Moving Picture World (Oct-Dec 1916)

708 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD November 4, 1916 JOHN F. GAVIN, who recently produced "The Martyrdom of Nurse Cavell, " now playing under the Famous Players Co. of Canada, is at present busy on "The Birth of Australia," which he states will be by far the most stupendous and expensive production yet attempted in Australia. The scenario, which covers a period of 150 years, will necessitate nearly 600 scenes, and over 1,500 people, including 63 principals, will be employed in the spectacle. The picture will portray all the Iead,ing events in the history of Australia from the landing of Captain Cook to the Dardanelles campaign. Gavin considers that, when completed, the picture will be a feature worthy of being screened in any theater in the world. » » * C. Post Mason, who was mentioned in the "Moving Picture World" of June 24. was sent to America by Mr. Gavin to exploit the latter's big box office attraction, "The Martyrdom of Nurse Cavell." Mr. Gavin informs me that Mason has been successful in disposing the Canadian and English rights at very satisfactory figures, and that he is at present making arrangements for it to be screened in the U. S. A. Mason is best known in this country as a singer of popular ballads on the Harry Rickards and Fuller \^audeville Circuits. Gavin has also just completed a two-part production, entitled "The Revue Girls." This features Gwen Lewis, a member of the Royal Strollers Theatrical Company, at present plajing in Sj'dney. * • * Franklyn Barrett, formerly with Pathe Freres and more recently with the George Willoughby Photoplav Company, lias begun operations on his own account, and has built a studio in Parramatta, near Sydney, and is at present engaged on the production of two single-reel comedies. » * • Higgins Brothers, a local firm, is making a special feature of topical films at present, and is not producing any dramatic subjects for the time being. * * * I understand that Marion Marcus Clark has negotiations under way for the purchase of the motion picture rights for the novel written by her father, Marcus Clark, entitled "For the Term of His Natural Life." A film version of the book was made by an -Australian company about five years ago, and was released in America by Sawyer's, Inc., in 1913, under the title, "The Convict Hero." Some time later Miss Clark was successful in obtaining an injunction against the screening of the film, which has not been in circulation for nearly two years. "For the Term of His Natural Life" is a story of the old penal settlements in Tasmania, and the plot is highly original, and suitable for picture presentation. I hear that the rights will probably be offered to an American concern. » * * The Hippodrome, which opened only a fortnight ago as a photoplay house, closed down again last Saturday, the venture not having proved a success. The management has not announced any future arrangements. * • « I would like to draw the attention of film manufacturers and exporters to the fact that a very strict censorship is being exercised at present by the Commonwealth military authorities. I gave the names of a few pictures that had been stopped last week, and to this list may be added "Sold for Marriage" (Triangle) and "The Yellow Passport" (WorldV These pictures were stopped because they showed the Russian Government in a bad light, and also contained scenes that rr.ight influence feeling against our ally. There are a number ■of similar pictures being produced, and it is just a waste of time sending them to this country — during the war, at any rale. The law seems to provide that the "villain" of any picture may be an American, an Englishman or a neutral, but if he happens to be a Russian, Frenchman, or Japanese, the picture is not allowed to pass. "The Yellow Passport" was taken off after two days screening at the new Sydney theater, "Hoyt's." where it was one of the opening attractions. * * * A meeting is to be held next week by the Federated Show men's Union ^N. S. \V. ) to discuss the proposed raising of prices of admission to all Sydney and suburban theaters. Xhe proposed minimum price is six-pence, against the present three-pence. * * * "The Phantom," the Triangle subject that was held up by the police department, was passed by the chief secretary, Mr. George Black, last week. It is now the current screening at the Crystal Palace, where it is proving a great drawing card. * * . * Lieut. Jim Anderson is back in Sydney from New Zealand, where he went to establish the Fox Films throughout the Dominion. "Yes," said the rotund lieutenant. "I'm back. So is Carey Wilson, who went with me. "We left Sydney on August 11, returned September 4, and during the intervening time leased quarters, furnished them, built up an organization, and started the sign which will soon reach throughout both islands of the Dominion. "Our New Zealand home is situated in 65 Willis street, Wellington, in the center of the business district, and beautifully furnished offices have been established." » * * The .Australian rights for "Gloria's Romance" have been secured by Australasian Films. Ltd. The release date has not yet been announced. This v\ill undoubtedly be one of the best box office attractions offered by this firm for a considerable time. * * * .Another serial nearly due for release is "The Adventures of Terence O'Rourke," which are being handled by Fraser Films, Ltd. The first episode will be released in a few weeks, immediately upon the finish of their present serial, 'The Broken Coin." » * » A new news-gazette is to be released by Fraser Films. Ltd., in the near future. There are two local gazettes at present, one being produced by Australasian Films. Ltd., and the other by the Co-operative Exchanee. * * * "The Mutiny of the Bounty," a five-part picture produced by Raymond Longford, is easily the best historical subject yet produced in this country. The story, which is taken from an event in the early history of Australia, makes a very good picture, and the acting is consistently good, especially that of George Cross, who plays the leading character. The photography is a special feature of the production, containing some of the finest artistic work I have seen in any production, American, English or local. It is understood that negotiations are under way for the release of the picture in America. * * * .Although common enough in the United States, so far Australia has not had a picture theater which changed the program six days in the week. The Boomerang theater, situated in Coogee. a suburb of Sydnej'. has the distinction of being the first theater to have a daily change of program. This theater was opened last week, and is one of the finest picture shows in the suburbs. Erected at a cost of £10.000, the building contains all the latest improvements, including a large sliding roof. Every modern convenience has been installed for the convenience of the patrons. Manager Bray says that the name Boomerang was chosen because it means "come back again." It is admittedly very appropriate. Sydney, N. S. W., Australia. TOM. S. IMRIE. September 13, 1916. "MOTHER" BENSON DIES. After having been confined for several months to her home in Hollywood, Mrs. May Benson, known in the photoplay world as "Mother" Benson, died on September 29. "Mother" Benson had been three years with the Universal West Coast studios and for a long time played in films with the late "Daddy" Manley, whose death greatly grieved her. The little old lady was a great favorite at the film capital and her services always were in demand by directors. She had had a long and varied career on the legitimate stage and in pictures and her death was mourned sincerely by the Universalites with whom she had been so intimately associated. LOIS WEBER STARTS NEW FEATURE. "The Mysterious Mrs. Musselwhite" is the title of a new feature production started at Universal City by Lois Weber. The story originally was published in a current magazine but has been adapted for the screen by Miss Weber. Mary McLaren will be featured.