Motion Picture News (Jan-Feb 1923)

682 Motion Picture N ezvs Metro Announces Changes of Personnel Five transpositions of personnel among managers of the exchanges of Metro Pictures Corporation were announced this week at the home offices of the company in New York. Arthur Lamb, manager of the Cincinnati office, has resigned to engage in another enterprise in California; C. R. Osborn, of Omaha, has been transferred to Cincinnati, and S. A. Maclntyre, until recently in Atlanta, has returned to take his former place as head of the Omaha branch. Mr. Maclntyre's position in Atlanta is now filled by J. J. Burke, for some time assistant to Leroy Biekel in Dallas. These changes followed the conference of the district managers of the Metro distributing organization with the officials of the home offices. 18 First National Films Sold for India Bruce Johnson, foreign manager of Associated First National, has concluded a contract with Madan Theatres, Ltd., of Calcutta, for eighteen First National Pictures, to be shown in the territory of India, Burma and Ceylon. The pictures are: " Oliver Twist," " Smilin' Through," " Question of Honor," "One Clear Call," " Her Mad Bargain," "Playthings of Destiny," " Invisi ble Fear," " Child Thou Gavest Me," " Twin Beds," "Girl in the Taxi," "Sign on the Door," " Primitive Lover," " Lessons in Love," " Pollv of the Follies," " Hurricane's Gal," " Love," " Honor and Behave," " Married Life " and " Bob Hampton of Placer." "Pau per Mi llio naire" Comedy Drama Due Feb. 11 The next Playgoers feature scheduled for release is " A Pauper Millionaire," which has been set for February 11th. Adapted from the novel by Austin Fryer, the picture is said to follow the story very closely and to present some genuinely humorous situations centering about the adventures of an American millionaire in London, who is temporarily reduced to a condition of poverty by a series of mishaps that deprive him of funds, baggage and all proofs of his identity. Sidney Franklin Put Under Contract by Warners SIDNEY FRANKLIN, who recently completed directing " Brass " for Warner Brothers, has been signed for a number of years to produce for the Warner organization under the direct supervision of Mr. Rapf, according to Harry M. Warner. Mrs. Franklin was also engaged for a similar period. The exacting care and the unusual touches invested into the production of " Brass," are the factors that caused the Warner organization to secure the services of Mr. Franklin. Mr. Franklin directed " East is West " with Constance Talmadge, and " Smilin' Thru " with Norma Talmadge, which is testimony of his faith and constant effort to make bigger and better pictures, according to Mr. Warner. Mrs. Franklin will assist Mr. Franklin in the preparation of scenarios, and act in an advisory capacity. The number and names of the stories to be directed by Mr. Franklin have not as yet been announced. Attractive scenes from Warner Brothers' picturization of Charles Norris's novel " Brass." Kathleen Norris Novel Is Bought by Warner Bros. " Lucretia Lombard," reputed to be one of the best sellers in the fiction field, and written by Kathlen Norris, was purchased last week by Warner Brothers. It will be produced by Harry Rapf and will be known as a Rapf production. Sada Cowan is adapting the novel for the screen. Mr. Rapf, who is assisting Sidney Franklin in editing and titling the Charles G. Norris novel, " Brass," is expected to arrive East with the finished print within the next fortnight. Leah Baird Production for March 11th Release Associated Exhibitors has set for release March 11th the nest in its series of productions featuring Leah Baird. The adaptation and story of this picture are from the well known play, " All Mine," by Dorian Neve, and the photoplay is now known under the working title of " When Civilization Failed." Leah Baird is surrounded by a cast which includes Thomas Santschi, Walter McGrail, Richard Tucker. Alec. B. Francis, Robert Bolder and Puth Mitchell. Rothacker Company Holds Annual Election At the annual election of the Rothacker Film Mfg. Co. of Illinois Watterson R. Rothacker was re-elected president, H. J. Aldnus was elected vice-president, and Charles E. Pain. Jr., treasurer. John G. Hahn was re-elected secretary, and Edward H. Seifert, assistant secretary, and J. G. Manmoser, assistant treasurer. These together with Douglas D. Rothacker constitute the board of directors. Carlton King Series to Go via Producers Security Carlton King, president of the Carlton King Productions, who has been East with his manager, J. Frank Moore, arranging for the distribution rights of his series of twelve tworeel comedy-dramas in which he is starred, has placed them with the Producers Security and wilil return to Hollywood this week to continue work on the series. They will be issued one a month, four being completed at present. Mr. King was recently featured in a group of 0. Henry subjects. " Going Up" Put Into Production on Coast Production work on " Going Up," Douglas MaeLean's first feature for Associated Exhibitors, is now in full swing at the Hollywood studios, where Douglas MacLean Productions, Inc.,has established its headquarters. Marjorie Daw appears opposite the star, and the rest of the cast includes Francis McDonald, Arthur Hull, Hallam Cooley, Hughie Mack, Edna Murphy, Wade Boteler, John Steppling and Lillian Langdon. Paramount Signs Antonio Moreno for Five Years Jesse L. Lasky announced at Hollywood Friday of last week that Antonio Moreno had signed a five-year contract to play leading roles in Paramount pictures. As previously stated by Mr. Lasky, he will be co-starred with Bebe Daniels in " The Exciters," which Richaid Ordynski will direct at the Long Island studio, and this will be his first engagement under the new contract. DustinFarnum in" TheBuster" Due February 18th Dustin Farnum will be seen in Jack Strumwasser's adaptation of " The Buster," the William Patterson White story, on February 18, according to announcement from the Fox Film Corporation this week. The production was directed by Colin Campbell and numbers in its cast Doris Pawn, Lucille Hutton and Pee Wee Holmes. Richard Dix Is Signed by Paramount for 5 Years Jesse L. Lasky announced Saturday in Hollywood that Richard Dix had signed a five-year contract to play leading roles in Paramount pictures. Mr. Dix recently completed a special engagement with Paramount as leading man with Agnes Ayres in " Racing Hearts," which is soon to be released, and his first role under the new contract will be announced soon. First National Names Joe Skirboll Dist. Manager Joe Skirboll, who has been exchange manager for First National in the Pittsburgh territory, has been promoted to district manager ; ship in one of the First National Western districts. A. S. David succeeds Skirboll as manager in Pittsburgh.