Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1921 - Mar 1922)

68 EXHIBITORS HERALD March 11, 1922 DORIS MAY as a village cut-up in "Boy Crazy" her forthcoming R-C Pictures production, directed by William A. Seiter Selznick Announces Purchase of "Rupert of Hentzau" by Sir Hope "Rupert of Hentzau," by Sir Arthur Hope, popular English author, is the name of the novel, the film rights of which are purchased by Myron Selznick, vice president in charge of Selznick production while he was abroad recently. Up to the present time, and pending definite closing of the transaction, the name of the book and author had not been announced. The story will be produced by Selznick with an all-star cast and published as a special, it is stated. Negotiations for the purchase of the novel were conducted with the author himself by Mr. Selznick. Published in America "Records of Henry Holt & Co., publishers, show that 'Rupert of Hentzau' was first published in this country in 1898, and was so enthusiastically received that the plates were kept almost constantly on the presses to supply the public demand," says the Selznick announcement. "It sold in the hundreds of thousands without perceptible abatement for many months. Since that time the demand has been sufficient to call for a new edition every few months, the last Holt edition having been gotten out during 1921. In addition to the Holt editions, there have been three or four other editions, all of which have sold extensively. Story Is Modern "Though beautifully romantic in its na ture, the story is thoroughly modern and is not a 'costume drama' in the accepted sense of the term. 'Rupert of Hentzau' was the 'best seller' of its time and is still selling throughout the civilized world in a manner which marks it as a story with an interest which is rarely approached." It is said that Vice President Myron Selznick has particularly ambitious plans for the production of the English novel. It will be a special production, with a cast composed of well known screen stars. Those who have read the novel recall that there are three particularly heavy parts in it, namely, Rudolf Rassendyl, Queen Flavia and Rupert. Dolores Cassinelli Heads Cast in First Vehicle of Star Pictures Production Tom Terriss has begun work at the Peerless studios in Fort Lee on a modern society drama for Star Pictures Productions Company, of which Harry Cahane is general manager. Major Fiorella H. l a Guardia, formerly president of the Board of Aldermen of New York City, is general counsel of the company. The pictures made by this company are to be known as Tom Terriss Productions. The first, written by Solita Solano, was adapted by Mr. Terriss. The working title is "The Challenge." The featured player is Dolores Cassinelli, supported by Rod La Roque. Others in the cast are Warner Richmond, Frank Norcross and Jane Jennings. Rodney Hickcock, who was D. W. Griffith's assistant for two years, is assisting Mr. Terriss in the direction. Extend Lincoln's Tour The personal appearance tour of Elmo Lincoln in connection with the serial, "Adventures of Tarzan," has been extended to enahlc him to appear at the many theatres at which the chapter play is now showing. Equity Special Plays Criterion Two Weeks Second Week's Attendance Surpasses That of First Week The Equity Pictures special, "Where Is My Wandering Boy Tonight?" has opened its second week at the Criterion theatre, New York City, playing to even larger houses than marked the first week's showing of the picture there, according to Equity Pictures Corporation. In spite of cold weather attending its second week inaugural, the film attracted crowds necessitating the forming of a line outside the theatre. Advertise Widely Advertising consisting of a twenty-four sheet campaign on billboards, backed by a newspaper campaign and other exploitation, heralded the initial showing at the Criterion. Word of mouth advertising by those who had seen it is attributed by J. I. Schnitzer, president of Equity, as being, to a great extent, responsible for the success of its second week's reception. Expiration of the lease on the theatre prevented a further run. Receive Inquiries Equity Pictures reports numerous inquiries from buyers in all sections of the country. Special grand opening exhibitions are being planned for the picture in numerous cities. National Exchanges To Issue New Film Will Publish Comedy Drama "Why Not Marry?" March 15 "Why Not Marry?" a feature comedy drama starring Margery Wilson, will be published by National Exchanges March 15, presented by Walter L. Johnson, president. Has New Angles The picture is said to be a swiftly moving drama of humorous vein with many new angles on the question it propounds. Margery Wilson, the star, first attained conspicuous success in D. W. Griffith's "Intolerance," and has played opposite William S. Hart, Charles Ray and others. The supporting cast includes Albert Edward, Albert Roccardi, Harold Foschay. John Lopez directed the production. Scenes Are Lavish The picture is said to have been produced on a pretentious scale, embracing many lavish interior scenes. The subject matter, it is pointed out, is of great interest, around which many humorous incidents have been woven. Abramson Writing Titles For New Coogan Picture Max Abramson, who did the title work on Jackie Coogan's recent feature, "My Roy," is again associated with the Coogan organization, this time creating titles for Jackie's new picture, "Trouble." Actual filming on the story will begin soon and reports from the Coogan company indicate that "Trouble" will be ready for publication in several weeks. Metro Manager in Anniversary Week Leroy Bickels. Metro manager of the Dallas, Texas, territory, has inaugurated a "Leroy Bickels' Anniversaiy Week" for his district for the week of March 26 to April 1. The week marks Mr. Bickels' fifth year in the territory as well as Metro's seventh anniversary as a producing organization.