Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1924-Mar 1925)

34 EXHIBITORS HERALD February 7, 1925 /4s our grandmothers danced it. Scene from William Fox’s film version of “The Man Without a Country." The great sea battle scene in the Fox screen version of Edward Everett Hale’s classic. “Man Without a Country” Will Have Brilliant Premiere Croivning Achievement of W illiam Fo.x to Open at Central Theatre on Lincoln s Birthday — Expect Extended Run (Special to E.rhibitors Herald) New YORK, January 27. — One of the most brilliant Broadway film premieres ever held is planned for the first showing of the new Fox production, “The Man Without a Country,” on the eve of Lincoln’s birthday, February 11, at the Central theatre. Following the opening, this new production will be presented twice daily at 2:30 and 8:30 p. m. It is expected to stay at the Central until the end of the season. ■jV/TR FOX selected the eve of Lincoln’s I’'-* birthday for the world presentation of his new production as a fitting tribute to the memory of “the great emancipator.” The picture is believed by Mr. Fox’s associates to be the crowning achievement of his career as a producer. Those who have seen it predict even a greater triumph than that which has been scored by “The Iron Horse,” now in its seventh month at the Lyric, New York. The boxes at the premiere have been reserved for highranking officers of the army and navy. The opening will be an invitation affair, and the audience will include representatives of virtually every national, civic and patriotic organization, prominent educators, nationally known bankers, captains of industry and members of New York’s “400.” The new Fox production is the result of nearly three years of effort. Six month were spent in research work before the actual production began. For many years, Mr. Fox has contemplated producing a pictured based on the famous classic. In selecting Rowland V. Lee to direct the picture, Mr. Fox gave this widely-known director carte blanche to build a photodrama that would not only faithfully visualize the Hale story, but would glorify it. From all accounts, Mr. Lee has turned out a photodrama that has surpassed wildest expectations. According to officials of the Fox studios, it is one of the costliest films, if not the costliest, ever produced under the Fox banner. That the new production will have a prosperous run is forecast by dramatic review ers of Springfield. Atass., where, as has long been Mr. Fox’s custom, the picture was given a prerelease showing. Springfield is a city of intermediate size and furnishes a typically American audience. “The Man Without a Country” not only passed the “Springfield test” of approval, but was acclaimed as a picture “overtopping them all.” To quote Ray Wynans in the Springfield Union: all the famous film that have been given their first world showings in Springfield, ‘The Man Without a Country,’ stands supreme, beyond criticism. It is not often that a motion picture adaptation of a famous story actually dominates the author’s work, but that is just what has happened in this case. The drama Radio Used to Aid Casting JV right Novel Listen Folks! Your radio is going to be worth its weight in box office receipts. One company has already begun to bring the radio into the use of “those who pay” to see the motion pictures. At least that is the belief of one producer. Sol Lesser, of Principal Pictures Corporation, in a radio speech announced that he wanted suggestions from fans and exhibitors for the casting of “The Winning of Barbara Worth,” by Harold Bell Wright. It has proved successful insomuch as letters are pouring in with favorites named for the parts. Lesser said he sincerely wants to please the people who have to pay for the pictures. that has been woven delicately around the printed word so much more potently portrays the human emotions of the characters than dale was able to describe them with his pen, that one senses immediately the glorification that has taken place. “Unlike many of the big motion pictures that have stirred the heartstrings of the nation, ‘The Man Without a Country’ does not resort to pageantry, great armies or other commonly used props generally considered necessary to put such a picture ‘across’. Superb acting, fine dramatic interpretation and the understanding for the heights which the picture attains. “Edward Hearn as Lieutenant Nolan, ‘The Man Without a Country’, whose ‘damn the United States, 1 wish I may never hear of the United States again’, results in his life-long exile from home and country, gives the role an unforgettable pathos. His impersonation of Nolan is a masterpiece of dramatic interpretation. Lucy Beaumont as bis mother and Pauline Starke as Anne Bissell, his sweetheart, are superb. Other members of the cast who contribute to the triumph that the picture is, are Earle Metcalf, Richard Tucker, W'ilfred Lucas, Will Walling, Harvey Clark, Edward Piel and William Conkling. There are numerous authentic historical characters including George Billings, the well-known impersonator of Abraham Lincoln, Albert Hart as President Jefferson and Emmett King as President Monroe.” The new Fox production of “The Man Without a Country” is the third screen version of the famous story, two others having been produced years ago. The Fox production is said to be the first big, adequate screen translation of the classic. No plans have been announced for the general release of the new production, although it is understood that the New York showing will be the only presentation during the current season. Edward Hearn and Pauline Starke in a scene from “The Man Without a Country.”