Motion Picture News (Jan-Feb 1922)

408 Motion Picture News First view of Marshall Neilan’s forthcoming production of “Penrod,” a First National picture, in which Wesley Barry is starred Pathe Releases for Jan. 8th “ The Canadian Lynx ” of “ Bill and Bob Series ” Heads the Schedule Vignola Preparing for New Production While no definite announcement is forthcoming, it is understood that Robert G. Vignola’s next production for Cosmopolitan, for which he is now preparing, will be . a big spectacular picture requiring colossal sets and a large number of people. Mr. Vignola has just completed “ Beauty’s Worth,” by Sophie Kerr, starring Marion Davies. This is the second production with Miss Davies as a star, his first having been “ Enchantment.” No definite information is available as to the title and type of story, nor as to the cast, but it is understood that the settings will be done by Joseph Urban who did the settings in “ Enchantment ” and several other Vignola productions. D. P. Carle who was Mr. Vignola’s assistant for many years and who was given leave of absence several months ago to direct several short subjects has returned to Mr. Vignola’s staff in his old position as Assistant Director. Expect “Quo Vadis” to Equal Original Gross j VADIS,” George I 1 Kleine’s production Nc of the Sienkiewicz novel, released in a brandnew garb by Wid Gunning, Inc., bids fair to break the records it made when it was first shown in this country, announces that company. Trade and lay critics are united in proclaiming it still, ranking with “ Birth of a Nation,” as among the greatest spectacular productions ever made. When the massive Italian production first invaded America, it was handled as a regular production, at what was then an unusually high admission charge. It ran for twenty-six crowded weeks at the Astor theatre, New York City, and was shown at a great many large houses throughout the country, being handled as a road attraction. Today, according to reports being received at the Wid Gunning home office, there is every indication that the two million dollars it grossed then, will be equalled, if not exceeded. PATHE EXCHANGE, INC., announces that “ The Canadian Lynx,” the next offering of the series of “ Adventures of Bill and Bob,” will head the short-subject features and serial episode scheduled for release the week of January 8th. “ The Canadian Lynx,” shows the boys actually capturing the fiercest specime.n of the cat family and also shows the youngsters as rivals in a humorous love match. “The Red Men’s Menace” is the title of the second episode of the new Ruth Roland serial, “ White Eagle.’’ The current chapter shows Ruth Roland performing some of the most hazardous thrills she has yet attempted. “ Take a Chance,’ is the latest reissued one-reel comedy starring Harold Lloyd. The comedian is assisted in the offering by Bebe Daniels. “ The Dog and the Mosquito ” is the newest animated cartoon of the series of “ Aesop’s Film Fables.” “ Lose No Time ” is the ti A scene from Cosmopolitan Productions picturization of Fannie Hurst’s "Back Pay,” a Paramount picture, directed by Frank Borzage tie of the current Hal Roach comedy featuring “ Snub ” Pollard. The moustached comedian is assisted by Marie Mosquini and the staff of the Hal Roach comedians. Pollard appears as a genuine “ go-getter ” who endeavors to get himself in the good graces of his boss in order to secure a raise of salary. Pathe Review No. 137 presents a series of widely diversified subjects of high entertainment value. “ The Names of the Roses,’’ is a beautiful floral fantasy in Pathecolor tints; ' MetalSpinning” shows the modern art of turning out artistic chandeliers; “Ten Blocks East” shows a parallel of New York's avenues, showing the contrasts ; “ Mr. Elephant’s Toothbrush ’’ is a little story of daily life at the New York Zoological Park and ** The Hill Monastery of Portugal’ gives views in the vicinity of Leiria and Batalha, Portugal, shown in Pathecolor. <t o ACK PAY,” the story of a D girl with a “crepe de chine soul,” created by Cosmopolitan Productions from the story by Fannie Hurst, will be released by Paramount early in January. This picture is said to be notable because of its big and controversial theme, the afme of its author and the calibre of cinema talent that engaged upon its making. Fannie Hurst, authoress, Frank Borzage, director, and Frances Marion, scenarist, the trio whose combined efforts evolved “ Humoresque,” have again collaborated in the case of “ Back Pay.” The production is the third directetd by Frank Berzage for Cosmopolitan and follows soon after his “ Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford.” It is different from cither of his two previous Cosmopolitan Productions— its variance being another proof of the versatility and mastery of the young director. (Continued on next column) “BackPay” an Early Release Frank Borgaze Production of Hurst Story for Cosmopolitan To Present Tennysonian Classic on Screen THE big spectacle film, “ Lady Godiva,” which was recently announced for release through Associated Exhibitors, is founded directly upon the legend which inspired Lord Alfred Tennyson’s poem of the same name. A recent announcement declares that this Wistaria Productions offering is a serious attempt to place upon the screen one of the world’s famous literary classics with a true representation of the original. It is declared that the screen version of “ Lady Godiva ” is perfect in its delineation of eleventh century England, and is distinguished by tremendously big and elaborate settings, the entire town of Coventry having been reproduced with historical accuracy. There are reported to be sweeping mob scenes, in which thousands of extras were employed, and marvelously gorgeous and extravagant action, such as the coronation scene and the wild revel which preceded the Earl’s downfall. Brooklyn Fans Select Gloria Swanson Gloria Swanson, Paramount star, has been declared the winner in a popularity contest conducted recently by George J. Wehner, a Brooklyn exhibitor with a string of ten theatres. Mr. Wehner decided to obtain attractions that were really what his patrons wanted. He therefore held a popularity contest in all of his theatres. The outcome showed that Gloria Swanson, Paramount star, was the best liked by the patrons of the Wehner theatres. “Back Pay” is a history of the perennial struggle within a girl’s breast between sheltered simplicity of a small town and the glitter, gaiety and luxury that are to be had in the big city. In the cast of this picture are seen Seena Owen in the leading feminine role; Matt More, playing the country boy; and J. Barney Sherry, playing the “ heavy.” Others are Ethel Duray and Charles Craig. Betty Compson, as she appears in J. M. Barrie's " The Little Minister." released by Paramount