The Moving picture world (November 1926-December 1926)

412 xMOVING PICTURE WORLD December 11, 1926 No Pre-Holiday Slump At De Mille Studios Production Moves Swiftly With No Break in Action NO SIGNS of the pre-holiday slump that usually strikes the motion picture industry about this time of the year is noticeable at either the De Mille or Metropolitan Studios, where production continues with the same smoothness and stability that has characterized activity at these film plants during the entire year. This week saw the starting of "White Gold" at the De Mille Studio, and "Getting Gertie's Garter" and "No Control" at Metropolitan. "White Gold," a screen version of the novel by J. Palmer Parsons, is William K. Howard's first directorial effort under his newly signed long-term contract. Jetta Goudal is the star and the supporting cast is headed by Kenneth Thomson and George Seigmann. Marie Provost is starred in "Getting Gertie's Garter," with the supporting cast including Charles Ray, Harry Myers, Sally Rand, Franklin Pangborn, William Orlamond, Dell Henderson, Lila Leslie and Fritzi Ridgeway. E. Mason Hopper is directing. "No Control,'" under the megaphone guidance of Scott Sidney, features Phyllis Haver and Harrison Ford. Tom Wilson and Jack Duflfy head the supporting cast of funsters. "Nobody's Widow," Leatrice Joy's latest De Mille feature, which Donald Crisp directed at the Metropolitan Studio, will be ready for previewing within a few days, while "Jim the Conqueror," a Peter B. Kyne story directed by George B. Seitz and co-featuring William Boyd and Elinor Fair, was enthusiastically acclaimed at its initial preview showing this week. Although the majority of stage space at the De Malle Studio is occupied by the huge sets for De Mille's "The King of Kings," activity also centers around "Rubber Tires," Alan Hale's picture of the "Tin-can" tourists. Bessie Love and Harrison Ford are featured in this picture, which is expected to be finished this week. "The Yankee Clipper," Rupert Julian's special production, is almost ready for previewing and preparation is now under way for the filming of "The Little Adventuress," in which Vera Reynolds will star as her first production since her return from Europe. Two States Supporting Independent Pictures Barbara Kent, Universal featured player, in "Prowlers of the Night." Hundreds Visit At Valentino's Old Home Hundreds of people have visited the home of the late Rudolph Valeritino, known as "Falcon Lair" in Beverly Hills during the past few days. The house will remain open to the public until Dec. 8th when Valentino's many books, tapestries, automobile and yacht, among other things, will go under the auctioneer's hammer. How the Times Do THAT the Ohio and Ksntucky exhibitors offer strongsupport to the independent producer, provided he can offer the theatre owner a quality of product in keeping with the demands of his patronage, is the opinion of Lon Young, who returned from a trip to the key cities in Ohio and Kentucky last week, in the interests of Lumas Film Corporation and Gotham Productions. "In every instance," Mr. Young states, "I found the exhibitor not only willing but anxious to give the independent producer and exchange a break. The theatre managers keenly follow each new release and if the production is of a style suitable to their needs, bookings and dates are forthcoming. "The entire situation resolves itself into a quality proposition and many of the smaller exhibitors guide their booking policy solely by watching what the larger first run houses show. This is not an infallible rule, by any means, and it is a noticeable fact that the more successful individual theatre owners are those who exercise their own judgment. "Another point, which applies to Ohio especially, is that to very few exluibitors do weUknown authors' names mean anything. This is surprising, especially when the public libraries of Ohio and in Cleveland especially were among the first to co-operate with the producers of screen versions of well-known books." In summing up, Mr. Young states that, "there is a good market for the independent producer and distributor in Ohio who can deliver, but the old line "junk" man is rapidly doomed to extinction. Wells Hawks With "What Price Glory" Wells Ha«kN Iiiin Iweii secured by Kox Films to take the post of ninnaiu^inff director of publicity for all the "What Trice «lory" touring companies, accordinjyr to an announcement by AVinlield R. Sheehnn, vice-preKiclcnt and general managrer of the company. Mr. Hanks, founder and president emerltuji of the Theatrical Press Representatives of America, Is one of the most widely knon'n men In his tield. His acqualnt.-ince with editors throushout the country Is second to none, while his Intimate knowledge of every Important city, due to his long: experience n'lth and ahead of many Important theatrical ventures, makes him a valuable acqulstlon to staff. Hanks was a marine. Blanche Mehaffey, of Universal, poses in a French negligee and if she isn't attractive there is no use searching for beauty anywhere. Houses Booking "Month" SoUd Two recent First National Month exhibitor celebrants are the Pantheon Theatre, Toledo, and the Rivoli Theatre, Baltimore, it was announced by Secretary-Treasurer Samuel Spring, head of First National's sales department. During First National Monllv which will be nationally observed during January, the Pantheon v^^ll play on successive weeks: "Just Another Blonde," "The Silent Lover," "The White Black Sheep," "The Lady in Ermine," and "Forever After.'' Scheduled for the Rivoli's holiday month program are : "The Lady in Ermine," "Just Anothei Blonde," "The Silent Lover," "Long Pants," and "The Blonde Saint."