The Moving picture world (November 1926-December 1926)

284 MOVING PICTURE WORLD November 29, 1926 National Scout Heads O.K. Fred Thompson Film AN ENDORSEMENT of tremendous value to exhibitors, one that will create tie-ups and open exploitation angles in every community in the country, has just been given to "A Regular Scout," a special feature made for Film Booking Offices by Fred Thomson, their Western ace. Following a private showing for representatives of the Boy Scouts of America in the F. B. O. projection room at the home offices in New York, at which they warmly applauded the work of Fred and 200 real Boy Scouts who worked with him in the picture, the national leader of the organization sent the following letter to Joseph I. Schnitzer, senior vice-pres'.dent of the producing company. Picture Is Praised "Dear Mr. Schnitzer: We wish to congratulate your entTc organization for producing "A Regular Scout," which, judging from the reports of those who represented us at the first viewing, seems to be just about the best scout picture yet made. Especially were we pleased with Fred Thomson, himself a former Boy Scout Commissioner, who, as the hero, very admirably caught and portrayed the spirit of our organization. "Everyone who has the interest of the Boy Scout Movement at heart will experience great satisfaction in seeing this picture. "With best wishes for the success of "A Regular Scout," I an "Sincerely and cordially yours, "Boy Scouts of America, "JAMES E. WEST, "Chief Scout Executive." This endorsement is a mcst remarkable action by the Poy Scouts of America. They have never before placed their "O. K." on any picture dealing with scouts or scouting. They do not endorse any article of a commercial nature, a picture, a book, or anything else. They do not lend their names to any product, except a few articles of equipment for the boyi, which are officially tesvcd and adopted. Scouts Set Precedent Yet they went the limit for the Thomson picture. They were delighted with the work of Fred, who has trained many troops of Boy Scouts himself, and with the riding, signalling, field work and other performances of the Los Angeles troops who went on location with the F. B. O. star to Mt. Whitney, and who play highly important parts in the picture. F. B. O. planned and made "A Regular Scout" with the utmost care, hoping for the approval and co-operation of the Boy Scouts of America, and is now planning an intensive exploitation drive. Queen Julia A reproduction of the court ot Queen Victoria will be one of the great scenes in "The Yankee Clipper," which Rupert Julian is producing for De Mille, with William Boyd and Elinor Fair featured. Julie Fay will play Queen Victoria. Gertie's Garter Director E. Mason Hopper, who has just returned from Europe, is closeted with F. McGrev.Willis on the adaptation of "Getting Gertie's Garter," in which Marie Prevost will star. Greta Garbo, of M-G-M's siren staff, holds a pose in "The Flesh and The Deril" "His Dog" to Be Next Rod La Rocque Film "His Dog," Albert Payson Terhune's widely read novel of a man's great love for his dog and a dog's great love for his master, is to find its place in the films, with Rod La Rocque in the starring role, according to word from the De Mille studio. La Rocque recently completed the starring role in "The Cruise of the Jasper B," a screen version of the humorous novel by Don Marquis. Jane Novak Signed Jane Novak has been signed to portraj "Alice Paris" in "One Increasing Purpose," the Fox production which Harry Beaumont is directing. King Baggot to Direct Next Sam E. Rork Film The ^ NERVOUS WRECK King Bagot will direct Sam E. Rork's next production for First National. Baggot, assisted by Bob Ross, will go into production about December 1 on a script adapted from Patrick Hastings' play "The River." Lewis Stone and Doris Ken yon are the stars, and Ann Rork is featured. The story combines adventure and melodrama. Tony Gaudio, known to millions, the photographer of "The Temptress" and the last Rork picture "The Blonde Saint," has been signed to a year's contract by Mr. Rork. Girl With the "Perfect Hands" Gets Big Role Iris Stuart has been chosen by B. P. Schulbcrg, Paramount West Coast executive, to play one of the most prominent feminine roles in "Casey at the Bat," the baseball comedy in which Wallace Beery will be featured as the immortal Casey. Miss Stuart has been cast as "Trixie," a role second only in importance to that of Zazu Pitts, who plays opposite Beery. Some months ago. Miss Stuart, known a'S "the girl with the perfect hands," was signed by Paramount, after she had shown considerable promise in small bits and parts before the camera. Since then she has been selected for increasingly important roles. Monte Brice is directing "Casey at the Bat," a Hector Turnbull production. Commendation for "The Fire Brigade" Official commendation and endorsement of "The Fire Brigade," Metro-GoldwynMayer's epic of the fire fighters of America, was voted by the Pacific Coast Association of Fire Chiefs, in convention at Fresno, according to a wire received at the offices of Lous H. Mayer. The wire reported s unanimous adoption of a resolution of endorsement for the picture, and an appreciation of Mayer's efforts in behalf of fire prevention. "No Control" Scott Sidney, who recently completed a picture for Universal, is back at the Metropolitan studio and has started prelimi^ nary work for "No Control." which McGrew Willis adapted from a Saturday Evening Poit story. Dimitri Buchowetzki, who has signed to direct for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, with his wife.