Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1921 - Mar 1922)

February 4, 1922 EXHIBITORS HERALD 65 First National's Anniversary Is Designated " Independence Week" Sales Drive Will Be Conducted by Company During Period from February 18 to 25 — Extensive Program of Pictures Available HARRY f)ANTO, manager of the New York exchange of Famous PlayersLasky Corporation, was tendered a birthday dinner at Murray's recently by his co-workers. Members of his staff and the home office and exhibitors were in attendance. The exchange force presented its chief with a diamond pin. From the home office he received a beautiful watch and chain as a tribute for exceptional service rendered. "The Two Orphans" Has Varied Appeal Russell Clark Syndicate, Inc. Distributing Picture to Independent Field Frank Valle's presentation of "The Two Orphans" being distributed in the independent field by Russell Clark Syndicate, Inc., is said to be a production embracing a wide appeal to the emotions. In the screen version, adapted from the famous stage play that has been enacted in virtually all countries of the world for almost half a century none of the delicate appeals of the 5tory have been lost, and the film, it is stated, enhances the outstanding angles of the story. Has Strong Appeal The film, the premier production from the Edison-Film-Turino studios, has been termed a "smiles and tears" drama because of its forceful picturization of the two extremes, happiness and sorrow. The theme of the story is the portrayal of unhappiness and misery that is the lot of children who are deprived of their natural protectors. It depicts the expanse between luxury and happiness for two orphan girls and the plight into which they were plunged through the loss of their parents and other factors. Aided by Musician Interest in the production centers about the children and the intermingled bits of sadness and happiness which befall them. In the work of fighting their enemies the two orphans are aided by an old musician who proves a staunch friend and protector to the lonely couple. The Child oPthe Bear The period from February 18 to 25 has been designated Independence Week in commemoration of the second anniversary of Associated First National Pictures, Inc. "Every print in action during Independence Week" is the slogan adopted by the sales force. Sixteen late productions will form the backbone of the company's publication schedule for the week. On the list are the following pictures : Contributes Two Pictures "Smilin' Through." starring Norma Talmadge and adapted from the stage play of the same name. A chief feature of the picture, aside from the star's acting, is said to be its pictorial beauty. "The Wonderful Thing," another of Miss Talmadge' s contributions to the schedule. "Penrod," a picturization of the famous Booth Tarkington story starring Wesley "Freckles" Barry. This is a Marshall Neilan production. Offers Barthelmess Film "The Lotus Eater," also produced by Neilan. John Barrymore is star of the production. Heywood Broun of the New York World terms it "One Picture in 400." "Tol'able David," Richard Barthelmess' first starring vehicle for First National. This picture, adapted from the Joseph Hergesheimer story, has been acclaimed by reviewers and the public. "My Boy," starring Jackie Coogan. This feature has served to increase the popularity of one of the youngest of stars. Satire in Emerson Film "Red Hot Romance," written and produced by John Emerson and Anita Loos, the authors of many successful photoplays. This feature, it is said, will delight every type of picture fan, and especially those who are fond of satire. "Polly of the Follies," Constance Talmadge's newest production. This picture is also the work of Mr. Emerson and Miss Loos, and they have injected into it almost as many laughs as in "Red Hot Romance." Katherine MacDonald will be seen in two of her latest productions, "The Beautiful Liar," and "The Woman's Side." The first is said to be novel in that it is a production without a villain. "The Woman's Side" has a political background, with the star, as Mary Gray, daughter of the candidate for governor, being drawn into the vortex of crooked politics. Miriam Cooper in Lead Raoul A. Walsh, the producer of "The Oath" and other pictures, contributes his latest. "Kindred of the Dust," said to be one of the most promising of the current publications. Miriam Cooper plays the leading part. "The Song of Life," described as a drama of dishes and discontent, is the offering of John M. Stahl. The picture is said to find its forte in strong heart appeal. Anita Stewart will be seen in "A Question of Honor," the scenes of which are laid in the West. Miss Stewart plays the part of a society girl who finds that there is a different brand of men in the open spaces from that she found in the drawing room, and in the end she capitulates to one of them. To Re-issue "Cabiria" A re-issue of "Cabiria," the great Italian picture, will feature First National Week. "The Rosary," a Selig-Rork production, with an all-star cast, including Lewis Stone, Robert Gordon, Dora D. Wilson, Wallace Berry, Jane Novak, Mildred June, Eugenie Besserer, Pomeroy Cannon, Bert Woodruff and Harold Goodwin. "Shattered Idols," produced by J. L. Frothingham, is a picture of discontented India. It is founded on I. A. R. Wylie's novel. "A Daughter of Brahma." Schedule Four Keatons There are four Buster Keaton productions, "The Paleface," "The Boat," The Playhouse" and "The Blacksmith"; Mack Sennett contributes "Be Reasonable," "By Heck" and "Bright Eyes," the latter a Ben Turpin comedy. Free advertising accessories will be supplied by the company to exhibitors who book its pictures for First National Week. Earthquake Is Climax in "The Vermillion Pencil" A volcano eruption and an earthquake scene is one of the outstanding features in the forthcoming R-C picture, "The Vermillion Pencil," starring Sessue Hayakawa and Bessie Love. The scene is said to be unusually spectacular and realistic and proves a stirring climax for the production. Virtually every cameraman at the R-C studios was pressed into service for its filming. In the scene Hayakawa, as Li Chan the lover of the maiden on the executioner's block, cornea to her rescue just as the ground rumbles from the earthquake which completely destroys a large portion of the Chinese city where the execution is taking place. Selznick to Publish Two More Talmadge Revivals Two more reissues of pictures starring Norma and Constance Talmadge will be published by Selznick in January and February. One of them is "Good Night Paul" starring Constance Talmadge, while the other "By Right of Purchase" features Norma. William Courtleigh, Jr., Charles Wellesley, Ida Darling and Florence Billings are in the supporting cast of the former, which was directed by Charles Miller. Griffith Heads Cuban Affairs of Universal Beverly Griffith, has been appointed general manager of Universal's Cuban exchanges, and supervising director of the several theatres on the island which Universal has leased for first-run showings of its pictures. Charles King, his predecessor, has resigned.