The Moving Picture World (Apr-Jun 1913)

152 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD proprietors say they have no intention of "bowing the knee to Baal." Since the list was published the California, on Spring street, has opened with licensed programs. * * * Members of the Biograph company joined with a number of his personal friends, in and out of the various other motion picture companies in this vicinity in presenting Lew Dougherty with a huge solid silver loving cup this week. The cup is a massive vessel holding more than a gallon of "suds" and it bore an inscription stating the circumstances of its presentation. With it went a solid silver pocket flask and a tiny loving cup for Dougherty Junior. The presentation was made at Dougherty's home. Tony CTSullivan, who lives across the street, lured him over early in the evening long enough for the mob to slip through the alley and take possession of the absent man's home. When he returned he took one look at the crowd and gave up his goat. Dougherty's withdrawal from the Biograph company to go with the Kinemacolor company was a real blow to his associates, for he is the sort of man who makes fast friendships. His departure leaves Billy Bitzer, camera man and inventor of "Biograph photography," the dean of the organization. Like Dougherty, Bitzer has been with the company ever since the Biograph was a "bye," as Charley Murray would say. * * * Apparently money is no object to the Lubin Company judging by the way Wilbert Melville, producer for the No. i Los Angeles Lubin company, has been spending it. For the last two weeks he has been monopolizing nearly all the "extra people" who are available in this vicinity. His daily salary lists must look like a factory payroll. Since he brought his company here about Christmas time he has pulled off a long series of expensive pictures, and the fact that he continues to keep up the pace indicates that S. Lubin is willing to spend his dollars "regardless" so long as he gets results. * * * W. Christie Miller, the veteran character man of the Biograph company, has been elected an honorary life member of "The Photoplayers" Club. Next to "Pop" Manley, of the Powers company, who was also given the same honor, he is the oldest actor in the business. Russell Bassett, of the Nestor company, who is third on the list, has been promised an election as soon as he adopts more sedate manners. P. M. POWELL. BRADENBURGH BRINGS SUIT. George W. Bradenburgh of Philadelphia, has brought suit against the Motion Picture Patents Company, of New York, ■for damages amounting to $50,000 caused by the defendant's breach of the Sherman anti-trust law. The licensees of the Patents Company are made defendants in the suit. Mr. Bradenburgh claims that Lubin et al have formed a combination in restraint of trade and have deprived him of a ■source of supply, damaging his business to the extent of $50,000. Triple damages are claimed by the plaintiff. UNIVERSAL WESTERN NOTES. F. W. Randolph, who directed for the Universal in the Hawaiian Islands and who has since been directing under the Nestor brand, is going to act from now on as assistant director to Francis Ford in the new series of Cuban and Philippine pictures. Ray Meyers, who has been assisting and acting with Francis Ford, is transferred to Director Jack O'Brien, with whom he takes leads. Alexander Gaden joins Mr. Ford's forces, and will take leads and heavies with him. * * * The studios of the Western organization at Hollywood are putting the finishing touches upon the wondrously beautiful scenes and props for the forthcoming production of the fairy-spectacle, "Beauty and the Beast." It will be presented under the direction of H. Matthews, and promises to outrival "Snow White." There will be three great scenes — an old-fashioned street, a brilliant court-room, and the grand staircase within the castle. * * * The Universal has decided to put on a series of pictures dealing with Philippine subjects, as well as with the War in Cuba. These will be produced under the 101 Bison brand at the Providencia Ranch, now known as Universal City. They will be under the direction of Francis Ford, and will start with a picture entitled "Stars and Stripes," descriptive of the Cuban occupation by the United States, as well as a general and correct idea of matters of public interest in the Cuban campaign. The habits and the manners of the natives will be shown and every phase of the conquest of the islands will be pictured. In order that everything may be correct, a large number of special costumes have been purchased of the 1899-19.00 period, as well as the arms that were used in the campaign. * * * Universal City is to have its own furniture factory. The idea had its birth in the brain of R. E. Wortham, boss carpenter of the Hollywood studios, and is due to the many troublesome delays that the furniture houses have subjected them to. On several occasions important pictures have been held up on account of the non-delivery of necessary furniture. Last week, a big freight load of machinery arrived, and is being installed. From now on the Universal will make all of its own furniture — not property stuff, but real furniture of all periods. With its new storehouses complete there will always be a store from which to draw. Each picture will have its own special furniture. * * * Yet another director has been added to the 101 Bison forces. He is Milton H. Fahrney, who has been connected with the Nestor company since its inception. He starts his new job with a two-reel feature Civil War story, employing the actors and actresses who have been with him so long. Mr. Fahrney has been at work on the new story for some time, but deferred its presentation until he had secured all of the correct costumes and details for its production. STEWART WHITE AND S. S. HUTCHINSON. The above engraving is from a photograph of Mr. S. S. Hutchinson of the American Film Manufacturing Company and Stewart Edward White, the author, taken at Mr. White's winter home, Santa Barbara, Cal. Mr. Hutchinson has just concluded arrangements with Mr. White for a series of stories for "Flying A" pictures.