Exhibitors Herald (Jun-Dec 1917)

12 EXHIBITORS HERALD MARGUERITE CLARK IN "THE AMAZONS" TO START PARAMOUNT OPEN BOOKING AUGUST 5 Change to New Policy by Pioneer Producing Concern Offers Noted Star and Story by Sir Arthur Wing Pinero When the Famous Players Lasky Corporation made its announcement that August 5 would mark the inauguration of an open booking policy there was embodied in that announcement a statement to the effect that one of the first productions under this new system was to be an adaptation of Sir Arthur Wing Pinero's "The Amazons," starring Marguerite Clark. So far-reaching was the effect of the announcement of a revolutionary change in policy by the pioneer producing and distributing concern that the full significance of the news concerning the identity of the first film was for the time being overshadowed. J. Kaufman Directs Joseph Kaufman, who has accomplished excellent results as a director of Famous Players productions, and who had the distinction of directing George M. Cohan's first photoplay production, "Broadway Jones," is in charge of Miss Clark's picture. Though the spirit of the stage version of Pinero's play has been closely adhered to in the adaptation, certain minor changes have been introduced which were considered essential to the conversion of the story. "The Amazons" concerns the remarkable history of the Marchioness of Castlejordan and her three delightful daughters, each one of whom is both a source of joy and sorrow to the marchioness. Though she loves the daughters, it is a subject of bitter anguish to her that they were girls instead of boys, and it is her obsession to make them as boyish as possible. To that end she endeavors to dress them almost exclusively in boy's clothes to instil into their feminine hearts as much of the masculine as a continued association with mannish sports is capable of accomplishing. Gymnasium Setting The gymnasium in the Castlejordan home furnishes the setting for some of the most interesting comic scenes in the original play. For four weeks a portion of the FamousPlayers studio has been given over to the huge gymnasium setting, where Miss Clark and the other members of the cast have been hard at work upon these comic and near-serious episodes. The gymnasium incidents represent only a small portion of the comic situations which develop during the course of the story. The escapades of Tommy (Marguerite Clark) upon her escape to London and her efforts to conceal her feminine self beneath a mannish costume, and her panic when she suddenly plunges into the limelight by an impetuous act, form other interesting episodes in the picture. JOHNSON IS UPHELD BY COURT IN SUIT AGAINST TRADE REVIEW Justice Erlanger, in special term, part 4, of the Supreme Court, handed down a decision Friday, June 15, in the case of William A. Johnston against the Exhibitors' Trade Review, holding that the articles published and attacking Mr. Johnston were libelous, "as involving," according to the Law Journal of June 16, "a personal attack upon the plaintiff beyond the scope of fair criticism directed to his work as an editor." Johnston is suing for damages amounting to $100,000. NAT S. STRONGE MADE PUBLICITY DIRECTOR FOR VITAGRAPH V-L-S-E Nat S. Stronge, formerly manager of the news service department for Greater Vitagraph V-L-S-E, has been made publicity director, while Paul N. Lazarus, who has acted as assistant advertising manager, has been made advertising manager in charge of all advertising. Toronto, Ont. — The Bluebird film, "Treason," is playing a full week's run at Shea's Hippodrome, Toronto, one of the largest vaudeville houses here. Special advertising has been done by the theater for the film. MARGUERITE CLARK (CENTER) AND TWO SCENES FROM NEWEST FILM, "THE AMAZONS" IN THIS FILM, WITH ITS TOUCHES OF COMEDY, THE STAR IS SEEN AS THE DAUGHTER OF A WOMAN WHO IS DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE HER CHILDREN ARE ALL* GIRLS, AND WHO RAISES THE GIRLS LIKE BOYS (Paramount)