important in the equipment field is the spring meet- ing of the Society of M. P. Engi- neers, to be held in New York May 6 to 9. The society's long record of achievement, and the thoroughness with which it attacks and solves the technical problems at hand, give promise and assurance that there will be itnportant developments at the forthcoming meet'ng. Every co-op- eration should be extended this worthwhile organization by industry leaders. REPORTS from the Middle West indicate that considerable inter- est is being aroused by the equip- ment exposition to be held at Chi- cago June 1 to 9. The affair, whxh is being promoted by an exposition concern, is the first attempt at a national equipment exposition, ex- cept those held in conjunction with various exhibitor conventions. As these latter have been none too suc- cessful, the industry is interested in seeing just what can be accomplish- ed by stag'ng an affair of the kind, without any exhibitor or other offi- cial hook-up. Upon the outcome, will depend future equipment expo- sitions in the industry. THE 12 iS^an DAILY Sunday, April 21, 1929 Short Subjects Janet Adair in "Here Comes the Bridesmaid" Vitaphone No. 2829 Gets Over Type of production Songs and chatter Opens with a bridal part)' coming from a church, with Miss Adair trail- ing beh'nd as a bridesmaid. She sings a wheeze about always being selected as a bridesmaid but never getting a chance as a bride. She follows this with a number about the men she usually lands and all about their weaknesses. She finishes with a col- ored mammy song, with plenty of ginger. Screens nicely, her voice is pleasing, with personality to spare. Time, 9 mins. Bobby Gillette, Doris Walker Vitaphone No. 2838 Fan- Type of production. .. .Instrumental and song Bobby Gillette appears with his banjo, and does the average work without creating any particular im- pression. He does his turn alone, as does the girl, who develops a sweet voice and gets a light number over with a lot of personality. An unusual camera effect shows only her face and shoulders. Miss Walker's work makes the film a fair ofifering. Time, 7 mins. Green's Twentieth Century Faydettes Vitaphone No. 710 Flat Type of production Flapper Orchestra Billed as a flapper orchestra, they fell down hard on the pep stuff, and as musicians rated very ordinary. The girls were lined up on steps. with their leader in black male at- tire contrasting with their white dresses. The background was also light, so that the effect was blurred and indistinct. The girls played a Herbert selection ind fferently then three of them soloed in a flat num- ber, then the full band concluded with a jazz selection. Time, 9 mins. No Comment by Dept. on Credit Complaint (Continued from Page 1) activities and officials Friday de- clined to discuss the matter. It long has been a subject of com- plaint with high officials of the de- partment that despite the regula- tions against giving out any infor- mation, there have been steady leaks and, it is indicated that restrictions upon publicity will be drawn tighter than they ever have been in the past. Industry Responsibility Realized, Milliken Says (Continued from Page 1) Governor Milliken declared, in al- luding to the attacks made upon the film by atheists, "and the fact that we have no state religion does not mean that a deep-seated reverence for the Deity is not instinct in the fiber of our people." Continued cooperation with the D. A.R. and other organizations work- ng upon constructive lines for the betterment of motion pictures was promised by the speaker on behalf of the Hays organization. Talkafilm, Dual System, Now Ready for Market Mount Vernon, Ind. — Talkafilm, synchronous device which reproduces both sound-on-disc and sound-on- film. is announced as ready for the market by the Phototone Co., sub- sidiary of the Platter Cabinet Co. The firm heretofore has been market- ing Phototone, d'sc reproducer. Ship- ments of Talkafilm are to start in May. The company maintains offices in key cities. Traveltalks Film Completed James A. FitzPatrick has com- pleted at Camden, N. J., "About Spain, from Barcelona to Valencia " the first of the series of Traveltalks he is making. Traveltalks are talk- ing scenics, being recorded by Vic- tor. Wood at Paris Texas Paris, Tex.— C. L. Wood has suc- ceeded Milton Overman as manager of the local Dent Theaters. Over- man has been transferred to Abilene as city manager. Very Valuable Information I shall continue to use the Film Daily Year Book as my guide for the very valuable in- formation which it yields. JOE BRANDT FREE to Film Daily Subscribers Subscription $10.00 Foreign $15.00 "Legit" Must Meet New Situation, Woods Warns (Continued from Paye 1) persons would be adequate, but with the in- creased popularity of pictures and talkies they are building them to seat from 4,000 to 5,000. "On the other hand, the legitimate pro- ducer has had to remain in theaters seating between 900 and 1,200 persons. Consequently, he has had to keep his prices of admission where he can make a profit. * * * Now, if Mr. Erlanger and the Messrs. Shubert don't wake up, the picture people are going to turn those 1,800 to 2,500 seat theaters, for which they have no further use, into a new circuit for stage shows, and if they do that the Iiresent Erlanger and Shubert circuits will be wiped out, because the producer will use the theaters where he can scale his prices to compete with the talkies." Geo. White Not Planning to Enter Talking Firm George White denies he plans to enter the talking picture combine planned by eight other Broadway legitimate producers. Arthur Ham- merstein, leader in the movement, had announced that White was one of the group, having asked to be "counted in" on the deal. Sells Cleveland House Cleveland — L. Korobov has sold the Manhattan to Sam Farber. Koro- bov will remain as manager of the house. Week's Headlines Monday Twenty companies plan 504 talkers, 360 of which will be made in silent form and 43 films assilents only, survey by THE FILM D.AILV shows; five companies' plans not avai'able. Retaliation hinted by U. S. governnicnt on film restrictions abroad. Tuesday I'ublix extending all-film policy in South- eastern theaters. Dept. of Justice suit for injunction against West Coast Theaters in clearance case held up due to grand jury investigation of com- pany and distributors for alleged "freeze- out" of independent exhibitors. Wednesday Exhibitors should wire houses quickly, Penn- sylvania convention concludes. Paramount domestic and foreign business shows gain. Thursday .N'ational drive Federal censorship secretary under way. Color and sound on single film reported achieved by Technicolor engineers. Tohn S. Woody dies in New York. Friday lOperating deal reported on between Publix and Warners. Building race on in Oklahoma between Grif- fith and Momand chains. Saturday Credit system in industry again under fire as Momand Theaters, charge Oklahoma City Film Board of Trade and Hays organiza- tion with conspiracy to cut off service. ^^^ Vrovedl In the research lahoratory and in the stndios EASTMAN Keprotove NEGATIVE A film that perforins with notable success its specific function of reproducing SOUND T AHIS special film, tested by scientific methods that would detect even inaudible defects, is now in use in the studios. Giving sound reproduction faithful and pleasing to a degree hitherto unknown, it has proved it- self a distinct step forward in the sound art. EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY ROCHESTER, N.Y. ^^J 'Tm a Wild, Wild Woman' I In ^zzy, whizzy whirl of rampant youth! Youth has its ^ ii ., ..^ and what it flings! A gilded flapper tries every- ^ thing — once, hut pays the' price of her folly in the wildest party of all ^ #* y '■KA4 V •■l-d&S- it l\ WILLIAM FOX presents GONE with SUE CAROL-NICK STUART William Russell — ^Hedda Hopper Roy D'Arcy- Lew Seller Production! Webster says ^^wiW means: "impatient of restraint or regulation; eager, as with desire or anticipation." Webster would turn in his grave if he saw this [fp^ i Intern. Proj 72 70 72 *I^ew do deb. rts 291/2 •Nat. Scr. Ser 23 Nat. Thca. .Sup. .. 12i4 12'/} I214 Trans-Lux 15^4 15'A IS'A Tniv. Pict 26% *do pfd 2 BOND MARKET ♦Keith AG 6s 46 93 Loew bs 41ww 1125^ 1125^ II25I do 6s 41 x-war.. 99J4 99'/} 99^ Paramount 6s 47.. 99J^ 99 99 Par. By. S'/isSl . . 101 1^ lOlJ^ lOl'A •Pathe 7s37 79 CURB BONDS Am. Seat 6s 36.. 92^ 92^ 92'4 ♦Warner 6As 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 2'9 31 do units 33 36 .... do cf m 4 5 .... S!:ouia3 Bros. ..40 45 .... ♦Technicolor 46 y> .... United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 liniv. Ch. com. . . 2 do pfd 75 85 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED 200 400 700 'ioo 200 200 200 800 100 100 3,200 5,000 4', 166 ,S00 100 100 'ioo '266 100 100 22 Levine Goes tD Ccast Nat Levine left New York Sun day for the Coast where he is to re- sume serial production at Tec--\r; studio. AVAILABLE MAY 1st H. Nonnenbacher Cinematographer, Photo Chem- ist, Laboratory Expert (17 Years 7citli Buifiiapli Co.) 674 - 49 St. Brooklyn, N. Y. James A. FitzPatrick's "TRAVELTALKS" (I The Talk of the World'' Radin Sells 3 F. Warners to W. and F. for England Three Franklyn Warner features and a series of 12 two reelers in sound, all to be produced, have been sold to W. and F. Film Service for England, according to Matty Radin who returned late last week from London. He states the cash advance on each of the features rates among the heaviest ever received from a British distributor for American pic- tures. Grauman to Sell Chinese? Sid Grauman admits reports are true that Publix and another com- pany believed to be the Fox organi- zation are bidding for the purchase of the Chinese. Baclanova Wins Suit Judge Hazlett has handed down a decision in favor of Baclanova who sought to break her contract with Al Rosen as her agent, the justice ruling that Rosen did not have a state employment agency license at the time he became her agent. Made Eastern Representative Radie Harris, formerly of the "New York Morning Telegraph," has been appointed eastern represen- tative for "Hollywood I'ilmograph." Close Madison House Madison, Wis. — The Majestic, 22 vear old house, has been closed. The Industry's Date Book May S- 11 Miay 6 May 6-7 May 6-9 May 20 June 1-9 Opening of "Madame X" at tfa« Harris, New York. Annual meeting of Quebec Nchib- itor unit, Montreal. Opening of "BuUdog Drumtaond" at the Apollo, New York. National Music Week. Opening of "Mother's Boy" at Cohan, New York. Convention of Texas exhibitor unit, Dallas. Spring meeting of Society of M.P. Engineers in New York. Annual Convention of American Federation of Musicians at Den- ver. American Theater Equipment Ek- position and Exhibitors Institute at Chicago. SEE THEM ! — And Convince Yourself ' lerspf The more I see them, the better I like them, and it seems that they have the same effect on our audi- ence, FOUNTAIN SQ. THEATRE Gouldcn Theatres Corp. TWO OLD FIRMS NOW A BIGGER NEW ONE! SAVOY PRINTING & PUBLISHING CO. of 729 Seventh Avenue and REELAND PUBLISHING COMPANY of 630 Ninth Avenue HAVE JUST CONSOLIDATED TO CONTINUE THEIR UNEXCELLED SERVICE TO THEATRES IN A BIGGER WAY Under the new Firm Name of SAVOY-REELAND PRINTING CORP. under personal management of JACK COHEN and LOUIS G. WILSON with headquarters at FILM CENTER BUILDING, 630 Ninth Avenue, 44th to 45th St., New York, N. Y., Suite 412. Please Use Phone, Pennsylvania 3960-1-2 ALL PUBLICITY NEEDS FROM A THROWAWAY TO A 24 SHEET in type, block and lithography. RECEPTION AND OPEN HOUSE— Monday and Tues- day, April 29th and 30th at our new quarters. ALL EXHIBITORS and ALL CONNECTED with the Motion Picture Industry are most cordially invited. 50,000 square feet of floor space with the most modern machinery and equipment. PAGETOl ©F theTIIMS [3IARIES hrings dramatic genius and incomparable showmanship to RADIO PICTURES SIGNS WMITEM OF SMASH STAGE HITS Charles MacArthur keeps pace with Ben Hecht in race for years writing laurels. TOGETMEM THEY WROTE **FROHT 99 M THE WRITING TE GREATEST PLAY- OF THE GENER- HAS THEM BOTH! M?5\rthur, like Hecht, has an unfailing "feel" of BOX-OFFICE VALUES. His Belasco success "Lulu Belle*' was a master- stroke of showmanly writing. His con- tribution to "Front Page" was no less vital than Hecht's ! Mr. MacArthur is at work on **GOLD COAST'* (a Story of Chicago) FIRST, LAST AND ALL THE TIME I '•THE PLAY'S THE THIMG*' and RADIO'S Master Showmen are Prepared to Prove Itl • PICTURES ^ THE Monday, AprU 22. 1929 ■^^ DAttjy —AND THA TS THAT By PHIL M. DALY ' "PIIIL RKISMAN, sales manager r of Pathe. has closed a deal with Pubhx to play Patlic Sound News over its entire chain for the next year. Will wonders in this here fil- iuni business never cease? Here wc have the Rooster and the Katz play- ing together. INTERVIEWS (Aiiolplt /.ukor) "Is it true. A. Z.. that Paramount is --" "No, Phil. Positively no!" "Can we publish your statement?" "Absolutely." (It must be a gift, the way we get these big men to open up and give us these sensational and exclu- sive stories.) Launcfiing the Yips "Would you call Lon Clianey's the face that launched a thousand quips?" Mike Simmons sneezes. Now that this epidemic has been launched by Mike, some bozo will probably wheeze: "Ziegfeld — the face that launched a thousand pips." Or some jealous rival producer will send us: "Lewis Selznick — • the face that launched a thousand slips." In other words, this scintillating colyum has now been reduced to the common level of those appearing in the tabs and other dailies. INNOVATIONS Joe Fliesler, manager of that arty 56th St. Playhouse, ran his own reel consisting of nothing but titles. Why not go still fur- ther, Joe, and run an entirely blank r e el ? At the "Rendezvous for Smart New York- ers" they should be smart enough to imagine their own pictures. THEME SONG "Desert Nights, Where There Are Xo Crowds." Tombstone Titles Here lies Billy Sneeze A director of films with noise He spent a 7nillion on a flop and they tore o^it his adenoids. Famous Film Conversations 'Til fade you five." Defendants Sought Writ to Halt Probe (ConliHHed from Page I) out" independent exhibitors, was marked by a legal situation de- scribed as one of the most unusual ever presented, when the defen- dants sought to prevent the investi- gation by injunction proceedings. Tlie action was brought because the defendants already had been named in the eijuity action instituted by the government to restrain al- leged clearance agreements. The ar- gument, which resulted in a ruling in favor of the government, concern- ed records of the defendants which hitherto had been refused to John H. .-Xmen, s|iecial assistant to the at- torney general, who is handling the case. The court instructed the gov- ernment to subi)oena only what rec- ords were necessary, and granted a continuance in the civil action, when the government made known its de- sire to proceed with the criminal charges. RKO Auditors Going Over Pantages Circuit's Books (Continued from Page 1) Whether Alexander Pantages will be identified with the theaters after the transfer has not been determined. The deal is expected to be closed in about two weeks, following return from Europe of David Sarnoff, chair- man of the board of R-K-O. $47,563,855 Involved in British Industry in '28 (Continued froyn Page 1) P. Section of the Dept. of Com- merce. Total capital of $47,563,855 was re- ported involved in motion picture companies registered last year at Somerset House, Great Britain. To- tal registrations of cinema compa- nies, public and private, were 190. Of these, 35 were public companies with a total capital involved of $45,- 020,125. The remaining 155 were private companies with a total cap- ital of $2,448,730. Behrendt-Levy to Merge with Stebbins Company The Behrendt-Levy Co., which handles considerable insurance for players and pictures in Hollywood, shortly will be merged with Steb- bins, Leterman and Gates of New York. Insure "Trader Horn" The "Trader Horn" company now en route to East Africa has been in- sured by Metro for $2,500,000 through Stebbins, Leterman and Gates. The coverage includes play- ers, director and the full equipment. It is understood the premium for a vear will cost M-G-M about $65,000. "U" Officials at Capital Carl Laemnile and his secretary. Jack Ross, Mr. and Mrs. Siegfried Laemmle. Lou B. Metzger and Paul Gulick are in Washington for pre- miere tonight of "Show Boat." Many government officials and diplomats are slated to attend. Six Justice Gases for Films Pending (Continued from Page 1) and I'"ihn Boards nl Trade; and tin- arbitration case broiinlit again>; Paramount and the same other de- fendants. These cases were heard recently in I'ederal District Court, New York. The other cases are: against West Coast and others, charging a conspiracy in the granting of alletied ly excessive protection; one agains' M-G-M and other distributors and exhibitors charging conspir to re- fuse service to theaters which sought to remain open during the Chicatjo oi)erators' strike; one against Bain ban (.*<; Katz, which contains similar charges as the West Coast action. .Some months ago the dc|)artmeri was successful in obtaining a con- sent decree, restraining the Okla iionia exhibitor unit from interfering with service to films to non-theatri- cals of the state. Dan Michalove Joining Warner Theater Dept. (Continued from Page 1) terprises headed by S. A. Lynch Later he headed Universal theater activity in the South and then was placed in charge of the entire Uni- versal circuit. W'hen he resiencd from Universal he became southern district manager of Pathe. Foreign Markets ^flv JAMES P. CUNNINGHAM^ Julius Hagen to Form New Co. For Talkers London — Julius Hagen, managing director of Twickcrham studios and Strand Film Co. Ltd. will soon form a new company for the production of at least six feature subjects, it is reported here. Alpha Plan Calls For Sound and Silent Films London — Maurice J. W'ilson and Claude Marx, director of Alpha Film Corp. state their first feature sound picture will be produced in May. The company also plans colored sound pictures on panchromatic stock. Sound For Switzerland HailuHdton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The Orient at Zurich recently had its first sound picture siiowing, advises a report to the M. P. -Section of the Dept. of Commerce. The feature was Harry Liedtke, Ger- man actor, singing "I Kiss Your Hand, Madame." Hoffenberg Goes to S. A. Joseph A. Hoffenberg of Jack Glucksman's office. New York, has sailed for the Argentine to sur- vey the theater situation and ar- range for installations of Western Electric ef|uii)nicnt in houses of the Glucksman chain. He will be away from New York three months, dur- ing which he will visit a nu)nher of South .American countries. Ziegfeld, Fox to Arbitrate Representatives of Ziegfeld, .'^ey ■ mour Felix and Fo.x will meet today to arbitrate differences which have developed over Fo.x signing Felix to act as dance supervisor for six months. Ziegfeld claims a prior agreement that authorizes him to call on Felix for services by giving him four weeks' notice. Italian Intem'l Fair June 8-24 Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The International Model Fair will be held at Padua, Italy from June 8 to 24, advises a report to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. The Italian government as well as Luce have promised their co-operation by send- ing valuable material from their film archives. NATIONAL SCREEN SERVICE ssSILENT lii' Used Daily Very inviting^ in text and type and I am sure will stand up to the daily usage which its predecessors have been subjected to. johnc.flinn FREE to Film Daily Subscribers Subscription $10.00 Foreign $15.00 THE Coast Wire Service 'e^m DAILV Monday, April 22, 1929 Studio Competition Keen TALKER ERA DEVELOPS TALENT COMPEHTION Keen competition between talent on the Coast has been brought about by the talker development. With silent pictures to be trimmed con- siderably, many stars will be affect- ed by the changed condition. Many of the performers being recruited from the stage now are being groom- ed for stardom. Directors, also, are feeling the ef- fect of the change. The majority of them, how'ever, will adapt them- selves to talkers, it is indicated, and will be able to hold their own against the influx of stage directors. The same keen competition for work in the talkers also prevail among writers. Many who have been prominent as writers of silent pictures are working on original plays to convince producers that they can write dialogue. They are following the lead of farsighted act- ors and actresses, who turned to stage work, so that their work could be seen by the producers. Elliot for "Thunderbolt" Robert Elliot has been added to the cast of George Bancroft's latest for Paramount, "Thunderbolt," be- ing directed by Josef von Sternberg. Richard Arlen and Fay Wray have the leads. A Little from **Lots'* Brviliw Cast for Dix Film Nigel de Brulier has been cast for an important role in Richard Dix's "The Wheel of Life," being direct- ed by Victor Schertzinger. Others in the cast are: Esther Ralston and O. P. Heggie. Cowen to Direct "Companionate" William J. Cowen has been assign- ed direction of "Companionate," RKO talker. Henry Hobart will be associate producer and Russell Mack in charge of dialogue. New Laurel-Hardy Film "Unaccustomed As We Are" is title of the first all-talking picture, featuring Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, now in production under the Hal Roach-M-G-M banner. Mae Busch and Thelma Todd are in the cast. Columbia Signs Gertrude Orr Gertrude Orr has been added to the Columbia scenario department. Signed for "Rio Rita" Bert Wheeler and Bob Woolsey have been assigned for "Rio Rita," which RKO is producing. Hopper with M-G-M E. Mason Hopper has been sign- ed by M-G-M to direct a feature. ^^^ By RALPH WILK JOHN V. A. WEAVER is now known as a "dialogue interpola- tor," a new Coast title. He was given the title in connection with his work on "Close Harmony," at Paramount. * « * Joseph Chemiavsky, musical di- rector at Universal, favors the use of Southern voices for Movietone. "I find that the pitch of Southern voices is especially suitable f-or rec- ording," he declares. "However, they have one grave effect which must be guarded against and that is the liason, the linking of one word with another." Harry Joe Brown, the director, heard Ken Maynard giving music in- structions to his teamsters for the synchronized version of "The Wagon- master." "They've always called these 'westerns' 'horse operas,' and now, they are," said Harry. More Passing Show: Glenn All- vine showing Wesley Stout and Fanny Heaslip Lea of the Satur- day Evening Post points of interest at Fox; Vilma Banky, Sam Goldwyn, Abraham Lehr, Sam Taylor, Harry D. Wilson, Hank Arnold and Abe Meyer at the Hugo Riesenfeld party, which followed the preview of "This Is Heaven." George Melford, who is directing at M-G-M, was a stage director and leading man before starting his pic- ture career. "Under the Red Robe" and "The Palace of the King" were two of his outstanding stage suc- cesses. * * ♦ Walter Fabian, who has directed several Universal pictures, is direct- ing his first talker, "Delicatessen," starring Benny Rubin. By the way, the phrase, "handling the megaphone" is obsolete, due to the talkers. Unknown in Wood Film Sam Wood has selected an un- known for the feminine lead in "Col- lege Days," an all-talking picture. The new find is Sally Starr, a Pitts- burgh girl who has never before played in pictures. Elliott Nugent, stage player, will have the male lead and Robert Montgomery, another stage player, will have a featured part. Sound Pictures Mastertone Shows Warner Film in Wis. Milwaukee — Interchangeability of Mastertone, disc synchronizer, han- dled by L. K. Brin, Wisconsin cir- cuit operator, was shown here Thurs- day when Warners' "On Trial" was shown via the device at the Shore- wood. The Radio here is installing the device. Disc Synchronizer at Portland Portland, Ore. — American Sound Equipment Co., local firm, is sponsor- ing a disc synchronizer. The com- pany is headed by S. Featherston and Garry H. Shields. First B & F Sound Film London — "The Ship of the Lost Men" and not "The Wandering Jew" as previously stated, will be the first sound film for British and Foreign Films, Ltd. The picture will be pro- duced at the B & F studio with a British cast headed by Robin Irvine. Hopkins House Wired Hopkins, Minn. — Engler Bros, have installed sound equipment at the Hopkins. To Wire Missoula House Missoula, Mont. — Western Electric equipment will be installed at the Rialto. Short Shots from New York Studios m^aHMy ARTHUR W. BDDYi THEME SONG CHARLIE" is what they're calling Charles Weinberg, writer of numerous song hits for Pathe and other producers. "Only For You," his work, is being played at the Cameo beginning Sat- urday as the theme song of "The Leatherneck," starring Bill Boyd. "Love," theme song of "The God- less Girl," is also a Weinberg com- position. Another is "Mary Dugan, I Love You," soon to be published. Glen Hunter, who deserted pic- tures for the legit a few years back, is now starred in "Spring Is Here," current musical show. "Young Woodley" was his tremendously- popular stage starring vehicle a season or so ago. * 1^ * "The Development of the Talking Picture and Its Effects Upon Edu- cation" was discussed by Michael L. Simmons before the Bronx Voca- tional School Friday night. Tiffany-Stahl Moves Today The Tiffany-Stahl home office per- sonnel will be installed in the new executive offices on the sixteenth floor of 729 Seventh Avenue to- day. The Only Regional Covering The World's Biggest Market THE NEW YORK vSTATE ' ' ' utX^fty 5«PP'^tHEA»T THREE FILM ZONES 2000 THEATRES U.A. Pool Slated to be Set on Return of H. Warner XlemfSPkPllt o/'FILMDOM ULTHE NEWS ALL THE TIME VOL. XLVIII No. 20 Tuesday, April 23, 1929 Price 5 Cents Antiques SILENT and syndironized pic- tures are rapidly becoming museum pieces. Take not our word for it. Merely ask any sales manager you happen to know what's taking place. Every com- pany is attempting to sell silent pic- tures and those theaters, not yet wired, are of course compelleet. Syn- chronized pictures, ditto. It has long since been discovered that sound pictures are whoopee ma- terial for the public only when the players talk their lines. Nearing 3,000 Various estimates are advanced as to the numtwrr of wired houses in the United States. .\cceptinK fig- ures from all sources and tiitn strik- ing a mean average, it appears the high figure is about 2,800 and the low, 2,200. This, mind you, for all types of devices with Western Electric sitting triumphantly alone in first place with 1,680 equipment-^ hurling sound at the publ.c. These houses include the cream of the nation's thousands— the theater^ that pay the heavy dougli. There you have the big reason for the switch in allegiance from silents to talkers. And, as more theaters are wired day by day, the passion with which the business clings to sound will be exceeded only by some of the hot outbursts that burn themselves before you on the screen. K ANN Gaumont Buys W.E. By ERNEST W. FREDMAS Editor, "The Daily Film Renter" London (By Cable) — Gau- mont British has ordered 50 Western Electric installations, to be completed by September. The company, it is understood, has given permission for play- inflf on the equipment of films recorded by the British Acous- tic and Klangfilm systems. NOT GUILTY PLEAS WILL BE ENTERED IN U. S. COAST CASE Schenck Predicts Fewer Theaters West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Number of theaters in the United States will be reduced by one half in the next few years, in the opinion of Joseph M. Schenck, United Artists president. Schenck believes that al- though the number will be reduced, the aggregate seating capacity will be larger, because of larger houses he says will be built. Formerly, says Schenck, only 40 per cent of return on films came from first runs, which now are responsible for 75 per cent of the domestic rental, he declares. Motor transportation largely ex- plains the change, Schenck declares. I PUN OF THEAeS Financing arrangements are being completed in New York by Sol Les- ser, president of Principal Theaters Corp.. and S. W. .Straus Co., for ex- pansion program of Principal, which has for its object increase of the chain to 1,000 houses. The company specializes in small town houses. Col. Fred Levy of Louisville, has been elected chairman of the board of directors. Another Meeting Slated on French Quota Problem Paris (By Cable) — Another meet- ing between French producers and representatives of American distribu- (Contiiiued oh Page 7) U.S. ACIN WELCOMED, HAROLD ERANKUN SAYS H'est Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Trial of the govern- ment's conspiracy charges will be welcomed by Harold B. Franklin, president of Fox West Coast The- aters, who hopes it will settle per- manently the question of protection. (CoiUiiiued oil Page 7) Show Business Revolution Forecast by Schnitzer Revolution of theatricals is im- pending, states Joseph I. Schnitzer, president of RKO, who has returned to New York from the Coast. He says that financial limitations placed on legitimate shows do not apply to pictures, as money spent on talkers can be got back. Schenck Heads Group Coming East Tomorrow for U.A. Deal West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Dennis F. O'Brien, who has returned to \ew Yor'' is reported to hold proxies of Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks and will represent them in formation of United Artists Consolidated. The organization is scheduled to be com- pleted nrior to return in May of H. M. Warner from Europe. At that time, negotiations for a purchase of a 50 per cent interest in the pooled company, are scheduled by Warners. Miss Pickford, Fairbanks and D. W. Griffith each arc to he given $2.- 000.000 and 150.000 shares in United .\rtists Consolidated, for their share, it is understood. Arraignments Slated This Week on Government's 'Trust" Charge West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los .Angeles — Not guilty pleas will be entered by Fox West Coast The- aters, its president, Harold B. Franklin, and nine distributors, when they are arraigned this week on charges of conspiracy to violate the Sherman anti-trust law. About 60 witnesses will be called. The gov- ernment has been gathering evidence since January. The indictKeith A-O 31 H do, pfd 108 107 107 IJoew's Inc 64H 63 63 •do pfd. 100^ M-<;-M pfd 25 K 25 K 25!^ M. P. Cap 3954 39!^ 39H Para. F-L 68-^ 67'A 68% Pathe Excb IIH lOH H lie "A'- 22'4 2254 22K Radio K-A-O 31^ 31 J4 31)4 Stanley Co. ..... 395^ 39 39 •Univ. Pict. pfd 985^ .Warner Bros 119J4 116 116W -■do', pfd 53% 52 525-4 '■■-■■ CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 6H 654 654 *BaI. & Katz 72 Columbia Pets. . . I 29 29 29 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 27 24 26 •Film lusp IH Fox Thea. "A".. 29T4 28K' 29^ "Griffith, D.W. "A" 2fi Intern. Proj 7254 69 73 *"Loew do deb. rts 2954 Nit. Scr. Ser 25 25 25 Nat. Thea. Sup. .. 12H 11 H 1254 Trans-Lux 15^ 14M 15^ Univ. Pict 26 26 26 do- pfd. 2 2 2 BOND MARKET Keith A-O 6s 46.. 92 92 92 I..oew 69 41ww ..11354 1125i 11254 do. 6s 41 x-war... 99 98H 99 Paramount 69 47 .. 99 99 99 Par. By. 554s 51.10154 10154 10154 Pathe 7s 37 78'^ 78 '/^ 7854 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36. 945i 9254 9354 •Warner 65-4s 28 198 'i OVER THE COUNTER ( Roxy "AV 28 30 ;. do units 30 33 . . . . i do conv, 3 4 . . . . i' Skouras Bros. ..30 40 5 Technicolor 40 42 5 United Art 5 10 . .. . •do pfd 75 85 • Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 i do pfd 75 85 I -LAST PRICE QUOTED Two Geo. Le Maire Series Are Scheduled by Pathe George Le Maire is to produce 14 comedies for Pathe. under a new arrangement made with the company. Eight will be Le Maire comedies, featuring Le Maire, while six will be Majihattan comedies, featuring other comedians. Both series will be di- rected by Le Maire with Edward Manson assisting. Production is at Sound S-tudios, New York. Joe Daly Named Contact Man for Pacent Company Joe Daly, veteran sales manager of General Talking Pictures, has joined the Pacent Reproducer Corp., as con- tact man. Oraphone Installed at Third Ave. House in N. Y. First installation in New York of Oraphone, disc device, has been com- pleted at the New Third Avenue, 96th and Third Ave., with "Lucky Boy" the picture shown. Oraphone sales are handled by Harry Rathner. Morris and West Leave Chester Morris, star of ".\libi." and Roland West, director of the picture, left New York yestp'-'^''^^ for Hollywood. He is to appear in a First National picture on his arrival in Hollywood. 4,100 59,100 2'00 15,000 200 2,900 l',26o 100 37,100 3,500 100 11.000 1,500 37,266 1.100 2,000 '166 21,100 13,366 '966 "ioo 500 2,700 100 200 1 4 6 5 1 1 10 Picttires Only at Birmingham Birmingham, Ala. — Sound pictures exclusively are being adopted by the Alabama here, under the new Pub- lix policy of experimenting to de- terimine if sound fihns can replace presentations successfully. Sunday Shows for Peekskill Peekskill, N. Y.— Sunday picture shows are to be resumed here, as a result of the election which ousted the Democratic reform element. Nicholas Schenck to N. Y. Nicholas M. Schenck, president of Loew's Inc., leaves Hollywood to- morrow for New York. Peters Returns to N. Y. William Frederick Peters has re- turned to New York froin Holly- wood with the complete music score for the forthcoming Paramount pro- duction, "Four Feathers." Peters, who is under exclusive contract to tile -Sam Fox Publishing Co., was sent to the Coast two months ago to write an all original score for this picture. The Industry's Date Book Dr. Klein Assistant Commerce Head IVojItini^ton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Dr. Julius Klein, di- rector of the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce, has been named assistant secretary' of commerce. Klein has been active in promoting .■\nierican films abroad. Color Life M. P. Incorporated C. L. Martino is president of Color Life Motion Pictures, located at Film Center, New York. The new proc- ess, according to its inventor C. L. Martino, allows unlimited reproduc- tion from negatives without special camera, screen or projector. April 24 April 26 May 1 May 1 May 2 May 5-11 May 6 May 6-7 May 6-9 May 20 at the I Opening of "Madame X' Harris, New York. Opening of "Innocents of Paris" at the Criterion, New York. Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal. Opening of "The Desert Song" at the V/imeT, New York. Opening of "Bulldog Drummoad" at the Apollo, New York. National Music Week. -- . Opening of "Mother's Boy" at Cohan, New York. Convention of Texas exhibitor unit, Dallas. Spring meeting of Society of M.P. Engineers In New York. Annual Convention of Amettcan Federation of Musicians at Den- June 1-9 American Theater Equipment Ex- position and Exhibitors Institute at Chicago. June 1 1-12 Convention of Oklahoma exhibi- tor unit at Oklahoma City. - \ "Desert Song" Opening Set "The Desert Song" will have its New York premiere May 1 at the Warner. ASSISTANT MANAGER WANTED State age, experience, salary. desired '" Box A- 121 c-o Film Daily 1650 Broadway N. Y. C. "Innocents of Paris" Opening "Innocents of Paris," a Paramount talking and singing picture starring Maurice Chevalier, will have its world premiere Friday evening at the Criterion, New York. Leatrice Joy To Coast Leatrice Joy having recently com- pleted her vaudeville e""-"Tpment here leaves for the Coast to appear in First National's "A Most Im- moral Lady." No cast has been selected as yet. Pola Negri Not With UFA Berlin — Pola Negri is not with UFA and will not appear in "Golden Moth" for that company, Ufa state«. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Flcture Theatres Standard VaudevUle Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3580 TWO OLD FIRMS NOW A BIGGER NEW ONE! SAVOY PRINTING & PUBLISHING CO. of 729 Seventh Avenue and REELAND PUBLISHING COMPANY of 630 Ninth Avenue HAVE JUST CONSOLIDATED TO CONTINUE THEIR UNEXCELLED SERVICE TO THEATRES IN A BIGGER WAY Under the new Firm Name of SAVOY-REELAND PRINTING CORP. under personal management of JACK COHEN and LOUIS G. WILSON with headquarters at FILM CENTER BUILDING, 630 Ninth Avenue, 44th to 45th St., New York, N. Y., Suite 412. Please Use Phone, Pennsylvania 3960-1-2 ALL PUBLICITY NEEDS FROM A THROW A WAY TO A 24 SHEET in type, block and lithography. RECEPTION AND OPEN HOUSE— Monday and Tues- day, April 29th and 30th at our new quarters. ALL EXHIBITORS and ALL CONNECTED with the Motion Picture Industry are most cordially invited. 50,000 square feet of floor space with the most modern i machinery and equipment. ! EMINENT CRITIC and publisher EXHIBITORS* DAILY »EVI£W •V . *j^ •^' y r/ < V • 4: 1 ^ ':';: ,/- V-^'' ''Show Boat'' a Show Triumph By -zz "DEGINNING with sprightliness, I \^-^ proceeding with poignant human drama shot through with the Ishining threads of humor, "Show[ Boat", the Show of the Season, ends with a haunting" melody, sung] by a negro with a voice like a cello. * * * j'T^HIS much heralded and much! I -*• expected sound and dialogue |^" entertainment will duplicate inter- nationally the New York success of I Florenz 2^egfeld's stage production! and there's no doubt in the world | I about that. • • • I A T the Globe Theatre last night, Y^ Carl Laemmle who presents the Ipicture on behalf of Universal! shared his honors with Mr. ^ieg- feld and both were in screen evi'l dence. I • • ■ DEAUTIFULLY contrived by the I 1*-^ superb direction of Harry | [Pollard, triumphantly scored by that [rising musical genius, Joseph Cher- niavsky, acted with power, sincerity! and feeling by Laura LaPlante, Joseph Schildkraut, Emily Fitzroy, Alma Rubens and Otis Harlan, as [principals in an amazing cast, this] Isupreme drama of the Mississippi land its show world rises as high a£| the sky itself and goes as deep as the utter depths of the swirling [ surges of human emotions. 1 • • • TT \s, embellished with music, oma- \~- mented with song and its temprj Its in rhythm vnth the heart beat'[ lof the world. I • • • UNIVERSAL has in "Shov I ^^ Boat" a box office achievemen that is likely to break aU previou picture records and is an entertain ment It is a decoration for pic jture history. CASH. PRIZES WIRE OR PHONE THE NEAREST EXCHANGE IN YOUR TERRITORY ALBANY, N. Y., Chase Pictures Corp. BUFFALO, N. Y., Chase Pictures Corp., SOS Pearl St. CHICAGO, ILL.. B. N. Judell, Inc. 808 South Wal>ash Ave. MINNEAPOLIS, MINN., B. N. Judell, Inc. MILWAUKEE, WIS., B. N. JudeU, Inc. NEW YORK, N. Y., Big-Three Exchange, Inc., 729 Seventh Ave. CINCINNATI, O., Standard Film Service Co., Pioneer & Broadway OMAHA, NEB., Liberty Films, Inc. CLEVELAND, O., Standard Film Service Co., Film Exchange Bldg. DENVER, COLO., Rayart Pictures, Inc., 2042 Broadway PHILADELPHIA, PA., Philadelphia Film Exchange, 1333 Vine St. PITTSBURG, PA., Standard Fihn Service Co., 1018 Forbes St. DETROIT, MICH., Standard Film Service Co., 200 New Fihn Bldg. SAN FRANCISCO, CAL., AU-Star Features, 209 Golden Gate Ave. KANSAS CITY, MO., Liberty FUm Exchange, Inc., 1818 Wyandotte ST. LOUIS, MO. Columbia Pictures Corp., 3306 OUve St. LOS ANGELES, CAL., AU-Star Features, 1926 So. Vermont Ave. WASHINGTON, D. C, Progress Film Corporation, 916 G. •t.,K.W. General Foreign Distributors: Richmount Pictures Corp., 729 Seventit Ave., N. Y. PHYSICAL DISTRIBUTION THROUGH Educational Exchanges. Inc. Sixty CASH PRIZES weekly to YOUR THEATRE PATRONS Our monex Tallis $16,000.00 Cash Prize Contest wnat would you do In a 6as6 LiKe TUls? 13 UNFINISHED FEATURETTE CINEMA JEWELS An Amazing Array of Box-Office Talent will BrUiiant depict these Engrossing Stories sound and Dialog q^ Your Screen. Each subject will ^'^^^^ be complete in itself — complete but for the necessary solutions to the dilemmais in which the players find themselves No Coupons - No Canvassing - No Strings YOUR SCREEN plus YOUR NEWSPAPER plus $16,000.00 COLD CASH equals UNPRECEDENTED PROFITS FOR YOU Our Stars SILENT VERSIONS ON ALL 13 SUBJECTS Weekly Cash Prizes Will Be Awarded the Best Solutions MODERN PICTURES CORPORATION Executive Offices and Studios, 6066 Sunset Boulevard Hollywood THE DAILY Tuesday, April 23, 1929 Coast Wire Service New Color Process VITACOLOR PROCESS FOR STANDARD SIZE FILMS Max Du Pont, veteran cameraman and inventor of the Vitacolor process, which is being used chiefly by users of 16mm stock, claims that the proc- ess is also practical for standard size films. The process is based on the electro-magnet theory of light waves. , A special filter made of gelatine can be used in front or behind the lens. The filter attachment is also used on the projection machine, but for pro- fessional use, Du Pont has devised an optical glass filter attachment. Natural colors are secured with the process which furnishes a great lati- tude of exposure, it is claimed. Filter attachments for cameras and projec- tion machines are being made by the Du Pont Vitacolor Corp. A Little from "Lots*' By RALPH fVlLK Sid Graxmian Planning to Produce Talker Series Sid Grauman is planning to produce talkers. It is expected he will enter production when the proposed acqui- sition of a 50 per cent interest in Grauman's Chinese is completed by Publix. "Eternal Love" for Rivoli "Eternal Love," the tenth picture made in America by Ernst Lubitsch, and the second John Barrymore-Ca- milla Horn production, will follow "Coquette" at the Rivoli, New York. Denny's Next Starting Cast of "Companionate Troubles," starring Reginald Denny for Uni- versal, has been completed, and the picture has gone into production at Universal City under direction of William James Craft. The cast in- cludes Merna Kennedy, Otis Harlan, William Austin, Virginia Sale, Greta Granstedt and Mary Foy. Steers for Dix Film Larry Steers, who last appeared in "Redskin," has been engaged for part in Dix's latest, "The Wheel of Life," an all-talker which Victor Schertzinger is directing for Para- mount. Nagel Directing Color Subject Curtis F. Nagel is directing "A Festival of Bagdad," Tiffany Color Symphony. Joyzelle Joyner, James Marcus, Carleton King and Allan Paull are in the cast. Maresca with RKO James V. Maresca, formerly with RCA, has joined RKO as supervisor of recording. Wallace Beery Cast Wallace Beery will play in Para- mount's talking film version of Booth Tarkington's "Magnolia." "Buddy" Rogers and Mary Brian are leads. Hollywood BENJAMIN STOLOFF, director of "Speakeasy," will soon be ready to start another with "Lola Lane and Paul Page, the two prin- cipals of his last picture. He will leave May 5 for Cuba where he will start "The Girl From Havana." Many scenes will be taken aboard ship. * * * Wilfred Noy is versatile. He is acting in "Diversion," which John Griffith Wray is directing, and also staged "Legitimate Lovers," which will be pr-esented at the Theater Mart. * * * Fritz Feld is keeping busy. His first screen talking role was that of "Sol Levith," a music publisher, in "Broadway." He has also appeared in "Squavi'k," a locally-produced stage play, and has just completed a role in "Cape Smoke," for Fox. * * ♦ A7i interested spectator at the first shovnng in June of "Hey! Hey! Henrietta," a Fox picture, vnll be Velva G. Darling. She was paid $2500 for the title, which is based on a newspaper feature serial, which she wrote. Tv70 T-S Talkers Ready Talking sequences and synchroni- zation for Tiffany-Stahl productions, "Two Men and a Maid" and "New Orleans" have been completed. The first was directed by George Ar- chainbaud and has Buster Collier, Alma Bennett, Eddie Gribbon and George E. Stone in the leads. "New Orleans" was directed by Reginald Barker and has Ricardo Cortez, Bus- ter Collier and Alma Bennett as leads. Brownell at RKO John Brownell, New York play- wright, is at the RKO studio pre- paring the screen version for "Rincr- side." He recently completed a three-act farce comedy, "It's the Cli- mate," which is slated for a fall opening in New York. RKO Gets Creelman Story James Ashmore Creelman, Jr., has written "Wolves of the Waterfront" which will soon be produced by RKO. M-G-M Signs Robinson Casey Robinson has been signed to direct for M-G-M. Doyle with Columbia Buddy Doyle has been signed to appear in Columbia Pictures. 3 Talker Versions Edward Small is planning production of a talker starring Nazimova in English, French and Russian versions. It will be released by Columbia. RKO Preparing Three New Sound Productions "Companionate," "The Viennese Charmer" and "49th Street" soon will go into production at the RKO stu- dio. Olive Borden will be featured in "Companionate," which William J. Cowan will direct with Russell Mack, stage director, aiding on dia- logue sequences. Wesley Ruggles will direct Betty Compson in "The Viennese Charmer" and "49th Street" will feature the three Moore brothers, Owen, Tom and Matt under direc- tion of Mai St. Claire. "King of Jazz" to be Directed by Paul Fejos Paul Fejos, director of "Broadway" has been assigned to direct "The King of Jazz," to be made by Paul White- man and his orchestra. Edward T. Lowe will write scenario and dia- logue. Carl Laemmle, Jr., will super- vise. "Snookums" Becomes "Sunny Jim" Lawrence McKeen, Jr., "Snook- ums," of "The Newlyweds and Their Baby" comedies, made by Stern Bros, for Universal, has been signed by Universal for a new ser- ies of two reel comedies to be called the Sunny Jim series. They will be in both silent and talking versions. Gus Meins is to direct. McCIintic at Hollywood Guthrie McCIintic, stage director, has just arrived in Hollywood and started conferring with Fox Movie- tone officials concerning his first as- signment, the audible screen version of Elinor Glyn's story, "Such Men Are Dangerous," for which Warner Baxter is scheduled to play the lead- ing role. Barthelmess Going to New York Richard Barthelmess will leav-e Hollywood for New York as soon as he completes work on his current First National picture, "Drag." The star plans to make this trip in the interests of future stories. -AND THA TS THAT By PHIL M. OALY Evans In Cast A new member to the cast of Paramount's talking versions of S. S. Van Dine's "The Greene Murder Case" was added with assignment of Charles E. Evans. Fox Buys "Yellow^ Ticket" "The Yellow Ticket," stage play, has been purchased for a talker by Fox. No director or star has yet been assigned to the screen version of this drama by Michael Morton. Hugh Sinclair with Fox Hugh Sinclair, English comedian, has been signed by Fox for three years. JAMES R. GRAINGER, following a preview* of "Fox Follies" at Riverside, Cal., is so enthused at the possibilities that he is now wonder- ing how his company allowed that Ziegfeld Follies person to monopo- lize the glorifying of the American girl all these years. THEME SONG "Cha r la tan. You Knoiv Your Hokum." What Price Fame? An exhibitor who saw a Clark --d McCullough talker told a friend that he was going to the exchange to book the comedy with those two funny fellers. Cook and McGoogle. (Charley Hynes pleaded guilty to this one, and offered no defense.) At Last— The Smellers Palooka Productions announce they have in work the first aromatic feature, otherwise known as that long-sought smell picture. They are closely guarding their technical proc- ess. Our head snooper Simeon Snatz reports he noted several different scents at a studio showing. He ad- mits he was sit- ting alongside the producers, so we are wondering. But Simeon add- ed that the pro- duction smells without the ef- fects. If 8 Published Dear Phil: I'm trying hard to make your colyum. Do you publish original jokes? — Dave Bader. Dear Dave: That's original enough for us. Daily Pome Mistress Mary, quite contrary How does your picture go? "It's lots of advertising, sir That makes the public blow. ALIBIS The Switchboard Sneeze: "I wasn't listenin' in, an' besides, ya lied to ya wife and if ya get fresh I'll tell her." Famous Film Conversations "/ gotta have a reduction." THE Tuesday, April 23, 1929 DAIL %# Schenck Heads Group Coming to New York (.Continued from Page 1) Douglas Fairbanks in cciiincftion with United Artists Consolidated. Whether the I'nited Artists stars come East depends upon their pro- duction schedule for "The Tnnrnc of the Shrew." talkcr-coU>r film in which they plan to co-star. Warner-United Affiliation Not Dependant on Chaplin Hesi Const Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — With or without Charles Chaplin. Warners will pur- chase a 50 per cent interest in United Artists, states Jack L. Warner. The Warner production chief is sched- uled to leave Hollywood for New York tomorrow with members of the United Artists group headed by Nicholas M. Schenck to work out final details. Wamer Sailing Sef. Paris — Harry M. Warner sails f'^r New York April 30 in the He de France. Another Meeting Slated on French Quota Problem (Continvcd from Page 1) tors is to be held during the week to seek a solution of the problem caused by French producers' demands for a three to one quota. American companies have signified their inten- tion of withdrawing from the P'rench market, if the quota is enacted. Franco Film Negotiating with Jannings for Series Emil Jannings is being sought by Franco Film of Paris to star in a series of 12 sound pictures to be produced at the company's studios in Nice. Jannings arrives in New York from Hollywood April 29 at which further discussions are Reported slated. He sails May 4. Paramount declares Jannings is returning to Ger- many for an extended vacation and will later return to resume work with the company. In the interim, "The Concert." Jannings vehicle, has been assigned Adolphe Menjou. Not Guilty Pleas will be Entered in U. S. Coast Case (Ci'iititiucti fri>m I'tiitt' 1) general. More than 40 u-itnesses ap- peared before the grand jury. The government charges an ngree- meiit between the defendants to compel independent exhibitors of Southern California to contract for films only in accordance with terms and provisions of certain so-called zoning clearance schedules. These schedules, it is alleged, restrained in- dependent operators from contracting for suitable first and subsequent run pictures. These schedules, it is charged, show arbitrary discrimina- tion in favor of Fox West Coast. .Assistant Attorney General .Xnien points out that terms of the indict- ment are broader than those of the information previously filed by the government, in that the indictments include three additional clearance schedules not referred to in the in- formation and name Warners and Franklin as additional defendants. Other defendants an?: X'itagraph, Fox, M-G-M. First Nation.il. I'ni- versa!, Paramount, Pathe and United Artists. Credit Arbitration Cases Continued at U. S. Request Because counsel for the government was not ready for completion of the arbitration and credit committee cases, both actions have been held over until April 29. Filing of briefs was slated in Federal Judge Thacher's court in New York yesterday, but the cases were continued upon govern- ment requests. Both were tried sev- eral weeks ago before Judge Thacl'^r and are test cases, the government alleging a conspiracy exists in opera- tion of credit committees and com- pulsory arbitration. Edwin P. Gros- venor of Cadwallader, Wickersham & Taft, handled the case for the de- fendants, while C. Stanley Thompson, special assistant to the attorney gen- eral was in charge for the \.T- S. $5,000 Fine and Year's Imprisonment is Penalty West Coast Bureau, TlUi FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Maximum i)enalty case of conviction under the Sher- man anti-trust law is $5,000 fine and imprisonment of '^'le year. TVi<^ ' - prisonment applies only to individ- uals, for in the case of coroorati' •• ' oiilv the fine is imposed. The only individual named in the indictments returned here is Harold B. Frnnkl-n ^resident and general manager of West Coast Theaters. Morris on Radio Hook-Up Sam Morris was a principal on last night's weekly \'itaphone "Jubilee Hour." iter wa.Y'a*. YEARBooit 1929 ■'^^^(y "Of Great Value" It will be of great value throughout the "--'• year. BOB KANE FREE to Film Daily Subscribers Subscription $10.00 Foreign $15.00 Rentals to Be Under Fire at Oklahoma Convention (Continued jron\ I'atje 1) cussion of the sound picture situa- of the Oklahoma exhibitor unit, called for June 11-12. Conventions usually are held in fall, but the urgency of the present situation led to advancing the date. U. S. Action Welcomed Harold Franklin Says (Coittinoed from Page I) Franklin says his attorneys feel that the questions involved would be handled more satisfactorily to all parties concerned, in a civil suit rather than a criminal action. He declares that de luxe houses would be inpossible were it not for pro- tection. Vaudeville Mgrs. Annual Dinner Annual dinner of the Vaudeville Managers' Protective Ass'n was held last night at the Plaza. Theater and civic officials were guests. Leases Cleveland House Cleveland — Dr. Jack Hollander has leased the Orpheum. W. E. Files Patent Suit Against Exhibitor (Continued from Pane 1) first theater owner against whom Western Electric has proceeded for alleged patent infringement. Not Worried by Action is Wallerstein Comment Buffalo — (By Telephone) — "We arc not worried in the least." Sol Wal- lerstein, on whom papers were served last nigl .., declared, in commenting on the patent suit. His contract willi Pacent carries a protection clause, against all infringement ac- tions. Meanwhile, Wallerstein, de- clares himself greatly pleased with the installation. R-K-0 to Build New First Run House at Washington Washington — Building of a 4,000- seat combination house is understood planned here by Radio-Keith-Orph- eum. The Only Regional Covering The World's Biggest Market THE NEW YORK vSTATE ^jOriBIToR '^''^'BitE^rfTy $UPPLfcMEMT THREE FILM ZONES 2000 THEATRES r ■■■■""'" ■ I r • t tk ^K^^ Story, action, and Vitaphone score that make "Flaming Youth'* look like an ad for Frigidaire. With Neil Hamilton. By Carey Wilson. A William A. Seiter production. Theme song "I'm Thirsty For Kisses, Hungry For Love" published by M. Witmark &. Sons. ^ alt if^wneii on, FIRST NATIONAL ^VITAV wm °o.% Adverse Legislative Bills Forestalled in 43 States o/'FILMDOM ALL THE HEW5 ALL THE TIME VOL. XLVIII No. 21 Wednesday, April 24. 1929 Price 5 Cents Gun Bearers THE industry is about to emerge from the bitterest trench warfare in its col- orful history. Vcw are aware of the legislative bomliardment which has been concentrated on motion pictures since the law- makers in forty-three states, bunking their collective heads together in January, embraced films in their oflfensives. It has been terrific. One hundred and sixty-seven measures were aimed at vari- ous organs of the celluloid anatomy. One hundred and sixty-one have l)een defeated. Six remain to be dealt with, but jetferson City advices yesterday indicated Missouri as a danger spot has been successfully iso- lated. In numbers of bills 161 then ; in terms of money, $280,- 000,000 in taxation has been dodged. A staggering sum and one under whicli the industry might easily have wilted be- yond all hope. How It Was Done These facts and figures cloak a hidden story of service of which this industry at large knows little. W'liat is in our opinion a disaster lias been averted through the valiant efforts of a group of men aiul women scattered throughout the United States. The results did not happen. They were caused to happen. Because the in- dustry at large and particularly tiie leaders should know what has taken place, the veil will be lifted this morning. A Roster of Honor What follows is a partial poll of the honor roll. It is not complete. There are many champions whose names it is well not to mention. If they read this, they will be the first to understand why. In Michigan, the industry's cudgels have been swung vigorously by Hender- son Richey, several memhers (if the Michigan M.P.T.O. as well a'; Dave Palfreyman, Detroit Film Board secre- tary. The Kansas and Missouri roster embraces names like Dick Biechcle. Ar- thur Cole. Barney Dubinsky, Joe Mogler, Lila Schofield and others. In Ohio, an incomplete list includes Pete Wood. Wil- liam James, Fred Dcsberg. Jim Harwood, Ike Lib'on, Georgia Moft'ett and Evelyn McNamee. Al StefFes, irresponsibly dul)l)ed Bol- (.Continued on Page 6) R-K-O Can. Deal? Toronto — N. L. Nathanson, managing director of Canadian Famous Players, and Joseph Plunkett of Radio-Keith-Or- pheum. New York, have been looking over R-K-O theaters in the Dominion with a view to the probable acquisition of the R-K-O chain by Canadian Famous Players. Joseph Plunkett could not be reached for a statement on the Toronto report. MYERS RIDDLES BABSON AmCK ON PICTURES Uaslumiton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Allegations of Roger W. Baljson. nationally known statis- tical nnai\st. that motion pictures are responsible for the present "crime wave" were challenged yesterday by -Xbrani F. Myers, general counsel of Allied States Ass'n, in a formal state- ment denying the truth of Babson's assertions and declaring that he "owes an apology to the industry as a whole and to the smaller exhibitors in particular." Babson's report said "such studies (CoHliiii'cJ on I'tuic 7) Fox West Coast Plans Big Expansion Program San Francisco — I'ox West Coast Theaters is out after reprcsciUation in every city of the West, Howard Sheehan declared at the regional meeting liere of circuit managers. Such cities as Hanford, Santa Cruz and Visalia, which have no West Coast theaters at this time, will be included in the expansion pro- gram. (Continued on Page 7) PACENT PLANS FINISH FIGHT IN PATENT SUIT SAYS COMPANY SQUflRElY BEHIND ITS CUSTOMERS I'accnt Reproducer Corp.. intends to stand "scinarcly bcliind" its cus- tomers in defending them from any patent infringement suits, Louis G. Pact r.t declares in commenting on Western KIcctric's action against Wallerstein of the Broadway, Buf- falo. "Should Western Electric bring similar suits against exhibitors using (Continued on Page 6) Several Reports Involve Toledo First Run Houses Toledo — There are a nmnber of re- ports in circulation regarding theaters here. One is reported purchase of the Rivoli by either Radio-Keith- Ori)heum, Warner or Fox, with strongest report that the first named would accpiire the house. Another is that I'ublix plans a new house, has taken over the Princess and is nego- tiating for the State. Reports in- volving the Valentine also are being heard, as is a reported new Fox the- ater i)roject. Canadian Ban on Child Attendance Is Urged Ottawa — A demand lias been pre- sented to the Canadian government by the National Council of FCdiica- tion for legislation prohibiting the admiss'on of children to all pictiirt theaters in the Donn'nion. as is now done in the province of Quebec. 161 Bills and $280,000,000 in Taxes Defeated Since January 10 Per Cent Admission Tax Dies in Iowa Legislature Des Moines — Concluding that the proposed admission ta.x was unfair, the Iowa legislature permitted it to die on adjournment. Meanwhile, a tax committee has been appointed to consider wavs of raising revenue. Tax bills wliich would liave fasten ed levies trailing 5280.000.000 on the industry have been defeated since Jan. 2 when state legislatures in 4.' states throughout the nation convened to enact new laws. Since that date, 191 measures 167 of them adverse, have been introduced. One hundred (Continued on Page 6) Company Ready to Go to Mat, He Says — Showmen to be Protected I'inish fight on the issue of pat- ent infringement, raised in Western Klectric's suits against the company, and Ben Wallerstein, of the Broad- way, Buffalo, is promised by Louis G. Pacent. head of Pacent Repro- ducer Corp., who again denies any infringement. Martin W. Littleton has been retained as chief of coun- sel and Kenyon & Kenyon, patent attorneys, will ccmduct the def^-nse. Answer of the Pacent firm denying the Western Electric allegations now is being prepared. Pacent sees in the suits a chal- (Continued on Page 6) PERCENTAGE BOOKINGS Detroit — Members of the Michigan exhil) tor association intend toi go through with their proposal to ban percentage bookings. The action was taken at the recent Detroit meet- ing, at which 150 theaters of the state were represented. L'nfair j)rices are being asked for xunid i)ictures "in view of the ad- mitted fact that sound pictures cost (Continued on Page 6) L. A. Patrons Loyal to Silent, Survey Shows lVc.8 29Ss East. Kodak 177j^ 176^4 176;i *do pfd 128 *First Nat. pfd 108 Fo.-c Fm. -A'" ... ^i\i 91 H S^Ji "do rts 3 Keith A-O 315<5 30Ji 30Ji *do pfd 107 Loe.v's Inc 64 63 63 *do pfd 1001 ; *MG-M pfd 25V^ M. P. Cap 39 39 39 Para. FL 69fi 68H 69 Palhe Exch 11 10*4 H do -A' 22H 22VS 22Vi Radio K-A-0 31H 30!^ 30-^ Stanley Co 38 }4 38 H it-Vi *L'niv. Pict. pfd 98Vi Warner Bros 117}^ 114^ WWi do pfd 53!4 52 52 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 6fs 6}i 6!4 *Bal. & Katz 72 'Columbia Pets 29 Con. Fm. Ind. . . . 27K' 26!4 26J4 *Film Insp 1 .;^ Fox Thea. "A" . . 30j» 29^ 30}'. Griffith, D.W. "A- 3 3 3 Intern. Proj 78 72 76f^ *Loew do deb. rts 29}^ Xat. Scr. Sen .. 25K 25J5 25« Nat. Thea. Sup. . . 12Ji 12 UJg Trans-Lux 16 15s^ 16 *Univ. Pict 2f)iA 26'i IbTi ♦do pfd 2 BOND MARKET *Keith AO 6s 46 92 Loew 6s 41ww. . .112-58 112^4 112J.S do 6s 41x-war. ... 99 98?i 99 Paramount 6s 47 . . 99 98/. 99 Par. By. iy,% 51.102!4 102 102 Pathe 7s 37 79^ 79 79Ji CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 . 94^4 94J4 94^ *\Varner 6;4s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 28 30 .... do units 39 Zl .... do com 3 4 .... Skouras Bros 30 40 .... Technicolor 39 41 .... L'nited Art 5 10 .... do pfd 75 85 L'niv. Ch. com. . . 2 do pfd 75 85 *LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 4,200 21.700 400 21.500 '266 I'.SOO 100 22,700 2,300 100 12,500 200 14.700 1.300 2.800 13.700 17'.i6o 200 1.900 1.666 700 700 100 Shorts with "Madame X" On the program with "Madame X" at the Sam H. Harris tonight will be Titta Rufto's first Movietone re- cording and a two-reel Technicolor revue, '"Climbing the Golden Stairs." Ruffo, recently contracted to make a series of Metro Movietone .A.cts. Regular Loew Dividend Regular quarterly dividend of 51.62^2 a share on the preferred, pay- able May 15 to stock of record May 3. has been declared by Loew's. Inc. James A. FitzPatrick*s "TRAVELTALKS" "TKe TaW of the World*' Educational OflBcials in N. Y. for Confabs With five serials of all-dialogue comedies launched. Educational exe- cutives are discussing in Xew York additional plans. Wiiile independent producing units making three of Edu- cational's five series are continuing activity, the two talking units oper- ating at Educational, have suspended work for a brief period. Jack White, director-in-chief, and E. H. Allen, general manager of the studio have been joined in Xew York by Charles Laniont and Stephen Roberts, senior directors in the Educational roster, as well as Al Martin, comedy titk writer, for conferences. Woody Burial Tomorrow lycst Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Funeral services will be held here probably tomorrow for John S. \\'oody, assistant sales man- ager of Fox, who died in Xew York last week. His body, accompanied by the widow, arrives here today. New Philadelphia House Sold Xew Philadelphia. O. — Justice of the Peace S. H. Herron has sold the Bijou which he has owned and op- erated for the last 18 years, to his nephew, John W. Mathias. Flinn Leaves for Coast John C. Flinn left yesterday for the Coast. r-»- Call WAFILMS, Inc. Walter A. Futter, Pres. for Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46th St.. New York Bryant 8181 FOR SALE Suitable for Sound Studio 75 X 1081/2. height of ceiling from floor 44'. All in the clear including cellar, room for car- penter shop and offices. In the 80's off Columbus Ave., on street level. Box A-117 care Film Daily, 1650 B'way New York City The Industry's Date Book Today: Opening of "Madame X" at the Harris, New York. April 26 Opening of "Innocents of Paris" at the Criterion, New York. May 1 Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal. May 1 Opening of "The Desert Song" at the Warner, New York. May 2 Opening of "Bulldog Drummond" at the Apollo. New York. May 5-11 National Music Week. May 6 Opening of "Mother's Boy" at Cohan, New York. May 6-7 Convention of Texas exhibitor tinit. Dallas. May 6-9 Spring meeting of Society of M.P. Engineers in New York. May 20 Annual Convention of American Federation of Musicians at Den- ver. June 1-9 American Theater Equipment Ex- position and Exhibitors Institut* at Chicago. JuneU-12 Convention of Oklahoma exhibi- tor unit at Oklahoma City. SEE THEM ! — And Convince Yourself! .^*^ The more I see them, the better I like them, and it seems that they have the same effect on our audi- ence. FOUNT AIX SQ. THEATRE Gcnilden Theatres Corp. 'WE NEVER DISAPPOINT" CPOWFIIM OiMfi WS INCORPORATED 220 WEST 42^1-° STREET NEW YORK Wisconsin 6876 ALLAN A. LOWNES. CEN. MCR. Let IJs Solve Your Vrohlems I Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCORPORATED 1540 B'WAY N.Y.C. TELEPHONE BRYANT 3040 "The Thinker" as expressed by Rodin Exhibitors, too, are Thinking today'. THE THINKERS! PLENTY of thinking going on in this industry today. The future? Metro- Goldwyn-Mayer is the answer ! M-G-M product, Sound or Talking or Silent, is the most reassuring note in the business. "THE BROADWAY MELODY," a national sensation. "THE TRIAL OF MARY DUGAN" Broadway's new $2 smash. "THE IDLE RICH" coming. Those three ALL-TALKING pictures fl|% IHIBIHf ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ Road-Show-Size Talkies that ^H^^^l make early Talking efforts seem amateurish by comparison. M-G-M's Movietone Acts are marvelous. Now come HAL ROACH'S great ALL-TALKING COMEDIES with "Our Gang," Laurel-Hardy, Charlie Chase and Roach All-Stars. M-G-M silent pictures are life-savers to many theatres today. The future? It's rosy when it's secure! There's one company that insures the future— that's M-G-M! WILLIAM HAINES THE DUKE STEPS OUT has broken et'ery week-erui record at Capitol, N.Y. Smashing records all otcr.' GRETA GARBO WILD ORCHIDS is doing sensational busi- ness. 2 Big Weeks on B'way. Extended run hit! SOUND OR SILENT— THE GREATEST! Ramon Novarro in 'THE FLYING FLEET" "THE BELLAMY TRIAL" (Talking or Silent) "WOMAN OF AFFAIRS" (Gilben-Garbo) William Haines in "ALIAS JIMMY VALENTINE" (Talking or Silent) Ramon Novarro in"THE PAGAN" (He sings .') Lon Chancy in "WHERE EAST IS EAST" Willard Mack in "VOICE OF THE CITY" {All-Talking or Silent) and More I More ! More 1 EXTRA! Laurel-Hardy in their fint ALL-TALKING COMEDY "Unaccustomed As We Are" is now fjlaying with $2 run of "Broadway Melody" at Columbia Theatre San Francisco. METRO-GOLDWYN Firm and Foremost Coast Wire Service New Recording Tricks Following up his processes for do- ing double exposures in sound to permit the playing of dual roles with both characters talking, Lodge Cun- ningham, one of the Metropolitan Studios sound engineers, says he has worked out new developments in sound by completing several success- ful continuous lap dissolves. He devised single lap dissolves in sound soine time ago which are used in the Christie-McLean production, "Divorce Made Easy." With his new completed process, it is said, continuously dissolving scenes may now be taken moving from long shot through medium shot to close up, with the character talking, with no pauses and with no break in the level of the sound. Cunningham's double - exposure process is being used by the Lloyd Hamilton company in one of Ham- ilton's talking comedies in which he plays a dual role, with both of the characters played by Hamilton on the screen together and talking simul- taneously. A Little from ft Lots ff By RALPH WILK , Betty Bronson in Talker Betty Bronson will be heard in "The Locked Door," 100 per cent dialogue picture which George Fitz- maurice is directing for United Ar- tists. Rod La Rocque, Barbara Stanwyck and William Boyd, stage player, already have been announced for this cast by John W. Considine, Jr., production executive at United Artists. Columbia Talker Titled "Father and Son" has been se- lected as title of Columbia's talker produced under tentative title of "Father Love." Jack Holt, Dorothy Revier, Helene Chadwick and Mick- ey McBan are featured. Erie C. Ken- ton is directing. Hollywood T UCILLE POWERS, 17-year old '^ 'extra' girl, who was picked from the ranks by Clarence Badger for "Three Week Ends" with Clara Bow, has now been cast for an important role in "Magnolia" which Richard Wallace will direct for Paramount. B&nny Rubin says: "Did you hear about the master of ceremonies who ran out of inaterial and shot him- self for a black-out?" Benvy is do- ing a double from, Universal City to the Boulevard where he is m. c. Lea McCarey, for two years su- pervising director of the Roach stu- dio, has been signed to direct "Joe College," Pathe 100 per cent talker. Eddie Quillan, Sally O'Neil and Jeanette Loff will have the leads. * * * Joseph Schildkraut and Laura La Plante, both Universal stars, ivho appeared together in "Show Boat," will be teamed again in an Eddie Montague story, titled "Evidence." This all-dialogue production will be directed by William Wyler. * * * Robert Homans, New York stage actor, appears in "The Isle of Lost Ships," as a result of his work with Colleen Moore in "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling." * * * Frank Murray, for several years with Fox publicity department, ivill leave the latter part of April for New York and Washington. Robert Ellis, who played the heavy in "Broadway," has been assigned a similar role in "Evidence," for Universal. Graham Baker, Anthony Coldeway Switch Positions C. Graham Baker, assistant asso- ciate executive at Warners, has suc- ceeded Anthony Coldeway at First National. The latter has been trans- ferred to Warners to handle Baker's old duties. Nagel Continues with Both M-G-M and Warner Bros. Although M-G-M has signed Con- rad Nagel to a new contract, ar- rangements have been made whereby he will be co-featured in five Warner pictures. Wednesday, April 24, 1929 Good Stunt Sixty thousand copies of a herald printed in the form of a New York tabloid, are be- ing distributed by Columbia on the street to boost "The Don- ovan Affair," which opens April 27 at the Roxy, New York. Josephine Quirk Series Started The Josephine Quirk productions to be released by Tififany-Stahl, with George Mcintosh featured in these two reel talking shorts, started yes- terday under direction of Leigh Ja- son. Mary Carlisle, a newcomer, is feminine lead and Marie Quillan, John Alden, Joseph Lykens and J. J. Clark complete the cast. Miss Quirk wrote stories and dialogue. Neil Hamilton Assigned Neil Hamilton has been signed by Universal to play opposite Laura La Plante in "Evidence," now in production. Hamilton replaces Jos- eph Schildkraut. The change was made because of Universal's desire to star Schildkraut in a separate ve- hicle. "Evidence" will be directed by William Wyler. Gunmen Fire Chi. Theater Involved in Labor "Jam" Chicago — Outrages at the Adams loop theater, culminated in fire at the house set by two gunmen. M. O. Wells, owner, ascribes the outrage to James C. Petrillo, president of the Musicians Union, but the latter denies any connection with firing of the house. Some time ago, Petrillo or- dered Wells to cease operating an automatic organ or hire a union musi- cian to operate it. Lee in New York Frank J. Lee, veteran press rep- resentative and exploiteer, who now is national director of public rela- tions for Aviation Industries, Inc., which is sponsoring a carnival of the sky to be held in Minneapolis and St. Paul from Aug. 3 to Sept. 7, is in New York. Booth Writing Dialogue John Hunter Booth, who recently joined the Fox staff of writers, is now putting the dialogue to "Lucky Star," a Gaynor-Farrell story. "4 Devils" which was released as silent, is now being made about 75 per cent talking. Among Booth's plays are, "The Masquerader," "Keep Smiling" and "Rollin' Home." Her "Of Great Value" It will be of great value throughout the year. BOB KANE FREE to FUm Daily SubscHbers Subscription $10.00 Foreign $15.00 Kolker in Fox Cast Henry Kolker, stage player, who is appearing in "The Valiant," has been signed by Fox for a role in "Scents of Sweet Almonds," based on the stage play by Monckton Hoffe. Charles Klein will handle the pictorial direction and Donald Gal- lagher, stage direction. Clark at Pathe Studio Herbert Clark, stage player, has arrived at the Pathe studio and may appear opposite Ann Harding in "Paris Bound." Banned in Ohio Cleveland — "Why Girls Gc Wrong," distributed in Ohio by Al- bert Dezel, has been ordered with- drawn from circulation by John L. Clifton, director of education, and head of the state censor board. The picture was passed Jan. 5 for gen- eral admission, without age restr-c- tion for children. Complaint wa.s registered against advertising used in connection with the picture. It is reported that the censor board also has re-called "The Road to Ruin." Yale Honors Dr. DeForf'^t Dr. Lee DeForest, inventor of Phonofihn and chief engineer of General Talking Pictures Corp. has been initiated as an honorary mem- ber of the Sigma Chi fraternity by the Yale chapter at New Haven. This honor was accorded him for his invention of the audion amplifying tube. "The Concert," Menjou Vehicle Because Emil Jannings is leaving for Europe and also to meet release dates, Paramount has made a switch in ils schedule, and "The Concert" is being readapted for Adolphe Men- jou. Assigned to Bordoni Film Clarence Badger is to direct "Paris," Irene Bordoni's first talker for First National. Buys High Point House High Point, N. C— L. W. Unkle has taken over the Ritz from T. M. Elliott. P. R. Parrish will manage, house. One Day a Week Policy Farmersville, O. — The Liberty, closed for the last six months, has been reopened under management of Jack P. Murray and Allen B. Twy- man. Throughout the summer, shows will be given on Saturdays only. "Rainbow Man Ready For Market Paramount will place "The Rain- bow Man" on Ihe market immediate- ly. The picture, starring Eddie Dowl- ing, is first picture produced by Sono- Art Prod., new independent firm. THE Wednesday, April 24, 1929 -<^E^ D^^ Mclovox, French Sound Device, Now on Market l|-.i.v;Miic;f.'» Bureau of Till': I-ILM DAILY Washington — Mclovox st)Uiul de- vice, said to be of exclusively French invention, promotion and manufac- ture, is being offered on the market here by Socicte Mclovox. a partner- ship directed by A. Krikorian, whose principal associate, M. Jacques Nat- anson, is the managing director of La Centrale C^inematographique, a producing organization, states a re port from \'ice Consul Alfred II Cameron, Paris, made public by th M. P. Section of the Dcpt. of Com merce. "Mclovox" can be used with oi without synchronization, but in any case without the addition of any extra attachments to the ordinary silent projector. It is being built to sel' at even less than the French Tobis. although no price has definitely been set upon either of these makes. Installs Chrest Reproducers Alliance. O. — Lcmotto Smith has installed Chrest sound reproducers in his Ideal and Columbia. He says business is good since he has put in sound. Smith plans to install Chrest machines in the Duchess, ati Warrern and the Palace, at Huntington. West N'irginia. Censors Installing PhonofUm DeForest Phonotilni equipment will be installed in the two projec- t on rooms of the Pennsylvania cen- '•f>r bpard at Philadelphia. Sound Pictures By CHARLES F. HYNES Talking Pictures to be up at Meeting l)iM.'u>^ion of talking pictures is to eature a meeting tonight in New Vork of the Writers Club of Columbia Cnlversity. Speakers will include: .. L. (Roxy) Rothafel, Ikrtram 5!i)ck. M-G-M scenario editor; Al- ert Howson, Warner scenario editor; larold Herdee of the RKO research lepartmeiit ; Alexander Bakshy, Con- tinental critic. Duofone Opens Cleveland Branch Cleveland — V. F. France has open- ed an olVicc here to distribute the I'rance Duofone in Ohio. This is a sound on disc reproducing device made in Detroit wnere 22 installa- tions have been made, including Kun- skv's DeLuxe, and the East End theater. It sells for $1,800. A sound on fdm attachment will soon be avail- able. Duofone is sold on the time payment plan. Benson House Wired Benson, Minn. — Sound equipment has been installed at the Viking. Ohio Houses Wired Kent, O. — Western Electric equip- ment has been installed at the Kent and at the New Ravenna at Ravenna. Dave Silverman Heads Music for Vitaphone St. Louis — Dave Silverman, direc- tor of the orchestra of the Ambas- sador, has gone to Hollywood to take over his new duties as general musi- cal director of Vitaphone productions. In his new position Silverman will be in direct charge of the scoring of all \'itaphone and First National pic- tures. Albert Roth, assistant musical director of the Missouri, has suc- ceeded Silverman in the pit at the .