Hollywood Filmograph (Jun-Aug 1929)

August 10, 1929 Program of Technical Education Advance Constructive Step Taken Success for Ta In an effort to standardize the technique of motion picture production, the Producers' branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, meeting with eminent sound engineers, last week evolved and unanimously endorsed a threefold program of education intended to cover all technical phases of the industry. Following the meeting, the educational program was submitted to the Board of Directors of the Academy by B. P. Schulberg, general manager of West Coast production for Paramount-Famous-Lasky studios and chairman of the Producers' group of the Academy. The recommendation cited the need for the standardized education of all creative workers in the film industry in the intricate methods of sound reproduction, and urged that the educational program, if approved, be made accessible to all regular studio employees. The Producers' plan to educate all branches of the motion picture industry in the theory and use of the new technique required for talking pictures includes: 1. Establishment of a technical school to be started in September under Academy auspices open to the personnel of all the studios with instructors from the science department of University of Southern California and outstanding electrical recording experts as lecturers. It is proposed to hold the classes once a week with certain groups designated to attend from each studio as a nucleus and additional enrollment open to all departments of motion picture workers. Details will be worked out under the direction of the Academy board. 2. Systematic study of technical problems shared by all the studios and standardization of basic practices. The Producers' Branch authorized the appointment of a committee to collaborate with a committee of technicians in conducting research with a view to standardizing methods and devices employed in the building of sound stages, treatment of sound sets and silencing of cameras. It is proposed that this research be similar in method to that conducted under Academy auspices on incandescent lighting. Data preliminary to possible nation-wide standardization of theatre projection machine aperture and screen shape is now being collected for a joint meeting August 8 of the Academy Technicians' Branch with the American Society of Cinematographers and the local chapters of the American Projection Society and the Society of Motion Picture Engineers. 3. A series of general meetings of the Academy at which recording experts will acquaint the artistic workers with the possibilities and limitations of sound equipment. The first meeting has been set for Thursday by Producers to Insure Iking Pictures evening, August 8, on the subject of 'Artistic Possibilities of Acoustic Control." This will be followed by meetings on "Dubbing," "Acoustical Control Problems in the Theatre," and other topics. "When the talking picture revolutionized the industry the studios accomplished wonders in adapting themselves to the emergency," B. P. Schulberg declared in laying the proposals before the meeting of the producers and sound engineers. "But now the time has come to take inventory and by educaitng the studio personnel to lay a strong foundation for future progress. Sound is going to be our business for a long time. We are not going back to the silent screen ever except for occasional pictures. The need for all motion picture creative workers to become intelligently familiar with their new tools is a matter of dollars and cents and is absolutely vital to the constant improvement of talking pictures which the public demands." Among those present at the Producer-Sound Engineer meeting were: B. P. Schulberg, chairman; Victor D. Voyda, W. L. Stern, Nathan Levinson, George Bertholon, George Mitchell, William Sistrom, F. E. Pelton, Wesley C. Miller, H. Keith Weeks, John M. Stahl, Al Cohn, E. H. Allen, Fred Beetson, Harry Rapf, John C. Whitaker, Arthur F. Blinn, Helmer W. Bergman, G. F. Rackett, G. D. Ellis, Earl A. Wolcott, Sam Jaffe, A. W. DeSart, James Wilkin son, H. M. Wilcox, L. E. Clark, E. Wolcotte, Donald MacKenzie, W. C. Smith, Charles F. Felstead, A. N. Fenton, J. R. Balsley, C. W. Larsen. E. H. Hansen, J. E. Aiken, G. P. Costello, D. G. Shearer, G. I. Dupy, Elmer Raguse, Dodge Dunning, W. C. Harcus, E. J. Grossman, S. J. Twinning, W. Steincamp, Olingo O. Ceccarini. 111 Evelyn Preer and Laura Bowman, two of the leading players in "Come Seven," the Octavus Roy Cohen stage comedy playing at the Orange Grove Theatre, are scheduled to make a number of phonograph records this week. The musical numbers to be recorded are songs featured in the stage play. 111 Paramount Sound News Reel made its first appearance in eastern theatres this week, opening with the programs of August 3. The first issue shows the care which Emanuel Cohen, editor of Paramount News, has given to the world-wide organization of his staff. For the time being the sound news will have one issue a week, and the regular silent Paramount News will continue with two weekly issues. 111 MONTY COLLINS DIES Monty Collins, beloved veteran of the stage and screen, and one of the founders of the "Troupers Club," passed away last Saturday after undergoing a prolonged illness. 111 Wesley Osman is playing musical glasses which it took twelve years to assemble over the radio. Noted Executive Returns "DOG HOUSE" CLEVER SKIT If her part calls for the shedding of tears, Florence Stone, who knows her dramatics, sheds them. If there is a tragic breakdown called for. she breaks down without a murmur. But in "The Dog House," a brief sketch by Clinton Jones, which was presented as part of the "Musketters' Sunday Nyte" this week, the part of Mrs. Madelyn Ridley, which Miss Stone portrays, calls for no tears. Yet she broke down and wept unrestrainedly. And all because young Leon Janney, who plays the child role of Danny, is so fine an actor. This young lad interprets his tragic role with a sincerity older troupers are less prone to emulate. Miss Stone found herself unable to remain unmoved. So she wept, too — action not called for by the script. "The Dog House" is itself an amazingly clever sketch replete with possibilities for talkie' use. The Sunday cast, which included Jack Richardson as well as Miss Stone and young Janney, interpreted it with excellent dramatic dexterity. FRANK W. VINCENT luhose activities with the Orpheum Circuit established him as one of Am outstanding showmen, has returned to vaudeville as general western sentative of the Radio-Keith-Orpheum Circuit. erica s repre "The Masquerader" At the Hollywood Playhouse. Starring Guy Bates Post. Presented by the Henry Duffy Players. Although the play itself is far from new. and although many of its fundamental premises are implausible, Guy Bates Post makes of "The Masquerader" a theatrical event so significant that one forgets the details wherein it may occasionally lapse. "The Masquerader" is a Guy Bates Post play at all times. So real does he make the two leading characters, both of whom he portrays, that one watches the play with that sense of fascination with which only a real artist can imbue his audience. The remainder of the cast fluctuates from very fine to just good enough. In the first classification are Elwyn Eaton, who plays Brock, the all-important servant; Lilian Kemble Cooper, who portrays the leading feminine role and who has a beautifully modulated voice; James Durkin, who interprets Herbert Fraide, and Miss Lulu Mae Hubbard, whose portrayal of Lady Lillian Astrupp is excellent. Flora Bramley's characterization of Robins, the "slavey," is easily one of the best in the production. She is a splendid actress, capable of the cleverest nuisances. "The Masquerader" should do much to endear the Duffy playhouses to local theatregoers. Henry Duffy is proving that "clean, wholesome plays" do exert a tremendous appeal and "The Masquerader" is one of most decisive of his arguments. HARRY BURNS. 111 MAY DIRECT GIBSON Jerry Storm, director, has been seen around the Universal lot of late. Rumor has it that he may direct Hoot Gibson's next picture.