Motion Picture News (Jan-Feb 1923)

February i o , 1923 679 F.B.O. Schedules Three Features for February THE H. C. Witwer-Collier's Weekly " Fighting Blood " stories, which have been made into a series of twelve two-reel pictures by the Film Booking Offices of America, will be released to exhibitors this month. One episode, or " round " as they are to be called, will be issued every second week. The entire series is being directed by Mai St. Clair and George O'Hara is featured. "The Bishop of the Ozarks," a dramatic story of a man's regeneration, heads the features to be released by F. B. O. during the month of February. The story is by ex-Congressman Milford W. Howard, who also plays the leading role. Finis Fox directed. " Stormswept," a drama of the sea written by H. H. Van Loan, will complete the F. B. O. February feature program.. "Stormswept" is a Robert Thornby production, with a cast including Wallace and Noah Beery, Arline Pretty, Virginia Brown Faire and Jack Carlyle. Landy to Handle Jackie Coogan Publicity George Landy, well known on both coasts as a publicity man, has been appointed director of publicity for the Jackie Coogan productions that follow "Daddy" and "Toby Tyler" which were made for Associated First National. While Jackie was producing pictures under Sol Lesseris management, Harry D. Wilson was in charge of all the Coogan publicity but when Jackie was signed to produce for Metro, Harry decided to remain with the Lessers and he will continue to give exhibitor service on " Daddy " and " Toby Tyler," the latter being a big circus story. Landy went to the coast a couple of years ago and became director of publicity for Allen Holubar and Richard Walton Tully productions. Hunter Buys Into Canadian Releasing Corporation John L. Hunter, sales manager of American Releasing Corporation since its inception a year ago, has purchased an interest in Canadian Releasing Corporation, Ltd., the Dominion ally of American, and has taken up his residence in Toronto to manage the Ontario interests of the Canadian organization in association with J. P. O'Loghlin, managing director. Mr. Hunter several years ago, while with First National, aided in developing that company's sub-franchise system, leaving them to join F. B. Warren, and became general manager of the Canadian Associated Producers' offices. Frederic Gage, for the past year assistant sales manager of American Releasing, has now been appointed manager of sales. Louis B. Mayer to Make "Climbing" for Screen " Climbing," the Lee Hutty play now having its premiere at the Majestic theatre in Los Angeles, has been purchased for the screen by Louis B. Mayer, the prominent independent producer. It will be filmed with an all-star east by John M. Stahl. Some views from "A Pauper Millionaire," a Playgoers Pictures attraction. UniversaVs Releases for February Frank Mayo, Gladys Walton, "Hoot" Gibson, and Rawlinson Films Listed UNIVERSAL announces for release during the month of February the following four five-reel feature productions : " The First Degree," starring Frank Mayo, on the 5th; "The Love Letter," with Gladys Walton, on the 12th; "The Gentleman from America," starring " Hoot " Gibson, on the 19th ; and " The Prisoner," with Herbert Rawlinson, set for the 26th. " The First Degree " is a screen adaptation of a popular magazine story by George Pattullo. The story was put into continuity form by George Randolph Chester. Included in the cast engaged by Universal to support Frank Mayo in this feature are Sylvia Breamer, Philo McCullouch, George A. Williams and Harry Carter. The story concerns a man called before the grand jury to testify concerning some of his sheep which have been stolen, but who through ignorance of why he is called, rushes in and confesses to a crime on his own part. Although this idea has been used before in literature and on the screen, Universal is said to have given to it an entirely new treatment and one which does not let the interest lag. Gladys Walton's February release, " The Love Letter," is a comedy-drama adapted by Hugh Hoffman from a story by Bradley King. King Baggot directed it. Edward Hearn plays opposite Miss Walton. He takes the part of a village blacksmith who falls in love with a smart city girl. Others in the cast are George Cooper, Fontaine LaRue, Alberta Lee, Walter Whitman, Florence D. Lee, Boyd Irwin, Jim Corey, Danny Hoy, Lucy Donohoe and Sadie Gordon. " The Gentleman from America," Edward ("Hoot") Gibson's February release, is described as a rollicking picture of romance and adventure developed around the escapades of a couple of doughboys who go A. W. 0. L. from their outfit in France and who end up " somewhere in Spain." It was written especially for Gibson by Raymond Schrock, scenario editor at Universal City, and was directed by Edward Sedgwick. Included in the cast which supports Gibson are Louis Lorraine (as leading woman), Carmen Phillips, Tom O'Brien, Frank Leigh, Jack Crane, Bob McKenzie, Albert Prisco and Rosa Rosonova. " Although dealing with a couple of doughboys, it is not a war picture," declares Universal, " but is filled with the hilarious comedy, of the kind that will be appreciated by anyone who ever wore 0. D. or was related to a soldier or whoever knew a soldier." The last release of the month will be " The Prisoner," Universal's adaptation of George Barr McCutcheon's best seller, " Castle Craneycrow." Herbert Rawlinson is the star, and is supported by Eileen Percy and a strong cast. Jack Conway directed it. The picture was originally intended for Jewel release, but when Rawlinson was assigned to it, it was decided to keep it on the Universal attraction release schedule. WellKnown Ingenues in D. W. Griffith Cast The cast assembled for D. W. Griffith's forthcoming production, " The White Rose," will present three well-known screen ingenues in important roles in the persons of Mae Marsh, Carol Dempster and Jane Thomas. " The White Rose " company is now in Florida, where Mr. Griffith is making his headquarters at the Brunton studios in Miami.