•\mbassador. Opening with Sound Toronto — There has been a rush of sound openings in Canada. The- aters which are opening with sound include: Pantages, Toronto, largest theater in Canada; Loew's, Toronto; B. F. Keith's, Ottawa, first in Canada with RCA-Photophone equip- ment; Centre, Ottawa; Monarch, Edmonton, Alta.; Regent, and Or- pheum, Winnipeg, and Loew's, Lon- don, Ont. New Company Formed for Talkers London — Another talking picture company has been registered here as World-Wide Talking Pictures with a capital of $4,850. Production plans are to be announced shortl}'. 50 Houses Equipped for Sound in Denver Zone Denver — Fifty houses in this ter- ritory are wired for sound. This in- cludes Colorado, New Mexico, Wyo- ming, Western Nebraska and the South Dakota Black Hills. Colorado, with i3, heads the list. Of the num- ber, 22 have dual systems of sound track and disc, 19 have disc only and two have sound track only. Denver has 14 houses wired, ten of them for the dual system. Denver now has 14 with sound equipment, ten of which arc equipped for both disc and film. The last large Denver theaters to be equipped are the Tabor Grand and the Or- pheum, where Photophones have re- cently been installed. Wyoming has seven sound equip- ped theaters. The Rialto of Casper, the Lincoln of Cheyenne, and the Strands of Rawlins all have a disc and film equipment. In the Denver territory there are 29 having equipment for both disc and film. There are 17 having disc equipment only, and four having film equipment only. There are 11 companies now hav- ing agents in the Denver territory soliciting exhibitors for installing some kind of sound equipment. Detroit House Wired Detroit — Western Electric equip- ment has been installed at the Grand Riviera. The house is playing com- bination films and RKO vaudeville. The Real Estate To Be Sold Is More Fully Described as follows : A lot of Land, bounded on the East by Pine Street, on the North by West Church Street, on the West by land of Laverne L. Bubb and on the South by other land now or formerly of the Fred M. Lamade Estate. This lot is 74 feet 6 inches in width on Pine Street, and in depth, of equal v^'idth, 140.55 feet. The above described premises has erected thereon a large, modern brick building used for theatre purposes. f The above property to be sold FREE from Hens and encumbrances of every kind 1 There Will Be Exposed To PUBLIC SALE the real estate and other property (including stage property, seats, modern organ recently installed, chandeliers, etc.) of THE MAJESTIC THEATRE situated at the Southwest corner of Pine and West Church Street, in the Third Ward of the City of Williamsport, County of Lycoming and State of Pennsylvania, more fully hereinafter described. Said Sale to be held in Auditorium of said Theatre on Saturday, MAY 4, 1929, at 10 o'clock a.m. The Majestic Theatre has been continuously running and in operation for twenty years. It is the only theatre in Williams- port that has a stage upon which living actors appear. It is also equipped for moving pictures. It is centrally located in the business section of a city of approximately fifty thousand people, drawing from a large suburban population. The theatre is beau- tifully and thoroughly equipped and in excellent condition, hav- ing a seating capacity of about sixteen hundred people. Terms of Sale: $10,000 in cash at acceptance of offer bid. Balance with interest within thirty days on tender of proper deed. LYCOMING TRUST COMPANY WILLIAMSPORT, PA- Trustec DAILV Wednesday, April 24, 1929 161 BILLS AND MILLIONS IN TAXK DEFEATED iCcmtinued from Page 1) and sixty-one are out of the way, while six are pending in Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan and Missouri. In those states the outcome will not be known until June 30 at which time Connecticut, the last to adjourn, will close its session. Efforts to burden the industry with taxation were more intense this year than ever before. An indication of the extremes to which state legisla- tors have gone is found in the five cent per ticket tax now pending in Michigan, a measure which would cost theaters $7,000,000 a year, the danger in that state will not end until May 5 when the legislature terminates its session. There were many bills prompted by censorship boards seeking additional revenue in order to install sound equipment for talking picture super- vision. In Ohio, Kansas, Pennsyl- vania, Virginia and wherever else such measures were up for considera- tion, the moves were defeated. While 167, or the preponderance of laws were aimed against the business, 24 were favorably inclined. Of this number, 12 were defeated and an equal number enacted. Those passed included repeal of sound newsreel censorship in Pennsylvania, censor repeal in Greeley, Colo., three anti- daylight savings bills in Indiana and enactment of arbitration laws in a number of states. Jefferson City, Mo. — The Municipal Corporations Committee of the house, has reported unfavorably the bill to place a ten per cent tax on all the- ater and motion picture admissions. Representative Poag of Butler coun- ty introduced the bill. It was esti- mated the bill would cost St. Louis theater goers $12 each a year. The committee also killed the Bauer Bill providing for censorship of mo- tion picture advertisements and ad- vertising posters, by county clerks and the St. Louis license collector. Poag, while the author of the ten per cent tax bill, did not put his name on it but had Representatives Put- nam and Morris sponsored it in the House. Neither bill has many friends in the house and there appears little chance they will get through at this session of the General Assembly. Montreal Disaster House Condemned Montreal — Civic authorities have ordered the demolition of the Laurier Palace as unsafe. This was the scene of tragedy in January, 1927, when 79 children lost their lives through fire and panic and the house has not since been used. The city has paid $250 in compensation for each victim or a total of $19,750. Scales For Fox Movietone London — Tommy Scales, camera- nun for Pathe, has left the company to accept a technical position with Fox Movietone in the United States. Gun Bearers (.Continued shevist and disturber, has, strangely enough, been a valiant gun bearer in the Northwest. Mabel Dietz, J. E. Hippie and Charles Hyde have not been far be- hind. Dipping into Arkansas, you find M. A. Lightman, president of the ter- ritorial M.P.T.O. girding his loins on be- half of the business of which he is a parcel. Over in Nebraska, Charlie Wil- liams, state exhibitor leader, is always dependable as is Bob McGinnis, who rep- resents railroads there for plenty yet who takes motion pictures out of trouble for nary a penny, and Rosemary Foley, ef- ficient Film Board secretary. In the Lone Star state. Col. Cole, oft-dubbed revolutionist, has been doing a splendid job on behalf of the entire business, re- gardless of faction. In this work, Jeff Strickland and Don C. Douglas have demonstrated their value beyond all ques- tion. Let's hurry along. In Iowa, Dante Pierce, E. P. Smith, Abram F. Myers and Abe Blank have made a powerful quartette. Frank Rembusch, Charlie Metzger, Louis Markun and Earl Peters ward off the blows in Indiana as do Harry Myers and Pearl Davis in rock- ribbed Montana. It is natural, of course, to depend upon E. V. Richards in Louis- iana where Julie Heine, another of the competent Film Board secretaries, helps to hold the fort against the industry's ill-wishers. Mississippi and Alabama have their Farleys and their Knykendalls; the Carolinas, their Picquets and their Sams; Washington and Oregon, their Northrups, their Lynches, their great newspaper editors; and their Jim Hones. That is not all. Colorado has Harry Nolan and Duke Dunbar; Idaho, Billy Mendenhall; Utah, Louis Marcus and D. T. Lane; Oklahoma, Tom Boland and others who had best remain unnamed; California, Thomas D. Van Osten, Har- old B. Franklin, Fred Beetson and many more; Wisconsin, its well-knit exhibitor association and Ben Koenig. Were it politic to list Massachusetts, from Page 1) Pennsylvania, New Jersey and many more of the states where great battles were fought and won, the roster would amaze. The list, however, would he woefully inadequate without mention of Anna Aiken Patterson, editor of the "Weekly Film Review" of Atlanta, described by an impoirtanl) man you know well as the "Joan of Arc" of the Southeast. Burt New and Jim Fitzger- ald unite times without number to aid exhibitors to ward off legislative dangers in many of the Atlantic seaboard states. So it goes. E.xchangemen, news- paper editors, clubwomen, potentates in politics — from within and without, there has been welded into a small, but powerful army a group that be- friends the business through legis- lative Dark Ages that few know about. Pettijohn The strategist who has so adeptly handled the situation is the first to decry his own importance. Charlie Pettijohn to whom we refer, will tell you that whatever he has done, he has been paid for. The others, not. But we have established the truth for ourselves and now pass on to an industry that should be grateful to learn it, that it is to Pettijohn that the thanks are due. He has accom- plished what appeared to be the im- possible three months ago. Tonight he sails for Europe. He should go with the complete peace of mind and the great satisfaction that always come with a job that is well done. KANN Mich. Showmen Ban Percentage Bookings (.Continued from Page 1) to make only a fraction of the amount of silent features," declares H. M. Richey, business manager. Distrib- utors attempt to book on percentage in houses just wired and then to seek a fixed rental after the novelty is worn off, which rental is based on the percentage showings, he says pointing out that w/ith but few ex- ceptions sound is not making any clean-up in the state. Only talkers are worth extra money, he says, ad- vocating that synchronized pictures, be run silent, as they will make as much money. Unless there is a downward re- vision of rentals, due to lower pro- duction costs and increased exhibitor overhead, $1,000,000 in revenue will be lost to producers in Michigan, be- cause of elimination of from 100 to 150 theaters which can't gross oper- ating expenses. He says exhibitors are looking for a distributor who will include records in film rental at no extra charge, "and build for himself a clientele of customers who won't forget." Wiring Allentown House Allentown, Pa. — Western Electric equipment is being installed at the Rialto while alterations are being made. Sell Cleveland Hotise Cleveland — Henry Greenberger and Max Lefkowitz have sold the Keystone theater to £. Moran. L. A. Patrons Loyal to Silent, Survey Shows (Continued frotn Page 1) increasing or declining, according to survey made by "The Los Angeles Times Preview" and local Fox West Coast houses. A total of 7,216 votes were cast. Fifty-six per cent does not prefer talkers to silent films, and 80 per cent is against elimination of silents. Fifty-five per cent oppose musical recordings for films; 51 per cent like pictures in which sound effects are used, rather than dialogue; 73 per cent opposed part talkers, while 51 per cent stated its interest in talkers is not increasing and the same number denied its interest is declining. "The Times" votes showed a larger preference for the silent than did the theater vote although in both instances a strong vote against elim- inating all silent films was polled. The theater and newspaper votes somewhat offset each other in in- stances of the last two questions which explains apparent discrepan- cies of interest in talkies both "in- creasing"— "declining." Rebuilding Moberly House Moberly, Mo. — Columbia Theater Co., headed by Thomas Hall, plans to rebuild its theater here, recently destroyed by fire. Boiler Brothers of Kansas City are preparing plans for the new house which will cost upwards of $25,000. Cleveland House Wired Cleveland — Wonderphone has been installed at the Astor. PACENT PUNS FINISH TIGHT IN PATENT SUIT (Continued from Page 1) lenge "not only to our organization, but one which will affect the produc- ing side of the film industry and more vitally the exhibitors. His company, he says, accepts the chal- lenge on behalf of ourselves and the industry in general." Pacent says the company "will devote every energy and resource to keep the fet- ters of unjust monopoly from this industry," stating the decision will rest with the court. Pacent charges Western Electric with being "sluggish and inactive" when producers were seeking an ex- tended outlet for their sound pic- tures, which was changed to a sud- den display of great activity in start- ing the suit wilien Pacent entered the field with a low-priced machine. Says Go. Squarely Behind its Customers (Continued from Page 1) our equipment, we will, as the party most interested in such litigation, de- fend the same without regard to the contractual limitations of our respon- sibility," he declared. "Regarding Western Electric suit, this is apparently another step in a campaign to affect our sales and create a monopoly in the talking pic- ture industry." Pacent wrote in a telegram to Wallerstein. "We have been making sound equipment for many years and expect to continue for many more. There is no infringe- ment. This suit vitally affects en- tire moving picture field. We have retained some of the best legal coun- sel in country and propose to stand back of our customers to fullest ex- tent. Send papers to us for attor- neys' action. I have no doubt of fa- vorable outcome against this obvious attempt to force industry to accept overpriced machines." Canadian Film to Be Auctioned Ottawa — "Carry On, Sergeant," produced by the now defunct Cana- dian International Films, with Capt. Bruce Bairnsfather as director, is to be sold to the highest bidder, fol- lowing the refusal of Premier G. Howard Ferguson of Ontario to permit the further use of the gov- ernment studio at Trenton, Ont., for remaking the picture. Harry Rose Gets Contract St. Louis — Harry Rose, who came to the Missouri as master of cere- monies under an optional contract a few weeks ago, has signed a long term agreement with Warner-Skou- ras and will remain here indefinitely. $100,000 House for Corona Corona, Cal. — Jefferson Asher, former executive for West Coast The- aters, has closed a deal for the erec- tion of a $100,000 house here. Glen Harper of Los Angeles and secretary of the M.P.T.O.A. has leased the house. THE Wednesday, April 24. 1929 ^^U^ DAIL^ -AND THA TS THAT By PHIL M. DALY FRANKIE DARKO. the juvenile minstrel in "The Rainbow Man,'" is in line to become a baseball mag- nate. He learned there were 18 bell- hops at the Lincciin hotel. So he told the manager if he'd work 'em in two shifts, he'd Ruarantee to turn out two first-class b;isei)all teams that would have the town talking. ".And that," Frankie argued, "is saving you the expense of a v)nblicity depart- ment." * » * Cloudy, Eh, What? Epidemic Snwosh, our roving cor- respotideyit, xvrites from Englaud: "A British producer has shot a pic- ture that starts in a London fog." That's a real novelty, Smoosh. Most British pictures finish in a fog. * * * Fishy Film Some of the boys went fishing the other Sunday. Believe it or not, they caught a nice mess of flounders. Now comes the tragedy. Being film men, nobody believes them. So Al Feinman, with his publicity com- plex, sez: "Next time we'll take a cameraman along." * * * We walked in on Harry Brandt who is now taking the bovs for a ride disguised as a benevolent stock broker. Harry was singing this pretty little parody on the latest song hit: "They buy stocks high And sell 'em low And that's the way They lose their dough So that's the reason I chirp in glee Sucker, oh siicker Come back to me." * * * Hip Pocket Technique George Batcheller of Chesterfield Pictures has just completed his all- talker, "The House of Secrets." It is one of those creepy thrillers, and has left George with frazzled nerves A friend walked in and slapped him on the back. G. B. jumped up and in the best screen detective manner reached for his hip pocket to defend himself. The friend sez: "No thanks, George. I'm off the stuff." THEME SONG "T he Duke Steps Out and Drags 'Em In." Famous Film Conversations "S'help me, I kent afford it." MYERS RIDDLES BABSON AHACRJ PICTURES (.Continued from Fayc 1) as I liave made lead directly to the mu\ ies as the basic cause of tiie crime waves of today." .\I\crs points out tliat the producer- owned first run houses are excepted by Babson "to make certain it is not a big business' goat." "Chents should not make the mis- take of judging the movies by the pictures which arc being shown in the gooil theaters which they attend," Babson declared. "Such pictures represent only a small fraction of the pictures siiown every afternoon aiul evening of the year." it is evident that the data offered by Babson in support of his indict- ment of the motion picture industry is "utterly worthless," says Myers, if the Babson market reports were based on such superficial research and faulty reasoning they would have none of the standing accorded them by the public today. "To ignore such contributing causes as heredity, environment, pov- erty, evil associates, speakeasies, Ijrotliels, pool rooms, and gambling dens and fasten the blame for crime on the motion picture theater with its lights, nmsic and innocent en- tertainment is nothing short of ridicu- lous. "In the motion pictures greater re- stranit is practiced than in any other branch of literature or drama. There is scarcely a bookstore or newsstand in the country that does not offer books or magazine stories which never could be produced on the screen witnout tiiorough expurgation. "1 have seen many pictures and it has been my observation that vir- tue triumphs with almost monoto- nous regularity and happy endings are a liabit. 1 sometimes wonder whether the pictures are sufficiently stinmlating to exercise any influence on motioti picture audiences. If so, it nmst be in the direction of emulat- ing screen heroes and heroines, and even then they might do worse. "The attempted distinction between 'good theaters' and theaters in the 'poor quarters' will amuse those engaged in the business. If there is a question as to the morals of the movies, it has to do with increasing 'sexi- ness' in pictures designed for and shown in the big downtown houses. The box office pull of these pictures is unmistakable but the public did not learn to like them inside the theater in the first instance. "The demand for that sort of thing was generated in other places and the screen has lagged far behind the so-called legitimate stage and other forms of literature and en tertainment in pandering to it. "If Mr. Babson were to devote his genius and facilities to a good faith effort to dis- cover why it is that the theater to which he objects shows the kind of pictures he does nut like, he would be in a position to tell the public atx>ut some of the evils of compulsory block booking and zoning and their effect on the programs in the small neighborhood houses. "If Mr. Babson's grocer will not sell him less than a dozen eggs, Mr. Babson doubt- less insists on and is accorded the right to exchange any eggs that are bad for eggs that are good. Let Mr. Babson inquire of any motion picture exhibitor in the 'poorer quarters' whether he can get substitutions for the bad pictures in his block. In this way Mr. Babson might help to improve condi- tions in a business which, after all, is not so bad.'' Western Electric Files Two More Patent Suits at Toledo Suit has been brought by Western Electric in the Federal Court for the Northern District of Oliio at Toledo, against the Maiden-Toledo, Inc., of Toledo, and C. A. Fox, an officer of the corporation, for alleged patent in- fringement and unfair competition in making and selling sound picture ap- paratus which the company says is an imitation of Western Electric equii)- nieiit. Two Western Electric patents (relating to loud speaking receiver^ - volved. Xos. 1.707,544 and 1,- 707,545 issued on April 2. 1929. At the same time suit is also being brought in the same court against tiic Silverphone Corp. of Toledo for sale of the alleged infringing devices. Both suits ask for an injunction, account- ing and damages. Silverphone Says Firm Not Using Disputed Speakers Toledo — Before April 2. Silver- phone Corp.. purchased about 36 of the units involved in the Western Electric action, from the Maiden- Toledo Co., in which the Silverphone firm has no direct or indirect in- terest, officials state. As the Silverphone company has purchased none of the speaker units since April 2 and have discontinued using same, the suit will not affect the company, it is claimed. The com- pany is usin? dynamic speaker units of a type used by otner independents and these units are not affected by Western Electric patents, it is set forth. Fox West Coast Plans Big Expansion Program (.Continued from Page 1) In each case the chain will either ac the contacts (n) temporarily con- nected to the battery (k) will pro- gress in one direction or the other and the lamps (b) will be lighted in succession and will thus present an appearance of rotation in one direc- tion or the other according to wheth- er the speed of the projection ma- chine is faster or slower than that of the phonograph, thus enabling the operator to correct the speed of the projection machine in accordance with the mdications of the lamps. /l^I ^ ,.- J* Pointers figwrc importantly in Thomasin's system. British patent No. 27,717. In British patent No. 27,717, is- sued to Francis Alexander Thomas- sin on July 15, 1909, a pointer is moved towards one direction by the projection machine and towards the opposite direction by the phonograph so that when the speed of the phono- graph is the same as that of the pro- jection machine these two movements balance and the pointer remains sta- tionary, but when these speeds are unequal, the pointer moves in one direction or the other depending on whether the projection machine is faster or slower than the phono- graph. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 of the patent, a pointer (7) mounted on a shaft (25) is carried on a plate (22) which is rotated in a clockwise direction by the crank spindle (13) of the projection machine, through the sprocket wheel (34) chain (33) sprocket wheel (32) and a worm drive (27) meshing with teeth (26) on the periphery of the plate (22). This movement tends to rotate the pointer clockwise to the position marked "Fast." The movement of the point- er in this direction is counteracted by a ratchet wheel (6) fastened to the shaft (25) and actuated by a pawl (3) which is reciprocated by a lever (5) on which it is mounted, in such a manner as to advance the ratchet wheel the distance of one ratchet tooth for each reciprocation of the lever (5). The lever (5) is recipro- cated, in turn, with each closing of an electric circuit through a solenoid or electro-magnet (1) and which is included in a circuit with brushes (15) and (16) bearing against a commutator (14) carried on a shaft (12) of the phonograph - driving mechanism. In this manner the pawl (3) is reciprocated at a rate proportionate to the speed of the phonograph and, when the speed of the phonograph is the same as that of the projection machine, this action turns the pointer shaft (25) anti- clockwise at the same speed as the plate (22) rotates it clockwise. As these actions balance each other, the pointer remains stationary. If the projection machine rotates faster than the phonograph, the plate (22) rotates faster than the ratchet wheel (6) and carries the pointer clockwise in the direction marked "Fast," but if it rotates more slowly than the phonograph, the plate (22) rotates more slowly than the ratchet wheel (6) and the pointer is rotated to the right in the direction marked "Slow." A later British patent No. 264,046, issued to Sunnners Brown on Jan. 13, 1927, describes an improvement on the above patent whereby the rela- tion of the driving mechanisms of the phonograph and of the projec- tion machine may be varied to cor- rect loss of synchronism without al- tering the indicating mechanism. • In U. S. patent No. 923,511, issued to Jules Greenbaum on June 1, 1909, electric circuits controlled by the projection machine and by the lihonograph rotate a pair of pointers. Pointers electrically controlled arc a feature of another Greenbaum patent issued in Wash- ington in 1909 as No. 923,511. one for the phonograph and one for the projection machine, in such a manner that when the two driving mechanisms are operating at the same relative speeds, the pointers will move at the same speed, but when the projection machine runs relatively faster or more slowly than the phonograph, its pointer will ad- vance ahead of, or lag behind, the lihonograph pointer. As shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings of the pat- ent, the phonograph pointer (24) is actuated from a shaft (8) of the phonograph drive mechanism through the commutator (10) rotated by the shaft (8) a brush (11) bearing against the commutator, and thence through the circuit wires (14) and (15) the electro-magnet (3) pawl (17) ratchet wheel (21) and a gear train in a manner similar to the elec- tric circuit for the ratchet wheel (6) and pointer (7) of British patent No. 27,717, issued to F. A. Thomassin on July IS, 1909. In a similar manner the projection machine pointer (29) is rotated from a commutator (6) on a shaft of the projection machine, through the brush (7) wires (12) electro-magnet (2) pawl (17) and ratchet wheel (26). Brin Visits Seattle Seattle — L. K. Brin, who owns a string of houses in Minnesota and Wisconsin is visiting here. Brin is using the Mastertone sound device in several of his houses and accord- ing to present plans will organize a local sales force to handle the device in the Pacific Northwest ter- ritory. Install Chrest Device Dover, O. — • The Chrest Sound Equipment Co. has made installa- tions at the Ritz, Akron; Palace, Huntington, W. Va.. and the State, Westerville, O. THE Thursday, April 25, 1929 ■cStl DAILV A Qoasi Wire Sqwicc 2 Directors New Policy ONE IN CHARGE OE EILM, ONE TO HANDLE DIALOGUE Pathe has adopted the system of assigning two directors to each pro- duction,— a stage director and a screen specialist. One supervises the action, the other the lines. The first picture to he made under the new system will he "Paris Bound," witii Ann Harding, Frederic Marcii, Herl)ert Clark and Charlotte Walker. Edward H. Griffith is the accredited director, and Frank Reich- er will supervise the dialogue. Richard Boleslavsky was sent to the Coast from New York to work witii Marshall Neilan in tlie same capacity, when production is started on Ina Claire's first picture. Arthur Rich- man, who has written an original play for Miss Claire's debut, also will as- sist on the preliminaries of this pro- duction. Norman Houston Signed to Write for Columbia Films Norman Houston, who with James Gleason wrote dialogue for "The Broadway Melody," has been signed by Columbia. He conies from M- G-M to join the Columbia staff of writers. Recentlv he directed "Copy" for M-G-M. Brenon Casting "Lummox" With Winifred Westover picked for the title role, Herbert Brenon is completing his cast for "Lummox," all-talking picturization of the Fan- I nie Hurst novel. Edna Murphy, I Myrtle Stedman, Florence Ash- brooke, Torbeii Meyer, Clara Langs- ner and Danny O'Shea have been cast. Clark & McCuUough Film Titled "Hired and Fired" is final release title of the new Clark & McCullough comedy for Fox Movietone. It for- nierlv was "Nerve." MacDonald in "Brass BoWl" Farrell MacDonald has been add- ed to "The Brass Bowl." talking version of Louis Joseph Vance's story which is now in preparation at the Fox studio. RKO Post for Clermont Harvey Clermont, former assist- ant director at the First National studios, has been engaged as assist- ant to Rex Bailey, casting director for Radio Pictures. F. N. Completes Another "The Girl in the Glass Cage," fea- turing Loretta Young and Carroll Nye has been completed at First Na- tional. A Little from ''hots'' By RALPH Wll.K WALTER LAX(; has joined the ranks of the talker directors. He ma and exhibitors, it was staled re- cently. This would be equal to $10 a share on 25,UUU shares of no par value i)referred stock, or $3.25 a share on 10U,U0() sliares of common stock after preferred dividends, as against $249,931, or $1U a share, on the pre- ferred, or $1.75 a share on the com- mon after preferred dividends for the previous fiscal year. "Blue" War at Coliunbus Columbus, Ind. — I'rank J. and Truman Renibusch and Donald Wagner were recently arrested for operating tiie Crump theater on Sun- day. In retaliation Rcmbusch has sworn out affidavits against 28 mer- chants and others who were doing business Sunday. Josack With Universal Chicago — Joseph Josack, Jr., ex- ploiteer and theater manager has just been appointed exploitation di- rector of the Chicago Universal ex- change. His first assignment is to handle the Midwestern premiere of "Show Boat" in Milwaukee. The picture will enjoy similar premieres in Lmcoln, South Bend, Omaha and Des Moines. Usher Writes Song Howard Leaden, chief usher at the Capitol theater, has composed a song entitled "Forgetting," which is to be published soon. Leaden re- cently wrote "Everything Depends on Something." Oliver Sells Miss. House Amory, Miss. — B. H. Oliver has sold the Mingo to Lloyd S. Hager and James Owens. Home At Tampa Tampa — J. T. Home has taken over the management of the Park. E. A. Crane has been appointed manager. Short Shots from Neiv York Studios ^i^immliy ARTHUR W. tUDY^^mm ¥J1.L1..\'E CHADWICK is New *■'■ Vorking these days largely for vacation reasons but with the possi- bility of doing some work before she returns to the Coast. Before heading towards Manhattan she con"-' '-(I the lead oiipositc Jack Holt in the talker for Columbia. Billic Rains ford is starred in a series of talking shorts being made by the Alden Film Corp., the fifth of which is now being cojnpleted. Titles in the group are "Trailed," "Rio Slavey," "Ticket, Please," "X Marks the Spot" and "Havana." Donald Brian, who recently had the experience of being X'itaphoned over in Brooklyn, will bag and bag- gage toMilwaukee early next month to [day in stock for a brace of weeks. Helen Frances, ivho gave her most recent stage performance in "On Parole," is receiviiig pay checks from Eastern studios. Re- cently she worked in shorts for Paramount, Fox and Alden Film Corp. Talker version of "Kid Boots," which was to star Eddie Cantor, is understood to have been indefinitely postponed by Paramount. Receiver is Named Bellefontaine, O. — Charles M. Johnson has posted $1,500 bond as receiver for the Bellefontaine Amuse- ment Co. operating two theaters. This is said not to be due to financial dif- ficulties, but only to settle a dispute among the stockholders. Attorneys for the company filed notice of ap- peal immediately upon the appoint- ment of the receiver. Change House Name San Francisco — Lyceum- Vitaphone is the new name of the house at Mis- sion and 29th Streets. Gruenwald at Adrian Adrian, Mich. — M. F. Gruenwald is now managing the Croswcll and Family theaters for Butterfield The- aters. Filmdom's Encyclopedia —the 1929 Film Daily Year Book, which I know will prove useful. N. M. SCHE^CK FREE to Film Daily Subscribers Subscription $10.00 Foreign $15.00 THE ■f&i^ DAILV Thursday, April 25, 1929 Taxation For Chain Theaters, New Racket iContinued from Page 1) on their gross sales. So far, this new type of legislation has been suc- cessfully warded off. Supervision of publicity and adver- tising matter, another new type of legislation, has been sought in New York, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri and several other states. Danger from this source has not been entirely removed as yet. Overtures Made for Purchase of Pathe (Continued from Page 1) ular Stock transactions have been headlined in Wall St. news, is re- ported to be John J. Raskob, chair- man of the Democratic party. Any definite action on the proposal, must await return to New York of David Sarnoff, executive vice president of RCA. The latter firm, through Ra- dio-Keith-Orpheum, owns stock in Pathe. Meehan has handled a num- ber of RCA stock issues, while Ras- kob is understood to be a heavy stockholder in RCA. Shapiro Forms New Firm Memphis— The Princess, South Main Street second run house, went into voluntary bankruptcy last week, and William Shapiro, its chief back- er, this week organized the Shapiro Amusement Co. and started over again, with the announcement that he intended to lease and operate a number of smaller houses. The Ritz, neighborhood house, was the first house leased. It has been op- erated fch the past year by Mrs. Max Kaplan, its owner. Reports indicate the Shapiro company would make an effort to lease the Princess, which is being operated under the referee in bankruptcy. Incorporators of the new company, beside Shapiro, are Howard B. Cranford, Gus J. Shapiro, Mrs. Y. W. Shapiro and Joseph Sha- piro. Saenger Changes Listed New Orleans — Julian H. Saenger, chairman of the board of directors of Saenger Theaters, before his de- parture on a brief trip through Texas, announced that, at the quar- terly meeting of the board, L. M. Ash, treasurer of the company, was elected to the position of vice-presi- dent, and William H. Gueringer, one of the vice presidents and assistant general manager, was appointed gen- eral manager. Sell Cleveland House Cleveland — Universal Theaters has sold the New Broadway to Harry Horwitz. Buys Lorain, O., House Lorain, O. — Mrs. Nazera Zigiob has purchased the Dreamland from E. G. Thomas. Buys Theater Lease Huntington Park, Cal. — Charles Rowland and C. C. Allen have taken over lease of the Park from Frank C. Osgood and Paul Callow. Gaumont's Buy of W. E. Relieves British Market (.Continued from Page 1) to have a profound effect on the en- tire market. London — "Sixes and Sevens" would be a mild description of the present state of the British industry, especial- ly in London, due to uncertainty in regard to talkers. The American companies are showing films that they cannot book, and the exhibitors are attending trade shows of dialogue pictures which their theaters are not wired to take. The result is a dead- lock. Enthusiasm for talking pictures is growing in all sections, but the prob- lem of interchangeability still looms large. In a word, the economics of the situation predominate over all other issues, with the consequence that a. temporary slump has set in in all the renters' offices, and the stu- dios devoted to silent films are — si- lent. Meanwhile it is stated that $121,- 250 is to be spent by South Wales theaters in wiring installations dur- ing the next few months. Advantage is to be taken of the summer season to wire at least a dozen houses pre- ■ paratory to the opening of the au- tumn campaign. » * * Glasgow also is going ahead on talker equipment. The La Scala is putting in the Western Electric sys- tem and patrons are being notified of the coming change by means of slides and illustrated booklets. * * ♦ "Black Waters," the first talker made by the British and Dominions Film Corp., has been seen by W. & F., who are to distribute it, and has pleased the whole executive staff. This is the film which was made by Herbert Wilcox and Marshall Neilan in Hollywood and is to be trade shown shortly in London. Sound Combine Being Launched on Continent (Continued from Page 1) sound finance flotation which will take place in Amsterdam, Berlin and London this month. Percy Deutsch of Acoustic Products of New York, recently arrived and is also taking part in the conferences. In addition to Deutsch, the follow- ing executives of the various com- panies now in London are: Dr. Lus- chen, Siemens-Halske; Dr. Auer- bach, Tobis; Dr. Meyer, A. E.G.;' Lawrence Hermes, Sieniens-Schu- kert; Milton Diamond, Bristolphone and Anthony de Bosdari of British i^hototone. Roseland Makes Standard Deal J. D. Trop of Roseland Pictures has closed a deal with J. C. Fish- man of Standard Film Exchange of Cleveland for the release of a se- ries of 12 one reel talkers in that territory. Two of thesp are com- pleted, namely "Join the Party" and "Asleep at the Switch" and produc- tion of the third is scheduled to start within a week. First Division Handling Gothams "Times Square" and "The River Woman," Gotham Photoplays just released, will be distributed in the New York territory by First Divi- sion Pictures. Rebuilding Rialto at Edmonton Edmonton, Alta. — The old Rialto is being torn down to make way for a new Rialto which h;is been specially designed for sound picture presenta- tion. The new house, which opens in June, will cost $125,000 and will seat 1,400. Everts at Spur, Tex. Spur, Tex. — H. O. Everts has been appointed manager of local Wes-Tex houses. C.E.A. Unsuccessful in Getting Tax Reduction (Continued from Page 1) justments. F. H. Cooper, president of the C.E.A. said that while the C.E.A. did not wish to be antagonis- tic towards the government the or- ganization was fully decided that, in the event of no tax relief, it would hesitate to take part in the General Elections. 3 Deals Await Return of David Sarnoff in May (Continued from Page 1) These will be the proposed Radio- Keith-Orpheum deal, with Para- mount, deal for purchase of the Pan- tages chain and the reported Meehan proposal for purchase of Pathe. The Paramount deal is variously reported as a proposed merger of the two firms and as plan for Publix to oper- ate R-K-O theaters. Ed Weiss at Uptown Cleveland, O. — Ed Weiss, former manager of Variety, is managing the Uptown, St. Clair Ave. and East 106th St. recently purchased from Variety Amusement Co. by J. and I. Silverman. Higinbotham Adds Another Birmingham, Ala. — R. P. Higin- botham has added another house to his chain, which now comprises the Majestic at Leeds, Forsyth at Pell City and the Homewood at Home- wood. Buy Cleveland House Cleveland, O. — Myer Fine, A. Dra- mer and S. H. Stecher of Variety Amusement Co. have taken over the Fairvland from Sam Fine. Buys Mingo Junction House Mingo Junction, O. — Charles Pa- poulias has taken over the Ideal from James Slantcus. -AND THAT'S THAT ^ By PHIL M. DALY ARTHUR STEBBINS has fallen ■^^ a victim to the merger menace. His irisurance company has merged a concern that has been insuring pictures in Hollywood. Now if Ar- thur can insure the sound in these pictures working smoothly on open- ing nights, what a hero he will be! * * * WHEEZIES The sound fever is starting to spread outside the studios. A Holly- wood hot dog emporium calls itself The Barkies. The proprietor of some Coffee Pot should now name his place The Coughies. And Holly- wooders will probably start calling their handkerchiefs the Sneezies. And when the comedy writers or- ganize a club called The Chokies- Quick, Watson, the needle. Phil's got a violent case of Gaggies. * i^ * THEME SONG "When Nancy Carols Close Har- mony That's Just Like Heaven to Me." * * * Phil's Own Tours Now folks, we enter a Hollywood studio. Here we see a score of play- ers banging their heads violently against the walls of the set. The di- rector has just asked them to "exer- cise their intelligence." It's coop- eration like this that produces those box-office wows. * * * Eddie Klein is worried for fear that some of the boys may think that "Artone" is a new talking de- vice when it is a radiator enclosure. Also that "Vivatone" is a cosmetic. All right, Eddie. Let's combine the products and market an Artone Vivatone as a cosmetic for hot mom- mers. * * * Daily Pome There was a man in our town Who was wondrous wise He had the tip on a theater site And gypped the other guys. * * * Slight Error Somebody stole several reels of a feature being screened at a theater in New Britain, Conn. The local news- paper reports the incident as follows: "Several persons went to the man- ager and told him they thought he* hadn't put on the whole picture. The manager in- vestigated and found it was true. The last three reels were miss- ing. French Exhibitors Vote Against Quota Impost i e/'FILMDOM ALL THE MEWS ALLTHE TIME VOL. XLVIII No. 23 Friday, April 26, 1929 Price 5 Cents HEARST HEADED EAST TO DISCUSS HIS RELEASING Cosmopolitan's plans for tlie future are expected to be determined in the next two weeks. William Ran- dolph Hearst arrives in New York from California today and, in addi- tion to detail attendant upon opera- tion of his publishing interests, it is anticipated he will discuss his film interests as well. As noted, Cosmopolitan has a number of pictures to deliver to M- G-M. Marion Davies Prod, which produces and distributes through Metro has three more to deliver. Hearst is report understood to be eager to introduce sound into his two newsreels, M-di-M News and In- ternational News, both of which are now silent. M-G-M News has about three years to run under existing contractual conditions, while Inter- national is expected to end a long association with Universal the end of this year. The future outlet for In- ternational News is one of the partic- ular matters which Hearst is ex- pected to consider during his stay in New York. Warners have been men- tioned persistently in this connection. Both of the Hearst Newsreels will undoubtedly go sound beginning with the new season, in recognition of the present trend of the market. Sarnoflf Heads Board of New RCA-Victor Unit Sales activity of Radio Corp. of America and Victor Talking Machine Co. will be handled in the future by newly formed Radio-Victor Corp., an RCA wholly-owned subsidiary incorporated in Maryland. David Sarnoff is chairman of the board. Over 99 per cent of Victor common has been deposited by Vic- tor stockholders pursuant to the uni- fication plan announced in January, thereby making the long-discussed merger an actuality. Franco Films Buys Aubert Theater Chain in Paris Paris (By Cable)— The -Hubert chain was sold yesterday to Franco Films. This is the same company which recently closed for leases on the Gaumont string, concentrated chiefly in Paris. The latter group reverts to Franco when Loew relin- quishes these houses about si.x j'ears hence. Payments Made Practically every New York independent chain for wViich Fox has been dickering has re- ceived the initial payments provided under the optional contracts made with each group. This guarantees their acquisition by Fox who will op- erate as Fox Metropolitan Playhouses, Inc. INT'L PROJ. TO SPLIT COMMON LIVE FOR ONE International Projector Corp. yes- terday jumped 14J4 points to 90, a new high, when it became known the company would split the common five for one. This issue, listed on the New York Curb, has jumped from a 1929 low of 12^. Stockholders will attend a special meeting on May 7 to vote on authorization of a 1,- (Continued on Page 6) "Queen KeUy" Shelved; New Picture Planned West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood— With a reported $750,- 000 invested and the film far from completed, it is understood "Queen Kelly" has been dropped and that Gloria Swanson will make an en- tirely new production. It may be "The Love Years" by Edmund Goulding. Fabians Intend Building New Theater for Newark Newark, N. J. — It is understood the Stanley-Fabian Corp. will build a new theater at Broad and Lafay- ette Sts., to be known as the Fabian. PUBLIX-WARNER POOL BELIEVED ABOUT SET Roxy Reported Building in Baltimore, Denied in N. Y. Baltimore — Real estate circles de- clare Ro.xy has purchased the Joel Gutnian property at Eutaw and Lex- ington as the site for a big theater. "I'm sitting right here in New York trying to discover which way we are headed and am not concerned with building a theater in Baltimore or elsew'here," said Roxy yesterday in dismissing the above report. 3 Chains After Control of Grauman's Chinese in L.A. West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Competition for pur- chase of the controlling interest in Grauman's Chinese is growing more furious. Fox and Publix have been and continue to bid against each other. Yesterday, however, a third and unnamed group is understood to have entered the lists with the out- come in the balance. Jack Buchanan and Eddie Buzzell for F. N. Talkers First National has signed Jack Buchanan, musical comedy star, to play opposite Irene Borden in "Paris" which Clarence Badger will direct. Eddie Buzzell, another well known musical comedy performer, will star in "Little Johnny Jones" for the company. Mervyn Le Roy will di- rect. Plan Shutdown in France as Protest Against Heavy Taxes Paris (By Cable) — French theater owners, meeting at Nice, have for- mally voted their opposition to the proposed quota, thus adding to pro- tests of the American film represen- tatives in Paris the objections of the domestic exhibition business. The Nice conference was the an- nual meeting of theater owners at which motion picture houses were largely represented. By unanimous vote, they determined to strike in protest of government taxes on ex- hibition which are very heavy in France. A committee was appoint- ed to conclude arrangements for a complete shutdown of theaters, as well as cabarets, some time next month. The resolution seeks re- moval of the state amusement tax which averages from 17 to 40 per cent of gross receipts in Paris and from 15 to 31 per cent elsewhere. These taxes, it is charged, make the- ater operation at a profit impossible. Management of Latter's Theaters to Be Vested in Publix Management of the entire Warner chain is to be taken over by Publix, under terms of a deal reported im- minent last night. Spyros Skouras, operating head of the Warner the- aters, has persistently denied that any such arrangement was in con- templation. Publix has been en- tirely non-committal. In Philadelphia, Jcrsej' City and Newark, the Warners are using Pub- lix unit shows by virtue of a deal closed recently. Both Publix and Warners are co-interested in a num- ber of de lu.xe theater operations throughout the United States. If the impending amalgamation be- tween Warners and United Artists should develop, Warners would ac- quire a half interest in the various houses in which United is now a (.Continued on Page 6) HICH COURT TO RULE ON BLUE LAW IN COLORADO Denver — The State Supreme Court will be asked to determine the legality of the present Colorado Sunday law, following acquittal of D. J. Mooncy, Ordway exhibitor, on a violation charge by Judge Samuel D. Trimble. District Attorney J. Arthur Phc'ps, in charge of the Mooney prosecution, i vigorously battled against acquittal, ' but Judge Trimble declared that the (Continued oh Page 6) U. A. Re-enters German Field Via Deal with Terra By KARL WOLFFSOHX Editor, "Lichtbildbuehne" Berlin (By Wireless) — United Artists has completed a partnership arrangement with Terra, as TH1-" FILM DAILY many a number oi weeks ago intimated would be the case. U. A., which found itself with- out a solitary "kontingent" for the new season, will now be enabled to continue distribution in Germany. PAILV Friday, April 26, 1929 Vol. XLVIII No. 23 Friday, Apr. 26,1929 Price 5 Cents JOIN W. AUC8ATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertlsin? Manager. Entered aa second class matter, May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Harle, La Cinematographie Francaise, Rue de la Cour-de«-Noue«, 19. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am. Seat 39"^ 38% i&Vi Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 29.J^ 28^ 29 East. Kodak ISi'A 17854 180 *do pfd 128 ♦First Nat. pfd 108 Fox Fm. "A" 93 92 92 *do rts 3 ♦Keith A-0 30Ji *do pfd 107 Loew's Inc 62^ 62 62 *do pfd 99 ♦M-G-M pfd 2SJ4 M. P. Cap 38J4 38^2 38^^ Para. F-L 67}4 65 Ji 66}4 Path* Exch 10^ 10!4 10}4 do "A" 2254 2154 215^ Radio K-A-O iO'A 29 2954 .Stanley Co 3854 3854 3854 *Univ. Pict. pfd 9854 Warner Bros 118J4 11554 11654 do pfd 52 52 52 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. . . 6'A 654 65 ♦Bal. & Katz 7054 ♦Columbia Pets 29 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 27 26 5i 26 }4 ♦Film Insp 1^ Fox Thea. "A" . 3054 2954 30 (Griffith, D.W. "A" 254 254 2'54 Intern. Proj 90 76 90 ♦Loew do deb. rts 29J4 Nat. Scr. Serv. .. 3154 305^ 3154 Nat. Thea. Sup. .. 1254 1254 1254 Trans-Lux 16 1554 155^ Univ. Pict 26 26 26 *do pfd 2 BOND MARKET ♦Keith A-0 6s 46 92 Loew 6s 41ww ..112^ lUVg 112^ do 6s 41 x-war.. 9954 9954 9954 Paramount 6s 47 . 99 9854 9854 Par. By. 554s 51.102 102 102 Pathe 7s 37 785^ 785/i 78^ CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36.. 96 9554 96 ♦Warner 654s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 28 30 do units 30 33 .... do com 3 4 .... Skouras Bros 30 40 .... Technicolor 4454 4554 United Art 5 10 do pfd 75 85 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2 do pfd 75 85 .... ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 7,000 5,500 2,800 6,800 1,900 100 14,200 4,400 600 7,000 300 25,266 400 54 2,000 3,800 3,366 300 9,900 14,266 1,400 1,400 100 Buys Kalamazoo House Kalamazoo, Mich. — W. S. Butter- field has taken over the Fuller from E. D. Stair. Patrons to Supply Endings for Featurette Series Weit Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — ^Thirteen unfinished single reel tallcer featurettes, endings of which are to be supplied by thea- ter patrons for weekly awards total- ing $16,000, will be produced by Modern Pictures Corp., new inde- pendent firm. Seven will be all talkers. Physical distribution will be through Educational, but sales will be handled by franchise holders. Among players who will appear in the series are: Edith Roberts, Jason Robards, Johnnie Walker, Hank Mann, Eugene Pallette, Gaston Glass, Bryant Washburn, Alice Lake and Charles Delaney. Silent versions will be available. Joseph Strieker Signed For Lead Thomas-Wheeler Prod., with head- quarters at 1650 B'way, New York, will commence production shortly on the first of a series of features to be made in th East. Joseph Striker has been signed as a lead. Consolidated Net $576,853 Net of $576,853 for the quarter ended March 31 is reported by Con- solidated Film Industries, equal to 82 cents on the combined 300,000 shares of $2 no par cumulative par- ticipating preferred and 400,000 shares of no par common. Constance Bennett Back CoJistance Bennett, who recently signed a Pathe contract, returned to New York yesterday, from Euro"". Miss Bennett has not appeared in pictures since her marriage several years ago. She is to appear in a talker series for Pathe. Piazza Going to Boston Ben Piazza is being transferred from the Chicago RKO Booking Of- fice to Boston. RKO later intends to bring Piazza into New York for an executive position. Asher Gets Bristolphone Budd Rogers, general sales mana- ger of Bristolphone, has closed with Harry Asher of the American Fea- ture Film Co., Boston, to distribute Bristolphone in New England ter- ritory. This excludes Connecticut. SEE THEM ! — And Convince Yourself ! ^=ca lers^?. The more I see them, the better I like them, and it seems that they have the same effect on our audi- ence. FOUNTAIN SQ. THEATRE Gouldcii Theatres Corp. Sunday Films Offer No Competition for Churches Portsmouth, O. — People have "more leisure on Sunday than on any other day and it is only human that they should find something to re- occupy their time," stated Bishop T. I. Reese, Episcopal Church, in a ser- mon before the congregation of All Saints' Church. "Sunday pictures do not interfere with the church and do not enter into competition," Bishop Reese declared. His opinion was sought because of the advent of Sunday shows here. Deibel Plans New House Youngstown, O. — Christy Deibel golf enthusiast and theater manager, has just returned from a trip to Florida. He has resigned as man- ager of the Liberty. Deibel makes known that he, in association with Robert Graham of New York, will erect a $1,500,000 office building and 3,500-seat theater. King Coming East Henry King, who recently com- pleted "She Goes to War," is ex- pected in New York next week to make arrangements for the premiere. Rapee Signed for Home-Talkies Home-Talkie Prod, has engaged Erno Rapee to appear in two short subjects featuring a pianologue of his most popular song hits, to be mar- keted for sound exhibition in the home. "Singing Fool" for N. Y. Strand First showing of "The Singing Fool" at popular prices in the metro- politan district will take place May 4 at the Mark Strand theaters. New York and Brooklyn. Fischer Due Here Monday Meyer Fischer, Fischer Film Ex- change, distributor for Cleveland, is due in New York on April 29 to line up product for the coming sea- son. Publix in San Antonio San Antonio, Tex. — It is renorted locally Publix will build a theater here. The Industry's Date Book Today : May 1 May 1 May 2 May 5-11 May 6 May 6-7 May 6-9 May 20 June 1-9 June 11-1 Opening of "Innocents of Paris" at the Criterion, New York. Annual meeting of Quebec exhib' itor unit, Montreal. Opening of "The Desert Song" at the Warner. New York. Opening of "Bulldog Drummond" at the Apollo, New York. National Music Week. Opening of "Mother's Boy" at Cohan, New York. Convention of Texas exhibitor unit, Dallas. Spring meeting of Society of M.P. Engineers in New York. Annual Convention of American Federation of Musicians at Den- ver. American Theater Equipment Ex- position and Exhibitors Institute at Chicago. 2 Convention of Oklahoma exhibi- tor unit at Oklahoma City. "Cyrano" at 55th St. Playhouse Following "Adventures of Maya," 5Sth St. Playhouse will show screen version of Rostand's play, "Cyrano de Bergerac," produced in France by members of Comedie Francaise. "Innocents" Premiere Tonight ^ "Innocents of Paris," Maurice Chevalier's first talking-singing n!c- ture, opens tonight at the Criterion, New York. The star will make a personal appearance. Picker Estate to Widow David V. Picker, head of Loew's real estate department who died re- cently left his entire estate, computed roughly at $500,000 to his widow under terms of the will filed in the Surrogate's Court in New York. "Godless Girl" in Denver Denver — "Godless Girl," Pathe-De Mille production, starts a run at the Tabor Grand tomorrow. . . — , ^- WAFILMS, Inc. Walter A. Futter, Pre*. for Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46th St.. New York Bryant 8181 •~»i What is Coast Wire^Service Hollywood Happenings Pathe Working on Four Talkies for New Season First all-talkie for the new season to be placed in production at Pathe is "Paris Bound," featuring Ann Harding, stage star. It is from Philip Barry's stage play. William Boyd's next, "Flymg Fool," with Marie Prevost as lead, is half completed. This is also an all dialogue picture. "Black Nar- cissus," first Hugh Wiley "Wildcat" story to be filmed, will be completed this week. Mr. and Mrs. Gleason have almost completed their second all-talking comedy. "U" to Make "Scotland Yard" in Serial Form Production will shortly start at Universal on "The Return of Blake of Scotland Yard," a 10 two reel episode serial under the direction of Ray Taylor. Craufurd Kent, Grace Cunard, Arthur Pryor, Monty Mon- tague, Florence Allen and Albert Priscoe have been signed. Beetson Denies Equity to Operate Coast Call Bureau Fred Beetson denies that Actors Equity is to operate a call bureau in Hollywood. Mason for "The Climax" LeRoy Mason has been cast by Universal for a part in "The Cli- max" being directed by Renaud Hoffman with Jean Hersholt in the lead. The picture is an adaptation from the stage play by Edward Locke. Chandler in Garbo Film Lane Chandler will be seen as Greta Garbo's brother in M-G-M's "Single Standard," an adaptation of Adela Rogers St. Johns' story. John Robertson is directing and John Mack Brown has the lead. Huston for "Brothers" Walter Huston, stage player, soon will leave New York for Hollywood to portray the featured role in "Brothers," which will be directed by William A. Wellman for Paramount. Chester Morris, is also cast. Drive Planned by Catholic Guild ' Membership drive is planned by ■Catholic M. P. Guild starting June 1. ' Election of officers will take place •May 13. 'Archainbaud for "College Coquette" ' George Archainbaud, recently sign- ' ed by Columbia to direct a series of four talkers, has been assigned "The College Coquette," as his first. Josephine Dunn Signed Josephine Dunn has been signed 'ly Universal for the lead in Eddie Leonard's vehicle, "Harmony Lane," to be directed by Robert Hill. A Little from **Lots By RALPH WILK G "Show Boat" Opened At Eight Keys; 11 More Set "Show Boat" is now playing pre- release in the following theaters in various sections of the country: Ri- alto, Washington; Hamrick's Music Box, Portland and Seattle; Blue Mouse, Tacoma; Royal, Kansas City; Publix, Houston; Liberty, Oklahoma City and Grand Central, St. Louis. Eleven more are set. Hollywood ARY COOPER made his first stage appearance as a singer, when he made a personal appear- ance at the Paramount, Los Angeles, and sang two numbers from "The Wolf Song." ♦ ♦ * "King for a Day" is a title that can be applied to a certain studio executive. This week he was given added duties and authority, with the result that his hat became too small for him. Twenty-four hours after he had assumed the new du- ties, he was given his discharge, with the studio records indicating it was a case of too much tempera' ment. ♦ * * By the way, "King for a Day" is one of the songs that Ted Lewis has made famous. Incidentally, we met the Circleville, O., boy recently in the company of Archie Mayo, who will guide him in his initial talker, "Is Everybody Happy." Archie also directed Fanny Brice in her first talker, "My Man," and has "On Trial," "Sonny Boy," "State Street Sadie" and several other pictures to his credit. ♦ ♦ ♦ Six months ago, Weldon Melick, as reception clerk at Columbia, an- swered many of our inquiries. Now, he has been placed under a three year contract to write titles for Co- lumbia— and we're happy to cheer for him. Weldon, former Uni- versity of Nebraska student, came to Hollywood to write, but because of his youth, could not make con- nections. His money nearly gone, he applied for any sort of work at Columbia. He was made reception clerk and later was allowed to sub- mit titles. On his third try, his work overshadowed that of a vet- eran title writer, assigned to the same picture — and the contract fol- lowed. ♦ ♦ ♦ Arthur Caeser has been called in at Columbia to put the "words" to Frank Capra vehicle, "The Flying Marine." "Show Boat" Set for L. A. IVest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — ■ "Show Boat" will have its premiere at the Biltmore, on May 6. AND THATS THAT By PHIL M. DALY Edwin J. Mayer to Direct M-G-M has made Edwin Justus Mayer, playwright and author, a di- rector. No assignment as yet. New Dialoguer at Pathe Rollo Lloyds will direct dialogue for Pathe. 228 Traveltones Sold for New England Distribution New England Traveltone Equip- ment, Inc., has purchased from Traveltone 228 machines for installa- tion in that territory. Montague, Mc- Conville, Haase and Mekelburg oper- ate the branch, with headquarters in Boston. Morris Posner has purchased four for his Boston theaters. Birmont Theaters Incorporated Montgomery, Ala. — Birmont The- aters, Inc., has been incorporated with capital of $90,000 in stock con- sisting of 1,800 shares of no par value common and 900 shares of preferred at $100 a share. The com- pany plans to build a theater at Montgomery and Molton Sts. Of- ficers are: D. S. Meyer, of Birming- ham, president; Dr. George E. Blue, vice president, and W. P. Engel, of Birmingham, secretary-treasurer. Theater Deed Transferred Nashville, Tenn. — The Orpheum,, included in property valued at $139,- 800, has been transferred to the Central Properties Co. The thea- ter was valued at $124,000 and was transferred by Col. and Mrs. Luke Lee. Embassy Amuse. Co. Incorporated Wilmington, Del. — Embassy Amusement Enterprise, Inc., has been incorporated here with a capi- tal of $100000 to operate theaters. Gooksh Manager at Vicksburg Vicksburg, Miss. — Asa Gooksh has been appointed manager of the Ala- mo, succeeding J. F. Thames, Jr., who has been transferred to Jackson as manager of the Istrione. Gooksh was formerly with Saenger theaters at New Orleans, Hattiesburg and Gulfport. Two Added to Scenario Staff Harry Cohn has added Enid Hib- bard and Gladys Lehman to Colum- bia's scenario department. Wilmington Parkway Sold Wilmington, Del. — -The Parkway has been bought by Parkway Co., Inc., a new company recently incor- porated. Among the directors are: William L. Todd, Mrs. Mary T. Gambrill, E. Warren Smith and George Isenberg. New Pathe Manager at New Haven New Haven — John J. Lane has been appointed Pathe branch manager to succeed B. M. Moran, resigned. TIMMY STARR, motion picture editor of the "Los Angeles Rec- ord," sez that Columbia's "The Don- ovan Affair" both chilled and tickled his funny bone. The tickle part is all right, but if producers are going to chill the summer patrons what's going to happen to all these theater cooling devices? * * * THEME SONG "Rainbow Man, I Love Your Box- Off ice Hues." * * * Director Harry Delf, unable) to secure twin babies for a forthcom- ing Ellbee picture, is rumored to have advertised as follows: WANTED: Mixed duo (must be twins) not more than two weeks of age. Previous experience not essential. Experience, eh? Any twins two weeks old have staged more squawk- ies than Harry has. _ * * * LAB NOTE Nat Saland of Hedwig Laborator- ies has developed a short subject that will probably cost him plenty. Nat and the missus call it Ronald Stanley. It ain't a comedy number, but has all kinds of sounds. * ♦ * The Crime Wave Hitting the high spots of the corn belt, our roving correspondent Epi- demic Smoosh re- ports: "Just saw a talking film that had no trial scene, but it should have had for it sure gets away with murder." * * * DAILY POME Wee Willie Winkie Runs throaigh the town Offering house For a down. his film dollar Definitions Independent— An obsolete species, now only to be found in poorhouses. * * * Famous Film Conversations "$-$—$—$—$$" AKNOUN THE PHOTOTONE CO., NORTH VERNON, IND. THE FIIOTOTOXE TO. North Vernon. In«liana Give me full particulars concerning your new Talkafilm device, including disc and sound-on-film attachments. NAME OF THEATER STREET AND ADDRESS. CITY AND STATE. SIGNED BY —JX0*»i DAILV Friday, April 26, 1929 Exploit- O- Grams "Alias Jimmy Valentine" (M-G-M) Mailed postcards to merchants on which was printed copy advising them that the world's cleverest crook and safecracker Alias Jimmy Valen- tine was coming to Knoxville. And upon leaving the office Monday they w«re to be sure that the safe was closed and all doors and windows se- curely locked — and then come to the Riveria for an evening of entertain- ment.—Walter J. Price, Riviera, Knoxville, Tenn. "Carnation Kid" (Paramount) The crowds had gathered around the Tampa newspaper office — listen- ing to the fight returns as they came over the air through a large amplifier. Assistant manager of the Victory managed to get on the roof of the theater which is directly across the street from the newspaper's office and with the aid of a large megaphone bellowed forth between rounds that "The Carnation Kid" was the film attraction at the Victory the next week. One week previous to the pic- ture, all ushers were dressed in dark suits and wearing caps as well white ribbons on which appeared, "Don't miss the Carnation Kid." — Geo. B. Peck, Publix Victory Tampa, Fla. Publix-Warner Pool Believed About Set (Continued from Page 1) fifty-fifty partner with Publix. In New York, the theaters are the Ri- voli and Rialto. It is not at all improbable that, in the event of a Publix-Warner pool, the combined interests will build a Hmited number of big neigh- borhood houses in Greater New York to offset the Fox hold in this territory. "Fancy Baggage" (Warners) Transfer company furnished a new truck and driver on opening day. This truck was loaded with trunks and suitcases from a leather firm, and bannered on both sides witli co-opera- tive copy about the picture as well as a line or two about the two con- cerns.— George M. Watson, Strand, Des Moines, la. Int'l Proj. to Split Common Five For One (Continued from Page 1) 300,000 share increase in common, from present capitalization of 200,000 all no par. In yesterday's announcement of the stock split-up, company stated present factory facilities in New York would be doubled immediately to care of new business. Orders al- ready booked for the next two years are expected to net $2,000,000 this year, and $5,000,000 in 1930, accord- ing to announcement. High Court to Rule on Blue Law in Colorado (Continued from Page 1) law, enacted in 1861, was originally intended for revenue purposes to re- quire a license fee for amusements for which admission was charged on Sunday, and that it was "uncertain, anibigious and indefinite." This is the third case where courts ruled in favor of an exhibitor ar- rested for a Sabbath violation. Newspaper Opinions Thompson in Charge of Stills Paul Thompson, veteran news- paperman, who operated his own photographic syndicate for several years, has been placed in charge of the Fox studio publicity "still" de- partment. Rosalind Schaeffer, cor- respondent of the New York Daily News, has resigned to write fashion articles for the same department. She is succeeded on the News by Flora- belle Meurer. Arrested on "Blue" Law Charge in Ind. Fight Shelbyville, Ind. — A battle to lift the local blue law, or close the lid down tight on all Sabbath business, b.as been launched by Frank J. Rem- busch, who is now out on $500 bail following arrest for operating his two local theaters last Sunday. New Theaters Everett, Wash. — Work is progressing on A! Rosenbert's and Al Finkelstein's house, to 1 be operated in conjunction with Fox West ' Coast. 1 The Dalles, Ore — The Granada has been opened. * Stamford, Tex. — Burt King will build a house here. Palacious, Tex. — The management of the Queens will build another house. I Woodsboro, Tex. — G. A. Leskin is building : ( a 600seat house. I] Fort Worth, Tex.— R. A. Healy will build a house to be named Healy's Home theater, I Happy, Tex.^S. B. Brock & Son have opened their house. >/ El Paso, Tex. — Work is progressing on the $500,000 house being built by Dent The- ' aters. 1 ( Fort Stockton, Tex. — Oscar Korn is build- , ing a house here. I Apline, Tex.— F. Ford Taylor will build ( another house. ; Mexia, Tex. — Dent Theaters will build a house here. Rocky Mount, N. C— W. E. Armstrong 19 building another house. I Midland, Tex. — The Yucca will be opened . Boon. I Waco, Tex. — The Shriners will build a t house here. Chittenango, N. Y. — The Chittenango has been opened. Last of Whitehurst String Changes Baltimore — Morris A. Mechanic is new owner of the New, on Lexington St., last in the string operated in Baltimore by Whitehurst. Mechanic will remodel. Elsie Janis With Paramount Elsie Janis will write dialogue and develop musical numbers at Para- mount's West Coast studio, follow- ing a month's rest at Tarrytown, N. Y. She returned from England on the Olympic this week. Takes Over Cleveland House Cleveland — Variety Amusement Co. failed to renew the lease on the Lakewood and A. Shiffer, owner of the house, has taken it over and will operate it. Larry Mellert will man- age. Warner House Rumored Cleveland — Warner Bros, is re- ported to have leased a site on Eu- clid Ave., opposite E. 14th St. Britisher Says Films Fail to Stress Ideals of Empire Vancouver — Imperial characteristics, stressing the ideals and ideas of the Empire as an influence, is entirely lacking in present home product. Sir Grant Robertson, of Birmingham, told delegates to the Canadian Nat'l Coun- cil of Education. He urged British producers to use 100 per cent home talent in stories written exclusively by English authors, and predicted that this would occur within two years. Dr. Leslie Pidgeon, Montreal, voiced regret that so many theater restrictions and regulations were of a negative nature. Pidgeon, widely known Canadian clergyman, fought against passage of the Quebec child- admission law. Morris Plans to Rebuild Memphis — Moorhead, Miss., will have a new theater, the Regent, re- modeled from the former Strand, when P. E. Morris completes plans now under way. Morris now operates the Regent at Indianola, Miss. The house he has taken over in Moorhead formerly was operated by R. W. Ty- Empire, Mass. To Reopen Whitman, Mass. — Harry Stanley, owner of the Empire, will soon re- open the house under his own man- agement. Sunday Shows at 3 Towns Benson, Minn. — "Blue" laws have been defeated here and at Hutchin- son and Litchfield. They have been upheld at Sac City, la., and at Worthing. Northern Ontario House Burns Toronto — Timmins, in the pictur- esque northern Ontario mining coun- try, was the scene of a thrilling blaze when the Goldfields theater was prac- tically destroyed in the early morn- ing hours, the loss being $40,000. The fire department saved the films from the projection room. "Nothing But the Truth" Paramount The Paramount, New York AMERICAN—* * * While Mr. Dix an- peared to be self-conscious in the first se- quence, he soon forgot the "mike" and gave a hne account of himself. His voice records excellently, as does Helen Kane's, who gives a slick performance as a baby talk girl that has probably forgotten more than most of us will ever know. * « * DAILY MIRROR—^ • * The Dix fans will love him more than ever. He has a fine voice and talking doesn't mar his great gift for comedy. * * ♦ This is really a hrst rate little picture. Plenty of suspense And plenty of laughs. « ♦ * DAILY NEWS _ » • ♦ Richard Dix. healthier and handsomer than he has ap- peared in his two most recent pictures, in- troduces his perfectly swell voice to the talkies. * ♦ ♦ And, if you're keen on Uix, you 11 be glad to learn that he has one of the very best talkie personalities as yet of- fered by the younger men of the cinema. . . . EVENING JOURNAL — * * * Richard Dix does nobly in his first all-talking pic- ture "Nothing But the Truth," current at the Paramount. Having been on the stage before going movie, he speaks his lines nat- urally and his voice records well. ♦ » » EVENING WORLD—* ♦ ♦ The picture IS funny all through, with that sort of chuckling comedy. It is excellent entertain- ment and will greatly enhance the already formidable following of Richard Dix * » * HERALD-TRIBUNE— * * * The comedy IS Mr. Dix's first talking effort, and he does admirably in it. Always an agreeable performer of light farcical roles, he loses nothing with the coming of speech and his portrayal of the troubled hero of "Nothing But the Truth'' is an expert, human and amusing impersonation. * ♦ ♦ POST—* * * As to Richard Dix's screen voice, it is one of the best I have heard. It is simply Mr. Dix talking. There isn't any English accent, any society accent or any attempt to be arty. It is frank and good-humored and just what you always ex- pected it would be. * ♦ » SUN — * * * Mr. Dix is entirely accept- al)le as an audible farceur, and jjlays as though he knew his stage tricks. In fact, he played better than the material deserved. Helen Kane, however, came out the best, for she is fresh face and a cute comic. * * ♦ TELEGRAPH—* * * Before entering the movies, Dix was a well-known stock actor, and his low, deep voice records unusually well over the mike. This voice quality, plus clever dialogue, makes "Nothing But the Truth" one of the most amusing light com- edies that has come to Broadway film houses for some time. ♦ * ♦ TIMES _ * * ♦ This talking film, with Richard Dix in the principal role, makes a satisfactory entertainment, which was evi- dently greatly enjoyed by the throng in the Paramount theater at an early performance. » » * WORLD—* * * But the film is definitely amusing. Much of the mirth is due to the excellent, racy performance of Helen Kane as one of tlie tough, slangy chorus girls who caused so much delicious embarrassment in the stage version by turning up at the rich man's house and getting him into all sorts of trouble with his wife. * * ♦ Exchange Managers Oswego, N. Y.— Elbert W. Smith now is managing the Strand suc- ceeding W. J. Kelly who succeeds Smith as manager of the Broadway at Springfield, Mass. Fire at St. Joseph St. Joseph, Mo. — Fire caused $12,- 000 damage at the Empress. To Reopen Madison House Madison, Wis. — S. M. Kernan, who recently took over the Majestic, will reopen it May 1. Downey to Sing Over Radio Morton Downey, star in Pathc sound pictures, is to broadcast over Hudson-Essex hour on WJZ and net- work of National Broadcasting Co. today, May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31. Hook-up covers 33 stations. Reade Leases Community House Asbury Park, N. J.— The City will erect a $4,000,000 convention hall and theater on the Boardwalk at Fifth Ave. The theater has been leased for 20 years to Walter Reade, annual rental $55,000. Warren and Wetmore are the architects. Theater will be completed by January. Quality Group of ^ilm '^rade Papers The Largest Issue in our History 'T^HE April 20 issue of our ten regional ^ publications, with KINE^QUIPMENT supplement, establishes a new high record for advertising volume. More money was invested in this issue by advertisers than in any we have ever pub- lished— and this following one week after a previous advertising record. Only one thing has brought about this high record — advertisers invest money with Associated Publications to get RESULTS, and they GET RESULTS ! IN ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS advertising " U^tional in Scope - Loca I m Service " THE RE I S N O SUBSTITUTE FOR GOOD RESULTS mu Street J rrees with J roadway'! Qdav we are showins "His iJfEain Today we are showing "His Captive Woman" and frankly we have never had a picture on which our patrons have com- plimented us so much as this one. It is a pleasure to show attractions like this, and it is my judgment, bated considerably on the audience reaction, that this talking sensation is a really marvelous picture. (Signed) A. G. STOLTE Mgr. Strand Theatre Waterloo, Iowa, jyew J^o r h won^t tet her sol... Capacity^ standee Saturn* away . nis^Bt after night at $!d.OO top! MILTON SILLS and DOROTHY MACKAILL in a George Fitzmaurice production. Presented by Richard A. Rowland. From the story by Donn Byrne. Scenario by Carey Wilson. national lPtfFSniD»»ci VOL. XLVIII No. 24 Sunday, April 28, 1929 Fnce 25 Cents ^SHOW BOAT is high up on the list of New York musts/ says Quinn Martin, in the N.Y. World "'Show Boat' is probably the best thing ever turned out by Carl Laemmie and his Universal cohorts ... it really HAS BEEbLEMlTTINilABOUT |T:^eraOT:CTc —George OTPiard, N.Y. I Wo rlc^^"Mu?^B?