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FILMS

THIS WEEK

THE COWBOY'S INNOCENCE

Another great Western picture. Something different to what you are accustomed to see

LOVE UNDER DIFFICULTIES

One of those pretty romantic comedies which are so pleasing to all and send your

audiences away happy

COMING

Friday, January 27th Colored Film d'Art

IL TROVATORE

PATHE'S GREAT MASTERPIECE

Special music to fit scene for scene with the film has been arranged for this picture from the score of Verdi's f eat opera. Order it from your exchange. Piano score, 26 pp., 50c.

This magnificent p; iuction is one of the best and should prove to be the most popular film ever produce- Book it NOW with your exchange so that they can place their extra orders in tii

LEADING AMERICAN EXPONENT OF THE PHOTOPLAY

Published Weekly by the Films Publishing Co., at No. 1 Madison Avenue, New York City

IL TROVATORE— WITH INCIDENTAL MUSIC

Pathe Freres Produce Famous Opera of Verdi in Colors With Music Score Specially Adapted to the Picture Portrayal

MUCH has been written regarding the adap- tation of music to the proper interpretation of motion pictures. Attempts have been made to suggest current popular or other well known compositions as being most suited to cer- tain pictures or pictured action. Piano players of intelligence, who have studied the subject, have given direction, more or less applicable to the necessities of the several cases that have come under their experience, but as yet there has been no real effort made to provide music especially suited to a particular picture. In the nature of things it will probably be a long time

complish this Pathe Freres engaged the services of Charles P. Muller, a well known composer, to arrange the score. The effect is better than can be imagined. It proves beyond question that too much importance cannot be attributed to proper music settings for suitable pictures and will more than likely lead to intelligent effort along this line.

The example is a welcome one. Long, long have we been pestered with the hilarious rag- time and other eccentric forms of music expres- sion, wholly out of place and harmony with the scenes thrown upon the screen. Scenes of pathos

mating 1,000 copies of the music for "II Trova- tore" have been received up to the present writ- ing, which would indicate that exhibitors are deeply interested in the project. The sale of this number of quantities also insures the suc- cess of the plan from a financial point of view. We look forward with much interest to the ul- timata trial of the experiment.

A word about the picture itself: The opera of Verdi is based upon a domestic tragedy. Ac- cording to the story Count di Luni has two sons and in the opening scene of the picture he is seen in the act of bestowing upon each a medal.

SCENES FROM PATHE COLORED FILM D'ART "IL TROVATORE.

before a concerted effort along these lines is made. Eventually-, we hope, it will be made, for the music that accompanies a picture, if a true accompaniment, tells the story, or empha- sizes the action more clearly that can otherwise be accomplished.

A step in this direction has been taken by Pathe Freres. The occasion was offered in the production of a colored film d'art of the famous opera of Verdi, "II Trovatore." In this cas.e it was not necessary to compose the music especi- ally for the pictured production of the opera; the score was already at hand. But it was neces- sary that a proper arrangement of that music to suit the scenes portrayed be made. To ac-

have been turned to bathos by the genius presid- ing at the piano. It is true there is difficulty in meeting the rapid change of subject with suit- able music. A composition that, in tempo and theme, is in harmony with the picture, frequent- ly is so closely associated with words so out ol keeping with the picture as to make the latter appear highly ridiculous to the spectator. This detracts from the picture, naturally. So, after trying to adapt the existing music to pictures, we are more than ever impressed with the neces- sity of having the incidental music arranged especially for the picture when the subject is of sufficient importance to warrant such treatment.

Pathe Freres announce that orders approxi-

Later, while the children are playing about the garden one of the boys is stolen by the gypsy woman Azucena, out of revenge for the death of her mother who had been burned for witch- craft at some previous time at the order of the count. Azucena brings the boy up as her own child, and he becomes a troubadour, or traveling musician.

Years later Manrico, the troubadour, falls in love with Leonora, whom he woos with sweet music beneath her window. Leonora has an- other suitor in the young and handsome Count di Luna, successor of his father and, when she favors Manrico, he provokes a duel, but instead (Continued on page 25.)

THE FILM INDEX

Film Index

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JANUARY 7, 191]

CASUAL COMMENT

FROM all reports it was a Merry, Merry Christmas indeed for all employees of the several licensed motion picture manufac- turers. Tales of turkeys, boxes of fine cigars and real money, dispensed with lavish hand, have been coming in ever since that happy day. The true Christmas spirit seems to have actuated everybody and resulted in an appre- ciable division of profits where it would be most appreciated we hope.

A further illustration of this spirit of gen- erosity is found in the action of the Chicago picture men in contributing to the widows and orphans of the firemen who lost their lives in the recent fire in that city. The motion picture fund was started with the contribution of $1,- 000 by the licensed manufacturers, which nuc- leus1 will be materially augmented by the con- tributions of the Chicago exhibitors.

There is nothing so good for the soul as Christian giving. Let the good work be prose- cuted with all diligence, that the fire sufferers may be well provided for in the time of their greatest need.

* » *

IT has been insinuated by certain writers upon the subject of motion pictures that the prod- uct of American manufacturers has made no progress during the past year. If the source of these statements was reliable the indictment might be considered as a serious one. Fortu- nately the expressed opinion has no foundation in fact, and is no more than a biased "insinu- ation" written by a disappointed and disgruntled editor of a trade paper of shady character. The Film Index takes notice of the statement for the purpose of directing attention to the won- derful extension of the world business of Ameri- can licensed picture makers during the past year, which fact would seem to be sufficient refutation of the statement referred to.

It is a noteworthy fact that the year's greatest achievement of American licensed picture makers is the extension of popularity of American sub- jects to foreign markets. Buyers of pictures for South Africa, Australia and Continental Europe are enthusiastic over the reception given

American pictures and find a ready market for hundreds of reels of that product. So important has the foreign trade become that several of the licensed manufacturers are making special arrangements for the development of that mar- ket.

Evidently there has been some little im- provement in American pictures or they would not be able to compete on such favorable terms with the best product of European makers.

Whatever may be the cause the present state of the foreign market is favorable and there is a splendid outlook for an increase of sales. * * *

ELSEWHERE in this issfue we publish the opinion of Judge Lacombe of the United States Circuit Court just handed down in the case of the Motion Picture Patents Company against The Champion Film Company. This case was brought to enjoin The Champion Film Company from infringing the well-known Edison camera patent, reissue No. 12,037. The Gaumont camera, which certain of the so-called "inde- pendents" have insisted was non-infringing, was brought before the court, which decided that the Gaumont was an infringement of said patent as was a modified Gaumont produced by the de- fendant. The opinion is interesting and worth careful perusal.

"ANOTHER WORD FOR THE HACK"

By One of Them.

Of late the Moving Picture World has been smudg- ing up a great deal of chaste white paper with unso- licited pity for the lot of the "poor underpaid hack" engaged In writing scenarios. A recent effusion by one Charles' N. Simms was obviously intended to be particularly nasty and offensive. But the scenario writer is not deceived by the erstwhile mutterings of Simms and his stripe nor even by the unmerited an- tagonism of the self-appointed oracles who edit the paper in which it appears. Photo story writers who have been long enough mixed up with journalism to smell a grubstreeter's copy even in print are rather inclined to view such guttersnipe attacks as proof that the prosperity of the so-called hack is hurting somebody.

In the first place, who asked the M. P. W. to cham- pion the rights of the "poor underpaid hack?" Cer- tainly not any of the scenario writers for the licensed manufacturers who are making good.

The scenario writer is not the one who is "lift- ing up his voice to cry out to the silent drama world" about his portion. Twenty-five to thirty-five, real dollars from the coffers of the "predatory" trust is not such bad picking for an odd three hours' work of an evening, and we doubt that the superior-minded scorners in the World's upper heavens are doing a whole lot better by their time. Let them put that in their briars and "Jai mal de tete" it.

In the second place, let it be known that the "dis- appointed hack" who doesn't give a continental hang what the M. P. W. or its henchmen think or write about him, so long as they do not jonah his interests by attempting to say something nice of him. Also we do not suffer from headaches such as afflict the world-weary World every time it gets jabbed in the pocket-book. Zounds, what a frightful thing a head- ache must be in such a gigantic area of gray matter!

The scenario writer not having advertised in the columns of the World for two years and then with- drawn his patronage, may be pardoned for viewing the paper's sudden spleen as passing strange.

But enough. The "starving hack's" time is too pre- cious to be long spent in answering the twaddle of pernicious critics. He is too busy punching out dear little thousand-word picture plots that may help pay for Christmas presents for his "starving" wife and family, who, paradoxical as it may seem, look well fed and happy, despite Simsified observations to the contrary-

The M. P. W. may gain from this that even the "poor underpaid hack" has its number some, and to it and its menials the fabled advice of the file to the viper should be sufficient.

JACKSONVILLE, ILL., HAS A NEW HOUSE

Frank Painter, formerly machine operator at the Grand Opera House, Jacksonville, 111., open- ed his new house "The Lyric" on the night of Dec. 14. Mr. Painter has made arrangements for new pictures every day, and with the illus- trated songs is giving an excellent entertain- ment at popular prices.

On the opening night, as an extra attrac- tion, Mr. Painter had Jeffries orchestra to fur- nish music.

RAISE RELIEF FUND

Picture Men Generous in Support of Widows and Orphans of Dead Fire Heroes.

On Wednesday evening, Dec. 28, a meeting was held in the offices of George Kleine, 52 State street, to devise ways and njeans whereby the licensed exhibitors of Chicago might be able to act concertedly in the matter of giving bene- fits to aid the orphans and widows of the fire- men who lost their lives in the stockyards fire of Dec. 22, 1910.

The licensed manufacturers of America were all represented as were the three branches of the General Film Co. in the city. Methods of procedure were crudely outlined, with the in- tention of ascertaining the views of the ex- hibitors in the matter and at the next meeting Saturday afternoon, Dec. 31, definite steps will be taken to include all the licensed theatres in the city in the effort to swell the widows' and orphans' fund in the most effective manner pos- sible.

The ten licensed manufacturers and import- ers of this country subscribed $1,000 to the fund and on Saturday, Dec. 31, checks for that amount will be sent by special messenger to John J. Mitchell, treasurer of the Illinois Trust and Savings Bank.

The following letters, in order, will show how the movement originated and matured:

Chicago, Dec. 27, 1910.

Mr, Harlow N. Higinbotham,

Chairman, Firemen's Relief Fund,

Chicago, Ills.

Dear Sir: — Various parties interested in the moving picture industry, including manufacturers and theatres not being represented in the published list of your sub- committees, and being desirous of contributing to the relief fund, suggest that a subcommittee be appointed consisting of the following:

Edison Mfg. Co., represented by J. H. Hardin.

Selig Polyscope Co., represented by W. N. Selig.

Essanay Film Mfg. Co.. represented by G. K. Spoor.

Pathe Freres, represented by K. W. Linn.

Kalem Company, represented by Mr. Lynch.

Vitagraph Company, represented by J. B. Rock.

George Melies. represented by J. B. Rock.

Biograph Co., represented by George Kleine.

George Kleine, represented by George Kleine.

Lubin Mfg. Co., represented by Mr. Fulton.

It is proposed by the committee to induce as many as possible of all moving picture theatres in Chicago to donate one day's receipts to the fund. The individ- ual contributions of the committee will be reported later. Very respectfully yours,

George Kleine.

Office of the CITIZENS' RELIEF COMMITTEE, U. S. Y. Fire, December 22d, 1910.

Chicago, December 27. 1910.

Mr. George Kleine,

02 State St., Chicago.

Dear Sir: — I have just received your favor of this date making a suggestion that a sub-committee be ap- pointed to represent moving picture industries, includ- ing manufacturers, and such theatres as are net in- cluded in the other committee.

I am pleased to say I will be glad to have you act as chairman, or have your committee meet and appoint their own chairman — the committee to be composed of yourself, J. H. Hardin, W. N. Selig. G. K. Spoor, K. W. Linn. John B. Rock, Mr. Lynch of Kalem Co., Mr. Ful- ton of Lubin Mfg. Co.

All money to be sent to Mr. John J. Mitchell, Treas- urer, Ills. Trust & Sav. Bank.

Yours very truly,

H. N. Higinbotham, Chairman.

TWO MORE PHOTOPLAY THEATRES

Two permits for photoplay theatres to cost an aggregate of $22,000 were taken out in the Building Inspector's office, Louisville, Ky., Dec. 2. Both of the theatres are to be built on West Broadway. One permit was issued to the Royal Theatre Company, Eighteenth street and Broadway, for a brick building to cost $10,- 0 00. The structure will be completed by Jan- uary 1. Joseph & Joseph are the architects.

The other permit was issued to the West Broadway Theatre Company for a structure to be built at 736 West Broadway at a cost of $12,- 000. This building is to be finished by May 1.

THE FILM INDEX

3

THE CHAMPION FILM COMPANY LOSES

Decision Granting an Injunction Handed Down by Judge Lacombe — Court Also Says Gaumont Camera Infringes Edison Patents

In the action of the Motion Picture Patents Company against The Champion Film Company, an independent concern, against which an ap- plication for an injunction was filed some time ago, Judge Lacombe has handed down his de- cision granting the injunction asked for. An opinion accompanied the decision in which the court discusses the merits of the Gaumont cam- era, alleged by the defendant company to be non-infringing. The opinion follows in full:

UNITED STATES CIRCUIT COURT SOUTHERN" DISTRICT OF NEW YORK. Motion Picture Patents Company

The Champion Film Company.

MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION. Lacombe. C. J.

This is an application for preliminary injunction under Re-issue Patent No. 12037 to Thomas A. Edison for a kinetoscope, which was sustained and its claims construed by the Circuit Court of Appeals in this circuit in Edison v. Am. Mutoscope & B. Co. 151 F. R. ~t>7. An earlier decision of that court discussed the original patent, 114 F. R. 92<5. Nothing that was said in either of these opinions need be repeated here: it is assumed that they will be consulted. They describe the device of the patent and analyzed the claims so fully, illustrating the decision by describing the cam- eras which were held, the one to infringe, the other not to. that it seems not difficult to apply the prin- ciples of the decision to the Gaumont and Champion- Gaumont cameras now before the court. The differ- ences between these two alleged infringing cameras are unimportant, defendant apparently does not con- tend otherwise, therefore this discussion will be con- fined to the Champion-Gaumont type, of which an oper- ative camera has been submitted for inspection. The film moving mechanism of both, however, is so well shown in the drawing and blue print, filed with the papers that their operation may be easily understood. The film passes from the delivery roll to a delivery wheel whose sprockets engage positively with holes in the sides of the film, this wheel revolves, not inter- mittently, but continuously, and in operation there is always a loop or slack part of the film between it and the film guide. In consequence the delivery wheel does not itself advance the film through the guide. In the Mutoscope case it was held that these circumstances did not negative infringement. The film passes through the guide, around a cam eccentrically mounted on a continuously moving wheel, to the take-up reel where it engages with sprockets, the latter reel revolving continuously. The operation is as follows. The de- vice being at rest there is the loop cr slack above the guide entirely free to be drawn down through the guide, the same as in the Biograph and in the Warwick cameras, which were considered in the Mutoscope case. In the Biograph instrument this slack was pulled through by two friction rollers revolving continuously, the movement of the film being intermittently checked by a so-called tension leaf. "The engagement with the film was wholly frictional; — no such interlocking as will hold the film firmly advancing it with mathemati- cal accuracy; there was the possibility of slip." In the Warwick the film was pulled through by a bifur- cated fork which engaged with holes and advanced the film mathematically a certain distance and then dis- engaged: the court of appeals held that the bifurcated fork was a fair equivalent of the wheel with sprockets. In the Champion-Gaumcnt when at rest the film is stretched taut between the guide and the take-up sprocket wheel, resting snugly against the cam. We may assume that at that time the outer edge of the cam is on the side of the wheel furthest away from the film. Its position is not essential, substantially the same cycle of movement may be worked out if it be in the reverse position. The machine being started what happens in a given space of time? The moving sprocket wheel revolves through a predetermined arc and, carrying the film on its sprockets, advances the film a predetermined distance. During the same time the outer edge of the eccentric cam is brought into engagement with the taut film and. revolving, pushes it out a distance predetermined by the amount of the cam's eccentricity. The film thus pushed out cannot come from the side of the take-up wheel where it is held firmly on sprockets, it can readily come and does come out of the film-guide, th? slack above the guide allowing it to move easily forward. As the revolving eccentric cam recedes to the inner side of its wheel axis it leaves the film which it has pushed out and for a brief interval there is no movement of the film out of the guide, because the cam is no longer push- ing on it, and the sprocket wheel cannot pull on it till it has first taken up slack. During that period the film is at rest for receiving impressions from the lens.

Defendant contends that this operation of advancing the film is wholly frictional, that there is every pos- sibility to slip and that the spacing cannot be mathe- matically accurate. This contention is not found per-

suasive. There is friction between the cam and the film but it is very different from the action of two rollers whose frictional contact alone gives a grip and produces a pull. One end of the film ithc part on the sprocket wheel) is firmly held, it cannot slip back and in reality it is this which causes it to advance when the cam pushers it. It must advance or break. I find it impossible from a study of the drawings or from a manipulation of the exhibit to see any possibility of slip. Why the spacing should not be mathematically accurate is not apparent. The arc through which the sprocket wheel will move in a given time is prede- termined, the equivalent in linear movement of the film is known. The additional length of film which will be hauled out of the guide to accommodate the eccen- tric cam is also predetermined by the measure of the cam's eccentricity. The total distance the film will advance past the lens, being the sum of these two pre- determined items, is itself predetermined. The period of rest may also be predetermined, it would seem with mathematical accuracy. It is the time necessary for a sprocket wheel, of a given diameter revolving at a given speed, to reel up the amount of film required to accommodate a protruding cam, the extent of whose eccentricity is accurately known.

The conclusion is reached that the Champion-Gau- mont and the Gaumont machines infringe. It is con- ceded that the Pathe machine, one of which is owned by defendant, also infringes. This and its Champion Gaumont may, as suggested, be impounded in the cus- tody of defendant's counsel until final hearing.

Preliminary injunction may issue.

ANOTHER HOUSE FOR DAVENPORT, IA.

Charles Berkell, the popular manager of the American photoplay theatre, Davenport. Ia.. will soon branch out and add another house to his management. He has secured a lease on the liouse and property at 428 Brady street, and will immediately transform the house into an up-to-date photoplay theatre.

It is the intention of Mr. Berkell to get work- men on the job immediately and give the house a thorough overhauling. The interior will be rebuilt and new decorations put in. All the seats will be of the latest improved opera style; in the fireproof booth will be added a standard machine, while the curtain will be one that calls for a light house.

'X.MAS PICTURES FOR BIJOU THEATRE.

W. E. Smith, proprietor and owner of the Bijou photoplay and vaudeville theatre, Bridge- port, Conn., has a great bill of pictures for Christmas week. Every day he has some ap- propriate reel, which keeps his audiences won- dering at the miracles performed through mo- tion pictures. Besides the pidtures there are four big first class vaudeville acts to add to the entertainment.

The Bijou is the largest house of its kind in Bridgeport. It has a seating capacity of 9 86 persons. Two Edison machines are used to run off the pictures.

PURCHASES LEASE FOB OPERA HOUSE.

W. D. Eccleston, a popular young photoplay man of Lake Shore, N. Y., bought out the lease of M. Tannenburg, and will operate the motion pictures in the opera house in the fu- ture. Mr. Eccleston will make some extensive improvements that are needed and will soon have the opera house fitted up in a manner that will greatly add to the interest of the en- tertainment.

Mr. Eccleston has been living in the vicinity of Lake Shore for the past nineteen years and has a large acquaintance who are interested in his welfare. They know him as a man who does things on the level and future patrons can look forward for a first class show.

A KALEM THRILLER

A Railroad Chartered and a Railroad Wreck Pro- duced in a Strong Picture Story

PHOTOPLAYHOUSE managers who are look- ing for subjects that permit of spectacular advertising will find their opportunity in the Kalem subject. "The Runaway Engine." Here all the railway efforts may be utilized. A brief discription of the picture will make it plain. Allan Peters is the son of a railroad president who decides to learn the business from the ground up and begins as a fireman. While it was not in the program when he started out the young man takes a few elementary lessons in love from the engineer's pretty daughter and de- cides to marry her. When he tells his father of his intention there is a merry row.

