Exhibitors Herald (Apr-Jun 1922)

74 EXHIBITORS HERALD May 20. 1922 Producers for First National Are Concentrating on f( 'Master 'pictures An exceptional array of box office attractions are in various stages of production for First National, according to the distributing company. With the aims of "Bigger and Better Pictures" in view, the producers, according to First National, are concentrating on "masterpictures" — productions which will duplicate the box office successes of "Penrod." "Smilin' Through, Die Kid," "Peck's Bad Boy," "Hail the Woman," "The Silent Call," etc. Norma and Constance Talmage have returned to Los Angeles, accompanied by Producer Joseph Schenck, who has obtained the film rights to William H. Harris' "East is West," and Edgar Selwyn's "The Mirage." Both of these have been successful stage plays. Will Go to Orient Norma will make "The Mirage" at United Studios and Constance will make the interiors of "East is West" on the same lot, later taking her company to China for the exteriors. Norma Talmadge's latest First National picture, "Smilin' Through," is proving to be the greatest p'cture of this artist's career, it is said. This popular star's feature to follow "Smilin' Through," which will soon be seen at the Kinema theatre, will be "The Eternal Flame," a lavish production adapted from the pen of Honore Balzac. Three Months in Production Dorothy Phillips is to be seen soon in what is described as her greatest film, "Hurricane's Gal." produced by Allen Holubar and three months in the making. Katherine MacDonald has completed "The Woman Conquers," a picture of the Northland. Her next starring vehicle is to be "White Shoulders." The picture will be made by Preferred Pictures at the Louis B. Mayer studio. John M. Stahl has completed the Mayer picture, "One Clear Call," a film requiring five months to make, and Maurice Tourneur has finished "Lorna Doone." Mabel Normand is Hearing the end of Mack Sennett's greatest offering. "Suzanna," a remarkable romantic costume picture of the era of Spanish dominance in early California. Completes Two Comedies Charles Chaplin is building up the plot of his next First National attraction and Buster Keaton has just completed two funny two-reelers. "The Blacksmith" and "The Frozen North." Richard Walton Tully, noted author and playwright, has finished filming his legitimate play, "The Masquerader," starring Guy Bates Post, and is preparing to offer the same star in the picturization of the Tully play, "Omar the Tentmaker." Marshall Neilan has completed two big productions, "Fools First," and "Her Man." The former is scheduled for early publication. Cast Is Selected The complete cast for "Someone to Love," the most recent Thomas H. luce feature to enter production, has been selected and includes: Madge Bellamy, Cullen Landis. Noah Beery, Vola Yale, Harry Rattenburry. Carrie Clark Ward, Bert Sprotte, Lincoln Steadman and Larry Steers. John Griffith Wray is directing. J. L. Frothingham will take his initial plunge into film direction next month when he will direct "The Vengeance of the Deep." Marguerite de La Mctte will be featured. Universal Star Opens Ball Season Maude George, featured player in Universal's "Foolish Wives." and Governor McCray of Indiana officially opened the American Association baseball season at Indianapolis, Ind. This event was a part of the exploitation campaign which heralded the presentation of the L'nivcrsal-von Strohcim special at the ( >hio theatre in the Indiana capital. During her personal appearance at the theatre, Miss George tightened her grip on fandom. She repeated her celebrated shopping tour which attracted the populace of Newark. N. J. In this latter stunt a tieup was effected with the Indianapolis Star, two full pages of combined merchant advertising being carried Topping the pages were full width streamers and in the center of each page was a box explaining in detail the magmtudr of the picture and the personal appearance of Miss George. Four Big Territories Get Eddie Polo Serial Commonwealth Film Corp Buys New York and New Jersey Rights Four big sales have been made on the serial "Cap'n Kidd," the first independent serial in which Eddie Polo is starring, and contracts have been signed with the Star Serial Producing Corporation, which controls world rights, whereby distributing rights have been taken over for fourteen states on this serial. Sam Zierler has acquired for Commonwealth Film Corporation of New York, of which he is president, the territory including New York State and Northern New Jersey. At Chicago, Celebrated Players Film Corporation, through J. L. Friedman, has taken over the serial for the Indiana, Wisconsin and Northern Illinois territory. The sale was effected between Mr. Friedman and Joe Brandt, president oi Star Serial Corporation, on the occasion of a visit to Chicago recently by Joe Brandt. Another of the sales was that made to Harry Charnas for the Standard Film Service of Cleveland, whereby "Cap'n Kidd" will be seen in Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The Federated Film Exchange of Baltimore, through Pete Oletsky, also has signed for the serial. Mammoth Sets Being Built at Lasky Plant For Fitzmaurice Film Paramount executives, both in the production department and in the sales organization, are said to be elated over the fact that George Fitzmaurice was available to produce "To Have and To Hold," tlie romantic-historical novel by Mary Johnston. The story, first published in 1899, is recognized as one of the masterpieces of American literature. Big sets arc being built at the Lasky studio in Hollywood for this production which, it is anticipated, will be one of the most important Paramount pictures of the year. The entire village of Jamestown in 1620 will be reproduced. Two ships are being remodeled at a California harbor, one to be a pirate vessel ,the other a British man-of-war. Costumes will he a colorful item in the production. Sword play in the film between Bert Lytell and Theodore Kosloff is expected to have a special zest as Lytell is an excellent fencer while Kosloff holds a number of medals for his prowess with the rapier. Universal's Alaskan Serial Will Be Published in June Despite injuries sustained by William Desmond, the star, when he slipped and fell into the icc-choken river at Truckce. Ncv., Universal's big summer serial. "The Great Conspiracy," dealing with the purchase and development of Alaska, is making great strides towards completion. Perry VekrolT, the director, reports that the opening chapters will be ready for shipment east in a few weeks. The serial will be in fifteen chapters of tw° reels < ach, and will be published W Universal early in June.