Exhibitors Herald World (Jan-Mar 1929)

March 30,1929 EXHIBITORS HERALD-WORLD 39 Private Showing Of "Piccadilly" Held In World Wide Office (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, March 26.— "Piccadilly," the Arnold Bennett story directed by E. A. Dupont, has just been screened for the World Wide officials. World Wide intends to get behind this picture which presents Gilda Gray in the star role with Anna May Wong and Jameson Thomas as featured players. Another artist is discovered in "Piccadilly" in the person of King Ho-Chan, an Oriental night club dancer. Jameson Thomas plays the part of a night club proprietor. World Wide will synchronize the production, introduce songs, dances and effects through the RCA film and disc method, and it will be given a Broadway premiere at the same time it is released over the country. Cutting and synchronization are now under way, and it will be ready for release in one month. A company of players, etc., arrived in United States from England to complete sequences for "Kitty," Warwick Deeping's novel, which was started at Henley, England's boating center. Arriving were Victor Saville, the director; John Stuart, leading man; Dorothy Cummings, who plays the mother; Charles O'Shaugnessy, character player and James Campbell, musical director. British Firm Brings Out Portable Sound Device atScala Show (Special to the Herald-World) LONDON, March 16.— [By MailJ— Demonstration of a portable sound device is announced here for March 19, at the Scala theatre. The device is being brought out by New Era National Pictures, Ltd., which announces that it is presenting the apparatus by arrangement with Portable Talking Pictures, Ltd. The device is the product of British engineers and it is represented as being not only a competent sound machine for all types of productions, but is being heralded as a way to profits for the small exhibitor. Within a fewweeks, it is said, production is to be at the rate of 100 per month. The device will be marketed upon sharing terms, including full maintenance. The special showing at the Scala is to present the device playing a program consisting of an overture, several shorts, a feature picture (described as eight reels of speech, effects and complete musical accompaniment), and an exit march. Famous Players Canadian Control of 153 Theatres Transferred to Canada (Special to the Herald-World) TORONTO, March 26.— Stirring developments have taken place in connection with the financial structure of Famous Players Canadian Corporation, operating 153 theatres in Canada. N. L. Nathanson, managing director, announced on March 20 that the control of the corporation had now been transferred to Canada through the purchase of a block of the company's stock which had previously been held by interests in New York. Following this announcement the Canadian company made an issue of 165,375 common shares, the value of which was $992,930. John Maxwell (right), chairman of British International Pictures, is in America to confer with officials of WorlA Wide Pictures on a program of talking productions. Above, is shown the English company in New York to make talking sequences at the RCA Studios for "Kitty," which World Wide will release in April. Warwick Deeping, author, is seated in the center. Standing behind him is Victor Saville, the director. . U Now Making Six, 3 in Preparation, One in Final Stage (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, March 26.— There is plenty of activity on the Universal lot these days with six pictures in production, three preparing and one in the cutting rooms. Another option has been taken on the contract of Dr. Paul Fejos, director of "Broadway," whose work as an amateur had brought him to the attention of Carl Laemmle's scouts. A six months renewal has also been taken on George Lewis who is making an offshot of "The Collegians," called "The College Spirit," with Pomona College as a background and the glee club of the southern branch of the University of California to supply much of the harmony. Charlie Chase has been borrowed from the Hal Roach Studios to take the lead in the dialogue picture, "Fifty-Fifty Marriage," Lina Basquette will be starred in "Come Across," adapted from William Joseph Tulley's novel. "Stolen Lady," by Peter Milne and directed by Ray Taylor. Others who play in this picture, now in production for release this spring, are Crauford Kent, Clarissa Selwynne, Flora Finch and Reed Howes. It's part dialogue. "Companionate Troubles," the next Reginald Denny vehicle, will go into production on April 2 under the eagle eye of W'illiam James Craft. Laura LaPlante, who has been recuperating since, she stopped being Magnolia in "Showboat" will be starred in "Evidence" which is scheduled to start within the next two weeks. Eddie Leonard will be featured in "Harmony Lane," which goes into production on April 8. Leonard has been under contract for some time and has been helping in the production of "The Minstrel Show." Pat Rooney has just completed his series. Atlantic City House Opens Sound Policy With Pacent Device (Special to the Herald W ji\d) <4£ ATLANTIC CITY, March %.— The Globe theatre had its sound opening Sunday with W arner Brother's "Noah's Ark." The house was filled at a $2 top price. The 1,9(X) seats in that house were taken. Installations of a type 4MDA Pacent reproducer system was completed the middle of last week. This installation a; the Globe was the third made by the Pacen'. company last week. New Company Formed To Make Audiens and Operate Own Theatres (Special to the HeraldWorld) NEW YORK, March 26.— ,\rnerican Sound Pictures has been formed with E. B. Kohlenbeck, New Jersey real estate magnate as president. The corporation controls the American Sound Studios and will enter the exhibition field as the American Sound Theatres Syndicate. Jack Noble, formerly wirh M G M will supervise and direct. Within a few days production will start on a series <A 12 short subjects, with dialogue and sound effects.