Close Up (Oct 1920 - Aug 1923)

LASKY-ISMS A purely farcical story, full of the type of comedy for which Wallace Reid is justly noted, will be this Paramount star’s next vehicle and will be started some time this month under the direction of James Cruze, who recently completed "The Old Homestead,” destined to be one of the big pictures of the year. ‘‘Thirty Days” is the title of Mr. Reid’s new picture and it was written by A. E. Thomas and Clayton Hamilton. The former collaborated in writing “The World’s Champion,” in which Mr. Reid was previously starred. One of the most amusing pictures that was ever produced under the Paramount banner was “The Lottery Man,” also directed by James Cruze and with Wallace Reid as star, so that this combination again presages splendid results. * * * William deMille, having completed “Clarence,” which is now being cut and assembled, will start in September his new production, “Notoriety,” with Bebe Daniels. This story was written expressly by Clara Beranger, as a vehicle for Miss Daniels and a cast of great strength is now being assembled. * * * George Melford returned last Monday to finish his production for Paramount “Ebb Tide” at the studio. This will be remembered as Robert Louis Stevenson and Lloyd Osbourne’s romantic story. It was adapted by Waldemar Young and Lorna Moon. In the cast are featured Lila Lee, James Kirkwood, Raymond Hatton, George Fawcett, Noah Beery and Jacqueline Logan. * * * George Fitzmaurice’s Paramount production of Wilard Mack’s play, “Kick In,” with Betty Compson and Bert Lytell, has gotten off to a good start and promises to be one of the most dramatic stories in which the two popular players have appeared. FIRST NATIONAL NOTES Upon the completion of his present vehicle, as yet untitled, Jackie Coogan will be taken upon an extended tour of the world. According to present plans, the little starlet will be in London in time for the English premier of his film version of “Oliver Twist.” * * * Allen Holubar is preparing the continuity for his next attraction to follow “Hurricane’s Gal.” Dorothy Phillips will be the star and the story is to be of melodramatic flavor. * * * Upon the eve of his departure for New York last week Joseph M. Schenck announced that Norma Talmadge would begin production of the celebrated stage success, “Within the Law,” immediately upon her return from foreign shores, in late November. * * * When Larry Trimble and Jane Murfin, producers of “Brawn of the North,” departed for New York two weeks ago to make distribution arrangements with First National executives, they left Strongheart, the wonder dog and star of the picture, in Los Angeles. But even Broadway didn’t thrill them without the magnificent animal as company, so Strongheart was sent for and is now being admired by thousands of Gothamites who saw him in “The Silent Call.” * * * Director Frank Lloyd announces that the recent accident to Eugene O’Brien did not interfere in anyway with the production schedule for Norma Talmadge’s latest picture, “The Voice from the Minaret.” O’Brien finished his scenes for this production on the same day he was struck by a passing truck on Hollywood Boulevard. METRO-ITES Harry Beaumont has completed the cast for “June Madness,” Viola Dana’s newest starring picture which he is directing. Included in the company are Bryant Washburn, Gerald Pring, Leon Barry, Eugenie Besserer, Snitz Edwards, Anita Fraser and others. * * * Rex Ingram, Metro’s noted director, and wife, Alice Terry, have departed for New York, where a screen version of John Russell’s “Where the Pavement Ends” will be made with Miss Terry in the leading feminine role. Ramon Novarro, who had the leading male part in “Black Orchids,” Mr. Ingram’s newest picture, will play opposite her in the forthcoming production. * * * Four male comedians, each a star in his own right, have been assembled by Arthur Sawyer for important parts in the S-L (Sawyer-Lubin) production of “Quincy Adams Sawyer,” now being filmed at the studios. These four fun makers are Hank Mann, Billy Franey, Harry Depp and Victor Potel. * * * The following cast appears in the Harry Garson production of “Enter Madame” for Metro, in which Clara Kimball Young enacts the stellar role: Elliott Dexter, Louise Dresser, Lionel Belmore, Wedgewood Nowell, Rosita Marstini, Orra Devereaux, Arthur Rankin, Mary Jane Saunderson and George Kuwa. Wallace Worsley directed the production. * * * Phyllis Haver is on the move again. Having completed her work in “The Christian,” Mack Sennett has loaned her to Buster Keaton, and she will be seen opposite the sad-faced star in his next comedy, as yet untitled. One chap has written a story entitled, “The Lure of the Links.” We don’t know whether this is the “Missing,” or the “bunker.” Reginald Denny must have his little joke.