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 m VUIUJtfr EACH PRODUCED AS A SPECIAL GREAT STAGE PIAYS GREAT CAST5 GREAT BOX-OFFrCE ATTRACTIONS ^iJ^YOUXGER' GENERATION Adapted from FANNIE HURSTS GreatSUgePlay"ItIsToLaagh ff RICAEDO CORTEZ, Will Send Your Box-Office Receipts to New Records A Great Title -A Great Talking Picture TEARS, LAUGHTER, MUSIC — all the glamor and the glitter of stage life made to live on the screen in a lavish production with a powerful box-office punch. A Talking Picture You Can Shout About! Columbia Talking Pictures Are Recorded by the Western Electric System — AFFAIR' Not Just Talk- Bat a Real Talking Picture! The Greatest Adapted from the Famous Stage Play by OWEN DAVIS Never before has the screen pre- sented so moving and absorbing a story! Will Stand Out as the Season's Great Talking Picture of Paternal Sacrifice and Devotion! Your Patrons Will Flock to SEE and HEAR This Greatest of All Human - Interest Dramas! Great Talking Stars and Screen Favorites in a Production That Will Have the Whole Town Talking! Big Symphony Orchestrations— Superb Musical Scores by Premier Conductors A SYNCH RON IZED PICTURE THAT IS D K tA K I N U A LL K bCU R IJS . RALPH graves MmkUCsp^BfiMm 99 e VSm WOLFS DAUGHTER Creates starring, BERT LYTELL, Direct from His Talking Success On Trial Also Gertrude Olmstead, Charles Gerrard, Lilyan Tashman, Donald Keith, Florence Allen, Robert Elliott, Ruth Cherrington ofmw A BRILLIANT BROADWAY STAGE SUCCESS! A TALKING PICTURE TRIUMPH! By JOHIV EMERSOIV and ANITA LOOS The Greatest of All Stage and Screenwriters JOHN EMERSON ANITA LOOS Scintillating Comedy! Daring Drama! Lavishly Presented With an All-Star Cast You'U Pack 'em In with This Box-Off ice Winner! Wednesday, January 2, 1929 DAILY U.S. 1^ lit lire in Foreign Field Seen as Secure {Continued from Page 1) spotty. Rather sharp differences on opinion here assert themselves, al- though there is a tendency evidenced toward the belief that American m- genuity, facilities and superior kno^yl- edge in production will score a vic- tory in the final analysis. These views, which will appear in more de- tail in The 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK for which thev were gathered, fallow: „„,^,r-<:- CONFIDENT OVER DIFFICULTIES By EMIL P.. SIIAVBR . In Charge of Foreign Distribuhon. Paramount Famous Lajky Cort. The advent of sound and dialogue films into all of the ramifications of the \vorld market, with its multiple tonpues and its tnaze ot customs and conventions is a "Pilgrim s rrog- ress" of which time alone can be the John Dunyan." Nevertheless. I look for the com- in.i? year to be one of satisfying progress con_ fident always on the resourcefulness and broad experience of our producers. • • • SOUND MAKES COMMON LEVEL By N. L. MAS'HBIM Extort Manaaer. Ciiiversal Pictures Corp. America had the start on the rest of the world in the development of the silent drama, but she has no such advantage with the syn- chronized picture. All countries will start together. This will give foreign produ«rs their long-awaited opportunity. the inevitable result will be better pictures. Both foreign and domestic, but America, with her tremendous facilities and years of experience, will continue to supply the markets ot the world wiih the best in motion picture en- tertainment. • • • MERGERS. SOUND COMBINES Bv ARTHUR IK. KELLY Vice President in Charge Foreign Sales United Artists Corporation Sound and talkies to take a more definite hold on the publics of fire.it Britain and Ger many. Great Britain and Germany to make their own talking pictures. Continual efforts on the part of key governments to restrict the importation of American pictures. Many difficulties, overcome due to sound and talking pictures in key countries. A wave of motion picture theater amalgamations and consolida- tions in key countries. « ♦ • FINDS OUTLOOK BRIGHT Bv H. A. BANDY Foreign Sales Manager, First Nat'l Pictures, Inc. Certainly no one can complain of our busi- ness abroad during 1928 and, despite contin- gents and quotas, the outlook for 1929 is ex- tremely bright. * * * Sound pictures will neces- sarily have some effect on our business dur- ing 1929 in certain territories, but with the proper silent version for non-English spea.