Motion Picture News (Jul-Oct 1915)

July 31, 1915. V-L-S-E Offers 3 Dramas and 2 Comedies for August "The Climbers," Adapted from the Fitch Play for Lubin, Is Scheduled for Second Day of the Month, While Vitagraph's "Chalice of Courage" Follows on the Ninth GRIFFITH GIVES DINNER TO THE PRESS One of the many interesting things that happened during the period of the National Exhibitors' Convention, was a luncheon tendered to the members of the press, given by David Wark Griffith, producer of ''The Birth of a Nation." The luncheon was served in the palatial suite occupied by Mr. Griffith at the St. Francis Hotel, and those present were: William A. Johnston, editor of Motion Picture News ; Mabel Condon, of the "Dramatic Mirror"; George Blaisdell, of the "Moving Picture World"; M. G. Jonas, of the "Moving Picture Weekly"; C. M. Pope, of New York "Morning Telegraph"; Grant Wallace, of the Panama-Pacific Exposition; J. Sullivan, of San Francisco "Chronicle"; W. E. Keefe, traveling manager of "The Birth of a Nation," and Bennie Zeidman, director of publicity at the Griffith, Reliance and Majestic Mutual Hollywood studio. Mr. Griffith entertained his guests with his views of the negro question as observed during his numerous censorship combats in the various cities, where is being shown his latest film masterpiece. HARRIS DRAWS THREE PRIZES Joseph Harris, General Film company operator at the Boston office, and Alice Penn, former!} with the New England Universal Film exchange, were united in marriage recently. The bridegroom was presented with a purse of gold by the Motion Picture Exhibitors league of Massachusetts. The office associates of the bridegroom also remembered him with a purse, and those of the bride presented her with a silver service. COBE GOES ON ROAD TRIP THROUGH MAINE The forces of the Picture Playhouse Company in Boston, with offices on Piedmont street, hav< been augmented by the arrival of I. Cobe from New York, who has gone on a road trip through Maine. FOR the month of August, the V-L-S-E program has ready for release five features that are exceptionally well balanced in point of dramatic range and variety of subjects. There are three dramas and two comedies. A glance at these releases brings out a remarkable fact. The Lubin company will release two features during the month of August. The first offering on August 2 will be "The Climbers," adapted from the play by Clyde Fitch. This will introduce on the V-L-S-E program Gladys Hanson, playing opposite George Soule Spencer. The production is a thrilling melodrama of the type that is not sensational. Its appeal is universal through the fact that it is an idealization of modern life. It shows the dangers and the heart-breaking setbacks of a family struggling to gain the social heights. "Tillie's Tomato Surprise," with Marie Dressier — or should we say, Marie Dressier in "Tillie's Tomato Surprise" — is scheduled for release on August 30. An attempt to describe this production would be in vain. "Tillie's Tomato Surprise" is a five-part Marie Dressier comedy, and that speaks for itself. On August 9 the Vitagraph company releases another Rev. Cyrus Townsend Brady production, "The Chalice of Courage," in six parts, which was produced at the western studios, with Myrtle Gonzales and William Duncan in the leading roles. This production evidences the remarkable literary versatility of Mr. Brady; it is, according to the unanimous opinion of all the critics, who viewed it at the Vitagraph theatre in New York City, one of the most intense dramatic offerings ever flashed on a motion picture screen. "The Chalice of Courage" embraces all of the grandeur of setting of a scenic him. The story is full of that human interest that attaches to the experiences of people who have come up from lowly stations to a position of influence. The dramatic situations cause the spectator to gasp, and it has been stated that there is enough material in this feature to make several feature productions. On August 16 Essanay releases a Charles Hoyt comedy, "A Bunch of Keys," in five parts, with June Keith and Johnny Slavin in the roles made famous on the speaking stage. "A Bunch of Keys" is a light comedy teeming with those humorous situations that appeal to all classes. Light comedy of this sort has proved very popular with exhibitors, and in selecting this Charles Hoyt play for production, the Essanay company has contributed a classic in screen humor. June Keith and Johnny Slavin fit well into the parts they assume, and their portrayals enhance the fun in a play that is in its original form exceptionally humorous. "The House of a Thousand Candles," in six reels, will be released by Selig on August 23. This production will mark the third appearance on the V-L-S-E program of charming Grace Darmond, and will be the second time Harry Mestayer has been seen in Big Four offerings. "The House of a Thousand Candles" is adapted from Meredith Nicholson's celebrated novel of the same name that enjoyed great popularity upon its appearance, and is still recorded as a big seller. INN IS STARTED TO CATER TO FILM MEN IN CHICAGO Special to Motion Picture News Chicago, July 21. The Movie Inn, Chicago's unique restaurant, which caters to the film trade, had its formal opening Wednesday, July 14. It is to be run under the management of Abe Balaban, of the General Feature Film Company. All the film companies are represented by booths along the walls, each booth decorated with the favorite players of the particular manufacturer. The Bartola Musical Instrument Company is also to have a booth, and another booth is devoted to the members of the Reel Fellows Club. In addition to a highclass cabaret and dancing, first run motion pictures will be shown during the evening.