Exhibitors Herald (Jun-Dec 1917)

24 EXHIBITORS HERALD BRENON'S FIRST INDEPENDENT FILM WILL BE "KISMET" WITH OTIS SKINNER 'The Woman Thou Gavest Me" From Pen of Hall Caine Also Secured for Production; Will Make Films to Suit Exhibitor, He Says Three weeks ago Herbert Brenon purchased from Lewis J. Selznick, Mr. Selznick's entire interest in the Herbert Brenon Film Corporation, half of which was controlled by Mr. Brenon, the other half by Mr. Selznick. Mr. Brenon has taken over the entire stock, and has commenced making pictures in his studios at Hudson Heights, X. J. Mr. Brenon announces that he plans to make pictures with no other end in view than the wants and needs of the exhibitor, whom Mr. Brenon feels is the vital factor in the motion picture industry; and in pursuance of this policy, and firmly believing that, on the merits of a photodrama rests its true worth, he has purchased the rights of two of the biggest subjects on the market, "'Kismet" with Otis Skinner, and "The Woman Thou Gavest Me," the novel by Hall Caine. Starts With Big Material With these two pictures, together with "Empty Pockets," the novel byRupert Hughes, now in the course of production, Mr. Brenon begins his career as an independent producer. Mr. Brenon's statement upon entering the field for himself is as follows: "Less than three weeks ago I bought out Mr. Selznick's interest in my corporation, as I wished to have an absolutely free hand in the making of my pictures; and believing that if anyone should have a half interest in these pictures, it should be the exhibitor. The industry is forging ahead rapidly, and I am determined to keep pace with it. "I realize more fully today than ever before, and I think ever}' manufacturer should realize it now if he hasn't before, that unless the exhibitor gets a square deal the entire motion picture industry must collapse. Huge intermediate profits must cease. Exhibitor Biggest Factor "In making pictures it will always be my policy to keep in close touch with the man who shows the picture to the public, the exhibitor. It is his pulse whose beats indicate the condition of the body of the motion picture public as a whole. You can't fool the exhibitor with flamboyant advertising. He is going to look at his box omce statement and nothing else. W ords don't prove anything, but facts speak for themselves. "As for the pictures themselves, I can't tell you how firmly I believe in the story first, last and all the time, and it shall be my policy to consider first, last and all the time, the story, irrespective of any star. In pursuance of this policy, I have commenced immediately to get control of subjects which I feel are at once dramatic and possess big drawing power for the box office. Gets Skinner's Signature "On Thursday, September 20, a representative of mine was on the 'TwentiethCentury Limited' for Chicago and within twenty-four hours had obtained Otis Skinner's signature to appear on the screen in his great dramatic success, 'Kismet.' On Friday, September 21, another representative was on his way to Ithaca, where he obtained the motion picture rights of 'The Woman Thou Gavest Me.' from Hall Caine's American agent, Derwent Hall Caine. It is to subjects of this kind that I intend to devote all my energies. "I am very much opposed to the star system as a whole, but provided the storj can stand on its own merits, and the artist is one who unquestionably is a drawing power, I waive my policy for the time being. "To my mind. Mr. Otis Skinner stands absolutely alone as America's greatest dramatic actor. 'Kismet,' by Edward Knoblock, to me is the greatest romantic melodrama of the last two decades. Otis Skinner, like all great artists, served his apprenticeship by traveling over the entire United States year after year. His name is a> dramatic bvword in everv community which possesses a theater. He stands for all that is highest in dra matic art, and I consider it an honor an a privilege to have secured his name to a contract which guarantees his appearance on the screen. Star a Drawing Power "Mr. Skinner has appeared in many plays, but no exhibitor will question the drawing power of 'Kismet,' and, realizing that this combination of Otis Skinner and 'Kismet' has already met with great success, will look forward anxiously to the day that he announces it in electric lights, or in the more modest communities in canvas over his theater entrance. "As a further proof ot my determination to give the exhibitors photodramas which mean financial profits to him, I was fortunate enough to secure Hall Caine's greatest novel, 'The Woman Thou Gavest Me.' As I hardly believe there is one exhibitor in a hundred who hasn't read this story, I think the bare announcement that it is to be done is sufficient. I shall commence work on Mr. Caine's story in November." DIRECTOR FRAZEE WILL MAKE NEW UNIVERSAL FARCES The latest addition to the directing force at Universal City is Edwin Frazee, well known producer of comedies who will direct two-reel subjects. Frazee is the director of a number of successful Keystone comedies, including "Crooked to the End," "The Village Vampire," "An Oily Scoundrel," "Bathtub Perils," "Love Will Conquer," and "A Favorite Fool," in which Eddie Fo> and Seven Little Foys were starred. He also produced "Social Pirates" anc" other comedies for the Fox Company. A new company of players has beer organized by Production Manager Mc Rae for Director Frazee. The principa comedian is Stanley Laurel, who recentl} was one of the featured players at th( New York Hippodrome. Rena Rogers who has been appearing in Vogue com edies, wil play the leading feminine role and Neal Burns, who is well knowi through his work in Christie comedies will be the juvenile man. THREE SCENES FROM THE AMERICAN STAR PRODUCTION, "HER COUNTRY'S CALL" \N AIM'KAI.IXG STORY FEATURING THE WINSOME MARY MILKS M INTER (American-Mutual)