Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-01-09
MR12T mn
REZ/ANVCE

Discussing the future of the photoplay
Thomas II. Ince, one of the best known
men in the business, declares that it all
depends upon the producers of film plays
He denounces the cheap melodrama as
menace, which he trusts public opinion
will scotch ere long Mr.. Ince expressed
himself thus:
Within the past year there has been
a general hegira of all branches of
the theatrical world to motion pic
lures. 1 predict that it is only a ques-
tion of time when motion pictures will
supersede everything else in the
amusement world. Everything points
to 1t.
The permanency of motion pictures
depends upon the producers alone.
Just as long as they can picture
scenes of human interest and supply
enough variety to keep the public
mind focused on moving pictures,
just so long will motion photography
retain its vitality. 1t must have the
same diversity of subjects as the daily
newspapers. together with proper tech
nique and the loftiest standards
known to the art
Cheap melodrama Is one thing which
is proving a menace to the permanency
of the motion picture. In my opinion,
it is something which the public toler-
ates rather than enjoys, and the quick
er it is eliminated the better it will be
for the craft.
Time and proper censorship in each
community will undoubtedly correct
this evil, but 1t Is to be regretted that
certain producers still believe the pub
lie to be extremely gullible, when, as
a matter of fact. they have already
condemned the cheap melodrama.
SARCASM
At the Famous Players Film Company
Offices the members of the staff are Won
dering IL certain convict in the Ohio
state penitentiary Is trying to spool
them.
On New Years Day 1.-THE Sign OF the
Cross" was presented in the chapel of the
penitentiary for the entertainment of the
prisoners. The enthusiasm was undenia-
BILE, and many OF the prisoners afterward
sent letters of thanks to the Famous
Players office.
One of the letters, from a life con-
vict who had been in the prison for many
years, rather puzzles Adolf Zukor and his
associates. 1t reads:
"That play was splendid-in fact, the
best have seen this season."
ALI.-NIGHT MOVIES.
New York is to have an all-nlght photo-
PLAYHOUSE The promoter, Jeanette A. CO.
hen. argues from her observation OF
METROPOLITAN existence that New Workers
must have something doing at every hour
of the day and night. and since most OF
the restaurants now close at l a. m. many
persons do not know how to spend their
evenings.
The scheme contemplates strictly NOV
ing plcture house, which will go into
operation each night after the regular
performance at the theatre has termin-
ated. There are in the city, argue the
promoters, walters, mail clerks and EN-
ployes in other callings who, because OF
their hours of service, are prevented from
attending the theatre. They will be relled
upon to ill the house after the midnight
hour. Moderate prices will be charged.
THE CHRISTIAN A MASTERPIECE
The photoplay version of "The Chris
tian" at the Chestnut Street Opera House
has proven far more effective In present
ing Hall Gaines masterpiece 10 theatre-
.roera than even the play did, on account
of the unlimited scope OF the moving ple-
tiire camera. Whereas in play form only
some half dozen scenes were utilized
IN the Aim version there are more than
Zoo different scenes In fact, every scene
and ali the incidents in the book have
hser reproduced in the film drama. Among
ths ME. scenes that have caused a great
SssI of comment during the last week
sra the English Derby, the attack OF the
ynoh unon John Storms Mission House.
the hospital ball, Glory's discovery OF
Polly's secret, and others
one of the finest casts Of players ever
assanobIed Tor appearance in motion pic
tnrs is employed In the Interpretation Of
sStha christian." Edith Story gives
,,,.,,Sarf,,l portrayal Of Glory Quayle. Earle
,,S,lI,sn,s makes an ideal John storm,
fan,ss Laekaye.. Harry s. Northfup.
Gharles Keat James Marrison, Donaia
80 IN their respective roles.