Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

322 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. XIX, No. 7 cial production, "For the Freedom of the World." Strand Theater, Arkansas City, Kan. — "For the Freedom of the World" drew the biggest business of any picture played during my two years of management of this theater. Lyric Theater, Wymore, Neb. — I have just made the biggest clean-up ever scored by this house with Mae Marsh in "Polly of the Circus." Star Theater, Nevada, Mo.— "Polly of the Circus" has just made us more money than any other picture ever played in this theater. Lyric Theater, Norfolk, Neb. — Broke all house records with "Polly of the Circus." Crowds in line out into the middle of the street for our nine-thirty evening show. A big money-maker for this house. Strand Theater, Hays, Kan. — The biggest business since the Fourth of July has just been scored for us by your "Polly of the Circus." Princess Theater, Neodesha, Kan. — The weather here is a fright and the thermometer is way below zero. In spite of this, Madge Kennedy in "Baby Mine" has played to the biggest business any picture has brought us in months. This girl is a comer. Miss Frederick Finishes "La Tosca" Popularity of Opera and Drawing Power of Famous Players-Lasky Star Expected to Make Film a Success. THE LAST SCENES OF "LA TOSCA" were taken in the FiftySixth street studios of the Famous Players Lasky Corporation last week and the big settings have been dismantled. This spectacular starring vehicle for Pauline Frederick was finished in good time, no serious circumstances having caused a delay, the exteriors being taken in southern Florida during favorable weather. It is one of the most pretentious photoplays ever produced for Paramount release. The. release date has not yet been set. The title role has provided Miss Frederick with a strenuous and emotional part in which it is claimed that she appears to better advantage than in any of her previous pictures. In fact, the Famous Players Lasky Corporation is so pleased over the results that arrangements have been made to follow this picture with another extraordinary subject with Miss Frederick as the star, to be directed by Edward Jose, the producer of "La Tosca." "La Tosca," with its intimate scenes of the Vatican and other big edifices and battlements of Rome necessitated the construction of many large and artistic settings and the company traveled thousands of miles to obtain appropriate exterior locations. The popularity of "La Tosca" as an opera and the publicity given to the pope over his endeavors to bring about peace, together with the well known drawing power of Miss Frederick are expected to make this production eminently successful. Essanay is now producing a series of one-reel comedies featuring the celebrated "Ziegfeld Follies" comedian, Don Barclay. Mr. Barclay, who in his stage career has evolved numerous original characterizations, promises something entirely new for film fans. "Within the Cup" Is Ready Bessie Barriscale's new Paralta-Barriscale play, "Within the Cup," is now complete. It was screened at the Paralta studios last week to the great delight of Miss Barriscale and all who saw it. Its light, scenic effects and elaborate setting show up in remarkable style. The strength of the story, the artistic finish of its portrayal by the actors. Miss Barriscale's own superb acting, and a fine, sustained dramatic interest held throughout will make it appeal to all who see it. That is not all, however. Raymond B. West, the director, has everywhere included the effects and touches that go to make an unusual picture. The great scene of the bal masque, while vital in the story as well, does more — it is at once a vivid coloring and a subtle delineation of the minds and characters of the eccentric Bohemians that compose it. The crowd there, with their infinite variety of costumes, gives an impression of immensity, as does the great ball room itself and the other massive sets included. In costume and setting alike, as well as the actual work of the actors, character is portrayed. The film will be released by the W. W. Hoskinson Corporation about the middle of February. Metro Engages Art Director Metro pictures henceforth will lead in artistic and correct stage settings if the plans and ideals of Maxwell Karger, supervisor and general manager of the Metro studio, New York City, are realized. Mr. Karger has engaged as art supervisor O'Kane Conwell, a pupil of Mac Monnies, and in her early girlhood also a pupil of James McNeil Whistler. Mr. Conwell will co-operate with E. J. Shulter, technical director, and Ray Smallwood, chief of the camera and photographic departments, under Mr. Karger's supervision. Marguerite Courtot in Edison's super-war picture, "The Unbeliever. Sunshine Comedies Please "Sunshine Comedies," which Henry Lehrman has made for William Fox, are reported to be going big all over the country. A small fortune is said to have been spent in the production of each of these funmakers.