Hollywood Filmograph (Jun-Aug 1929)

HOLLYWOOD FILMOGRAPH 11 QgeRtllvvj I HAVE always counted it a blessing that I am, at the studios, privileged to mingle with the real fellows who are responsible for the art and craftsmanship behind the films. The public knows little, and it seems, cares less, for the work of the real creators who have made the industry as interesting and as respected as it is today. I marvel at the clever work of brilliant artists who are absolutely unknown to the crowd. Hidden away in corners of vast buildings on the lots one may stand and watch some unrecognized genius building a miniature city, bridge or perhaps a Roman amphitheatre that for perfection of detail and proportion is as much a work of art as a painting by a master. In the drafting and art rooms, working without blare of trumpets, are many experts who are daily wrestling with problems of construction and laying out in drawing and perspective magnificent designs that go to enrich the whole film business. These men have no time for socalled temperament, pose or pretence. They do not claim to be artists, but, to those who know what art is — they are artists in the real sense of the I word. It has often been said, that the public is interested only in the stars, but, I respectfully submit that if the men behind the players were as much press-agented, they, too, would have their fan mail from thousands of young folk who are studying the arts in the universities of the nation. How I wish that young people "doing the studios" could see the in. finite care and the splendid craftsmanship being put into the making of a miniature ocean liner now under construction at one of the studios. Down to the smallest detail it is a replica of the real thing. In another studio a young artist is constructing a model of the Hollywood Bowl nestling amidst its surrounding hills. It is a gem of art. Close by, two young fellows clad in overalls are working on a minia:ure of the Tower of London set beside the Thames. They have modelled with infinite patience and care each little barge floating be4ide the banks of the river and in • the distance is cleverly suggested the Houses of Parliament and West/jminster Abbey. When the pictures lijof this model are flashed upon the 'screen with the living actors superimposed thereon millions of people ■ will think that the action took place I Jin England. Then there is the work going on Jin the technical departments. The superb paintings made for glassshots, the costume sketches, the lever "prop" copies of ancient pottery and antique furniture, etc. As I aid before, I am lost in admiration f the fellows who work without creen credit or applause and go to heir homes every night in their title Fords unhonored and unsung. Elaborate Theatre Set Built For Cruze Film What is said to be the largest theatre interior ever built for a film production is being used in James Cruze's all-talking musical production, "The Great Gabbo," starring Eric von Stroheim and Betty Compson. The orchestra pit is ten feet deep and accommodates 125 musicians. The stage is big enough to permit the chorus and supers amounting to around 380 to do their elaborate numbers. Fifteen hundred extras are used for the theatre audience scenes. The set at the Cruze studios was built by Frank Madigan from modernistic designs by Robert R. Lee, technical director for Cruze. It will be dismantled after the production is finished, it is stated, to prevent duplication. HOME TOWN The "home town paper" newsstand, where many a detective has found a wanted person and many a reporter a "human interest" story, is being rushed these days in Hollywood by New York actors, writers and directors, out here for the talkies. The Broadwayites want to read about the "main stem" with consequent benefit to the newsdealers. Sales have jumped considerably in the past few months on the metropolitan eastern dailies and weeklies, newsdealers report. No particular preferences are noticed by the dealers, except that the sale increases on certain days, generally those on which the issues arrive — containing reviews of the Broadway openings. Fred A. Miller, one of the best known showmen in the West, has resigned as managing director of the Fox Carthay Circle Theatre, which he sold to the Fox interests several monts ago. He will be succeeded at the Fox Carthay Circle by Carli Elinor, present orchestra leader and composer, and leader of the Circle concert orchestra. Elinor has been associated with Mr. Miller for many years. The other day it fell to my lot to escort a party of Australian visitors around a certain studio. We came upon a magnificent palace interior which was a marvel of construction. The men, nearly all business executives, were thrilled and let out a chorus of "Isn't it marvelous"; the women all gazed vacantly at the mammoth Corinthian columns, the great arched doorways, etc., and exclaimed, "When are we going to see Sammy Cohen?" Ugh! what's the use? 1 -t * Harris Replaces Lewin Robert Harris has been named scenario head at Metro-GoldwynMayer, replacing Albert Lewin. Alberta