[i redly repeat its successes . . . a close approach to an ideal American saga of a family and a place"— John S. Cohen, Jr., N.Y. Sun -^- "Handsomely mounted-j ...screen fairly bursting wlHHoyous snatches — Katharine Zimmerman, N.Y. Telegram - THERE'S A, KCAL IKCA! AWAfllfNVjr J\J\J A I int \j\ IIV-. — -. ■ JLiUL genuinely beautiful musical score"— Richard Watts, Jr., N.Y. Herald Tribune ^ — ^"'Shov/ Boat' floated . . . v^ith a good deal of majesty into the Globe Theatre last evenino" — Irene Thirer, N. Y. Daily Nev^s ^- Blessed with a wealth of splendidly recorded songi ALL THE NEWS OF COAST STUDIOS WHILE IT IS NEWS BY DIRECT WIRE Keep posted on production through Holly^rood IVire Service a daily feature ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF FILM DAILY'S READER SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP ^ducaiicmals^alhinq^^^ Only a product of tke ki^hest merit couldL reach such a record in so short a time a a a a UdxJjJAJL^ »WWWmWsw» THE SPICE OFTHE PROGRAM' EDUCATIONAL FIL1 EXCHANGES, Inc. E. W. MAMMONS, President B. & K. in Deal for South Side Chicago Control iTHE ;^^ NEWSPAPER of FILMDOM ANDWEEKLY FILM DIGEST VOL. XLVIII No. 24 Sunday. April 28, 1929 Price 25 Cents FRENCH EXHIBITOR STAND TO AID IN QUOTA EIGHT Paris — American distributors will be aided in their fight against the proposed 3 to 1 quota by action of the theater congress at Nice in threatennig to close French theaters in protest against the quota plan and high taxes. All of France's 2,400 picture houses were represented at the Nice meetings, so that the reso- lution will carry considerable weight in deciding the issue of the quota. Ail indication of the impor- tance of the congress in the matter is contained in the fact that action on the quota has been held up pending the Nice meeting. Advertising Agencies Win Bill Poster Awards William H. Rankin Co. and Charles A. Ramsey Co., advertising agencies, were awarded damages of $78,266.60 and $6,037.33 respectively by a jury betore Federal Judge Harland B. Howe against the Associated Bill Posters of United States and Canada. The action was under the Sherman anti-trust act which allows triple damages. The verdict climaxes a ten year struggle due to the refusal of the defendant to recognize the advertis- ing agencies as their agents. Nathan Burkaii represented the plaintif?s whle Daniel S. Murphy was counsel for the defense. Jack Warner in New York on United Artists Deal Details of the proposed purchase oi a 50 pJr cent interest in United Artists are to be considered by Jack L. Warner, production chief for Warners, who has arrived in New York from the Coast. He now is conferring with Albert Warner, and the two will await return from Europe May 6 of H. M. Warner, company president, at which time the United Artists deal is expected to be completed. Sound and Arbitration to Highlight Little Rock Meet Little Rock, Ark. — Sound pictures and arbitration are to highlight the convention of the M.P.T.O. of Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee, to be held here April 2% and 29. R. F. (Pete) Woodhull, M.P.T.O.A. president, has been invited to attend. Chevalier This tall, blonde and good- natured Frenchman who is the rage of the Parisian music halls has a magnetic person- ality. Friday night his "Inno- cents of Paris" gave him op- portunity to show it. Para- mount threw a mediocre story around the young man's neck, however, and so it happens Chevalier's first picture leaves considerable to be desired. It has a nice start, maintains it much of the way and then suddenly dips to a level sev- eral points below par. A French story, presimiably unfolded in Pans, but about as French as the pastry that masquerades under the name. And those gendarmes with their New Yorkese lingo! There'll prob- ably be an official protest about it. Anyway, the review appears on page 9 this issue. KANN B. & K. GETS COONEY, SCHOENSTADT HOUSES William Powell Elevated to Stardom by Paramount West Coast Bureau, THE Hollywood — William tured player, has stardom by FILM DAILY Powell, fea- been elevated to Paramount and will re- ceive top billing in all pictures fea- turing him for the company, it was announced. Powell has scored in "In- terference," "The Bright Shawl." "Forgotten Faces" and other for Paramount. 3.723 HOUSES IN ITALY, SWEDEN AND BULGARIA Hashington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Of the 2,405 theaters with combined seating capacity of 1,- 1)63,800 in Italy. 1,305 houses seat- ing 628,300 are operated daily, advises a report to the ^L P. Section of the Dcpt, of Commerce. In addition, there are approximately 300 places in which pictures are shown Sundays. There are 136 theaters in Bulgaria with a total seating capacity of 50,- 975. Of this total 133 houses, seat- ing 49.475, are operated daily while the remaining operated irregularly. In Sweden, of the 1,182 theaters seating 200,000, 571 houses seating 105.000 are operated daily. The re- maining 611, seating 95,000, operate irregularly. Instructional Talkers Are Planned by W. E. Wevt Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Electrical Research Products is planning production of talkers which will instruct projec- tionists in proper showing of sound in (Continued on Page 2) The Charge in the West MOXDAY: Out in the land of sunshine, much will shortly happen. Los Angeles is the scene of an important govern ment action against this husiness. West Coast Theaters anc' nine distrihutors are under F'ederal indictment. The charges ar( several which many would fain have cleared away. For instance, th group is accused of "freeze out" agreements, illegal contracts an- practicing unfair protection. What the coast trial will do is to defin- each of the allegedly anti-trust allegations. Knowing what is withi: and outside the law will clarify matters and that, we take it, will help. . Up from the South comes Dan Michalove to do this and that fo Spyros Skouras in furthering Warner theater expansion. Michalove is an old hand at this sort of thing. He should do well. . . . Smart boys over in Berlin. There, German exhibitors have fie termined that the only sound reproducers they will go in for are those that are completely interchangeable throughout the world. Get that . Throughout the world. They know their squawkies. . . . And right here in the dear old U. S., Western Electric continue' week by week to put all competitors to rout in the matter of sound (Continued on Page 12) Complete Control of South Side Obtained by B. & K. in Chicago Deals Chicago — Position of Balabaii & Katz. Publi.x subsidiary, has been strengtheiufi greatly as a result of reported deal for acquisition of the National Playhouses (Cooney) chain and other houses. B. & K, it is sa'd. lias closed with Chicago Title and Trust Co.. receiv- ers of the Cooney chain, for the De Luxe, Capitol and Avalon, and with the Schocnstadts for the Piccadilly. Stage shows from the B. & K. Tower are to be transferred to the Capitol, with the Tower adopting an all sound picture policy. Policy of the Piccadilly has not been deter- mined. The reported deal gives B. & K. complete control of the South Side. Fox and Marks Bros., has been nego- tiating for these houses. Sam Katz said Friday that he had not been advised that the deal for the Cooney and Schocnstadt houses had been closed. 3 Named to Comprise Fox Cabinet on Production Wet Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Three executives have been named to the Fox production cabinet under Winfield R. Slieehan md Sol Wurtzel. The cabinet, it is believed, will eliminate the supervisor system. Named are Chandler Sprague, George Middlcton and Mil- ton Levy Dylan. White Member of Group Planning Talker Combine George White has rcpudia'cd state- ment that he would not be a party to the proposed talking picture combine, and says that if the group, headed by Arthur Hammerstein. makes a deal with RCA or any other firm, he will go along. Richard Heller to Handle Traveltone on West Coast Richard I. Hcllc-r, brother of Her- man Heller, president of Traveltone Corp., leaves New York within the (Continued on Page 2) DAILV Sunday, April 28, 1929 ViL XLVI1I Nt. 24 SiHliy. Apr. 28, 1929 Prici li Ctnts J3MN W. MICOATE Publisher Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Financial STOCK MARKET QUOTATIONS AS OF FRIDA Am. Seat 39K 38^ 38i^ Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 28% 28^ East Kodak 180 178i^ •do pfd ♦First Nat. pfd Fox Fm. "A" ... 92^ 88 *do rts *Keith AO do pfd 105 105 Loew's, Inc 61 H 60 J4 *do pfd. M-G-M pfd 2'6!4 M. P. Cap. Para. F L Pathe Exch do "A" Radio K-A-O . . . Stanley Co *Univ Pict. pfd. . Warner Bros. do pfd 39 67K 105/^ 21;^ 29% 39 26^ 37M 65-% 10% 21% 28!4 38/2 115/2 52 Acoustic *Bal. & 'Columbia Con. Fm. CURB Prod. . . . Katz .... Pets. . . Ind. ... 119 533/4 MARKET 6% 6 26% isyi 30 2/2 .100 32% 14 29 2/ 9354 nVA, 125% 14% 26 28% 178% 128 108 90 3 30% 105 60% 99 26% 37 f4 67 10% 21% 28"/ 38% 98% 117-% 52 6 70% 29 26 m 29% 2% 973% 29% 31M 14 14% 26 2 400 2,400 300 11,300 *Fi]m Insp Fox Thea. "A''. . Griffith, D.W. "A' Intern. Proj. *Loew do deb. rts. Nat. Scr. Ser. . . Nat. Thea. Sup. . . Trans-Lux 15% Univ. Pict 26% *do pfd BOND MARKET •Keith A-O 6s 46 92 I-oew 6s 41ww 112^ 112J^ 112% do 6s 41 x-war.. 99% 98% 98% Paramount 6s 47 .99 98% 99 Par. By. 5%s 51.101% 101% 101% •Pathe 7s 37 78% CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36.. 95% 95% 95% •Warner 6/.s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Koxy "A" 29 32' do units 30 33 do com 3% 4% .Skouras Bros 30 Technicolor 45% United Art 5 do pfd 70 Univ. Ch. com. . , 2 ... do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED 300 3,100 'ioo 2,100 11,100 3,500 300 8,800 400 47',766 1,000 1,400 5,300 6, ioo 200 4,700 8',406 12,500 700 1,000 40 46% 10 80 Improve Amery House Amery, Wis. — Heywood Amuse- ment Co. is improving the Gem and increasing the seating capacity. INDEX P.\GE THE CHARGE IN THE WEST. An Editorial by Maurice Kann 1 FINANCIAL 2 SO VND, by Charles F. Hynes 4 HOLLYWOOD HAPPENINGS, Coast News by Tclegrafh 5 -A LITTLE FROM LOTS," by Ralph Wilk 5 PRODUCTION IN EAST, by Arthur W. Eddy 6 REVIEWS OF LATEST RELEASES, by Jack Ha-rrower 8-9 SHORT SUBJECTS. SOUND 10 .PRESENT A TIONS, by Herbert S. Berg 10 THE WEEK'S HEADLINES. Resume of the News 10 THEATER EQUIPMENT, by Charles F. Hynes 11 FOREIGN MARKEIS, by James P. Cunningham 12 REVIEWS PAGE ADVENTURES OF MAYA 9 AMA/.ING VAGABOND 9 A RIZONA DAYS 9 BRIDGE OF SAN LUIS REY . . 9 CRIME AND PUNISHMENT... 9 GIRLS GONE WILD S IDAHO RED 8 INNOCENTS OF PARIS 9 LARIAT KID 9 MADAME X 8 PAGE MAKING THE GRADE 8 NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.. 8 QUITTER, THE 8 TRIAL MARRIAGE 8 Tiro WEEKS OFF 9 SCANDAL 8 SHORT SUBJECTS SOUND 10 Richard Heller to Handle Traveltone on West Coast (Continued from Page 1) next week 1o open a Pacific Coast agency at Los Angeles. Associated with him will he M. _H. Newman, who recently resigned from Radio- Keith-Orpheum in New York. Takes Over Talker Series Realtalk Distributing Corp., has taken over distribution of the series of 12 talkers being made by Reel- sound Pictures, headed by Hugo S. Sebastian. The 12 shorts are known as "The Golden Dozen." Sigmund Romberg Returns Signunul Roniljtrg, composer, has returned to New York for premiere of "The Desert Song," which Warner adapted from his stage production, and which will open at the Warner theater next Wednesday. Instructional Talkers Are Planned by W. E. (.Continued from Page 1) pictures. The company's plans were outlined to the Academy of M. P. Arts and Sciences by J. E. Otterson. Arnold Joins Victor Billy Arnold has resigned as •-•!- clironizing director for RLA Stu- dios to join Victor Talking Machine Co. as assistant conductor at the eastern recording laboratory. Steege Heads New Division Great Falls, Mont. — Will Steege, who heads Fox West Coast houses here, has been named head of the newlv-created Montana division. Ryan Plans New Hook-up West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Phil L. Ryan is in New York to affiliate with a new sound film company which is to pro- duce in Hollywood. Glett Completes First Charles L. Glett has completed a two reel talker at Cinephone studios, New York. It is titled "The Line- up." It was produced in co-opera- tion with the New York police de- partment. The subject is the first of a series of 12 talkers. Close Battle Creek House Battle Creek, Mich, — The Garden, 13 year old house, has been closed and will be razed. Lease Cleveland House Cleveland — Sam Miller, D. Cor- sillo and Tom Tomaseilli have leased the Oriental from Universal Thea- ters. Rosener to Fox 'Frisco San Francisco — Walter Rosener will be master of ceremonies at the Fox when it opens June 19. Sharkey in N. Y. Jim Sharkey, nianager of Columbia Pittsburg exchange is in New York confering with Jack Cohn, on forth- coming talking productions. Buys Fort Dodge House Fort Dodge, la. — I. E. Stone, of Des Moines, has taken over the Strand from W. S. Johnson, J. B. Julius and E. P. Smith. New equip- ment, including sound equipment, will be installed. Atwood at Elsinore Elsinore. Cal. — G. H. Atwood now is managing the Elsinore. The Industry's Date Book April 28-29 Meeting of M.P.T.O. of Arkan- sas, Mississippi and Tennessee, Little Rock, Ark. Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal. Opening of "The Desert Song" at the Warner, New York. Opening of "Bulldog Drummond" at the Apollo, New York. National Music Week. Opening of "Mother's Boy" at Cohan, New York. Convention of Texas exhibitor unit, Dallas. Spring meeting of Society of M.P. Engineers in New York. Annual Convention of American Federation of Musicians at Den- ver. Annual Spring Film Daily Golf Tournament at Glen Oaks, Great Neck, L. I. American Theater Equipment Ex- position and Exhibitors Institute at Chicago. June 11-12 Convention of Oklahoma exhibi- tor unit at Oklahoma City. May 1 May 1 May 2 May May 5-11 6 May 6-7 May 6-9 May 20 May 22 June 1-9 Brecher Plans Little Theater Leo Brecher opens a little thea- ter on Oct. 1, at 42 E. 58th St., on the site of the Clark Art Galleries, which will be demolished in three weeks. Brecher's house will show sound and silent films and be called the Plaza. U. S. Office for Scherl Group New York cable and news ser- vice for the group of German trade and fan publications operated by .'August Scherl will be directed from a new branch opened at the Pulitzer Bldg., Park Row. The group in- cludes a dozen papers and is owned by interests which control UFA. BROOKS THE NAME YOU GO BY WHEN YOU GO TO BUY BPBiTryrDH OO-WNS AND UNIFORMS I r4.37 BWAY. NY ALSO 15.0OO COS1UMES To RENT TEL. 5580 PENN. I , TQ PfMT I B FILM SALES! WANTED IMMEDIATELY Man thoroughly experienced in ex- port film sales. Man to handle domestic sales on State Right basis. See Mr. Wright Suite 906 1560 Broadway — New York City Let Us Solve Your Problems I Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCORPORATED 1540 B'WAY N.Y.C. TELEPHONE BRYANT 3040 GREAT NA^ES ncuj art BELL Telephone Laboratories— Western Electric — leading producers — pro- gressive exhibitors — together these brinn to you Sound Pictures! Calling upon fifty years" experience in the telephone art, Western Electric pro- duced the first practical system (used bv Vitaphone and Movietone) for recording and reproducing Sound Pictures. Producers have standardized on^estern Electric equipment and are successfully Western sou N meeting the technical difficullies natural to a new and revolutionarv art. Discriminating exhibitors, eager to pro- vide the best in entprlainmeiit. have in- stalled the Western Electric Sound Svstem. The success of Sound Pictures ishistorv now. Continuing progress is certain. Make sure of enjoying it. Go to the ihealro- showing these great producers' pictures with the sound eijuipment recognized as the world's standard. Wlectric SYSTEM II Public Add r< <3 >\items !l I THE ■s^ak QAILY IfEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FAST GROWING FIELD OF SYN- CHRONIZATION SOUND TIPS ON EQUIPMENT AND VARIOUS DE- VICES ARE NOW AVAILABLE \By CHARLES F. HYNES, 1,200 NON-SYNC DEVICES IN USE, SAYS PHOTOTONE North Vernon, Ind.— About 1,200 installations of non-synchronous ma- chines, and 15 of the synchronous disc machines recently placed on the market had been made up to April by Phototone Co., subsidiary of the Platter Cabinet Co., according to O. R. Platter. A number of other in- stallations have been made during this month, figures for which have not yet been received. The firm also is marketing a new film track attach- ment. Installations are being made at rapid rate. Sound Censorship Fails Akron, O. — Efforts of the Ohio State League for Clean Motion Pic- tures have failed as the senate com- mittee on education has decided that talking pictures do not need censor- ing. This decision will hold for at least two years. Qualitone Installations Set San Francisco — Qualitone is to be installed in the Irving here and the Merced of the Golden State Circuit. An installation also is to be made in the Griffin, Oakland. The Qualitone office here, recently was opened by Bertram Hardcastle. Demonstrating Voxtone Atlanta — Hank Hearn and Bill Specht are handling Voxtone, syn- chronous sound-on-disc device. Ar- rangements have been completed for demonstrating the device here. Two Mastertone Installations Milwaukee — The Shorewood is the first Milwaukee house to operate with Mastertone, new sound device. The Radio, another Milwaukee house, is installing. Leon Lee is new oper- ator of the latter. Wiring Keokuk House Keokuk. la. — Phonofilm equipment is being installed at the Grand and Isis theaters. Using W. E. at Canajoharie Canajoharie, N. Y. — Western Elec- tric equipment is being installed at the Capitol. To Wire Kellogg House Kellogg, Idaho — Western Electric equipment will be installed at F. F. Moe's Liberty. Idaho Falls House Goes SounH Idaho Falls, Ida. — Al Hager has wired the Rex for sound pictures. To Wire Forest Grove House Forest Grove, Ore. — Western Elec- tric equipment will be installed at the Star, A. B. Caples' house. The Coronet Talking Comedy, "Ask Dad," released through Educatio^ial, secures liberal mention on the marquee of the Minnesota, Minneapolis. MANY HOUSES IN SOUTH EQUIPPING EOR TALKERS Atlanta — Sound installations are rapidly being completed in many the- aters throughout this territory. Latest installations in Georgia are; Grand, Fitzgerald; National, McRae; Italian Garden, Claxton; Princess, Millen; Lyric, Waycross; Dunbar, Savannah, and Palace, Cedartown. Also at the Emada, Bartow, Fla. ; Show Shop. New Bern, N. C; Capital, Clarkes- ville, Tenn.; Princess, Columbia, Tenn.; Grand, Houma, La.; Yazoo, Yazoo, Miss.; Ensley, Birmingham; Princess, Asheville and Carolina, Dunn, N. C. Early installations are planned at Imperial, Newton, N. C; Rex, Starkville, Miss, and Dreka, De- land, Fla. Charnas Buys Equipment Marion, O. — Phil Charnas of Bucyrus has purchased all of the equipment of the Marion, Grand and Orpheum at receiver's sale. He has also leased the Marion, and will re- open it May 1. The three Marion houses were formerly owned by Ed Reynard and George Foster. Ramicone Wiring House Akron, O. — Philip Ramicone has purchased Movie-Phone for his Gem at Barberton. Edwin P. Casanave is handling sales in this state. Installing Movie-Phone Bellevue, O. — Movie-Phone has been installed in the Lion by Edw. P. Casanave, district sales manager for Movie-Phone. Seattle Orpheimi Wired Seattle, Wash. — The Orpheum has been wired for RCA-Photophone equipment. Ekiuipping 'Frisco House San Francisco, Cal. — Sound equip- ment is being installed at the Prin- cess. E MADE IN THREE MODELS West Coast Bwreau. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Three models of Su- pertone reproducer, which is to be supplied for sound-on-film and sound- on-disc reproduction, now are being made. The device is claimed to be interchangeable with other systems. Frank M. Sanford is president of the company and E. E. Van Pelt, sales manager. The machine is priced at $1,450 F.O.B., Hollywood, and installation can be made in one day, Van Pelt says. New Qualitone Office West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles— Qualitone Corp. of Los Angeles has opened an office at 1956 S. Vermont Ave. in addition to the production headquarters at 5360 Melrose Ave. To Wire Klamath Falls House Klamath Falls, Ore. — Pelican The- ater Corp. will wire the Pelican with RCA-Photophone and the Pine Tree theater with Western Electric equip- ment. Slaton House Installed Slaton, Tex. — Sound equipment has been installed at the Custer which has been renamed the New Palace. To Wire Rocky Ford House Rocky Ford, Colo. — Sound equip- ment will be installed at the Grand. W. E. in Troy Troy, N. Y. — Western Electric equipment is being installed at the Mayflower by Troy Amusement Co. Chicago House Wired Chicago — Western Electric equip- ment has been installed at the North Center. REEL-PHONE OFEERING 2 West Hazelton, Pa.— Reel-Phone non-synchronous device is manufac- tured in two types, portable and sta- t-onary, by the Standard Radio Sales Co. The portable has the same con- trol board, amplifier, electric turn- tables and pickups as the stationary type, but has a smaller speaker. It can be installed in one hour, the com- pany says. The stationary type has the larger speaker and the record holder. This retails at $349.50 f.o.b. West Hazelton. The portable sells for $279.50. Equipment consists of three stage amplifier for 110-115 volt, 60 cycle AC. It uses two 210 tubes in the push pull, one 281 tube in the recti- fier and two 226 tubes. The dyna- mic speaker is mounted on a special base. Turnables are all electric, equipped with t ming controls. There are no brushes nor conmiutators, the machine being equipped with an in- duction motor. The stationary mod- el has a record holder of 36 disc capacity with felt edge cue sheet stand and lamp included. Wiring Nashville House Nashville, Tenn. — Western Elec- tric equipment is being installed at the Fifth Avenue. Phototone in Akron Akron, O. — Phototone equipment is being installed at the Waldorf and Liberty theaters. Sound at New Orleans New Orleans, La. — The Orpheum, combination house, has been wired for sound pictures. Southampton House Wired Southampton, N. Y. — Sound equip- ment has been installed at the Gar- den. Dramaphone for Iowa House Sioux Falls, la. — The Strand fea- tured its first sound program via Dramaphone with "The Donovan Afifair." Sound at Springfield Springfield, Mass. — Sound equip- ment is being installed at the Phil- lips while alterations are being made. Orchestraphone at Butte Butte, Mont. — Orchestraphone has been installed at the Peoples. Sharon House Wired Sharon, Pa. — RCA Photophone equipment has been installed at the Columbia which N. C. Wagner is managing. v\}\A' VROT ECTIO?* BIT ORS Pons ^ ,,3^^ ^0 ^"^ ^3, ,«S OBVXO«S ..XB^ „^tf OtJ^OOUE Afi^ST ^_ ^_ !!;^^ OOWOEAnOS. Coast Art Directors Unionizing Charles R. Rogers Forming New Talker Unit — Bebe Daniels Slated for "Rio Rita" at Radio Pictures; Buddy Rogers Cast for "Illusion" — Metro Renews Contract with George K. Arthur — Wilk Sidelights CHARTER FROM AMERICAN LABOR fEDER'N SOUGHT Efforts of the United Screen Art- ists' local in Hollywood to unionize art directors and draftsmen in the film colony have failed. It is reported a newly-organized association composed of art direc- tors is seeking its own charter from the American Federation of Labor. One hundred and twenty-five are in line for the step. Renew with Arthur M-G-M has signed George K. Ar- thur on a new contract. "Rio Rita" Role for Bebe Mai St. Clair will start rehearsals on "Rio Rita," Radio Pictures musi- cal adapted from the Florenz Zieg- feld show, within the next two weeks. Bebe Daniels is to have a featured role. Pearl Eaton is selecting the chorus girls. Roland Young Joins Cast Roland Young, prominent in New York theatrical circles, Brandon Hurst, Mary Forbes and Zasu Pitts, have been added to the cast of Billie Dove's forthcoming vehicle, "The Lady Who Dared," which Alexander Korda will direct. Cast in Next West Talker Jewel Carmen is to make her talking picture debut in Roland West's next picture for United Art- ists. Chester Morris, the star of "Alibi," also will have a role in the film. Production is scheduled for the early summer. ; Walter Writing Dialogue ,' Eugene Walter has been assigned ■ the job of writing the dialogue for "Forty Ninth Street," an all-talking Radio Pictures production with the three Moore brothers, Owen, Tom and Matt. Mai St. Clair will direct. George O'Hara, screen star, wrote the story. Apfel in Twfc» F. N. Films Oscar Apfel is playing in both "Smiling Irish Eyes," Colleen Moore's new vehicle, and "Drag" with Richard Barthelmess. George Scarborou^ Consulting Dramatist Unltad Ardaa A Little from "Lots" By RALPH WILK BENNIE STOLOFF, Fox direc- tor, no sooner finishes one than he is hard at it again. His most re- cent picture "Protection," is in the cutting room and now he is making preparations to start on "The Girl From Havana." * * « Speaking of a friend, Gilbert Warrenton said, "He is a hun- dred percent talker." * * « Sign painter, traveling salesman, editor of a small town paper, sec- retary to a governor, reporter and feature writer on New York news- papers were among the posts filled by Tom J. Geraghty before start- ing screen writing. Tom's Boswell neglected to state that Tom. also owned a picture theater in Rush- ville, Ind. Tom is now writing the dialogue for "The Great Divide," which Reginald Barker will direct. He recently finished the dialogue for "Fast Life," which John Francis Dillon directed. * * * Byron Morgan, a prolific writer of original stories, is working on an original for William Haines, for whom he fashioned "The Smart Set." Byron was also the co-author of "The Flying Fleet," for w'hich he wrote the continuity. His original, "Thun- der," is now in production at M-G-M, with Bill Nigh directing. * * ♦ Edward H. Griffith, who directed "Hold 'Em Yale," Pathe's first pic- ture for the 1928-29 program,, will also direct "Paris Bound," Pathe's initial picture for next season. In- cidentally, "Paris Bound" will be Ann Harding's first screen vehicle. » * * Our Passing Show: Edward H. Grififith and Rev. A. Neal Dodd con- ferring over a wedding scene for "Paris Bound"; Al Wilkie dodging traffic on Hollywood Blvd. HARVEY GATES Writer WARNER BROTHERS 'The Desert Song'' Robert Farfan and Dick Pritch- ard, two young producers aspiring to make a name for themselves, are on their way with their "Movie- land Secrets," which they are film- ing at players' homes, clubs, etc. Pritchard, who is playing the lead, has already been photographed with Bryant Washburn, Gaston Glass, Lynn Cowan, Donald Keefe, Edvnn Carewe, Al Cooke, and Johnny Har- ron. Hughes Gets Fox Contract Llewellyn Hughes, short story writer and author of "This Chap Called Bardells," purchased by Fox, has been put under contract to write for Fox. He leaves New York for the Coast May 1. Paramount Buys "Illusion" Arthur Train's novel, "Illusion," has been purchased by Paramount for an all-talker featuring Charles "Buddy" Rogers and Nancy Carroll. Dorothy Arzner will direct. Brown for Garbo Film John Mack Brown has been given one of the leads in the new Greta Garbo production for M-G-M "The Single Standard," which John S. Robertson is directing. RAY HARRIS Engaged by Pathe to write DIALOGUE and STORIES Rogers Organizing Unit To Make Talker Series Charles R. Rogers, former asso- tiate producer with Harry Joe Brown at First National, has returned to Hollywood. He is making prepara- tions to start another production unit, making all-talkers. It is more than likely Brown will rejoin him in the enterprise. EARL BALDWIN DIALOGUE and- LAUGHS CULVER CITY 4510 OR PATHE THE Doorwair el Ho^ltetksr ^NTER tha doorway ml thla popular kostclry and you feel at homa. There'* an atmoiphera of cordial welcone which marlu the difference between tha Hollywood Plaxa and ordinary boteU. Tour room, too, ha* that added touch of diitinctlon. Picture* on the wall, oyer* *tuffed furniture, a floor lamp and readins lamp . . . thcic arc but a few of the feature* that mak« you feel at home. Pis'n Whi*tle Dining Service inaure* the be*t of food. Therefore, when you are neut in Lo* Ansele* be *ure to Inveatigate. THE HOLLYWOOD PLAZA HOTEL Vine Street at Hollywood Boulevard HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA * THC Sunday, April 28, 1929 -.%g^ DAILV PRODUCTION IN THE EAST WHO'S WHO AND WHAT'S WHAT IN GREATER NEW YORK STUDIOS PLAN TALKING FEATURE AT The sound stajjc at tlio old Til- ford stHdio on West 44tli St., now operated by American Recording Corp., is practically coiuplctod. Pro- duction soon starts on an all-talking feature for a Broadway stage pro- ducer. S. Edwin Graham is production manager for the new organization. He was formerly with X'ocafilm, Bris- tolphone, M-G-M and North Amer- ican Sound. John W. Noble is su- pervisor. Noble has directed for var- ious major producing firms, includ- ing M-G-M. The Graham-Noble combination has made more than 100 sound shorts duriiig the past two years. .\ disc system of recording is be- ing used at the studio and later a sound-on-film system will be install- ed. A large projection room has been built on the second floor of the structure, with a rehearsal hall and dressing rooms alongside. The sound stage is on the third floor. The plant, which will he available to all producers, will be open for inspec- tion ne.xt week. Artclass Set To Make Talking Mystery Feature .\ mystery all-dialogue feature goes into production next week for Artclass Pictures at the De Forest studio on East 48th St. with Edgar Lewis directing. Robert Warwick is the principal name in the cast. George Orth is production manager with Tom Malloy and Billy Miller as cameramen. Rehearsals were held this week. The story is one of the Craig Kennedy detective yarns, writ- ten bv .Arthur B. Reeve. Vitaphone Act For S.A. Vitaphone made its first subject for exclusive South .American release yesterday when Don Alberto, Argen- tine dance orchestra leader, appeared at the Vitaphone studios. Don Al- berto's program consisted of a group of South American songs and special tango music. Ruth Dwyer Returns Ruth Dwyer has returned to New- York from a European trip. She in- tends to resume picture work in the East. •ovr No'w Delivering! Sound on film and disc devices. Traveltone Sales Corp. 729 SeveDlh Ave. Tel. BRYaot 2690 Short Shots from Eastern Studios .By ARTHUR W. iDDY \ BELIEVE it or not no less an actor than Bull ^^o^talla is go- ing to help Paramount glorify the .Vmerican girl. Bull, who is just about the toughest-looking guy who ever scowled into a camera, has been cast for the Millard Webb talker dealing with Mr. Ziegfeld and his noted beauties. Another vcw entrant in the "Glorifying the American Girl" cast is Kaye Renard, who recently danced in. Paris at the Moulin Rouge, which has a lot of fame at- tached to its title. In Neiv York she has appeared in "Rose-Marie" and "A Connecticut Yankee." H. I'mcrson Yorke, Paramount casting head, is enthusiastic about the screen future of Patricia Deer- ing, 17-year-old miss who is doing an important part in "The Lady Lies." Patricia abandoned (tempo- rarily, at least) her studies at the Kensington school at Great Neck in order to try this picture business. San Francisco calls her one of its daughters. Ernest Maas had what some peo- ple wouldn't call a boring assign- ment the other p. m. He had a nu.ynber of tests with Ziegfeld girls, all for the sake of "Glorifying the American Girl." H. ^L K. Smith, costume director at Paramount, has been haunting the fashionable Fifth Ave. gown shops for recetit productions, "Jealousy" and "The Lady Lies." Nick Grinde, ivho has been doing all of M-G-M' s directing at its East- ern sttidio, has gone to Montreal for a vacation or u-hatever people go to Montreal for. He'll return in a few days. Discovered by Fred Ardath in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, popularized by song and drama, the Blue Ridgers have been brought to the Vitaphone studio and Vitaphoned in a short. They sing and dance. Hope Hampton, who has just fin- ished her first operatic tour for the Franco-Italian Opera Co., sails ori the Leviathan May 25 to sing with the Opera Comique in Paris, no less. Vitaphone studio cameras are be- ing focussed on Albert Spaulding, concert violinist who has begun work on JSL series of six sound shorts under direction of Bryan Foy. Charles King, Broadway 7nusical comedy ilhiminary and featured in M-G-M's "Broadway Melody," is ar- riving from the Coast and on Sat- urday begiuK a week of personal appearances at the Capitol. After- wards he'll return to Culver City to cvtitinue receiving attention from microphone and camera. Harry Dclf, who seems to have deserted the stage for the talkers, has sold dialogue rights to "The Family Upstairs," stage hit of a few- seasons ago, to Fox. Harry is mak- ing a series of talkative shorts here in the East. Donald Dillaway has entered the cast of "Courage," Janet Beecher show which is clicking claudly. Don has done considerable highly-praised work in studios roundabout Manhat- tan. Adriania Dori, ivho has faced cameras mostly abroad, leaves Man- hattan Sunday for a Coast tour unth "The Bachelor Father," in ivhich she played on Broadway for a season. Having worn his makeup for the fmal time in "The Talk of Holly- wood," w'hich Mark Sandrich is mak- ing at RCA's Gramercy studio, Wil- liam (Bill) Crane is now set to play a Sherlock Holmes in "Gloriyfing the American Girl" for Paramount. He recently worked in "The Lady Lies." To Film O'Neill Play Eugene CNeill's "Before Break- fast" will be made into a two-reel talker at the RC.\'s Gramercy stu- dio next week for RKO release. Zita Joliann will be starred. AI Bosberg has completed "Head- work," the first of a series of talking shorts for RKO, released under title of Radiant Pictures. Start "Applause" in June From Monta Bell comes announce- ment that Rouben Mamoulian. noted stage director, and Garrett Fort are pounding a collaboration typewriter in preparing "Applause" for talking fare. Beth Brow'n, who has done much editing and titling as well as screen and novel writing, is the au- thor of the novel. Mamoulian staged such legit plays as "Porgy" and "Wings Over Europe." This is his first step into the picture business. Productfon begins about June 1. SEES INCREASED DEMAND FOR STAGE PLAYERS Increased demand for stage play- ers to work in talkers and decreased demand for screen players is seen by Joseph Santley, Paramount director and former musical comedy star. .Santley says: "No doubt, with the era of talkies and sound i)ictures will come a les- sening of demand for screen players and a proportionate increase for stage talent. This is inevitable. It is the penalty of progress. "The ac(iuisition of Broadway tal- ent for talking films means manifest- ly better pictures, fine individual pro- duction and a greater enjoyment value to each production. The star talent secured from Broadway for dialogue pictures is almost a guaran- tee that each picture will be well acted. For each player, recruited to the films, comes to the part assigned him or her with a reputation as a fine dramatic or musical artist. The dis- semination of such films all over the country will bring with it. I believe, a greater appreciation of the motion picture industry as a fine art — and will, I am certain, add adherents to the cinema who never before evinced an interest in the films." Add Monitor Man The addition of E. .\. .Schabbehar to the staff of monitor men at the Paramount Long Island Studio brings up the list to six capable of filling that position. Under the present or- ganization, the man in the monitor booth has the responsibility for the sotnid recording of the picture to which he is assigned. In addition to -Schabbehar, the staff consists of C. A. Tuthill, who has general super- vision; Ernest Zatorsky, Ralnh B. .Austrian. S. C. Chapman and Robert Johnston. Zatorsky was assigned "Jealousy," starring Jeanne Eagels. Chapman is on the current "The Lady Lies," and .Austrian is on "Glorify- ing the American Girl." G. E. .Stewart is in charge of all sound work at the studio. Make Talker For Alden Diane Doering and a cast of ci^ht plavers have just finished a talking short "The Casting Office." for .Al- den Film Corp. The cast includes .Ann Howe, .Anita Nieto, Myrtil Mil- ler and Svdncv Deane. RELEASED THIS WEEK "The Casting Office" Sound and talking short ALDEN MOTION PKTURE CORP. 220 Weit 42d Strett New York City THE -.^^^ DAILY Sunday, April 28, 1929 "Madame X" unth Ruth Chatterton, Lewis Stone, Raymond Hackett (All-Talker) M-G-M Length: 8806 ft. No Silent Version IMPRESSIVE MELODRAMA WITH TERRIFIC PUNCH. BEAUTIFULLY ACTED AND DIRECTED. A BOX-OFFICE NATURAL. There is an old adage in show business that the public will always pay for a good cry. The idea is cor- rect, even if the phraseology is wrong. "Madame X" is exactly that. It's a tear inducer, yet never gets maudlin. The story, so well known, is one of mother love and the ex- tremes, including murder, to which that love went so that the son may never know how low his mother has fallen. It's fine drama, directed by Lionel Barrymore superbly and with complete appreciation, and enacted by one of the finest casts ever as- sembled for a single motion picture. Miss Chatterton is outstanding in a difficult role. She handles it with consummate skill. The support is unusually effective, the outstanding players being Lewis Stone, Raymond Hackett, Eugenie Besserer, Holmes Herbert, Uhlrich Haupt and Willard Mack, billed as "John B. Edington." Cast: Ruth Chatterton, Lewis Stone, Ray- mond Hackett, Hohnes Herbert, Eugenie Besserer, John P, Edington, Mitchell Lewis, Uhlrich Haupt, Sidney Toler, Richard Carle, Carroll Nye, Claude King, Chappell Dossett. Director, Lionel Barrymore Author, Based on play by Alexandre Bisson ; Adaptor and Scenarist; Willard Mack; Dialoguer, Wil- lard Mack ; Elitor. William S, Gray ; Cam- eraman, Arthur Reed. Richard Dix in "Nothing But the Truth" with Helen Kane, Louis John Bartels, Ned Sparks (All-Talker) Paramount Length: 7256 ft. No Silent Version CLICKS STRONG AS A CLEV- ER FARCE COMEDY WITH EXCELLENT CAST AND RICH- ARD DIX GETTING PLENTY OF LAUGHS. Farce comedy. This was adapted from the stage play by James Mont- gomery. For a climax it gets a mar- ried man all involved in a situation With two gold digging chorus girls, yet unlike most films of this type it keeps the comedy clean enough for the kids and grandmother to see. That's a record in itself. Nothing but praise for Richard Di.x, who does about the best light comedy work of his career. He is most natural. His speaking voice checks up as one of the best, and whenever he is on the laughs come readily. Helen Kane, late of the Paramount stage productions, does the baby stuff as the gold digger. This should set her in strong. Most everybody knows the plot of the chap wlno bet his partners he could tell the abso- lute truth for 24 hours. Cast: Richarl Dix, Berton Churchill, Louis John Bartels, Ned Sparks, Wynne Gibson, Hcleji Kane, Dorothy Hall, Madeline Gray, Nancy Ryan. Director. Victor Schertzinger ; Authors. John McGowan and James Montgomery; Scenarist, John McGowan ; Adaptor, John McGowan; Editor, Norton Blumenstock ; Dialoguer, William Collier, Sr. ; Camera- man, Eddie Cronjager, "The Quitter" with Ben Lyon, Dorothy Revier, Fred Kohler (Silent) Columbia Length: 5670 ft. PROGRAMMER THAT WILL PLEASE WITH USUAL STORY OF REGENERATION THROUGH A GIRL'S SACRIFICE. WORKS IN SOME GOOD SUSPENSE. Drama, The work of Ben Lyon, Dorothy Revier and Fred Kohler lift this out of the ruck and make it a programmer that will please gener- ally. Ben as a young surgeon goes to the dogs and becomes a derelict. He is befriended by a racetrack man for whom he does a favor. His friend, played by Fred Kohler, runs a dance hall, and takes Ben there. The plot gets suspenseful when the propri- etor's girl falls in love with the dere- lict, and Kohler learns of the situa- tion. He plans to bump Ben off, but the girl saves him. The former surgeon performs a difficult opera- tion and saves his rival's life, and he and the girl find love and happiness. Not much in the way of originality, but the work of the three principals makes it a suspenseful number. Doro- thy Revier especially shows some nice truuping ability. Cast : Ben Lyon, Dorothy Revier, Fred Kohler. Charles McHugh, Sherry Hall, Jane Daly. Henry Otto, Claire McDowell. Director, Joseph Henabery ; Author, Dor- othy Howell, from story, "The Spice of Life." Scenarist, Dorothy Howell ; Editor, Not listed ; Titler, Not listed ; Cameraman, Joseph iValker. Laura La Plante in "Scandal" with John Boles, Jane Winton, Huntley Gordon (Part-Talker) Universal Length: Synch., 66Sb ft. Silent, 6475 ft. EFFECTIVE NUMBER HAND- SOMELY MOUNTED WILL GET THE WOMEN WITH UNIQUE LOVE TANGLE. DIRECTION AND PLOT ARE WEAK IN SPOTS. Drama. This is the sort of story that is bound to please the women. It has one outstanding scene that is unique. That is the "scandal" scene, wlnerein Laura La Plante after pub- licly exposing her love affair and confessing to her husband, attends the polo game and listens to the fash- ionable scandal mongers all around her tearing her reputation to shreds. You get the whispered comments, and see Laura writhing under the vicious lashing yet bravely taking the gaff in order to make good with her husband. It's a pip — and car- ries a fine dramatic wallop. Laura does perhaps her best work of her career in this scene, and proves she is more than a comedian. For the rest, it is not so hot. Story is too artificial, and direction misses in spots. John Boles and Jane Winton do some real trouping. Cast: Laura La Plante, Huntley Gordon, John Boles, Jane Winton, Nancy Dover, Julia Swayne Gordon, Eddie Phillips. Director. Wesley Ruggles; Author, Adeie Rogers St. John, from her story, "The Haunted Lady;" Scenarist, Paul Schofield ; Editor, Ray Curtis ; Dialoguer, Walter An- thony ; Titler, Walter Anthony ; Cameraman, Gilbert Warrenton. "Girls Gone Wild" with Sue Carol, Nick Stuart (Synch ronized) Fox Length: Synch. 5282 ft. Silent, 5232 ft. LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT JAZZED UP WITH FLAPPER PARTY DOINGS AND SOME UNDERWORLD ACTION. PLEASING. Light drama. Rather a frothy yarn that deals for half its length with the wild doings of a flapper and her pals at a house party. Director Lew Seller made the most of an inconse- quental script all about the police- man's son who wins the rich society girl. It has been done before and carries nothing particularly new. The most convincing work is that of Wil- liam Russell the motor cycle cop who is the hero's dad. Russell gave an air of realism to the work of the juveniles which is just average, with the exception of Sue Carol as the wild girl. She peps it up with the flapper stuff and is always appealing to look at. Story tell of the copper's son who gets himself in bad with the girl and her family when his dad ar- rests her for speeding. Later he saves her from the bootleg gang that has kidnapped her. Here fast action quite meller puts a kick into film. Cast: Sue Carol, Nick Stuart, William Russell, Roy D'Arcy, Le,slie Kenton, Hedda Hopper, John Darrow, Matthew Betz, Ed- mund Breese, Minna Ferry, Louis Nathe- aux, Lumsden Hare. Director, Lew Seiler ; Author, Bertram Milhauser; Scenarist, Beulah Marie Dix; Editor, Not listed; Titler, Malcolm Stuart Boylan; Cameramen, Arthur Edeson, Irving Rosenberg. "Trial Marriage" with Norman Kerry, Sally Filers, Jason Robards (Silent) Columbia Length: Synch. 6639 ft. Silent, 6506 ft. MAKES STRONG PROGRAM ATTRACTION WITH POPULAR TRIAL MARRIAGE THEME, LOVE MIXUPS AND SOME GOOD SEXY SITUATIONS. Drama. Set in a society atmos- phere, this one rides nicely with an interesting story and a good cast to put it over. It tells of the escapades of Sally Eilers who is always steal- ing beaux from her half-sister, played by Thelma Todd. She steals a doc- tor from her sister and breaks her engagement with another man to en- ter upon six months' trial mar- riage. A scandal at a charity bazaar causes the trial husband to leave her. He marries sister, and later Sally marries her first love. The fault with this picture is that there are too many mixups, for in the end the couples are divorced and Sally real- izes that her trial marriage love was the real thing, and hooks up with the doctor permanently. But the di- rector, Erie C. Kenton, manages to sustain interest. The sexy scenes carry a kick. Cast: Norman Kerry; Sally Eilers, Jason Robards, Thelma Todd, Charles Clary, Naomi Childers, Rosemary Theby, Gertrude Short. Director, Erie C. Kenton; Author, 'Son^a Levien ; Scenarist, Sonya Levien ; Editor, Not listed ; Titler, Not listed ; Cameraman, mart, Joseph Walker. Tow Tyler and Frankie Darro in "Idaho Red" (Silent) FBO Length: 4769 ft. A FAIR AMOUNT OF ACTION STUFF FOR TOM TYLER WITH FRANKIE DARRO HELPING TO MAKE IT AN ACCEPTABLE PROGRAMMER. Western. The story has a strong human interest angle, with Tom Ty- ler as the ranch owner acting as guar- dian for the little orphan kid. The plot has a new angle, with the crooked foreman and his gang run- ning a counterfeit plant on the ranch. They try to frame Tom as the guilty party, and it looks pretty bad for him for a time. Then Frankie and the girl, who is part owner of the ranch, get busy and start the action going for a hurricane finish and some fast riding and fighting. The girl, Patricia Caron, is above the average as a western heroine, and helps to inject some nice heart interest. This combination of cowboy heroics, with the kid angle and the love interest, always gets a play from the neigh- borhood houses, and this current ex- ample meets all the requirements. Cast : Tom Tyler, Patricia Caron, Frankie Darro, Barney Furey, Lew Meehan, Director, Robert Delacy ; Author, Frank Howard Clark; Scenarist, Same; Editor, Leona De Lacey ; Titler, Helen Gregg ; Cam- eraman, Nick Musuraca. "Making the Grade" tvith Edmund Lowe, Lois Moran (Part-Talker) Fox Length: Sound, 5403 /*. Silent, 5024 ft. LIGHT COMEDY MAKES THE GRADE EASILY AS LAUGH NUMBER FOR POPULAR CONSUMPTION, WITH ED- MUND LOWE AND LOIS MO- RAN A STRONG TEAM. Comedy. Adapted from one of George Ade's old fables in slang, this one has been modernized and brought strictly up-to-date. Edmund Lowe proves himself a light com- edian with a strong flair for this type of role. Director Alfred E. Green handled it intelligently, andj)aced it so that the laughs come steadily through the footage. There are two sequences that stand out for merri- ment. One where LoWe is towed through the ocean by a giant tuna fish, and the other where he makes a speech welcoming the Order of Chipmunks to the home town. The latter is' almost as good as Robert Benchley's famous "Treasurer's Re- port," and. in fact, seems to have been modeled after it. In this scene Lowe does ace work. As the spoiled millionaire, he tries to "do things" to win the girl, messing everything. Cast: Edmund Lowe, Lois Moran, Albert Hart, Lucien Littlefield, James Ford, Sher- man Ross, John Alden, Gino Conti, Rolfe Sedan, Lia Tora, Mary Ashley. Director, Alfred E. Green ; Author, George Ade; Scenarists, Harry Brand, Edward Kaufman; Editor, J. Edwin Robbins; Titler, Malcolm Stuart Boylan ; Dialoguer, Malcolm Stuart Boylan; Cameraman, William O'Con- nell. I THE Sunday, April 28, 1929 "Bridge of San Luis Key" with Lily Dainitu, Kriient Torrfucf, Raquel Torrea, Don Alvarado (Part-Talker) M-G-M Length: Sound, 7980 ft. Silent, 7880 ft. A CHARMING AND EFFEC- TIVE DRAMA OF 18th CEN- TURY SOUTH AMERICA. OFF THE BEATEN PATH; THERE- FORE, BOX-OFFICE. In old I'trii, the bridge of San Luis Rcy had stood from t me imme- morial. It was an accepted part of the inhabitants' lives. When it fell without warning one day carrying five people to the r death, alarm followed. But Father Jun i)er. play- ed splendidly by Henry B. Wal- thall tells why. Lily Damita is Caniila, the dancer; she does very good work in a sexy role, but in- clines to overact. Emily Fitzroy makes a splendid marquesa; Don Al- varado and Duncan Renaldo are Manuel and Esteban, twin brothers; both are fine. Ernest Torrence makes a delightful Uncle Pio and Raquel Torres, a pleasant Pepita. The-r separate stories intertwine and final- ly lead all but Manuel and Camila to the bridge on the fatal day. Cast: Lily Damita, Ernest Torrence, Raquel Torres, Don Alvarado, Duncan Renaldo, Henry B. Waltha'l, Michael Vavitch. Emily Fitzroy, Jane Winton, Gordon Tliorpe. ... I lie 1 Lewis, Paul El. is, Eugenie Besserer, Tully Marshall. Oirec'or, Charles Hrabin; Author, Thorn- ton Wilder: Adaptor, Alice D. G. Miller; Scenarist, Not listed ; Dialoguers and Tillers, Marion Ainslee and Ruth Cummings ; Editor, Margaret Booth; Cameraman, Merritt B. Cerstad. ' .!/(/(( ;■/<•<• ( 'htrnliir in "Innocents of Paris" (All-Talker) I'aramount Length: Sound, 7816 ft. Silent, 7816 ft. CHEVALIER A ONE MAN SHOW. DELIGHTFUL PER- SONALITY BURDENED WITH iNANE STORY. DESERVES BETTER MATERIAL. Maurice Chevalier, one of the .lost popular music hall players in t'rance, demonstrates he has a fine icrsonality, an engaging sni'le and I pretty good voice. It is too bad le wasn't given a more plausible and eecher, Russell Simpson, George Fawcett, Mrs. George Fawcett, John Miljan, David Durand, Margaret Livingston, Jack Luden, Johnnie Morris. Director, Richard Wallace ; Author, Ernest Vajda, based on story by C. E. Andrews; Scenarist, Ethel Doherty ; Dialoguer, Ernest \'ajda; Editor, Xot listed; Titler, Not listed; Cameraman, Charles Lang. "Crime and l*unishnient" with (iiiyor (hnuira (Silent) Michael J. Gourhnid Length: 6000 ft. PRODUCTION OF MOSCOW ART PLAYERS FEATURES SOME STRONG ACTING BUT HEAVY THEME IS NOT SUIT- ABLE FOR AMERICAN AUDI- fc-NCES. Drama of Russia. Adapted from the novel of Dastoyefsky. This was directed by the German, Robert Weine, who directed "The Cabinet of Caligari." The treatment is heavy and sometimes involved, and empha- sizes the gloom and misery that, of course, are so much a part of the famous Russiati novelist's story. The production values are weak and the continuity often ragged. The out- standing part of the production is the work of Gregor Chmara who enacts the leading role of the vision- ary student who thinks he has a di- vuie mission to right wrongs and punish by even taking life if he thinks it will help humanity. He murders a pawnbroker, and then the sister. He begins to imagine that the whole world knows his secret, and conscience at last forces him to confess. Cast: Gregor Chmara, Michael Tarshanoflf, Maria Gernianova, Maria Krysh.inovskaia, Pavel Pavloff, Toma, Vera Orlova, Ivan liersenniefl. Director, Robert Weine ; Author, Dastoyef- ski ; Scenarist, Not listed ; Editor, Not listid ; Titler, .Not liste-- he meets Dorothy Mackaill. Circum- stances fasten on Jack the rep of being a film star, and he is forced to live up to it. Then the clima.x at a charity bazaar shows him up as just a plumber, to Dorothy's intense humiliation. Director William Beau- dine worked in a lot of laughs. Cast: Dorothy Mackaill, Jack Mulhall, Gertri:de Astor, Jimmy Fiii.avson, Kate Price, Jed Prouty, Eddie Gribbon, Dixie Gay, Gertrude .Messinger. Director, William Beaudine; Authors, Ken- yon Nicholson, Ihos. Ballows; Scenarist F. McGrew Willis; Editor, Ralph Holt; Titler Not listed; Dialoguer, Richard Weil; Cam- eraman, Sid Hicko.x. "The Adventures of Maya" (Silent) Edward L. Klein Length: 5400 ft. UNUSUAL FILM OF THE LIFE OF A BEE TOLD WITH CHARM AND EXCEPTIONAL CAMERA WORK. FINE FOR KID MATINEES AND ARTY THEATERS. Dramatic study of bee life. This was adapted from "Die Biene Maya," a German book that is having quite a vogue. The author, Waldemar Bonsels, also adapted his story to the screen and is credited with the direction. The story is told by the little bee itself, the titles serving to create a really dramatic atmosphere and making you feel that the insect is almost human. German camera technique is evident throughout, and is really noteworthy in many re- spects. The story shows the bee ad- venturing forth from the hive and meeting with all sorts of adventures in the insect kingdom. The spider is the villain, gets the bee in its web, and the hero beetle saves her. The conclusion is a unique example of de- tailed photography, showing an at- tack on the hive by hornets. Great for kids and arty houses. Cast: Consists entirely of the insect world photographed in close ups and magnified shots. Director, Waldemar Bonsels ; Author, the same ; Scenarist, the same ; Editor, Frank Greef; Titler, Frank Greef; Cameraman, not listed. Bob Custer in "Arizona Days" (Silent) Syndicate Pictures Length : 4139 ft. THE AVERAGE NUMBER THAT WILL MAKE THE GRADE FOR SMALL HOUSE SHOWINGS. BOB CUSTER DOES THE HEROICS ACCEPT- ABLY. Western. Director J. P. McGowan knows his stuff on the usual western and keeps this humming along till the finale. The story itself is the average theme recounting the villainy of the cattle rustlers, with the hero bringing them to justice and winning the girl. McGowan plays the part of the rustler chief. The girl's father, a rancher, joins the gang on the understanding that his cattle will not be molested. He is really a spy working for the cattleman's associa- tion to get the goods on the gang. Then enters the stranger, our hero, who is in time to save girl's father after the gang learns that he was spying on them. Works up some fair action stuff, with enough fight- ing and riding to please the fans. Bob Custer does nice work through- out. Cast: Bob Custer, Peggy Montgomery, J. P. -^I<:Gowan, Mack V. Wright, Jack Pon- der, John Lowell Russell. Director, J. P. McGowan; Author, Brysis Coleman ; Scenarist, Mac \'. Wright ; Edi- tor, Not listed ; Titler, Not listed ; Camera- man, Paul H. Allen. Bob Steele in "The Amazing Vagabond" (Silent) FBO Length: 5075 ft. GIVES BOB STEELE A CHANCE TO DO HIS STUNTS IN A COMMONPLACE STORY THAT CARRIES NO NEW AN- GLES. FAIR PROGRAM. Melodrama of the North Woods. Bob is the son of a wealthy lumber- man. His dad gets tired of his es- capades and insists that he go to work. So our hero gets himself a job as a parachute jumper to adver- tise a line of goods. He meets the daughter of the superintendent of his father's lumber mill when he ac- cidentally drops through the roof of a store while doing a parachute jump. This is a sample of the thrill stuff that is worked through the film with a variety of far-fetched situa- tions. Then into the lumber coun- try, with the star performing more acrobatic feats as he uncovers, the gang who are robbing the lumber. Winds up with the usual meller fight and Bob and love triumphant. Will please uncritical thrill fans. Cast: Bob Steele, Tom Lingham, Jay Mor- ley. Perry Murdock, Lafe McKee, Thelma Daniels. Director, Wallace Fox ; Author, Frank Howard Clark ; Scenarist, the same ; Editor, Delia King; Titler, Helen Gregg; Camera- tnan, Virgil Miller. Hoot Gibson in "The Lariat Kid" (Silent) Universal Length: 5247 ft. SUREFIRE POPULAR NUM- BER, WITH HOOT GIBSON IN A BANG-UP PART WITH PLEN- TY OF COMEDY MIXED WITH THE THRILLS. W cstcrn. This is one of the best films Hoot has turned out for some time. The part was made to order for him, and gives him a chance to pull some laughs in among his fight- ing and general thrill stuff. He is a U. S. marshal on the trail of the man who killed his father who was marshal before him. The tough gang is located in Hell's Gulch, where they run things without the law's interference. Hoot runs into a girl whose guardians are trying to force her to marry the leader of the gang. The plot has been effectively handled by director Reaves Eason, who shows Hoot coolly kidding the tough outlaws with a very unusual gag. Hoot's assistant plays the part of a half-wit driving a sprinkler cart, and gets the lowdown on the gang's movements. So he and Hoot kid- nap the gang one at a time and im- prison them in the sprinkler. Fast and exciting finish. Cast: Hoot Gibson, Ann Christy, Cap An- derson, Mary Foy, Francis Ford, Walter Brennan, .Andy Waldron, Bud Osborne, Joe Bennett, Jim Corey. Director, Reaves Eason ; Author, Buck- leigh Fritz Oxford ; Scenarists, Jacques Jac- card, Sylvia Scid ; Editor, Gilmore Walker; Titler, Harold Tarshis ; Cameraman, Harry Neumann. k DAILV Sunday, AprU 28, 1929 SOUND Clark and McCullough in "The Music Fiends" Fox Movietone Surefire Laughs Type of production. .Comedy sketch This is done in the typical manner of these two comedians, and crowds a lot of hilarity into the footage. They enter an auction room to kid the auctioneer, and the next moment you see them coming out loaded up with a violin, a shotgun, and an old cloak. The auctioneer had trimmed them out of all their jack. Broke, they wander up the street, and are rushed into a mansion by the butler, who thinks they are the violin genius and his assistant who are to play at the fashionable party. So Clark acts as the violin master and Mc- Cullough is at the piano. And what they do to that house and its fur- nishings is plenty. There is one gag where they get the hostess to aid them in moving the piano, and it's a wow. Time, 12 mins. "On Guard" Collegians — Universal Flat Type of production. . . .2 reel comedy The Calford college boys and girls whoop it up at a hockey game with the rival college. But some students from Midvale framed the captain and tried to make it appear that he had run somebody down with his auto, and had a phoney sheriff ready to ar- rest him. But the junior hero 'stepped in and took the sock to save the captain. Then the usual stuff of making a dash for liberty just as his teammates are getting the stuffings kicked out of them in the big hockey game. With the girl's assistance, he gets there just in time to save everything — but the picture. It's pretty flat and uninteresting, and the talking doesn't help it much. "Night Watchman's Mistake" Sennett— Pathe Amusing Type of production 2 reel comedy All about an escapade in a girls' boarding school, with Johnny Burke as the night watchman and Daphne Pollard as the matron. The comedy hinges on a gag which has the dean of the college minus some of his clothing trying to sneak in to the college unseen but who is discov- ered by the watchman with all the girls running around in their nighties. Lots of sex appeal, with Johnny Burke getting over a fair amount of laughs. Directed by Harry Edwards. Titta Ruffo Metro Movietone Splendid Type of production Operatic This is the first of a series of shorts which Titta Ruffo, well known baritone of the Metropolitan Opera, will make for M-G-M. It is an auspicious beginning. Ruflo renders Monday New probes under way by government as firms indicated on West Coast prepare to file bonds. German exhibitors demand international in- terchangeability guarantee on all sound devices. Tuesday Not guilty pleas to be entered by West Coast and distributors in conspiracy case. Western Electric files infringement suit against Broadway Theater, Buffalo. Wednesday Pacent Reproducer plans finish fight in Western Electric suits. Radio-Keith-Orpheum reported in deal for operation of Canadian houses by Canadian Famous Players. Adverse bills totaling 161 and involving $280,000,000 of proposed taxation defeated in i9 states. Thursday One hundred fourteen silent films out of 200 released in first quarter of 1929. Mike Meehan reported discussing proposed purchase of Pathe. Friday Publix deal for operation of Warner houses reported about set. French exhibitors propose shutdown as pro- test against high taxes and 3 to 1 quota. Saturday Balaban & Katz reported to have purchased Cooney and Schoenstadt houses in Chicago. the famous "Figaro" aria "The Bar- ber of Seville." He has a beautiful, resonant and well-rounded voice. Very worthwhile. Time, 4 mins. Codec and Orth in "Stranded in Paris" Vitaphone No. 2799 Good Laughs Type of production. .. .Comedy skit The scene is at the railroad depot in Paris. Ann Codee as the French dame tries to show Frank Orth how things are done in Paris. She speaks French, and tries to tell Frank what to say to the clerk at the desk where they are to exchange their American money for French coin. This gag is well worked up, with Frank bringing back Russian rubles, German marks, and everything but the right article. Finishes with a good bit showing Frank falling hard for the story of a stranded American girl who comes from his home town of Philadelphia. He gives her all the money he has been holding out on his wife. Then the wife steps in and divides the jack with the girl she had planted as a decoy. Time, 10 mins. Presentations By HERBERT S. BERG', Pathe Audio Review No* 2 Diversity Type of production. .1 reel magazine The sound effects are very well handled, and the accompanying music helps to put the reel over nicely. Opens with "Voyageur," a study on the waters of the Mississauga in Ontario. Next comes an interview with Nathalia Crane, the Brooklyn girl poetess, who recites her poem, "Janitor's Boy." It concludes with "Bal Tabarin," scenes taken in the famous Parisian cabaret, and shows how they conduct whoopee in gay Montmartre. A nicely balanced number with plenty of class and the sound effects that are good. PARAMOUNT FEATURES MELODY STAGE SHOWS The Paramount show goes melody with John 'Murray Anderson's "Say It With .\Iusic." Charles Irwin, an Englishman with a good line of patter and a very neat song, went lighter than he should. But it was the fault of the house, for he was away ahead of 'em most of the time. He opened up the show before the curtain, and did not show again till the uresentation v.-as half over. The stage set was a novelty, with a gigantic book shelf on which were immense volumes in contrasting colors labeled "Syncopation," "Blues," etc. Two girls were posed on the book ends and the entire setting was strik- ingly effective. (One or two of the special- ties made their entrance from the books. The 12 Foster (Jirls appeared in ruffed blue cos- tumes and did a routine, with a special interpretation of Irving Berlin melodies by Ben Black's band. Ben's aggregation did a neat parody on the Dempstey-Tunney fight, with the band leader griving an animated monolog of the fight. The Wainwright Sisters just took up so much time on the bill with their weak little voices. Also there was Henry Garden singing operatic airs, but he was too much class for the Paramount regu- lars to appreciate. Stadler & Rose did a good burlesque on the fancy adagio craze, and got the laughs with some clever tumbles and goofy falls. The Foster Girls were on again for an effective number, each girl carr>'ing two drums as they went through the military stuff, then finishefl with a pyra- miding of the drums on which they grouped themselves. Irwin finished his laugh mono- log with a "Yes — No" song that registered strong. The finale was an eyeful with two girl trumpeters in gold cloth lowered from above as silver wings spread each side the full width of the stage. The books on the enormous shelf swung around, disclosing other girls artistically posed. On the sides immense organ pipes were lowered, thus carrying out effectively tlie melody motif of the presentation. Chas. King at Capitol Charles King is in New York to make personal appearances at the Capitol during engagement of "Voice of the City," all-talking picture writ- ten and directed by Willard Mack. Keefe Shifted to Milwaukee Milwaukee — J. C. Keefe, who for- merly handled publicity for Fox- Poli in Connecticut and Massachu- setts, has been named advertising chief of the Fox-Midwesco circuit, with headonarters here. Raymond at Wheeling Wheeling, W. Va.— Jack Ray- mond is now managing the White Front. Jones With the Fox Seattle, Wash. — Ray W. Jones has resigned as publicity director of the Orpheum and has joined the staff of the Fox soon to be opened. Standard VAUDEVILLE for Motion Picture Presentation The FALLY MARKUS VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Lackawanna 7876 lUl BROADWAY. NEW YORK CITY SPRING MOTIFF EATURED ON THE ROXY STAGE George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue was the symphonic overture which was followed by two divertissements. The first was "The Music Box," with three figures posed in- side the large instrument center stage imitat- ing the mechanical movements of the toy figures as the music played. Then came the Roxyettes in a black and gold costume for one of their characteristic routines. The first stage feature was a series of animated pic- tures behind a scrim called "Woodland Sketches," with the Indian motif emphasized. In an effective woodland scene the different bits followed each other smoothly with nicely contrasting effects. Patricia Bowman ap- peared as the Will o' the Wisp, then an Indian and maid at "The Old Trysting Place," with the stage screen throwing a waterfall scene for a background to the wooded effect, "In Autumn" was a silhouette of dancing girli against a vivid red background. A male chorus grouped before a campfire sang "From An Indian Lodge." Finished with Leonide Massine, Florence Rogge and Harold Van Duzee in "To a Wild Rose." The girl dancer impersonated the rose, Massine was her Indian lover, while Duzee off on th« side sang the ballad. Following the usual elaborate Newsreel, came the main presenta- tion, "Voices of Spring," Massine in his marvelous dance movements personified the spirit of May. with the help of Patrocia Bow- man. Douglas Stanbury and Isabel Nor- wood added the vocal touch in an atmosphere of old Vienna. The Roxyettes had a smash number in gorgeous costumes representing a rainbow. Samuels and Brothers on Loew Time AI Samuel.s and Brothers, now are playing the Loew circuit with White and Manning. They recently played the Palace, New York, and the Can- itol. Prevously, they had been with "The Wonderful Girl" unit on Pub- lix time. This is said to be the first musical comedy produced by Publix. It was made under supervision of Joseph Santlej', with music by Dave Stamper. E. F. Barnes at Memphis Memphis — E. F. Barnes this week was in the manager's office at Loew's Palace, under City Manager Ernest Emerling. Barner came from Hous- ton, where he was with the Horo- witz chain. Browning at Carson City Carson City, Nev. — Roy Browning has succeeded Joe Rochon, Jr., as manager of the Grand. AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Tlieatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3580 THE Sunday, April 28, 1929 ■ssti DAILV 11 Theater Equipment By CHARLES F. HyjJES TALKING SHOP Sensational Business Being Done by International Pro- jector— A Dramatic Rise in Firms Stock Recorded ONE of the sensational develop- ments of the year in the field of theater ec|uipnieiit is the rapid for- ward march made by International Projector Corp., which manufactures the Simplex and Power's machines. The company, which is said to sup- ply 75 per cent of the projectors used throughout the world, now is en- gaged in an expansion program, which is taxing its capacity. This has been due in great part to the talker development. Manufac- turing a machine, the Simplex, for which Western Electric sound equip- ment is particularly adaptable, and for which RCA-Photophone equip- ment is designed. International is in a particularly formidable position. .\dded to this is the fact that new machines almost invariably are speci- fied for sound installations, with a result that sales have increased at a tremendous pace. The projector industry virtually was swamped with orders, following the sudden onrush of sound pictures states W. C. Michel, vice president of International. The company, he ^ays, has acquired a number of basic patents. International was prepared for the emergency, bringing out its Model M, especially designed for ■-ound installations. Construction of Lighting Institute is Under Way Construction of buildings which are to be a part of the permanent lighting display to be opened this month at Grand Central Palace under auspices of the \\'estinghouse Lamp Co., has been started by J. Odell Whiteneck, contractor. Included among them will be a model theater. The display is to advance the art of lightiiig and various phases of the- ater lighting and lighting equipment will be shown. Opening of the insti- tute, which will occupv an entire city block of 40,000 square feet, will be coincident with opening of the con- vention of the National Electric Light Ass'n, at Atlantic City and inaugura- tion of Light's Golden Jubilee, a na- I tional observance. The Stamp of Approval An endorsement of product and propositions, bestowed by The Film Daily, after investigation of qualifications and merit REGULATION of the speed of the picture is all-important in th s day of the sound picture. Proper synchronization is deperdent upon careful check of the speed of both film and records. Especially designed for use with sound p'ctures is the Strong Film Speed In- dicator. The device is manufactured by the Essanay Electric Manu- facturing Co., which markets the Strong change-over devices. The Strong indicators are read ly adaptable to any type pro- jector. The purchaser specifies the type of machine being used and the indicator comes to him ready for immediate installaton. Because of its low cost and demonstrated efficiency, the Strong Film Speed Indicator has THE FILM DAILY STAMP OF APPROVAL. Russia Seeks to Halt Equipment Importation WasUinaton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The Central Commit- tee for production of machines in Soviet Russia requests the govern- ment to prohibit the import of pro- jectors, projection lamps and other aiiparatus, since a sufficient number of equipments of all sorts is being produced by the Optic Mechanic Trust in Len'ngrad. advises a report to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. | . -i • '" Reising Flowers Installed Akron, O. — Installation has just been completed by G. Reising & Co. of artificial shrubs and flowers in Loew's here and the Harris, Mc- Kcesport, Pa. Both theaters were designed by John Ebcrson. Talking Film Ads Available Dallas — Talking film ads and talk- ing trailers are soon to be made available by the .Vrtwin Products Co., states Sebe Goodlett, Texas representative. Kool-er Aire Dallas Office Dallas — W. O. Jorgcnson, district manager of Kool-er Aire, has open- ed an office in the Film Exchange BIdg. here. ALLIED MEETING TO BOOST CHICAGO EPPMENT SHOW Chicago — Allied States Ass'n is cxi)ected to give impetus to the first annual .American Theater Equip- ment Exposition to be held here June 1 to 9, by holding a conven- tion simultaneously with the ex- hibit. Abram F. Myers, president and general counsel of Allied, announced the plan at the recent Michigan con- vention. W. G. Newbould, general manager of the company which is sponsoring the exposition, says that his org-ni- zation will be more than glad to co- operate in every possible way with any associations which will hold their meetings in Chicago at the same time as the exposition is being held. Buys Curtain Control Lima, O. — The new Ritz recently built and operated by Ritzier and Kerwin, has installed a Tiffin curtain control made by the Tiffin Studios of Lima. especially for houses equipped with Movietone and Vita- phone. Installing New Ekjuipment Cape Girardeau, Mo. — The New Broadway plans to install a com- plete new refrigeration and ventila- tion system, while the heating plant will be revamped. Plans for these improvements were prepared by Boiler Brothers, Kansas City. To Renovate Boston House Boston- renovated. The Park Theater will be ICO foot rolls, repacked, East- man and Du Pont panchroma- tic film, on daylight loading spools for Eymo or Debrie, guaranteed absolutely perfect and fresh. $3.75 a Roll. u/iuoacHBys ▼▼ no UJ'st i?'*St_N»«'VterK.N.y •• Phona Penn«. 0338 Motion Picture Department U. S. and Cansdj Agents for DcbrU Don't Cheat Yourself of the BIG MONEY Now being made in Sound Pictures Good pictures and poor sound- equipment spell failure for the theatre own- ers; his pictures must talk like real live living people to be successful. Audi- ences are not only demanding "talkies" but are insisting on The Best Screen Talk V^ as reproduced with ihe MACY HORN Dialogues, music and the minutest i>oi:nds reproduced with absolute fidelity — with this outstanding quality horn. Macy engineers will demonstrate and solve your sound problem. We invite you to use the coupon. ^ MODEL S 120 llIiistr.TtiiiK giant dynamic unit complete, ready for installation. r r We Guarantee No drumming tone, no loss of pitch ; txtrcmely easy to install, and none better made. Tear off coupon and mail now MACY MANUFACTURING CORP. Pioneer Makers of Acoustic Horns, 1451 J9th St., Rrooklyn. N. Y. Please send full particulars on the MACY IIORX. Name Theatre City State 12 DAILV Sunday, April 28, 1929 Foreign Markets By JAMBS P. CUNNINGHAM 5 UFA FILMS IN WORK AT Berlin — Production activities are rapidly being whipped into shape at the Ufa studio at Neubabelsberg where five pictures are now in work. Johannes Mayer will start on "High Treason," adapted from the stage play of the same name by Wenzel Goldbaum. Director Alexander Wol- koff is working on the Bloch-Rabino- witsch production, "Hadschi Murat," while Fritz Lang is directing "The Girl in the Moon." Jenny Jugo is portraying the lead in "The Girl from Valenc.a," under direction of Hanns Behrendt and Brigitte Helm, Dita Parlo, Ivan Mosjoukin and Heinrich George are working on "Manolescu," another Bloch-Rabino- witsch production being directed by W. Turjanski. New Sound Film Co. Formed in Germany Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILi Washington — Atlas Film Co. has been formed in Germany by Erich Morawsky, states a report to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. The company will concentrate on in- ternational sound films. Directors and players are to be engp^ed as well as contracts signed with German au- thors. B.I.P. Studio Active London — Since completion of two sound stage at the British Interna- tional studios, production has taken on considerable activity. "The In- former" now is in work with "The Blackmailer" to follow. "The Wreck- er" is being synchronized at the Els- tree studio with Syd Chaplin's "Mumming Birds" also ready for production. Eichberg Gets Blattnerphone Berlin — Richard Eichberg, produc- er, is reported to have signed for use of Blattner-Stille sound device. Richmount PicI 723 7th Avenue Inc. "** D. J. HOUNTAN, PrM. Picture! New York City C'XCLUSIVE foreign representatives for Rayart Pictures Corporation and other leading independ- ent producersanddistributors Cable Addreu: RICHPICSOC. Pari! Cable Addcesi: DEEJAY. London Cable Addrcji: RICHPIC. N. Y. Exporting only tlie best in Motion Pictures SWISS EXHIBITORS' ASS'N Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The increasing num- ber of theaters in Switzerland is re- ported to be causing alarm among exhibitors, advises a report to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. The Swiss Cinema Ass'n, at a recent meeting unanimously voted to care- fully study a bill recently introduced in the Federal Parliament proposing to limit the number of theaters and to prohibit further construction. American Films Are Mostly Shown in Finland Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Of 576 films shown in Finland during 1928, United States supplied 364, according to statistical information published by the Finnish Film Conmiission, ad- vises a report to the M. P. Section of the Deot. of Commerce. In com- parison with the preceding year the American percentage fell from 67^ to 64 per cent, while that of Ger- many, which supplied 133 films, in- creased from 20 to 22 per cent. 55 Films Banned in Czecho Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington— Of the 2.063 films censored in Czechoslovakia during 1928, 55 were banned by the Minis- try of Inter'or, according to a report to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. Pictures released for public exhibition totaled 2,008, the argest number recorded since the cre- ation of the board of censors. Of the 55 rejected, 29 were German, 17 American, three Austrian and two of English and Russian producers. B.I.P. Film in Work London — G. Von Bolvary has started production at the B.I.P. studio of the Betty Balfour film, "The Vaga- bond Queen." Cast consists of Harry Terry, Ernest Thesiger and Glen Bvam Shaw. Kean Witlh New Era Co. London — Gabriel Kean, former rep- resentative for Tiffany Prod, in the east and north Scotland territory, has resigned to become special representa- tive for New Era's portable sound system. Catholic Congress June 17-20 Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Second itnternational CathoHr Film Coneress will be held June 17 to 20 at Munich, Germanv, X nder supervision of Dr. Ernst Manee of Leofilm, states a report to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. The Charge in the West (Continued from Page 1) installations. The number is now 1,680. Climbing rapidly. Fewer Theaters Tuesday: Much of interest is hap- pening in the region of Hollywood and not all of these developments • concern government trials and such forbidding terms as conspiracy charges. Joe Schenck, for instance, makes this very interesting observa- tion: That in the next few years, the country's theater total will reduce itself by half while the aggregate number of seats increases. Larger houses will do it. Now, there you have a peek into the future which is not so visionary as would appear at first flush. Some other folks of repute feel the same way. But more of that at some other time. We must get on.... Early in May, as we have told you on at least three other occasions, the United Artists group will bar- ricade a few doors and go into ses- sion with Harry Warner anent that big afifiliation. Indications are that everj'thing is jake, but you never can tell what will happen when a lot of mill'on dollar temperaments get closeted in the same council room. . . . About a year ago, Sol Lesser, quondam mogul in West Coast The- aters, formed Principal Theaters with the genial Fred Levy as interested partner. Something like 30 small town houses were annexed. Then silence. Now, it appears, financing is all set so that the principal activity in Principal from now on will be the annexation of theaters until a cool — or hot — thousand are acquired. That's ambition. . . . More Legal Stuff Wednesday: Of course, nobody who had paid any attention to the patent situation really believed West- ern Electric would stop with filing of its one suit against Pacent. Not at all. This week two more actions developed. The Broadway, Buffalo, uses a Pacent reproducer. There- fore, a suit. We were curious to learn why a small exhibitor out of New York should be signalled out and were advised the calendar in the up- state city was less congested. That >5ounds reasonable. Toledo was the scene of the second action and the Silverphone Corp., the defendant. In the meantime, Pacent declares he will battle the suits to the death. Charges Western Electric with this and that — not nice things to talk about in a family column like this. The next chapter takes place before the judge. . . . R-K-O and Famous Canadian are making eyes at each other. You can't tell, but if the former should turn its houses over to Nathanson to operate, refuse to be surprised Statistics Thursday: The staffs lightning calculator, Jim Cunningham, walked into the editorial sanctum this morn- ing and thrust under our nose some extremely interesting figures about releases for the first quarter of 1929. It seems 200 features were placed on the market during January, Feb- ruary and March. Nothing strange about that. It happens every year. But, sound this year has turned many j viewpoints askew. And so, it is a real! surprise to learn that of the 200, ex- '' actly 191 were available silent. One hundred fourteen were all-silent and : nothing else; 32 additional were real- f ly silents, but fall into the class of sound misnomers because they were synchronized; 41 were like Satur- day's children: silents revamped with part dialogue in order to make them marketable; while seven were all- talkers, available in silent form as well, and six were all-talkers and nothing else. Interesting?. . . . Winnie Sheehan predicts 5,000 the- aters will be wired by January 1. These theaters, he adds, will cater to 85 per cent of the picture-going public in America. Discount that, if you can .... Creeping Up Friday: Skouras denies; Katz says nothing. Yet whisperings grow loud- er that Publix's deal for management of the Warner chain is very, very close. . . . William Randolph Hearst, who runs newspapers and make films and gets a kick out of both, is in New York from that well known Cali- fornia ranch of his. Cosmopoitan and the Hearst newsreels are still func- tioning under Metro and Universal contracts respectively, but who knows about the future? In two weeks, there may be a real yarn.... Fox and Publix are paying court to Sid Grauman these days. Both are waxing warm under the collar and Grauman's Chinese theater in Holly- wood is the sole reason. Now a third bidder enters the picture just to com- plicate matters and there you have matters as they stand. The onl-- '-tire angle is that Grauman will sell out, but to whom? There's the rub.... The blending nrocess runs on and on. Now Jack Buchanan and Eddie Buzzell, both clever boys in musical comedy, are to embrace talkers, via the First National route. There won't be any suitable names left exclusively for the stage by the time these ag- gressive producers of ours round out their raids. K A N N. Buy Joplin House Joplin, Mo. — Troy O. Hall and Roy Brunson have taken over the Empire from Robert E. Phillips. Santa Rosa House Reopened Santa Rosa. Cal. — The Elite has been reopened. Proved! Ill llie research lahoralory and ill the studios EASTMAN Keprotone NEGATIVE A film that performs with notable success its specific function of reproducing SOUND '1' AHIS special film, tested by scientific methods that would detect even inaudible defects, is now in use in the studios. Giving sound reproduction faithful and pleasing to a degree hitherto unknown, it has proved it- self a distinct step forward in the sound art. EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY ROCHESTER, N.Y. ^^^ ^^^^ SHE came a THOUSAND MMES to learn the TRUTH . . . but faced a myster^^^^^Med every >r in the country the VALIA T ALL-TALKING FOX MOVIETONE with PAUL MUNI Marguerite Churchill Feature WILLIAM K. HOWARD __ Production ^— JOHN MACK BROWN Don Terry He gave himself up as a murderer— but his vaHant courage guarded his indentity from a sensation- hungry pubHc lest his mother and sister behumihated by his disgrace. You HEAR and SEE not a trite story of mother love — but a powerful, compelling, gripping struggle of a weakling who had sunk to the depths — yet proved himself a giant in the strangest test of courage a man was ever called upon to face. TENSE -GRIPPING -DIFFERENT -it has a universal, box-office appeal - - - SET YOUR DATES NOW! HAS THE BIG MONEY, RECORD SMASHING TALKERS r PACEMAKER tor the INDUSTBY U. A. Heads Arriving Tomorrow for Warner Deal iTHE :!