Exhibitors Herald (Apr-Jun 1922)

April 8. 1922 EXHIBITORS HERALD 79 BETTY COMPSON in a scene from "The Green Temptation." directed by the late William D. Taylor, from the story "The Ncose." (Paramount) Selznick Transfers Production Units To Studios on Coast Middle of April Lupino Lane's First Fox Comedy Finished English Comedian Turns Out First of Series of Two Reelers Lupino Lane. English comedian and pantomimist. who was recently signed by William Fox. has virtually completed his first two-reel special comedy at the West Coast Studios, under the direction of Jack Blystone. The title of the picture is "The Broker." and the story is said to provide many extremely humorous situations suitable for the art of the mirthmaking artist. Was Stage Favorite Lane, the idol of the London Hippodrome and of Drury Lane, made his American debut when the English production "Afgar" was presented in New York City in December. 1920. So great was the impression he left on the first nighters and the newspaper and magazine reviewers, it is said, that he was acclaimed as cne of the best performers of his kind who ever played on the American stage. Lane received word recently to begin work for Fox as star of the new series of Lupino Lane Special comedies. Has Played Abroad Before making his successful entrance into this country. Lane had played the principal comedy roles in the London presentations of "Little Johnny Jones." "The League of Notions." "Watch Your Step." "Follow the Crowd." and "We're All In It." Edward Dillon Making Four Special Pictures At the Tiffany Studio With Edward Dillon as general manager, the Genius Film Productions. Inc.. has just been launched for the purpose ot making a series of special productions under the personal direction of Mr. Dillon. The initial subject, title to be announced later, is being done by Mr. Dillon in the Tiffany Studios where Robert Z. Leonard has been directing the new Mae Murray pictures. Dillon heretofore has confined his film activities to directing big productions for different film producers, but has come to the conclusion that if he can make successful pictures for others that he can make successful productions for himself. It is the Dillon plan to make at least four big pictures a year and to have a:i all-popularity player-cast in each production. The first is an original story b) Adelaide Heilbron. Hughes-Love Vehicle Is Completed by Burston Final scenes have been taken at the Louis Burston studio for "Forget Me N'ot." the Louis Burston special production which will co-star Gareth Hughes and Bessie Love. Henry R. Symonds is author of the story and John B. Clynu r wrote the continuity. W. S. Van Dyke is the director. This is -the first of a series of special productions Mr. Burston is to make this year, and is a story of an orphanage. On the completion of the cutting of the picture Mr. Burston will take it to New York for a showing. Definite announcement that such future motion picture production as is contemplated at present by the Selznick corporation is to be made on the Pacific Coast has just been made by Myron Selznick. vice-president in charge of production. The exodus from the East to the West will take place about the middle of April. Among those who will maKe the journey are Vice-President Selznick. his assistant. Joseph W. Schleiff. and James Dent, studio manager: Ralph Ince. Victor Heerman and George Archainbaud of the directorial staff: Elaine Hammerstein and Owen Moore Produces at United The Selznick productions of the immediate future will be made at^ L'nited Studios. Inc.. of which M. C. Levee is president. Myron Selznick is one of the stockholders in this newly organized company which has taken over the property formerly known as the Robert Brunton studios. According to Vice-President Selznick's plans, immediately upon the company's arrival on the Coast production will begin on three star series pictures, which will close up the quota of all of the Selznick stars for the current year. Two of these pictures will be Elaine Hammerstein productions, a decision having been reached to issue seven pictures with M:ss Hammerstein this year instead of the six originally planned. Specials Are Planned The work to be done on the Coast in the immediate future also will include the making of a number of special productions. "The Easiest Way." which was announced some time ago. will be among these. "Rupert of Hentzau." recently purchased d:rectly from the author. Sir Anthony Hope, is another Selznick special which may be produced in Los Angeles. "That we are moving to the Coast, said Vice-President Selznick. "does not. indicate any radical change in the conviction we have always held, that good nhotoplays can be produced right here in New York City. Indeed. I think the Selznick productions recently have proven conclusively that the East need never take off its hat to the West if results on the screen are to be the test. The move simply means that we have in mind the production of a certain line of photoplays which can be done in Los Angeles more effectively than in the East, the style of production adding variety to the general product. Interested in Studios "That I am personally interested in l'nited Studios. Inc.. quite naturally adds to the pleasurable anticipation with which I look forward to our work on the Coast. On previous visits to Los Angeles I have become well acquainted with the studios to which we are moving and I know how pleasantly and how easily good work can be done there. The change to new scenes and new conditions is going to do all of us a lot of good. Our stars will put even more enthusiasm into their work in California than they have been showing here, and the result cannot fail to be bigger and better pictures for exhibitors who are using Selznick product." Four Members Added to Christie Writing Staff Since centering production on a limited number of two-reel comedies a year. Christie company has enlarged its scenario staff to include Frank Roland Conklin. Walter Graham. Robert Hall and Royce Alton as regular staff writers, and no more stories arc being considered from outside sources. This move, it is stated, was made because the new Christie stories are now the same from a production standpoint as the longer feature films, and the needs of the company can best be filled by staff writers who have been trained to the Christie standard.