The old gentleman gets the news over the wire, gets very angry and then gets out his special car and goes after that young man to tell him where he gets off. The young man is properly dressed down and taken aboard the car headed for home.

Now, the girl in the case is despatcher at one of the little stations on the road. Somewhere up the line an engine gets loose and is running "wild" against the president's special. After trying vainly to get assistance the girl jumps on an engine waiting near her station and starts out to head off the wild engine. It is a wild ride, but the girl is plucky and sticks to her post. She is looking ahead anxiously for the "wildcat" engine and must also keep ahead of the president's special, which is behind her. Finally the runaway engine swings around a

MISS ALICE JOYCE.

Heroine of "The Runaway Engine" and Star of The Kalem California Stock Company.

rune ahead. The girl slows down her engine, climbs out on the running board and jumps into the ditch. The engine rushes on to meet the runaway and the cloud of steam and smoke tells of the crashing monsters.

Immediately after the smash the president's special dashes up and the lover seeing the girl lying in the ditch, rushes to her followed by his father and the train crew. The girl is picked up and brought to her senses in the young man's arms. Father forgets his opposition and the love affair is straightened out then and there.

In making this picture the Kalem Company seems to have commandeered an entire railroad. Engines, cars, station houses and the right of way not to speak of engineers, firemen and other employees, were all on the job. With the proper effects this picture can be put on in a most sen- sational manner.

Armory Hall, Taunton. Mass.. has been made over into a photoplay theatre.

A new photoplay theatre is being erected at Good- ale and High streets. Columbus, O.

4

THE FILM INDEX

WILLIAMS COMPANY EXPANDING

American M. P. Promoter Booming Things in Australia— A Greater Williams Company

By W. H. H. LANE, Sydney, N. S. W.

STROLLING round our city the other day I dropped into the office of the J. D. Williams Amusement Co., Limited, and endeavored to find out from Mr. Williams the full strength of what there was doing in the new "Southern Film Association," of which I had heard he was the prime mover in forming. After some preliminary spars for an opening lead I man- aged to extract some news that, I think, will be of quite sufficient interest to the readers of The Film Index; so I think, after second con- sideration, that the best and most implicit state- ment that can be made, is to submit a copy of a letter sent by the J. D. Williams Amusement Company, Limited, to the National Phonograph Company, of this city, which is as follows:

Sydney, New South Wales, Nov. 11, 1910. National Phonograph Company, City.

Gentlemen: I would like to state a few facts and conditions regarding the Southern Film Association, of whose existence you are no doubt aware. I was the main promoter of this affair, my object was to call together the film buyers for the purpose of form- ing a friendly association, the main objects of which were to keep up the price of film rental, to not allow the film to get into the hands of cheaper film ex- changes, to burn up the film after it was a year old, to prevent shows from charging Id (2c.) admission and in fact to promote the business in general, in many ways. I might explain to you why I did not join the association.

To start with, we persuaded Mr. Spencer to join the association, and he sent his representative there. He then used his influence with Mr. Gee (West's Pictures, Ltd.) and Johnson & Gibson, of Melbourne, to impose many penalties upon me which would eliminate me from the picture business in Australia, if they were carried out.

After Johnson & Gibson found out that we were opening a film exchange in Melbourne, and Messrs. Fuller & Co., of N. Z., found out that we were open- ing in New Zealand, they were very anxious to elim- inate me also. They had the audacity to ask me to only show 2,000 feet of new pictures for 3d and 6d admission, and allow their good selves 8,000 feet for 6d and Is admission. They also objected to me serving the Suburban Shows with gcod film. You can easily see the injustice of this proposition. We are getting about £500 weekly out of the Suburban Shows which we cannot afford to lose. We are also getting a net profit of at least £200 weekly with the Colonial Theatre, and as we are building another large theatre Immediately opposite, you can easily see why I would not want to be handicapped by showing 2,000 feet of new pictures. We show 4,000 feet for all matinees and in all cases we never show more than 3,000 to 3.500 feet for an evening's programme.

After the distinguished members of this association found out my real views on this subject, I do not think I had a ghost of a show of joining this associa- tion. I informed them that it was absolutely useless to try as exhibitors to dictate to the manufacturers in any way whatsoever, and with my experience in the show business it has always been the case of the man- ufacturers dictating to the exhibitors. I informed them that they were no doubt well aware of the fact that we were buying more pictures than they were all buying one year ago; I also in- formed them that the manufacturers were well ac- quainted with these conditions and as the picture bus- iness is such a progressive business they would no doubt know that there was still room for expansion. I also would not agree to use film manufactured in Australia, except topical stuff, as this would cause a duty to be placed on films. I told them that any schoolboy would be able to see that their main ob- ject was to shut everyone else out, for their own benefit, and then in a few months time they would only be buying the same number of films that they were buying a year or so ago.

Now regarding ourselves, we have just had a meet- ing of the shareholders of our concern and we will within the next two weeks float a company with a capital of £200,000 ($1,000,000) of which £100 000 will be fully paid up. I might add that the shares have already been sold. We have just purchased a site in the heart of Melbourne for £25,000. We are opening film exchanges in New Zealand, Brisbane Adelaide, Melbourne, and we feel quite sure that we will soon be in a larger way than any of the other picture people in Australia.

How ridiculous it would appear to the manufactur- ers when they consider that we are supplying about two-thirds of all the theatres in Sydney and suburbs with film to absolutely shut their film out of these theatres. We have just entered into a contract to supply the "Queen's Hall" and the Alhambra theatre from the 21st Inst. This will give us practically every theatre In the city with the exception of West's Gla-

ciarium, Spencer's Lyceum and the Bijou and King's Theatre. We are now opening up in Melbourne and have already contracted to supply more than £200 worth of film weekly in that city. I have no doubt but that the American manufacturers will rely on your judgment in this matter a great deal, as you are here on the spot. I might state in conclusion that I am willing to agree to any restrictions the manufacturers might ask to be placed on film as we are in the business in a large way, and we always want to maintain the good will of the manufacturers who have made the business what it is. I feel quite sure you will agree with me in this, that nothing would be more fair than this. I sincerely hope that this lengthy letter will act as some explanation in the matter. Trusting that we may always be on friendly relations with your firm, we beg to remain, Yours faithfully, (Signed) J. D. WILLIAMS,

Managing Director The J. D. Williams Amusement Company, Limited.

So far as the other side of the story is con- cerned, I have not got at the case for their side, but I am going also to have an interview with the other side and later on will send you their version as well, but all I can say that it will be a bad day for the manufacturers if they cut out the author of the above letter, for he will soon hold the winning trump, and today he is not far from being the leader. One year ago, before the advent of Mr. J. D. Williams, there was- seldom or never shown the films of Selig, Kalem, Essanay, Melies, and one thing the others have not done, and that is to show the full films, in- cluding title and the end portion, as regards being passed by the Board of Censors, etc. Neither do I myself think that the manufac- turers of the United States will ever refuse to sell this pushing and up-to-the-minute American concern, and as for the AB and the AV Co.'s films, I must say that since the advent of these American boys into the field that in a very large measure they have supplanted other well known European products, and I can truthfully state that outside of one or two makers that these films were never screened by one of them before Mr. Williams made them what he has done. He has certainly improved the standing of the American films, and especially the AB and AV and "Pop" Lubin's, more than one hundred per cent., and he is absolutely the only one who gives on his day and night programs the names of the producer of these films, ao much so that now the public speak of them as an AB, Lubin, Selig, AV. or Melies, as the case may be, and I as a good American citizen, would be very sorry to ever see the day when the M. P. P. Co. took it into their heads to cut him out, it would be a big day for the "IMPS" if they do, but they are no fools, and they know how many beans make five all the time.

This is a great country for the motion pic- ture business! and it is daily on the increase. You would hardly credit it were you to be in- formed the number of places in this city and suburbs that are nightly open to the public, and still they are being added to weekly. The Williams company is building a most magnificent theatre right opposite the present Colonial the- atre and will be known as the Colonial No. 2, and there is no doubt in my mind today that there is NO theatre in the United States that is showing to as many people as the J. D. Will- iams Amusement Company is showing to, in this continuous theatre from 11 a. m. to 11 p. m. daily, with the exception of Sunday, when an evening entertainment is given of about two and one-half hours continuous run. As all of the Sunday programs have to be censored by the government, and NO charge of admission can be made, the admission is by silver coin, and as many who go pay more than the regular day prices, the nightly receipts are fully as good as any week night. The prices at this theatre are 3d, 6d and box seats Is, this corresponds with 6, 12 and 25 cents American money. Another thing Mr. Williams screens every A. B. and A. V. film released besides many of all the others that are members of the M. P. P. Co., as he enly shows the licensed films, with the excep- tion of now and then a local topical production.

Another feature of their new theatres being built in this city and Melbourne, the peculiar fea- ture of the outside decorations is, that all the M. P. P. Co.'s trade marks are embodied into the decorative portion and will be shown at night illuminated and in the day time as if made of gold.

Before this reaches your hands, the Greater J. D. Williams! Amusement Company, Ltd., will have been floated and going ahead with leaps and bounds, as money is waiting all the time to get in on the ground floor of this concern. Nominal capital $1,000,000, $500,000 paid up as follows: 60,000 one pound shares to be given to the present holders of shares in the J. D. Williams Amusement Company, Limited; 30,000 shares to be sold to the friends of the present proprietors or shareholders, and 10,000 shares to be given to Mr. J. D. Williams for promo- tion purposes. The reasons for forming the new company — to change the charter, so as to conduct an office in London for selling films and machines; to give the company greater pres- tige, by having a much larger capital, to place new directors on the board which will give the company a more solid local standing, to give the present shareholders increased holdings, so as not to enable others to get in on the same footing as original shareholders of this com- pany.

Purposes of This New Company.

To open up branches for the sale and rental of films, machines, supplies, etc., in the cities of Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and in New Zealand. To take over an option on a free hold in the heart of the city of Melbourne for the purpose of erecting a new and commodious the- atre and conducting therein a continuous pic- ture show, option for the said ground having been already secured by Mr. J. D. Williams. It is also the intention of the company to open continuous shows in Adelaide and Brisbane, sev- eral sites now under option, but none have been decided on or secured.

To sum up the whole thing in a nutshell, they are in business for dollars all the time, and not for the good of their health, and they are just the kind of business people that will get there all the time, they will before many years be the "Grand Moguls" in the amusement business, and I am glad of it, for in some cases out here it has been more of good luck than good manage- ment, and greatness has been thrust on one in particular, but I will mention no names.

USE PICTURES IN DEPOTS.

At a meeting of the Exhibitors league of Mov- ing Picture Men, in Columbus, O., a movement was started to introduce motion picture theatres in railroad stations, where the time of .the de- parture of trains can be shown on the slides and reports made on whether or not the trains are late. It is urged that depots would be a profitable place to put them and negotiations have already been started to locate them in the three largest stations in the country. An of- ficial of the organization stated that he looked forward to putting a motion picture show on one of the fast transcontinental trains.

MOTION PICTURES FOR DANIELS' THEATRE

Work was begun on Dec. 5 rebuilding the Daniels theatre, Salt Lake City, Utah, which was seriously damaged by fire some weeks ago. The theatre has been leased to Harry H. Rand, of the Rand Amusement company, and was re- opened on December 20th with vaudeville and motion pictures. The theatre was en- tirely renovated and improved. The decora- tions and furnishings will be entirely new and Mr. Rand promises to make the theatre the prettiest in Salt Lake. One of the features will be the new electric signs, which, Mr. Rand and Mr. Daniels declare, are the finest west of Chicago.

Coming— "The Irish Honeymoon"

THE FILM INDEX.

3

REVIEW OF THE YEAR

Observations Upon Events and Conditions — A Hopeful View of the Future

By EPES W. SARGENT.

The year just closing has marked many changes in the photoplay industry, the most im- portant of which has been the opening of many handsome theatres especially constructed for the exhibition of photoplays and which have replaced the "store show" that was the first home of the silent drama.

For reasons connected with the peculiarities of local ordinances many of these houses are comparatively small, the capacity running from 150 to 299, but on the other hand there have been built more pretentious structures seat- ing as many persons as the "regular" theatres and there have beeu turned over to the picture interests many important dramatic houses.

The "big house on Broadway" has mot yet arrived, but there is one exhibition place right in the heart of the theatre district and an almost fabulous rental has been offered (and refused) for the Metropolitan Opera House. It is not improbable that before another cycle of time is passed the dream will have become a realty for both on top of the New York and Victoria theatres the photoplay theatre has proven profit- able.

Purely local conditions have operated against the Broadway house but many handsome houses are to be found in the greater city and others are in contemplation.

Outside of New York the conditions have been more pronounced and not only have ex- isting theatres been turned into photoplay- houses, but new theatres have been built that will compare favorably with those devoted to the spoken drama. These larger theatres dis- place the temporary houses, but in the suburbs and in small towns the store show remains, though here they are frequently called upon to meet, competition from the dramatic theatre.

The unsettled condition of theatricals due to the warfare between the Shubert corporation and the Klaw and Erlanger interests have fa- vored the pictures and many of the smaller the- atres on what is designated as the "one night stand circuits" have turned to pictures inter- mittently as rent payers. Some of these man- agers will retain the pictures to the exclu- sion of mediocre attractions, for it is better to see actors of metropolitan repute on the screen than to witness the abortive efforts of incom- petent players in the flesh.

There has been no visible advance in color work in motion pictures. The Edison labora- tories are experimenting along these lines, but the work is not yet ready to be shown and the Kinemacolor has gained no foothold in spite of the efforts made to advance the interests of the two color screen process. On the other hand Mr. Edison has shown an almost perfect union between the film and the phonograph, reproduc- ing the "effects" as well as speech; but this, too, is in the experimental stage still and prob- ably will be added to the achievements of 1911.

In production the licensed manufacturers of- fer twenty-four as against eighteen weekly re- leases and there seems to be a good demand for all subjects. More than that, there have been more reprints of popular subjects than in any previous year, due largely to the improve- ment in the standard of production. Visualiza- tion of famous poems and stories have added to the value of the photoplay and the new authors attracted to this branch of writing have set a higher standard for original work.

The players, too, show a greater merit for in the year just closing the once existing senti- ment against engagements in the photoplay stu- dios has almost entirely vanished. Players no longer shamefacedly turn to the studio only when driven there by desperate necessity. This also has helped to raise the standard of pro- duction.

One marked improvement has been in the better lighting of the theatres and in conse- quence the attraction of a better class of patrons. It is not longer regarded necessary to keep the house in stygian darkness during the showing of the pictures and the class of men who were at- tracted to the photoplay houses by reasons other than the pictures must seek new fields. The stamp of shame — due solely to the lax manage- ment of a very small percentage of theatres — has been erased and it has been found that the lighted house materially reduces the eye-trying flicker. The solar and daylight screens make the light house and steady pictures matters of fact and the increasingly stringent regulation of operators will in time enable the use of more current and even brighter pictures.

Decided advance has been made along educa- tional lines and now many schools regard the picture as an adjunct to the text book. It is not a fad but a steady, healthful growth that has done much to place the photoplay as well upon a higher plane.

With the improvement of the photoplay the National Board of Censorship has had much to do. A certain type of publication has made the usual frenzied outcry against the soul-damn- ing photoplay, but most of these attacks have so clearly shown their animus as to defeat their own aims and the fretful outcries have worked little harm because they have been based so seldom upon fact.

The latest form of attack has been the dec- laration that the public is tiring of this form of amusement, a declaration based upon an in- ability or failure to study or understand the situation.

There are fewer houses than there were a year ago, but a far greater capital is invested in the business by the exhibitor and this sum will be increased in 1911. The introduction of cheap and nasty vaudeville into the picture show has worked temporary harm in some in- stances, but there is apparent a tendency to return to the exhibition of pictures and give to the exchange and the operator a portion of the money now wasted upon the vulgar sister act and the ungrammatical and obscene mono- logue man.

It always has been that the comedian who cannot amuse can win a laugh with a profane expression or bit of vulgarity. Really clever people are seldom to be had for the prices the photoplay manager can afford to pay and the result is a succession of acts retailing coarse jokes and indulging in indecent expressions and gestures which drive from the house the regu- lar patron and bring instead the rabble.

It is not improbable that the latter part of 1911 will witness the divorcing of vaudeville and the pictures and in all probability the Aus- tralian idea of large houses, shows to match and an admission fee in proportion.

Some exhibitors will prefer to stick to vaude- ville of the cheap sort and there will spring up houses of a sort common years ago where the performance will attract only the most un- intelligent. The better class of the public will turn to the photoplay houses for inexpensive amusement and find the new style show more to its liking.

It will be necessary to provide some attrac-

tion to break the steady run of the pictures where five or six reels are shown at one per- formance, but high grade vocal and instrumental music will prove a greater attraction than cheap vaudeville.

Vaudeville and the pictures cannot much long- er remain in combination. History repeats itself and it has been shown that while the cost of the photoplay remains standard the salar .<•.-, of the so-called artists have a constant upward tendency. The fifty dollar act of last year wants sixty this and the man who got sixty now wants seventy-five. It is to be regretted that vaudeville ever was grafted upon the pictures, but the day of release is at hand and the photo- play will truly come into its own as a notable and dignified addition to the spoken drama and kindred amusements.

THE COLUMBIA THEATRE, PORTSMOUTH, OHIO.

PICTURES TO SHOW BOSTON'S NEEDS.

A motion picture and stereopticon campaign, to show the need of a teaming tunnel, with moving sidewalk for pedestrians, has been out- lined by ex-Alderman Thomas J. Giblin, chair- man of the executive committee of the East Bos- ton Improvement Association, of Boston, Mass. By means of these illustrations it is planned to show the advantages of a "street to Boston" to the business men of the island and to in- terest the Chamber of Commerce in the project.

The tunnel planned by Mr. Giblin would have a capacity of 4,000 teams per day and would save 12 minutes in rushing fire apparatus to East B'oston in case of a big conflagration there.

NEW HOUSE FOR FLORENCE, COLO.

A new photoplay theatre was opened Dec. 17, in the building formerly occupied by the Isis theatre on Main street, Florence, Colo. This house has been fixed up in the most up-to-date manner and is now one of the principal at- tractions of the city. . New furnishings, both inside and out, have been added, and with new pictures daily, the house is kept crowded at all performances.

Robert Gamble is building a photoplay theatre at Altoona, Pa., which will be called "The Family Thea- tre." The house will be located on Twelfth street, between Seventh and Eighth avenues.

0

THE FILM INDEX

MONTREAL NEWS

What Is Doing in the Canadian Metropolis— Still Fighting City License

By A. J. LIVINSON.

The thing of most importance locally, though no one as yet appreciates what it all means, is the amalgamation of the Kleine Optical Co. with the Kinetograph Co. No statement what- soever could be gotten from the Kleine office here, and those in charge of affairs at this of- fice preferred to have the advance statement come from the head office at Chicago. In view of this state of things, one fact at least is quite clear, namely, that a merger has been formed, for Mr. Copper has been replaced by Mr. Fen- ton at the local office.

Some time ago I announced in my letter to The Index the great preparations being made by the local M. P. proprietors to meet every move made by the civic authorities against them re- increased license of $500 and the Sunday clos- ing idea. A belated interview appeared recently in the "Witness," which I here inclose, which should prove of some interest to The Index readers. The fight is as merry as could be, with no signs of letting off on either side. The following is the article that appeared in the Montreal "Witness":

"The city is going to have the fight of its life," said a man connected with the moving picture show- interests to a "Witness" reporter yesterday, referring to the still pending attempts to force these places to close on Sundays. He gave an inkling of some of the things the moving picture men are doing, and added that it was their intention to carry the matter, if necessary, to the Privy Council. "If they lose there," he added, "they will find some method of fighting it all over again. They are engaging the finest lawyers in the country to look after their in- terests, and in future everything done against them is going to be fought if it tends in the slightest way to damage their interests." He told of a campaign fund which has exceeded .$1,500 since it was deter- mined upon at a recent meeting of the men in the business.

"This meeting was held at midnight, after the houses had closed, and of course, there were no re- porters present," he naively added. Each house is now contributing a weekly amount based on the per capita attendance so that \£e citizens will pay the cost which ever side wins, and directly legal action shows that the struggle may be prolonged this weekly levy will be increased. He stated that it was not at all improbable that the whole of the moving picture men will refuse to pay the $500 tax to the city. A percentage of the tax would be paid into their own campaign fund, and the costs of fighting the city if it attempted to collect the tax would be paid from the fund.

