The Film Renter and Moving Picture News (Nov-Dec 1922)

December 9, 1922. “GEMS OF LITERATURE” ON THE SCREEN. Walturdaw Secure a B. & C. Series of Two-Reel Literary Classics. N pursuance of their policy to support meritorious British | films, the Walturdaw Co., Ltd., have acquired a series of two-reel ‘*B and C©”’ productions which will be known as ‘* Gems of Literature.’’ The series will form an attractive ‘pot pourri’’ of the better known works from the pens of Dickens and Shakespeare and of Classics which have become universally famous. Each subject of the new series will pictorially represent a prominent literary work—cither humorous. or poetic—giving full relevance re the dignity and charm which is naturally associated with Master creations. The whole will form a combination of dainty delves into those treasures of the book-shelf which have made the greatest impression on all classes of the public. Such a wide range of subjects offers infinite scope for variety of period, costume and setting, and coupled with the novelty of seeing famous book characters brought to life will be the added charm of renewing friendships with characters who, to some of us, may have become a trifle ** faded ”’ through sears of seclusion in the book rack. The Comedy Element. Britain's failure in comedy effort in the past has been mainly due to the concentration on ‘‘ slapstick ’’ and ‘‘ heavy ’’ farce, relying mostly on exaggeration and ridicule to create humour, which proves forced and unreal. In the ‘‘ Gems of Literature ’ series the broader and lighter humour embraced by Dickens's and Shakespeare's works will be emphasised, introducing such “ce celebrated comedies as Charles Dickens's ‘* The Boarding House,’’ *' A Matrimonial Adventure,’ ‘* The Great Winglebury Duel’ (from ** Sketches by Boz’’); and Shakespeare's ** Falstaff, the Tavern WNnight,’’ ‘‘ Petruchio, the Wife Tamer,” ** Malvolio, the Amorous Steward,’’ and selections from the joyous comedies of Moliere, including ‘* The Healthy Invalid,” ** The Would-be Gentleman ’’ and ‘‘ Don Juan.’’ Universally popular subjects such as ‘* Box and Cox ”’ and ‘+ The Curfew Shall Not Ring To-night,’’ will also form subjects of the series. The Acting. Each feature will star a prominent British artiste, strict attention being paid to the casting in order to obtain as far as possible artistes bearing the strongest resemblance to the original characters, as conceived from authors’ descriptions or period prints. It is the intention of the ** B and C ’’ Company to utilise British talent oniy, and especial care will be taken to prevent any such talent, particularly in the comedy roles, escaping attention. Direction and Scenarios. The first selection, now being produced at the British and Colonial Studios at Walthamstow, is '‘ The Curfew Shali Not Ring To-night,’’ the evergreen pocm drama, which will be followed by Shakespeare's immortal comedy creation, ** Falstaff, the Tavern Knight ’’ (from the ‘‘ Merry Wives of Windsor ”’). Production is in the hands of EMdwin J. Collins, while Eliot Stannard, who was responsible for the excellent ‘‘ Romance of History ’’ adaptations, has prepared the scenarios for the scries. The Walturdaw Company, in response to requests from exhibitors, is making a sincere endeavour to offer first-class short films. Short features, attractively and carefully produced, are becoming the vogue with picture audiences, and it is almost certain that ‘‘ Goms of Literature ’’ will receive a ready welcome from all quarters. The series will probably be released for exhibition early in the new year. Digitized by Go gle THE FILM RENTER & MOVING PICTURE NEWS. 53 TROUBLE WITH P.R.S. Leeds Opinion on a Vexed Problem. (Mr. I. M. Rush) reported at a C.E.A. meeting at Leeds that a number oftheir members had allowed their subscriptions to lapse, and, in consequence, had experienced a good deal of trouble and expense, having got on the wrong side of the P.R.S. and being called upon to pay that body separately for a general licence to play their music. The Chairman (Mr. T. Herbert Kaye) said it was his view it was high time all the bodies throughout the country who were interested in this matter should get together with the object of having a Bill promoted in Parliament for doing away with the present unfair system of dealing with copyright music. It seemed to him that it would be a simple thing to have a charge of 2d. or 3d. per copy on shect musie, payable at the time of purchase of the same. He was quite satisfied that if they set ubout it in the right way they could secure the support and co-operation of the municipal corporations throughout the country on this matter. Rance a the Performing Rights Society, the Secretary ALLIED ARTISTS ADD MAJOR H. R. HADOW TO LONDON STAFF. EN. MANA GER TROW BRIDGE | has muade an important addition to the London office of the Allied Artists Corporation in the person of Major H. R. Hadow, late 15th Sikhs, Indian Army, who has been persuaded to give up his nilitary career and ‘urn his talents into the channels of com ineree, Major Hadow has had fifteen years with the Indian Army, and seen active service on the N.W. Frontier of India, and in France during the Great War, his regiment being the first of the Indian Expeditionary Force to land in France in October, 1914, at which time Major Hadow held the appointment of Adjutant. Since 1917 he has been employed at the War Office and held successfully the appointments of Staff-Captain in the Military Secretary's department and General-Staff Officer 3rd grade in the Operation and Intelligence branches. During his sojourn in the Fast Major Hadow has earned for himsclf the reputation of a big game hunter in the expedition through Central Asia, Tibet, and Southern India. The Major is now engaged in confidential statistical work for Allied Artists, and brings to his new field a mind highly trained to minute detail, and a charm of manner which has won him a host of friends in the organisation, Mason Hapow. Original from NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY