Close Up (Oct 1920 - Aug 1923)

9 On Strips of Celluloid PERT POINTS WINTER HALL DOCTOR AGAIN Winter Hall, the kindly old character actor, who plays so many sympathetic roles in photoplays, appears as a doctor for the fifteenth time in “The Little Church Around the Corner,” by Olga Printzlau, which Wm. A. Seiter is directing at Warner Bros, studios. In this picture he is the well-loved physician of a small coal mine town, where he administers spiritual as well as physical treatment to the poor. It seems that he typifies the great army of doctors in this country who are known for their benevolent work; staying up all hours of the night, going out in all kinds of weather to help the needy. It is his own kindly personality which shines on the screen and makes his role in this picture one of the outstanding parts in the big all-star cast, which is headed by Claire Windsor, Kenneth Parian, Pauline Stark, Hobart Bosworth, Alec Francis, Walter Long, Margaret Seddon, George Cooper, Cyril Chadwick and others. THEATRES THRIVE HERE Los Angeles, Calif., Dec. 11. — (Special.)— Internal revenue collections for November show that approximately 8,000,000 persons attended motion picture theatres in Southern California during October. Admission taxes amounting to $217,776.57 were paid to Uncle Sam, according to Collector Rex Goodcell. In addition to this tax-paving attendance of 8,000,000, fully 4.000,000 fans visited theatres that charge admissions of 10 cents or less and are exempt from tax, bringing the total attendance up to 12,000,000. This is at the rate of 144,000,000 annually, or 26,000,000 more than the population of the United States. BABE LONDON SIGNED Babe London, the big girl with the happy smile, who has appeared in a number of Christie Comedies and who is also remembered for her part with Charlie Chaplin in “A Day’s Pleasure,” has been signed up by a regular contract for Christie Comedies. PICKING THE RIGHT DIRECTOR Myron Selznick, the young impresario from the East who has created quite a ripple in film circles with his great array of stars in the cost of “Rupert of Hentzau,” is planning another production to rival in magnitude both as to stars and elaborateness the screen version of Sir Anthony Hope’s famous novel. The new production which is being made ready for filming is a screen version from Robert W. Chambers’ noted book, “The Common Law,” and Mr. Selznick has already lined up four big favorites for the cast. They are: Corinne Griffith, Conway Tearle, Elliott Dexter and Phyllis Haver. George Archainbaud, who directed “One Week of Love,” “Evidence,” “Under Oath,” and many other wellknown productions for Selznick, will be at the megaphone on the “Common Law.” Edward J. Montagne, who adapted “Rupert of Hentzau” to the screen, has also done this scenario. It will be remembered that Selznick many years ago made the original screen version of the “Common Law,” with Clara Kimball Young and Conway Tearle as the featured players. This was the picture in which Conway Tearle sprung into screen fame, and he will be seen again in his old role. The new version of the Robert Chambers story will of course be done on a far more elaborate scale than its predecessor, and many big sets are now under way at the United Studios. Corinne Griffith has been regarded by many as one of the most promising of the younger screen stars, and “Common Law” will give to the actress her first chance in a real big production. Director Archainbaud will start shooting on the production the first of next week. Clarence Badger, former Goldwyn director, wrote the continuity for “The Law of the Sea,” Hobart Bosworth’s current picture, now being released by the Anchor Film Distributors, Inc., of Hollywood. William H. Clifford, well known scenarist, directed. Putting the reverse English on it, as Mr. Bosworth calls it. WHICH ONE WILL HE SIGN? What will be the future fate of Larry Semon? The most recent whisperings have it that the famous comedian, whose three million dollar contract with Vitagraph is soon to expire, is at present the objective of four different big producing companies. In either of the four events, therefore, his fate will doubtless be a most enviable one. It is expected that Semon will sign a long-term contract with one of the bidders some time this week. As to which one it will be, many predictions have been made, but the betting runs about even. The comedian himself, even at the lateness of the hour, is not fully decided, according to his latest announcement, but expects to close the matter some time this week. But five pictures remain to be produced by Semon to fulfill the terms of his present three-year contract with Vitagraph, which involved o'ver three million dollars. His latest mirth provoker, “The Agent,” is scheduled for a showing very soon at Grauman’s Theatre, it is announced. This is not about the United Studios. One young lady said: “Happy though united.” Sylvia Waddell's wise wheeze. * * * Now let us give thanks that Thanksgiving is over. Now for the penalty — Xmas! Mary Garson suggested this. * * There’s nothing “low down” about an upright piano. Jear. Calhoun is correct. * * * William Worthington’s little gag. “What about this kissing business?” “It isn’t a business; it’s a pleasure.” * * * Myrtle Stedmar. wants to know. Is there such a thing as “profane” silence when, playing golf? * * * “HAZEL” COMPLETED “Hazel From Hollywood,” the new Christie Comedy featuring Dorothy Devore, has been completed and Director Scott Sidney is wielding the shears getting the picture ready for release in January through Educational Film Exchanges. PLEASE PATRONIZ E— W HO ADVERTIS E— I N “CLOSE-UP”