Exhibitors Herald (Jun-Dec 1917)

Irs H O R H R "The Heart of a Lion" Starring Wm. Farnum and "Rose of Blood" With Theda Bara Coming Another Farnum production. "The Heart of a Lion," will he issued by William Fox during the month of December. The picture is based on Ralph Connor's novel, "The Doctor," and the original version of this tale of the Rockies has been closely followed by Director Frank Lloyd. With Mr. Farnum in the cast of the picture are Marc Robbins, Mary Martin, William Cortleigh, Jr., Wanda Petit, Walter Law and Rita Bori. There also are a number of village characters, residents of Sag Harbor and neighbors of Mr. Farnum. who are used as extras. These include Tom Carroll, who is said to be nearly 100 years old. "The Rose of Blood," a new Theda Bara picture, is from a story by Richard Ordynski, stage director of the Metro politan Opera House. In addition to writing the piece, Mr. Ordynski supervised the details of its staging and played the leading male role. J. Gordon Edwards directed. It concerns the Russian revolution and the part which the people of the White Empire played in bringing it about. It shows particularly the work done by a lone woman in overthrowing the despots who ruled the country. Theda Bara plays the role of a Russian girl who is led by circumstances to cast her lot with a group of revolutionists. A short time afterward she marries a prince. When he becomes premier of the empire and signalizes his power by deeds of oppression, his wife is instructed to assasinate him. Animated Dolls Will Vie With Real Actors in "The Dream Doll" Bobby Bolder appears as A. Knutt, a crack-brain chemist. Rod LaRocque is Ruby's fiance. A new idea in the novelty picture line will be given exhibitors by Essanay, December 17, when "The Dream Doll" is published on the Perfection Pictures program through the George Kleine System. The novelty is the invention of Howard S. Moss, an expert in the work of making and handling dolls. His collection of midgets is said to be worth thousands of dollars. The invention is patented and Mr. Moss' secret is closely guarded. He tells, however, how he animates the dolls. On the screen the dolls apparently move about without the aid of human hands as naturally as humans would move. If Mr. Moss wants the cook to walk to the kitchen door he moves one foot probably an eighth of an inch and the cameraman takes a tiny bit of film. In 'The Dream Doll" both living characters and dolls are used. Marguerite Clayton plays the role of Ruby, the daughter of the Toy King, John Cossar. MARGUERITE CLAYTON IN "THE DREAM DOLL," AX ESSANAY NOVELTY FILM Bluebird-Butterfly Publication Dates Changed for December Rearrangement of both the Bluebird and Butterfly programs for the month of December have been made by Universal. The changes in the Butterfly's schedule follow: "Fighting Mad" will be issued December 3; "The Silent Lady," December 10; "Beloved Jim," December 17, and "Bucking Broadway," December 24. The new dates of publication for Bluebird productions are: "The Raggedy Queen," December 3; "The Door Between," December 10; "My Little Boy," December 17, and "Face Value," December 24. The publication date for Universal's serial, "The Mystery Ship," has been changed to November 26, two weeks later than first announced. Billy West to Head Three More Comedies, King Bee Announces Billy West of the King Bee Company is at work in a new comedy entitled, "The Bandmaster," the date of publication of which will be announced soon. More than one hundred people were used in the play. Miss Leetrice Joy of New Orleans is a new member of the King Bee staff. She has joined the Billy West comedy organization at the new studio in Hollywood, California. Bud Ross, another member of the staff, has written three scenarios that Billy West will star in. They are called "Peaches and ." "Rum and Poker" and "The Diplomat." 44 "The Public Defender" Shown N. Y. Lawyers "The Public Defender," Harry Rav er's screen production of Mayer C. Gold man's book of the same name, was shown at the Progress Club, New York on Nov. 4. The exhibition was arranged through the courtesy of Harry Raver and brought out a large attendance of law yers and others, the auditorium of the club at 88th street and Central Park West being filled to capacity. The picture met with an enthusias tic reception and caused considerable comment. A letter of appreciation was sent to Mr. Raver by a leading mem her of the Progress Club, which stated in part: "The audience applauded the picture senerously at its conclusion, and countless members expressed verbally their appreciation of 'The Public De fender,' both in the light of a powerful argument for a necessary reform and as an excellent entertainment, as well." Princeton Students Play "Extra" Roles in Rapf Production More than four hundred students of Princeton University figure in scenes in the famous Princeton stadium last week for Harry Rapf's forthcoming produc tion. "The Struggle Everlasting," with Florence Reed as the star. The stadium served as a background for a scene in which the students for the most part participated in field sports. The faculty was prevailed upon to per mit the use of the stadium to the motion picture men through the efforts of Ed win Milton Royle, author of the story Royle is of the class of '83 and it was the result of his pleas that the stu dents agreed to play "extras" in the scene. The "Struggle Everlasting" is a mod ern morality play and the stadium scenes revolve around an incident in which Wellington J. Plater, as the athletic trainer: J. Albert Hall as the actor, and Florence Reed as "Body." are the prin cipal characters. The taking of the stadium scene practically completes the exterior settings of "The Struggle Ever lasting" and release announcements will soon be in order. Y The Curse of Iku" Shows Japanese Life of Half Century Ago An unusual feature picture entitled "The Curse of Iku," has just been published by Essanay. Although primarily a drama of Japanese life it is at the same time a valuable historical film and an! attractive scenic picture. Tsuru Aoki, wife of the famous Jap anese star, Sessue Hayakawa, plays the leading role, that of Omio San, sister o a Japanese prince. The picture open; with the Japan of fifty years ago whet it was a land of barbarity and when nc foreigners were allowed to land then with the exception of Dutch sailors who were permitted to unload their car goes at Nagasaki.