Motion Picture News (Mar-Apr 1923)

March 17, 1923 1263 Scenes from " Temptation," C. B. C. release — State Rights. Roach Extending Studio Facilities Purchases $100,000 "Film Ranch" Which Will House All Exteriors of Companies Eastern Branch Managers for Hodkinson Confer WF. SEYMOUR, division sales manager for the Eastern Dis• trict of the W. W. Hodkinson Corporation, held a conference of all branch managers for the Eastern District at the home office last week. The purpose of this conference was the formulating of sales plans covering Rimer Clifton's " Down to the Sea in Ships," just finishing its third week at the Cameo theatre. New York. This conference included the following branch managers: F. W. Gebhardt, Philadelphia; G. A. Falkner, Washington. D. C; G. R. Ainsworth, Pittsburgh; A. W. Carrick. Buffalo; L. J. Hacking, Boston; and George Dillon, New York. During this conference, plans were made for the promotion of this production as well as for better co-operation between each exchange and the exhibitor. Goulding Joins Warner 's Scenario Staff Edmund Goulding, one of the best known scenarists in the industry, has been added to the Warner Brothers scenario staff, according to Harry M. Warner. Two other scenario writers were placed under contract. They arc Frank Dazcy, author and playwright, and Agnes Johnson. The addition of this trio of writers to the scenario department was necessitated by the large production schedule planned by Mr. Warner for the season of 1923-24. Goulding, Dazey and Miss Johnson left last week for the Warner Brothers' coast studios. Other members of the scenario staff include Julien Josephson and Grant Carpenter. Scenes from " Why Women Re-Marry,',' starring Milton Sills — Associated Photoplays, Inc. PATHE'S new contracts with Hal Roach have caused the producer again to add materially to his Culver City plant. Mr. Roach announces his purchase of a $100,000 " Film Ranch," comprising ten acres adjacent to the " lot " which has been the scene of Harold Lloyd's work and has developed the Our Gang comedies with their " Zoo " accessory. Producer Roach's statement declares that his new product engagements require him to put $1,000,000 more into his business this year than he did in 1922. The film ranch acquisition will house all of the exteriors for the seven producing units which Mr. Roach plans to have in operation by the end of March. It will also become the permanent home of the Our Gang company, including the menagerie. One of the first buildings to go up on the new property will contain a school room where the youthful members of " Our Gang " will pursue their ordinary education. The Pathe-Roach contract with Will Rogers to star in a series of thirteen two-reel comedies enters into the Roach studio expansion plans. It is announced that the famous " Follies " comedian will arrive in Los Angeles to begin his screen activities sometime during the month of March, his contract with Ziegfeld compelling him to remain with the " Follies " show until the completion of its New York run. A total of eight units will produce under the Roach banner this year, the entire .output being for Pathe distribution. Mr. Roach's plans include many new production activities. " In increasing my program this year," says Producer Roach, " I am trying to keep pace with the added demand for productions of the higher type. Exhibitors are willing to pay big prices for pictures if they are given the right kind, as is exemplified by the tremendous success of the Harold Lloyd product." "Adam and Eva" and" Racing Hearts" Due 11th On March 11 Paramount will release the Cosmopolitan production, "Adam and Eva," starring Marion Davies, and Agnes Ayres in " Racing Hearts," both comedy-dramas, though widely different in theme and treatment. Guy Bolton and George Middleton's stago play, " Adam and Eva," was adapted for the screen by Luther Reed and directed by Robert G. Vignola. Joseph Urban designed the settings. T. Roy Barnes has the leading male role, with Tom Lewis, William Norris, Percy Ames, William Davidson, Bradley Barker and John Powers most prominent in the support. " Racing Hearts " is an automobile race story by Byron Morgan. Will M. Ritchey wrote the scenario and Paul Powell directed. A race scene was staged at the Santa Monica course near Los Angeles for this picture. Playing opposite Miss Ayres is Richard Dix. Theodore Roberts, J. Farrell MacDonald and Robert Cain are in the cast. Marjorie Daw Selected as Lead By James Young Director James Young, now making a series of independent productions for First National release, has selected Marjorie Daw to be one of the feminine leads in his first production, " Wandering Daughters," to be made at the United studios in Los Angeles. The other wandering daughter, as already announced, is Marguerite de la Motte.