Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

January 5, 1918. MOTOGRAPHY 33 Latest News of State Rights Productions UP-TO-THE-MINUTE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE INDEPENDENT FIELD "Empty Pockets" Ready for Screen Brenon Production Is Cut to Six Reels and Turned Over to the First National Exhibitors' Circuit for Release Malcolm Williams needs no introduction. He has long been a favorite throughout the country. He will be seen in the role of Perry Merithew. "E 1IPTY POCKETS," Herbert soon to be released. Assembled, cut to six reels and titled, the film has been turned over to the First National Exhibitors' Circuit, the members of which viewed the first showing with enthusiasm. In every way, they say, the picture comes up to the high standard that Mr. Brenon has always maintained. For his first production as an independent producer, he has chosen an author of the calibre of Rupert Hughes, and a notable cast which also speaks for itself. "Empty Pockets," according to all accounts, comes up to the Brenon standard in every respect — subject, cast and production. Practicaly everyone who takes part in this production has had stage experience, as well as having been tried and found worthy on the screen. . Barbara Castleton's advent into screendom took place a little over a year ago, after a limited experience on the stage. Her rise into the higher circles of the film world has been a quick one and a remarkable one. She began from the bottom and worked up. Her first experience was obtained in a small part for Herbert Brenon in "A Daughter of the Gods," and take it from Miss Castleton, she owes much of her success to Mr. Brenon's encouragement in the beginning. Bert Lytell, who made so successful a debut in "The Lone Wolf," takes the part of the young doctor. His stage experience has been a long one. His career on the screen was hailed with enthusiasm by both press and public, and he immediately took his place amongst the favorites of the film fans. . Ketty Galanta also made her debut under the Brenon banner as Anna in "The Fall of the Romanoffs." A dancer by training and a screen actress by choice, she is fast collecting a following of her own. In "Empty Pockets" she plays the role of Maryla. Her activities of late have been arduous, appearing in "Chu Chin Chow" at night and acting for the camera at the Brenon studios by day. Susanne Willa, who will be seen as Red Ida, has appeared in many Pathe productions. Peggy Betts, too, has made successful appearances both on the screen and on the stage. Gives Petrova Film Its Initial Showing During he presentation of "Daughter of Destiny," the initial release starring Madame Olga Petrova, Managing Director Samuel L. Rothapfel of the Rialto Theater, New York, arranged an especially elaborate program for the week of December 23. An unusually beautiful series of lighting effects was arranged as an introduction to the Petrova production. The Rialto director has expressed himself as keenly delighted with the results achieved by the Polish star in "Daughter of Destiny" and as a mark of his appreciation personally supervised every detail relative to the presentation of the Petrova production at his famous playhouse. A scene from. Empty Pockets, in which Malcolm Williams and Ketty Galanta appear. Start Sales Drive for "Mother" A vigorous country-wide sales drive has been "inaugurated for the George Loane Tucker production, "Mother," by the departure from New Yok this week of Herbert Lubin, Harry G. Kosch, and M. R. Fink, all of whom are connected with General Enterprises, Inc., controlling the territorial distribution for the six-part state right offering. Herbert Lubin, of General Enterprises, Inc., left New York Monday afternoon for Chicago, on the first leg of an extensive sales trip in the interests of the McClure production, "Mother," which will carry him across the continent to California. Mr. Lubin has established headquarters at the Sherman House, Chicago, and arrangements have been completed whereby "Mother" will receive a special screening in the ball-room of the big hotel on Wednesday, December 19. As an innovation for the state right buyers of the middle West territory, the General Enterprises, Inc., executive has engaged the services of two prominent soloists, together with a leading orchestra of Chicago, and the assembled guests will be entertained by a musical program as a prelude to the screening of "Mother" in the ball-room. Elizabeth Risdon, star of "Mother," at present playing a leading role in "Misalliance," the William Faversham stage production of George Bernard Shaw's famous drama, is routed to play Chicago