Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

^r^ 1218 MOTOGRAPHY New William Russell Picture June 24 "Up Romance Road" Presents Athletic Star in Distinct Character Type Amid Romance and Thrills WILLIAM RUSSELL succeeds in creating a distinct character type in "Up Romance Road," his big mystery melodrama, released by Mutual June 24. As Gregory Thorne, a young chap of wealth and position who is bored by pink teas and social chatter and yearns for the high-lights of adventure, he will appeal to every red-blooded American. Gregory, in a spirit of mischief, pretends to his fiancee's father, a millionaire ship owner, that he knows the plotters who have threatened to blow up his plant if a ship loaded with supplies for the Allies is allowed to sail. The old man is riled and forbids Gregory to see his fiancee unless he divulges the identity of the crooks. Then the excitement begins. When Gregory attempts to elope with his fiancee, they are both kidnaped by the gang of spies and held as hostages. How Gregory escapes and frustrates the crooks makes a thrilling drama. There is action in every foot of film, more action than Gregory bargained for when he went "Up Romance Road." A spectacular fight, a wild ride in his racing car with the leader of the gang riding astride the hood of his machine, and the suspense in finding the bomb before it explodes, supply the thrills. The story and scenario are by Stephen Fox, a well-known magazine writer. The production was under the direction of Henry King, who was responsible for Russell's success, "Hearts or Diamonds?" It is the second picture made by William Russell Productions, Inc. Russell is supported by an admirable cast, including Charlotte Burton, who plays the lead, Carl Stockdale, Emma Kluge, Claire DuBrey, John Burton and Joseph Belmont. Billie Rhodes will appear in a Strand comedy, "Her Spooney Affair," released June 25. Jack falls in love with Mary at first sight. When he calls at her aunt's house, Mary is disguised as the maid, in order to test the sincerity of his affection. All sorts of embarrassing situations ensue and Jack is accused of trying to get away with the silverware when he is found in the cellar with the silver spoons in his pocket. It all ends happily, however, when Jack learns he has been the subject of a little joke and realizes he has won out with Mary. Issues Nos. 34 and 35 of the Screen Telegram are released June 26 and 30. Donates House for Benefit G. L. Hooper, manager of the Orpheum Theatre, Topeka, Kansas, recently donated his house, orchestra and films for one afternoon to the Social Service Club of that city for a benefit, the proceeds of which went to help the poor of the city. The feature film shown was Select's "Over There," and an ArbuckleParamount comedy. Vol. XIX, No. 26 Goldwyn Distribution System a Year Old Goldwyn's releasing organization, the Goldwyn Distributing Corporation, last week celebrated its first birthday, its offices having been opened throughout North America in the second week of June, 1917. What one year ago was but the beginning of a distribution system has now expanded until it covers every part of the habitable globe and not only releases Goldwyn's own productions, but independently made pictures of other producers. At no time in film history has any company succeeded in girdling the globe in its first year of existence. Goldwyn's achievement has been due to almost superhuman labors and the unceasing activities of Samuel Goldfish and his aids. The United States offices of Goldwyn are in Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Washington, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, St. Louis and Seattle — nineteen offices in all. Writes Photoplay in Trenches Snatching a moment whenever possible in the vigils of the night while serving in the trenches in France, Lieut. Howard Irving Young of the American army wrote a picture-play which he named "Song of the Heart." Into it he poured the longings of his soul, his human desire for life's supreme happiness, his unswerving determination to do his soldierly duty under all circumstances. And when he had made of his picture-play a great, vital human document he sent it to World Pictures. "Song of the Heart" was received by World last week. The manuscript was in bad condition. Part of it was written in pencil and part in pen. Such scraps of paper as Lieutenant Young could obtain in the trenches had been used. And yet, despite these physical handicaps, the virile soul of the story gripped and held. It was purchased at once and the continuity for it is now being written. It will be Louise Huff's second World starring vehicle. Lieutenant Young was in the old Seventh regiment of the New York National Guard and with it saw service in Mexico before going to France. William Russell in his latest feature for Mutual release, "Up Romance Road." Well, That's One Way In Sessue Hayakawa's mail a few days ago was a letter from a young miss in Indianapolis, stating that she and some of her friends, finding difficulty in pronouncing his name, had decided to call him "Susie What-do-you-call-it."