The Film Daily (1931)

THE Sunday, March 1, 1931 HOLLYWOOD ACTIVITIES CURRENT HAPPENINGS FLASHED BY WIRE FROM THE COAST HUGHES MAY TURN OUT FOR UNITED ARTISTS Having augmented his organization with the recent acquisition of E. B. Derr and C. E. Sullivan, it is probable that Howard Hughes will turn out as many as 10 productions for United Artists this year. Work is almost finished on 'The Front Page," which will be followed by a Billie Dove picture under the direction of Frank Lloyd, then "Queer People," "Whitey," "Rivets" and "Scarface." Howard Hawks will direct "Scarface," and Edward Sedgwick also has been signed to do a feature comedy. Robert Benchley is under contract to write for Hughes. "Cure for Blues" Cast Chosen Frank Borzage has rounded up the supporting cast for Will Rogers in "Cure for the Blues,'" and work is under way on the George Ade comedy at the Fox studios. Fifi Dorsay, Lucien Littlefield, John T. Murray, Donald Dillaway, C. Henry Gordon and Lucille Browne are in the supporting cast. Willis to Adapt "Meet the Wife" F. McGrew Willis has been signed to prepare the adaptation of Columbia's ;'Miet the Wife," which the Christie Brothers will produce. New Vehicle for Montgomery "The Man in Possession," a picturization of the current season's Broadway stage play of that name, has been selected by M-G-M as a new vehicle for Robert Montgomery. It will be directed by Sam Wood. Marion Davies' Next "Five and Ten," a picturization of Fannie Hurst's novel of this name, will be Marion Davies' new M-G-M starring picture. A LITTLE from "LOTS ►// By RALPH WILK Added To "Too Many Cooks" Sharon Lynn, Erville Alderson, Clifford Dempsey and George Dempsey have been added to RKO's "Too Many Crooks", starring Bert Wheeler, under the direction of William A. Seiter. Autograph Bandit? A number of dollar bills bearing the autographs of screen players were stolen by an armed bandit who entered the home of William Haines. The comedian, who had the mementos on the walls of his bedroom, is trying to figure out whether the intruder was after the coin or the autographs. f EIGH JASON, producer of Radio Pictures' "Humanettes," carries a toy pistol when he goes into a story conference. When a confrere suggests an especially stale gag for the picture, Jason pulls his pistol and fires at him. It has worked wonders, Jason avers. * * * Samuel Godfrey, who directed the dialogue for "Doctors' Wives," for Fox, will also direct the dialogue for "Young Sinners." * * * Production on "Salvation Nell" had to be held up for three da>s, due to the illness of Helen Chandler, who plays the title role. During a night scene, Miss Chandler's eyes were affected by the set lights and she was compelled to remain in a dark room for three days. * * * The addition of Harry Northrup to the cast of "The Squawman," places in the talkers two players who were in the original New York stage production of the play. Mitchell Lewis, who played "Grouchy" when the play had its tryout in Toledo several years ago, is also in the screen cast. * * * Our Passing Show: William C. DeMille and Bartlett Cormack attending the Los Angeles Tennis Club tournament; Walter Long and Allen E. Rivkin at "Once in a Lifetime"; Dave Bader taking a workout at the Universal gymnasium; Jack Ross entertaining at a birthday party. * * * Noel Francis' initial role under her new contract with Radio Pictures gives her a part for the screen that duplicates her life before coming to pictures. She is playing a show girl in "Waiting at the Church," which William J. Craft is directing * * * & Here and There: Frank Albert Goosens Succeeds Wiley Steven Goosens has succeeded Harrison Wiley, resigned, as art director at Columbia. Marion Shilling in "Big Brother" Marion Shilling will appear with Richard Dix in "Big Brother", which Fred Niblo will direct for RKO. Boris Karloff also is a recent cast addition. William Janney in Pathe Comedy William Janney, juvenile, plays a leading role in "Parents Wanted", RKO Pathe comedy directed by Harry Sweet. son and Ben Markson, products of the Middle West, the former from Fergus Falls, Minn., and the latter from Des Moines, la., chatting at Radio Pictures; Harvey Thew and Edward Dean Sullivan, associates on the old New York "Herald," holding a reunion at Warner-First National. To learn the business of making pictures, LeRoy Prinz, nationally known dance producer, has joined the assistant director's staff of Cecil B. DeMille's "The Squawman." Following his present work, Prinz will return to New York to train the chorus for the new Ziegfeld Follies. Through Nat C. Goldstone, Monroe Owsley has been signed to a long term contract by M-G-M. He will play a leading role in Fannie Hurst's story, "Five and Ten." Byron Morgan, who wrote the screen play and dialogue for "Upper Underworld," which will be directed by Rowland V. Lee, is now writing the screen play and dialogue for "Five-Star Final," which will also be produced by First National. NED MANN TO PRODUCE INDEPENDENT SERIES Ned Mann, miniature film expert and responsible for the technical and trick camera work on "Noah's Ark," "Beloved Rogue," "The Bat Whispers," and Columbia's special, "Dirigible," soon to be released, plans to produce a series of independent pictures in Hollywood this spring. Mann left last week for New York to close an important distributing contract. Harry Ratner is representing Mann in the East. Tibbett Film Titled "The Prodigal" is final title for Lawrence Tibbett's new M-G-M starring film, formerly known as "The Southerner," by Bess Meredyth and Wells Root, directed by Harry Pollard. The supporting cast includes Esther Ralston, Roland Young, Hedda Hopper and Cliff Edwards. Mary Brian Borrowed by RKO RKO has borrowed Mary Brian for the lead in "Waiting at the Church", featuring Jack Mulhall, Noel Francis, Joseph Cawthorn and Johnny Hines. William J. Craft will direct and Louis Sarecky will supervise. Polly Moran Signs New Contract Polly Moran has been signed to a new long-term contract by M-G-M. HOLLYWOOD PLAZA Hollymood's most convenient hotel. . . for your ir inter stay in Southern California ONE of California's most popular winter hotels. Right in the heart of movieland ...next door to famous theatres, studios, cafes, and shops. ..near golf courses, bridle paths, and other amusement places. The Plaza offers you luxurious appointments, excellent service, homelike hospitality, and the company of interesting and famous people. European plan. Special Winter Rates Now; S3.50,single. $5.00, double. $6.00, twin beds. Ask for weekly and monthly rates. Remember the Plaza... for an unforgettable winter in Hollywood. 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