Camera (May 1922-April 1923)

Page Ten "The Digest of the Motion Picture Industry" CAMERA I DAREDEVIL DARES DEPARTURE BOOM IS IN SIGHT \ FOR U. S., SAYS, FILM HEAD James R. Grainger, Vice President of the Goldwyn Distributing Corporation, has arrived at the Culver City Studios for a conference of ten days with Vice President Abraham Lehr and ■with Marshall Neilan, whom he personally represents. Mr. Grainger, who is making a tour of the country, said he had found business conditions much improved since the first of the year. "The people have started going to the theatre again, but they are demanding big pictures," he stated. "I am convinced that the day of the so-called 'program' picture is gone forever." At the Goldwyn Studios Mr. Grainger found the greatest activity and the biggest production schedule in the history of the company. Eight hundred people are on the payroll and eight units are either actually in production or preparing feature pictures. These are headed by Marshall Xeilan, Erich \on Stroheim, Rupert Hughes, King Vidor, Hugo Ballin, Jesse D. Hampton, Lambert Hillyer, Clarence Badger and Charles Brabin. MENACE OF LEGAL WAR OVER MENACE FILM ENDS The controversies between James Calnay and Angela C. Kaufman were settled when Isidor Morris, attorney for Calnay, made a satisfactory settlement whereby Calnay transferred all his rights, title and interest in the "The Greatest Menace" to Mrs. Kaufman. "The Greatest Menace" was tied up in litigation by James Calnay for about a week as the result of a misunderstanding between him and Mrs. Kaufman. This litigation was dropped, however, as soon as they came to a settlement and therefore there is no further obstacle to prevent the immediate release of the picture. Neilan Cast Growing Marshall Neilan is getting to be such a connoisseur of talent that no less than a star suits him for even the smallest "bit" in his picture, "The Eternal Three." The cast now totals fifteen. Marion Aye, one of the latest additions, is to play the nart of a maid, and Phillip i;yder, late rabbi of the "Abie's Irish Rose" touring company, lias been f nrolled as a doctor. Stahl Selects Story According to announcement by Louis B. Mayer, "Daughters of the Rich" has been selected by John M. Stahl for production as his next all-star offering through Associated First National. Work on the scenario is practically completed and the actual shooting of the picture will be started as soon as the cast is assembled. Here's Jack Giddings -looking his dashing-est! For quite a while he has been one of the world's most fearless daredevils and as an adventurer in general he has few equals. He has won undying fanne as a stuntman extraordinary in motion pictures, his favorite feats having to do with leaping from one flying aeroplane to another, bearding the dens of lions, tigers and such dangerous critters, and, wrecking automobiles while going at high speed. But now he is quitting all that kind of precarious endeavor — making a departure, as it were — to pursue his real profession, that of an actor of the ultra-dashing variety. Henceforth he will dedicate his life to interpreting drama instead of risking his life in wild adventures. He expects to start in a principal role in support of one of the foremost screen stars very soon. CHAMP BEAUTY OF 1906 | Frances Raymond, famous character actress of the screen as she is today. Seventeen years ago — the year of 1906 — she was selected by a committee of cele | brated artists and New York newspaper critics as the most I beautiful bride of that whole j year in all America. It was in i that year she married David | Henderson, this country's fore I most theatrical producer then, and at which time she was at | the heighth of her glory as one | of the most popular musical comedy stars. She was a little vivacious soubrette with a wealth of golden hair. Now she ' is one of the most stately, most ; aristocratic-looking character I artists in all picturedom. She is j now supporting Dustin Farnum in "The Grail." which is being ■ filmed by William Fox. Jack Giddings A BRITISH VALENTINO Hugh While, British cinema favorite, proclaimed the Valentino of his native England by several London critics. He has just arrived in Hollywood to embrace the more golden opportunities of picture work in the film capitol of the world. Mr. While played heroic juvenile roles in B. and C. feature films. During the war he served as a lieutenant of the Scots Guards and won high distinction for his valor. He is of the upper social register in private life and was therefore a favorite of the aristocracy when he became a screen idol. Although he is the opposite to Valentino in type, he is said to interpret the silent drama in the dashing manner which has made Ruddy famous. Lucy Beaumont was compelled to withdraw from the cast which is to present "Just Suppose" at the Mason Opera House because of the necessity of her devoting her whole time to enacting the mother role in the Mowat production of "The Man Who Cheated," now being made at the Hollywood studios. DIRECTOR VICTIM OF SNOW EYES, A NEW ILL Progress on "An Eskimo Spy," starring Bull Montana has been considerably slowed up because of a sudden, although mild attack of snow blindness on the part of Hunt Stromberg, director, according to word received at the office of the Hunt Stromberg Productions at the Metro studios. The company is now in Truckee securing some snow scenes for this subject, but production has been baltfd while Mr. Stromberg is confined to the hotel. It is said that during the previous picture, the young producer suffered a mild attack of "Klieg Eyes," and the present location trip was brought about earlier in the production schedule than originally planned so that he might thus have temporary relief from the blinding glare of the studio lights. "Klieg Eyes" are a conmion studio occurrence, although this is believed to be the first time any member of the industry has suffered with "Snow Eyes." There is a possibility of Mr. Stromberg having to engage a director to complete this subject at Truckee. • WORK BEGUN ON UNITED STUDIO EXPANSION PLAN Ground has been broken for the new administration building which is to be erected at the United studios. The building will occupy what has formerly been a garden facing Avenue B, opposite Stages one, two and three. The new construction work is being directed by H. B. Dygert, C. E., assistant technical director for the studio. All of the streets of this 33acre lot are to be paved, more stages built, a modern heating plant installed for the comfort of otherwise shivering artists and a large number of exterior sets raised to eliminate the necessity of producing companies making long journeys to distant locations. Companies making First National releases at the United Studios now are: Edwin Carewe Productions ("The Girl of the Golden West"); Frank Borzage Productions, ("Sands of Time") ; Allen Holubar Production ("Slander the Woman"); Maurice Tourneur Productions, ("The Isle of Lost Ships") ; James Young Productions, ("Wandering Daughters"). Norma Talmadge is soon to start work on "Ashes of Vengeance." Richard Walton Tully is to make "Trilby" and Constance Talmadge is selecting her next First National vehicle. Ford West, former Keith circuit entertainer, is slated for an important part in the next Herman picture.