Moving Picture World (Dec 1917)

1968 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD December 29, 1917 & s:. s ^ <£• £• ^ ^° g S g S g g IS USSS '•£ ^ ^ ^ =i ^ ^ ^ ^ »s °^ -^ si IS 0 Manufacturers' Advance Notes B 6C« g? g« £■ g> g' g; €■ g? g g° g» C« g« g? S* « » ^ O OS CS »IS» '^ gj cs> »s «^ «% »5 OS »a *S'?S» Australia Flourishing Field for Films That Is, for American Product, Says Harold Bolster, Goldwyn Representative. FILM conditions in Australia, l.ke all belligerent countries, suffered at one period a setback due to the war, but are now flourishing, according to advices from Harold Bolster, a Goldwyn executive, touring the Orient in the interests of that corporation. "Both from personal investigation and from conversations with the leading film men of Australia and New Zealand, I have received a most optimistic impression of the state of the market for American films here, and the prosperity of theatera and exhibitors," lie writes. "Australia has suffered in the past from the war, both materially and spiritually. Depression, I hear, was particularly acute following the costly failure of the British at Gallipoli, where Australian troops lost heavily. But since the British fortunes on the battle field have improved, the war conditions at home have grown normal, the attendance at motion picture houses has steadily improved. For a time this year labor unrest also played a part in creating an unsatisfactory state; but the Government speedily solved the difficulty, and now the islands of Australia and New Zealand are in a steady and most satisfactory condition. "The first film men to whom I spoke on landing at Auckland, N. Z., and Sydney, showed the warmest interest in American films and in what I had to tell them concerning Goldwyn's plans and accomplishment. "Americans who reach Australia these days might think themselves at home in the United States, by a look at the posters outside the theaters. While English films have a certain 'home folks' appeal, the American products enjoy one advantage that outweighs at this time even the superior workmanship which our films in general display. It is the simple fact that the thousands of extra miles that England lies beyond the United States add immeasurably to the uncertainties and difficulties of shipment created by the war. Even for the American film company this has become a very serious consideration." "CARNIVALS AND CANNIBALS" (L-Ko). Woman's rights and prevailing fashions on the Cannibal Isles are featured in the L-Ko to be distributed through Universal exchanges January 2, with Myrtle Sterling star of the proceedings. Vin Moore directed under the supervision of J. Scene from "Carnivals and Cannibals" (L-Ko). G. Blystone, who is general director of all L-Kos. The Cannibal Chief will be Russell Powell, and Babe Emerson will have Al Forbes to share the lead in the supporting company. Gifts of beauty often fatal to some folks proved a lifesaver for Myrtle Sterling when the Cannibal Chief decided to make her the base of a New Year's feast. Instead of converting her into a meal the chief fell in love with her, and she became Mrs. Chief No. 23. That's the story of "Carnival and Cannibals" minus all the mirth-provoking embellishments that go with the usual L-Ko. "BUSTED HEARTS AND BUTTERMILK" (Nestor). The Nestor to be released December 31 will be conspicuous among Universal comedies because of the membership of the presenting company, players who usually devote themselves to tense dramatic situations having, this time, turned their talents to light comedy of high speed and farcical construction. Hayward Mack, who has appeared in numerous Universal City features as a straight man, is the leading comedian. Adele Farrington and Roberta Wilson, names well remembered by devotees of the program type of pictures, will divide the work Scene from "Busted Hearts and Buttermilk" (Nestor). of provoking laughter with a selected company supporting them. "Busted Hearts and Buttermilk" was selected as one of the four comedies that were intended to continue Nestor's for a temporary period following Universal's decision to abandon them. It is believed that the excellence of this number will create a demand from exchange men, and exhibitors that the series now be continued. STRONG VEHICLE FOR PAULINE FREDERICK. A combination of happy circumstances in the productions of "Mrs. Dane's Defense," for Paramount, as a starring vehicle for Pauline Frederick, should make this picture of exceptional interest from every point of view. In the first place, it is far from the famous drama by Sir Henry Arthur Jones, and affords Miss Frederick a role that fits her perfectly. Its emotional qualities are far above the average, and the tensely dramatic situations are exactly suited to screen purposes. Secondly, Hugh Ford directed the production. Mr. Ford has worked with Pauline Frederick both in legitimate and motion picture productions. He directed "Joseph and His Brethren," one of the last stage plays in which the star appeared. Third, a cast of highly competent players, many with individual records for splendid screen work, supports the star. Fourth, the setting and costuming of the production are the last word in excellence. "Mrs. Dane's Defense" will be released by Paramount in January, and will be later followed by "Jealousy," the huge allegorical spectacle in which Pauline Frederick will be the star. COMING FROM WEST COAST TO GET FASHION HINTS. In order to make a survey of the present fashions and those of the near future according to metropolitan standards, Alpharette Hoffman, costume director at the Lasky studio in California, has started for New York City, and during her stay in Manhattan will get ideas for gowns to be worn by stars in Paramount and Artciaft pictures, that will be absolutely up-to-the-minute. Owing to the fact that pictures are frequently made several months before they are released for the public, and also because the feminine fashions are constantly undergoing changes, it is necessary for the costume director to keep well ahead of the modistes.