The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-09
One-Reel Photoplay
Preferred by Some
Patrons to the
Features.

Ever since the vogue of the bip
feature started We have been wait
ing for some champion Of the one
real play 10 come forward with a
word or two in defense of this type
OF photoplay, which is responsible
Tor the great success that motion
pictures have attained. Once or
twice we have suggested that the
one-reeler was the legitimate photo
play and that the longer productions
shouId be exceptional rather than
the rule in the average neighborhood
house. People want TO see variety
and the motion picture show gives
thein variety when there Is more
lhan one play presented in a pro-
gram The exhibitors of the big
features realize this as demonstrated
bE tne exhibition OF q One-Teel COM
coy as a rule with every feature. II
HouId seem to US to be a good idea
Tor the neighbOrhood Iueater 10
vary the program for the week.
showing features three or four DAYS
ana a varied program OF one-reeIers
the remainder OF the week. This
would b. d good business proposition.
too, as the cost OF a program OF one
Ieelers Is not as great as a big fea-
ture, as d rule.
Some weeks ago We received a
letter from a patron whom he de-
scribed as an intelligent critic Of the
MN whose criticism was entitled to
more than usual respect. We wish
10 repeat our original estimate of
this critic ideas because our es-
teen OF the CRITICISMS so written
has been given another push upward
b. tie receipt Of an interesting note
on the very subject we are discuss
lnE. As the critic referred to dis
cusseS the matter from the view
point OF the public at large in d
much freer way than We could do
sc give the contents of the note
Il ecple in general are not, I be-
Heye. 50 wild over the big features
a- many exhibitors fancy, principally
!.~ this TeasOn-that they are not
suitable for the picture show because
O. tEsir length. The principal charm
uf tine original One-reel show was the
informal drop in when-you-please
cement, II you happened into the
middle Of d phOtoplay. Il did SO much,
matter because IT was seen over. But
an "a Big slN-reei pay, If you miss the
9 rst- few scenes, which usually con-
tain the clue. you have TO sit through
al the rest without knowing what il
is al,ut This same thing, Of course,
q liiil.'s ~ lItt rex Lldl lttdleI Il YOU
come in Iatc-but there you s.cCus-
tom Yourself to arriving at a certain
tine TIE former phOtoplay show.
however, freed one from that old
slavery 10 the clock
80 why should producers put 50
much money into these pretentious
J. ."cuctiOns, and then raise prices?
AlE idea H. that the picture snow az
originally presented, occupied ii uni
.sI" place Of its own, and filled q Ger
tain waEt-but in competition with
H' regular theater il loses half its
nlG'- TWO UT three years ago l
.DIll drop into any little neighbOr-
hood tEeater. and for ; cents see
Iiile gems Of one. or two reel, or
f"t length. featuring Costello, An
trrson. Edwin August, King BaSgott.
ND others. As for the plays. I will
..vor forget The Charge Of the
J.. EIt 7Sr @ade.' an Edison One-reel
I.aN- but NOW, with the producers
putting al the talent. and the time
tru money into these big features
y Hi'n are superior often only in
'a-ru, the picture show Is liable
soon L. become neither one thing or
t0iber
As mere. rank outsider looking
n Do appears To me like a mistake"