The Film Mercury (1926-27)

Page Six THE FILM MERCURY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1927 Hollywood, Calif. T|,„ „ „„ ANABEL LANE] ! Says j + When a film proves a flop and the tracing on whom to place the blame commences, the process that generally develops in a studio is a series of alibis. The person who does the adaptation claims that the original story that he or she had to adapt was poor and unsuitable for screen material. The continuity writer declares the adaptation held few possibilities to build on. The casting director, if the cast is poor, declares that the characters are vague and hard to cast. The director has the cast and the scenario to fall back on. The players have the director, the photography and poor story material. The cameraman blames the laboratory. The supervisor proves everyone else is responsible for the bad picture except himself. In the process of deduction Sherlock Holmes would have a difficult task trying to trace who is really to blame. When a production, however, is a success, or, as the billboards proclaim in large letters “a triumph,” the very persons who have alibied their past mistakes by saying that they do not get an opportunity to express themselves, as a lone person cannot turn out a good film, reverse their contention. Each individual claims sole credit for the success of the photoplay. There are no alibis now. It would tax the same old noodle of Sherlock Holmes to try to discover who should be credited for the film being a superior piece of work. In most cases it is neither the writer, director, actor, cameraman nor supervisor who are responsible for the success of a picture, but that fickle individual— Dame Luck. A habit of taking the surname of a well known star and using it as bait at the box office is an established custom in the movies. The latest name that has been borrowed is that of the world famed name Barrymore. We now have a William Barrymore to add to illustrious cognomens. Eastern Theatre Notes New York — Cy Barr sells his Subway Theatre, Myrtle Avenue and Flatbush Extension, to M. Grossman of United Theatre. New Universal theatre to open Thursday, September 1 5th, in Brooklyn, with 3,000 capacity and be named the Universal. Sobelson & Unger purchase Daress at Boonton, N. J., with 1,200 seats, effective July 31st. They also operate West End and Lincoln at Newark and Elmora in Elizabeth. Loew again reported after M. & S. Commodore Theatre on lower east side and principals met July 29th. If the deal goes through, Loew starts operation in September. Henry Siegel opened Windsor Theatre, 1 5th Avenue and 40th Street, Brooklyn, recently. Gloria Swanson’s “Love of Sunya” is opening feature with added attractions and theatre seats 1,200. Beverly Theatre in Brooklyn closed for repairs by Henry Siegel. Fabrian Theatre at Paterson, N. J., installing $100,000 cooling system. Tompkins in Brooklyn changes to three day a week policy for summer. Tip Top on Central Avenue, Brooklyn closed July 25th for a month by M. Chasanow. Newark to have new $150,000 theatre at Elmwood Avenue and Washington Street by S. Rubins. Plans being drawn. Mayfair Theatre on West 44th Street changes from legitimate to foreign pictures starting in August. Myrtle Theatre in Brooklyn sold by M. Romano to Boston exhibitor and house will remain closed for summer. Farmingdale Theatre Corp. to build new theatre on Main Street at cost of $150,000 at Farmingdale, L. I. Equity Theatres, Inc., now operating Majestic and Criterion at Bridgeton, N. J., which were acquired from Franklin Theatre Company. Stanlev-Fabian plan 2,000 seat theatre at Lyons Avenue and Clinton Place, Newark, and papers have been filed. The circuit is also erecting a 1,500 seat house at Pearl and Commerce Streets, Bridgeton, N. J. Moss Sells Out to Keith B. S. Moss sells his theatres to Keith-Albee for $3,500,000 with exception of Colony and Cameo Theatres, and a building site. Moss houses joined K-A agency some years ago with Mr. Moss remaining the operator, and sharing in profits up to 50%. The Keith-Albee Orpheum merger is just waiting for approval of E. F. Albee. r, Bookkeeper Wanted — Knowledge of film business essential, to take full charge; executive ability. Write quali fi c a t i o n s and experience. Box Z, Film Mercury. HOLLYWOOD CABINET SHOP Peroid Furniture & Reproductions Office and Store Fixtures Piano and Furniture Refinishing GLadstone 4913 6416 Sunset Blvd. “My business is to make the world laugh ! JAMES MADISON SCENARIOS, GAGS AND TITLES CJI I \ % % % % % % % % % %, Charles R. Condon SCENARIO “One Round Hogan" Starring MONTE BLUE Directed by HOWARD BRETHERTON A WARNER BROS. FEATURE