-. ing countries, I see no reason why our rev- enue should decrease to any considerable ex tent. As time goes on, we will undoubtedly release fewer American pictures aliroad. but these will be the cream our output, carefully selected because of their high entertainment value and the few will unquestionably gross as much as the many released in the past. * • • QUALITY. THE PRIME REQUISITE By FREDERICK L. HERROX In Charge Foreign Department, M. P. Prod. and Dist. of America, Inc. American motion pictures will continue to be popular abroad just as long as their qual- ity remains high this in spite of unfair and unwise restrictions imposed by foreign gov- ernments in their effort to Imlster their own film industry. With any commodity tBe best goods are sold, whoever the maker is. One thing is certain: the enterprise and ingenuity which has marked this industry's rise to a predominant place in world trade will con- tinue to be in evidence in the months ahead. * • * QUALITY FILM: SOUND. SILENT By CLAYTON P. SHEEHAN Foreign M'g'r, Fox Film Corp. Two very pronounced movements "interna- tionally" which shall crystallize during 1929 are: first, the inexhaustible demand for out- standing box-office attractions; and serondly. the avalanche-like requirements and undouoled box-office value of Fox Movietone. * « * SPECULATES OVER SOUND By HTLLIAM M. VOGEL Vice President and General Manager, Pathe International Corp. European cartels have apparently failed to Germany Seeks "Closest Friendship*' Karl Wolffsohn, editor of "Lichtbildbuehne" of Berlin has wirelessed THE FILM DAILY the following New Year's message for the American trade : "We think with pride of our German artists in Hollywood. "We seek for the New Year fair play for German films and American films. "We desire that the closest friendship shall prevail between the film industry of America and the film industry of Germany. "We seek for the New Year fair play for German films in America and for American films in Germany, since international- ization alone establishes prosperity in motion pictures." accomplish their purpose and local European production is still seeking its place in the de- velopment of this business. The latest prob- lem is sound pictures. How much of a short- age of product will be caused by talking pic- lures in many European countries is another inter^-sting question. In the meantime, Amer- ican productions still must continue to be the back'jone of the exhibitor's program in most parts of the world. SCANDINAVIA OPTIMISTIC By ERNEST MATTSSON Nineteen twenty nine promises to be a ban- ner year for motion pictures in the Scandi- navian countries. During the past year, a number of large, new theaters on the Ameri- can style were erected in the larger cities and this has given a great impetus to general theater attendance. Plans are being developed to exploit sound pictures in the larger thea- ters during the coming year and this, to- gether with the building of additional new modern theaters, certainly indicates a very prosperous season. • • tt RUSSIAN AMERICAN COOPERATION By R. REBUS H Amkino Corporation The outlook for the development of the industry in the Soviet Union for the coming year is favorable because of orderly planning 111 the industry. Because of the building of new studios and the resulting enlargement oi production plans, the Soviet Cinema should produce a number of big productions out of the