Inside facts of stage and screen (Aug 16, 1930)

PAGE TWO INSIDE FACTS OF STAGE AND SCREEN SATURDAY, AUGUST 16. 1930 MOVIE SCORES "SUCCESS LOSS" SOUND SCREEN DEMONSTRATED AS INNOVATION Jack Elliott and William H. Blackburn, two veteran showmen, have recently discovered that they possessed what may perhaps prove the greatest boon to modern pic- ture and sound projection. It is the rights to their original day- light screen, which many years ago brought the first innovation into the picture theatres. It en- abled showing pictures with the theatres well lighted. This old screen, made of swiss- ette, a transparent linen fabric, is peculiarly adapted for sound be- cause of its porosity, but to this feature has been added a back screen of silvered French net. which catches and reflects back the light escaping through the front sheet. The effect is astound- ing. From the aperture, which re- mains between the sheets, a re- markable stereoscopic effect is ob- tained. The figures seem to have a roundness and objects a solidity not perceived on the standard screens. A further innovation has been introduced to the installation of the screen, that of permitting it to spread automatically to become adapted to magnascope or gran- deur by the operation of a single motor, and back to standard by merely the pressing of a button. One of the outstanding features of the new version of the old daylight screen is that there is no distortion of the picture, regard- less of the angle from which it is seen. Screen is being demonstrated at 2011 South Vermont avenue. THEATRE STAFF DOING ARTICLES What the P. A. Says By THE OFFICE COPY BOY In answer to a request from Dr. Lucian de Seo, director and editor of the International Review of Cinematography, published at Rome, Italy, the Fox West Coast Theatres Public Relations Depart- ment will regularly contribute arti- cles to the magazine, concerning activities and organization of Fox West Coast Theatres. The International Review of Cinematography carries articles on motion pictures by famous doctors, psychologists, welfare workers, etc., and devotes much space to the ac- tivities of various groups and or- ganizations engaged in the promo- tion and production of motion pic- tures. International in its policy, the magazine is backed by the Catholic Church of Rome. It is printed in seven languages and has a world- wide circulation. SEND GROUPS EAST Two complete ensembles, includ- ing single and group dancing spe- cialties, composed entirely of Hol- lywood girls, will be sent to New York musical shows to open in the eastern metropolis during the com- ing fall, according to Walter S. Wills, executive head of the Wills Studio of Stage Dancing in Holly- wood. Brower In 2nd Year SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 14.—In a few weeks Jay Brower will begin his second year as master of ceremonies and orchestra conductor at the Fox El Capitan where he is a mighty big favorite. Each week, since making his initial bow at the El Capi- tan, Brower has worked up an original crop of laughs set to music and as a result he is one of the biggest presen- tation hits San Francisco has known. Both among the ranks of the kiddies and the oldsters Brower stands ace high in popularity. He wields a skillful baton over his red hot band in the cleverly staged Merrymaker revues that are a weekly fea- ture of the El Capitan. DON McELWAINE, Pathe—If Ann Harding was twins, or triplets, or even quadruplets she could not fill the number of roles offered her durmg recent months—Vincent Barnett, Hollywood's official rib- ber, who has gotten the goat of more important personalities in mo- tion pictures than any 20 other men combined, has turned his talents to writing comedy—It is predicted that the fight scenes in Pathe's underworld drama, "Her Man/' will be among the most sensational ever shown on the screen—The Volga Boatman has become a modern skipper. William Boyd, Pathe star, who attained his first fame in that great Russian story, has purchased a sixty foot cabin cruiser— Tay Garnett, Pathe director, who has just returned from Havana, Cuba, has decided that his perfectly good Los Angeles High School' Spanish is artistic but impractical—Playing the part of a small group ot men facing death in this war-ridden region are William Boyd, James Gleason, Lew Cotiy, Russell Gleason and Frgd Scott—Manual labor is responsible for both William Boyd and Fred Scott. DON EDDY, RKO—When it was discovered that Hollywood did not contain enough cowpunchers, Wesley Ruggles, the director, sent out a call to ranches in Arizona—As a reward for their work, Evelyn Brent, Joel McCrea, Louis Wolheim and Raymond Hatton, featured players, gave a party—Sue Carol, RICO Radio Pictures' featured player, got into the movies because she visited her friend, Janet Gaynor, and was literally forced before the camera to take a test- as a joke. Los Angeles and Hollywood were scoured for helmets- Paul Sloane, director, ordered the cameras placed so close to the dynamite mines that cameramen worked in the mdist of faUing clods. VICTOR M. SHAPIRO, Fox—Rpmance in motion pictures is not all on the screen. There can be romance even in the big box-like stages where the stars and directors spend over half of their waking lives—The Battle of the Marne could be staged outside one of the big new stages at Movietone City—The last word in studio construc- tion—Secrecy continues to shroud the exact nat-ure of this DeSylva, Brown and Henderson production—Members