Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

January 12, 1918. MOTOGRAPHY 79 New Play Announced for June Caprice An unusually large cast containing the names of numerous favorites of motion picture patrons is announced by William Fox for the Fox Special Feature to be released December 16. The title of the production is "Unknown 274," the star is June Caprice and the supporting company, comprising ten actors and actresses, includes Kittens Reichert, Florence Ashbrook, Tom Burrough, Inez Marcel, Dan Mason, Richard Neill, Jean Armour, William Burns and Alexander Shannon. Another important member of the company is "Lady," the dog. The story is that of a girl who was placed in an orphanage by her mother when the latter's husband was arrested by trickery in this country for failure to perform army service in his native land. The girl is discovered in the orphanage by a scheming couple who adopt her in the hope of being able to marry her to some rich man. The girl meets a rich young man, just as was planned, but he does not happen to be the sort of man the schemers had hoped to find. Result: He rescues the girl from her bad environment. About the same time the girl finds her father as a result of playing an old violin which had been left with her when she was placed in the orphanage. The theme of the story is stated to be "from poverty to millionaire's wife." The picture was made under the direction of Harry Millarde. George Scarborough wrote the scenario. Sunshine Comedies, made by Henry Lehrman, and offered by William Fox. The exchanges only received prints of the comedies last week and already a large number of exhibitors have contracted for the new comedies. He is well known to virtually every exhibitor in the Cincinnati territory. Ethel Barrymore Faces Active Season Ethel Barrymore, will have the cooperation of Metro Pictures Corporation and the Charles Frohman estate in making out the program of her activities for the year. Miss Barrymore is now completing her latest series of Metro productions with a screen version of the Kellett Chambers comedy, "An American Widow," and at an early date will begin her season of new plays and dramatic revivals of the speaking stage — in accordance with the plan arranged for in advance by the late Charles Frohman. One of the most important features of this program will be Miss Barrymore's creation of the leading role in the new version of "Camille," adapted by Edward N. Sheldon, not from the old stage production, but from the book itself by Dumas. The star's screen career will not be forgotten during the development of this program, for in her leisure hours, during the daytime at her home in Mamaroneck, Miss Barrymore will read manuscripts of new screen productions, and pass on their merits, deciding upon the equally interesting program of feature motion pictures to follow. One activity is thus made the relaxation from one and the preparation for the next. Miss Barrymore's list of screen appearances for the coming year will include stories by celebrated American novelists and scenario writers. Sunshine Comedies Are Welcomed by Exhibitors Exhibitors have crowded the Fox exchanges throughout the United States during the last week viewing the new Works Twenty-four Hours Without Rest Director Robert Leonard claims that Mae Murray, star of Bluebird photoplays, recently made a new record for continuous rehearsal and filming in producing theater scenes for "The Eternal Columbine," the feature in which she will largely engage in displaying her talents as a dancer. To make these scenes a Los Angeles theater was secured, and there was but one week open in which to rehearse and film the requisite scenes. Miss Murray and her company had gone into their work against time, believing that there would be a day or so to spare, but rehearsals of a large ballet consumed more time and patience than had been figured on. There were unforeseen delays, retakes and more rehearsals until Friday, when it was seen that calculations do not always work out on schedule. Saturday ended Bluebird's temporary possession of the theater and stage. A road attraction was due to arrive for Sundaymatinee on an early morning train. On the last day at his disposal Director Leonard started activities at seven in the morning with the intention of finishing all the theater scenes before they called a halt. Straight through the day they worked without intermission except a few minutes' pause for the meals, which were brought in to them. They worked right on through the night and until seven o'clock Sunday morning. Booker Is Promoted Leo Udry, for some time head booker in the Cincinnati Famous Players branch, has been chosen assistant to L. \Y. Foster, sales manager of the Famous Players Film Service. Mr. Udry was formerly connected with General Film Co. French Story Is Adapted for Miss Young Clara Kimball Young has just secured the rights for the screen to the celebrated ' La Fille Sauvage," by Francois Curel. This work, which is variously known as "The Barbarian Woman," and "The Daughter of the Wild," in its English translation, will present to the versatile Miss Young a wonderful opportunity for characterization in a role in which the primal passions and appetites are ever contending for mastery of a soul endowed with the love of beauty. While in the original French, "La Fille Sauvage" proves what might be considered somewhat strong meat for Anglo-Saxon taste, the screen adaptation made for use by Miss Young will contain nothing offensive, although every effort is being made to retain the savor and virility of the native French. An elaborate production of this work will be made by Miss Young in the West Indies — probably in Jamaica — during the winter months. She will be directed in this play, as in all others in the future, by Emile Chautard, who has signed a long term contract as Miss Young's director. Jacques Bizuel will again do the camera work. In the meantime, Miss Young and Mr. Chautard are engaged in bringing her production of "The Marionettes" into shape. It is expected that another week will complete the screening of this play. Sells Seats Fifteen Weeks in Advance The Palace Theater, in the heart of the shopping district in Los Angeles, is handling with great success the season ticket idea on "Who Is 'Number One'?", the Paramount serial starring Kathleen Clifford. The Palace is advertising the Anna Katharine Green serial heavily with the slogan, "Seats now selling fifteen weeks in advance." A gratifying sale of season tickets has resulted. Alma Rubens, Triangle star, in a scene from "The Gown of Destiny."