Exhibitor's Trade Review (May-Aug 1924)

Page 30 Exhibitors Trade Review The ^ Lltde Feature Ralph Graves is featured in Pathe's new comedy "East of the Water Plug," and in this double set enacts part of a village amateur play — with complications Will Rogers Returns to Follies With the announcement that the last of the Will Rogers comedies has received the title of "Gee, Whiz Genevieve" comes the further advice that Will Rogers retui'ns to the Follies. After about a year on the Hal Roach lot, he has completed two series of comedies, having made an average of one two-reeler a month. Those of his screen laughs that have been shown in the larger cities have met with instant favor, and in fact the whole "Going to Congress" series will equal the comic's best efforts to date. * * * Vacations For Hollywood Almost everybody on the Hal Roach list is away on vacation, and from the big boss down, the fishing rods and the golf sticks are busily occupied these August days. Mr. Roach is now in Alaskan waters aboard his palatial yacht "The Gypsy." He is on a two months' cruise accompanied by Mrs. Roach, Warren Duane, General Manager of the studios, and his family have left on a motor trip to Vancouver. Mehaffey is also planning a trip to New York with her mother, Blanche' while here director Ted Wilde is al ready getting his mail at the Friars Club. Frank Butler, Laura Roessing and Sidney D'Albrook of the "Spat Family" fame are individually planning diversions in various parts of Southern California. Arthur Stone will visit his home in Battle Creek, Michigan, and stoutly denies that he will attempt any sort of tie-up between Pathe and the "serial" king of his home town, Charlie Chase, the Hnl Roach comedian was heard to sing "I Hear You Calling Me" as he started for Honolulu. ^ ^ ^ Seeking Types for 'Our Gang' Robert McGowan, director of "Our Gang" comedies produced by Hal Roach, is in New York seeking additional types of children suitable for use in futvire juvenile films. Though at present one of the greatest aggregations of kids on the screen, the "Gang" is to be supplemented with types. Not necessarily beautiful children, but what Mr. McGowan is seeking is to find children who are "different." Mr. McGowan is not seeking beautiful children, or children that have unustial stage ability. What he wants most is types. The homeliest child in the neighborhood has as good a chance as the prettiest. A second edition of Ben Turpin in the way of rollicking eyes has a much better chance of getting by than a beautiful little chap with blonde curls and blue eyes. Freckles, too, are on the taboo, Mickey Daniels has a corner on them as far as "Our Gang" are concerned. * * * Japan Prefers Slap Stick Discussing the comedy film situation in Japan, Prouse Knox, Universal's representative in the Orient, advises that the Japanese fans still prefer to get their film laughs from the old slapstick, trick photography, beauty girls and animal pictures. 'On Duty' to Give Wanda Hawley Opportunity Wanda Wiley, the youthful comedienne of Century Comedies, is soon to be seen in the role of a soldier. Edward I. Luddy, who has directed most of her comedies, is soon to start production on "On Duty." Opposite her, as her sweetheart and the soldier who has to go home to visit his sick mother, will be Al Alt. Wanda Wiley in this picture dons her sweetheart's uniform and takes his place in the ranks in order that he may visit his sick parent. Hilliard Karr will play the role of captain. "On Duty" will be on the release schedule for early next year. Bert Roach ib one of the true screen comics in Universal's Nervy Ned comedies.