Close Up (Oct 1920 - Aug 1923)

7 Trailing Motion Picture Stars THIS OCCURS OCCASIONALLY An example of the friendship and co-operative spirit which exists among people of the motion picture industry is most emphatically demonstrated when Major David Kirkland very successful director of a number of years’ experience, volunteered his services to aid in the preparation of the script for the Jess Robbins’ production, temporarily titled “The Ladder Jinx,” all because of his long standing friendship for Jess Robbins, the young producer who has startled exhibitors in all parts of the country by his first feature comedy production, “To Much Business,” being distributed by Vitagraph. Robbins and Kirkland have been friends for the past ten years. They have been employed by the same producers and worked on adjoining sets as directors. When Robbins was ready to begin preparing his working script for “The Ladder Jinx,” he learned that the scenario writer he had depended upon was not available. Robbins’ friend, Major Kirkland, who has directed many of the leading stars of screendom, including Constance Talmadge and the current release of Owen Moore, volunteered his services to Robbins. Together Robbins and He took the basic idea of superstition of the Edgar Franklin story, “The Ladder Jinx,” and built a plot for a light comedy drama. The services of Kirkland, because of his knowledge of production gained by an experience as director for a number of years, was of inestimable value to his friend. The Major will be remembered as director of the Emerson-Loos productions, starring Constance Talmadge, entitled “A Temperamental Wife,” “A Virtuous Vamp,” “In Search of a Sinner,” “The Love Expert,” “The Perfect Woman,” and he was co-author and director of the current Selznick production starring Owen Moore. George Melford and his troupe are now at work on “Burning Sands” at Oxnard, Cal. Wanda Hawley and Milton Sills are featured in this production together, with a powerful cast. The company will be on this location for a good part of the picture. The adaptation of this Arthur Weigall novel is by Olga Printzlau and Waldemar Young. STEYN MAKES A COME-BACK Some years ago, before that eventful date in our national history went into effect, Oscar Van der Steyn was a name to conjure with in local theatrical and cabaret history. He had the unique honor of presenting Los Angeles with some of its most varied, original and wonderful revues. Then, the war took Oscar from our midst, and the next we heard of him, he was making a sensational hike across the United States to regain his health. During his journeyings, he met with many hair-breadth narrow escapes from injury and death. What was our surprise to be presented to him again by his old friend, Arthur Bernstein. Wondering what his next effort would be to startle the (Natives), we were soon enlightened on this point— for, on April 28, there came into being the HOLLYWOOD SCHOOL OF STAGE DANCING at 5444 Hollywood boulevard. As is usual with a grand opening, many Celebrities were present, while Mr. Steyn and his . two assistants, Miss Hazel de Vere, that well known premier danseuse, and Miss Irene Howard, a pupil of Theodore Kosloff and Ernest Belcher, did the honors. These two talented young ladies will have full charge in initiating aspirants for dancing knowledge, the entire purpose of which will he to supply sensational and novelty Revues, for various productions in moving picture land. There isn’t any doubt but that this is a long required want in the cinema colony, and those directors, desiring specialized talent for cabaret scenes, and ballrooms, can make no mistake by placing their orders with Oscar Van der Steyn for their requirements. May 1st was the starting date for “Pink Gods,” Penrhyn Stanlaw’s next production, in which Bebe Daniels and James Kirkwood will head the cast, with Anna Q. Nilsson, Adolphe Menjou, Raymond Hatton and others in prominent roles. J. E. Nash and Sonya Levien adapted Cynthia Stockley’s stories. * * * Monroe Salisbury apostrophises thusly: It’s hell to be so popular! With just a million friends, Then call them up by telephone — And find yourself — alone. WE ALL ADMIRE Perfection ! Ethel Broadhurst Represents it — and “RAGTIME CHOCOLATES” is sweet perfection. Both make a lasting impression. Distributed by C. C. BROWN CO. 621 South Olive St. Phone Broadway 1610 Gloria Swanson will be back in California around the 1st of June when she will begin work on “The Impossible Mrs. Bellew,” a story by David Lisle, adapted by Elmer Harris and Percy Heath. It will be a Sam Wood production. In the meantime Miss Swanson is making a rapid but comprehensive tour of the Old World, and Mr. Wood will leave Sunday for New York for a business trip during which he will photograph some important scenes for his forthcoming picture. * * * Lillian Rich suggests that a lady’s birthday is a year before the last. USED FOTOPLAYER at a Bargain Price! Remarkable opportunity for motion picture theatre! Fotopla.ver in perfect condition ; gives complete orchestral reproduction; played by hand or from doubletracker player piano; provides excellent picture music at minimum cost. Music continuous — no pauses for rewinding — ?an be changed instantly to fit the scene. A chance to make your music, as well as your films, a source of steady profit! Terms, if desired. Satisfaction guaranteed. Write for full description. A. B. Cox, 717 Tribune Bldg., Chicago