Motion Picture News (Sept-Oct 1921)

2172 Motion Picture News A scene showing the principals in " A Man's Home," a Ralph Ince production released by Selznick Duncan Film Completed Edith Johnson Appears as Co-Star; Antonio Morena Film Progressing VITAGRAPH announces the completion of the new William Duncan production, in which Edith Johnon appears as the co-star, and also reports rapid and satisfactory progress on the new Antonio Moreno starring vehicle at the West Coast studios of the,,\{itagr^ph orgatrization. i-^,^ ; . ;:3ciie productieri g»ig§fifjting William .Piuncan and Edith Johnson in co-starring roles is as yet untitled, ^tiis'based on an original story by J;;,B^leigh Davies and was filmed ufider the personal direction of MrDuncan. The prints have been received at the Eastern offices and those who have seen the picture declare that it undoubtedly is one of Mr. Duncan's best. It presents both stars in different type of roles from which they recently have become so closely associated. In addition to Mr. Duncan and Miss Johnson, the cast includes Jack Richardson, Henry Herbert, Alathilde Brundage and Charles Dudley. Betty Francisco heads the cast supporting Antonio Moreno in his new Vitagraph production, which is now well under way at the Hollywood studio. Others in the cast include Lila Leslie, Harry L. Van Meter, John MacFarland and Allan Garcia. The Moreno picture, as yet without a title, is based on the story by George Cameron. Its theme is a modernized storj of Da\id, who coveted Beth-Sheba, the beautiful wife of Uriah and sent the husband into the forefront of the hottest battle in order that he might be killed. In the modern picture story Moreno, as the husband, is sent to the worst fever stricken section of India. All the scenes and action are laid in India and are said to be unusually spectacular. Pathe's Strong Releases Allen's Wild Animal Pictures Will Augment October 23 List IN" announcing its short subjects for release the week of October 23d, Pathe Exchange, Inc., states that " Capturing Lions by Aeroplane," the second of the series of " Major Jack Allen's Wild Animal Pictures," will augmeVit the schedule. " The Flaming Trail " is the next story of Holman Day to reach the screen. The scenes are laid in the Maine woods with a forest fire giving plenty of thrills to the exciting story. Edgar Jones and Edna May Sperl are the featured players with Ben Hendricks, Jr., John Woodford and Carlton Brickert playing prominent roles. Hal Roach presents Gaylord Lloyd in " Trolley Troubles " the latest comedy featuring the brother of the well-known Harold. Gaylord is assisted in the offering by Beatrice La Plante and the entire staff of the Hal Roach Comedians. " Late Hours " is the title of the current Hal Roach comedy featuring Eddie Boland. " Sunshine Sammy," Ethel Broadhurst, Jean Hope, Dagmar Delgren and Lilymae Wilkinson assist the comedian in his antics and help make the fun fast and furious. " One Against Many " is the title of the fifth episode of the new Pathe serial, " Hurricane Hutch." starring Charles Hutchinson. " The Dog and the Bone " is the current animated cartoon of the " Aesop's Film Fables " series produced by Fables Pictures, Inc., and created by Cartoonist Paul Terry. Pathe Review, No. 126, presents an exceptional group of widely diversified subjects. Commend Gibson Drama Universal Chiefs Approve of His Choice as Special Attraction Star <<QURE FIRE," in which Hoot O Ciibsi ibson stars, has convinced Universal officials that Hoot Gibson will measure up in every particular to organization's standard for its Special Attraction Stars. While the star's previous efforts in " Action " and " Red Courage " gave entire satisfaction, final judgment was withheld until "Sure Fire" was released for the screen. Following a showing at the Central theatre, New York, where the production was given a thorough test, full approval was accorded the choice of the Western star for a place among the Special Attraction Stars on the Universal Film release schedule. Of the eight Special Attractions which he will make this year six have alreadj' been set. Gibson is now working under Reeves Eason on a picture whose working title is " The Badge of the Fighting Heart." John C. Brownell, New York scenario head, has just purchased for Gibson's use from the Robert H. Davis corporation, " Sou' West." This is a novelette by J. R. Brickley which ran in Western stories. He has also purchased the Hapsburg Liebe story, " Trimmed and Burning " which appeared in Colliers. In describing the steps which led to Gibson's choice as a Special Attraction Star, Universal says : " Universal feels extremely encouraged over its success in putting over Hoot Gibson as a five-reel Special Attraction Star. When Harr> Carey was made a Jewel Star he had already created a distinct place for Western Special Attractions. This place had to be filled and well filled to balance the offerings which Universal wished to maintain. The field was scanned but no young star of sufficient prominence was available. Then Universal again looked over its crops of incipient stars 'Hoot' Gibson had been working two-reel Western dramas which had made a sure name for him and real money for exhibitors. Under the direction of Jack Ford and Edward Laemmlc he had been able to translate a wonderfully engaging personality and a whirlwind command of horsemanship into mighty compelling drama. Universal consequently decided to make a Special Attraction star out of Gibson." Hush Money" Announced Realart Release Brady in Story by THE story of " Hush Money " was written by Samuel Merwin, one of the foremost authors of American fiction, and is his first original which he has written for the screen. The scenario is a collaboration between Mr. Merwin and Charles Maigne, who directed the picture. Mr. Merwin was a daily visitor at the studio while his story was being filmed and rendered valuable assistance to the director during the production of the story. The theme of the story is perhaps more of a character analysis than appears in the usual photoplay, and Realart asserts that Mr. Merwin drew one of his principal characters from a prominent Wall Street capitalist. Miss Brady is said to be admirably cast as the daughter of the wealthy New Yorker and in this picture sustains her reputation of being one of the best dressed stars on the screen. As a matter of fact, says Realart, the faultless attire of Miss Brady has attracted international attention. Aside from the wonderful gowns which she wears in " Hush Money," Miss Brady will attract particular attention by her exceptional dramatic interpretation of her difficult role. One of the principal supporting parts is that of Harry Benham, in the role of Bishop John Deems, whose experience goes back to many years on the legitimate stage. Of late years he has been seen in leading parts opposite many of the better-known screen stars among whom may be mentioned Alice Joyce, Ina Claire and Alice Brady. Larry Wheat, well-known musi Presents Alice Samuel Merwin cal comedy star, makes his screen debut in " Hush Money." George Fawcett, the noted character actor, also has a prominent part in the picture, as does Larry Devine, the boy actor who appeared with May McAvoy and Gareth Hughes in " Sentimental Tommy." 'Great Impersonation' Released October 6 THE Paramount release scheduled for October 9 is George Melford's production, " The Great Impersonation," featuring James Kirkwood. The picture version of this novel was written by Monte M. Katterjohn. This is a gemaine mystery story, involving an interesting case of double identity, Mr. Kirkwood playing a dual role. Playing opposite Mr. Kirkwood in the leading feminine role is Ann Forrest. Allan Hale plays the chief heavy role, and others in the cast are Winter Hall, Fontaine La Rue, Truly Shattuck, Bertram Johns, William Burress, Frederick Vroom and Lawrence Grant, the last named again delineating the Kaiser, a portrayal he has made famous in previous pictures. The production is not in any sense a war picture, but deals with international intrigue in the days preceding the war.