The Film Daily (1929)

Monday, September 23, 1929 Grey Plans Production of Series of Talkers Production of the first of a series iof feature talkers, and synchronization of D. W. Griffith films which are to be revived by Photo-Kinema Inc., will be undertaken on his arrival at the Coast by Albert G. Grey, 'general manager in charge of production and distribution, who leaves New York today. "Way Down East" is the first of the Griffith revivals, and will be ready for release about Dec. 1, Grey states. In Los Angeles, he is to handle scheduled opening Oct. 7 of "The Great Gabbo" at the Criterion. Schwab and Mandel to Produce for Paramount Schwab and Mandel, theatrical producers, have formed an affiliation with Paramount. They plan to produce two productions a year at the company's Long Island studio to be released under their own names. All material will be prepared by them. They will adopt a no-star policy. Robbins Seeks New House Syracuse — Due to the acquisition of the Temple by Publix, Mutual burlesque may occupy the Syracuse, as Nathan L. Robbins, holding the Syracuse franchise for Mutual, is said to be negotiating with the lessees of that house with a view to installing the Mutual shows there after Sept. 21. The Syracuse at present is playing pictures but has a stage large enough to enable the presentation of burlesque shows, it is reported. Winnipeg House Reopens Winnipeg — The Capitol reopened Sept. 2 with an R-K-O Vaudeville and sound picture policy following the rebuilding of the theater front and stage and the completion of other extensive alterations. The theater became one of the new units of the R-K-O of Canada, Ltd., the vaudeville being transferred from the Orpheum to the Capitol Theater. H. Bishop continues as manager. Becomes Paramount House Atlanta — The Howard is now starting operations for the new season as the Paramount. Incorporated in Indiana Mishawaka, Ind. — B. C. & L. Theaters, Inc., of Mishawaka has been formed here. The incorporators are Max Brown, Lewis Cochevety and Henry Lowenstine of South Bend and Oscar Lambiotte of this city. W. E. Equipment Ordered Fort Atkinson, Wis. — E. Terry, manager of the Fort theater, will install Western Electric equipment in a few weeks. Neenah to Open in Two Weeks Neenah, Wis.— The Neenah Theater, being built by the Brin Enterprises, Milwaukee, is fast nearing completion and will open in two weeks. 'Coast Wire Servicer Stars Signed by ColorArt Now On Broadway CONTRACTS FOR DENNY, RALST0N,]0N 8TR0HEIM Three prominent featured players have been signed by the Color-Art Syncro-Tone Corp. They are Esther Ralston, Reginald Denny and Eric Von Stroheim. Denny has played in many Universal features, while Von Stroheim's latest role was that of the ventriloquist in James Cruze's "The Great Gabbo." M-G-M Plans Picture From Stroheim Story M-G-M is planning to produce a Picture from an original story by Eric von Stroheim. It is expected to be included in this year's program "Paris" to Be Seen Soon "Paris," in which Irene Bordoni sings, is in the final stages of editing at First National. The lyrics in the production have been written by Al Bryan and set to music by Eddie Ward. Miss Bordoni is supported by Jack Buchanan, the English comedian. "Hell Harbor" Troupe at Tampa Henry King, Jean Hersholt, John Holland and other members of the United Artists "Hell Harbor" company have arrived at Tampa for two months location work. The picture is an adaptation of Rida Johnson Young's novel, "Out of the Night." Lupe Velez is to join the company soon. Louise Lorraine for "U" Serial Louise Lorraine will portray the heroine in "The Lightning Express" a railroad story by Frank H. Spearman, which will be made in ten episodes. There will be both silent and sound version of the serial. In "Lone Star Ranger" Cast Additions to the cast of "The Lone Star Ranger," which is in production in Arizona, are Colin Chase and Oliver Eckhardt. This is the Zane Grey story directed by A. F. Erickson and features George O'Brien and Sue Carol. Arman Kaliz in New Role Arman Kaliz, has an important role in "The Children," a Paramount talking picture now in production with Mary Brian, Frederic March, Kay Francis, Lilyan Tashman, and David Newell. Lothar Mendes is directing. M-G-M Contract for Nugents J. C. Nugent and his son, Elliott, have been signed to long-term contracts by M-G-M. They have just completed work in "Wise Girls." Elliott's next role