Exhibitor's Trade Review (Mar-May 1925)

Page 32 Davis Gets New Wilson Serial "The Power God" To Co-Star Neva Gerber and Ben Wilson For an Early Release J. Chas. Davis, 2nd, announces the completion of negotiations with Ben Wilson for a serial co-starring Ben Wilson and Neva Gerber for early release, by the Davis Distributing Division. The title of this serial will be "The Power God," and Ben Wilson will not only take the leading role but the entire production will be made under his supervision, the actual direction being in the hands of one of the best known serial directors on the Coast. For consistent production of serial _ boxoffice winners, Ben Wilson stands without a peer. Such stirring successes as "The Brass Bullet," "The Trail of the Octopus," "The Branded Four," "Nan of the North," "The Fighting Skipper," "The Sante Fe Trail," and "Days of '49," have made his name the hallmark of audience value on any serials. Long a favorite on the screen himself before he took up the megaphone, Ben Wilson returned to the screen last year in a series of six western dramatic features which proved he had still thousands of staunch admirers amongst the fans. The fact that he will star in this serial, Davis announces, is a guarantee that it will have story, cast, direction, acting and photography to make it an outstanding chapter play full of thrills, romance and adventure. * * * Harry Rathner's New Company Makes First Astor Film The Astor Distributing Corporation is the name chosen for a new company recently formed. Harry Rathner, formerly special representative for Jackie Coogan, Baby Peggy and numerous other stars, is the sponsor and president of this newly formed organization. The first Astor production is already completed. "The Lover's Oath" is the title and the featured players are Ramon Novarro and Kathleen Keyes, lately returned from Rome, where both were working in the film version of "Ben Hur." Responsible for the direction of this, the first of a series of twelve pictures Astor will make this year, is Ferdinand Earle, best known for his "King Tut." Rathner, well known in film circles, has promised some interesting announcements regarding his company. Other big subjects are now in the making. * * * George Fawcett to Support Chas. Ray in "Some Pumpkins" George Fawcett, one of the best known character actors of the screen, has been added to the cast of stellar favorites who will support Charles Ray in "Some Pumpkins," the first of a series which the star will make for Chadwick Pictures Corporation. Mr. Fawcett has been assigned to a role, which, it is said, will offer him exceptional range for that type of rugged characterization, for which he is noted. The balance of the cast includes Duane Thompson, who will be seen opposite the star Bert Woodruff, Mary Carr, and William Courtright. Jerome Storm, who has been associated with Charles Ray for several years, will direct "Some Pumpkins" under the personal supervision of Joseph De Grasse. * * * Lumas Closes Deal for Canadian Territory An important territorial deal was consummated this week between Sam Sax of Lumas Film Corporation and Jules Levine of Independent Film Distributing Corporation of Toronto, Canada. The deal involves the distribution throughout the entire Dominion of Canada for the current six Gotham Productions, "Unmarried Wives," "Black Lightning," "Women and Gold," "The Night Ship," "The Silent Pal," and "Every Woman's Secret." Five of these productions have already been released and the sixth, "Every Woman's Secret," is now in course of production. Exhibitors Trade Review Block Booking Tumbling In West William Steiner Back from Tour of Exchanges Says Exhibitors Plan to Combat Evil Back from a trip over western territory, interviewing exchange heads and exhibitors, William Steiner reports that block booking is scheduled for a fall in the middle west. 'Wide-awake exhibitors are not falling for the sales arguments," he declares, "and in many centers they are organizing to combat the evil." Mr. Steiner also explains that "exhibitors are rapidly learning how to think for themselves," and points out that "as a result of their changed views they are selecting their own pictures without being told what their patrons want." An unusual volume of business rolled in this week following Mr. Steiner's western trip. "Fair Play," Steiner's latest Edith Thornton production in which Lou Tellegen is featured, is proving a money maker for exhibitors, he announces in explaining the growing demand for the film. * * * Peggy O'Day Signed for "Secret Service" Series Peggy O'Day, whose strikingly effective work in such productions as "Thundering Hoofs," and "The Fighting Skipper," made her a reputation as a "thrill" heroine of the screen, has just been signed by J. Chas. Davis 2nd, to star in a series of "Secret Service" Production for the Davis Distributing Division, Inc. These will be made from stories of actual experiences in the Secret Service, in which Miss O'Day will have the role of a star detective who undergoes every imaginable thrill and peril in the pursuit of the criminal she has been ordered to capture. These scripts give her wonderful opportunities for the display of the athletic ability that has made her one of the leading screen representatives of the new type of strong, vigorous athletic young womanhood, the attractive girl who dominates the situation by her brains as well as her physical beauty. Rayart Sales Increase Rayart activities continued last week and their office reports the sale of six Reed Howes pictures to Specialty Film Company of Dallas, Texas; for Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas ; the sale of twelve Butterfly comedies for Canada to the Famous-Lasky Film Service Limited; the sale of "Battling Brewster" and the George Larkin series for Great Britain to Richmount Pictures, Inc. ; and Cullen Landis' special,_ "Easy Money," and the Butterfly Comedies, for the New England states to Independent Films, Inc., of Boston. * * * K. C. Buys Cody Films Jesse J. Goldburg, President of Independent Pictures Corporation, announces that Western Pictures Company of Kansas City has purchased the franchise for the Bill Cody series now being produced and to be released by Independent Pictures Corporation. The franchise includes rights to the entire eight Cody pictures, "The Riders of Mystery," "Moccasins," "Border Justice," "The Fighting Sheriff," "Dangerous Odds," "Cold Nerve" and the new release, "The Fighting Smile." COMING! Something New in Serials SECRET ERVICE ANDERS WITH RICHARD HOLT AND ANN LITTLE A DUKE WORNE SERIAL PRODUCTION Produced by Califopictures, Inc. RAYART PICTURES CORPORATION 7Z3 SeventhAvenucNewYork , Jbreign Distributors RICHMOUNT PICTURES. /nc