Exhibitors Herald (Jun-Dec 1917)

EXHIBITORS HERALD 29 ray, which aids him in finding his daughter. He finds fhe daughter is engaged to the candidate for mayor of the town. He realizes, however, that he may be the means of ruining her chances of future happiness, and is ast seen disconsolately traveling over the brow of a hill \vith his beloved bear. HISTORIC FEATURES, INC., SECURED "CHRISTUS" SPECTACLE BECAUSE IT IS FROM GREATEST "BEST SELLER" I As one goes down the line of "best sellers" among publications, he finds that many of them have made successful photoplays. In most cases they have been successful in pictures in proportion to their popularity in book form. This bit of psychology was largely instrumental in the acquirement by Historic Features, Inc., of "Christus," the Cines photo-spectacle of the life of Christ. One of the directors of the company, which was formed for the exploitation of pictures of artistic and educational value, happened to be in Rome last fall, shortly after the run of "Christus" began in that city. Not only was his attention attracted by the size of the audiences, but also by the fact that here was an elaborately-made picturization of the book which must rank as the "best seller" of all time — the Bible. Figuring that the volume with the largest circulation of any ever published must have a tremendous screen value, he sought the American rights for Historic Features and was successful in obtaining them. That his judgment was correct has been proven by the popularity of the picture in New York City. The production is being published on the state rights basis. ANN PENNINGTON'S FIRST FILM APPEARANCE SINCE TOUR ON STAGE TO BE IN "THE LITTLE BOY SCOUT "The Little Boy Scout," starring Ann Pennington and written by Charles Sarver, has been completed at the Famous Players studio, under the direction of Francis J. Grandon, and will be published by Paramount June 28. This production marks the reappearance of Miss Pennington upon the screen, after a winter spent on tour with the Ziegfeld Follies. As in the summer of 1916, Miss Pennington will divide her time between the New Amsterdam Theater, New York, and the Famous Players studio. In this production Troop No. 100 of the Boy Scouts of America and a full company of United States Regulars from Fort Totten play prominent parts. It is a story of the Mexican border at the time the American troops were stationed there in great numbers and has to do with the escape of Justina Howland, a little Massachusetts girl, from her Mexican guardian. Miguel Alvarez, the guardian, endeavors to force Justina to marry his son in order that he may get possession of her fortune. The girl steals the burro on which the padre has come to marry her and makes her escape through the bed of the Rio Grande to the American side, where she is picked up by the United States soldiers. The subsequent adventures of little Justina and the romance which develops between herself and young Lieutenant Morton complete an interesting tale. Among the players who appear in support of Miss Pennington are Owen Moore, Harry Lee, Fraunie Fraunholtz and Marcia Harris. EILEEN SEDGWICK AND K. BENEDICT STAR IN "MAN AND BEAST" FEATURE LEADING UNIVERSAL LIST JUNE 25 Picturesque jungle life and thrilling adventures are portrayed in the Butterfly five-reel drama, "Man and Beast," which leads the Universal program for the week of June 25. The settings for this photodrama are laid in South Africa and the story tells of the Boers' hatred for their English neighbors. A pleasant love story is interwoven in the plot and some good animal pictures are shown. Charlie, the Universal elephant, has an important role. The leading roles are played by Eileen Sedgwick and Kingsley Benedict. Others in the cast include L. M. Wells, Harry Clifton, Park Jones and Mrs. Witting. This new Butterfly picture will prove exceedingly interesting to children on account of the animals. "Man and Beast" will be issued Monday, June 25, the same day with the Nestor comedy, "The War Bridegroom," featuring Eddie Lyons, Lee Moran and Edith Roberts. Western Drama for June 26 The feature for Tuesday, June 26, is a Gold Seal threepart Western drama, "The Golden Bullet." starring Harry Carey, supported by Fritzie Ridgeway and a good cast. The other Tuesday film is a Victor comedy, "Damaged Goodness," with Ernie Shields in the leading role. "Her Daring Caring Ways," a two-reel L-Ko comedy, with Martha Sterling and Fritzie Ridgeway, is the chief offering for Wednesday, June 27. Issue No. 76 of the Universal Animated Weekly will also appear the same day. A Big U two-reel underworld drama, "The Pointed Finger," will be issued Thursday, June 28. This is a story of crime with George Pearce and Gretchen Lederer in the principal roles. The same day a Victor comedy. "Her City Beau," will appear, with M. K. Wilson and Edith Roberts as the featured players. A two-reel comedy-drama is offered under the Victor brand Friday, June 29, entitled "Swede Hearts," with Neal Hart and Janet Eastman in the leading roles. Dick La Reno and George Berrill have important roles in the production. Issue No. 25 of the Universal Screen Magazine is the other Friday film. Diversity of Matter Near Week's End A Bison two-reel Western diama, "Money and Mystery," with Eileen Sedgwick and Kingsley Benedict, is the feature for Saturday, June 30. A Joker comedy, "His Fatal Beauty," with William Franey, and the weekly issue of the Universal Current Events will be published this day. An Imp drama, "The Double Topped Trunk," starring Allen Holubar, is offered Sunday, July 1. The other films for Sunday are the Powers split reel, "Duke Doolittle's Jungle Fizzle," a comedy cartoon, and "In the Land of Many Temples," a Dorsey educational, and the Big U drama, "Love's Turmoil," featuring Edna Maison. During the week the first episode of the latest Universal serial, "The Gray Ghost," will be issued. This new mystery serial which is a film adaptation of the novel, "Loot," by Arthur Somers Roche, which appeared in serial form in the Saturday Evening Post, was produced by Stuart Paton, the noted Universal director, and the principal roles are played by Priscilla Dean, Eddie Polo, Emery Johnson and Harry Carter. The serial will run for fifteen consecutive weeks. Montgomery, La. — The new Empire Theater here will be completed and ready for business June 25. It is said to be one of the most pretentious motion picture houses in the central part of the South.