Motography (Jul - Dec 1915)

October 9, 1915. MOTOGRAPHY 727 WALTER HAMPDEN ENGAGED Knickerbocker Star Features Sign Famous Actor of Broadway Successes, Who Has Supported Henry Miller, Nazimova, and Others Knickerbocker Star Features will be responsible for the screen debut of another Broadway star with the release of the three-reel feature, "The Dragon's Claw," in which Walter Hampden takes the leadingpart. Early in life Hampden left New York to begin his theatrical career in England, in a company under F. R. Vincent's management, which has fed the English stage with its best actors. In 1914 he took London by storm when he made his great debut at the Adelphi theater in "The Prayer of the Sword." While there he also played in Hall Caine's "The Prodigal Son" and "The Bondman." But Hampden was anxious to return to America, his native land, and, in 1907, brought over with him "The Servant in the House," which he persuaded Henry Miller to put on. In this he won an enviable reputation on the American stage and the theater-going public from coast to coast remember his wonderful interpretation of Manson in this production. His acting in "The Master Builder" at the Bijou theater in New York with Madame Nazimova, along with other plays with her, brought him more popularity. This was followed by a short season with Viola Allen, when he was featured in Clyde Fitch's last play, "The City." After a successful season in the lead of the curious Chinese drama, "The Yellow Jacket," Hampden has joined the Knickerbocker forces, adding one more to the list of Broadway celebrities who have harkened to the call of the camera. Elsie Janis in New Bosworth Release As its latest release, Bosworth, Inc., announces Elsie Janis, the international favorite of the stage and screen in her fourth film subject, " 'Twas Ever Thus," a novel photoplay presenting a triple love story from the prehistoric age up to the present. In this production the star appears at her best and in the different episodes of the story her varied talents are given a wide field. Supporting Miss Janis. Bosworth, Inc., have selected an exceptional cast including such able players as Owen Moore, Myrtle Stedman, Hobart Bosworth, Harry Ham, Helen Wolcott and Joe Ray. The producers, in staging this play which was also written by Elsie Janis, were called upon to secure an unusual variety of scenes and in this respect have gone to particular pains to give the subject the desired backgrounds. A striking contrast is offered when the film turns from the cave-man period, when animal skins were used both for furnishings and clothing, to the over-dressed Civil War age with its imposing Southern homes and quaint interiors and thence up to present metropolitan settings with their developments of city life. It is readily expected that this release will even win greater favor than any of the previous Janis film-plays. Blanche Has Some Stunning Frocks Blanche Ring is wearing some stunning frocks in the new Oliver Morosco picture, "The Yankee Girl." While Pasadena folk seemed much enthused when she appeared at the fashionable Hotel Huntington in her smart riding togs, and Santa Monica devotees of the surf thought her a dream in her bathing suit, yet it is the three evening gowns she uses in the play that deserve the real praise. One worn on the yacht is all cream satin and heavy deep fringes of crystal ; another is of cream Chantilly lace combined with satin of the palest primrose ; while a third is a rare Italian lace with chic touches of sapphire velvet. With these stunning creations Miss Ring wears her famous pearls and her equally celebrated Canary diamond pendant. Metro Picture for New Theater Opening Recognition of the high standard of Metro pictures was forcibly demonstrated this week when a Metro feature was selected for the opening of the Neighborhood Playhouse, a unique institution founded and directed by the Misses' Irene and Alice Lewisohn, two philanthropic daughters of a millionaire, who began a campaign last season to raise the class of entertainment on New York's East Side. The Neighborhood Playhouse is one of the most attractive theaters in New York, and last season, after its opening, was given over to classic playlets, dancing, pantomime and. like entertainment. Owing to the increasing vogue of motion pictures it was decided to show a few of the very high class feature pictures this season from time to time, and Miss Grace Halsey Mills, manager of the theater, chose a Metro production for the opening. The picture chosen was "The High Road." Kathryn Osterman's work in "The Bludgeon" was so satisfying to the directors of Equitable that she has been signed to appear in four other productions during the forthcoming year. George F. "Lefty" Miller was married in Jersey City on September 24, by the mayor to Caroline Ryan Green of Springfield, Mass. "Lefty" is well remembered by the baseball profession, as he was formerly pitcher of the St. Louis Nationals, and before that played with Seattle, Norfolk. Denver, WiUiamsport and Butte. "Lefty" has been connected with Pathe Freres for the past three years.