Ruth Findlay, Star of “The Salamander”

Ruth Findlay, who has surpassed herself in B. S. Moss’ production of The Salamander, picturized from Owen Johnson’s widely read novel of the same name which had its initial presentation last Tuesday at the Regent theater. New York City, scoring an immediate success, was born in New York City, on September 19, 1895.

The stage debut of this gifted young star was made in the Liebler production of Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch. Miss Findlay’s excellent rendition of the role allotted her in this play attracted the attention of William A. Brady, who engaged her for a principal role in Baby Mine, which scored a marked success as a farce comedy several seasons ago. Following this engagement. Miss Findlay allied herself with the Joseph Brook’s forces, appearing in Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. In succession came engagements with such legitimate hits as The Lure, The Last Resort and What Is Love?

The photodramatic debut of Miss Findlay was made in the World Film production of “The Man Who Found Himself.”

Regarding Miss Findlay’s work George Jean Nathan, the eminent writer of Smart Set fame, penned the following, under the title of On the Powers of the Voice: “Coquelin wrote, ‘The power of the voice is incalculable.’ ‘All the picturesque effects in the world are not worth a cry uttered with the right intonation.’ Possibly, but all the same, let me write that I went into a picture hall not long ago and in a film called The Moonstone caught sight upon the screen of a young girl whose silent expression was thrice as dramatic, thrice as poignant, penetrating and eloquent as Bernhardt’s [Sarah Bernhardt] memorable cry in Izeyl.”

—

Berst Appoints Division Managers

Chief Executive of General Film Company makes V. H. Hodupp Division Manager for the East, while H. E. Lotz, leading Canadian film man, is placed in a similar capacity in charge of all Canada.

In accord with President J. A. Berst’s policy of securing greater efficiency for the benefit of the exhibitor, and his desire to afford larger opportunities to men who have shown the co-operative spirit toward the man who manages the theater, important changes in the General Film Company field staff were made this week. These changes include the appointment of two new division managers, one for the East and one for Canada; the promotion of six branch managers, and the engaging of three more entirely new to the General Film Company.

Soon after Mr. Berst’s election to the presidency of the General Film Company, it will be remembered, he divided the country into four districts, placing in each a division manager in charge of that division’s branches. The four division managers are to take the place of a general manager of the entire organization. The appointment of these division managers was announced soon after the creation of the division system. The appointment of V. H. Hodupp, made known this week, completes the quartette of the division managers for the United States.

Until Monday, January 10, Mr. Hodupp was manager of the Twenty-third Street General Film Company Branch. Prior to his connection with the General Film Company he had a long and successful film career with Pathé Frères. He handled many important matters for them. His last work for Pathé was done as manager of their Chicago exchange. While Mr. Hodupp has been in the film business practically since its development, he is a man of finely varied experiences. He has operated extensively in real estate and has been successful as a broker in downtown New York. He is one of the most popular men in the film industry, and is full of ideas and enthusiasm. His friends throughout the country will be highly gratified at his deserved promotion.

A second important change announced this week from the General Film Company’s Offices is the selection of H. E. Lotz to be division manager of Canada. Until a few days ago Mr. Lotz was manager of the Mutual exchange in Montreal. He is familiar with the entire Canadian territory, from Montreal to the Pacific Coast, having spent seven years in the film industry in Canada. Like Mr. Hodupp, Mr. Lotz is a man of engaging personality. He has made friends in Canada from coast to coast.

An interesting illustration of the opportunities open to live wires in the world of film is afforded by Mr. Lotz’s career. His first work for the General Film Company was done as a traveling representative for the Seattle Branch. Now he is a division manager, in charge of the General’s branches over a vast stretch of territory.

Managers Promoted.

Of the six branch managers who receive larger spheres of action, H. H. Buxbaum is transferred from Minneapolis to Philadelphia. This is in recognition of Mr. Buxbaum’s invariably courteous and helpful attitude toward his customers. Exhibitors and business associates were sorry to see the manager leave Minneapolis. A farewell dinner at which Mr. Buxbaum received a loving cup was one of the features of his departure from the Middle Western city. He is now installed in the Philadelphia office.

The popularity with exhibitors of J. T. Van Meter and his successful business methods while in charge of the Milwaukee branch of the General Film Company led Mr. Berst to select liim as Mr. Buxbaum’s successor in Minneapolis. It was felt that Mr. Van Meter would have larger opportunities there, and as he did not wish to leave the Middle West this promotion was eminently satisfactory to him.

F. L. Hudson, the third manager who is promoted, was especially successful in Los Angeles. He is transferred to Seattle where there are special opportunities for a man of Mr. Hudson’s proved ability.

T. C. Malcolm is made manager of the Los Angeles branch to succeed Mr. Hudson. Mr. Malcolm was Mr. Hudson’s assistant in the California Coast City. His effective methods of co-operating with exhibitors and his good business sense have won him his advancement.

Mr. Milder is the fifth of the General Film Company managers to be promoted. He was sent from Pittsburgh to Cleveland despite the written protest of some of his customers who asked President Berst to keep him in Pittsburg. But Mr. Milder’s record was so unusual that Mr. Berst wished to give him advancement. When Mr. Berst’s view was made known to Mr. Milder the latter asked that he be sent to Cleveland. He had once lived in the lake city, he knew the territory well, and he preferred Cleveland as a place of residence and of business opportunity.

The sixth promotion is that of J. L. Marentette, formerly assistant manger in the Atlanta, Ga., branch. Mr. Marentette becomes manager at Atlanta. He is a well known Southern film man and before his connection with the General Film Company had made a record for himself in the Southern States.

The New Managers.

The three managers who come to the General Film Company from other organizations are W. C. Brimmer, C. W. Taylor and W. VV. Anderson. Mr. Brimmer becomes manager of the Milwaukee branch, succeeding Mr. Van Meter. He, too, has a large following among exhibitors of his territory. Prior to joining the General Film Company he was manager of the Universal Exchange in Milwaukee. C. W. Taylor is appointed branch manager in Omaha. He comes to the General from the Mutual, having had charge in Omaha of the Mutual Exchange. He has had long experience on the business side of films and has many exhibitor friends.

The third of the new managers, W. W. Anderson, formerly of Pathé Frères. takes charge in Newark, N. J. He has already demonstrated that he is wide awake. One of the first innovations made by Mr. Anderson was the showing of all General releases m Newark theaters regularly each week for the benefit of the exhibitors. This was before the establishing in Newark of a projection room for exhibitors’ private showings.

New and larger quarters have been taken by three branches. These are the Baltimore, Newark and Pittsburgh offices. The Baltimore branch is now at 402 W. Lombard street, the Newark, at 16–18 Beaver street, and the Pittsburgh at 119 Ninth street.

Collection: Moving Picture World, January 1916