"The moving picture men in Montreal," added this man, "were never stronger than they are now. New houses are opening nearly every week, and in one to be erected on Norte Dame street very shortly some thousands of dollars are to be spent. It is hardly to be expected, therefore, that they are going to be coerced by anything the city or private interests may do. To stop them, to put them out of business, you would now have to re-educate the whole of the public into disliking them.

"As for closing on Sundays they positively will not. Sunday is the best day of the week; the audience which fill the houses on Sundays is not that which comes during the week, it consists mostly of people from the outer parts of the city. I doubt if five per cent, of the people walking up and down the St. Law- rence Boulevard on Sundays are to be seen there any other day of the week.

"Another thing for the public to consider is that if the houses close on Sundays the price will go up to 10 cents in all cases, as the houses would lose so much through the one day of no business. You may think this increase would tend to close the houses, but it would not. A section of the public has been educated to want their picture shows, and they are going to have them. The price could be raised to 10 cents now as a matter of fact, and the audience would not decrease. But the houses are not going to be closed on Sundays without a very long fight, and there are some lawyers engaged who know just how to make that fight spin out to a point which will cost the city of Montreal quite a lot of money."

E. and N. Laward, managers of the King Ed- ward theatre, finished the reconstruction of their seating facilities, and have at the expense of some $10,000, been able to increase the seats from 200 to 800, as well as fitting up a com- modious stage with loft and green-room ar- rangements, and remodeling the main entrance to most attractive proportions. In addition to films projected from an Edison and Powers ma- chines, the management have a five-act vaude-

THE OWNER OF THE "LL." RANCH

A Drama of Western Life by Melies

3Q[

THE scene is laid in a Western hamlet whose inhabitants are the cowboys and the work- men of the various ranches round about. It is in the summer when the cattle are grazing and the cowboys have more leisure than at any other time of the year.

The largest and by far the most popular ranch was the "L. L.," owned and managed by Lorna, a typical Western girl whose ability to handle her employees was well known. The boys, all in turn, became enamored of her and popped the question, but her whole heart and soul was in the business end of the "L. L." ranch. Sentiment played no part in her daily relations with her employees.

"Jeff," her foreman, was, in fact, the only

can't express their aversion for a foppish, ef- feminate nobleman and Sir Reginald was all of that. Lorna gives him respectful attention, but repulses all his familiarities or advances. In fact, she and Jeff have become lovers and the Englishman is extremely envious.

The Englishman thought that he would have no use for the ranch, so placed the land in the hands of an agent, giving the latter power of attorney to sell it whenever he found a buyer. Lorna had not money enough to do that, but succeeded in buying a small ranch next to it. The "boys" in the meantime swear vengeance on the nobleman for his ungentle- manly treatment of Jeff, their leader. They send him a threatening letter and finally go with a rope to hang him. Lorna gets word of

SCENE FROM MELIES "THE OWNER OF THE L. L. RANCH.

one who seemed to her at all eligible among the boys, but he was wise enough to know that she would never accept him while in the ca- pacity of" foreman, so concealed his affections as far as possible.

But fate was to play a great part in Lorna's life. A dispute arose as to the real ownership of the "L. L." ranch, and the courts decided in favor of an Englishman, Sir Reginald Coutts- Harcourt, who took possession of his property.

It is well known that cowboys have no love for what they term "tender-foot," but words

this and notifies her lover, who in the meantime has purchased the "L. L." ranch, thus having his own revenge on the squire. He arrives upon the scene just as they are about to hang Sir Reginald, and shows the "boys" his deed to the property. There is now no longer any need of getting rid of the nobleman in that manner, so the boys wave their hats and give three cheers for their new boss.

But as the old saying goes "What is home without a wife," and that's just what Jeff thought — and Lorna accepted.

ville program. Most favorable receipts have been reported for the opening week.

The "Moulin Rouge" theatre — the great East End house — has| lately struck upon a clever ad- vertising dodge. They have been giving out at special performances miniature windmills and their patrons have been sent away talking about the "Moulin Rouge" theatre. This house has been displaying some attractive cotton sign work as well as a beautiful color reproduction of the Vitagraph dog "Jean," whose likeness isl com- mented upon by passersby. The sign works at the house is under the management of Dave Livinson.

Mr. Conover of the Nickel theatre is one of those rare inventive managers, and two addi- tions in the line of equipment to his house are bound to be copied by other houses in the very near future — if Mr. Conover lets them. Inside and outside of the house Mr. Conover has ar- ranged a series of glasses in a metallic case. On each glass is printed in yellow the name of the picture and an indicator, in the shape of a hand, is worked from the orchestra. Thus a person outside can tell how far the program is along

and a person on entering knows exactly how many pictures he has missed. Another novelty, for which Mr. Conover must be given the Car- negie invention medal (if there is such a medal in existence) is his "Program Today," adjust- able case. The materials which enter into the chart are of bronze and yellow metal, enamel, artistically etched, and beaded glass. The "Pho- toplays"— he has not been slow to use new words — which appear in small enamel letters — are adjustable. One may well imagine the elaborateness of construction when one is told that this article completed cost $100. Nothing too dear for the Nickel.

FOR SALE.

Moving picture parlor, first class condition, in Penn- sylvania town of 8,000. Doing a good business with very moderate expenses. Located midway between Harrisburg and Wilkes-Barre. Fine opportunity. Address "WONDERFUL," care THE FILM INDEX.

Coming— "The Irish Honeymoon"

THE FILM INDEX

7

I j&L CHARACTERISTIC AMERICAN PICTURES

Two Edison Subjects of Unusual Merit

MI

MONO

AMUAii the forthcoming Edison releases are two subjects that are characteristically American. In one is shown the young American business man with all his hustle and daring; in the other is given a glimpso of that distinctly American industry, the build- ing of a skyscraper, which glimpse goes along with a stirring love story. Both subjects have excellent plots which are intelligently worked out by the Edison players and are marked by good photography and effects.

"With Interest to Date" was first written by Rex Beach and the good points of that story are not lost in the picture portrayal. The hero of the tale is a young American salesman in the employ of a large steel contracting company. He is in love with the daughter of the presi- dent of the company. The latter does not look upon the suit with especial favor, but makes

secretary of the English company's president makes up to look like his employer and goes to America; he informs the president of the steel company that "graft" is what is wanted and advises him to add 50,000 pounds to his bid. The president consents to this and advises his son by cable to make the addition, which instruc- tions are followed out.

There is but one conclusion — the hero wins out; gets the girl, and has the pleasure of telling the president of the steel company that he has paid him back in his own coin with interest.

THE TEST OK FRIENDSHIP.

Tom and Jim, two hard fisted bridge build- ers, are the principals in a thrilling melodra- matic subject entitled "The Test of Friend- ship." They are fellow workmen and chums,

A FEW SUGGESTIONS.

El Paso, Texas, Dec. 20, 1910. Editor FILM INDEX, New York City.

Dear Sir: — I have noticed with pleasure that the manufacturers and importers of films are giving more attention to the lobby advertising of their films. The single shei't announcements are exceedingly handy, especially when it happens that the exchange is out of one-sheets of the films being shown. Will you allow me to make a few suggestions from the exhibitor's standpoint, or rather from my position as an exhib- itor?

No. L Will the manufacturers please remember that racial prejudice as depicted on a film will make trouble for some exhibitor. For instance, in my own case, a film showing the stage idea of a bad Mexican and the use of the word "Greaser' will drive away and offend good patrons. The word "greaser" is as welcome to a Mexican as that word which the "Virginian" said must always be accompanied by a smile. We cut out the announcements which bear it and do not use one- sheets in which it appears.

No. 2. Don't let the North whip the South ALL the time. Down here, Jefferson Davis' birthday is a holi- day, but you can make your deposits at the banks on Decoration day. Some of our old settlers would like to see a battle in which the "blue" starts to running an never stops.

No. 3. Cannot the manufacturers tell in their ad- vance sheets where the pictures are taken. I have drawn in extra money by having had a little dope of

SCENE FROM "WITHOUT INTEREST TO DATE.

SCENE FROM "THE TEST OF FRIENDSHIP."

his consent conditional upon the young man's securing of a large contract for the rebuilding of a steel plant. The young man accepts the conditions and gets to work.

When next seen he is in the office of the steel company explaining his plans and his bid to the president of that company and its staff of engineers. They give him a respectful hearing, but when he has concluded his argument the president calmly informs him that his plans do not meet with the company's approval and that the work will be done by its own engi- neers. This is a complete throw-down. Not only does the young man lose the contract, but he sees his plans stolen before his eyes and is helpless to prevent; he is the victim of a "hold- up." The only satisfaction he has is to tell the robbers what he thinks of them and promise to get even in the future.

Upon reporting his ill luck to his firm the young man does not get much consolation from the boss, but he does get one more chance. There is a big contract in England; if he can land that all will be well. He gets after this job with the steel company which threw him down as his principal competitor.

It happens that the son of the president of the steel company is our hero's rival for the girl, which makes matters doubly interesting. This son has been sent to represent the steel company on the big contract, and it also hap- pens that the girl and her mother take a trip across at the same time. Arriving in London the two young men put in their bids', but the rival seems to have the inside position. After an interview with the head of the English com- pany the hated rival shows the girl a cable- gram to his father to the effect that the presi- dent of the English company may visit America before awarding the contract. The girl tips her lover off to this plan, which suggests to him an idea. This is the way the idea works out: The

but matters between them become somewhat strained when they fall in love with the same girl. Tom gets the impression that Jim has won out, but he takes his medicine manfully and when Jim, knocked senseless in a fight with a truck driver on top of a 22-story steel structure, and hangs in a dangerous position over the sidewalk, Tom comes to the rescue.

It is a thrilling situation in picture drama. Tom risks his life to save the man who he be- lieves to be his successful rival, but his re- ward comes when he discovers that he was mis- taken and that the girl was in love with him all along.

The accompanying illustration shows how the big scene was produced by the Edison com- pany. It was a big undertaking to pull off in a studio but you will like the effect and we doubt if the illusion could have been produced with stronger realism if the structure had been real steel instead of the product of the carpenter.

PICTURES FOR P. OK H. OPERA HOUSE, CARIBOU, ME.

The P. of H. Opera House association of Cari- bou, Me., opened its motion picture show to the public, Monday evening, Dec. 12. Excellent pictures were thrown upon the screen which were interspersed by music by the orchestra, and altogether the entertainment was highly satisfactory. It is the intention of the asso- ciation to give a show every night that the hall cannot be leased to dramatic companies. E. P. Wilkins has been engaged as manager of the hall and show. He has had considerable ex- perience in the show business and no doubt the new attraction will be a great success.

this kind. To be specific: The Edison pictures, in which special localities were shown, and their booklet told that it was in Cuba, Canada, etc.; the Biograph's "Child of the Ghetto," with Rivington street an- nounced, brought me a big Jewish attendance; the Vitagraph's Coney Island picture was another money getter; when the Essanay pictures taken here were shown, I got nearly double the usual night's amount, etc. This is a town in which there are many tourists and the announcement on our billboards that this pic- ture was taken in such-and-such a town would bring us additional business.

I, personally, like the Kalem company's scheme of giving the cast, as I have been able to feature differ- ent people at times. This must be even a stronger card in the larger cities, where different ones have played in stock, and the picture show patrons remem- ber the actors and actresses.

No. 4. Why do not the manufacturers get out a handsome one-sheet, with their trade-marks reading something like this: "Tonight: A fine Essanay, or Vitagraph, or Biograph, etc.; drama, comedy, Indian drama, etc., as the case may be, to supplement the regular poster and to take its place when the exchangt fails to send one. I believe that the exhibitors would buy sufficient number to make it pay. The Essanay company got out a small one, but this did not fit the regular frames which the average exhibitor has for his one-sheets. I have bought the ones gotten out by companies that make a specialty of printing, but they did not have the regular trade-marks which the pat- rons know and they were simply type sheets.

No. 6. Please, Mr. Manufacturer, don't put "A Child's Something or Other" in the title. Every time 1 have a poster out with a child as the feature, my patrons look at the poster and then go to one of the nine other shows in this burg. If they go in and see a picture in which a child is featured, they generally come out pleased, but they shy when they see it in the title. And last, but not least, please don't give us so many "weepy" pictures. Yours truly,

WILL R. WINCH. Crystal and Wigwam Theatres, El Paso, Texas.

Coming— "The Irish Honeymoon'

8

THE FILM INDEX

CHICAGO LETTER

By James S McQuade

CHICAGO'S yuletide has been overcast by a a great calamity. Her intrepid fire mar- shal and twenty-three ot his brave mtn had their lives snuffed out in a twinkling by the fire fiend. Their widows and orphans are now the city's special care, and generous hearts and wide-open purses are providing an invest- ment fund for their present and future needs.

It is to the credit of Chicago picture exhibitors that they have come voluntarily and heartily to the front at this time. Many of them will have contributed a lull day's receipts to the fund be- fore this will be read, and it is hoped that all will make it a point to do something, in the form of a benefit, to swell the fund.

Jones, Linick & Schaefer, owners of the Or- pheum theatre and a big circuit of houses, have contributed $250 to the fund and in addition will furnish a number of vaudeville acts at several benefits to be given early in January.

The managers of Chicago's legitimate theatres are acting in concert in arranging benefits, and it would be well if every manager of a picture theatre in this city would fix some day as a benefit day. George Gilmore, owner and man- ager of the Ideal theatre, North Avenue and Larabie street, was the first to arrange a bene- fit for this purpose, and the Orchard theatre, 063 North avenue, quickly followed. Mr. Weegh- majn and Manager Horn, of the Casino Garden, East" Madisd% street, have set apart the re- ceipts of Friday, Dec. 30, for the benefit fund. The'amounts will appear in my next letter.

Exhibitors are requested to mail me the list of amounts taken in at such benefits for publica- tion in these columns. All amounts should be turned in to the Hibernia bank, this city.

A Retrospect. Looking back over the year now closing, every- one interested in the licensed picture business can safely say that there has been an advance all along the line. But the careful observer will not fail to note that the greatest advance- ment has been made in the manufacture of the licensed product. Could we show a like ad- vancement in the exhibiting end of the business there would be cause for general congratulation.

There is no doubt whatever that pictures are being projected better at the present time than ever before, and -that picture theatres are bet- ter lighted and more comfortable than ever before, but the fact stiil remains that the struc- tures have not improved, as they should, in char- acter. Capital has not been tempted in this country, except in a few instances, to construct picture theatres that are worthy of pictures. What are the picture houses in our largest cities but holes in the walls when compared with structures devoted to legitimate drama and high class vaudeville? Until a better type of picture theatre is evolved, we may expect cheap vaude- ville to contaminate our picture shows and pre- vent intelligent and refined people from attend- ing.

Speaking from personal observation, I must say that I feel discouraged because of the lack of confidence displayed by many Chicago ex- hibitors in the drawing powers of pictures. A manager across the way, because of his ig- norance of the vast superiority of pictures, may put in one or two cheap vaudeville acts and charge 10 instead of 5 cents. His rival im- mediately begins to shiver and has visions of 10 cent pieces that should be falling his way. His business is good with pictures only, and his audiences, most impressively, are of a higher intellectual standing. But he, too, has got the cheap vaudeville bee in his bonnet and when next you call to see the show you disgustedly walk away because you cannot stand (or sit) for cheap, tanky vaudeville and pictures.

With better theatres and more intelligent ex- hibitors, pictures will soon come into their own. Tom, Dick and Harry will then be obliged to go back to the butcher's block or the hod, where they belong; and men of education and refine- ment, with the true showman's instinct, will succeed in carrying picture entertainment to an ever higher plane.

Live Advertising Pays. |

I see that my old friend A. Powell, owner and manager of the Ideal theatre, Kokomo, Ind., has been using some of his strong advertising stunts lately.

"The County Fair" (Selig) has been the fea- ture subject chosen for a liberal flow of printer's ink. The reading notice in the "Tribune," ap- pearing contemporaneously with a striking dis- play announcement, is a clever specimen of up- to-date press work. Here is an extract:

Remember the horserace in the stage play that captured the audiences — where the horses race on a tread-board and keep in view until the end of the race? Remember? Of course you do. But that was not good enough for the Selig people. After buying the rights for the County Fair from the executors of the Neill Burgess estate, they set to work planning to picturize the big thing. Sham horse races would not do at all, and they sent their whole acting com- pany, pack and parcel, and picture puoiogi aphers down to Galena, Illinois, and photographed a real genuine county fair horse race that will make you stand up in your seats and look with amazement and shout with excitement.

So come and see something that is.

In his letter to me, Mr. Powell writes: "The attendance and results were highly satisfactory."

Of course they were! Nothing else could be expected under the circumstances.

Red Ci us* Seal Stamps Boom.

Since the opening of the Red Cross Christmas Seal campaign three weeks ago, more than 350 new cases of tuberculosis have been discovered in the city, 135 having been reported last week. At present there are upwards of 15,000 tubercu- losis sufferers in Chicago.

The increase in new cases reported is at- tributed by Frank E. Wing, superintendent of the Chicago Tuberculosis Institute, to the pub- licity which has been given the sale of Red Cross Seal stamps, the full proceeds of which go to the treatment of consumptives.

Business firms in the city are rallying to the support of the Tuberculosis Institute as the cam- paign goes on, some of them repeating orders for Red Cross Seal stamps.

A booth for the sale of the stamps was open- ed recently in the Board of Trade building. It is under the direction of a nurse from the mu- nicipal sanitarium.

The Edison "Red Cross Seal" has given an impetus to the anti-tuberculosis movement that only years can fully reveal.

That "Boy City" Film.

I have just received a letter (with newspaper clippings from the "Advocate" and "News," of Manistee, Mich., enclosed, from John F. Bailey, manager of the Electric theatre, that city, show- ing how the Selig feature, "The Boy City," was announced and succeeded there.

It is without doubt the first time a brass band has ever sat in front playing a piece of music and been able to watch themselves marching down the street playing that same tune. This happens three times, during the pictures, to the Vandervest band and the situation was fully appreciated by the audience.

It would be hard to fully describe all the features of this picture as it is full of good things from start to finish and it is doubtful if there was ever a motion picture that received as much genuine applause as was given the "Boy City" pictures at the Electric last night.

Great "Anti-White Plague" Campaign.

The Kenosha News of Dec. 22 had the fol- lowing article on the sale of Red Cross Seal stamps and shows that the Edison film, the "Red Cross Seal," is exercising great influence:

The sale of the stamps was greatly stimulated by the presentation of the "White Plague" film at the Rhode Opera House on Wednesday afternoon and evening. Hundreds of school children had a chance to see the film on Wednesday when they went to the theatre as the guests of Manager Rhcde. The chil- dren took an active interest in the picture and the pretty story told in the little drama and they went out this morning determined to break all records in the sale of the seals. Thousands of the seals were sold in the theatre after the presentation of this little drama on Wednesday evening. It is impossible to tell just how many of the seals have been sold in Kenosha, but it is thought that the number is now close to the hundred thousand mark.

Madison is nearing the 200.000 mark in sales and in Milwaukee it is declared that the sales will be close to a million. The reports from the field through- out the state indicate that the sales will be far great- er this year than in any previous year.

Chicago Film Brevities.

Geo. K. Spoor, president of the Essanay Film Mfg. Co., sprang an enjoyable surprise on his large list of employees, and those who were formerly his employees and now working for the Spoor branch of the G. F. Co., each member of the rank and file receiving a $5 gold piece with an Indian head, while the heads of the departments were also handsomely remembered, and proportionately, according to the import- ance of their positions. Mr. Spoor's office, or more properly speaking, the city office of the Essanay Company, is now- at 521 First National Bank building.

The Saxe publicity promoter in Milwaukee has quite transcended all former efforts by the able way in which he has handled the "Red Cross Seal" and "Boy City." In addition to ex- tensive advertising and reading notices in all Milwaukee papers, a finely colored descriptive half-sheet was gotten out and posted thorough- ly thorughout the city. I understand that the two films mentioned have made picture still more popular in the Wisconsin metropolis.

A. V. Stice, superintendent of the Essanay plant, was presented with a handsome gold chain and locket on Christmas eve by the em- ployes on Argyle street.

