Variety (January 1919)

MOVING PICTURES ^:a NEWS OF THE FILM WORLD Enid Bennett's new Paramount picture has teen entlUed "Happy Tbougb Married." It will be released early next montJi. Earl Schenck la playing the title role in "The Spirit of Lafayette," which will be re- leased in New York early next month. Yvonne Delva baa been secured to take the part of Helen O'Neil in the screen Terslon of "The 18th Chair." Leonce Perret will be the director. "Breed of Hen" la the title selected for WllUam^ 8. Hart's new Artcraft Seena Owen la the leading woman. It will be released early next month. H. H. Berman, for the past eighteen months sales manager for the Jewel, has been ap- pointed .general manager of Universal ex- changes. Famous Flayers will renovate the 6«th street (Kew York) studio. New floors are to be put In and better lighting facllitieB; a new ventilat- ing system Is also to be Installed. Marguerite Clark on a new Paramount pro- duction entitled "A Honeymoon tor Three." Jobn Robertson Is directing. The E. K. Lincoln film, "The American Spirit," la scheduled for release Jan. 2T via tbe Hodklnson, Inc., has been renamed ''Sight- ing Through." Baron Minora HIrata, Japanese Ambassador to Russia, accompanied by Marquis T. Mayeda and Y. Yonemnra, are In the United States studying the pictures, Oeorge Q. Fraaer, San Francisco photogra- pher, announced the Incorporation at Reno, Nev., of tbe Fraeer Motion Picture Syndicate, capitalized at $260,000. Fraser is president of tbe new company. Art Accord, - broncho buster, la6t seen on tbe camera in theTbeda Bara production of "Cleo- patra." returned last week (rom France: Ac- cord enlisted from the Callfomlan studios with the artillery. Jack Cunningham is writing tbe continuity for "Flatonlo Love," tbe comedy-drama by Capt Leslie T. Peacocke. which will be Klt^ Gordon's nixt picture for tbe United Pic- tures. Jaoiues Jaccard, a former serial director of Universal forces, was In New York the first of the week; back (rom serrlce In France with the Pacific Coast troops. He will be mustered out next month on tbe Coast "Her First Knight." the latest Sunshine com- edy to be made under the personal supervision of Henry Lebrman and directed by Fred Fisb- . back, will be released through Fox Filma Jan. 10. Llla I<ee, who has just returned to Holly- wood, starts work at once on a screen version ot Grace Miller White's story, "Judge .of Rogue's Harbor," which will be seen after the "Secret Garden," to be released Jan. 22. Tbe Exhibitors' Mutual, In addition to their four regular releases, will offer on Jan. 26 "The Eleventh Commandment," starring Lucille Lee Stewart It was written and directed by Ralph Ince. Tbe next picture to be directed by Cecil De HUle has been supplied by Edgar Selwyn. The latter Intended to produce It In New York as a play, but was Induced to turn It over to the Famous Players' general director. Tbe work of filming picture snow scenes has started near Truckee, Gal. Several companies have sent troops of actors of from 15 to 20 persons each. A large proportion ot tbe Alaska and British Columbia scenes are photo- graphed wltbln a few miles ot Truckee. Tbe second Henry Walthall subject will like- ly bave Its present working title, "A Long Lane's Turning," changed before It reaches the screen. This Is the first picture that baa Mary Cbarleson as a principal since her recent mar- riage to Mr. Walthall. As a result ot the work of Blllie Rhodes In multiple-reeled subjects It is doubtful it the National Film Co. comedienne will return to the one and two-reeled subjects any more. Her second subject will be entitled "Hoop La," a flve-reeler, that is being made on tbe Coast Lieut Lawrence Oroasmlth has recovered from the grippe, and is back In on "A House Divided." Blllie Rhodes' film, "Girl of My Dreams," Is baving some trouble In passing tbe Penn- sylvania State Board of Cenaors, who express shock at some of tbe scenes In It ...... Besale BarrlBcale Is now on, her Jthltil picture.. for kobertaon & Cole, antel^asedtbrougb the Exhibitors' Mutual. "All ot a Sudden Nonna" is now being exhibited. Miss Barrlscale's sec- ond picture, which has not yet been given a title, will be ready tor release F'eb. 0. The third one is being filmed. Howard Hickman, Miss Barrlscale's husband. Is directing her. Howard Bstabrook, who In turn has bees leading man and star of the leglUmata stage, featured player in a serial, star of a couple o( five-reel pictures, and more recently director of productions (or the Famous Players, has feslgned his position. Mr. Estabrook has ac- cepted an appointment with the Vacuum Olf Co, of New York.. For some time It has been the custom of pic- ture executives from tbe high moguls down to the strenuous press agents to send out tbe statement "Busy; in conference" when the in- ner works men did not wish to see tbe caller whose name had been submitted to bim for a personal Interview. Now comes a new year substitute In "He's In the projection room and can't be disturbed at present." The latter works like a charm. Wheeler Oakman was In New York this week, having returned last Friday via the Mataonla and expects to return to picture work when mustered out of service around Feb. 1." Oakman, who enlisted with the California "Grizzlies," Is with Battery A (handling 6- Inch guns). Oakman's battery is under Capt Peter B. Kyne, who wrote "Cappy Ricks," which Oliver Morosco is producing on Broad- way. The battery was In - France for about seven months. The third ot tbe Peret productions, "A Soul Adrift," with Dolores CasslnelU as the star, has been completed by Leonce Peret Upon winding up the Casein ell 1 film at the Metro studio Peret and staff moved over to the Pathe studio, where they will "do" the picturisatlon of "The Thirteenth Chair," with Mile. Yvonne Delva as tbe star. The latter picture will be marketed by tbe Acme Film Corp. but exploited In tbe offices of Adolphe Oaso. Capt Frederick Steelman Bain, U. 8. A., started suit Dec 2 In the Supreme Court through his attorney, Arthur Butler Graham, against John I. Ginsberg. Tbe former alleges be Is owner of the picture, "When the Bugles Call," and that he entered Into an agreement with Ginsberg which provided that the latter should provide funds for the promotion of the picture. Ginsberg, according to the plain- tiff, neglected to perform his share of the work, and be asks for 126,000 damages. The owners of "The Scarlet Trail" at ttad 39th Street for one week are putting the film on the state rights market This is the pic- ture that was written and directed by John S. Lawrence, being based on the pamphlet "Don't Take a Chance," which was distributed amoni the men ot the Army and Navy by the Y. M. C. A. The picture has the endorsement of tbe Social Hygiene Division of the American De- tense Society. At present tbe picture la being distributed through tbe G. & L. Features, Ina, N. P.. Oreathouse, general manager. General advertising from billboards to tbe monthly publications for films has gone up a few bounds since tbe passing ot the old year, according to.the new schedule ot prices'that have been collected by the film exploitation and advertising departments on which to base tbe appropriations (or the current year's ad- vertising layout The price of cuts Is an Item that has sent up the advertising expenditure immeasurably. One ad. expert has advised hl« concern to establish Its own cut-making de- partment Another ordered only type copy to be sent out. Jobn W. Gray, formerly with the B. A. Rolte film company, and Arthur B. Reeve have formed a permanent association to write screen serials, with the Gray-Reeve combination making Its first picture from tbe Craig Ken- nedy stories by Reeve, which the Oliver Film Co. will make tor the market. This picture will have Herbert Rawllnson and Margaret Marsh as Its stars, When Gray left the Rolfe offices he was succeeded by Harry H. Poppe, who at present Is handling tbe press work tor the Houdlnl serial. C. 0. Stewart, now gen- eral manager tor tbe Octagon Film Co., was formerly assistant manager ot the Rialto and Rivoll; at the Rolte offices he succeeds Harry OrosBman as executive manager. OPERATORS IN BUSINESS. ' Three members of the M. P. O. Union 306, Harry and A. Mackler and Sam Roseman (the Mackler brothers were officers of the union, Harry be- ing business agent) have taken over the offices of the Film Renovating Co. While the trio retains its member- ship in the union, the officership con- nection has been resigned. Miss Clifford and Salisbury Featuring. Ruth CltfFord and Monroe Salisbury are together again in feature making, with Rupert Julian designated to do ■ their..directicgi-—.-^.^=::-.»:...-..-^-.-.Kt.-,.^:....T^^^^ S. A. Lynch Returns to New York. S. A. Lynch, president of Triangle Distributing Co. is back in New York after a siege of influenza in Texas. He is taking things a bit easy until he is fully restored to normal strength. BOOKING CIRCUIT PROGRESSING. Material progress is being made in the formation of the booking circuit for the distribution of the release of Famous Players-Lasky, First National and Select, with the strong likelihood of the other important film organiza- tions joining. The Stanley Booking Corporation, through which it is proposed to book the features of these concerns, has already taken New York offices in the McCreery building on Fifth avenue and with the return to New York of, Adolph Zukor and the First National officials the plan is to be put into operation. PICTURE DEATHS. JoBoph T. MulUUy died in Philadel- phia, Dec. 29, of influenza. The de- ceased was with Lasky forces until he enlisted in the Navy. He was 30 years of age and a native of New Orleans. Matt Barr died recently at Calgary after contracting influenza. He was vice-president of the United Theatres of that city. As a mark of respect both the Dominion and Rex theatres were closed until after the funeral. Joseph (Pop) Byrnes, moving picture operator, employed at different houses, aged about 35 years, unmarried^ died Dec. 7 in New York of pneumonia. The fatherof Julian Saenger, head of the Saenger Amusement Co., died at Shreveport, La., Dec 27. Mrs. Luray Long, wife of Walter Long, died suddenly in Los Angeles of influenza. The deceased has appeared in pictures, and her husband, who sur- vives, is also known in that field. ■PETE MARRYING. Pete Smith of the Famous Piayers- Lasky publicity department is about to take unto himself a wife. Pete always wanted to live in New York. The date is in February and .the apartment is now being selected. Chapilns on Belated