The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1924-10-06
By VIM. F. KRUSE

cess is assured. But IN Smaller clues
the costs mounts so high that in man
cases the profits hardly pay for al
the energy put in. Thus far, while
commercial producers hope for 10000
showings for their product, we have
only been able to get less than 200
per picture.
To remedy this situation in the
smaller cities the I. w. A. is offering
the films on basis now that will per.
NIT their showing in labor temples or
other low cost halls, thereby placing
the picture show within the reach of
the smallest locals of our organiza-
ton. In this way it is also expected
that pictures which have already been
showing once in Zig theatres of big
cities, Can be shown again and again
in the outlying sections of town,
especially in the foreign language
colonies" Very attractive terms can
be offered for showings, especially OF
the older pictures.
Can Rent Films.
Then there are many second and
third run movie theatres in working
class districts that would be willing
to run these films if properly ap-
preached. If the manager were guaran.
teed an organized support Of a move.
ment such as ours he would be willing
to pay little more than the trife he
buys his junk films for. Or we run on
a percentage basis, sometimes he
gives us the returns on all tickets we
sell in advance, sometimes percent
age of his gross receipts, sometimes a
direct rental. Where the manager is
not willing to run full length picture
he may take on the "shorts"-in adj
dition to those listed. 1.-THE Fifth
Year" has been divided into seven
short subjects that could be run once
a week. In this way no risk is under
taken and our pictures are shown at
least to some small profit.
In writing to the International
Workers Aid, 10 S. Lincoln ST., Chi.
cago, ILL.,, for particulars, you should
also give as much information as pos.
sible about the conditions under which
you expect to show the film. State
whether regular motion picture the.
atre or only a hall is to be used, and if
it is hall state whether motion pic
lures have ever been shown there be-
fore, whether the hall has the neces-
sary machine, screen, ETC., for the show.
ing, If pictures have never before been
shown there, find out whether they
are being shown in your local chur-
ches and clubs, and what sort of equip
ment is used there for the showing.
This information is necessary to see
hall showings are permitted
by fire laws. Sometimes you can rent
a machine and hire an operator from
such source.
Running Movies Easy, Sure Success
The actual running of a picture show
is easier than the running Of a meet
ing. 1t is easier to sell more tickets
and at higher price. And once you
have the audience the picture does the
rest 1t is entertainment and propa-
ganda put together in the most attrac-
tive form.
But there are details of arrange
ments on a picture show that are en-
tirely different from those of arrang-
ing lecture. So don't hire a hall
and write us: please send us a pic
ture." Give us details and await our
suggestions. OF course every reader
is interested in getting a show in his
town. The G. E. c. of the Workers
Party has again called the attention of
the Party membership to the import
ance of supporting the work of the
Workers Aid-and on no
field can this support be given as
easily and effectively, with as little
interruption of regular work, than on
the pictures. If you are interested
write us in detail about your local
conditions. What kind of hall have
you in mind, what day or season 1t can
be had, how much it will cost, what
kind of audience you hope to attract
and how large. what is the employment
situation, what sort of local admins
tration have you, and anything else
that may help us, out of the experience
Of other places that have run the
shows, to suggest the proper arrange
ments for you. Address all commune
cations on pictures to the writer, 10
s. Lincoln St., Chicago, Ill.