MOVING PICTURE INDUSTRY

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 254, 10 July 1926, Page 4

MOVING PICTURE INDUSTRY

PARAMOUNT’S FIFTEENTH „ BIRTHDAY A RECORD OF PROGRESS FIRST NEW ZEALAND CONVENTION The first New Zealand Paramount convention opened in Wellington _ yesterday, when Paramount exhibitors from all parts of tho Dominion were present at the invitation of tho Famous Lasky Film Service. Amongst the guests were heads of tho other film exchanges in New Zealand. Mr. W. W. Duff, manager of tho Wellington branch of tho Famous Lasky Film Service, presided. Welcome by the Mayor. The Mayor (Mr. C. J. B. Norwood), in welcoming the delegates to tho city-, said he was more than pleased to welcome so many exhibitors from all parts of the Dominion. This was tho age of conventions, and tho better co-operation of tho larger interests in the United States had been largely due to conferences. .He understood that the delegates present entertained’ GOO,OOO people weekly. No people to-day had larger responsibilities than those showing picture film to the people. This could bo made a great benefit or tho very reverse, ff the picture interests banded together they could become a great power for good. He had pleasure in paying a tribute to the high standard of film shown in New Zealand. It was the duty of all to look a little further than mere commercial returns, and they all freely acknowledged that tho Paramount Corporation did this. He welcomed , the Paramount representatives from overseas, and hoped they would enjoy their stay in the Dominion.

Fifteenth Birthday Group. Mr. W. R. Hoggan, of Sydney, general sales manager for Australia and New Zealand, outlined the principal films the corporation was releasing for 1927. He explained that the Paramount organisation had been built up with hard work, sweat, agony, and some brains. He reviewed tho various processes through • which a manuscript story passed before it appeared in him form. The Famous Lasky l‘ilm Service possessed a wonderful array of screen talent, including Harold Lloyd, Gloria Swanson, Thomas Moighan, Pola Negri, Richard Dix, Raymond Griffith Bobo Daniels, Adolphe Menjou, Douglas MacLean, W. C. Fields, Esther Ralston. Florence Vidor, Wallace Beery, and other world-renowned stars. Mr. HOj,- ' gan went on to describe the 70. Earamount pictures for 1927. These ed “Padlocked,” “For Heaven s Sake, “The Sorrows of Satan, . 'iho Lady of tho Harem,” "Fascinating Youth "Glorifying tho American Girl, Uno Manners,” "The Cat’s Pyjamas, • Magic Love," “Paradise for Two," "Aloma of the South Seas,” all of which wcio claimed io be outstanding pictures.

Banquet at the Midland. The visiting exhibitors and representatives of the various film exchanges were afterwards entertained by tho Famous Lasky Film Service at luncheon at the Midland Hotel. Mr. W. W. Duff, manager of tho Wellington bunch,. P sided, and other representatives of tho corporation present were Mr. W. KHoggan and Mr. H. F. Terry, secretary of the Famous Lasky Film Service. Sir Alexander Roberts, who was the chief guest of honour by virtue of the fact that he had been commissioner for New Zealand at the Wembley Exhibition congratulated the Paramount organisation on tho most extraordinary development wliidli had taken place in the motion picture industry during the the last few years. The industry had been built up within the past 20 years, and now/ ranked as the fourth largest industry in” the country. “I wonder, he said, “if you people realise what an extraordinary power you, possess. Tho, picture organisations have more power over the fVJture cj the race than anjy other force. Seo to it that you direct this power in tho proper jdirection. My advice to you is to give the public something cheery. lam a great believer in laughter; there is nothin" better in this world than a good laugh.” Proceeding Sir Alexander Roberts asked the film services to use their very best efforts in presenting, at least to the children, that which was good for them. "Make a speciality of your Saturday afternoon display/* lie said, “and do your best to give the young people of'this country which is in their b/st interests, , Give the youngsters, a good start, and there need then be no fear for tho future of tho Dominion. Tho speaker went on to, refer to the good which moving pictures' could do in engendering a cordial feeling amongst. Tho great English-speaking nations. Tho United States was the home of the moving picture, and film directors could. do much to foster a better understanding and draw America and Great Britain closer together for tho good of each other and of humanity. , ' . ' A Good Example. I Mr. E..J. Righton (N.Z. Picture Supplies), speaking on behalf of tho exhibitors, said that the example of the Famous Lasky Service in bringing their exhibitors together in order to talk matters- over might well be followed by other services. The moving picture industry, he declared, was very : much asleep, 1 as wag evident from the fact that the Daylight Saving Bill had been allowed to pass the House without *. word of protest. This measure would detrimentally affect the picture business in New Zealand, as it had already .Hone in Australia. Mr. Beaumont Smith, in the course of a brief review of the development of the picture industry, mentioned that he had arranged to amalgamate his ■■ interests with Mr. Kemball, of De Luxe. King’s, and Queen’s chain of local theatres.

Mr. W. R. Roggan, in responding, said that Paramount films were shown in 30 countries, to people who spoke 37 different languages. With regard to Sir Alexander Roberts’s plea for special films for children, ho could tell them that tho corporation was already alive to this vital requirement. This year they had released “Peter Pan,” and next they would send out another Barrio story, "A Kiss for Cinderella.” Tho Paramount convention which was being held in Wellington that day was also being held right throughout the world. Tho reason why moving pictures were predominant in America was because the people realised what a force they were in advertising their country. At the same time, they recognised that Britain was their second best customer, and on that account, they were careful not to offend susceptibilities. Words would not make a league of nations, but understanding would, and moving pictures the best means whereby the peoples of the world could get to know and understand * each other. The members of the convention and the guests of tho Famous I.asky Film Service subsequently viewed a screening of "Paramount’s Fifteenth Birthday Group” of releases for 1927 at the Do Luxe Theatre.