Film Spectator (1927-1928)

THE FILM SPECTATOR Page Seventeen July 23, 1927 been quite an entertaining comedy if it had not been bungled so badly. I saw the second half first and rather » liked it, at least enough to sit the show through to see the first of it, anticipating some good baseball scenes. It is a baseball story, making reasonable my expectation that there would be some baseball in it. I wanted to see the drama of Casey’s capture of the New York fans. ' All I saw of it was an insert of a newspaper heading. If I had seen the first half first I would not have enjoyed the second half as much as I did, which wasn’t so very much. But I enjoyed seeing Zasu Pitts again after quite a long spell of not seeing her on account of her submersion in a Von Stroheim production. Von certainly can keep ’em off the screen. These Paramount comedies have made a lot of money. I can’t understand why Paramount did not go after more money by making them so they would appeal also to intelligent people. * * * Various motives have been ascribed to me for my stand on the matters now at issue between motion picture producers and those who work for them. My open letter to Jesse Lasky in the last Spectator seems to have created extraordinary interest and several acquaintances have asked me just why I “have it in for’’ Lasky. Others seem to think I “have it in for’’ the Metro crowd. Nothing so unimportant as my personal feelings has any part in a controversy that is so important. I have not had much contact with Jesse Lasky, but what little I have had has been of the most agreeable sort, and I always have found him a pleasant fellow. I am not acquainted with Louis B. Mayer, but for Irving Thalberg and Harry Rapf I have a high personal regard. I have had considerable to do with them and have found them at all times most courteous and pleasant. For a short time I worked under Harry Rapf and have for him a genuine liking. My personal inclination would be to say only the pleasantest things ANNOUNCEMENT IF YOU are “IN PICTURES” in any capacity you will be interested in the STORY — CONTINUITY — ACTION — DIRECTION — ACTING—NEW FACES— SHOTS— LIGHTING— PHOTOGRAPHY — COSTUMING — SETTINGS— LOCALE and that "Different” note of “MATA HARI’’ THE RED DANCER With MAGDA SONJA The latest Walter W. Kofeldt, Inc., importation from the studios of National Film A-G, Berlin. AMERICAN PREMIERE ' starts Saturday, July 16th. The Management BROADWAY PALACE Broadway near Seventh about everyone in the industry, but my personal inclinations are trivial things when the whole future of pictures is at stake. * * * The motion picture industry may be relied upon at all times to be diverting. Its latest comedy turn is its suddenly acquired longing for teams, George K. Arthur and Karl Dane, George Sidney and Charlie Murray, and a half dozen or so more. The only thing that the industry does not seem able to do is the only thing it should do. Its one mission is to produce stories. If a certain story calls for a team of comedians, well and good; put Arthur and Dane in the parts and let them go at it. The story should be the major consideration and we will never improve the average quality of pictures until it is. The star system has distorted motion picture art. M.-G.-M. can not make a greater mistake than imagining that the public wants to see Arthur and Dane together in a picture. The public wants only one thing — entertainment. The entertainment is provided by the stories, and they should be developed without thought of who is to play in them. Our producers persist in going at the business backwards. That is because they do not know what sort of business it is. * * * Casey at the Bat is a story of the Floradora sextette period. At that time there may have been four automo THE CONNOISSEUR A Rare Book Shop of Distinction Rare Books Library Sets in First Erlitions Fine, Rich Bindings Autographs Collector’s Items on the Theatre Limited De Luxe Editions Manuscripts Special Offering for the Week The Original Manuscript of “Beyond the Horizon”, by Eugene O’Neill. Bound in Full Crimson Morocco. 6080 Sunset Boulevard Phone HE. 4111 Hollywood r GENUINE NAVAJO INDIAN RUGS in your tozvn or country home are very appropriate and make your home more alluring. Our Navajo Rugs are native wool, handwoven, direct from our trading post on the Indian reservation, and are the best. The variety of sizes and beautiful patterns will make your selection a pleasure. The prices are moderate. ❖ LORENZO HUBBELL Navajo-Hopi Indian Shop GRanite 5098 6719 Hollywood Blvd,