Honeymoon. Los Angeles, Jan. 8. The picture colony here stopped rumoring about the Charlie Chaptins when it was learned the couple had gone to San Francisco for a belated honeymoon. Elaine Hammerstein Remalas. The deal by which Elaine Hammer- stein was to have been engaged to make features for Famous Players- Lasky, was not consummated and Miss Hammerstein will remain under the management of Harry Rapf for a se- ries of features. THE BLUFFER. Sybil June Blvldge Richard Vaughan Irving Cummlngs Wallace Duncan .Frank Mayo John Moran George MacQuarrle Qraco Moran Muriel Oatrlche Mrs. Blade Elizabeth Garrlaon Simon Alexander Louts Qrlsel Edmond Curtiss Jack Davidaon Tbe valet Jack Raymond The latest World release with June Elvtdge featured. It is a travesty on those who are supposed to be in society, yet live by their wits, and tbe bluffers are crude In tbeir methods. Miss Eivldge is supported by Irving Cum- mlngs, Frank Mayo and a capable cast, but tbe work of the star easily outshines that of her support, in a role far from pleasing and lacking In sympathy. Sybil (MIbb Blvldge) and her husband cheat at cards and are paid guests at vari- ous places they visit They are always in debt and get in a number of nasty scrapes. As tbe result ot one of these flasoos tbe hus- band la killed and the way opened for tbe heroine to marry a man she loves, who la on the level. There are a number of striking settings In ,...tbe...tt<««8l flvj reeJp Two • bftHroom, acnacB are attractive and many ot the "extras" are handsomely gowned. Mtas Elvldge wears many extravagant costumes. Tbe pbotoxrnphy is clear and thera are many interesting out- side locations. In spite of these advantages it Is doubtful If "The Bluffer" will ever be a popular pro- gram feature. The story and continuity are by Clara 8. Beranger, Travora Vale was the director, and Philip Hatkln the cameraman. VAUDEVILLE NOTES. ^| Henry Clark, who has been appear.-'^ ing in Bert Lament's "The Beach at |i Waikiki," has left the act and gone to 'M Honolulu, where his father recently i*^ died and bequeathed him the entire i^i estate, valued at $50,000. Clark has a ^§ brother, Charles (Clark's Hawaiians). -^ Henrjr Clark's wife, also'^in the Lamont 1^ turn, is a niece of Harry Singer. She '|^ is known as Princess Lila, and is a "w pupil of Doraldina. i:^ The New York Theatrical Protective ll Union No. 1 (L A. T. S. E.) is now Jl holding its meetings once a month in-1>^ stead of twice monthly as heretofore.: ^ The .annual election of officers does not M occur until next May. 21 members f^ with the Army and Navy have returned. ' Of the number who enlisted and were drafted only a few remain in the hos* pitals in France. The sixth annual r^ ball of No. 1 takes place March 1 next /^ at Yorkville Casino. '^^^ The French orchestra, composed of'* J members of the Paris Conservatorte, ^iJ sailed from New York Tuesday. The-;^ French artists arrived here aboard a ^^!| war ship last fall and have been -M appearing under the auspices of the ^ American Red Cross. The orchestra i^ was to have given a farewell concert J^ at Carnegie Hall Wednesday, but^^ through a change in sailing dates oi r^ the boat which held their reservations 3!^ the concert was cancelled. .&^ — - .,:Jl Whan fire broke out at the Cafe de-^^ Paris, 48th street and Broadway,'^ Saturday midnight, destroying $2,00(1 li worth of costumes, the presence of 'll mind of Manager James T^hompson iij)^ keeping the band playing continuously J^ while the bell boys, waiters and bus^^ boys fought the fire with ..extinguishers j^ prevented a panic among the diners 'M at the former Rector's restaurant. It'-^ is believed that the fire started in onev^^ of the dressing rooms. ''^M The Collingwood opera House Pough- keepsie, will not play vaudevHle' ne:!t week, having the Chicago Stock Company as the attraction. Hereafter the theatre will only play vaudeville the last three days of the week, with ' the first three days for traveling at- tractions. The vaudeville bill or six acts will be supplied by the Keith . booking office. Staring next Ifonday. the Strand, White Plains^N, Y., wfU. play four acts and pictures. Arthur Blondell of the same office will book the acts. The Jack Shea road show is back in New York after playing Norwich, Cort- land, Oswego and a repeater at Cort-i land. ^ Shea's outfit had some eventful experiences on its holiday tour which ended New Year's day in Cortlandt Business was pretty good everywhere but Cortland, which Jack says is dry, and that the real doings are on at Truxton, six miles away, where the gin mills are wide open. Even the travel- ing salesmen pass up Cortland. Shea is booking the Cortland Theatre, Cort- land, N. Y., the last half of each week with vaudeville through the Sheedy office. AN EDEL WITH FOX. Lionel Edel, brother of the late Har- old Edel, who was the manager of the Strand, has been appointed managing director of the Academy of Music for William Fox. Edel took over the' house this week. REED ON WAY WEST. Luther Reed,, fp.rtner scenafip_wr|t|r for the Meti-6, and ihoretatelya'lieu- tenant in the U. S. Army, is on his way to the coast to resume writing for the screen. He will again be associated with Metro. His discharge from the Army came last week and Mr. Reed left Wednes- day for Los Angeles.