The Film Daily (1930)

THE Sunday. June 1, 1930 PRODUCTION IN THE EAST WHO'S WHO AND WHAT'S WHAT IN GREATER NEW YORK STUDIOS FEATURED TALENT USED As an initial step in mapping out short subject production at the Paramount New York studio, Larry Kent, head of the short subject department, has created three subdivisions of the one-reel group. According to this plan, the product will consist of equal numbers of comedies, personality sketches and novelties. Comedy will be the keynote of the two-reel subjects. In the one-reel personality group, popular players of the stage and some of Paramount's featured players will be starred. Among the sketches scheduled for early production in this group are one-reel productions starring Ginger Rogers, Lillian Roth and Frank Morgan from the contract players' ranks, and Marion Harris and Armida from the free lance field. Among the stellar stage and screen performers who will appear in forthcoming two-reel comedies are Smith and Dale, stars of "Mendel, Inc." who have made several previous comedies for Paramount; Tom Howard, who starred in "The Spy," a two-reel comedy hit filmed at the New York studio last fall; and Lulu McConnell, who will repeat her previous screen success in the short subject field. In order to meet the release schedule announced by Lasky, the New York studio will be called upon to turn out two-reelers each week and one two-reel comedy each fortnight. For this week, Larry Kent has secured the services of Max Hayes as dialogue specialist and of Morton Blurnenstock, Ray Cozine and Norman Taurog as directors. One complete stage in the new annex of the studio has been turned over to the short subject department and William Steiner has been placed in charge of the photography of these productions. Paramount Making Picture Aboard Large Yacht Here What is believed to be the first time that sound pictures have ever been made aboard a sea-going yacht, is now taking place at Port Washington, L. I., where Paramount is making initial scenes for "Heads Up." Two sound trucks are being used, one on shore and the other on a barge adjoining the yacht. Two hundred and fifty people, including the sound crew, are at work on the picture, with O. V. Johnson, location manager, responsible for their welfare. Short Shots from New York Studios By HARRY N. BLAIR WITAPHONE believes it has a new child wonder in 6-year-old Roy Le May, who makes his screen debut in "Bright Sayings." The youngster's ability to carry a scene with Harry Tighc and Irene Shirley, both stage veterans, causes director Arthur Hurley to predict a brilliant future for him. The approach of warm weather is leading many of the profession to South Fallsburg, N. Y., where "Fain Lodge" is located. This popular hostelry is kept by the daddy of Sammy Fain, Paramount staff composer and radio artist. "Everything Happens To Me," comedy by Sam Kopp and Harry Hayman, newspaper men, has been completed by Arthur Hurley for Vitaphone Varieties. James B. Carson, who starred in Jesse Lasky's first big vaudeville ventures, heads the cast which also includes Leo Hoyt, Sid Garry and Lucile Lortel. Victor Heerman, who is now putting the finishing touches on "Animal Crackers," at the Paramount New York studios, also directed one of the musical sequences in "Paramount on Parade," recently. Director Roy Mack gave Drusilla Strain a break in one of his recent shorts. The lovely chorine from "Fifty Million Frenchmen" had been just one of the hoofers in a number of Vitaphone Varieties, but in her latest she played a "bit" and carried it off very well. "Why Am I So Romantic" is the plaint which Hal Thompson sings to Lillian Roth in "Animal Crackers." It's a brand new, sure-fire number just composed by the team of Kalmar and Ruby. Five years a father and never a son! Leo Hoyt is the miracle man. Leo played Abie's father for five years in "Abie's Irish Rose." Now he's playing in "Everything Happens to Me," a dialect comedy directed by Arthur Hurley for Vitaphone Varieties. Burnet Hershey's burlesque, "Nay, Nay, Nero," has been directed for Vitaphone Varieties by Roy Mack. Hugh Cameron, stage and screen comedian, plays Nero, supported by Bobby Watson, musical comedy juvenile, Nora Swinburne, Joe Lewis and Omar Glover. W. R. Laidlaw, Jr., of the Paramount New York studio writing staff, has been assigned to write the adaptation, continuity and dialogue on "Skippy," which goes into production in August. Ginger Rogers is all skinned up as a result of her opening scene with Jack Oakie in "The Sap From Syracuse" in which she and Oakie collide on the deck of an ocean liner ivith disastrous results. The large personal following of Mark Hellinger, columnist; DeWolf Hopper, stage veteran; James J. Corbett, ex-heavyweight champion, and Damon Runyan, sports writer, is expected to result in much comment on "The Round Table," a Vitaphone Varieties just completed by Murray Roth, in which this famous quartette is featured. Margaret Irving, featured in "Animal Crackers," plans an extensive tour of Europe, following completion of the picture. This will mark the actress' first vacation in seven years, five of which have been spent in Marx Bros, productions. Henry Armetta, Italian comedian, is expected in New York on June 10 to appear in RKO comedies with Nick Basil. Mark Sandrich, director, and Rube Welch, are now collaborating on the story. Larry Kent played escort to Ray Miller and Maxie Rosenbloom, well known prize ring experts, on a recent visit to the Paramount New York studios. Ruth Etting, who recently completed her second Vitaphone short at Warner Bros. Eastern studio, has the reputation of bringing good luck to her supporting players. Humphrey Bogart and Joan Blondell, who worked in her first picture, both are in Hollywood with nice, fat contracts. Don Cook, her latest leading man is hoping the charm will work with him, also. Max Manne, in charge of sound effects at the Paramount New York studios, was production manager at the Roxy theater for two years. PHIL ARMAND Chief Cameraman Ten years with Christy Cabanne. Lately with Warner Vitaphone International Photographers, Local 644 233 W. 42nd St., Tel. Wisconsin 3465 HAROLD BEAUDINE ADDED TO VITAPHONE DIRECTORS Harold Beaudine, formerly director for Universal and Christie on the West Coast, has been signed by Sam Sax for the Vitaphone Varieties staff at the Warner Bros, eastern studio. Increased production necessitated this addition, giving Murray Roth, director-in-chief, three directors on the lot. Besides Beaudine, these are Arthur Hurley and Pov Mack. Charles Ruggles' Contract is Renewed by Paramount Paramount has renewed contract of Charles Ruggles as a featured player. Ruggles, who has completed work in "Queen High," based on the musical success in which he starred, leaves soon for the Coast to play with Jeanette MacDonald in "Honeymoon Hate." Upon completion of this talker he returns to the Paramount New York studio to resume work. Ruggles closes a brief vaudeville tour at the Keith-Albee in Providence Saturday. Lillian Roth Busy Lillian Roth, whose return to Hollywood was delayed long enough to make a short subject upon the completion of "Animal Crackers," will leave in a few days for the Paramount West Coast studios where she is scheduled to appear opposite Maurice Chevalier in his next picture. Newmeyer Returning Fred Newmeyer is returning to the Paramount New York studios after a brief visit to Hollywood. His next picture is "Best People," which will be made in the East. No cast has been chosen as yet. j.: B 8 FRANK ZUCKER Photographing a Series of 8 I LOUIS BROCK I! RKO Productions ?^«««««*»K»S«.»K*«MO««»«»IV'