C. S. Sullivan, manager of the Royal the- atre, Hancock, Mich., and of a theatre of the same name at Calumet, Mich., is going some in up-to-date advertising for his feature films. In announcing Pathe's feature film, "Maid of Ni- agara," Manager Sullivan issued a neatly print- ed and illustrated 4-page circular, in which the story of the film is carefully told. He also got out a special descriptive one-sheet which was posted liberally throughout the city and neigh- borhood. Big returns have been the result.

The Essanay Film Mfg. Co. got out a very handsome embossed holiday card for numerous patrons and friends. The Essanay trade-mark, the Indian head, appears at the top of the first page, embossed handsomely in colors. The sec- ond page contains an announcement of the re- moval of the city office of the Essanay Co. from 435 N. Clark to Suite 521 First National Bank building.

C. R. Haggerty, owner and manager of the Berry theatre, East Chicago, Indiana, visited the Spoor branch of the G. F. Co. last week and arranged for service. Manager Haggerty was formerly "independent."

The Photoplay, Dalton Station, 111., made ar- rangements with the Spoor branch of the G. F. Co. for licensed service.

The Congregational Church, at Hinsdale, 111., gave an exhibition of educational films to a crowderl audience December 26. The Kino- drome service was employed.

The inmates of the Crippled Children's Home, at Park avenue and Paulina street, this city, had an enjoyable Kinodrome entertainment De- cember 2 4. The program consisted of educa- tional pictures and comedy and fairy stories.

The Spoor branch of the G. F. Co. took on the booking of the Amity theatre at 1418 South 40th avenue last week. The Amity was for- merly on the list of the H. & H. Co., an "inde- pendent" concern.

WILL OPEN THEIR OWN SHOW.

Messrs. Ford and Chapman, for several months past employed as musicians at the Vic- tory Motion Picture Theatre, Marietta, O., have resigned their positions and have recently leased the room formerly occupied by the Karst, Laffey & Co. grocery, in the Odd Fellow buildings. These two young men will open an up-to-date and modern picture show in this room and are already decorating, repairing, etc.

A new building is to be erected in_ North Abington, Mass. In one part of the building a photoplay thea- tre will be put in.

Clarence Cowells, the Broad street picture man, Waverly, N. Y., has leased the Opera House, in which he will run motion pictures.

THE FILM INDEX

9

WORK ON PHOTOPLAY HOUSE BEGUN

Haverhill's Latest Picture and Vaudeville Theatre To Be Modern in Every Respect

Metal workers have begun operations at the theatre which is being erected on Washington street, Haverhill, Mass., for Max S. Slavit and this will mark another stage in the progress which is made In the work of erecting a modern picture theatre in the heart of the laboring dis- trict. Already the theatre is assuming shape and a busy force of artisans have been working on the house for some time past. Electricians from Boston are at present engaged in wiring the house and have much of their part of the work completed.

The ventilating of the house will be one of the most important features and one which has been paid particular attention. In the front of the house will be large entering ducts and the air will be drawn in by a two horse-power revolving fan. Under and over the stage grilles are being constructed, through which the foul air will be driven and in this way the air in the house will be kept fresh and clean every minute. The system is one which has met with the endorsement of the state police and is highly recommended by all who have inspected it.

State Inspector Ansel J. Cheney and Building Inspector Mitchell of this city have placed the stamp of their approval on the house. Besides the regular entrances and exits in the front, there will be two exits leading out from either, side of the stage, so that the house can be emp- tied of its people in a very few minutes. The picture booth will be in the balcony and will be so situated that it will throw a clear and flickerless picture. A new asbestos curtain, handsome in appearance, together with a scenic curtain have been ordered and are now being painted at the New York studio. Other drops and scenery will be of the latest design and pattern.

Six hundred seats have been ordered and will be of the collapsible kind. Every seat in the house will be a good one and allow a fine view of the stage. Vaudeville and motion pic- tures will be presented at the playhouse and only the best will rule.

Max S. Slavit, well known in the business life of the city, is the owner of the new house and will be the personal supervisor of it. Mr. Slavit's reputation in the past is sufficient indi- cation of the policies which he intends to carry out in the management of the theatre. He has let out all of the work to contractors and in the specifications for the work it is stated that only union men shall be employed. He has nothing to do with any differences between the contractor and the union. When the house is completed, none but union men will be at- tached to it.

It Is expected that the work on the house will be done in about a month's time, and Ha- verhill will then have another of the cosiest houses in the state.

PICTURES AT CORSE PAYTON THEATRE.

The Bijou theatre, Brooklyn, N. Y., which has been the home of Corse Payton's stock com- pany for a long time, will in the future run motion pictures and vaudeville. The house is an excellent one for pictures and is located in that part of Brooklyn which draws large theatre audiences. Mr. Payton will move his stock company to a Manhattan theatre where he will continue to put on the same class of plays he did at the Bijou.

NEW WOMAN PROBLEM

Discussed Pictorially in a Lubin Comedy Subject

A SCREAMING comedy on a very modern and timely subject will be released by the Lubin Manufacturing Company at an early date. It is called, "Will It Ever Come to This?" and deals in a delightful manner with the prob- lem of the new woman.

The scene opens in the dining room of Mrs. and Mr. Sarah Jane Brown. Mr. Brown en- ters from the kitchen, carrying a tray with cof- fee, hot rolls and eggs, which he places on the table. The four Brown children enter soon. The boys are very shy and reserved, the girls boisterous and boy-like. In scrambling for a place at the table, one of the girls slaps the face of the oldest boy, a shy creature of 18. The boy bursts into tears and runs to his father who comforts him and dries his eyes with his apron.

At this point Mrs. Brown enters. She wears a decidedly masculine costume. She slams the door and glares at the boys, who look uneasy.

goes to his desk and hands him a bunch of roses- He takes them shyly and resumes his work.

We see Mrs. Brown at her club, laughing, smoking and playing cards with others of her kind.

Now matrimony enters the plot. Dear, sweet Willie, that fair and timid boy of 18, is seated in the Brown parlor, embroidering. Mrs. Brown enters, accompanied by a mannishly dressed young woman. She introduces the two, slaps the girl on the back with a "go-in-and-win" expression and leaves the room. Willie rises, very much embarrassed. The young woman in- vites him to sit on a sofa. Willie does so but is very bashful. The young woman takes his hand and kisses it, and finally kneels down and proposes. Willie shyly nods hig assent and the girl places the ring on his finger. Mrs. and Mr. Brown entered at this point, and see- ing what has happened, congratulate the young

SCENE FROM LUBIN SUBJECT— "THE NEW WOMAN PROBLEM" — WILL IT EVER COME TO THIS.

Mr. Brown is very much scared. Mrs. Brown sits down and pours her coffee. Mr. Brown places the meat before her. She tries to cut it, but it is too tough. She tastes the coffee, finds it cold, gets angry and upraids Mr. Brown. That poor man bursts into tears and flies to the kitchen. Mrs. Brown rises angrily, takes her overcoat and derby and goes out, slamming the door.

The next scene shows poor Mr. Brown doing the house work, making beds, sweeping, washing the clothes and hanging them out to dry. In the next yard another man is similarly engaged. They gossip over the fence.

We next get a view of Mrs. Brown at her office desk. A very ladylike young man enters and sits down at the typewriter. Mrs. Brown

folks. Mr. Brown kisses Willie and weeps a little. Mrs. Brown slaps the girl on the back and shakes hands with her son.

There is one other scene, burlesquing a prob- lem which is serious to many present-day wives. As Mrs. Brown is leaving for the office the next day Mr. Brown enters, lifts his apron and points to his shoes: and trousers. He takes a very shabby coat off the hall-rack and shows it to his wife. He is pleading for some new clothes. Mrs. Brown laughs and snaps her fingers. Mr. Brown timidly places his hand on her arm. She shakes him off roughly and goes out, sUamming the door and leaves poor Mr. Brown in tears.

The story closes with a happy scene — wedding bells ringing merrily for Sweet Willie and the masterful young woman who has won his hand.

THE FILM INDEX

4fc "

THE REDEEMED CRIMINAL"

A Didactic Melodrama by Essanay

JAS. S. McQUADE

I BELIEVE exhibitors everywhere will agree with me in pronouncing "The Redeemed Criminal" the best film yet turned out by the Essanay's Eastern stock company, as re- gards fine photography, acting and technique. And I believe I can go further and write of this film that it will measure up worthily in the respects mentioned with the best of the licensed product turned out during the year just closed.

While the story has a melodramatic tinge and deals with a criminal of desperate type, producer McCrae Webster has happily spared the spec- tator the views of the details accompanying safe cracking, which are neither edifying to mature minds nor good for young people. The safe has been opened and the floor littered with papers hastily taken from it before we are given a view of the two burglars. Nor is the watchman, who surprises the safe crackers, shot down as he rushes up; he is stunned by a blow of the fist and the elder lawbreaker is seized by the police without bloodshed while the younger escapes.

The lesson of the story is strong enough, and is invested with sufficient benevolent in- fluences to overcome the criminal atmosphere

that prevails several times in the unraveling of the plot. The younger burglar repents of his crimes and becomes a minister of the gospel, and through his ministrations his former ac- complice is led to forsake his lawlessness and become a respected and trustworthy citizen.

The acting of Harry Cashman and Curtis Cooksey in the characters of Spike Hennessy and Kid Carson respectively, is worthy of the highest commendation. Mr. Cashman in physique and facial make-up is the part itself, and his expressive face tells the story through- out, as clearly as spoken words. Mr. Cook- sey's impersonation of the Rev. Dr. Carson will appeal to everyone by reason of its dignity, ear- nestness and power.

Excellent camera work and fine light effects have been observed carefully throughout.

There is just one palpable oversight in the picture. When the Rev. Dr. Carson dons his burglar garb, in order to restore the stolen jewels to their owner, he is seen to put his mask on before leaving his own house.

Spike Hennessy, a man of powerful build, and a young stripling, Kid Carson, blow the safe of a banking concern. They are discovered by the watchman and the police are also heard close at hand. Hennessy tells the Kid to es- cape and grapples with the watchman, knock- ing him insensible. Then the officers rush in

and overcome Hennessy. Believing he has had an accomplice the police attempt to extort a confession from Spike, but he doggedly denies and after a short trial is sentenced to seven- teen years imprisonment. Kid Carson, seeing the fate of his accomplice, and repenting of his misdeeds, undergoes a change of heart. He gives up the old evil ways and studies for the ministry. Years pass and we find him a man of family, happy and honored. He is now the Rev. Dr. Carson and his only son is about to marry the heiress to the Fairfield estate.

Sitting in his study one evening, Dr. Car- son is surprised by the sudden entry of a burly- stranger. The latter rushes to the open safe in the room, deposits some jewels there and closes the door with a clang. Then he turns his face to the astonished minister, who rec- ognizes him as his old pal, Hennessy. The lat- ter claims payment in kind of the act performed by him years before, when he assisted Carson to escape. The officers are on his trail, believ- ing that he is guilty of the burglary of the Fairfield mansion. The jewels Hennessy has just deposited in Dr. Carson's safe are the prod- uct of his midnight raid. He demands that the minister shall aid him to escape the police.

When the officers arrive, Dr. Carson, as we can see, evades their questioning and, just as they are about to look around the premises, Hennessy steps into the room dressed in a butler's garb. The officers stop him and ques- tion the minister, who explains that the man is his servant.

After they depart Hennessy tells Carson to keep the jewels safely until he calls for them, and then he takes his leave. The much per- turbed minister then opens the safe and ex- amines the stolen necklace, which he has often seen on the neck of his boy's intended bride. He determines to restore the jewels, and to do so he must don for the last time a burglar's garb. While in his bedroom preparing the disguise, his son discovers his fiancee's necklace in the open safe and the father has to exert his most persuasive powers to convince his son that he is not the thief.

Next morning the news is heralded widely that the Fairfield jewels have been mysteriously restored. Hennessy calls on the minister and demands their return, but the latter makes a powerful appeal to his former companion in crime to forsake the past and live a lawful life. The criminal is heart touched and promises to reform.

To show his confidence in the promise made, Dr. Carson secures for Hennessy a position of

trust with an influential firm. A few years elapse and we find Spike Hennessy a respected member of society, contented and happy in his cozy home, with his little daughter on his knee and hisl wife's face reflecting the happiness she feels.

FAIL TO FIND CUSS WORDS.

Indiana Experts of Sign Language Don't Agree with Cleveland and Chicago Readers.

In spite of the statements made by certain Chicago and Cleveland deaf-mute experts as well as some of the inmates of deaf and dumb institutions, regarding the use of so-called "swear words" in motion pictures, it evidently seems that Indiana experts of the tongueless language fail to find the same results in the films as is claimed by their brother experts from the Windy and Forest cities.

In Indianapolis many of the recent films have gone through a most stringent examination by many readers of the lip and sign language and so far, not one of the readers have been able to detect one word ihat pertained to an oath. Among those to give the films a test reading was Richard O. Johnson, superintendent of the Indiana State School for the Deaf.

In order to assure the citizens of Indianapolis that they need not fear being shocked by what appears in the picture films, the Indianapolis Star printed the following article:

Motion-pictures in Indianapolis have passed the mus- ter of the most stringent investigators who have been searching the display of films for swear words. The most rigid investigation of the motion picture shows in this city has resulted in the pronouncement that there is no visible profanity extant and if the words are not visible no one is going to be shocked, inves- tigators assert.

Word has come from other cities that deaf-mute patrons of the film shows have been shocked at the sight of plain, everyday "cuss" words coming from the lips of the performers in the pictures and those who were a bit sensitive about it had to shut their eyes to keep from being shocked. But that was not in Indianapolis. Here are perfectly polite motion picture actors who do not swear and the most sensi- tive person in all the world can watch them.

The investigation of the motion picture shows in In- dianapolis came about when word came from Cleve- land and other cities that some of the deaf-mutes who visited the picture shows had reported that they had seen one word which began with a "d" and ended with an "n," declaring it was neither "darn" nor "dura."

That one bad word was seen by expert lip readers in Cleveland. Chicago and elsewhere and the modest pa- trons of the 5-cent shows were shocked to think they had been looking at swear words.

Richard O. Johnson, superintendent of the Indiana State School for the Deaf, was asked about pictures saying bad words here, but he said he had made a personal investigation and found there was not an objectionable word used in any of the shows. Mr. Johnson is an expert lip reader and he has watched the characters as they are thrown on the screens.

"I never saw an objectionable word or sentence in the picture shows of Indianapolis," said Mr. Johnson, "and I have looked for them, too, I have taken up this question with teachers and students at the school, and they say there are no objectionable words used by the performers. The motion picture shows are at- tended by many of our teachers and pupils, as they afford one of the greatest amusements they can ap- preciate."

COMMISSIONER FOSDICK TO MAKE PHOTO- PLAY REPORT.

Commissioner of Accounts Fosdick, of New York city, is at present busy for the Mayor; he is preparing a report based on the photoplay houses. This inquiry is mainly turned to the ventilation, fire and sanitary conditions, al- though attention is also being given to com- plaints made by persons who claim that motion pictures are injurious to the morals of chil- dren. It is said that Commissioner Fosdick will recommend legislation for the better su- pervision of photoplay theatres, and for the ex- pulsion of children under age, not accompanied by their parents. He will also recommend legislation by the Fire Department and Health Board.

It has not been decided when the Commis- sioner will make his report to the Mayor, but it is expected some time within the near future.

SCENE FROM ESSANAY Sl'BJECT — "THE REDEEMED CRIMINAL."

THE FILM INDEX

ii

ELECTRICAL TALKS

On Electricity in Its Relation to the Motion Picture Theatre

By J. H. Hallberg

Expressly for Th

Urn Index. Copyright by J. H. Hallb

All Kiiilit- Resenred.

ELECTRICAL TALK NO. 19.

Arrangement of Electric Circuits and Lamps for Motion Picture Theatres.

A considerable amount of money can be saved not only on the first installation cost, but also on the operation of the electric system for lighting a Motion Picture Theatre, by proper placing of the lamps and by selecting the proper style of fixtures. A clear understanding of the subject also permits a proprietor to make the installa- tion attractive to the eye, and another matter of no little importance, is the possibility of ar- ranging the circuits, so that in case of acci- dent, certain lamps may be left on whi!e other sections of the electric lighting system is con- nected, as may be necessary on account of fire or (•ther similar accident.

It is the object of this discussion to go into details concerning electric lighting arrangement, and I, therefore, call your attention to the ac- companying illustration, Figure 43, which is a plain view of an ordinary motion picture theatre.

The electric company's mains in this instance enter at the front and the main switch box No. 1 is located in the ticket booth, where there may also be located the necessary fuses and switches for the control of all circuits within and outside of the theatre.

One switch for the sign.

One switch for lobby lamps.

One switch for exit lamps.

One switch for auditorium ceiling lamps.

One switch for auditorium side lamps and the piano lamp.

One switch for each M. P. machine, stereop- ticon or spot-light circuit.

One switch for the lamps in the operating room, ticket booth and any other lamps for spe- cial purposes.

There will also be one switch for supplying switch box No. 2 in the operating room, from which the ceiling lamps in the auditorium in- dicated by letter F can be switched on and off by the operator but to be connected in shunt with another switch in the switch box No. 1 in the ticket booth. The purpose of this arrange- ment is to enable the manager or ticket seller to switch on the auditorium lamps, in case the operator should neglect to throw his switch when an accident or fire occurs in the operat- ing room.

This scheme of double control of the ceiling lamps in the auditorium is of great importance and ought to be applied in all new theatres, and would be a good thing to apply in theatres al- ready constructed.. In case of fire in the oper- ating room there is nothing which will more as- sist the proper dismissal of the audience, than

immediate illumination of the house. If the op- any person can immediately switch on the house lights, notwithstanding the fact that the opera- tor's controlling switch in switch box No. 2 may be open, as it would be while he is running a picture.

The arrangement, already referred to, pro- vides for the connection of the exit light circuit ahead of the second main switch and fuse, which should be smaller than the first main switch and fuse. The object of this difference in the size of the fuses on the main switches is to make it impossible for the exit lights to go out, in case there should be a short circuit on the panel board or in the operating room, which might blow the fuses on main switch No. 2.

By selecting proper size fuses, for the differ- ent circuits, and by never using a large fuse in- side of a smaller one, much trouble from "fuse blowing" can be avoided. There is nothing more annoying and in more instances, so likely to cause uneasiness among the audience than to have the house fall into darkness unexpectedly. This should be avoided, and can be, by simply following the foregoing suggestions, which will be made more clear in our next "Electrical Talk."

SUMMARY.

Give most careful consideration to the ar- rangement of the switches and fuses for the dif- ferent sets of lamps and circuits in a motion pic- ture theatre in order to avoid total darkness of the house in case of accidental blowing of a fuse.

- Never put a large fuse inside of a smaller one for any circuit, unless, of course, there is some

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Switch box No. 1 should contain 2 main switches; one which is outside of the meter to shut off the entire electric system. The sec- ond main switch shuts off all lamps, but the exit and auditorium lamps.

In addition to these switches there are of course separate switches which control each set of lamps, for instance:

One switch for the flaming arc lamps.

erator is the only man who can put on the house lights, as is the case in most theatres at this time, the house lights may never be switched on in case of fire in the operating room, because the operator will be too busy trying to put out the fire or to escape from the booth to save his own life, to think of anything else. When a switch is in the ticket booth or at some other conven- ient point, perhaps outside of the ticket booth,

special reason for so doing, in general there *s no such reason.

Consult some competent authority on the electric installation for a theatre as by so doing, much unnecessary expense can be obviated, and better results obtained.

In our next "Electrical Talk" we will further discuss the arrangement of electric circuits and lamps for motion picture theatres,

THE FILM INDEX

PROJECTION DEPARTMENT

Problems of the Photoplay Operator Discussed and Questions Answered

Edited by Will C. Smith

LENSES.

Otto Lange, New York City, writes: — Would

like to know, if you can spare the space, what size lens I need to project a motion picture 9 feet by 12 feet at 7 2 feet? How can I figure out condensers and what size condensers would I need for the above picture?

