Motion Picture News (Sept-Oct 1921)

2008 Motion Picture News ADVANCE VIEWS OF COMING ATTRACTIONS Live News From Producers WHAT THE MAKERS SAY ABOUT PICTURES Elaborate Premiere for **His Nibs" on B'way THE much heralded production of Exceptional Pictures, Charles (Chic) Sale in " His Nibs," is having its premier presentation at the Hotel Astor, New York City, as this issue goes to press. Alexander Beyfuss, vicepresident and general manager for Exceptional Pictures Corporation, has promised one of the most unique affairs in the history of the industry, and states further that immediately following the Hotel Astor date a presentation of " His Nibs " in one of the Broadway theatres in New York City will be arranged for. Lasky Officials Commend "The Sheik" "One of the best pictures of the year and a sure-fire box-office sensation," is the gist of a message received this week by Jesse L. Lasky from Charles Eyton, manager of the Lasky studio, in Hollywood, reporting on a private screening given at the studio of "The Sheik," George Melford's production featuring Agnes Ayres and Rudolph Valentino. Officials of the Lasky studio, according to the telegram, declare that Melford has put into the picture all the color and spirit which has made the book by E. M. Hull the best-selling novel of the year. Agnes Ayres does some exceptionally fine work in the role of Diana Mayo, the young English girl who is captured by the Sheik, and Rudolph Valentino as the Sheik has a part which enables him to score as great a triumph as he did in "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse." A scene from the new Universal production, " The Rage of Paris," which presents Miss du Pont in the stellar role Many Bookings for Western " Across the Divide " to Be Issued October 9th by Ass'd Exhibitors "A' Playgoers Pictures feature release for the week of October 9, has already proved the popularity of the well-produced, actionful Western drama, judging by the advance bookings which have been received, says a report from Associated Exhibitors. Headed by Rex Ballard and Rosemary Theby, the cast of "Across the Divide " includes such well known names as Ralph Fee McCullough, Thomas Delmar, Gil bert Clayton, Dorothy Manners and Florence Hollister. It is directed by John Calloway. The following statement has been issued in connection with "Across the Divide :" " The central figure of the story is Buck, played by Rex Ballard; half white, half Indian. He is a wistful outcast who proves his right to his white blood by his loyalty to the only person who ever trusted him. Rosemary Theby takes the role of a fiery dance hall girl. Elaborate Premier for "Theodora" Planned Goldwyn has leased the Astor Theatre for a special, limited, prerelease showing of the great Italian spectacle, "Theodora," which it has acquired for distribution in America. An incidental musical setting has been arranged under the direction of S. L. Rothafel and will be interpreted by a symphony orchestra. There will also be a chorus of forty voices. It will show at the $2.00 scale of prices. "Theodora" is declared to be the greatest film spectacle ever made. It is founded upon Victorien Sardou's romance which furnished Sarah Bernhardt with one of her most triumphant roles. It was directed by Signor Ambrosio, the famous Italian director of Turin, for the Unione Cinematografica Italiana. Three Metro Specials in October THREE pictures, special productions starring Gareth Hughes, Alice Lake and Bert Lytell, will be released by Metro during October as part of its fall schedule. Gareth Hughes will be seen in a comedy-drama, " Garments of Truth," a George D. Baker production, for S-L (Arthur Sawyer-Herbert Lubin) Pictures, on October 3. This picture, adapted from Freeman Tilden's story in "Pictorial Review, deals with the adventures of an imaginative lad in a small village who gives such free rein to his truth trifling propensities that he stirs up the entire village. This is the first of the series of pictures in which Hughes stars for S-L. It was photographed by Rudolph Bergquist. E. J. Shulter was art director. "The Infamous Miss Revell," with Alice Lake as the star, will be released October 17. This drama of a girl whose twin sister reaped the benefits of the other twin's sacrifice for their small brothers and sisters, gives Miss Lake her first chance in a dual role. It is a Dallas M. Fitzgerald production adapted by Arthur J. Zellner from W. Carey Wonderly's story. Robt. Klaflfki was photographer and Joseph Calder art director. Bert Lytell makes his bow in another crook drama October 31, " Lady Fingers," a Bayard Veiller production, adapted by Lenore J. Coffee from Jackson Gregory's story. It was photographed by Arthur Martinelli. A. E. Freuderman was art director. Vitagraph to Produce "Little Minister" ALBERT E. SMITH, president of Vitagraph, has announced that "The Little Minister" will be put out as a special production by Vitagraph in the near future, with Alice Czdhoun in the star role of little Babbie. The preliminary parts of production have already been completed. The Vitagraph Company has owned the rights of Sir James M Barrie's far-famed play for years and believes that there is no time more propitious for making a film super-feature out of it. Alice Calhoun is regarded as a perfect type for the role created on the stage by Maude Adams. Vitagraph has been approached at various times with tempting offers for the rights of "The Little Minister." A prominent trade authority recently placed the probable value of these rights at not less than half a million dollars in the hands of a producer equipped to give it a production in keeping with its charm. "Ropes" Is Selected for Next DuPont Vehicle "Ropes," the one-act play which was published recently in Harper's Magazine, is being made into a fivereel photo-play by Universal, with Miss du Pont in the starring role. It was written by Wilbur Daniel Steele, and is said to be one of the most discussed dramatic pieces of the decade. Paul Scardon is making the picture. The playlet was put into photo-play form bv Lucien Hubbard. Pat O'Malley, Lloyd Whitlock, Percy Challenger, Mrs. Hunt, Mary Philbin, and Fay Winthrop are in the cast. *'Barry Gordon" Will Elaborately Staged Universal officials plan to make "Barr> Gordon," Herbert Rawlinson's next film, one of the most oOt-> standing films of the year. Majoric Daw has been engaged as the star',' leading woman, and Hobart Henle) has been assigned as director. Ar elaborate stage production is promised. The locale of the picturi shifts between Paris, New York Morocco and other internationa points of interest. Extreme care is being taken it the selection of the cast. Only tw<i have been engaged so far. The; are Doris Pawn and Winter Hall.