Exhibitors Herald (Oct-Dec 1920)

90 EXHIBITORS HERALD October 9, 1920 Metro Buys Four Screen Stories Written by Luther Anderson Reed "White Ashes" and "Cinderella's Twin" Head List Of Original Stories from Pen of New Member of Author's Staff Metro Pictures Corporation announces the purchase of four original stories for the screen from Luther Anderson Reed. These stories comprise "White Ashes." which is now under production at Metro's West Coast studios in Hollywood with an all-star cast; "Cinderella's Twin," which is to be Viola Dana's next starring vehicle, and two others as yet unfinished, but which Mr. Reed has submitted to outline. Purchases of the tour stories renews an association between Luther Anderson Reed and Metro which until quite recently had extended over a period of three or four years. Just prior to the final stages of the world war Mr. Reed was connected with Metro as scenario and title writer. Then there came an interruption while the author joined the army and won his commission as a second lieutenant. Mustered out of service, he rejoined Metro at the Company's western studios, remaining several months, when he joined the writing staff of Thomas H. I nee. Is Also Golfer Writer by profession, Mr. Reed is said to be also one of the most skillful amateur golfers in America. He is a familiar figure on the links of the various country clubs in southern California. Acceptance of four stories from Mr. Reed's pen places him among the writters that Metro recently has arrayed as contributors to its special productions, among them Vicente Blasco Ibanez. author of "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse"; Bayard Veiller, author of "Within the Law," and "The Thirteenth Chair"; Irvin S. Cobb, Sir Gilbert Parker. George Kibbe Turner. Eugene Presbrey. Arthur Somers Roche. Donn Byrne, Henry C. Rowland. Hulbert Footner, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Lucia Chamberlain and Arthur Stringer. Luther Anderson Reed is still in his early thirties. He was born in Berlin, Wis., where, serving as a caddie, he first acquired the aptitude for the ancient Scottish game that has since developed him into a linksman. He received hi l elementary education in the public schools of Berlin and finished at the Ethical Culture School and Columbia University, in New York. He studied drafting with the intention of becoming an architect, but abandoned this pursuit when the chance was offered for him to become the college correspondent for the New York Herald. Becomes Dramatic Critic Mr. Reed ultimately deserted the news end of the paper and was selected to review plays, and his experience as a judge of first night efforts later stood him in good stead, as well as firing hisamhition to become a writer for the stage." For Metro. Mr. Reed contributed three original stories, "A Pair of Cupids." for Bushman and Bayne; "In for Thirty Days," for May Allison and "A Favor to a Friend," for Emmy W'chlcn. In addition he adapted "With Neatness and Dispatch" for Bushman and Bayne: "The Amateur Adventuress." for Emmy W'ehlcn; "Our Mrs. McChesney," for Ethel Barrymore and "Almost Married," for M.iv Allison. For Thomas H. Ince Mr. Reed wrote the original screen stories. "Below the Surface" and "Doctor Smith" and the adaptations of "Bind the Door," "Mary*Ankle." "Let's Be Fashionable" and "Beau Revel." DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES Fox Production Is Packing Playhouses Success of "While New York Sleeps" Is Surpassing All Expectations The success of the special Fox production, "While New York Sleeps," has surpassed the greatest expectations of the producer, according to an announcement from New York. Scheduled for a:i indefinite run at the Lyric theatre in New York on the continuous performance plan, the picture also played simultaneously two weeks at the Astor theatre on the same plan. "While New York Sleeps" has been packing the Boston Opera House, the largest theatre in the city, where it is scheduled lor a four weeks' engagement. At the Providence Opera House "While New York Sleeps" was booked for a special engagement of a week, played on the continuous performance plan. This run, just closed, has left Rhode Island's leading city as enthusiastic over the film, it is said, as are the other cities where it has been played; and from the reports of the box office Providence came through with a record attendance for a film attraction. This is the third of the Fox specials to be published since the opening of the new season. The first, "The White Moll." in which Pearl White made her debut as a Fox feature star, is sweeping across the country, establishing new records, it is declared. Then came "If I Were King." with William Farnum as Francois \ illon. This film also stepped immediately into the limelight, won hearty plaudits on every hand, and has made a multitude of new admirers for Farnum. Bonnie and Hull Stars In Harry Levey Feature Lillian Bonnie and Leslie Hull have been engaged for the leading roles in 'The White Bottle," the second of the Harry Levey Productions features which is being produced under the direction of Harry Fraser. Miss Bonnie is one of the Zicgfield girls, having been in both the "Nine O'Clock Revue" and the "Midnight Frolic" during the season just past, under the name of Billie Dove. Lillian Bonnie, however, is the young lady's right name, it is said, and -she has decided that it is that one which she will use. Mr. Hull appeared under the direction of D. W. Griffith in "Way Down Fast" and "The Love Flower" and is. in addition to this, understudy for Richard Barthelmess. Open Star, Heppner, Ore. HEPPNER, ORE. — The new Star theatre was recently given formal public opening under direction of Manager B. G. Sigsbe, its owner and manager. It is located in the Elks building and has a seating capacity of 350. More than $">.000 worth of modern equipment has been installed. Coal City's New Theatre COAL CITY. ILL— A new motion picture theatre, cost of which is estimated at $12,000. opened here recently. The house is one of the largest and most complete in Grundy county. It has a seating capacity for more than 400 patrons. DRAMATIC SCENE FROM "MADAME X" Pauline Frederick in the role of Jacquelina in "Madam X," the Goldwyn production.