Exhibitors Herald (1927)

October 8, 1927 EXHIBITORS HERALD 5 Brown, Work Ford and Korda End on Costly Productions Three Millions Invested In Trio of New Pictures Slump of Past Three Months May Result in “ Studio Activity on Christmas Day” By RAY MURRAY HOLLYWOOD, Oct. 4. — Clarence Brown, Jack Ford and Alexander Korda are this week completing work on productions which represent a fortune of three million dollars. Ford’s Fox picture, “Grandma Bernle Learns Her Letters,” has grown, you might say, out of a Saturday Evening Post story that proved well worthy nine-tenths of a million and well worth the execution of the man who directed “The Iron Horse” for the same company. Korda’s “Private Life of Helen of Troy” ran into $750,000 and is now in First National’s cutting rooms. Brown has completed shooting “The Trail of ’98” for M-G-M after nine months of work and the prints will soon be shipped to New York. No Let Up at Holiday Time Acceleration of production is noticeable at the big studios. Although actors and directors have feared that the usual winter shut-down would arrive before the fall season had gotten under way conditions indicate there will be no Christmas Day shut down this year. Another indication that the recent slump is over is that immediately directors finish a picture they are handed script for the next ; sets are being built far in advance and studio artisans are kept busy day and night. Independent Studios Become More Active Even independent studios, of which there are many, in and around Hollywood, are unusually active, indicating that the demand for independent product is imperative and the producers are rushing production to meet this demand. "Just married." Helene Costello, Warner Brothers player, and Jack Reagan were married last Thursday in Holly-) wood. Schertzinger Joins Lasky to Direct Big Bancroft Production (Special to the Herald) LOS ANGELES, Oct. 4. — Paramount last week signed Victor Schertzinger to make “Honky Tonk,” a story of the waterfronts of the out-of-the-way places of the earth. It will star George Bancroft, who is becoming famous for his work in “Underworld.” The story is being prepared and work will start next week. Schertzinger directed “The Lily,” “The Music Master” and a number of other productions for Fox Film Corporation, but has announced that he has left that organization permanently. His move to Paramount provokes the remarks “along the boulevard” that that company is making a concentrated effort to bring a group of highly capable directors to the Lasky banner before going ahead with the bulk of the work on this year’s schedule. Stephen Roberts 9 Idea Made into Two Reeler (Special to the Herald) LOS ANGELES, Oct. 4.— Stephen Roberts, director of Mermaid comedies for Educational, completed one of the most pretentious two reelers of his career last week, as yet untitled. It revolves about A1 St. John, who is the pilot of a racing car with wings. Much of the action shot in Mulholland, near Hollywood, has to do with the flight of the vehicle from one mountain peak to the other. The idea is Steve’s and grows out of his long experience with planes prior to his advent in motion pictures. Banks Faces Trial for Driving; No License (Special to the Herald) HOLLYWOOD, Oct. 4.— A jail sentence looms for Monty Banks, screen comedian, following his arrest Thursday near his studio for driving a car. Some months ago Banks’ driving license was revoked for speeding. His trial is set for this week. First National has been the busiest during the past month and several important productions are nearing completion. Alexander Korda’s initial American-made picture, “The Private Life of Helen of Troy,” featuring his beautiful wife, Marie Corda, supported by Lewis Stone and Ricardo Cortez, is an elaborate production in every way. It cost in the neighborhood of $750,000 to produce and1 many colorful costumes and beautiful sets were used. Finishing touches were added this week. Rogell Finishing F. N. Special Albert Rogell, directing “The Shepherd of the Hills,” has returned from his Utah location and will finish the picture at Burbank. This is another First National special. Charlie Brabin is directing Milton Sills and a large company in “The Valley of the Giants.” George Fitzmaurice is making “Louisianna,” starring Billie Dove. Marshall Neilan is working on Colleen Moore’s new vehicle, as yet untitled, and great expectations are held for this team to make a great picture. J. F. Dillion, directing Jack Mulhall, Dorothy Mackaill and others in “Man Crazy,” has been startling the countryside with a big yellow car which Mulhall drives. The picture will be completed this week. “The Caravan Trail” has been occupying Ken Maynard’s time for the past month. Harry J. Brown is directing and a large and complete circus occupies a city block just beyond First National studios. Will Rogers has finished his first picture for First National, “A Texas Steer,” and seemed to get a lot of fun making it. Richard Wallace directed. “The Gorilla,” adapted from the stage play, is being edited, and Harry Langdon has started another temporarily called “The 19th Hole.” Fred Thomson Film Complete At the Paramount studios four companies are working on pictures for the fall schedule. Those that are now under way are: “The Side-Show,” which introduced W. C. Fields and Chester Conklin as Paramount’s newest comedy team; “The Gay Defender,” a colorful photoplay of early California life in which Richard Dix is starred; “Serenade” with Adolphe Menjou; “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” the classic satire. Fred Thomson has just finished his initial Paramount production, “Jesse James,” a gripping and entertaining story of one of America’s most noted characters. Another special which will go into production within two weeks is “Abie’s Irish Rose,” adapted from Ann Nichols successful stage play. Leo Meehan Directing “Freckles” Another busy lot is that of F B O where seven companies are shooting. J. Leo Meehan is directing “Freckles,” a Gold Bond production, with Johnny Fox, ( Continued on page 24)