historical and contemporary life in Rus- sia. The contact and cooperation developed with Europe and America in relation to ar- tistic cooperation, production and distribution of pictures, according to all facts, will be considerably enlarged during the coming yeai. The possible cooperation l>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. ,/ 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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Sun; Authors Guild; Authors League of America; Authors League Fellow- ship; Bakersfield Echo; Balaban & Katz Midwest Theaters, Inc.; Baltimore Evening Sun; Baltimore News; Banks, Monty En- terprises; Banner Prod., Inc.; Barbour Cir- cuit; Beaverton Film Studios; Berinstein Circuit; Berry Circuit; Billboard; Birming- ham News; Birmingham Post; Black Hills Amusement Co.; Blair, George A.; Blank Theater Circuit; BlindermanJSteiner Circuit; Blumenfeld Circuit; Blumenthal. Ben; Board of Trade & Commerce of the M. P. Industry; Boas Circuit; Boise Capital News; Booth Enterprises; Boston Advertiser; Boston Amer- ican; Boston Herald; Boston Post; Boston Traveler; Brandt, Joe; Brandt Theatrical Ennterprises ; Bray Prod.; Brecher Theater Circuit; Brooklyn Eagle; Brooklyn Item; Brown, Colvin W.; B rowm Prod., Harry J.; Buffalo Courier-Express; Buffalo News; Bur- lington News; Butte Miner; Butterfield The- aters; Caddo Co.; Calderone Theater Corp.; California Studio; Camden Courier-Post; Camden Publishing Co. ; Canadian Govern- ment M. P. Bureau; Canadian International Film; Canadian Performing Rights Soc, Ltd.; Canton Daily News; Canton Repository; Capital Prod. ; Capital Production Export Co.; Cardinal Amusements; Carolina "The- aters; Casting Directors Ass'n; Castle Films; Catholic M. P. Guild of America; Catholic M. P. Soc. of America; Catholic Writers Guild of America, Inc.; Chadwick Studio; Chamber- lain Amusement Co.; Chaplin Studios, Inc.; Charleston Daily Mail; Charnas Theater Cir- cuit; Chattanooga Times; Chesterfield M. P. Corp.; Chicago Post; Chillicothe News- Advertiser; Christedge Theaters, Inc.; Chris- tie, Charles H.; Church and Drama Ass'n; Cincinnati Commercial Tribune; Cincinnati Enquirer; Cincinnati M. P. Studio; Cincin- nati Post; Cincinnati Times-Star; Cinecraft Film Co.; Cinema Art; Cinema Corp. of Am- erica; Cinemagundi Club; Cinema Review; City of Miami; Cleveland M. P. Exhibitors Ass'n; Cleveland Plain-Dealer; Clinton-Mey- er Theaters; Cohen & Kornblite Circuit; Co- lumbia Pictures; Columbia (S. C.) Record; Columbus Dispatch; Columbus State Jour- nal; Comerford Amusement Co.; Consoli- dated Amusement Co.; Constant! Circuit; Cooper, John A. ; Cooperative Booking Of- fices; Cosmopolitan Studio; Costen Circuit; D & R Theater Circuit; Danz Circuit; Dar- ling Circuit ; Darmour Prod. ; Davenport Times; Dayton Herald; Dayton Journal; Dayton News; De Forest Phonofilm; Delft Theaters; DeMille, Cecil B.; Dent Theaters; Denver Evening News; Denver Evening Post; Denver Morning Post; Dept. of Com- merce, Motion Picture Section; Des Moines Register & Tribune; Detroit Free Press; De- troit M. P. Studio; Detroit News; Dickin- son Circuit; Diebold Circuit; Doremus & Co.; Dowees Circuit; Duluth Herald; Dur- kee Circuit; Dygert, H. P.; East Coast The- aters; Eastern Film Corp.; Eastern Iowa Theaters Co. ; East Liverpool Review- Tribune; Eastman Kodak Co.; Eaves Cir- cuit, D. M.; Educational Film Exchange; Educational Pictures; Educational Screen; Eljrria Chronicle-Telegram; Equity Theaters Circuit; Erie Dispatch-Herald; Evansville Press; Excellent Pictures Corp.; Exhibitors Ass'n of Chicago; Exhibitors Herald; Ex- hibitors League of St. Louis; Exhibitors Tri- bune; Export & Import Film Co.; Fairbanks Prod.; Famous Players Canadian Corp.; FBO Pictures; Farash Theaters; Feature Prod. ; Federal Trade Commission ; Feiber & Shea; Film Arts Guild; Film