Motion Picture News (Jul-Oct 1915)

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September 25, 1915. MOTION PICTURE NEWS 57 Full-Time Production on All Universal Stages George Kann, Secretary of the Company, Back in New York from Flying Trip to West Coast, Sees Evidence at U City of Immediate Need of Expansion for His Concern to Keep Pace with the Demands for Features and Program Plays Manufactured by the Company GEORGE KANN has returned to his desk at the Universal headquarters after a flying trip to the Western studios at Universal City, in a very optimistic frame of mind. "The Universal is going to spring a surprise in the very near future," he declared in a recent interview. "We are putting cm some productions in Universal City which will cause considerable discussion when they are seen on the screen. "We have increased our staff of directors and likewise our staff of actors. Every foot of the stages is used daily, and it will be only a question of a very short time when we will have to enlarge their area. "The Beauty Contest, recently handled by the Universal with success, has added to the popularity of the pictures released under our various brands. During my trip all that I heard was flattering remarks from exchangemen and exhibitors for the Universal and its program. "The placing of Broadway Features on the regular program has been greeted with open arms by the exhibitors everywhere. S. R. 0. Sign for Broadway Features "Wherever an exhibitor is using the Broadway Features he is using the S. R. 0. sign. The one question which seems to be puzzling the exhibitor and the public is how we can afford to put big legitimate stars on the program. But if they could visit Universal City they would be able to understand why it is possible for the Universal to do this. "When it is taken into consideration that the cost of production is minimized, with such an enormous plant it is not very difficult to fathom. "We are going to surprise the public when we release 'The Dumb Girl of Portici,' with Pavlowa, the Russian dancer. I had the pleasure of witnessing the taking of some of the scenes in this production, and I think it is no exaggeration to say that her work is simply marvelous. "There are many other productions now being staged at Universal City which are moving picture gems. One of the best pictures the public has seen in some time will be 'Judge Not,' or 'The Woman of Mona Diggings,' in which Julia Dean plays the leading role. This is a stirring drama of a gambler's attempt to wreck the life of an innocent girl, and I am certain the public is going to receive this as one of the best dramas of the present season. "Another picture which will be very popular is 'The Long Chance,' in which Frank Keenan will be seen shortly. This picture is greatly enhanced with the aid of the sterling actor who was peculiarly adapted for the role in this piece. In 'The Long Chance' I think Mr. Keenan does some of the finest work of his career. "Henrietta Crosman is also working on an excellent picture entitled, 'The Faddist,' which offers great opportunities for an actress of her vogue. Some of the scenes GEORGE KANN AT UNIVERSAL CITY in this picture are remarkable in artistic effects. "At present Universal City is a very busy place and one sees nothing but mile after mile of big sets all being used in the various pictures now under course of production. "Despite the European conflict the Universal has had a remarkably successful year and there is an increasing demand for our program, both here and abroad. We have put over some big things during the past few months, but we are going to do bigger things in the near future. "At the present moment we are planning certain things which will amaze and startle the film industry when we announce what they are."' Pavlowa Production Completed The big Universal's eight reel feature, "The Dumb Girl of Portici," which is founded on Auber's famous opera "Masaniello," and adapted for the screen by Lois Weber, with Anna Pavlowa in the leading role of Fenella, the dumb girl, has been completed. The last scenes in this production were taken last week, and the Russian dancer is now on her way to New York to prepare for her regular tour with her ballet. She should reach the metropolis by the latter part of the week and she will at once begin rehearsing her ballets and divertissements. This picture will mark Pavlowa's screen debut and all those connected with the production are enthusiastic over the results obtained. The greater dancer herself says she is satisfied with the work, while Lois Weber and Phillips Smalley declare that Pavlowa is going to surprise the entire world when the picture is shown to the millions who will have the pleasure of seeing it. The picture was just two months in the making, and during that time the directors were amazed at the great interest shown in her work by the incomparable dancer. Although some of the scenes had to be taken several times, the great dancer was