Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

18 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. XIX, No. 1. and the Judge" was written by Clyde Fitch. Miss Murdock has finished "My Wife," scheduled for February release, and "The Richest Girl." William Russell is at work now on "Polo Jack." Miss Minter's forthcoming release is well under way, although it has not been given a title. Studio managers and directors of production, at work on pictures' for Mutual release, are under strict orders to spare neither energy nor money in maintaining the standard of production which has been established in recent Mutual releases. Billie Rhodes appears January 1, in a hilarious Strand comedy, "Her Awful Fix," which will bring many a laugh from below the diaphragm. The story concerns Mary, who rejects the matrimonial advances of a young doctor to marry Tom. On her wedding day she becomes quarantined in her chum's house when the young doctor pronounces a case of prickly heat to be smallpox. The complications that ensue are exhiliarating and amusing, but all turns out happily when an older doctor gives a true diagnosis. The latest Mutual Weekly is replete with topics that are timely, covering incidents and events of international interest, keeping pace with the kaleidoscopic changes that are making world history. Earle Williams Goes to Los Angeles Earle Williams, Vitagraph star, started for California, his native state, last Thursday. He will be engaged in making pictures there for some months. Mr. Williams headed a party of six which included Miss Grace Darmond, who will he featured opposite him in Blue Ribbon features; Tom Mills, director; his assistant, Frank Heath, and Fred Held, their cameraman. Miss Darmond's mother was also in the party. The party was scheduled to arrive in Los Angeles Christmas morning, having their Christmas dinner with members of the Vitagraph company now working at the company's plant in Hollywood. The trip was made via Chicago and Omaha. This is the first time Mr. Williams has been to his home state in more than five years. Two Join Colors Two more stars will be added to the service flag at the Triangle Culver City studios this week. J. R. McGlone, who worked in the employment bureau, has enlisted in the United States cavalry. Perry Evenvold, who has been Director Reggie Morris' cinematographer for more than a year, has joined the marines. "His Own People," Latest Blue Ribbon "H'l Vitagraph Offers Final Feature of the Year with Harry Morey and Gladys Leslie in Leading Roles Tarry Morey with Gladys Leslie, is announced by Albert E. Sm>th, president of Vitagraph, as the Blue Ribbon feature release for the week beginning December 31. The picture was produced under the direction of William P. S. Earle. This, the last feature of the year for the Vitagraph program, is declared by President Smith to be one of the finest pictures ever made by his company. The action is laid in an Irish village, a town in Connemara on Lough Corrib, and Harry Morey, as the village blacksmith, is said to have done one of the finest pieces of work in his entire screen career. The story is strong and unusual, the cast one of the best balanced seen in Vitagraph pictures and the picture is mechanically perfect. "His Own People" serves to introduce little Gladys Leslie, "the girl with the million-dollar smile," as a Vitagraph star and her work, the Vitagraph announcement states, places her among the front rank of screen artists. Others prominent in the cast are William Dunn, Arthur Donaldson and Betty Blythe. Director Earle, noted for his work in "Within the Law" and other big Vitagraph productions, has introduced a number of very fine touches, particularly animal stuff. For one thing, he has used a fuzzy-faced little Irish terrior in a prominent role, and in addition, he used pigs, chickens, ducks, donkeys, parrots and other animals to give the picture a touch of local color. The story, written by William Addison Lathrop, is a melodrama with a fine vein of native Irish humor running all through it. Lucas Directs Bluebirds Wilfred Lucas, one of the most skillful directors in the photoplay industry, has joined the directing staff of the Bluebird studios at Universal City, Cal., and will start shortly upon his first Bluebird photoplay, which will feature Ruth Clifford and Monroe Salisbury. "Vengeance — and the Woman" Released With an advance advertising campaign, nation-wide in extent, to introduce it to the public, "Vengeance — and the Woman," the latest Vitagraph serial, was released to exhibitors on December 24. According to a statement by Walter W. Irwin, general manager of the Vitagraph distributing organization, this fifteen-episode serial, which follows into theaters immediately upon the conclusion of the fifteenth episode of "The Fighting Trail," has exceeded even the smashing records made by its predecessors. The first two episodes of "Vengeance—and the Woman" are reviewed in this issue of Motography. A scene from the Vitagraph western production, "The Tenderfoot!' which is meeting with success.