Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

April 27, 1918. MOTOGRAPHY 799 15,000 Persons to Take Part in "Gismonda' Production Will Be Biggest and Most Spectacular Ever Attempted by Famous Players-Lasky in East THE Fort Lee studio of the Famous Players-Lasky Corporation resembles a big military camp these days because of the number of people assembled and the construction work which is going on in connection with the production by Edouard Jose of "Gismonda" for Paramount release. This photoplay is a starring vehicle for Lina Cavalieri and the production is said to be the biggest and most spectacular ever attempted by the Famous Players-Lasky Corporation in the east. "The plot is laid in the year 1500," says Mr. Jose, "and there is no architecture of that period in this country for the requirements of this story. We have, therefore, been compelled to build all settings, both exterior and interior, which are of exceptional grandeur and splendor as reproductions of the palaces of the Greek nobility in their days of wealth and extravagance. "These settings are of necessity extraordinarily large, as thousands of people appear in the various scenes, and when the picture is finished between 10,000 and 15,000 persons will have taken part. "Among the largest setings are the palace of Gismonda, the church and the convent, where the principal action takes place. To support the weight of the many people, in many instances mounted on horses, the floors were constructed on heavy foundations and covered with concrete and cement. The solidity of these settings prevents vibration and assures good photographic work. "In the grounds of the convent is be ing built the cemetery where the nuns were laid to rest. Gismonda was the widowed Duchess of Athens and was a devout Catholic. She frequently went in retreat at the convent where she prayed for guidance in the affairs of state which perplexed her. When her child is about to be torn by the lion she swears on the cross that she will give her hand and the dukedom to his rescuer. When Almerio, beloved by the people, though a humble peasant, proves to be the only man brave enough to attack and slay the enraged beast, she hesitates in carrying out her oath and retires to the convent. The populace, horrified at the violation of her oath and enraged because of her snobbish treatment of Almerio, follows her to the sacred portals and makes a hostile demonstration against her. 'The building of the amphitheatre containing the lion's den necessitated the use of dynamite as Fort Lee rests on the solid rock of the Palisades. As long 'shots' are taken by the camera at the lion's den it could not be raised and the quickest way to blast the rock out to the required depth. "The interiors, of course, harmonize with the massiveness of the exteriors, and are furnished with elegant appointments of the period. "Madame Cavalieri, internationally famous for her beauty, makes an ideal Gismonda, who was the most attractive woman of her time, and the ladies of her court were noted for their pulchritude." "Crauford Kent, who has played important parts in many Paramount and Artcraft pictures, plays the leading male role of Almerio." Next Minter Subject May 6 The next Mary Miles Minter picture from the studios of the American Film Company, Inc., will be "The Greater Call." It is set for release on May 6. Miss Minter has been appearing in a distinctly different type of picture — plays of more dramatic force — and "The Greater Call" provides her with new opportunity to show her ability in pictures of this kind. Edward Jose, director of the Famous Players-Lasky Corporation, now engaged in producing "Gismonda," starring Lina Cavalieri. "Planter" Breaks House Record "The Planter," Mutual's big feature in which Tyrone Power is seen in a screen adaptation of Herman Whitaker's celebrated novel of the same title broke all records at the Washington Theatre, Granite City, 111. In a letter to Mutual, Louis London, manager of the Washington, gave a glowing report. "I desire to extend my personal thanks for you insisting I show 'The Planter,' " Mr. Keller wrote. "I wish to add I broke all records in the theatre matinee and evening and it was a most pleasing picture, to my patrons, for I heard many remarks in passing out how 'grand' it was, and even after several days have heard many fine remarks. The next time you say you have something good it will not be hard for you to book me." Clever Plot in Strand Comedy Wouldn't it be fierce if you had to caddy for your best girl, while your rival, a handsome guy who sports diamonds and everything, makes love to her, holds her hands and tells her what "booful blue eyes" she has? Wouldn't you feel justified in mopping up terra firma with his anatomy? In "Mary's Frame^Up," a Strand Comedy starring Billie Rhodes, Cullen Landis is forbidden by Mary's parents to see her. Determined to be near, however, he camouflages himself as a Senegambian of the darkest hue and pushes around a wheel-chair in which is seated his rival and his girl. How he proves to be a hero and is decamouflaged in the act is one of the most amusing bits seen on the screen in some time. World Starts "The Judge" Work on "The Judge" has been started in World's Ford Lee studio under Director Travers Vale, with June Elvidge supported by a notable cast, which includes Walter Pratt Lewis, Albert Hart, George MacQuarrie, Marguerite Gale, John Bowers and Marie Pagano. William Russell, who is starring now in pictures of the William Russell productions. Inc., released through Mutual.