will be in "Father's Day." A Little from "Lots" By RALPH W1LK Hollywood pLIFFORD BROOKE, who was ^ a stage director of a long series of John Drew plays and who was also with Sir James Harris in England, is "doubling in brass" at M-G-M. He is playing an important character role in "Devil May Care" and is also associated with Director Sidney Franklin for work in connection with the dialogue of the picture. * * * The call of the screen has again been too strong for Charles he Moyne, veteran stage and screen -player who for the past three years has devoted his time to his ranching interests. He has sold his ranch holdings and will return to pictures. Years ago he was a member of the Oliver Morosco stock company at the old Burbank theater, Los Angeles. * * * Our Passing Show: Bobby North busy at First National; Winfield R. Sheehan congratulating Fifi Dorsay on her singing at the dedication of the Fox Movietone laboratory of research; Charles Judels, Lola Lane, L. Wolfe Gilbert, Joseph Wagstaff and Frank Richardson also scoring hits at the entertainment xvhich followed the dedication. * * * Alan Birmingham, who registered so well in "Masquerade," his initial talking picture, is playing opposite Lois Wilson in "The Furies" at First National. * * * William Bakewell has again been cast opposite Alice White, their new vehicle being "Playing Around." D. W. Griffith and Douglas Fairbanks have predicted that young Bakewell is potential starring timber. "U" Signs Frances Agnew Frances Agnew has been signed by Universal to write the adaptation, continuity and dialogue of "The Poor Sport," a magazine story by Rita Weiman, which will be produced as an all-talking picture. Laura La Plante probably will star. Fox Signs Dancers Seven specialty dancers from "Sunny Side Up," which stars Janet Gaynor, have been added to the permanent musical comedy unit under contract to Fox. This, brings the number of the special ensemble to 100 girls. Astor — "Hollywood Revue" Cameo — "Seeds of Freedom" Capitol — "Speedway" Carnegie — "Spy of Madame Pompadour" Central — "Fast Life" Colony — "Tonight at Twelve" Criterion — "The Four Feathers" Fifth Ave. — Valentino revivals : "Son of the Sheik," first half; "Eagle," second half Embassy — "Hallelujah" Fifty-fifth St.— "A Royal Scandal" Film Guild — "Living Russia" Gaiety — "Fox Movietone Follies" Globe— "Street Girl" Geo. M. Cohan— "Flight" Hippodrome — "Show Boat" Loew's New York — Monday, "Broadway Melody;" Tuesday, "Whispering Winds" and "The Phantom Rider;" Wednesday, "Lucky Star;" Thursday, "The Cockeyed World;" Friday, "Twin Beds" and "Riders of the Rio Grande;" Saturday, "Jealousy;" Sunday, "Side Street" Mark iStrand — "Careless Age" Paramount— "Paris Bound" Rialto — "Bulldog Drummond" Rivoli— "The Dance of Life" Roxy — "Married in Hollywood" Selwyn— "The Great Gabbo" Warners — "Say It with Songs" Winter Garden — "Gold Diggers of Broadway" Laurel and Hardy Loaned To M-G-M for 'Rogue' Film West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy have been borrowed from Hal Roach to appear in "The Rogue's Song," which Lionel Barrymore is directing for M-G-M with Lawrence Tibbett as the star. Another addition to the cast is Nellie V. Nichols. Howard Adds Singer to Cast Carlo Schipa, brother of the opera star, Tito Schipa, has been cast in "The Hurdy Gurdy Man," George Jessel starring vehicle which William K. Howard is directing for Fox. Others in the cast are Lila Lee, John Loder, Henry Kolker, David Rollins, Dick Winslow Johnson, Marcia Manon, Henry Armetta and John Reinhardt. Kolker, in addition to appearing in the cast, will act as stage director. Paramount Contract for Toomey Regis Toomey has been signed to a new Paramount contract follow* ing work in "The Love Doctor" and "Illusion." Toomey will be loaned to M-G-M to play opposite Norma Shearer. 2 Warner Films Under Way "The Agony Column," by Earl Derr Biggers, is being produced by Warner Brothers. Another story to be put into production is temporarily called "Dumbells in Ermine." Pictures comprising three-fourths of the new Warner schedule are already either completed or under way. Bretherton Directing Howard Bretherton is directing "Isle of Escape" at Warners with Monte Blue and Myrna Loy in the starring roles. Lucien Hubbard and J. Grubb Alexander adapted it from the story by Jack McLaren. Betty Compson, Noah Beery, Nina Quartaro, Jack Ackroyd and Ivan Simpson are also in the cast.