Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1924-Mar 1925)

January 3, 1925 EXHIBITORS HERALD 37 VIRGINIA VALLI What a difference four short years can make. At the beginning of 1921 Virginia Valli was practically an unknown player, but during the months that have passed she has through no other medium than her own determination, consistent effort, and study, attained the coveted position in the cinema world which she started out to reach. Today Universal is starring Miss Valli in every production in which she appears. She has five of these starring vehicles to her credit, while work on the sixth, an adaptation of Samuel Hopkins Adams’ “The Siege,’’ has just begun. Virginia Valli’s versatile talents are recognized by other than her own producers. She was loaned to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and First National recently, that she might play the title feminine roles in “Wild Oranges,” for the former. and “In Every Woman’s Life,” for the latter. ROY DEL RUTH For many years rated as one of the best comedy directors on the Coast, Roy Del Duth is about to leave the two reelers to cast his lot with directors of the more serious and longer length productions. There are two Del Ruth brothers, both directors. One is Hampton, the elder, but this one we are talking abotit is Roy, who left the Sennett lot the early part of this year to accept an inviting proposition to take over one of William Fox's comedy troupes, and for whom he has just completed his sixth Imperial. Mr. Del Ruth has been identified with the direction of short length comedies for a period of eight years, four years of which he directed Mack Sennett comedies, including the first three which Harry Langdon made on that lot, namely: “Look Pleasant,” "Shanghaied Lovers,” and “The Cat’s Meow.” TURPIN, HURLOCK, Popular Comedy Team Ever since “Where Is My Wandering Boy This Evening?” tickled the risibilities of the picture fans, Ben Turpin and Madeline Hurlock have been one of the most popular comedy teams on the screen. Mack Sennett defines a sense of humor as being a subtle instinct for contrasts, which, he says, a director must possess in abundance. And the contrast between the gorgeous Madeline and the comedian with the undecided eyes, is instinctly humorous. A love scene between Madeline Hurlock and Ben Turpin, without any constructed gags to help, is always very funny. Miss Hurlock has played opposite Ben Turpin in numerous tworeel comedies during the past year, among which are the two popular burlesques, “Three Foolish Weeks” and “ Monsieur Don’t care.” EDWARD GRIBBON In the past year Edward Gribbon has come to the front fast. He is recognized by producers and casting directors as a splendid specimen of the big fisted, outdoor type of heman. In the Famous-Players-Lasky productions, “The Border Legion,” “Lord Chumley” and “The Code of the West,” Mr. Gribbon acquitted himself handsomely in the comedy character roles allotted to him. Edward Gribbon is a graduate of two-reel comedies, in which he created an enviable place for himself as a comedy heavy. His services of late have been very much in demand, and he has been prominently cast with most of the leading players, filling engagements on practically every motion picture lot in Hollywood. If plans do not go astray, Edward Gribbon will be featured soon in a special series of pictures. Anna Q. Nilsson and James Kirkwood in a scene from **The Top of the World,** a George Mclford production. Scene from the Dimitri Buchowetzkt proAuction **The Swan** in which Adolphe Menjou and Frances Howard appear in the featured roles. On Paramount’s 1925 Constance Bennett, Noah Beery, Owen Moore and Charles Ogle appear in **The Code of the West,** a stirring Zone Grey story. Program Scenes from seven of its new season product, which are now ready for screening. Above, a scene from the Victor Fleming production **The DeviVs Cargo.** At left, a scene from **Salome of the Tenements,** Lois Wilson and Noah Beery are featured in **Contraband,** a Clarence Budington Kelland story directed by Alan Crosland. Viola Dana and Theodore Roberts in **Forty Winks,** previously called **Lord Chumley.** This is the David Belasco and H. C. De Mille Play.