Motion Picture News (Apr-Jun 1918)

Motion Picture News 2098 "The Kaiser" Is Booking Fast Will Open the Adams Theatre, New Kunsky House in Detroit — Indefinite Runs Begin in Chicago and Boston IT M. BERMAN, sales manager of Jewel Ll» Productions, Inc., reports that the number of telegraphic requests for immediate bookings of " The Kaiser, the Beast of Berlin," make it evident that the feature is destined to repeat throughout the country the success it is now said to be scoring at the Broadway theatre in New York. Although but two weeks have elapsed since the initial showing the New York representatives of the big booking organizations are said to have widely heralded the production. The first booking of " The Kaiser " outside of New York City was that of the Adams theatre in Detroit, the newest of the Kunsky houses. The Adams is to open its doors on April 1, and the Jewel feature will be its premiere offering. There, ac WORK on several new productions has been started at the Eastern and West Coast studios of William Fox during the past few days. George Walsh began work at the Kalem studios at Cliff side, N. J., on a play the working title of which is "4:40 at Fort Penn," which is said to afford Walsh an excellent opportunity for his breezy style. June Caprice, who has been enjoying a rest after making " A Camouflage Kiss," has started work on a new play which has the working title, " Blue Eyed Mary." After finishing " The Debt of Honor," her first production for William Fox, Peggy Hyland has begun on the exterior scenes for a play which has " Peg of the Pirates " as its working title. In the story Peggy is carried off by pirates and is res IN Madame Olga Petrova's third starring vehicle, " The Life Mask," soon to be released through the First National Exhibitors' Circuit, a supporting cast of more than ordinary strength is said to have been provided. To Mrs. L. Case Russell is due the credit for the scenario, which is taken from the mystery novel, " To M. L. G.," by an anonymous author. The peculiar nature of the story, it is claimed, required especially skillful interpretation of the characters, and to this end more than the usual consideration was given to the matter of selecting the cast, which is said to be perfect. Appearing in the leading male role is Thomas Holding, who assumes the character of Captain Hugh Shannon. Second in importance to this role is the character of Woodruffe Clay, around whom the entire plot revolves. For this part Wyndham Standing, who has appeared in sup cording to Mr. Berman, it will remain for an indefinite run. Although the Kunsky interests signed the Jewel contract first, the Globe theatre, of Boston, is the first theatre in the land to actually show it after the Broadway. The picture opened for an indefinite run on March 17. In Wilmington, Del., the DuPonts have arranged for a week's showing at their Playhouse, the picture opening March 25. The DuPonts are nationally known for their patriotic endeavors and their booking of " The Kaiser " is pointed to as significant. In Chicago Jewel Productions has taken over the Ziegfeld theatre, and presentation of " The Kaiser " was begun there on Sunday, March 24. Harry Levey, who had charge of the Broadway theatre presentation during its first week, will assume charge of the Ziegfeld theatre and will remain at the helm throughout the length of its run. cued by her lover, who is a poet and a fine young lad as well. The new subject, like Miss Hyland's first for William Fox, will be under the direction of O. A. C. Lund. R. A. Walsh, following a brief vacation after finishing " Woman and the Law," is now working on the script for a new play. Jane and Katherine Lee, after their return from Georgia, where they made exteriors, have resumed work at the Biograph studios on their forthcoming production. At the West Coast studios Gladys Brockwell has started work on a new play with the tentative title of " Miss Past, Miss Present." " The Honeymooners " is the working title of a new picture which Jewel Carmen is making. William Farnum has begun work on a new de luxe production under the direction of Frank Lloyd. port of many Famous Players, World and Lasky stars, was chosen. In the second lead is Christine Mayo, while Lucille La Verne, who will be remembered by older theatregoers for her work with Harrigan and Hart and Thomas Jefferson, will be seen in the character part of Sarah Harden. The balance of the supporting cast included Matilda Brundage, Edith Hinckle, Gene Burnell, E. J. Burnes, not to mention five natives of Spain especially selected to lend the proper atmosphere to certain scenes of " The Life Mask,'' presumably laid in that country. The picture has been directed by Frank Crane, photographed by Messrs. Lane and Harris and filmed in both New York and Florida. The release of " The Life Mask " will mark the third appearance of Madame Olga Petrova as the star of her own production organization. Nell Shipman and Alfred Whitman Are Featured in Vitagraph's " The Home Trail," a Blue Ribbon Raver Speaks for " The Public Defender " Harry Raver ii> commenting upon the sales campaign for his production of " The Public Defender," starring Frank Keenan, Alma Hanlon and Robert Edeson said : " I discovered that pretty nearly every organization of state rights buyers and exhibitors' circuits are represented in the ownership of territorial franchises for this production. Among these are : Turner & Dahnken of the First National Exhibitors circuit; Walter E. Greene and Hiram Abrams, prominent figures in the Paramount and Artcraft companies, who operate the Modern Feature Film Co. in New York, and the Boston Photoplay Co. of Boston ; The Associated Theatre, Inc., of which Tom Hamlin is the head; and the DollVan Film Corporation of Chicago, members of Sol Lesser's buying association. "In Boston, 'The Public Defender' played a full week on its opening date at Keith's Boston theatre. In Chicago, the picture had its premiere at Jones, Linick & Schaefer's Orpheum. Turner & Dahnken presented the picture at their principal theatre in San Francisco." Renowned Pictures, Inc., who arc handling the sales of Mr. Raver's production anticipate a rapid disposal of the remaining territory now that " The PublicDefender " has started off so well in the states already presenting the picture. No Sunday Shows Here The Appellate Court at Frankfort, Ky., has decided that it is a violation of the law to conduct a motion picture show on Sunday. This action was taken in affirming the case of the Capital theatre, Frankfort, against the Commonwealth of Kentucky. A fine of not more than $50 may be assessed for each offense. Fox Stars at Work on New Productions Able Cast in Petrova's Third Picture