Answer: — The size lens you would require for a picture 9 feet by 12 feet at 72 feet would be a ZVz B. P., or about 4% E. F. To figure the focal length of condensers pin a piece of white (paper on the wall and hold the condenser lens with the convex side to the paper and use a light or window as an object to focus, and move your condenser backward and forward until the im- age is sharp and distinct on the paper. Then measure from paper to the flat side of condenser and that will be the focal length of a single con- denser. Would refer you to the article on page 9 of The Film Index, dated December 31, 1910. This gives a diagram showing the exact way to focus a single condenser. The size condenser which should be used for a picture 9 feet by 12 feet at 72 feet would be two 7% focus conden- sers.

CONDENSER BREAKAGE.

H. O. Daly, Claremont, N. BT., writes: — How can I stop condensers from breaking? Using an Edison Model "B." Impossible to get a good spot without using a short carbon in lower jaw. What is the cause? Thanking you for any information.

Answer: — The breaking of condensers is usu- ually due to unequal expansion or contraction caused by sudden extreme changes in tempera- ture. Your condensers should set in your con- denser case (or cell) so as to have enough room for expansion or contraction. Also, there should be enough ventilation in the case (or cell) to allow the condensers to keep the same tempera- ture. You might try putting a small strip of as- bestos cord around the edge of condensers, so that the condensers do not come in contact with the metal in the case. This, I am sure, will help you. To get a good "Spot" you should see that your carbons are parallel to each other, and if you are working on Direct (D. C.) current the lower carbon should extend a little in ad- vance of the upper carbon so as to form the cra- ter properly. If you are working on Alternat- ing (A. C.) current be sure that your carbons are centered; that is, have them perpendicular so the current in passing through the carbons will travel more evenly. If you are working on Alternating (A. C.) current use two %-inch core carbons, and if set as suggested you should get a good spot. Would also advise you to move the lamphouse backward and forward so that it will eliminate the blue tinge that usually is formed around the spot when it is not set prop- erly.

LARGE PICTURE.

O. B. Lloyd, Detroit, Mich., writes: — Wish you would advise me through your column In The Film Index if it is possible for me to project a motion picture 40 feet by 48 feet?

Answer: — It would be impossible to project a motion picture 40 foot by 48 foot. It would be possible to project a picture 36 foot by 48 foot, but It is not practical. It would require much more amperes in order to get the proper illu- mination, and heavier carbons. Would like to

know the results accomplished with such a large picture.

CAM SHAFT.

Chris Weirich, Fort Scott, Kansas, writes: — I saw your column in The Film Index saying you would be glad to give all information per- taining to picture machines. I am now operat- ing a motiograph No. 1 model, 1909, and the trouble is that when the machine is operated at a medium speed it knocks, and the trouble seems to be around the intermittent sprocket. The sound is like that when the bottom loop becomes too small, but when the top loop is held with the fingers it seems to tighten the inter- mittent sprocket and you can make better time. I have tightened the bushings, but this does no good. I have asked several operators about this, but they can't locate it. I would appreciate it very much if you would help me out in your column of information.

Answer: — I take it from the tone of your in- quiry that the trouble is that the film kind of has a rebound when running, but just as soon as you hold the loop that beating (or rebound) seems to pass away. If this is the case, the way to eliminate it you will find on the cam shaft on the right-hand side, looking at the machine through the front after taking the front of the machine out (where lens is attached), a set collar with a little set screw that fits in a groove on the right-hand side of frame of machine. Loosen set screw and bring collar up to the side of machine, then tighten the set screw being very careful that head of the set screw fits in the groove. This, I am sure, will eliminate your trouble.

CORRECTION.

STORAGE BATTERY AND RHEOSTAT.

Stonington, Me., writes:— What volt rheostat could be used on special storage batterv voltage? Our storage battery on open circuit (while not charging stands at 75 to 80 volts. While In process of charg- ing (or in other words, while dynamo is running), which will be the conditions under which pictures are being shown, the voltage is 80 to 90 (average 85). The battery (volt meter) gives reading of 90 plus (even at times 100) when at the end of a charging a bub- bling of plates is produced. This settles down in a few minutes, after the generating (dynamo) current stops to 75 to 80 again.

Answer:— The rheostat that you would want to use for your specoal storage battery voltage is one 52- volt rheostat. Unless you have one made special you will find it rather hard to find a 52-volt rheostat, for the reason that there are only a few places that have the old 52-volt system still in existence, but by taking a 25-ampere adjustable 110-52-volt combina- tion rheostat and connecting one line from your lamp to the outside post of rheostat (left hand side) and connecting the other line from the inside post of rhe- ostat (right-hand side) to your switch and the other line from the lower lamp post to your switch, you will find. I think, that it will work very nicely. The out- side posts on rheostat are for 110 volts. Would like to hear further of this experiment as to the results accomplished. I am quite sure this style rheostat if connected properly will give you about 35 to 40 volts across the arc.

(This item, published in last week's issue, was incorrect on account of the dropping of a line of type. — Ed.)

AN ITEM OF INTEREST.

The writer has just been informed by the Brooklyn Edison Electric Light Company, that hereafter where moving picture machines are used and they have the three-wire system, 220 volts A. C. current, that all will be compelled to install a 220-volt economizer or induction, no more 110-volt economizers or inductors will be allowed in Brooklyn.

CHRISTMAS AT THE LINCOLN SQUARE.

Manager Ferguson Receives a Handsome Gold Watch from His Employees.

Christmas did not pass unobserved at the Lin- coln Square photoplay and vaudeville theatre, New York City, where Mr. Charles Ferguson is manager. On Saturday night, Dec. 24, after the close of the performance, the employees of the house called the popular manager on the stage where they presented him with a handsome gold watch and chain.

The presentation speech was made by Mr. Harry Jacoby, who, in well-chosen words, stated that every member of the house had gladly con- tributed towards the present, and all were glad to have an opportunity to show their apprecia- tion for the man who had always treated them on the square, and was always the first to do them a favor when needed.

In accepting the gift, Mr. Ferguson said he felt most greatful to his employees, and was sure there was not a theatre in the whole of New York city, who had a more loyal and bet- ter force of workers. All worked in harmony with the management and for the good of the patrons of the house. At the conclusion of his speech the orchestra played the "Star Spangled Banner."

Mr. Ferguson has been manager of the Lin- coln Square photoplay and vaudeville theatre for over a year, and under his management the the- atre has become one of the most popular along Broadway. He also has a well-selected staff of assistants, which adds to the popularity of the house.

MAYOR RUNS THEATRE ON SUNDAY

Painesville's Chief Executive Defies Prosecuting Attorney to Arrest Him for Running Passion Play

Mayor J. B. Burrows of Painesville, O., ex- circuit judge, became temporarily, on Dec. 11, a theatrical manager as the result of a legal controversy with Prosecuting Attorney E. F. B'lakely.

The motion picture shows in Painesville have never been operated on Sunday before Dec. 11, when "The Passion Play" was given at the Star theatre owned by J. H. Kennedy. Kennedy several days ago secured permission from Mayor Burrows to produce the religious film. Late Saturday he was advised by the prosecuting at- torney not to attempt to open his theatre as it might mean his arrest.

The prosecutor had received several com- plaints regarding the Sunday opening, follow- ing Manager Kennedy's announcements. After the interview with Mr. Blakely, Manager Ken- nedy went to the mayor and informed him that he would not open the theatre as he feared the action of the authorities. The mayor advised him to show just the same but when Kennedy declined, the mayor offered to lease the theatre for the day and take the chance of arrest him- self.

Miss Helen Harper, a Cleveland singer, at present employed at the theatre, offered to share the lease with the mayor and the performance was given to a packed house both afternoon and evening. The mayor announced that all the profit of the performances would go to the local Salvation army. No attempt was made to make arrests.

Mayor Burrows asserts that the theatre has a perfect legal right to open under the state law and particularly so when a religious subject is exhibited. Whether an attempt will be made to make arrests later remains to be seen.

THE FILM INDEX

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The Leading Motion Picture Producer qft/ie World

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Shadows of the Past

A Tale of the Old Fashioned South during the Interesting Days of I 858

GET ON OUR MAILING

Length, r about 1000 Feet Code Word, PAST

Robust Patient9

AIM EXHILARATING COMEDY

USE SEEIG PO^TERi

"The Rival Dramatist"

Jan. 12th

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OR

"Cock A Doodle Doo"

A Burlesque on the Reigning French Dramatic Craze That Has Attracted International Interest

" It is the martial bird of morn, Brave Chanticleer, the vocal lighthouse of the Daun ! " Length, about 1000 feet Code Word, DOODLE

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THE FILM INDEX

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MANUFACTURERS' BULLETINS

Advance Descriptions of Licensed Subjects

CALENDAR OF THE WEEK'S LICENSED RELEASES

MONDAY, JAN. 2, 1911-4 REELS

BIOORAPH — The Two Paths, drama, 992. LUBIN — Art and the Legacy, com.-dra., 950. PATHE — The Misplaced Petticoat, comedy, 790.

Butch Kids, scenic, 197. SELIG — The Argonauts, drama, 1000.

TUESDAY, JAN. 3, 1911—4 REELS

EBISON — In the Bays of Chivalry, drama, 1000. ESSANAY — The Redeemed Criminal, drama, 1000.

GAUMONT (Kleine) — The Artist's Pay Bay, farce, 969.

VITAGRAPH — All Is Fair in Love and War, comedy, 973.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 4, 1911-4 REELS

EBISON — Sleep, Gentle Sleep, comedy, 990. KALEM — The Bolted Boor, drama, 975. PATHE — The Cowboy's Innocence, drama, 994. URBAN (Kleine) i — A Lock of Hair, drama, 978.

THURSDAY, JAN. 5, 1911—4 REELS

BIOGRAPH — When a Man Loves, com.-dra., 998.

LI" BIN — His Last Parade, drama, 390. A Mix in Masks, comedy. 600.

SELIG — Ramona's Father, drama, 1000. ME LIES — The Crimson Scars, drama, and Fire! Fire! Fire!, comedy, 980.

FRIDAY, JAN. 6, 1911 -4 REELS

EBISON — The Fire Bepartment of New York

City, Bescriptlve, 400. A Western Night, comedy, 600. KALEM — The Runaway Engine, drama, 955. PATHE — An Intrigue, drama, 994. VITAGRAPH — The Misses Finch and Their

Nephew Billy, comedy, 979.

SATURDAY, JAN. 7, 1911—4 REELS

RSSANAY — The Count and the Cowboys, com- edy, 1000.

GAUMONT (Kleine) — The Woman Wins, com- edy, 945.

PATHE — Love Under Bifflculties, comedy, 781.

The Funeral of Count Tolstoi, topical, 220. VITAGRAPH — The Old Water Jar, Indian drama. 984.

BIOGRAPH CO.

"THE TWO PATHS." — As we start out on life's journey two pathways lie out before us, the rosy path of pleasure and the thorny path of toil. The maxim reads: "All roads lead to Rome," but these two roads lead to widely divergent points. On the path of pleas- ure we are titillated by the velvet brush of the rose and intoxicated by its perfume until at the awakening we find ourselves morally, mentally and physically debilitated. On the other path, where all is real, we by the trials of toil are kept morally awake and made to realize that pleasure does not bring happiness but peace of conscience will. This truth is clearly verified in this Biograph subject telling the story of two. sisters who traveled diverging roads. Florence and Nellie are dressmakers, sewing to eke out an existence. A wealthy woman calls for a gown they have just finished. She is accompanied by an uncon-

scionable profligate, who, tempting the girls in turn, points out the "easy way." Nellie spurns him, but Florence hearkens to his persuasions and accompanies him to where all is pleasure. He brings her to his mansion, a palace of pleasure during a bacchanalian orgie. She at once becomes obsessed with the spirit of revelry and is swept on to the inevitable goal, the morass of moral indifference. Nellie, however, is content in the house of toil and "She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff," marrying her honest, manly sweetheart, receiving as the years roll on the greatest of God's blessings, a family of three children. How terrible is the one's fate in contrast with the other's. Steeped in the toxin of gaiety she goes down, down until there is no chance for retreat. She, up to now, the toy of the tempter, grows unattractive to him and he unceremoniously discards her, putting her out to shift as best she can. An outcast, she now realizes the reward of worldli- ness, "For her home inclineth unto death and her path unto the dead." Hence, in the squalor of her hovel death comes and she has reached the inevitable. Nellie has been guided by the Proverb, "The path of the just is as a shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." We realize the result of this as we leave the happy little family sitting by their fireside.

"WHEN A MAN LOVES." — Love smooths out all wrinkles and makes the whole world good-natured. The man in love is never possessed of a grouch, for love and ill humor will not chum together in the same make up. Hence it was that when Mr. Bach was stricken with the tender passion, he was ripe for any extreme of generosity. Mr. Bach, now a wealthy man, visits the scenes of his boyhood days in his auto and meets farmer Brown, his boyhood friend. Brown is the father of a very pretty daughter named Tessie. Bach becomes deeply smitten with the artless little country lass, and secretly hopes to win her. Tessie, however, has a host of admirers in the little village, the favored one being John Watson. John is a bit superior to the other fellows of the neighborhood. He reads novels and has a good line of persuasive talk with which to embellish his suit for Tessie's heart, and he is successful, to the violent perturba- tion of the other swains. Now Tessie is of course pleased with the notice bestowed on her by the rich bachelor, but her heart is true to John. A few days later, Mr. Bach, lovelorn, revisits the homestead. His presence stirs John up to deeds of determination. In this frame of mind he seeks Tessie and plans to elope that very night. He will be beneath her win- dow with a ladder. Mr. Bach, to remain at the home- stead, uses the subterfuge that his auto has become disabled and would like to spend the night with his old friend Brown. Brown is delighted, for he has discerned the attention Tessie has exerted. To accom- modate Mr. Bach, Tessie is put out of her own room by her father and the room given to Mr. Bach. Oh! Horror! This spoils the plans for the elopement. Curse the luck! Poor Tessie is locked in the adjoin- ing room out of reach of John. John arrives beneath the window, and calls "Sweetheart, I am waiting," repeating it a number of times. He cannot under- stand why he does not get an answer, so throws sev- eral pebbles through the window. At length, growing impatient, he places the ladder and climbs into the window, encountering the astounded Mr. Bach, who, mistaking him for one of those sinister intruders, a burglar, is about to throw him out, when he explains the situation. This is very odious news to Bach, but as "all the world loves a lover,' his heart softens and he consents to aid the couple in their flight. In other words, he leads the wedding march by piling them into his auto and speeding to the nearest minis- ter's abode. Brown soon learns of his daughter's escape from the room in which he locked her, and fearing the very thing that is happening, starts out in pursuit in a buggy, arriving at the minister's just too late to forbid the banns, but in time to give his paternal blessing to Mr. and Mrs. John Watson.

EDISON MFG. CO.

"IN THE DAYS OF CHIVALRY."— Here is a fascin- ating story of love far older than this country of ours, dating back long before the discovery of America, and yet so sweet and fresh that it is as absorbing as any modern tale could possibly be. Those who have read the quaint verses telling this story of Aucassin and Nicolette will rejoice in the glories of this film, and will feel that two of the world's sweetest lovers have almost been brought back to life to re-enact their true love tale. And those who are not familiar with the quaint old verses will still be able to enjoy the splendid pageant of knights and ladies and life and love which it embodies. The story concerns itself with the trials through which these two young lovers pass and over which their sweet love triumphs.

It begins with the rescue of a beautiful captive maiden from a band of his own soldiers by the son

of the reigning duke. He brings the girl to his and asks that he be allowed to wed her. And here their troubles begin. The maiden is incontinently cast into a dungeon by the irate father, despite the pleas of the young man, but she escapes by means of a rope which she makes from torn up strips of the blanket that covers her rude bed. In the meantime, the young man has made a bargain with his father; he will lead the old man's forces against the enemy on the con- dition that if he comes back triumphant he may have the girl of his choice. He does come back triumphant and with a royal captive.

We see him approach the castle, the drawbridge is lowered and the father comes out to meet his son. But when he learns that the battle has been won and that the son has kept his part of the bargain he still refuses to fulfil his part, and a quarrel ensues be- tween them. The young man is put into close con- finement by the old duke and only released when news comes that the captive girl has escaped. Then, feel- ing that she is out of the way, the father betrothes the young man against his will to a princess, but the youth slips away from the betrothal ceremony, and mounting his fleet white horse, rides off across the country in search of the little lady of his heart's desire. Of course he finds her, in a bower of flowers in the woods, and then they take ship for other lands. But the pirates attack them and carry away the girl, and when the battle is over the young duke knows not where to search for her. He returns disconsolate to his ancestral home to find his father dead and himself become the ruling duke.

Meantime the girl has been taken by the pirates to the court of Carthage. There she is recognized as the long lost daughter of the king of that country. Once more a parent tries to o'errule Cupid, and the little maiden is unwillingly betrothed to a suitor provided by her father. But she has not forgotten her faithful lover in other lands, and borrowing the suit of a harper, she escapes from her father's court and wanders through the lands, playing her way and singing to the natives, till she reaches the castle of Biaucaire, where the new duke reigns. The final scene shows the reunion of the lovers and will long be remembered by all who are fortunate enough to see this beautiful film.

As a production it will take rank with the most ambitious and brilliant of American film dramas, and should add new laurels to the Edison company's con- stantly increasing list. The acting is dignified and brilliantly spirited, and the photography beyond criti- cism. It will undoubtedly be considered the art film of the month.

"SLEEP, GENTLE SLEEP."— A young married man receives an invitation to a smoker. It is his desire to accept the invitation and attend the smoker, but his young wife is equally desirous to keep him at home. After pouting a while she conceives the idea of putting a sleeping powder into his table wine, hoping that he will fall asleep and thus be prevented from going to the smoker. By a strange coincidence the young husband hits upon the same plan and puts a sleeping powder into her tea, so that he may be sure to attend the smoker without interference. The result is that they both fall sound asleep.

During the night a hungry tramp gains access to the house through a window. While searching the larder for something to eat he finds the bottle of table wine containing the sleeping powder. It looks good to him and he helps himself to a goodly portion, and is soon fast asleep in the dining room. The following morning when the housemaid enters the dining room to perform her duties she almost stumbles over the sleeping tramp and is nearly frightened out of her wits. She screams loudly for help, which brings a policeman on the run. Arousing the young husband and his wife, she promptly faints. Amidst great con- fusion the policeman arrives and arrests the tramp for trespassing. The young couple now see the funny side of the sleeping powder joke and have a good laugh over it.

This film is full of laughs all the way through, for the fun starts at the very beginning and never lags for a moment.

"THE FIRE DEPARTMENT OF NEW YORK CITY." —Following our recent release of "The Police Force of New York City," we take pleasure in presenting a film showing the work and training of the firemen. Nothing is more interesting to all of us than the fight- ers of fire in a great city. Whose blood does not tin- gle as he hears the clank of the bell and stands one side to let the engine go dashing pastf And if he is privileged to see the work of the firemen at close range, has he not something to talk about and think of for a long time?

All this we see in the picture, besides the practice work of the men in putting up and ascending scal- ing ladders, descending the life ropes and jumping into the life nets. Most interesting of all are the

THE FILM INDEX

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Jan. 5, 191 I

THE CRIMSON SCARS

The story of a sweet, stagestruck girl, who, through heroic action, win? a place in stardom.

FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!

A rip roaring comedy dealing with suffragettes BOTH ON ONE REEL Length About 980 Feet

Jan. 12, 191 I

THE

OWNER OF THE "L. L. RANCH"

As fine a drama of Western life as it is possiblo to imagine. The owner of the "L. L." is a peach and she knows how to handle herself and the boys. She means business and so does this picture.

Length About 980 Feet

We hive Posters, too Write us for them if your Exchange does not supply you.

G. NIELIES, 204 East 38th Street, New York City

WESTERN REPRESENTATIVE, JOHN B. ROCK, 100 RANDOLPH STREET, CHICAGO, ILL.

views of the Are boats in operation at the close of the picture. One of these boats, with all streams in operation, is like a gigantic flower pot. the sight being wonderfully beautiful and impressive.

New York city is justly proud of its efficient Fire Department, and people in all parts of the world will be glad to make the acquaintance of the intrepid fire-laddies on the motion picture screen.