^€»NEWSPAPER o/'FILMDOM ML THE NEWS ALLTHE TIME VOL. XLVIII No. 25 Monday, April 29, 1929 Price 5 CenU Flesh and Film W\ 1 .\T follows appears to us to carry a potentially great significance : At the Criterion the other night, Maurice Chevalier introduced "In- nocents of Paris" to New York in person. He made several quips, bowed out and the picture was on. To us, not one bit of his enormous- ly pleasant personality was lost when the engaging Frenchman passed from the flesh to the film. If this should be true in his case, why not in others? And, carrying this argument further, if human players and flesh-and-blood Stage units are found to carry the same a]>peal, or nearly the same appeal, when transferred to cellu- loid form, the all -sound program in de luxe theaters becomes a seri- ous possibility. We don't know. It is to be doubted if anybody can foretell, but at least such a develop- ment is worth serious considera- tion. This, Publix is now doing in a limited number of spots. The outcome will be closely scrutinized. Before or Behind? Lionel Barrymorc's direction in "Madame X" was so deft and so ex- pert that the problem of how best to use his abilities becomes knotty. If he abandons acting for direction, the public loses sight of one of the screen's most brilliant players. If he sticks to his well-established place before the camera, directorial ranks inarch on minus an invaluable mem- ber. It's entirely Barrymore's fault, but it becomes Metro's job to work it out. Cheerio, Bill! Even in this machine age. good things happen to those who wait long enough. Bill Powell, personi- fication of suavity and good acting, has been a luminary and a saving ■ grace in many Paramount pictures over the years. He was stellar . material, although in billing many. and often inferior, names preceded his. It seems that sound demon- strated to Lasky, Wagner, Schulberg et al that Powell deserved what he is now getting: individual stardom. A worthier elevation would be dif- ficult to find. K A N N Katz Denies There is no truth to report that a deal is being engineered between Warners and Publix, providing for operation by the latter of Warner theaters, Sam Katz declared on Saturday. "Just applesauce," he said. TALKERS SEEN SOUNDING DOUBLE FEATURE KNELL West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Producers arc won- dering what effect talkers will have on second and subsequent run houfes that have been playing double bills. One observer believes the smaller theaters may occasionally of- fer a talker and a silent picture on the same program, but many execu- tives believe this would be inadvis- able. The number of small independent (Continued on Page 5) Mich. Bill Against Ads on Screen Out of Committee Lansing. Mich. — After being buried temporarily, Michigan's bill to tax theater screen advertising out of ex- istence, has been reported out of the House general taxation committee. The bill previously had been report- (Conlinued on Page 5) Record First Quarter Reported by Paramount Paramount estimates its consoli- dated net profit, after all charges and taxes, for the first quarter of 1929 to be $2,565,000, which amounts to $1.16 per share on 2.206,505 shares (.Continued on Page 5) WEST COAST CASE TO BE PROTECTION TEST U. A. GROUP ARRIVING TO CLOSE WARNER DEAL Marj' Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks. Gloria Swanson and Joseph M. Schenck, United Artists president, arrive in New York tomorrow to continue conferences on formation of United Artists Consolidated and af- filiation with Warner Bros. Jack Warner now is in New York in con- nection with the deal, which is ex- pected to be closed following return (Continued on Page S) Sound Film Device is Developed in Russia Simplicity of construction is a fea- ture claimed for a Russian sound film system, recently demonstrated at Leningrad, according to advices received in New York by Anikino. The device is the invent''^" of the Soviet engineer Shorin of the elec- (Continued on Paqe 5) Raising of Duty on Carbons Is Proposed Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Increase of one-third in the import duty on carbons and el'.ctrodes, from 45 to 60 per cent ad valorem, is understood to have been agreed upon by the majority membership of the House Commit- tee on ways and means, now at- (Continued on Page S) Silent Newsreels Reported Planning Switch to Sound I 5 Patents Involved in W.E. Suit vs. Tobis-Klangfilm Berlin — One amplifier patent and four others covering phases of speed control are involved in action of Electrical Research Products, West- ern Electric subsidiary, against the Tohis-Klangfilm group. The de- fendants, who dominate the sound film field in Germany, express con- fidence over the outcome. While only two newsreels have adopted sound to date, all are con- sideimg a switch to a sound policy. Fox Movietone News now is is- sued three times a week and Pathe -Sound News twice weekly. Both plan a stepping up of their schedules. Fox, of course, has a big lead in the sound news field, by virtue of the fact that it was first and held the lead without opposition for so long. Meanwhile. Paramount and M-G- ( Continued on Page 5) Chain to Stress Need of Clearance in Defending U. S. Charges West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Protection will be defended as an esseiuial safeguard of the film business, when the Fox West Coast circuit is brought to trial in the conspiracy case brought by the government. Under indictment are Harold B. Franklin, president of the chain, the West Coast corpora- tion and nine distributors. The trial will be a test case on the issue of protection. Without protection, there would (Continued on Page 5) Fireworks Looked for at Oklahoma Unit Meeting Oklahoma City — Fireworks are anticipated at the annual nieeting of the Oklahoma unit here June 11 and 12, when instances of alleged un- reasonable demands of exchanges are slated to be cited. The mcetinjf has been advanced from fall, because of the sound film situation. Agitation Against Film Censorship in Berlin Berlin — There is considerable agi- tation here regarding film censorship, following police closing of "Po-'son Gas Over Berlin." communist film. The government has been forced by the protests to go on record against censorship. Sound Films Cause Closing of Cooneys' Grove Theater Chicago — Sound pictures at the Grove have caused closing of the Chatham, at one time the money- maker of the Cooney circuit. The (Continued on Page S) New French Deal? Paris (By Cable)— There is a remote possibility that the French industry will evolve new protection provisions to replace the proposed quota. The American attitude is calm in the situation. A second con- ference indicated that agree- ment may be reached. THE -JXH^ DAILY Monday, April 29, 1929 Mf^^AUTHE NEWS MXLVIIINo.25 Monday, Apr. 29. 1329 Price 5 Cents jeHN W. ALICOATE PUBLISjIER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter, May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin— Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Financial STOCK MARKET QVOTATIONS AS OF SATURDAY High Low Close Sales Am. Seat 38J4 385^ 38J4 100 Con. Fni. Ind. pfd. 2iyk 28^ 28Ji 200 East. Kodak 179 J^ 17954 179 J4 200 *do pfd 128 •First Nat. pfd 108 Fox Fm. "A" ... 91J4 90K 91^ 1,000 *do rts 3 Keith A-0 30J4 30-4 3054 100 do pfd 105H 105H 105 J^ 100 Loew's, Inc 61^ 603^ 61 J4 500 do pfd 98^^ 97 98-/^ 200 ♦M-G-M pfd 26J4 •••• M. P. Cap 40 39 40 600 Para. F-L 67J4 66^ 67 1,200 Pathe Exch 10^ lOJ^ 10}4 800 do "A'' 21^ 20'4 20J4 300 Radio K-A-0 29^ 28^ 29^ 400 Stanley Co 40^ 39% 40}4 400 •Univ Pict. pfd 98j4 Warner Bros \22yi 118^122^ 25,700 do pfd 54 53;^ 54 600 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. . . . eyi 6 6 1,500 •Bal. & Katz 70^ •Columbia Pets 29 Con. Fm. Ind. '.. 26J^ 25^ 26i^ 700 •Film Insp IJi Fox Thea. "A" .. 29Ji 285^ 29 500 •Griffith, D.W. "A" 2!4 Inter. Proj 98 96 96?4 1,500 •Loew do deb. rts 29}4 Nat. Scr. Ser. ... 3154 31^ 31^ 1,200 Nat. Thea. Sup... I654 14^ 16?^ 6,600 •Trans-Lux 14% •Univ. I'ict 26 •do pfd 2 BOND MARKET •Keith AG 6s 46 92 •Loew 6s 41 WW 1125^ .... do 6s 41 x-war . . 99 98^ 98^ 3 Paramount 6s 47 . 99 99 99 1 •Par. By. S'AsSl lOlK •Pathe 7s 37 78^ CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36 . 9S'/z 95'A 95^1 1 •Warner 6!4s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 29 31 do unts 31 34 do com 3J4 4}4 Skouras Bros 30 40 •Technicolor 46;^ United Art 5 10 do pfd 70 80 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2 do pfd 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED Copperman at N. Philadelphia N. Philadelphia, O.— Charles B. Copperman, formerly of Cleveland, is now nianaghig the Strand. The Broadway Parade THE parade now numbers 14 in the big money lineup, with M-G-M, Paramount and United Artists leading with three each. The month of May starts off with "The Desert Song" and "Bulldog Drummond" at the Warner and the Apollo respectively. The battle array: Picture Distributor Theater Opening Date "Broadway Melody" M-G-M Astor Feb. 8 "Noah's Ark" Warners Winter Garden. . . .Mar. 12 "Trial of Mary Dugan". . .M-G-M Embassy Mar. 28 "Christina" Fox Gaiety Mar. 30 "His Captive Woman". . . First National. . . . Central Apr. 12 "Coquette" United Artists. . . . Rivoli Apr. 5 "Alibi" United Artists 44th St Apr. 8 "The Rainbow Man". . . . Paramount Selwyn Apr. 16 "Show Boat" Universal Globe Apr. 17 "Madame X" M-G-M Harris Apr. 24 "Innocents of Paris" Paramount Criterion Apr. 26 "Close Harmony" Paramount Rialto Apr. 27 "The Desert Song" Warner Warner May 1 "Bulldog Drummond". . . .United Artists. . . . Apollo May 2 Cody Making Personal Appearances Bill Cody, who is starred in a series of Pathe westerns, is making personal appearances over the Play- house circuit on Long Island, in con- nection with "The Arizona Whirl- wind." Dowling and King AMPA Guests Eddie Dowling, star, and Marion Nixon and Frankie Darro of "The Rainbow Man," and Charles King of "Broadway Melody," will be the guests at next Thursday's luncheon of the AMPA. Gotham to Produce at RCA Studio Gotham Prods, is negotiating with RCA for the use of their Twenty- fourth St. studio for the production of "Auctioned." Complete Goldberg Productions R. L. A. Talking Pictures Corp. has completed three all-colored talk- ing comedies for Lou Goldberg Pro- ductions under direction of Jess Smith. Arthur Friend Moves Arthur S. Friend has removed his law offices to the Lefcourt National building at 521 Fifth Ave. Home-Talkie to Produce Home-Talkie Prod, has signed Phil Baker for two short subjects to be directed by B. K. Blake. Rayart Remaking Feature Remaking of Rayart's "Should a Girl Marry?" with talking sequences is being done at the Biophone studios in Fort Lee. Banfield Arriving Tomorrow Capt. George Banfield, British pro- ducer, with his wife, who is known in British films as Gabrielle Morton, arrives in New York tomorrow for a survey of the talker situation. British Filmcraft Prod., which Ban- field heads, plans to make its next picture silent in England, with a talker version to be made in New York. Motion Pictture Corp. Net Motion Picture Capital Corpora- tion for the quarter ended March 31 reports a net income of $507,518 af- ter charges and Federal taxes, equivalent after preferred dividends to $2.42 a share earned on 194,100 common shares. This compares with $42,865, or 18 cents a share earned on 175,164 common shares in the first quarter of 1928. Rapee Doing Score Tiffany-Stahl, through Abe Meyer Inc., has engaged Erno Rapee to do a special score for "Whispering Winds," via the RCA Photophone. He will also write a theme song for the feature. Through the Meyer of- fice Tiffany-Stahl has also secured a number of Hugo Riesenfeld scores. Buys Moimt Baker House Mount Baker, Wash. — Sherman W. Bushnell has taken over the house formerly operated by Bud Williams. The Industry's Date Book May 1 May 1 May 2 May May 5-11 6 May 6-7 May 6-9 May 20 May 22 June 1-9 June 11-1 Today: Meeting of M.P.T.O. of Arkan- sas, Mississippi and Tennessee, Little Rock, Ark. Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal. Opening of "The Desert Song" at the Warner, New York. Opening of "Bulldog Drummond" at the Apollo, New York. National Music Week. Opening of "Mother's Boy" at Cohan, New York. Convention of Texas exhibitor unit, Dallas. Spring meeting of Society of M.P. Engineers in New York. Annual Convention of American Federation of Musicians at Den- ver. Annual Spring Film Daily Golf Tournament at Glen Oaks, Great Neck, L. I. American Theater Equipment Ex- position and Exhibitors Institute at Chicago. 2 Convention of Oklahoma exhibi- tor unit at Oklahoma City. Italian Theaters Install American Sound Devices Rome — The Pittaluga circuit con- trolling 200 theaters throughout Italy has contracted for 10 American sound reproducing devices to be in- stalled in its largest theaters in Rome, Turin and Milan, reports George R. Canty, trade commission- er at Paris, to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. After Emelka Output Berlin — Stefano Pittaluga is re- ported negotiating with the Emelka Co. for securing their entire output for distribution in Italy. Paris — L. Aubert of Paris has se- cured "Waterloo," "Marquis d'Eon" and "Behind Cloister Walls," three Emelka films for distribution in France and French colonies. AVAILABLE MAY 1st H. Nonnenbacher Cinematographer, Photo Chem- ist, Laboratory Expert (17 Years ufith Biograph Co.) 674-49 St. Brooklyn, N. Y. Very Satisfactory Indeed ! Wf ^=ca/ lers\^s: I have been using your trailer service for the past several years and it is very satisfactory indeed. MINER AMUSEMENT COMPANY Rice Lake, Wisconsin What is CONSOLIDIZING 7 ♦ otimeTIIMS on Master Craftsman of the American Theatre Writes for RADIO PICTURES ABBOTTS DIALOGUE TO ENMICM '^MIHGSIDE" Because he gave ** Coquette" to the stage . « 4 Because he co'authored and directed ''Broadway** . . ♦ Because these were hut two of a series of brilliant dramatic triumphs undimmed by any note of mediocrity, George Abbott was destined to give to RADIO PICTURES his sensational melodrama of the Neti; York fight racket €€ 99 RINGSIDE [In collaboration with Ted Paramore and Hy Daah) Actor director author he stands unchallenged AMERICANS MASTER OF STAGECRAFT, who now contributes to a program where showmanly merit alone shall count* Percy Hammond, eminent drama critic of Hew York Herald 'Tribune tvrote of Mr. Abbott: "It t$ my impression, as a drama' lover of many year's devotion, that Mr. Abbott is the most trustworthy man in the Ameri- can Theatre today ... He blends faithfulness with cunning and lie employs ru) devices that ara not legitimate." FIRST, LAST AND ALL THE TIME ! **TIIE PLAY'S THE THIHG" and RADIO'S Master Showmen are Prepared to Prove It! .♦*♦** PICTURES The Golden Voice of cKe SilftT Screen RKO DISTMIBUTING CORPORATION THE Monday, April 29, 1929 AND THA TS THAT By PHIL M. DALY I ^ THE bashful publisher of THE FILM DAILY has asked us through this highly interesting col- umn to thank with graceful appre- ciation that rising young short sub- jects impresario, jack White, for the gift of those exquisite imported hand-tailored pastel green plus-sixes golf trousers just received. « « * And when you burst forth with the garment, J. W. A., at the Spring Golf Tournament at the Glen Oaks Golf Club at Great Neck on May 22, and the boys stare at you in envy and awe, be nonchalant — light a Mu- rad. » ♦ * Lita Gray Gets Darker Charlie Chaplin had his hair dyed black yesterday. — News Item. Probably to back up his assertion, that the Warner deal isn't worry- ing him. Hot Stuff "The sunkist products ^C^. of Cali- fornia are justly fa- mous," writes Cya- nide Konk, our Hol- lywood scout, "but tlie process bTst'-- some of the pic- tures." THEME SONG Madame X, I Know You Now You're Really A. "B.O." WOW. * * * Studio Stuff Charles McDonald was directing "Topics of the Day" taking sketches at the RCA studio when he discov- ered a man with a glass eye had slipped by the casting director. So Mac and Don Hancock immediately wrote three glass-eye gags that are the best part of the day's work. Which proves that even a glass eye can have a cast in it. » * * A lotta emotion goes into the stu- dio "mike" that only comes out as asthma, sez Ed McXamee. Yea, Ed, and the way some of these screen players heave in their emoting, you'd think they had cards in the longshoremen's union. * * * Secret Ambitions K.Kchange Man- ager — To have his sales force stand up and cheer him when he enters the an nual sales con- vention. Famous Film Conversations "Are you being sued/" Silent Newsreels Plan Switch to Sound? (.Cintlinurd from Pagt 1) M News have been preparing for sound, and Kinograms and Interna- tional News also are understood con- sidering sound policies. Paramount has been experimenting for months on its sound news, but has withheld the change until satisfied with re- sults obtained. In the silent newsreel field, the competition continues keen. The si- lents aren't being killed off by sound news, although the latter admittedly is cutting in considerably. Many ex- hibitors feel tliat they must keep the silent newsreel for coverage, it being obvious that the sound trucks miss out on many spot news occurrences. Talkers Seen Sounding Double Feature Knell {Continued from Page 1) |)roducers has been materially re- duced in the past year, partly due to the advent of talkers. Small town theaters have been hit by nearby city theaters that offer talkers, while the "shooting galleries" of the big cities are also decreasing in number. These houses have always provided an attractive market for the produc- er, who worked on a "shoestring" and did not spend much money on his pictures, mostly westerns. West Coast Case to Be Protection Test (Conlinued from Page 1) be no de luxe first run iiouses. West Coast will contend in its defense, pointing out that clearance is i)rotcc- tion for the public in making pos- sible such houses and low admission prices. Elimination of protection would necessitate reorganization of the in- dustry "on a nmch larger scale," West Coast attorneys may be ex- pected to say at the trial. The cir- cuit resents the criminal proceedings contending that a civil action would better have served the purpose of settling issues involved, but is pre- pared for a finish light, confident of the strength of its position. Mean- while, the equity action brought by the government and involving the same issues, is expected to be drop- ped. Record First Quarter Reported by Paramount {Continued from Page 1) of common stock outstanding. This compares with $2,264,000 in the first quarter last year and $2,067,000 in 1927. Estimated profit for the first quar- ter of 1928 is approximately 13 per cent greater than the corresponding tiuarter of 1928, the previous record first quarter of the company. The profit recently realized by the com- pany from the sales of securities in Canadian companies has been added to reserve for contingencies. U. A. Group Arriving To Close Warner Deal {Continued from Page 1) from Europe May 6 of II. M. War- ner. The parties are reported in agree- ment on major points of the affilia- tion, working out of which now is regarded but a matter of time. Charles Chaplin has refused to be a party to the deal, and present plan* are to close without him. He is ex- pected to release his films on the open market if the deal goes through. Irving Berlin also is a member of the Schenck party. 25 Out of 135 Cleveland — Twenty-five of the 135 theaters of this city are showing talkers. Sound Films Cause Closing of Cooneys' Grove Theater {Continued ftom Page 1) Chicago Title and Trust Co., n ceivers for the National Playhouses (Cooney) chain, which has operated the house, is reported to have closed with Halaban & Katz. for sale of the Dc Luxe, Capitol and Avalon. This, with reported acquisition of Schoen- stadt's Piccadilly, gives H. & K. con- trol of the Suuti) Side. The Chatham, which seats 1.200. was opened in November, 1922. The Grove a short distance away, also is operated by the receivers and is booked by the Costen circuit. Mich. Bill Against Ads on Screen Out of Committee {Continued from Page 1) cd out. but was reported back to the committee for a minor amendment. The measure provides for a 50 per cent levy on revenue received from screen advertising. The sponsor of the bill says its purpose is not to provide revenue but to eliminate screen adverti.sing. Sound Film Device is Developed in Russia {Continued from Page 1) trical research laboratory, Lenin- grad. Several concert and vaude- ville numbers were shown at the demonstration. Work has begun on a sound short at the Sovkino stu- dios in Leningrad, with Shorin col- laborating. On March 1. a theater devo*"H on- tirely to sound films was opened in Leningrad. Another soon will be wired in Moscow. Raising of Duty on Carbons Is Proposed {Continued from Page 1) tempting to conii)Iete its labors on the new tariff bill. Introduction of the 'b\\\ in the House planned for .-Kpril 20, has been postponed because of contro- vers-es over certain of the rates. It is now scheduled to come out today but it is believed likely that it will not be submitted for several days after. It is our pleasure to announce that the inspired ivork of ^^^^M RIESENFELD-RAPEE-SHILKRET %| Creators of the Music for Practically Every M Fine Picture Produced, May Now be % Obtained Through Us M In all the world, today, there is no organization so ideally equipped _^ to supply the musical needs of any producer. ^^HA ABE MEYER Inc DAILV Monday, April 29, 1929 Short Shots from ISlew York Studios -i^^By ARTHUR W. EDDYt^mm BETTY LAWFORD is providing the feminine charm opposite Morton Downey in "My Lady's Man," which Pathe has just finished with dialogue at Sound Studios. In both talkers in which she has work- ed so far, she has been near a Webb. In "Gentlemen of the Press," Mil- lard Webb was her director and now Kenneth Webb is doing a similar job on her current Pathe opus. Joseph Santley, who co-directed with Robert Florey on "The Cocoa- nuts," about which the Paramount studio gang is mighty enthusiastic has just completed a talking short with Billy Hillpot and Harold (Scrappy) Lambert, radio artists. Al Gilks was the man behind the camera. Bradley Barker, who has been working as production manager on "My Lady's Man" for Pathe, is the director of "Mother's Boy," which starts a $2 run at the Cohan May 6. Phil Tannura and Harry Strad- ling have been grinding first cam- eras on "My Lady's Man" for Pathe. Dan Cavelli is assisting the former and Frank Landi is working with Stradling. Walter Nase is still man. Expert aid is being given Pathe at Sound Studios, also known as Manhattan Studios, by George Nel- son, chief electrician; Jack Strieker, boss carpenter and Sam Klein, chief scenic artist. About 30 Pathe and RKO pic- tures have been scored at that plant under supervision of F. B. Fitz- gibbon. This is in addition to the scoring on Pathe's Topical Revue and Pathe Sound News. Kenneth Webb is writing the book for a new) musical show. His last production on Broadway was "The Houseboat on the Styx," the book of which he wrote in collaboration with Jack Hazard. Liberty Closes Deal Omaha — John Weber, Gotharn sales executive, closed with Phil Monsky of Liberty Films to dis- tribute "Times Square" and "The River Woman" in the Omaha terri- tory. Ban on Dog Races in Wisconsin Madison — Davis anti-gambling bill has been passed by the legislature. It is expected to prevent dog races, which have offered serious competii tion to theaters in many spots. Coast Wire Service Hollywood Happenings Darmour Sound Studios Available for Independents Larry Darmour intends to make his studio available for independent producers. The plant is equipped for RCA-Photophone recording. It reopened recently, with the first of the Mickey McGuire talkers placed in work. Cromwell and Sutherland in Cast John Cromwell and Edward Suth- erland, directing the talking picture version of "Burlesque" at the Para- mount studio are both playing small parts in the production. Lois Moran Cast Lois Moran has been selected to play the leading feminine role in the Fox Movietone version of Earl Derr Biggers' "Behind That Curtain." Others in the cast are Warner Bax- ter, Gilbert Emery, Claude King and Phillip Strange. Director Irving Cummings is to start soon with a caravan of 80 to Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley. Resuming Newsreel Picture Active resumption of "Chasing Through Europe" is scheduled to start this week at the Fox studios. This is the production for which David Butler took Nick Stuart, Sue Carol and a technical staff to Europe and obtained unique shots in prac- tically every foreign country. Due to the fact that Butler is in the midst of another production, Alfred L. Werker, who recently produced "Blue Skies," will direct the re- mainder. Preparing "The Genius" Alice D. G. Miller is at work pre- paring screen version of "The Gen- ius," a story by William N. Rob- son, 2nd, for Paramount. The cast includes Jean Hersholt, Phillips R. Holmes, and Kay Francis. Louis J. Gasnier and Edwin Knopf, formerly of the New York stage, are co-di- rectors. Buy Montgomery House Montgomery, Ala. — L. H. DeWees and Ike Katz have taken over the house on Bell St. and will reopen it as the Dixie. 11 Cast for "Greene Murder" Cast Eleven additions have been made to the cast of "The Greene Murder Case," which Frank Tuttle will di- rect for Paramount. They are: Flor- ence Eldridge, Ulrich Haupt, Bran- don Hurst, Mildred Golden, Zeeda Buckland. Gertrude Norman, Marcia Harris, Jean Arthur, Lowell Drew, Morgan Farley and Eugene Pallette. William Powell will play the lead. Kenton Assigned Erie C. Kenton will direct "The Road to Broadway," first of the ser- ies of all-talkers to be made for Columbia under supervision of Ed- ward Small. Howard Green and Gladys Lehman are collaborating on the dialogue. A Little from '*Lots*' By RALPH WILK JACK ALTON, for two years as- sociated with Metro, and with George Hill in Europe, as camera- man of special effects, has been signed by First National for the Col- leen Moore unit. * * * Fox is calling assistant di- rectors "apprentice" directors from now on. * * * James Tinling, Fox director and one of the youngest on the lot, is preparing his first 100 per cent talk- er. Jimmie, as he is known to the boys, has made a quick rise in the industry. He was apprentice to Raoul Walsh, in the direction of "What Price Glory" and after that was signed to direct. + * * Ben Johnson, Fox studio gate- Tnan, says, the Grand Canyon start- ed ivhen the Scotchman lost his golf ball in a prairie dog hole. Well, why not? * * * Since talking pictures started such a rumpus, a hard working assistant yelled "forty-five minutes for lunch," when a wise-cracker added "and to- night we get one hour for dinner." for it is day and night work now, With most of the mornings spent in rehearsing. * * * George Melford, the director, at one time operated a stock company in Salt Lake City and among his actors were Jimmy Criize and Luke Cosgrave. When George operated his company at the Olympic, Cin- cinnati, his leading juvenile was Tom Moore. * * * Victor Schertzinger, director and song writer, has composed a theme song entitled "You, My Melody of Love," which will be sung by Kath- ryn Crawford in "The Climax" produced under direction of Renaud Hoffman at Universal. Hoffman is credited with writing- the lyrics. On Broadway Astor — '"Broadway Melody" Cameo — "The Leatherneck" Capitol — "The Voice of the City" Central — "His Captive Woman" Criterion — "Innocents of Paris" Embassy— "Trial of Mary Dugan" Fifth Ave.— "The Betrayal" Fifty-fifth- "The Adventures of Maya" Forty-fourth — "Alibi" Gaiety — "Christina" Globe — "Show Boat" Harris — "Madame X" Loew's New York— Monday, "Wild Orchids;" Tuesday, "Strong Boy" and "California Mail;" Wednesday, "Queen of the Night Clubs;" Thursday, "The Younger Genera- tion;" Friday, "Love in the Desert" and 'Stolen Kisses :" Saturday, "The Three Passions;" Sunday, "Hearts in Dixie" Mark Strand— "Saturday's Children" Paramount— "The Letter" Rialto — "Close Harmony" Rivoli — "Coquette" Roxy — "The Donovan Affair" Selwyn — "The Rainbow Man" Warners — "The Desei-t Song" Winter Garden — "Noah's Ark" New Theaters Roanoke, Va. — National Theater Corp. has purchased a site on Kirk Ave. and may build a the.iter. Attica, Ind. — Carey and Alexander has opened the Messner. Sound equipment has been installed. Mattapan, Mass. — New England Theaters Corp. will build a house here. Monissin. Pa. — Hendel Theater Corp. will build a $70,000 house. Madison, Me. — A house will he built to replace the Pastime which was destroyed by fire. Burkburnett, Tex. — Work is progressing on the Liberty. Athol, Mass.— A 1,200 seat house will be built here. Kansas City, Kan. — The Granada will be opened in June. West Bend, Wis. — Community Theaters Inc. has leased the 800 seat house to be built here. Beulah, N. D. — Local business men are building a $25,000 house. Eugene. Ore. — Walter Leverett and George Roy will lease the 735 seat house to l>e built here. Anderson, Ind. — Work is progressing on the Palace. Wichita, Kan. — The Nomar has iieen open- ed. House is wired for sound pictures. W. Monroe, La. — Cole and Sherrouse will build a house on Trenton St. Jacksonville, Fla. — Neal D. Witschen will build a house for colored patrons. S. Norwalk, Conn. The Darien Theater Co. is building a house here. Bliiefield, Va. — Work is progressing on a $45,000 house. Blacksburg, Va. — A $70,000 house will be built here. Nashua, N. H. — The Tremont has opened. Red Bluff. Cal. — The State has opened. Waco, Tex. — Huaco Corp. will build here. Connersville. O. — The Auditorium Co. will build a $70,000 house. SPECIAL NOTICE You Can Not Successfully Operate a Ship Without a Captain The Same Theory Applies to Theatres Who Wants the Best Theatre Manager in the Country? Have had twenty-five years experience managing theatres, thorough- ly familiar with every department and know the business from "A to Z." Last six years w^lth one firm as City Manager managing eight theatres. Am an American, Christian and business producer; salary or percentage. Address Manager, P. O. Box 3734, West Palm Beach, Florida. Films Get Clean Bill of Health in Child Survey iTHE oyFILMDOM /ILL THE NEW5 ALLTHE TIME VOL. XLVIII No. 26 Tuesday, April 30, 1929 Price 5 Cents Twists WHEX important film buys for next .sea.son are made in the not di.stant future, it is highly probable that protection will worm its way in as a topic of prime importance. As matter? stand today, the medium and small - sized theater is in a position tc counter the competition of the dc luxe operation far more easily than ever before in exhibition annals Sound has done this by making available the big names in show business for all houses, regardless of size. In the flesh, Al Jolson panicked them in two or three Coast houses. His price looked like bank clear- ance figures for the week and, of course, counted him out for the rank and file. Yet in celluloid, hi? name has adorned unnumbered marquees. Merely, an instance which illustrates the point. Chins and Profits Representing the big money in rentals and with many proper argu- ments in their favor, Class A theaters are not going to sit back and take it on the chin. And the distributor since he either owns or is interested in most of the large first runs a? well as getting something like 7(! per cent of his return from them, will lend a wil'.ing ear. For these and sundry reasons, protection of a more extended nature than has yet ap- peared, may easily prove one of the outstanding and vexatious problems of the new amusement year. Fast Stepping Three more trucks have been added to the growing Pathe Sound News fleet. Others to be added rapid- ly. The reel has been traveling for- ward at a fast clip since entering the field and is out after a record in editorial achievement — and contracts not so incidentally — in the best Pathe tradition. Reflecting over the active history of Pathe News for a moment, we venture to remind you that this is a real mark to shoot at. Being Different Car! Laemmle earns a vote of thanks for a refreshing and different idea. In this era of mergers and business concentrations, he declares Universal will play out the hand all bv itself. K A N N WARNER DEAL IS FOR CONTROL OF POOLED UNITED ARTISTS Serials Passing Out? West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood— "The Black Book," it is reported, will be Pathe's last serial. It is the only chapter play in production at the pres&nt time. Pathe has not made any decision as to whether it will produce any more serials, following "The Black Book," CoW.n W. Brown, executive vice president, stated yesterday. KlANCniM-TOBIS nCHT VS. W.E. STARTS TODAY London (By Cable) — First round in a well planned warfare against Western Electric throughout Europe, are to be fought in Chancery Court here today, when injunction suit brought by the Klangfilm-Tobis group, against the Regal Cinema, to restrain use of Western Electric equipment, charging infringement of patents. The cjise is a test action, with a permanent injunction sought. Upon the outcome depends the future of W. E. installations here. Similar actions are to be brought (Continued on Page 7) 1,728 Houses Wired for W.E. Sound Reproducing Houses wired for Western Elec- tric sound reproduction now total 1,728, the company reports. Pract - cally all houses now being wired arc for the dual system. AIL-SOUND EXPERIMENT IS UNDER WAY IN SOUTH Atlanta — All sound film policy war, instituted yesterday at four Publix de- luxe theaters in the South under the experiment to be conducted by the circuit to determine relative draw- ing power of talkers and stage shows. The theaters concerned are: Howard, Atlanta; Alabama, Bir- mingham; Tivoli, Chattanooga; Ten- nessee, Knoxville. Sound programs face a particu- larly hard test in Atlanta and Bir- mingham, for not only will the How- ard and Alabama eliminate stage (Continued on Page 7) Schenck, Mary Pickford and Fairbanks Arrive Today on Detail Deal of Warners with United Ar- tists calls for acquisition of a con- trolling interest of 51 per cent, THE FILM D.MLY learns. It previously lias been reported at various times that Joseph M. Schenck was pre- paring to sell only a 50 per cent in- terest in the company, now being re- organized as United Artists Con- solidated. Schenck, Mary Pickford and Doug- las Fairbanks comprise a party ar- riving in New York this morning by special car from Hollywood. Jack Warner arrived last week and is con- ferring with .-Mbert Warner, with the deal slated to be whipped into shape for final signing by next week (Continued on Page 7) Sound Houses Declared Finding Gross Level Sound houses throughout the coun- try are finding their level, although the majority are doing big business, Cecil E. Maberry general sales man- (Continued on Page 7) Survey Proves Films Not A Juvenile Delinquency Factor French Trade Paper Editor in U.S. for Sound Study Expressing his belief that sound pictures will be international in scope, and that in a few years it will be necessarj' for American and Euro- pean to combine forces on pro- duction "in the interests not only of commerce but of international film (Continued on Page 7) Charge that films are responsible for juvenile delinquency cannot be backed up l)y fact, a survey comj^'eted by the Columbia University Psy- chology Extension Dept. proves, ac- cording to Dr. Joseph L. Holmes of the department. The theory that films incite to crime is a picture only in the imagination of elders. Dr. Holmes says, in giving films a clean (Continued on Page 7) JUNIOR PHONOniM FOR HOUSES UP TO 750 SEATS Junior DeForest Phonofilm and Phonodisc equipment for theaters of 750 seating capacity, or under, has been developed by General Talking Pictures Corporation. It will lease for ten years for $4,975 complete for both sound-on-film and sound-on-disc projection. Either the Jimior Phonofilm or Junior Phonodisc will be leased sep- arately, with the price on the former (Continued on Page 7) Briefs to be Filed This Week in U. S. Cases Briefs are expected to be filed by the end of the week in Federal Dis- trict Court, New York, in the arbi- tration and credit committee test cases brought by the government against ten distributors, the Hays association and Film Boards of Trade. The de- fendants' briefs already have been completed by Edwin P. Grosvenor, chief counsel, but printing of the government's briefs is not yet fin- ished, it is stated. ^J3&l»»i DAILV Tuesday, April 30, 1929 Vol. XLVIII No. 26 Tuesday, Apr. 30,1929 Price 5 Cents JOHN W. AllCOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer. Business and Advertising Manager. Entered a> second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad way. New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne. Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Harle, La Cinematographie Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. New Air Mail Schedule to Save Day to Coast An additional business day will be saved in the transmission of air mail between New York, Brookljn, and nearby cities, and the Pacific Coast, when the new schedules of the trans- continental line go into efTect tomor- row. With the inauguration of the new service, made possible by the completion of the lighting of the Salt Lake City — San Francisco section of the airway, mail and express planes will make two through trips between the Coasts everv 24 hours. Barthelmess and Berlin Arrive Richard Barthelmess and Irving Berlin arrived in New York yester- day from the Coast. They accom- panied members of the United Artists party. Mary Nolan to Be Starred by "U" in Four West Coast Burcatt, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Mary Nolan will star in four Universal pictures for re- lease next season. The first to go into production will be "Madamoiselle Cayeime," an original by Stephen Al- len Reynolds. "Flaming Daughters" will be the title of the story which Warner Fabian, is writing. This will be the second. "The Come On Girl" is the title of the third, an adaptation of a story by Otto Henry and "Win- nie O'Wynne," adapted from the Sat- urday Evening Post series by Bert- ram Atkey, will complete her sched- ule. The Industry's Date Book Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Sales Am. Seat 38Ji 381^ 38;.^ 600 Con. Fm. In 54/ 3,200 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 6/ 0 () 1.800 *Bal. & Katz 70/ •Columbia Pets 29 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 26 25 f^ 26 2,200 Fox Thea. "A"... 29/ 28/ 28/ 1,000 •(.riflith, D.W. "A" 2/ Intern Proj 102 93 99/ 2,000 *Loew do del), rts 29/ .... Nat. Scr. Ser. ... 3i?8 31 ilH 7,81)0 Nat. Thea. Sup. . 20 17/ 19^ 12.700 Trans-Lux 15 14^4 U-J^ 400 I'niv. Pict 26 BOND MARKET *Keith A-O 6s 46 92 Locw 6s 41WW...111/ 111/111/ 1 do 6s 41 x-war.. 99 99 99 3 Paramount 6s 47. 99 98'', 98?^ 3 ♦Par. By. 5/s 51 101/ ♦Pathe 7s 37 78-^ CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36.. 95 V- 95!.. 95/ 1 'Warner 6/s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A'' 29 31 do units 31 34 do com 3/ 4/ Skouras Bros 30 40 Technicolor 44/ 45/ United Art 5 10 do pfd 70 80 Univ. C^. com. ... 2 do pfd 75 80 ♦LAST PRICE QUOTED UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY for a man with high executive ability and experience in organization and operation of chains of M. P. theaters. Must be willing to go abroad. Only man of outstanding record need apply. Write full particulars confidentially to Box A-123. c-o Film Daily 1650 Broailw,-!y, Nerv York City Russian Film Premiere in May "The Village of Sin," produced by Sovkino of Moscow and directed by Ol.ga Preobrazenskaia, starring two Russian actresses, E. Zessarskaya and R. Puchnaya, will be the next Amkino release, and is scheduled to have its American premiere sometime in May. Allvine Back from Coast Glcndon Allvine, advertising and publicity director for Fox, has re- turned to New York from the Coast, where he studied angles for putting over pictures now in work. Whittington with Paramount Marjorie Whittington, Ziegfeld player, started work yesterday in "Glorifying the American Girl" at Paramount's Astoria studio. N. C. Meeting June 17 and 18 Charlotte, N. C. - — Soimmer con- vention of the theater owners' asso- ciation of North Carolina will be held June 17 and 18 at Wrightsville Beach. Cleggs Leaves Atlanta Post -A.tlanta — C. A. Clegg. for the last year manager of First National's .Atlanta exchange, is leaving that l)ost and going to New York. Badger in New York Clarence Badger, director, is in New York conferring with Irene Bordoni, who is finishing her run in the stage play "Paris" which will be produced by First National. Miss Bordoni will leave for Hollywood June 1. Jack Buchanan will appear opposite Miss Bordoni. He is sched- uled to leave England in the next few weeks. May 1 Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal. May 1 Opening of "The Desert Song" at the Warner, New York, May 2 Opening of "Bulldog Drummond" at the Apollo, New York. May 5-11 National Music Week. May 6 Opening of "Mother's Boy" at Cohan, New York. May 6-7 Convention of Texas exhibitor unit, Dallas. May 6-9 Spring meeting of Society of M.P. Engineers in New York. May 20 Annual Convention of American Federation of Musicians at Den- ver. May 22 Annual Spring Film Daily Golf Tournament at Glen Oaks, Great Neck, L. I. Forms New Department Abe Meyer, Inc. has organized a new department through which novel- ists, pla\\vrights, lyricists and com- posers will be engaged for produc- tion work, Mindret Lord is in charge. Fox to Give Radio Talk Dcveiopuicnt of the industry, past, present and future is to be discussed in a Coast-to-Coast radio hook-up Tluirsdaj' by William Fox. Warner on Radio J. L. Warner, vice president of Warner Bros., talked on the radio last night during the Vitaphone Jub- ilee Hour broadcast from Coast to Coast. i PACIFIC COAST SALES and SERVICE Representation available thru concern dealing with theatrical trade for 15 years. BOX A-126 c/o FILM DAILY, 1650 B'WAY. N. Y. C. Lubitsch En Route Ernst Lubitsch. is en route to Hollywood where he will begin prep- aration for an original musical operetta he will direct for Paramount with Maurice Chevalier as star. Wiring San Antonio House San .\ntonio — Sound equipment iieing installed at the Princess. What is CONIOLIDIZINO 7 ♦ An Open Letter to the Moving Picture Industry Gentlemen: I demand a job. I want to get into a moving picture studio where I will be given an opportunity to de- sign and execute settings. I am a novice, I admit. But I have a feeling that once I lay my hands on the tools of the trade I will build powerfully, grandly — and thriftily. My brain is impatient to set itself on the actual problems of staging, I don't give a damn about salary, I will take any job that is offeretl. But I would I)refer to hook up with a very small company which cannot afford expensive sets but is willing to take artistic sets instead. I want to be given a few months trial in such a company to show what I can do to make the sparks fly and the box office light up. I ain not interested in any job unless it offers the opportunity to do original, creative work. I cannot do everything myself but I am master enough of my craft to get things done the way I visualize them, I have had some stage experience, I exe- cuted the settings for one Broadway play and am the designer and builder of an inti- mate theatre. I want to work with a congenial company for a number of years, serving a sort of ap- prenticeship to myself, growing to artistic maturity with it. I am neither prodigy, genius, nor faker. I have only ambition, determination, sin- cerity, youth, belief in self and in the moving picture. I will not be a failure if I never get into moving picture work, but I know that if I do get into it, I will be my best success and carry others along with me. So here you are gentlemen: A young student, twenty-five, of a little accomplishment and some promise offers his services on the most reasonable terms in keeping with self-respect. Will you take up my challenge? This is a paid advertisement. It will not appear again. Please write, phone or tele- graph immediately. M. J. Spivack 350 Bedford Ave., B'klyn, N. Y. Greenpoint 1219 THE Tuesday, April 30. 1929 Coast Wire Service Hollywood Happenings Brady to Staj^e Musical Show at L.A., Then Talker William A. Brady will product.- "L'p She Goes," musical comedy, at the Los Anseles theater. Later, the play will be filmed as a talker. Ben Lyon and Nancy Welford are in the cast. Starting Third Christie Film With the completion of the Chris- tie-MacLean feature, "Divorce Made Easy," and "Her Husband's Women," featuring Lois Wilson, plans are in preparation for "The Sleeping Porch," a short talking play featuring Ray- mond (iritTith and Barbara Leonard to be directed by A. Leslie Penrce. Cast For "Lummox" The cast for "Lummox," United Artists' production now includes Winifred W^estover, William Collier, Jr., Edna Murphy, Myrtle Stedman, Clara Langsncr, Danny O'Shea, Florence Ashbrooke, Torben Meyer and Bobby Ullman. Herbert Brenon will direct. Menjou Film Started Production has started on Adolphe Menjou's latest "The Concert," with John Miljan. Miriam Zegar, Joan Standing, Rita La Roy, Robert Wayne and Jacques Vanaire sup- porting the star. "Brass Bowl" now "Masquerade" "The Brass Bowl," the dialogue version of Louis Joseph Vance's I story, which is to be made for Fox, will appear on the screen under the title of "Masfpierade." Another Newspaper Story Film Plans have been completed by Ralph Block, producer, to feature Robert Armstrong in "For Two Cents," a newspaper story purchased from Jed Harris, to be directed by Gregory LaCava for Pathe. Santell With Fox Al Santell, director, has been signed by Fox. His first assignment is the Elinor Glyn story •'Such Men Are Dangerous," which will be produced in dialogue. Warner Baxter has the lead. Geraghty Free-Lancing Tom J. Geraghty has left First National to free-lance. SPLENDID OPPORTUNITY for man, age limit forty, with ex- change and theater experience to be- come connected with large theater circuit. Must have booking and buy- ing knowledge. Will pay right man $iOO per week to start, with excellent chance for immediate advancement. Answer Box A-124 care Film Daily, 1650 B'way. N.Y.C A Little from **Lots" By RALPH WILK LUCIEN LITTLEFIELD has been chosen to portray a roman- tic lover in Ralph Dawson's initial production "The Girl in the Glass Cage" for First National. A new part for Littlefield. * * * U'lV/iV/m Craft has made a dis- covi't~ii. Reginald Denny wrote the dialogue for his last three pictures and collaborated on "Companionate Trouble." * * ♦ A stop-watch, commonly used in sport events, is being used by Jos- eph von Sternberg on "Thunder- bolt." The director has found this method saves time. * « * Dorothy Burgess is going in for speed boats. She is -negotiating with a friend in Honolulu, who is a man- ufacturer, and expects its arrival in about three weeks. * * * "The Garden of Eatin' " is the first of the Jimmie Gleason shorts, writ- ten by George Amy and Johnit Gray. "Tea For Two" has been put aside until later. * * 4> Arch B. Heath, Universal director and supervisor of the Movietone de- partmeyit, has completed his first dialogue picture in "You Can't Buy Love." Kathi~yn Crawford, Jean Hersholt, Charley Chase and Ed- ward Martindel have the leads. * * ♦ Gertrude Orr has been signed by Columbia as scenarist. She is cred- ited with writing "Married Alive" and "Singed" for Paramount; "Loves of Carmen" and "Mother Machree" for Fox and "Night Life" and "A Woman Against the World" for TifTanv-Stahl. Fox Title Changed "Scents Ml swict .\iMH)nds," the P'ox all-talker adapted from the play by Monckton Hoffe, has been changed to "Pleasure Crazed." AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Tlieatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3S80 Correction Due to an error in tele- graphic transcript, Malcolm Stuart Boylan's name was mis- spelled in THE FILM DAILY report of the new- Fox produc- tion cabinet. Boylan is one of the trio which includes Chan- dler Sprague and George Mid- dJeton. "The Squall" Completed "The Squall," hirst National pro- duction with Myrna Loy, Alice Joyce, Loretta Young, Zasu Pitts Richard Tucker, Carroll Nye and George Hackathorne has been com- pleted under direction of Alexander Korda. Randolf For Bow Film Andir.s Randolf has been added to the cast of Clara Bow's latest vehicle, "Dangerous Curves," which Lothar Mendcs is directing. Others in the cast include Richard Arlen, Kav Francis, David Newell and Joyc' (dnipton. vce Cannon for "Cradle Snatchers" Raymond Cannon, director, has been assigned to direct the talking version of "Cradle Snatchers," fea- turnig Walter Catlclt. Cannon re- cently completed "Joy Street," also lor Fox. Con Conrad, Sidney Mit- chell and Archie Gottler composed songs for "Cradle Snatchers." European Producers Seek U. S. Talker Talent .Vccordiiig to radio advices received from William Morris. Jr.. internation- al booking agent now en route to -N'ew York, a number of foreign lilm producers soon will enter the talking picture fuld, and will utilize in their mitial all-dialogue proriiiiiK Roxy's 80- piece orchestra was rt-hearsing Rudy Valicc's latest hit, "I'm Just ,i X'agabond Lover," when a 5-picce old-time German band stopped on the sidewalks outside and answered •It's Nobody's I'auit Hut Her Own." And the Roxy gang didn't even throw them a nickel. ♦ * * \l Seiig. publicity manager of Tif- I my-Stahl, received a wire from Mae Murray that she would reach New ^ork from Hollywood shortly to work on a picture. So Al is wearing himself out meeting all the overland tins. Probably Mae has gone by ly of China. She may be pulling a Stahl on a Tiffany picture. ♦ * ♦ A Spiritual Our West Coast scout, Cyanide Konk, irepo-rts: "Since Hollywood heard that Billy Sunday is going to make a talkie of a revival meeting, a lotta studio sinners are hitting the sawdust trail and singing 'Brighten the Corner Where Yoii Are.' The comer they are bright- ening has a table with bottles on it." ♦ * * The Accommodating Irish As Mike Simmons came up on the eleva- tor to visit us, he call- ed for the fifth floor. The Irish elevator man sez: "We don't shtop at the fifth, but I'll slow up for yez." ♦ » * Phil's Own Tours We are now on Broadway, folks. Those big electric signs announcr that two of our producers have gone in the shipping business. You will note that Warners are booking pas- sengers for "Xoah's Ark" and Uni- versal for "Show Boat." And the more they overcrowd 'ern the less chance they have of sinking, ♦ * * DAILY POME Baa, baa, black sheep Have you any wool? "Not since that film man Handed me the bull." ♦ * * Puffs If you are a member of the Mo tion Picture Club and can't meet your monthly bill without hocking your auto, be nonchalant— light a Murad. + * * Famous Film Conversations "Don't book till you see our product." T NOT INTERESTED IN MERGERS, LAEMMLE SAYS II ..r Coait Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Los .-Xngelos — .\s long as he iias a "voice in the matter," Universal will be a Laemmie corporation, Carl Laennnle declared on his return from the Last, pointing out that Universal is not interested in any mergers. Universal will make films in both silent and soimd form, un- til it determines whether final ver- dict has been won by talkers. An- other year will supply the answer, L.'iemmle believes. French Trade Paper Editor in U.S. for Sound Study (I. iintniiiej from Page 1) entertaimnent," Paul Auguste Harle, publisher-editor of "La Cinemata- graphie Francaise," leading French trade paper, and a member of Trade Papers International, has arrived in New York. He will stay about 12 days in New York, in connection with the study of sound, he is making and then go to Rochester and Hollywood. He returns to France June 8. Sound Houses Declared Finding Gross Level (Continued from Page 1) a.ger of Columbia, said yesterday on his return to New York from an ex- fended sales trip throughout the country. With the first novelty wearing ofif, quality now tells the story so far as grosses are concerned, he declares. Columbia, says Maberry, is writing the biggest business in company his- tory, securing representation in many de luxe houses. The company is continuing to release both sound and ■silent pictures. Musical Tab Picture is Produced by Columbia "Old Man Trouble," a tabloid musical comedy, starring Jules Bled- soe and a cast of Negro players, has been completed by Columbia in asso- ciation with \'ictor Talking Machine Co. Bledsoe was a featured member of the cast of "Show Boat." Basil Smith directed. Helms Gets Special Post Charlotte, N. C. — Robert E. Helms, who has been office manager and booker of RKO's Charlotte branch for seven years, has been named special representative and w-ill work out of the home office in New York. Helms' position in Charlotte has been filled by Carl Patterson, formerly booker for Uni- versal. Constance Bennett on Radio Constance Bennett, who has just arrived from Furope to fulfill her talking picture contract with Pathe, will go on the air for the first time Thursday evening in conjunct'on with broadcasting ceremonies for the opening of "Bulldog Drum- mond" at the Apollo. There will be a national hook-up. Junior Phonofilm For Houses up to 750 Seats a I'lilmiicd from I'aye 1) set at $J,y'J5 and the sound-on-disc device at $2,745. 'Ihe junior model as far as the disc turntable and synchronizing de- vice and sound boxes is concerned, is identical with those supplied with the standard model. The difference in the price has been accomplished through a modification of the volume capacity of the amplification system and loud speakers. Both the ainpli- tication system and speaker system, however remains identical in design and efficiency with that of the stand- ard model. Irving Lesser Heads De Forest Phonofilm Sales Irving Lesser, veteran production and distribution and iiulependcnt ex- hibitor, has joined General Talking Pictures as sales manager of De Forest Phonofilm. Survey Proves Films no Delinquency Factor (Continued from Page 1) bill of health. Five hundred children furnish basis for the survey, selected from all types of schools and rang- ing in age from seven to 14 years. Several years of exhaustive research were covered by the survey, which showed conclusively that "films can- not be considered as a factor in juve- nile crime and delinquency," but on the contrary are a crime preventative and an "excellent emotional safety valve." Klan^film-Tobis Fight vs. W.E. Starts Today {Continued from Page 1) in France, Italy, Switzerland, and Sweden, according to Klangfilm- Tobis, which claims to have millions to spend if necessary. Today's ac- tion will be first test of strength be- tween the German combine and West- ern Electric. Meanwhile, the European group has obtained a solid front through the (leal between Klangfilm-Tobis and British Instructional Films, for large- scale production of sound films in England. The British firm has two large studios at Welwyn and another studio is to be acquired. The Klang- film system, both film and disc, will be used exclusivelv. WARNER DEAL IS FOR CONTROL OE POOLED U. A. K ,inlinucd jivm I'agc ]) when Harry Warner returns from Europe. It is understood that the deal is set insofar as Warners are concerned and is dependent largely on the abil- ity of Schcnck to reorganize his forces into United Artists Consoli- dated. .\s noted on several occa- s'ons. the presence of Charles Chap- lin is not necessary to consumma- tion of the transaction. Goldwyn or Considine Seen U. A. Production Head K<- * Coast Bureau, TUE I-II.M DAILY Hollywood — Either Samuel Gold- wyn or John W. Considine, Jr., will be named general manager in charge of production for United Artists Consolidated, it is understood here. All-Sound Experiment is Under Way in South (.Continued from Page 1) shows, but their orchestras as well. Moreover, they must buck compe- tition in the shape of strong vaude- ville-aiul-picture combinations. Last October both the Howard and Alabama first tried out tne straight sound picture policy. Then three months ago they resumed stage shows making contracts with musicians, which expred Saturday. So there will be no pit orchestras to help the new policy on its way — nothing but mechanical music. The situat'on is different in Chat- tanooga and Knoxville. The Tivoli and Tennessee have been playing Keith vaudeville for the past several months, three days a week in each town. The vaudeville went out yes- terday, but the pit orchestra will re- main, the musicians' contract being still in force. And neither of those theaters has either stage show or vaudeville competition. McShane Managing T-S Branch Charlotte — E. L/ , McShane, for- merly branch manager for Pathe ex- NEWSPAPER o/'FILMDOM LTHE NEWS ALL THE TIME VOL. XLVIII No. 27 Wednesflay, M_ay 1, 1929 Price 5 Cents PATHE PLANS COLOR FOR ITS SOUND PICTURES Pathe is planning use of color in sound pictures, using the new Pathe- chrome process, developed by the American and French Pathe firms, which have been conducting experi- ments in the Pathe laboratories in France. Extent of the use of color in sound films will be "as the occa- sion warrants." First shipment of Pathechrome sound pictures has just left Havre for America, according to cables re- ceived by Terry Ramsaye, editor-in- chief for Pathe under whose direc- tion this development has been in progress. The first Pathechrome sound pic- {Continued on Page 11) Kennedy Heads Board at Pathe; Officers Re-elected Joseph P. Kennedy was elected chairman of the board of Pathe at the annual meeting of company di- rectors yesterday. He has been busi- ness advisor until now. J. J. Murdock was re-elected president, but in so doing turned over the duties of board chairman to Kennedy. Colvin Brown was re-elected execu- iCotttinued on Page 11) British Sound Film Suit Continued Until Friday London (By Cal>ie) — Injunction suit of the Tobis-Klangfilm group against the Regal Kinema and West- ern Electric, has been held over until Friday. Latest developments in the sound situation m England and other Eu- ropean nations appear on page 3. All-Sound Film Policy is Adopted at Cleveland Thea. Cleveland — Following lead of Pub- lix in other sections of the country, the Uptown here has adopted an all- sound film policy. The house recent- ly was sold by Stecher, Fine & Kramer to Silverman Bros., said to be acting for Warners. Net of Hal Roach Shows 71 Per Cent Increase West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Hollywood— Net profit of $89,163 for the six months ended Jan. 26, 1929, on new films released through M-G-M is reported by Hal Roach {Continued on Page 11) 56 ALL-COLOR-SOUND FILMS IN 2 YEARS FROM WARNER AND F.N. Mid- West Deal Dover, Del. — Publix, Fitz- patrick and McElroy, Inc., was formed here yesterday. F. and M. operate a number of theaters in Indiana and Michigan in some of which Publix is partially interested. A deal, more sweeping in scope, is under way. FOX'S N.Y. THEATER DEAL SET; FINANCING ARRANGED Organization of Fox Metropolitan Playhouses, Inc. has been completed and arrangements made for financing through Halsey, Stuart and Co. It is understood $14,000,000 will be offered shortly through this Wall Street banking firm which has figured prom- inently in various Fox flotations. Initial payments to many New York exhibitors involved in the transaction have been paid and others are re- ported to have received checks yes- terday through A. C. Blumenthal who has developed the deal. Fox New England Theaters is the next corpora- tion to be formed. Fox Denies U. K. Deal For Use of Photophone William Fox, president of Fox Film Corp. yesterday issued an ab- solute denial of the cabled report from London in the "New York Times" that his company had signed a con- tract with the RCA for reproducing Fox sound films in London on Photo- phone equipment. "Under the contract which the Fox (Continued on Page 11) Imperial Pictures Making Independent Talker Shorts Production of a series of talker shorts for release on the independent marekt is under way in New York by Imperial Pictures. Tabloid dreams, {Continued on Page 11) TALKERS TO GET ACID TEST THIS SUMMER Talker shorts will be put to the acid test this summer in many the- aters when they will be called upon to fill place of presentations. Upon whether they will be able to fill the gap will depend to great extent their future. A number of operators are follow- ing example of Publix in adopting all-film policies in de luxe houses, and their experience is expected to serve as a guide to future policy of many first runs. SOUND SITUATION IN CANADA IS COMPLEX Toronto — The sound situation in Canada is complex. First perman- ently introduced in the Dominion at the Palace, Montreal, Sept. 1, sound as it advanced across the country during the past eight months has caused an upheaval. There has been a rush on the part of exhibitors to have their houses wired and now it can be said that sound pictures are firmly established in Canada as they are in the States. Approximately 20 of the leading cities of Canada have wired theaters. The most progressive in this con- nection is Ottawa, with seven wired houses ranging from B. F. Keith's with 2,596 seats down to the tiny {Continued o$i Page 11) West Coast Arraignments Await Prosecutors' Return IVest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — No arraignments in the government conspiracy case against West Coast Theaters, Harold B. Franklin and nine distributors, are expected until return here of John H. Amen and Joseph MacHugh, spe- cial assistants to the Attorney Gen- eral. The prosecutors left last Thurs- day for a two weeks' stay in Wash- ington. Move Expected to Cause Revolutionary Changes in Production Marking the first wholesale at- tempt to introduce color, Warners have signed a contract with Tech- nicolor to produce 56 pictures in the next two years. The deal covers Warners and First National and the pictures are to be made in sound. "On with the Show" will be the first all color, all sound picture from Warners. It is of the musical com- edy variety and is now being finished under direction of Alan Crosland. "Sally," a remake but in sound, will be made via Technicolor and with Marlyn Miller starred. Practically every producer in the industry has used color, most of them for special sequences although there have been a limited number of films made in complete color. The Warner step, however, is the biggest move so far undertaken in this par- ticular direction and may mark the beginning of important changes in production. NEW prinTprocess'Ts OFFERED BYJONSOLIDATED Development of a method of print protection which the company states will increase the life of prints by at least SO per cent, is announced by Consolidated Film Industries, Inc., which today is ready to apply the process, developed from a secret chemical formula, to new prints. It is planned to charge only a nominal figure for applying this process to new prints. The method is known as "Consoli- dizing" and is declared to be the re- {Continued on Page 11) Government Film Control Sought for Australia Sydney— A bill to bring the Aus- tralian industry under Government control is urged by Walter Marks, member of parliament, in the house of Representatives here. In urging {Continued on Page 11) THE jgBg^ DAILV Wednesday, May 1, 1929 ■ Mf^^aLTtiE MSWS ALLTHE^ Vol. XLVIII No. 27 Wednesday, Mayl, 1929 Price 5 Cents JOHN W. ALICBATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second dass matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. C^ble address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris — P. A. Hade, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. Financial STOCK MARKET High Low Close Am. Seat 38 38 38 Con. Fra. Ind. pfd. 29 28^ 28^4 East. Kodak 179^ 179J4 179)4 ♦do pfd 128 •First Nat. pfd 108 Fox Fm. "A" .. 91K 88^ 91^4 *Keith A-O 30^ •do pfd 105 Loew's Inc 62)4 60J4 61!^ *do pfd 98"^ M. P. Cap 4014 39^ 40 Para. F-L 68!4 66Ji 67^ Pathe Exch IVA lOH 10% do "A" 22M 21 21^ Radio K-A-O 3m 29^ 30% Stanley Co 42 41 41)4 •Univ. Pict. pfd 98'/, Warner Bros 128^ I2414 126^ do pfd 5654 54J4 56 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 614 6 6 ♦Bal. & Katz 70J4 Columbia Pets. ..31 31 31 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 27 26^ 27 Film Insp 3H 2)4 3Vs Fox Thea. "A" ... a'g-/^ 28)i 29;^ Griffith, D.W. "A" 214 2'/ 2J4 Intern. Proj 104 94 104 Nat. Scr. Ser. ... 32J^ 32li 32>| Nat. Thea. Sup. .. 24% 21^ 21 )4 Trans-Lux 14)4 14)4 14)4 Univ. Pict 27^^ 27'A 27}^ BOND MARKET •Keith AG 6s 36 92 Loew 6s 41ww ...lll'A 111^2 111'/^ do 6s 41 x-war. . 99^ 9&'A 98A Paramount 6s 47 .. 98"^ 98;/^ 9SA Par. By. 5'As 51..101J4 101 101 ♦Pathe 7s 37 78)^ CURB BONDS •Am. Seat. 6s 36 95^ ♦Warner 6^^s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 29 31 do units 31 34 do com 3J4 4^4 Skouras Bros 30 40 Technicolor 43 45 United Art 5 10 do pfd 70 80 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2' do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 200 600 200 7,500 2,400 2',i66 12,400 11,200 2,200 19,200 700 122',566 8,100 2,200 'ioo 6,700 1,500 6,400 500 800 1,900 24,800 100 100 UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY for a man with high executive ability and experience in organization and operation of chains of M. P. theaters. Must bo wrilling to go abroad. Only man of outstanding record need apply. Write full particulars confidentially to Box A-123, c-o Film Daily 1650 Broadway, Now York City Profit Shown in First Quarterly Report of R-K-0 Eadio-Keith-Orpheum reports for the quarter ended March 31, 1929, consolidated net income of $608,209, after charges and provisions for Fed- eral taxes, equal to 34 cents a share on the 1,778,627 no par class "A" shares outstanding. This is the first quarterly statement by the Radio- Keith-Orpheum Corp. Consolidated income account for the quarter follows: profit from opera- tions, $181,373; profit from other sources, $486,836; total profit, $668,- 209; provisions for Federal taxes, $60,000; net income ,$608,209. Grainger Returns James R. Grainger, general sales manager of Fox, returned to New York yesterday from a long trip to the coast where 1929-1930 produc- tion plans were discussed with Win- field Sheehan. Daylight Saving in Canada Toronto^ — Daylight saving smacked exhibitors here and in Montreal this week. There has been so much fan excitement over musical talking and dancing pictures that managers of wired theaters are refusing to worry. Observing Anniversay Cleveland — Loew's State theater is celebrating its eighth birthday this week. A large cake with eight can- dles adorns the lobby. Among its presents are new additions to the marquee, new stage equipment and inauguration for the season of its cooling system. Sharrick Back at Cleveland Cleveland, O. — Andrew Sharrick. Universal exploiteer, has returned from a six weeks' trip through the Southwest to exploit "Show Boat." O'Reilly to Head T.O.C.C. Agains; Slated Nominated Charles L. O'Reilly, a former presi- dent of the Theater Owners' Chamber of Commerce, will again head this body of Greater New York theater exhibitors. The slate for next year was selected yesterday and will be elected without opposition at a meet- ing to be held May 28. Louis Geller will be vice-president, Human Rach- mil, treasurer and Sam Sonin, sec- retary. F-P-L Signs Lawrence for "Gay Lady," A Talker It is understood Gertrude Lawrence has signed a one picture contract with Paramount under terms of which she will make "The Gay Lady," an orig- inal by Gene Markey at the com- pany's Long Island studio. Monta Bell is scheduled to direct. Produc- tion starts in June. Guests at AMPA Meeting Trader Horn, and Eddie Dowling, Frankie Darro and Marian Nixon of "The Rainbow Man," Charles King of "The Broadway Melody," and Olive Shea, beauty winner at the AMPA Masque Ball and Helen of Hollywood will be guests Thursday of the AMPA at the M. P. Club of New York. Harry Reichenbach will be master of ceremonies and the meeting will be broadcast. Metro Signs Zita Johann Zita Johann, New York actress who scored a hit in Arthur Hop- kins's "Machinal," has been signed by M-G-M for talking picture work and plans to leave for the coast soon. Will Hays and Col. Joy in N. Y. Will H. Hays has returned to New York from his semi-annual trip to the Coast. Col. Jason Joy came East with him. Dodge with W. E. Chicago — Harry Dodge, former manager of the local United Artist exchange is now with Western Elec- tric selling equipment in this terri- tory. Fire at Montezuma, Ga. House Montezuma, Ga. — Fire damaged the booth of the Grand here. The house is operated by Nick Econo- mou, who has the Franklin at Fort Valley. Leases Pitstburgh House Pittsburgh — J. Golden has leased the Rialto from Charles Rosenberg. RAPEE now preparing a special musical setting for "WHISPERING WINDS" 1 A Tiffany.Stahl Production ^A iPABE MEYER liK } I r^ Nv'V --^ V I — I ^ Let Us Solve Your Problems ! Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCORPORATED 1540 B'WAY N.Y.C. TELEPHONE BRYANT 3040 The Industry's Date Book Today: Annual meeting of Quebec exhib- itor unit, Montreal. Opening of "The Desert Song" at the Warner, New York. Opening of "Bulldog Drummond" at the Apollo, New York. National Music Week. Opening of "Mother's Boy" at Cohan, New York. May 6-7 Convention of Texas exhibitor unit, Dallas. Spring meeting of Society of M.P. Engineers in New York. Annual Convention of American Federation of Musicians at Den- ver. May 22 Annual Spring Film Dally Golf Tournament at Glen Oaks, Great Neck, L. I. June 1-9 American Theater Equipment Ex- position and Exhibitors Institute at Chicago. June 11-12 Convention of Oklahoma exhibi- tor unit at Oklahoma City. June 17-18 iSummer convention of North Carolina exhibitors unit, Wrights- ville, Beach, N. C. May 2 May S-11 May 6 May 6-9 May 20 PHOTOTONE (5) NON- SYNCHRONOUS EQUIP- MENT FOR SALE First Class Condition $500 each which is 50 7o off Value. Special price for someone who can take the five. Terms to suit. Immediate delivery. Apply MISS ROBINS, 1531 B'way 5th Floor Chickering 5800 CaU WAFILMS, Inc. Walter A. Futter, Pre*, for Library Stock Scenes 130 W. 46th St.. New Yoik Bryant 8181 PACIFIC COAST SALES and SERVICE Representation available thru concern dealing with theatrical trade for 15 years. BOX A-126 c/o FILM DAILY, 1650 B'WAY. N. Y. C. "WE NEVER DISAPPOINT" £ABORAT0RiEs INCORPORATED 220 WEST 42^-° STREET NEW YORK Phone: Wisconsin 6876 ALLAN A.LOWNES. CEN.MCR. THE Wednesday, May 1, 1929J -^E^ DAILY Talkers Complicate European Markets SOUND CAUSES or INDUSTRY L H'ashingtm Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Rapid development of the synchronized sound and talk- ing fihn by American producers has brought about comphcations in the European market, according to Trade Commissioner George R. Canty, in a survey which has just been issued by the M. P. Section of the Com- merce Dept. Because of the large expense in- volved in installing the necessary ap- paratus, it is a problem, Canty states, as to how many of these sound pic- tures European countries will absorb. The most sanguine estimates indi- cate that only the largest of the European picture houses will be ade- quately wired during the current year. European exhibitors take it for granted that the most important American companies will concentrate their activities during the present sea- son on talking films. For the most part these films can be shown in Europe only as silent pictures, ex- cept in Great Britain where some theaters are now wired and where the language difficulty will not be pres- ent. In most cases, it can be pre- sumed that without dialogue, the talking picture will appear slowed- up, a situation which will probably react in favor of European silent films. However, there is little pos- sibility of American pictures losing their present dominant position — from the quality standpoint at least. European producers have been re- markably active during 1928, the re- port shows, their studios turning out more than 500 features at a total cost of $24,000,000. This is a rec- ord both as to number produced and total production costs. In the opin- ion of experts who have studied the European situation, the market has been vastly over-produced and the money spent in production is not justified by the potential income from a very restricted field. Germany, France and Great Brit- ain continue to be the foremo'=t pro- ducing countries in Europe, account- ing for 80 per cent of total output. In 1928, Germany produced 221 fea- ture films, while France and Great Britain each produced about half that number. Increased Euronean pro- duction was due principally, the bul- letin states, to the protective policies of the various governments, a fact which is especially true of Great Britain. Notwithstanding the marked activ- ity in the German producing field in 1928, more American pictures were distributed in that year than in 1927. In Great Britain and France, oh the other hand, American films continued to lose ground. American pictures International Talking Film Ass'n lyashinyton Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Plans for formation of an international talking picture association may soon take shape, according to a German daily newspaper, states a report to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce by George R. Canty, trade commissioner at Paris. A number of leading exhibitors abroad seem to be interested in the foundation of such an organization. The principal point to be dealt with is the question of interchangeability. The new international combine will have representative units in London, Paris, Vienna, Warsaw, Zurich and Rome. It is further stated that the necessary steps have been taken to bring about a much closer cooperation with America than it was possible to arrive at in this respect until now. British Exhibitors, Rebuffed in Budget, Continue Tax Fight By ERNEST W. FREDMAN Editor, "The Daily Film Renter" London — Great disappointment is felt, and expressed, by British ex- hibitors at the failure of the Chan- cellor of the Exchequer to include in his budget some measure of relief on the entertainments tax. The indus- try had been lead to believe that, out of this year's surplus, something would have been set apart to reduce the tax — though complete abolition was not expected. But the budget does not contain a single allusion to picture houses, and it is felt that there is now not the slightest hope that Mr. Churchill will relent and introduce some relief at the last moment. The trade has been flouted— and the trade feels sore. However, the situation is not to be taken lying down. A stronger "gin- ger committee" has been formed, and a big campaign is on foot to oppose the government at the approaching general election. The screens are to be used to help the candidature of all would-be M. P.'s who pledge them- selves to work for the abolition of the tax. Every candidate is to be approached with a view to eliciting their views on the question, and on the day of the election motor cars lent by theater owners, will be at the disposal of those who are favorable. No stone will be left unturned to familiarize the public with the ques- tion. It is estimated that 3,500,000 pay for admission to picture houses in Great Britain every day, and out of the total received at the box-office, \2yi per cent is absorbed by the tax. The trade suggests that the tax might be removed in three stages, and if this were done lower admis- sion prices would be charged to the public. * * * Denison Clift has finished "The City of Play" for Gainsborough, and is about to start on a long all-talker for the same company. "The City of Play" includes some film shots of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, taken with the co-operation of the Paris police. * * * Welsh-Pearson-Elder Films, Ltd., has announced that T. C. Elder has resigned as joint managing director, as the company is not proceeding at present with its renting department. The resignation may be looked upon as a natural sequence of the com- pany's resignation from the K.R.S. upon the same grounds. accounted for 40 per cent of the features shown in Germany during 1928, 54 per cent of those shown in France and 71 per cent of those shown in Great Britain. British Board Censors 59 Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Statistics published by the British Board of Censors re- veal that 59 feature pictures of 3,000 feet or over, were censored in Great Britain during February, states a re- port to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. Complete "Evaded" Paris — Henri Menessier has fin- ished shooting the "Evaded" for Franco-Film. Henri was formerly assistant to Rex Ingram. No French Titles for Turkey IVashinglon Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — It has been decided to suppress the French sub-titles shown with the Turkish in all films shown in Turkey, advises a report from Constantinople to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. Local exhibitors have protested due to the fact that more than half of the population of Turkey is able to read French only, it is stated. Preparing Filmcraft's Next London — Reginald Fog^vell, who directed and wrote the scenario of the "Dick Turpin" two reel series for British Filmcraft, is preparing his second for the company. The story deals with varsity life and will feature sport events. W.L MOVING AT FAST PACE London (By Cable) — With the Klangfilm-Tobis test suit in the courts, Western Electric is going ahead with its sales drive throughout the United Kingdom. The signing of contracts to wire the Gaumont- British chain was an important stroke, and placed the company in an ad- vantageous position. The company is making installations rapidly and ex- pects other British exhibitors to fol- low the Gaumont lead in wiring their houses. Despite the sales resistance created by the continued argument over in- terchangeability, and difficulty of building up its engineering staff in Europe, Western Electric is under- stood to be aiming at 300 installa- tions by the end of the current year. Around 25 theaters now are running sound pictures and the schedule calls foi 20 installations per month. This, it is expected, will increase to al- most two a day by October. So far as American producer licensees are concerned, the beginning of 1930 will find available here a con- siderable market for their sound pic- tures, provided there is no legal obstacles thrown in the way due to patent fights. Western Electric now is working on wiring of the British Dominions studios, which is expected to be completed by June. Upon the Continent, too, Western Electric is active, and expects to have representation in every country by the end of the present year. The Con- tinental situation, of course, will de- velop slower because of the necessity of ironing out the language difficulties. Rai On Next Indian Film Madras — Himansu Rai, producer of "Light of Asia" and "Shiraz," ar- rived here en route to Mysore in connection with the production of his next picture "A Throw of Dice." The picture is to be an Indian story. Very Satisfactory Indeed ! I have been using your trailer service for the past several years and it is very satisfactory indeed. MINER AMUSEMENT COMPANY Rice Lake, Wisconsin THE •;gB^ DAILY Wednesday, May 1, 1929 16th Instalment, ^ Sound Patent' Series GERMAN PATENTS FILED 1910 EXPLAINED TODAY ThU is the sixteenth instalment in "Sound Patents," a scries of articles dealing with the patent history of sound and synchroniza- tion devices in the United States, England, France and Germany. U. S. patent No. 945,976, issued to George P. McDonnell on Jan. 11, 1910, shows a similar arrangement^ of pointers, circuits and connecting pawls and ratchet wheels, but instead of driving the circuit making and breaking commutators from the drive mechanisms of the phonograph and of the projection machine, the phono- graph contact mechanism is connect- ed directly to the phonograph turn- table, while the projection machine contact is rotated by a cog wheel meshing directly in the marginal opening of the film. In French patent No. 412,107, is- sued to Eugene Paul Latrait on July 4, 1910, electric circuits and electro- magnetically controlled pawls simi- lar to those of the preceding patents were arranged to drive the gears of a dififerential gear mechanism acting similarly to the dififerential gears and pointer of the British patent No. 2,157, issued to Oskar Meester on July 26, 1906. German patent No. 222,958, issued to Deutsche Bioscop G.mb.H. June 10, 1910, is directed to a device for closing the electric circuits of the indicating apparatus by the phono- graph release mechanism- German patent No. 219,576, issued to Duskes Kinematographen und Film- Fabriken G.m.b.H., issued March 7, 1910, utilizes an electric circuit, an electro-magnetic solenoid and arma- ture to insure the synchronous op- eration of a phonograph and a pro- jection machine. The projection ma- chine is connected to the control mechanism through a flexible shaft (1) as shown in Fig. 1, having on its end a worm (2) which meshes with a gear (3) shown in Fig. 2. The gear (3) is connected through a hollow shaft (4) to a planetary gear train comprising a central gear wheel (5) planetary gears (6) and (19) and a central gear (18) mesh- ing with the gear wheel (19) the gear train being so designed that when the phonograph and projection machine rotate at their proper rela- tive speeds, or in synchronism, the gears (6) and (19) will remain in fixed position relative to the axis of the gears (5) and (18) but if one or the other of the gears (5) or (18) should rotate faster than the proper speed relative to the other, the plane- tary gears (6) and (19) which are i7iounted on the same shaft, will ro- tate in one direction or the other. The planetary gear wheels (6) and German patent No. 2'19,576 using electrical impulses to synchronize sound and film. (19) are mounted on a common shaft (7) carried on an arm (9) cen- tered on shaft (14) secured to a spring (15) which holds the shaft (7) in fixed position when the gear wheel (18) is free to revolve, but permits the shaft to rotate about the shaft (14) when the gear wheel (18) is held from revolving. An arm (26) is also rotatably mounted on, and secured to the shaft (14) by means of a spring (25) which permits some rotation of the arm relative to the shaft but limits the extent of such movement. A stop (28) is mounted on a spring (31) to project into the path of the arm (26) but is with- drawn at each revolution of a shaft of the phonograph to permit the arm (26) to pass if it reaches the stop at the time the latter is withdrawn. The means for withdrawing the stop (28) comprises an electric circuit from a battery (25) through an elec- tro-magnet (30) so positioned as to attract and withdraw the stop (28) when energized, thence through a wire {Z3) to a contact {Z7) positioned to contact with a projection on a plate (38) carried on a shaft (36) of the phonograph, which is in turn connected to the battery . Accord- ingly, with each revolution of the shaft (38) the circuit is closed by the contact {Z7) through the electro- magnet (30) and the stop (28) is withdrawn to permit the arm to pass and then is released. If the projec- tion machine and phonograph rotate at the same relative speeds the stop (28) is withdrawn immediately at or after the arm (26) reaches it but if the projection machine rotates somewhat too fast, the arm (26) is held for a longer period by the stop (28) the projection machine being permitted to move somewhat by the spring (15) but the holding of the shaft (14) causes the arm (9) and planetary gears (6) and (19) to ro- tate about the shaft (14). This mo- tion is conveyed to a pointer (8) mounted on the planetary gear mech- anism and thus indicates the lack of synchronism. Electro-magnetic circuits are also used in German patent No. 223,153, issued to Cecil M. Hepworth on June 15, 1910, to indicate synchron- ism or lack of synchronism between a phonograph and a projection ma- chine. In this patent the projection machine is connected to a current breaker (a b) to periodically break and make a circuit from a battery (y) through an electro-magnet (c). Similarly the phonograph is con- nected to a circuit breaking and mak- ing device (d f) to periodically make and break a circuit from the battery (y) through an electro-magnet (g) the connection being such that, when the phonograph and projectin ma- chine are running synchronously, the circuits through the electro-magnet (c) and (g) will be broken and closed in periods of equal length. The electro-magnets (c) and (g) are provided with pivoted armatures (i) and (h) respectively, biased away from the electro-magnets by springs (n) and (m) so as to be swung to and from their respective electro- magnets upon each energizing of the latter. The armatures (h) and (i) are provided with pawls (k) and (1) respectively which engage on oppo- site sides of a ratchet wheel (o) and advance the wheel one notch with each movement of the armatures (h) and (i) the armatures and pawls acting on the ratchet wheel (o) in opposite directions. The ratchet wheel (o) is pivotally mounted on a pivoted arm (r) which also carries a shield (s) placed before a lamp (v) as shown in Fig. 2. It will be apparent that if the projection ma- chine is driven faster than the phonograph, the armature (i) will be vibrated faster than the armature (h) and the ratchet wheel will be pushed by the pawl (1) to the left at a greater speed than it is pushed to the right by the pawl (k). The arm (r) will consequently be pushed to the left and will uncover the lamp (v) through a colored screen car- ried by the shield (s). Reversely, if the projection machine rotates more slowly than the phonograph, the arm (r) and shield (s) will be swung to the right and the light (v) will be seen through a shield of a screen of different color thus indicating the relative speeds of the projection ma- chine and phonograph. Further developments and refine- ments of electro-magnetic systems for indicating the relative speeds of a projection machine and phono- graph are shown in U. S. patents No. 1,184,704, issued to G. P. Mc- Donnell on May 23, 1916, and No. 1,080,265, issued to H. T. Crapo on Dec. 2, 1913. Opening with Sound Policy Arkadelphia, Ark. — The Royal, owned by Cecil Cupp, has opened with a Pacent installation, and "The Barker" as the feature. The Strand, Wilrnot, Ark., has opened with "His Captive Woman," using Movie- Phone equipment. Other openings are: Strand, Tupelo, Miss., operated by F. L. Marshall, who also will play "His Captive Woman," and the Rex, Starkville, Miss., owned by R. J. Goodman. Both the latter are to use Phototone equipment. Refunds For Sound Break New Haven — During the showing of "Speakeasy" at the Palace, the sound apparatus went wrong and the management refunded admissions to approximately 1,800 patrons, it is re- ported. Wiring Springfield Houses Springfield, III. — RCA-Photophone has been installed at the Orpheum and is being installed at the Majes- tic and Gaiety. Capitol, Bend, Ore., Equipped Bend, Ore. — Western Electric equipment is being installed at the Capitol. I Kokomo House Wired Kokomo, Ind. — Western Electric equipment has been installed at the Isis. iH Electro-magnetic circuits figure largely iit German patent No. 223,153 issued to Cecil M. Hepworth of London. Winnipeg Suburban Goes Sound Winnipeg — The Regent is the first suburban house in Winnipeg to have sound equipment, opening with "In Old Arizona" for a week's run. Cleveland House Get W. E. Device Cleveland, O. — Western Electric equipment has been installed in the Rialto, one of the houses of the Scoville, Essick and Reiff circuit. THE KIBITZER MURDER CASE or "Who Killed The Kihitzerr it doesn^t matter who killed him because Kibitzers never die! — you find them everywhere THE CARD KIBITZER — he tells you how it should have been played! THE STOCK MARKET KIBITZER— he knew that Steel was going up I THE RESTAURANT KIBITZER— he advises what'sgoodfor yourhealthl THE MERGER KIBITZER — he knew the inside stuff all along! Don^t listen to them» Get the facts yourself and make your own decisions! DON'T LISTEN TO TALK unless IT'S ON THE SCRE The Talkies of the Industry M-G-M Qet an earful Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer brings you for immediate book- ing, three All -Talking pictures that make previous talking efforts look very amateurish indeed: 1. THE BROADWAY MELODY THERE will have to be another invention like the Talkies to bring forth another "Broadway Melody." It is unique. It is the first to present as a thrilling drama the wonders of a $6.60 Broadway show. No surprise therefore that in its 3d month in New York and Los Angeles at $2 it is an S. R. O. sensation. In Cleveland it converted the pop price Stillman to the $2 class! It is currently playing extended runs in many houses previously restricted to one week and per- forming such box-office miracles as this industry has never before seen — nor may ever again witness. 2. The Trial of MARY DUG AN PROFITABLE as it was as a stage hit during its sensational Broadway run, and with its many gold-mine road companies, watch the meteoric course of "The Trial of Mary Dugan" when it is revealed to a waiting nationwide public on the magic Talking screen. The Talking picture ver- sion is marvelous. All the drama, the heart-appeal, the physical lure, the humanity of "The Trial of Mary Dugan" have become intensified on the screen. Already it is a magnet at the Embassy, N. Y., where it plays at $2 Twice Daily to packed and enthusiastic houses. You will reapa harvest too! With Charles King. Anita Page, Bessie Love. Directed by Harry Beaumorit. With Norma Shearer, Leu'ij Stone, H B. Warner, Ray- mond Hacketi Directed by the author. Bayard Veiller. 3. THE IDLE RICH T^HE perfect vehicle for the Talking picture. Many producers eagerly -■■ sought the thrilling Broadway and Road success "White Collars." Its dramatic story, its humanness, its color stamped it unquestionably as the Big opportunity for audible films. M-G-M obtained it and has made a brilliant Talking entertainment. A worthy companion picture for "The Broadway Melody" and "The Trial of Mary Dugan." You will enjoy the same kind of phenomenal, new Era business with "The Idle Rich." Book these three Talking hits. Insure for yourself a miraculous profit on your talking investment. With Conrad hlagel, Bessie Ijjte, Leila Hyams. By Edith Ellis. Directed by William de Mille. And here's a prophecy The TALKIES of the INDUSTRY! METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER has shown the industry the true possibilities of the Talking screen. While earlier, experimental Talkies were accepted by the public for their sheer novelty, that is no longer possible today. Metro^Goldwyn-Mayer has ushered in a new era of Talking pictures with its big Road'show'size attractions. Up-to-date thea- tres must now play Talking pictures of "Broadway Melody" calibre. Exhibitors to safeguard their huge Sound investments must look to M-G-M here- after for the Big Time Talking Pictures. This is true not alone of M-G-M full-length Talkies, but likewise of Metro Movietone Acts, which are vastly superior to all others in reproductive quality and in the box-office value of names ! And now M-G-M is bringing to wired theatres Hal Roach All-Talking Comedies in which Our Gang, Laurel -Hardy, Charlie Chase and the Roach All-Stars talk to their public for the first time. M-G-M is concededly releasing the outstanding silent pictures of the day. It was to be expected that Young Blood, too, would leap to the Top of the Talkies! ^^Qreat work Leo, you solved the Kibitzer Murder Case!^^ AS EXPECTED! They don^t writCf they WIRE! If Broadway Melody business continues I will have to call out the National Guard as the local police threaten to arrest me for blocking traffic on Pearl Street. And this is not maybe. Never in the history of Albany show business have such mobs congregated around any theatre in Albany from ten a. m. until midnight. — C. H. Buckley, Uland, Albany, N. Y. Broadway Melody closed week engage- ment at Stamford Theatre, Stamford, Conn., with absolutely phenomenal gross, more than doubling previous house records. Broadway melody was given the most enthusiastic reception ever ac- corded any show in the history of the city. Broadway Melody a picture without precedent will undoubtedly create anew era in screen entertainment. Norfolk public tremendously enthusiastic. — Pierre Boulogne, Norva, Nor/olfc, Va. Broadway Melody opened State Theatre to record breaking business. Thou- sands turned away. Accept our congrat- ulations for the year's greatest picture. —W. L. McConrxell. State, Youngstown, O. Just completed tremendous week's busi- ness with the Broadway Melody. Picture such a great hit that we are bringing it back to other first run house. — Hairy Zeitz, State, New Bedford, Mass. Broadway Melody opened on Saturday at State, Syracuse, to more thai> capacity business at every performance. Open- ing on Saturday was at ten forty-five A. M., an hour earlier than the usual start- ing time and the house was packed be- fore' eleven o'clock. This was through every performance Saturday. Sunday afternoon they had a line four wide, practically two city blocks long. It was the most sensational opening in theatre history in Syracuse. Broadway Melody smashing all previous records at the Columbia. Press and public acclaiming it the greatest of enter- tainment. Expect to break the long run record for Washington. Regards. M. J. CuHen, Washington, D. C. Broadway Melody opened to record- breaking business, received with over- whelming acclaim. Broke all records over week-end with Tuesday going stronger than Saturday. Without ques- tion you have the most natural box- office talkie to date. We are proud to be among exhibitors for early showing. H. E5fein, Weiss Amusement Corp, Stamford, Conn. Broadway Melody at Stanley doing best business in history of house. Will shat- ter all records. It is talk of Baltimore. It's sensational. Stanley Theatre, Baltimore, Md. Broadway Melody opened both Rich- mond and Norfolk. Broke house records. Public and press raved. Anticipate big- gest business houses have ever done. Joe Levy, Richmond and Norfolk Theatre, Richmond, Va. OJ^ILY Wed,, May 1, 192a •iLo&f»^^AMi^ Roach to Make Sound Comedies No Silent Versions of 12 All-Talkers Now in Work and Sound Only After 12 All-Silents Are Completed — Capra, Graves and Holt United for "Flight" — Wilk's Personality Paragraphs 40 8ILENT8 FOR CURRENT YEAR FINISHED BY ROACH Hal Roach will make no silent versions of the 12 all-talking com- edies now in production. The first Roach two-reel talker, "Unaccus- tomed As We Are." featuring Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, will be re- leased on May 4. Following this, each week for 12 weeks, an all-dial- ogue picture produced by one of his four units will be released through M-G-M. Roach has completed the 40 silent comedies scheduled for this year. Four are being held in reserve for September. His tentative plans for his 1929-30 include the production of 12 silent comedies, three to be re- leased by each of the four units. The initial talkers "Unaccustomed As We Are," featuring Laurel and Hardy and di- rected by Lewis R. Foster; "Small Talk," with Our Gang, directed by Robert Mc- Gowan, "Old Man Trouble," featuring Nel- lie V. Nichols and Max Davidson and per- sonally directed by Roach, and "The Big Squawk,'' starring Charley Chase under di- rection of Warren Doane, have been com- pleted and are being made ready for im- mediate release. Roach believes that the day of the silent comedy is past, that, after the production of the 12 silent two-reelers scheduled for next year, the studio will be devoted entirely to all-talkers. Huge Portable Generators Used for "Burlesque" Three portable generators, each powerful enough to furnish light for a small city were used to augment the electrical energy from the studio's central power plant when the Follies revue in Paramount's talking picture, "Burlesque," was filmed. This amper- age was necessary because the en- tire scene was filmed in natural color and cameras require more than aver- age photographic light so that none of the color values will be lost. Lane and Page Together Again Lola Lane and Paul Page, who appeared in "Speakeasy," are to be reunited in another Fox production, "The Girl From Havana," by Edwin Burke and John Stone. Benjamin StolofF will direct. F. N. Secures "The Vow" First National has secured the mo- tion picture and talking picture rights to "The Vow," British novel by Richard Tront. No production date has been set. "Big Boy's" Leading Lady "Big Boy," Educational's five-year- old star, again has Lorraine Rivero as his "lead" in "Joy Tonic." A Little from *'Lots" By RALPH WILK Hollywood WILLIAM J. GARITY, sound engineer for P. A. Powers, who is making a tour of the west coast, has been supervising the recording of Walt Disney's animated cartoons. Disney has now completed his first Mickey Mouse sound opus record- ing here. In the past it has been added in New York. Seven of the series are ready for release. * * * Oscar Levant, pianist, whose name Radio Pictures has placed on the dotted line, ivill write songs for productions to be featured in con- junction with sound pictures. * * * Lon Young has the distinction of representing the independent com- pany, which was the first to com- plete its program for the current season. Lon supervised the eight Chesterfield productions made on the Coast this season and none of the pictures exceeded the cost estimate or went a day over schedule. * * * William Wyler, now directing an all talking picture for Unversal, has completed his cast tvith sign- ing of Neil Hamilton as the lead opposite Laura La Plante. "Evi- dence" is adapted frovi an origitial by Edward J. Montagne. * * * Sterling Sherwin, composer of "Melancholy Mama" song written especially for "The Melancholy Dame" for Christie, is displaying a letter from Octavus Roy Cohen praising his melody. The picture was based on Cohen's story. Sher- win will start soon on a new melody for another Paramount-Christie fea- ture, "Divorce Made Easy," which stars Douglas McLean. * * * Edward Laemmle, Universal di- rector, is starting soon on his first all talker, "The Drake Murder Case." He is considered one of the most capable directors on the lot. Laemmle, Jr., Feted Charles Chaplin was among speakers at the banquet celebrating twenty-first birthday of Carl Laem- mle, Jr. Janney Signed by Fox Fox has signed Williams Jan- ney. Lake Leaving Universal Arthur Lake is leaving LTniversal in July, it is reported. Reunited Director and two featured players of "Submarine" are to be reunited for "Flight," Co- lumbia film to be produced in co-operation with the Marine Corps. They are Frank Ca- pra, Jack Holt and Ralph Graves. Lupino Lane Continues With Silent Comedies Despite his entry in the sound field, Lupino Lane l^s not forsaken silent comedies. He is planning to deliver to the last reel, the silent comedies that are scheduled by Educational on the current program, continuing well into the summer, anyway. Having just completed his first talking com- edy, "Ship Mates," Lane is making preparations for his next silent re- lease, "Battling Sisters." Of the eight Lane silents on the current schedule, "Pirates Beware," "Fisticuffs," "Be My King," "Only Me," "Sunmier Saps," and "Good Night Nurse" have already been re- leased. Wm. H. Branch and Zelda Sears Join Metro Staff Two new writers have been added to the M-G-M scenario stafif. They are William Houston Branch, short story w-riter and Zelda Sears, play- wright-novelist and actress, whose contract retains her services as di- rector as well as writer of dialogue and originals. Miss Sears's stage pieces include "Lady Billie," "Patsy," "Lucky Break," "Lollipop," and "The Clinging Vine." She wrote "The Scarlet Woman" in which Pauline Frederick is now tourin^- and her newest play, "Undertow," is sched- uled for Broadway in the fall. Dolores Del Rio to Sing Dolores Del Rio will sing three songs in "Evangeline," which is not a 100 per cent dialogue film but which will have sound effects and a synchronized score, as well as a theme song composed by Al Jolson. Colored Player for "Magnolia" (ieorge Reed, colored stage and screen player will play in Charles Rogers' starring vehicle, "Magnolia." The story is an all-dialogue adapta- tion of Booth Tarkington's play of the same name. Cast in Educational Film Estelle Bradley plays the leading feminine role in "Kitty, Kitty," the new Educational-Cameo comedy fea- turing Billy Dale. Jules White di- rected. THREE STAGE DIRECTORS ARE SIGNED BY M-G-M M-G-M has signed Bertram Har- rison, Edgar MacGregor and Hassard Short, New York stage directors, all of whom will do talking picture work irr the conipany. Each will leave for the Coast before the end of the week. The original production of "The Great Divide" w^as one of the plays staged by Harrison. For A. H. Woods he directed "Parlor, Bedroom and Bath," "Lawful Larceny," "The Girl in the Limousine" and others. "Hold Everything," current musical comedy play also was directed by Harrison. Edgar MacGregor's 25 year career as stage director is divided between dramatic and musical comedy fields. He directed "The Little Rebel," with Mary Miles Minter and Dustin Far- num, Daniel Frohman's "The Pride of Jericho," "The Haunted House," w.'th Wallace Eddinger, and other plays. Recently his efforts have been ccii fined to musical comedy. He di- rected three current Broadway musi- cals, "The New Moon," "Follow Thru" and "Lady Fingers," and last season was general stage director for "Good News," "Funny Face," "The Sidewalks of New York," "Honey- moon Lane" and "Queen High." Hassard Short is known for his staging of the "Music Box Revues," and also handled the production of several editions of the "Greenwich V'illage Follies." He was associated with Floreiiz Ziegfeld in presentation of "Sunny" and "Lucky." Herbert Brenon RKO Film to be Started Soon Plans are under way for produc- tion of the picture Herbert Brenon is to direct for RKO Prod, under terms of a contract just signed. Hamilton Starts Second Lloyd Hamilton, who already has made his debut in talking pictures, is now working on his second all-dia- logue comedy for Educational release, titled "Don't Be Nervous." Mahlon Hamilton, Leo White and Rita Le Roy head the supporting cast. Wil- liam Watson, is directing from a storv bv Gil Pratt. Hibbard Adapting "Hurricane" Enid Hibbard, recent addition to Columbia's scenario staff, has been assigned adaptation of "Hurricane" as her first script. The story is by Norman Springer. PAILV Wednesday, May 1, 1929 Short Shots from New York Studios i^SSBy ARTHUR W. EDDYSm WILLIAM Steiner, who has just completed first cameraing "The Lady Lies" under Hobart Henley's direction, turned a second camera on four of the talkers Paramount has made in these parts. He worked on "The Letter," "The Hole in the Wall," "The Cocoanuts" and "Jeal- ousy." "The Lady Lies" was his initial effort as first cameraman. Gerald King, who tells at least part of the world about Warner Bros, pictures via that company's radio station, KFWB, at Hollywood, is New Yorking, owing to the vaca- tion urge. He recently completed his first role as an actor, working in Vitaphone's "The Time, The Place, and The Girl." Earl Wingart, who used to help Gotham film editors fill their col- umns, is back at Paramount's Long Island studio, again in charge of pub- licity there. He has been publicizing Fox stars and pictures at the Coast. Betty Garde, making her picture debut in "The Lady Lies" at Para- mount, worked in such stage hits as "The Poor Nut," "The Nervous Wreck" and "Easy Come, Easy Go." Incidentally her father is known to many ex-newspapermen in picture business as managing editor of "The Philadelphia Enquirer." With her feminine lead in "The Lady Lies" finished, Claudette Col- bert is going motoring in Canada. Her first picture for Paramount was "The Hole in the Wall." With the production staff at M- G-M's eastern studio virtually dis- banded, both cameras and micro- phones are vacationing at the plant. Reorganization of the studio force is planned, it is understood. Tom Brown, the young feller play- ing Walter Huston's son in "The Lady Lies," is better known to ra- dio set owners than to picture fans. He has a S4-week contract to broad- cast in the Real Folks feature for National Broadcasting Co. Rudy Vallee, the young band leader with personality and that thing which referred to as "it," is set to make a number for the Para- mount short subject department on May 8. Lillian Roth is another act scheduled to get microphoned, this being her second adventure in synchronized sound. Harold Leonard, who wears both screen and stage makeup, is back in New York after playing in stock in Dayton, O. He last worked on Broadway in "The Trial of Mary Dugan." Film Boards of Trade Report Additional Theater Changes Vail— Cozy. IOWA Openings Changes in Ownership Burlington — 'Palace, sold to Central States Theaters by Oscar Jacobs; Dayton — Pas- time, sold to Henry Wiltinze by C. E. Swanstrom; Dubuque — ^Star, sold to A. M. Brown by B. Levinson ; Greenfield — Grand, sold to G. W. Morgan by H. H. Stanley ; Hartley — Capitol, sold to C. H. Sartorius by A. M. Inman; Hawkeye — Cozy, sold to Mr. Libby by E. Mills; Independence — Grand, sold to E. W. Hagemann by E. A. Boss; I^eds — Leeds, sold to M. C. Kirk- patrick by Mrs. N. Danse ; Newton — Strand, sold to F. Wayte by Newton Strand lOper. Co. ; Pershing — Family, sold to Geo. Bruck by Tony Shavonne; Wauk- ton — ^Cot, sold to H. G. Ludemann by A. A. J. Eaton. Closings Boone — Strand ; Calumet — Opera House ; Clutier — Grand ; Coggon^Opera Housei ; Davenport — Family ; Des Moines — U and I ; Grundy Center — Empress ; Morning Sun — Opera House; Palmer — Opera House; Stanhope — -Lincoln ; Stratford — Stratford. KANSAS New Theaters Munden^ — ^Electric ; Ottawa — Webster. Changes in Ownership Anthony — Palace, sold to Mrs. B. Koch by G. M. Pohlenz; Belle Plaine — Opera House, sold to J. L. Leonard by Dewey I. Gates ; Florence — 'Mayflower, sold to H. C. Mus- grave by Whitney Bros. ; lola — Elite, sold to O. D. Taylor by T. M. Magruder; Mc- Donald— McDonald, sold to Moore & Knock by Ritter Bros. ; Marion — Garden, sold to Glen Newbold by S. A. Mudd ; Russell — Mainstreet, sold to E. B. Daniel- son by Wallis Bros. ; Utica — Olympic, sold to Ed Wheatcroft by H. E. Davis. Closings Pittsburg — Lure ; Sharon (Springs — Strand ; Williamsburg — Community. KENTUCKY New Theaters Paducah — Leaoto. Re-openings Paducah — Laeto (formerly Loope) ; Piketon — Piketon. Changes in Ownership Cawood — ^Mary's, sold to J. F. Cawood by H. R. Pyle; Dry Ridge — New. sold to James Falls by M. B. Rice; Louisville — Walnut, sold to Jack Kane by Raynor Lehr ; Virgie — Virgie, sold to Utilities Elk- horn Coal by John Utley ; Wallins Creek — Wallin's, sold to Wm. Millerby by C. C. Bowling; Walton — Unique, sold to James Falls by M. B. Rice. Closings Dixon — ^Rex ; Prestonburg — Princess ; Provi- dence— Greenland ; Water Valley — ^Arcade. LOUISIANA Changes in Ownership Church Point — Bijou, sold to C. A. Fontenot by Claude Keller; ViUe Platte— World, sold to C. A. Fontenot by Claude Keller. Closings Bonita — Bonita High School; Derry — Arcade; Jonesboro — Palace ; Kurthwood — Pastime ; Morningsport — Lakeside ; New Orleans — Grand and Roseland ; Olla — Lone Star ; Pleasant Hill — Taylor's ; Sulphur — Sulphur ; W. Monroe — Crystal. MAINE Changes in Ownership Lee — Elm wood (formerly Town Hall), sold to W. A. Sherrard by Hollis M. Jones; Woodland — Opera House, sold to E. W. Gilnian by F. D. Johnson. Closings Mechanic Falls — Murray Hall ; Oxford — Rob- inson Hall ;Welchville — Grange Hall; West Minot — ^Grange Hall. DAILY UPS WHICH MEAN DOLOVRS FOR SHOWMEN "Lilac Time" (First National) Arranged with two music houses to place phonographs on their sidewalks and play theme song, using specially made records that give a talk on the picture. Tied up with music stores, book shops, florists and five and ten chain stores to display plaques with picture stills and play dates in their windows and on counters. Tied up with legion band, for a parade to the theater and a half hour music bally- hoo out front on opening night." — M. M. Shenkman, Rialto, Allentown, Pa. "Redskin" (Paramount) In shoe store windows were six- sheets serving as a background. Then there was a large bow stretched across the back of the window with ribbons tied to the bow and each leading to a beautiful pair of shoes of various colors. Indian trophies, such as bows, arrows, tomahawks, etc., were also placed in the windows to lend an Indian atmosphere while neatly-lettered cards gave the title of picture, theater and play dates. On opening afternoon of picture, 100 Boy Scouts in their regulation uni- forms, met on the State House steps and marched to the theater carrying a 18-foot banner, "We are on our way to the Ritz to see Richard Dix in "'Redskin'."— Robert Talbert, Pub- lix Ritz, Columbia, S. C. "Trail of '98" (M-G-M) Automobile agency staged parade. A covered wagon was secured and signs were placed on it reading, "Studebaker led in 'The Trail of '98'." The covered wagon led the parade, followed by several new model Stude- bakers bannered with signs reading, "And Studebaker still leads."— Victor B. Lowery, Burns, Colorado Springs, Colo. "The Singing Fool" (Warners) Tied up with music stores. These stores fixed up their windows one week in advance featuring cut-outs and stills from the picture as well as records and sheet music and cards announcing the picture. The win- dows were on display throughout play dates. In return for this tie-up, agreed to allow each of them one day apiece during the run to sell music featured in the picture in the box office. — Roy Slentz, Colorado, Pueb- lo, Colo. -AND THAT'S THAT By PHIL M. DALY DEWEY BLOOM inquires: "If 'Innocents of Paris' means what it says, is it possible that 50,000 Frenchmen CAN be wrong?" Mur-Ad If you are run over by a Mack truck while on your way to lunch at the Motion Picture Club, be non- chalant— light a Murad from a spark plug. * * * Phil's Own Tours Here we are, folks, in one of Broadway's big picture palaces. You feel right at home, just as if you were in the little dump back in Po- dunk, Arkansas. They are holding a community sing-fest as we take our seats. On the screen you see colored 1 slides with pretty kindergarten pic- tures, and the words of a song: "I've been a gon-er Since that time in Tia-jua-na When I met her That da-ay." The audience only hums the tune because they can't pronounce those big words. That's the reason they break 'em up on the screen, like "gon-er" and "da-ay." Oh, well, children will be children — even on Broadway. * * * The AMPAS are considering nominating Baby Stars of the East. First in line is Erno Rapee, con- certmeister at the Roxy. He makes his first bow on the screen for the Home Talkies. But what troubles us is: Can a baby star have a mus- tache? * * * DAILY POME ' ' ^ There was an old ***"" woman She lived in a shoe If these mergers continue You will, too. What's In A Name? No, Clarice, "House of Secrets" is not the name of a merger promoter's home. It's an all-talking picture in which everybody tells everything they know. ♦ * ♦ Famous Film Conversations "// you'll split your commis- sion— " THE Wednesday, May 1, 1929 -c^m DAILV 11 Consolidated Offers New Print Process (Con!-CO]\SOLIDIZED FILM (Magnified 600 Diatnelers) Note the granular, uneven surface Amazing Results CONSOLIDIZING prolongs the life and preserves the brilliancy of the print for at least 50% more showings. Oil does not penetrate CONSOLIDIZED Film and any surface accumulations may easily be removed. It does not increase rigidity. It avoids excessive drying and undue moisture absorbtion. It protects the perforations. CONSOLIDIZING overcomes the objec- tions to all former processes and means uninterrupted projection and better screening. Look for the CONSOLIDIZED Label CONJOtlBIZED =^^SMA^iS NEW YORK Consolidated Film Industriesjnc. HOLLYWOOD New Spurt in Fox Theater Construction Plans :Sf€>NEWSPAPER o/FILMDOM /^LLTHE NEWS ALLTUE TIME VOL. XLIV No. 28 Wednesday, May 2, 1928 Price 5 Cents FORECAST UPHILL FIGHT ON CAROLINA TAX LAW Coliinibia. S. C. — Members of tlie South Carolina M. P. T. O. who plan to test the constitutionahty of the state ta.x on tlieater admissions have a long, uphill battle ahead, with prospects of but little relief, accord- ing to attorneys who are familiar with this type of legal battle. The contest will be based on the question of whether the revenue measure amending the state stati'*-". recommended by the free confer- ence nmittee, is constitutional, due to the act that the amendment did not originate in the House of Repre- sentatives, as is stipulated in legis- lative statutes which define the pro- cedure by which revenue measures become laws. FOX INT'L SALES CONFAB OPENS AT N. Y.MAY 23 Fox will inaugurate its Silver An- niversary season with an interna- tional sales convention at the Park Central, New York, May 23-31. In addition to home office executives, district and branch managers '' all offices in the United Sta. „ ....v. Canada, and a number of foreign representatives will attend. Plans for next season will be out- lined by William Fox, Jack G. Leo, Winficld Shcehan, and James R. Grainger. At least 10 productions of the new season and Movietone subjects will be shown. After the big New York gather- ing, regional conventions to be held (Continued on Page 2) Golf Tourney Set Thursday, May 24th, is the date. The Rockville Country Club, home playground of John Spargo and Tom Gerety, is the place. The event is the 14th semi-annual Film Golf Tourna- ment sponsored by THE FILM DAILY. Everyone is getting hot, so it looks like a record breaking turn out. Extra spe- cial eats and a record list of prizes. Check off the date and send in your entry and fee of ten frogs to-day. PUBLIX AND FOX CONTINUE FLIRTATION WITH STANLEY No Licenses for Anti-German Producers Berlin (By Wireless) — Germany is determined to let war hatreds die. The industry here is set on bringing this about through legis- lation. A movement is under way to prevent issuance of import licenses to any producing organization, no matter in what part of the world it may be located, which makes pictures construed here to be anti-German in theme. FIRST NATIONAL ADDS TWO SPECIALS TO LIST Chicago — Addition of two more specials to the First National pro- gram for 1928-29 was announced yesterday by Richard .\. Rowland at the sales convention. The first to be shown will be "The Good-Bye Kiss," (Continued on Page 2) WHYTF JOINS SAPIRO GROUP AS FILM BUYER Artliur G. Whyte, who has been film buyer for the Keith organization for years, has resigned to join the Independent M. P. Exhibitors' Asso- ciation in a similar capacity and also (Continued on Patjc 2) L GETS SET I FOR THREE-DAY MEET Deal Still Talked About— Philadelphia Theater Map Changing The Stanley Company again steps into the picture. Well-posted film men are speculating over the future of the organization in view of sev- eral interesting moves now develop- ing in Philadelphia. William Fox, as reported yester- day, will build two large theaters in I'liiladelphia suburbs. He already operates the Fox and Fox's Locust downtown and plans a gigantic house at 17th and Market. Ai Boyd will build at 19th and Chestnut first and in other Stanley strongholds later. The Stanley Co. is understood to have lost its position of absolute dominance in the Philadelphia the- ater situation and now has competi- live houses in practically every zone. Whether these factors will swing the company into an affiliation is the subject of considerable conjecture. Boyd, a close friend of Adolph Zu- kor for many years, is building his {Continued on Page 2) IND'PTS NOT BANNING FRENCH FILMS--SAPIRO In an effort to counteract any im- pression that might have been gained to the effect that Will H. Hays, in iiis conference with French officials, (Continued on Page 2) Form Trinity Pictures; 12 Features on Program With its 1928-29 program providing 12 features and two 10-episode serials. Trinity Pictures Corp. has been formed to distribute product of (Continued on Page 4) Managers of Educational's 36 ex- changes in the United States and Canada vvill attend the annual sales convention, scheduled for Montreal May 22-24. Headquarters will be at (Continued on Page 2) $3 EXEMPTION BILL IS REPORTED IN SENATE Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The S-enate tax bill, carrying a $3 exem])tion for admis- sions, was reported yesterday to the (Continued on Page 2) "U" Middle West Meet Opening at St. Louis St. Louis — Managers and salesmen from Middle West exchanges have gathered here for the opening of the L^niversal sales convention at the (Continued on Page 2) FOX BUILDING TWO IN Hasltington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Fox will build two large suburban theaters in Wash- ington, similar in size to the Phila- delphia suburbans planned. 4,000 seats each. No information is available re- garding sites, but reports have it that the theaters will be opposition to the Stanley-Crandall holdings. Off Until June Indianapolis — The Unaffili- ated Independent Exhibitors of America of which Frank Rem- busch is secretary will meet in June. Original date was some- time in May, but several states asked for a postponement, ac- cording to Rembusch. THE -^^ DAILY Wednesday. May 2, 1928 ViLXLIVNo.28 Wednesday, May 2, 1928 Price 5 Celts lONN W. AllCOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., s.id copyright (1928) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann. Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer. Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class rtatter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York. N. Y'. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk. 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter. 58, Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Licbtbild-buehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. (s) Am. Seat. . . . (e-b) do 6s 36 . . . Bal. & Katz.. (c) Con. Fm. Ind. (c) do pfd. (s) East. Kodak . *(s) do pfd. ... *(c) Film Insp. . . *(s) First Nat.pfd. (s) Fox Fm. "A", (c) Fox Thea. "A" *(c) Intern. Proj . (b) Keiths 6s 46. (s) do pfd. (s) do com. (s) Loew's com. (s) do pfd. (c) do deb. rts.. (b) do 6s 41ww. (b) do 6s41x-war. *(s) M-G-M pfd.. *(s) M. P. Cap.. *(s) Orph. Cir. . (s) do pfd. (s) Para. F-L ... *(s) do pfd. (b) do 6s 47... (b) Par.By.5/2s51. (s) Pathe (s) do "A" ... (o) Roxy "A" . . . (o) do units . . . (o) do com. (o) Skouras Bros. Stanley Co. . . (o) Technicolor (c) Trans-Lux (o) United Art. . . (o) do pfd. . . . (o) Univ. Ch.com. (o) do pfd. . . . *(c) Univ. Pict. . *(s) do pfd. ... (c) Warner Bros. . (s) do "A" . . . •(c-b) do 6Ks 28.. 82 54 2354 99!^ 17 84% 76f^ 109H 24 lU'/t 102J4 90^ 128% loi" 10254 3/. 13 34 36 65^ 40 42 2y. 3/2 13 80 2 78 24% 34 172% neVi 126 4 106 825^ 23 82 22M 99" 1654 80 J4 75 108% 21W 112'4 101% 90 K 12754 lOOJ^ 1025% 354 13 35 39 7/2 40"^ 41 4 354 15 99 17 84% 75/2 108% 24 112/2 10214 25% 8% 29 90J4 128 10054 10254 354 13 4154 '3% Publix, Fox Continue Stanley Flirtation (.Continued from Page 1) first theater with his own money. One individual said yesterday it was not improbable that Publix at a later day may buy into this and other Boyd projects, thus possibly influ- encing Stanley into an alliance with Publix in order to ward off compe- tition, if for no other reason. Fox will not only build in Phila- delphia but in Washington suburbs as well. There he will buck the Stanley-Crandall holdings. And so, Stanley probably will face another difficult situation. The forecasts are various. Nothing may develop for six months or a year, but eventually some assert Stanley is to have one or more partners. Stanley Plans Another Philadelphia — ^A 4,000-seat house, called the largest in West Philadel- phia, is planned by the Stanley Co. at a cost of $2,000,000. It will be erected at 52nd and Chestnut Sts. Fox, Detroit, Soon Completed Detroit. — The Fox is Hearing com pletion, operations having been de- layed for three months by the struc- tural workers who walked out in sympathy with striking San Fran- cisco workers. Thev have returned 1,400 4,800 3,666 1,400 1,100 24,800 800 1,200 I 3,000 37,000| •, 100 5,200 1 1',666 2,000 900 sou 800 21 97 2454 J454 33% 33% .... 112!^ 200 600 ' Last Prices Quoted. '(b) Bond Market. (c) Curb Market. •(o) Over the Counter (Bid and Asked). m»M'}mMWMmf>. ^reakera ATLANTIC CITY MEW JEIKSEV Preferred— In Summer and all seasons by those who know and wish the best upon either the American or European Plans. Sensible rates withal ! Hillman Management of FILMbn "''""WISliilIll .1^ 1111!!''"' '''"''i I'" Thursdai tfiepiibluKHARi because the smart, modern public knows PARAMOUNT alone is making outstanding entertain- ment, q Hits like ''Beau Geste," "Under- world," "Legion of the Condemned, Last Command," Harold Lloyd in Speedy" (Lloyd prod.. Par. release) have taught them. ^ Bear that thought in mind for 1928-29. ff ff rRADe\,-^'^^3f ^ MARK Paramount MODiriCATION or QUOTA IN FRANCE IN PROSPECI Paris (By Cable) — Modification o the French quota law, possibl' changing the basis to ^seven-to-onJjlijii instead of foiir-to-one,* is indicatt- by the decision to have the Cineni Control Commission reconsider th measure, following a conference b tween Will H. Hays and M. Herrio| An extraordinary session of tl Commission has been called for th morning to take up the matter. Pen ing the issue Hays will remain Paris, with prospects \^ Kansas City — Box office record have been climbing steadily since De cember, basic industries indicate good times ahead and honest statistics on nother 4 4 •* 4 « / — Coast Wire Service- Barsky to Tiffany- Stahl TO ASSIST COAST AT M. H. Hoffman announced yester- day that Bud Barsky, long a pro- ducer in the independent field, had joined Tiffany-Stahl as assistant gen- eral manager. A-ay, iNew lorK. in. i. x uvii-*- w.. — - - 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607.' London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter. 58, Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Licbtbild-buehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Sloman to Direct "Grease Paint" Edward Sloman will next direct Conrad Veidt in "Grease Paint," having temporarily abandoned plans for producing "The Girl on the Barge." Sign George Fawcett George Fawcett has been signed for a role in "Tide of Empire," Peter B. Kyne's novel being filmed by M- G-M. Allan Dwan is directing. Paramount Signs Chandler Lane Chandler has been signed for the role of one of the brothers m "Four Brothers," which Rowland V. Lee is to direct for Paramount. Gary Cooper and Fay Wray have featured roles. Irwin in "The Barker" John Irwin, who played "Sailor West" in the stage show, will por- tray the same role in the First Na- tional version of "The Barker," which stars Milton Sills. ^Btio "Four Walls" in Work John Gilbert has started produc- iion on his "Four Walls." which William Nigh is directing for M,G- Joan Crawford appears in the feminine lead. - Complete "Revenge" Cast With the signing of James Mar- cus, Sunshine Hart, Sam Appel and Marta Golden, the cast of "Re- venge," starring Dolores Del Rio, has been completed. Pathe Preparing Two Pathe has in preparation "Annapo- lis," with Lina Basquette and John Mack Brown, and "Love Over Night," with Jeanette Lof?. Titling Sills' Picture K. C. Robinson will write the titles for "The Hawk's Nest," starring Milton Sills. |rench Films — Sapiro (^Continued from Page 1) 'talking for the entire picture in- Stry, Aaron Sapiro, president of : L M. P. E. A. yesterday cabled an Sapene at Paris. The message id: 'Independent M. P. Exhibitors' Associa- II representing several millions annual film itals wishes you to avoid your reaching iclusion that independent exhibitors of lited States desire to exclude films from ance or other foreign countries. The iducers' organization cannot speak for the exhibitors and does not speak for the blic. The people want good films from sources. Regardless of action of any ler group this associati'on assures you it we will consider importation and ex- lition of desirable pictures at any time." The same cablegram went to Edouard irriot. Minister of Education in France. V^hyte Joins Sapiro Group as Film Buyer (Continued from Page 1) handle the allocation of pictures to ;mbers. Eighteen owners and circuits, oper- ng 79 theaters in Great New York, now affiliated with the associa- "Ark" in Sixth Week Noah's Ark" is now in its si.xth week of production. Nora Lane Signed Nora Lane has been signed for the lead opposite Fred Thomson in "Kit Carson." Cast for Gilbert Film Anna Spanier has been cast for a part in "Four Walls." Role for Russian Actor Michael Vavitch has been signed by First National to play in "The Divine Lady." ducational Set For Three-Day Meet (Continued from Page 1) Mount Royal Hotel, Montreal. 3scar Hanson, Canadian general nager, and his six branch man- ors will welcome those attending I convention. Executives from tlie (lie office who will accompany uaiMici UCIliilU iiic spCilK- . , ,„. . picture was later screened at the Windsor where it was enthusiastically received. Richard A. Rowland is acting as chairman of the sessions. $3 Rxemotion Bill Se ch: ior fig als to tei po prl wl av th: sh; Releasing "Mother's Day" Film "Thoughts for Mother's Day" is be- ing distributed by James A. Fitz- Patrick for shovi'ings the week start- ing the second Sunday in May. O. B. Sheppard Dies Toronto — O. B. Sheppard, prom- inent theater owner, is dead at the age of 79. Form Trinity Pictures; Features on Program (Continued from Page 1) several independent California pro- ducers. Sponsoring the organization are Frank S. Mattison, Charles U. Penfield and Charles Hall. Concerns to release through Trinity will in- clude Hercules Film Productions, Pacific Pictures Corp., Sovereign Serial Productions and Mayfair Pic- tures. Four features and one serial are ready. The features are "Better Days," with Dorothy Devore; "The Little Wild Girl," with Lila Lee; "The Old Age Handicap," with Gareth Hughes; "A Gentleman Pre- ferred," with Gaston Glass. George O'Hara is featured in the serial en- titled "Pirates of the Pines." Howard S. Hummell, sales manager, is on the road, closing franchises. / do "A" .. Roxy "A" . . do units . . do com. . . Skouras Bros Stanley Co. . Technicolor Trans-Lux United Art. . do pfd. TTlllir Ph rn^ 13 34 36 40 42 3/2 13 80 2^ 13 35 39 40/2 41 4 3K 15 85 13 Alii 500 800 Boyd and Hale Vacationing Having completed "The Cop." William Boyd and Alan Hale are in Northern California on a vacation. "I Coi run wil "Snapshots" for Keaton Buster Keaton's first comedy un- der his M-G-M contract will be "Snapshots." Christie Signs'^ATCohn .\1 Cohn has been signed by Al Christie to handle adaptations on the Oiristie-Douglas MacLean features for Paramount release. Duryea with M-G-M George Duryea will play the lead in "Tide of Empire," which Metro- Goldwyn-Mayer is producing. Graham Titling "Roulette" Garrett Graham will title "Rou- lette," Richard Barthelmess' latest. JOHN WATERS DIRECTOR Just Completed His Eleventh. Picture at Paramount 'THE VANISHING PIONEER" (By Zane Grey) Starring Jack Holt w NowinOur New Home The Warner Theatre Buildiiig HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. LICHTIG & ENGLANDER Better Service to Producers and Artists HARRY SPINGLER, Associate French Tangle May Unravel; Hays Conferring o/'FILMDOM ^ ALL THE NEWS ALL THE TIME ^ VOL. XLIV No. 29 Thursday, May 3, 1928 Price 5 Cents BROOKHART BILL DEAD Protection THE time is approaching to check it. Day by day, this problem of protection as- sumes more aggravating form. It is merely a question of being generous enough with the rope before the theater situation gets itself tied up in sailor's and sev- eral other kinds of knots. And when the unraveling process be- gins, as it must sooner or later, the yelps will be h'?ard from one end of the industry to the other. Distributors interested in the theater business will have to share the responsibility for. in the majority of cases, it is their exhibition affiliations which are insisting and obtaining ridicu- lous protection over subsequent runs. What B. & K. is getting away with in Chicago and most of the sovereign state of Illinois is merely one example of a con- dition that may now be termed general throughout the States. Rights and Wrongs .\ny normally sound individual will agree that Class .A. theaters de- serve protective privileges. They usually pay rather handsomely for their films and, therefore, it is hard- ly fair for a competitor to trail in on the very peak of the big operators' advertising. But, aside from the fact that producer-distributor partners ari- willing accessories to the slaughter. we have yet to be given one sound reason why key city runs are entitled to protection for 60 days over a ter- ritory radiating 25 miles in all direc- tions, for example. Waves of Discontent It is unfair, inequitable and all wet. The practice, which is being coun- tenanced by some distributors be- cause they can't help themselves and by others because they own part of the theaters, is stirring up a wave of indignation at many points. By every right of fair play to the great mass of exhibitors it should be stopped. KANN MODITICATION or QUOTA iHARBOIID SAYS R.C.A. IN FRANCE IN PROSPECT Paris (By Cable) — Modification of the French quota law, possibly changing the basis to seven-to-one, instead of four-to-one.' is indicated by the decision to have the Cinema Control Commission reconsider the measure, following a conference be- tween Will H. Hays and M. Herriot An extraordinary session of the Commission has been called for this morning to take up the matter. Pend- ing the issue Hays will remain in Paris, with prospects of his sailing (Continued on Page 3) Woodhull Hits Sanim New Spanish Company Formed Barcelona — With offices at Barce lona and Buenos Aires, a Spanish South American production and dis- tribution unit has been formed with capital of 1,000,000 pesos. The or- ganization will operate as Hispant^ Americano Manzanera. CONTROLS FBO; DENIED Control of FBO has been acquired by Radio Corp. of America, (ieneral James G. Harbord said at the an- nual meeting of stockholders, adding that the deal was made in order to secure a direct outlet for its sound pictures. Denial of such a deal was made by FBO yesterday. In speaking of the deal with FBO, Harbord remarked other leading dis- tributors approached the radio com- pany on the proposition but their response was not as encouraging as "it might have been." Film Developing Process Promises More Economy Prospects of greater economy ir film developing are in view with thi announcement that M-G-M is to ex periment at its Coast studios with ; process for handling films without chemicals. "Drugless" film is now being experimented with in Philadel- phia by the "Public Ledger." So far SAPIRO CROUP READY to AID DEP'T OF JUSTICE UP TO 74; LISTS THREE ROADSHOWS Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Paramount's pro- gram for 1928-29. announced in de- tail yesterday at its annual sales con- vention here, totals 74 features, in- cluding three roadshows and about 200 short subjects including Para- mount News. The roadshows will be: "The Pa- triot," an Ernst Lubitsch production starring Fniil Jannings, with Flor- ence \^idor. Lewis Stone and Xeil Hamilton: "Wings," and "Ab'e's (Coniinued on Page i) The Independent M. P. E.\iiibitors' .■\ss'n has volunteered to aid the De- partment of Justice in the contem- plated suit against Hays members .md Film Boards of Trade. Aaron Sapiro, it is understood, has been yrithering data from his exhibitor nic:nbers on arbitration operations in the New York territory which he will turn over to government coun- sel should they express a desire to have it. Banquet Final Feature of Paramount Convention Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington— Paramount brought to a close its annual sales convention last night with a banquet which at- tracted a special carload of home office executives to this city from New "\'ork. Otto H. Kahn was toastniaster and the guests of honor included Vice-President Dawes. Sec- retary of Commerce Hoover. Secre- tary of the Navy Wilbur. Comman- der Richard Byrd and Senator Rob- inson. The attendance of these per- sonages made it the most notable (Continued on Pape 3) Senator Sees No Chance For Action Before Congress Adjourns IVashington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — .■Ml hope of securing Senate action on block booking legis- lation has been abandoned by Sen- ator Brookhart of Iowa, author, be- cause of the short time remaining before adjournment. Discussing the situation with the Washington representative of THE FILM DAILY, Brookhart pointed out that with Senator Watson of Indiana, chairman of the committee, engaged in campaigning and not to return to Washington until probably May 10, it will be practically impos- sible to secure any action before ad- journment of Congress, which is an- ticipated for early June. Upon Wat- son's return to Washington, Brook- hart will seek to have the bill taken up by the committee in the hope that a report may be made this year. ERA OF PROSPERITY FOR ALL FORECAST BY FEIST Kansas City — Box ofificc records have been climbing steadily since De- cember, basic industries indicate good times ahead and honest statistics on business conditions presage another era of prosperity, comparable to that enjoyed by the industry during the war, Felix F. Feist told the Mid- (Continued on Page 8) ADMISSIONS TAX DROPS FOR 9-MONTH PERIOD Washington BMreau of THE FILM DAILY Washington, D. C. — Admission taxes to theaters and other places of amusement during nine months end- ed March 31, last, totaled $13,003,838, against $13,352,570 in the correspond- ing period of the preceding year, ac- cording to the Internal Revenue Bu- reau. Between 1924 and 1927 admis- sion to theaters, etc., declined from $77,712,523 to $1,940,636. THE i^^ DAILY Thursday, May 3, 1928 VgL XIIV No. 29 Thursday, May 3, 1928 Price 5 Cents lOHN N. ALICOATE PUBLISHER Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1928) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann. Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer. Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class itatter. May 21, 1918, at the post-offic« at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terras (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. SIO.OO ene year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should renMt with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York. N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredraan, The Film Renter. 58, Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Licbtbild-buehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Financial (s) Am. Seat. . . . (c-b) do 6s 36. . . * ^ ■ Bai: & Katz . . (c) Con. Fm. Ind. (c) do pf d. (s) East. Kodak. . *(s) do pfd. ... *(o) Film Insp. . . (s) First Nat. pfd. (s) Fox Fm. "A", (c) Fox Thea. "A" *(e) Intern. Proj.. (b) Keiths 6s 46.. («) do com. (s) do pfd. (s) Loew's com. . . (s) do pfd (b) do 6s 41ww. (b) do 6s41x-war. (s) M-G-M pfd. . . (s) M. P. Cap.. *(s) Orph. Cir. .. *(s) do pfd. . . . (s) Para. F-L . . . *(s) do pfd. . . . (b) do 6s 47... (b) Par.By.5Hs51. (s) Pathe (s) do "A" ... (b) do 7s 37... (o) Roxy "A" (o) do units . . . (o) do com. . . . (o) Skouras Bros. Stanley Co. . . (o) Technicolor (c) Trans-Lux . . . (o) United Art. . . (9) do pfd. . . . (d) Univ. Ch.com. (0) do pfd. . . . *(c) Univ. Pict. . *(s) do pfd. ... (c) Warner Bros. . (s) do "A" ... *(c-b) do 6Ks 28.. High 42'^ 10SJ4 ie" 24^ 179J^ 106 825^ 2i% 99" 16^ 84 M 75^8 109 112'4 10254 26 9 Low 42K 105M ie" 24!/^ 177'^ 106 8m 22yi 99" 84 74 108^ 11214 lOlM 26 9 Close Sales 42K 100 105^ 1,000 16 24/2 200 1,800 178H 6.500 126 4 106 100 8254 3,100 2354 20,200 128!4 127!4 101 102}4 VA 13 6634 36 40 9 40 45 13 80 2 78 25 an 100^ 1025/^ 35i 13 65 38 42 10 40 K 41M 4 354 15 85 99 I6/2 84 74 108 !4 11254 lom 26 9 29 9034 127% 12m 101 102J4 35^ 13 65 3,000 600 200 4,600 200 1,000 12,000 100 200 3,600 6,666 10,000 400 200 4,000 43 .... '354 •2,166 85 21 97 24^ 25 3354 33 5/6 .... 11254 2,400 400 * Last Prices Quoted. (b) Bond Market. (c) Curb Market. (0) Over the Counter (Bid and Asked), (s) Stock Exchange. NOTE: Balaban & Katz is listed in Chicago; Skouras, St. Louis; Stanley, Philadelphia. Secure State Rights Chicago — B. W. Beadell and Major Boening have secvred rights to "The Port of Missing G.'rls" for Northern Ilhnois and Indiana. They have opened offices at 835 So. Wabash Ave. Chesterfield Lists 8 for 1928-29 Season Eight features are announced bj' Chesterfield for 1928-29. They are: "The Adorable Cheat," by Arthur Hoerl, directed by Burton King, with Lila Lee; "The House of Shame," by Lee Authmar; "Campus Knights," a college story by Ber- nard Anthony; "Circumstantial Evidence," a drama by Adeleine Leitzbach; "South of Panama." adventure story by Lee McConn- ville; "Below the Deadline," underworld yarn by Ada Lee; "The Roaring Forties," Broadway drama by Fanny D'Morgal; and "The Peacock Fan," mystery story by Ar- thur Hoerl. Sues Toledo Paramount Toledo, O. — Chris Daniels, owner of the Grand Hotel, has started suit for $25,000 against the Toledo Para- mount organization, claiming damages to his hotel during excavation work on the old Paramount theater site next door. He obtained a temporary restraining order against further oper- ations until settlement. Arkansas Convention Closes Little Rock, Ark. — A large per- centage of the 300 members of the M.P.T.O. of Arkansas attended the semi-annual convention which has just closed at the Hotel LaFayette, concluding the two-day gathering with a banquet. Orchestraphone was demonstrated. T. A. Br anon Reinstated by Atlanta Film Board Atlanta — Thomas A. Branon, president of Eltabran Film Co., has been reinstated by the Film Board to membership in full standing, de- spite the fact that his injunction suit against the board is still pending. Branon declines to comment upon the vote reinstating him, declaring he deems it improper to discuss the case as no hearing on the court case has been held. Late in March he secured a temporary restraining or- der nullifying the board's action in expelling him from membership. CLEVELAND EXHIBITORS SEE HIGHER ADNISSK Von Sternberg Returning Josef Von Sternberg returns to New York today after attending the Para- mount convention at Washington. He will remain in New York about 10 days and will be joined within a few days by Jules Furthman, scenarist, who is to work on Von Sternberg's next picture, a George Bancroft vehicle. Cleveland — Higher admissions are seen as an outcome of present sell- ing methods and, in order to lessen the burden to the public, the Brook- hart bill should be supported, rep- resentatives of the Cleveland M. P. Exhibitor Ass'n told the Federated Women's Clubs at a meeting during which Carl Milliken's recent remarks on block booking were refuted. Milliken had stated block blind booking is like buying a subscription to a magazine— that exhibitors can buy pictures one at a time instead of in a block if they desire and if they want to pay more for them. George W. Erdmann and M. B. Horwitz spoke in behalf of the ex- hibitor organization and explained that a inagazine is available to every- body sinuiltaiicously, that it is pur- chased to please only the buyer, and that a subscription is a convenience to the subscriber rather than a money saver. Pictures are available to exhibitors in turn, they are bought to please a multitude, not an indi- vidual, and "fill a community want rather than a personal want. Single pictures are not available to exhibitors, Erdmann said, giving a specific example of an exhibitor who tried to buy one picture from a na- tional exchange without success. Not even for added price could the pic- ture be bought out of a block. He added block and blind booking is the reason for many poor pictures and for many unsuitable pictures for given locations. Sapiro, Ampas Guest Aaron L. Sapiro, president of the I. M. P. E. A., will speak at the A. ii- M. P. A. luncheon today at the Cafe Boulevard. _ "Tempest" Opening May 17 "Tempest," starring John Barry- more, will have its world premiere Thursday night. May 17, at the Em- bassy, New York. It will succeed "Two Lovers." FOR RENT Spacious private office, also outside space. With or without stenographers service. Reasonable rent. All in- quiries confidential. Box M-391 c/o Film Daily 1650 Broadway New York City National Film of Berlin Denies Sale to Warners Berlin (By Wireless) — Control of National Film has not passed to the Warners, according to the former. Both organizations are associated in a deal for German production and distribution. Columbia, 39th For Reade Acquiring his 39th theater, Walter Reade has added the Columbia, New York burlesque theater, to his chain. He will continue the Columbia as a burlesque house for two years and then convert it into a "legit" theater. Sunday Shows for Lawrenceville Lawrenceville, 111. — The recent election of all aldermanic candidates avoring Sunday shows indicates an overwhelming vote for the open Sunday here. Radin Joins Gotham "Matty" Radin has joined Gotham as Eastern sales manager. Radin is a pioneer exhibitor, exchangeman and sales executive. George Steele in New Post Birmingham, Ala. — George Steele, for four years connected with the In- terstate Amusement Co., is now manager of the Trianon. Ufa Signs Jina Manes Berlin — Jina Manes has signed with Ufa, making "Looping the Loop" as the first. Morton Play in Films London — Michael Morton's "Rem- nant," has been completed. NowinOui The Warner T' Changes in Schine Personnel Gloversville, N. Y. — The Schine interests have made several changes in personnel. L. J. Carkey, who has been in charge in Watertown, has been made manager of the newly- created Mohawk Valley district. Howard Lickey, manager of the Lib- erty at Herkimer, has been appoint- ed exploitation supervisor. Joseph Settle is temporarily in charge of the Liberty. H O L L Y W O ^^ AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Theatrei Standard Vaudeville. Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3580 A GOLD MINE OF INFORMATION 1000 Pages Cloth Bound FREE TO Film Daily SUBSCRIBERS COVERS EVERYTHING GOES EVERYWHERE THE Thursday, May 3, 1928 Paramount Schedule Raised to 74 Features (Continued from Pane 1) Irish Rose." The 25 specials will be: "The Wedding March," directed hy Ericli von Stroheim, with Fay Wray; "The Man Who Never Missed," starring Emil Jannings ami directed by Lothar Mendes; "KUis Island," another Jannings vehicle; "Beggars of Lite," Wallace Beery starring vehicle with Louise Brooks and Richard Arlcn, directed by William Wellman; "The Tong War," an other Beery picture; "The Canary "Murder Case." a story by S. S. Van Dine, with William Powell; "The Crime of Interfer ence," directed by Rowland V. Lee with Evelyn Brent, Clive Brook and William Powell; "The Letter," based on W. Somer- set Maugham's stage play and featuring Evelyn Brent and Clive Brook; "Tahiti Nights," co-featuring Brent and Brook; "Glorifying the American Girl," superviseil liy Florenz Zicgfeld, with Louise Brooks and Nancy Carroll; "The Perfumed Trap," di- rected by Victor Schcrtzinger with Clive Brook, Mary Brian and William Powell; "The Wolf Song," directed by Victor Flem ing with Gary Cooper; "Dirigible," which William Wellman will make from a story by John Monk Saunders; "The Man I Love," co-featuring Richard Arlen and Nancy Car- roll, Mai St. Clair directing; "The Hard- Boiled Angel," with Gary Cooper and Nancy Carroll; "Living Together," with Richard Arlen, Mary Brian and Chester Conklin; "The Upstart Gentleman," featuring Rich ard Arleti and iLiry Brian; "Three Week Ends." "The Fleet's In" and "The Satur- day Night Kid," all three with Clara Bow; "Redskin" and "Unconquered," Richard Dix vehicles; "The Case of Lena Smith." star- ring Esther Ralston; "The Water Hole." starring Jack Holt and directed by John Waters; "Behind the German Lines," for- eign picture. Other features scheduled include: "Warming Up" and "Moran of the Mar- ines," with Richard Dix; "The Docks of New York" and "Swag," both George Ban croft vehicles, and two more Bancroft stor- ies not yet selected; four starring Belie Daniels; "The Sawdust Trail," "High So ciety," both starring Esther Ralston, and two more with this star to be announced later; "Avalanche," "Sunset Pass" and a third story, all featuring Jack Holt; "Loves of an Actress" Pola Negri vehicle directed by Rowland Y. Lee, and "Fedora," Negri story directed by Ludwig Berger; "The First Kiss," with Fay Wray and Gary Cooper; "Divorce Bound," with Florence Vidor starred; four starring Charles Rogers, one being "Bulldog Yale," which Frank Tuttle will make; three co-featuring James Hall and Ruth "Taylor; three with Adolphe Menjou, the first being "His Private Life." From outside producers will be taken one, and possibly two from Harold Lloyd, and two from Christie, starring Douglas Mac Lean, the first being tentatively titled. "Wanted — A Woman." The foreign list in- cludes "Huntingtower," with Harry Lau der, made by Welsh. Pearson and Co. in England, and "The Model of Montmartre." directed in France by Leonce Perrett with Ivan Petrovitch. Approximately 200 shorts will be released. This number includes 104 issues of Para- mount News, 32 two-reel Christie comedies; two two-reel Edward Everett Horton com- edies; 26 one-reel Krazy Kat cartoons, 26 one-reel Inkwell Imp cartoons and 12 two- reel "Great Stars and Authors." -;x^. DAILV ^ Banquet Final Feature P of Paramount Convention (Continued from Page 1) film banquet ever held, its sponsors claim. The business end of the convention was staged behind closed doors at the Carlton. In addition to a discussion of the new program, "The Dragnet" and "The Patriot" were shown. Conditions in the foreign field, short features and news reels were discussed by E. E. Shauer, head of the foreign department. He said that Paramount now has 105 offices and 3,000 employees abroad. For- eign conditions are not as good as they might be, he said, although Paramount can claim an increase for the past year. Emanuel Cohen said that Paramount N'ews is now K'>'i»K to 45 foreign countries and i.s trans- lated into 29 languages, with nine permanent and nine occasional edi- tions. Jesse L. Lasky and Sidney K. Kent addressed the convention during various sessions. In part, Kahn said: ".As one who in the past has not infrequently found liimself at odds with the methods and the products of Hollywood, 1 view with particular satisfaction the new spirit which is making itself felt in the cinematic field. Not that we are in sight, as yet, of the ideal combination of 50 per cent business and 50 per cent art, but when you consider that the early standards were — and{ perhaps had to be — at least 90 per cent commercial, the ad- vance is full of promise." Kearney, Neb., for Sunday Shows Kearney, Neb. — By a vote of 1,70U for and 1,578 against, the proposed ordinance, favoring Sunday shows has been passed. Clark, S. D. — This town will vote soon upon the Sunday show question. Sentiment is strongly in favor of the proposition. McNeiU With "Movie Age" Omaha — H. N. McNeill has been appointed editor and manager of "Movie Age," succeeding Margaret Foley. Authorize Roxy Dividend A dividend of an initial quarterly rate of 87)4 cents a share on Class "A" stock was declared by Rox> Theaters yesterday. This stock is entitled to preferential cumulative dividends of $3.50 a share annually. New Spanish Company Formed Barcelona — With offices at Barce- lona and Buenos Aires, a Spanish- South American production and dis- tribution unit has been formed with capital of 1,000,000 pesos. The or- ganization will operate as Hispani.' Americano Manzanera. Film Developing Process Promises More Economy Prospects of greater economy in film developing are in view with the announcement that M-G-M is to ex- periment at its Coast studios with a process for handling films without chemicals. "Drugless" film is now being experimented with in Philadel- phia by the "Public Ledger." So far it is only in the form of "wet plate" film for photo-engraving, but, made in the proper emulsion, might be practical for motion picture film, ac- cording to John Nickolaus, head of the M-G-M laboratories. And That's That By PHIL M. DALY A.