Moving Picture World (Dec 1917)

December 8, 1917 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD 1507 Williamson Wins Verdict Jury in U. S. District Court Grants Plaintiff $3,175 in Action Against Universal. A JURY in Judge Manton's part of the United States District Court on November 23 awarded J. Ernest Williamson a verdict of $3,175 against the Universal Film Manufacturing Company for alleged breach of contract in connection with the picturization of Jules Verne's novel, "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea." The plaintiff had a contract with the film company to devise an artificial octopus used in screening the production and aid in the supervision of the film, and while the contract was for a definite period of eight weeks at a salary of $150 per week the jury concluded that he was entitled to some compensation for the extra period required to complete the production. The film company contended that the delay in completing the film, which required nearly forty weeks and necessitated an additional expenditure of about $75,000, was due to the failure of the plaintiff to perfect a workable octopus, and objected to giving him additional compensation, particularly in view of the fact that he received 10 per cent, royalty on the film. Williamson demanded damages of $5,500 in the suit, but before the case was submitted to the jury Judge Manton granted a morion allowing the plaintiff to amend his complaint and sue for $15,100 following the testimony of J. J. Lodge, who expressed the opinion that Williamson's services were worth $550 weekly to the film company while the film was being produced. The trial disclosed the fact that the production, which was produced at a cost of $200,000, has earned the film company only $42,000 up to date, according to a statement made to the court and jury by Siegfried Hartman. of Stanchfield & Levy, counsel for the film company. Sheer-Bernstein Enterprises Will Engage Artists, Arrange Casts and Conduct Publicity Campaigns. WILLIAM A. SHEER, long known as one of the energetic, hard-working players' representatives within the industry, has established himself in new quarters at 1604 Broadway, under the firm name of the Sheer-Bernstein Enterprises, in which he is associated with Mr. M. M. Bernstein, a former commercial figure of Macon, Ga., and Detroit, Mich. Under this name the organization will handle the business of players, the casting for various producing concerns with whom they have arranged to supply artists, and, in addition, will maintain a big publicity bureau to look after the exploitation of such players as they represent. Mr. Sheer's entry into the artist supply end of the industry began with the World-Equitable concerns several years ago, after which he branched out as an independent agent, and was virtually responsible for the bringing out of numerous players, among which were Kitty Gordon, Gail Kane, Zena K e e f e, Mollie King, Marguerite Leslie, Jose Collins, Barbara Caselton, Alma Hanlan and others. The new offices at 1604 Broadway, are as elaborate as good taste and art permit. The offices are composed of five rooms and a small waiting room. Only important players and those established and of recognized merit as film players, enter into Mr. Sheer's scheme of things. "I have no desire to bring any new blood into the industry, as there are so many remarkably satisfactory people in all lines, at my beck and call," said Mr. Sheer, "and for that reason I am going to devote my time to sup William A. Sheer. plying and offering only people who can back up their claims with proofs of past accomplishments." The exploitation department is under the supervisory direction of Harry Reichenbach, who needs no introduction. An announcement of the noted personalities in the motion picture field who have already designated Mr. Sheer as their exclusive representative, and the companies with whom he is to affiliate as the casting master, in so far as supplying talent is concerned, will be made shortly. Julian L'Estrange Emily Stevens' Leading Man JULIAN L'ESTRANGE, an experienced player of the stage and screen, is playing the leading male role of Arthur Frome in support of Emily Stevens in the Metro picturization of "Daybreak." This play by Jane Cowl and Jane Murfin was adapted for the screen by June Mathis and Albert Capellani and is being directed by Mr. Capellani. Mr. L'Estrange is an Englishman and has played in London with Sir Herbert Tree, Arthur Boucher, Sir George Alexander, and Ellen Terry in Shakespearean and modern plays. His first American appearance was with William Faversham in "Imprudence" at the Empire theatre, Xew York, in 1902. Then L'Estrange returned to England, returning to America in 1908. He was leading man with Maxine Elliott for two years, opening the Maxine Elliott theatre with the star in "The Chaperon," and also supported her in "Myself Bettina," and other plays. For three years he was Billie Burke's leading man in "Mrs. Dot," "Suzanne," and "Love Watches." He played in "Her First Divorce" with Laura Hope Crews, and with John Drew in "The Tyranny of Tears." In motion pictures, Julian L'Estrange has been leading man for Pauline Frederick in the Famous Flayers' productions "Zara," "Sold," and "Bella Donna." He was co-starred with Katherine Kaelred in Pathe's "The Girl with the Green Eyes," and appeared with Maurice and Florence Walton in the Famous Players' picture, "The Whirl of Life." His role in the forthcoming Metro production is one well suited to his histrionic talents. Julian L'Estrange. SMITH A DIRECTOR OF N. A. M. P. I. Will C. Smith, general manager of the Nicholas Power Co., was nominated as a director in the National Board to fill the vacancy caused by the death of J. F. Skerrett. at a meeting of the Supply and Equipment Division of the National Association of the Motion Picture Industry, held on Thursday, which was attended by the largest representation of members since the inception of the organization. The meeting was presided over by Walter J. Moore in the absence of Chairman J. E. Brulatour and routine matters were discussed without any definite action being taken. It was decided to hold regular monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month, and the first meeting will be held on December 12 at 12 o'clock noon, at the offices of the National Association. The following were in attendance at the meeting: Walter J. Moore, H. C. Minor Lithographing Co.; L. P. Weber, Acme Lithographing Co.; L. J. Lynch, representing George I. Cooke, Alpha Lithograph Co.; Theo. F. Comstock, assistant to the assistant manager of the Pathescope Company, representing Willard B. Cook; S. Snowden Cassard, assistant general manager. Nicholas Power Co.; A. P. Lombard, representing E. S. Porter of the Precision Machine Company, and B. F. Porter. Joseph F. Coufal, Novelty Slide Co.; S. H. DeRoy, Automatic Ticket Selling and Cash Register Co.; J. H. Hallberg, United Theatre Equipment Corporation, and A. H. Rosenburg of the Greater N. Y. Slide Co.; Frederick H. Elliott, executive secretary National Association.