"A WESTERN NIGHT."— This film, in a way, is a tribute to the chivalry of the man of the West. The quaint comedy deals with a type of man who is as uncouth, coarse and rugged as the mountains that surround him. He is little versed in the ways of polite society, but beneath his rugged exterior and coarse language there is a heart of sterling quality. This picture might well be called "A Picture of Contrast," for we have all the feminine charms and dainty womanliness of a young girl of culture and breeding placed beside the coarse, rough Western cowboy.

At the opening of the picture we are introduced to this little lady of quality in her Eastern home, sur- rounded by all the luxury and wealth that one could wish for. She has been invited by her uncle and aunt to spend a few weeks with them in their West- ern ranch house. The offer appeals to her, and she accepts the invitation, but not without some fear and hesitation as to the trip, for she finds that she will be compelled to pass a night alone in a Western town. However, she decides to take the journey and proceeds upon her way.

We see her arriving in a Western town, alighting from the old stage coach and escorted into a typical Western hotel. After being shown to a room that has anything but an inviting appearance, she promptly sets to work barricading the door from all intruders. Wrapping herself in a lap robe, she proceeds to wait for the morning light before continuing on her jour- ney. Scarcely has she become settled before the room next door to her is occupied by a typical Western man. She can hear the rattle of spurs, the coarse language and his demands for whiskey. Her heart is all a-tremble, visions of being murdered creep into her mind, and at every sound she is thrown into a spasm of fear; while the fact of the matter is that her rough neighbor is simply proceeding to retire for the night in his usual brisk manner.

At last, worn out with fear and fright, the girl decides to peek through the keyhole and ascertain how dangerous her terrible neighbor really is. Im- agine her surprise when she finds the boisterous "Knight of the Plains" kneeling beside his bed and offering up his nightly prayer to his Maker. Soon all the fears of the night have folded their tents like the Arabs and silently stolen away, and she is sound asleep and on her way to Dreamland.

A dainty little comedy picture with an artistically charming finish.

SELIG POLYSCOPE CO.

"THE ARGONAUTS."— In a lonely spot near the grave of their mother, Bob and Betty condole in silence with each other over the loss of the one sure friend they had in the world. Soon back in their little home Bob reads an article in the paper about the wild excitement in the Sierras over gold and makes up his mind to go. Sister Betty decides to don boys clothes and go, too.

They are seen boarding a Sacramento River steamer in San Francisco Bay, being watched by gamblers, who lay in wait for a prospective victim to board the boat. While Bob and his little brother (?) Betty- are enjoying the breezes of the deck they are ap- proached by Wilson, one of the card sharks, and are invited to the bar-room for a drink. Much to the displeasure of Betty, who- only accepted in order that she might not direct any suspicion or discovery that she was Bob's sister and not his brother. A card game is proposed, and, as previously arranged between the gamblers, a marked deck is used. The game ends in Bob being wounded by Morton, one of the designing gamblers. Betty faints in the excite-

ment and in their effort to revive her James Wads- worth, who had proposed the game, discovers her sex and summons one of the ship's matrons to care for her. Bob's wound is dressed and found not serious. Wadsworth learns the young girl is Bob's sister. As she appears in girl's attire she is introduced to him and a new light dawns. The cards are thrown away and he decides upon a better life.

The arrival at the camp, the stage office, and their departure on the last leg of their journey. Arriv- ing at the end of their trip the search for gold is on in earnest. At last they succeed in locating a find on Rocky Hill, where operations are begun and as time quickly passes the friendship of new made friends ripens into love and Wadsworth secures the consent of Bob to wed Betty, thus ending a beautiful story of love and romance delightfully pictured in scenic grandeur of the Sierras.

"RAMONA'S FATHER."— This picture has for its background the scenes of beautiful California and the picturesque missions, both exterior and interior views. Ned, an English sailor, buys tortillas from the Indian girl Mojella and as she cannot give him change from the dollar which he hands her, he returns the tortillas. Her father seeing this becomes an- gered at the loss of the sale and strikes the girl. Ned at the injustice, knocks the father down, thus making a deadly foe.

At a ball Ned is dancing with Rosaria, a beautiful Mexican donna, who hands him a rose, which he accepts. According to Spanish custom, the giving of the rose means betrothal, of which Ned has no knowledge. Don Cristobal, an ardent admirer of Ro- saria, witnessed the scene and he at once decides to do away with his rival. He engages the Indian, Mojella's father, to kill Ned, but the plot is over- heard by Mojella. She warns Ned, but he does not pay heed and as he leaves he is followed by the Indian. Mojella also follows, but comes too late to save Ned, whom she finds with an arrow in his back. She at once hastens to the missions for aid and the kind padres bring him to the missions on a litter. Here he is nursed back to heal by Mojella.

One day he is visited by Rosaria, who claims him, but as he had no knowledge of the Spanish custom, he repudiates her. She leaves him. determined on revenge. Don Cristobal serenades her and she says she will marry him, providing he kills Ned. This Don Cristobal agrees to do. While Ned is walking along amongst the cliffs he is roped by Don Cristobal, and as he is pulling the rope, it is cut by Mojella, who comes on the scene unexpectedly. Don Cristobal then goes for Ned with a knife— Mojella throws her- self in front of him and receives the stab. Ned nrw masters the situation, binds Don Cristobal and brings him and also the wounded Mojella to the missions. The tables are now turned— Mojella is nursed by Ned and accidentally he finds himself much in love with her and they are married.

The last scene shows them in front of their home, with a little baby in their arms— the little Ramona.

The plot is carried out exceedingly clever and this, together with the excellent photography and beautiful surroundings, makes the picture one of exceptional qualities.

LUBIN MFG. CO.

"ART AND THE LEGACY."— Carl Mayfield and Alice Bennett were artists. That is, they had studios and dabbled with colors on canvas and hoped, sbme time, to make Rembrandt and Raphael iook like "pikers."

Carl's father was the head of a big steel mill and Carl could have a job at $5,000 a year any time he gave up painting. The young people took their paint- ings to a dealer named Fleecum, who demanded a commission of T>0 per cent on all he sold. But he never sold any and so didn't get rich on their com- missions. Then Alice, one day, received $200, a legacy from an aunt. She was just about to rush to Carl's studio with it when she thought of a better plan. She hurried to Fleecum's shop and bought one

of Carl's daubs for $200, swearing Fleecum to strict secrecy. In due time Carl received a check for $100, the price of his picture less Fleecum's commission. Of course, he thought he was hot on the trail of Rembrandt and Raphael and was about to hurry to Alice's studio and show her the check. But he re- flected that she would be disappointed because none of her paintings had been sold. So he went to Flee- cum's and bought one of her pictures for $100 and in due time she received her share, $50. Carl hap- pened to be there when the money came and en- joyed her delight. As soon as she could slip away to Fleecum's she bought another of Carl's masterpieces for $50 and Carl, of course, received $25, which he immediately invested in one of her pictures.

Eventually they discovered each other's subterfuge. By that time the legacy had dwindled to $(>.25. which was Carl's share of a painting that Alice had bought for $12.50. At the same time a letter arrived from Carl's father offering him, for the last time, a posi- tion at the steel mills at $5,000 a year. Then Carl and Alice woke up and decided to let Rembrandt and Raphael keep their laurels. Carl wired his accept- ance of the position, "Coming tomorrow with Jiy wife."

"HIS LAST PARADE."— The veteran lies on his bed and he is sick unto death. The family and nurses have left him alone for a moment to see the Grand Army parade which is passing. The martial notes of the fife and drum corps are heard in the distance. As they come nearer they reach the ears of the old sol- dier. He rouses. The expression of his face changes as he thinks of the happy days that the music re- calls to his memory — the days of '61, when he was a young man and marched lightly away with his com- rades to the war. He moves, gets out of bed and totters to the window. He stands there a moment, solemnly saluting the Stars and Stripes as they go by.

The effort weakens him and he staggers back to bed. But he doesn't lose interest in the parade. Suddenly there is the boom of a cannon fired close at hand. The veteran is unable to resist any longer. He man- ages to get into his blue uniform and stealthily leaves the house. Next we see the Grand Army pa- rade—hundreds of the boys in blue marchin" nast with the old banners and ensigns, the battle-scarred flags. Here comes the veteran, marching with the rest, bravely trying to keep up in spite of physical weak- ness, and then, suddenly, he drops. Comrades rush to his assistance. His face is bright with the light of patriotism, but his strength is nearly gone. Gent- ly they assist him home, where he is put to bed. And in the midst of his family, surrounded by comrades and covered by the flag he loved so well he answers his final "taps."

"A MIX IN MASKS."— The Thompsons and their daughter Nellie had been invited to a masquerade party. The mother and father decided not to go, (Continued on page 18.)

i6

THE FILM INDEX

"VI TAG RAPH.

"LIFE PORTRAYALS"

"All's Fair in Love and War"

TUESDAY, JANUARY 3rd

The teacher exercises her prerogative by ad- ministering a spanking to Johnny, starting a con- flict at the seat of war in which Johnny, with the assistance of a few friends, proves himself to be a better general than she is and helps her defeat herself in making love to a desirable old beau.

THE MISSES FINCH"

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6th

Four old maids against one small boy are pretty big odds, but one little head beats four of a kind when it comes to putting old maid notions into that one little normal head and trying to bring him up as a girl-boy. He leads them a merry chase, has the time of his life, and turns the laugh on them every time, to the enjoyment of everybody.

THE VITAGRAPH COMPANY OF AMERICA {

NEW YORK, 116 Nassau Street CHICAGO, 109 Randolph Street LONDON, 25 Cecil Court

PARIS, 15 Rue Sainte-CecHe

THE FILM INDEX

»7

VITAGRAPH.

"LIFE PORTRAYALS

"THE OLD WATER JAR"

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7th

This is a life and soul portrayal. An old Indian haunted by his sins, repents, implores and receives the forgiveness of the Great Spirit, who guides him safely into the happy hunting grounds to dwell with all good Indians who have gone before him.

NEXT WEEK

"Dr. Cupid

Tuesday, January 10th

A lovesick swain and a lovesick maid are opposed by the maid's irate parent. She grows sicker, the young fellow imper- sonates a physician, by name, Dr. Cupid, and with one touch of his hand and the magnetism of his presence produces a magic cure and remedies the old gentleman's indisposition.

66

Water Lily" LrLty;y .3,h

Flowers are often the language of love. She loves the water lilies and so does he. He becomes blind; they say love is blind, but it finds a way of leading her to him, and she acts as his guide through life.

"Coward or Hero"

January 14th

Timid as a boy, brave and stalwart as a man. He fears dan- ger but never flinches when it comes to the crucial test of real courage and self-sacrifice. Greater heroism was never known than giving one's life for another. A thrilling incident of a Pennsyl- vania coal mine disaster.

rS

THE FILM INDEX

u

IVI

o

IM

IM

KOSMIK F~l

THREE FEATURE

LENGTHS

"The Artist's Pay Day"

THIS WEEK

GAUMONT

Tuesday Jan. 3,1911 About 972 feet

CURRENT RELEASES

are described at length on another page of this issue.

GAUMONT

Saturday Jan. 7, 1911 About 945 feet

A Comedy Drama

ECLIPSE Wednesday, January 4, 1911 About 978 feet

"The Woman Wins"

A Confirmed Bachelor Changes His Views

POSTERS

in four colors for each reel. 15c. is the price.

"A LOCK OF HAIR"

In which a child's wit prevents a disastrous misunderstanding between her parents

GEORGE KLEINE,

52 STATE STREET CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

A IM

ADVANCE DESCRIPTIONS

will be mailed free to any ad- dress.

MANUFACTURERS' BULLETIN.

(Continued from page 15.)

but had no objection to their daughter going with her friend Jack. Nellie and Jack decided to wear a Spanish costume. Just before starting for the party they came in to say good-bye to Nellie's parents. Now, Mr. Thompson loved a joke, and no sooner were the young folks gone than he broached a little plan to his wife whereby they would have some fun. She agreed with great pleasure. In accordance with this plan they ordered duplicates of the young people's costumes. As they were about the same size as Nel- lie and Jack they were exact pictures of them after they were dressed in the Spanish costumes. So off they went to the party, where they took good care not to be seen by Jack and Nellie. Then, when

joined her and, of course Then Jack met Nellie's no of course, he thought it to steal a kiss and, of t

noments, her father hought he was Jack, in another room and, lellie. Jack ventured the supposed Nellie objected. That didn't "go" very well with Jack and he started his part of a lover's quarrel. Meantime, the real Nellie was rather provoked because the sup- posed Jack was so cold. She began to suspect that he didn't love her and all that sort of thing. There's no telling what might have happened if the two cou- ples hadn't met — to the mutual astonishment of both Jack and Nellie. They all unmasked, enjoyed a good laugh and the young folks had to admit that the joke was on them. A pretty comedy full of sparkling fun.

GAUMONT.

(George Kleine.)

"THE ARTIST'S PAY DAY."— A young art student is loitering in his studio in company of his model, when suddenly the bell rings. It is the landlord's servant, who calls for the rent. As the student has no money in his pocket, he tells the man to call again at 4 o'clock. In rapid succession come many collec- tors, to whom the painter gives the same answer.

He now goes out with some of his pictures which he tries to sell. During his absence, a robber comes in, and as he sees no one, he is making a futile search for valuables when somebody knocks at the door. Trapped, he ventures all, gets into the paint- er's clothes and opens the door. An aristocratic lady comes in and gives him a letter which reads: "My dear friend.

"This is to introduce you to Miss Menette of the Variety; will you paint her portrait? We will settle the terms at our next meeting.

"Yours sincerely, HENRY."

The robber having to become a painter is obliged to make the desired portrait, but before beginning, he asks the young lady to remove her jewels, saying it will be more artistic. Immediately the lady re- moves the jewels and gives them to the painter, who puts them in his pocket.

At four o'clock the bell rings; the landlord has come for his money, the robber in order not to be troubled, pays the bill with the lady's money with- out opening the door and he again takes up his sketching, but soon another person rings the bell, another collector. Our painter pays the bill. Then he proposes to go out for a walk, the invitation is accepted immediately.

On their way out, they meet with the third col- lector. To get rid of him, he pays again with the lady's money.

Then the real painter comes back rather depressed because he did not sell his pictures. He is first as- tonished and then overjoyed to find his bills receipted in his pockets.

"THE WOMAN WINS."— Miss Catherine's neighbor is an old bachelor named Durand, who hates women. One day, Bertha and Alice, Catherine's nieces, were playing ball, and owing to a misdirected throw, the ball went into the bachelor's garden.

They want to recover the ball, but when entering the garden, the owner rebukes them in a most un- gallant manner and gets so furious that in his anger, he stumbles and breaks his leg.

In spite of himself, Catherine and her nieces carry him to his bed, Catherine remains and nurses him.

When he gets up they bring him a lot of dainties and cook delicious dishes for him.

Gradually, Durand becomes reconciled, loses his stupid hate and falls in love with Catherine. Finally, he makes up his mind to ask her to be his wife, but at the last moment his heart fails him. Catherine then retires, leaving him alone with Alice. He whispers in the young girl's ear a message for her aunt. She bursts into laughter and runs to Catherine to fulfil her mission.

Durand regrets his action and takes his hat and goes home, giving up the project. Catherine, informed of his intentions, encouraged his proposal of marriage.

URBAN-ECLIPSE.

(George Kleine.)

"A LOCK OF HAIR."— A story acted most convinc- ingly, in which a child's quick wit prevents a disas- trous misunderstanding between her parents. A false friend of the husband's makes advances to the wife, which she indignantly repels. In a rage, the traitor plots to bring about suspicion between the pair. He persuades a lady to give him a lock of her hair; this he places in his friend's pocket and sends an anonymous note to the wife, telling her to examine her husband's pocketbook if she wants to know the truth. The result is a violent quarrel between hus- band and wife and their child, awakened from sleep by their recriminations, slips downstairs when they have gone out and finds the anonymous note and lock of hair.

A way out suggests itself to her. She substitutes one of her own locks, and in the morning with en- gaging innocence, lets it be known that the lock is hers and that she put it in the pocketbook as "a sur- prise for father." The clouds of distrust roll away and the villain, of whose advances the wife tells her husband, comes in to find his plot has failed and creeps away shamefacedly, his comrade's reproaches in his ears.

VITAGRAPH CO.

"ALL IS FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR."— Two maiden ladies, sisters, keep a private school and have trou- bles of their own in teaching the young ideas how to shoot. Mattie, an orphan niece of theirs, is full of mischief and comes under the especial notice and correction of Letitia, the younger of the school "marms," who has an evident grudge against her young niece.

Mattie makes up her mind to get even with her hor-

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rid aunt for the chastisement she has suffered and communicates her intention to her young playmate and beau, Johnny. They put their heads together and interest Mattie's cousin and his young wife in their plan and with their assistance write two letters, one to Letitia ia. the name of a spruce old bachelor, who is very much smitten by her and another letter over the name of Letitia to the old "Bach," for whom the school teacher has a sneaking regard; these letters ask for a meeting and make an appointment at different Dlaces for the tryst.

Here comes Miss Letitia all dressed in her best to meet her gay old admirer— "at the arch," that's what the letter said. He is not there; she waits and waits. Rain begins to fall and then pour. She can wait no longer. "She won't! He is a base deceiver." Let him dare place himself in her way and she will "cut him dead," these are the thoughts running through her mind.

While she is impatiently waiting, he is doing like- wise in the grove. The rain dampens his ardor and penetrates his rheumatic joints until he is obliged to flee in a dreadfully disturbed and disappointed condition of mind.

Mattie now beholds her revenge and we do, too, when we see Letitia sick in bed with a heavy cold and the old beau, soaking his feet and imbibing a hot draught. She reports the success of their trick to Johnny and he is as pleased as she is. The plo' thickens. Here comes Letitia from one direction and the old masher from the opposite direction. They meet, look daggers at each other and never speak as they pass by. Mattie and Johnny perform a war dance as they laugh and shout "Revenge!"

"THE MISSES FINCH AND THEIR NEPHEW BILLY." — Four Finches, listen to their names and count them: Priscilla, Prudence, Patricia and Pa- tience, old maids, every one, old enough to know bet- ter, but they just can't help it. They live alone, there's an obvious reason, and invite no foreign inter- ference. They have a brother Ned, who has a bright and active son whom he decides to send to his sis- ters for a two weeks' visit.

He comes and he makes things lively for his four fussy old aunts. He puts vinegar in their tea, prods them with a pin at the table and keeps them guessing all the time. They are funny, finicky freaks of fem- ininity that furnish a heap of fun and amusement for their nephew and everyone who sees them.

The maidenly quartette take Billy out for a quiet row and he conspires with the jolly old tar at the

oars to rock the boat and give the "girls" a scare. They are panic-stricken, overturn the boat and are soon floundering and sputtering about in the water.

They are rescued by a crew from a motor boat lay- ing nearby, taken on board, comfortably tucked in the berths and served with hot broth while their clothes are hung on the yacht's railing to dry. Billy gets into a man's size suit of clothes, sees the belongings of his aunts, and dumps them overboard.

The ladies are in a pretty mess. It is getting dark and they are obliged to put on male clothing and go home in coats and trousers like a masquerade party. Hold your sides and let her titter, the shapes, forms, figures of these four animated racks are enough to convulse a statue into fits of laughter.

"THE OLD WATER JAR."— Pau Puk, an old Indian, views with pride his handiwork on the old water jar, recording some of the striking events of his past life, and these afford him his only diversion, for he is shunned by his people, even the little children avoid him and his heart seems to be embittered against all mankind.

While studying the pictures on the jar, he suddenly realizes that he is -a. bad Indian and as he beholds each picture and the scene is re-enacted in his own mind, his conscience troubles him and he tries to shut out the visions from his mind's eye.

First he beholds himself gambling with a fellow brave with whom he duels and kills. The next picture he sees himself playing false to an Indian maiden. He looks upon the third picture, where he scalps a help- less soldier, then he glances at himself killing an innocent child in the attack on a family of pioneer immigrants. In terror he tries to flee from the con- sciousness of this horrible deed, covers the old water jar with his blanket and penitently prays to the Great Spirit for forgiveness and feels the tender influence of the divine breath of pardon. Filled with inspira- tion, he takes up the old water jar and paints in the last panel, a picture of the sacred guardian of the soul. Reverently and admiringly he gazes intently on this, his final record and his masterpiece. Weak in body, strong in spirit and purified in soul, he rises in attitude of supplication, but falls dying into the arms of a brother, surrounded by his people. He smilingly beholds a vision of the Great Spirit beckoning him to the "happy hunting grounds."

