Motography (Jul - Dec 1915)

958 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. XIV, No. 19. from the widely known novel of that title, written by Hobart C. Chatfield-Taylor, Chicago and Washington society leader and litterateur. It is a strong drama of war and romance, and the scenes are laid on the present battle line between Germany and France. While it portrays with striking vividness the terrors and heroism of war, it is strictly neutral, taking sides with no faction. It ends with a touching love scene, uniting a man and a woman of opposing nations. The drama is presented in a manner that not only gives offense to none, but makes the heart go out in sympathy to all the battling nations and yearn for a permanent peace. Exceptional interest is attached to the photoplay because of society leaders, national and world characters, who take part in it. Garden and villa scenes were taken on the grounds and in the homes of Chicago's wealthiest citizens, including Hobart C. Chatfield-Taylor, the author, Harold and Cyrus McCormick, Orville Babcock, Edward S. Moore, James Ward Thorne, Scott Durand and Howard Shaw. The majority of these persons with their wives and families, as well as other society leaders, appear in the play. Mr. Moore, vice-president of the Rock Island railroad, takes the part of a chauffeur in one scene. He is dressed in army uniform and drives his own $14,000 car. Wallace Rice, author and playwright, also takes a part in the play. Several hundred feet of the film were taken in France on the border line of Germany, showing the French army in maneuvers and commanded by General Joffre, the head of the French army. The photoplay is directed by E. H. Calvert, a West Point man, who has seen fourteen years of service in the U. S. Army. Mr. Calvert also takes the leading role with Miss Ruth Stonehouse. "Diamond Clubs" Busy In answer to the $10,000 cash prize offered by the North American Film Company for a suggestion for a sequel to the big Mutual serial "The Diamond from the Sky," "Diamond Clubs" have come into being all through the New England states. Fostered by the branch and exchange managers of the Mutual in that section of the country, and stimulated by a friendly rivalry, the clubs are progressing splendidly. Each organization has the same object. It is to think up among themselves a plot germ which will meet the requirements for the $10,000 sequel prize and will land them the money, which they will then divide among themselves. Each organization attends the exhibition of the succeeding chapters of the great diamond serial as they appear, and then holds a meeting for discussion and plotting further devices for the continuation of the fight for the jewel. "Diamond Clubs" are more or less an outgrowth of the recreation nights given to the employes of many of New England's industrial corporations by their managers. It has become customary for many of the companies to give their workers tickets for a picture theater one evening a week, or to entertain them at a special exhibition at their own recreation rooms if they possess any. "The Diamond from the Sky" has been shown in a large percentage of these places at the repeated requests of the employes. From these evenings, the "Diamond Clubs" have grown. Paul Gilmore Joins Metro Paul Gilmore, the romantic and dramatic leading man, who recently finished work in "The Penitentes" for the Triangle, has joined the Quality-Metro forces and is starred with Marguerite Snow in "Rosemary," a forthcoming production on the regular Metro program. Mr. Gilmore, who will play opposite Miss Snow in future productions, is a handsome type of man and extremely versatile, having played in everything from musical comedy to tragedy. But it is in romantic, dramatic roles that he excels. Strangely enough, Mr. Gilmore used "Rosemary" as a starring vehicle on the speaking stage, following John Drew's success with the play on Broadway. He also appeared in John Drew's roles in many other stage productions, including "The Mummy and the Humming Bird" and "The Tyranny of Tears." While Mr. Gilmore has appeared as a star on Broadway in a revival of "The Three Musketeers," he is perhaps best known throughout the South and West where he is a popular favorite and matinee idol. For several years he appeared in that part of the country at the head of his own company, playing the leading roles in Broadway and London successes. Selig Press Clippings No More The Selig Polyscope Company, according to bulletins, has discarded the time-honored scrapbook of press clippings. The company announces its startling violation of a time-honored custom in the following statement : "What is the good of a press scrapbook anyhow?