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THE EVENING LEDGER PHOTOPLAY SECTION, SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 1915.
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Movie Business Good
By DAVID BARIST
Tha shutting down of a number of pic
ture theatres In Philadelphia In the last
year, owing to lack of business, represent
ing a condition that is pretty nearly gen
eral throughout the country, has raised
the question whether the popularity of
the moving picture business 13 on the de
cline. In one of Its weekly issues recently a
prominent theatre journal pictured a
rather gloomy outlook for the entire film
business, declaring that many picture the
atres are operating at a loss and that
there Is a "smash" coming.
This view will probably coincide with
those of the saloonkeepers, who trace
their loss of business to the Increase In
Mm theatres, and the members of the le
gitimate profession, who find in the movie
theatre a competitor that has grown to
serious proportions.
The brief history of the film business
from a condition of comparative obscur
ity 15 years ago to the distinction of be
ing the third largest Industry in the
United States today is one of the miracles
of the century. In the rapid development
of the paraphernalia used in its projec
tion. In the marked improvement In the
excellence of its productions and in its
wonderful Increase In the favor of all
classes, the motion picture defies com
parison with any similar event or Inven
tion. And almost all of its success nas
been achieved in the short space of 10
years.
The present commercial unrest in the
film business is not due to any public
apathy to the motion picture, but to the
fact that there are too many theatres
now operating and too many film com
panies producing. There is no diminu
tion in the public Interest in the movies.
On the contrary, the general increase In
excellence In feature pictures has added
many new devotees to the screen drama.
A change In existing conditions, however,
mist take place. Theatres that have been
operating at a loss since built must close
definitely, shifting their business to the
nearest competitors. Theatre rentals,
which in many instances are absurdly
high, must be reduced. The cost of big
feature productions, for which there is a
great demand at present, must be lowered.
The movie business is destined for a
great era of prosperity. So far only the
amusement end of It has been properly
exploited. Most Informed persons are
agreed that it Is only a question of time
before the picture machine will be uni
versally used In the schools for instruc
tive purposes. This prosperity will not
come, however, beforo a general shakeup
has taken place. A number of theatres
will close up in the next year or two;
prices of admission will be changed; the
number of reels per show at 5 cents re
duced; the cost of films lowered; and
other such changes occur that will make
for the good of the third largest Industry
In the United States.
CARLYLE BLACKWELL MOVES
Screen devotees from coast to coast will
bo Interested in the news that Carlyle
Blackwell has signed a Lasky contract,
and will appear as leading man with Ina
Claire in the forthcoming Lasky releases.
Cabbages cant
smell like roses
but
the air in your theatre will
be sweet if you use
Com Noleum
(Disinfectant)
For freshening the air in all
Auditoriums, Theatres,
Halls, Moving Picture
Theatres, Schools, Lodge
Rooms, etc.
Free Sample on. Request
West Disinfecting Co.
1303 Race Street, Phila., Pa.
GARRICKI
Sc Last Week uSp.m-
THE JAMES BARNES EM-EDITION
Central Africa
rm most thrilling exposition In picturesjxid
UNCLE SAM'S NAVY jutcw
- FIRST 3HOWINO of the Great Nsval Flcttt
Inr Strenrth of th United Statu. as shown
recently to N Tort Harbor.
W ' -.
L- ... "uif - "
BESSIE EYTON
Of the Selig Players.
"I'm the Original Brnjik,0
Says Billie Reeves
By BILLIE REEVES
I am the original drunk.
At least I thought I was tha original
drunk until a short while ago, when a
prominent theatrical manager told ma
that Noah -was ahead of me by many
thousands of years and that I was trying
to steal his copyright.
In the 21st verse of the ninth chapter of
Genesis, I discovered that the theatrical
manager was correct, for. In speaking of
Noah it says: "And he drank of the
wine, and was drunken."
Professionally speaking, I have been
"drunk" for the last dozen years. Not
from choice, understand me. but because
the public liked me In the role I created,
and there has been such a demand to see
me "Inebriated" that I have continued in
this condition ever since.
Back in England In 19W. Fred Karnc
produced a vaudeville act that is known
to every theatrical patron In the world.
It was first called "Twice Nightly"; later.
"The Humming Birds." In this country
it was known as "A Night in an English
Music Hall." and I played the part of
the drunk In the box. This act was
played In almost every country in the
world. Later both Billy Ritchie and
Charles Chaplin played In the role I .
created. I
Not long ago Hitchle. Chaplin and I !
had a sort of a three-cornered debate over
this part, and I offered to wager $1000 that
I was the original drunk, and here old
Noah comes along and Is entitled to the
money.
It was while I was playing in the Zieg-
feld's "Midnight Follies" on tne Amster
dam Boof that Mr. Lubln asked me to
join his company- and appear in come
dies. People often ask me if I don't injure
myself In some of the falls I take. 1
rarely hurt myself, even when I fall
down a long Sight of stairs backwards.
It's all In the training. I was taught to
land on almost any portion of my body
without Injuring myself. In the type of
work I do I believe the screen gives me
a much wider opportunity than the stage.