Vaughn and Al Cooke Signed Alberta Vaughan and Al Cooke had been chosen by Larry Darmour to head his forthcoming series of sound and talking comedy shorts, to be made from H. C. Witwer stories. Lew Sargent and George Grey, seen in several previous Witwer silent series, had already been announced for the productions. Both Miss Vaughan and Cooke have also appeared in previous series of comedies created by the short story writer. Production on the first of the series is scheduled to start soon. They will be made at the Darmour RKO Studios. i i -f Federated Voters Enter Local Politics The Federated Voters of the Los Angeles Amusement Organizations have endorsed a ticket which they are recommending that their friends and members vote for in the forthcoming general election on June 4. The Federated Voters is composed of motion picture cameramen, motion picture projectionists, motion picture sound technicians, theatre stage employes, motion picture studio mechanics, musicians' association, and other unions connected with the amusement organizations of Los Angeles. Following the election, the organization will not be dissolved, but will be maintained continuously with the view of protecting its membership and assisting in furthering the public welfare, it is stated. i 1 -f Back From Europe J. C. Thorp, general production manager for British International Pictures. Ltd., accompanied by E. A. Dupont, director, will arrive here shortly to complete arrangements for the production of two talking pictures at Christie's Metropolitan Studios. First to start will be Dupont's production of "The B e r g," by Ernest Raymond, based on the sinking of the Titanic. Sid Chaplin is expected later to direct and star in "Mumming Birds," based on Fred Karno's famous music hall sketch. i i i In Christie Talkie Ruth Taylor and Johnny Arthur are being directed at the Christie Studios in the talkie version of Kenyon Nicholson's "A Hint to Brides." Lawrence Leslie and Martie Martell are featured in the cast. A. Leslie Pearce is directing. Al Cohn did the adaptation. ■f i i Warners Sign Walter Byron Walter Byron, the English actor, has been signed by Warners to play opposite Pauline Frederick in her next talkie to be called "The Sacred Flame." Archie Mayo is to direct. 1 i i William Austin, motion picture comedian, and Dora Mae Howe, stage actress, were married at Ventura this week. Film Investors Suffer In England $5,000,000 Lost in Stocks Crashed by Talkies Small investors in England have been hard hit by the many flotations of film stock, marketed soon after the quota was imposed on American pictures early in 1927. The quota intended to limit the importation of American pictures, and the furthering of British-home production, has resulted in the organization of many new companies, all offering stock for sale to the general public. It is estimated by The Economist, a London financial paper, that fully $5,000,000 has been lost by the public in these film ventures. When it is realized that this is over 50 per cent of the total amount invested in the various companies organized to make pictures, the gravity of the situation can be more fully realized. In commenting more fully this paper has the following to say: "If the accounts shortly to be published by these new companies confirm the market's diagnosis, as expressed in current share quotations, the promotion boom of 1927-8, which was set in motion by the introduction of the Films Bill, may prove to have been one of the most disastrous episodes in the annals of British company finance. film has thrown the British film industry's prospects back into the realm of the gamble. The British companies are now called on to start afresh and to muster a new technique. The established companies will no doubt be able to adapt themselves to the new situation, but the talking film will probably administer the coup-de-grace to some of the new companies whose issues were a feature of the promotion 'rush' last year." Something like $9,500,000 has been invested in the thirteen companies making pictures in England, and the terrific loss suffered is only another indication of the inefficiency of these various companies and their refusal to effect methods of production offered by visiting American film men. When the first boom came, many Americans connected with the industry on this side were engaged, but their advice, gained after long experience with American production methods, failed to find the proper response, the result being that the Americans returned, and the English producers were left to fumble with their own problems. "Today's Cinema," a film trade journal of London, comments further by saying that "the situation is causing grave concern in the city . . . and it is being seriously considered in the trade whether steps cannot be taken ... to safeguard the industry before it is too late, from the loss of prestige which may result." i 1 -f Change "Companionate" Title Radio has changed the name of "Companionate" to "Half Marriage." It's the picture that "Bill" Cowan is directing with Olive Borden starring.