Moving Picture World (Jul-Sep 1915)

[ulv 17, 1915 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD 511 LAURA HOPE CREWS IN LASKY-BELASCO PRODUCTION. Miss Laura Hope Crews, one of the most distinguished American dramatic stars, makes her flebut as a photodramatic artist on July 19, under the joint management of Jesse L. La sky and David Belasco in the elaborate picturization of Mr. Belasco famous dramatic hit, "The Fighting Hope." by William J. Hurlbut. In addition to Miss Crews herself, the east for this im. i. ,l,lc. offering will inrlinl, G.-orui Gebhardt. Gei.ild Ward, rhomas Meighan, Richard Morris, Florence Smythe. Theodore Roberts, Cleo Ridgley, Tom Farman and Billy Elmer. Scene from "The Fighting Hope "The Fighting Hope" tells of the struggle of a good woman to believe in the innocence of her husband who has been condemned to prison and to remain true to him despite the fact that she falls in love with another man. Miss Crews made her first stage appearance in San Francisco when only four years of age and has devoted her entire life to dramatic art. Among the leading productions in which she has played important roles are "Merely Mary Ann," "Ransom's Folly," "Zira," "The Great Diyide," "The Faith Healer," "The Havoc," and more recently "The Rainbow" and "Blackbirds." She has appeared also in London with success. Laura Hope Crews stands ae one of the few artists always sure of critical approval. She received propositions from practically all the main photoplay companies of America. The fact that she determined to appear only under Lasky-Belasco direction, is in itself significant of the care with which she has entered into this new departure and her positive desire to do only such work as much necessarily add to her brilliant reputation. "MOTHERHOOD" (Selig). Miss Bessie Eyton, one of the most accomplished actresses in Filmland, performs what is perhaps her most versatile work Scene from "Motherhood" (Selig). in the character of "Hazel Foster" in "Motherhood," a Selig Diamond Special in three-reels, produced by Lloyd B. Carleton from the scenario written by J. A. Lacy, and released Thursday. July 22d. Hazel Booth, a society favorite, marries Franklyn Foster, a millionaire banker Foster is a great lover of children, but little ones do not appeal to Hazel. At a lawn party given for the children of the poor at Foster's residence, a little boy mistakes Hazel for his mother, put his arms around her neck an, I she Anally awakens to a -true appreciation of what mot 1,,\ e means. Hazel, following an operation, goes abroad in search of health. While abroad she meets Jacques Lanoi, an unscrupulous physician. Hazel tells the physician of her newly awakened love for children and of the fact that she has undergone recently an operation. Lanoi says, "Why tint adopt a child?" Hazel acts upon this suggestion and returns to America with the baby which she tells her husband is their o\\ n. After two years Lanoi comes to America, financially impoverished, but with an all-consuming social ambition. . Knowing that he has Hazel in his power, Lanoi tells her that he wishes 'to make Estelle, Hazel's sister, his wife. Hazel, horrified, determines to confess all to her husband. Sh. tells him of her deception. Foster forgives her. Dr. Lanoi loses his life. Beautiful staging also contributes to making this Selig Diamond Special the last word in motion picture dramatization. "THE CUP OF CHANCE" (Knickerbocker). "The Cup of Chance" is a sensational three-reel production by the Knickerbocker Star Features Company, in which Alice Brady is featured in the winsome role of "Hope." Miss Brady is supported by George W. Howard. Flavia Arcaro and T. Morse Koupal assume the heavy roles with Jim Levering in character part. The drama is written by Rev. Clarence J. Harris, the editor for Knickerbocker Star Features expressly for Miss Brady, a drama which is unique in style and alive with the technical punch. The story deals with society at two extremes, both of which seem to pour more of the scum than virtue into the innocent life of little Hope, who. at four years old, is "launched on the sea of life" unprepared to meet the chances that life may offer for upgrowth. \ ■ &fi*' • *'w tf Kl-jH ~1 ■' f$ DL *&'( ^3 £ i 1 Iff r\ ^S^^^Nfc l^M m ir J j S^VfT# Tir .. ^B Scene from "The Cup of Chance" (Knickerbocker). Mr. Howard takes the part of an ambitious, serious-minded business man, who in his struggle marries the butterfly mother of little Hope, and in his wealth marries unknowingly, his step daughter for whom he has sought for year. Hope's position in opera as "Circe" shows her playing on the stage the type she lives in the world, all of which Hope leaves in her opportunity for new life with Jack. She is unequal to the new chance, and turns to her old lover and old life. All discovered, Jack plays the gallant part by poisoning one glass of win-, compelling Hope to serve him and her lover, one glass containing life, the other death. The lover gets the poison. Jack leaves for good, but later again meets Hope on the Cliffs as she reclines in an invalid's chair. He discovers her identity, softens to forgive, as the wheel chair accidently takes Hope to her death. KASSEL PAINTS FILM STARS. M. Kassel, whose studio is in the Candler building, 220 West 42d street, New York, makes a specialty of painting the portraits of noted photoplayers for use in theater lobbies. He has been exceptionally successful in this line. Mr. Kassel will have an exhibit at San Francisco in which will be shown eleven life size portraits of film stars. The usual size of his paintings is from 30 by 40 inches to 40 by 60 inches and the prices are remarkably low. Nat A. Wagner, of the Nat A. Wagner Film Corporation of Los Angeles, was in New York recently on a trip combining business and pleasure. Mr. Wagner made his headquarters at the Hotel Knickerboeker and during his stay here became acquainted with many of the leading film producers. He purchased a number of pictures for the California territory.