Close Up (Oct 1920 - Sep 1923)

BY THE MAN BEHIND ‘CLOSE-UP’ TO SPEND FIVE MILLION With the arrival here of H. M. Warner, eldest of the five Warner brothers, producers of independent motion pictures, comes a very important announcement of plans for Warner Bros, product for the season of 1923-1924. The schedule as formulated by the five brothers now in conference calls for the production here of eighteen big features at a cost of over $5,000,000. This season’s output includes seven photodramas, all of which have been sold in the United States, South America and other, territories. Those already completed are “Rags to Riches,” “Little Heroes of the Street,” with Wesley Barry, “The Beautiful and Damned,” with Marie Prevost, and “The Dangerous Adventure,” while “Brass,” the Charles G. Norris novel, directed by Sidney Franklin, and “The Little Church Around the Corner,” from the story by Olga Printzlau, directed by William A. Seiter, are now being photographed. Sinclair Lewis’ much talked of novel, “Main Street,” the last of the seven books, is nearly ready for camera work to start on the scenario which is by Julien Josephson. “All of the eighteen films are to be made in Hollywood,” states Mr. Warner, “and we will adhere strictly to our policy of giving the public feature screen stories that will be not only filmizations of popular books and plays, but motion pictures of the highest standard, being in the class of the 100 per cent censor-proof.” Mr. Warner’s presence on the Coast brings the quintette together for the first time in fifteen years and for the first time in their own studio. All have been engaged in different departments of their company, which is one of the largest independent units in the world. Warner Bros.’ policy is not only to make pictures with all-star casts, but engage players who have been featured alone in former productions. Included in the roster are such famous players as Wesley Barry, Marie Provost, Clarie Windsor, Monte Blue, Hobart Bosworth, Irene Rich, Harry Myers, Louise Fazenda, Helen Ferguson, Tully Marshall and many others. LET’S ALL VOTE “YES” Declaring that the proposed fire and police pension amendment must be passed overwhelmingly, an organization of motion picture actors and actresses of Hollywood, headed by Tyrone Brereton, featured player with Sacred Films, Inc., are today heading a movement to gain the vote of every man and woman engaged in the motion picture industry. “We do not hesitate to call on the policemen or firemen to risk their lives for us,” declared Brereton today. “Then, why should we not compensate them in the best way we can. Their's is a dangerous business, undertaken for the good of the community at large. Then, their reward should be certainty that their old age will not find them destitute.” The movement led by Brereton started early this week and is rapidly gaining headway. “Vote ‘Yes’ on 8A” is the slogan of the workers, who have declared they will carry the film industry, ten to one. Camera work on the first of the big Leah Baird special productions has just been completed at the Thomas H. Incc Studios in Culver City. With the finishing of the last shots, it was decided to title the picture, “When Civilization Failed,” this being the suggestion of Miss Baird herself. Included in the cast with Miss Baird are Tom Santchi, Walter McGrail, Richard Tucker, Alec B. Francis, Bobby Bolder and Ruth Mitchell. ELSA GRANGER By Annie Imiah Australia, of course, dislikes losing One of her loveliest flowers; But no one will blame you for choosing To live in a climate like ours. I’m sure you will not be heard fretting For your beloved land, far away; Nor will you have cause for regretting Y ou came to this fine place to stay. Where they are so joyfully greeting You, some “movie fans” may explain, (And let people hear them repeating) That Australia’s “loss is our gain.” How proud was Australia of starring An actress, whose beautiful voice, Clear and sweet, not a single note jarring, Has made many people rejoice. While you are quite cleverly showing People how charming you are. They all speak in terms simply glowing Of Australia’s young “movie star.” Many folk are making plans To welcome you, fair stranger, "Movieland” and “movie fans,” Greet Miss Elsa Granger. VAN LOAN DOING STORY The scenario for “The Drivin’ Fool,” a special production being made independently by Regent Pictures Company, is being done by H. H. Van Loan, well known author and continuity expert, who has been specially engaged for this new producing enterprise. Van Loan is adapting the magazine story under the same title written by William F. Sturm and appearing recently in the Blue Book Magazine. He has finished the continuity and is in collaboration now, while the production is being made, with Robert T. Thornby, the director, and Wally Van, who is heading the cast of the picture. Others playing prominent roles in the picture are Alec Francis, Wilton Taylor, Patsy Ruth Miller and Ramsey Wallace. The Divine Sarah Bernhardt will make her tenth farewell tour. Oh, well, guess we’re good for another five or six anyway, says Margaret Whistler.