Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

28 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. XIX, No. 1. Forecasts Decline of Star System PRODUCER BELIEVES NEW YEAR WILL SEE CHANGE IN INDUSTRY BY HERBERT BRENON 1HAVE always been very much opposed to the star system. When I speak of the star system I mean the centralization of all effort and expenditure on the star to the exclusion of everything else. In the making of pictures I am a firm believer in the story first, last and all the time. I believe that for the development of a screen story as with everything else, the very best material should be obtained not only for the highest place, but for the most insignificant as well. In selecting a cast for production, I do not look for big names. To me talent and suitability are far more important factors. If, however, an artist of world wide reputation is best fitted to a certain type of role, and his name is indissolubly connected with a certain part, I waive the policy of no star, and welcome the appearance of the name of that artist in connection with my production. Some Stars Necessary Take, for instance, the case of Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson, or Otis Skinner. Who can bring to mind the production of "The Passing of the Third Floor Back" without conjuring up the mental vision of Sir Johnston in his beautiful performance of the Stranger? Or again, is it possible to think of "Kismet" without thinking of Otis Skinner in the role of the beggar Hajj? These two artists are part of their characters in these two dramas. They have created and developed these characters until they absolutely become essential to the presentation of the play. It is impossible to separate one from the other. No matter how great the drawing power of a star, however, it is absolutely fatal to sacrifice the production as a whole. That to me is the great argument against the star system, and really the only one. When the time comes that it is necessary to sacrifice the supporting company, and cut down on the sets, etc., then it is time to cut down on the star. Otherwise someone is bound to suffer and in nine cases out of ten it is the exhibitor; and as the exhibitor is the rock upon which the whole motion picture business is founded, it is obvious that to tax him beyond his strength is disastrous. The star system is dwindling. It is fast disappearing on the stage and its popularity is diminishing on the screen. The great trouble at the present time is that producers are underestimating the intelligence of their audiences. Motion picture audiences are becoming more exacting and more discriminating every day. Drama Will Sui vive The tendency of 1918, far from being stars and more stars, will be towards eliminating them to a vast degree; not that a Douglas Fairbanks, a Marguerite Clark or an Elsie Ferguson will ever disappear from the realms of filmdom. Exceptional talent such as these great artists possess will ever be welcomed on the screen, but curls and baby doll faces will be relegated to the background, and the drama will come into its own. A great artist and a great story is an unbeatable combination. But a great artist should not be expected to waste his substance on the desert air. One of the saddest sights to be seen on the screen today is that of a true artist struggling with a poor play. Many producers think that by exploiting a big name, they can afford to let the subject slip into the background. I wonder if they realize how they are ruining their own prospects. Why Business is Bad How often do we hear those who should be interested in the motion picture say, "Well I used to go all the time, but I don't any more. You see such silly pictures, and it's such waste of time. I would rather sit at home and read a book which is really worth while than be bored to death at a moving picture theater." Doesn't it seem a pity? Don't these producers see the injustice that they are casting on their profession? Don't they realize the ultimate harm that they are doing to themselves and to the industry as a whole? Jack Stewart, one of the best known exchange managers in the South, was married in Memphis, Tenn., on November 28, to Miss Gertrude Morris, a belle of Memphis. Mr. Stewart is manager of the Triangle offices in New Orleans. Offers New Seven Part Feature Triangle Produces "I Love You," Containing Many Unusual Features — Walter Edwards Directs Production FOLLOWING the releasing of the first Triangle seven-reel production. "Because of a Woman," with Belle Bennett on December 16, the next seven-part feature will be "I Love You," starring Alma Rubens, scheduled for release January 13. The seven-reel pictures are a part of the new Triangle service recently announced, that of supplying a seven-reel feature on each Irene Hunt as she appears in Triangle's "The Maternal Spark. month's program without extra cost to the exhibitor. In producing "I Love You," Director Walter Edwards has endeavored to produce one of the most elaborate pictures yet featured on the Triangle program. The scenes throughout are said to be distinctly striking and as many of them are laid in France and Italy, the ingenuity of the Triangle scenic artists at the Triangle studio was taxed to the utmost. In one case the manuscript called for a Venetian scene and Director Edwards had two palaces and the Grand Canal of Venice reproduced, from which especially brilliant night effects were made. A street carnival was also taken. Quaint old houses with thatched roofs, the kind to be seen in Italy, were built especially at the Hartville ranch studio. The construction of these buildings resulted in a natural effect being secured and more than "local color." Other features of great attractiveness that were used in making this picture, included two relics of the days of the padres in Southern California. One was a team of oxen, the property of the Triangle Hartville studio and an old mission bell, formerly used in the days now long gone, by Fathers to call the Indians to worship. The cast selected for "I Love You," includes besides Alma Rubens, Wheeler Oakman, one of the best known leading men in the country, and Francis McDonald, also a well-known heavy. Both Mr. McDonald and Mr. Oakman are new to Triangle pictures. Others in the cast are Ferederick Vroom, Li'lliam Langdon and John Lince.