Motion Picture News (Jan-Feb 1922)

January 7 , 1922 409 Selznick’s “Conceit” Ready at Exchanges Select branches throughout the country are screening “ Conceit,” second" of the Supreme Selznick Six, for important first-run accounts. Prints were shipped from the New York offices some days ago, and early bookings will soon be announced. Just as “ Conceit ” holds it own in comparison with “ A Man’s Home,” its predecessor among the Selznick company’s roster of big specials, so do the various advertising accessories on the picture hold their own. The exhibitors campaign book on “ Conceit ' has been completed and is in the hands of the Select branch managers. “A Doll’s House” to Be Finished by February So marked has been the progress in making Ibsen’s “ A Doll’s House,” the forthcoming Nazimova production, and her first to be released through United Artists, that it is now being predicted that the picture will be completed and ready for presentation sometime during the month of February next. Among the foremost players in the cast engaged by Nazimova are Alan Hale, Wedgwood Nowell, Nigel deBrulier, Florence Fisher, Elinor Oliver and Cere Lee. Little Fhillipps DeLacy and Barbara Maier will appear as the children. J. Parker Read Subject Well Under Way J. Parker Read, Jr.’s latest photoplay “Pawned,” which will be released by First National, is now well under way at the Thomas H. Ince Studio with Tom Moore and Edith Roberts in the principal roles. “Pawned” was adapted from the story “ Pawned,” the latest novel of Frank L. Packard, author of “ The Miracle Man.” Mr. Read is enthusiastic over the story “ Pawned,” the purchase of which he negotiated from Mr. Packard in New York City. Mr. Packard had previously received several flattering offers for the motion picture rights to his newest book, it is stated, but refused to consider any of them until Mr. Read expressed an interest in it. It was sold to Mr. Read with the definite understanding from Mr. Packard that Mr. Read would personally direct the picturization. Norma Talmadge Ready for Next Picture With Norma Talmadge about to begin production on ‘The Duchess of Langeais ” and Constance Talmadge well under way in the ‘shooting’ of “The Divorcee,” Joseph M. Schenck’s activities in the Hollywood film colony are traveling along at a 100 per cent clip. Mr. Schenck made the important announcement last week that Frank Lloyd, erstwhile Goldwyn director, would be in charge of the forthcoming Norma Talmadge production and that Frances Marion would prepare the continuity for the Balzac story. A capable and versatile cast is being collected to support Miss Talmadge in this film, which is expected to be her most elaborate production. Youthful Players a Necessity Abraham Lehr, vice-president of the Goldwyn Pictures Corp. ABRAHAM LEHR, vice-president in charge of production at the studios of Goldwyn Pictures Corporation in Culver City, Calif., is in New York, conferring with Samuel Goldwyn and other officials of the company on matters of production policy. He expects to remain here for a few weeks developing plans that will be put into operation on his return to the Coast where the studio organization is well ahead of the production schedule for the current season. With such successes as “ The Old Nest ” and “"Dangerous Curve Ahead ” still traveling at high speed and “ The Sin Flood ” coming as a sure-fire attraction for the new year, Mr. Lehr reflects a confident optimism in the Goldwyn company’s ability to make pictures that the public wants. In talking of the production requirements of the day, Mr. Lehr stressed the need for youthful players to interpret youth and romance on the screen. “We cannot afford to stand still,” said Mr. Abraham Lehr Stresses Youth as Requisite of Screen Lehr, “ we cannot rely on actors . and actresses because they have become popular in youthful roles. In the ordinary course of events the passing years leave their mark on these players just as they do on all the rest of us and it becomes necessary to find others to fill their places. “ A careful study of the preferences of motion picture fans throughout the country leads to the conclusion that the great majority want above all else a dominating love motive. Now this love interest does not always have to be centered in extremely youthful characters ; but there is no getting away from the fact that youth, romance and love are generally a more attractive trinity than middle age, romance and love. This being the case there is no ignoring the need for the attributes of genuine youth in our acting personnel. “ The artful actor does wonders in stimulating characteristics that are not his own, but after all there is a magnetic something about youth — its verve, its sparkle that can be reflected on the screen onlythrough the medium of youth itself. Goldwyn is a young company and it intends to remain so. We have young men in high executive positions in all branches of the organization and through them we get a constant supply of fresh ideas. We have players such as Patsy Ruth Miller and Cullen Landis who radiate youth and high spirits and we are looking for more of the same caliber. .“In selecting players we keep in mind the need for appealing to the average taste of the American public. Clean cut, wholesome young men and women whose experiences have not hardened them or led to a premature sophistication are the natural interpreters of the romance of the rising generation. Exotic types may have a brief voice, but their popularity is necessarily limited. “ Another important point in making pictures of broad appeal is what may ‘be termed finish in production. Goldwyn pictures have won a reputation for being carefully produced in the matters of settings, lighting and photography. All of these men are, of course, held secondary to the story, but they can be made of great value in conveying the desired impression to an audience. “ Under the direction of Cedric Gibbons, art director at the Goldwyn studios, every detail of a picture s setting is carefully worked out in order to secure a suitable atmosphere, and where the story permits, no expense is spared to present homes of wealth and good taste.” Cleo Ridgely Engaged for Binney Cast Two well-known former stars, Florence Roberts of the stage and Cleo Ridgely of the screen, will play in support of Constance Binney in the Realart picture, “ The Sleep-Walker,” released by Famous. Players-Lasky. Cleo Ridgely was co-starred with Wallace Reid in “The Golden. Chance” and other plays before her marriage four years ago to James Horn, the director. She also costarred with Lou Tellegen and starred in her own right in, such plays as “ The Chorus Lady.” Only recently did she return to the screen with Betty Compson in “The Law and the Woman” and : now, with Miss Binney in “ The Sleep-Walker,” by Aubrey Stauffer which Edward Le Saint is directing. Others in the cast are Edvthe Chapman, Jack Mulhall and Bertram Grassby Sets Are Finished for Wm. DeMille Subject A scene from “ Winning With Wits,” a Wm. Fox picture in which Barbara Bedford is starred A New York hotel lobby complete, with telephone booths, news stand, switchboard, etc., forms the first of the interesting settings that William de Mille has had prepared for his new Paramount production, “ Bought and Paid For,” the successful Broadhurst play which Clara Beranger has adapted to the screen. Agnes Ayres in the role made famous by Julia Dean and Jack Holt in Charles Richman’s part, with Walter Hiers playing the role of Jimmy Gillay and Leigh Wyant as Fanny Blaine, comprise a cast of unusual excellence. Arliss to Appear in Person in “Philly” The management of the new Aldine theatre, Philadelphia, makes the announcement that a special midnight showing of the George Arliss film version of “ Disraeli,” next Sunday night, January 1st. This will be the first showing of this United Artists release ip Philadelphia, arid Mr. Arliss will appear in person at this performance.