Moving Picture World (Jun 1916)

2042 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD June 17, 1916 Dixon Will Have Studio Producer of "The Fall of a Nation" Preparing for More Big Subjects. SPECULATION as to the future of the Dixon Studios and Laboratories, Sunset Boulevard and Western Avenue, Hollywood, Cal., has been set at rest by Thomas Dixon on the eve of the production at the Liberty theater, New York, Tuesday, June 6th, Of his mighty pre Dixon Studios and Laboratories, Hollywood, Cal. paredness spectacle, "The Fall of a Nation." Mr. Dixon is so well satisfied with the results of his collaboration with Victor Herbert that he has decided to devote the new plant exclusively to the production of big operatic spectacles. He announces that Bartley dishing, his assistant in the staging of "The Fall of a Nation," and the managing director of the production department at Hollywood, is now preparing plans for a new spectacular feature along entirely novel lines. The making of small features is not contemplated at this studio. It is interesting to note that the filming of "The Fall of a Nation" had been going on for several weeks when ground was broken in October for the Dixon Studios. Construction of the plant and continued production were carried on simultaneously. It was not until January 15th of this year that the last nail was driven in the studio where "The Fall of a Nation" was completed and where its successor will soon be begun. The plot on which the plant is situated was formerly an orange grove. Part of the grove still remains as a screen for the Sunset Boulevard side of the studio. Overlooking this grove are the mechanical departments and dressing rooms. Adjoining the latter are the stages, one a glass enclosed affair and the other open but equipped with improved diffusing curtains. The rear of the lot is reserved for exterior scenes. A replica of old Mulberry Bend, New York, was constructed there for "The Fall of a Nation." Towering above the mechanical departments is the chalet top, in which there is room for four complete paint frames. Along the Western Avenue side are the executive offices, leading down to the laboratories. This latter department is said to be one of the most complete in any motion picture studio. In charge is William C. Thompson, chief photographer, a graduate of Columbia University, and a member of the American Chemical Society and other organizations of chemists. Under his direction the capacity of the laboratories is 500,000 feet of film weekly. Here as many prints of "The Fall of a Nation" as may be required can be turned out as rapidly as desired. GERALDINE FARRAR LEAVES FOR CALIFORNIA. With the long winter season of grand opera and concert at an end, Ceraldine Farrar, looking her very happiest started last Monday with her husband, Lou-Tellegen, on that long deferred honeymoon trip to the land of motion pictures at Hollywood, California. Mr. and Mrs. Lou-Tellegen were passengers on board the 20th Century Limited attached to which was a private car for the star and her suite. Miss Farrar's drawing room was embanked with roses. A summer devoted to the motion picture camera is no novelty for the prima donna as she had the unusual experience a year ago of making three big productions at the studios of the Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Company at Hollywood, California, including a filmed version of the opera "Carmen" all within a period of nine weeks. FamousJPlayers^to Star Donald Brian D"~ ONALD BRIAN, celebrated comedian and matinee idol, and left wing of the inimitable "Donald and Julia and Jo" trio, in the current stage success, "Sybil," is to be starred by the Famous Players in a modern smuggling story which will be released on the Paramount Program within the next few weeks. Mr. Brian is one < the best known ar most popular figur on the stage today, h clever work in "Sybi r.n.u the IVtll season adding to the laurels which he has gathered in ''The Siren," "The Dollar Princess" and "The Merry Widow," in the last of which he created his first great success. However, before entering musical comedy Mr. Brian played a number of important roles in straight comedies among which was "The Man From Mexico." The role which he will play for the Famous Players is that of a wealthy young American who revolts at our tariff restrictions and decides to bring a handsome necklace into this country without the formality of mentioning the fact to the customs officials. He is married and he loves his darling wife, of course, but he cannot resist the temptation to practice a little harmless deception upon her. Alas for the lady's peace of mind, the deception includes an actress and an imitation necklace which is a perfect replica of the exquisite affair which he purchased for his spouse. The result is a general scrambling of wives, actresses, customs officials and detectives in which our would-bo smuggler and his friends have a very painful experience. It is a swiftly moving comedy of action that is ideally suited to Mr. Brian. Work on the production has already begun under the direction of Sidney Olcott who has many excellent Famous Players productions to his credit. This is not Mr. Brian's first appearance before the camera as he has already been starred on the Paramount Program by Lasky. Donald Brian. MORE V-L-S-E PROMOTIONS. Last week marked many important changes in the Vitagraph-Lubin-Selig-Essanay, Inc., whose policy it is to elevate from the ranks, the most important of which was the promotion of F. F. Hartich, Assistant Manager of the New York Exchange to the managership of the Syracuse Branch Exchange. Mr. Hartich's elevation will be received cordially by his host of friends who have followed his career with the V-L-S-E since he joined that organization less than a year ago. It is being looked upon as a striking illustration of success attained by intelligently directed effort, persistent application and studiousness. It is especially noteworthy because of Mr. Hartich's short period of association with the industry. In the Cleveland exchange, A. M. Holah, salesman, has been promoted to the position of Assistant Manager. Mr. Holah goes to the new position particularly well qualified by reason of his experience in sales promotion work, and intensive development. Mr. Holah, who has been covering part of Ohio, has turned his territory over to James Surrell, a new salesman. Frank D. Stanton, manager of the Fraklin Park theater, Boston, Mass., has left that position to become associated with the Boston branch as salesman. He will work in Massachusetts territory exclusively. This Boston appointment will enable George Balsdon, manager, to visit his territory frequently, which he finds essential. Assistant Manager Reardon will take care of office details during these trips.