Associated First National Franchise (1921)

February 15, 1 9 2 1 First National Franchise 17 Interest-Items for Your Newspaper General Custer's Shado\tf on tKe Flicker Sheet WHEN Marshall Neilan engaged the services of Dwight Crittenden to portray the part of General Custer in his spectacular picturization of "Bob Hampton of Placer" he did so for more reasons than because of the fact that Crittenden is a good actor. Mr. Crittenden is the nephew of the late Captain J. J. Crittenden, a member of Custer's staff who lost his life fighting at the side of the General in the famous "Last Stand" against the Sioux. This battle is now being reproduced on the screen by Mr. Neilan and acts as the climax to his presentation of "Bob Hampton of Placer," a First National attraction. As a result of his relationship to Captain Crittenden, the Neilan actor has made the research in the life of General Custer and the incidents leading up to his famous battle, together with the customs of the people of the American frontiers in those days, his life's hobby. Thus in the production of this film, which has as its basis various historical facts, Mr. Neilan found in Dwight Crittenden a valuable asset to the success of the picture. His make-up for the part of General Custer has been photographed and submitted to various other authorities on the subject who have not only endorsed it as being correct, but have stated that the resemblance is remarkably striking. Others in the all-star cast of this special are James Kirkwood in the title role; Wesley Barry, Marjorie Daw, Pat O'Malley, Noah Beery, Tom Gallery, Priscilla Bonner and others. Biography of Anita Stewart A NITA STEWART, a favorite of the silent drama, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1896. Her early education was secured in the public schools, and completed at Erasmus Hall High School. Her earliest venture in business was as an artist's model, posing for calender and advertising pictures. At the age of fourteen she was attracted by the motion pictures to the Vitagraph studio, where she worked for some time as an extra. Following her remarkable showing in "The Wood Violet," she was selected to star in Vitagraph's first five reeler. Miss Stewart has the unique distinction of having worked for but one film company until forming her own company to produce for Associated First National, which she did in 1918. Her first picture with her own company was, "Virtuous Wives," followed by "A Midnight Romance," "Mary Regan," "Human Desire," "Her Kingdom of Dreams," "Mind-the-paintGirl," 'In Old Kentucky," "The Fighting Shepherdess," "The Yellow Typhoon," and "Harriet and The Piper." "Sowing The Wind," a special feature production in which she starred, is scheduled for release April 25 as one of Associated First National's "Big Five" attractions. In the meantime Anita has completed another elaborate production adapted from Jane Murfin's story, "The Tornado." A new title will probably be given the latter vehicle of the popular star. Miss Stewart is a thorough musician, and a deep reader of good literature. She is five feet, four inches in height, and weighs one hundred and twenty pounds. She is married to Rudolph W. Cameron, and lives with her husband in Los Angeles, Cal. The above cut is sent upon request for use with the story below. Order it as No. H. O. 3. KATHERINE MacDONALD, star in film dramas released by Associated First National, is here shown displaying a luxurious velvet gown, of deep American Beauty shade, bringing out more vividly the star's loveliness. Its long, svelte lines make of Katherine's five feet eight inches a thing of regal splendor. On one side of the dress, and proving itself a somewhat unusual means to the end, there appears draped in cavalier fashion a gold-lace shoulder cape which starts at the waist line, held in restraint by a golden rose and still checked in its course by a band of soft brown fur. It travels around the shoulder and cascades down the side of the gown, where it forms itself into a train. Norma and Constance Talmadge have just signed an important contract with Lucien Lelong, one of the best known couturiers in Paris, whereby they agree to have Lelong furnish them with twelve models per year. These day and evening gowns will be the very last word in ultra chic advance styles, and will be introduced into America exclusively by the Talmadges. By the terms of the contract water color sketches and samples of material are submitted to the Talmadges of every unique style or novel design as soon as it is brought out by Lelong, and in this way the Talmadge sisters will be able to show on the screen, the very newest changes in style, long before they become generally adopted by the American public. Declares Fifth Industry) Has Helped all Business HP HE changes that motion pictures have made *■ in nearly every community are among the industrial wonders of the film industry, according to an official of Associated First National Pictures, Inc., whose organization is composed of owners of motion picture theatres in all parts of the country. "It takes no old man," he says, "to remember the time the business districts in towns and even cities went dead at 6 P. M. and dark after 9 or 10. "But today — or rather tonight — the main street of any town is a white way, a product of motion pictures which has revolutionized night in towns as well as in the larger cities, just as it has broadened individual life and, generally speaking, made it more worth while. "First the lights of the Little Gem Theatre burst upon the gloom of business districts after 6 P. M. and it was quickly shaded by the electricts of The Bijou, a few doors up, while across the street The Elite opened for business with a glass canopy in front bordered with red, white and blue lights and, over all, an illuminated sign. "Next came a gorgeous new candy and ice cream store and three or four competitors to cater to the night trade. "No single influence has operated to cause so many changes in the business and social life of American communities as have motion pictures during the last ten years. And, in general, the changes have been for the better." Figures Don't Lie, Sa>)s Expert on the Films AN expert on the silent drama — self-styled and entirely satisfied that he couldn't be wrong — recently submitted to the home office of Associated Firist National Pictures, Inc., some statistics concerning pictures which he felt should have been sufficient to land him a job as director, with leggings, sport coat and everything. Here's what he had written down : 36,185 motion picture villains have met death by falling over cliffs, etc., etc. 198,890 feet of film have been consumed in photographing the flight of custard pies. 45,534,765,666 feminine hands have been held by young men while love scenes were being flashed. These hands placed side by side would extend from Hollywood, Cal., to Fort Lee, N. J. 78,999,000,111 pieces of gum have been stuck on the bottom of seats in motion picture theatres during the past ten years. 45,672 movie heroes have won riches and fame. 99,203,405,607 words have been printed about the pictures, which is, approximately, one onehundredth of one per cent of the number of words which have been spoken about the movies. For Movie Editors This page is designed for the use of the local movie editor. If you'll give it to him he'll appreciate it. Kiiiiuorina