Moving Picture World (Jan-Feb 1925)

rx MOVING PICTURE WORLD February 14, 1925 Schulberg^s ^Capital Punishment* Is Screened in Albany Assembly The unusual interest created by B. P. Schulberg's special production "Capital Punishment,” was evidenced again Tuesday evening, February 3, when the film received the distinction of being the first motion picture ever screened in a state legislature. The special showing was given in the Assembly Chamber in the State Capitol at Albany, X. Y. Two hundred senators and assemblymen were at their desks and their relatives and friends crowded the visitors’ galleries, the audience aggregating some six , hundred persons. The honor guest of the occasion was Governor Alfred Smith, who with a party of twelve, took his place in a reserved section of the hall. This is the first time Governor Smith has left the chief executive’s chair to occupy a seat on the floor of the legislature since the time he filled the office of assemblyman. In the Governor's party were Mrs. Smith, IX a recent issue of a theatrical weekly the statement was made that few, if any, of the independent producers supplied the proper accessories for the exploitation of their pictures. Herman F. Jans, president of Jans Productions, Inc., rises to remark that in his case at least, this is far from being true inasmuch as both of the two pictures he has already completed in his series of six have just about everything that the exhibitor could possibly want to put them over. On both “Playthings of Desire” and “The Mad Dancer” there are available twenty-four sheets, six sheets, two three sheets and two one sheets. Hand painted lobby displays, framed, come six in a set on each feature, and there are sets of ten colored lobby displays on each production. In the matter of cuts and mats there are a Roland West Production, with Lon Chaney, a Metro-Goldwyn Film “The Monster,” Roland West’s special production of Crane Wilbur’s Broadway hit, Lon Chaney in the leading role, will be distributed by Metro-Goldwyn, that company announced this week. March 9 has been set as the release date of “The Monster,” which is the mystery type of thriller that has proven sensationally popular with theatrical audiences. “The Monster” was produced on Broadway with Emmet Corrigan in the title role. Following the season’s run in New York “The Monster” toured the United States and Canada, playing all the principal cities for two years. Wilton Lackaye played the role on tour. Coming on top of this national popularity of the stage hit, the scren version is expected to meet with success. Miss Emily Smith and a number of state officials including Secretary of State Florence Knapp, Lieutenant-Governor Seymour Lowman, State Tax Commissioner John F. Gilchrist and Deputj' Comptroller George F. Reardon. All previous attempts to exhibit motion pictures before legislative groups have failed, but in the case of Schulberg’s “Capital Punishment,” the film was of particular interest as it deals with a subject that is figuring prominently just now in the State capitol where a bill for the abolition of the death penalty in New York is now up for consideration. A special musical program accompanied the presentation of “Capital Punishment” and at the conclusion of the film the applause was loud and sustained. Governor Smith pronounced it “a fine picture” while Mrs. Smith declared it to be “splendid entertainment.” wide variety of one, two and three column star and scene layouts in screen suitable for newspaper use, as well as five advertising layouts for both pictures. In addition to this each feature has a series of four teaser cuts or mats. National tie-ups have been arranged. On “Playthings of Desire,” the publishers of the book have issued a photoplay edition, while on “The Mad Dancer,” the manufacturers of the Ann Pennington Rosette Hose are cooperating on window displays, etc. Other tie-ups of equal value are being arranged from time to time. Both “Playthings of Desire” and “The Mad Dancer” have the benefits of comprehensive press books, prepared by newspapermen and advertising experts and in them are additional type set advertisements, exploitation ideas and feature stories, shorts and reviews. Robert Agnew Opposite Gladys Hulette in Renaud Hoffman Picture A report from Renaud Hoffman at the Hollywood Studios officially states that Robert Agnew will appear in the leading role opposite Gladys Hulette in “Crossed Words,” instead of William Collier, Jr., as previously announced. Hoffman also announces the addition of nine players to the supporting cast. These include Mildred Harris, Betty Francisco, Arthur Hoyt, J. Frank Glendon, Charlie Sellon, Frank Coffj'n, Willis Marks, Hardee Kirlcland and David Butler. “Crossed Words” will be Hoffman’s second 1925 release on the Producers Distributing Corporation program. The picture is now in active production and scheduled for release April 20th. AGNES AYRES Starring in “Her Market Value,” released through Producers Distributing Corporation. Stern Goes to Coast Century Comedy Executive Goes to Los Angeles to Plan 1925-26 Product Abe Stern, vice-president of Century, the producers of Century Comedies, has left New York for Los Angeles. He was accompanied by Mrs. Stern. He is bound for the Hollywood studios of the Century company where he will confer with his brother, Julius Stern, president of the comedy corporation, and plan their 1925-1926 product. The Century corporation is trying out a new release policy this winter, based on four series of pictures made by four stars, Wanda Wiley, Eddie Gordon, Edna Marian and A1 Alt. The results, even at this early date, are said to be so encouraging and conclusive that the 1925-1926 production policy of the company is expected to be changed materially from past methods. Discussing the comedy situation on the eve of his departure ^Ir. Stern, predicted striking improvements in Century Comedies during the coming year. “We are determined to take our comedies out of the filler class,” he said. “We already have done it to a large extent, but we will not be satisfied until every exhibitor recognizes our product as of first-run quality. “Our production policy, which will be enlarged upon and bettered for next year, permits us to show our comedies to exhibitors well in advance. We find that showmen are beginning to appreciate this service on comedies just as they appreciate it on features. It is another step in taking comedies out of the filler class.” Praises Clara Boiv W. A. Mutch, film critic on the London Daily Chronicle, calls Clara Bow “one of the most charming youthful personalities the cinema has ever discovered.” Miss Bow’s latest screen work is in “Capital Punishment,” and she has now been loaned by Mr. Schulberg to Ernst Lubitsch for a featured role in his next production. Proper Accessories Supplied with All Jans Productions ‘The Monster” Ready ‘Crossed Words” Cast