The Film Mercury (1928-1929)

Page Two THE FILM MERCURY, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 1929 Hollywood, Calif. The Year 1928 In Retrospect — • • An Exhibitor Writes On The Talkie Situation THE LUDCKE THEATRE St. Peter, Minn. Dec. 19, 1928. Editor, Film Mercury: Just a line to express my sentiments in regard to Mr. Martin S. Stanchfield’s letter published in your November 30th issue. This gentleman has certainly expressed my views on the sound picture proposition 100 percent, and I sincerely hope his prediction will come true. I have personally heard several of the talkies but cannot warm up to them, productions are “Flat” when one cannot catch all of the dialogue, like in many of the so-called talkies, consequently making the entertainment uninteresting. We so far have held off in installing the sound paraphernalia, as the situation and cost seems to be very unsettled for the small town theatre to consider at present. Unless something is done to bring down the cost for the small town, say from $2000 up — I cannot see a very long life for them. The film “Hounds” all say the talkies make 300 to 400 percent more business. Will grant this for thirty days, then — what’s going to happen — with a 50% overhead in operating expenses. If anybody can show me where I can break even with the installation of a talkie, I am willing any minute to install one. I have yet to hear of a town our size, 3500, to install a talkie and to learn how it is paying out, hence I am waiting patiently for someone to enlighten me on this point. Having been showing pictures since 1907, and running the amusement end in our town for the past forty years, I feel I ought to know just how much money our community has to spend for amusements, but it seems I lack this knowledge when talking to many of the film salesmen and a few of the “Talkie machine” sellers. This epistle of mine just expresses a small town exhibitor on this subject. May your Film Mercury live long and prosper. H. J. Ludcke. C: • " • y The year 1928 has been fertile with fine performances and pictures as compared with 1927. It seems ironic that at a time the film companies were hitting on sixes the talkies arrived and upset the fine work being accomplished. 1927 was almost barren of anything worthwhile. Executives no doubt recognized this deficiency and were spurred on to make progress. While there were only a few pictures that merited the position of being almost great, there have been many that were darn good photoplays. Classed in this list are “The Singing Fool,” “Alias Jimmy Valentine,” “Forgotten Faces,” “Four Sons,” “Dancing Daughters,” “Waterfront,” “T hree Sinner s,” “The Crowd,” “Show P e o p 1 e,” “Four Walls.” The sound films then became the vogue with directors, players and writers in the groping stage. The result of this fad is problematical. That the talkies will be a medium for firstrate dialogue does not seem probable. They are a perfect expression for A1 Jolson talents; personalities like George Bernard Shaw, Mussolini and Robert Benchly skits, but particularly singing like Jolson’s. 1929 will be the most interesting, dangerous and experimental period in existence of motion pictures. It is difficult to foretell what will happen, for if the celluloid organizations show a little understanding of the sound innovation as they have of the silent drama (despite its 25 years) heaven knows what calamities will confront the canned industry. It is surprising how many splendid performances were given this year. Clara Bow has probably become the biggest feminine draw on the screen. Betty Compson seems to have come forward in leaps and bounds — until she is in much demand. Baclanova is one of the most talked about film actresses, although there are many who do not feel she is star material. Joan Crawford has shown that she can act. Although he may not have gained a big fan following Earle Foxe has contrib uted some excellent work. Anita Page and Josephine Dunn are about the most popular of the younger, newer group. Due to the few productions in which she appears it is difficult for Janet Gaynor to retain the affections of a fickle public as strong as those of players who are seen often — but not too often, Charles Rogers, Gary Cooper, Nils Asther and Richard Arlen are “the thing” at the moment. Charles Farrell is not quite so much in the multitude’s eye at present. How these actors and actresses will stand with the talkies prevailing remains to be seen. Joseph von Sternberg seems to have come forward more than any other megaphone wielder. A von Sternberg picture is almost an event. One goes to his productions feeling sure not to be bored, and the result is never disapproving. Seastrom is a remarkable director. He has imagination and feeling, but it is doubtful if most of his films will make money. Harry d’Arrast turns out such entertaining material the film colony was surprised that he has not been placed under contract. Lubitsch’s masterly direction of “The Patriot” needs no comment. George Fitzmaurice and Lewis Milestone are on the blue ribbon list. William Nigh always has touches that take his films out of the mere classification of “good money makers.” William Seiter has done excellent work at First National. These players and directors would be among the most promising if the movie was kept silent. Time will be the judge as long as the shadows talk, although most of the persons named should still head the list of 1929. — ANABEL LANE. * * * Czechoslovak to Support Films Washington. — The Czechoslovakian government, in its budget, has set aside considerable sums for production, according to advices to the M. P. Section of the Dept, of Commerce. To Build Russia Raw Film Plant Washington. — A German company is to be granted concession for the erection of a raw film factory in Russia, according to advices to the M. P. Section of the Dept, of Commerce. The proposed agreement calls for the factory to be built near Moscow, with 50 per cent of the capital and managing personnel to be German. Many offers have been received from German companies willing to conclude an agreement on above basis. Raw film requirements of Russia amount to approximately 81,250,000 feet of stock a year. Hungary to Make National Film Washington. — A national Hungarian film will be produced in the near future in compliance with the Hungarian government’s instructions, the M. P. Section of the Dept, of Commerce is advised. This title is “The Legend of the Hungarian Crown,” directed by Joseph Letzter. * * * Berlin Plans Casting Bureau Berlin. — Berlin plans to start a municipal casting bureau for extras. Directors have been compelled to seek extras from local coffee houses. The bureau is scheduled to open Jan. 2.