Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

January 12, 1918. MOTOGRAPHY 75 George Walsh Fits Prodigal Role William Fox Star Is Naturally Capable to Put Characteristics Into George Horace Lorimer Creation \X/HEN William Fox decided to pic* turize "Jack Spurlock — Prodigal," written by George Horace Lorimer, editor of Saturday Evening Post, he knew he had in his employ a star and a director who could and would "put it over" right — in keeping with the high standard demanded by Mr. Fox. George Walsh is the star. Carl Harbaugh the director. This selection assures an unbeatable combination and the film production of "Jack Spurlock — Prodigal," will undoubtedly justify Mr. Fox's expectations. George Walsh, the Fox star, has many personal characteristics of just such a person as Mr. Lorimer pictures his Jack Spurlock— young, handsome, aggressive, optimistic, venturesome, athletic, puglistic if riled and calculated to excite femininity's interest. He has the spirit and dash for Night Battle Is Feature of "For Liberty" Soldiers going over the top in a night battle, activities of the United States secret service, a girl's sacrifice for her country and an absorbing love story involving intense rivalry, the whole scene being laid in Ger , many, are emphasized by the producer as the outstanding features of the Fox Special Features release for December 30. The picture is entitled "For Liberty" and the star is Miss Gladvs Brockwell. even so virile a person as Jack Spurlock and his ability to act before the camera has been proved. Were Mr. Lorimer himself to select the person to portray the hero of his story he undoubtedly would decide upon George Walsh. Mr. Walsh grew enthusiastic over Mr. Lorimer's thrilling story and declared it provided him with the best vehicle he had ever had to show what he could do in motion pictures. Army Officers Praise "Over There" "Over There," the big war drama being distributed by Select Pictures, has passed the final test of merit. After winning the approval of audiences north, south, east and west, it has captured the enthusiastic commendation of the army. In a letter to J. S. Woody, Select's northwest general manager, Major Seth W. Ellison, of Fort Flagler, Washington, emphatically places the stamp of his approval on the picture and declares it made a bigger appeal to the men at camp than any photo-drama so far shown there. New Plays Selected for Taylor Holmes George K. Spoor announces "A Pair of Sixes" and "The Rainbow Chaser" as future vehicles for Taylor Holmes, the famous comedian. "A Pair of Sixes," was written by Edward Peple, author of "The Littlest Rebel," "The Prince Chap," "The Love Route" and other stage successes. Mr. Holmes will play the role of T. Boggs Johns, the vivacious patent pill manufacturer, affording him plenty of opportunity to register his inimitable mirth-making genius. "The Rainbow Chaser" is an adaptation of the Saturday Evening Post story, "Mr. Williams Takes a Chance," by Freeman Tilden. Further announcements regarding these picturizations, including cast selections, will be made later. Government Uses Hy Mayer Cartoon George Creel, chairman of the committee on public information, has selected one of Hy Mayer's cartoons, originally appearing in the Universal Current Events, as fitting propaganda to go abroad to the nations allied with the United States in the world war. "The Eagle's Blood" is the title of the cartoon and nine copies have been sent to the Allies for exhibition on the screen as an officially authorized action in support of the war. Vitagraph Flies Big Service Flag Vitagraph's service flag, containing seven'ty-seven stars, was unfurled over the company's plant in Brooklyn last Thursday, by President Albert F. Smith. Gladys Leslie, the little star who recently joined Vitagraph, sang "The Star Spangled Banner," while scores of players and studio attaches joined in the chorus of the national anthem. As the big banner broke to the breeze the entire company, numbering more than two hundred men and women, stood a't salute. Every branch of the service has claimed Vitagraphers since the United States entered the war, and the soldiers and sailors represent all branches of the •big organization. Laurence in Navy Gordon Laurence, sales promotion manager of Vitagraph's distributing organization, is now in training for active service in the Naval Reserve Flying Corps. Kane Is Promoted Robert T. Kane, vice-president of the Paralta Studios of Los Angeles, California, was made sergeant-major of trains at Camp Lewis, American Lake, Washington. Gladys Brockwell in a scene from "For Liberty," produced by William Fox. Mary Pickford's new Artcraft picture will be "Stella Maris." Work on the play has been started at the Hollywood studio. The picture is based on William J. Locke's famous story.