书城外语珍珠谜案
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第30章 PICTURES,GIRLS AND NONSENSE(2)

"We're not going to build one of 'these'theatres,"retorted Patsy."Many of the dens I've been in cost scarcely anything,being mere shelters.The city is strewn with a lot of miserable,stuffy theatres that no one can enjoy sitting in,even to see a good picture.We have talked this over and decided to erect a new style of building,roomya and sanitaryb,with cushioned seats and plenty of broad aisles.There are one or two of this class already in Los Angeles,but we want to make our children's theatres a little better than the best.""And the expense?""Well,it will cost money,of course.But it will be a great delight to the children—bless their little hearts!""This is really a business enterprise,"added Beth gravely.Uncle John chuckled with amusement.

"Have you ?gured out the pro?ts?"he inquired.

"It really ought to pay,Uncle,"declared Patsy,somewhat nettledc by this ?accid reception of her pet scheme.

"All the children will insist on being taken to a place like that,for we shall show just the pictures they love to see.And,allowing there is no money to be made from the venture,think of the joy we shall give to innumerable little ones!""Go ahead,my dears,"said Uncle John,smiling approval."And,if you girls ?nd you haven't enough money to carry out your plans,come to me.""Oh,thank you,Uncle !"exclaimed Beth."But I feel sure we can manage the cost ourselves.We will build one of the theatres ?rst,and if that is a success we will build others.""But about those films,made especially for children,"remarked Arthur."Where will you get them?""Why,there are lots of firms making films,"replied Patsy."We can select from all that are made the ones most suitable for our purpose.""I fear you cannot do that,"said Mrs.Montrose,whohad listened with wonder to this conversation."There are three combinations,or 'trusts,'among the ?lm makers,which are known as the Licensed,the Mutual and the Independents.If you purchase from one of these trusts,you cannot get films from the others,for that is their edicta.Therefore you will have only about one—third of the ?lms made to select from.""I thought money would buy anything—in the way of merchandise,"said Louise,half laughing and half indignant.

"Not from these ?lm dictators,"was the reply.

"They all make a few children's pictures,"announced M a u d S t a n t o n ."E v e n t h e C o n t i n e n t a l t u r n s o u t o n e occasionally.But there are not nearly enough,taken all together,to supply an exclusive children's theatre.""Then we will have some made,"declared Patsy."Wewill order some fairy tales,such as the children like.They would be splendid in motion pictures.""Some have already been made and exhibited,"said Mrs.