The Film Daily (1929)

DAILV Monday, February 4, 1929 Sound on Film or Discs to Be Battle of Year iContinucd from Page 1) installations of cheap equipment which embraces onlv the disc reproduction method. Installations of this equipment, it is said, would result in shutting out dates to soundon-film product. Meanwhile, Warners, firmly entrenched by the success of Vitaphone, will continue to use the disc system, as will most of the independent producers, not licensed by Western Electric for the sound-cnfilm method. First National, controlled by Warners, also will make Vitalphone pictures. With, practically every Western Electric wired house, equipped for disc recording, some of them for disc only, and the many other disc systems installed in theaters Warners figure an "edge'' in the race for playdates. _ In addition to this, the comnany is "sold" on the disc system as the better and more practical. Meanwhile, a number of arguments pro and con on the respective merits of the two systems, are being heard. Complete list of sound-on-film and sound-on-disc systems of sound recording and reproducing is a feature of the Sound Section of THE 1929 FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK, now being distributed. 12 Films on All-Talker Program of Gotham (Continued from Page 1) Bristolphine. Two of the pictures, "Times Square," starring Alice Day and Arthur Lubin, and "The River Woman," starring Lionel Barrymore and Jacqueline Logan, already have been completed. The others are: "Red Velvet by Beth Brown, "The Troupers" by Gerald Beaumont, "Grandstand Angels" by Courtney Riley Cooper, "The Bowery" by Harry Hoyt, "Father and Son" by John Drinkman, "Mothers of Today" by Henry Lloyd, "Violence" by Norman Houston, "The Girl from Argentine" by K. T. Kelsona, "Flappers Must Live" by Mayme Villard. Warner Deal Set for 35 of Equity Chain (Continued from Page 1) Equity Theaters, a new firm capitalized at $2,000,000. The local Equity chain, largest independent group in opposition to the Stanley circuit, which Warners own, comprises 16 theaters. The chain was formed by Green & Altman about a year ago, through pooling of a number of independent houses. Expansion program of Equity is to be carried out by the new company. Incorporators of Warner-Equity include: J. J. Newman of Warner-Stanley, Jacob M. and A. M. Cohen. Coast Wire Service Hollywood Happenings Wolheim-Boyd-Milestone Together Loi'is Wolheini, William Boyd and Director Lewis Milestone, the combination that produced "Two Arabian Knights," will combine their talents again, this time in an all-talking comedy, "Take It Easy." Lupe Velez will follow her work in "Lady of the Pavements" and "The Gaucho" by appearin-j in the picture. "U" Starts "Sweethearts" Production of "Sweethearts," first of a series of two reel talkies, starring Pat Rooney, Maricn Bent Rooney and Pat, Jr., has been started by Universal. Continuity and dialogue was done by Ben Holmes, who will direct. "Rose of the Rancho" Bought "Rose of the Ranoho," stage play, has been purchased by Paramount and will be produced soon as an alltalker. It was written by Richard Walton Tully and David Belasco and was presented first in 1906 with Frances Starr in the title role. World Corp. Dissolved Albany, N. Y.— Notice is given of dissolution of World M. P. Corp., of Delaware. Colman Film Started After 16 weeks of preparation and four weeks of rehearsals, Samuel Goldwyn's first all-talking picture, "Bulldog Drummond," went into production with Ronald Colman in the starring role. The cast includes Joan Bennett, Montagu Love, Lilyan Tashman, Claude AUister, Lawrence Grant, Adolph Milar and Wilson Benge. Wallace Smith wrote the scenario while Sidney Howard wrote the dialogue. F. Richard Jones will direct. William Cowan Assigned William Cowan will direct the first feature of RKO's new program to be made from a story as yet unselected. It will go into production as soon as RKO completes its $250,000 construction job in Hollywood studios. Photophone equipment is now being installed and Cowan expects to start work March 1. Butler Back at Studio David Butler, who has been handling the scenes which George O'Brien, Nora Lane, David Sharpe and Farrell Atacdonald have been taking for "A Son of Anak" in Monterey. Cal., made a flying trip to Los Angeles to see his father, who has been gravely ill. The elder Butler is regarded out of danger, and his son is now back beside the camera. Added to F. N. Cast Tom McGuire, Mickey Moore, Mickey McBauin and Virginia Gray have been added to the cast of "Dark Streets." a forthcoming First National-Vitaphone picture starring Milton Sills. Doris Kenyon is playing the leading feminine role opposite her husband in the production. A Little from t( Lots » By RALPH WILK Hollywood GLIMPSES at "The Divine Lady" premiere at the Carthay Circle; smiling Jack Warner being greeted by friends; Fred Niblo excellent as the master of ceremonies; Nat Rothstein attending his first Coast premiere in several years; Robin Coons, of the Associated Press, attending his initial Coast opening. * * * Indications are that Max Shagrin wrill become a permanent "Coast defender." Max, who is a native of Ohio, was Warner Brothers' representative during the "Noah's Ark" engagement at the Grauman's Chinese, and is now manager of Warner Brothers' theater, in Holljrwood. Max is a thorough showman and has operated his own theaters in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. * * * Our Passing Show: Simeon Alter and Peter Shamrey viewing sets at United Artists; May Boley working in her initial picture at Fox; Milton Br en and Al Rosen plucking Paramount contracts for their players, Al St. John being their latest client to find a place on the Paramount lot; Wallace Smith and Dave Selznick dining at Paramount. * ♦ ♦ Victor Varconi is winning new laurels. His work in "The Divine Lady" was given an ovation at the Carthay Circle premiere, while excellent reports filter in on his actinf; in "Eternal Love," which has been previewed on the Co.i'st. Victor is also weU remember, ed for his work in "The Volga Boatman" and "The King of Kings." Reginald Denny's Next Chosen "Companionate Troubles" has been selected as next starring vehicle for Reginald Denny. It is an original by Gladys Lehman and Earle Snell. William James Craft will direct. New Contract for Chevalier Paramount has signed a new contract with Maurice Chevalier, French star, who came to Hollywood to appear in "Innocents of Pajis." Young Casts Lucien Prival Lucien Prival has been signed to play featured roles in Lon Young's next Chesterfield production, as yet untitled. ii^il^llVi/ilVi/|\i/ilWllVi/|Vl/iiVi/JlVl/JlVi/Jt^^^^ The 1929 Film Daily Year Book IS NOW BEING DISTRIBUTED Mmmmmmmmmmmmi