Moving Picture World (Jul-Sep 1913)

1074 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD HAUPTMANN'S "ATLANTIS." The distinguished German literary genius, Gerhart Hauptmann is the latest celebrity in the world of letters to give consent to have one of his masterpieces reproduced in moving pictures. The Great Northern Film Co. has obtained from him the rights to produce, in moving pictures, his thrilling story of "Atlantis." Those who have read the intensely interesting novel will appreciate the magnitude of the undertaking and when it is considered that it is to be presented in nine reels, the task of the Great Northern Co. may well be regarded as an achievement out of the ordinary in the annals of feature films. Hauptmann in accepting the Great Northern's liberal offer for the rights to "Atlantis" was assured that nothing would be done by halves and his every wish was gratified, even to the selecting of many of the principals. Cameramen were sent broadcast in order to film the re-enacting of the German author's literary creation. The Scandinavian-American liner C. F. Tietgen, 12,000 tons burden was chartered at a cost of $6,000 and with officers and crew and a passenger list of 500, steamed into the North Sea, where many of the more exciting scenes in the drama were reproduced. Nothing was left undone along the lines of realism, even to the sinking of a vessel on the high seas. The Great Northern Film Co. has been fortunate in receiving suggestions from Hauptmann during the preliminary preparations for the presentation of the "Atlantis" feature. It was at his suggestion that the principal feminine role was allotted to Madame Orloff, the famous actress of Berlin. Unthan, who was Hauptmann's inspiration for the character of Arthur Stcss, the "armless wonder" was engaged to plaj' the role for the feature photo-drama. Unthan has made several visits to America and has been seen in the principal vaudeville theaters. Gerhart Hauptmann, who was the winner of the $10,000 Nobel prize in literature has manifested a deep interest in the film production of "Atlantis" which represents an outlay of $60,000 by the Great Northern Film Co. LILY LANGTRY'S LEADING MAN WITH CRYSTAL. A new face has been noticed in the late releases of Crystal films that photopla}' fans have been unable to place. The work of this artist has been so worthy that it has caused comment and inquiries have been made as to who the newcomer is. Investigation discloses that he is Henry Gsell, who for years starred with Lily Langtry, playing opposite the Jersey Lily on her last tour of this country. Mr. Gsell. besides being an actor of recognized ability, has good looks and a pleasing personality and his acquisition by Crystal films as a permanent member of its stock company, should be more than satisfactorj' to the fans. Mr. Gsell appears in mostly all of the forthcoming Crystal releases and his work merits attention. SHERRY BOOKING FAMOUS PLAYERS IN N. Y. The Wm. L. Sherrj' Feature Film Company has closed with the Regent Theater for the exhibition of all the Famous Players Features in that magnificent house at Ii6th Street and Seventh Avenue. The Moss and Brill circuit has booked the entire Service of features for all of its houses, including the Hamilton, Jefferson and the 86th Street in New York City. The Sherry Company is the exclusive agent for the Famous Players new feature service for the entire state of New York. W. S. CLEVELAND'S BOOKING BUSINESS EXPANDING. The Cleveland-Fidelity Offices claim to book for a larger number of theaters than any other popular-priced agency, and on their circuit are theaters of all sizes, from those using ten and twelve big features each week, to little houses that use only two or three acts in conjunction with moving pictiires. Performers accepting a route from the Cleveland agency are glad to get all the "time" possible, for they have learned that the little fellow's money is just as good as the big one's, and the day has passed when there is any stigma connected with playing the small time. ITALA FEATURES POPULAR. A record sale, attesting the drawing power of the feature fdms, is responsible for the action of Sam Benjamin, of Chicago, in purchasing a second copy of "Tigris," for Iowa, for which state Mr. Benjamin has the e.xhibition rights. This is probably the first time in the history of state rights that tw'O copies of such a long subject as "Tigris" have ever been sold for Iowa alone. "The Death Knell," the Itala three-reel subject, is being actively booked bv the Golden Gate Film Exchange, of San Francisco, and the Emby Feature Film Company, of New York City, W. E. Greene, of Boston, and the Attractive Feature Film Company, of Philadelphia. The Weiland Feature Film Company, of Pittsburgh, have bought the Itala two-reeler. "Branded for Life," as have also the M. & F. Feature Film Company, of Chicago. MRS. FISKE IN "TESS OF THE D'URBERVILLES." Another Famous Players' Achievement. The appearance of Mrs. Fiske, .\merica's favorite artiste. in motion pictures, marks another epoch in the history of iilm progress. "Tess of the D'Urbervilles," Thomas Hardy's dramatic &tory, made famous on the stage by Mrs. I-'iske's portrayal and just recently produced by the Famous Players Film Company, is one of the choicest subjects ever introduced into motion pictures. The combination of one of the foremost actresses of the day and the most noted work of a famous novelist should serve to place the Famous Players on a more important plane that it has ever before occupied. This production is the first of the "30 Famous Features a Year," to be released by the Famous Players on its extended program. PITY THE POOR PUBLICITY MAN! By Bert Adler. Now wouldn't it jar you if you were handling. the publicity of a big feature — and knowing that figures talk, you gathered that several thousands dollars were being spent on production — but to take no chances, you proclaimed the expenditure $10,000, meaning that you "laid on" a couple thou, for safety's sake. And then the picture took longer to produce than the director figured, more people to be used, more "sets" built, mort costumes made, more properties bought or rented — expenses went up, up, up, until the advertised iigures were doubled. Well, wouldn't that jar you? It was Bert .idler's experience in publicizing the Majestic "Sapho." The $io.ooo ligure was the expense guess before the start of the picture. But twice that figure was the official finding of the Majestic bookkeepers upon the actual completion of the picture. EIGHT FEATURES A MONTH. The True Feature Company of no West 40tli Street, which distributes the product of the Continental K. F. Society for the United States and Canada has arranged for a regular weekly output of two features of an average length of three reels. These features cover the widest possible range of subjects from the pure drama to thrilling stories of the world of sports notably the cycle and automobile sport. The dramas are for the most part directed by Theodore Burgarth, formerly director of the Irving Place theater, while the sporting stories are under the direction of experts, which assures the right atmosphere and absolute correctness in all matters of sporting technique. Their great four reel drama "The Doom of Darkness," is selling well on the state rights plan. RELIANCE RELEASES OMITTED. There will be no Reliance release on "W'ednesday, September 3, to allow for the three-reel production of "The Glow Worm" by Will Levington Comfort, released on September 6. 'The release of Wednesday, September 10. will also be omitted to allow for the two-reel subject "The Clown's Daughter," which appears on September 13. Following the latter date the regular three weekly Reliance releases will be made as usual. "THE JEWELED SLIPPERS" (Selig). As "John Street," the mystical detective, Thomas Corrigan , is the leading light in a two-reel Selig feature entitled, "The | Jeweled Slippers," which is scheduled for release September i. This picture is another unique story in the series of Selig releases, dealing with the exploits and adventures of "The Man in the Street." The alert character of John Street is one of the 1 best interpretations yet given by this capable young actor. THE L.C.SMITH REWINDING SET ■ EMBRACES THE FIRST NOTEWORTHY IMPROVEMENTS TO REWINDING MECHANISM SINCE REWINDING BECAME NECESSARY. PRICE55.°° . orr 0K[ FtsH yaun ■ ccuitu rn *: EXCHANGE Of Anoi>ESS L.U.jmiin tU. - US Fna LCArLfT schenectaoy.n.y