Moving Picture News (Jul-Oct 1913)

THE MOVING PICTURE NEWS Charles Kent, admittedly one of the most thorough and talented actors of the English speaking stage, long before the Motion Pictures claimed him as a brilliant exponent of the silent drama. Tef¥t Johnson and William Shea, whose long service is proof positive of their popularity with the patrons of the moving picture theatres. James C. Young and Clara Kimball Young. Dimpled and ever smiling Lillian Walker was greeted with a shower of carnations, by beautiful Rosemary Theby, as the dimpled Lillian passed the Mutual booth, where Edgena De Lespine, Norma Phillips, Virginia Westbrook, Bobbie Robbins, Paul Scardon and others, were conspicuous during the week. Edith Storey, another name to be reckoned with, when it comes to naming favorites. Another great crush was encountered every day in and around the Universal booth, where Barbara Tennant, of the Eclair forces, appeared to be the favorite. Miss Tennant was closely pressed for "stellar"' honors by the adaptable Jane Gail, who shines with equal brilliance in comedy and emotional work. Other stars in the Universal firmament who shed their beams on those in attendance were: Claire and Violet Messereau, Mildred Bright, Julia Stuart, a prominent satellite in the dramatic "sky" of a decade ago; Natalie Wakefield, Clara Horton. Among the male contingent, laughing Billy Quirk, handsome Irving Cummings, Howard Missimer, and John Steppling, repeatedly halted the moving mass while they indulged in sidewalk conversation over the doings of Frank Dayton, Francis Bushman, and other favorites of the Essanay Company, since Howard left that splendid organization. Theo Wharton, now a director in charge of the new Essanay studio at Ithaca, N. Y., who dates back to early Biograph days, when Theodore wrote the scenarios at "ten'' per, for Wallace McCutcheon. On Wednesday night, that much traveled marvel of cleverness, who possesses talent akin to genius. Miss Gene Gauntier, held a reception in the Warner Feature booth, with the cooperation of Jack Clark and her able director, Sidney Olcott. The throng, struggling to get a glimpse of this celebrated woman was so dense at times, that the police were summoned to disperse them. Miss Gauntier has only recently completed three important features for the Warner Company: "A Daughter of the Confederacy," "Mystery of Pine Camp," and "When Men Hate," of which she is the author, and in which she appeared in the feature part. Harry Linson, twice a veteran; in the first instance, with a record of four years in the Civil War, from '61 to '65, during which time he served with distinction in the Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers, and a four years' record with the famous Edison Company, with whom he is now enrolled. Mr. Linson, looking like a man in the forties, is in his seventy-fourth year, strong and vigorous, and dates back in his theatrical career to the days of the old Bowery Theatre, during the days of Tom Hamblin, Robert Johnson, Edwin Eddy, Mrs. May and others. He enjoyed the "big show" immensely and remained during the entire evening. Other visitors during the week included Fred Truesdell. Will Scherer, Alec. B. Francis, Robert Frazer and Jack Kohler. Wednesday night, July 9, 1913, will be a memorable one in the archives of that wonderful institution in the world of the moving picture! The Vitagraph Company. No such demonstration has ever been seen under like conditions, as that which greeted the sixty and more players who were present during the evening. It was Vitagraph night. This simple announcement was alone sufficient to attract a veritable mob, which massed the aisles and openings leading to the handsomely decorated space allotted to the General Film Company. Pennants, post cards and ribbons were distributed by the various members of this popular company as souvenirs of the occasion, and so dense and unruly did this crowd become in their mad efforts to carry away some remembrance, it became necessary to use great discretion and no little strategy, to prevent a panic which seemed inevitable. This was averted by transferring the players from the booth to the theatre on the mezzanine floor, where another reception was held, but the clamoring multitudes crowded the stairs and entrances leading to the theatre, making them unpassable until finally the favorites were forced to disperse in several directions in order to disintegrate the crowd. A supper was served later in the evening, among those present being: Maurice Costello, Charles Kent, John Bunny, Flora Finch, Lillian Walker, Tefft Johnson, James Young, Clara Kimball Young, Earle W^illiams, Edith Storey, Rose Tapley, Ralph Ince, Robert Gaillord, Mrs. Mary Maurice, William Shea, and others prominent among the popular Vitagraph Company. W. T. Rock, president of the Vitagraph Company, was present, accompanied by his wife and son, J. B. Rock. "Kaybee," "Broncho" and "Keystone," will be a lasting memory to the vast throng who besieged the Mutual booth Thursday evening. These representative brands of film whose trade mark when shown invariably occasion marked enthusiasm, were "publicized" by Mr. Bert Ennis, while the distribution of souvenirs was under the supervision of Miss Mae Kenny, personal secretary to Messrs. Kessel and Bauman, two names to be conjured with in the world of filmdom. Friday night the General Film Company's booth was turned over to the famous Edison Company, the event being made a notable one in the history of the Exposition, through the presence of that "wizard" in the world of science and mechanics, Thomas A. Edison in person. Accompanied by his wife and daughter, 'Sir. Edison was comfortably installed as the feature attraction at the booth shortly after 8.30. From that time every aisle, every means of approach was blocked and it was impossible to even get a glimpse of this world famous man. Mary Fuller was next to arrive, and it was with great difficulty that a passage way was cleared for her entrance. This was a signal for renewed interest, and the vast throng increased until the crush became so dense it was deemed advisable to "divide the attractions," so Mr. Edison was with much trouble, hustled to the Edison booth, followed by a clamoring mob that was almost a riot. Miss Fuller became active in distributing the souvenirs, assisted by Mabel Trunelle, Gertrude McCoy, Bliss Melford, Bessie Learn, Elsie McLeod, Edna May Hamel and Kathleen Coughlin were afforded great amusement, watching the mad efforts of the assembled crowd, scramble for the souvenirs they threw among them. The executive heads: C. H. Wilson, vice-president; Nelson C. Durand, third vice-president; L. C. McChesney, advertising manager; Horace H. Plimpton, manager of negative production; John Hardin, assistant manager, were present during the entire evening, and at eleven o'clock officials and players were the guests of Mr. Plimpton, at a delightful little affair, with refreshments at the Knickerbocker Hotel. A grand double attraction graced the General Film booth, Thursday night. The house of Lubin and the iNIaison de Pathe. The popularity of the product of these two companies is too well known to require comment. Arthur Johnson and Lottie Briscoe, of the Lubin forces, led all others in the competition for popularity, while Crane Wilbur and Pearl Sindelar, of Pathe, received much attention. Sigmund Lubin, the head and front, and most important in individual control, of all those engaged in the art, entered the hall, at nine o'clock. Following in the wake of this big-hearted, generous, liberal-minded man. were his "children" of the immense Lubin industry, some of whom have been with him for years. He was accompanied by Ira M. Lowry and Charles Goldsmith, two of his most able lieutenants, who assisted in receiving the immense throng gathered around the booth, to greet their favorites. Popular among the visiting artists were recognized: Harry C. Myers, Charles Brandt. Peter Lang, Edwin Carewe, Clarence Elmer, George E. Reehm, Walter H.