last thing to do, and where it is done the work of that operator is on trial—the picture tells whether he knows his business or not. So many theatrical managers say their pictures are not satisfactorily displayed, so many audiences turn away disgustedly, vowing they will not come again, that for the sake of good results and the thorough enjoyment of a truly delightful form of entertainment where rightly displayed, in self-defense let the demand come for licensed operators from theatrical managers and form the public.
To the managers of playhouses we say that it is due to them to know the importance of having a thorough mechanic at the machine, one who knows what size of wire will bring the current safety to the machine from the mains. One who knows that there must be no short-circuit in his rheostat. One who must see that his lamp is properly insulated. One who knows that if his carbons are left together he has a complete short-circuit that will put him out of business. One who knows the limitation of his machine and avoids being put out of business by trying to get a 25-ampere current through a 71⁄2-ampere metre. In short, operating is an exact science, and should be so regarded by bureaus who employ operators and by the company managers who include moving pictures as a feature of their show.
Again, it is not a boys' sport; there should be an age limit, where a young man, realizing the responsibility which is on him to protect the lives of his audience, always keeps on safe ground and insures the delightful entertainment of those who visit moving picture shows.
Are you a licensed operator? If so, if you have a certificate issued by authority of any State, showing that you have given proof of your ability and through knowledge so entitle you to such certificate, register your name at the office of The Moving Picture World.
If you are not a licensed operator, but wish to become one, send your name and address to The Moving Picture World office.
One effect is organization and protection of self and otherwise.
It is to give the operator standing. It is a recommendation of efficiency. It eases the mind of his employer. It says to the bureaus employing him: You have a skilled mechanic at your command; your business will be properly taken care of; the party is worthy of your full confidence.
No more men to be sent out by booking firms to make good who cannot get a light, to say nothing of putting on a picture, their chief recommended being cheap help. Within a few days a moving picture show man opened a place and hired a good, efficient operator at $25.00 per week. After the first week he said: "Why should I pay $25.00 per week? I will put my son at the machine. I will save an operator's salary. He did so. He burned up the place, machine, films. He wanted to make money. He did not know until too late that cheap help was dear at any price. If cheapness and quality could chum up, but they can't. "Knowledge is power," and operating is skilled employment, entitled to fair compensation. A man who knows this branch of employment thoroughly demands a man's wages. Until firms who employ operators wake up to this fact there will be a constant flood of accidents.
"NOTHING SUCCEEDS LIKE SUCCESS."
By One Who Has Proved It.
Editor Moving Picture World:
Dear Sir—In reply to your favor of recent date, relative to items of growth and improvement and notes of general progress pertaining to this business, I desire to say that it has been phenomenal. Fancy, beginning less than three years ago with a desk chair and to-day controlling the largest retail business of its kind in this city and carrying a stock twice as large as all others collectively.
Of course, hard work has been a prime factor in the case, but the fact remains that after an almost total collapse the motion picture industry took a turn for the better and those interested sat up and took notice.
To-day the industry is on a footing that means permanency, and now that a flickerless and perfect machine is on the market, at a price within the reach of all, it is up to the film manufacturer. If he has not overdrawn the account known as "imagination," his field is large and financially inviting to a marked degree.
This applies to the legitimate, of course, and not to the plagiarist, who, lying in wait like a murderer in the dark, pounces on everything good, the emanations of a man of brains, and deliberately counterfeits the idea. It will be a happy day for responsible dealers when counterfeiters of machines and films will subject themselves to fine and imprisonment for so doing.
Then there is the same class who originate (?) startling, blood-and-thunder pictures, in which vault doors are made fully one inch thick and burglar's dark lantern painted on the wall; where a noted park is used because it costs nothing and a pad dog introduced in the same pictures for the same reason.
The public is gradually becoming educated, especially since the Nickelodeons have become a fad, and when one of these very fake pictures is shown, we hear the well-worn expressions, "Git the hook," etc., etc.
It is well. More power to the voices until they shall drive out every faker and counterfeiter, every falsifier and he who misrepresents for the same of a few paltry dollars, when legitimate dealers will realize a fair per cent. of profit and operators again receive a fair wage.
This industry is bound to grow, and if by concerted action the pirates can be driven out (and I believe they can), then let the leading makers lead and every honest dealer lend a helping hand.
Your publication is deserving of success and I wish for it better things as time progresses.
