Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-06-30
HOPE in PHOT0PLAY
REORGANIZATION
Big Changes This Summer in
Releasing Companies Mean
Better Pictures for the Gan"
Cyril Maude, in peer Gynt."


In the history Of 1lmdom this summer
and fall should prove the most eventful
in years From all indications coming
changes will revolutlonize the business
methods of the industry.
For the last few months rumors have
been current OF big companies suspending
business, combinations breaking UP and
new policies established.
On the heels Of Dame Rumor came the
failure of several companies, including
the establishment of the vitagraph, Lu-
bin. seiig and Essanay combination for
the production Of master pictures TO be
released direct TO the exhibitor, eliminat-
ing the General as the mlddleman.
Then came the split in the Mutual the
formidable competitor Of the General.
d. w. Grifith, H. e. Aitken. Tom Ince,
Mack sennett and Kessel & Bauman
forming a new combination with the poll
Icy Of establishing a program for thea
tres booking direct, with the understand
ing that q 80 admission be charged.
What effect will the change OF bed
fellows have on the motion-pioture are
and Industry How will the exhibitors
ana the patron be benefted1
The effect on the art will be for the bet
terment of the pictures. Stars from the
legitimate are training for the "post-inl-
pressionistic' stage of the silent drama.
Producing companies will have to give
the public the best that money can get.
The day of the make-shift pictures Is
past. Whether the pictures be single or
multiple reels they will have to be more
than features" in name.
The changes for the exhibitors mean tho
throwing Off of tho shaolkles of Service"
taking what is given them without being
consulted. The market will be open to
them to get the pictures" where they
will and at reasonable cost.
The patron will be the one to be most
benefited, for the shows will be of the
best
Many have asked the cause for the
revolution" There are many, but the
principal cause-not direct, yet of vital
importanoe-is that public sentiment has
made itself felt. The patrons know a
good picture when they see it and don't
hesitate at saying SO; they are relentless
In their criticism when the picture is
bad Theatre owners II not told directly
feel 1t through the most vital pulse, the
till.
Tho patrons of the silent drama far
outnumber the fans of any other form
Of amusement. They are the sole judges
as to what picture Is good or bad. No
matter what is said to the contrary the
fan Will not buy" what he or she does
not want.
There are many more changes yet to
come. Wiseacres are Sitting fast, hold
ing tight and saying nothing" but are
pursuing "watchful waiting" policy.
But come what WILL the patron, the
"fan'" is coming into his own.
Cyril Maude has one horror It is to
win any such reputation as 40 years
active service on the stage" He hanker-
eth not after the laurels of the veteran.
To him the spectacle of the actor who
has outlived his day and is trying to
keep in the game is nothing short of
tragic. Which youthful viewpoint Indicts
Mr. Maude OF still being comparatively
young man.
At any rate. those on the inside know
that probably the principal reason for
Mr.. Maude's acceptance of the Morosco-
Bosworth offer to star in films In Peer
Gynt" was thrifty desire to do double
time right now to the end that he could
that much sooner achieve his dream of
well-earned, well-fortifed retirement.
Two seasons hence will probably see the
famous London actor-manager a layman
for the rest of the days.
Peer Gynt," therefore, will be noted
not only for being the most spectacular
lnlnB Ine mOrOSco-bOSWOrth f1rm nave
ever done. but also for being probably the
first, last and only appearance of Cyril
Maude in moving pictures.
The keystone studios looked like bit
of Broadway one day this week. Mack
Sennett was busy directing a scene in
which Raymond Hitchcock and Hale
Hamilton were working. On the next
stage was Don Barclay, burlesque star.
who has recently Joined the Keystone
ranks. During a lull in the action Mr..
Hitchcock leaped off the stage to greet
Julian Eltinge, who had come in a few
before. Charles Airing, for
merly with Francis Wilson, found a mo-
ment to talk over old times with Lulu
Glaser, who was looking through the
studios. Others came and went during
the day. and IL few more stars appear
on the Keystone horizon. Broadway will
be a lonesome lane.