The Film Mercury (1926-27)

Hollywood. Calif THE FILM MERCURY, FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 1926 Page Eleven Motion Pictures — Why, How and Whither By Malcolm Knight No. 2 How — There is rhythm in everything that exists. The permanency of a thing depends upon how co-ordinate its rhythm is. So in producing and editing pictures we must strike a rhythmic balance to make it a true art. A truly artistic painting is rhythmic. Every line, every touch of color and every shading is in harmony and carries its own weight toward expressing the intent of the entire composition. In the popular mind rhythm is usually associated with music but all true arts have their own lhythmic expression. In a recent article on tempo in pictures, by one of our greatest directors, he states that he has had music composed to use during the shooting of his next picture. If we depend too much on music it will give the picture a dance character instead of making it rhythmic in itself. Its similarity to music is that the story is the melody, each scene is a note and each sequence is a phrase. The harmonizing weight or force that each scene carries, and the arrangement of these scenes or notes build up the sequence or phrase. Likewise the harmonising force and the arrangement of the sequences or phrases builds up the picture or the composition. To obtain a true rhythmic picture we must first have an inspirational story that rings true from every angle; attain a thorough conception of the composition in a scientific way, sustain this conception throughout the shooting, also bearing in mind the importance of matching action and timing in directing so the editor will not have to break the tempo nor insert a weak scene or note, or a discord, to get around a had match. Then the editor will have a chance to arrange the composition so it will flow forth as a river, bringing out its thoughts and gathering momentum as it goes until its impetus carries all of its thoughts into the minds of its spectators. FIRST PRODUCTION OF NEW COMPANY STARTED One of the first features for release by the newly organized American Cinema Association has been started under the direction of David Hartford at the Fine Arts studios. The production is from the novel of Frances Nordstrom. The cast includes Robert Frazer, Mary Carr, Lincoln Stedman, Gertrude Astor and Julanne Johnston. * * * LAURA LA PLANTE TO WED WILLIAM SEITER Laura La Plante, Universal star, is to marry William Seiter, director for Universal, according to reports. The date for the wedding has not been set. * * * EASTERN STAGE ACTOR SIGNED BY DE MILLE Kenneth Thomson, New York stage actor, has been signed to a long-term contract by Cecil B. DeMille. He has been assigned the lead opposite Vera Reynolds in her next starring picture, “Risky Business,” which Alan Hale will direct. * * * LEAVING F. B. O. The Douglas MacLean organization is about to sever its connection at the F. B. 0. studios, where it has been renting space to make productions. * * * WEIGHT TO DIRECT FINEMAN PICTURE Harmon Weight is to direct “Forever After,” which Bernard Fineman will produce as his first production for First National. Lloyd Hughes and Mary Astor are to play the leading roles. * * * LON CHANEY SIGNED ON NEW M-G-M CONTRACT Lon Chaney has been resigned on a new long-term contract by the M-G-M studios. Richard Thomas Studio Santa Monica and and Van Ness Ave. Studio Space For Independent Producers Every Facility and Equipment of a Modern, Up-todate Studio. FILM STARS AID JEWISH RELIEF DRIVE That the motion picture industry is in accord with the relief work being done by the United Jewish Appeal is evidenced by offers of assistance coming from members of the local cinema colony. According to I. Iriving Lipsitch, California campaign manager of the drive, such wellknown film personalities as Vera Gordon, Carmel Myers, William Beaudine, Reginald Barker, Tom McNamara, Winifred Dunn, King Baggot, Doris Lloyd and others of like prominence have signified their desire to help the cause in any manner possible. Billie Dove, now in New York, is organizing an Eastern motion picture guild. Louis B. Mayer is chairman of the Los Angeles campaign, while Sol Lesser heads the publicity committee of which Sam W. B. Cohn is the director. * * * DOROTHY SEBASTIAN IN NOVARRO PICTURE Dorothy Sebastian, who was recently placed under contract by the M-G-M studios, is playing a role in Hobart Henley’s production of “Bellamy, the Magnificent,” in which Ramon Novarro is starring. MORE PLAYERS ADDED TO MET. PRODUCTION Malcolm Denny and Jack Henderson have been added to the cast of “Meet the Prince,” which Joseph Henaberry is directing for Metropolitan Pictures. Joseph Schildkraut plays the leading featured role with Marguerite de la Motte opposite him. Others in the cast are David Butler, Julia Faye, Vera Stedman and Helen Dunbar. * * * CAST COMPLETED FOR BLACKTON PRODUCTION The cast for “The Passionate Quest,” which J. Stuart Blackton is making for Warner Brothers is now complete. The cast includes May McAvoy, Willard Louis, Louise Fazenda, Gardner James, DeWitt Jennings, Frank Butler and others. The script was prepared by Marian Constance Blackton from the novel by E. Phillips Oppenheim. * * * GLORIA GREY IN NORWALK PRODUCTION Gloria Grey has been engaged by the Norwalk Productions to be featured in “Glorious Youth,” now being produced under the direction of Robert Woodward. GARNETT WESTON Production Editor Originals — Adaptations — Editing Telephone: GRanite 6754 Famous Players-Lasky For Past Three Years Productions: “Eve’s Secret” “Lord Jim” “The Golden Princess” ’’Behind the Front” “The Trouble With Wives” • ft A Reg. Trade Mark WRIGHT-0 AND IT’S DONE GIL. WRIGHT 417 Taft Bldg. HE. 6812.