\ Knglish class at the Columbia University School of Journalism is going to get a slant on how pic- ture publicity is handled. Warren Xolan of United .Vrtists will give 'eiii the angles. Paul Ash, whom Publix terms the "Rajah of Jazz," will be "natural- ized" as a real Broadway ite at the Crystal Room of the Ritz Carlton at midnight May 9 when a multitude of celebrities will officially welcome him to Manhattan. It's in connec- tion with his beginning an indefinite eyigagement as M. C. at the Para- mount. Douglas, Ariz., had the pleasure of seeing a star "shot" for the first time. He is Rex Bell, new Fox cowboy illuminary, who went there on locatibn for "Wild West Ro- mance." Mrs. V. G. Purvis, organist in a New York little art theater, knows something about smurt showman- ship. When she found that the fea- ture was "terrible" she decided to "kid" it along with her score, and consequently the picture went over bifi, with the newspajiers howling their approval. The distinction of being the first theater architect to qualify as a cin- ema critic goes to Victor A. Rigau- .nont, for his "technical review" of r'athe's "Skyscraper," published in the "N. Y. Sunday Times." Rigau- mont declared the opus a true de- piction of happenings during a big structural job. Fox Directors Arrive Two Fox directors arrived in New York yesterday from the Coast. Irv- ing Cumniings left immediately for New Bedford, Mass., to make ex- teriors for "La Gringa." James Tin- ling will spend a week in New York to shoot on "Red Lights and Green." Col. Levy in Town CoL Fred Levy, of Louisville, is in New York for a brief stay. Universal's New York exchange boasts of real acting talent, with Esther Furlong, popular telephone operator, playing the ingenue lead in "The Family Upstairs," which is to be presented at the Moose Hall, As- toria, L. I. There is at least one comedy star who does not yearn to forsake the short field for feature length pro- ductions and that star is Charley Chase, Hal Roach comedian. Modification of Quota in Prospect (Continued from Page 1) for New York Saturday on the Bcr- engaria. American film companies have decided not to take final steps f(jr the suspension of activities in l'"rance until the Conmiission makes known its decision. In promising American coopera- tion, Hays said that French produc- tions would be given generous con- sideration, providing coercive features were removed. Herriot is under- stood to favor a less severe form ' '^^ 5»V*'^ olA .i^-v^' ?'■ t » ur:^ •|T W.. 0/ .: I f/):- .f^/D. DAILV Thursday, May 3, 1928 Coast Wire Service Cameramen Organizing? REPORTED DiSSATISfP WITH WORKING HOiS Coast cameramen are attending meetings designed to bring about the formation of a Coast branch of the New York cameramen's union. They are reported as dissatisfied with the length of present working hours. I.A.T.S.E. Chief Denies Cameramen Will Organize National operating body of the I. A. T. S. E. will not give West Coast camermen a charter and the right to unionize separately, despite reports, according to William F. Canavan, I. A. T. S. E. president, who yester- day stated in New York that he had "no intention of giving ,-( charter to the cinematographers of Hollywood studios. All authority in the photographic field will continue to rest with Local No. 644, of New York." Eddie Phillips Signed Universal has signed Eddie Phil- lips to a new long term contract. Phillips first came into prominence through his work in "Collegians." Nelson on "U" Serial Jack Nelson has been assigned by Universal to direct "The Diamond Master," a serial. It is an original by Jacques Futrelle. The First Collegian "Climb, Benson, Climb" will be the title of the first of the new se- ries of "Collegians," which Universal is planning. George Lewis and Dor- othy Gulliver have principal roles. Murray to Star in Four Under a one-year contract signed with First National, Charlie Murray will be starred in four comedies. Cruze Dickering with Players James Cruze is negotiating with Ricardo Cortez, Louise Dresser, Bes- sie Love and Gaston Glass to play in his independent productions. Fitzgerald to Make 8 Artclass will release eight features to be directed by James A. Fitzgerald. Colman in "Tale of Two Cities"; Brenon Directing Ronald Colman's initial starring vehicle for Samuel Goldwyn will be "Tale of Two Cities." Lilli Demiti, Goldwyn's newest "discovery," will sail from Germany May 5 to play opposite in this picture, which Her- bert Brenon will direct. Chaney in "Willow Walk" Sinclair Lewis' novel, "Willow Walk," is to be one of Lon Chaney's starring vehicles for the coming season. Austin Going to England William Austin will leave Holly- wood early in June to spend two months on vacation in England. Exteriors in Maryland Rowland V. Lee, with John Far- row and Sidney Street, have left Hol- lywood for St. Martin's, Maryland, to prepare for arrival on May 18 of Fay Wray, Gary Cooper and sup- porting cast in "The First Kiss." Miller and Gray Teamed Patsy Ruth Miller and Lawrence Gray have started work on "Mar- riage of Tomorrow," which Tiflfany- Stahi is producing. Her First Part Vonceil Viking, who rode from New York to Los Angeles on horse- back in 120 days, has been cast in her first picture for Universal, "Rid- in' Romance," under direction of Henry MacRae. Ted Wells will be starred. "U" Plans Stunt Westerns One of the three series of two- reel productions to start at Universal May 15 will be the "Stunt Cowboy" group, starring Bob Curwood. JOHN WATERS DIRECTOR Just Completed His Eleventh Picture at Paramount "THE VANISHING PIONEER" (By Zane Grey) Starring Jack Holt Plan Television Service A radio television broadcasting service, covering North America, is planned by an American syndicate which has purchased the Canadian, United States and Mexican rights of the Baird Television Development Co. of London. The organization, which will probably be called the American-Baird Television Corp., will conduct its first demonstration between New York and London within 60 days. Television For Radio Sets? Television will be incorporated in radio sets for amateurs within a month in this country, according to Nathan Feldstern of the American Radio Stores and Herbert Z. Pokers, who said that they represent Amer- ican capital which had purchased rights to television patents for ihis continent. They have just arrived in New York from England. "Ramona" Next at Rivoli "Ramona" will follow "Speedy" at the Rivoli. Lou Lusty, formerly of the Rialto and Rivoli, has been en- gaged by Inspiration to publicize the picture during its New York engage- ment. Offer Reward for Slayer Chicago — Rewards totaling $1,000 are being offered by the City Coun- cils of this city and Berwyn for ap- prehension of the three bandits, one of whom killed Pearl Eggleston, usher at the Ritz, Berwyn. E. H. Forbes Made Manager Detroit— E. H. Forbes has bf-en appointed branch manager of the Na- tional Theater Supply, succeedmg R. G. Colvin, who has been transferred to Kansas City as sales representative for Kansas. De Duisin Joins Columbia Appointment of A. V. de Duisin as special foreign representative is announced by Columbia. He has left New York on a sales trip through South America. Bern Arrives from Coast Paul Bern, assistant to Irving Thalberg at M-G-M, arrived in New York yesterday, and will return to the Coast with Thalberg, who ar- rives back from Europe next week. Named 55th St. Manager Edward Sullivan has been ap- pointed manager of the 55th Street Playhouse, with John Balaber as his assistant. Marguerite Clayton Sailing Marguerite Clayton sails tomorrow night on the Homeric. She will ap- pear in pictures in Europe. Reese Joins Paramount Omaha— Carl Reese has resigned from the Des Moines Universal branch to go with Paramount here. State at Fairmoimt Closing Fairmount, Minn. — Finkelstein & Ruben and W. L. Nicholas have pur- chased the State. It will be closed. CHANGES REPORTED BY | FILM BOARDS OF TRADE Continued ILLINOIS New Theaters Brownstown — Lone Star ; Chicago — Regal (47th & Grand Ave.) ; Franklin— New Palace. Re-Openings Armstrong — Armstrong ; Harvard — ^Majestic ; Industry — The Industry ; Nauvoo — Com- munity ; Thayer — Opera House. Changes in Ownership Cambria — ^American, sold to Everett Smith by J. R. Jones; Chicago — Clybourne, sold to W. W. Okun by Louis Fleischer; Lawndale, sold to State Congress Amuse. Co. by R. C. Amuse. Co. ; Lyda, sold to Morris Hellman by C. W. Spanuth; New Home, sold to T. Savik & A. Kimak by Jim Best; Rosette, sold to L. W. Chlinger by Bayers & Kryzlowski; Clayton ^Pastime, sold to A. P. Kniss by H. S. Toops; E. St. Louis — Waverly, sold to Jos. Blowitz by Dr. Geo. Hobbs; Grand Tower — Star, sold to Chas. E. Adams by Williams & Koopman; Harvard — Majestic, sold to Nat Wayne by Arthur Leavitt; Hurst— The Hurst, sold to Ed Deasou by Hurst Theater Co. ; Industry — The In- dustry ; Jacksonville — Majestic, sold to Jacksonville Theater Co. by G. M. Luttrel; La SaUe— Colonial, sold to E. H. Stiffel by Joe Marchesi; La iSalle — La Salle, sold to Great States Theaters by Fischer Para- mount Theaters; Mark — ^The Mark, sold to Pio & Al Zanardi by Basil Ferrari; Moline — iPalace, sold to M. W. Madison by Joe Hopp ; Odin — Grand, sold to John Locken by D. J. Palmier; Orion — The Orion, sold to Ted Russell by H. V. Conover ; Quincy — Princess, sold to Mul- inex & Ziegler by Abe P. Werbner; St. Ann — Opera House, sold to B. E. Spauld- ing by Mrs. E. Bruellete; Villa Park— The Park, sold to D. Sachsel by A. J. Cooper. Closings Franklin — New Palace and Princess; Hums — The J J ; Industry — Gayety. INDIANA New Theaters Blooming ton — ^Ritz. Openings Redkey — Lyric. Changes in Ownership Anderson — Apollo, sold to Bennett & Mc- Milan by Mrs. Featherstone ; Booneiville — •Opera House, sold to Cussman by Forrest; Indianapolis— Circle, Indiana and Ohio, sold to Publix & Skouras Bros, by Cir- cle Theater Co. ; Jewell, sold to Stone & Rosenburg by L. Goulden; Lincoln, sold to Joseph Clausner by V. E. Ehirkle; PaJace. sold to Loew by Keith; Kokoma— Grand and Paramount, sold to Hoosier Theater Co. by Paramount Amuse Co. ; Indiana and Sipe, sold to Young Amuse. Co. by H. F. McNevin; Muncie — Colum- Theaters of Ohio; Oxford — Princess, sold bia, sold to T. C. Lacey by Associated to A. Hickman by H. Atkinson; Peru — Colonial and Grand, sold to E. T. Goll by Don Hammer ; South Bend — Honey, moon, sold to C. W. Rohn by I. B. Lukaszewski; Terre Haute — ^Indiana and Western, sold to I. Libson. Closings Coalraont — ^Palace; Colfax — Arcade; Harlan —Variety; Hamlet— Idle Hour; Milford— Comus. LOUISIANA Changes in Ownership Farmersville— Davis, sold to C. E. Baker bj A. L. Davis; Jena — La Salle, sold to D N. Whetley by A. P. Cloud; Lecompte- Rialto, sold to Frank De Grauw by W L. Brown ; New Orleans — Reo, sold ti Lacy & Fitzmorris by Dresel & Miller St. Maurice, sold to Eisworth & Strai: by O. M. Herbert; Rajrville-^Mecca, solj to Insley & Graw by J. A. Mc Knight; Shreveport — Union, sold to Gillian & Haiji field by O. M. Dale. Closings Coushatta — Dixie; Grammercy — Bradjj Jonesville — Liberty, I Tenth Anniversary Number of The Film Daily Adding a T'wo-Hundred Page Volume oS Historical Value and Human Interest to the Library oS All Picture People To Every Theater and Newspaper — Out May 24th DAILY Thursday, May 3, 1928 THE adjectives are being spilled to the four winds, with indications that there will be a run on diction- aries for the next month, now that the sales conventions arc under way. ♦ ♦ * "Get a load of this," proud sales managers are telling their sales forces, as they bubble with enthu- siasm over the good things they have in store for next season. :^ * * Many of the boys are on a merry- go-round, trying to figure out what it's all about, for they've got a thor- ough study of the new uniform con- tract to add to their labors, before hitting the trail, urged by the great incentive and bugaboo — quota. ♦ * 4> A lot of exhibitors should be tak- ing courses in gymnastics in prep- aration for what's to come. They'll have cramps from signing contracts, if the pep being shown by the var- ious film peddlers is carried through the selling season. ♦ * * Time was when a salesman could enjoy the summer, without being pushed to the limit, for he could be backing up for a fresh start in the fall, which was the official start of the season. ♦ * * However, them days are gone for- ever, for they've been advancing the selling season by leaps and bounds, to a point where they threaten to overlap. They're announcing the 1928-29 product now, and if the season keeps moving ahead, it will be but a few months before the 1929-30 push is on. ♦ ♦ ♦ If that takes place, a salesman will have to hire a secretary to keep track of the calendar, and an exhibitor will need a few more date books to keep track of what he has bought. ♦ * ♦ Then if he gets into a jam, the exchange can base its arbitration case on years rather than pictures. « * * M-G-M's lion is roaring, now that the sales conventions are under way. There was a ton of pep displayed at the Pittsburgh convention and now the gang in the Middle West and Far West is meeting at Kansas City. ♦ ♦ * At Pittsburgh, the convention hall at the Penn was gaily decorated with stars, most prominent of which was the M-G-M lion, Leo, labelled as the greatest star of them all. ♦ ♦ * Forty-four features, 72 shorts and the News comprise the line-up, and the boys are rarin' to go. Fifteen hundred new accounts this year, and still stepping fast. Keep your eye on those lion tamers. ♦ * * Lou Metzger's go-getters in the East wound up their first regional meeting at Atlantic City Sun- day. Most people go to the seaside resort for a rest, but there hasn't been any lying down by the Uni- versal crowd. It's been hit-the-ball from the start, and they're strain- ing at the leash. These Here Conventions FROM the time the mayor present- ed Lou Metzger the keys to tlic city until the close, the boys were much on their toes. They've got a real edge, because of Carl Laemmle'p achievement in having 26 pictures completed before May 1. * * * Paramount Pep is now very much in evidence at Washington where Sid Kent has swung into action in the first of three sales conven- tions to be held by the company. Seveyity-four pictures, he will tell the boys, is their ammunition for the new year. 25 of these are spe- cials, and he's shouting to the world that the company's out for its big- gest year. * * * One of the best bits of news to gladden Paramount salesmen's hearts, is that "Wings" goes out on the program next year. Hot diggity- dog, what a selling argument with a picture like that to rave about. Par- amount officials go to Detroit and San Francisco after the Washington meeting, to bring the old pep mes- sage to salesmen of the Middle and Far West. 4< >i< * However, they'll find that the good news has preceded them, so these two succeeding conventions should be wows. if * * Watch Warners, is good advice for Warners is first under the wire, having completed its convention the other day. All division and branch heads of the United States and Ca- nada were in New York to cheer Sam Morris' announcement of product for 1928-29. * * * Harry Warner sounded the key- note of what might be expected, when he tvarned the gang that junk was out, stating that the company line-up for next year is class-plus. People expect a lot in pictures these days, and Warners will give it to them, he said. ^L ^ * What a hotsy-totsy feeling to know they'll have Jolson to sell again next year, plus Fanny Brice and the rest of the Warners. >•< * <*■ They've hit the road, this gang which piled up such a flock of play- dates for Sam Morris Month in May, and they're prepared to deliver. * * :(< In Chicago, Tiffany-Stahl cam- paign managers had difficulty hold- ing the boys in check, so vociferous (good word, that) were they in their applause for the new line-up. * * * Rem^m,ber when the company pro- duced but a few pictures yearly, selling them on a franchise basis? Contrast that with its 36 features and 24 short subjects announced for 1928-29, and its rating as a nation- al distributor operating its own ex- changes throughout the coxmtry, and you appreciate the reason for the enthusiasm. MH. HOFFMAN, you'll admit • has done a whale of a job. With John M. Stahl the generalissimo on the Coast, big things are expected from T-S this year. * * * Ned E. Depinet and his men are in Chicago, for the big ballyhoo. First National's having a lot to talk about at the Windy City, in the meetings now under way. The company steps into the talk- ing picture field this year with the Western Electric and phonographic sound system. Victor is going to furnish the musical end, which should prove a real combination. Some- thing new to sell. Joe Kennedy and Lee Marcus will do their stuff in Chicago May 14. outlining the 60 features and 72 shorts the company will handle dur- ing the new year. They'll probably have to reinforce the roof when Kennedy makes his announcement that Tom Mix. the one and only Tom, will provide four pictures for the new program. :ti * * The rest of the schedule will call for some more hooraying, and it will be a case of a good time was had by all, when the big show is over. ♦ * * Phil Reisman will be all smiles when he assembles his boys at Chi- cago, to spill the news about next year's line-up. There have been a lot of ugly rumors, some of them, no doubt inspired, but the Pathe force has been going ahead despite the hammer methods used. The boys were just too busy sell- ing film to pay much attention to all the wild reports they've been hearing. Cracking a record on col- lections in spite of the poison is something to crow about, and Philo tvill tell them so. More welcome news, though, will be the new season announcement Around 36 features will . be the nucleus of the new output, buttressed by a line-up of shorts, which will be headed by 38 Mack Sennett com- edies. If that doesn't make the boys get up and emulate the red chanti- cleer which is their company em- blem, we miss a guess. ♦ ♦ * If someone can, stop him from boarding trains, "Jimmy" Grainger is going to open the Fox conven- tion May 23. What a feeling of satisfuction he'll have in summing up the last year, and outlining plans for the next. HIS boys are going to be on the spot, thongji. for they've had such a line-up of hits this year, that it's going to be hard to dope out just how "Winnie" Sheehan can better his production record next year. * * ♦ Despite this, if you get an eyeful of some of the Fox hits, now monop- olizing Broadway, and some of the good things to come, you'll under- stand why the three cheers and tiger will be very much in evidence. * i^ * Educational is sticking to its last, as a short subject producer and dis- tributor. The company has been keeping its plans under cover, hint- ing at interesting things. * « * One thing is sure, the sales or- ganization has been stepping this year in the face of terrific compe- tition. It's hard work bucking firms which can offer feature and shorts together. During the year, the com- pany has recapitalized, entered pro- duction and assumed complete charge of its exchanges. Earle Hammons has reason to feel proud of the record. The convention is to be held at Montreal. * * ♦ Not a peep yet from Cecl Maberry as to Columbia's convention plans. Cecil's been too busy selling pictures, and has been on the go ever since he took over the post of sales man- ager. No long-distance sales direc- tion for him, he believes in staying in the field, maintaining direct con tact. * * * Columbia's been going awfully fast. Well nigh an overnight sen- sation during the last year. Now the ; company has its own exchange sys- tem, and Maberry is building up and welding together its sales force. There'll be plenty to crow abmit when Columbia's meeting starts. Feist Forecasts Prosperity Ere- (Continued from Page 1) Western sales convention of M-G-^ in its final session here. The com pany, recognizing v^'hat was to conK had therefore lined up what it cor sidered its greatest production sched ule, Feist added. More motors have been sold in th last six months than during any othc similar period in that industry's hi, tory, he said. This, he asserted, w:| but one of many factors which fori cast a period of better business whit will not reach its peak until the ei of 1929. Referring to radio, Fei said: "The competition of the ear mu be met. That's why this compai plans bigger things than ever befoi The pubhc must get superior moti( picture entertainment to make the i ducement to go to theaters gre enough. This we propose to do.' M-G-M has unofficially adopted slogan of "Close That Gap" whi refers to instructions to the sal ■ force to sell the theater owr M-G-M one hundred per cent, — ff tures, short subjects and news reel Feist, accompanied by Hows Dietz, is on his way to the coast. Federal Suit in Cleveland Over Arbitration 7AeHl¥S?mil 9/'FILMDOM 4 400 (s) do pfd. . . 84!/2 83!^ 84'A 400 (s) I.oew's com. 74Ji 73Ji 73« 6,000 (s) do pfd. .. 108J4 1085^ 108^ 700 (c) do deb. rts. 2\v» 2m 21% 100 (b) do 6s 41ww 112!4 112 112'/4 12,000 (b) do 6s41x-war .102 101% 102 14,000 (s) M-G-M pfd. 2654 26 26 400 (s) M. P. Cap... . 9 8% 9 900 *(s) Orph. Cir. . 29 (s) do pfd. .. 90% 961A 90/2 i66 (s) Para. F-L . . .129% 1271/2 127« 5,100 *(s) do pfd. ... uni (b) do 6s 47.. .101 100% 101 4,666 (b) Var.Qy.S'AsSl 1025/1 102% 102% 3,000 (s) Pathe . 3% 3% 3 A 400 (s) do "A" .. . 13 13 13 100 "(b) do 7s 37.. 65 (o) Roxy "A" . . . 35 37 (o) do units . . . 37 i9 (o) do com. . . . 8 9 (<>) Skouras Bros. . 39J/i 40'A Stanley Co. . . 42J4 42'A 42 ji (o) Technicolor . 2'A 4 (c) Trans-Lux . . . 3A 3'A 3 A 600 (o) United Art. . . 13 15 (o) do pfd. . . . 80 85 fo) Univ. Ch.con 1. 2 (o) do pfd. . 78 88 *(c) Univ. Pict.. 21 *(s) do pfd. .. 97 (c) Warner Bros. . 25 /j 24 '/i 25/, 2.i66 (s) do "A" .. . 3S'A 33M 34 -^ 5,700 (cb) do (y'As 28. .114 114 114 1.000 EARNING POWER Of DOLUR HIGHESTINNEARLYSYEARS The earning power of the dollar, as measured by average living costs, today stands higher than it has for nearly five years, according to a sur- vey made by the National Industrial Conference Board. The dollar is now worth, on the basis of living costs during March, 62.1 cents in com- parison with its purchasing power of the pre-war dollar in July, 1914. It was lowest in July, 1920, when it stood 48.9 as compared with July, 1914. Purchasing power of the dol- lar has been enhanced by a net de- cline in the cost of living of 21.2 per cent since July, 1920, the peak of the post-war inflation period. We Will Build i. For long term lease to responsible tenants DE LUXE THEATRES in Seattle, Spokane, Hartford, Corm., and Washington, D. C. on properties owned or controlled by us L. N. ROSENBAUM Financing Flatiron Bldg. New York * Last Prices Quoted. (b) Bond Market. (c) Curb Market. (o) Over the Counter (Bid and Asked). (s) Stock Exchange. NOTE: Balaban & Katz is listed in Chicago; Skouras. St. Ix>uis; Stanley, Philadelphia. Nolan Sells Interest Canton. O. — Frank Nolan has sold a half interest in the Orpheum to Walter St«uve. EDWARD B. SMITH &C0. Membtrs Niw York, Philadtlfhia and Btsttn Stock Exchanges Corporate Financing Philadelphia IL New Yoric Boston K/Vi^^VA^io By CMOPTON WOUGU a DQQMQ or PITZy CROOK/ WITU DOROTHV yEBfly»TlflN par O'MflLLEV MflRpy MURRfly CINO COPRflDO IDA D fl RLING LEE J'NUMWfly JACK /INGLETON DIRECTED BV KING BflGCOT a DRflM^ OP WEflPTr«HoFi/Tr WITU /ALLY O'NEILL XUPPORTEO By ROLPM GPflVEy EDDIE GRIBBON /'ILVIfl flyMTON JIM CINL/qy/'ON JEAN LflVEPTy DtQCCTED By CEO. flRCUfllNBflUD ByflPTMUPGRCCOP a DRflMflTIC yTORy OFRU//lflN NOBILiry LOWELL yUCDMflN MflPCflPET LIVINCnON ROBERT PRflZEP JOTEPUINE BORIO J'MIRLEy PALMER JULIfl /WAYNE GORDON CORLOP DURflND oiRccxeD By ORTUUR GREGOR ^INaB/ORBINGDRaNfl WITH EVE /'OUTWER.M WALTER PIDCEOM coRLiyy PflLMEn> CUflRLC/^ BVER.r GEOR.GE y*TONE- M. O. PENNELL kflTWERINE \VflLLflC£ BYRON J^flGE- DUNCAN RENflLDO NflRCflRET /"ELBy flDOLPM MILflR TEMPLAR. /"flXE rroRv AMo omccTioM by TOM TEPRJ/> fftvfvCE T I F F A N Y - S T A H L PRODUCTIONS, 1540 BROADWAY M.H.HOFFMAN, VICE PRES. NEW YORK CITY oyPILMDOl c .andweekly Itilr digest VOL. XLVIII No. 30 Sunday, May 5, 1929 Price 25 Cents KEEP PO STE D ON DEPENDABLE TIPS ON SILENT, SOUND SHORTS. AND FEATURES All the news of the field Theater Equipment A service department that serves LATEST PICTURE BOX OFFICE REVIEWS THAT EVERYWHERE ARE RECOGNIZED AS THE AUTHORITY In the last See the Circuits Using Pacent : Stanley Co. of America Coston S. &S. Universal Chain Saenger Midwest Theatre Corporation And 16 others months has led Hie Way In Number of Installations In little more than sixteen weeks Pacent has installed five hundred Reproducer Systems throughout the United States. In December Pacent installed the first Pacent System in New Jersey. Since that time five hundred additional installations have been completed all the way from Maine to California. Thirty sales and service depots have been established throughout the United States and Canada and are working to co-operate in every way possible with the exhibitor. That Pacent has assumed the lead is best proved by the nation-wide acceptance of Pacent Reproducer Systems as the standard by which others are judged. Pacent will continue to lead the way in equipment, in engineering, in service, in dollar for dollar value, in fair and square, business-like deal- ings with exhibitors. PACENT REPRODUCER CORP. FILM CENTER BUILDING, New York, N. Y. Louis Gerard Pacent, President Tel.: Chickering 7948-49-50-51-52 31 Sales and Service Representatives in Principal Film Centers in United States and Canada ?i:^g:a] SYSTEM SDr:^^ Society of M. P. Engineers Meets in N. Y. Monday iTHE :^<> NEWSPAPER o/' FILMDOM AHDWEEKLY FILK DIGEST VOL. XLVIII No. 30 Sunday, May 5, 1929 Price 25 Cents COMMIHEE MEETING TO BREAK FRENCH DEADLOCK Paris (By Cable)— Effort will be made Saturday to break the deadlock in the quota negotiations between French and American producers, by a committee of five from each group. Meanwhile, there has been feeling aroused by circulation of posters at- tacking American pictures and their influence. This, however, has been done by an unofficial and anonymous group, and is resented by French film and government leaders. The Frencii insist that the 3 to 1 quota is essential. while Americans are just as firm that such an imposition would make dis- tribution in France unprofitable. W.E. WINS nRST ROUND IN BRITISH PATENT FIGHT Request for a preliminary injunc- tion has been withdrawn by the Klangfilm-Tobis group in the suit against Regal Cinema for account- ing and damages charging that the Western Electric equipment install- ed in the theater infringes patents of the group. J. E. Otterson, president of Electrical Research Products, was advised by cable Friday. The hear- ing consumed but three minutes. In withdrawing request for the preliminary writs, following presen- tation of an affidavit by Western Electric counsel, the plaintiff asked for a speedy trial of the case, which is a test of validity of Western Elec- tric patents in England. The decision of the court gives the plaintiff two weeks to present argu- ments for the case after which West- ern Electric has a month's time for fts defense. 1,780 Houses Wired for W.E. Sound Reproduction Western Electric has wired a total of 1,780 houses, the company states. Audio Vision Formed for RCA-Victor Manufacture Audio Vision Appliance Co., has been formed to take over the manu- facturing unit of the merged interests of Victor Talking Machine Co., and RCA. E. E. Shumaker, Victor presi- dent, heads the new company, which (Continued on Page 2) U.S. MOVES FOR INJUNCTION WITH DEFENSE HiniNG BRIEF CLAIMS More Golf Prizes! Additional trophies and cups for the 16th Semi-Annual Film Golf Tournament have been offered by National Theater Supply Co., Associated Publi- cations, J. P. Muller Adv. Agency, Jack T. Cosman and Ira Haupt & Co. The committee urges all to send their entries in early. A special entry blank will be found on page 12. Sign, en- close ten bucks (which covers ever5rthing) and shoot it in immediately. May 22 is the date and Glen Oaks, in Little Neck, the place. Film Firm "War" Blocking Fox Boston House, Charge Boston — "Undercover war" be- tween large picture organizations is holding up construction of the new Fox theater and office building on the Hotel Touraine site, William K. Bean, realtor, ciiarges. Taxpayers {Continued on Page 3) TREND TO COLOR WITH SOUND FILMS IS FORECAST Technicolor has a number of big contracts on hand, William Travis Jerome stated yesterday. This is in line with the trend to color with sound pictures emphasized yesterday by the exclusive story in THE FILM DAILY that Warners and First Na- tional would make 56 all-color sound pictures during the next two years. The two-color process now in use seems to meet the present demands of the market, Jerome states. Ac- (Conliiined on Page 10) Members Arriving in N. Y. for S.M.P.E. Meeting X'anguard of the membership of the Society of M. P. Engineers, has ar- rived in New York for the spring meeting to be held May 6 to 9. The Park Central Hotel is headquarters for the meeting. Papers on the var- ious phases of sound pictures and equipment are to highlight the session. Attendance of 250 is anticipated. A Test Case MONDAY: Protection. An important element in the success- ful operation of de luxe theaters. Accepted as a necessity, yet rarely does discussion of it seep into the public prints. But the system will get its full measure of the spotlights glare when the government's action against Fox West Coast Theaters gets under way. Protection will be stressed as an essential in this business. And it is. The one danger that we discern from this mountain peak is the inclina- tion to cover too much territory and too many days .... Some of the smaller producers out Hollywood way are concern- ing theniselves about the effect of talkers on double feature bills. The camp has divided itself. There are some who believe sound will end the practice. It is difficult to foretell, of course, but it is this column's fervent hope that the ill-advised type of showman who goes in for the dual program cuts it out. It cheapens the theater and serves to saturate the public with too much film at one sitting. . . . Undercover Stuff Tuesday : The light of day occasionally takes time to seep through, but filter through it does. This is merely apropos of that United Artists-Warner deal. It .seems the Warners are interested in U. A., (Continued on Page 4) Concert of Action Held Illegal — No One Injured, Defense Replies \Vith the government insisting that the evidence presented in both cases proves a conspiracy in re- straint of trade exists among ten distributors, tiie Hays organization and Film Boards of Trade, and the defendants contending that none of the charges had been proved, briefs in the credit and arbitration cases were filed Friday in Federal Court, New York. Two of them were filed by the government, moving for granting of its request for an injunction against the alleged illegal practices com- plained of, while the other two were filed by the defense, praying for dis- missal of the complaints. The de- fense's position was outlined ex- clusively in THE FILM DAILY. In addition to its briefs, the defense Friday filed a reply memorandum in rebuttal to statements made in the government briefs. Tiie "one and only purpose" of the credit committee system and of the operation of credit committees is to compel each new owner of a tiieater to assume and complete existing contracts of the former owner, ac- (Continiicd on Page 10) "U" to Make "Phantom" Sequel in Sound and Color Universal has acquired all screen rights to "The Return of the Phan- tom," sequel to "The Phantom of the Opera." It is by the late Gaston Leroux, who died before the manu- script was completed, but left the plot well outlined and the story suf- ficiently advanced for Universal to develop it. The picture will be made with full dialogue and sound effects and probably color. "The Phantom" holds the record of Universal grosses. Pantages Denies Publix Seeking Part of Chain West Coast Bureau. THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Denial that Publix is seeking any of the Pantages houses is made by .Alexander Pantages. ViL XLVIll Ni. 30 iHiif. May 5, 1929 Prica 25 Cents JOHN «. ALKOATE Publisher Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folk, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter, May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York. $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 58 Great Marlborough St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographie Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. The Industry's Date Book May 5-11 National Music Week. May 7 Opening of "Mother's Boy" at Cohan, New York. May 6-7 Convention of Texas exhibitor unit, Dallas. May 6-9 Spring meeting of Society of M.P. Engineers in New York. May 9 Opening of "The Squall" at the Central, New York. May 20 Annual Convention of American Federation of Musicians at Den- ver. May 22 Annual Spring Film Daily Golf Tournament at Glen Oaks, Little Neck, L. I. June 1-9 American Theater Equipment Ex- position and Exhibitors Institute at Chicago. June 11-12 Convention of Oklahoma exhibi- tor unit at Oklahoma City. June 17-18 :Summer convention of North Carolina exhibitors unit, Wrights- ville, Beach, N. C. Introduces "Blue" Ordinance Dothan, Ala. — Alderman Charlie Newton has introduced an ordinance proihibiting Sunday amusements. Harry Matthews Dies Owensboro, Ky. — Harry E. Mat- thews, local manager of Strand Amusement Co. interests, died re- cently. He was 62 years old. To Rebuild Portland House Portland, Ore. — L. H. Hoffman will rebuild the People's here. PACE A TEST CASE, An Editorial by Maurice Kami 1 FINANCIAL 2 PRESENTATIONS, by Herbert Berg 4 SOUND PICTURES, by Charles F. Hynes 5 HOLLYWOOD HAPPENINGS, Coast News by Telegraph 6 "A LITTLE FROM LOTS," by Ralph Wilk 6 THEATER EQUIPMENT, by Charles F. Hynes 7 REVIEWS OF NEWEST RELEASES, by Jack Harrower 8-9 FOREIGN MARKETS, by James P. Cunningham 10 PRODUCTION IN THE EAST, by A. W. Eddy 11 HEADLINES OF THE WEEK 12 REVIEWS ALIAS JIMMY VALENTINE... 8 BETRAYAL, THE 8 BULLDOG DRUMMOND 9 CALIFORNIA MAIL. THE 8 DESERT SONG, THE 9 DONOVAN AFFAIR, THE 8 HONEYMOON ABROAD 8 LOVE IN DESERT 9 LOVES OF CASANOVA 8 SHOW BOAT 8 SATURDAY'S CHILDREN 8 STOLEN KISSES 9 SHORT SUBJECTS SO UND 9 SILENT 12 "Burlesque" to Introduce Sound, Color on One Film West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — "Burlesque" will in- troduce the combination of colors and sound photographed simultaneously on the same film. Heretofore sound, when used with color film, has been projected either by the use of separate film — one containing color and the other the voice track — or by the disc method of reproduction, all early tests having shown the gelatine on colored celluloid causing discord in the tiny adjoining sound track. Completing Netoco House Portland, Me. — The new Netoco house, the State, will be housed in a 22 story office building nearing com- pletion here. The house will seat 2,- 500 and is part o_f the $1,750,000 real estate development. Herbert W. Rhodes is architect. Montague in N. Y. A|be Montague of Independent Films, Columbia's franchise holders in the New England States, is in New York for a brief stay^ to confer with Jack Cohn, treasurer of the com- pany on forthcoming talkers. Otterson Back in N. Y. J. E. Otterson, president of Elec- trical Research Products, has re- turned to New York from the Coast. JAMES CRUZE, Inc. annoimces the production of "THE GREAT GABBO" formerly known as "The Road Show" 100% dialogue Personally directed by JAMES CRUZE Executive Offices 6066 Sunset Blvd. JAMES CRUZE, Inc. Hollywood Studios 1440 Gower St. Audio Vision Formed for RCA-Victor Manufacture (.Continued from Fage 1) is taking over the Victor plant at Camden, N. J. Radio-Victor Corp., of America has been formed to handle sales. Loud Speakers Inside Sound Picture Screen West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Universal Loud Speaker Screen Co. is making a screen here for sound pictures, which has four loud speakers inside the screen. For other up-to-the-minute news on developments in theater equiqi- ment and sound pictures, turn to page 5 and 7. Music Week to be Observed National Music Week, which will be held from May 5 to 11, will re- ceive the co-operation of many ex- hibitors throughout the country who have availed themselves of sugges- tions outlined by the Music Week committee for arranging tie ups with Civic Groups and schools in local sections. Warners' All-Color Talker West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — "On With the Show" is Warners' first all-color talker. Five stage scenes are included in this revue. Financial STOCK MARKET (QUOTATIONS AS OF FRIDA Am. Seat 37J4 37'/5 37i^ Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 28 J4 28 }4 28 Ji East. Kodak 179^ 179 179K *do pfd 128 'First Nat. pfd 108 Fox Fm. "A" . . . 93>^ 92' 93 *do rts 3 •Keith A-O 37^ 'lo pfd IIS'A 113 118^4 Loew's Inc 61 ?| 60J4 60"/^ *do pfd 9i'/2 *M-G-M pfd 25K M. P. Cap 44 421/^ 44 Para. F-L 68^ 67H 67j^ Y) Pathe Exch. 1354 12J4 1254 do "A" 25 Ji 24-^ 2454 Radio K-A-O 375i 345^ 36 Stanley Co 43 43 43 *Univ. Pict. pfd 98^ Warner Bros 130'4 12854 12854 do pfd 5754 5654 5654 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... 6 554 5 34 *Bal. & Katz 7054 Columbia Pets. ..30 2854 30 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 2554 24J4 2554 Film Insp 4^ 4^ 4H Fox Thea. "A" .. 295i 285^ 29J^ Griffith, D.W. "A" 3 254 254 •Intern. Proj 120 "Loew do deb. rts 26 Nat. Scr. Ser 35 54 34^ 34)4 Nat. Tliea. Sup. .. 21'A 20 20 Trans-Lux 16 15^ 15J4 Univ Pict 27J4 27% 2754 *do pfd 2 BOND MARKET *Keith AG 6s 46 92 Loew 6s 41ww 110)4 110)4 110)4 do 6s 41 x-war . . . 98^ 98?i 9SH Paramount 6s 47 .. 98)4 98)4 98)4 *Par. By. 55^s 51 10154 Pathe 7s 37 8154 81)i 8154 CURB BONDS Am. Seat. 6s 36. 95 95 95 *Waruer 6V2S 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 29 31 do units 31 34 do com 354 454 Skouras Bros 30 40 Technicolor 4054 41 54 United Art 5 10 do pfd 70 80 Univ. Ch. com. ... 2 .... do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED 100 700 300 16,200 200 1,400 4,200 9,800 13,800 2,200 44,500 300 44,666 3,600 1,800 '666 2,900 300 7,000 500 4,900 4,300 1,700 200 Warner with Loew's Cleveland — Eugene P. Warner, formerly of the Keith Palace public- ity staff, is now with the publicity and exploitation department of Loew's Ohio Theaters. BROOKS COSTUMES fiOWNS AI>iD I 14.37 "B"i^AV. « ' . ■ ALSO ZS.6I f^^m Let Us Solve Your Prohlems ! Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists ia MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCORPORATED 1540 B'WAY N.Y.C. TELEPHONE BRYANT 3040 THE Sunday, May 5, 1929 STAGE PLAY FILMING IN SEQUENCE HELD PRACTICAL Feasibility of making a sound film version of a stage show in the same sequence as it is presented on the ■-tage was shown during filming of Lady Fingers" by the Spoor proc- t ss, states E. E. Bucher, executive vice president of RCA-Photophone. During the filming regular cameras were placed 50 feet from the stage, to obtain footage to be used for editing purf^oses. This was 30 feet ahead of the stereoscopic camera. The scenes were shot twice, once with a directional "mike" placed behind the camera, and one with a direct "Mike" iiung overhead on the stage. Film Firm "War Blocking Fox Boston House, Charge (Coniinurd from Page 1) liave objected to closing of a street lor the project, with a hearing sched- uled Mav 15. Business Men Backing House Chatham, Ont. — Business men of Sarnia, Ontario, are back of the Har- ris Theaters, Limited, which has started the erection of a theater here. \L Harris is the head of the organ- ization. Charlottesville House Wired Charlottesville, Va. — F. W. Twy- man, manager of the Jefferson, has announced the completion of the in- stallation of Western Electric sound svstem. Repairing Damage H'est Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Reconstruction has been started on the West Coast the- ater at 632 Avalon Blvd., recently damaged by fire. Mann at Chico Chico, Cal.— W. P. Mann has suc- ceeded Paul Nelson as manager of the National. New Theaters Placerville, Cal. — Management of the Elite will build another house here. N. Attlebore, Mass. — Netoco's Community ha3 been opened with George S. Hanscomb as manager. Salem, Mass. — The Salem Realty Co. will build a 2,300 seat house. Camp Custer, Mich. — A house will he built to replace the Liberty which was destroyed by fire. Faribault, Minn. — A theater is being built here. Marion, Ind. — Fourth Ave. Amusement Co. has opened the Indiana. House is wired for sound pictures. Cortland, N. Y.— If Fox does not build here, one will be built by William A. Dil- lon of Ithaca. Akron, O. — Dave Nolan is managing the Loew's Akron, combination house, which opened recently. Hartford City, Ind. — Charles and Mrs. Gucker have opened the Dawn. They will install sound equipment soon. Anniston, Ala. — The Calhoun Hotel Co. will build here. Corpus Christi, Tex. — R. & R. Gulf Amuse- ment Co. will build a 2,000 seat house. San Francisco— The Marion Davies the- ater has opened. Burnett, Tex. — -George Shaw will build a house to cost $17,000. We are Pleased to Announce The Spring Meeting of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers New York City MAY 6-9, 1929 ' * Through the Society of Motion Picture Engijieers knowledge has been increased^ interest created and pride developed which have been a tremendous force for the advancement of the industry in its technical departments. ' ' INTERNATIONAL PROJECTOR CORPORATION Manufacturers of SIMPLEX PROJECTORS NEW YORK, N. Y. DAILYL Sunday, May 5, 1929 A Test Case (Continued from Page 1) but only one way— the way that gives ?hem control. Vastly different from acquiring a fifty per cent uiterest as you will no doubt readily agree . . An- oUier sock at the high cost ot equ p- ment. De Forest Phonofilm ups and announces a junior naodel for Uieaters seating 750 or less. A l^asnig pro position covering ten years at the rate of $497 a year, or $4,975 ,n toto. Still a lot of money for a house seat- ing less than 1,000 The patent struggle is not at all exclusive with the market m the States Over in England, Klangfilm and Tobis, the sound equipment twms of Germany, are donning the gloves against Western Electric. In France Italy, Sweden and Switzerland the procedure will be identical Or at least, so Klangf^lm and Tobis prom- ise. All of which makes for a merry spring Color that this country subsidize its mem- bers. Explosion Presentations By HERBERT S. BERG, Wednesday. The pioneering War- ners are stepping to the front again On this occasion, they envision the future of pictures as indelibly linked with color Out of the belief ha developed a two-year contract with Technicolor which means 56 Warners and First Nationals in that period will be made entirely in color, bound, of course. The wide screen, carrying with it a stereoscopic effect is at hand, too. Who can say now that motion pictures are not growing up. It had its ups. Most certaintly it has had its downs. Now, however the financing is all arranged and Fox's deal for those New York in- dependents, long Ihanging f re is m the bag. When it is finished B 11 tox becomfs the overlord of the largest city in the United States.... Too Early to Tell Thursday. The first round in fav- or of the all-sound program versus presentations and films goes to the former In four Southern and South- eastern cities where Publix is hew- ing the path along hitherto untried lines, the experiment, based on the first day at the box-ot=fice, has worked out However, don't jump to rasn conclusions. One day means nothing. You must remember the advertising that ushered in the new idea. Also the fact that pictures like Coquette "Close Harmony' 'and Show Boat were the film openers. Wait till some of the lemons come along. At odds again in Paris. The Amer- ican contingent there finds it impos- sible to get together with the domes- tic industry. A curious situation and a troublesome one. The French exhibitor refuses to back up his own producer and finds himself sidmg with the American industry. This, solely because it is the film of Amercan origin that makes money for him. Yet the Frencih producing industry stands foursquare on its insistence Friday: The latest of our inter- esting mergers appears to be striking hidden reefs. The United Artists members, so our bloodhounds sniff out are not in accord about selling control to the Warners. Yet Brothers Harry, Abe and Jack want their firm grip on the steering wheel or not at all. So it stands, except that each hour brings Harry M. Warner closer to New York. He's bounding over the main from Paris and Monday is the arrival day. ... Another upset is centered in Los Angeles. The Pantages deal, ap- parently all set with R-K-O, is also developing temperament, although in this case, it is of the financial ilk. There seems to be a difference on property valuations and, while both parties are sitting around a common table, somehow or other their feet don't seem to touch. K A N N VALLEE AND BAND PULL PLENTY AT PARAMOUNT SPRINGTIME ATMOSPHERE FOR THE ROXY STAGE Famous Players Gets Quebec House Quebec— The Auditorium, largest theater in the Citadel City, has been acquired by Famous Players Cana- dian Corp., which previously had ar- ranged for the erection of a large house here. No announcement is forthcoming whether F-P will proceed with the new house or not. Stockton House For West Coast Stockton, Cal.— Fox West Coast Theaters have signed a SO year lease with E. L. Wilhoit and associates and announced plans for the con- struction of a $350,000 house on the site of the California theater. The California will be razed July 1. The Paramount sihow was all tout- ed for Rudy Vallee's appearance with his Connecticut Yankees, but as a matter of fact the much-advertised bandsman does not appear till the end of the presentation. But that was enough for the fans, especially the women, who audibly raved after he finished cooing his "I Love You" in his soft lyric voice through a mega- phone. And the meg. was needed to carry his light voice through the big house. His band is limited to seven, without any brass, wth Rudy doing most of the work with his sax and sexy singing voice. The stage was set to represent the band plat- form of a night club, with tables at the side with couples seated there. The earlier part of the program is carried by the orchestra from the pit, with the Vallee band in the back- ground until Vallee comes out for the finish. Then the stage band is moved forward on the sliding plat- form. Fifi D'Orsay acted as mistress of ceremonies till Vallee's appearance. She did a baby number with a French accent. Janies demons was good doing a comedy drunk with eccentric steps and a neat song. The Gamby- Hale Girls appeared in plumed head- gear and reversible colored costumes front and back, assisted by five boys. The Three Demons, an outstanding adagio group, did some sensational stuff that added nice contrast to the class work of the Vallee aggregation. The overture at the Roxy was an arrangement of Romberg's "Lover Come Back to Me." The stage en- tertainment led off with a holdover, "Voices of Spring," quite a lengthy number beautifully staged with Leo- nide Massine and Patricia Bowman doing some unusual work and Isabel Norwood and Douglas Stanbury handling the vocalizing. The Roxy Ballet Corps were used throughout, as well as the Roxyettes. The di- vertissements consisted of three in- terludes, starting with "My Lady's Pillow," a gorgeous arrangement of the ballet to represent an enormous fancy boudoir pillow. The girls then wient through some pretty forma- tions, manipulating their vari-colored costumes to produce a variety of beautiful designs, then closing by go- ing back to the pillow formation for the curtain. This was followed by the Roxyettes dressed as midinettes, and dancing their tap on the boxes. As usual, they were one of the high- lights of the bill. Closed with "At the Convent," a gorgeous church fancy with a cathedral setting and the choir in white robes parading to the chancel where the altar lights burned. The ballet and ballet corps were used, with M. Vodnoy featured. A light entertainment, judged by the Roxy standards, but sufficiently di- versified to go over nicely. Cleveland House Leased Cleveland — The Orpheum, East Ninth St., has been leased by the Chester-Ninth Theater Co. Max Lef- kowitz is president. Lefkowitz and his associates operate a circuit of houses in Cleveland. 2 Bridgeport Houses Silent Bridgeport, Conn. — The Strand and the Fox Poli Globe are the only downtown theaters playing si- lent pictures. The Globe recently dropped burlesque. Pittsfield House Opened Pittsfield, Mass. — The Union Siquare, closed since last November, has reopened with a five act vau- deville and feature picture policy. Program changes Monday and Thurs- days. Buy Chicago House Chicago — Edward Silverman and Sidney Spiegel have taken over the Embassy from Harry Goldwon. Western Electric sound equipment Iwill be installed. CHARLES KING LEADS THE CAPITOL STAGE SHOW Nice presentation at the Capitol headed by Charles King of "Broad- way Melody" fame who sings several of his hits. But King is much better on the screen than on the stage, for his voice failed to carry strong to the far reaches of the house. Still, the way the audience received him indi- cated that they were thoroughly satis- fied. He sang "Broadway Melody"^ and "WeddinjT of the Painted Doll." Dave Schooler, master of ceremonies, was at the piano. The show was a Chester Hale production called "Shades of Blue," and was neatly staged with a nice balancing of talent. The Chester Hale Girls did two nice routines, and the stage band was second to King in collecting applause with some well arranged numbers. Estelle Fratus did a nifty tap, with Bert Nagel & Company doing fair pantomime work made up as cats. Schooler continues to hold his popu- larity, and it seems well earned, for he has got that band working in great form and Dave knows how to work with the featured acts in an un- J obstrusive way that gives them all the breaks that can be had. He is a diplomat among the Broadway mas- ters of ceremony. Standard VAUDEVILLE for Motion Picture Preaentalion The FALLY MARKUS VAUDEVILLE AGENCY LaoLawanna 7876 ISSl BKOASWAY. NKW YORK CITT AMALGAMATED VAUDEVILLE AGENCY Attractions for Picture Theatres Standard Vaudeville Acts 1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Perm. 3580 THE Sunday, May 5, 1929 -<^^ OAILV NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FAST GROWING FIELD OF SYN- CHRONIZATION SOUND TIPS ON EQUIPMENT AND VARIOUS UE- | VICES ARE NOW AVAILABLE By CHARLES F. HYNES 52 POSSIBILITI[S FOR TEXAS SOUND FIRST RUNS Dallas — I'ifty-twt) first run sound possibilities per individual picturt- and eight subsequent run possibili- ties per picture were to have been offered in the Dallas market, as of May 1, according to "The 1929 Tex- as Theater Almanac," compiled and published by Don C. Douglas, secre- tary of the Film Board. The volume is the fifth annual edition, and is re- plete with information concerning the Dallas market. Sound equipment was to be in op- eration as of May 1, as follows, ac- cording to "The Almanac": 69 West- ern Electric (all dual systems), four Bristolphones, seven Pacents and three Photo-talkers. There are, of course, many orders on hand for the various systems, which number has been increased considerably sinci- publication of "The Almanac." Trend to Medium-Priced Equipments, Gennett Says Kansas City — Declaring that fly- by-nights are being eliminated in stabilization of the sound cquiimH'iit business. Fred Gennett, head of the Starr Piano Co., stated on a recent visit here that the trend is toward medium-priced equipment. E.xhibitors who install cheap machines usually find them unsatisfactory, he state.-. The Starr firm manufactures tlio Gennett synchronizer, which is tlis- tributed by CJeneral Sound Equip- ment Co. TALKERS HAVE GREAT OPENING AT OHAWA Ottaw.'i — Talkers opened sensation- ally at H. F. Keith's, the Centre and Regent here, the city hailing a new era in entertainment. The picturc^ were respectively: "Syncopation,'" "The Iron Mask" and "The Broad- way Melody." With this develop- ment, Ottawa was having screen synchronization in seven local houses. The new policy at Keith's with talking films calls for continuous performances with the five acts of vaudeville being presented three times daily with full orchestra. For- merly there were two performances daily. There is no advance in prices. .\X the Centre, where United Artists and First National features are to be shown. Manager Don Stapleton has raised prices ten cents while daily performances start at 12 noon instead of 1:30. Traveltone Demonstration in Exhibitor's Own House IraxchuiK ."^alo Cor))., upon u.x- H ))itcir rt-dUf-t now dtTers to make demonstrations in the exhibitor's theater. A portable machine is in- stalled in one hour's time, a demon- stration given, the sale arrangement completed, and the portable removed from the house, all within two hours, the company states. The firm has both portable and permanent equip- ments. 95% Favor Talkers Over Silents in Survey Tuskogee, Okla. — ^ Ninety-five per cent of patrons who replied to a questioiniaire by F. L. Wadsworth, Jr.. of the Rose, favor sound over silent pictures. Seventy per cent stated they were willing to pay in- creased admissions for talkers. Sev- enty per cent were in favor of talk- ers and acts, rather than silent feat- ure and silent shorts. Sydney Exhibitors Probe Talkers S\(liK-y — A special meeting of the New South Wales M. P. Exhibitors Ass'n has been called for probing of talker issue. .Many suburban exhib- itors have been hard hit during the i)a>t few mont'.is. not due to the drawing power of talkers, but because : the standard of silent pictures have fallen off considerably and many pic- I tures, which prior to sound, has been specials now prove to have only or- dinary program drawing power. Synchronous Mellaphone Installed Cadogan, Pa. — Mellaphone, which recently added a synchronous at- tachment to its non-synchronous ma- chine, has installed the new model in the Cadogan here. The double turntable device can be attached to any type projector. Using Different Systems Kansas City — Jay Means is wiring his four theaters here. Western Elec- tric equipment is slated for the Oak Park; Phonofilm for the Bagdad, and Phototone at the Murray and Pros- pect. Royal Amplitone Deal in South New (.)rleans — Gus A. Doering, president of Southern Pipe Organ Co., has taken on distribution of the Royal -Vniplitone in six southern states, Louisiana, Mississippi. Ala- bama, Georgia, Florida and Tennes- see. The account will be handled out of the local branch with G. B. Mars in charge of sales. Doering will spend a great deal of his time in New Orleans and in the southern territor\-. Bellingham House Wired IJellingliam, Wash. — RCA-Photo- phone equipment has been installed [at the Grand. Sees Radio Alliance Sound films in color and a permanent alliance between pic- tures and radio are forecast within the next few years by Paul August Harle, publisher- editor of "La Cinematographic Francaise," French trade pa- per, who is in New York for a study of the sound situation. He is to visit Rochester and Hollywood in connection with the survey he is making. "Voice of Action" for Midwesco Chain Houses .Milwaukee — H. J. Fitzgerald, gen- eral manager of the Fox-Midwesco circuit, states "The Voice of Action" sound equipment will be installed shortly at the Miller, Princess, Sa- voy, Tivoli and Mirth. The circuit is also installing sound equipment in ts two Neenah and Menasha the- aters. NEW PHONOHLM PIJINT IS OPENED IN NEW YORK A new factory has been opened by General Talking Pictures Corp. in New York. It is under the same management as the original plant of the Del-'orest Phonofilm and Phono- disc reproducing equipment. Dr. Lee De Forest is chief engineer of both plants. Bert Rosenberg continues as general superintendent. Chester Tap- pan contiinies as general manager of proJuction with Duncan Fyfc as en- gineer supervising manufacture and Ed Scahill as engineer in charge of assembling. The opening marked be- ginning of the manufacture of the Junior DeForest Phonofilm and Phonodisc for houses of 750 seats or less. The additional facilities puts production of DeF'orest reproducing devices on a basis of 44 machines a week. 0212 0213 0214 May, 1929, Release GENNETT UNSYNCHRONIZED RECORDS To Be Used for Exhibition in Public Places Marry Widow Waltz — (lencval Use Orchestra March (From "Nutcracker Suite") — Juvenile Marching, Play Scenes Orchestra Song Of Love (From "Blossom Time") — Love Scenes, General U.se Orchestra 0215 The Herd Girl's Dream — .Mnine, .Sliepherd Scenes. .Harp, Violin, Cello, Flute 0216 Smilin' Through — Happy and Peaceful Home Scenes. Hani.Volin, Cello, Flute 0217 (a) General Confusion Of Voices — Conventions, I.arge Social Gatherings (b) Excited Crowd Voices — Haselial. Football Camt-s, Mobs, etc. WRITE FOR COMPLETE CATALOG containing many additional "effects" taken from life and recorded by the latest electrical methods. "Evei-yday Effects Needed Every Day" Passenger Trains Appro.iching, Passing, Receding Freight Trains Approaching, I'assing. Receding Airplane Effects — (a) Varied, (b) Constant 0134 Fire Apparatus — (a) Intermittent, (b) Continumis 0156 Machine Gun Fire — (a) Intermittent, (b) Continuous 0157 Automobile Crashes — (a) 4 Crashes with Screams, 3 Without, (b) Continuous Crash 0170 Laughing — (a) One Man, (b) Two Men. (c) Scveial Persotw Bugle Calls — (a) Reveille, (b) Assembly, (c) Retreat, (d) Taps, (e) Aaps Kcho Drums for Marching — Church Chimes — Clock Strikes (12) — Knocking at Door Screams — Snores — Typewriters Motorcycle — (a) Start and Fade, (b) Continuous Manufacturing Noises — (c) Planer, (d) Punch Press, (e) Automatic Ham- mer, (f) .Anvil (a) Howling Winter Winds, (b) Blizzard with Howl of Wind (a) Steamboat Whistle (Two Continuous), (b) Police Whistle, (Two- Continuous) Dog Barks (Two Dogs)- Fox Chases, Hunting Scenes 0204 Baby Crying — Continuous ON SALE IN ALL CITIES Place your order with your Theatre Supply House for your needs whether one record or a complete set. 0131 0132 0133 0171 0198 0199 0200 0201 0202 O203 GENNETT RECORDS RICHMOND, IND. Woodside, L. I., New York 6010 38th Ave. HAVemeyer 6401 Los Angeles, Calif. 1344 So. Flower St. DAILY Sunday, May T^r^'iUlXff'^u^ 24 Westerns from Davis for 29-30 Four Stars Series Planned by Independent Producer Who is Making 16 Westerns This Year — Independents See Opportunity in Western Field — Ralph Wilk's Studio Personals and Other Wired News of Coast Production TEN Of 16 WESTERNS ARE COMPLETED BY DAVIS With ten of the 16 westerns on its current program completed, J. Char- les Davis Prod, is planning 24 west- erns for the 29-30 program. Narrow- ing down of the field of western pro- duction by nearly all major produc- ers except Universal, is looked upon by the company as opening up a fa- vorable market for independently- made westerns. Three stars for the ne.\t year's product already have been signed, with the fourth soon to be under contract, when names of the four will be announced. Each star will make six pictures. The 16 for the current year con- sist of eight Art .Acord and eight Yakima Canutt features. The six remaining on the scliedule will be completed by September, states President J. Charles Davis, 2nd. Last year, Davis made eight Bob Custer westerns. M-G-M Signs Bertram Harrison Bertram Harrison, stage director, has been signed to direct for M-G-M. Beebe, Drexel Free-Lancing Marjorie Beebe and Nancy Drexel are leaving Fox to free-lance. Title Set For M-G-M Revue "Tlie Hollywood Revue of 1929," has been definitely set as the title for the M-G-M revue. Charles Ries- ner and Christy Cabanne are co- directing with Bessie Love, Anita Page, Charles King, Joan Craw- ford, Marion Davies, William Haines, Buster Keaton, Marie Dressier, Cliff Pldwards, Brox Sister and Natacha Natova in the cast. Le Roy For "Johnny Jones" Mervyn LeRoy besides directing "Little Johnny Jones," screen ver- ■sion of the Geo. M. Cohan stage play, for First National will also play the leading role as the jockey. Ford Cast For "Fast Life" James Ford has been given a part in First National's "Fast Life' turing Douglas Fairbanks, Jr Loretta Young. fea- and GEORGE SCARBOROUGH Consu'ting Dramatist United Artisti A Little from u Lots ff By RALPH WILK Hollywood STAGE producers are not going to sit idly by while Hollywood en- tices their stars away, judging from the bidding for the services of Nancy Welford, who is featured in "The Gold Diggers of Broadway," which Roy Del Ruth is directing for Warner Bros. Flo Ziegfeld has offered Nancy the starring role in the musical ver- sion of "East Is West." * * * It is impossible to enter a Holly- wood studio without having the plea- sant experience of meeting an Eaton. At Fox ymi will find young Charles Eaton, while over at Radio you will find Pearl Eaton training chorus girl for "Rio Rita." Their cousin, Ed- win Mills, who is ten years old, was recently featured in a Hollywood stage production of "Courage." hi June, the Batons will be joined by their sister, Mary, who is to be starred by Paramount. By the way, their sister, Doris, made a hit in the Hollywood Music Box revue, pro- duced by Lupino Lane. * * * Frank Fay has gone "native." Hat- less, Frank can be seen dashing up and down Hollywood Boulevard. * * * T'other day, one of our best known producers ushered an Eastern visitor into the private dining room of his studio. "Here is where my execu- tives eat — U7itil I fire 'em," he said. * * * Lya Mara, European star, is en route to Hollywood to visit her hus- band, Frederick Zelnik, and to study the talkers. Zelnik, who has pro- duced several important pictures abroad, is now attached to the Para- mount studio. Among his foreign- made pictures are "The Crimson Circle" and "The Blue Danube." HARVEY GATES Writer WARNER BROTHERS "The Desert Song »» Harry Cording, one of the screen's best "menaces," has been given the role of "Gallagher" in "The Isle of Lost Ships," which h-vin Willat is directing at First National. Harry attracted much attention in "The Patriot" and "Christina." * * * Hollywood is full of "human in- terest" stories. We know a sce- narist, who failing to land a studio job, drove a milk-wagon all night and spent part of the daytime pur- suing work on the "lots." His per- serverance won and he is again writing scenarios. * * * Maurice Revnes is one of Pathe's most active producers. He has "Paris Botmd" hi production and will soon have Ina Claire facing the camera in "The Awful Truth." Hr has en- gaged Paul Harvey, who appeared in the stage version of "The Awful Truth," to play the same role in the talker. * * * Rasch in "Backstage Blues" Albertina Rasch, dance producer, has been signed by Paramount to stage the big dancing sequence in "Backstage Blues," featuring Moran and Mack in an original by Octavus Roy Cohen. "Bugs" Baer to Write Dialogue "Bugs" Baer will write dialogue for six RKO productions. RAY HARRI S Feature Dialogue Writer PATHE Hopper Signed By M-G-M E. Mason Hopper, director, has been added to the M-G-M director- ial staff. Byron Morgan Get Contract Byron Morgan, scenarist, has signed a new contract with M-G-M. He is author of "College Days," talking picture which Sam Wood is directing. EARL BALDWIN DIALOGUE and- LAUGHS CULVER CITY 4510 OR PATHE THE Doonray ol Hospltalitir yNTER tha iloorwmy •# this popular hottelry and you feel at bom*. There's an atmosphcra of cordial welcoM* which marks the difference between tk« Hollywood Plaxa and ordinary hotels. Tour room, too, has that added touch of distinction. Pictures on the wall, over- stuffed furniture, a floor lamp and wading lamp . . . these are but a few of the fcatnna that make you feel at home. Pis'n Whistle Dining Service Insures the best of food. Therefore, when you ara ne»t in Los Angeles be sure to investigate. THE HOLLYWOOD PLAZA HOTEL Vine Street at Hollywood Boulevard HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA *' THE Sunday, May 5, 1929 ■s&m DAILV Theater Equipment By CHARLES F. H^BS ^ TALKING SHOP Steady Advance Being Made by National Screen Service Due to Wider Trailer Use STEADY progress is being made by National Screen Service. The ad- vance has been consistent and is ac- companied by increasing gross, being rolled up by the sales organization headed by Pat Garyn, as a result of increase of the use of trailers. National Screen has exclusive con- tracts with a number of producers for the making of trailers with scenes from the pictures they advertise. In addition, the firm makes a number of stock trailers of the announcement type, covering various messages which the exhibitor may desire to put over to his patrons. Among companies with which ex- clusive contracts are held are: First National, RKO, Columbia, Para- mount, Fox, M-G-M, Universal and United Artists. These trailers are distributed from three central points, New York. Chicago and Los Angeles, with branches maintained in a num- ber of other keys. There have been a number of re- ports of an impending merger in- volving the company, but these are scouted bv officers of the company. Meanwhile, further expansion is to be undertaken, it is said. Lighting Institute Open June 1 Formal opening is planned June 1 of the Lighting Institute at the Grand Central Palace, New York, sponsored by the VVestinghouse Lamp Co. A large portion of it will be devoted to theater lighting. LOBBY POSTER SERVICE LAUNCHED BY NEW FIRM 100 foot rolls, repacked, East- j man and Dupont Panchroma- tic Film, on daylight loading | spools for Eyemo or DeVry ; camera, guaranteed absolutely perfect and fresh. $3.75 a Roll. j U/IUQG^HByS ▼▼110 West SJ^St.l^cwyork.My ^ Phone Pemva. 0330 Motion Picttore Department U. S. and Canada Agents for Debric Bridgeport, Conn. — To provide ex- hibitors at low cost with posters de- signed by leading poster service art- ists. Poster Art Design Service has been formed with studios here. The company is headed by J. Edwin Elicker, formerly art director for Stanley theaters in Philadelphia and Fo.\-I'oli houses here. He is inven- tor of the patented system which the firm will market. Charles H. Arm- strong, former vaudeville producer. is treasurer, R. E. Stewart, associ- ated with Fox-Poli, is an inactive member of the company. The service will contain miniature posters designed and drawn by a staff of metropolitan artists main- tained by the corporation, and in- cludes a system whereby, through the use of a machine known as a posterscope, these posters can be enlarged and painted with the use of suggested color combinations by sign men with little, if any, artistic ability. Posters will be designed for all re- leases of principal producers. Busi- ness operations are to be under way by May 15, with first issue of the service ready then. Artists everywhere also will be able to see pictures of Broadway fronts which are to be published along with news stories of particular inter- est to poster artists, Elicker says. Kessler Selling Sentry Cleveland — John Kessler, former owner and manager of the Alhambra, Canton, is now in charge of sales of Sentry Safety in Ohio. Kessler is making his headquarters in the offices of the National Theater Supply Co. LOEW BUILDING 1540 BROADWAY TIMES SQUARE. MEW YORK I LOEW BUILDING PENN AVENUE I PITTSBURGH Harrisburg, Pa. — Drilling for water is under way at the State here, as an aid to its coolirg system. Manager C. M. Gib- ble says he hopes to strike a spring down about 300 feet. Harbula Handles Coolinff of Three R-K-0 Houses Radio-Keith-Orpheuni has again engaged the services of the organiza- tion of M. G. Harbula, consulting engineers of Chicago and New York; this time to prepare designs and specifications, obtain bids, award contracts and also to take entire charge of the installation and super- vision of air cooling plants in the new Keith Memorial, Boston, the new Keith-AIbee, Flushing, Long Island and the Keith-Albee Palace, Akron, O. Plans and specifications have been completed, contracts al- ready awarded and the plants are in the process of installation at the present time. Contracts in each case provide that the plants be in opera- tion between June 1 and 6. Harbula is in New York directng the work. C. E. HAS NEW TICKET TOTALING^EOUIPMENT Schenectady — 'TotaJing equipment for ticket sales has been developed by General Electric. It covers sales of tickets of different prices, from as many as 50 d'ffercnt windows. Whether the sales occur successive- ly or simultaneously, the totalizing equipment will function and correct- ly total all sales. The equipment involves the use of a motor-driven ticket machnie. A key is depressed in the usual manner to issue a ticket of specified value. This starts the motor which runs until the ticket is cut off and ejected through an opening in the top face plate of the machine. During this operation, an electric circuit to the totalizing machine is momentarily interrupted. Each key is associated with two regis- ters of the Veeder counter type, one registering continuously while the other can be reset to conform with the serial number of tickets issued. An impulse-collecting device re- sponds to the ticket machine opera- tion and functions to place an impulse in the totalizing device. — thirty branches located in strategic sections of the country, ready to serve every need of the American Exhibitor. — day and night maintenance service, to "keep the show going." — the service of expert installation men for every phase of theatre equipment, assuring the application of equipment best suited to the individual theatre's needs. — products of the highest quality, which have demonstrated their actual merit before being offered. To sum it up in a few words — behind National's One-Source, One-Guarantee, One-quality service stand the world's largest man- ufacturers of theatre equipment and accessories. The superior quality of their products, the constant perfection of new equip- ment, the reliability of their firm policies combine with the NATIONAL GUARANTEE, to assure the Exhibitor more for his money in equipment, accessories, maintenance, and repair work. THERE'S A NATIONAL BRANCH NEAR YOU! 0)(aaauJi^ieatn SHp^tompoHf E5^S (4285) ' "Show Boat" (Part Talker Version) Univ. Length: Sound, 11,772 ft. jj Silent, Undetermined CERTAIN TO SCORE AT BOX- OFFICE. ZIEGFELD MUSIC, POPULAR NOVEL, COLORFUL PRODUCTION MAKE IT AN EXPLOITATION PICTURE. LOADED WITH OVERDRAWN SENTIMENTALITIES. Drama of show boat life on the Mississippi in late 19th century. Helen Morgan, Jules Bledsoe and Aunt Jemima sing the nationally known song hits of Ziegfeld's musi- cal version of Edna Ferber's novel in a prologue. The picture proper deals with the love between Mag- nolia played satisfyingly by Laura La Plante, and Gay Ravenal, played excellently, in the main, by Joseph Schilldkraut. Life on the show boat, separation, heartbreaks and eventual reunion comprise the story. Director Pollard has captured much of the charm of the period. Scenically the production is excellent as are a num- ber of sequences dramatically. But the hokum and tears are applied with too much frequency. Cast: Laura La Plante, Joseph Schildkraut, Emily Fitzroy, Otis Harlan, Elise Bartlett, Alma Rubens, Jack McDonald, Jane La Verne, Neely Edwards, Theodore Lorch, Stepin Fechit, Gertrude Howard. In the prologue: Helen Morgan, Jules Bledsoe, Aunt Jemima. Director, Harry Pollard; Author, Edna Ferber; Scenarist, Charles Kenyon; Editors, Maurice Pivar, Daniel Mandell ; Titler, Tom Reed ; Dialoguers, Harry Pollard, Tom Reed : Cameraman. Gilbert Warrenton. "The Donovan Affair" ivith Jack) Holt, Dorothy Revier, William Collier, Jr. (All-Talker Version) tColiimbia Length: Sound 7154 ft. Silent 7189 ft. STRONG PROGRAM ENTER- TAINMENT WITH THRILLS AND LAUGHS IN MURDER MYSTERY. AGED PLOT HELPED BY COMEDY STUFF. Murder mystery. Adapted from the stage play by Owen Davis. The di- rector, Frank R. Capra collects the most credit for his individual treat- ment that has snapped up some old theatrical situations that creak with age. In Davis' play two murders are committed in exactly the same way, and then they pull another near-mur- der along similar lines in order to trap the criminal. This repetition would prove monotonous if it were not for Capra's clever handling. The usual treatment is used of casting sus- picion on everybody at the dinner party where the victim is murdered while seated at the table when the lights go out. Jack Holt is satis- factory, only that, as a semi-dumb police inspector. And Fred Kelsey as the dumb dick is made to overplay the dumb stuff to get the laughs. Cctst: Jack Holt, Dorothy Revier, William Collier, Jr., John Roche, Fred Kelsey, Agnes Ayres, Hank Mann, Wheeler Oakman, Vir- ginia Brown Faire, Alphonse Ethier, Edward Hearn, Ethel Wales, John Wallace. Director, Frank R. Capra; Author, Owen Davis ; Scenarist, Dorothy Howell ; Editor, Arthur Roberts; Dialoguer, Howard J. Green; Cameraman. Teddy Tetzlaff. Corinne Griffith in "Saturday's Children" (Part Talker Version) First Nat'l Length: Sound, 7550 ft. Silent, 6742 ft. MILD PRODUCTION THAT IS SHY ON MATERIAL FOR FILM ENTERTAINMENT. CO- RINNE MISCAST AND DIREC- TION ORDINARY. TALKING SEQUENCES DON'T GET OVER. Drama. Adapated from the Pulit- zer prize play. But that doesn't make it a picture. The part-talker fails to impress, and the contrast with screen titles is poorly managed. The story itself is draggy, and with Corinne playing out of character in gingham dresses of a poor little stenog and trying to be coy and juvenile, the line-up is anything but fortunate. Corinne as the boss' sec- retary is in love with the shipping clerk. The boss is making a play for the secretary and tries to ship the boy to South America. But they get married, quarrel, get reconciled and start all over again. All hands including the director seemed to go through with this production as just another of those things that had to be done. But the story really didn't warrant their serious attenion. Cast: Corinne Griffith, Grant Withers, Al- bert Conti, Alma Tell, Lucien Littlefield, Charles Lane, Ann Schaeffer, Marcia Harris. Director, Gregory LaCava ; Author, Max- well Anderson ; Scenarist, Forrest Halsey ; Editor, Hugh Bennett ; Titler, Paul Perez ; Dialoguer, Not listed; Cameraman, John Seitz. "Honeymoon Abroad" unth Monty Banks, Gillian Dean (Silent) World Wide Length: 6000 ft. A FAIR LAUGH NUMBER. MONTY BANKS DOES SATIS- FACTORY COMEDY WORK IN A PLOT THAT IS RETARDED BECAUSE OF TOO DRAGGED OUT INTEREST. Comedy. Produced by British In- ternational. It was directed by Tim Whelan, who worked in some of the old stuff that he used to put into the early Harold Lloyd comedies. The plot must have been British for many of the bits have a heavy atmos- phere that will appear strange to American audiences used to the pep- pier Hollywood brand of comedy. But Monty is good, and succeeds in getting a good quota of laughs on his own ability regardless of the story and direction. Mother-in-law insists on going along on daughter's honey- moon. They start from New York, arrive in Paris and from there to London and so on the way home again. And all the time mother-in- law and circumstances combine to keep Monty a kissless bridegroom to the end. Just fair entertainment for the daily changes. Cast: Bonty Banks, Gillian Dean, Lena Halliday, Judy Kelly, CoHn Kenny. Director, Tim Whelan ; Authors, Rex Tay- lor, Tim Whelan, Edward Holland ; Scenar- ists, Same; Titler, Edward Holland; Camera- men, Rene Guissart. Geo Pocknall. Ivan Mosjouki7ie in "Loves of Casanova" (Silent) M-G-M Length: 6179 ft. FRENCH FILM POORLY DI- RECTED AND BADLY CUT AND EDITED. RAMBLES TOO MUCH TO HOLD ANY REAL INTER- EST. Romance. Produced by Cineromans of Paris. To meet the American market this was cut wholesale, and what is left is a very garbled account of the great Casanova's love affairs all over Europe. In following the ad- venturous Italian through his various adventures of a period long since past, the film fails to get over that charm and entertainment that is known to everyone who has read the Casanova memoirs. The main love adventures are reproduced more or less faithfully, without the snappy bits that the censors would ban. The result is that it is very mediocre en- tertainment, with Mosjoukine as Casa- nova overacting in a way that will appeal little to American audiences. Some fair colored sequences are worked in, but the sets and costumes in spots are really gorgeous and are the picture's only charm. Cast: Ivan Mosjoukine, Suzaiuie Bianchetti, Diana Karenne, Jenny Jugo, Rina de Liguoro, Nina Koshetz. Director, Alexander VolkofI ; Author, from "Casanova's Memoirs" ; Scenarist, Norbert Kalk, Ivan Mosjoukine; Editor, Not listed; Titler, Edwin Jastus Mayer; Cameranuui, Not listed. "The Betrayal' Ameranglo (Silent) Length: 7400 ft. BRITISH PRODUCTION TOO HEAVY AND INVOLVED TO HOLD INTEREST. STORY OF NAPOLEON'S TIME HAS LIT- TJLE POPULAR APPEAL. Drama. Produced by British In- structional. This was adapted from the novel by Leo Perutz. Its one en- tertainment claim is based on some very alluring camera shots and the acting of certain people in the cast which is quite competent. But the story is a hash that is made worse by poor directing and worse continu- itv— or a combination of both. A'Jl about three officers who have had af- fairs with the late colonel's wife dur- ing the Peninsular Wars somewhere around the year 1800. The troops are in a Spanish town, when the colonel falls in love with a girl who closely resembles his late wife. The three young officers start to play up to the new flame, the same as they had done with the old. The result is that through jealousy of each other they help betray their army to the enemy, they are all killed, and the girl stabs herself to death. Cast: Elissa Landi, Jerrold Robertshaw, (jcrald Pring, Charles Emerald. Director, Walter Summers ; Author, from "Bolivar" by Leo Perutz; Scen>"., -o/?, ^re. af WEEK.