Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

April 27, 1918. MOTOGRAPHY 795 Caillaux Case Made Into Photoplay HELD UP TO INCLUDE EXPOSE BY BOLO PASHA THE sensational Caillaux case of France is soon to be shown on the screen. Together with an announcement that Bolo Pasha, alleged associate of Joseph Caillaux, former premier, has made far-reaching disclosures on the eve of his execution for treason, comes a parallel announcement that the entire Caillaux-Bolo intrigue has been filmed by William Fox. Mr. Fox also announces that the release of this big photo-drama has been withheld, but solely that the picture may include the momentous episodes which are expected to follow Bolo's revelations. News Interest Capitalized The Fox organization has centered its energies in the production of "The Caillaux Case." It has capitalized the news interest of the events surrounding the unsavory public career of Joseph Caillaux— the trial and acquittal of his wife on the charge of murdering Gaston Calmette, editor of the Paris Figaro; Caillaux's alleged connections with Bolo in spreading pro-German propaganda in France and America, the exposure of these activities by the United States government, Bolo's condemnation to death, Caillaux's imprisonment on a charge of treason — and has also woven into the play various scandals, intrigues and marital sensations in the lives of the "evil genius of France" and his beautiful wife. Speaking of the production, William Fox declared that "The Caillaux Case" in all its intricate international ramifications was the greatest intrigue of modern times. Dreyfus Case No Comparison "The famous Dreyfus case," he declared, "cannot be compared with this affair in scope, in the prominence of its leading character, or in its vital significance to the .democracies of the world. "We have learned beyond a doubt that Caillaux was active in France, Italy and South America in the interest of a premature peace with Germany. We have learned that vast sums of money, furnished by Berlin, were sent to France through an American bank and used by pacifistic organs with which Caillaux was associated. We have learned of sinister pro-German influences exerted by a powerful secret order of which Caillaux was leader. And we have even found evidence going far to prove that Caillaux had laid elaborate plans for a coup by which he hoped to become the ruler of a Germanized and defeated France. "Naturally, we have made every effort to produce this great drama in a manner worthy of the theme. The 'woman in the case' in this instance is one of the most sensational feminine characters in all history. Her ruthless ambition has been proved, not only in the notorious criminal case in which she was the chief figure, but in various other episodes in her highly romantic life. There is little question that she was the power behind Joseph Caillaux, and in 'The Caillaux Case' we have portrayed her as such — a modern Lady Macbeth. "In order that the commanding importance of the characters in this picture might be transferred to the screen we have produced 'The Caillaux Case' with an all-star cast. Not only this, but we have taken the greatest care that each player who portrays one of the historical principals should in appearance be as nearly the 'double' of the original as we could find in the screen world. Almost all of the actors are French, all are thoroughly familiar with the events reproduced and some are acquainted with the real persons about whom the drama is built. Thus the 'atmosphere' of the play has been re-created with the utmost accuracy. Emphasis Laid on Secret Service "Even the sets are exact duplicates of scenes in the original action, and have been made from photographs and drawings obtained at great trouble and expense. Particularly notable in this respect are the set of the editorial office in which Mme. Caillaux shoots Calmette and that of the court scene in which she is tried and acquitted of murder. "We have laid special emphasis upon the part played by the United States Secret Service in unearthing evidence incriminating Caillaux and Bolo in machinations with Berlin. Thus the picture has a powerful patriotic attraction, because it shows American fighting not only France's enemies without, but the enemies within her gates. "And the end is not yet! We are holding the picture pending publication of the revelations which Bolo has just made to the French authorities. Dispatches say that these disclosures will stir both continents and will vitally affect the course of the war. "I believe 'The Caillaux Case' is the most far-reaching, the most vital drama that my organization has ever made for the screen. I doff my hat to the excellent work done by Richard Stanton in directing it. I shall release it with a sense of supreme pride and satisfaction." Louise Fazenda, Metro's all-star, in "The House of Mirth." Mutual Release Date Changed The release rate of "Hearts or Diamonds," the first picture William Russell has made for William Russell Productions, Inc., which was announced by Mutual as April 22, has been changed to April 29. Both Mr. Russell and William Hamilton Osborne, the author of the story on which the photo drama is based, express themselves as highly pleased with the production. The story is full of impetuous moments and spectacular scenes, with just enough of the comedy element to relieve the tension and give "Big Bill" opportunity to display the comic touches which were evident in "The Midnight Trail" and "New York Luck." "Hearts or Diamonds" was made under the direction of Henry King, who was responsible for the last Mary Miles Minter production for Mutual, "A Bit of Jade." Mr. King also directed Gail Kane in several Mutual successes, notably "Souls in Pawn" and "A Game of Wits." Miss Charlotte Burton plays the leading role in the new Russell production. Miss Burton made a sensational screen success as the siren in "The Diamond from the Sky," the American-Mutual photonovel in thirty chapters, and subsequently appeared with Mr. Russell in the Mutual star productions, "Soul Mates," "The Highest Bid," "The Strength of Donald McKenzie," "The Love Hermit" and "The Torch Bearer."