Motion Picture News (Sep-Oct 1923)

1424 Griffith Making Patriotic Production Producing Story of Revolutionary Period on Big Scale at Request of D. A. R. Officials RESPONDING to a request from officials of the Daughters of the American Revolution, transmitted through Will H. Hays, D. W. Griffith is at work on a motion picture based on the founding' of the American Government. The request, according to announcement this week, was made lirst to the Committee on Public Relations, affiliated with the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, Inc., of which Mr. Hays is president. Mrs. Anthony Wayne Cook, president general, and Mrs. Charles White Nash, New York Regent, representing the D. A. R. on the Committee, made the request. The Committee sent the request to Mr. Hays who turned it over to Mr. Griffith and obtained his consent. The film as at present outlined is to show the struggles, sacrifices and results of the Revolutionary Period. In a letter to Mr. Hays, outlining the picture, Mr. Griffith wrote in part, after pointing out the present world-wide unrest and the danger of Bolshevism : " Our idea of a motion picture that is much needed in America is to show conditions in America as they are today, of various phases of unrest and dissatisfaction, to show how the average workman of today, with his bathroom and plumbing, lives better than the kings of the world up to 150 years ago. In the battles between labor and capital, let them both argue out their troubles as much as they will, but one thing all must remember: to be careful that no act imperils, in any way, the sacred institutions of these United States." Mr. Griffith then outlined the scope of the picture, which would include the Boston Tea Party, Lexington and Concord, Paul Revere's Ride, the heroism of Nathan Hale, the dark days at Valley Forge, and all the events of the Revolution leading up to the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. " The romance for such a story has been originally written by Robert W. Chambers," the letter continues. "He will give his time and practically invaluable services, owing to his great knowledge of everything pertaining to the historic as well as the romantic side of a picture dealing with this theme." The producer will also have the assistance of John L. E. Pell, an authority on American history, and Anthony Paul Kelly, playwright and scenarist. " No effort should be spared in telling the greatest story we believe possible to tell Americans — the story of their country," Mr. Griffith concludes. Leishman Wins Promotion in Universal Office E. D. Leishman, Universal auditor for the Eastern territory, will no longer operate among the various " U " exchanges. He lias heen promoted to a position at the Universal Home office, New York City, which will necessitate his remaining there. Leishman's connection with the Universal has been a short one, he having joined that organization just one year ago. His promotion is in keeping with Carl Laemmle's policy of advancing to more responsible positionthose of his employees whose work merits recognition. Santell Now Preparing for "The Sandpile" Al. Santell, who has just completed the Paul Dickey-Mann Page production " Lights Out " at the Pat Powers studios for release by Film Booking Offices, is preparing to film " The Sandpile " as his next production for that organization. It is a drama from the pen of Mary Tynan and is being adapted by Helmer Bergman of the Powers' scenario forces. Walter Woods Will Edit "To the Ladies" Walter Woods will serve as production editor of the James Cruze production, " To the Ladies," on which work will start at Paramount's West Coast studio, September 17. .17 o t i on P t c t u r 6 News Charles Jones' next feature for William Fox is "Hell's Hole." These scenes are from the production. Pete Morrison Made Star by U niversal Pete Morrison has broken into the star class in pictures. He is Universalis new chapter play star, and is to ride through the thrills and sensations of " The Ghost City," soon to be filmed in the Sierras and in Mexico. He recently has been seen in a number of Universal's two-reel Westerns. Paul Bryan wrote the story of " The Ghost City." Jay Marchant will direct it. Margaret Morris, who has been less than a year in pictures, is being co-starred with Morrison. "Marriage Market" Next on C. B. C. Schedule " The Marriage Market " is to be the next production on the C. B. C. Film Sales Corporation series of special Columbia Pictures, it is announced this week by producer Harry Colm of that organization. It will be the second all star feature on this series, following " Yesterday's Wife," which is already released. The new feature is by Evelyn Campbell, who also wrote " Yesterday's Wife." Edward J. Le Saint will direct the production. "Extra Girl" Premiere at Mission in L. A. "The Extra Girl," first of the big Mack Sennett productions starring Mabel Normand for Associated Exhibitors release, is to have its official world premiere at the Mission theatre, Los Angeles, at the conclusion of the present run there of " Merry-Go-Rounrl." It is expected the engagement will begin early in Sept ember. Hodkinson Names Sales Manager for Denver Announcement is made by the W. W. Hodkinson Corporation that effective September 10th, Mark E. Corey is appointed sales manager of the Denver, Colorado, branch of the W. W. Hodkinson Corporation, replacing Mr. H. O. Bartels, who has resigned.