*'™WEEK ^•"■C-'..a71- fl-- ^o // ^S5 ^^^c/ o":!'^^ AFTER /Jl ^o/, eu ^c/e e/- ^3, 'o, '^a 'g "^zs -o/?_ 'o/J. Or. to ep, er, IV. o/- 5^re, 'f/» 3te. St ft} ill ^sl ^clc a Uc/, a/, 3/j '0>y 'S(, <^a/ Co /Jj ^c/v ftl fS' Ore '^U s/c. ev, '•e, Co, H-j af ^^f, Vs fA ^o ^Qi ''*, 'ca/ 'iO; o/- fFICf tllTS ^ '•o^ ^'^o;-^^' '^G- u H';, ^1 ^/? ^/A^ ^O/^S^^^a/ '»t/. lirAt rsf '^''a/', ^-/^ f. N. TO CONTINUE FIVE YEAR CONTRACT PLAN (Continued from Page 1) ted to arbitration under terms of the contract. Percentage only is the new First National selling policy, Depinet de- clared last week. All of the 35 talk- ers are to be made in silent version as well, he stated. ISI NAT. fADE-OUTS GEORGE C. ALMON, Memphis, scoffed when they played the phonograph records, for he undoubt- edly could do better with his four ukuleles. Just bristling with pep for the new season is W. C. (Wire Haired) Brimmer, Omaha mxinager. R. H Haines is out gunning for the guy who pulled that "came clean from Pittsburgh" wheeze. Even a little rain made no difference to him. J. H. Ashby, continues his Cool- idge silence. Action not words is the motto of "The Denver Sphinx." E. J. Tilton may well be proud of the long-term contract he has chalked up at the Des Moines branch. L. Connor, New Orleans, has been out of luck so far in his search for a New Orleans crab supper. Warners Vote 100 Per Cent Dividend to Stockholders (Continued from Page 1) voted by stockholders of Warner Bros. Pictures. It will be distrib- uted July 2 to holders of record June 27. WARNER LIGHTS That faraway-look in his eyes must have indicated that William Feldstein was longing for the re- frigerated ozone of St. John, where he is in the exchange-managing business for Warners. Or perhaps it was somebody else. JAKE HERMAN detected Frank Meyers, Toronto, in the act — buy- ing sun-tan powder in order to sub- stantiate his yarn about an extended vacation at some ritzy Eastern shore resort. The portable refrigerating system for the "most unassuming man" at the convention will be awarded to J. Plottell from Vancouver, late re- turns last night indicated. Some regret was expressed that Wolfe Cohen of Winnipeg made his trip into the U. S. non-alcholically. Someone alleged that he is hungry as a Wolfe when it comes to contracts. he was racketeering on the side, in addition to compelling exhibitors to play Warner product. The Ancient Order of Hiberians got a break at the meetings through lepresentation by Tim Donahue, from the city made famous by the Cabots, Lodges and cod. A genuine Weber & Fields accent was provided by Earl A. Bell, Oma- ha. Earl Silverman, pride of Chicago, was kept busy denying rumors that Some excitement was caused by a report (later found to be erroneous) that H. S. Dunn, sales demon of the Smoky City, had arrived with his famous raccoon coat, straw hat and smoking one of the world-notorious stogies which has helped give Pitts- burgh its libelous nickname. From some unknown source ema- nated a report that A. H. Huot of Portland was the best after-dinner speaker on the premises. He re- fused to either affirm or deny the story. The value of good-will between exhibitors and the Warner outfit was emphasized by Sam E. Morris, who urged the conventioneers to remem- ber that his company is giving them a square deal. Wayne Ball was the delegate from the town made famous by Brigham Young in giving profes- sional bigamists a break. M. A. Hulling, San Franciscoite, was bemoaning the fact that in being transferred from Los Angeles, he lost a starring contract to work in pic- tures. The lone mxin who didn't com- plain of the heat was R. C. Hill of Seattle, who, as his name suggests, is tall enough to keep out of the lower regions infested with torrid climate. Jerry Steel has the rep of being an authority on exhibitor problems as he owns a trio of houses in the Mid- dle West. Ralph B. Binns was elated over the fact that the very day he left Washington convention-bound, Con- gress found it necessary to adjourn. J. A. Davis, New Haven, was credited with having the best-working appetite among the conventioneers. A prevalent report was to the ef- fect that Lester Adler from this great big city had been offered a job doubling for Harold Lloyd. Boucher Going with Warners Winchester, Va.— Frank M. Bouch- er, for 18 months supervisor of the three local houses here of the Shenan- doah Valley Theaters chain, has re- signed to join Warners as city man- ager in a city to be assigned him. The Capitol, Colonial and Win were under his jurisdiction here. The Shenandoah firm is a Universal sub- sidiary. "U" Winding up Eastern Sales Convention Today (Continued from Page 1) manager, presided at yesterday's ses- sion. A highlight of yesterday's session was the appearance of Red Grange, latest star acquisition, who flew to Atlantic City to address the 100 man- agers and salesmen present. Next was the presentation to C. Witmen, Philadelphia manager, of the "most valuable" manager medal. Other speakers were: Ted Sch- langer, Fred McConnell, Paul Gu- lick, Joe Weil, Milton Silver, Charles M. Steele, Thomas Messiter, Herman Stern, Sidney Singerman and Lee Balsly. New Sound Device Is Placed on French Market Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — The Exclusivities Seyta of Paris is marketing a new sound film device called Boma Special Cine, advises a report to the M. P. Section of the Dept. of Commerce. Vitacolor Demonstrated At New Orleans Showing New Orleans — Vitacolor film, the system of projecting natural colors in pictures, was demonstrated here. The Vitacolor operates through the use of revolving color filter made up of the 26 major and minor divisions of the spectrum. The film is in neutral gray; black and white projects on the screen in natural colors. It was de- veloped by Max duPont of California. 138 Oklahoma City Zone Houses Reported Wired Oklahoma City — There are 138 in- stallations of sound equipment in this territory, it is reported, with wiring continuing at a rapid pace. Talk of discarding sound by a num- ber of houses is discounted. Better understanding of the operation of reproducers and improvement of acoustics are expected to make op- eration of sound houses more satis- factory. M-G-M Now Finishing 14; 23 to be Put in Work West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — There now are 14 pic- tures on the M-G-M schedule being photographed or edited and 23 more to start within the next ten weeks. The pictures being edited and sched- uled for summer or fall releases, include; "Dynamite," "Hallelujah," "Redemption," "Hollywood Revue of 1929," "Marianne," "The Last of Mrs. Cheney," 'College Life," "Eva, the Fifth,"' "The Green Ghost," "The Single Standard," "Thunder," "Speed- way" and "Wonder of Women." Some of the productions listed in the group of 23 a.re; "Cotton and Silk," "Trader Horn," "The Bugle Sounds," "Anna Christie," "Olympia," "Jungle," "The Ordeal," "The Thir- teenth Chair" and "The Bishop Mur- der Case," and others. -AND THAT'S THAT ^ By PHIL M. DALY r'LENN ALLVINE hops right to " the forefront as one of the in- dustry's prize optimists. He's build- ing a house at Long Beach where he hopes to rest up weekends and re- cuperate from his work in the fac- tory over on Tenth Avenue. If you've ever been on a weekend party at Long Beach you'll know just how much of an optimist Glenn really is. He's building three sun porches on different levels, but none of them actually on the level. One overlooks the ocean and the other two over- look anything you can get away with. They're that kind of porches. In case the sun porch proceedings aren't dizzy enough, you can go inside and survey the modernistic color scheme. "Fox Follies of 1929" has nothing on it. * * * Digest This M. Reynolds of Traveltone, who is new in the film biz, says that when he first heard them talking around the office about Fillum Daily he thought they referred to the cafe- teria next door. Well, the lil old papers has given lots of bozos food for thought. * * * Xtraordinary Rutgers Neilson, Pathe publicity palpitator, has the X-key on his typewriter all shot to pieces through exing out the name credits on the Coast publicity items in order to find the story about the picture. * * * "Mysterious Mame" Chapter VI One thing about Mame is that she's so enterprising. She'll do any- thing 3'ou suggest — within reason. But she's also very reasonable. As she sez to Billy Ferguson: "If it's been done before, why can't I do it?" So Bill sez: "Wot an exploiteer you'd make, Mame!" So he takes her around the corner for a moment to explain what he thinks is a new ex- ploitation stunt. And I'm left wait- ing with Bill's red roadster at 47th Street and Broadway. That's at 9 P.M. At two minutes to midnight Mame returns — alone. "Well," sez I, "where's Bill?" Mame smiles mysteriously: "He's explainin' his ex- ploitation stunt to the sergeant at the police desk." Oh, hi, hum. Just another evening wasted away. For me. As for Bill? We must go into a huddle with him and get the dirtails. * * * * (As this serial and the summer progress, the heat waves grow in intensity. It's not so much the hu- midity as the humor that slays you. But you might as well die reading hash as eating it.) + * * Theme Song "Four Feathers, You Tickle Me." * * * Famous Film Conversations "Who's in back of it?" Out In July AND HOW! Fox Managers Winding Up Convention Activities (Continued from Page 1) Grainger, Keneral sales manager, yes- terday held personal conferences with various managers. fOX flASHBACKS IT may be all over but this year's Fox convention will live long in the memories of the Fox boys, who continued their meetings individually with James R. Grainger in New York yesterday. One of the real highlights was the requested speech of William_ Fox, made as a climax to the outing at Far Rockaway. His real reason for becoming interested in Movietone was not for the entertainment pos- sibilities it offered, hit rather the opportunity it offered to better his fellow men. Fox declared. He cited its great potentalities in education and religion. "Jimmy" Grainger was host at the party. He outbid himself and ac- complished something never before achieved— he made the gang call quits. "Jimmy" captained the winning ball team in the tussle with Harry Campbell's tossers. Aided and abet- ted by what are described as the rawest decisions ever made on the diamond, J. R.'s team gleaned a 53 to 6 victory. The umps were Bennie Dudenhefer, Neiv Orleans, and "Dad" McKeon, home office repre- sentative. An Army of Talent West Coast Bur. THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — There are 61 contract players under contract at the Fox studios, and 36 film and stage directors, the latter group alone embracing 14 gath- ered from Broadway and the legitimate field. Writers, under contract for one or more of whose works have been pur- chased for the new season's program, total 27. A perma- nent dance corps with 16 mem- bers is on the weekly studio payroll. "Jimmy" Morrison can afford to be proud, copping first place in the J. R. Grainger Week Drive, the week of June 17, for the second time in as many years. "Jimmy" wrote a new record of business for the Denver zone, it is declared. The drive was a hotly-contested one, and records are believed to have been chalked up in many sections. As a first baseman, "Peck" Gom- mersall proved a good film man. Wait until the film of the game is sprung on him. Ira Cohen, alleged shortstop, contributed to the merri- ment. Other features were Eddie Grainger's catching, Harry Camp- bell's cap and Jack Sullivan's base running. Roger Ferri, who handled arrange- ments for the convention, was given a special seat at the game as a re- ward for his hard work. Harry Campbell, one of the sea- faring Campbells, of course, proved a real swimmer, when some of the boys took him. for a ride. Telegrams were received from Winfield Sheehan, Harold B. Frank- lin and Howard P. Sheehan, who regretted missing the party. Winfield Sheehan kept advised by long distance telephone. Chris Buckley of Albany was the only exhibitor present. He surely is sold forever on F'ox and Fox prod- uct. The branches finished in this or- der: Denver, Buffalo, Kansas City, Seattle, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Albany, Portland, New Haven, Montreal, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, Cleveland, Boston, Des Moines, Washington, San Fran- cisco, Milwaukee, New Orleans, Winnipeg, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Calgary, Detroit, Toronto, Okla- homa City, New York, Vancouver, Omaha, Memphis, Minneapolis, Charlotte, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, and St. John. But to return to the outing: There were a variety of games played. Of course, the married men copped honors from the bachelor nine. At Freedman, newly-appointed as- sistant to Jack Leo, was receiving congratulations on his new appoint- m^ent. Another taker of bows was John Coneybear, new superintendent of Fox laboratories. The opportunity proved a good one for meeting the boys. There was a somber aspect when the body of a drowned man was washed ashore near the scene of the party. Ferri immediately started calling the roll to see if any Fox men were missing. There was a Fox Movietone News airplane on hand to provide rides. A7id the whole affair was filmed, will be made into a two reeler and sent to the Coast. Sarnoff Reported in Mid- West Engineering Merger (Continued from Page I) that the day of mergers is not yet passed. "We will not merge, we will buy," was the substance of his remarks. RKO is determined that Radio Pic- tures shall have first run representa- tion everywhere, and will obtain it if it has to acquire or build its own theaters. He said that $2,000,000 has been appropriated for production of stereoscopic talkers by the Spoor process. Lee Marcus, general sales man- ager, evoked yells and cheers in his analysis of the new season's prod- uct. "Street Girl" and several shorts, which were declared to emphasize the new production policy were screened. AT THE RADIO MIKf CHICAGO THERE is plenty of excitement out Chicago way, due to the RKO convention. Plenty of reports of im- pending deals involving Radio con- tinued to be heard. Joe" Schnitzer brought down the house with his declaration of policy. The company will not merge, but irill be the big shot of any deal it goes into, he emphasized. And the- aters will be built if the product doesn't get the break the company feels it should. Bi ig smiles around the convention hall. Imagine a product that leads off with "Street Girl" and embraces "Rio Rita," and other outstanding musical shows? I Lee Marcus is just radiating pep. He certainly swept the boys off their feet yestrday, in going over the pic- tures for next year. Convention arrangements are be- ing handled by L. J. Rubinstein. And he's doing it in big league style. For instance, he crashed the front page of "The Chicago Daily News" with the convention story and had the other papers and press associations standing by all day for stories. 40-Story Theater Building for Cincinnati Planned Cincinnati — Work is starting at once on a 40-story theater and office building to be erected at Fifth, Vine and Race Sts. Farley Returns to Duty Montgomery, Ala. — H. C. Farley, city manager for Publix, is back at his post again after an absence of many months spent in Baltimore where he underwent treatment at Kelly Hos- pital for a serious affection of the throat. Raze Rochester House Rochester, N. Y. — The Corinthian will be razed to make way for a park- ing station. The Fox sales force certainly is sold on its leaders, it was demon- strated at last week's sessions. James R. Grainger, sales manager, was pre- sented with a diamond-studded watch; Jack Sichelman, his assistant, received golf sticks; Nat Finkler, manager of the contract department, a traveling bag; George Roberts, as- sistant to Milton Schwarts of Mo- vietone News, a portfolio, and Roger Ferri, who handled convention ar- rangements so well, a bag and port- folio. The gang had some party at Far Rockaway. There were plenty of surprises in store. Clayton Sheehan, foreign sales manager, gave a peppy talk during the week. Glendon Allvine, whose work on the Fox announced created real enthusiasm, was introduced to the sales force. Study Atlanta Regulations Atlanta — A committee of aldermen has been organized to study local the- ater laws regulating construction, seating and projectionists. Fischer . Buys for Ohio Cleveland — Meyer Fisclher, presi- dent of Fischer Film Exchange, is back and announces release in Ohio of six Castle single reels with sound and sound effects, two-reel sound films and dialogue features. Champion Disc for Four Houses Pittsburgh— Recent installations of the Champion disc reproducer in houses in this territory include; R. L. Kennell's Nemo, Masontown, W. Va.; Maryland, Oakland, Md.; Mor- rison, Boswell, Pa.; and the Rex, Corry, Pa. C. C. Wagner is district manager for Champion. Lind at RK© Seattle Office Seattle — Fred Lind, formerly of the RKO exchange at Salt Lake City, is now manager of the RKO office succeeding William Matthews. Arrested for Sunday Shows Seymour, Ind. — W. O. Zuber and E. M. Eagleston, owners of two the- aters here were arrested and placed under a $50 bond for opening their houses on Sunday. The performances were continued after the arrest, both houses operating in the evening. Boston Firm Gets House Norwich, Conn. — Phillip Smith Corp., of Boston has acquired the Broadway here from the Midtown Theater Corp. of Norwich. Redecorate Uniontown House Uniontown, Pa.— -The Penn is open after being redecorated. Phonofilm for Montpelier Montpelier, Vt — Deforest Phono- film equipment is being installed at the Playhouse here. Takes Over Chicago Houses Chicago — Freddie Gilford and El- mer Benesch, as co-partners, have taken over the Ashland and Madlin from Harry Tague and Max Berling, known as Ashland Photoplay Co. Jim Sells Two Houses Coraopolis, Pa. — Anthony Jim has sold the Lyric and Coraopolis here to F. E. McGillick of Pittsburgh. Sugar Creek House Dark Sugar Creek, O. — The Community here is closed indefinitely. Sound For West Newton House . West Newton, Pa. — Sound equip- ment has been installed at the Grand. Another Ohio Closing Frazeyburg, O. — The Packard here is closed indefinitely. R-K-O Working on Deal to Buy "Big Company" o/'FILMDOM i^LLTHE NEWS ALLTUE TIME * ^ VOL. XLVIII No. 74 WLtlncscLay, June 26, 1929 I'ricc 5 Cent* 500 MILLION FOR THEATERS No Kidding LEST you jump at the con- clusion that the little old paper has lost its head, this typewriter deems it necessary to assure you, palpitating reader, that those figures which clutter the first page this morning are correct. Taking no more chances that the compositor will lose his composure, we write it out : Five hundred million dollars — or if you prefer, $500,000,000— is the unbelievahle amount the War- ners are after to finance their end of the industry's four-cornered theater Olympic. Part of it will be used to build or acquire the 25 or 30 houses designed to unfurl the First National banner. The plenti- titdinous rest — for whatever houses the ami)itious Warners set out to capture, here and abroad. Paramount Let's take a look at the map for a minutev In the Middle West, Para- mount has taken over Great States, kingpin of the Illinois territory as a formidable adjunct for its strategic Chicago houses. The Kunsky circuit in Detroit is in. Inter-mountain de- velopmert will use the Marcus the- aters in Utah as the nucleus. The Saenger and Dent deals affecting the South are progressing. Fox Fox is not standing still — not so that you can notice it. The West Coast and Greater New York are pretty much Fox-ways these days. Wisconsin is a Fox stronghold. Else- >¥here many other moves are on the ■wing. RKO And RKO, the industry's big mys- tery giant. Sarnoff is in Chicago and much, therefore, may be looked for. It's a tussle of the giants, if ever this business saw one. • K A N N Ten Best Directors More than 300 newspaper, fan and trade magazine critics imited this year to select the Ten Best Directors of 1928-29 in the fourth annual Film Daily poll. Newspapers rep- resented embrace 45 states, the District of Columbia and Can- ada. The balloting closed yes- terday. Results are to be an- nounced in the Annual Direc- tors' Number and Production Guide of THE FILM DAILY, to be issued soon. SHOWMEN URGE DIALOGUE BE PASSED ON IN SCRIPT Philadelphia — Producers were called upon to exercise care at the production .source to prevent mutila- tion of talkers by censors; and mem- bers unanimously decided to refuse to sign any contract for delivery of films with the phrase "As or if avail- (Continued on Page 6) 47 Managerial Changes at Fox Metropolitan in Week The managerial Ihic-upi of Fox Metropolitan Playhouses, Inc., is undergoing final form. Since his ad- .cnt as I'eneral manager, William (Continued on Paqc 2) WARNERS REPORTED PLANNING HALF BILLION STOCK ISSUE FOR HOUSES TO BE BUILT THROUCHOUT COUNTRY Warners are understood planninp: to top all hjph marks for film stock flotation with a $500,()(X),000 issue for theater expansion. Houses are to be built or ac- quired in all sections, it is understood. I 'art of the issue will Ik? for the propo.sed chain of First National theaters in about 25 key cities, where, it is alleged, that the corii- pany is not getting adccjuatc rcpre- ?4 "Stanley Co •Univ. Pict. pfd Warner Bros 118^ do pfd 60 54/8 93/ 245^ 53^ 63^ 9'A 19J4 315^ 116/ .SS/ CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod. ... iji 3H •Hal. & Katz Columbia Pets. ... 32J^ Con. Fm. Ind. . . 22/ •Film Insp Fox Thea. "A''.. 22^ Griffith, D.W. "A" Ws •Intern. Proj. (i) do (n. w.) 28 Loew do deb. rts Nat. Scr. Sen... 25 M Nat. Thea. Sup... 1954 Trans-Lux 11/ •Univ Pict •do pfd BOND MARKET Keith A-O 6s 46.. 90/ 90/ Loew 6s 41ww 104/ 103 lo 6s 41 x-war. . . 96 9554 Paramount 6s 47 Par. By. 5/s 51 Pathe 7s 37 29/ 2m 2254 15/8 26" 25H 195^ 98/ 99/ 747^ 33/ 25/ 175 128 108 88 32/ 9854 S^'A 93/ 24^ 55 64/ 9/ 19/ 33 40 98/ 1185^8 597/8 35^ 80 2\V^ 2/8 22/ \V» 120 28 19 2554 19/ im 20 1/ 90/ 103 9554 98/ 99/ 72 Sales 400 300 200 500 98/ 99/ 72 CURB BONDS •Am. Seat. 6s 36 88/ •Warner 6/s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 26 28 do units 27 30 do com 2 3 .... Skouras Bros. ... 35 42 .... Technicolor 61 62 .... United Art 5 10 do pfd 70 80 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2 do pfd 75 85 •LAST PRICE QUOTED ,800 100 400 10,700 6,900 400 1,100 13,200 7,000 4,200 4,600 '706 100 '766 100 ii',i66 '466 1,000 300 Four More W. E. Suits Against Silverphone Western Electric and Electrical Re- search Products, have brought four additional patent suits against the Silverphone Corp., of Toledo. The bills of complaint were filed in the Federal Court of the Northern Dis- trict of Ohio at Toledo last week. The same plaintiffs had previously brought suit against the Silverphone Corp. charging patent infringement and unfair competition in alleged copyinrr the design of the Western Electric loud speaker unit. This ac- tion is still pending. Weiss Bros. Plan Several Talker Series in East Production of several series of talking comedies is planned at the De- Forest Phonofiim studio in New York by Weiss Brothers, Artclass. Adolph Weiss, who has been in charge of Coast production, has suspended ac- tivities there and arrives in New York today with Director Les Goodwins and "Snub" Pollard. The latter is to star in one of the series, the first picture of which is to be started July 10. No Truth to Australian Merger, Johnson States Denial of report that any merger or consolidation is planned between Union Theaters and Hoyt's, riv^l Australian theater chains, is contained in a cablegram received in New York by Millard Johnson of Australasian Films (Hoyt's). Loew's Buys Bronx House Loew's has purchased the Metro- politan, 142nd St., and Third Ave., the Bronx, from Walter Reade. The purchase price is reported to be $225,- 000. The house, built for legitimate shows, has been dark three years. Yamins Buys Another Fall River, Mass. — Rialto Amuse- ment Co., headed by Nathan Yamins, has purchased the Empire from Fall River Consolidated Enterprises. The Rialto firm also has the Durfee, Bi- jou and Capitol and has stock con- trol of the Park and Strand. Let IJs Solve Your Frohlevfis I Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE Stebbins, Leterman & Gates INCORPORATED 1540 ffWAY N.Y.C. TELEPHONE BRYANT 3040 Vandal in New York Marcel Vandal of Delac and Van- dal, prominent French, producer, is in New York studying the sound situation. He was the founder of the Eclair company which in the early days of the industry operated in the American field. Hayden Coming to New York Sydney Hayden, resident director in London of Kinemas, Ltd., South Africa chain, is to arrive in New York early in July. Johnson Sells Interests A. R. Johnson, who has sold his interests in the Rialto, Atlanta, to John A. Comzy, is in New York. The Industry* s Date Book Today : First Day of Annual Meeting of Kansas and western Missouri ex- hibitors unit at Kansas City. Annual RKO sales convention at Chicago, 111. June 27 Pathe convention at Atlantic City. Annual Tiffany-Stahl sales con- vention at Detroit. Third United Artists sectional sales meet at San Francisco. Meeting of Allied States Assn., Washington. Columbia sales convention at Hollywood, Cal. July July WANTED For metropolitan distribution. Novelty color and short sub- jects, also comedies Box A-139 c-o Film Daily 1650 Broadway N. Y. C. HIGHLY PLEASED! "We wish to say that we are highly pleased with the service we are getting from you." Wayneswood and Capitol Theatres Waynesville, N. C. "WF NEVER DISAPPOINT" mm FiiH tABORWOSitil *. INCORPORATED * 220WEST42i^STREET NEW YORK Phone: Wisconsin 6876 ALLAN A.LOWNES. CEN.MCR. Aft* If • ^m( Bi^ Pictures Now >NVienYou eedThemMost What Warner Bros.Promise- Warner Bros. Deliver* WILLIAM BOYD in me FLYING FOOL u;ic/i Marie Vxwo^t, Russell G\&a%on and Ton O'Brien, ^upermied. by Wm. Sistrom. Fron an original story by Elliott Clau)son. DirecUi by Taylor Garnett. i WILLIAM BOYD Elevated to New Heights in Talking Pictures . . , THE William Boyd who stirred them in WEST POINT, who thrilled them in SKY- SCRAPER, who made them laugh in POWER and cry in THE LEATHERNECK, who startled them with his powerful voice-appeal in HIGH VOLTAGE .... in a word, William Boyd the Box-Office Thunderbolt strides on to fresh triumphs as a pre-eminent Pathe personality in 1929-1930. His latest sensation is typical Boyd dynamite — THE FLYING FOOL , , , a-thrill with the %oom and swoop of daredevil air- manship . a-quiver with a delightful love story .... a-tingle with a vigorous humor and a human pathos. B-O-Y-D — and it spells Box-Office. PAT E DAILV Wednesday, June 26, 1929 SHOWMEN URGE DIALOGUE BE PASSED ON IN SCRIPT (Continued from Page 1) able," at the session of the eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware exhibitors held here. The exhibitors suggest that the Hays office name a board to examine scripts of talkers, said board to con- sist of one member each from the Pennsylvania, Ohio and Chicago boards. This, it was felt would elim- inate censorship. The availability suggestion was held the only way to cure the situa- tion existing when the exchange could not force the first run to specify a playing arrangement. United Artists was cited for setting in "Bulldog Drummond" at the Steel Pier, Atlantic City, where a 50 cents admission, admits the patron to about 30 entertainment attractions. The company also was cited for declared refusal to make adjustment. The policy of various distributors of hold- ing out films, was condemned. Fox was praised for supplying early play- datef, and in granting relief to exhibi- tors, and support to the company pledged. Sheriff Closes Bluefield House Bluefield, W. Va.— The Granada has been closed by a notice of the sheriff of Mercer county. Equipment has been advertised for sale. New Mov0 Is Promised In E^quity Shop Offensive (Continued from Pagg 1) but it is believed that Eauity execu- tives will rule that the ifnembership agreement with Equity is a prior contract and that playing under con- tract they are violating their Equity agreement by not obeying the Equity shop mandate. I. B. Kornblum, Equity attorney, declares that legal steps planned con- stitute an innovation in labor dis- putes. Little credence is given the belief that the Gillmore statement meant a general strike will be called, thus allowing producers to invalidate players' contracts if they wish. Gillmore asserted that non-mem- bers accepting standard contracts will have difficulty in joining Equity later. Answering the statement that 3,000 eastern actors have invaded Hollywood, Gillmore said the records show that from January 1 to May only 11 eastern players came here on contract. One producer had ad- mitted, said Gillmore, that 80 per cent of his proffered engagements had been rejected by Equity mem- bers. Emma Dunn asserted the law of progress will win for the actors against alleged injustice. Robert Edeson related how an actor told a protesting producer: "I didn't know anything about Equity, until you brought Equity actors here from the East." Gillmore declared the Academy of T The Serial Situation Is SOUND! There's reel SOUND business for ten solid weeks when you book MASCOT'S PRODUCTION ''THE KING OF THE KONGO** Directed by Richard Thorpe from story by Harry Sinclair Drago THE FIRST 100% TALKING AND SOUND WILD ANIMAL SERIAL Also a SOUND CAST . . . >^ JACQUELINE LOGAN LOOKv co-featured with WALTER MILLER Released August First by MASCOT PICTURES CORPORATION 1650 Broadway Nat Levine, Pres. ^ec Art Studios Cable Address: Levpic New York Hollywood Werf Coast Bur. THE FILM DAILY Hollywood' — "Your quarrel is our quarrel," President Green of the American Federation of Labor, wired Frank Gillmore, president of Actors' Equity Ass'n, stating Equity will win the Equity shop dispute ulti- mately, "because the American people will support you." M. P. Arts and Sciences a great or- ganization for all its branches except the actors'. Louis Wolheim ridi- culed contract players who oppose the Equity shop. "Equity was sold out here in 1927, but it is not for sale in 1929," Char- les Miller, Equity's Coast represen- tative, declared. His announcement that Conrad Nagel had fostered a meeting to protest against the Equity shop in talkers was greeted with hisses. Some producers are reported con- sidering a plan to make Lionel Bar- rymore and other prominent actors opposing the Equity shop a perma- nent committee to consider actors' grievances. Observers state that in the event Equity shows winning strength, pro- ducers have millions in contracts for silent pictures and could force ex- hibitors to play silents pictures un- der contract, which were withdrawn when the talker vogue developed. New Era Gets "Underground" Distribution in the New York ter- ritory of "Underground," silent feat- ure produced on the Coast has been acquired by New Era Film Co. The company's short subject, "Marion- ettes," which is playing a second week at the Cameo, New York, was produced in the United States and not England as previously stated. It has been set in for three weeks at the Rialto, Newark. New Owners for Minneapolis House Minneapolis — Max Toredor has dis- posed of his Cozy to J. N. and E. B. Abramson. i SOUND I I TRUCK I I Available 1 j DAY OR NIGHT I with I I POWERS \ I CINEPHONE I j EQUIPMENT I i F'hnne Bryant 0586 or 3951 KnaTilafl 729 Seventh Avenue ZUKOR, lASKY, KENT 1 LEADERSHIP PRAISED (Continued from Page 1) climaxed the sales convention. A. M. Botsford was toastmaster. "1 bring you greetings from the President of the United States, who unfortunately cannot be present," Akerson said in opening his remarks. "I do not know anything about the 1 motion picture business but I do know \ that if every one of you assembled here follow the ideals as expressed by your leader, Sidney R. Kent, in the meeting this morning you cannot help but succeed. "Mr. Kent told you to go out into the field with your sales manual under one arm and your special trailer under the other. 1 do not know anything about the manual but I do know something about another. I refer to the work of a very good friend of mine — Mr. Will Irwin, who wrote a book called •The House That Shadows Built.' If there is anyone among you that has not read this I urge you to do so for it will be inspira- tion enough for you to conquer any problem that may confront you. I need not tell you that it is the story of your beloved president, Mr. Adolph Zukor. "I do not know much about the Paramount organization, but I do know that if all you men are equal to the Paramount representa- tives in Washington that you have a mar- velous organization. "I have always been interested in news and when I saw today an edition of the Paramount Sound News I was indeed thrilled. Emanual Cohen, the editor of your news weekly, is a clear, straight thinker and with such men in your organization Paramount should have no fear of the future.'' "I don't understand the motion pic- ture business today any better than I did 15 years ago," said Mayor Walker, "but naturally I feel free to discuss it now as I did then. "I see wonderful changes in the attitude of this business, and marvel at its wonderful growth, exemplified by the beautiful edifices that grace our cities, and progress — a prog- ress that has been monumental and symbolic of the goget'em spirit that has made this country the envy of the world. That's the business that you are in and you should be proud to be in it. "As I read the names of the executives on this roadshows, two of which will be all- Technicolor, and 24 Color Symphon- ies, will comprise the TifTanv-Stahl output for 1929-30, Oscar R. Hanson, general sales manager yesterday told the sales convention of the conipanv under wav here. Titles and stars of (Continued on Page 7) DENY BABlIlAIM THAT FILMS INDUCE HOMICIDE Refuting the charge made by Roger \V. Babson, nationally recognized statistician, that crime is mduced bv motion pictures. Carl E. MiUikcn. secretarv of the M.P.P.D.A. has ui a long brief, submitted facts and fig- ures to i)rove his argument and has furthermore called upon Babson to (Continued on Page 7) 5 Yearly for M-G-M Under New Contract with Hearst Cosmopolitan has tiiree more to deliver to M-G-M under terms of the contract now expiring while Mar- ion Davies has two to go. The new deal provides for an equnl number (Conti»»*d o» Pagi 2) Chicajfo Reports Deals Fell Throiijrh. hut All NeKotiations Denied Chicago — Gen. James G. Harbord, president of RCA, yesterday jo'ned in the denials on the reported big absorption deals being engineered by Ra- dio. RCA. he told United Press, is not considering en- tering the pciture field. RCA is parent company of Radio- Ke.th-Orpheum, RCA-Photo- phone and allied firms. "We have not had any ne- gotiations with Fox, Para- mount, or any other company," the RCA president asserted. While ctnisidtrablc cunlusioii has developed as a result of the confJicting statements made during the RKO convention in Chicago, ont point seems rlcared up, and that is that Fiadio-Ktith-Orplicum, subsidiary of RCA is not for the present at least to take over any producing-distrib- uting company. 'iht point is emphasized by officials (CotUinued on Page 7) WARNER SSTUST ASSETS ATJI23,257,224 Assets of $123,257,224 as of March 2 are listed bv Warner Bros. Pic- tures, in a report to the New York Stock Kxchangc. after giving ctTcct to issuance for cash on March 20. 1929, of 163.687 additional shares of common stock and the application of proceeds thereof in liquidation of notes payable to banks and others and in the re4 Nat. Thea. Sup. .. 21 20/8 2'07/8 Trans-Lux 13 12% 12% •Univ. Pict 20 •do pfd i'/i BOND MARKET Keith A-O 6s 46. 91 '4 91 'X 91 •4 Loew 6s 41ww 105 IO4/2 105 do 6s 41 x-war... 96/, 95 5i 96/ Paramount 6s 47 . 98/ 98 98J4 Par. By. 5/s 51. 98% 98/ 98% Pathe 7s 37 • 70^^ 70H 70% CURB BONDS ♦Am. Seat. 6s 36 88'4 •Warner 6/s 28 198 OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 26 28 do units 27 31) ... do com 2 3 ... Skouras Bros 35 42 Technicolor 64 65 United Art 5 10 do pfd 70 80 Univ. Ch. com. . . 2 do pfd 75 85 *LAST PRICE QUOTED Sales 100 400 8,300 3',2'66 1,700 100 1,966 10,200 800 200 12,200 10,300 17,100 25,700 400 1,400 700 2.666 14,266 -166 2.300 800 5 Yearly for M-G-M Under New Contract with Hearst (Continued from Page 1) from both Cosmopolitan and Miss Davies with the possib'lity that the former will produce four a year. Two silent newsreels will be available weekly, beginning the end of July to be known as M-G-M International News. Hearst Metrotone will have a sound release weekly beginning the end of September. Hatrick Returns E. B. Hatrick, in charge of all pic- ture interests of William Randolph Hearst, returned yesterday from Los Angeles. British Cabinet Takes Its Bow in Fox Movietone Fox Movietone, current issue, con- tains views of Premier MacDonald and his cabinet in the new Labor gov- ernment just formed in England. The premier is shown with his min- isters in the garden of 10 Downing St. and introduces them. This is a follow-up of the shots of Premier MacDonald made just after his elec- tion. Southwest Publisher in N. Y. S. G. Howell, publisher of "The M P. Journal," Dallas, is in New York. Sharpsville House Changes Hands Sharpsville, Pa. — Chris Lambro^ has taken over the Ritz from Charles Gable. The Industry* s Date Book Today: Pathe convention at Atlantic City Annual Tiffany-Stahl sales con vention at Detroit. Third United Artists sectiona sales meet at San Francisco. July 2 Meeting of Allied States A&sn Washington. Industry Sending Goodwill Film to Spanish Exposition (Continued from Page 1) Exposition in Barcelona, Spain. Thij film, of feature proportions, stars tht foremost personalities of the screen all of whom speak Spanish. Tht picture is representative of all of the major companies in the industry and has been made with the cooperation of the M. P. Producers and Distribu- tors, Inc. Prior to the shipment to Spain with the representatives of the exposition the film will be screened today in pro- jection room of Paramount. Orman Writing Book ^ After devoting 15 months to a study of the life and work of Holly- wood, Felix Orman is back in New York and at work on a book or picture-making and the picture colony Buys Champion S5Tichronizer Corry, Pa. — Champion disc repro- ducer equipment has been installec at the Rex. Leases School Auditorium Old Albuquerque, N. M. — South- west Theaters, Inc., is presenting shows at the auditorium of the San Felipe school. Asher-Rogers Buy Play Chas. R. Rogers of Asher and Rogers has bought "The Cabaret Boys," a play by Samuel Shipman and John B. Hymer, to be produced as the second of the program of six talkers scheduled this season. He is now negotiating with Al Boasberg, who recently completed the book for M-G-M's "Hollywood Revue," to do the comedy construction and dia- logue. "Carnival," stage play by William R. Doyle, which had its New York run at the Forrest, is be- ing cast on the Coast by E. M. Asher and will be the first of the six. The Lion Roars! The Hyena Howls! The Elephant Trumpets! and all the WILD BEASTS OF THE JUNGLE JOIN IN A WEIRD HARMONY OF SOUND in i( THE KING OF THE KONGO n At* If* ^k* A ten-episode serial with dialogue and sound effects in every episode ! Released August 1st That's enough for a sure-fire boxoffice clean up— but there's more yet . . . JACQUELINE LOGAN & WALTER MILLER featured at the head of a cast that you can advertise » to the limit FOR TEN WEEKS CAPACITY BUSINESS SEE j MASCOT PICTURES CORP. Nat Levine, Pres. 1650 Broadway New York City Tec Art Studios Hollywood, Cal. Cable Address: Levpic, New York You remember the line^ — Consider the lilies they toil not, neither do they spin/' Well, this business had a lot of "Lilies^^ running theatres, — but no more* Competition is too keen^ Today anyone owning a theatre has to be on his toes every minute or join the ^^has beens/^ That is why the country^s wisest Showmen are hooking UNITED ARTISTS PICTURES for 1929-30 — the best the market offers This season^s great hits came from Columbia^more titan fulfilling our promise of last year to you. Now watch for the truly re- markable line-up in the f orth- coming announcement of Columbia's 1929-30 ''PROS- PERITY GROUP''. It will prove the sensation of the Industry. ,v ^ -^«>^VN • ^ "Ti ♦»i A P^ o^o M (^i ■7^ S«0^ ^J O V fleWOw wnand/ /: '/^ A^ r.u " . k'%l\ ^^^ n ^^Cll2-j, d >N ^h V^ /^^ >a> (^< ^^ y ■»r« J^ ^^ rt>^ ^^l Ml *-^s. Vi 'm "f^ \^ o,f Reisman Opens Annual Pathe Sales Meet STRIDES MADE BY M DURING YEAR CITED ATLANTIC CITY PHIL REISMAN, upon whose shoulders rests the burden of the convention, is wearing a smug smile of satisfaction, and well he may be in the light of the business being written by his enterprising gang. As Phil says, "I wouldn't trade the Pathe sales organization, as it is noiv constituted, with any other sn/es force in the business." 30 Features From Pathe For 1929-1930 Season (Continued from Page 1) There is the real old time Pathe pep in evidence, bolstered by new blood, and the Pathe boys are going out after new laurels this year. Matches failed to click, owing to dampness. Boys with trick lighters ii-ere sitting pretty. Stanley and Mrs. Jacques were first to arrive, checking in last Sat- urday. And they will be the last to leave — first in and the last out. First vacation S'tan has had for three years. Stan claims early guardian- ship of the sand Rooster. Mr. and Mrs. Jacques have two boys, twins. Phil Reisman also two boys, twins. Believe Jacques and Reisman hold the twin championship of the con- vention made since its reorganization. The meetings continue today. Attending the sessions here are: J. P. Kennedy, chr '^ in of the board i J. J. Murdodc, preside/* Pat Casey, F. B. Derr; John C. FUnn, vice-president; C. J. Scollard, treasurer ; Robert T. Kane, presi dent, Sound Studios, Inc. of New York; Terry R.imsaye, editor-in-chief of short subject production ; Harry Scott, short subject sales manager; J. F. McAloon, assistant general sales manager; E. W. Ballentine, manager of exciiange operations; E. J. O'Leary, fea- ture sales manager; Ray L. Hall, editor, Pathe \ews ; S. Fitzgibbon, manager of Sound Studios, Inc., of New York; N. L. Nathan- son, of Kegal Films. Ltd., Canada ; Arthur Rousseau, vice-president, Pathe International Corp. ; George Harvey, director of publicity advertising and publicity ; Charles McDonald, general manager, Van Beuren Enterprises ; Lou Miller of the feature sales promotion de- partment : Emmett Cashman, of the short sub- ject s.iles promotion department ; P. A. Par- .scns and Rutgers Nielson of the publicity di-liartmrnt : John A. Level, editor, "Pathe Sun" : Charles Klang, George Byrnes and Hank Peters of Van Beuren Enterprises ; W. H.iynor and H O'Connor of Regal Films of Canada ; Ed McEvoy, special representative for Pathe; Stanley Jacques, central division sales manager ; Les Weir, western division sa'es manager ; W. E. Callaway, Southern division sales manager; P. W. Brady, Harry Cibbs, special Pathe representative ; T. S. Delehanty ; Jack de Waal, Leo Adler ; Dick .Sears. New England representative for Pathe News ; Harry Smith, of Pathe Sound News and M. U Mclntyie. Washington representa- tive, Pathe News. The sales staff here includes: Albany — C. W. Stombaugh, manager ; J. L Rose and L. Garvey. Atlanta — W. W. Ander son, manager. Boston — R. C. Cropper, man ager; Y. C. Ross, M. M. Ames, E. H Warren, C. D. Wilson and J. J. Jennings Buffalo — Oscar Hanson, manager. Char'otte — R. C. Price, manager. Chicago — Harry Lorch, manager; T. Greenwood, J. F. Wood- ward, and C. L. Filkins. Cincinnati — J. A. Harris, manager. Cleveland — O. J. Ruby, manager. Des Moines — W. E. Branson, man- ager. Denver — F. H. Butler, manager. De- troit— H. P. Zapp, manager. Indianapolis — H. D. Graham, manager. Kansas City — E. S. Olsmith, manager. Los Angeles — J. S. Stout, manager; M. E. Cory. Memphis— H. R. Kistler, manager. Milwaukee — J. J. Clarke, manager. Minneapolis — J. H. Maclntyre, manager. New Haven — John Lane, manager. S. C. Jacocks. New Orleans — Guy C. Brown, manager. New York — Frank Drumm, assist- ant manager; J. J. Dacey, Bert Sanford. Max Fellerman, R. S. Wnlflf, manager. T. 7. Felder. W. Westebbe, E. Carroll, C. F. "Kenneth. Omaha — R. S. Ballantyne, manager. Okla- homa City — ^C. W. Allen, manager. Philadel- phia— R. Mochrie, manager ; Dan Heenan. C. Derr, W. Madison, S. Lefko, E. Ginsburgh. Portland — H. L. Percy, manager. Pittsburgh —A. Goldsmith, manager. Salt Lake City — A. J. O'Keefe. manager. St. Louis — C. D. Hill, manager. Seattle — C. L. Theuerkauf, manager. Wa<;hington — R C. Robin, man- ager ; L. J. Whittle, E. W. Grover. NEW PRODUCT AND SALES POLICY TO BE OUTLINED The Van Beuren bunch of live ones is headed by Charles McDon- ald, vice president and general man- ager; George Byrnes, assistant to McDonald; Hank Peters, special representative from Los Angeles, and Charlie Klang, special representative from Philadelphia. McDonald heard about the "no cracked ice" order of the railroads so he took a portable Frigidaire along. Charlie Klang tried to pull the swindle sheet gag by going home to Philadelphia every night and trying to collect for an Atlantic City hotel room, but McDonald is Scotch. "Hank" Peters claims the main reason for coming East is to find out if the new dollar bills have standard perforations and Pathe frame lines. Coming up Atlantic Avenue, Rut- gers Neilson spotted the "Pathe Restaurant." Rut claims it's a tie- up he made years ago. Harry Graham's clubs were rust- ing away Wednesday as he searched for Lorch, Greenwood and Filkins. George Harvey orders eggs for breakfast, sent to his room. After delay, George phones to have them sent up raw. Said he would boil th'^in in his room. The "Oh, Yeah!" boys- O'Keefe, O'Connor. -O'Leary, Irish maid inquired who the hunch were and when informed said "he was a grand bird." Neilson brought along his bedroom slippers, but didn't take his shoes nff for two days and nights. Oscar Ruby gets the lonq-distance motor championship. With Mrs. Ruby, he drove from Clevelayid to New York. Stan Jacques alleges Hank Zapp beat it for dining room Wednesday at noon that Oscar was soon as he checked in — but he first '^due at 4 p. m. At 4 p. m. there was found John McAloon to get tickets jno Oscar Ruby on register. signed. Bellhop who brought up boxes of accessories for Sun left without tip. Ed. had no change for a quarter. Lou Miller, Mrs. Miller and "PA" Parsons drove down from. New York. Rumored that "PA" brought fishiyig tackle along and stopped at every trout stream. John McAloon was on the scene Monday and he had a million and one details to look after. Couldn't poke your head into hotel without hearing bellhop shout "Paging Mr. McAloon." Sig Decker on arrival hooked a nice chair on the front porch and re- fused to travel. Less Weir refused to swim — says he can't stand the Eastern Sun. Nolan and Greenwood, Chicago salesmen, fell for a sailing trip, but the scow was four passengers short rnd boys waited long — maybe it was for blonds. Through courtesy of Guy Won- ders of the Stanley Conipa'.ty boys got passes to the Stanley, playing "The Flying Fool," and a Warner theater show. Lorch, Greenwood and Filkins jumped oflf the train before it stopped at the depot and hopped a cab for a golf course. Plenty of sand in local courses, so boys probably got a taste of real estate. A flock of good looking gents stepped up to desk at hostelry and gals made it eyes right — they were Cropper, Wilson, Jennings, Warren and Ames, Boston. Bill Cuddy was missing in action. Sun Ed. figured long and hard for a way to hook Bill in on an expense account, but couldn't make the grade. J. H. Maclntyre, Minneapolis, visited in Boston on the way to the convention. Came down from New York with Harry Scott and Pat Scol'ard. George Byrnes bought a new vest pocket chess set for the trip but most of the bunch can't even play checkers. "What'll I do with all these discs?" yowled a Pathe branch man- ager. "Let 'em dissolve on your tongue "Tcru half hour," wise-cracked Mc- Donald. After looking the regiment over, McDonald claimed thev were all good types for Talking Topics of the Day but that they'd have to clear their throats before recording. Co-operating with Pathe's exploi- tation department, all the Stanley theaters are displaying banners say- ing "Welcome Pathe." _ Tom Brade, Canadian representa- tive, dashed for the ocean on arrival, but last we saw of him he was in the sand. Branch Managers Harris and Gra- ham took an excursion train and sat up all night when they weren't stand- ing. They hit the outdoor pool, the Atlantic, at once. Charles McDonald, with Mrs. Mc- Donald, and Charles Klang arrived Wednesday afternoon. Believe it or not — ^"PA" Parsons and Frank Ross were born in the same town, though Ross's birthplace is called Ipswich and PA's is called Byfield. Part of Ipswich is in By- field. Both places are in the land of the sacred cod. Editor Ray Hall of Pathe News is receiving bows on the fine job he has accomplished. In honor of Pathe, which is hold- ing its annual sales convention at Atlantic City, the Stanley is featur- ing an all-Pathe bill, including "The Flying Fool" as the feature, Pathe Sound News, Grantland Rice Sound Sportlight and an Aesop S•• : sunilry aciMunts receiv- able, $810,0.i.S; tilm and Vitaphone jinxliic- tions released, $2,388,167; unreleased, $.?, 566,292; productions in proRrcss, S^/O.-W.? ; positive prints, raw films, etc., $828,662 ; rights and scenarios. $121,082; deposits to secure contracts, sinking fund deposits, etc.. $1.- 439,744 ; mortgages receivable, $770,833 ; in- vestments, $11,803,419; total fixed assets, $89,645,676; deferred charges, $3,415,428; goodwill, $1,899,389; total. $123,257,224. Liabilities: Secured notes payable, $172,- 581; unsecured notes payable. $1,627,230; pui chase money obligations, $700,061 ; ac- counts payable and sundry accruals, $5784,- 617; due affiliated companies, $156,464; royalties payable. $271,629; reserve for fed- eral taxes, $923,500; advance payments of film service, $546,647; construction accounts payable, $365,030; mortgages and funded debt. $44,269,594; proportion of capital and surplus of subsidiaries applicable to minor- ity stockholders, $4,540,450; capital stock represented by 364.357 no par shares of preferred and 1,176.549 no par shares of common, $57,140,739; surplus, $6,758,682; total, $123,257,224. FOX OPENING WEST'S LARGEST THEATER TODAY (.Continued from Page 1) Jr., will dedicate the new house, which has been under construction for two years. Herman Kerskern has been named house manaser. French architecture and decoration of the Louis XIII. XIV and XV periods dominates throughout. A rim of 16 hugh cathedrals, ranging in height from 75 to 20 ft. skirt the entire vast auditorium. These are finished in the Baroque style of interior decoration which is a form of raccaco although not gar- ri;h because of the sober finish in gold and sheer walnut. .\n elevating stage and orchestra pit are features. It is possible, with this improvement, the- architects say, to set a stage with scenery w'hile an act is in progress, and, at the termi- nation of one, for the other to be lifted into place in rapid succession. Total cubic footage of the audi- torium is approximately 2,000,000 ft. The distance from the projection room to the stage is 212 ft. Height of the auditorium is given as 118 ft. and 250 at the broadest point, tapering down to 150 ft. Jack Mansfield Named Assistant to Franklin iVest Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Hollywood — Jack Mansfield, who has been acting as division manager for Fox West Coast Theaters, Port- land, returns to the main office in Los Angeles to assume the position of assistant to the President Harold B. Franklin. Television Pictures in Three Colors Demonstrated {Ci^nliHufd fium I'ane Ij the .same detail to the i)ictiirc as in the earlier television demonstrations of Bell System engineers. The color had been added without sacrifice of detail. The transmitting and receiving ap- paratus, except for the addition of the special color mechanisms, was the same as that used in the demonstra- tion of tvvo years ago of monochrom- atic television when transmission oc- curred between Washington and New York City; and by radio from the Bell Laboratories experimental sta- tion in New Jersey. The person whose image was transmitted was rapidly scanned by a bright beam of light while he was observed by three sets of electrical eyes, photoelectric cells, each set arranged to transmit current corresponding to the amount of a primary color — red, blue or green. At the receiving apparatus three tubes formed images corres- ponding in brightness and color to what had been seen by each set of electrical cycti of the traiisinittiiiK ap- paratus. A system of mirrors com- bined these three images to form the one colored image before the eye of the observer. No Prediction Made of Commercial Application No prediction as to the possible commercial application of television, as developed by the Bell 1 elcphonc Laboratories, and climaxed to date by the demonstration of three color tele- vision images, is available from the coinrnny. J he laboratories, it is explained, arc interested only in the physical angle, and arc not concerned with the economic phase in the conduct of these expermients. The equipment ii>ed to bring about the results so far ojta.ned is costly and complicated, alth.nigh no estimate of its cost is available. Columbia Now Has Own Branch at St. Louis St. Louis — Columbia Pictures Corp. New York has taken over Columbia Pictures Corp., St. Louis, headed by Barney Rosenthal, and the Affiliat- ed Distributing Corp., 3330 Olive St., which has been distributing Colum- bia in the St. Louis territory has been consolidated with the newly acquired exchange. Rosenthal, who continues as manager of the office while Claude McKean, who was manager of Affil- iated Distributing Corp., remains as special sales representative for Co- lumbia. "Mary Dugan," Moral Chicago Officials Decide Chicago — Deciding the censors' claim of immorality was groundless, police and city officials have lifted the ban on "The Trial of Mary Du- gan." M-G-M talker. The play had a long run here and was not mo- lested. "Broadway Melody" Makes Hit in Rio De Janeiro With the president, his cabinet and members of the diplomatic corps at- tending an opening for the first time, according to M-G-M, "The Broad- way Melody," was given a big recep- tion in Rio De Janiero, and the ad- vance sale is said to set a record. Using the same idea that had been employed for the showing at Ams- terdam, the local exchange placed Portuguese titles in the pictures. Tillman Heads West Coast District for Columbia L. E. Tillman, erstwhile manager of the Portland exchange, has been named West Coast district manager for Columbia. Six offices are under his jurisdiction. They are: Portland, Seattle. San Francisco, Los .\ngcles. Salt Lake City and Denver. Tillman has been associated with Columbia for less than two years. Tiffany-Stahl to Have 26 Talkers, 26 Color Symphonies (Continued fr the pictures on the program are to be announced soon. Tif?any-Stahl can make history in Detroit, if, at its convention, a plan can be worked out to enable the com- pany to "lay down to the smaller theater owner your excellent produc- tion, at a price at which he can stay in business," H. M. Richey, general manager of the Michigan exhibitor association, wired, in welcoming the convention. Unless someone gives attention "to this important economic program" the next year will see more than 100 of the smaller exhibitors out of business. Richey declared. Mich- igan exhibitors expect "big things" from TiflFany-Stahl this year, he said. om Page 1) predicting they would not be disap- pointed. Cablegrams were read from Mich- ael Balcon, managing director of Gainsborough Pictures, London, who in conjunction with Tiffany-Stahl is to make "Journey's End' in the United States; William Gell. A.C. and R.C. Bromhead of Gaumont Pictures of England. Arthur Lee. representing the Gainsborough-Gaumont interests in the United Slates, outlined the story of how Tiflfany-Stahl acquired rights to "Journey's End." Mannie Brown, western division head, spoke of ac- tivities of the studio. Vice president Grant L. Cooke was the principal af- ternoon speaker. NO R-K-0 mm, POINT Of CONFUSING REPORTS (l .■>i/iiiii/J from J'^^t i) ot thr company in thr wakr ,if thr many si . .. . pel (It. g . (.'iiicago ae»|>4ichr publicity Ntalf .,s st.itinjj that •M.ii- with Fox and P:iraiii(Miiii had been bioken ofT by R-K-O, hccauM "Mr. Fox and Mr. Zukor prefer to r.-niain in the picture l>u»inc(»." This brought a disclaimer in New ii York from David SarnolT. i liairmai- 1 1 of the board of R-K-O and execu- tive vice president of R( .\, who denied that cither firm was a part) to negotiations with Fox, Paramount or any other firm. He is quoted as ■saying that he did not "know, who Mr. Rubenstcin is." Last night, "The New York Eve- ning Post," printed a despatch from Chicago, signed by a special corrc»- pondcnt. quoting Hiram S. Brown, president of R-K-O as having de- clared in Chicago: "Both the Fox and Paramount or- ganizations refused to sell to us." "It has been reported." he said, "that we sought an affiliation witfi these movie producers. That is not true. What we sought was to buv them out entirely. Radio is too big to be in pictures without being the dominant factor. "We shall continue to make big first class productions and will ex- hibit them in first run houses throughout the country. If we can- not get into such houses by pur- chase wc will build better ones next door or across the street. If we cannot accomplish our purpose by purchase, we shall accomplish by competition." Hiram Brown could not be reached in New York last night for a state- ment. DENY BABSON CLAIM THAT FILMS INDUCE HOMICIDE" (CoHtintieJ from Page I ) correct the impression created in the original communication. The basis of the Babson observa- tion, issued as a special letter dated April 8, was a series of figures deal- ing with murders in Detroit, Chicago. Cleveland, Ph'ladelphia, New York and Los .Angeles and prc|)ared by Dr. Frederick L. Hoffman, a recog- nized authority on homicide. Hoff- man himself under date of Mav 13 states the conclusions drawn bv Bab- 1 son from his statistics are "wholly inapplicable to the problem under consideration" and expresses the be- lief the connection of motion pictures with violent crimes has not even been casual. Babson's original let- ter declares Hoffman is a tnembcr of the Babson Institute. HofTman den- ies any such association. DAILV Friday, June 28, 1929 Coast Wire Service "U" Plans Building Program $1,500,000 TO BE SPENT ON "U" Universal will spend $1,500,000 on improvements to its studio. Three new sound stages are to be erected. The company is at work on the 1929- 30 program, a number of pictures of which either are in work or in prep- aration. . ^ A new short subject series, Sport- ing News," succeeds "The Colle- gians" on the new schedule. Ben Holmes will direct. Owen Davis Signs Fox Long Term Contract Owen Davis, famed Broadway playwright, has been signed to a long term contract by Fox Film Corpora- tion. The author of the Pulitzer prize play, "Icebound," "The Nervous Wreck," "The Donovan Affair" and 280 other produced plays came to the Coast a couple of months ago engaged to work only on the dialogue for Will Rogers initial talker for Fox Films, "They Had to See Paris." Ivan Lebedeff, has been added to the cast. Pollard to Direct "Tonight at 12" Harry Pollard has been assigned to direct "Tonight At Twelve," an adaptation of the stage play by Owen Davis. Start "Shannons" Agnes Christine Johnston is now at work on the adaptation of "The Shannons of Broadway," for Univer- sal. Both James and Lucille Webster Gleason, the playwrights, will play the same roles in the sound film ver- sion that they played upon the stage. Added to M-G-M Stock Co. Holmes Herbert and Mary Forbes, both appearing in "The Thirteenth Chair," have been placed under con- tract as members of the M-G-M stock players list. John Barrymore to Sing? In all probability John Barrymore will not only talk but sing in his in- itial Vitaphone production, "General Crack," now well in production at the Warner studio under direction of Alan Crosland. Added to Fox Cast Charles Morton, Frank Albertson, I'^lizabeth Patterson and Helen Twclvetrccs have been added to the cast of "Words and Music," new Fox Movietone production. Renavent with Radio Georges Renavent has been cast by Radio in "Rio Rita," musical produc- tion now in production. A Little from ''Lots'' ...^ By RALPH WILK »i_ JOHN ADOLFI is enthusiastic over Jr'auline Frederick's singing and talking picture. The star smgs two songs in "Evidence," wnich /\aoin is directing for Warners. The direc- Lor s recent picture for Warners is "Headlines." We have finally discovered that '■ChurchilL" is WiUiam C. de MiUe's middle name. By the way, de MiUe is one of the best toasPmasters on the Coast. His ready wit has fea- tured many meetings of the Acade- my of M. t'. Arts and Sciences. Nancy Drexel dotes on con- tests. This was responsible to'r her entering the picture field. She won a beauty con- test in New York, and got a contract with Universal. Then she was chosen over many others for a featured lead in "The Four Devils" at Fox. ^ ^ ^ Our Passing Show : William Collier, Jr., autographing note-books at "Black Watch" opening, with his father an iyiterested spectator; Leo Morrison rushing to the Uni- versal studio; Larry Wein- garten making plans for "Cot- ton and Silk," which he will supervise at M-G-M; Geof- frey Shurlock and Dan Tot- heroh conferring at Para- mount; Same Mintz and J. Walter Ruben ditto. 2 Songs by Gloria Gloria Swanson, has just recorded two songs for "The Trespasser," her new United Artists all dialogue pic- ture, the filming of which is nearing completion. The music for one ot the songs, as yet untitled, was composed by Edmund Goulding, who is author, director and dialogue writer of "The Trespasser." Brent for "Darkened Rooms" Evelyn Brent's first Paramount starring vehicle will be "Darkened Rooms," from the novel by Sir Phillips Gibbs, to be made under di- rection of Louis Gasnier. Neil Ham- ilton, Jean Arthur and David Newell are in the supporting cast. Melville Baker prepared the adaptation and dialogue. Mae Clarke in "Big Time" Mae Clarke, vaudeville actress has been engaged by Fox to play the feminine lead in "Big Time," opposite Lee Tracy. Miss Clarke now is en route to the Coast. NEW CHRISTIE SCHEDULE ALREADY UNDER WAY Christie has started production on the new group of all talking plays which are to be released by Para- mount beginning in August. Start- ing in February Paramount has 13 of the Christie pictures released down through the present quarter, and be- ginning early in August the new sea- son will start. Among the pictures which will start off the new releasing season are "The Sleeping Porch," with Raymond Griffith supported by Barbara Leon- ard, John Litel and David Callis; "Faro Nell" featuring Louis Fazenda; and another of the Octavus Roy Cohen stories "The Lady Fare"; and Charlie Grapewin and Anna Chance in "Ladies Choice." With three directors and a com- plete staff available as well as the special staf? of 24 men in the Chris- tie recording crews, production of these Christie Talking Plays will continue on at regular intervals through the coming season, when 24 more pictures are to be made for Paramount. Selection of new story and short play material is now being made by Al Christie and Alfred A. Cohn, edi- torial supervisor. Production has just been finished on one "A Hint to Brides" by Ken- yon Nicholson. In it Johnny Arthur and Ruth Taylor are featured and other roles are played by Lawrence Leslie- and Martie Martel. This was filmed under direction of A. Leslie Pearce. Denny Starts Another Reginald Denny has commenced production on his next picture for Universal titled "No! No! Napoleon," under direction of William James Craft. Nora Lane will play the lead- ing feminine role. Other members of the cast include Slim Summerville, E. J. RatclifTe, Fritz Feld, Jules Cowles, D. R. O. Hatswell and Henry Otto. The story was written by Denny for himself and will be an all-dialogue production. Original Dances for "Rio Rita" Pearl Eaton, has created several original dance numbers for the RKO screen version of Florenz Ziegfeld's musical production, "Rio Rita." Columbia Signs Charles Wilson Charles Wilson, stage actor and director, has been signed by Colum- bia as dialogue director on the com pany's line up. Wilson has arrived at the studio to assume his new du- ties. Short Shots from New York Studios iBy ARTHUR W. EDDY^m SEVERAL shorts on the bill at the ^ Embassy were photographed by the business end of Frank Zukor's camera at Columbia's Eastern Stu- dios, which is another title for the Victor plant at Camden, N. J. Basil Smith directed them. Fuller Mellish, Jr., playing Hitch, the heavy, in "Applause," which is being talkerized at Paramount, play- ed in the Chicago company of "The Front Page" and before that, in "Present Arms" and "Peggy Ann." This is his baptism in dialogue pic- tures. A flock of World War veterans, including men whose names figured in the casualty lists, are being used in the hospital sequence of "The Gay Lady" at Paramount. Frank Heath selected them. Joan Peers, playing Helen Mor- gan's daughter in "Applause," likes working in pictures, despite the heat and everything. She played on the stage in "Marry the Man," "Com- panionate Marriage," "Crime" and in stock at Evanston and other cities. William Rothschild, who runs the script-reading department for Para- mount over in Astoria, has opened a private bar. But the only beverage being served is buttermilk — just what the doctor ordered. George Le Maire Starts Another George Le Alaire has started an- other all-talking comedy of the Pathe series bearing his name at the Pathe sound studios recently with Lew Hearn sharing featured honors. This comedy, "Gentlemen of the Evening," was written by Le Maire and Hearn. Evelyn Knapp plays the feminine lead and the cast in- cludes Jim Kearney, Eleanor Kendell and 25 others. SOUND j I TRUCK I I Available i j DAY OR NIGHT j I with I I POWERS I I CINEPHONE I I EQUIPMENT I j Phone Bryant 0586 or 3951 I I JOE SEIDEN i 729 Seventh Avenue ;^€> NEWSPAPER VOL. XLVIII No. 77 aHDWEEI FILMDIG£ Sunday. June 30, 1929 l';UL Ji CtU!: What a PictuRe/ Carl LAEMMLE pr'esenh • COllEGE \A/HAT BOX-OFFICE Whoopee! Speed— Pep — Jazz — Action! What songs and moan- ing melodies — like "it's You" and "Oh, How We Love Our College!" What snappy dialog! Boy — it's GREAT. The first all-talking college feature. With all the favorite "Collegians" players — George Lewis, Dorothy Gulliver, Churchill Ross, Hayden Stevenson, Sumner Getchel. Story by Len Fields. Directed by Nat Ross. Two negatives —ALL TALKING and SILENT. lOOio Talkm£ and SmginE- a Million Per Cent Box OiHce/ COMPLETE RESUME OF ALL ACTIVITIES OF PRODUCTION FIELD IN HANDY, COMPACT FORM Directors^ Annual and Production Guide SETTING NEW STANDARDS FOR FILM I ND USTRY PUBLICATIONS-OUT EARLY IN JULY 22Chains over500^heatres using l^al Tjour rrserve Features of Pacent Disc Equipment : Double Channel Amplification artipHfiir for every aniplifter used to run a show. This means complete proleelion St inlerrtipJions in Sounent practically $1,000,000 on Pacent Equipment. Natu- rally, tlie buyer of equipment for a chain of theatres is highly critic^. That Pacent secured a large percentage of the Chain Circuit ^business is a tribute to the ijuality and performance of Pacent Reproducer Systems. Over 500 exhibitors le.-i|lify to the merits and advantages of Pae.nt. Ask any of them what ^ley think of Pacent quality, Pacent ser\i.e. and Pacent dealings with" exhibitors. PACENT REPRODUCER CORP. FILM CENTER BLDG., 630 NINTH AYE., NEW YORK Sales and Service Representatives in Principal Film Centers in the United States and Canada All Pacent amplifying equipment is contained in a single compact steel cahinet. No batteries are used. Confusing Reports on Gaumont Deal in England ITHE o/ FILMDOM AHDWEEKLY FILM DIGEST VOL. XLVIII No. 77 Sunday, June 30, 1929 Price 25 C\nt» BRITISH EXCITED OVER E ERNEST »'. FREDMAN Editor, "The Daily Film Renter" London — There is considerable ex- citement prevalent here over the fu- ture of Gaumont British's future, many conflicting reports heiuR in circulation. Latest report is that a British concern is dickering for con- trol, with Lord Beaverbrook declar- ed interested. This is taken as a move to prevent the chain of around 300 houses from passing out of British control, it be- ing declared that American interests are seeking control. However, W. J. Hutchinson, managing director for Fox here, has denied that his com- pany is seeking the (iaumont chain. TALKERS FAIL TO CLICK FOR DETROIT EXHIBITOR Detroit — Talkers have failed to prove the money makers they were expected to be at Jake Schreiber's Blackstone, downtown grind house, which seats 288. The house is seat- ed in the center of the city, with thousands passing the house dailv. Before he wired the house, Schreib- er savs he was mak'ng a satisfac- (Conttnued on Page 2) All-Film Policy Fails to Hit at Memphis "Pan" Memphis— .All-film policy at the F'antages here is understood to have proved a dud, and the house is dark until August. The theater will be renovated and will reopen with a combination picture and vaudeville policy. Sears Plans Series of Regional Sales Meetings Gradwcll L. Sears, veteran sales manager of First National Pictures, left Fridav for a trip that will include several western cities in which First National branches are located. He will conduct meetings of the sales forces in Chicago, Milwaukee and Minneapolis in connection with the launching of the 1929-30 product, as announcfHl at the recent convention in New York. The new program group, known as the Rainbow Group, includes 36 pictures in all, seven de- signed as roadshows, nine as specials and 20 called box office hits. New Fox Offer? Fox is declared ready to make an offer to minority stockhold- ers of Loew's, said to be three shares of Fox Theaters for every share of Loew's, accord- ing to "The New York Tele- gram." The latter closed Fri- day at 57 '/a. while Fox Theaters closed at 22H- Fox's interest in Loew's, said to be a controlling one, was bought by purchase of a large block of stock at levels ranging from Si 20 to Si 25, th« newspaper says it is understood. Loew's net has been increasing and a year's earnings of from SlO,0OO,OOO to 811,000,000 is be- ing anticipated in Wall Street. GILLMORE TABLES REQUEST FOR EQUITY SHOP VOTE 30 TALKERS, MANY SHORTS ON NEW PATHE PROGRAM .\tlantic City — Thirty all-dialogue features in addition to 52 two reel talking comedy shorts, I'athe sound •ind silent news, Pathe Review and the Audio Review, Grantland Rice "S-portlights," "Topics of the Day" and one reel sound and dialogue ".■\esop's Film Fables" constitute the (Continued on Page 3) Saturday Night Banquet Ends Pathe Convention .Atlantic City — Convention i>f I'atlic winds up Saturday night with a ban- quet, following three days of busi- ness sessions. BROOKHART BILL OPPOSED AT KANSAS CITY MEETING Kansas City — Opposition to the Brookhart bill is contained in a reso- lution passed by the Kansas and western Misouri exhibitor unit at its convention. Allegiance to the iL P. T. O. A. was pledged, with K. R. Biechcle, veteran leader, reelected president. The convention went in favor of one charge for sound films and discs. Other officers elected are: Charles Burkey, A. F. Baker, Ben Lew and C. L. McVey, vice presi- dents; Fred Mchn, treasurer. Gov. Clvde Reed of Kansas was principal speaker at the baiu|uet which wound up the two-day session. The conren- tioii was addressed by R. F. Wood- hull, M. P. T. O. A. president, and Dave Palfreyman of the Hays asso- ciation. Stricter Enforcement of Kansas Censor Law Kansas City — Gov. Reed of Kaiisa.- has ordered stricter enforcement of the film censorship law. Headline Crashers M( )XD\Y: This active week gets started on its busy way witli word from .Atlantic City that Parammint is determined to ro it alone On its own feet will the company stand. A formal announcement is anticipated before the Paramount convention down at the shore breaks up. This, we think, is news. .. A quick looksee over .several of this mornings headhnes: In the Northwest, Puhlix plans a sturdy expansion. Corvalis. tugenc and other Oregon towns, where Fox incidentally is active, are held likely prospects. Centering in .Salt Lake City, L<.uis Marcus, now-^ a mem- ber of Paramount's theater family, is matching notes with 1 ublix concerning additional theaters in the inter-mountain territory. In Montgomery, a theater is to be built. No grass growing under that ""^Hollvwood" hurries word l-.ast that producers have already signed 164 players despite Equity, Gillmor.' and mutterings <.f strikes, hquity, on the other hand, says not at all. Take your choice. ... Annexing to its rapidly expanding bosom its exchange m bt. (Continued on Page 4) Says Only 11 of :]:] Who Signed Petition Are Paid Tp MemlKTs Hejt Coojt Bureau. THE FILU DAILY Hollywood — Stormy protest meet- ing held here is branded by Frank Gillmore, i 'of Actors' lij|uity Ass'n, as .; .nist nitetint'. He says that oiiiy 11 of the r* who signed the petition call a vote on the Fcjuity Shop, arc paid uj) members and that therefore he can take no notice of the petition. Actors had a better chance to make known their views in the present situation than during the 1909 strike, Gillmore declares. Secretary Buzzell of the Los An- geles Central Labor Council rcp"rtr«l at the meeting that labor < -n various cities arc passing i us to help Fquity in the dispute. He said that union members' families are writing ui welcome letters to stars op- posing Kf|uity. In Pittsburgh, he de- clared, pictures with such stars were hissed. Sam Hardy declared that he, as chairman of the local Equity advisory board haion manager for Fox West Coast theaters in Seattle. Crabb's territory will be all of the Northwest where Fox has theaters and, in addition will have jurisdiction over the Portland terri- tory now consolidated with the Seat- tle division. Hetteschcimer Manager of Cincinnati Ass'n Gncinnati— .Andrew d. Hetteschci- mer has resigned as supervisor of the Strand. Keith's. Family and Gifts of the 1. Libson chain, to become busi- ness manager of the Cireater Cincin- nati exhibitor unit. The organization includes exhibitors of the city, out- lying •sections and northern Kcn- tuck>-. THE •:?n^ DAILV Sunday, June 30, 1929 Val. XLVI1I No. 77 Sndiy, lune 30, 1929 Price 25 Cents JOHN «. ALICOATE Publisher Published daily except Saturday and holidays at 1650 Broad'vay, New York, N. Y. and copvrieht (1929) by Wid's Films and Piln; Folk Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President and Publisher; Maurice D. Kann, Vice-President and Editor; Donald M. Mersereau, Treasurer, Business and Advertising Manager. Entered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States outside of Greater New York $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all communica- tions to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broad- way, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4736- 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London — Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 89-91 Wardour St., W. I. Berlin — Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, Friedrichstrasse, 225. Paris— P. A. Harle, La Cinematographic Francaise, Rue de la Cour-des-Noues, 19. INDEX PAGE HEADLINE CRASHERS, An Editorial by Maurice Kann 1 FINANCIAL 2 PRESENTATIONS, by Herbert S. Berg 4 SOUND PICTURES, by Charles F. Hynes 5 HOLLYWOOD HAPPENINGS, Coast Nezvs by Telegraph 6 "A LITTLE FROM LOTS," by Ralph Wilk 6 PRODUCTION IN THE EAST 11 -SHORT SHOTS FROM EASTERN STUDIOS," A. W. Eddy 11 REVIEWS OF NEWEST RELEASES, by Jack Harrower 12-13 THEATER EQUIPMENT, by Charles F. Hynes 15 FOREIGN MARKETS, by James P. Cunningham 16 THE WEEK'S HEADLINES, Resume of the News 16 The Industry's Date Book Financial REVIEWS BLACK HILLS 12 BROADWAY BABIES 12 DRAG 13 4 DEVILS II GREYHOUND LIMITED 13 IT'S EASY TO BECOME A FATHER 13 JADE CASKET }l KITTY ■■;;.-^i? PACE LAW OF THE MOUNTED 12 NOT QUITE DECENT 13 SMILING TERROR 12 SQUARE SHOULDERS 12 THUNDERBOLT 12 WEARY RIVER 13 WEST OF SANTE FE 13 WHEEL OF LIFE 12 SHORT SUBJECTS SOUND 14 SILENT 14 Today: July Pathe convention at Atlantic City. Annual Tiffany-Stahl sales con- vention at Detroit. Third United Artists sectional sales meet at San Francisco. Meeting of Allied States Assn., Washington. STOCK MARKET (.QUOTATIONS AS OF FRIDA High Low Close Am. Seat 33^ 33!4 33^ Con. Fm. Ind. pfd. 25 J/ 25 East. Kodak 184 181 »do pfd »First Nat. pfd Fo.