Motography (Jan-Jun 1915)

134 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. XIII, No. 4. ters in New York City, in company with Miss Eva Booth. The young lady has also interviewed William Jennings Bryan, secretary of state ; Secretary Daniels, Representative Gardner, and many other notables who are in the public eye. David Griffith Visits Chicago Chicago was honored on Tuesday morning, January 12, by a visit from the distinguished Mutual director, David W. Griffith. He spent several hours in the "Windy City" at the Mutual offices ere proceeding to New York with H. E. Aitken, president of the Mutual Film Corporation. Mr. Griffith arrived in Chicago early Tuesday morning straight from the West coast, and when seen by a representative of Motography declared that no special significance was attached to his visit to the East at this time, but since he hinted that he has been steadily at work since becoming the chief director of the Mutual forces and during that time has produced several of the big multiple reel subjects for which he is now famous, it is easy to surmise that his trip East is more or les.s in the nature of a little vacation, though possibly new contracts may have something to do with it. As to his plans for the future, Mr. Griffith merely smiled and hinted that his future activities would have to speak for themselves, though he hinted at a continuation of such big productions as, "The Escape," "The Avenging Conscience" and "The Clansman," the twelve-reel picture which is not yet completed. While in Chicago. Mr. Griffith met and talked with Aaron Jones, head of the Jones, Linick and Schaefer enterprises, and was also introduced by Mr. Aitken to a number of other people who had visited the Mutual offices that morning for the special purpose of seeing him. To any inquiry as to which one of his many productions he himself considered the best, Mr. Griffith declined to answer, but later declared that he had spent more time and care on the production of "The Clansman" than on any previous single production, though others, acquainted with his work, were not backward in asserting that by all means "The Clansman" would prove the supreme triumph of Mr. Griffith's career, since it is claimed to be the most costly, massive and spectacular picture ever taken in America. It is alleged to have more action and spectacular battle and scenic effects than did "Judith of Bethulia" the last big Biograph production made under Mr. Griffith's direction. Announcement of the release of "The Clansman" and the method by which it will be placed before the American public will be made from New York City, that having not been thoroughly worked out, as yet. Mr. Griffith and Mr. Aitken left shortlv after noon on Tuesday going direct to New York City. Box Office Feature a Hit It is masterly, the Box Office Attraction Company's presentation of the Kipling poem, "The Vampire," as scenarioized by Emerson Browne and produced by Frank Powell, as "A Fool There Was." Edward Jose as "The Fool," gives a performance so fine and so finished that none but the highest of praise can be accorded him. Equally fine and equally finished is Theda Bara's characterization of "The Woman." Add to the splendid interpretation of both these parts, that of the wife, the friend, the child and the other characters which round out the story and the six reels of the production make it one of the best the film market can offer. Plainly, there can be no disappointment attendant upon this William Fox feature, which had its first showing, an invitation one, at the Strand theater on the morning of January 12. A full orchestra, directed by S. L. Rothapfel, was an enjoyable feature of the occasion which was one of especial and general satisfaction. Mr. Powell's direction of the picture is to be commended and the richness of sets and fineness of scenery, commended. The story of the production appears in the section devoted to synopses of films. M. C. Mary Pickford in "Mistress Nell" For the first time since her connection with the Famous Players Film Company, which dates back to more than two years ago, Mary Pickford will be seen in the costume of the romantic period of English history, in a five-part film adaptation of the celebrated historic drama, "Mistress Nell," the former starring vehicle of Henrietta Crosman, by George C. Hazelton, Jr., to be released on the Paramount Program February 1. "Little Mary" invests the role with a dynamic force and a tender charm unequaled in any previous Mary Pickford in a scene from "Mistress Nell,' release. coining Famous Players stage portrayals of the piquant and daring "Nell," of whom it has been said, "England would not be as great without her." Throughout the production, Miss Pickford wears several changes of costume, first as the actress, then as the sweetheart of the king, and finally as the cavalier, in which disguise she circumvents the plots of the king's enemies, and which provides the first opportunity in many years for Miss Pickford to appear on the screen as a boy, and the creation is as artistic as it is novel. Life Photo Film Secures Lionel Barrymore Pursuing its original policy of producing five part photoplays, adaptations from legitimate stage successes with legitimate stage stars, the Life Photo Film Corporation has completed the cast for its forthcoming five-part feature release, "A Modern Magdalen," by C. Haddon Chambers. Lionel Barrymore, who made his debut in motion pictures in the leading role of "The Seats of the Mighty" has been engaged by the Life Photo Film