Moving Picture World (Nov-Dec 1923)

MOVING PICTURE WORLD 569 December 8, 1923 Immediate Release on “Broadway Broke;” Mary Carr and Percy Marmont the Leads Coming closely upon the success which marked "Rupert of Hentzau” and “The Common Law,” the screen version of “Broadway Broke,” from the Saturday Evening Post story by Earl Derr Biggers, will be released to exhibitors immediately by Selznick Pictures Corporation. It is a Murray Garsson production with Mary Carr in the leading role and was directed by J. Searle Dawley. Playing opposite Mary Carr, who will always be remembered for her initnitable work in “Over the Hill” as well as for her talent on the legitimate stage, is Percy Marmont, star of “If Winter Comes.” The balance of the cast is of the calibre to harmonize with the principals. Among the wellknown names are those of Gladys Leslie, Dore Davidson, Maclyn Arbuckle, Macey Harlan, Edward Earle. Pierre Gendron, Billy Quirk, Henrietta Crosman, Sally Crute, Leslie King, Albert Phillips, Frederick Burton and last, but playing an effective role, “Lassie” Bronte, the dog, known in the picture as “Chum.” The story concerns a once popular Broadway star who finds, as the lines of her face deepen and the color of her hair lightens, that she is no longer able to interest the booking agents. Remembering a manuscript left by her husband, she succeeds in convincing a motion picture producer that it would make a wonderful film. So successful is she in the part she has to play to convince him, that the producer not only buys the manuscript but casts her in a prominent role as the screen “mother.” The millions who remember Mary Carr from her interpreta tions of “mother” roles, will be quick to grasp the fact that “Broadway Broke” affords her another remarkable opportunity. And remembering how capably she handled other roles, it follows that they will expect no less in this instance. The producers express complete satisfaction with the picture which has been given unqualified praise by all who have seen it at private exhibitions. Percy Marmont, the lovable Mark Sabre of “If Winter Comes” from the novel by A. S. M. Hutchinson, has a sympathetic part in “Broadway Broke.” He portrays Tom Kerrigan, one time leading man for Nellie Wayne, the down and out actress, played by Mary Carr. A picture of the throbbing life of Broadway in the days when the “roaring forties” roared, “Broadway Broke” introduces characterizations of P. T. Barnum, greatest showman of them all, played by Maclyn Arbuckle ; Mark Twain, of the shaggy hair and big heart, presented by Leslie King; General U. S. Grant, with the inevitable cigar, played by Albert Phillips; Augustin Daly, brought to screen life by Frederick Burton. J. Searle Dawley, who directed, is known as a pioneer director, having forsaken the legitimate stage almost with the inception of motion pictures. Accompanying the release of “Broadway Broke” is one of the most complete lists of accessories ever compiled. Elaborate posters and window cards tell the story in most effective art work. The lobby displays are more lavish than usual. The press book ,-s serviceable and complete. A Broadway picture puzzle is one of the novelties among the accessories. There also are a music cue and a trailer gratis. Merry Go Round” Will Excel, Says Laemmle “ ‘Merry Go Round’ will break every record for popularity ever established in the film industry,” states Carl Laemmle, president of the Universal Pictures _ Corporation. He bases his opinion on the unusual booking of the big feature and on the fact it is being rebooked by many exhibitors, although it is still in the first twelve weeks of its run. Mr. Laemmle compared “Merry Go Round” with “The Storm,” another Universal picture, which is boosted as the most widely shown ever released. Today more than 8,000 exhibitors have shown “The Storm” and Universal exchanges report it still is being booked to an appreciable extent. “The Storm” is less than two years old. “Merry Go Round,” in its twelfth week after release date, is far ahead of “The Storm” in its bookings, and promises to go far beyond the former picture in the number and extent of its screenings. “I am satisfied that more exhibitors in the United States and Canada booked and played ‘The Storm’ than ever played any other picture,” said the Universal chief. “But I am dead sure from present indications that even the record set up by ‘The Storm’ will be shattered by ‘Merry Go Round.’” “Ponjola” Had Good Run in Manhattan Two Warner Films Soon Coming to Broadway “Ponjola,” Sam Rork’s picturization of Cynthia Stockley’s novel, which is a current First National release, finished its run at the New York Strand on November 24 after a week of big business. The picture duplicated the success it achieved when it played in San Francisco, Detroit, Chicago and Los Angeles. The New York Mail called the picture “a drama that reaches the heights of emotional intensity in a logical manner.” New York Times : “The story is equipped with good suspense and is compelling. Anna Q. Nilsson is especially effective when she covers her masquerading clothes with a cape taken from another woman in order to make Druro think that Gay Lypiatt still loves him.” The Evening Telegram: “Di rector Donald Crisp has drawn every ounce of entertainment out of the original story, and has even supplemented it with some valuable touches of his own. With Miss Nilsson is presented a fine cast.” The Sun and Globe : “ ‘Ponjola’ packed the house at the Strand yesterday with one of the largest crowds we have seen there.” World Premiere of “The Wanters” The Garden Theatre in Paterson, N. J., was the scene of the world’s premiere of “The Wanters,” John M. Stahl’s latest production for First National distribution, recently. Like its predecessor, “The Dangerous Age,” this picture brought unprecedented crowds to the Garden. It features Marie Prevost and Robert Ellis. Warner Brothers have two Broadway premieres early in December. “Tiger Rose” will open at the Rivoli Theatre on December 2 and “Lucretia Lombard” will open at the Strand on December 9. It is said to be quite likely that both of these pictures will be held over, in which case Warner Brothers will have two of their Screen Classics playing first runs on Broadway at the same time. Director Hugo Riesenfeld of the Rivoli, following a private screening of “Tiger Rose,” was lavish in his praise of this production. He was particularly pleased by the brilliant performance given by Lenore Ulric. Mr. Riesenfeld also spoke in highest terms of the direction of Sidney Franklin in this picture. At the Strand, Joseph Plunkett is very enthusiastic about “Lucretia Lombard,” a story of flaming passion, produced by Harry Rapf, Priscilla Moran Productions were incorporated this week to star Priscilla Moran, the fiveyear-old child actress, who became nationally known over a year ago when Jackie Coogan's parents took her to live with them upon the death of her mother and illness of her father. She was not legally adopted and is now with her father. A year’s lease for stage and office space has been signed with the Hollywood Studios and a com in which Kathleen Norris’ famous novel of the same title has been adapted to the screen. He believes that this picture will make a tremendous hit with Broadway audiences, and is planning special presentation. Warner Brothers have adopted a unique method in releasing “Lucretia Lombard.” The innovation consists in releasing the picture under two titles and giving exhibitors a choice of either. The original title reads “Lucretia Lombard, a story of flaming passion.” The extra title reads, “Flaming Passion, from the novel, ‘Lucretia Lombard.’ ” Exhibitors can thus decide which title will make the greater appeal in their respective towns and use that' one. “Lucretia Lombard” was directed by Jack Conway and features Irene Rich and Monte Blue. The supporting cast includes Marc McDermott, Norma Shearer, Alec B. Francis, John Roche and others. plete new unit building is being erected for the offices. Millarde Webb, for the past five years associated with Sidney Franklin as co-director and production manager, is president of the new company and will direct the productions. Leo Moran, the child’s father, is vice-president. Ollie May Baker, with Charles Chaplin and Jackie Coogan for past four years as financial secretary, is secretary and business manager. Feature length pictures are planned to star the little girl. New Company to Star Baby Priscilla Moran