Moving Picture World (Jan-Feb 1927)

48 MOVING PICTURE WORLD January 1, 1927 Inspiration Plans For 1927 Most Imposing In History J. Boyce Smith, General Manager, Announces Elaborate Details for Gigantic Production to Be Carried Through the Year THE plans for Inspiration Pictures, Inc., for the new year might well be termed the most imposing in the history of that organization. Since the incipiency, Inspiration Pictures’ activities have broadened and strengthened with each season and 1927 finds a production schedule taxed to capacity and a spirit of enthusiasm not often encountered in the production field of the industry. J. Boyce Smith Brown Wins Prestige For “Trail of ’98” Clarence Brown has directed and is directing some of MetroGoldwyn-Mayer’s greatest productions. The one which hd started early in January titled ‘‘Trail of ’98” is considered a theme for a picture which should place Brown’s effort in this respect in a class with “The Covered Wagon” and “The Birth of a Nation,” the Robert W. Service story being the basis for a film epic of the North. As University Man According to J. Boyce Smith, general manager for the Inspiration Company, whose activities are now confined entirely to the West Coast production of his organization, the 1927 season is the banner season for this firm. The recent affiliation of Edwin Carewe as co-producer in the making of Count Leo Tolstoy’s “Resurrection,” perchance, is the most interesting of the 1927 features of the Inspiration company. “Resurrection” is being produced in Hollywood on a lavish scale. No release, dates are set. Time will be given Carewe in direction and officials of the organization feel certain that in this Russian classic, the screen will be given an offering well worth recording among the forthcoming year’s finest in cinema entertainment. When “Resurrection” is completed, United Artists will release it. That company is planning a tremendous campaign in behalf of the production and plans of distribution are now well under way. The recent signing of Gardner James, referred to as Inspira tion’s newest “find,” is interesting. James’ first story under the Inspirational banner -is “Quality,”a" story ideally suited to this talented youth, written by Dixie. Willson, author of “God Gave Me Twenty Cents” and other successful stories. “James will wear his own shoes in his film work,” says Smith. “Rumor to the effect that Gardner James would step into Richard Barthelmess’ shoes is not true. We feel that we have a distinct personality in James and we feel he is going to make rapid strides during the life of his agreement with our organization.” Although Richard Barthelmess is no longer with Inspiration, there are several recently made productions with “Dick” as the star, which Inspiration considers of 1927 mention. These include such pictures as “The White Black Sheep,” and “The Amateur Gentlemen,” both Sidney Olcott productions for Inspiration. Mention, too, must be made of Lillian and Dorothy Gish, who are under contract' to Inspiration. Lillian Gish with Dorothy Gish in “Romola” and Lillian Gish in “The White Sister” are Inspiration offerings. At the present time, Lillian Gish is with the M-G-M studios and Dorothy is in Europe with British First National, through courtesy of the Inspiration people. According to J. Boyce Smith, not only -is there unlimited enthusiasm in Inspiration’s West Coast offices, but the New York headquarters of the company, with Walter Camp, Jr., president of Inspiration, at the helm, have given full reaction to the progressive spirit manifested in Hollywood and feel too, that 1927 is going to be the biggest year in the history of the Inspiration firm. At present, Inspiration’s studio work is being accomplished at TecArt Studios, Hollywood — one of the oldest studios in the film capital. Equipped with every modern picture-making device, the Tec-Art studios, covering a huge piece of Hollywood acreage, are given over for the making of Inspiration’s film product. At present “Resurrection” sets occupy the major portion of the vast studio. Soon settings for “Quality” will also take form on the Tec-Art “lot.” Yes, Inspiration Pictures will have a gala season in 1927. Beaumont To Buck Jones Finishes In His Own Production Brown graduated from the University of Tennessee as an -expert in electrical and mechanical engineering. He was associated with a large automobile company when he decided to become a motion picture director. Brown was given his first opportunity as an assistant to Maurice Tourneur. He served as a flying instructor during the World War, after which he returned to film ranks. Some of Brown’s outstanding successes during the past season are: “The Signal Tower,” “Smouldering Fires” and “The Goose Woman.” At the time of this writing he is making preparations for “The Wind,” from Dorothy Scarborough’s novel. . Brown is a quiet man, an ob-server of human nature and a -student of life. As a result he gets realism and true emotions fin his pictures. Buck Jones, noted Western star, appearing in Fox Films productions, has just completed work on his latest film, “The War Horse,” under the direction of Lambert Hillyer. “The War Horse” was written by Buck himself and was inspired by his actual experiences gained while in the remount division of the army during the World War. It is the story of a Wyoming cowpuncher, who, when his beloved horse is taken to France, enlists that he may go overseas. It is a thrilling tale of romance and adventure and it is said Buck gives one of the best performances of his career in the role of the cowboy who, finding France a nightmare and the manual of arms a constant puzzle, emerges a hero, after many exciting experiences. Buck has many successes to his credit in the past and is looking forward to a new year of greater activity than ever before. If the wishes of his friends are realized, he’ll also win greater success. Make Another Film For Fox Harry Beaumont, well-known Fox Films director, who has just completed the filming of “One Increasing Purpose,” is preparing to shoot “The Secret Studio” at William Fox West Coast Studio. Beaumont’s production of the A. M. S. Hutchinson novel is said to be an interesting film, pictorially very attractive, due to the fact that the exteriors were shot on the exact locale in England. The director is planning a busy year ahead, but is quite content to remain in Hollywood to do his work. He thinks there is no place on earth like California, even though he had an enr joyable and thoroughly satisfactory engagement abroad.