Motion Picture News (Jan-Feb 1922)

January 28, 1922 751 Naval Film at War College Educational’s “ Battle of Jutland ” Requested for Showing A tense moment from “ Handle With Care,” an Associated Exhibitors release Current Paramount Issues “ Bride’s Play ” and “ Nancy from Nowhere ” to Be Released Jan. 22 THE Cosmopolitan Production for Paramount, “ The Bride's Play,” starring Marion Davies, and Bebe Daniels in the Realart picture, “ Nancy from Nowhere,” are the features scheduled for release by Famous Players-Lasky on January 22. Donn Byrne is the author of the story, “ The Bride’s Play,” which appeared serially in Hcarsf s Magazine. Mildred Considine, author of more than a hundred successful adaptations, wrote the scenario and George Terwilliger directed. Miss Davies plays the part of a prankish Irish girl, bubbling over with good humor but always ready to listen to the troubles of the villagers and to help them solve their difficulties. Framed in a setting of ancient legend, romance and folklore, the production is said to be rich in magnificence of background, pageantry and color. Associated with Miss Davies in this unique picture are Wyndham Standing, Carlton Miller, Richard Cummings, Jack O’Brien, Frank Shannon, Eleanor Middleton, Thea Talbot and Julia Hurley. Bebe Daniels appears in the most appealing role of her career in “ Nancy From Nowhere.” Here, it is said, is young love in an idyllic setting, tears and laughter, a beautifully sympathetic character, and Bebe Daniels to make it all-convincing. The story of “ Nancy From Nowhere ” was written by Grace Drew and Kathrene Pinkerton. The combination of Douglas Doty, scenarist, Chester M. Franklin, director, and Bebe Daniels, star, is said to have resulted in a cinematic gem. Edward Sutherland, remembered for his work in the juvenile role in “ The Witching Hour,” is Miss Daniels’ leading man, and the supporting cast also includes Myrtle Stedman, Vera Lewis, James Gordon, Edward Martindel, Helen Holley and Dorothy Hagen. FOLLOWING the special showing of the three-reel special “The Battle of Jutland” at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis and at the Marine Barracks in Washington, Rear Admiral William S. Sims, famous hero of the World War and now president of the Naval War College at Newport, Rhode Island, has requested a showing of this historical subject at the War College. Admiral Sims requested a report from officers at Annapolis following the presentation of the film before the officers and students there, and after receiving the report, mote requesting a showing before the War College class. “I have received reports from officers who have seen the film that it would be highly desirable to arrange for an exhibition of it before the present class,” said the Admiral. “We would be delighted to have the privilege of viewing this most interesting subject.” Work on the prints of the picture is being rushed to completion at the laboratories of the Coronet Films Corporation at Providence, Rhode Island. Much tedious work had to be done on the prints, such as the painting by hand of every frame in 200 feet of the picture, requiring an unusually long time and a great amount of labor by a large force to prepare the picture for distribution. All prints are expected to be shipped to the exchanges within a few days, however, so that one of the two English prints from which much of the work was done, will be available. One of these will be sent to the Naval War College so that the class, consisting of a large number of naval officers, can see the picture as it was originally made. The picture has been retitled for distribution to American theatres. “The Battle of Jutland” is the first special subject to be released by Educational Film Exchanges in 1922. It is generally recognized as the finest example yet produced of the splendid work that motion pictures can be made to do in the recording of history. It has been commented upon editorially by many newspapers throughout the country. Ince’s Survey Progressing Editors All Over Country Respond Questionnaire on Public Taste “U” Has Genuine Novelty “ Leather Pushers ” Series Strikes New Note in Screen Entertainment NOW that the prints of the first two rounds of “ The Leather Pushers ” series are in the hands of. the exchanges, Universal is receiving daily confirmation of its first estimate of the H. C. Witwer stories, which appeared in Collier’s. The idea of the stories themselves and the way in which they have been carried out is so unusual and novel that Mr. Laemmle immediately put them on the exclusive Jewel basis and they will be released to exhibitors as the Universal-Jewel-Collier’s Series. “We have had a great variety of series of pictures,” said H. M. Ber Ml ! ARIL A The Child oP+he Bear man in discussing the releasing arrangements for “ The Leather Pushers.” “ Many of the subjects are still popular; some are worn out. ‘ The Leather Pushers,’ however, strikes an entirely new note in subject matter for moving pictures. If anyone had told me even a year ago that it was possible to maintain a continued interest in a series of pictures dealing wtih boxing and the prize fight ring, I would have laughed at them. In fact, if I had not seen several episodes of ‘ The Leather Pushers ’ series with my own eyes I would undoubtedly be laughing now. H. C. Witwer, the author, and Harry Pollard, the director, have evolved a combination of the prize fight ring, society and romance which not only are unique but which are little giants of story value and whirlwinds of action.” to FROM Maine to Florida and from New York to California, editors are evincing a wholesome interest in the world survey instituted by Thomas H. Ince as a means to ascertain just what the public really wants in the way of motion pictures. The flood of questionnaires which recently poured out of the Thomas H. Ince studios to editors in the United States, Europe, South America, Australia, Canada, Mexico and the American insular possessions, to gather pulse beats wherever motion pictures are shown, have already started on their return journey with answers which bear the stamp of sincerity. Questionnaires are being returned in every mail from all parts of the United States, and the first results from other lands are being anxiously awaited by the staff of experts which is to tabulate and digest all answers. While answers to some of the questions exhibit a wide variance in the opinions expressed, others are united in support or denunciation of traditions or methods of the motion-picture industry. And from the averages in the great mass of answers ; from percentages, carefully computed, will the vital guides to what the public really wants be drawn. It was the editors of the world to which the questionnaires were addressed, because their training and ability, their keen judgment and daily contact with the public, makes them experts in the art of deducing from the back-wash of conflicting opinions, the true currents of public sentiment. In their desire to cooperate, scores of editors have referred the questions to their readers and on through the columns of their publications have solicited answers. “If Mr. Ince draws the proper conclusions from the answers he is sure to receive, the motion-picture industry may get a distinct twist, for he has always been a pioneer.” This is the comment of an important newspaper in one of the large Eastern cities and seems to reflect the opinion of hundreds of Two Exceptional Stars on Stage Tours Two of the stars of Exceptional Pictures Corporation are at present filling contracts on the speaking stage. Charles (Chic) Sale is headlining in the Keith vaudeville houses, and Otis Skinner is touring the larger cities of the country with his new play “ Blood and Sand.” Starting December 26th, Christmas Week, Mr. Sale is playing at the Colonial Theatre in New York City, while Otis Skinner is spending the week in Baltimore, Md. In each city in which they appear the dramatic critics have played up the fact that both of these stars are to make new pictures immediately after the close of their present tours. Mr. Skinner’s picture will be a film version of “ Mister Antonio,” the Booth Tarkington play which Mr. Skinner played for three seasons. While the title of “ Chic ” Sale’s new picture has not been announced, it is definitely known that he will again portray his interesting rural characters, which probably means that his second Exceptional picture will have a small-town background.