Exhibitors Herald (1925)

24 EXHIBITORS HERALD April 4, 1925 wonder still is that so much could be done in so little time. The keynote of the Mayer method is supervision. Many heads — and not merely heads but brains also — work together on every feature of a production and on every step in its execution. And as for the results that are being gotten — look at the pictures ! * * * Universal City stands alone in solitary grandeur, out over Cahuenga Pass and quite a distance away from any other studio. Since its establishment by Carl Laemmle, Universal City has had nothing in the way of a studio even approach it in picturesqueness. It occupies a huge tract of valley and foothill land, dotted throughout with a multitude of buildings of various descriptions. A section of it, known as “The Back Ranch,” affords space for the largest existing collection of semi-permanent sets which are from time to time rearranged for use by Universal and by practically all of the other representative producing companies. Here may be found ready for the camera after a few hours’ work, “Western streets,” “New England streets” and a variety of other exteriors. The Casino at Monte Carlo and the Notre Dame of Paris may be recognized as milestones marking ambitious production efforts of the past. Since the establishment of a rental department several years ago Universal has taken in more than $1,500,000 for the use of stages and settings by outside companies. Carl Laemmle reigns supreme over this domain. It was his idea in the first place and his ideas largely have kept it running. And what a job it is to run Universal City! It is a vast place with upward of six hundred people employed. Out at a westerly end of the studio acreage they have built a lake. Right now the lake is dry because they are erecting in a central position a set which consists of a section of an ocean liner. It is one of the greatest pieces of stagecraft yet undertaken in the motion picture industry — and that means ever undertaken. This liner is a huge mechanical apparatus which will rock with a boatlike motion. It is to be used first in “Lorraine of the Lions.” A ship will sink in a storm at sea. The effect will be accomplished by letting the waters of the lake flood by in position and mount up over the set that now stands there. It should be a thriller; at any rate, a big and intelligent effort is being made. Carl Laemmle is going to spend a lot more time at the studio; in fact, he is now seeking a site for a ranch Credit to Minister for Blue Law’s Defeat {Special to Exhibitors Herald) INDIANAPOLIS, IND., March 24. — Thanks to Representative Willis E. Gill, a minister, who led the attack against it, the Kissinger “Blue Sunday” bill was defeated last week in the house of representatives. In a wave of oratory Rev. Gill swept aside argument based on scripture, proving to his opponents that nowhere in the New Testament was there a single word which compels a person to observe any day. He said men should be persuaded, not compelled, to observe Sunday. home near Los Angeles where he intends to spend the greater part of the year. This will mean much to Universal production because Laemmle knows what should be done and he knows how to get it done. * * * Over toward Glendale Mack Sennett, that veteran manufacturer of comedies, holds forth in surroundings that come about as near being historic as any the industry can boast of. Here in this quaint old place, which has the mustiness of antiques about it, is to be found the first “dark” stage ever constructed for the making of pictures. A “dark” stage is a covered building in which artificial lighting is used exclusively. High aloft in this stage there still hang banks of incandescent bulbs which were the first studio lights. Practically all of the stages are now dark stages with no provisions left for using natural lighting. * * * Out beyond the Hollywood Studios on Santa Monica boulevard Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks maintain jointly an extensive studio plant. From the entrance approach may be seen towering sets used in “The Thief of Bagdad” and “Dorothy Vernon” which identify the premises. The dynamic Doug, is out on a stretch of sward armed with a whip and lash with which he is performing like a veteran of the circus ring. You will see this whip and lash perform extraordinary feats in “Don Q.” Between maneuvers with his weapon Fairbanks discusses questions of the moment and as he talks his audience cannot help but be impressed with the fine intelligence at his command. Mary, his wife, ablest counseller and great professional rival, enters the discussion and confirms again what everyone should know by this time; namely, that Mary Pickford possesses one of the keenest minds now centered on motion pictures. If she ever steps away from in front of the camera— and being only 32 that should be a long, long time off — she would make as great a success as a producer as she has as a star. * Back in Culver City it is a gala day. The officials of the town are out to welcome Cecil B. DeMille, who takes over the former Thomas H. Ince studios. The celebration takes place on the lawn in front of the administration building, which is patterned after a Southern mansion. F. C. Munroe, president of Producers Distributing Corporation, speaks and the audience realizes that a new force is abroad in the industry. Joseph M. Schenck offers a few words and makes an excellent impression. Great plans are under way for renovating and enlarging the studio ; new stages, new buildings for mechanical departments and other improvements. Fred Kley, for many years in charge of the Lasky studio, is directing the program of expansion. What takes place in this plant in the year to come is likely to have much influence on the future course of the industry. (To be concluded next week) Reported Deal for Two Newman Theatres by Paramount Is Denied {Special to Exhibitors Herald') KANSAS CITY, MO., March 24.— The report that the Famous PlayersLasky Film Corporation will take over the Newman and Royal theatres was denied in a telegram last week from Frank L. Newman, owner of the theatres. Newman, it was rumored, was to receive an important position with the management of the company’s Los Angeles theatres. It was further reported that Newman would take Leo Forbstein, director of the Newman orchestra, and Milton Field, managing director of the two theatres, to the coast with him. Frisco Schools Adopt Films in Classwork {Special to Exhibitors Herald) SAN FRANCISCO, CAL., March 24.— The motion picture has entered the San Francisco schools as a method of teaching American history. The principal of one of the public evening schools will show the pupils motion pictures. Extracts are taken from pictures while the principal tells of the event. May Open Florida Plant Watterson R. Rothacker returned to Chicago last week from Florida, where he studied the conditions favorable to the establishment of a small negative developing and first print laboratory. During his^stay at Palm Beach a three day showing of “The Lost World” was held at the Beaux Art theatre.