Binney to Make Two-Reel Comedies (1918) 🇺🇸

Long-time director organizes Florida film corporation, of which he will be president.

Closely identified with the production of high-class comedy features, H. J. Binney, better known as Josh Binney, and the announcement that he has organized a producing company under the title of the Florida Film Corporation, the purpose of which will be a monthly release of a two-reel “Josh” Binney comedy, will prove of interesting news to buyers and exhibitors.

Initial co-operation with Mack Sennett started “Josh” Binney off right with Filmdom’s foremost laugh producer.

Then followed a season of Vogue comedies for the Mutual Program, which established Mr. Binney as a capable director.

Sunshine comedies were next manufactured under Binney’s direction and were exploited with success. The Masterpictures and Lion Comedies next occupied Mr. Binney’s attention, his duties including those of president in addition to director general, and the popularity of this product was but a further evidence that a master hand was at the helm.

Mr. Binney’s reputation as a producer of successful comedies naturally brought him many offers of affiliation and including a most flattering proposition submitted by capitalists of Jacksonville, Fla. After a careful investigation Mr. Binney was convinced that in these overtures were conditions and opportunities which would permit of his putting into operation certain ideas regarding photoplay production which had long been in his mind, inasmuch as he would have the hearty co-operation of H. J. Klutho, one of Jacksonville’s most influential business men and owner of the renowned Klutho studios. The Florida Film Corporation was organized, the policy of production being the monthly release of a two-reel comedy. Mr. Binney claims he now is equipped to produce the best releases of his career as a director and that it will be his sole ambition to supply the market with a product that will compare most favorably with the best obtainable.

Funny Fatty Filbert, also known to hosts of audiences as Nathan Dewing, occupies the stellar position in Mr. Binney’s acting company and is a guarantee that the mirth-provoking situations are in most capable hands. His reputation as a laugh-getter has placed him in the foremost ranks of the funny fat men of the screen.

Fatty Filbert has the support of well-known and well-liked artists, including Fred Bezerril, that “different” comedian from South America; the beautiful Vivian Dart as leading woman; Glen Lambert, Rox Renfro, Florence McLaughlin, Gertie Fishback and Ira Wentley. A. A. Porchet is photographer.

In presenting the “Josh” Binney comedies it is Binney’s intent to carry out different thought in each release and incorporating in addition to its comedy possibilities stories of human and gripping interest and plot.

Three of the new series are now completed, and a most vigorous advertising campaign is now being outlined covering these as well as the releases to follow.

Arrangements have been consummated whereby Ernest Shipman and his organization will exploit the “Josh” Binney comedies and act as sales representative for the Florida Film Corporation, with headquarters at 17 West Forty-fourth street, New York City.

These ideas of construction are based upon Mr. Binney’s wealth of experience and are calculated to work out to the advantage of his company, the buyer, exhibitor and the picture viewing public.

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D. W. Griffith in Chicago.

D. W. Griffith, who had been scheduled as one of the speakers at the Liberty Loan meeting held in the La Salle theater Monday afternoon, April 18, was not on hand owing to his train being six hours late. He did not disappoint the evening meeting, however, when he delivered a stirring and patriotic address. He was accompanied by George Fawcett, with whom he left for Los Angeles the same night.

The opening of Hearts of the World at the Olympic, set for Sunday, April 21, was postponed by Mr. Griffith until Wednesday, April 24, when it will be given its premiere showing here. Mr. Griffith explained his haste to get back to Los Angeles by saying that he is about to engage in the making of another big picture, and that a large company of players were awaiting his arrival.

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“A Dog’s Life” Does Big Business.

A Dog’s Life, Charlie Chaplin’s first three-reel comedy for the First National Exhibitors’ Circuit, drew extraordinary business to the Rialto and McVicker’s, where it was shown during pre-release week by Jones, Linick & Schaefer. Mr. Linick states that the business has shown a daily increase of $500 over the average business done at these houses. During the week beginning Monday, April 22, the comedy will be shown at the Bijou Dream, adjacent to the Orpheum, on State street, and at the Rose, Alcazar, Pastime and Star, on West Madison street, within the Loop.

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Gerard War Picture at Colonial.

Adolph Linick, of Jones, Linick & Schaefer, when seen the other day, announced that the Colonial theater will again make way for moving pictures on Monday, April 29, when former Ambassador Gerard’s [James W. Gerard] feature, My Four Years in Germany, will open an indefinite run. Two shows daily will be given at admissions from 25 cents to $1.

Mr. Linick expects that Mr. Gerard will be present for the opening night. The Colonial’s twenty-piece orchestra will play the accompanying music, and the regular stage settings for moving pictures will be used.

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H. L. Walleck Buys Theater in Iowa.

H. L. Walleck, well known in Chicago film circles, is now sales representative in Iowa for the Golden Pictures Corporation. When in the city recently Mr. Walleck stated that he had purchased the Strand theater in Mystic, Iowa, which is showing to good business at 10, 15 and 20 cents admission. A daily change of program is made. Mr. Walleck has appointed a manager for the Strand while he attends to his duties with the Golden company.

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“My Own United States” at Hamilton Club.

Cresson E. Smith, manager of Metro’s Chicago branch office, announces that My Own United States will be given at a private showing before the members of the Hamilton Club, this city, Saturday night, April 20. The members of this club take a particular interest in the feature, as the character of Alexander Hamilton, for whom the club is named, is prominent in the cast.

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Marie Dressler Aids Loan Drive.

Marie Dressler arrived in the city Sunday, April 14, to take part in the third Liberty Loan drive. She appeared the same night at a number of Chicago picture houses, and the following day went out to the Elgin Watch Company’s plant, where she made a stirring address to employees in support of the loan.

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Flaherty Buys Interest in Foursquare Offices.

F. J. Flaherty, manager of Chicago’s Foursquare branch office, has announced that he purchased a half interest in the Chicago and Minneapolis offices of the company April 1 last.

Collection: Moving Picture World, May 1918