The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-07-18
THE BEST
Photopldy Department in
WASHINGTON
looking Company to
Help Pay For
Projection
Room

An opportunity has been offered
the photoplay exhibitors of Wash
ingtoa to meet the producers half
way in the matter of choosing film
for their programs.
The way in which this could be
done was pointed out in this col
unn a week or more ago. The
suggestion was made that the
Washington branch of the exhibit
ors league or the local screen
club equip a projection room in
the downtown district where the
big films could be shown and some
ldea. gained as to their value. 1t
was stated that If this sort of
thing was done. much expense
would be saved in cancellations and
that the Washington public would
receive better pictures. In fact, it
vas the sole idea OF getting better
pictures before the public that
formed the basis of the suggestion.
Now comes Harry Warner, general
manager of Warmers Features.
Inc. with the offer to pay half the
expense of such a place!
Mr.. Warmers offer. made in the
presence of a representative of this
paper, was to pay half the expense
of the equipment and upkeep of
general projection room where ex-
hibitors of Washington could see
the films of the manufacturing
concerns before they close agree
ment for their rental IT might be
stated that Mr.. Warner is one of
the advocates of the selection or
hlms by exhibitors. In fact, Mr..
Warner is one of the most en-
thusiastic solicitors of which we
have heard He believes that the
exhibitor who does not select his
flm is trifiing with his business
interests and playing with his pa
t-onage And Mr.. Warner knows
nat he is talking about, because
he has been both kinds of an ex-
ibitor himseif-He found there
u as more money in pleasing ypa-
irons than there was in pleasing
exchange men and letting the pa
irons take the chance.
When he became a member of a
booking firm. Mr.. Warner made 1t
his business to get hold OF the very
TO give the exhibitors an opportunity
TO see these features before they
. ought them. wherever ii is possible
Tor what might be termed sales
exhibitions to be given He is the
only film merchant who has made
the effort in this city-aside from
the work that was done by the Syn
dictate Film company in showing the
first few reels of THE Million-Dol-
lar Mystery" to prospective renters
And the fact that he made the eff
fort secured him some publicity
hich will be valuable even IL only
TWO or three, exhibitors attended the
exhibition.
However. Mr.. Warner is a very
firm advocate of the show them be-
fore you sell them" theory. And he
= ants TO see the private exhibition
room established here. He believes.
> : we do. that the big manufacture
IS should bear the expense OF the
euuiument and maintenance. But
e course. IL is too much to expect
tIat they will take such course in
view of the returns they are getting
hore without IL. The exhibitors could
20 the Job handsomely. however. at
title expense. And with the Warner
offer. the expense would be cut in
lah. Mr.. Warner has several plans
for the selection of film programs
hat are excellent and have proven
heir soundness BY success wherever
,rhev have been demonstrated. One OF
these provides for the establishment