Hollywood Filmograph (Jun-Aug 1929)

HOLLYWOOD FILMO GRAPH 23 SPECIAL SHOWING OF SHORT SUBJECTS Marking their entrance into the field of short subject production, United Artists staged a special showing Thursday of the first of a series of short synchronized subjects which are being produced by Dr. Hugo Reissenfeld. The short film, a one-reeler, is based on T s c h ai s k o w s k y's "Overture of 1812." It is in reality a symphony of picturized musical thoughts filmed under ideal atmospheric conditions. There is not a single actor in the subject whose name has box office significance. Yet the brief film holds one spell-bound throughout its showing, so inspiring and entrancing is the musical synchronization. The art settings, which are peerless, were evolved by William Cameron Menzies. Hugo Reisenfeld is the producer directly responsible for the film. James Spottswood Enthusiastic About Talking Pictures thrills cascading down your spine or he can keep the giggles gurgling up your throat. It's six of one or a half-dozen of the other! — FANYA GRAHAM. Studio Players to Give Program The Studio Players of Hollywood who hold forth at the Hollywood Conservatory of Music & Arts, 5402 Hollywood boulevard, are at present rehearsing "Stop Thief," a three-act farce written by Carlyle Moore, which isto be given at the above address on Monday evening, August 5, at 8:30 o'clock. This particular Little Theatre group, made up of talented, professional theatrical people, is worthy of patronage. Their work is most pleasing and judging from past performances and the schedule of future i New York successes to be given, the theatregoing public have much in store for them in the way of good entertainment. "Stop Thief" is being directed by William Wagner, who has recently finished playing in "The Ghost Train" here. Mr. Wagner has twenty-six years of experience on the American I stage as a background and his work has the sort of finish found in the larger theatres. He is working the "Stop Thief" cast hard and from rehearsals up to this point it bids fair to be a most gratifying success. • There is nothing amateurish about the productions given by the Studio Players. Much time and thought and talent goes into the production of each play. The sets are complete and convincing and are done by members of the organization who specialize in stage craft. They all work the way people work who have a definite goal in mind — their aim being to build a worthy future and to establish, as they certainly have done so far, a commendable background. It will be of interest to those who enjoy Little Theatre work particularly, to watch this interesting group of local actors. i 1 i Three screen classics, "The Four ! Horsemen," "The Kid" and "The Birth of a Nation" are being presented Ii at the Filmarte Theater for the opening days of the Marion Davies benefits for the orphans of war veterans. Although it's only a matter of minutes before his nerves will have all been shattered, his hair tousled, his tie thrust behind one ear, and his reputation all besmirched — for the three acts of "Jonesy," current Franklin Pangborn offering at the Vine Street Theatre, are strenuous ones — James Spottswood is nevertheless very much the poised artist of the stage and screen — and the talkies — as he sits manipulating greasepaint into his well-tanned face ten minutes before the first curtain goes up. Those expertly flying fingers demand little concentration, so dextroushave they become during the many years that James Spottswood has been before the footlights. So the hero of this interview is ready to give the writer all the attention she wishes. First of all, he dismisses the talkies with a peremptory wave of one hand. He has absolutely no patience with those pessimistically inclined on this score. "Why," he exclaims, "how anyone can see some of these later talking pictures— those which have been produced by men who know their stage technique— and not be enthusiastic about their future is something I simply can't see. Imagine anyone seeing 'Madame X' and then being pessimistic about the talkies! Ruth Chatterton's acting was superb ! Lionel Barrymore's direction— incomparable ! Good Lord, I don't see how anyone can put on a long face and bemoan the talking picture situation. It's inconceivable! I can't fathom it!" Coming from James Spottswood, who is one of Broadway's foremost players, to say nothing of his local reputation, which has been considerably enhanced by "The Lady Next Door," "Jonesy," a number of talking pictures, and certain astonishingly successful sketches at the Writers' Club, such an outburst is significant. For it is not a question of climbing on the band-wagon. S.pottswood's last talking picture was "Thunderbolt," but he refers to what was left of his part in it with a grimace. Evidently the cutters used their divine prerogative for the allimportant sake of brevity. Since it is the fashionable thing these days to be in a position to choose off handedly between the stage and the screen, Mr. Spottswood is now in the throes of making up his mind whether to go back to New York and star in Elmer Rice's new play this coming season or whether to remain here in Hollywood and see if some big break isn't coming his way. When one remembers that Elmer Rice wrote "Street Scene," one can see why the Broadway temptation is a strong one. We inferred, however, that Mr. Spottswood is inclined to remain here and try his hand at — and his voice in — a short talking sketch or two. It doesn't matter particularly whether it's comedy or drama, for Spottswood is just as much at home in either field. He can send the NOTICE New sound studios ready, in the heart of Broadway, to save your time. Finest recording and lighting systems. A music department is at your service. Theme songs and feature synchronization arranged and composed at reasonable rates. SOUND TRANSFERRED FROM FILM TO DISC RADIOTONE STUDIOS 1600 Broadway New York CHAS. HOCHBERG FILM EDITOR Now available to cut any talkies. STUDIOS 1845 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles Phone: NOrmandie 6101 SUPERFLUOUS HAIR Removed Forever No Scars Eyebrows Permanently Arched Special Rates on Legs and Arms MARIE LA MARR ELECTROLYGIST 6734 Sunset Blvd. GL. 414* Evening Appointments HO. 3577 THE Doorway of Hospitality __SnTER the doorway of this popular hostelry and you feel at homo. There's an atmosphere of cordial welcoma which marks the difference between tha Hollywood Plaza and ordinary hotels. Your room, too, haa that added touch of distinction. Pictures on the wall, overstuffed fu' niture, a floor lamp and reading lamp . . . these are but a few of the features that make you feel at home. Pig'n Whistle Dining Service insures the best of food. Therefore, when you are next in Los Angeles be sure to investigate. THE HOLLYWOOD PLAZA HOTEL Vine Street at Hollywood Boulevard HOLLYWOOD. CALIFORNIA