The Detroit times., 1909-03-10
INDEPENDENTS ARE
bUCK|NG MOVING
PIC TURE TRUST
PRIVATE EXHIBITION OF SUPERB
FILMS GIVEN BEFORE LOCAL
THEATER OWNERS IN CAM.
PAioN OF EDUCATION.

That the moving picture trust. other
wise known as the Motion Picture and
Patent Co, has formidable adyer-
sary in the International Projecting
and Producing Co., an independent
concern, was made clear at q private
exhibition in the lafayette theater,
tuesday morning, for the special bene-
mt or the owners and managers Of
moving picture theaters In Detroit.
The pictures shown, under the direc-
ton OF Hector Streyckmans. secretary
OF the Independent company. were "A
revelation to most OF those present.
including some trust representatives.
No finer pictures were ever thrown
on local screen and the manner IN
which they were received by the
theater owners augured we'll for the
International Co.
The war between the trust and the
independents will begin in earnest
next week, when the latter begin re-
leasing their films all over the coun-
try They do not expect any difficulty
In placing their pictures, for many of
the theater owners. II is said, are
thoroughly dissatisfied with trust
methods and are only too willing -
patronize the Independents. Accord
Ing 10 Mr.. Strecyckmans. the trust, In
addition 10 charging the theater men
rental fol the machines and films, has
been wont TO collect tax or from 81
10 So per week for every machine III
operation, just by way of tribute. I'm
I'll the independent came into the Held
the trust had everything its own way,
but now the proprietors OF the moving
picture shows can snap their fingers
at the octopus.
]. J. Murdoch, president OF the In
ternational Projecting and Producing
Co. is the man who, as yice-president
and general manager OF the Western
Vaudeville Managers association, led
the war against Klaw & Erlanger two
years ago. He is known as man or
strong convictions and great daring
and one who will not lie down until
he has exhausted all his resources
and tried every plan.
The independent company has the
backing Of Col Stuever and a coterie
OF influential st. Louis brewers. all or
whom are heavy stockholders in the
concern. L. j. Magerstadt. a former
sheriff OF Cook county, Illinois. Is
director
Secretary Strecyckmans is now tour
ing the country from coast To coast
giving private exhibitions. such as
was given in the Lafayette Tuesday
morning, TO show the picture men
Just what his concern has TO offer IN
the way Of films. Those shown in the
Lafayette comprised every variety pf
picture tragic. comic. historical ana
educational One film particularly APP
pealed TO the audience--the Last Days
OF Pompeii. from the studios or Am,
brosio, Turin, Italy. In toning ana
lighting effects 1t is said to be the
most perfect film. from photograph
cal standpoint, ever produced. Inc
picture was heartily applauded by the
theater men present.
I'VE now have $50 reels OF TINS
sort" said Mr.. Strecyckmans. we
control the output OF 2S European
manufacturers. which puts us In a
position to reject any Objectionable
reels. We will put on the market only
such films as will meet the approval
Of the public"
A distinguishing feature of all the
films shown was the perfect detali.