Moving Picture World (Nov-Dec 1923)

4-418 MOVING PICTURE WORLD November 24, 1923 Fox Releases for November 25 Says White Way Verdict Week Spells Success or Doom The leading picture on the William Fox list of releases for the week of November 25 is “The Shepherd King.” This is the J. Gordon Edwards feature that was made in the Holy Land and Egypt and which utilized the services of a large cast of principals, an army of extras and required more than a year to make. Adapted to the screen from the stage play by Wright Lorimer and Arnold Reeves, it is called a marvelous reproduction of the land and history of the shepherd boy David, who became the ruler of Israel. The story of “The Shepherd King” opens with a prologue showing Moses and the children of Israel going through Egypt on their way to Jerusalem. This vast army of people, with their camels, donkeys, horses and sheep, are pictured being led past the Pyramids and the Sphinx and only a short distance from the tomb of Tur-Ankh-Amen. Aside from Violet Mcrsereau, who plays the Princess Michal, and Gordon McEdward, who plays an Egyptian, the cast consists of the pick of the Italian film actors. ‘South Sea Love,” the latest Shirley Mason picture, also will be ready for release on November 25. The story was written by Frederick and Fanny Hatton and was directed by David Solomon. The scenes took place among the tropical islands of the Pacific. As Dolores Medina, the clever star gives a novel and picturesque characterization. “When Odds Are Even,” a William Russell picture, will be released the same week. The story embraces the race of two rival mining companies to gain possession of a precious opal mine in Australia. The picture was directed by James Flood. Dorothy Devore is Mr. Russell’s leading support. An educational, “A Dutch Treat,” completes the week’s leases by Fox. Are Broadway showings of motion pictures of any value to the exhibitor? This question is presented by the Fox Corporation and answered by that organization. Fox pictures of note follow the policy of first appearance along the Great White Way of Manhattan and the returns, after such productions undergo general releases show the wisdom of that plan according to the announcement. The Fox angle is this : Foremost among the benefits to be derived by exhibitors from Broadway showings is the advertising value. To be able to tag a pictui e with the line : “Direct from a four weeks run on Broadway at $1.50” is a great advantage to the exhibitor. It means bigger business too. Another phase of the benefits accrued by exhibitors from Broadway showings is the criticisms in New York newspapers. While newspapers in other cities may boast critics just as discerning, just as capable as those in the great metropolis, their judgment does not carry as much weight. These criticisms are syndicated to hundreds of newspapers throughout the country besides being quoted by many others and exhibitors have the advantage of being able to include in their advertising excerpts from the opinions of these writers who are considered the best in the land. “Blood and Gold” Underway Production of “Blood and Gold” is under way at the New York studios of Distinctive Pictures Corporation. Conrad Nagel has been engaged and is now on his way from the Coast to take the male lead in this picture, in which Jetta Goudal will have the feminine lead. Boy Scout Audience Sees Goldwyn Film Scholarly Praise for Pathe’s “Columbus” “When you see or hear of a motion picture that is good, clean entertainment get behind it and make it worth while for the fellows who produced it and for the man who exhibits it. We hear all sorts of condemnation of bad pictures; that’s all right when they deserve it, but the thing for us to do is to encourage people who put out the good stuff — so that they will feel warranted in giving us more and more." Such was the message given b>r James E. West, chief national scout executive, at a special rally of scoutmasters and executives of the Boy Scout Foundation of Greater New York at Town Hall, New York, on November 8. The rally was arranged at the request of the officials of the Boy Scout Foundation in order that the 1,500 scoutmasters in the metropolitan area might see “The Steadfast Heart,” a photodrama produced by Distinctive Pictures Corporation. After Mr. West’s talk Clarence Budington Kelland, author of the story; Miriam Battista and Joey Depew, child stars of the piece, appeared. Assisted by the two children’s questions, Kelland explained that he had been twenty years in the writing of this taie of how one boy, tortured and tormented by conditions of early environment, had learned to stand up for himself. Barker Starts Production on “Women Who Wait” A number of commendatory reports have been received at the Pathe Home Office, following the premiere showings of “Columbus” in various sections of the country. This gives promise of support to the entire “Chronicles of America” series, being produced by the Yale University Press for distribution by Pathe. Following are excerpts from some of the unsolicited letters of endorsement received : E. E. Cortright, superintendent of the Board of Education of Bridgeport, Conn., writes : “I am unhesitatingly commending the film on ‘Columbus’ developed by the Yale University Press as a part of their contribution to the study of American history. Coming through this scrutiny, it definitely insures, of course, the historical accuracy.” Humbert P. Pagani, Faithful Navigator, Indianapolis Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus, writes : “ ‘Columbus’ is entertaining, educative and instructive, and I heartily endorse it as presented through the Pathe Exchange.” The Sunday Observer of Charlotte, N. C., editorially : “The most notable departure in education on the screen, however, is that recently launched by the Yale University Press, whose players are now presenting pages of American history, the plays being staged in the original localities.” Ernest L. Crandall, director of lectures and visual instruction of the New York Board of Education, expresses the following opinion : “This is the type of film which has long been eagerly awaited by the educators of the country. As to this particular film, the story is vividly told, the acting is excellent, and the photography is of the very highest order.” 66 With the completion of “Pleasure Mad” his second contribution to the Metro 1923-1924 season, Reginald Barker has begun active production on “Women Who Wait” which has been announced in preparation these last several weeks. Like his two former pictures this one will also be produced under Metro-Louis B. Mayer auspices. It is a picturization of “Cape Cod Folks.” Heading the cast is Frank Keenan. Renee Adoree, Robert Frazer, Barbara Bedford, Joseph Dowling, Edward Phillips, Billy Eugene, Victor Potel, and Joan Standing have also been picked. “Cape Cod Folks” is the old New England classic by Sarah P. McGreen which was published several years ago and was widelyread and also successful as a stage play. The book is in production under the tentative title of “Women Who Wait”, but a new and permanent title is now under consideration. “Women Who Wait” will take several months to complete. It is not unlikely that Mr. Barker may transport his entire companv to Newfoundland and to New England later in order to get important scenes in the exact locale of the story. J. G. Hawks made the adaptation of “Women Who Wait” and it is being photographed bv Mr. Bilburn. Flaming Youth” Given a Pre-Release Showing This week for the first time in its history it is reported the New Yor1 Strand had a full house at 10:15 on a Wednesday morning. The occasion was a special invitation pre-release presentation of “Flaming Youth,” Associated First National Pictures, Inc., the producer and distributor of the film, acting as host ’to the entire trade. Film executives, exhibitors in the metropolitan district, newspapermen and trade journal critics filled the theatre and when the Strand orchestra took its place to render the musical score a most noteworthy audience was assembled to see the picture made from the novel bv Warner Fabian. “Flaming Youth” was purchased by First National for screen production shortly after its publication. Colleen Moore is in the featured role. “Flaming Youth” is a current First National release and is expected to have its metropolitan premiere in the near future.