of the heroic group of players in Raoul Walsh's "The Big Trail," are enjoying a needed I relaxation following the months they spent in a dozen corners— William Collier is a hard-boiled gent. JOHN LEROY JOHNSON, Universal—After boxing thirty fast rounds, Jayne Richmond turned his ankle as he stepped carelessly from the squared circle at the Pasadena fight arena. Rushed to the Pasadena Emergency Hospital, the actor was advised that the severe sprain would keep him off his feet for several days. However, Rich- mond appeared at the studio bright and early—Critics all over America have acclaimed Miss Nolan one of the most talented of emotional screen players—A $3,000,000 picture rental contract between Universal and the Radio-Keith-Orpheum theatre circuit—Universal will produce 20 big film plays, ARTHUR Q. HAGERMAN. Tiffany—"Body and Soul," formerly "Extravagence"—a slightly "slug-nutty" prizefighter with the voca- bulary of the ring presented in a fashion true to life. PETE SMITH, M.-G.-M.—After a search of some months for a Spanish director, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer found one—Her trip to America has brought Edwina Booth good luck—Following his out- standing successes Edward Sedgwich has been signed on a new long term contract—Following brilliant work Hedda Hopper has been signed on a long term contract—Charles Bickford to play the male role—Michael Vavitch is the latest well-known actor. RASKOB PURCHASE OF STUDIO BELIEVED UNFOUNDED RUMOR 'HELL'S ANGELS' SETS RECORD BUT EVER YTHING I S PAID OUT During the twelve weeks or so that "Hell's Ano-cis" has been at the Grauman's Chinese, it has perhaps b?oken all records for attendance and cash at the box office than any other attraction that has played there. But that means nothing. STUDIO ENTERS HELD OF LEGIT (Continued from Page 1) legit. This is going to be the fly in the ointment, and will surely eventuate in an Equity victory if it goes through as planned. From the strictly business end of it, it might mean a back swing of the pendulum to the theatre of human ccjuation. If so, it will be interesting to watch the manner in which the other producers take to the innovation. There are a great number of original screen plays that could be adapted to the stage. If the War- ner Brothers succeed, as they prob- ably will, there will be a grand rush on the part of others to ac- quire theatres and time for their adaptations. It is a praiseworthy undertaking in any event and will bring a new interest in the theatre on the part of actors, managers, writers as well as producers. GARDEN DOES SCRIPT A strong rumor which was car- ried on the front page of one of the dailies to the effect that J. J. Raskob of General Motors bought out the Warner Brothers seems to have been exploded at time of going to press. While it has been known that the W. B. outfit could use a little money at this time, there is a question whether they would be willing to sell out entirely to the banking interests mentioned as be- hind the General Motors deal. So many peculiar happenings have occurred in the industry dur- ing the past couple of years that it may be possible that new blood may he infused into the W. B. financial structure, but it is ques- tionable whether the DuPonts, Raskob and General Motors would be interested other than strictly upon an investment basis, leaving the Warners to continue with their management, which until re-' cently has been outstandingly suc- cessful. Since the decline of stocks last year, the brothers have been said to be a little hard pressed, and the slump of show business to date has not improved their situa- tion much. The First National control, which they acquired last year, is also rumored to be giving them a little annoyance. It is being said that Warners would like to have moved' their Sunset boule- vard plant to Burbank, thereby cutting down the duplication of overhead, but the rumor has it that some of the heavy stock- holders in F. N. objected. It is known that last week Warners had man)'- truck loads of their property removed from the Burbank ^ studios, back to their Hollyw-ood address, and took back to First National much parapher- nalia from the Sunset boulevard studio. This may or may not mean something. 40,000 AT FAIR The Vancouver Exhibition opened its annual ten days fair on Wednesday with an attendance of 40,000 pushing through the turn- stiles. Levitt - Brown - Huggins Shows occupy the midway. Grand- stand attractions include a Fanchon and Marco revue, Rob Roy Pa- geant, seven vaude acts, glider ex- hibitions and a stampede. LYTELL IN "BROTHERS" Having completed "The Last of the Lone Wolf," Bert Lytell starts work immediately on his secohd venture for Columbia, "Brothers," a film version of the popular stage success by Herbert Ashton, Jr. EARL IN S. F. SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 14.— P. J. Earl, Universal auditor, is here this week checking the books of the San Francisco branch. FRANKLIN HONORED Harold B. Franklin will repre- sent the manufacture and exhibi- tion of entertainment plays in California's economic message to the world at the California State Chamber of Commerce meet at Del Monte this month. CARROLL TO MARQUARD SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 14 — Herb Meyerinck is on his notice as orchestra leader at Cafe Mar- quard and will be succeeded by Lee Carroll, who opens next week with an eight-piece combo. Car- roll has been in Reno for some time. NOVELTY DANCERS HOME SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 14.