Motion Picture News (Jan-Feb 1922)

1140 Pathe-Roach Agreement Pathe Signs Contract Covering Entire Product of Hal Roach Studios PATHE announces the signing of a new contract with Hal Roach covering the entire product of the Hal Roach Studios, including weekly comedy releases for a period of three years. This arrangement, completed during the producer's recent visit to New York, Pathe regards as making their position in the screen comedy field impregnable. The new long term contract with Harold Lloyd, already announced, enables Pathe to continue to provide exhibitors with comedy features which have become established as fully the equal in drawing power to any other class of features obtainable. The superior program value of the Hal Roach comedies featuring “ Snub ” Pollard and other of the Roach comedies put out by Pathe has long been conceded by exhibitors everywhere. The new contract, it is explained, will still further encourage artistic and profitable evolution of this important line of attractions. In addition to the list of Pollard releases called for by the terms of the new contract, there will be onereelers featuring Paul Parrott — a type of laugh-making production which already has made its way in the esteem of motion picture patrons— and a new departure in screen comedy production, for which Mr. Roach professed high expectations. These latter are comedies featuring trained domestic animals in realistic action with children. One of these animals — a highly trained pony— made its debut with a baby girl in a recent comedy with Paul Parrott, with happy results. In discussing his animal and kiddie comedy plans with Pathe people, Mr. Roach said that for some time past he had been accumulating a managerie of domestic animal actors on the Roach lot, such as a pony, a mule, a bull dog, three goats and a flock of ducks and chickens. These were being handled by one of the most proficient animal trainers in the United States, with results really marvelous. Their comic action, especially in combination with natural and ingenuous characterizations by children, was surprisingly effective, Mr. Roach said, and was resulting in new and very diverting inventions on the part of scenario writers. Short Subject Program in Small Town Big specials are not the only pictures which make to-day, according to S. E. Baxley, manager of the Star Theatre in Arcadia, Fla. In a letter to the branch manager of the Educational Exchange in Atlanta, Ga., Mr. Baxley states that he pleased his audiences and did big business with a mixed short-reel program consisting of the SeligRork drama. “The Northern Trail,” Kinograms,” and a Larry Semon Comedy, “ The Bell Hop.” SPEED! FILM WHEN YOU WANT IT Send your negatives to AMERICAN FILM LABORATORIES. Unsurpassed facilities and equipment — a time-tried organization of highly trained men — and a centrally located plant assure you of the best possible results from your negatives together with prompt service at all times. Years of satisfactory performance have earned for American Film Laboratories the seal of approval of the entire trade. Let us show you why on your next order. Developing Toning Printing Editing Tinting Titling Ordinary film reduced to American Standard Safety Size. (Absolutely fireproof film, passed by all fire underwriters.) Laboratory capacity one million feet per week. American Film Laboratories 6229 Broadway Chicago, 111. and London, England Samuel S. Hutchinson President Company Inc. J ^ American 10 Points: 1. — QUALITY. Print* known for brilliancy and clearness. Expert staff, trained by years of experience, assures highest quality prints obtainable. 2. — REPUTATION. Gained in 10 years of experience. 3. — RESPONSIBILITY. A concern of strong financial standing. 4. — LOCATION. In the proper geographical location, assuring quick delivery anywhere. 5. — EQUIPMENT. All of the most modern obtainable 6. — CLEANLINESS. Within two blocks of Lake Michigan. Away from dirt and dust. 7. — SAFETY. Plant approved by city of Chicago and Board of Fire Underwriters. 8. — PROMPTNESS. Accustomed to serve exacting requirements. 9. — PRICES. Reasonable and com petitive. 10.— GUARANTEES. Write for our " unique guarantee of quality work. a r A scene from “ The Midnight Stage,” starring Frank Keenan, one of the series of Pathe Playlets, re-edited versions of successful features, to be released by Pathe Thrills in R-C Attractions Dramatic Moments and Spectacular Effects in R-C’s BIG dramatic thrills and spectacular episodes feature an important group of forthcoming R-C attractions which have been designed for direct box office appeal among all classes of patronage. Another outstanding feature of these productions, according to a statement from the R-C organization is their adaptability to advertising and exploitation on a big scale — a factor the smart exhibitor is regarding as of the utmost importance at the present time. A series of strong box-office angles is developed in William Christy Cabanne’s big special “ Beyond the Rainbow.” The story is packed with mystery, drama and no little humor, but the big magnet is the cast. It embraces Helen Ware, Lillian “ Billie ” Dove, Virginia Lee, Rose Coghlan, Clara Bos, Diana Allen, Marguerite Courtot, James Harrison, William Tooker, Harry Morey, Edmund Breese, George Fawcett, Huntly Gordon, Russell Francis Griffin and Walter Miller. Coming Releases of swirling water and the hero, in the person of Ramsey Wallace, is catapulted off the structure and into the torrent, to be gorne downstream among the jagged rocks. These scenes were filmed in the valley of the Colorado river when that stream swollen by rains, had risen above its banks. “Little Minister” Popular in Portland, Ore. Paramount’s Portland, Ore., Exchange reports to the home office that the public demand for the Penrhyn Stanlaws production “The Little Minister,” starring Betty Compson, has been so great in that city, where it has been playing the Columbia Theatre, that the Columbia management has been forced to extend the engagement another week. “ The Vermillion Pencil ” is to be Sessue Hayakawa’s next starring vehicle. The climax comes in this gripping story by Homer Lea when a volcano erupts and sends its molten stream of lava down upon a Chinese village. While the volcano erupts an earthquake rocks the surrounding country and the resultant thrills are said to be quite enough for one evening. In addition to the thrill scenes “The Vermillion Pencil ” is based upon a most engrossing story, it is reported. Supporting Mr. Hayakawa are Bessie Love and Ann May, who typify to a nicety the whimsical type of Chinese maiden for which the story calls. “ The Call of Home,” created by L. J. Gasnier at the Hollywood Studios has at least three big thrill scenes. Of chief importance among thrilling scenes is the big flood episode in which a mountain stream overruns its banks and spreads death and destruction for miles about. A huge dam is shattered by the onrush of millions of tons Vitagraph Gets Rights to French Picture ITAGRAPH has acquired th e American rights to a big French production, entitled “ The Sheik’s Wife.” The picture, according to the Vitagraph statement, was actually filmed in Algeria and presents some striking Sahara Desert scenes and picturesque ruins of an ancient temple. The leading role was played by Marcel Vibert of the Comedie Francaise. Emmy Lynn appears in the leading female role. The picture has already been shown in France, and is now commanding wide attention in England, according to the Vitagraph statement.