Motion Picture News (Oct-Dec 1929)

U9g Motion Picture News Hollywood Hall Of Music Is Dedicated To Fox Will Be Utilized To Unify All Movietone Dep'ts Of Company MUSIC appreciation throughout the the world was given added impetus with the dedication of the palatial new Hall of Music at Fox-Movietone City in Beverly Hills September 22, 1929. Nearly 27,000 persons were clocked entering: the gates to hear the programs. The new structure, the latest addition to the $S,000,000 studios, was built at a cost of $125,000 and will serve to unify all the functions of the music 'departments. Every possible aid. comfort and convenience have been provided for the composers, musical directors and others who have assumed a vital part in the making of motion picture entertainment for the sound screen. Dr. Rufus B. von Kleinsmid, president of the University of Southern California, made the dedicatory address, paying high tribute to the manner in which the screen has spread "the language of the soul" throughout the world. The soloists included Don Jose Mojica, lyric tenor of the Chicago Civic Opera Co., who sang the aria, "Salve Dimora," from "Faust," by Gounod; Madame Elsa Alsen, dramatic Wagnerian soprano, who sang an aria from "Tristan and Isolde," and Lawrence Tibbett, baritone of the Metropolitan Opera Company, who presented the prologue "I Pagliacci," by Leoncavallo. The Fox-Movietone symphony orchestra of 100 pieces, under the direction of Arthur Kay, opened the program with a medley of Victor Herbert airs. Next the orchestra played "The Star Spangled Banner," during which a flock of white pigeons were released and fluttered over the huge throng. Following a brief welcome by Lumsden Hare, the distinguished Irish actor who Marston Leaves "U" By Mutual Consent HOLLYWOOD. Oct. 3.— Dr. William M. Marston. psychologist of production at Universal studios for the past several months, has left the company and is now enroute East. Marston had a term contract which was cancelled by mutual consent. Just prior to the departure of Marston, Walter B. Pitkin, former professor of literature at Colombia University, decided to return to New York. Pitkin was assigned to the Universal scenario department during his stay on the coast, while Marston worked on preparation of productions before shooting actually started. 11 M-G-M Units Work As Fall Program Is Placed In Production Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer has eleven units working on major productions at the present time. Of the number, but one is being made outside of the "West Coast studios the exception being W. S. Van Dyke's unit filming "Trader Horn" in Africa. The other productions, for which many elaborate and varied sets had to be constructed, are: "Ship From Shanghai," "Lord Byron of Broadway," "Devil Mav Care," "Their Own Desires," "Cotton And Silk," "The Rogue's Song," "Dulcv," "The Bishop Murder Case," "Take It Big" and "The Bugle Sounds." acted in the capacity of master of ceremonies, Dr. von Kleinsmid made his address. Lenore Ulrie, stage and screen star, then unveiled several sculptures especially executed for the Hall of Music by Mahonri Young. These included a bronze bust of Victor Herbert and placques of composers of many countries. The concluding number was the rendition of Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance" by the orchestra of 100 with a chorus ensemble of 300 voices. Gloria Swanson Will Sing Over Radio In Victor Hour Two songs — "Love" and Toselli's "Serenade"— will be rendered over the Victor Hour on the night of October 10th by Gloria Swanson. who recently returned from Europe where she broadcasted her songs over the London station of the British Broadcasting Co. at the time of the premiere of "The Trespasser," her latest vehicle. Slonian Directing Riehman Film; Garnett Gets Release Assignment of Richard Sloman to direct "Play Boy," Harry Riehman 's picture for United Artists release, has been definitely set. Tay Garnett had the original assignment, but feeling that the story was not his type, asked his release. For New "Hollywood Nights" Hollywood, Oct. 3. — Fox is lining up an imposing group of players for ' ' Hollywood Nights," filmusical written by Andrew Bennison, to be directed by James Tingling. Among players assigned prominent roles are: Joe Wagstaff, Whispering Jack Smith, Lola Lane, Sharon Lynn, Dixie Lee, David Rollins, Stuart Edwin. Music and lyrics are being composed by Con Conrad, Archie Gottler, Sidney Mitchell. Vievm of the new Hull of Music in Fox-Movietone City. tl left, the mart and sculptured fountain; centre, f)r Rufus B. von Kleinsmid. president of the University of Southern California, addressing gathering during dedicatory program; inset shou's dedication tablet, and at the right a glimpse of the buildings exterior and its colonnade