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EXHIBITORS HERALD
March 4, 1922
Suggestions in the Stills
"Smili
in
Through
General information and suggestions of value to showmen who will exhibit "Smilin' Through," forthcoming Norma Talmadge vehicle, are presented herewith in stills and the following article contributed by Associated First National Pictures, Inc.
»»C!MILIN' THROUGH," the first of ^ the series of pretentious stories in which Norma Talmadge is to appear^ hereafter in keeping with the policy of Producer Joseph M. Schenck of purchasing only the best stories available for her use, contains elements which are peculiarly adapted to artistic presentations.
"Let's Go Smilin' Through— 1922" is the slogan of a national campaign of optimism and cheer which First National is inaugurating in connection with the presentation of this production, which is declared to be one of the artistic achievements of the screen and which will mark a new era in cinema circles. A large number of novel exploitation stunts have been devised for the benefit of the exhibitor and will be made public at the time of the picture's publication.
Included in the campaign is one of the most extensive tie-ups in the history of
motion pictures. M. Witmark & Sons, music publishers at 144 West 37th Street, New York City, have published a special photoplay edition of the song, "Smilin" Through," and have evolved an elaborate scheme of cooperation with exhibitors who play the picture. Exhibitors are now being furnished with advance slides and special pictorial editions of the song, as well as orchestrations. Practically every
music dealer in the country will exhibit
publicity matter during the showing ot
the film in his vicinity.
* * *
The illustrations on this page — stills from the costume portion of the picture — suggest presentation ideas of a novel character. Simple costume prologues or interludes of an atmospheric nature, with the attire of the actors patterned after
those worn in the picture, will be refreshingly out-of-the-ordinary and new.
The most simple prologue of this kind would be a solo or a duet, the singers garbed in the 1860 period costumes, and singing the song, "Smilin' Through." A rose-covered gate, similar to the one pictured in the background, would add 100
per cent to the effect.
* * *
In houses where economy is a minor consideration in the staging of prologues, a splendid opportunity is provided to present one that combines dramatic quality and oictorial beauty, using for its motif the wedding scenes in the production.
The setting should be a garden, illuminated by lanterns and with a moon effect in the backdrop. The guests are grouped about, expectant, looking toward the gate at the back. The soft strains of a wedding march are heard, and a couple representing John Carteret and Moonyeen, enter the stage through the gate. The clergyman steps forward and is about to start the marriage ceremony when Jeremiah Wayne, the rejected suitor, rushes upon the stage. With a shot, he draws a revolver and fires, dashing off as the girl sinks to the ground with her hand to her heart. As the horrified guests bend over her darken the stage slowly, while the orchestra plays "Smilin' Through" in a plaintive tempo,
A prologue of this nature will bring the spectators into the spirit of the picture, and will create favorable comment.