Exhibitors Herald (Oct-Dec 1920)

December 25, 1920 EXHIBITORS HERALD 197 Coast Gives World Big Films {fUOlOBIlJllUUIJUniM 1 New Studios Have Been Built, Hosts of New Companies Have Been Formed, Stars § | Have Been Made Overnight and the Hollywood and Culver City Production j I Plants Have Turned Out Elaborate Features Which Will Be Published in 1921. | 1 These Are Only a Part of the Achievements Scored in the West. Bi'niimi mil in niiilllllllllli Ill 111:111 MnfflmiinilMllimilMHfflMMlllllllllll^^ By HARRY HAMMOND BE ALL HE year 1920 has been one fraught with production activity on the Pacific Coast. New studios have been built, hosts of new companies have been formed, stars have been made overnight and the Hollywood and Culver City production plants have given to the world features that have set a new mark in the world of silent drama. Numerous elaborate productions made in 1920 are yet to be published in 1921, and many stars and directors will next .year enter on new affiliations contracted for within the last twelve months. Among the bigger cinema works given to the world in 1920 have been "The Penalty," Goldwyn's version of the Gouverneur Morris' novel, which placed Lon Chaney as "Blizzard" in top position of the character stars of the screen. Goldwyn also scored another triumph for their West Coast studio with Basil King's "Earthbound," directed by T. Hayes Hunter. * * * THE two big contributions of Universal City have been, of course. Tod Browning's "Virgin of Stamboul," starring Priscilla Dean, and Von Stroheim's "The Devil's Passkey." Both Browning and Stroheim will have two big features for early 1921, "Within the Law," another Priscilla Dean production being the work of the former, and "Foolish Wives," from the brain of the latter. Rex Ingram has carried off Premier honors for Metro for this year ■with his "Shore Acres," issued last May, and his "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse," to be put out as a super-feature supreme earby in 1921. Thomas H. Ince's big effort of 1920 was "Behind the Door," starring Hohart Bosworth. which created a sensation because of its story novelty and the forcefulness of the veteran actor's character portrayal. First National is eagerly awaiting the ■negative of Allen Holubar's "Man, Woman, Marriage," starring Dorothy Phillips, and sponsored by Al Kaufman, former Famous Players-Lasky executive. This has been .hailed as one of the few really big spectacles of the year, and with Holubar's prowess as a pro ducer, Miss Phillips' ability and popularity as an emotional star, and the lavish expenditure of nearly $500,000 on the production, it should have tremendous box office possibilities. Holubar and Miss Phillips left Universal early in the year after completing "Once To Every Woman," which has been one of the big Jewel features of 1920. First National has been intensely active on the Coast. Kaufman, Holubar's sponsor, also took under his wing Sidney Franklin to make three productions for that organization. The first of these, "Not Guilty'" from Harold MacGrath's "Parrot and Company," will be an early 1921 publication. * * * KING VIDOR signed to make two pictures, "The Family Honor" and "The Jackknife Man," both of which have been published, and is now making "The Sky Pilot'' for Cathrine Curtis to be issued through First National. Chaplin, of course, made his multiple reel corned}-. "The Kid," during 1920, which is soon to be sent out to the long waiting exhibitors, and after finishing that he leased his studio to Carter De Haven, who holds a contract to make three five-reel comedies for First National. The lirst two of these, "Twin Beds" and "The Girl In the Taxi," have been completed. The latter is yet to be published. Charlie Ray began work this year on his First National contract after he terminated his distribution agreement with Paramount. The purchase of two fivereel comedies from Sennett, "Married Life," and "Love, Honor and Behave." were noteworthy First National events of 1920. Sennett in 1921 will start publishing through Associated Producers, his first picture being "A Small Town Idol," starring Ben Turpin. While in the comedy field it should be remarked concerning Max Linder's comeback with "Seven Years Bad Luck." one of the snappiest five-reelers of the year. As a result of his work in this production the Gallic comedian has signed a long contract to make feature comedies for Robertson-Cole. HAROLD LLOYD has added to his prestige with his fun fests of 1920, and promises even more mirthful spasms for 1921. Buster Keaton has gotten away to a flying start under Lou Anger's chaperonage, with Eddie Cline directing, and his prospects for 1921 look bright indeed if he keeps up the standard he set in "One Week" and "Convict Thirteen." Among the film companies formetd during 1920 three notable examples stand out: In the comedy and short reel field Special Pictures Corporation; the Dial and the Rockett companies in the circle of serious drama. Backed by a group of Los Angeles capitalists Special Pictures Corporation has made a strong showing in the short reel world, and has been signing stars right and left. Such well known funsters as Ford Sterling, Louise Fazenda, Chester Conklin, Charlotte Merriam, Neely Edwards, Stanley Laurel, Milburn Moranti and others are under contract, while Reggie Morris, one time Sennett right bower, is director general of production. Ray and Al Rockett, two Universal executives, formed Rockett Film Corporation and made "Truant Husbands," which is hailed as a worth while publication, while the Dial Company started by E. P. Hunziker, another Universal luminary, first made "King Spruce," starring Mitchell Lewis, and now have signed T. Hayes Hunter, the director of "Earthbound," to make productions from the Irving Ratchclder series of novels. * * * THERE have been a few changes in executives at the principal studios. Irving Thalberg, Laemmle aide in New York, came early in 1920 to assume charge of Universal City replacing Tarington Baker. Although young in years he has been voted one of the most successful general managers the "U" has had at its western plant. Clark Thomas has continued as the mainspring of the Ince plant. Abraham Lehr has guided the destines of the Goldwyn Culver City studios. Joe Engel has remained in charge at Metro, with Bayard Veiller having replaced Maxwell 0%