Associates, Inc.; Film Broads of Trade; Film Carriers Ass'n of New Jersey; Film Daily Directors Annual; Film Daily Short Subject Quarter- lies; Film Exchange; Film Fun; Film Kid- dies Herald; Film Mercury; Film Mutual Benefit Bureau; Film News; Film Players Club; Film Spectator; Film Trade Topics; First Division Pictures; First National Pic- tures; Fischers' Paramount Theaters; Fitz- patrick & MoElroy Co.; FitzPatrick Pic- tures; Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Fourth Ave. Amusement Co.; Fox-Case Corp.; Fox Film Corp.; Fox News; Fox Theaters, Corporation, Fox, William, Pres. ; Frankel Theaters; I'"ranklin Theaters; Franklin, Har- old B.; F. R. A. Operating Co., Inc.; Fred- man, Ernest W. ; Friars Club; Fulton, Co., E. E. ; G-B Theaters Corp. ; General Amuse- ment, Ltd.; Genesee Theatrical Enterprises; Gerson Studio; Giannini, A. H.; Ginsberg, Henry; Glynne Circuit; Golden State The- aters Corp.; Gold Medal Pictures, Inc.; Goldwyn. Samuel; Gortatowsky Theaters; Gouldman & Feldman Circuit; Graf Bros. Studio; Grand Island Independent; Grand Rapids Herald; Grand Rapids Press; Gra- phic Theater Circuit; Gray Circuit; Greater Amusements; Green Bay Press-Gazette; Greenboro News; Greenboro Record: Greene Co. Amusement Co. ; Greenfield ' & Con- solidated Theaters; Green Room Club; Greg- ory-Bernasek Theater Corp.; Grob & Knobel Enterprises; Grubel Theater Enterprises; Gumbiner Bros.; Hagerstown Herald; Ham- ilton Journal; Hamilton News; Hammons, Earle W.; Hamrick Circuit; Haring & Blum- enthal; Harris Amusement Co.; Harrisburg Evening News; Harris-Voeller Circuit; Hast- ings Tribune; Hays, Will H.; Hecht Theater .Circuit; Heights Theaters, Inc.; Hercules Studio; Heywood-Wakefield Co.; Hibernia Securities Co.; Hildinger Booking Co.; Hirsh- field Circuit; Hoffman Bros.; Hoffman, M. H.; Hollywood Camera Club; Hollywood Citizen; Hollywood Filmograph ; Hollywood Studio Club; Hollywood Vagabond; Horowitz Amusement Co.; Hunt's Theaters, Inc.; Idaho Theater Managers Ass'n; Illinois-Indiana The- ater Corp.; Imperial Pictures; Indiana In- dorsers of Photoplays; Indianapolis Commer- cial; Indianapolis News; Indianapolis Star; Indianapolis Times; Independent Theaters Corp.; Independent T. O. Ass'n of Alberta; Industrial Welfare Commission of California; International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees & M. P. Operators; International Amusement Co. ; International News Reel Corp. ; Interstate Amusement Co. ; Jackson Daily News; Jacksonville Times-Union; James Theater Enterprises; Jamestown Jour- nal; Japanese Movie Magazine; Jensen & Von Herberg; Jewish Theatrical News; Jim Theater Circuit; Johnson, E. Bruce; Johns- ton, W. Ray; Kalamazoo (Mich.) Gazette; erica. Inc.; M. P. Prod. & Dist. of Canada; M. P. Publications, Inc.; M. P. Record; M. P. Relief Fund of America; M. P. Re- view, M.P.T.O. of America; M.P.T.O. of Arkansas; M.P.T.O. of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; M.P.T.O. of Connecticut; M.P.T.O. of Dis- trict of Columbia; M.P.T.O. of Southern California; M.P.T.O. of Indiana; M.P.T.O. of Iowa; M.P.T.O. of Kansas & Missouri; M.P.T.O. of Kentucky; M.P.T.O. of Louis- iana; M.P.T.O. of Maryland; M.P.T.O. of Massachusetts; M.P.T.O. of Michigan; M. P.T,0. of Eastern Mo.. So. 111.; M.P.T.O. of Montana; M.P.T.O. of Nebraska & Iowa; M.P.T.O. of New England; M.P.T.O. of New Jersey; M.P.T.O. of New Mexico; M.P.T.O. of Northwest; M.P.T.O. of Ohio; M.P.T.O. of Oklahoma; M.P.T.O. of Ore- gon; M.P.T.O. of Eastern Pa., So. N. J. & Dela. ; M.P.T.O. of Western Penna. ; M.P. T.O. of Rhode Island; M.P.T.O. of South Carolina; M.P.T.O. of Texas; M.P.T.O. of Texas; M.P.T.O. of Utah; M.P.T.O. of Virginia; M.P.T.O. of Washington; M.P. T.O. of Wisconsin; M.P.T.O. of Canada; M. P. Times; Mountain. D. J.; M. P. 