PATHE~FRERES.

"THE MISPLACED PETTICOAT."— Mr. Stingy is away from home for a few days on business, receives

an urgent wire from his wife to return at once; she is of a jealous temperament and feels uneasy during his absence.

Thereupon, Mr. Siingy, smiling at the ingenuousness of the message, packs his bag and prepares to depart. Unluckily for him, he refuses to tip the bellboy and the chambermaid, and they, having discovered the telegram, stuff a frilly petticoat, adorned with a clus- ter of ribbons into his portmanteau as an act of revenge. The petticoat belongs to a barrister's wife, who leaves the hotel (without missign her property) at the same time as Mr. Stingy.

The effect caused by the finding of the petticoat by Mrs. Stingy in her husband's bag is all that the two servants could desire, and after two or three hours' hysterics, Mrs. Stingy declares she will have a divorce.

Accordingly, we next see her consulting a lawyer, who happens to be none other than the husband of

the owner of the petticoat, which is produced as evi- dence by Mrs. Stingy. She is dilating upon her wrongs when the lawyer's wife enters, recognizes the petticoat, and innocent of the compromising effect of her words, claims it as her own. Then and there is another scene; the lawyer between the intervals of tearing his hair, demands to be shown Mr. Stingy, and when that gentleman, summoned in haste by his wife, appears to refute the charges against him, some hard words and a few cuffs are exchanged, whilst

THE FILM INDEX

EDISON FILMS

Tuesday, Jan. I Oth

The Test of Friendship

A genuine Edison thriller. . The action takes place about a twenty story building in process of con- struction from the top of which the workmen are shown descending to lunch. On the 20th story a des- perate fight takes place and a most sensational rescue is effected of a man suspended hundreds of feet above the ground.

Wednesday, Jan. I Ith

The Home of the Seal

OFF THE COAST OF PERO

Remarkable views of seals at high tide off the rocky coasts of the Palominas Islands, Peru, together with beautiful water effects of the (lashing waves combine to make this a wonderfully interesting scenic picture.

The Gardener's Ladder

(ON ONE REEL)

This is an exceptionally good film of high class comedy, showing how ridiculous one can make himself by being too rash and jumping at conclusions. While it provokes mirth in abundance it teaches a lesson

Friday, Jan. 13th

The Link That Held

A beautifully simple story telling of a young wife whose pretty head had been turned by reading ro- mantic novels. The chain of her domestic life is near the breaking point but the love for her little girl is the " link that held," and she is saved before she has gone too far. Abounding in the touches of hu- man nature that grip the heart.

Our Next Release by REX BEACH-" WITH INTEREST TO DATE "-Don't Fail to Dook It

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90 WABASH AVENUE, CHICAGO, ILL.

primitive nature also gains the upper hand in the ease ot the ladies.

However, when the first excitement has somewhat abated, an effort is made to disentangle the im- broglio, and in the end the whole party adjourns to the hotel.

Mr. Stingy, who is the most mystified of the four,

waving pennants, and the mass of muslin bonnets

like a field of white fragile flowers, form a thor- oughly enjoyable and goodly sight.

The boys, too, win our hearts with their dabbling

in the water, and the ingenious way in which they

will rig up a sail on their sabots to make service- able and seaworthy toy boats.

boys. They start in pursuit, while she dashes off to Bob and tells him her story. Bob arrives at the spot first, in time to grapple with the Mexican, and after a struggle both fall over the cliff, but manage to hang on to a ledge. The cowboys then, after a great ride through typical western country, come up. They throw a lassoo under Bob's arm and draw him up,

opens a cross-fire of questions upon the bellboy right in the middle of the vestibule. The bellboy, however, stubbornly refuses to open his mouth until his palm has been well greased, and although it is a hard blow to Mr. Stingy, he is obliged to disburse. Even then he is not to learn the truth, for the bell- boy, carrying his secret with him, suddenly bolts. Fortunately, however, for Mr. Stingy's mental balance, the chamber maid is seen passing through the vesti- bule; she is immediately stopped in her passage and less cruel than her fellow servant, she retails the whole story and the motive of the revenge; the bell- boy is badly punished for his part in it by his in- dignant victims, and he is also sacked by the hotel manager, but all the same Mr. Stingy makes a men- tal resolve never t'o omit to tip in future.

"DUTCH KIDS."- ing across bridges i ing their lessons on ing barges, is one babies in their crac wheels; also Volend; precocious boys sir quay.

Charming views, juvenile fete, and

-Marken boys and girls clatter- n their wooden sabots, or study- their way to school in slow mov- vivid impression. Then we have les or in little wooden chairs on im girls in pretty pointed caps and oking long Dutch cigars on the

too, are those of scenes at a the smiling infantile faces, the

Zeeland children next figure on the screen. Danc- ing, playing, or smiling shyly at the cinematographer, they pass in review before our eyes — a happy crowd, fresh and pleasant to look upon.

"THE COWBOY'S INNOCENCE." — Gertie, just re- turned from the East, receives an invitation from her uncle Jack to come up to the ranch. The cowboys give her and her friends a right royal welcome. Most exciting scenes are witnessed when some of the cow- boys try to ride a savage steer. Gertie's sweetheart Bob is one of the boys and later in the day a Mexican rival, having first inserted some cards in one of Bob's top boots, makes it appear that Bob is cheating. Dis- missed Bob rides to the Old Cactus road. An Indian girl runs up and tplls how she saw the cards were placed on him by the Mexican. He writes a note to Gertie and asks her to come to him. The Mexican, however, intercepts the Indian with the note and she is bound and left. Altering the note as to the place of meeting, one of the Mexican's friends takes it and delivers it to Gertie. She falls into the trap and finds only the Mexican awaiting her. He attempts to make love to her, but she spurns him. Meantime the Indian girl, having bitten through the ropes that held her captive, has run and informed the other

while the Mexican in the effort, falls to the bottom of the cliff. Returning home to Uncle Jack's ranch all is explained by the Indian girl and the picture ends with a pretty view of Bob and Gertie on their honey- moon.

"AN INTRIGUE." — La Savelll is an Italian gypsy girl whose father had joined the insurgents in the south of France against the Emperor some years pre- viously. He was taken prisoner and condemned to be shot by the orders of Favier, the Procurator; the bullets, however, failed to do their work the first time, and. by the Procurator's orders, Savelli, bleed- ing from his many wounds, was dragged before his executioners to be shot a second time.

At the time the play opens, his daughter, left to earn her living by singing in the streets, holds both the Emperor and the Procurator in deep hatred, and when she meets Count de Romagna, an Italian who also bitterly hates the Emperor and France, she offers to help him in his schemes of revenge upon Napoleon III.

Romagna agrees, and, by his influence, La Savelli is admitted to the highest ranks of society, and is even favored with an invitation to a ball at the Tuilleries, where she meets the Emperor and Jean Favier, the son of the Procurator. Romagna's pro-

v

THE FILM INDEX

ai

KALEM

RELEASED WEDNESDAY, JAN. 11 LENGTH 995 FEET

THIS IS A WAR-TIME STORY OF THE DAYS OF '61

A Federal spy, operating within the Confederate lines, meets a fair Southern girl, with whom he falls in love. But he conceals his identity, and she all unconsciously is instru- mental in the spy gaining valuable information. But he finally comes under suspicion, and when in danger of his life, confesses his identity to the girl. She is torn by conflicting emotions, loyalty to her native land and love for the stranger, but love finally prevails and by a remarkable subterfuge saves his life. At the end of the war he returns to claim her as his bride.

THRILLING IN ACTION

BEAUTIFUL IN SENTIMENT

INDIAN MOTHER

RELEASED FRIDAY, JAN. 13

LENGTH 1000 FEET

This is one of the most exciting Indian pictures Kalem has ever made, and yet it has a strong appeal to the ladies. A little deed of kindness done for a sick pappoose proves the means of saving the lives of a whole family of white settlers. The true story of an Indian raid and how the gratitude of a poor squaw helped the whites to beat off the redskins. Show- ing a real Indian travoix, an Indian funeral, and other phases of Indian life true to nature.

PATHOS and TRUE SENTIMENT MINGLED WITH SENSATIONAL ACTION

A set of io photos, each 7x9 inches, of the leading mem- bers of the Kalem Stock Companies, for $1.20, mail prepaid, cash with order.

KALEM COMPANY, Inc.

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ject is that La Savelli shall, by her beauty and wit, cause both Napoleon and Favier to fall in love with her; that the jealousy of the younger man shall then be excited by a knowledge of the fact that he has a rival, and that he shall be trapped into seeing La Savelli and the Emperor together without the latter's identity being disclosed to him; Romagna foresees that Favier will then kill his rival in his fierce rage, and that thereby his own arrest and death will follow, a blow which will recoil with double force upon the now aged Procurator.

La Savelli does her part, but caught in the meshes of her own toils, she falls in love with Jean Favier, and when Romagna calls upon her to play the final act in the tragedy, she refuses. Romagna persuades and threatens, then he finally invokes the memory fo her dead father, and this last diplomatic stroke wins his cause; La Savelli in a sudden revolt, agrees to all his plans.

Scarcely has he left, however, than she is over- whelmed with remorse and writes a note to Favier, begging him not to keep his appointment with her on the morrow, and explaining the details of the whole plot. Unhappily, this note is intercepted by Romagna, who. fearful of treachery, has not left the grounds of La Savelli's villa. He substitutes an- other, informing Jean Favier that La Savelli is play- ing him false.

On receipt of this letter Favier, mad with rage, hastens to La Savelli's villa. He is surprised to see a couple of gentlemen pacing slowly up and down

the gravel path. However, he slips into the villa unseen, and finds La Savelli listening to the flattery and love speeches of a tall man who has his back turned to him. In the semi-obscurity, Favier can see little but outlines, but he listens, and suddenly, unable to contain himself, he fires at the tall figure. His bullet never reaches its mark, for it lodges in the heart of La Savelli, who, in making a sudden turn, has fallen in the line of fire. At the sound of the shot, the members of the Emperor's suite on the watch outside, rush in through the glass doors and arrest Favier, who realizes the truth of the matter, and that his doom is sealed, as the light falls upon the Emperor's face bending over the dead woman.

"LOVE UNDER DIFFICULTIES."— Young Harry Edgely sees one day that the large mansion next door has been let. An elderly gentlemen and his daughter are seen moving in. Peeping through a hole in the wall in the garden he gets a view of the daughter and is struck with her beauty. Climbing the wall he attracts her attention by throwing a flower at her feet, and she climbs up and joins him. The girl's father interferes with their love making, and shows them a portion of his will by which he has left his

fortune to his daughter only, provided that she does not marry until she is twenty-one. Harry and Patsy are not to be discouraged, and on every occasion manage to spend their time together, although fre- quently they have their troubles. Finally Harry takes Patsy to the minister's and they get spliced. Re- turning to her father's house, they are afraid to tell him of their marriage, and he, not noticing their confusion, invites Harry to stay to dinner. They en- ter the dining room and the light being turned up,

Harry finds his father is also there, and that the two fathers knew exactly all that had taken place. The girl's father also shows them his will, which provided that, in the event of his daughter marrying a man who loved her only for herself, his fortune was still to go to her.

"THE FUNERAL OF COUNT TOLSTOI."— In ac- cordance with his request, this great man was buried in the middle of a forest in Russia.

KALEM CO.

"THE BOLTED DOOR."— Here is a stirring heart interest story of every day life. It is a story of a beautiful young girl who married an elderly admirer rather than wait for the poor young man of her heart's choice. In a few years she learned, too late, that she "had lost her life's happiness and could not regain it— the door was bolted and locked forever against her.

Elsa and Jack, both of humble means, become en- gaged. Learning of a chance to better his conditions in a distant city Jack, who is ambitious to make an attractive home for Elsa, tells her of his opportunity and bids her good-bye for a short while. Six months go by and we find Jack still hustling but not yet in a position to make Elsa his wife. In the meantime Jack visits his married sister and makes the acquaintance of her little baby girl Edith. As time goes on Elsa tires of waiting for Jack to become sufficiently pros- perous and to name the day for their wedding and decides to marry a wealthy patron of the place where she is employed. A few months later Jack's sister dies, leaving to his care Baby Edith, who proves a solace to Jack's wounded heart. Four years later Elsa and Jack meet as guests in the same hotel. These four years have not been happy ones for Elsa and when she meets Jack the old love returns, but Jack, remembering she discarded him on account of his lack of money, refuses to be friends and bolts the door of his heart against her.

"THE RUNAWAY ENGINE."— Allan Peters, just out of college, the son of a railroad president, calls at his father's office. The indulgent parent suggests that as he has studied hard for several years a trip to Europe would be in order. Allan, however, tells his father

he is ready to go to work and wants to begin at once. Further, that he wants to learn the railroad business from the bottom up and asks for an opportunity to start as a fireman. While following his vocation he meets the daughter of Steve Martin, his engineer, and falls in love at first sight. Industriously prose- cuting his suit, they become formally engaged, and Allan advises his father by wire. The receipt of the message angers President Peters. He orders his pri- vate car got ready and hurries to the division where Allan is employed, in an effort to rescue him from what he terms a mesalliance. While the president's car is bowling along at a high speed the following message is flashed over the wire "Runaway engine on the main line, notify all stations." This message being received at the station where Grace is employed as telegraph operator, her heart is filled with con- sternation, as she knows the president's special is coming down the line. Rushing out in the yards she tries to find her father, but failing in her efforts she mounts his engine unaided and drives it at a terrific speed towards the coming runaway. When the engine comes in sight she slows down her engine, jumps for her life and allows the two engines to crash together, thus saving the president's special from a head-on collision with the wild engine.

The president's engineer looking down the track, sees the wreck and brings his train to a stop about opposite where Grace has jumped. The president and trainmen, seeing the unconscious body of the girl lying along the track, rush to her assistance. She is quickly restored to consciousness and found unhurt as the result of her wild leap. Explanations quickly take place. The president, realizing the wonderful courage displayed by the girl in her effort to save his train, quickly withdraws his objections to his son's engagement. This is one of the most sensational pic- tures ever made and will undoubtedly prove one of the feature stories of the year.

ESSANAY MFG. CO.

"THE REDEEMED CRIMINAL."— Spike Hennessy, cracksman, and his pal, Kid Carson, blow the safe of the Continental Trust Co., and are just about to pack up the loot when they are discovered by the night watchman. Hennessy, a man of powerful physique, grapples with the officer, and gives the Kid his chance to escape. Hennessy knocks the watchman insensible, but is captured by several police officers who have come in answer to the police alarm.

Hennessy is submitted to the Third Degree, but, although the police are morally certain that he had an accomplice, they cannot wring a confession from him, and he will not reveal the identity of his pal. He is sentenced to twenty years, and serves his time, still maintaining that he was alone on the job.

Carson reforms, and later becomes a minister of the gospel. Striving to atone for his past misdeeds by living an upright life and working for the good of his fellowmen. He is married and has a grown son, who is in love with Margaret Fairfield, a young society woman.

Hennessy, released from prison, returns to his old and evil ways, and proves that his hand has not lost its cunning, by cracking the safe at the Fairfield mansion, looting it of the family jewels. One of the stolen pieces is the Fairfield necklace, a valuable heirloom.

Detectives immediately conclude that the work was Hennessy's, and they are in close pursuit of him, when he takes refuge in the house of his former pal, now the Rev. Doctor Carson. Confronting the surprised minister in his study, Hennessy swings open the door of' the small safe, places the diamonds within and locks it, demanding that the minister protect him from the police. When the officers arrive, Carson represents to them that Hennessy is his butler, aBd Spike escapes, telling his former pal that he will return for the loot.

THE FILM INDEX

23

BIOGRAPH FILMS

£2*

Trade Mark

RELEASED JANUARY 2D, 1911.

A Symbolism in Biograph Pictures

This is possibly the most convincing and powerful film story ever portrayed, show- ing as it does most vividly the result of choosing the wrong path in life's journey. By way of contrast it tells the experience of two sisters, who at the beginning of the two pathways were hard-working girls. One harkened to the persuasion of the temp- ter and accompanied him along the easy way with the inevitable result, while the other found true happiness on the road of toil. The lesson presented is most impres- sive as it is so true.

Approximate length, 992 feet.

THE TWO PATHS.

RELEASED JANUARY 5th, 1911

WHEN A MAN LOVES

When a Victim of Cupid Becomes His Assistant

With this release the Biograph presents one of the most delightful comedies ever produced, containing a most unique twist of plot. A wealthy bachelor visits the scenes of his boyhood and becomes smitten with the pretty daughter of his old-time chum. The girl, however, has set her heart upon one of the boys of the village, and fearing her dad would force her to marrv Mr. Bach, plans to elope with her real sweetheart. Learning this, Mr. Bach stifles his own heart- aches and even assists them in their flight by taking them in his own auto to the minister's house. Approximate length, 998 feet.

WHEN A MAN LOVES

RELEASE DAYS OF BIOGRAPH SUBJECTS, MONDAY and THURSDAY. Get on our Mail List for Descriptive Circular.

BIOGRAPH COMPANY,

I I East 14th Street, New York City

Licensees of the MOTION PICTURE PATENTS CO,

Carson's son finds the jewels in the safe and it is with difficulty that the father convinces the boy that he is not the thief. Carson, determined that Hen- nessy shall not regain possession of the jewels, re- solves to return them to their owner in the same manner in which they were stolen, and attired m his old burglar's* garb, goes to the Fairfield mansion, breaks in, opens the safe and replaces the jewels.

The next morning the public is electrified by reading that the Fairfield jewels are mysteriously return ;d. Hennessy, wrathfully confronts Carson, demands 'he meaning of it. Carson tells Hennessy that he has replaced the jewels and that he has resolved that this shall be Hennessy's last thing. So strongly does he plead with him, and so powerful is the effect of his sermon, that Hennessy pledges his word to reform and lead an upright life.

Carson secures him a position, using his influence as a minister to do so, and as the picture closes we find the redeemed criminal, now a respected citizen and a man of family, receiving a visit from his pal, the Rev. Doctor Carson.

THE COUNT AND THE COWBOYS."— Famous for their comedies the Essanay Western players are en- titled to the highest honors in this remarkable com- edy photoplay, which is strongly recommended by them as the best ever. The plot of the story, outlined •below, bears evidence of great opportunity for the excellent Essanay players, and judging from their previous big comedy hits, this one should prove of extraordinary merit.

Count Alphonse Louis Francis Catelene makes his appearance in the little town of Rawhide yia the .itage coach and presents the proprietor of the tavern with a letter of introduction from this latter's former friend in the East. The note reads: "Friend Mack- ley: This will introduce- you to Count Castelene, who comes to your town to look over mining properties. Show him what favors you can. Your friend, Jack Dupont."

The count looks the part. He is tall and lanky, clothed immaculately in the latest Parisian mode and style, and proves immediately a source of great won- der to the gaping cowboys who help him and his baggage from the coach. The count presents his let- ter to the tavern keeper, who sees great possibilities, for the name and fame of his tavern in harboring a real nobleman. Consequently the count is given the freedom of the city and told to make himself at home.

It is not long after the count has fairly established himself at the tavern, surrounded by cowpunchers that some altercation arises, during which one of the cowboys draws a gun. The count remonstrates with the cowboy and gives an illustration of how the French fight duels.

"Stump" Carney, the mascot of the crowd of punch-

ers, in the meantime he has entered the count's cham- ber, attired himself with the count's long coat, high hat and muff and appeared upon the scene with a challenge for the count. Stump is anxious to fight a duel, but his informality of procedure is discounte- nanced by the count, who begs to tender, through a second, a uniform, standard, real code of honor chal- lenge to combat.

The challenge is tendered and the answer reads thusly: "Bein' the challenged party, I choos guns, but as I have six duels ahead of your'n you will be the seventh that I kill tomorrow. Signed Alkali Two Gun Broncho Bustin' Pete."

The morning of the duel arrives, and with his sec- onds, the count repairs to the field to witness first the encounter between Alkali (etc.) and the six other duellists. Of course, this part of the program had, with great care,, been previously arranged, and the count watches with ever-increasing awe as Alkali renders his six combatants hors du combat.

This is too much for the count who, having no desire to throw away his life, turns and runs with great haste, down the road to catch the stage which is just leaving the tavern. The cowboys, who have enjoyed the sport, watch after him, holding their sides with laughter.

