Canadian Moving Picture Digest (Jun 1921-Apr 1922)

TORONTO, CANADA. Page Five Hamilton-White Comedy “En Route” Build Many Elaborate Scenes and Massive “Props.” N artistie bit of work at which A the technical department of Hamilton White Comedies, Ine., may justly feel proud, is in evidence on one of the stages on which scenes are being made for the latest Mermaid Comedy featuring Lloyd Hamilton, which will be released by Edueational in the near future. A large portion of the stage has been made to represent a small New England village in mid-winter. Hamilton’s trip to this town and his difficulties along the way give the picture its title of ‘‘En Route.’’ Snow is piled high about the village buildings, and trees which were hauled for many miles have been arranged in the background, apparently laden down with snow, 24 Two-Reel Christie Comedies A Year For Educational ECAUSE of the enormous volB ume of scenarios which have been received recently Al Christie wants to say a few words to all those interested in writing screen zomedies. : When Christie was making the single-reel Christie Comedies and Strand Comedies and other pictures weekly, the market was pretty good for comedy ideas and many synopsis were bought by the Christie company, which used to make as many as 150 pictures a year. Seripts were purchased frequently just for one idea which was used as a basis for a single-reeler. Times have changed somewhat, and Christie is now concentrating on the production of 24 two-reel Christie Comedies a year. This means that the market is smaller in volume but bigger from a point of view of class of production. The Christie stories now used for two reelers usually have to contain as much plot and action as an ordinary five-reel feature. One of the leading American magazines recently declared that one of the new Christie Comedies ‘‘econtained more plot and entertainment value than most five-reel films,’’ which is another way of saying that the bare-idea comedy plot is no longer enough. The new Christie Comedies of which Al Christie speaks are released through Edueational and identified as sueh by posters and photographs bearing the Educational Christie trademarks in front of all theatres where they are shown. Digitized by Go gle Massive ‘‘props’’ were required for other scenes in this picture, which promises to be one of the most elaborate produetions of the series of six pictures featuring Hamilton thet are ineluded in the year’s program of Mermaid Comedies. A panorama was obtained that was so immense that two big trucks were required to haul it to the studio. The Steamer Avalon and a railroad train consisting of a locomotive and six ears were chartered as settings for much of the fun in this picture. Pretty Irene Dalton is again to be seen in support of Hamilton as his leading lady. There are also in the cast Jack Lloyd, Fred Heck and Ola Norman. The picture is under the direction of Bob Kerr, Release of Fourth Classic Announced By Blaine Irish Blaine Irish has arranged for the release of the fourth Classics to follow directly after Educational week. Tt will be remembered that Filmeraft released Camera Classics Number Three at the request of Manager Ben Cronk two weeks in advance of the regular date to enable the Allen theatre management to open their all Canadian bill in ‘Toronto with the Filmcraft picture. With characteristic keenness, and wishing to utilize every available means of advancing the Classics, Mr. Irish has again arranged an advance release for the fourth issue of the pictures so that they may £ by BLAINE’ IRISH have the benefit of the wide publicity being given to all Mdueational pictures. “Camera Classics Number Four” will present the strongest compilation of subjects yet endorsed by Filmeraft. There will be an unusually fine scenic depicting some remarkable phases of a Canadian Winter. A brand new comedy idea will undoubtedly prove a highly popular subject with the exhibitor who is looking for the type of comedies that fastideous patrons want. Also in this issue will be featured a silhouette dance novelty originated by Filmeraft under the personal direction of Blaine Irish. Charles Lalumiere Gives Private _ Screening of Two French Pictures Charley Lalumiere, erstwhile Montreal Manager of the Speeialty Film Import, has settled down in his new offices at the Albee Building and started out with a bang to advertise to exhibitors his wares in the Europa Films by giving a private screening by invitation at the Princess theatre recently when two big specials from France entitled ‘‘Chantelouve’’ and ‘“Rose of Nice’? were shown to a capacity audience. Opinion was unanimous that something out of the ordinary was being presented to Montreal and Quebee exhibitors and many congratulations were showered on Charley at the end of the performance. TS Approval in no uncertain tones was expressed by those present at a social evening held by the St. John Board of Trade recently viewing the sporting films of New Brunswick Hunting, shown by Guide Harry. FILMCRAFT LIMITED 39 Queen St. West TORONTO Original from NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY