The Film Daily (1931)

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 1931 2 Completed, 4 in Work at First National Studio First National in the past week completed two productions and sent them to the ratting rooms, while four other pictures are either Hearing completion or have been started. The two picture on which all shooting was finished are "Big Business ( iirl," with Loretta Young and Frank Albertson, and "Party Husband", with Dorothy Mackaill and James Rennie. The four films now under way are "The Finger Points", Richard Barthelmess vehicle in which Fay Wray plays the feminine lead; "Chances," in whigh Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. has the leading role; "Broadminded" starring Joe E. Brown, with Ben Lyon, Ona Munson and Marjorie White playing important parts, and "You and I" tin screen version of the Philip Barry play in which Lewis Stone, Kvalyn Knapp, Charles Butterworth, Una Merkel and Doris Kenvon head the cast. A Little from a Lots By RALPH WILK Two Assigned Through Beyer Xed Sparks has been signed through Charles Beyer for a co-featured role in "The Iron Man," which is being made by Universal. Murray Kinnell. has been engaged through Beyer for a part in "Public Enemy," which is being made by Warner Brothers. Donald Cook Gets Big Role Donald Cook has been given a big role opposite Edward G. Robinson in "The Idol.'' Warner production. Reginald Owen and Luis Alberni are other members of the cast. Michael Curtiz is directing. UOWARD HIGG1N, who injured his leg while directing "The Painted Desert," is not allowing his injury to check hi s film activities. Since he has been confined to his home he has prepared two original stories, in collaboration with Elliott Clawson. * * * The Marquis de la Falaise will direct the French version of "Madame Julie" for Radio Pictures. Arrangements hare been made with the United Artists exchanges of Europe for the release of all French versions produced and directed by the Marquis. "Red Hot Sinners," Winnie Lightner's new starring picture, starts production at the Warner Bros, studios this week. Sharing headline honors with Miss Lightner will be Chic Johnson and Ole Oleson. and the cast also numbers among it > members Claude Gillingwater, George Byron. Vivienne Oakland, Dorothy Christy, Virginia Sale and Charles Grapewin. Dialogue is by Arthur Caesar and continuity by William K. Wells. Van Dine Writing Feature for F.N. S. S. Van Dine, who was signed recently to write a series of two-reel detective mysteries for Vitaphonc production, has been assigned to do a feature-length story for First National. He also will adapt it for the screen. The story may be used as a William Powell vehicle. Two Spanish Comedies Started by Hal Roach Laurel and Hardy have finished "Politiquerias," Spanish version of "Chickens Come Home," and are now working with Tom Seymour, Charley Rogers and Gil Pratt on the story of their next Hal Roach production for M-G-M. Charley Chase has started "Monerias," Spanish version of "Rough Seas." Angelita Benitez is taking the place of the blonde Thelma Todd, Manuel Granado is replacing Carlton Griffith while Charley Chase and The Ranch Boys retain their original characters. James Parrott is still directing his brother, Charley, and Art Llovd is still at the camera. Mandelstamm Going Abroad After spending two years in Hollywood, where he is under contract to Paramount. M-G-M and Fox as general supervisor for scenarios and pictures with a French background or with French dialogue, Valentin Mandelstamm will sail the latter part of this month for a vacation in France. Baron Mandelstamm, who is also the French Foreign Office's motion picture representative in Hollywood, will confer with French authorities regarding questions arising out of production and distribution of French dialogue pictures by American companies. Two years ago. when he was in Paris, he was instrumental in helping solve the quota question. Bushell Replaces Manners Anthony Bushell has been cast by First National in "Chances," taking the place of David Manners, who had to pass up the role due to being busy in "The Millionaire." emm MISGUIDED SEX APPEAL IN A x EDwARD EVERETT HoRTON LAUGH PANIC PRODUCED FROM ■*•««•■*•« -i— l.pu* ALWOODS'PRIZED STAGE PLAY/ Patsy Ruth Miller Directed by Russell Mack O N ELY WIVES Another Box Office History maker from "The House of Hits" FATHER You Can Cover The Buying Power of the ^Motion Picture IJndustry levery day of the Year through the columns of THE FILM DAILY