The Film Mercury (1926-27)

Hollywood, Calif. THE FILM MERCURY, FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 1926 Page Seven Fortunately, if one chooses with reflective care, there are places where one can be entertained, and delightfully so. Motion pictures cannot be depended upon entirely to accomplish this, but, if under the guidance of those who know how a picture is accompanied with good tableaux, then there is a modicum of chance to be pleased. Such entertaining vaudeville entremets are to be found, but rarely. If one cares for comedy, combined with decent music of the jazz orchestra variety, it can be found in the programs presented by a Los Angeles down-town theatre. The writer has almost always been pleased by the versatility of Rube Wolf, who appears at Loew’s State, but only after having gotten used to, and ignoring, the consuming conceit of him. Fanchon and Marco “Ideas” are pleasing, though it may be said that they are not always so. If the technicolor, or colored photography, whatever the method, is to prove successful, some means must be found whereby the result, as it appears on the screen, is not blotchy, and at times disfiguring to the actor. Only a few pictures which have contained color scenes have been pleasing. Such scenes used in “The Merry Widow” were well done, and the aggregate result was pleasing, as well as one which enhanced the value of the picture. Quite the opposite effect was resulting from color scenes used in “Monte Carlo.” Here the technic was extremely bad, and instead of improving the picture, as was planned, these scenes might well have been retaken and shown in the old black and white. If the lately perfected vocal, or speaking, films become feasible, as is now said to be the Dreiser Against ‘D. W.’ as Director In all the discussion surrounding the possibilities of F. P.’s making of Dreiser’s “An American Tragedy,” Dreiser himself, goes definitely on record as being opposed to D. W. Griffith as the director. F. P. has already announced the picture on its next season’s list and Griffith is named as the director. Dreiser, in a letter to Symon Gould, director of the International Film, Arts Guild, wrote: “At the time of signing the contract, there was some talk of my advising with Mr. Griffith but it was not definitely settled. I think myself that Mr. Griffith is inclined to the sentiment of ‘The Old Homestead’ variety. On the other hand, the agreement reached calls for an exact interpretation of the book. Should vital objection be made by me at any time, it is probable that banalities of a sentimental drift would be eliminated.” * * * POLA NEGRI TO LEAVE FOR EUROPEAN TRIP Pola Negri is expected to leav efor a six weeks’ trip to Europe. Her schedule calls for sailing from New York on April 30 and returning to Hollywood on June 8. case, the screen stars will have a new sort of double. It is to be hoped that this thing will never go so far as to make it possible for the stars themselves to do the speaking. Radio speeches by the stellar celebrities have been disappointing; where the fans expected a wonderful voice to match an engaging personality on the screen, they have heard that which might have been the scissors grinder; thereby losing, by their publicity seeking motives, the support of many of their fans. Much thought and care will have to be expended on this thing, or further damage in this vein will result. It will have to be a mighty pleasing and satisfactory voice that emulates the voices of the actors and actresses. f= = """ = = WILLIAM LESTER Originals — Adaptations — Continuities WITH UNIVERSAL HOlly 3335. > — —y The Board of Governors REX B. GOODCELL Former Collector Internal Revenue SYLVESTER L. WEAVER Former President Chamber of Commerce L. J. CHRISTOPHER President Christopher Ice Cream Co. MARCO H. HELLMAN Chairman of the Board, Heilman Commercial Trust & Savings Bank W. W. BEARMAN Attorney ARTHUR ELDRIDGE Member Board of Public Works C. L. LANGLEY Capitalist P. A. BEHANNESEY President Behannesey Art Studios M. C. LEVEE President United Studios DR. GEORGE A. COLLINS Optometrist M. GORE President West Coast Theatres, Inc. H. R. DAY President Southwest Lithograph Co. I. W. BIRNBAUM President Los Angeles Police Commission A. W. MONROE President Monroe Tire Corp. JOHN CONSIDINE, SR. United Artists’ Corp. WARREN WILLIAMS Attorney A present roster well over the 1200 mark of the Southland’s most socially prominent men and women combined with the stringent rules laid down by the Breakers Club Membership Committee assure a social environment of the best. The Board of Governors, while not financially interested, have agreed to lend their best efforts to guide the destiny of the Breakers Club as a unit. The Breakers has just prepared a book printed in many colors, which shows in pictures and tells of some of the more important features of the Club and its activities. The coupon printed below will bring this book to you without obligation „ . CLUB Property * Executive Offices ■ — :> Ocean Front and fSw a lA _ , „. Marine Terrace PV Floor Spring Arcade Santa Monica w __ Phone Tucker 8085 “The all year_ Club” Membership Committee, 8th Floor, Spring Arcade Bldg. I can qualify for membership in the Breakers Club. Please send me your color book describing the club and its privileges. Name Address Phone Bus. Address.. Phone