Motography (Oct-Dec 1916)

1128 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. XVI, No. 21. tions of plays in which she created a sensation on the stage, the Famous Players having already presented her in adaptations of "The Moral of Marcus" and "Diplomacy." The wonderful success which she enjoyed in these previous performances justifies the producers in having great expectations for this third similar endeavor. Though Marie Doro is the star of the production, an announcement emanating from any other source than that of the Lasky Company, whose casts are normally notable, would undoubtedly term the adaptation an "all star" presentation, as the names of such great stars as Hobart Bosworth, Tully Marshall, James Neill a'nd Raymond Hatton are found among the supporting cast. MUTUAL RELEASES "CHARITY?" STARS IN "WITCHING HOUR" C. Aubrey Smith, Marie Shotwell, Robert Conness, Jack Sherrill, Helen Arnold and Etta DeGroff Play Principal Parts William Sherrill, head of the Frohman Amusement Company, feels that he has an exceptional film in "The Witching Hour." "Seven reels of mighty dramatic action" is the way he typifies the production. Every effort has been made to perfect this production. Not once during the entire seven thousand feet does Director George Irving resort to sensationalism, as the term applies to pantomime. Drama and yet more drama is the principal tenet and the production of the famous Thomas classic involved more actual mental and physical labor than any three former Frohman productions. Rehearsals of scenes that lasted throughout an entire day before the camera clicked. Securing of various properties which coincided with the original author's ideas of what would constitute a gambler's art collection and sets which required the advice of numerous interior decorating experts. The necessity of handling the leading role in a peculiar manner caused Mr. Sherrill to assign this to C. Aubrey Smith. Mr. Smith is one of the foremost intellectual forces on the screen. His remarkable grasp of the infinite, his virility, and his broad understanding of what a director desires, irrespective of his own interpretations of a role, makes him one of the really happy mediums of silent acting. The casting of "The Witching Hour" demonstrates to what extent an independent producer must go to attract a market. C. Aubrey Smith, Marie Shotwell, Robert Conness, Jack Sherrill, Helen Arnold and Etta De Groff are the principal factors. Mr. Smith, Miss Shotwell, Robert Conness and Mr. Sherrill have enjoyed the distinction of starring in former successful features, while Miss Arnold came to the screen, selected by authorities because of her extreme fitness. The four immediately principal roles are difficult ones and the supporting cast generally excellent. One of these was selected to play a minute role because he had played the original part in the stage production and was intimate with every detail and could act in an advisory capacity with Mr. Irving. Film Exposing Misuse of Charitable Funds Written by Linda Griffith, Who Also Appears in Play " 'Charity?' is destined to arouse as distinct a national sensation as 'Damaged Goods,' " is the opinion of John R. Freuler, president of the Mutual Film Corporation. The theme of "Charity?" is the abuses and misapplications of charity funds, and has a basis of common interest in practically every great American community. To the motion picture exhibitor this production offers in addition to its attraction as a sensational photodrama, the merit of being the work of Linda A. Griffith — Mrs. David Wark Griffith — and Frank Powell. Mrs. Griffith herself appears in the film, in interpretation of her own conception of the drama. The other members of the cast are well known to motion picture audiences. They are Creighton Hale. Sheldon Lewis, Elizabeth Burbridge, John Dunn and Yeta Searl. "Charity?" is open for booking to exhibitors on November 27 and President Freuler calls the attention of the exhibitors to the extra promotion possibilities of this picture because of its timely release which affords an opportunity to interest charity workers and leaders of charitable enterprises in this production coming as it does when newspapers and charity organizations are carrying on their Thanksgiving and Christmas charity campaigns. "Charity?" will be shown to social workers and to motion picture exhibitors at private showings in Xew York. Chicago, Boston, Dallas. San Francisco and Minneapolis before release date. Linda A. Griffith, wife of David Wark K erngan an dU niversa lPart J. Warren Kerrigan no longer is connected with the Universal, and the company alleges that he left during the making of a five-reel feature in which he carried the male lead. His contract had expired but Vice-President H. O. Davis states that an agreement had been made by which Kerrigan was to complete the picture. "The Mysterious Mrs. Mussel white." which was being directed by Lois Weber be necessary. A re-filming will Ruth Ann Baldwin is filming "Juan" at Universal City, with the principal parts being played by Claire McDowell, little Elizabeth Janes and George Pearce. Rupert Julian is directing and playing "Scroog in Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." which is being produced in five reels at Universal City.