The Moving picture world (July 1921)

July 30. 1921 MOVING PICTURE WORLD 525 R'C Pictures to Handle Series of Specials Starring Doris May Hunt Stromberg Will Make R. S. Cole, president of R-C Pic- tures Corporation, announces con- tracts have been signed by which Doris May, who co-starred with Douglas MacLean in "23Hours' Leave," and other successes, becomes a star in her own right, and that Hunt Stromberg, whose activities as director of advertising and ex- ploitation for several big film cor- porations, including Thomas H. Ince, enters the ranks of producers. Under the terms of the deal, the Doris May scries specials will be known as Hunt Stromberg Produc- tions, and will be released by R-C Pictures Corporation. Associated with Mr. Stromberg in the productions to star Doris May is William A. Seiter, a well-known director who has to his credit many box-office .successes. His more re- cent affiliation was with Thomas H. Ince, as director of the Douglas MacLean features. Bert Cann, who was in pesonal charge of the photog- raphy for all of the Douglas Mac- Lean and Doris May productions, and for the Paramount releases with Douglas MacLean as an indi- vidual star, will be chief camera- man in the new unit. The formation of the Hunt Strom- berg Productions and the decision to star Doris May is said to be the direct result of pressure brought to bear by theatre owners in all parts of the country, a survey conducted by manager of the twenty-six "R-C" exchanges revealing a vote that was almost unanimous favoring stellar honors for Doris May. Prior to co-starring with Douglas MacLean, Miss May won favor as leading lady for Charles Ray and others of the former Ince stars, and fol- lowing "23 H Hours' Leave," she ap- peared to advantage in "What's Your Husband Doing?" "Mary's Ankle" and "The Rookie's Return," as well as many other comedy and comedy- drama successes. Upon the expira- tion of her contract with Thomas H. Ince, Miss May determined upon a vacation for a much-needed rest. Her more recent appearances were in "The Bronze Bell" and Maurice Tonrneur's "Foolish Matrons." The production policy determined upon calls for original stories, books or popular stage successes in which the star will be presented in character- istic roles, with supporting casts of capable players. Originality in theme, plot and situations is to be the keynote of all stories or plays selected for Miss May. Miss May's first story will be an original one, which is said to be a splendid example of the particular type of modern comedy-drama, which is to guide the scenario de- partment of the new unit. It now is being prepared in continuity form by Violet Clarke in collaboration with Director William A. Seiter. Active production is scheduled to begin August 1. A publicity and advertising cam- paign of wide scope will accom- pany the release of each subject. Promotion and special service to exhibitors will be outlined and exe- cuted by the studio, home office and field promotion experts working under the supervision of Mr. Stromberg who, while engaging in production on the West Coast, will create and expound his ideas and publicity drives along the lines that have made his past efforts in this divi- sion of the industry successful. The addition of the new unit to star Doris May is in line with the continued expansion of R-C Pictures Corporation. Charles R. Rogers, general manager, says: "The trans- action is the result of application ot our policy to provide the exhibit- ors with the kinds of personalities and productions most in demand with the American public. "Miss May is the typical Ameri- can girl. She has youth, beauty, poise, grace of manner and personal charm, as well as acting ability of a high order. It is these qualities that have popularized her every- where. Tn Hunt Stromberg we have a young man who has won the utmost confidence of exhibitors and the press. He has the practical, the box-office production view, and he may be relied upon to represent in the productions which are linked with his name the innermost wishes and the actual needs of the average showman. Mr. Seiter is a young director who has established his standards. He has specialized in comedy-drama and has that fine artistic mastership and broad ex- perience in all forms of drama. The Idle Class" Chaplin's New First National Comedy, Finished "The Idle Class," a travesty on the weaknesses of the wealthy, will be Charles Chaplin's n.cxt contribu- tion. After five months' work the picture has reached the editing and cutting stage, and will soon be ready for release through Associated First National Pictures. This is his sixth production for First National. The picture was originally titled "Vanity Fair," but as there was another of the same name, "The Idle Class" was named as the per- manent title. "The Idle Class" is a departure from anything Chaplin has ever done. While it is a short length pro- duction it is declared it will meet with as much approval as "The Kid." Among the outstanding features is the presentation of the comedian in a dual role, something he has never before attempted. Not alone is Chaplin seen as a tramp, but as an up-to-date swell. In his new character, Chaplin dis- cards his familiar wardrobe to sur- round himself with toggery, as used by the wealthy. "The Idle Class" is, as have been all of this star's productions, an original story written by Chaplin, and produced under the comedian's personal direction and he is now cutting and assembling. It is said to be a story with a de- lightful love theme, pathos, humor and laughter. Edna Purviance again appears as Chaplin's leading woman. With the presentation of "The Idle Class" comes the return of Mack Swain, for a number of years a star in his own right, as the chief foil for Chaplin. Swain stands six feet and three inches in height and boasting of a weight in the neigh- borhood of 360 pounds. Despite his size, he is very active in "The Idle Class." The balance of the supporting company is made up of players who have long been identified with Chaplin, such as Henry Bergman, John Rand. Allan Garcia, Loyal Underwood and Lillian Parker. The photography is by Rollie Totheroh and Jack Wilson. Close to five months were con- sumed in producing "The Idle Class." During that time, however, but sixty days were given over to the actual filming of the scenes, while the bal- ance of the time was devoted to the selection of locations and construc- tion of the numerous big "sets" used. More than thirty thousand feet of film was used by the comedian in recording the required scenes; for public distribution it may consist of little more than 2,500 feet. Ann Forrest Races to London from Los Angeles So As Not Delay New Paramount Film THE HAND OF THE LAW INTERVENES Unheeding the protestations of the heroine of her belief in the innocence of the accused. Ifs from Universal's "Man Trackers" To be in London August 1 ready to play the leading feminine role in John S. Robert.son's next Para- moimt picture, Ann Forrest left Los Angeles July 18 on the first leg of a race against time, which will carry her half way around the world. Mr. Robertson's plans for the production of Dion Clayton Calth- rop's book, "Perpctua," in Para- mount's London studio called for an American leading woman, to play opposite David Powell, and it was found necessary for her to be in London not later than August 1 if the production was not to be de- layed. Accordingly he cabled to Paramount New York offices, which in turn got in touch with Jesse L. Lasky at the studio in Hollywood. Mr. Robertson had expressed a wish to have Ann Forrest for the role, but at that time Miss Forrest was working in George Mel ford's pic- ture, "The Great Impersonation." • By an adjustment of the produc- tion .schedule, however, the scenes in "The Great Impersonation" in which Miss Forrest appears were shifted. Miss Forrest will arrive in New York Friday and Saturday morning will sail for Southampton, F.ngland, arriving there July 31, in time to enable her to get settled in a London hotel and prepare to be- gin work the next day in Para- mount's London studio. MOTION PICTURE DAY IS AUGUST 25