Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

1052 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. XIX, No. 22 Seven Paramount Pictures in June Players Starred Are Lina Cavalieri, Vivian Martin, Sessue Hayakawa, Pauline Frederick, Wallace Reid and Enid Bennett THE Famous Players-Lasky Corporation puts its best foot foremost in the schedule of Paramount releases for June, which has just been issued by Walter E. Greene, managing director in charge of distribution, listing seven of the biggest productions ever turned out by this company. Four of the pictures were made in the west coast studios, two in the east, and one comes from the Thomas H. Ince plant. Six of the pictures present a formidable array of stars, including Lina Cavalieri, Vivian Martin, Sessue Hayakawa, Pauline Frederick, Wallace Reid and Enid Bennett, and the seventh is another of the J. Stuart Blackton photoplays. "The June releases will more than safeguard Paramount exhibitors from any slight falling off in attendance which usually takes place in the last month of spring, when people are inclined to be lured by the pleasant weather to seek outdoor recreation unless worth-while attractions draw them to the picture houses," said Mr. Greene. "The first subject in the order of release is the presentation on June 2 by J. Stuart Blackton of "Missing," an absorbing story of love and war from the tremendously successful novel by Mrs. Humphrey Ward, in which appear Thomas Meighan, Robert Gordon, Winter Hall, Sylvia Bremer, Ora Humphrey, Mollie McConnell and Kathlyn O'Connor. The story has a sympathetic appeal, dealing with a young officer in the English army who is reported lost in battle, and is particularly appropriate at the present time. "On the same date the spectacular Lina Cavalieri picture is issued, entitled 'Love's Conquest,' being an adaptation from 'Gismonda,' the famous Sardou drama. Edward Jose directed this photoplay, which is the most pretentious ever staged in the east. Gigantic settings were constructed to represent the city of Athens in the early sixteenth century, and thousands of people appear in the various scenes. "On June 9, Jesse L. Lasky presents Vivian Martin in 'Viviette,' from the book of the same title by William J. Locke, scenarioized by Julia Crawford Ivers and directed by Walter Edwards. The story deals with the love affairs of a girl after she leaves a finishing school. Three men are suitors for her hand, and the violent temper of one, fanned by insane jealousy, nearly causes a tragedy. In the cast are Eugene Pallette, Harrison Ford, Kate Toncray, Clara Whipple and Donald Blakemore. "The same day marks the release of the Pauline Frederick production of 'Her Final Reckoning,' adapted by Charles E. Whittaker from 'Prince Zilah,' the famous play which served as a starring vehicle for Sarah Bernhardt, Jane Hading, Mme. Modjeska, Ellen Terry, Eleanor Duse and other emotional actresses. Emile Chautard, the distinguished French actor and producer, directed this production, the first directed by him for Paramount release. "Hayakawa is the star of 'The Bravest Way,' released June 16, showing the dramatic experiences of a Japanese in the United States, who follows the traditions of his race in sacrificing himself, through loyalty to a murdered countryman, wedding the widow, though he loves another girl. There is considerable suspense in the story before the true lovers1 are united. The scenario is by Edith Kennedy and the picture was directed by George Melford. In the cast are Florence Vidor, Tsuru Aoki, U. Apyama, Jane Wolff, Tom Kurahara, Winter Hall," Josephine Crowell, Goro Kino, Clarence Geldart and Guy Oliver. "A stirring and patriotic subject is 'The Firefly of France,' released on June 23, with Wallace Reid as a French aviator, a dashing role for which the young star is admirably fitted. Ann Little has the leading feminine role. "June 23 is also the date of the release of the Thomas H. Ince production, 'A Desert Wooing,' with Enid Bennett in the stellar role. Uncle Tom's Cabin to Have Fine Setting A remarkable tribute was paid to Marguerite Clark by army officials when she and her company were engaged in producing "Uncle Tom's Cabin," the Paramount picture in which she plays the dual roles of Little Eva and Topsy, by granting her permission to work inside the Jackson barracks in Louisiana. During war times cameras are taboo near fortifications and barracks, but in consideration of the work of the star on behalf of the Liberty Loan and her heavy contributions to war relief organizations she was given the privilege of using some of the buildings as backgrounds for the production. Many of the structures were erected as far back as 1826, and by reason of the careful maintenance by the government are in an excellent state of preservation. The Colonel's quarters at Jackson barracks was exactly the type of house desired for the St. Clair mansion in the story and was very acceptable to Director >. Searle Dawley, who had searched in vain for an old southern mansion of the proper period without modern touches. The slave market was staged in front of the old St. Louis Hotel in New Orleans, which is a historical landmark, and during slavery days was one of the most famous slave auctions in the south. An old relic used in the picture is the auction block upon which thousands of negroes were knocked down to the highest bidder, husbands and wives parted and children torn from the arms of their mothers. One of the sensational incidents is a scene wherein a slave girl makes frantic attempts to recover her child, which prove ineffectual, and the grief stricken mother destroys herself by leaping into the swift waters of the Mississippi. The calloused owner who stood unmoved by the display of mother love becomes furious with rage at the loss of his $1,000 chattel. Marguerite Clark as little Eva in the Paramount picturisation of "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Star to Make Thrift Stamp Film Mabel Normand's originality, combined with her desire to be of genuine service in connection with the present Thrift Stamp drive, is responsible for the star's forthcoming appearance in a strange picture. She will act in a specially written scenario, a short subject calculated to show a new phase of the benefit to be derived from liberal purchases of Thrift Stamps. In no sense a tract, the little play will entertain first of all and incidentally drive home a message in telling fashion.