Exhibitors Herald (Mar-Apr 1924)

20 EXHIBITORS HERALD April 5, 1924 Three Big Pictures' Premieres Occur on Coast "Dorothy Vernon", "Beau Brummel", and "Secrets" Open — Independent Producers Active at Hollywood By HARRY HAMMOND BEALL HOLLYWOOD, March 25. — This has been an active week, so far as news happenings are concerned in the capital of the film world. Three big productions have had their premieres, the independents have been organized on the west coast, one feminine star has announced her intention of leaving the old nest that has sheltered her almost from the beginning of her career, a masculine star has returned to his old production stamping ground and the producer who made him famous, a dozen prominent executives more or less have been gliding in and out. Another producer is taking his units to New York to make his next two pictures, and a leading comedy organization re-organizes and awards well deserved promotions. k wTD EAU BRUMMEL," with J o h n 13 Barrymore in the Mansfield role, started the procession of premieres, and the Warner Brothers classic, produced by Harry Beaumont, has been going like a house afire ever since. The California theatre has broken it's one-week-only rule for "Beau Brummel" and after its second week there it will go into Millers for a long run. Then came Mary Pickford's "Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall" at Grauman's Million Dollar theatre. This typically Neilanesque production is also packing 'em in, and looks good for a long, long engagement. It is being shown at popular prices, continuous shows, and there were no advanced prices for the premiere night. The de luxe premiere was that of "Secrets" at the Criterion. Joseph N. Schenck executives and H. B. Wright, managing director of the playhouse, collaborated in making this an elaborate occasion, with scores of stars in attendance and with the ever-erudite Fred Niblo as master of ceremonies. It is being shown on the two-a-day reserved seat policy, and also gives indication of a lengthy and successful run. Joe Brandt's luncheon to the west coast independents at the Montmartre cafe on Tuesday was highly successful from an organization viewpoint, he reports, and the Hoy plan was accorded a most enthusiastic reception. Before leaving for the east at the end of this week Brandt expects to have the details of the formation of west coast units out of the way, and it seems likely that a special Hollywood headquarters for the Association of Independent Motion Picture Producers and Distributors will be opened at an early date. * * * Viola Dana is leaving Metro after a number of years. It seems as if she almost grew up with the organization. Her contract is expiring and her reasons for not renewing are not financial ones, but because she believes her forte is the heavier drama, rather than the lighter type of comedy dramas which Metro executives would have her essay. Her work in "Revelation." recently completed by George D. Baker, is said to compare most favorably with that done by Nazimova when the play was originally produced. In fact some have given Viola the edge over the Madame in unofficial critiques of the picture. * * * A royal welcome is being prepared for the return of Charles Ray to the Ince manor at Culver City. It was T. H. I. who made a star out of an inexperienced beginner, and now that he has had his chance to try his wings for a few years as an independent producer, apparently Charlie has decided he is a better actor than a business man. E. W. Hammons, head of Educational, heads the delegation of celebrities arriving this week. He has not been here for about nine months. He has copped off a roll top desk at the Hamilton-White studios and established his temporary Hollywood headquarters in Jack White's office. He is preaching the doctrine of diversified programs rather than one solid multiple reel feature, believing that a mistake has been made during the last year catering to classes rather than masses. April 6 is the date that has been set for the treking eastward of the entire Sawyer-Lubin organization. Barbara La Marr will star in two productions that will be made for Associated First National release under the S-L banner. Arthur L. Sawyer has already gone east, "The Chechahcos" May Be Roadshowed (Special to Exhibitors Herald) New York, March 25. — It has been announced that there is a possibility of "The Chechahcos," an Alaskan Motion Picture Corp. production, taken over by Associated Exhibitors, being roadshowed. J. S. Woody, and other executives of Associated Exhibitors, after conferring with several showmen, became convinced that the production would be very valuable handled in such a manner. Arthur { S. Kane is said to share their opinion and that the move has been I practically decided upon is indi j cated by the appointment of H. Elliot Stuckel as general press representative in charge of the feature. "The Chechahcos" is said to be absolutely unique and in a class by itself. Every foot was shot in Alaska amidst unusual hardships for the actors. President Harding was the guest of the company during his last tour and is said to have given it his enthusiastic endorsement. taking with him Clarence Badger, his stellar director, and Bert Ennis, publicity chief is winding up affairs here and will escort the remainder of the aggregation to New York. At present Sawyer is in Chicago conferring with his partner, Herbert Lubin. * * * Fred L. Porter, former secretary of the Christie Film Corporation, has been elevated to the rank of vice-president and treasurer, and William S. Holman, who has been treasurer of the Christie Realty Corporation, becomes secretary of the film company. Al Christie remains president, with Charlie Christie, vice-president and general manager. Fourteen new theatres are to be added to the gigantic West Coast chain, according to announcement just made by Sol Lesser. In compilation of income tax statements it was discovered that five million patrons attended West Coast playhouses in 1923, paying in excess of $10,000,000 in admissions. Arthur Hagerman, Universal liteiateur de luxe, is a proud parent this week. Contrary to first report the daughter was not named Carlotta after Carl Laemmle, but Domini Betty instead. Sid Grauman celebrated his birthday on St. Patricks day. The most treasured gift of all was an "appreciation album" given to him by disabled veterans from the Soldiers Home at Sawtelle. Every Monday he entertained a delegation of them at his Hollywood Egyptian theatre, and the album contained a foreword of appreciation followed by the signature of every man who had enjoyed "The Covered Wagon" or "The Ten Commandments." * * * Bringing with her Lady Williams, her daughter, Elinor Glyn returned to studioland last week to fulfill a contract she recently signed with Louis B. Mayer to* adapt a number of her works for the screen. The famous English novelist was met at the depot by a delegation of important film folk including Mayer, Fred Niblo, Irving Thalberg, Hobart Henley and others. It is Lady Williams' initial visit to California. * * * The most recent independent producing company to be organized in this community is Glavey-Dunaway Productions, Inc., with offices at 6912 Hollywood boulevard. Production activity, which will begin shortly, will be centered at the Grand-Asher studios. The personnel of the company is as follows: Samuel W. Dunaway, president; John J. Glavey, vice-president; D. Ford McCormick, treasurer, and Harry L. Person, secretary. H. C. Witwer's series, "Classics in Slang" will be the first stories to be filmed, rights to 12 of these comedies having been purchased from the author. Release contracts have been signed with Grand-Asher Distributing Company of New York, it is announced. Kansas Plans Record Meeting at Emporia (Special to Exhibitors Herald) KANSAS CITY, MO„ March 35.— R. G. Liggett and C. E. (Doc) Cook, the popular president and business manager of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of Kansas, report that indications are that the convention to be held next week in Emporia will equal if not surpass those of past years. Kansas has one of the strongest state organizations in the country, and each year its achievements are outstanding.