The Film Mercury (1926-27)

Hollywood, Calif. THE FILM MERCURY, FRIDAY, MAY 21, 1926 Page Five Exhibitors Kick About Contracts In the latest edition of the “Official Bulletin” of the M. P. T. O. A., Joseph M. Seider discusses the uniform contract situation which he said was traveling from “bad to worse.” In part, he stated: “It seems the popular sport in producing and distributing circles these days to see who can add the most clauses to the Standard Exhibition Contract. First, Metro-GoldwynMayer started it with four clauses, then Educational came in with a clause. Recently some independent units thought they would like to extend the playing time from twelve to sixteen months so they proceeded to register in the New York shipping zone. But more recently we were experiencing an avalanche — Film Booking Offices, Pathe, United Artists being among them. “The contract situation has gone from bad to worse. In fact, it has reached that superlative state of “worseness” which those of us, acknowledged to possess some foresight, were not even informed by the usual means of the average hallucinations, let alone the ordinary day dreams.” * * * * “AMATEUR GENTLEMAN” CAST NOW COMPLETE Herbert Grimwood, Gino Corrado, Eric Arnold and John S. Petiss complete the cast of “The Amateur Gentleman,” Richard Barthelmess’ latest starring vehicle under the direction of Sidney Olcott. * * * MARY PHILBIN CHOSEN FOR VICTOR HUGO STORY Mary Philbin has been chosen for the feminine lead in “The Man Who Laughs,” which Universal will produce from the Victor Hugo novel. (r Chambers MUNICIPAL COURT CITY OF LOS ANGELES W. S. Baird, Judge May 13, 1926. Mr. Tamar Lane: 619-620 Taft Bldg., Hollywood, Calif. Dear Mr. Lane: I do not know when I have enjoyed reading any article more than your editorial entitled “IN EXPLANATION.” The judges are in much the same position as yourself, for numbers of people after meeting a judge expect favors on the strength of the introduction, for which there is neither rhyme nor reason. Your paper is the best ii written and the cleanest paper I have read in many moons, and I wish you every success. Very truly yours, W. S. BAIRD, Judge of the Municipal Court. JOHN WATERS SIGNED BY LASKY STUDIOS John Waters, who directed Zane Grey’s “Born to the West,” for Paramount, has been signed on a long-term contract by that organization. • • • CHAS. MACK OPPOSITE DOLORES COSTELLO Charles Emmett Mack has been signed by Warner Bros, to play opposite Dolores Costello in “The Heart of Maryland.” * * * WARNER ASSIGNED FIRST ROLE ON NEW CONTRACT H. B. Warner, who recently signed a long-term contract with the Cecil B. DeMille organization, will play a featured role in “White Gold,” as his first assignment on his DeMille contract. Rupert Julian will direct. Studios Plead for Bus Service Culver City, Hollywood and Universal City want studio-tostudio transportation for the thousands of employees, especially “extras.” Such was the appeal made this week to Examiner W. J. Handford of the California Railroad Commission. An application is before the commission for a permit for the operation of motor buses to and between the three cities. The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Hal Roach, William De Mille, Universal and other studios all told of needs for transportation of thousands of screen workers from Hollywood to the various plants. They said 15,000 persons are on call as extras. Eighty-five per cent of these live in Hollywood, it was claimed. The studios want T. C. Gillespie, who now operates the Pasadena-Ocean Park stage line, to install the needed service. The Los Angeles Railway and the Pacific Electric oppose the plan on the ground they are prepared to supply the needed transportation. However, the commission, after an all-day hearing, yesterday gave the Los Angeles Railway five days to file its brief and Gillespie time in which to reply. • • » Alfred Santell, who is in New York, directing for First National, will direct “The Charleston Kid” as his next production. CAST SELECTED FOR VON STROHEIM FILM Zazu Pitts, Matthew Betts, Cesare Gravina, George Fawcett and George Nichols are included in the cast selected for Eric von Stroheim’s “The Wedding March,” to be filmed for Paramount. * * * TOM WILSON SIGNED BY WARNER BROTHERS Tom Wilson has been signed by Warner Brothers for a role in “Across the Pacific,” in which Monte Blue will have the leading role. • • • NORMA TALMADGE’S NEXT PRODUCTION “The Sunshine of Montmartre,” an original story by Hans Kraly, will be Norma Tal madge’s next production for First National. The Reason Why The Fine Arts Studios always has “room for one more” producing company is obvious. This company anticipates its space requirements before it finds itself carrying a peak burden, and as a result we will seldom if ever be unable to accommodate an additional unit. We respectfully invite inquiries regarding space and rental fees from reputable producers who appreciate the kind of service we have to offer. Fine Arts Studio LOS ANGELES 4500 Sunset Boulevard OLympia 2131 i Bradley King ADAPTED ((T HE PELICAN ” IN PRODUCTION DIRECTED BY FRANK BORZAGE i i *« PREPARING “UP-STREAM” DIRECTION BY JOHN GRIFFITH WRAY