Is it legal for an exhibitor on films in Shanghai to show a picture, the Chinese rights for which are already in the hands of another local firm of distributors? Asks the N.C.D. News. The question was raised in movie circles last July when the Ramos Amusement, Ld., the proprietors of the Olympic and Victoria Theatres, achieved a record in movie presentation in the Far East by showing Charlie Chaplin's 'The Kid.' Just before this First National picture was advertised for presentation at the Olympic Theatre, Pathe-Orient, the largest distributors in China, had secured by cable the rights of the film-play for this part of the world. Pathe have also been granted the sole rights of another Chaplin picture, 'The Idle Class.' The Ramos management are film distributors and they are apparently at liberty as was proved in the case of 'The Kid's' arrival in China, to rent both productions to other picture palace proprietors in the country. The First National Corporation held a conference with the present exhibitors in China, who are registered in the Spanish Consulate, in accordance with Spanish legal procedure when an action is contemplated. A movement is on foot to form an Association of moving picture theatre owners and distributors in China for the safeguarding of their mutual interests. The aims of the association will be, in the absence of copyright laws in China, to prevent anyone in the trade from obtaining a picture at a nominal cost which has already been released to another firm, and thereby making unfair profits. It is understood that the proprietors of several houses both in Shanghai and upcountry have intimated their willingness to join this organization.