We use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) during our scanning and processing workflow to make the content of each page searchable. You can view the automatically generated text below as well as copy and paste individual pieces of text to quote in your own work.
Text recognition is never 100% accurate. Many parts of the scanned page may not be reflected in the OCR text output, including: images, page layout, certain fonts or handwriting.
476
MOVING PICTURE WORLD
December 18, 1926
The Fire Brigade^s^^ Flames To Light Up Central Theatre
Qreat Exploitation Qives M'Q'M Film Fine Send-Off
By Sumner Smith
HAT great film epic of fire-fighting, MetroClly Goldwyn-Mayer's "The Fire Brigade," makes its bow as a road show on Monday, December 20, at the Central Theatre, Broadway, replacing "The Scarlet Letter." It is preceded by probably as vast and valuable a volume of exploitation as has ever helped a big picture off to a big start.
New York film men are eager to see it, and it is a safe assertion that as many production experts as film fans will crowd the theatre the first few days of its run.
The reason for this extraordinary interest lies in the history of "The Fire Brigade." The production story is fully as striking as that of "The Big Parade," "Ben Hur" and other leading M-G-M specials which have added incalculably to the company's prestige.
The idea of producing, in intensely dramatic form, a faithful tale of the firemen of the nation was conceived by Louis B. Mayer, in charge of production, "The Fire Brigade," naturally, is his favorite picture. He has lavished time and thought on its making, and he has been given some astonishingly fine support by his exploitation men.
A year ago, when the fire chiefs of America convened in Louisville, Mr. Mayer promised them in an address that he would put the company's immense resources behind the making of a screen dramatization of the firemen. He said that their daring exploits would be dramatized as vitally and realistically as the doughboys are dramatized in "The Big Parade."
Mr. Mayer outlined his idea to Kate Corbaley \ and she turned out an ideal story. Alfred A. Kahn then adapted it. Charles Ray was selected for the feature role and May McAvoy was placed opposite him. William Nigh got the directorial assignment because of his skill in pic
Charles Ray ducks his head to escape fallings debris while clutching the nozzle of the hose. His helmet, the salvation of many firemen, is gone.
turesque effects, and he chose a strong supporting cast.
Three Californian fire chiefs acted in advisory capacities. Months were spent on production. In one sequence a whole city block was erected and set afire. Thirty-two pieces of fire apparatus rushed to the scene, and, while powerful studio lights were focused on the roaring flames, scores of firemen battled daringly to extinguish them. In another remarkable sequence, 300 children from a burning orphanage were rescued by being carried down ladders.
After six months of effort the picture was completed. Pete Smith, head of the M-G-M West Coast publicity department, engineered a marvelous series of stunts.
Amid ceremonies usually reserved for the Fourth of July or a royal visitor, a big Packard fire chiefs' car carrying a print of the picture left Los .Angeles for New Or(Continued on page 512)
The great extension ladder is run up against the burning orphanage, and six firemen, used to daily peril, mount it swiftly on their hazardous errand of mercy. Thus "The Fire Brigade" depicts the almost unsung exploits of our fire laddies.
May McAvoy and the throng in the street watch, thrilled while the firefighters gallantly face death.