— M;arcial and Celita, novelty danc- ers, have returned from Havana where they were featured at the Chateau Madrid. They opened this week at the Paramount. James Knight Garden, declama- tionist over stations KFI and KECA, has completed script for a 52-week five times a week serial story, titled the "Emperor of Crime." It will be broadcast over the two stations every Monday. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 7 p. m. * BURTON IN L. A. Shipley D. Burton, program di- rector of KSL, Salt Lake City, was a visitor to the studios of KFI and KECA. Los Angeles, last week. The Utah radio official was shown the entire Anthony radio plant, with its unique routing sys- tems and monitoring facilities. TRY-OUTS AT HIP Hippodrome theatre is putting on tryout acts every Friday night. From what was seen last Friday night, w^hich was the second time, it looks like this will be a big suc- cess, as all acts were good. This gives the acts a chance to show what they have to the agents, and plenty of representatives were in the audience. ITALIAN TALKER SAN FRANCISCO. Aug. 14.— Italotone Productions open an Italian talker "Sei Tu L' Amore" at the Tivoli the night of Aug. 16 with a $2 top, reserved seats, for the first night and pop prices thereafter. Bruno Valletty is in charge of advertising and exploi- tation of the film, winch is getting heavy plugging in the North Beach district. ANDERSON AT U. John Murray Anderson, creator of numerous Broadway stage hits and director of "King of Jazz," with Paul Whiteman, John Boles and Jeanette Loft", is once more at Universal City, with three stories being considered for his next di- rectorial vehicle. IN "DARK STAR" Howard Hughes is a very rich man and as long as he is satisfied, who should kick? But this is what he has to be satisfied with. The opening week took in about $54,- 000, counting the capacity first night at $11. Advertising and lights for the occasion more than ate up this extra 20 grand. Other weeks have held up also. How- ever, It is said that the prologue is costing something like $10,000 a week and although there have been many cuts and hacks in it since the opening, it is still a millstone. The advertising bill has been enormous. On top of all this, the bringing out of the Hunter Brothers, ex- endurance flying champs at a sal- ary of about $10,000 a week and e.xpenses with a guarantee of two weeks, proved an awful boner. These young men might be stars in the air, but they lack draught. Whoever is responsible for the bringing of them here, played Hughes a dirty trick, even if he did it himself. There is no ro- mance in endurance contests, noth- ing that excites the interest of the girls nor creates a thrill of ex- citement as attends the appear- ance of Lindbergh. They are just commonplace young men, who broke a record, but everybody is doing that so the public is asking, "What of it?" Jean Harlow, the star of "An gels," made a week's appearance at the Chinese and drew in more business every day than the Hunt- ers did in their two weeks. So strong was her pull that they hav« taken her to New York to appear at the opening of that opus on Broadway. The money loss of the engage- ment at the Chinese will be re- trieved, it is hoped, in the big berg, where it opens Friday at both the Criterion and Gaiety the- atres simultaneously—and without prologues. Howard Hughes, Lincoln Quar- berg and Sid Grauman, along with Jean Harlow, are en route to N. Y. for the opening. Hughes, who, worked hard dur- ing the making and the showing here of "Hell's Angels," will prob- ably reAiain away several months before he again takes up his Hol- lywood pick and shovel. He has purchased the screen rights to "Front Page" and "Queer People," a new Hollywood book that is one of the present best sellers, but Hughes has not an- nounced which will go into por- duction first. UNIVERSAL HAS BLDG. PROGRAM Frank McGlynn, famous stage star and creator of the role in Drinkwater's stage play "Abraham Lincoln," has been added to the cast of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's vivid sea romance in "Dark Star," in which Marie Dressier and Wal- lace Beery play the principal char- acter roles. CHANEY AT HOME Completely recovered in health, Lon Chaney, film star, has re- turned home following two weeks in New York undergoing throat treatments. Approximately $1,000,000 is being expended by Universal Pictures for the construction of permanent new buildings at the Universal City studio. Construction is about to start on a film laboratory plant, which will be the latest thing in motion picture laboratories and will cost in the neighborhood of $750,000. Adjoining this on one side will be a camera building, in which all sound cameras will be stored when not in use and in which all camera repairs and tests will be made. A similar building will adjoin the laboratory on the other side and will house the cutting rooms and huge film vaults. Two new sound stages, to be known as numbers 17 and 18, are also included in this million dol- lar building program. These will be approximately 150 feet square each. GIBBONS PLAYS RKO Floyd Gibbons, celebrated war correspondent and radio entertainer, will play a week in RKO Vaude- ville-Varieties at Keith's Palace Theatre, New York, starting Aug- ust 23. RED STAR CLOSES SAN FRANCISCO. Aug. 14.— Red Star Music Co. is closing its local office, letting go of Jack Reed, representative.