Motography (Jul - Dec 1915)

November 6, 1915. MOTOGRAPHY 963 New Brand of Films for General Program REAL PLOTS PROMISED IT IS an occurrence of note when the General Film Company makes room for a new brand of film on its program. The birth of Vim comedies therefore assumes more than ordinary importance in light of the fact that they are to be released every Friday on the General program beginning November 12. The comedies are reported to be, entirely out of the ordinary run and guaranteed laugh getters. A glance at the names of those who are responsible for this new venture will show that this is no idle boast and that Vim comedies are here to stay as a permanent and successful member of the General Film Company. Louis Burstein, prominent as a producer, has been made director-general of Vim comedies which are being produced for the Melies Manufacturing Company. Filmdom knows Burstein as that type of man who brings success to whatever venture he undertakes, knows him as a capable organizer and producer. It was Burstein who, with Adam Kessel, Jr., and Charles O. Baumann, formed the New York Motion Picture Company. Burstein was quarter owner, secretary and treasurer of this company until he disposed of his interests some time later. As a result of his pioneer work in the New York Motion Picture Company, the way for Keystone comedies, which have become world-famous, was paved. The popularity of Wizard comedies released through the World Film Corporation can also be traced directly to Burstein. Once again Burstein was enabled to demonstrate his skill as an organizer when he took charge of the formation of the Reliance Company and, in the early days of that company, had full control of all its productions. In him the Vim Company has acquired a man with set and practical ideas, gifted with a great amount of experience and keen foresight. His director-generalship means much to the ultimate success of these comedies. Burstein declares that the production of good comedies is a problem, but he has made up his mind that every Vim comedy shall be a laugh getter. "Vim comedies," he says, "are the result of all my experience and studies. They are bound to become popular because I am putting into them every essential of a successful comedy film. "Above all, every Vim comedy must have a plot. Although somewhat slapstick in nature, that does not mean that they cannot have plot. I don't believe in insulting an intelligent audience by making the film a hodge podge of nothing. "Secondly, there is no excuse for vulgarity in film. Our comedies will be entirely free from any suggestion of it. You can enjoy our comedies without being ashamed to laugh. "Only the best of talent and no expense spared is the third essential. If you want to make good film, you must pay for it. We realize this and Vim comedies will stand for all that is high-class, clean and funny." "Bobbie" Burns and "Walt" Stull, who will be remembered chiefly for their work as the creators of the funny "Pokes and Jabbs" series, head a long list of Vim comedy artists. These comedians will renew their old and popular characterizations with an entirely new line of stories and comic caperings. "Bobbie" Burns was originally an acrobatic comedian. As such he appeared at all the leading vaudeville houses and music halls of Europe and America. At the completion of this engagement he joined the "Babes in Toyland" company with which he remained three seasons, later accepting an engagement in the "Wizard of Oz" company. In the Follies of 1909, Burns had a prominent part. With the disbanding of the Follies, Burns forsook the stage for the camera, appearing first with Selig and later with Lubin. "Walt" Stull "Bobbie" Brumn. of the Stars who will appear Vim Comedies.