Hollywood Filmograph (Jun-Aug 1929)

10 August 10, 19l\ Harold Lloyd Proves It Can Be Done In Speaking About Sound and Effects in Talkies Harold Lloyd succeeded in branding as obsolete several of filmland's stock "can'ts" during thei production of "Welcome Danger," his first 100 per cent talking picture. "You can't use Klieg lights," the comedian was told when he started shooting the audible version. Oh, can't I?" quoth the laughmaker challengingly. The Metropolitan studios were promptly cast in the role of an experimental laboratory with the result that when Lloyd went into production a few days later, the old familiar Kliegs were most decidedly in evidence on the set. The "frying" of the lights had been completely overcomeby Lloyd's electrical staff. And with that particular "can't" relegated to its grave, production went ahead. "You can't get the microphone to register such sound as that," those who "knew" informed Lloyd when he sought to reproduce a certain lound noise necessary in a scene of underground Chinatown. But he did, although seventeen light valves were demolished in the process. Harold Lloyd owes a great deal of his astonishing success to his constant defiance of hide-bound production methods. After achieving a pinnacle of success as the star of two-reel comedies, he defied the "SWEETHEART OF A. E. F." SIGNS Elsie Janis, American musical comedy and vaudeville star, known as the "Sweetheart of the A. E. F.," as the result of her overseas work during the World War, has been placed under contract by Paramount-FamousLasky to "contribute material, ideas and talent" and to supervise the production of an unusual feature picture now in preparation at the Hollywood studios. The announcement of the engagement of Miss Janis was made by Jesse L. Lasky, first vice-president in charge of production, who refused to divulge the title or the plans for the picture, although he hinted that it will be "a super-talking, singing and dancing production" with every star and leading featured player under contract to Paramount in the east and west coast studios taking part. The story work is now under way and actual filming is to start within a month. According to Lasky, the full resources of the company's writing, acting, directorial and technical departments will be placed behind the picture, each director and writer contributing his or her share to the preparation plans, in order that every idea with an entertainment possibility be given consideration. UHIMPORTAHT INTERVIEWS (With Self-important People) By BERT LEVY Mr. Flymm Flamm, the noted film comedian, ivho returned today from a series of important conferences in the East, gave out the following information to a group of newspapermen <who met him at the depot: "My hobby has always been the study of machinery and I have learned, after exhaustive tests, that, if your watch stops suddenly in the biddle of the night, it is probably because it needs winding — either that or it is broken." judgment of the greater portion of the producers by making a series of feature length comedies, thereby creating a new vogue in screen entertainment. In still earlier years he was one of the first comedians to insist that a picture depending upon situations rather than grotesque characterization could draw a full quota of laughs. According to studio officials who have seen the "rushes" of "Welcome Danger," the famous comedian's present anti-can't campaign has provided the new picture with some of the most unusual effects that have as yet graced the "see and hear" type of production. i 1 -f Gregory Ratoflf Stars Here in "Kibitzer" H. S. Kraft, known as Broadway's youngest play producer, arrived in Los Angeles this week to complete final preparations for the presentation at the Mason Opera House of the outstanding New York success, "Kibitzer," which will open September 1. Gregory Ratoff, noted actor, will be starred in the production, which was written by Joe Swerling and Edward G. Robinson. "Kibitzer" has played six months at the Royale Theatre. New York, and has been considered the reigning comedy success of the present Broadway season. The term "Kibitzer" is the appelation pinned to one who presumes to know it all. The "Kibitzer" appoints himself a committee of one and tells others of their mistakes in card games, billiards, gold and other diversions. Gregory Ratoff is the "Kibitzer." i 1 1 "HALF MARRIAGE" ON SCREEN AT HI1.LSTREET The premiere presentation of Radio Pictures' first all-talking musical production, "Half Marriage," featuring Olive Borden, is now being shown at the Hillstreet Theatre. Prominent in the supporting cast are Sally Blane, Ken Murray, the vaudeville favorite, and his merrymakers, Ann Greenway, Morgan Farley, Richard Tucker, Hedda Hopper and Gus Arnheim's Cocoanut Grove Syncopaters. The big R-K-O stage show is headlined by A. B. Marcus' Glorified Revue, with a galaxy of 45 glorious girls, including the 24 Marcus Peaches. It is a tremendous, spectacular allstar revue, direct from Broadway, where it scored a smashing hit. i i i BALSHOFER PROGRAM IS ANNOUNCED Fred J. Balshofer, president of Radiotonc Pictures Corporation, announces a twenty-four, one reel, allcolor schedule, production of which will be started at once. Radiotone studios have been the scene of much activity during the past month. The sound stages are completed and the' entire recording apparatus for sound pictures is installed and perfected. Mr. Balshofer is negotiating with a prominent color film organization and will announce his plans in the near future. ■f i i TWO STAGE PARTS Elinor Flynn, dark-haired screen player, will take the important role of Cricket in "Bad Babies," the George Scarborough production opening at the Mayan August 17. Miss Flynn is also in ' A Skyful of Moon," the Walter Brown Rogers production at the Theatre Mart. i i i "YE TROUPERS" OLD-FASHIONED PICNIC Plummer's Park, on Santa Monica Boulevard, will be the scene of the annual "Old Fashioned" picnic of the Troupers' Club, Hollywood's beloved organization of old-time players. The affair is scheduled for Sunday, August 18, and a large attendance is indicated. COLD SHIVERS Said to have commanded one of the highest rentals ever paid for a single two reel comedy, Jack White's first all-talking production, "Cold Shivers," opened this week at the Paramount theatre, sharing honors with the new Ruth Chatterton picture, "Charming Sinners." The short subject proved an absolute sensation. "Cold Shivers" is an Educational release featuring Raymond McKee and Lucille Hutton. It was directed by Stephen Roberts under the personal supervision of Jack White. Other players of prominence in the cast included Al Thompson, Eva Thatcher, Stanhope Wheatcroft, Ray Turner and Floyd Shackleford. The comedy has as its locale a haunted house, purposely made ghastly and spooky by an eccentric old millionaire, who after falsely establishing his demise, has a will read requiring the beneficiaries to remain all night in the house. Wind, rain and thunder effects are used to great advantage in the picture. *