Perched on the rear of the stage the count thanks heaven for sparing his life and makes a solemn vow that he will never again explain French duelling to Western cow-punchers.

G. MELIES.

"THE CRIMSON SCARS." — The stage appeals very strongly to the child of temperamental nature and often it dreams of the glory and fame attending suc- cess. Little Alice is a child of this kind, and although she is surrounded by the most meager, even poor circumstances, she has a great desire to be an actress.

Her mother, who takes in washing, sends the little girl to deliver a large basket of clothes. Struggling along the street she stops at the theatre to look at a display of photographs of actors and actresses who are appearing there. She loses herself in reverie; while thus engaged the leading lady, whose picture particularly attracts the child's attention, arrives for rehearsal. She speaks to Alice, becomes inter- ested in her and gives her two tickets for the after- noon performance.

Pleased and delighted with the gift she rushes home to her motJier, who takes the tickets from her, scolds and whips her for not attending to her errand. A neighbor comes in and Alice's mother shows her the theatre tickets, invites the visitor to attend "the show" and they are soon on their way.

Left at home, disappointed and unhappy, Alice de- cides to see the performance, come what may. She sneaks through the stage door of the theatre, hides

behind the scenery until she sees the star who gave her the tickets come in, and watches her go to her dressing-room.

Smoke is seen coming through sceneries and there is an alarm of fire. Everybody is on the jump and there is great excitement. The star rushes back to her room to secure her valuables and before she can escape is overcome by smoke and falls fainting into a chair. Alice makes her way to her friend, tries to help her and throws a large cloak over the actress's face and then calls for help from the win-

dow. The firemen climb up the ladders into the burning building and rescue the woman, then save Alice, who is injured by falling timbers and burned by the fire.

Several years have passed and things have changed. Alice has become a star under the patronage aDd tui- tion of her benefactress. She has grown to be a beau- tiful young woman and a great attraction. She enters the dressing-room, where her adopted mother awaits her coming. She tells the good woman how grateful she is for her kindness and love, for to her she owes success and fame. Smoothing back the golden tresses from the fair young brow, she kisses the scar on it and points to another scar on Alice's arm and says: "To these and to you, my dear child, I owe my life."

"FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!"— The local organization of Suffragettes is in session. Its mottor is "Equality with Men." It passes a resolution to demand from the mayor a job in one of the city departments.

"Just in time." says the mayor, "the fireman have gone on strike, I give your organization charge of the fire department."

THE FILM INDEX

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The Suffragettes are elated, but the firemen can only construe this latest order of the mayor as a huge joke, so if a joke is to be played, they're going to be in it, too. They set fire to some brush and send in an alarm.

Now, it is well known that Suffragettes are used to many hardships, but handling a hose is not known to be exactly in their line. Consequently, great is the confusion when they arrive with the engine at the scene of the fire. As one of them later said, "We did our darnedest, but there is no getting away from the fact that water is wet, and we girls feel those things terribly."

The firemen's joke worked. The Suffragettes, soaked to a woman, in their endeavor to put out the fire, were cured of the desire to have charge of a city de- partment, and resolved to be just natural women thereafter.

RODGEKS BUYS HUNTINGTON THEATRE. Don E. Rodgers, of Huntington, Ind., has purchased from Ezra Rhodes, of South Bend, Ind., all the photoplay theatres controlled by him in Huntington, the list includes the Star, Crescent and Palace theatres. All three houses are in first-class condition, and with some minor improvements, which Mr. Rodgers will make in the near future, these theatres will rank with the most modern in Indiana.

It is the intention of Manager Rodgers to run straight pictures in the Star and Crescent. In the Palace will be seen the best of vaudeville and pictures.

PICTURES FOR SOUTH DAKOTA INSANE.

Johnson & Valentine, owners of the Lyric pho- toplay theatre, Yankton, S. D., showed six reels of the latest films at the South Dakota Hospital for the Insane, on Christmas night. Messrs. Johnson & Valentine were the guests of the Su- perintendent, who has made arrangements with them, to put on several picture shows before the season is over. The hospital has a most modern auditorium, with all stage attachments.

PHOTO MEN TO FIGHT CASES.

Philadelphia Exhibitors Claim Theatre State Law Should Not Affect Them.

Proprietors of photoplay theatres in Phila- delphia, have banded themselves together under the title of the Exhibitors' League of Pennsyl- vania, to test the right of the state to collect license fees from the motion-picture men in ac- cordance with the act of assembly passed in 1907.

The motion-picture men will test the law by fighting the cases in which the proprietors of three different places have been held in $500 bail each for court, for failure to pay the re- quired license fees to the state. The action was brought by City Treasurer Murrell Dobbins, co-operating with Auditor General A. E. Sisson.

J. Louis Breitinger, Republican representative- elect in the nineteenth district, is counsel for the association of picture-show proprietors. He declared that if the grand jury returned indict- ments against the defendants, he will move to have the indictments quashed.

It is provided under the act of 1907 that all amusement places with a capacity of less than 400 persons shall pay a state license fee of $30, while those places with a capacity of 400 or over shall pay a $500 fee. This act does not apply to places in which pictures are the ex- clusive attraction, but to the establishments in which vaudeville features are used.

As construed by Attorney Breitinger, a mo- tion picture show with the vaudeville turns in- cluded does not fall within the act. He said that the state law applies to "theatrical and operatic entertainments," and that the motion- picture places cannot be so designated.

About 150 picture-show proprietors of the city have responded to invitations to join the league which will back the fight to test the act. Let- ters will be sent to picture-show men of the state, urging their co-operation.

Officers of the newly formed association are: Walter Staumpfig, president; J. F. Redmond, first vice-president; Charles Stengel, second vice-president; John W. Donnell, treasurer, and Charles F. Killsbead, secretary.

Representative-elect Breitinger explained that he will introduce in the coming session of the legislature a bill that will classify moving-pic- ture establishments. In other respects, he said, the bill will be virtually the same as the present law.

PROCEEDS WENT FOR XMAS DINNER.

S. Massucco, proprietor of the Dreamland photoplay theatre, Barre, Vt., gave the entire proceeds of his picture shows, on Dec. 23, to the Salvation Army as a Christmas gift. At all the performances the house was taxed to ca- pacity and a goodly sum was turned over to the Army members. Roach Brothers, proprietors of the Pavilion also gave their proceeds of the matinee to the same cause. These funds were used by the Army towards getting a big Christ- mas dinner for the poor of the city.

$25,000 PHOTOPLAY THEATRE FOR DARBY.

Plans for a new $25,000 photoplay theatre have been completed for the Darby Amusement Company, of Darby, Pa. The house will be sit- uated on Main street, right in the heart of the city. The plans provide for a one-story brick fireproof building, 64x162 feet, with a seating capacity of 1,000. The stage will have a width of 40 feet and a depth of 30 feet.

THE FILM INDEX

*3

IL XROVAIOKE UV PATHE.

(Continued from page 1.) of meeting his rival at the appointed place, the young Count sends some of his retainers who set upon Manrico and stab him in the back, leaving him for dead.

Being told that Manrico, whom she loves, is dead, Leonora enters a convent and takes the veil. W hen the Count learns of this step he pro- poses to take her from the convent uy force. In the meantime Manrico recovers from his wounds and learns of the designs of the Count in time to prevent, their execution.

Defeated in this project the Count now siezes Azucena and proposes to have her burned as was her mother. Manrico is told of this diabolical plan just as he is about to be married to Leon- ora, but the wedding is postponed and Manrico with his followers hastens to the rescue of the woman whom he belie\es to be his mother. In the conflict that follows both he and Azucena are taken ana thrown into the dungeons of the castle to await execution.

When Leonora learns of her lover's plight she is greatly distraught and seeks for some way to save h»m. She implores the Count for mercy and promises to become his bride if he will spare Manrico s life. The Count gives his promise and, when he goes to release Manrico, Leonora secret- ly takes poison. Manrico is brought in and the lovers indulge in an affecting farewell scene wh.ch ends in the death of Leonora from tne effects of the poison. When the Count enters and finds Leonora lifeless he ordeis the imme- diate execution of Manrico. No sooner has this tragic event taken place than Azucena, who has been asleep in her cell, awakes and calls for her son. The Count tells her that he has been execu- ted by his orders, whereupon she reveals to him that Manrico was his lost brother.

The work of the Italian company of players in this picture is most impressive throughout and the photographic effects and the exquisite color- ing combfne to complete a wonderfully beauti- ful picture.

PICTURE MEN TO WRITE OWN INSURANCE.

At the last meeting of the Exhibitors' League of Ohio, which was held, Columbus, O., at the Chittenden hotel, a committee was appointed to add an insurance department to the organi- zation. The league thinks the insurance com- pany rates are too high. The committee is composed of C. H. Brock of the Lyric theatre, Columbus; M. A. Neff of Cincinnati, W. A. Pittis of Conneaut, G. O. Lupuis of Lima, P. H. Rei- chert of Port Clinton and C. C. Carter of Cin- cinnati.

The Ohio Film Exhibitors' Association, af- filiated with the Exhibitors league at the Mon- day meeting, and a number of Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Indiana exhibitors were ad- mitted to membership, this being the first step towards a national organization.

Max Stearns of the Exhibit, Columbus, was made chairman of a committee on registration and employment, which will furnish soloists, piano players and other employes when they are desired.

NEW THEATRE IN CARTHAGE OPENS.

E. S. Harriss, of Carthage, Mo., has completed his photoplay theatre in the Caffee building and is now doing a good business. His theatre is strictly fireproof; there being a new galvanized machine booth and a fireproof screen just added.

The house is most artistically furnished in red, green and gold. All the chairs are large and roomy and are pitched at such an angle that every one can see the pictures from any part of

"THREE MEN AND A MAID

A Refined Vitagraph Comedy

ONE of the men is an ordinary sort of a young fellow who acts as private secretary of the other two old chaps that are just about old enough to be foolish and "wise" enough to re- main old bachelors without a thing in the world to bother themselves about only their own selves. They are brothers who have made money and don't know what to do with it. They have a cousin who dies and leaves his daughter in their charge; they have never seen the child and at once make preparations for her reception. He! he! Ho! ho! They chuckle as they visit

vate secretary with whom Vivian has become very chummy. They dismiss the young fellow and dispense with his services. But they can't destroy the attachment between him and their young charge whom they discover is surrepti- tiously calling on the young clerk who has be- come very ill and impoverished.

They follow Vivian and find the young people together. The old fellows have learned to love their ward and their hearts melt when she ten- derly approaches them and appeals to their sym- pathies, they go all to pieces and it is not long

SCENE FROM VITAGRAPH LIFE PORTRAYAL THREE MEN AND A MAID.

the toy stores for dolls and what not to amuse the child. On the morrow when she is expected to arrive the old codgers are like two kittens, they pound the drum and pull the strings to make the jumping Jack work and they are right in the midst of it when Vivian arrives — a vision of loveliness and a full grown, well molded young woman. The two old fellows' look like a couple of "Silly Billies," but it is not long be- fore she has them well in hand and gives them a few lessons in domestic science and the art of home rule as practiced by a woman.

They rather enjoy the innovation but they re- sist foreign interference on the part of their pri-

before the secretary is back at his job with every prospect of his becoming one of the mem- bers of the household.

"Three Men and a Maid" is one of those smart true-to-nature comedies that make laughs of situations that are part of life and has for its foundation a strong story that furnishes the con- trasting lights of sentiment and pathos that make comedies of this character most whole- some and enjoyable.

The acting in "Three Men and a Maid" and the play itself reminds us very much of some of the Robson and Crane performances that made their work so familiar and famous.

the house. Mr. Harriss believes in having a light house, and has arranged it so that one can see distinctly, his friends in any part of the house.

PHOTOPLAY THEATRE INSTEAD OF SKYSCRAPER.

The largest photoplay theatre instead of the largest office building in the city is to be erected on the northeast corner of Fourth and Main streets, Evansville, Ind. Announcement of this was made Thursday, Dec. 15th, by J. R. Brannen who has leased the property from Ronald and Harry Woods. The owners, less than three months ago, paid to Mrs. Mary Laval $60,000 for the property. It was said that a skyscraper would be erected on that corner. Failing to find capital interested in such a building the Woods brothers, leased it to J. R. Brannen for $6,000 a year on a five-year lease. The the- atorium will be one story in height and will cost about $15,000. It will be built on the mission style of architecture.

ST. LOUIS WORKING MEN SEE PICTURES.

The St. Louis Trades Label Section of the American Federation of Labor will give its first entertainment and moving picture show at the Social Turner Hall, Thirteenth and Monroe streets, Monday evening, Dec. 12, at 8 o'clock. The object of the show is to acquaint buyers with union labels. All union labels will be shown on the canvas. There will be no ad- mission fee. The show is being arranged by S. Liberty, Mrs. A. Crane and J. Schwartz.

A NEW HOUSE FOR BALTIMORE.

The Royal Amusement Company of Baltimore, Md., has plans drawn for the construction of a handsome and modern motion picture and vaudeville theatre at 1940 and 1942 West Pratt street. It will cost about $5,000. To front 30 feet the building, which will be one story high, will extend back a depth of 80 feet. It will be thoroughly fireproof, with ornamental facade and metal ceiling. Some of the con- tractors who are bidding for the work include Adam Kratz and F. W. Filter.

THE FILM INDEX

MORE AS TO "WHY"

Recently under the caption "Why" we at- tempted to explain to a correspondent that the suggestion that manufacturers give away posters with their pictures was not a practical one. It seems that we did not catch what the corre- spondent was driving at. It was Mr. George R. Osborn, manager of the Star Theatre, West- minster, Md., who asked the question and he comes back at us as follows:

I am sorry to note that you did not understand my last letter. I will endeavor to be more explicit. In my last letter I did not mean A. B. C. posters, which I think help the exhibitor, no matter what make of film you advertise. What I meant was "Indian Heads" — 25c, pictures of stock companies, $1.50 per set, and such things that are to make the manufacturer's product popular.

For a year I have been receiving the Biograph leaflet giving a synopsis of each photoplay, which I mount on cardboard and place in a frame. I have three such frames in town. From the Lubin Company comes the best thing in that line I have seen. I also frame them, and the Kalem bulletin, as they send them to me without cost. Doesn't it seem natural that an exhibitor will push the film whose maker helps him do so without cost?

Here is something that all manufacturers will find to their advantage: take a picture of each one of their stock company — say 5x8 inches — and send them to each of the exhibitors. Then, in the synopsis they give each week in THE FILM INDEX, give the proper names of the leading people, so the exhibitor could place in the lobby the pictures of the people in each photoplay, and in that way the public would become acquainted with the names of actors and actresses and not be forced to give all nicknames, which you will find done in every town. As Mr. Perrin says: "The people want to know what they are going to see," and I think they want to know who is who at a photoshow as at a theatre. I don't believe one person in ten thousand knows the members of any stock company, and they want to. Miss Turner is popular. Mr. Cos- tello is popular. The way the public found out who they were was not through any effort on the part of the Vitagraph Company, but through the exhibitor who cut their pictures from THE FILM INDEX and stuck it up outside his place.

Without THE INDEX few exhibitors would know anything about anything pertaining to the motion picture business.

In every town there are knockers and every exhibitor tries to advertise the pictures to good advantage. When the manufacturers help him without charging him it is very much appreciated. A nice, clean leaflet like the Biograph, Lubin and Kalem companies send out is a help, and it does not give the knocker any room to knock. I am, very respectfully yours,

GEORGE R. OSBORN, Westminster, Md.

To explain to Mr. Osborn, the manufacturers found it necessary to adopt a rule that nothing should be given free to exhibitors. Not that the exhibitors were not entitled to all that could be given, but that the competition for business would result in extravagant giving, and would end in the cutting off of everything of a free nature.

It will be interesting to Mr. Osborn and others to learn that a uniform bulletin, to be the same size as a page of The Film Index, has been adopted by all manufacturers and will soon be issued to them regularly for all licensed releases.

WANTS BETTER SONGS.

Hamilton, Ont., Dec. 13, 1910. Editor THE FILM INDEX, New York City.

Dear Sir: A great deal has been said in regard to revivals of films, and there isn't a doubt in the world but that they will all make good. It has occurred to me that there are a large number of songs that could be revived in the same way. I have tried a number of these songs recently and my experience has been that they went big with up-to-date slides, that is, new slides posed with up-to-date costumes and with the advantages and improvements in photog- raphy. Any of the following would make good, as they are much more tuneful and sympathetic than the present-day songs:

"When the Flowers Bloom In Springtime."

"I'll be Waiting in the Gloaming."

"In the Valley of Kentucky."

"The Man in the Overalls."

"Kate Kearney."

"After They Gather the Hay."

"Down on the Farm."

An ovation that almost amounted to a riot was caused here in the Savoy Theatre by a boy singer rendering "The Holy City," illustrated, and right here I will venture to say that if the slide makers would illustrate some of the following songs, it would go a long ways to uplifting the business in genera. 1

Tally Broadway theatre, located at 831-833- 835 So. Broadway, Los Angeles, Cal., has re- cently been opened and is one of the finest photo- flay theatres in that city. The building has a frontage of sixty feet and is 162 feet deep. The front, two stories in height, is of white glazed terra cotta; doors and casings in brass and mahogany.

The lobby of the theatre is twenty feet wide by twenty-four feet high with a depth 'of fif- teen feet from the sidewalk to the ticket office. This office is especially beautiful, real mahogany and art glass compose the upper part with a cop- per dome and handsome electric light fixtures. The base is of specially selected onyx. This is carried around both sides of the lobby. Above this art panels of mahogany, the two double doors on each side of the box-office are of ma- hogany inlaid with ebony.

The entire front of the building and lobby is well lighted by high power tungsten globes arranged in receptacles and hung from art brack- ets of white terra cotta. A large art glass globe is suspended from the ceiling of the lobby and over the doors an art glass panel six feet high and the entire width of the lobby depicts the "Goddess of the Sun" in her chariot drawn by four plunging steeds.

After passing through the entrance door we find ourselves in the foyer, twenty-four feet in depth, large French plate mirrors on either side is a booth in which appear the illustrated song singers. On each side of the room are four

Personally I would rather pay a good singer who could handle any of the following songs, $50 a week, than use any of the mediocre vaudeville acts that you can pick up at that price. Formerly the com- plaint was that you could not get good singers to do the work, as they had to sing too often, but that day is gone, and I am sure there are numbers of GOOD VOCALISTS who could be induced to come Into the picture business. Such songs as:

"Asleep in the Deep'.'

"Loch Lomond"

"Off to Philadelphia in the Morning"

"Island of Dreams"

"The Lost Chord"

"The Holy City" will find a responsive chord and a hearty apprecia- tion with any audience, and as the improvement in quality of photography and selection of subjects in films has drawn a better class of patronage, also will the illustrated songs, if they are gone after.

exits, opening into long corridors running the length of the building and leading to the side- walk. Thus the audience may leave the theatre without using the main entrance or interfering with those coming in.

The auditorium seats about eight hundred people. Leather cushioned opera chairs com- pose most of the seating with one hundred wicker loge chairs in the rear. The loges are of special interest, being raised above the floor level and enclosed with heavy brass rail- ings and mahogany panels.

Ventilation is well taken care of — large air chambers on either side of the stage connecting with galleries running the length of the build- ing and distributing air along the floor and through ventilators in the side walls.

The interior decorations are in green and white and artistic staff work designs are liberally used to form the panels on the side walls and ceiling. The operator's room is sixteen feet square and is equipped with every convenience. Two Model B Edision machines handle the films.

The theatre was built by Mr. T. L. Tally, one of the pioneers in the motion picture business, at a cost of $50,000. The admission prices are 10 cents and 15 cents for the regular seats, and 20 cents for the loge seats. Though out of the business center of Los Angeles, this theatre is well patronized by the best class of citizens. Mr. Tally, the proprietor, is a Texan of the old school and a very fine gentleman.

The following are familiar to almost every English- speaking person and any one of them could be splen- didly illustrated:

"■My Pretty Jane."

"Island of Dreams."

"Rosy Darlin'."

"Kings of the Road."

"The Veteran's Song."

"My Old Kentucky Home."

"Old Log Cabin in the Lane.'

"Just Before the Battle."

"Star of Bethlehem."

"In the Gloaming."

"The Holy City."

"Th