Moving Picture World (Dec 1920)

744 MOVING PICTURE WORLD December 11, 1920 In the Independent Field Many Territories Sold on “Isobel ” Following, Showing at Hotel Astor Following the unusually successful premiere of “Isobel, or the Trail’s End,” held at the Astor Hotel recently, George H. Davis reports the sale of considerable territory on this production, which features House Peters and Jane Novak, directed by Edwin Carewe, and which is adapted from a James Oliver Curwood story. A deal has been closed with Ralph Clarke by which the First National Exhibitors Exchange of New York, located at 729 Seventh avenue, will handle and distribute this feature throughout New York state. Sol Lesser, who arranged to be in New York so as to witness this showing and purchased for the All-Star Feature Exchange of Los Angeles and San Francisco rights to California, Arizona and Nevada. As soon as Mike Rosenberg learned of Mr. Lesser’s purchase he wired to Mr. Davis and secured “Isobel” for his territory, which includes Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana. Phil Selznick, of Phil Selznick Enterprises, of Cleveland, who made a special trip to New York to view this production, has purchased the Ohio rights. Mr. Davis further announces that he has, since the Astor showing, received offers from every territory in the country, but he is choosing the franchise holders with care, as he is confident he has one of the greatest successes of the year and one that should be handled in a bio way. Those who have secured territory agree with him and are arranging to give this production special handling. Many of the metropolitan critics who witnessed the premiere have pronounced this picture to be the finest James Oliver Curwood story of the Northwest that has yet been filmed. JACK COHN “King of the Short Stuff’’ and member of the C. B. C. Film Sales Corporation Joan Film Sales Company Offers Fanny Ward in Another Feature Joan Film Sales Company reports that the success of the Fanny Ward feature, “She Played and Paid,” which has been sold for practically the entire country has induced them to release a second Fanny Ward feature which will soon be ready for distribution. This picture was produced by the French firm of Delac and Vendal. This picture al so has Paris as its locale. The setting is said to be sumptuous and the acting of the stars and supporting cast effective, with fascinating glimpses of French salons and other Parisian views. Requests have been received from a number of buyers who purchased the first picture, and Joan plans to get them together for the first showing. The title Kremer Will Start Production of Guinan Westerns in January Victor Kremer announces that production of the first of the series of Texas Guinan societywestern dramas will begin early in January, all preliminary arrangements being completed. Plans are also nearing consummation for the series of superfeatures of international interest. These will feature a star of world wide reputation particularly wellknown in this country. The cast will also contain international favorites. Mr. Kremer.is negotiating with a popular writer to furnish the stories and announces no expense or pains will be spared to make these productions equal to the best on the market. He is also negotiating for leasing a studio in which to film these productions. Work will be under way in January, and the first production ready for distribution in March. “Investigation of conditions bv state rights concerns handling our productions,” says Mr. Kremer, “reveals that, contrary to the general impression, the independent market is prosperous and there is a strong demand for worthwhile productions, and exhibitors report that productions of merit have attracted big business. “Reports from all parts of the country,” continued Mr. Kremer, “indicate that our “Mad Love,” starring Lina Cavalieri, and “Voices’’ are meeting with splendid business and have struck a popular chord. Also, notwithstanding a tightened money market, many bids have been received for the entire series of Texas Guinan pictures.’ Reelcraft Offers “Cub” Reissues Betty Compson, Billy Rhodes, Eddie Barry and Neal Burns are the principal stars in a series of sixteen single reel comedies to be reissued by Reelcraft, which announces they were produced by A1 Christie and will be known as Cub comedies. They will be released on a weekly schedule, beginning December 26. The first is “Oh, for a Cave Man,” with Bill}' Rhodes; next “The Deacon’s Widow,” with Billie Rhodes and Eddie Barry, followed by “When Clubs Were Trumps,” with Betty Compson, Billie Rhodes and Neal Burns. has not been disclosed, but it is said to be one of even stronger drawing power than “She Played and Paid.” Romance Strong in Joan Serial Joan Film Sales Company has again adopted a novel angle in its exploitation of “The Invisible Ray” serial starring Jack Sherrill and Ruth Clifford. In addition to securing the co-operation of educational authorities on account of the scientific angle in the element of romance in the serial is being played up, particular stress being placed on Miss Clifford’s ability and screen personality, and an appeal being made to the love motive of the story. Filming Comedy Work on the latest Muriel Ostriche comedy which Mrs. Garnette Sabin is making for Arrow release was started November 26. The -working title is “Stage Struck.” It is a burlesque on “Way Down East,” and is from a scenario by J. Charles Davis. COMEDIES have become just as important as the Feature on your program. You can’t go wrong with the new series, Pe rcy=Ferdie Hallroom hoys Comedies. FOR. BOOKINGS Merit Film Corp. Exhibitors Film Ex. Masterpiece Film Ex. Specialty Film Corp. Celebrated Players Columbia Film Service Crescent Film Exch. New YorK G reater 1 York Northern New and New Jersey Wash., D. C. D. C.. Md. and Del.. Va. Phila., Pa. East Pa. Southern and N. J. Dallas, Tex. Texas, and Ark. Okla. Chicago N o rt hern and Ind. III. Pittsburgh West Pa. W. Va. and Kansas City Kansas and Mo. West Mo. Supreme Photoplays Standard Film Service United Film S ervice Consolidated Film Corp Denver, Colo Cleveland Colo.. Wyo., Utah. N. Mex.. • Ore.. Wash.. Idaho. Mont. Ohio, Ky. and St. Louis San Francisco 'Los Angeles East Mo. and Southern III. Cal Ariz., Nov. and Haw Isis. C. B. C. FILM SALES CORPORATION 1600 Broadway New YorR