Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

April 27, 1918. MOTOGRAPHY 805 Background of "Salome" is Gorgeous One of the Settings Is That of Jaffa Gate, Through Which British Recently Marched Upon Capture of Jerusalem NOTEWORTHY among the screens of spectacular settings embodied in the Theda Bara super-production, "Salome," is an almost exact duplicate of the famous Jaffa gate, through which General Allenby and the British forces marched recently into Jerusalem. Beyond the gate are the ancient buildings and streets leading up to the palace of King Herod, the central tower of which rises more than 200 feet, and was quite the most striking structure in Hollywood, Cal., where the big production was screened by J. Gordon Edwards. On either side of the tower are wings 200 feet long, making the building itself 400 feet in length. Stretching away in the distance from the gate, beneath which Jesus Christ passed two thousand years ago, are the houses of the city. Another impressive set is said to be the throne room of Herod. This chamber covered an entire stage. The King's throne on a raised dais was surrounded by costly tapestries and rugs. On both sides were twelve huge golden columns, scores of courtiers and a soldier bodyguard whose costumes and glittering spears radiated the sunshine in which the scene was photographed. Miss Bara herself appeared in this part of the drama attired in cloth of gold, with a pantaloon effect. A great embroidered cape of yellow and red was draped from her shoulders in graceful folds. A boudoir and bath set constitute an achievement in construction. An old Biblical print was used as a guide to the decorations of the room. These consist largely of gorgeous gossamer silks, golden tassels and the finest of uphol steries, as befitted the boudoir of the woman who swayed King Herod. In the center of the huge apartment the technical staff built a fountain tanked with wonderful lilies, ferns and exotic plants. Its very appearance breathed the spirit of the first siren of history. Slabs of the finest carrara marble, it is said, were brought from Italy to southern California for the bathing pool. One of the scenic novelties here is an immense outspread tail of a peacock who looks proudly to the pool below. From the "eyes" of the outstretched feathers sprout hundreds of streams of water. New Toronto House Building Toronto has another good-sized theatre in the process of construction. It is being built at Bloor and Lippincott streets by Harry Rotenberg, who, it is understood, represents the Aliens of the Famous Players' Film Service, Limited, distributors in Canada of Paramount, Artcraft and other well-known releases. The theatre will have a 48-foot frontage, with a depth of about 109 feet, and will have a seating capacity of about 1,000. When this house is completed it will be the third theatre in Toronto under the control of the Aliens, the others being the New Allen, in the downtown section, and the Beaver, West Toronto, which was recently acquired. Louise Glaum Starts New Paralta Play Picture Will Be Called "Shackled" and Is by Lawrence McCloskey — Katterjohn Story Next w ORK was commenced last week on will be the second Paralta play to be made with Louise Glaum as the star. It will follow the Glaum release, "An Alien Enemy," in which she made her debut not only as a Paralta star but really as a dramatic actress as well, for Miss Glaum before her connection with this organization appeared in no characterizations except those of a seductress. "Shackled" was written by Lawrence McCloskey especially for Miss Glaum, and the author kept in view throughout the development of his plot that the star was to be confined by no limitations, but was to be given the full scope of dramatic interpretation. As a consequence, "Shackled" is a particularly strong story and affords wonderful opportunities for Miss Glaum to equal or even excel her work in "An Alien Enemy." The star will be supported by an eminent cast, composed of Lawson Butt, an English actor of prominence in America as well as abroad; Roberta Wilson, sister of the Paralta leading lady, Lois Wilson, who will make her debut as a Paralta player in this production; Jack Gilbert, Roy Laidlaw and Charles West. Wallace Worsley, who directed "An Alien Enemy," and to whom much credit is due for its wonderful success, is also staging "Shackled." Upon the completion of the picture it is probable that Miss Glaum will appear in a drama by Monte M. Katterjohn, entitled "One of the Multitude." Announcement was made several weeks ago that this picture would be made to follow "An Alien Enemy," but for various reasons its production was postponed and "Shackled" was chosen instead. There are several other stories under serious consideration to follow "One of the Multitude," but no definite announcement concerning them has yet been made. The schedule of production of "Snapdragon," from the novel by Horace Hazeltine, which had been at first planned for Miss Glaum's initial play, is yet undecided, although it is certain that it will be one of this star's releases in the near future. Theda Bara as she appears in the William Fox super-feature, "Salome.'' Winnipeg House Varies Prices Starting with the week -of April 8, the Starland Theatre, Winnipeg, adopted a policy of presenting three different shows each week at 5 and 10 cents, in the afternoon and 10 and IS cents at night. The features presented the first week included "Dodging a Million,"