Close Up (Oct 1920 - Aug 1923)

9 On Strips of Celluloid EDDIE CLINE DIRECTS Bennie Zeidman’s first production on the coast since his return from New York, will be an original story tentatively titled “The Good Bad Boy,” which he is making for Principal Pictures Corporation at their studios on Santa Monica Boulevard. Work was begun on the eve of the parture for New York and thence to Europe of Sol Lesser, president of that organization. Edward F. Cline is directing, having only recently completed Harold Bell Wright’s “When a Man’s a Man.” Cline’s direction of Buster Keaton’s “Three Ages” is a notable comedy achievement, while “Circus Days” in which Sol Lesser presents Jackie Coogan, is perhaps Cline’s most important and effective released picture. Critics will soon have the opportunity of passing judgment on Cline’s work in Lesser’s presentation of George M. Cohan’s success, “The Meanest Man in the World.” The cast engaged by Zeidman for “The Good Bay Boy” includes Forrest Robinson, this being the “grand old man’s” third picture in succession for Principal Pictures. He plays a characteristic and appealing role, that of the boy’s pre-Volstead father. Lucy Beaumont, recently with Norma Talmadge in “Ashes of Vengeance” has been assigned the role of the boy’s mother, a most sympathetic part. Young Joe Butterworth, who gave such a fine performance as Sam in “Penrod and Sam” will be the juvenile hero, while little Mary Jane Irving will be the object of his young affections. Richard Wayne, Arthur Hull, Edward Davis, Percy Hemus and Brownie, the dog, are others engaged by Zeidman. The story of “The Good Bad Boy” is an original by Harry Carr and John Grey. Grey is a recent acquisition of Principal Pictures, having formerly been with Sennett for a number of years, and greatly responsible for many of the Mabel Normand successes. Eulalie Jensen will shortly begin work in a big special production to be made by a well known independent producer. The popular featured player worked in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and “The Magic Skin” recently. OUR BEST DAY— TOO! Monday, August 15th, saw the start of Billie Rhodes’ first Grand-Asher feature, produced by Ben Wilson. “I didn’t worry a bit about starting on the 13th,” said Miss Rhodes, “for I’m not superstitious.” If she were, she might well be alarmed because she has enough stunts to do in this picture to satisfy the most exciting thrill-hound who ever witnessed a picture. She starts in a wild melee with a lot of boys during a home town football game and ends up by falling from an ivy vine that has come loose from its wall. She drives an auto lickety-split down a terrible road; falls out of a canoe and is almost drowned, drives a greedy woman who seeks to drive her mother from her home, into the street; licks a couple of small boys who are abusing a younger one; cir cumvents a villain and falls in love — all in the space of six reels. A marvelous cast has been supplied; Buster Collier, son of the famous William Collier; Claire McDowell, known for many fine pictures, Joseph W. Girard, Kathleen Kirkham, Virginia Warwick, and others. Ben Wilson is handling the megaphone. This is a story by Adam Hull Shirk adapted by Arthur F. Statter. Tom O’Brien, who is portraying a leading character role in “Born of the Cyclone,” being filmed by RobertsonCole, spent his youthful summers on the road with his father who was manager of Barnum and Bailey’s circus for forty years. When the circus hits Los Angeles, the middle of September, Tom will favor a few of his friends with a trip through the parts of the circus seldom seen by the public. Charles “Buck” Jones is starting a new production, as yet untitled, at the Fox Studios, after having enjoyed a ten-day vacation at Catalina Island, where he journeyed in search of a much needed rest. * * * George D, Baker is enroute to San Francisco and thence to Yosemite Valley to enjoy a week’s hunting with his kodak. Baker recently completed direction of “The Magic Skin”, an adaptation of Balzac’s famous story. * * * Virginia Valli may follow “A Lady of Quality” with a modern play. While in Chicago she attended the stage performance of “Up the Lad der,” Owen Davis’ dramatic success, and it is probable that Universal will star her in the offering as a film play. * * * Grace Carlyle, who has finished a leading role in Metro’s “Held to Answer,” spent her girlhood in the southland where her family had a beautiful home in Orlando, Fla. * * * The reason for everything being so mixed up at the United Studios is because Melrose avenue is so rough that you don’t know whether you are going or coming. Lige Conley told this sad tale. * * * William deMille has finished “The Marriage Maker.” The press agent should suggest a tie-up with Judge Summerfield. * * * James Farley — apostrophizes thusly: “Women’s tribute to Loengrin’s bridal chorus— -one year after first hearing it intimately — are Tear-Drops.” We are featuring — NOVELTY WEAVES in STRIPES, and overplaid designs. TWEED SUITINGS, and WHIPCORD WEAVES— that are so popular this Season. TAILORED TO YOUR PERSONALITY Lou Grom&ti & Co. Txilors 532 South Broadway