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. J.; North End Amusement Co. ; Northwest Theaters Cir- cuit, Inc.; Notopoulos Theater Circuit; Oak- land Tribune; O'Brien Circuit; Ogden Stand- ard Examiner; Ohio Amusement Co.; Ohio Showman; Ohio Theater Topics; Oklahoma Preview; Oklahoma Theater News; Okmul- gee Times; Olympia Theaters, Inc.; Omaha Bee-News; Omaha World Herald; Orpheum Circuit; Oswego Palladium Times; Ottum- wa Courier; Pacific Coast Independent Ex- hibitor; Pacific Studio; Paducah Sun; Pal- las & Graf Bros. Studio; Pantages Circuit; Papayanokes Circuit; Paramount Famous- Lasky Corp.; Paramount News; Pasadena Star-News; Passaic News; Paterson Press- Guardian; Pathe Exchange; Pathe Studio; Pathe News; Pawtucket Times; Peerless Booking Circuit; Peerless Pictures Corp.; Peerless Studio; Peninsular Theaters; Perry- man Theaters; Peters & Lockwood Theaters; Philadelphia Bulletin; Philadelphia Evening Public Ledger; Philadelphia Exhibitor; Philadelphia Gazette-Democrat; Philadelphia Inquirer; Philadelphia Morning Public ILedger; Philadelphia Record; Phoenix Amusement Co.; Photographers Ass'n; Photoplay Magazine; Pickford Prod.; Pic- ture Play Magazine: Piedmont Theaters; Piermont M. P. Corp.; Pirtle Circuit; Pitts- burgh M. P. Bulletin; Pizor Theater Enter- prises; Plaza Pictures; Poll Theatrical En- terprises; Portland Express; Portland Press- Herald; Portsmouth Times; Portland News; Pouzzner Circuit; Premier Theater Circuit, Inc.; Providence News; Providence Tribune; Pryor Bros. & Leitch Theaters; P. T. A. Theater Co.; Publix Theaters; Pueblo Star- Journal; Quality Dist. Corp.; Quimby & Marcus Theaters Corp. ; Rachmil Theaters Co.; Rading & Rasmussen Theaters; Raives Theater Enterprises; Raleigh Times; Radio- Keith-Orpheum; Rayart Pictures; Ray's Theaters; Reade Theater Circuit; Reading Eagle; Reading Times; Red Seal Pictures; Reel and Review; Reel Journal; Regional Chain Theater Corp. ; Regorson Theater Corp.; Reid, Yemm & Hays Circuit; Rem- brandt Film Studio; Rembusch Theaters: Rochester Democrat & Chronicle; Rogers Prod.; Roper. V. J.; Regan Studio; Reg- ional Dist. Ass'n; Rhodes Theater Enter- prises; Rickards & Nace Enterprises; Rich- ards Theaters; Richetson & Dickson Theater Co.; Richmond Times-Dispatch; Richmount Pictures; Riddell Theaters Co.; Roach Stu- dios; Robey Theater Circuit; Rockford Reg- ister-Gazette; Rockford Republic; Rock Is- land Argus; Rodger Theater Enterprises; Rosenthal, J. C. ; Rosenweig & 'Siegel; Hoth- afel, S. L. ; Rothchild Enterprises: Rovner & Handle; Rowland, Richard A.; Sacramento Bee; Saenger Theaters; St. Cloud Times; St. Louis Post Dispatch ; St. Louis Theater Man- agers Ass'n; St. Petersburg Independent; Salt Lake City Desert News; Sanborn The- ater Co.; San Diego Sun; San Diego iStudio; San Francisco Bulletin; San Francisco Call; San Francisco Chronicle; San Francisco Daily News; Santa Fe Studio, Sapperstein Theaters Co.; Saxe Amusement Enterprises; Sax, Sam; Scenic Artists Ass'n; Schenck, Joseph M.; Schenck, Nicholas; Schenectady Gazette; Schenectady Union-Star; Schine Chain The- aters, Inc.; Schlesinger. Max; Schneider Theater Circuit; Schoenstadt & Son Theater Co.; Schwartz Theaters; Scoville Essik & Reif; Screen Advertisers Ass'n; Screen Kid- dies Guild; Screenland Magazine; Screen Press; Seattle Union Record; Selig Studios; Sennett Studio; Shanklin Theaters; Sharby Theater Co.; Shauer, E. E.; Show-World; Sheehan, Clayton P.; Sheehan, Winfield R. ; Sierra Pictures; Silverman Bros. Theater Co.; Silverman, Sime; Simons Circuit, W. A. ; Sims Theaters. Si-Non Theaters Co. ; SkirboU Circuit; Skouras Bros.; St. Louis Amusement Co.; Smalley Theater Circuit; Small-iStrauseberg Circuit; Smith, Edward B. & Co. ; Smoot Amusement Co. ; Society of M. P. Engineers; South Bend News Times; Southeastern Theater Co.; Sparks Enterprises ; Spencer Circuit of Canada ; Spokane Chronicle; Spokane