The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1926-11-19
, By The Associated Press J

New York, Nov. 10.---Rooters have
supplanted FOUNDERS at New York's
theatrical first nights, but the produc-
ers still are in doubt Of the box Of
flee merits Of their offerings until
after subsequent performances.
First nights" in the motion picture
world---or world premieres" as they
have become klown--although a
development Of recent years are more
far reaching in immediate CONNER
cial gain and more noisy than those
of the legitimate stage.
/ Applause Misleading
In former years there was a consid-
cradle number Of "men about town"
who cherished attendance at every
first night. When the curtain was
raised, according 20 producers, they
would greet the actors with u blase
look that seemed to say. II defy. you
to, entertain me-" II applause was
forthcoming the producer knew his
I play was a7success. II applause was
slight, as was. frequently the case. he
was ID doubt.
Nov the first. nieht audiences. aside
from the dramatic critics.. are COM
posed largely pf friends Of the prOduc-
! ers, the players md the authors, es-
pesislty, ipYited,e Applause is plenti-
! lIl and the s5nanager, knowing the
I reason, il unable to decide from the
| apparent 'enthusiasm whether tha
show H., really 9. "wow."
Typee Nave Changed
/ Producers attribute the change to
the larger number and variety OF
shows as compared with q decade OF
more aeo: and to the taste and type Of
modern theatregoers. The first night
is not the society event Of other
years, although occasionally man
ager invites persons Of social OF
other prominence to lend "distinc'
ton" to his show.
First nights now are self-appointec
fashion shows, the leisurely movement
Of smartly groomed men and w0meI
to their seats constituting = parade
Of. styles. Evening apparel or forma
dress are the usual thing. Just how
attractive. 10 this feature OF IN open
ing was pointed out by one Of tn
producers. One chronic first /nightel
complained at being given seats Il
| row m" because my wife would b.
displeased at sitting SO far back
/ The tickets were exchanged for f0v
, "AA," which afforded IN excetIen
rear view Of the orchestra conductor
However, the couple had the advan
I8kc VI y tbtp tNO Aoss sSu9ses -
! aisle. Lady Aator and her party oc
cupied the seats in IN"
Revue Crowds Colorfa1
The most colorful Of the theatrica
, crowds are those that attend the open
ing of the musical shows and revues
: and which are the exception to thu
general rule Of first nights. They hav'
capacity attendance, made up OF per
!. sons who can pay the $l1 to e65 for
. seat. They go to some Of these shows
anticipating art and to others expect
ing filth.
Much Of the ponp, circumstance
and fanfare that once belonged to tn
stage now marks the premiere o.
screen play.
N The photoplay opening is . thing 9
glamour and eclat, according 70 on
! | producer, partly because Of the pup
! iicity II gives the picture elsewhere
I ! The "noise" about , big picture 4
] New York City loses no time, ne SAID
al in reaching exhibitors at such point
4 as Little Rock and Spokane, and !
4 stimulates contr4cts for the picture
! stars At Movie Nights
The motion picture companies nav
first night listi, inelnding the critics
magazine people, special writer's. on
{ of town cortespoeaents 81 Di9 paper
]. lefty, Officials, persons prominent Q
4 near-prominen IN soctety, lim o!tl