^ Fm. "A" ... 88% Keith A-0 35 do pfd no Loew's Inc 5 7 J/2 do pfd 93 M-G-M pfd 25 f^ M. P. Cap 54;/$ Para. F-L 66'A Pathe Exch 9?-i do "A" 2054 Radio K-A-0 36 •Stanley Co *Univ. Pict. pfd Warner Bros Ul'/z do pfd 6074 86^^ 34-^ 108 561^ 93 2Sii 527^ 645^ 954 I9yi 33'A 119'^ 59-H 2'5 Ul'A 128 108 88!^ 35 109 57J4 93 25^ 53-^ 66 9Vi 197/8 34.34 40 985^ 120 60 5i Y) Sales 200 1,100 2,100 2,500 300 600 3,000 100 200 1,400 15,100 1,800 1,500 55,600 10,600 10,700 CURB MARKET Acoustic Prod 5 4% Bal. & Katz 7914 795^ Columbia Pets. ... 32J4 32^4 Con. Fm. Ind. ... 21 M 21 "Film Insp Fox Thea. "A" ... 22;^ 21 J4 •Griffith, D.W. "A" Intern. Proj 30>4 295i *Loew do deb. rts Nat. Scr. Ser. .. 25-% 24% Nat. Thea. Sup. .. 223^ 21^^ Trans-Lux 13 13 •Univ. Pict do pfd 1 1 5 79% 32J4 21/8 2/8 22% 1% .... 30.% 15,300 19 13,800 400 100 100 4,600 24K 22% 13 20 1 BOND MARKET •Keith AO 6s 46. *Loew 6s 41ww. . . •do 6s 41 x-war.. Paramount 6s 47 . . Par. By. S'As 51. •Pathe 7s 37 97 99% 97 99 CURB BONDS •Am. Scat. 6s 36. •Warner O'/iS 28. 9I!4 105 9654 97 99^ 70% 8854 198 1.300 4,600 500 'ioo GILIMORE TABLES REQyEST EOR EHyiTY SHOP VOTE (Continued from Page 1) fund. Benefit shows are being planned in various cities. Gillmore pointed out that Jack Dempsey, who signed the petition, is a junior member of Equity and has no voting authority. "No man can question Gillmore's honesty and abihty," James Kirkwood declared. "Producers have made a concerted move to invite him to go back to New York," he pointed out. Jetta Goudal denounced Equity members opposing the drive as a mu- tual admiration society. Leo Carrillo, James Gleason and George Arliss were among the speakers, and Joseph Schildkraut repudiated any anti- Equity statements attributed to him. Miss Goudal and Walter Huston con- tributed $500 each to the relief fund. OVER THE COUNTER Roxy "A" 26 do units 27 do com 2 Skouras Bros 35 Technicolor 67 I'nited Art. do pfd Univ. Cb. com. do pfd 5 70 2 75 28 30 3 42 69 10 80 85' •LAST PRICE QUOTED Financial and Moral Aid Pledged by N. Y. Council Financial and moral assistance to Actor's Equity Ass'n, in its move to establish Equity Shop in talkers, has been voted by the Central Trades and Labor Council of Greater New York, states Paul Dulzell, executive secre- tary of Equity. The council represents 854,000 members, he declared. Offer of financial aid is one seldom given any labor body^ Dulzell said. He ex- pressed himself as "very well satis- fied with the way the situation is go- ing." B/m9 P« son and \inccnt Lawrence and Walter O'Kecfe and Bobby Dolan as production advisors; Richard Boleslavsky director of dancing and ensemble, and Josiah Zuro musical director; and "Tlu- Big Shot" by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur. The latter will be made both at the coast and eastern studios with Ann Harding and Robert Arm- strong probably as leads. Features listed for stars include; Ina Claire in two, "The Awful Truth" ncaring completion and "Neg- ligee" from the European play by Ernst \''ajda; Ann Harding in a group of three pictures, first of which is "Paris Bound" from the play by Philip Barry; "This Thing Called Love" from the play by Edwin Burke and "Her Private Affairs" from the play by Leo Urvantsov to be directed by Paul Stein. William Boyd is scheduled to ap- pear in three, the first "His First Command" a story of the U. S. Cav- alry by Douglas Doty; then "Crash- ing Through" Saxon Kling's com- edy-drama and "Officer O'Brien" by Tom Buckingham. Constance Ben- nett will make three. They are "Saratoga," by William Conselnian; "Rich People." from Jan Gelzer's story and "Clothes" from Lucy Stone Terrill's story. In addition to their starring pro- ductions, Ann Harding, William Boyd and Robert Armstrong will be seen in "War and Women" an American version of revolutionary Russia by William Conselman. WiUiam Boyd will do "Painted Desert" in color, designed as a special. Robert Arm- strong and Carol Lombard are slated for "Big News" from the story by George S. Brooks with Gregory La Cava director, Frank Reicher direc- tor of dialogue. The supporting cast will include Tom Kennedy, Warner Richmond, Wade Boteler and Sam Hardy. Others on the new schedule are: "A Woman Atraid" a melodrama from a play by William Hiirlburt to be directed by Spencer Bennet. "Oh, Yeah" from a A. W. SomerviI.e story, featuring .Robert Armstrong and James Glea- son under direction of Tay Garnctt. '•Sailor's Holiday" from an origmal by Joseph Franklin Poland, featuring Alan Hale knd directed by Fred Newmeyer. _ "The Sophomore." from the story Joe College" by Corey Ford and T. H. Wennrng. Eddie Quillan. Sally O'Neil and Jcanette Loflf head the cast under direction of Leo McCarcy with William Conselman as super- visor "The Grand Parade" Howard Emmett Rogers' original to be directed by Fred New- "Play Boy" featuring Eddie Quillan, also to be directed by Fred Newmeyer. A Twenty-Fifth Birthday \yiTll announcement of its 1929-1930 program, Pathe celebrates "» its twenty-fifth birthday. From the days when the conipmy opened its first office in a two by four room overlookinK M.idison Square in New York, the Pathe rooster has crowed its way lustily into this industry's historic chapters. There have been good times and bad times, for the passing years bring changed conditions. Through all that has happened, Pathe has been successful in retaining its extensive hold on exhibitor goodwill, an asset intangible to compute but indispensable in the conduct of all important businesses. This may be traced largely to the diligence with which the company has remained clear of partici- pation in the theater field. In his message to the sales force, Joseph P. Kennedy strikes a keynote that is interesting and true and therefore worthy of repeti- tion here: "It is characteristic of Pathe that it should never have sought monopoly. Pathe has ever kept free from competition with its cus- tomers, ever free to do its utmost in its sole function of serving the motion picture exhibitor and his public" KANN Pathe Celebrating Its Silver Jubilee with Announcement Silver Jubilee of Pathe is being celebrated with announcement of its 1929-30 program. It is just 25 years ago that J. A. Berst, sent to America bv Charles Pathe, one of the Pathe Freres, with a steamer trunk lull of films in 100 and 400 ft. length, opened a little office in Madison Square, New York. All the films were sold outright for "roadshowing," and among these historic prints were some colored by the stencil process, the di- rect antecedent of the Pathechrome process of today. The quarter of a century has wit- nessed many changes from the days of "The Runaway Horse ' in 1905, di- rected by Louis Gasnier; through the establishment in 1910 of Pathe News as the first ncwsreel, the Max Linder comedies; erection of its New Jersey studio and laboratory; General Film days; issuance of "Perils of Pauline" as the first serial in 1921; distribution of the Thanhauser, Astra and Amer- ican Film product; release of the Harold Lloyd two reelers in 1917; change to American management; re- lease of Mack Sennett's comedies; absorption of P.D.C. and reorganiza- tion under J. P. Kennedy to the pres- ent day. Another Quillan vehicle "Hot and llotlured" directed by l.eo .\IcCarey, supervised by Wil- liam Conselman. "Red Hot Rhythm," from a musical com- edy by Waiter de Leon to be directed by Leo McCarcy under William Conselman's super- vision. "Parachute." from the novel by Ramon Guthrie with Robert Armstrong and Carol Lombard to be directed by Tay (Jarnctt, Conselman supervising. "The Bachelor's Secret." from the story by Walter de Leon. Tay Garnctt to direct under supervision of Ralph Block. "Lucky in Love," with Morton Downey and Betty Lawford directed by Kenneth Webb am'. superiiscrrira o( %ix will \tt llir Ctirckrr ' ''4lurin|| Frank T. Davit, vaude- i.in. t.iglit \ iktiety cT»t! from vaudrvdic in li '' ■l^, are M-liniu:! .|. in "The Knd oi 'i U ...| in "Do.!.... ! unil 1 l.y J. (i. a» "ll. :iic»" and , The .\U'l mmcdiro will (.■•ii>i»i .,i a »ttir* "f six, and will iir dirrclnl by Harry IM- mar, ppmIi ' ■■ ; ; ■ ■•, ^.,|, ,„j TiMi»ical I. : Tticjr will be mn The Folly comrdir*. <>( which llirre will he six, will be produced by Fr.m'n T TUvii. 1 hey will feature niiitical c crt, ami prr«rnl in miniature all i > o( a revue, with girU, muung numl>er« and danrc mu>ir. The Golden K lure "ix playcri frotn ?ir the wall less than \]/j inches thick. The dynamic unit has a 25 watt ca- pacity and one speaker is declared sufficient for a house up to 1,500 seats. The horn is mounted on a truck with casters. It is made in two mod- els, one for sound picture use in the theater, the other for outside use, wliere greater volume is desired. The speaker is designed for use with any synchronous or non-syn- chronous instrument using No. 250 tubes or the following combination of push-pull output tubes: Two No. 170; two No. 210; one No. 250; two No. 250. Speaking Tube Made by Newman for B. O. Window Cincinnati — .\ brass speaking tube for the box office window is being produced here by the Newman Man- ufacturing Co., maker of box offices, marquees, metal grilles, poster frames and other metal theater fix- tures. It is made in four sizes, rang- ing from two inches to four inches in diameter. The company recom- mends the 2^ inch size. Si^ecial sizes are built to order. .\ door on the inside of the mouthpiece to keep out cold air is furnished. Duofone at Cleveland Cleveland — The Gordon Square, one of the Scoville Essick and Reiff chain of suburban houses, has in- stalled a France Duofone equipment, and opened with sound policy. Wiring Another at Montgomery Montgomery, Ala. — The Plaza, one of the smaller houses in the Publix group, in installing Western Electric sound equipment. When this installa- tion is completed every Publix-owned house in Montgomery will have sound equipment. Eugene House Wired Eugene, Ore. — Western Electric equipment has been installed at the McDonald. Pacent for Fremont House Fremont, O. — Pacent ccjuipment has been installed at the Strand by Carl F. Miller. PACENT REPRODUCER TO HAVE 2 JUNIOR MODELS Two new synchronoi; s for smaller theaters ol .J less will be placed on tl.t nurkt t in August by the Pacent Reproducer Corp., slates Louis G. Pacent. The company's engineering department for months has been working on the junior models, he says. The first of the new models, soon to be demonstrated to the trade, is a disc reproducer while the otiicr combines disc and sound-on-film re- production. There also is to be a low priced non-synchronous equip- ment. The equipments will be avail- able on extended terms. I'accnt is continuing the senior model, which already has been in- stalled in 000 theaters, I'accnt de- clares. The price of the senior model remains unchanged. New Principle Claimed for Sound-on-Film Equipment claiming to embody a new prin- ciple, sound-on-fiint reproducing equipment has been added to the disc reproducing equipment of the Royal .Amplitone. states Elmer Hollander, sales manager of the company. No changes are necessary in the projec- tor for installation of the sound-on- film system, he declared. Two hundred tlicaters throughout the country had been wired by Roy- al Amplitone up to June 11, he as- serts. Movie- Phone at Lowell ville Lowellville, O. — The Columbus, operated by A. J. Masters has in- stalled Movie-Phone sound reproduc- ing device, sold in this territory by Edw. P. Casanave. Film BIdg., Cleveland. Censors Seek Sound Equipment Chicago — The council finance com- mittee has been asked to appropriate $7,000 for the installation of sound equipment in the city hall to enable the censor board to review talkers. Creatone for Girard, O.. Hotise Girard. (J. — (."reatone, sound-on- disc sound reproducer manufactured by the Deca Disc Co. of Waynes- boro, Pa., has been purchased for Mack's theater. Installation will be made about July 15. Vitaphone at Santa Cruz House Santa Cruz, Cal. — The Unique has made its debut as an exclusive Vita- phone house under a five year con- tract with Warners and First Na- tional. Detroit House Wired Detroit — .Mcx Schreiber has wired the Loop theater here. Levine Completes Talker Serial Veteran Independent Claims to be First "Under Wire" with Talker Chapter play Ready for Release -Gladys Brockwell Critically Injured; Bessie Love Hurt— Other Coast Studio News "KING OF THE KONGO" COMPLETED BY LEVINE Claiming to be "first under the wire," with a talker serial, Mascot Pictures, headed by Nat Levine, has completed and has ready for release "King of the Kongo." Included in the sound, which supplements the dialogue are the roars of various jungle beasts. The serial was made at the Tec-Art studio. Richard Thorpe directed. Harry Sinclair Drago wrote the story and dialogue. In the cast of this talker chapter- play are: Jacqueline Logan, Walter Miller, Boris Karlofif, Larry Steers, William Burt, Harry Todd and Lafe McKee. For "Virginian" Cast Nena Quartero, Spanish actor, has been added to the cast of "The Vir- ginian" being directed by Victor Fleming with Gary Cooper, Walter Huston and Richard Arlen in the leads. "Bugs" Baer with M-G-M "Bugs" Baer, columnist, has been placed under contract by M-G-M to write originals, adaptations and dia- logue. Baer now is at the studio. Milner to Photograph Lubitsch Film Victor Milner will photograph the operetta, "The Love Parade," to be directed by Ernst Lubitsch featuring Maurice Chevalier for Paramount. Barrymore to Direct Gilbert Upon John Gilbert's completion of his role in "Redemption," Lionel Barrymore will direct the star in "Olympia," for M-G-M. Directing "Sailor's Holiday" Fred Newmeyer is directing Alan Hale in "Sailor's Holiday," for Pathe in which Sally Filers and George Cooper also appear. Paramount Casts Sam Hardy Sam Hardy has been signed by Paramount for "Fast Company," the talking picture based upon Ring Lardner's play, "Elmer the Great." Jack Oakic and Richard "Skeets" Gallagher, and Evelyn Brent will play the principal roles. Edward A. Sutherland will direct. Stoloff Returns to Fox Studio Director lUiijaniin Stoloff has re- turned with a unit and Fox Movie- ■tne ef|uipmcnt from Cuba where he made scenes for the Fox production ■"The Girl from Havana." Paul Page, Lola Lane, Warren Ilymer. Natalie Moorhcad, Kenneth Thom- son, Adcle Windsor and Joseph Gir- ard composed the group of pluycrs. Players Hurt Gladys Brockwell was criti- cally injured in an automobile accident. Bessie Love was painfully injured in another accident. Al Jolson Sings Five New Songs in New Warner Film Five new songs are to be intro- duced in the Al Jolson production for Warners, "Say it With Songs." The song titles are: "Little Pal," "Why Can't You," "I'm in Seventh Heav- en," "Used to You" and "One Sweet Kiss." M-G-M Gets "Young Blood" James Forbes' play "Young Blood," has been acquired by M-G-M for a talker on next years' schedule. Forbes now is connected with the M-G-M dialogue writing staff. "Kibitzer" in Production Edward Sloman has started produc- tion on "Kibitzer," Paramount's all talking comedy based upon the stage play by Jo Swerling and Edward G. Robinson ih which the latter is starred. Sam Mintz adapted the play with Marion Dix preparing the con- tinuity. Viola Brothers Shore wrote the dialogue. SHOOTING SCHEDULES SET ON 4 NEW RADIO FILMS Shooting on four Radio pictures have been set. "The Delightful Rogue," with Rod La Rocque under direction of A. Leslie Pearce; "The Very Idea," by Frank Craven and "Hunted," adapted from "Help Yourself to Happiness," by Frank Adams and directed by Wesley Rug- gles and Eugene Walters doing the dialogue, all get under way on July 2. "Rio Rita," is scheduled for the same day; "Tanned Legs," July 15 and "Dance Hall," about Aug. 1. Cast For "So Long Letty" Lloyd Bacon has completed the cast for "So Long Letty," Charlotte Greenwood's first starring picture for Warners. In addition to Miss Green- wood, Grant Withers, Patsy Ruth Miller, Helen Foster, Claude Gilling- water, Bert Roach, Marion Byron, Harry Gribbon and Hallam Cooley are also cast. Three More For "Sweetie" Cast Jack Oakie, Frank Ross and Wil- liam Austin have been added to the cast of "Sweetie," in which Nancy Carroll and Helen Kane have the leads. A Little from ''Lots" By RALPH WILK "PAGLE EYE" Charley Abranis, ^ demon location man, has re- turned from a trip to San Francisco. Before coming to the Coast, Char- ley was with Paramount's eastern studios for three years. In addition to his location work, he has been active in aiding to arrange premiers. * * * Our Passing Show: Earl Lindsay and Sam Coslow conferring at Para- mount; George Yohalem motoring to Hollywood Boulevard; Mr. and Mrs. Lester Lonergan, recent arrivals from New York, enjoying the sights on the same boulevard. * * * Fox officials were so well pleased with the directorial work on "Masquerade," Rus- sel J. Birdwell's initial effort on a feature, that he was given a five year contract. * * * More Passing Shoiv: Tom Mc- Namara showing "Bugs" Baer Hollyivood sights; Bert Wheeler, Robert Woolsey (a Lamb), Joe E. Brown and other comedians sitting in "the Friars' section of the Holly- wood Legion club. HARVEY GATES Writer WARNER BROTHERS Writing Dialogue for Harold Lloyd's "Welcome Danger" "Hearts in Exile" "Love Doctor" Dix's Next "The Love Doctor," adapted from the stage play, "The Boomerang," by Winchell Smith and Victor Mapes, will serve as Richard Dix's next for Paramount. Melville Brown will di- rect with Regie Toomey so far as- signed a part in the cast. Blackmer Gets F. N. Contract Sidney Blackmer, stage actor, has been signed by First National for two more all-talking pictures follow- ing the completion of "A Most Im- moral Lady," now in production with Leatrice Joy, Josephine Dunn, Mon- tagu Love and Walter Pidgeon. "Big News" Completed Robert Armstrong and Carol Lorn- bard have completed their parts in "Big News" Pathe production THE Doorway of HospltaJiiir _I/NTER tho doorway •* thii popular hoatclry and you feel at ho^M> There'* an atmosphere of cordial welcoaa* which marki the difference between tk« Hollywood Plaza and ordinary hotels. Your room, too, hai that added tooah of distinction. Pictures on the wall, ovmf stuffed furniture, a floor lamp and reading lamp . . . these are but a few of the featuraa that make you feel at home. Plg'n Whistle Dining Service InsurMtka best of food. Therefore, when you araoaM in Los Angeles be sure to investigate. THE HOLLYWOOD PLAZA HOTEL Vine Street at Hollywood Boulevard HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA. '' C(D[L®[R FOR THE SCREEN (1^ spectrum of sixteen delicate atmospheric colors, keyed to the moods of the screen, in the new series of EASTMAN SDiNDCHRDiV^E TINTED POSITIVE FILMS FOR SOUND PICTUFLES ^e \V (TCDCLCDD^ ROSE DOREE-A rose pink that quickens the respiration. The tint of passionate love, excitement, abandon, fete days, carnivals, heav- ily sensuous surroundings. PEACHBLOW- A llegrelto vi- vace. A tint for brief, joyous mo- ments, buoying up scenes of light, sensuous content. The spirit of coquetry. An excellent tint for close- ups. AFTERGLOW -Less radiant than Peachblow, yet warm and stimulating. Cafe, banquet scenes, gardens, sunsets, late autumn. FIRELIGHT-A cheerful orange tint — in interiors suggestive of warmth, intimacy, comfort. A mel- low autumnal light. CANDLEFLAME-In the mid- dle tempos, but blending happily with all active moods. For general use in interiors. For exteriors morn- ing and afternoon, with but little sky area. SUNSHINE-The generous bril- liancy of mid-day sunlight. Of use where the Hght of the sun plays prominently in fixing the locale or the mood . . . sunlight streaming through windows, Mexican patios, the desert. VERDANTE-In the largheito range. Refreshing. The sunny green of vegetation in spring and early summer. Simply furnished interiors. AQUAGREEN-E m o t i o n a 1 1 y cool, soothing, relaxing. Especially suited to water scenes outside the tropics. One of the wettest colors imaginable. with MAN SCINIC A Complete Gamut of Colors Sixteen expressive tints — new to the screen, embracing the entire color spectrum, rich and varied in their emotional effects — comprise the new series of Eastman tinted base films known as Sonochrome. Eastman Sonochrome provides a relief from the black and white of the present sound film and a wider range of expressive hues than the motion picture ever before possessed! In hue and atmospheric quality Eastman Sonochrome can closely simulate the actual light- ing of any exterior or interior scene. Lighting of realistic color content is a primary emotional source to which the motion picture never before has had such free access. Sonochrome colors have definite affective values. Some excite, some tranquilize, some re- press. Properly used, they enhance the moods of the screen and aid the powers of reproduc- tive imagination in the observer, without mak- ing a distinct impression on the consciousness. In Sonochrome, the maker of motion pictures will find an efficient and highly refined instru- ment for achieving dramatic effects, and the audience a new emotional experience. W]CDCD[Dg CHRDiVJ£f ILM The First for Sound Picliires Previous attempts to use color on sound film have resulted in cutting off the light that excites the photoelectric cell, so interfering with the reproduction of sound. With the new Sonochrome tints this difficulty has been over- come, for they are so adjusted as to position in the spectrum that they do not blind the photo- electric eye. The light to which the photoelectric cell re- sponds passes freely through Sonochrome film, and the response is uniform over the entire gamut of tints. For this reason Sonochrome tints, including the hueless argent substitute for clear positive, may be used in any sequence, permitting abso- lute freedom in the shifting of moods, without affecting the sound. The Eastman Sonochrome tinted films are available at no greater cost than the regular clear base positive film. Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, N. Y., will gladly send you further information about EASTMAN SONOCHROME FILM Tl HQl OISE-With Ih.' liqi.ul (•hHriuliTistii-s of \(|iiii^rrcii, l>iit t(M)lcr . . . th<' .MrditirrHni-Hii. IIk- ('(M>l of (luwn, l)ri(;lit iii(H)iiliKht. AZURE — The liril of rcscrvo Hii(i (lislmicc. Ill exteriors spacious, al- inosplieric — th«'l)lueof Iropii'Jilskiea. In iiiterifjrs cold, forrniil, repressive. NOCTURNE-For nifiht efTecta. riuirky interiors. Maxinuiin repres- .sion. The color mood of sadness, defeated expectation, dark intrigue, the underworld. PLRPLEHAZE- IlisinK some- what in pilch from .Nocturne. For dim interiors and outd(K)r settings ol)scured with haze. Languorous, dreamy, narcotic. FLEUR DE IAS -Tempo di niarcia pomposu. The lime-honored hue of the ceremonial, the ritualistic. Pompous, solemn, stately. The purple of royalty. AMARANTH- A Ics.s austere purple than Fleiir de lis. Sug- gest isc of gentility, aristocracy. I leightening the elegance and luxury of certain interiors. Balcony scenes at night illuminated from within. CAPRICE— In the range of rapid temjMjs. An audacious magenta. The mood of fickleness, impulsive action, rash adventure. INFERNO-.1<7«7a/o. Intensely stirring with strongsoiindsand move- ments . . . fiery revolt, riot, confla- gration, disaster, unrestrained pas- sion. ARGENT — A silvery hueless tone, less harsh than that of ordinary black and white positive. Of general utility for all untinted scenes. N They warm love, injlame passion, heighten joy, strengthen courage, deepen sadness FOR the first time, all the serviceable associations of color tones are brought to the aid of the sound picture in the new Eastman Sonochrome Films, a chromatic series of sound positives. Sonochrome has sixteen color moods, keyed so that a smooth transition is al- ways possible from one to another, or back to the basic argent tone, without perceptible change in sound level. Pictures in Sonochrome tints have a variety and a sustained interest that can not be achieved with black and white positive alone. The most imaginative productions of the year will be screened in Sonochrome. EASTMAN SDi%IC) E A PRODUCT OF THE COLOR LABORATORY OF THE EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY THE Sunday, June 30, 1929 'StU DAILY II PRODUCTION IN THE EAST WHO'S WHO AND WHAT'S WHAT IN GREATER NEW YORK STUDIOS "WATCHFUL WAITING" IS PRODUCERS' POLICY Short Shots from New York Studios Producers workinc; in tlio East have apparently- adopted a "watchful waiting" policy as far as K(|uity's demands are concerned. So far no active producer, it seems, has agreed to Equity's proposals. Equity has not formally approach- ed the Paramount studio on the mat- ter, it is stated at that plant. Both features now in production there were cast before the actors' organiza- tion ruling became operative. Sev- eral shorts have been made since that time with stage players used, but no disturbance occurred. The single dissension in the situa- tion, it is understood, has come in the case of Pedro de Cordova, who refused to work in a Pathe talker as that company has not complied witli Equity's demands. Switch Production to Coast Pathe has decided to make "On the Stairs," mystery talking feature, on the Coast, instead of in New York at Sound Studios. The Equity situa- tion is understood responsible for this change in Robert T. Kane's produc- tion plans. Spencer Bennet was brought on from the Coast to direct. Much Vitaphone Work Set The bulk of the Vitaphone shorts planned by Warner Bros, for the new season will be made in the East, it is understood. Total of 312 re- leases are planned, six being avail- able each week. Three Columbia Shorts Set Three more Columbia talking shorts are set for production soon. They will be Jules Bledsoe, Gordon Dooley and "A Day of Man-of-Af- fairs," the latter by Paul Porter and Geitz Rice. Basil Smith will direct the three subjects. Working At Old Lincoln Studio Shorts are now being produced at the old Lincoln studio at Fort Lee. By ARTHUR W. BDDY^i^ BASIL SMITH, who is doing Co- lumbia's directing in the East, has returned to New York and Cam- den after getting a load of vacation- ing at Dundas, Out. Martha Wilchinnki, uho writes publicity atid poetry with expert- iiess, has taken to the inoiintains, not because of the police but because of the vacation urge. She retuma to this publicity business next Mon- day. When you hear 'em talk about "mother" in the talking picture studios, it doesn't mean the mammy that Al Jolson yodels about. "Mother" is a term used in connec- tion with the making of records, which may not be a good description but it will have to do. Mike and Fritz make their screen debut in "The Gob's Follies," Na- tional Sound Pictures talking short produced at American Sound stu- dios. Mike happens to be a mon- key and Fritz, his pal, is a police pup. Hithertofore they've been on the stage. Zahrah V. Havens, assistant to Larry Kent at Paramount, is making all the gestures of serious work, al- though the boss is away California- ing. She was with Rowland V. Lee as "script director" for two years, prior to bag and baggaging East. Dave Sarecky is being missed around the Paramount studio. An injured back is confining him to his home. MARK SANDRICH Director Just Completed "THE TALK OF HOLLYWOOD" All Dialogue Feature RCA Gramercy Studios New York H. H. Van Loan, who is proving as prolific a playwright as he is a scenarist, will have his name in the lights at the Alcazar, San Francisco, within a few weeks. Henry DutTy has bought his "Cooking the Goose,' which he wrote with the aid of Lo- lita W'estman. Before he gangplanked for the other side, Alexander Moissi made a talking short for Vitaphone, repro- ducing the famous soliloquy from "Hamlet." Arthur Hurley did the direction and Harold Levey waved the baton, or whatever it is musical directors wave. After a battle with what he terms the thermal fiu, H. M. Baldwin, as- Mstant to Monta Bell, is back at Paramount's Long Island studio, as energetic as ever. Sherlock Holmes Story Next Paramount Talker 1 he luM t.tlkiiiK iiMtiire tn ^^i> intt) production at I'araiiiount's .As- toria plant will be "The Return of Sherlock Holmes," based on the A. Conan Doyle story. Work begins about the last week in July, with Clive Brook starred. Basil Dean. English film and stage director, will make the picture under supervision of Munta Bell, producer at the studio. '.\pplause" and "The Gay Lady" will be finished before the Uoylc story is made. Seeks Talent For "Rosita" Edwin Earle Smith, producer of National Sound Pictures, is seeking Spanish types for his next talking short, "Rosita," which goes into pro- duction next week at American Sound Recording Studios, West 44th St. He is also in search of vaudeville acts which have a story continuity, ccm- cdy or dramatic construction and dia- logue suitable for talkers. Jean Le Marrcz, who appeared in the initial Smith short, with Art Landy and his band, will be starred in "Rosita." John Noble will direct and E. Ed- win Graham will be production man- ager. Using Two Screens in Paris Charles Beahan, formerly Fox story editor and now playwright, who has just returned from Europe, tells one instance of how France is solv- ing the talking picture problem. In Paris, where he saw "The Jazz Sing- :r," he found that the theater man- agement was using a small screen, directly below the regular one, to present the dialogue in sub-title form. Beahan is now working on two plays. One is "Murder by the Clock," novel by Rufus King, and "Shanty Irish," based on the Jim Tully novel. Busy at Vitaphone Studio Production continues at the V ita- phone plant, under supervision of Bryan Foy. Dialogue shorts made within tlic past few days include Har- rv Rosenthal and his Bath & Tennis Club Orchestra; Rev^•a Reyes. Mexi- ican singer; Fred .\rdatli in "These Dry Days," supported by Jack Gra- ger, Omar Glover and Clare Magnus, and Hugh O'Connell in "The Inter- view," a newspaper sketch, with a supporting cast including Don Dill- away and Henry Warwick. SEES SYNCHRONIZED MUSIC BIG AID TO TRAVELOGUES With the advent ' /cd n!U>ic and sound, s< .>>w attain the popularity ilicy iiatc Iuuk de^crvcd, in the opinion of James A. Fit/ Patrick, producer of the "Travcl- taik" scries. "Brief travelogues through the world with a camera as the eye of the audience, though interesting and beau- tiful, in many i went dry through the ini accompani- ment of music tu portray the moods of the ditTercnt locales," says Fitz- Patrick. "There was a lack of harmony be- tween what the audience saw and what it heard. Apparently local or- chestras could not take the tune to fit their music to each scene. Most of the time short travelogues were screened to the nmsic of currently popular hits, by the orchestra, or- gan or piano. "The short feature, particularly in the second or third run houses served as a filler in the program for the regular full length production. One of the reasons was probably the lack of continuity in the photography. In other words, they consisted of mere- ly animated post card views of a country of the world." Pathe Signs Evalyn Knapp Evalyn Knapp. who has been fea- tured in a number of Pathe talking shorts produced by George LeMaire, has been placed under contract by Pathe. She will be featured in many of the Lc Mairc comedies. Classic Resuming Work Classic Pictures inteiuls \>> re-nnic production of talking shorts next week when "Frankie and Johnnie." written by Charles Beahan. will be made. Production will be at the I'-i .phono =tnr!ir> nn Long Island. Now Delivering! Sou nd on f il m and diic devices. Traveltone Sales Corp. 729 Stvenlh A»e. Tel. BRYanl 2690 PHIL ARMAND formerly with Warner Brothers now CHIEF CAMERAMAN American Sound Recording Corp. First cameraman to use Du Pont panchromatic stock and to pave the way for its increas- ing popularity. DAILV Sunday, June 30, 1929 "Kitty" with John Stuart, Estelle Brody (Part-Talker Version) World Wide Length: Sound, 9110 ft. Silent, 8500 ft. HAS BEAUTIFUL STORY WELL DIRECTED AND ACT- ING ABOVE AVERAGE. STRONG DIALOGUE. A FINE IMPORTED PICTURE. Drama. Adapted from the novel by Warwick Deeping, author of "Sor- rell and Son." Here is a fihn that will grace any screen where there is an intelligent audience to view it. This reviewer found its spoken se- quences a delight, and to listen to John Stuart's remarkable voice and beautiful diction was a treat. Out Hollywood way they think they have a few dialoguers who know the Eng- lish language, but they haven't heard this baby yet. If some American producer doesn't hop this bird fast, it just proves another of those inex- plicable oversights. In fact, the en- tire cast rates above par, especially when they open their mouths. The story is a poignant and moving etch- ing of a love story born of the war, with a sincerity and naturalness which proves Deeping one of the real writ- ers of our time. Cast: Estelle Brody, John Stuart, Dorothy Cummings, Marie Ault, Winter Hall, Olaf Hytten, Charles O'Shaughnessy, E. F. Bost- wick, Rex Maurice, Jerrold Robertshaw, Gibb McLaughlin. Direction, Victor Saville; Author, Warwick Deeping; Scenarist, Violet Powell; Editor, Victor Saville; Titler, Violet Powell; Dia- loguer, Marjorie Young; Cameraman, Carl Puth. Direction, superior. Photography, Al. "Square Shoulders" with Junior Coghlan, Louis Wolheim (Part-Talker Version) Pathe Length: Sound, 5438 ft. Silent, 5477 ft. SURE-FIRE NUMBER FOR THE KIDS, WITH JUNIOR COGHLAN AND WOLHEIM GETTING OVER ACTION IN UNUSUAL FATHER-SON THEME. Drama. A very appealing story that carries a load of fine sentimental touches that will get the grown-ups as well as the kids. Many of the scenes are at a boys' military acad- emy, and among the cadets are a dozen sons of well known Hollywood directors and stars. Louis Wolheim is an ex-soldier who has ended up as a yegg. After a robbery he runs in- to a newsboy and learns that he is his own son. The yegg arranges through an attorney to pay the boy's tuition at a military academy, and the yegg gets himself a job at the academy as stableman so he can watch over his son. Then the two buddies that the yegg had double- crossed when he took the stolen money for the boy's tuition show up, and there follows a lot of suspense and fast action that will get the fans. Cast: Louis Wolheim, Junior Coghlan, Philippe De Lacy, Anita Louise, Montague Shaw, Johnny Morris, Kewpie Morgan, Clar- ence Geldert, Eric Von Stroheim, Jr., "Chuck" Reisner, Jr. Director, E. Mason Hopper ; Authors, George Dronigold, Houston Branch, Peggy Prior; 'Scenarists, the same; Editor, Barbara Hunter ; Titler, John Krafft, Dialoguer, Not listed ; Cameraman, Dave Abel. Direction, all right. Photography, fair. Richard Dix in "The Wheel of Life" (All-Talker Version) Paramount Length: Sound, 5153 ft. Silent 5306 ft. HOLLYWOOD'S IDEA OF IN- DIA, AND THE BRITISH SOL- DIER IS SILLY AND LAUGH- ABLE. RATES FLAT ENTER- TAINMENT. DIALOGUE DULL. Drama of India. The old colonel's lady was a voung pip, so naturally she fell hard for the good looking captain in London. Presto, they bump into each other in India, and fall in love again. The captain gets transferred to a hill station away from the temptress. Then another presto, and the gal goes visiting up that section, gets in a monastery which the hostile tribesmen attack, and believe it or not, the captain is right there again on the job to help. There they are, all trapped together, when the colonel arrives with rein- forcements and as a final coincidence goes to a window in time to meet a bullet. Youth and love at last whirled together on the wheel of life. Dix and Esther Ralston about as good English types as the Buddhist priest who also is 100 per cent Hollywood's idea of an Oriental mystic. Cast: Richard Dix, Esther Ralston, O. P. Heggie, Arthur Hoyt, Myrtle Stedman, Larry Steers, Regis Toomey, Nigel de Brulier. Director, Victor Schertzinger ; Author, James Bernard Fagan ; Dialoguer, Julian Johnson ; Adaptor, John Farrow ; Editor, Otto Lovering ; Titler, Julian Johnson ; Cam- eraman, Edward Cronjager. Direction, careless. Photography, fair. George Bancroft in "Thunderbolt" with Fay Wray, Richard Arlen (All-Talker Version) Paramount Length: Sou7id, 8571 ft. Silent, 7313 ft. CORKING ENTERTAIN- MENT. UNUSUAL STORY TWISTS, GOOD PERFORM- ANCES AND INTELLIGENT DIRECTION. IMPLAUSIBILI- TIES HURT. Drama of the underworld. Ban- croft, again the kind-hearted killer, in this comes to the parting of the ways with his girl. The coppers finally land Thunderbolt and up the river he goes under a death sentence. His gang frames the boy in the case who is Fay Wray's new sweetheart and after much footage. Thunderbolt admits the frame and the boy is freed while the killer goes to the chair. Von Sternberg's direction is very ef- fective, but he loses out considerably in the overlong death-house sequence where the comedy is applied very broadly yet nevertheless grimly. Hardly in good taste, despite the fact much of the stuff is funny. Tully Marshall's comedy characterization of the warden is ridiculous and way off key. Cast: George Bancroft, Fay Wray, Richard Arlen, Tully Marshall, Eugenie Besserer. James Spottswood, Fred Kohler, Robert El- liott, E. H. Calvert, George Irving, Mike 'Donlin, S. S. R. S. Stewart, W. K. Thome. Director, Josef Von Sternberg ; Authors, Charles, Jules Furthman ; Scenarist, Jules Furthman ; Dialoguer, Herman J. Mankie- wicz ; Editor, Helen Lewis; Cameraman, Jlenry Gerrard. Direction, intelligent. Photography, very good. "Black Hills" (Silent) Big Three Length: 5000 ft. HAS LITTLE TO RECOM- MEND IT WITH COMMON- PLACE STORY OF THE LUMBER COUNTRY AND CARELESS DIRECTION AND ACTING. Melodrama. This is the sort of material that has been worked to death years ago, and it looks as if this picture might be several years old, taken out of a storage vault and shot out on a chance of making a few bookings. The only thing in its favor is that the Black Hills country of South Dakota looks authentic. The story is that of the girl who inherits her father's lumber property and a foreman as the gent who is working in the interests of a rival company by starting forest fires and accidents to property and imperiling the lives of the men. So the hero disguises himself as a tramp, while the girl poses as a Swedish cook. She plays for comedy, and gets it with the re- verse English. There is lots of ex- citement, but nothing much of any importance to telegraph the Forest Conservation Commission about. And you can imagine the joy and happi- ness when the tramp and the Swan- ska find out all about each other. Cast: Susan Denis. George Fisher, Bob V\chster, Aldine Webb, George Chandler, Koy Dfjw. Director, Norman Dawn; Author, Not listed ; Scenarist. Not listed ; Editor Not listed; Titler, Not listed; Cameraman' Not listed. Direction, ordinary. Photography, spotty. Alice White in "Broadway Babies" (All-Talker Version) First Nat'l Length : Sound, 8067 ft. Silent not determined THEY'LL GO FOR IT. JAZZY YARN OF LIFE AMONG THE CHORINES LOOKS LIKE FOD- DER FOR AUDIENCE CON- SUMPTION. Comedy-drama. The situations don't alter themselves very much in these yarns about life backstage. Alice White plays the unsullied chorine in love with Charley De- laney, the stage manager. Along comes Fred Kohler, big grin and gin man from Detroit who finally wins her after misunderstandings arise be- tween Alice and Charlie. But Alice can't go through with it, so Kohler who incidentally gets plunked with an air gun fired by another under- world mob, steps out and — finale. It's all very obvious, but also entertain- ing. Several songs are rather catchy, but not distinguished. The White baby stare, talk and curves are there aplenty. Kohler, however, almost steals the picture and Tommy Dugan plays him a close second. Cast: Alice White, Charles Delaney, Fred Kohler, Tom Dugan, Bodil Rosing, Sally Filers, Marion Byron, Jocelyn Lee, Louis Nathcaux, Maurice Black. Director, Mervyn Le Roy; Author, Jay Gelzer; Scenarist, Monte Katterjohn ; Dia- loguers, Monte Katterjohn, Humphrey Pear- son; Editor, Frank Ware; Cameraman, Sol Pohto. Direction, snappy. Photography, very good. Bob Custer in "The Law of the Mounted" (Silent) Syndicate Pictures Length: 4580 ft. A PIP OF A NORTHWEST MOUNTED YARN THAT CAR- RIES A STRONG PUNCH RIGHT THROUGH TO A SIZ- ZLING FINISH. Melodrama of the Northwest. Here is one of those fur-stealing yarns that has a story far above the average. That applies to the acting also, which gives Bob Custer plenty of opportunities, and J. P. McGowan as the heavy creates a good charac- terization. Seeing that Mac also di- rected a sizzling story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, here is a production that is sure-fire wher- ever fans like their drama fast and fiery. One of the big assets of this film is that the hero gets socked reg- ular and often before the final cur- tain, so that when he finally comes through a winner there is a real kick in it. Custer is the mountie who is trying to uncover a band of fur thieves, and McGowan proves to be the 'lead of the gang. He is wanted for an old murder, and Custer is also trailing him for that. These two an- gles give the story lots of interest. Camera work is really splendid. Cast: Bob Custer. Cliff Lyons. J. P. Mc- Gowan, Mac V. Wright, Bud Osborne, Mary ■Maybery, Lynn Sanderson, Frank Ellis, Sally Winters. Director, J. P. McGowan; Author, Sally Winters ; Scenarist, the same ; Editor, Not listed ; Titler, Not listed ; Cameraman, Paul Allen. Direction, very good. Photography, none better. Ted Wells in "The Smiling Terror" with Derelys Perdue (Silent) Universal Length: 4525 ft. PLENTY OF ACTION AND FIGHTING IN BREEZY WEST- ERN WITH TED WELLS WORKING OVERTIME HAND- ING OUT THE THRILLS. Western. Nicely balanced western that gets away from the usual rou- tine stuff with an interesting story. Ted befriends an old miner and his daughter who are roped into a salted mine deal by the gang who are run- ning the mining town, with the lead- er posing as a respectable citizen. The fake mine proves to have a big vein of gold, which is uncovered in a blast that provides a lot of suspense and thrills as Ted rescues the girl from death. Then the crook tries to force the old man to sell back the mine, holding the daughter as host- age. There is a corking situation building to a fight to the finish, with Ted taking plenty of punishment be- fore he finally saves the girl and lands the gang in the cooler. Derelys Perdue makes a pleasing heroine, and Ted Wells delivers plenty for the fans to get all het up about. Cast: Ted Wells, Derelys Perdue, Al Fer- guson, Bud Osborne, Director, Josef Levigard, Author, William Lester, Scenarist, George Plympton, Editor, Gene Havlick, Titler, Val Cleveland. Camera- man, William Adams. Direction, snappy. Photography, clear. THE Sunday, June 30. 1929 13 Richard Burthelmean iti "Drag" (All -Talker Version) Fimt \'uft Liiii/th: Soiintl, 80G7 ft. Silent not determined NICE CHARACTERIZATIONS MAKE LIGHT STORY MATE- RIAL INTERESTING. A PLEAS- ING AUDIENCE PICTURE WITH BARTHELMESS DOING USUAL NICE WORK. Li)jlit drama. The inevitable iii- I'lws ;.nd Iiow they succeed in ef- ficiently w recking a younj; couple's otherwise pleasant married hte. A slim ei:ough story concerning a young newspaper editor who buys a comi- try sl:eet, gets inveigled into a mar- riage with a clinging vine, tinds his vitality and his money sapped by the girl's family only to rebel finally and to meet with success in New York through the other girl who might have been sophisticated but who was nevertheless on the stiuare. The camel's back, as well as the hero's, is broken by this time. The wife chooses the family and the boy hotfoots it to the other girl. The dia- logue often slows up the action, such as it is, and makes a long picture ap- pear longer. However, the formula is culled from the popular mould. Lila Lee is charming. Cast : Ricluird B.irthelmess. Liicicn Little- field, Lila I.ee. Alice Day. Katluriiie Ward, Tom Utigan. Margaret Fielding. Director, Frank Lloyd ; Author, William Dudley Pel'ey ; Adaptor, Bradley King ; Scenarist. Bradley King; Dialoguer, Hiadley King ; Editor, Ed. Scliroedcr ; Cameraman, Ernest Haller. Direction, good. Photography, pleasing. | Motife Blue iii "The Greyhouiul Limited" irllh h'dnii Wk/ /-/i//, (;,,t,il \Vither» (Silent Version) Warnem Length: Silent, WM ft. Sihliul, (illl ft. WEAK PRODUCTION FAILS TO GET PUNCH OVER IN MELOriRAMATIC SITUA- TIONS. VERY ARTIFICIAL AND MECHANICAL. Melodrama of railroad I fe. The acting and direction are careless, but the cheap story cvideiitlv didn't rate more serious attention. M.mte IJlue as the railroad engineer is away ahead of the .script, and helps to lend an atmosphere of reality to situnt ons that are forced and overdrawn. Mon- te and his fireman love the same girl. The fireman falls into bad company, and they frame him for a murder they have committed. Finally the cops get a confession from one of the gang, just a short while before the fireman is about io swing for the crime. Then the old bimk of the engineer driving his train to get the confession in before his pal is bum))- ed olT. Meanwhile the gang tries to wreck the train in order to destroy the evidence. Of course, Monte and the girl arc too smart for 'cm, and everything is jake. It doesn't click. Cast: .\Ioiile Blue. Kilna .\liiipliy. (Irani Withers, Lucy Keaiimont, Lew Harvcv, Ernie .'^hiel.ls. Director, Howard Bretherlon ; Author, .M bert Howstin : Scenarist, Aiilhon>' I'oldeway : Editor, Harol.l .\lcl.ernon; Titler. Joseph Jackson; Cameraman, Ben Reynolds. Direction, ordinary. Photography, fair. (Sound version reviewed April 14, 1929) 1 Bob Cutter in "West of Santi' Fe" (Silent) Si/ndicitte l'iitiirr-< /.. - i/rA : l|_'l ft. CARRIES GOOD ENTERTAIN- MENT VALUE WITH ORIGINAL STORY OK HOKSK THIEVES THAI GETS AWAY FROM THE ROUTINE STUFF. Western. They htarted with an original story that is a departure from the usual western bunk, and tells a lot of inside dope on how mavcri. ' can be stolen by the wholesale, Lr. marks switched, and other matter i will interest the western fans. Tl .in- thousands of screen fans still ni tcrested in the glamour oi the west, and it is this sort of material that will keep them coming to >ec western product. Director J. I'. Mel.owan handled it intelligently, and built up some good action and suspense. Bob Custer is the owner of a ranch. He starts to uncover a plot to double cross an army buyer who comes to town to secure a bunch ol mavericks. The gang imprison the government agent and have another man pose in his place. The gatne was to put the treasury vouchers through the local bank and collect. So Bob gets going strong, and is soon up to his eye- brows in danger, thrills and action. Till? one should ride easily wherever the western fans gather. Cast : Bob Custer, I'eggy Montgiirnrry, Mac \'. Wriglil. J. V. .McCowan, Bud ()«l.orne. Director, J. P. McGuwan ; Author, Brysis Coleman; Scenarist, Not listed; Editor, -Not listed; Titler, .Not listed; Cameraman, Paul Allen. Direction, okay. Photography, clear. "4 Devils" with Jaurt Cnyunr, Mary fhnieaii, t Illl rl,^ Mm Inn { I'urt Talker Vernion) '"•' l.< iiyh : li.'.lH) (I BOUND TO CLEAN UP -V" WHERE. ARTISTIC Pi TION CARRIES KEAl lu Ll LOVE STORY WITH CAPABLE ACTING THROUGHOUT. Drama of I'rnuh iir. ii- lifr. fta.rfl i>n the novel of same n man Bang. Dirrrd-r I- done a pi his be«t. bed. a delu.itt. t. V is built up to a I. teiiiiiin. The circuit at expertly handled. Imh formances of uutslanding merit arc contributed by Janet (Javiior, Marv Duncan and Charles Morton. It i<> that unusual type of production that can ofTcnd no one and appeal* uni- versally to all types of women. The male contingent come in also with the circus stuff and the attendant thrill scenes. .Sume of the photo- graphic ■ \. C«»t: I .cDonalJ. lidwn O'Uay. Michael N'inar. ■ ron. Director. K W. .Murnau; Author. Hrrman Bang. Adap'"' ii. .i i i \....-, c Carl .Ma> Editor, il Dialoguer, Jul.n llt.uiri lluuih , CamcramcD. KrncM I'.ilmcr. L. W. O'Connrll. Direction, excellent Photography, magiuh cent. (Sound ■iewed "Not Quite Decent" with Louise Dreaser, June Collyer (Silent Version) Fox Length: 4653 ft. CARRIES MILD ENTERTAIN- MENT WITH LOUISE DRES- SER MAKING WEAK OFFER- ING RATE SLIGHTLY BETTER THAN A FLOP. Drama. Tlie story is a terrible hash of theatrically forced situations with little plausibility. The only re- deeming feature is the work of Louise Dresser, who couldn't be blah no matter what they put her in. But this one was a tough strain on her histrionic talents, forcing her into ab- surd situations that only her skillful work brought her through gracefully. Miss Dresser is seen as a Tex Gu'ii- an type in partnership running a night club. The blah-blah is thrown in in large gobs with a sappy situa- tion of her unknown daughter meet- ing her unknown mother in the night club, with the same roue who ruin- ed mother 30 years ago trying to re- peat the act with daughter. But ma pulls a fast play and crabs the show. Daughter .goes back to the sticks and pure love and ma goes ahead with her female Al Jolson stuff. Cast: Louise Dresser, June Collyer, Allan Lane, Oscar Apfel. Paul Nicholson, Marjoric Beebe, Ben Hewlett, Jack Kennoy. Director, Ir\ing Cummings ; Author. Wal- lace Smith ; Scenarist, Marion Orth ; Editor, Paul Weatherwa.x; Titler, Malcolm Stuart Boy'an ; Cameraman. Charles Clarke. Direction, material to blame. Photography, all right. (Sound version reviewed May 12, 1929) Richard Barthchness t« "Weary River" (Silent Version) Fir.^t Xdtioiial Length : TDltJ //. LOOKS LIKE EASY MONEY FOR SMALL TOWNS WITH STRONG REFORM STORY THAT WILL PLEASE THE CHURCHES AND WOMEN'S CLUBS. BARTHELMESS CLICKS STRONG. Drama of the underworld. They could have made this into a really big i)icture with a i)lot that was not so undecided and knew where it was trj'ing to go,- and why. Only the sterling trouping of Barthelmess saves it from being just another of tllo^e things. But Dick build.s up a characterization and makes you in- terested and sympathetic in spite of the fact that he is forced to do con- tradictory things. Vou never know till the end whether he is really go- ing to reform, or go back to the old criminal life. Nice characterizations by the. prison warden and Dick's girl, who put over the law and order idea in a way to make oven Canon Chase stand up and cheer. This i> the an- gle for the small town shuwinan to shout about. Cast: Uicliard Barlhelmess, Betty Comp- son. William Holden, I..ouis Natheaux, Ray- mond Turner. (leijrge Stone. Gladden James, Robert O'Connor. Director, Frank Lloyd; Author, Courtney Riliy Cooper; Scenarist, Bra^lUy King; Editor. Kd SciiroeiJcr. Titler, P.iul Perez ; Cameraman, Ernie Hnller. Direction, excellent. Photography, very good. (Sound version reviewed Jan. 27, 1929) "It's Easy to Become a Father" (Silent) • Ufa Length: 6000 //. JUST ANOTHER PLAY WASTED AWAY. IMPORTED NUMBER HAS NOTHING WORTH TALKING ABOUT WITH PHONEY SITUATIONS AND FORCED COMEDY. Comedy. Well, they label it a comedy. Whenever the Clermaii en- ters into the sensitive field of light comedy and farce with his heavy methodical and practical mind, it's just like putting Dresden dolls in a delicatessen store setting. The thing is simply hopeless, and so misguided an effort that we hardly have the heart to talk about it. But here it is. for what it shapes up. An American girl in London adopts an orphan baby, and her father is so shocked that he throws her out on her ear, in a man- ner of speaking. So she goes with the kid to gay Parec where unmarried dames with babies are not so uncom- mon as to arouse a sensation. She hooks herself a boy friend and makes him pose as the daddy. And then the "comedy" really starts — and how. Outdated — amateurish — heavy — just flat film. Cast: Frani! Kgenieff. Mallui'de Sussin. Henry Halm. Hans Mierendort. Lillian Har- vey. .Albert Paubg. Director, Erich Schoenfelder ; Author, from novel ".My First .Adventure," by .-Mfred Halm ; Scenarist. Not listed ; Editor. Not listed; Titler, Joseph Fleisler; Cameramen, F. .\. Wagner and W. Harvey Pate. Direction, wearisome. Photography, fair. "The Jade Casket" (SUent) CosinoK Exchange length: 5S00 ft. HOPELESS FRENCH PRO- DUCTION TRIES TO KID THE ARABIAN NIGHTS IDEA BUT PROVES AN AWFUL PIECE OF CELLUHASH. C omedy satire. Produced by Gau- moiit. These Frenchies haven't learn- ed how to make straight cinema en- tertainment for popular consumption, yet they have the courage to jump into a production calling for higli sa- tire and delicate, subtle comedv. Herr Lubitsch himself wouldn't hive at- tempted it. or Mai St. Clair in his palmiest days. The result is some- thing worse than unfortunate. It's sad, and calls for three hearty jeers. They wouldn't let us give tliem in the theater. The titles are written a la the period of Moses when he was "dothing" and "shalt notting" his people in the Ten Command- ments. .\nd after learning subtitu- lary that the bandit "lieth" and the sage doeth" and the loose jane "did- deth," we for our part didn't blame tlie jane a bit. The old sage is torn from his philosophical med-tations by the vamp, and finallv trades her in for a non-skidding housemaid. Moral evidently is that old sages and vamps have nothing to share. Cast: M. Roger Carl, the sage; Mile. Myrge. the vamp. Director. ^ n Aulh' 'ed , Scenarist. Editoi 'ed. Titler, .Not ,.-.- .. Camctaman, ■ i ....-; Direction, helpless. Photography, ipotty THE ■e^ank DAILV Sunday, June 30, 1929 ■ Short Subject Reviews-Sound and Silent SOUND Gus Edwards' Song Revue M-G-M Movietone Ordinary This one is handled rather ordi- narily, with Technicolor production giving it some class. Edwards and his gang sing his old time songs, such as "Silvery Moon," "Sunbonnet Sue" and "Jimmy Valentine." Newsboys sing a number, "If I Was a Million- aire," and it looks as if synchroniza- tion was done after shooting the film. All the songs are given their own settings, and this with the color work is the best part of the offering. The old "School Days" number is done, which is about the best of the lot. Time, 12 mins. Talking Screen Snapshots Columbia- Victor Clicks Opens with a speakeasy scene, with players gagging, and then into a beach scene as the comedy cameraman grabs his machine and beats it to the beach to get shots of Jack Holt and Ralph Graves going up for stunt fly- ing. The balance are shots of celebs at a Hollywood opening night, with the guests shooting a few words into the mike just before they enter the theater. A long line of screen favor- ites and others are thus caught, hur- riedly saying a few words that some- times don't mean a thing and prove how helnless some stars are without a scenario. But the fans will enjoy the intimate closeups of their favorites talking, no matter how dumb the talk may be. Time, 8 mins. "Sporting Courage" Collegians Universal Gets Over Calford College stages its inter- class polo match, and Ed Benson, captain of the juniors, manages to win for his team against the seniors and their crafty captain. Ed needs two ponies for the game, so the gang get together and stage a bazaar to raise the dough. A good gag is v/orked by having the senior captain, his rival, unknowingly contribute $50 to the good cause. The game itself ii lively, with a thrill finish as our hero wins in the final minute of play with a broken polo mallet. Has the collegiate stuff many fans like. "Falling Stars" Columbia-Victor Fair Henry Bergman and Marcia Man- ning are featured as a team of film celebs who are licked by the sound situation. They try to promote the director on the studio set to give them a chance. He turns them down, and they go into a song all about the troubles of silent stars who can't deliver for the talkies. Bergman is good with his stutter patter, the stut- ter being the reason why he isn't in demand. Has a novelty angle with the timely theme which will mterest, but otherwise rates ordinary. Time, 10 mins. "Hurdy Gurdy" M-G-M Movietone Big Laughs This one has the big broad laughs that will score without a struggle almost anywnere. Featured in the two-reeler are Max Davidson, Thelma Todd and Edgar Kennedy. The at- mosphere of the lower East Side works in various national types such as Italian, Irish, Hebrew and Ger- man, with an Irish cop trying to straighten out the scandal of the ice- man visiting the vaude actress too frequently. But the lowdown is that she is keeping her trained seal cool in the bath tub. Lots of good slapstick comedy with the chatter between all hands on the fire escapes. Buddy Doyle in "At a Talkie Studio" Columbia- Victor Flat This one means nothing. Doyle at piano is rehearsing evidently for go- ing on the set, and in his usual black- face gives a couple of songs, finishing with impersonations of the blackface headliners that are just fair. A weak gag is pulled with Doyle springing the ancient wheeze about the Scotch- man who was married in his back yard so the chickens could eat the rice. He tells it to a dumb electrician, who registers a blank. Cutbacks show the mechanic still registering dumb thought as Doyle goes through his act. At the close the electrician gets it and doubles up with laughter for a fadeout. Time, 9 mins. SILENT "Only Her Husband" Ideal — Educational Peppy Jerry Drew does his usual act as the sport trying to flirt with all the girls. He is stopping at the hotel with his jealous wife, and every time Jerry is starting to get interested in some dame his wife spoils the. party. Winds up with Jerry mixed in a crowd of chorus girls doing their act. The house detective is after him, and a merry chase through the corridors where the cook has spilled a pot of grease results in some funny mishaps that carry quite a few laughs. Shapes up as a fair laugh number, with lots of fast action. Directed by Charles Lamont. "April Showers" Aesop Fables — Pathe Has A Kick Al Falfa has his troubles when a violent rainstorm starts. He tries to salvage some of his household ef- fects and drive off in a wagon. But he loses everything when crossing a stream — everything but the fish bowl with one gold fish. The animal an- tics are amusing, the cartoon work clever, and the idea very well worked out for the laughs, which the kids especially will enjoy. "The Pirate of Panama" Universal Serial Promising This 10-chapter serial starts off with very good action and atmos- phere and carries a big appeal for the kids with the buried treasure stuff, which is the theme. The first three episodes are filled with action and color, and if the pace through- out can be held, it looks as if the kids who patronize these serials are in for a real treat. Natalie Kingston as the girl has inherited a parchment which gives the location of a buried treas- ure in Panama. The first sequences show the pirates of old robbing a Spanish galleon and taking the chest with the treasure and burying it Then into the modern sequence, showing Natalie and Hayden Steven- son, as the young shipowner, planning to fit out a boat and go after the treasure. Meanwhile the menace in the guise of the girl's cousin tries ineffectually to steal the map. On board ship he is smuggled there and has half the crew in his employ. They overpower the rest, but hero and the gal and his comedy aid row ashore, dig up the treasure, and secret it in the hulk of the old wrecked galleon just as the outlaw gang arrive and start to mess things up. Directed by Ray Taylor. Pathe Review No. 25 Classy Opens with a gorgeous Pathe- chrome sequence showing precious stones with the light rays shining on the jewels and giving off a myriad of sparkling designs in all the colors of the rainbow. Then a melodrama is staged under a microscopic lens with an innocent little micVobe named Soirogyra being sucked into the toils by a vamp named Lateria. This is as good as any thrill serial and far more intelligent than most. Various views of the cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York are shown, the devout worshippers meeting in the chapel until J. P. Morgan and the other patrons can together a few more millions to complete it. Finally, Pathe's Japanese cameraman on loca- tion gives intimate shots of the oyster fisheries and shows how the pearls are planted in the oyster and col- lected ten years later. Here is screen entertainment that will please any ti'pe of audience. Edited by Terry Ramsaye with distinction. "Helter Skelter" Big Boy — Educational Nice Juvenile The story is rather loosely put to- gether, but the human interest touches and the work of Big Boy makes it very appealing. Big Boy tries to sell his dog to help his poor mother who is in need of funds. He runs into some stirring adventures, and a mixup in a rich woman's house with the mutt dashing about and ruin- ing everything results in some good comedy situations. The work of the clever and appealing kid makes this a safe bet. Directed by Charles Lamont. "Newlyweds Camp Out" Newlyweds — Universal Passable The newlyweds are visited by the wife's relatives. They insist on mak- ing themselves at home so that final- ly father and Snookums find them- selves without even a bed to sleep in. So they rig up a tent in the back yard and start to get some rest. But between Snookum's antics, and the efforts of the folks inside the house, the whole thing is a washout and the visiting relatives leave in a huff. So Snookums and his dad are happy again. A lot of the old situations are used all over again. An ordinary number that will probably please the Snookum fans. Directed by Francis Corby. "A Half Holiday"— Novelty Universal Ordinar-y Another in the series of novelties directed by Jacques Rollens. This one has little to recommend it, and employs the usual device of this series in photographing the players without revealing their faces. The action is thus more or less symbolical. Two sweethearts become engaged, start on a picnic, and she gives back the ring when a tire blows out and the car is stalled. They patch it up, and on the way home a terrific downpour ruins the girl's clothes, and again she gives back the ring. Not much sense to it, but that's the story, and we'll stick to it, the same as the director did. "Delivering the Goods" Buster Brown Universal Fair Buster and Mary Jane help out in father's grocery store, and during his absence they manage to make a wreck of everything. Tige also does his best to mix things up and keep con- fusion reigning throughout the two reels. This seems to be the formula for making a Buster Brown picture, and we don't suppose we can do any- thing to change it. The grand finale has Mary Jane upsetting a can of red pepper. All right for the kids, no doubt, who will probably get a laugh out of the antics of the naughty children. Directed by Samuel New- field. THE Sunday, June 30. 1929 IS Theater Equipment By CHARLES P. //VNF? Loss of Light Presents Real Problem in Showing Talkers The /oss of (iiialiti/ of lia\ing, ■'iKiiiiing would ever be at- tcnipted if all possible objections niust first be overcome," which fits in here very nicely. There is a point where theoretical work in the labora- tory must give way to jiractical ap- plication. In order to Karn how to solve many serious problems, the in- dustry found it necessary to install the sound equipment and gradually Karn how to eliminate defects. This sometimes develops an easy going tol- erant attitude toward certain imper- fections which may result in serious harm if allowed to go too far. .A discordant sound is very notice- able and is highly objectionable, There is a loss of entertainment value, but no actual physical injury unless tremendously amplified. Where visu- al projection is poor the entertain- ment value is reduced although it is not so obvious as defects in sound projection, but the physical injury may be nnich more serious. Apart from the loss of detail in the picture and the lowering of photographic values, poor projection causes ej'e- strain and fatigue. Under extreme conditions, the pa- tron niav have had his enjoyment of the picture reduced without being aware of the cause. The eye suffers much more jiatiently than the ear, but the injury through visual projec- tion is much more serious than through poor sound projection. The patron who has been wearied through excessive eye-strain, natur- ally leaves the theater without the proper sense of enjoyment and re- laxation. Regardless of the story and of the efforts made to properly |)rescnt it to the public, its entertain- ment value can be grcatlv lowered through poor projection. Sound ex- perts who have closely watched the reaction of an audience to sound de- fects have quite overlooked the harm done through the defects of visual projection brought about through the introduction of sound. The harm done to visual projection was created by the use of a screen made of porous material to permit the greatest possible volume of sound to reach the audience through the screen, but is responsible for the loss of light. Harry Rubin, super- visor of projection of Pnblix thea- ters, refers to this condition in hi« paper presented fo the Societv of M. P. Engineers, at its meeting in Sep- tember. 1028. Rubin was the first to nuhliclv call attention to the injury being done and his comments are in- teresting. "There is urgent need for the de- velopment of a screen which will permit transmission of sound without i sacrifice of reflecting power. Much I 300 SPEEDS IS FEATURE Of FRESH AIR ELECIRICflLLY NOISELESS ARCTIC NU-fllR NOW OFFERED THEATERS Chicago — Three hundred speeds with the touch of a button is claimed for the new 1929 noiseless Arctic Nu-.'\ir cooling and ventilating sys- tem. Remote hydraulic air volume control is claimed as an exclusive feature of the equipment, which is self adjusting. .Arctic \u-.Air this vear di.sconiin- ued inanufacture of all past models, to bring out the noiseless e(|uipnient, due to the sound picture development. The positive directional control of air delivery is said to aid projection of sound waves. New Floodlighting' "Bends" Light Around Dome Declared to solve the old problem on making light "bend" around a curved surface and regarded as hav- ing a direct theater lighting applica- tion, is the internal floodlighting sys- tem installed in the dome of Wil- liamsburgh hank building in Brook- lyn. This is the first time the light- ing of a dome in this manner from the inside has been, according to General Electric engineers, who de- signed the lighting. It is not a glass dome, but its curved surfaces are built up of hori- zontal metal louvers. V'iewed by an observer from any point below the level of the dome, these louvers over- lap and their gilded surfaces appear to the eye as a solid gilded home. At night the surfaces of the louvers are illuminated by means of floodlights placed on the floor within the dome, again giving the appearance of a gild- ed dome illuminated from some mys- terious source of light. To add to the interest of the general effect, vari- colored light is used through a cycle of automatic changes giving a con- tinuously changing variety of color tones to the dome. Cleveland— Declared to kill oflFen- sivc odors and purifv and rrviuli/c the air, Corozone, a palrntrd rlrrtri- cal invention, has lu-i ■ ;|ic market for theaters, ; ngs and homes use. Cori>/i>nr l^ a mu.iII coliired box, 8 by 5 by 4 inches and plugs into an ordinary electric liKht socket. Converters arc available for DC current. It is set in operation by the pressing of a button. Corozone consists of an electric pack, which, with the help of ordi- nary current, turns a part -nice 1''_'5 vice president and general manager, has been elected president of Westing- house Electric & Manufacturing Co., which firm is active in manufacturing electrical theater equipment and RC.\-Photophone sound reproducing equipment. Theater Lighting Up At Illumination ("onfab riieater l:glitmg was one oi the chief topics of discussion at the first illumination conference, held this week at the Westinghouse Lighting Institute in the Granbl( Addreu: RICHPICSOC. Pari* Cable Addreu: DEEJAY. Loodon CabU Addreii: RICHPIC, N. Y. Exporting only tlie best in Motion Pictures LONDON GROUP PLANS SOUND THEATER CHAIN London — Contracts exceeding $4,- 850,000 have been placed by a syn- dicate of city merchants, headed by Charles Penley, with I^ondon building and allied trades for the construction of a chain of sound houses to be erected in the surburbs of London, it is reported. The first house of the combine is the Brixton Astoria, a 3,0^0 seater which will open within a few weeks. Berlin Theater Strike Off; Tax Rebate Promised Berlin — The threatened theater strike, scheduled for July 1, has been called off here as the f^inance Com- mittee of the Berlin Town Council has made a promise that, in case of emergency, exhibitors will be allow- ed deferred pa3'ment of the entertain- ment tax and eventually a 50 per cent rebate from May 1 to Sept. 15. B & F Ltd. Has 4 Sound Pictures Now Lined Up London — In addition to four silent pictures, British and Foreign, Ltd., now has four talking and singing productions now lined up. The sound group consists of "The Latin Quar- ter," in which Ivan Petrovitch and Carmen Boni are starred; "The Se- cret Adversary," with Eva Gray, Hilda Bayley and Shayle Gardner; "The Train of Destiny," with Wil- liam Freshman and Alma Taylor, and "The Ship of Lost Men" with Robin Irvine and Marlene Dietrich directed by Maurice Tourneur. Derussa Increases Capital Berlin — Derussa Co. is increasing its capital from 200,000 marks ($48,- 000 to 406,000 marks ($97,440). The new shares, it is reported are being taken up by Herr Sklarz, financier and a director of International Talk- ing Screen Prod., Ltd., recently formed to acquire controlling interests to British Screen Prod., London; Ray- art Pictures, U. S.; Derussa, Berlin, and Staaken Filmwerke. Warner F. N. Office Combine Berlin — Gus Schlesinger and Phil Kauffman have moved into their new offices at the National Film Co. build- ing on Friedrichstrasse, where the Warner, Vitaphone and First Na- tional and affiliated companies now have their Berlin headquarters. Filmcraft Directors Resign London — Percy Garratt, George Grossmith, C. K. Sugden and R. L. M. Humphreys, the first three of whom appeared on the original board of directors of British Filmcraft, have resigned. FIRST RUN COMPETITION KEENER AT ST. LOUIS St. Louis — First Run comijetitiou is being increased here for the Amer- ican has been wired and during the weeks when there are no available dramatic or musical comedy shows this house will resort to motion pic- tures as the entertainment program. The American is an Erlanger circuit house and it is understood other houses in that chain from Coast to Coast are also being wired and will be ready for businessmen when the new Fall season arrives. It is said that Fox will provide road show pic- tures for this new picture house chain. This unexpected opposition down- town and the further fact that the Fox Theater on Grand boulevard has gone in for larger stage shows has definitely fixed the Missouri's policy as favoring a continuation of the master of ceremonies-girl show type of entertainment. Sam Katz, president of Publix Chain was in St. Louis in conjunc- tion with the Paramount convention June 15 to 19, and conferred with Charles Skouras, who now represents the Warner Brothers in the operation of the houses in the Skouras Enter- prises chain. Commencing on June 29 Frankie Masters will move into the Missouri Theater from the Gran- ada, the deluxe house of the St. Louis Anuisement chain, and will continue on Grand boulevard while Harry Rose is pincli hitting for Ed Lowry at the Ambassador. Lowry is on a "vacation." Publix is abandoning its B circuit of which the Missouri was a part and Katz is understood to have fa- vored the abandonment of stage shows for the Grand boulevard house, but Charles Skouras decided to keep pace with Fox on the stage as well as the screen. The Skouras manage- ment has also announced that the grand Central will continue in oper- ation throughout the summer months. Young to Make Series of 1- Reel Radiotone Talkers Leo Young is to produce a series of one reel talking and singing pic- tures for Raidiotone Corp., New York. The first will be "Ho-Tel Me, Pretty Maiden," featuring Cogert & Motto, assisted by Betty Lawrence. Music and lyrics will be by Henry J. Cogert, with introduction slated to start in a few days. Jugo's Next "Jenny Criminal" Berlin — Jenny Jugo has been given the lead in "Jenny Criminal," tenta- tive title, which will be produced by Alfred Zeisler under direction of Hans Behrend. Enrico Benfer has the male lead. Fodor for "Gypsy Melody" London — Nicholas Fodor is pre- paring an original, "Gypsy Melody," wh'ch. will be a 100 per cent talker, singing and dancing production for Burlington Films. Week's Headlines Monday t'aiamoiint not contemplating any sale or mei-ger, Atlantic t'ity convention to be told, Univei-sal lia.s turned down all merger offers, determined to retain independence, R. H. Cochrane says at Atlantic City. Tiffany-Stahl aoriuires talker rights to "Jour- ney's End." Pub!ix plans expansion in Portland territory. Tuesday David Sarnoff, chairman of the board of Radio-Keith-Orpheum reported in Middle West arranging an amalgamation deal ; Jo- seph I. Schnitzer, RKO president, denie* merger reports at Chicago convention. First National and Warner to continue five year contract plan. Paramount gets control of Great States Theaters in Illinois, and John H. Kunsky holds in Detroit. Wednesday Warners plan $500,000,000 stock issue for theater expansion ; part of the houses to be operated by First National, Radio-Keith-Orpheum amalgamation deal slat- ed to be closed by Thursday or be called off, says Chicago report. Actors' Equity Ass'n plans new move in Equity Shop drive. Thursday Warners' $500,000,000 theater acquisition campaign to be started in New York, H. M. Warner states. Radio-Keith-Orpheum deals fall through due to disagreement on terms. Chicago report says, declaring Fox and Paramount were concerns R-K-0 sought to purchase. \'ote on Equity Shop move asked by 33 Coast members. Friday Television pictures in three colors demon- strated by Bell Telephone Laboratories, New York. No Radio-Keith-Orpheum merger slated, it is made clear, as number of conflicting stories are met by denials of officials, Warners list assets at $123 257,224. Tiflany-Stahl to have 26 all talkers and 24 color symphonies next year, Oscar R. Han- son tells sales force at Detroit. Thirty talkers on Pathe feature list, Phil Reisman announces at Atlantic City meet- ing, Saturday Gillmore tables requests for Equity Shop vote, Brookhart bill opposed at Kansas City meet- ing. British excited over Gaumont chain future. Thirty talkers, many shorts on Pathe pro- giam. Daylight Saving in 2 More Canadian Cities Toronto — Two cities of Eastern Canada have been added to those which observe daylight saving. For the first time in many years, a pleb- iscite in Hamilton. Ontario, resulted in the adoption of Daylight Saving while Belleville, Ontario, changed its clocks for the first time in six years on June 22. The nearby city of Trenton, Ontario, has also now de- cided to follow Belleville's example. New May Sound Film Berlin— Hans H. Zerlett scenario entitled "Six Chaste Josephs Play Jazz" has been acquired by Ufa for Joe May's next production. Engaged for Ufa Film Berlin — Frieda Richard, Lotte Lor- ring and Willy Forst have been en- gaged by Ufa for leads in "The Girl and the Man from the Levant," which Gustav Ucickv will direct under su- pervision of Gunther Stapenhorst. Tlie very best in SOUND T ODAY— ill I his era of sound pictures —there is a higher preiiiiiiiii than ever before on fihn uniforniitv. For sound quality is even more sensitive than screen cjuality to any variation in the film. If your ^'"talkie" prints are on Eastman film— famous for uniformity— your pa- trons are seeing and hearing the very best that this greatest development in motion pictures has to offer. EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY ROCHESTER, NEW YORK BEHIND that CURTAINT 33sws«ss^;. £ YAftO ' i No Talking Pic- ture has ever approached it in Box-Office Value, Dram- atic Suspense and Perfection in Recording WARNER BAXTER LOIS MORAN GILBERT EMERY Philip Strange Adapted from the novel by Earl Derr Biggers, it recounts the world-wide search 4 of a Scotland Yard detective (played ■^ superbly by Gilbert Emery) for a danger^ y ously clever criminal and the almost hopeless I love of an Asiatic explorer (AA/arner Baxter) «! for the wife of the murderer (Lois Moran). I Here, at last, is an all talking picture so flawless that ^ ^ even the most carping critic will admit its absolute per- - *- 1. fection. Combining the best traditions of the speaking ___^ stage Vv'ith the range and scope of the camera, it carries an '^ audience beyond the four walls of a theatre to England, San ' Francisco, India and the Persian Desert, realistically portray^ 'm».~ ing, (with outdoor photography) the sights and sounds of these places. rssBiTsrr"^ Pdcemaker for the -" -■-'■■Tr^'^^CTyitinitf**''"*"^ f ■•"jrj*lii"«'i;».'