The Moving picture world (January 1920-February 1920)

918 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD February 7, 1920 Big Ballroom Scene in Metro Film. A "long shot" of 110 feet on an indoor setting was made in filming the military ball in "The Hope," the Drury Lane melodrama at the Metro studios in Hollywood. The action of the long shot really takes place in the camera's foreground, an alcove shut off from the dance floor by a hand-carved screen of East Indian hardwood. Through the screen's fantastic tracery the camera eyes a long vista where dancers whirl and jazz past and beyond a sparkling, slender column of water. The set takes up a floor space 90 by 60 feet, more than one-third of one of Metro's enclosed stages. It was designed by A. W. Alley and built under the direction of Alley and M. P. Staulcup, interior art supervisor. Replica of Martin Johnson Scene Wins Prize in Philadelphia Parade Two Pictures Establish Nazimova in New England THAT Nazimova in a surprisingly brief time has established herself as one of the most popular motion picture stars in New Zealand is evidenced by an unsolicited letter just received at the home office of Metro, from the motion picture editor of the Christchurch, N. Z. Sun. The writer, Isabel Basham, states that, although Nazimova thus far is known in New Zealand by but two productions, the merit of these is so great as instantly to win public recognition for her as a star of the first magnitude. This contention is borne out, it is said, by the overwhelming popularity of the Russian actress that followed her appearance in two of her best known productions, namely "Revelation" and "Eye for Eye." The people of New Zealand were instantly captivated by Nazimova's art in the former of these, which tells the story of Joline, the French artist's model who finds her soul. This production was more than enough, the photoplay editor of the Sun stated, to proclaim Nazimova a "very great artist." Nazimova's triumph in New Zealand was no less noteworthy upon the showing of her second picture, "Eye for Eye," in which she played the part of Hassouna, a Bedouin girl of the desert. This production confirmed the verdict passed on "Revelation," said the motion picture editor of the Sun. THE Martin Johnson series, "Cannibals of the South Seas," received additional exploitation in Philadelphia recently at a municipal parade and street demonstration. Contestants were forbidden to use any direct means of display, and prizes were ofifered for beauty of attraction and originality. Robertson-Cole salesmen in Philadelphia equipped this float with a scene from the South Sea Islands as portrayed in the Martin Johnson films. Characters to represent the men of the South Seas adorned the float. The New Richmond Theatre at Richmond, Indiana, was opened with the Maurice Tourneur special "The Broken Butterfly," a Robertson-Cole release. This picture was selected after F. E. Mills, manager, had screened for him twenty-five of the best pictures released during the past year. "Said Mr. Miller: "The weather was very stormy and we opened against several of the best first-run pictures of the year. Much to my surprise, we drew capacity houses and I wish to state that the production is one of the best box ofiice attractions I have ever booked." W. L. Whitehead, manager of the Republic Theatre at Jacksonville, Fla., has written to Robertson-Cole officials praising the manner in which "Beckoning Roads," starring Bessie Barriscale, attracted crowds to the Republic Theatre. "It is a pleasure to stand by and hear the comments of the many people who witnessed the artistic work of Bessie Barriscale. It is wonderful picture — a real knockout." In New York state last week four prints of "The Tong Man," starring Sessue Hayakawa, were used. In addition to the regular lobby display and of advertising and publicity, a tie-up was arranged between Chinese restaurant keepers and the exhibitors. This means of exploitation proved to be very effective. men, after the motion picture director calls it a day. Schenck, who is one of the principals in Augustus Thomas' "The Harvest Moon," a Deitrich-Beck production for W. W. Hodkinson distribution, starring Doris Kenyon, which, under the direction of J. Searle Dawley, is rapidly nearing completion at the Leah Baird studios, is devoting his evenings to posing for a statue of "Victory," by the French sculptor, Louis St. Lanne, which is to grace the front of Victory Hall in Pershing Square, New York. The actor came under the notice of the noted sculptor while appearing in the diverse roles of the Christ, Lafayette and the Crown Prince in "The Spirit of Lafayette." Ruth Roland Begins Work on Second Pathe Serial IMMEDIATELY upon the completion of her current Pathe serial, "The Adventures of Ruth," Ruth Roland, producer and star, started work on the second offering of Ruth Roland Serials, Inc., which has the title, "Broadway Bab." Like "The .\dventures of Ruth," "Broadway Bab" will see Miss Roland in the capacities of producer, star and supervising director. The first named serial was written by Gilson Willets, from a story by the star herself. "Broadway Bab" also is being put into continuity by Mr. Willets, but the story is by Johnston McCulley, author of "The Brute Breaker," a recent Frank Mayo picture, and also of a number of magazine stories. "Broadway Bab" is a thrilling adventure story which gives Miss Roland every opportunity to display the daring and speed for which her serials are so popular. The complete cast will be announced shortly. Schenck Poses for "Victory" Statue. A sculptor, a sculptor's model and a cartoonist — that's Earl Schenck, one of the screen's most prominent leading Two St. Louis Theatres Sold. The Cella-Tate interests in the St. Louis Grand Opera House and Rialto have been acquired by a Delaware corporation, of concealed identity. It is reported that the purchasing corporation will go further into theatre purchases in the Middle West. mm "What'llyuh Have— Strawb'ry or Vanilly?" A line, fragrant with memory, that comes back In "The Fortune Hunter," in which Earle Williams stars for Vltagraph.