Motion Picture News (July-Aug 1918)

August 24, 1 9 / 8 1245 " Pals First " Released as Screen Classic In fulfillment of its recently announced decision to promote Harold Lockwood in the special attractions class, Metro announces that it will release the newest Lockwood feature, " Pals First," under the banner of Screen Classics, Inc. The picture has been in course of production under the direction of Edwin Carewe since the Lockwood company's arrival from the Coast, and as only a few scenes remain to be made the film will soon be ready for release. The picture is an adaptation of the stage play, "Pals First," prepared by Leo Wilson Dodd from Francis Perry Elliott's novel of the same name, published by Harper and Brothers. The story has to do with the adventures of two hardened, wayfaring pals, Danny Rowland and Dominie, who find refuge in a Tennessee home when an aged darky servant believes he recognizes in Danny his long absent master, Dick Castleman. Harold Lockwood has a congenial role as Danny. His large cast includes Ruth de Remer as Jean Logan, James Lackaye as Dominie, Richard R. Neill as Dr. Chilton, Frank De Vernon, Anthony Byrd, Pauline Dempsey, Walter P. Lewis and Rollo Lloyd. Rolfe Tells How He Screens Houdini Tricks Many exhibitors have written to inquire as to how Houdini will do his selfliberation stunts before the camera, and as this is one of the important points in the Houdini serial, I have come to the conclusion that the only way to successfully perform these tricks would be in an uninterrupted close-up. Almost any actor could fake Houdini's liberation stunts with a camera, but it would be impossible for any man on earth to perform these various acts in an uninterrupted close-up. I have given instructions to take all of Houdini's tricks without a camera break. In other words, if Houdini makes an escape from handcuffs or the various other impedimenta used to confine him the action will take place on one piece of film without a break. This film will be used in its entirety and will not be cut." Christie Names Releases for September Releases of the Christie Company for the month of September are completed and ready for shipping to the various Christie exchanges throughout the country. With each picture goes a full set of stills and straight pictures of the principals in the respective casts. The following schedules the Christie releases for September: September 2, " Some Cave-Man," featuring Bobby Vernon and Dorothy Dane ; September 9, "Are Second Marriages Happy?" with Jay Belasco and Ethel Lynne; September 16, " Married by Proxy," featuring Bobby Vernon and Dorothy Dane ; September 23, " Look Who's Here," with Smiling Bill Mason and Ethel Lynne. Coming, ^Program Ofiferingd ft Ghost Flower" from Triangle Heads List Announced for Release on August 18 — Is Story of Victory of Patriotism — R u b e n s Starred Alma Rubens Is Starred by Triangle In " The Ghost Flower," Directed by Frank Borzage A DRAMA of love and sacrifice, " The Ghost Flower" heads the Triangle program for August 18, presenting Alma Rubens in the leading role. " The Ghost Flower " is a story of the victory of patriotism. The heroine debases herself in the eyes of the man she loves that she may save him from death. But face to face on the battleground, come her sweetheart and the man who has determined to kill his rival for her affections. Both have faced the tragedy of the World's great conflict, and in the face of death and devastation the villain's con science is awakened. Personal quarrels are forgotten in the turmoil of the battles of the Nations and to the hero comes the knowledge of the nobility and sacrifice of his sweetheart's love. ' Alma Rubens is an Italian girl, Guilia, a character which should conform admirably to her brunette beauty. Several new players are included in her supporting cast, among them being Charles West and Emory Johnson. Frank Bprzag who directed this production is said to have furnished one of the most artistic sets ever erected at the Triangle studios, a Naples street scene. Madeline Matzen wrote the story which was scenarioized by Catherine Carr. Jack McKenzie handled the camera. Director Gilbert P. Hamilton's latest picture " High Tide " in which Harry Mestayer, the former Broadway star is featured, is the second release for the week. In " High Tide " Harry Mestayer is shown as a successful playwright and author who has risen from a street " newsie " through sheer ability. The plot centers around the love of Barbara Edwards, an aristocrat from New England, drawn to the city by the urge of ambition, and the conflicting affections of a show girl Polly Staire. Mestayer portrays Hudson Newbrook and Jean Calhoun is Barbara. Yvonne Pavis and Jack Rollen are new players especially engaged in this production. " High Tide " was written by B. D. Carber with scenario by Catherine Carr. Gilbert Warrenton was the cameraman. Pathe Sets "Her Man" as First Fall Feature PATHE'S first big feature for the season of 1918-19 will be "Her Man," according to an announcement this week from Pathe Exchange. This picture is scheduled for September 8. The picturization of " Her Man " is adapted from the novel by Charles Neville Buck, " The Battle Cry." Elaine Hammerstein is the star of the picture, which was directed by Ralph Ince. The Advanced Motion Picture Corporation produced it. " Her Man " is a picture of which the Pathe organization is very proud. Not only is the story said to be a strong one, lending itself perfectly to screen purposes, but the cast, locations, production and direction are all said to be excellent. The picture deals with what is perhaps the most picturesque people in the United States today, the mountaineers of the South. The scene of the story is laid in the mountains of Kentucky and practically all the exteriors were filmed there. It is interesting to note that Director Ince selected for the making of his picture the same place of which Mr. Buck wrote in his book. Therefore the locale is authentic and the types used as " extras " perfect, for natives were employed wherever possible. W. Lawson Butt plays the leading man, having the part of " Bad Anse Havey," the clan leader. Mr. Butt not only does splendid work in his interpretation, but in addition he is an excellent " type " for the part, broad-shouldered, dark, and with strong features. Efficiency " Stars and Jeff Mutt Mutt and Jeff in an Animated Cartoon entitled " Efficiency " is one of the coming releases announced by the Fox Film Corporation. The story of " Efficiency " revolves about the inventive genius of Mutt. Mutt decides to put this talent at the service of the Government and thus help win the war, so when Jeff drops in on Mutt in the latter's drafting room Mutt explains minutely the operation of his new device. Doris Kenyon Returns Doris Kenyon returned this week from Kentville and Halifax, N. S., where during the past three weeks she has been visiting relatives.