Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

412 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. XIX, No. 9. Tourneur Wins Renown Artistic to a superlative degree, Maurice Tourneur has won renown as the creator of some of the most pleasing photoplays which have been presented in recent years. Mr. Tourneur is a Frenchman and was engaged in staging legitimate plays in Paris and other metropolitan cities of Europe when the wonderful possibilities of the motion picture caused him to enter that field of endeavor. After several years in Italian and French studios his fame spread to America and he came to this country. Mr. Tourneur is considered one of the most capable directors in the Famous Players-Lasky organization. The debut of Miss Elsie Ferguson into motion pictures was under his direction, and he had charge of the production of "Barbary Sheep," "The Rise of Jennie Cushing" and "Rose of the World," starring this noted actress. His most notable achievement is said to be a film version of Maurice Maeterlinck's famous masterpiece, "The Blue Bird," which is soon to be released as an Artcraft picture, and has been produced in a spectacular manner. It is claimed that this photoplay will establish several new records in film production. Goldwyn Gets New Writer Samuel Goldfish, president of Goldwyn Pictures Corporation, has just closed a long term contract with Harry R. Durant, one of the most successful film writers and editors in the business. Mr. Durant was the first so-called "high brow" editor lured into the moving picture game. In turn he has been managing editor of the Biograph, Empire and Famous Players organizations. He has contributed many feature photoplays to the screen, all marked by originality and distinction. Three contrasting scenes from "The Whis pering Chorus," new Artcraft picture starring Kathlyn Williams. Program Film Costs $100,000 Pathe maintains that in Kipling's "The Naulahka" it offers to exhibitors the costliest picture ever placed upon a program by any concern. More than $100,000 was spent in the production of this film. The sets are on a scale such as has been rarely attempted. Many hundreds of extras were employed. It was necessary to use elephants, camels, leopards and other animals native to India. Whole villages were constructed, and to get the proper locations it was found desirable to transport large companies long distances. Places in five states were used. It had been originally intended to put "The Naulahka" out as a special feature, but J. A. Berst determined to place it upon the program to assure exhibitors of his intention to give them the best pictures available. He Just Looked It — That's All After many trials and tribulations, Edward Earle, star of Vitagraph Comedies, finished his work in the one-reeler, "Coals for the Fire." As may be imagined from the title, the story is built around the extraordinary coal situation. Earle, in his role of faithful husband, was hard put to get coal for his home, so he hired out as a coal wagon driver, and each load of coal he was ordered to deliver he put in his own cellar. That's the screen part of the story. The other side has to do with Earle going to a big New York coal dealer and making arrangements to have the scenes made in the dealer's yards. When he was first shown around the place he was garbed in fashionable clothes, including a sealskin-collared overcoat, spats and a walking stick. A negro worker marveled at and admired the screen star's raiment. Three days later Earle showed up in a coal driver's garb. A long line of people were outside, all anxious for coal. As Earle started into the yard, a man handed him a scuttle and saidi: "Say, pal, if you get that filled for me, I'll slip you a buck." Earle handed back the scuttle and passed on into the yard, but there he received another shock, when the big negro who had watched him a few days before said: "Ain't no telling what's goin' happen dese yere days. You comes in here a dude and now you's a bum jes' de same as me." Commence New Juvenile The Baby Marie Osborne Company has started work on "Dolly Does Her Bit" which, as is always the case with Baby Marie Osborne features, will be five reels. Most of the action is centered around children, just enough adults being used to carry out the plot.