Press; Spokane Review; Spokane Theaters Co.; Springfield Daily News; Springfield Republican; Spring- field State Journal; Springfield Sun; Spring- field Union; Stallings Theater Co.; Stamatus Bros. Amusement Co.; Stamford Advocate; Standard Cinema Corp. ; iStanley Co. of Amer- ica; Star Amusement Co.; Starkey Theater Circuit; Steinmitz Theater Co.; Sterling Pic- tures Corp.; Stern Studio; Stevenson Theater Circuit; Stiefel Bros. Theater Co.; Stinnett Theaters Circuit; Strauss & Ungerfield The- aters; Studio Mechanics Alliance; Suchman- Joelson Theaters Enterprises; Sudekum, Tony Theater Co. ; Supreme Amusement Co. ; Swartz Pictures; Switow & Sons Enterprises; Syracuse Herald; Syracuse Journal; Syracuse Post-Standard; Tamiami Theater Enterprises; T & D Junior Enterprises; Tacoma Ledger; Tacoma News-Tribune; Tacoma Theater Managers Ass'n; Tacoma Times; Tampa Tribune; Technical News Service; Terre Haute Star; Terre Haute Tribune; Tec Art Studio; Texas Theater Co.; Theater Equip- ment Ass'n; Theater Owners Ass'n of No. Car. ; Theater Owners Chambers of Coni- merce; Theatrical Enterprises, Ltd.; Theatri- cal Managers Ass'n of Los Angeles: The- atrical Utilities Service Co. ; Thomas Studio, Richard; Tiffany-Stahl Prod.; Tiffany-Stahl Studios; TivoH Theaters Syndicate; Toledo Blade; Topeka Daily Capitol; Trenton Times; Triad Amusement Co.; True Story Pictiu-es; Tucson Star; Tulsa Daily World; Twin City Theaters Co.; Two-Thirty-Three Club; Underworld Theater Enterprises; Un- gerfield Theater Corp., Jack; Union City (N. 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. 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. 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. InIE/ ARE TALKING ^ DAILY REVIEW, ^ A New Sensation Georse Jessel in tbe first sbowing of "Lucky Boy." the big TiffaDy-Stabl sound spe- cial at the Embassy Theatre yesterday, repealed bimselt as a box office attraction of tre- mendous emotional power. In h\e songs which his role call- ed for In the course of tbe picture, he carried the house off Its feet and brought cheers and applause bocauae of the effective manner In which bis appeal went over on the screen to the audience. We venture the opinion that Jessel Is exactly what the pic- lure says, a lucky boy, and that Tlffaoy-Stahl is another lucky boy to hare found thla big attraction which undoubt- edly will swe«p tbe sound houses. I C--<^^i^^^^::^!z^^^^^«.^.'^ Speaking of Pictures GEORGE JESSEL ^ never should be silent in pictures. He has one of the best recording voices in the world, a voice with a clarity and resonance that carries with a greater eflEectiveness to us than in his stage I appearance. In "Lucky •^ Boy" his work is re- markable and if more vehicles can be found we would not be at all astonished if he were we wouxa noi oe ac au astonished if he were to outdistance Jolson. Jessel has overcome -* aleckisms of ,^.?Vs|<.£:.Z:S^S-i3l-?Sl^ "Luckv Boy" J the smart aleckisms of 1 I youth without losing I I the youth and he has I I the emotional soul of I I a singing ardst. "luUCRy noy THREE titnes George Jessel digs right into your heart in I "Lucky Boy." The Jessel personality, undeniably there, does it with the aid of "My Mother's I Eyes," a theme song that earns its I title and carries an emotional kick I of mule-sized proportions. I Likewise does he wisecrack, I out over flashes of imitations. SU! of mule-sized proportions. I Likewise does he wisecrack, I put over flashes of imitations. I warble other tunes and^ to sum I total it all, provides you with an I hour and a half of real entertain- ment. It's a Jessel funfcst. He holds center stage, down stage and all other headline spots at one time. All of which is a job for an ext>erienced 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.' , .' 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. St