Exhibitors Herald (Sep-Dec 1923)

66 EXHIBITORS HERALD November 10, 1923 Associated to Obtain New Product New Records Are Made by NormandFilm Attendance Figures Smashed at Mission Showing It was in July last that a contract was signed under which Associated Exhibitors was to distribute the future Mack Sennett productions starring Mabel Xormand. Immediately the prediction was made that with this affiliation Miss Normand would rise to new heights as a universally popular comedienne. This has been justified, according to Associated, in overflowing measure by the reception accorded "The Extra Girl." While heretofore Mabel Normand had adhered closely to the portrayal of light dramatic and comedy roles, in "The Extra Girl" she demonstrates her right to be classed among the foremost emotional actresses of the screen. This is the testimony of the critics. "The Extra Girl" was written and produced by Mack Sennett, who prepared it especially for her, with her particular abilities in mind during the time of writing. It tells the story of a "screen-struck" country-town girl who seeks fame and fortune in Hollywood, only to find disappointment. Back-scene life in studioland is revealed to the public gaze, but, so the reviewers give assurance, without tinexaggerations that writers are often tempted to inject. W hen the production w-as launched upon its premiere in the Mission theatre, Los Angeles, therefore, the big gathering, most of whose members were not strangers to Hollywood life, united in giving praise to the story itself as well as the little artiste who was its central figure. * * * All the attendance records for th.; Mission were smashed, not only on the opening night of the indefinite run. but consistently during the ensuing week, though the picture encountered uncommonly strong competition. The newspaper comments were unanimously favorable. "Mabel is at her best," wrote Edwin Schallert in the Los Angeles Times. She has, for her, a perfectly believable role. It's one that matches her personality much better than Suzanna. and she doesn't have to act." "The whole play is built for entertainment." said Florence Lawrence in the Examiner, while Guy Price declared in the Herald. "you're going to thrill over Miss Xormand." * * * Mabel Xormand is much more than a comedienne in "The Extra Girl." That is one of the points that the reviewers have united in emphasizing — that sfo shows in her new characterization her ability to follow the laughter of one moment with tears the next. The second of the Xormand features for Associated, which is now in course of production is "Mary Anne," which also is by Mr. Sennett and in which Miss Xormand is again to have a role giving opportunity to her irresistible personality to force itself yet deeper in the affections of screen fans. In This Issue A review of Charles Ray's greatest attraction, "The Courtship of Myles Standish," is published on page 59. Harry Hammond Beall, in his review, says that the producer-star has I a remarkable production to his credit. Kane Will Go To Coast for Conferences Associated President to die More Time to Production To look after matters affecting productions now being handled by his organization, and to negotiate with producers who have in mind the making of new product of the same high calibre, is the double purpose of Arthur S. Kane, president oi Associated Exhibitors, who is leaving for Los Angeles in a few days. Mr. Kane expects to remain in California several weeks at the least. "I have long coveted the opportuntiy to devote more time to production affairs," said Mr. Kane yesterday. "This has been made possible since the acquisition by Associated Exhibitors of Mr. J. 5. Woody as general manager. Mr. Woody has placed the marketing end of our l>u>i ncss on such an efficient basis, he has surrounded himself with such a capable held force, and he is directing its activities with such energy and effectiveness that 1 am now relieved of many matters of detail which formerly demanded my attention, and am left free to devote moro time to the production end. * * * "Associated Exhibitors is immensely pleased with the reception accorded the L923-24 attractions it has so tar placed before the public. With 'Going Up' now appearing in every territory of the country, being acclaimed by critics everywhere as Douglas Mac Lean's finest offering since '2VA Hours Leave,' and giving to theatres that have shown or are showing it their best weeks of the season so far, this superlative attraction is well on its way and is assured of very handsome returns. "With Charles Ray in 'The Courtship of Myles Standish' well launched on an indefinite run in Grauman's Million Dollar Theatre, and Mabel Xormand indefinitely at the Mission Theatre. Los Angeles in 'The Extra Girl' these two great features have started their careers in a wonderful way and proved themselves among the outstanding hits of the current season. "Harold Lloyd in 'Why Worry?' is enjoying the greatest success ever attained by this remarkable comedian. One of the very many elements of superior strength in this offering is the fact that Lloyd's appeal is universal. 'Why Worry?' is as certain to delight the Fi'i Islander as the man who frequents Fifth avenue." Next Vehicle For MacLean Is Announced "The Yankee Consul to Be Star s Second The recent rapid rise of Douglas MacLean as a young comedian of marked ability and deep appeal has been so marked as to attract the almost universal attention of theatre goers. He caused somewhat of a sensation in "2V/2 Hours •Leave," and there was yet wider recognition of his sterling worth when he achieved success in "The Hottentot." The announcement a few months ago, therefore, that he had organized his own company and was about to start independent production was greeted with enthusiasm. Almost simultaneously came the news that the young star had enlisted under the banner of Associated Exhibitors. Accompanying these announcements was the information that Mr. MacLean's productions would be big comedy specials of the type of "The Hottentot," picturizations of successful plays or well known stories by noted authors. To this policy the young actor has adhered, his first independent production being a screened version of the Broadway musical comedy hit, "Going L'p," and his second, now under way. being adapted from the equally popular stage success, "The Yankee Consul." What Mr. MacLean has accomplished with "Going Up" is perhaps best attested by Frank Craven, star in the stage production, who, having seen the screen offering declared: "I want to tell you how thoroughly I enjoyed my preview of 'Going Up'. All the old laughs and situations were there and your additions to the comedv as we plaved it really add." * * * The story concerns the young author of a book about flying who is forced through a chain of comic circumstances actually to make a flight, though he has never been in an airplane. The high point of the stage drama was reached where the young author was up in the air, risking his life in a 'plane which he didn't know how to bring back to earth. Stage craftsmanship proved incapable of showing the aviator up among the clouds, try' ing to control his machine — side-slipping, whirling into spinning nose-dives and breath-taking loops. In the screen version, on the other hand. Doug'as MacLean is shown braving the dizzy heights of thin air, making a thousand hair-breadth escapes in a series of aerial maneuvers which leave the spectator dazed with excitement. Thus, in his first production he not only has proved himself a star of the first magnitude hut has gone far to win a decisive victory for the silent drama in the long controversy over the respective merits of stage and screen productions. The promise contained in the previews of "Going Up" was so great that it induced the management to open the door of the Metropolitan. Los Angeles to it — the first attraction not bearing the label ■->f Famous Players-Lasky ever to be l ooked there.