Exhibitors Herald (Apr-Jun 1922)

72 EXHIBITORS HERALD May 20, 1922 "The Old Homestead," Familiar Drama to Be Big Paramount Film It is almost a self-evident truth to say "The Old Homestead" will stand forever and the producers of the Paramount picture version of Denman Thompson's classic have made no error, they feel certain, in the decision to lavish a really unprecedented amount of time, skill, labor, art and industry in the screen rendition. James Cruze to Direct Perley Poore Sheehan, author, together with Frank E. Woods, supervisor-in-chief of the Lasky studios, have collaborated in the adaptation. Julien Josephson has prepared the continuity. Walter Woods will supervise the production which is to be directed by James Cruze. Thompson's creation. Uncle Joshua Whitcomb, the typical down-easterner of the stage, is to be portrayed by Theodore Roberts. "Oddly enough, perhaps," says Mr. Roberts, "I have never played the role, though I knew Denman Thompson well and also have been closely associated in times past with people concerned in the stage version of the classic. It is, however, a role which I have always wanted to play and I am glad of the opportunity." Others thus far selected for the cast are T. Roy Barnes and Fritzi Ridgeway. Other parts will be filled later. History of Play Denman Thompson wrote what was simply the genesis of "The Old Homestead" in 1875. This was while he was with Harry Martin's Varieties, Pittsburgh. Pa., when he conceived the idea of portraying a character typical of the Down-East lovable and intensely human people he had known and loved. The sketch ran about twenty or thirty minutes and was called "Joshua Whitcomb." Bible Novelty Film At M. P. T. O. Fete New Type Single Reel Film Selected for Showing At Washington "Gethscmane," the single reel Biblical feature with Prizma art titles in colors, which had its premiere at the Capitol theatre, New York City, during Easter week, has been selected by the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America for exclusive presentation at the organization's official banquet Friday evening. May 12, at the Hotel Washington, Washington, D. C. Fifty-two in Series "Gethscmane" is one of a series of 52 single reel productions which will be distributed under the general title of "The Voice of the Land" by Geographic Film Co., Inc., of Cincinnati, Ohio. Its selection by the M. P. T. O. A. for showing at their banquet, it is said, was primarily to bring to the notice of the government officials, member-, of the foreign diplomatic corps and other distinguished guests, a picture which would not only be a credit to the industry artistically, but which would also indicate the definite trend that is under way for better pictures. — Arrangements have also been made to show the picture at one of the large Washington churches on Sunday, where it is expected thai President 1 larding and his entourage would be in attendance. No Players in Film Aside from the interest attaching to the picture due to the fact that it shows many of the best known places of sacred history, the production is novel, for, while it is more than a scenic picture, it runs through its entire length without the appearance of a single player. This effect is secured by the method of handling the presentation of the production. The scenes are in black and white, and are embellished by titles and art titles from the brush of Paleologue, reproduced by the Prizma color process. The settings are of the Mount of Olives, of Olivet, of Bethesda, of Bethpage and, of course, the Garden of Gethsemane. Progress Ahead for Industry, Says Ince Bigger Films Due Producer Says in Message to National Meet Days of real progress are ahead for the motion picture industry is the message brought to the convention of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America by Thomas H. Ince. "We will have better pictures because there will be no place for trash," says Mr. Ince in a pamphlet of greeting to exhibitors, titled "Looking Ahead." "We will have bigger theatres because motion pictures have reached a dignity and an importance requiring the finest presentation. "Motion pictures have come into their own responsibility. We owe it to the public and the industry — to our patrons and ourselves — a code of practice as h gh and honorable as any business. The coming season will bring greater pictures to the screens of the world than ever." In the pamphlet Mr. Ince also voices a warning against trusts and unfair competition and urges independents to guard their independence. Six-Reel Melodrama Is Acquired by Hamilton For U. S. and Canada A new six-reel melodrama, "Give Me My Son," has been acquired by George 11. Hamilton, Inc., 729 Seventh avenue, New York, for distribution on the independent market in the United States and Canada. Featured in this picture of mother love are Paul Seelig and Pauline Brunius. "Give Me My Son" has been acquired in the New York and New Jersey territory by Certified Pictures Corporation, also at Seventh avenue, New York. A full line of accessories has been prepared on the feature, including a 24 sheet, ("> sheet, :i sheet and 1 sheet, cuts, teaser ads and the like. Six Pictures to Be Made For Metro by Rex Ingram Under Two-Year Contract Rex Ingram has signed a contract to remain with Metro Pictures Corporation for two years, during which he will produce six big pictures. The first of these w ill be a screen version of Victor Hugo's "The Toilers of the Sea." This from the home offices of the company in New York, sets at rest rumors of other affiliations of the director of " The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse," " The Conquering Power, furn to the Right" and "The Prisoner of Zenda." Fox to Publish Five Features During May William Farnum Production "Shackles of Gold" Heads Program Five feature productions, two Sunshine Comedies, and three Mutt and Jeff Animated Cartoons constitute the list of May publications by Fox Film Corporation. Heading the program is "Shackles of Gold" adapted from Henri Bernstein's drama "Samson." With William Farnum as the star, Director Herbert Brenon, it is said, has created a tremendously strong character in this play of modern society, snobbery and sturdy manhood. Myrta Bonillas and Peggy Shaw appear in the cast, which includes several other prominent screen and stage artists. New Mix Picture Tom Mix will be seen in "The Fighting Streak" from a story by George Owen Baxter. Arthur Rosson directed the picture, with Patsy Ruth Miller as the feminine lead. Robert Fleming, Al Fremont, Bert Sprotte, Sidney Jordan and Gerald Pring, are in the company. The William Russell picture will be "The Men of Zanzibar," from the story by Richard Harding Davis. This tale is said to be replete with the romance and adventure typical of the vehicles oi the star. The film was directed by Rowland V. Lee. "Strange Idols," a Dustin Farnum picture, is from a story by Jules Furthman and was directed by Bernard Durning The central role is declared an ideal one for the star. Ducks in Comedy John Gilbert will be seen in "The Yellow Stain," written by Jules Furthmar and directed by Jack Dillon. Claire Anderson is the leading woman. The Sunshine Comedies for May ait "El Toro" and "The Wise Duck." Main weeks were consumed in the productioi of the latter — a number of ducks having been trained for leading roles. The Mut and Jeff Cartoon publications are "Hop Skip and Jump." "Modern Fishing," am "Hither and Thither." Davis and Brandt to Launch Production of A Series of Features George H. Davis, president of Qualit) Film Productions. Inc.. and co-produce with Joe Brandt of "The Heart ot th; North," and "Life's Greatest Question, featuring Roy Stewart, which C. B. L Film Sales Corporation is distributing has arrived in New York from San Fran cisco for the purpose of completing pro duction plans with Joe Brandt on a sene of features and going into the matter o distributing details with C. B. C. Both Mr. Davis and Mr. Brandt an nounced some time ago that they na< several feature productions in mind bu would not begin filming until a>sure< that exhibitors throughout the countr would give the big independent prodtlC tions a fair play. Since that time bo!l have been studying the independent Sit, nation in the principal key cities, and tn result of their observations, it is under stood, will lead to production being pu in operation soon. Mr. Davis says Mia the outlook is excellent for the film DUSj ness for the coming season. Almost > the studios and producing organization are planning to elaborate their activitie and add to their production facilities, n reports.