The Washington times., 1915-10-22
THE BEST
Photoplay Department in
WASHINGTON
Half a Billion. Has
Been Invested in
Films Findncier
Has Estimated

The patron Of the photoplay might
be interested In the fact that the
attention Of the financiers has been
called to the pictures by the organi-
cation. Of new corporations and
the sale of stock. through the
figures that are presented by
tatisticisns of reputation for
conservatism who for the first time
learn that the industry in the Uni
ted States at the present time is esti-
mated to represent an investment
of half a billion dollars.
The fact that the figures are ex-
ceedingly conservative Is gained
from the attendance rate given.
which Is placed at 100000 daily.
The last figures obtainable from re-
liable sources under this heading
gave the daily attendance at motion
picture shows In the United States to
be nearer 3O.0OO.OO0. However the
conservatism Of the estimates made
by them only adds to the interest In
the views of the bankers statisti-
"'a-a So important does the Har-
riman National Bank OF New York
consider the industry that 1t has
issued a bulletin regarding 1t. In
this bulletin are contained some Of
the figures that have been compiled:
"Chara acteristically American In Its
growth and scope. the motion pic
ture business will bear study for its
lesson in business intelligence and
initiative. for its graphic illustration
OF the power of the nickel. the dime
and the quarter, and. among other
things, for its influence on another
great business-thc theater-with
Its close relation to real estate inter-
ests and ramifications elsewhere.
There is perhaps no parallel in
our commercial history to the
growth Of the motion picture busi-
ness. which now occupies fifth place
among American industries in point
OF volume. and represents over $780,
timated that II gives employment to
more than 1900 motion picture thea
ters throughout the country. The
attendance Is figured at l5.0OO.oOO
persons daily. Approximately ST.
100000 per day is paid for admission:
100000 for the year. Handsome
theatcrs in expensive locations are
now given over to the motion picture
business. The most notable actors
are employed at high salaries, and
the best plays are being filmed
The cost of production has in sew
Cral notable instances exceeded
$4,000.
The Hartman National Bank.
which endcavors to keep In touch
with the entire field Of industry and
commerce in the United States.
presents these figures as Of current
interest. AS the industry reaches
the substantial basis for which 1t is
obviously destined. 1t will command
the aid OF banks and Of investors.
To watch its growth and study the
causes thereof. should prove instruc-
tive"
New Workers. had an opportunity
recently to see four Of the best
known motion picture stars in the
latest and most fashionable gowns
and contribute to the Actors Fund
OF America at the same time. Mary
Pickford. Hazel Dawn. Marguerite
Clark. and Pauline Frederick were
the actresses in question. and they
were especially gowned for the oc-
casion by one of the best-known
New York modistes.
The actresses appeared as sellers
Of programs and flowers. They were
present at the benefit. which was
given at Carnegie Hall. by special
permission OF Daniel Frohman, Of
the Famous Players Company. who.
by the way. Is one Of the heads OF
the Actors Fund. The gowns they
wore will. It Is promised. be utilized
in forthcoming motion pictures of
the Famous Players studios. G. NJ.