I rarely spoke a line on the stage, for
which we should all be tvmnvfnt, so to
pictures I do not miss the vocal end.
I have been playing silly roles for a
long time now, but there la this to be
said about It. I have made a success oX
It and I have left a lot of laughs behind
me, and I sometimes think that If any
one can make people laugh and have a
good time, he's accomplished a little
something- In the general scheme at
things.
I llMary Plckfordlf fj
Favorite
Photoplayers'
Photographs
HANDSOMEST COLORED OR PLAIN
FOR SALE BY
Calehuff Snpply Co., Inc.
Race and 13th Streets
Philadelphia, Pa.
SEND FOR tlST OP SUBJECTS
Cell Phon
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LAHERO OF THE MILLION DOLLAR MYSTER
y x Will Tell You How To
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20,000,000 Movie Fans
Demand New Faces,
NewTalents, NewPersonalities
Fortunes For Movie Stars
Movie acting offers enormous lewaida hi those
who succeed. It is an avenue to big earnings that
is open to all kinds of people. One young girl who
is making over $100,000 a year was not earning as
many pennies a few months ago. Movie stars have
come from all walks of life, from the other pro
fessions, the offices, the factories and from behind
the counters of stores.
Movie acting does not require stage experience.
Many of its most successful stars had no previous
training in acting. Some of the biggest firml-r
favorites jumped from the obscurity of private life
to stardom almost over night.
A Wonderful Opportunity
No other profession offers such wonderful rewards so easily
won. None requires so little special framing so little y'M
knowledge. There Is a tremendous demand for new talent,
says Jim Craze. Photoplay producing is just beginxunst to
reach its development New companies, new producers are
springing op every day and to supply the evermcrrasing de
roand for movie players is one of the problems of movtt
directors.
Hare you ever considered the possibilities offered by this
great profession? Haven't yon told yourself over and over
again as you watched some photoplay on the screen ef roer
favorite movie theatre that if YOU had the OPFOKTinTY
you could do far BETTER than those yon see on the screen
liasnt it been your secret amoifinn to win a place among tha
stars of filmland? Haven't you craved a chance to prove your
fitness to win success in ibis, richly lew aided professoc?
Haven't you envied the film favorites who have wen a ptace
in the affections' of miTltom of movie fans afj over the world?
Then
Let Jim Cruze Teach You
Knowing the enormous demand lor new faces, new talerts
new personalities m the monies Jim Craze has txxsdexta&cs to
prepare a limited number of ambuJoua pecple for this tpk-oiJa
profession. Yoa an know Jim Croze, xtarof TheM2Scn
Dollar Mystery." of "Zudora" and of teens el ether seE
tional film successes. II is eminently fitted to t4i yea.
You can learn IN YOUR OWN HOME. J&a Creseto erS
pared a remarkably complete course ef instracriaa fa Monk
J"3sS '
Actios. Scenario
writing, play pro
ducing, directing,
makeup, etc
Emiiooed with the
knowledge tha
course gives you. vou
will enioy a tremendous
advantage over the un
tutored aoolicant for a
chance to nlav for thi. mnv.
ies. It is rjossihl. tn tMr-H apt.
tng. Jim Cruze graduated from a
school of dramatic are and won his
way to the front. WHY NOT YOU?
fcSllSS-
What Can You Do?
Study yourself, sars Jim Cruze. What can you do? Can
yoa portray by facial expression such emotions as anser,
hatred, love, suspicion, surprise, sorrow, pay amusement,
sooro. horror or joy? Can you nde. swinv run. jump, climb
ordance?. Cm you sad a boat, paddle a canoe, row, drive an
auto, engine or team? Can you play football, tennb, baseball
or other games of skill? Can you wear fine clothes and look
handsome and beautiful? Any of these special gifts may win
you a place. Remember your personal appearance and age
gsve nothing to do with getting a chance. The movies are
REAL. LIFE, and they require all types of men and women,
just as in every day life.
Get Cruze's Book On Acting
. Thisis a wonderfully fascinating volume on movie acting,
fun of the inside secrets of filmland, cxntaliunz hundreds of
facts about the players and the trade and many loety trictura
of filmstars. Cruz has also prepared a great TEST lesson
and examination ta assist you in determining whether yon are
fitted for this careen He will send you this book, test lesson
and examination papers if you will send 25c in stamps or coin
to help defray the cost. You owe it to yourself and to year
ambition to send fortius book, lesson and examination papers.
, tI,y?,iPiu'on "Ep will be corrected and reported on 8
rua will fin it out and send u in. Scores have taken the Crnze
FII?i,,t toVe Pleasure of learn ing the inside facta of film
landitteus. Others have taken it to taorove their natural
2Sti2?f,n.aa personal magnetisra. The majority tow
ever have taken it because they want to learn W act for the
govta. Send for thb book and lesson AT ONCE and
oegaj preparing yourself for this most richly rewarded ef
au professions. jm CRUZi.
MOVIE ACTORS ASSN,MteC590,1327IIkBrf,CmcagoJ HI
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