Moving Picture World (May - Jun 1918)

868 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD May 11, 1918 gy jg <. ^•■^.g. g> fe g» m ^ g ^ ^g-.C'" > £g ^ Eg °^> ^ -1 ^ ^ -a 2§ °^ ;§ S =g -g Manufacturers' Advance Notes V ' ■ ' ■ ■ ■ — i, . = ; ■ ' ^-' f J ■jg jg g iggg g g g gg §g gj ^° jgLf^fi s j •' : 1 ^ P '-^ '^. '% S "^ =1 ^ H II :^ § ^' s /tea/ Message in Mabel Normand's "Joan of Plattsburg' THINK of a motion picture star so fortunate at this moment as to be able to answer through the medium of a great screen production the very questions that virtually everyone in America is asking. Mable Normand is the personality who will convey this message. The medium for this message is "Joan of Plattsburg," a Goldwyn Picture that successfully has caught on the screen a story of ideals and inspiration that will heighten the faith and courage and loyalty of millions. A great exhibitor who saw "Joan of Plattsburg" a few days ago said: "I would rather be Mabel Normand — right now — than any other star of the screen, because in 'Joan of Plattsburg' she is going to build for herself the increased affection of everyone who sees that production and carry a memorable message to the people of her country." By creating that thought in an exhibitor's mind, "Joan of Plattsburg" is accomplishing exactly what Goldwyn expected it to do. Goldwyn knew months ago that there would be a flood of war pictures — good ones, bad ones, and indifferent ones. Goldwyn knew that the time would come in the great European conflict when millions of Americans suddenly would have the great war brought home to them in such a way as to challenge every latent spark of loyalty. Goldwyn knew that the time would come in America when every man, woman, and child suddenly would ask, "What can I do for my country?" "Joan of Plattsburg" provides the answer. Mabel Normand as Joan, the little girl living near a great military encampment, sees for the first time in her life the pictured story of France's Joan, the greatest feminine heroine in all history. She hears the story of Joan, and asks, "Can any little girl of today be a Joan of Arc and influence the future of her country?" And to this the answer is, "Yes, you can build up love of country. You can build faith and courage in your men. You and all other girls and boys and men and women can by your faith intensify and strengthen your country." As the star, Mabel Normand reveals a new and brilliant phase of her splendid talents. Accustomed as she is to make world-wide audiences laugh at her wonderful absurdities and humors she is going to amaze everyone by tugging at their heart-strings and bringing a mist before the eyes of all onlookers. Goldwyn itself believes that Mabel Normand in "Joan of Plattsburg" will do more to "keep the home fires burning" than any picture of the year. Supporting Miss Normand is a splendidly capable cast, including Robert Elliott, Joseph Smiley, Edward Elkas, John W. Dillion, and Edith McAlpin. Bowers. Miss Pagano was selected because the role requires the actress to do some remarkable athletic feats, besides creating a characterization of unusual difficulty. Gravina Plays Comedy Role. Cesare Gravina, the distinguished Italian comedian, whose roles in many films have always been dramatic, will appear in America for the first time in a comedy part in Pathe's feature, "The Mysterious Client," starring Irene Castle, set for release May 19. Mr. Gravina has played at the head of his own company in the leading cities of Europe, Australia, South ' and Central America. When the members of his famous Italian company were called to the colors he decided to enter the motion picture field. He has appeared in serious parts in "Poor Little Peppina," "Diplomacy," "The Siren," and "Less Than Dust," in which he won grfat popularity. Marie Pagano in "The Judge. Marie Pagano, known because of her stunts before the camera as being the female rival of Rodman Law, is a member of the cast of "The Judge," a "World picture featuring June Elvidge and John "Inside the Lines" to Go On Regular World Program AT A large price World Pictures has just secured for distribution to World contract holders a great picture originally produced for distribution on a state rights basis. This picture is "Inside the Lines," filmed from the famous novel and stage success written by Earl Derr Biggers. Exhibitors 'will be immensely interested in this announcement and will await with even greater interest the announcement of the release date set for this supreme production. When "Inside the Lines" was produced in New York City some time ago and achieved such a hit there •was a rush for the screen rights. These were finally sold to the producers of the picture for $10,000 advance royalties, and the work of filming the production was started at once. Featured in the cast is Lewis Stone, who starred in the original production. "Inside the Lines" is timely, vital, interesting, superbly staged and finely played. Playing opposite Mr. Stone is Marguerite Clayton, well known on the screen. It is interesting to note that at the present time "Inside the Lines" has been played for over 400 times on the stage in London. Artistic Hunting Lodge Built at Metro Coast Studio A FORCE of twenty-two scenic artists, carpenters, decorators, cambinetmakers and "grips" worked for five days on a stage setting just built on the mammoth stage at Metro's west coast studios in Hollywood, which Clifford Butler, studio manager, believes sets a highwater mark for accuracy and perfection of detail. The "set," used in a Metro production which is under way at the plant, is of a hunting lodge in the Adirondacks. The interior, 25x45 feet, was designed from old prints of English inns of the Elizabethan period, but was given a modern touch by its furnishings in hardwood. For this Technical Director Godfrey used hundreds of feet of California redwood. The massive panels, scores of them, ■were cut in the Metro carpenter shops and beveled at planing mills nearby. A great fireplace of natural stone was erected on the stage. Danny Hogan, chief of props, ransacked the antique shops of Los Angeles for trophies of the chase, including hunting horns, flagons and old glassware, and from a number of wealthy sportsmen in the vicinity obtained a dozen mounted heads of wild game. The set was expensive, but Mr. Butler would not be content with anything slipshod or carelessly done. As it stands, the setting not only provides absolutely faithful atmosphere, but is so painstakingly built that the woodwork will bear closeup "shots" without marring the illusion. Mabel Normand in "Joan of Plattsburg" (Goldwyn).