Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

318 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. XIX, No. 7 El Rises to New Heights sie rerguson Interprets Tremendously Emotional Part in "The Song of Songs," Which Is Said to Dim Past Performances. THE APPEARANCE of Elsie Ferguson in "The Song of Songs," her latest picture for Artcraft, which has just been completed, demonstrates that this famous star does not intend to rest upon the laurels she has won upon the stage and make her appeal to the picture public through her pulchritude. In this photoplay she interprets a tremendously emotional part as Lily Kardos, whose tempestuous career leads to highly dramatic situations. Miss Ferguson's greatest success on the stage was in "The Outcast," where she had a role similar to the one in "The Song of Songs," which is a sociological drama based on the play by Edward Sheldon. The production has been staged in the usual sumptuous manner by Artcraft and presents a notable cast. Supporting Miss Ferguson is Cecil Fletcher as Stephen Bennett, the high-minded lover. Crauford Kent is Dick Laird, the cold-blooded and wealthy man-abouttown who causes Lily to lose home and husband, and Frank Losee plays the part of former Senator Calkins, who finally marries the girl and drives her away in fierce anger when he finds her in a compromising position, though she is innocent of wrongdoing. Phineas Bennett, the crafty uncle of Stephen, who cunningly traps Lily into a betrayal of her past life, is played by Robert Cummings. Joseph Kaufman, who has made some notable productions for the Famous Players-Lasky Company, directed the photoplay. His latest pitcure, released on the Paramount program, was "The Land of Promise," with Billie Burke as the star. In addition to playing an emotional part in which she is said to excel anything here tofore done by her on stage or screen, feminine admirers of Miss Ferguson will see her attired in a score or more of magnificent gowns. Miss Ferguson has the reputation of being one of the best dressed women in New York, and in "The Song of Songs" opportunity is afforded her to display her wardrobe as the wife of the rich senator, moving in the fast set of the great metropolis. Timely Film for Miss Glaum Details regarding the first production in which Louise Glaum will be presented as a Paralta star, which have just been given out at the studio in Los Angeles, indicate that the production will be a particularly timely one. The story has been prepared especially for Miss Glaum by Monte M. Katterjohn and, according to the announcement, concerns the "insidious kultur as forced upon a liberty loving people by the Wolf Nation of the World." The working title of the production is "Intelligence," and the leading role is said to give Miss Glaum opportunity for many intensely emotional scenes. To facilitate production without making a corresponding sacrifice in quality, two directors — Wallace Worsley and Elliott Howe — will work simultaneously, one of them producing the scenes in which Miss Glaum appears and the other attending to the' various exteriors in which no action is provided for the star. Construction of the sets was begun by Production Manager Robert Brunton last week and the members of the supporting cast are now being selected. This is Miss Glaum's first production since the Triangle subject, "Idolators," which was also written by Katterjohn, and which probably marked the star's final appearance in a strictly vampire role. "Naughty, Naughty!" Progresses Enid Bennett's newest vehicle, "Naughty, Naughty," produced by Thomas H. Ince, directed by Jerome Storm and scheduled for release after "The Keys of the Righteous," her first Paramount offering, is rapidly progressing and will be finished in the near future. Marjorie Bennett, the charming younger sister of the star, last week made her debut as one of the supporting players to her sister. Earl Rodney again plays apposite the star. Others in the cast include Gloria Hope and Andrew Arbuckle. The picture is by C. Gardner Sullivan and is pure and delectable comedy, with an acceptable amount of old-fashioned common sense thrown in for good measure and balance. The town of Lilyville, Kansas, is the locale. The manners, affections, narrowness, as well as the good and sterling qualities of the villagers are reflected in the story, which will be a departure from the preceding picture. New Mack Sennett Feb. 24 The Paramount Mack Sennett Comedy, "It Pays to Exercise," will be released February 24, following "Watch Your Neighbor." It is a typical Mack Sennett comedy, with an all-star cast, including Chester Conklin, Alice Maison, Harry Booker, Eva Thatcher and Slim Summerville. Two strong scenes from "Blue Blazes Rawden," an Artcraft picture with William S. Hart.