The Film Mercury (1926-27)

Vol. 6 No. 10 Published 1927 by Mercury Publishing Co. THE FILM IdERCURY VERITAS VINCIT Editorial Office: 1524J/2 Cahuenga Ave. Tel. HOlly 5583 TAMAR LANE Editor E. M. McCray Business Manager AN ABEL LANE Associate Editor Subscription Rates: S3 for 52 issues; £2 for 26 issues, anywhere in the United Mercury Publishing Company will not be responsible for unsolicited manu Mates and its rossessions. 2p% surcharge on Canadian subscriotion. 50% scripts, letters or Dhotograohs and all such material is received at the sender's surcharge on foreign subscriptions. * rjs^ FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1927 British Move Arouses China Film Interests Shanghai. — The motion picture interests are seriously concerned over the apparent attempt of local British interests to establish a censorship on American films imported to China. The proposal does not mention American films, but the British municipal officials here are trying to force the adoption of the municipal regulation that “films which do not have the certification of the board of film censors should not be allowed exhibition without the special sanction of the municipal council.” Owing to the fact that the American film industry largely is centered in Shanghai where there are several Americanowned film houses as well as distributing organizations, it is believed that the purpose of the British move is to clamp a lid on American films in China. The British interests in China for long have been opposed to the extensive display of American films in China, asserting that they incite the Chinese to disorder, through the inculcation of American democratic ideas. It also is said that the British are trying in this way to open China to British films, which industry now is controlled by the Americans. * * * Larry Kent Added to First National Cast Larry Kent, First National featured player, will play the leading juvenile role in “The Shepherd of the Hills,” which will be filmed by F.N. from the Harold Bell Wright story. Molly O’Day will play the leading feminine role. Asks Prosecution of Hays’ Organization Washington. — Bitterly attacking President Coolidge and Will H. Hayes, Canon William Chase, bluenose superintendent of the International Reform Federation, places upon them the responsibility for the failure of Attorney General Sargent to properly perform his duty in failing to prosecute the motion picture industry and in dictates in an open letter to the president that the findings of the Federal Trade Commission will be used as a basis of demanding appointment of, special council to bring both civil and criminal action against Paramount under the anti-trust laws and prosecution of the M. P. P. D. A. (the Hays organization), and its officers as an unlawful combination and restraint of trade, with a view of dissolution. * * * “ Long Live the King.” London. — Colonel Day said the British industry was not handicapped by lack of first class producers. He gave instances of films which had been given an entirely false atmosphere by American producers. “Tess” in the film of “Tess of the D’Urbervilles” had been made “more or less a night club queen,” and in the film of “Peter Pan,” where Peter was supposed to shout for the King, he was made to shout for George Washington.” Col. Wedgwood : “A jolly good thing to shout for!” He said the Bill was inspired by “a vulgar Balham and Tootingish hatred of America” (laughter) . The amendment insisting on the producers being British was carried by 15 votes to 5. Fred Kelsey Signed for Small Production Fred Kelsey has been signed by Edward Small to play one of the comedy featured roles with Charlie Murray in “The Gorilla,” which will be produced by Small for First National. * # » Mary McAllister in New Metro Production Mary McAllister has been signed by M-G-M to play the leading ingenue role in “Mixed Marriages,” the co-starring vehicle of Lew Cody and Aileen Pringle. The production will be directed by Hobart Henley. * * * Warner Oland Given New Character Lead Warner Oland, Warner Brothers featured character actor, will play the leading role in “Good Time Charley,” which Michael Curtiz will direct for the Warner studio. Jed Prouty Signs for First National Film Jed Prouty has been signed by First National for a role in “No Place to Go,” which will be produced by Henry Hobart. Mary Astor and Lloyd Hughes have the principal roles, with Virginia Lee Corbin in the ingenue lead. * * * Mary Brian Assigned New Paramount Lead Mary Brian, Paramount featured player, has been selected for the leading feminine role in “The Sideshow,” the first W. C. Fields-Chester Conklin co-starring vehicle for Paramount. Ralph Ceder will direct the production. * m * Lyon in German Picture Ben Lyon is now in Berlin, playing opposite Lya Mara in “Dancing Vienna,” which is being produced by the Deutsches Film LTnion. t" 1 1 j OU should be receiving i i i j 1 THE FILM MERCURY j every week by mail. 26 weeks for $2.00 and 52 weeks for $3.00. Mail the coupon below NOW, i i before you misplace or forget it. i I THE FILM MERCURY, 1 524 5/2 Cahuenga Ave., j HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. i Enclosed find lot uee^s subscription to THE i $3.00 for 52 weeks I FILM MERCURY, to be sent to j Name ! i Address ! I City *•