Exhibitors Herald and Moving Picture World (Apr-Jun 1930)

88 EXHIBITORS HERALD-WORLD June 7, 1931 « Wide Film Progress Depends On Standardizing, Says Lasky And Clarke Reaffirms Position That Fox Will Perfect All Inventions and Distribution Plans Before Theatres Even Have Opportunity to Use Grandeur By DOUGLAS HODGES HOLLYWOOD, June 4. — The motion picture industry will not be plunged into a second dilemma by the introduction of wide film. Profiting by the experience the industry had with the introduction of talking pictures, leaders in the industry are determined to withhold practical use of wide film until a period of thorough experimentation has passed. Two leading executives, Jesse L. Lasky and Harley L. Clarke, expressed these views in interviews this week. Clarke reassured me that General Theatres Equipment, Inc., has all patents on Grandeur and that that company will perfect all its experiments, inventions and distribution plans before theatres will have an opportunity even to make use of it. And Lasky stated: “Until the width of the film is standardized, there can be no real progress in this field. Wide film should be developed in the normal sequence of events. While producers realize that it is necessary, many believe it should not be rushed.” Lasky also touched upon other subjects in production in the following manner: “There is no trend in anything so fertile as talking pictures. “Color is here to stay. Slowly and surely, it is becoming more commercial and soon it will be universally used. “Everyone connected with the nicture industry should know at least two languages. The man or woman who does is twice as valuable. “The sheik type of actor has gone. “Personality is a matter of voice. There is sex in voice as well as in figure. “If an audience laughs at a screen love scene, that is no reason why romance should not be pictured. Such a laugh means that the scene was poorly directed or enacted. “Talking pictures will change the technique of making love. “There always will be screen stars, at least so long as the world worships its Babe Ruths, Lindberghs, Jack Dempseys and elects Presidents.” Paramount this week signed Dorothy Christy to play an important feminine role in “Little Cafe,” which will be made with Ludwig Berger directing. Maurice Chevalier will star. Larry Darmour is following the trend of war dramas with a two-reel comedy entitled “Men Without Skirts.” In it he is using hundreds of troops, yards of trenches, dugouts, explosives and zeppelins. Dane and Arthur are the starring team directed by Lewis R. Foster. Samuel Zierler, head of the James Cruze Production Company, has signed Cullen Tate as Production Manager. Tate has a reputation of being one of the best known assistant directors in the industry. Due to the fact that Hollywood is now drawing some of the best writers in America from the East into the motion picture business, the screen is now being supplied by “the original story.” The day of the revamped stage play and the re-written novel is waning, according to Wallace Smith, author. Herman Fowler, head of the Fowler Studios, this week signed the Four Kovans, vaudeville quartet; Harry Cody, ukelele expert, Caldwell’s twelve piece orchestra and a chorus of twenty bathing beauties. Jack Laughlin is directing the first of a series called “Minstrels Ala Carte,” with many of the above acts featured. Frank Lloyd has signed George DuCount for a heavy role in “Adios,” which went into production yesterday at First National. Richard Barthelmess is the star. Tolstoi’s Great Novel , “ Resurrection,” to Be Produced by Universal (Special to the Herald-World, ) NEW YORK, June 4. — Arrangements have been made with Inspiration Pictures and Edwin Carewe, by Carl Laemmle, for the production by Universal of “Resurrection,” Tolstoi’s great novel. Carewe produced the story some years ago in silent form. The role of Maslova, which was played for years on the stage by Blanche Walsh, and by Dolores Del Rio on the silent screen, will be played by Lupe Velez in the new sound version. “Bullet Proof,” a forthcoming novel from the pen of W. R. Burnett, has been purchased by Universal, and will be used for a vehicle for John Wray, who played the part of Himmelstoss in “All Quiet on the Western Front.” Harold Lloyd Hunts Pet Dog Poisoner (Special to the Herald-World) BEVERLY HILLS, CAL., June 4. — Harold Lloyd’s pet dog, a great dane, named Champion Illo Von Der Rahon, entered in the Hollywood dog show, died from poison, and two other dogs, entered in the same show, also died. Lloyd has detectives working on the case now. Three New Pathe Films Have 53 Popular Names Listed in the Cast (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, June 4. — Fifty-three name: indicating 53 popular players, appear in th casts of the first three productions corn pleted for the Pathe 1930-31 schedule. “Swing High,” the musical circus romanc i directed by Joseph Santley, has an all-sta cast of sixteen. They include Hele Twelvetrees, Fred Scott, Dorothy Burges: Ben Turpin, Chester Conklin, Bryan Washburn, George Fawcett, Robert Edesor Stepin Fetchit, John Sheehan, Daphn Pollard, Nick Stuart, Sally Starr, Littl Billy, William Langan and Mickey Bennet : Eddie Quillan’s current picture, “Nigl Work,” directed by Russell Mack, ha twenty-six in the cast. Besides Quilla there are Sally Starr, Frances Upton, Joh T. Murray, Robert McWade, Georg Duryea, Douglas Scott, Addie McPhail, K Guard, Georgia Caine, Billie Bennet George Billings, Tempe Pigott, Tom Dugai Ben Bard, Nora Lane, Ruth Lyons, Mai jorie Kane, Charles Clary, Tack Mac! Arthur Lovejoy, Marian Ballou, Marth Mattox, James Donlin, Harry Bowen, Rut j Hiatt and Jed Prouty. “Holiday,” starring Ann Harding an directed by E. H. Griffiths, adds eleven mor names to the Pathe roster. These include I besides the star, Mary Astor. Robert Ame: Edward Everett Horton, Hedda Hoppei ] Creighton Hale, Hallam Cooley, Mabe Forrest, William Holden, Monroe Owsle and Audrey Forrester, the latter two fror I the original stage production of Phili Barry’s play. Glenn Hunter Signs with Tiffany; Will Have Lead In Film , “Why Marry’ ( Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, June 4.— Glenn Hunte: famous as “Merton of the Movies,” both o the stage and the screen, has signed wit Tiffany and will take one of his first talkin pictures at the Tiffany studios. He has bee assigned the leading male role in the fare melodrama, “Why Marry,” with Ver Reynolds. Frank Strayer will direct. “The Third Alarm,” which Tiffany i going to remake as a talker, is expected t be most effective as a sound picture, in tha I the motor effects, sirens and crowd scene will be much more realistic. Ona Munson Signs Long Term Contract with Fh (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, June 4. — Ona Munsoi Broadway musical comedy player, ha signed a long term contract with Firs National pictures, and will be featured in series of screen plays. In private life he name is Mrs. Eddie Buzzell. Douglas Fairbanks to Get Income Tax Refunt (S^ertnl +o th° Herald-World) WASHINGTON, June 4.— A tax refund o $109,768 to Douglas Fairbanks has been rec ommended by the Treasure department fo overpayments in 1924 and 1926.