Moving Picture World (Jun 1919)

1524 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD June 7, 191 Reeve and Grey Writing a New Serial for Oliver ARTHUR B. REEVE and John W. Grey, authors of "The Carter Case," the feature serial and first output of Oliver Films, Inc., have completed the script for a second episode picture that has been accepted for early production by the company. It is understood that the new serial does not deal with Craig Kennedy, but is a mystery serial with many promises of thrills and sustained mystery. Elaborate sets are now being completed at the Oliver Films, Inc. studio in East Forty-eighth street, and it is stated that production will be begun as soon as Harry Grossman, vice president and general manager, returns from the Pacific Coast. The name of the serial and the cast will be announced shortly. Mr. Oliver, president of the company, states that "The Carter Case" is now being booked in every territory in the country and is meeting with wide popularity, both with exhibitors and public. The few territories that remaine.d open have been closed by Mr. Grossman during his present trip. The plans of the company for increased production are progressing and interesting announcements are expected in the near future. The company has leased another studio and expects to extend its production to a type of pictures other than serials. Offers "The Solitary Sin" as a State Rights Special THE mystery of "Box 42" has been solved. The advertisements appearing in trade papers requesting the assistance of the exhibitors and state rights buyers in selecting a title for what was promised would be a "one of the greatest and most timely features ever offered" have culminated in announcing the production will be called "The Solitary Sin" and that it would be released as a state rights special. The production was made in California, and the cast includes Jack Mulhall, Helene Chadwick, Pauline Curley and others. It tells a story of the careers of three boys. One is brought up in a wholesome home environment and is taught the truths of sex. The surroundings of the other two boys, however, are not so fortunate, and they are left to gather their knowledge from uncertain sources. As a result when at college the one leads a clean life while the others embark on a career of frivolity, and because of their manner of living disaster overtakes them. Three romances are unfolded. The women who are loved by the two who' have strayed from the straight and narrow path share in their misery when the men are called upon to pay for what they had lightly regarded as "fun." Fred Sullivan, responsible for a number of photodramatic successes, produced the picture under the supervision of George D. Watters, who is presenting it. Mr. Watters' entire career has been in the show business, and he has been a long time a successful exhibitor in Iowa. Speaking of the production Mr. Watters said: "It has the elements which make for a successful production. The title is an exceedingly strong one; the story is dramatic and interesting. "In addition to the entertainment value we feel that the great moral lesson which it indicates will obtain the cooperation of influences for good in every community. However, the picture is not a preachment; it is simply strong virile drama, and the moral, while obvious, is not thrust upon one. "We decided to obtain the assistance of exhibitors and state rights buyers in the matter of selecting a title. We did this because we felt that their combined judgment was much better than ours. The results of our advertisements have been surprising. We have received many more responses than I had anticipated and the title, 'The Solitary Sin,' obtained more votes than all the other titles combined." State rights on the picture are being handled by The Solitary Sin Corporation, whi' h has offices in the Fitzgerald Building, New York. W. F. Hurst Appointed Controller of Pioneer THE Pioneer Film Corporation announces the appointment of W. F. Hurst at the head of the accounting department of the home office. During the last few months, the growth of business handled by their concern has grown steadily and an expansion in the personnel of the organization has been necessitated. Mr. Hurst, the new controller is a man of extensive experience in the field of motion picture accountancy. For several years he associated with the financial department of the factories and studios owned by the Pathe interests. Later, for the same concern, he held the office of traveling auditor and inspector of exchanges, and at one time was manager of the Indianapolis exchange. His latest connection, previous to joining the Pioneer staff, was with the World Film Corporation and Lewis J. Selznick. Mr. Hurst will reorganize the accounting department of the Pioneer and expects to install the very latest and most efficient methods in exchange accountancy. True Blue Smile from "The Blue Bonnet" By Billie Rhodes, who stars in this forthcoming Hodkinson release. No Let-Up in Campaign on Ham and Bud Reissues THERE will be no let-up on the exploitation, advertising and publicity of the 'Ham and Bud' single reel comedies," declared F. E. Backer, general sales manager for Jans Productions, Inc. "Our campaign is directed to the exhibitor instead of to state rights buyers. The theatre owner knows the value of a well produced comedy subject, and these exhibitors have long memories. "They therefore know the exceptional entertaining value of Ham and Bud. We can depend upon the exhibitors themselves to demand these single reel comedies which proved so strong five years ago. And as every exhibitor has a new list of patrons, he knows these successes will appeal to them strongly. E. K. Lincoln Who portrays the star role in S-L's production, "Virtuous Men." "The styles in dress do not change in comedies as they do in society plays, and therefore like old wine, the Ham and Bud comedies will never lose their entertaining qualities, through a mere matter of dress. Every print is new, and of the ninety-two prints we purchased from the Kalem Company, we have chosen fiftytwo of the best, to be released one each week, for a year." • Not only are Ham and Bud starred in all these single reelers, but the leading woman is Ethel Teare, said to be one of the most beautiful and clever comediennes of the screen. When Jans Productions, Inc., recently purchased the Tom Mix reissues from Selig, the territory was disposed of in what is claimed to be a record-breaking manner, and the "Ham and Bud" comedies bid fair to go just as rapidly. A striking one-sheet and 11x14 sepias are furnished with the Ham and Bud comedies. W. H. Production Offers a Series of Big Specials THE W. H. Production Company Is preparing to offer on the state rights market a number of big feature productions which are announced as being of such a nature that they will lend themselves particularly well to novel and extensive advertising and exploitation campaigns such as were conducted by this company with "Mickey." According to a statement from an official of W. H. these productions have been selected for their punch and box office value so as to afford exhibitors the largest possible returns. Only one of these big specials will be offered at a time, the activities of the company being concentrated on the exploitation of each one and a majority of the territory disposed of before the next Is announced. These will be the only specials handled by W. H., with the exception of short length specials such as "Custer's Last Fight," which will be offered from time to time. The first picture in this series will be "Somebody's Business," which is now ready. No information has been vouchsafed as to the cast, or nature of this picture, however it is said to be a very high class production with a big punch and unusual advertising possibilities. The W. H. Productions Company also announces that it is meeting with great success in exploiting the reissue of "Custer's Last Fight," and that bookings are being made for this production in many of the most prominent theatres throughout the country.