The Moving picture world (January 1920-February 1920)

928 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD February 7, 1920 Capitol Begins Choral School and Forty-FiveMinute Opera in English EDWARD BOWES, managing director of the Capitol Theatre, New York, clarifies the atmosphere in relation to the approaching expansion of policy at "the largest theatre in the wo-!d" in a statement just issued that set? at rest numerous rumors. There will be no radical change of pol'cy and no deviation from the fundame: tal principal that the motion picture is the basic unit of all programs presented at the Capitol. On the other hand, a development and expansion of its original idea of presenting motion pi'-tures with elaborate stage features is to g'o into effect, with operatic novelties as the complement to photoplays. Instead of according these productions "runs" of several weeks or extei ding into months, as has been done in th^ past, each will be limited to a single wek and there will be a complete change of bill every Sunday. The acquiiition of adjoining property for studios, workships and stage purposes has made possible the immediate realization of plans that were entertained for the futvre when the big theatre opened. Opeia in English. Managing Director Bowes' statement fol'ows : "Commencing Sunday, February 1, the Ca,,itol will enter upon an elaboration of its producing policy that will place it in an institutional class in which it will stand alone, without a rival in the world. Taking a step forward from the musical revue with which we have been feeling oui way, we shall present musical features of a higher type as the complement to motion pictures, leaning heavily toward operatic works. ■'Jt is not meant by the latter that we will encroach upon the field now occupied by the opera companies giving a full evening's entertainment by presenting condensed versions of the works they stage. Complete works that may ' i^ ■ I? ♦ be presented within forty-five minutes or zn hour at most, new operatic works ani musical novelties in the field of ba iet, and pantomime and undertakings of harmonious character offer a field that is at present neglected. ' Insofar as is possible, these works will be sung in English. It is felt that aside from the interest that such a course commands, it will have a great edi cational value and in addition will affird both an outlet and an inspiration for native composers and librettists. Big Singing Ensemble. 'A singing ensemble of seventy-six vo <.es, every individual a carefully trained soloist, has been organized and is in rehearsal for our first production. The first work selected is 'Hiawatha's Wedding Feast,' which will be presented for the first time in operatic form. S. Colerid'-^e Taylor's beautiful musical setting foi Longfellow's immortal poem has beon staged al fresco with splendid ch.)ral organizations, but there is no record of it having been done in any theatre ?s we shall present it. A splendid cast of principals, a huge singing en.>cnil)le, pantomime and a spectacular scenic investitule and a symphony orchfstra of eighty pieces will combine to lend charm to the work. "Xathaniel Finston, conductor of the Capitol symphony orchestra, has been gladdened by the addition of ten musicians to his already large organization as the first step in approaching the work we have in hand. William G. Stewart, our new stage director, and a practical, fxperienced operatic singer, coach and director, has been given carte blanche in the preparation of the production. Jo'in Wenger, the impressionistic painter « nd our art director, has been accorded the widest latitude in expressing himself in the stage decorations. To Train Promising Voices. "Following 'Hiawatha's Wedding Feast' we will present 'The Enchanted Crystal,' a very elaborate ballet with pantomime and the singing ensemble, and we have in preparation a one-act opera by Tschaikowsky that has never hitherto been presented on any stage. 'In order to bring out and encourage undeveloped native talent, the Capitol is es'ablishing a choral training society and will invite to membership young men and women possessing voices of premise Auditions will be held every Tufsday in the auditorium of the theatr.'. Auditions can be secured by candidates by communicating with me by mail setting forth their qualifications." Newspaper Folk Eat with Fox's "Her Elephant Man" SHIRLEY MASON'S first screen production for Fox Film Corporation received its formal intrdouction to the press on the afternoon of January 23, in the East Ball Room of the Hotel Commodore, New York, before a gathering of reviewers from all trade papers, New York dailies, fan magazines and special service writers. Mingling with the motion picture folk were many members of the Barnum & Bailey circus, Ringling Brothers shows, several members of the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Naval Aviation Service. The setting for the introductory showing of "Her Elephant Man" was indeed a novel one, and was arranged by Wells Hawks, veteran publicity man, of the Fox staff. Mr. Hawks knows the circus, circus life and circus atmosphere, and the stage setting — for such it really was— inspired the guests with the circus spirit. The table was set to resemble a ring in the big top, with one end open to allow room for a little toy circus surrounded by palms — this lending a fitting effect to the whole picture. The floor of the hotel ballroom was covered with sawdust; and there was pink lemonade, and peanuts galore. Unique favors lined the table in the form of animal cut-outs fixed to blocks of wood for stands. By the time the luncheon was started every diner in the big room had surrended himself or herself to the spirit of the occasion. As added attraction to the "big show," Lew Graham, dean of circus announcers, who was master of ceremonies, introduced Harry Clemings, circus clown; Captain George Auger, the Cardiff giant, and Zip, the "What Is It?" Zip's speech was received with resounding applause. The guest of honor was Mrs. Pear! Doles Bell, author of several successful novels, among which is "Her Elephant Man," the book from which the Fox production was made. Mrs. Bell, in turn, introduced Bird Millman, queen of the high wire, as the inspiration for her novel. The luncheon ended, the ballroom was darkened, the picture was flashed on the screen and the result is reviewed elsewhere in this issue. The circus j>cenes were especially effective and correct in detail. Telling the Story of America — Its Challenge and Its Future. Ralph Ince as Abraham Lincoln in Selznick's picture, "The Land ot Opportunity' which will contribute to the Americanization campaign. Charles Bass in Chicago Hospital. News comes from Chicago that Charles Bass, president of the Bass Camera Company, is a patient in Grant Hospital. Mr. Bass was stricken with appendicitis and is now recovering from what promises to be an entirely successful operation.