Exhibitors Herald (1925)

May 16, 1925 ^ Douglas MacLean who will produce one of his popular comedy dramas for Paramount distribution. ^ Raymond Griffith, the “man with the silk hat” and featured comedian in Famous Players pictures. New Brooms William De Mille’s production of “New Brooms” will sweep the country off its feet ! It is a sensation as one of the current New York plays. It has an idea, strictly original. Something true-tolife but just different enough to make remarkable entertainment. “New Brooms” was written by Frank Craven, author of “The First Year.” The screenplay is being prepared by Clara Beranger. “N e w Brooms” is a comedy of the American home, and as a story represents the finest piece of screen property ever given William de Mille for production. The story concerns the owner of a prosperous broom factory, who almost conceals a kind heart by his uncertain temper. But Tom Bates, Jr., is another type — carefree and an easy spender. The old man offers to permit his son to run the business for a year, and gives him a chance to work out some of his “fool theories.” Tom soon has a temper worse than his father’s, while the old man learns how to beam. Young Bates isn’t made any happier when he finds his father has taken a keen interest in the little housekeeper, Geraldine. Bates, Sr., settles everything for his theorist son. The Stage Door Johnny “That funny fellow in the silk hat — who is he,” they asked a year ago. Today exhibitors, press and public are urging Paramount to star Raymond Griffith following his success in “Changing Husbands,” “Little Miss Bluebeard,” “Forty Winks” and “The Night Club.” In one year. Think October of it ! Raymond Griffith a few years ago wrote several excellent scenarios. He knows the motion picture business from all angles as few actors do. Certain directors say that Griffith does not need a story to make a picture, but given a story with possibilities, exhibitors holding open time for “The Stage Door Johnny” can look forward to a cleanup. Here’s a bit of the story. Griffith is emnloyed as a waiter in The Little Cafe, and a mighty poor waiter, at that. He falls in love with his employer’s daughter. The boss gets word that his waiter is about to fall heir to a huge fortune. He tells Griffith he is so satisfied with his services he wishes to retain him for 20 years, but, if either breaks the contract the other must surrender an enormous forfeit. Griffith falls right in line with the idea and afterward learns of the bequest. A lawyer advises him to become such a terrible waiter his boss will have to surrender a forfeit, too. Meighan in ‘‘Whispers" “The City of Silent Men” was one of the greatest pictures Thomas Meighan ever made for Paramount. This accounts for the general demand for another picture like it, and so Booth 'Tarkington, America’s foremost fiction author, was asked to write a story especially for Thomas Meighan which would be made as a successor. In “Whispers,” Paramount is confident it has the material for a Thomas Meighan production that will completely eclipse “The City of Silent Men.” The star, title, story and authorship are box office angles with a tremendous individual value. Meighan scored big in “Coming Through.” “Old Home Week,” written by George Ade especially for the star and soon to be released, is expected to pull even bigger and thus pave the way for this production. “Whispers” is a prison story. Tom has the role of the happy-go-lucky son of a small town banker, "rhe bank goes to the wall. Rather than see his father and brother go to jail, Tom assumes the responsibility and is sent to Sing Sing. The prison is an iron city of whispers. Word comes that crooks are bleeding ^ Betty Compson, a featured member of Paror mount casts. ^ Clarence Badger, just signed to direct for Famous.