Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

12 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. XIX, No. 1. was featured in the first Triangle release, 'The Lamb,' and he made eleven other pictures before leaving us. That they are good pictures is evidenced by their long popularity. Right now we have a host of happy exhibitors cashing in on the re-issues of these pictures, with new prints, new paper, and so on, at a rental price which leaves a worthwhile profit. It is the same with Bill Hart's pictures. We are even told that the re-issues are so good that they are helping to sell the newer pictures these stars are making. Make Product Marketable "There is only one course to follow in producing any commodity, and that is the course which makes the product marketable. Exhibitors will not stand for low quality nor exorbitant prices. These problems have been met by putting in the field an organization of writers, directors and actors, each of whom is peculiarly qualified for his individual task. All the units are so harmonized that the right sort of plays are acted by people qualified to play the parts assigned them. We depend on the merit of combined efforts for our box-office value, and we get it. It's nothing very new, just a new application of the old axiom that no man is so good that he cannot be replaced. "The year ahead promises a new era of constructive work. No doubt we shall see some plan worked out to better adjust the natural differences between the producers and exhibitors. Perhaps the movement of the latter to make the distributing field a part of their own work will gain considerable headway. Whatever the means of bringing it about, mutual confidence must have a chance to grow, if all elements are to prosper." Builds Giant Ice Skating Arena for Picture In the new Mabel Normand starring vehicle, "Dodging a Million," by Edgar Selwyn and A. M. Kennedy, there appears an "ice grotto," presumably on the dancing floor of a fashionable New York restaurant. For this effect there was built in the Goldwyn studio at Fort Lee, N. J., a special tank in which were placed some 800 feet of ammonia piping to freeze over the water it contained. This is probably the first time that such an apparatus has been used in motion pictures. Mary MacLane in a scene from "Men Who Have Made Love to Me'' a George K. Spoor ultra-feature. Artistic Settings in Spoor Feature In George K. Spoor's Ultra-Feature, "Men Who Have Made Love to Me," Director Arthur Berthelet obtained after much scouting about the country, just the summer settings he desired. Such scenes as the country club at its midseason activities, the lake surrounded by foliaged trees and flowering bushes are striking and artistically perfect. "Men Who Have Made Love to Me" is a correct reflection of the peculiar woman writer who has aroused the whole country by her remarkable writings. The picture interprets the sensational, sentimental and satirical high lights of six amazing romances in the life of Miss MacLane. Although the true names of the suitors are withheld, the stamp of sincerity and realism is there. Booking reports show evidence that not only little Mary's old-time exhibitor friends were eager to get this new picture but that many other exhibitors who have not yet exploited the little child actress are being converted to her box office power. Miss Minter Recovers After Illness Mary Miles Minter has returned to the American Film Company studios after recovering from a slight illness, and is putting the finishing touches to the fifth production under her present contract, entitled "Madamoiselle Tiptoe." Director Henry King, who produced "The Mate of the Sally Ann," is directing the picture, which is based on the storv by Arthur Berthelet. Oh! U Boat Klever Pictures, Inc., released on December 31st a timely comedy called "Oh! U Boat," featuring Victor Moore. Work Day and Night to Finish Picture Director W. S. VanDyke was forced to work his players night and day at the climax of his production of "Sadie Goes to Heaven," in order to assure ample time to supply Christmas week bookings. "Sadie Goes to Heaven," which was released on December 24, features little Mary McAlister, as Sadie, telling the story of her visit to the home of wealth. Pre-release showing of this Essanay Perfection picture netted many complimentary comments on its unusual fund of detail. The picture is adapted from the story that appeared in the Good Housekeeping Magazine. Does Clever Work Spottiswoode Aitken gives another one of his clever characterizations in "Madamoiselle Tiptoe," the latest Mary Miles Minter feature. Mr. Aitken drew many favorable comments for his work in "A Game of Wits," featuring Gail Kane. In the present picture he has an equally important part, suited to his capabilities. Making Seven-Reeler Director Jack Conway, whose last Triangle offering was "Because of a Woman," a seven-reel featuring Belle Bennett, is now working on "Little Red Decides," a screen adaptation of the Ariierican Magazine story of the same name, written by William M. McCoy.